One on One with Edmonton, Alberta’s Paul ‘P-Mac’ Mackenzie
© Photo Courtesy Guhdar Ali Photography
Canadian boxing fans are introduced to new, up-and-coming boxers, on virtual every fight card here in the Great White North. Unfortunately, we’re seldom introduced to these men and women before they step into the ring. As a growing boxing market, we’re eager to highlight the accomplishments of our world-beaters and regional heroes, in hopes of claiming a pugilistic reputation for our country on the world scale. Certainly, there is nothing ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ about praising our champions and contenders. Beyond the glamour of the main event, however, are numerous greenhorns, who make each and every card possible by trying their hand at the professional game.
Paul ‘P-Mac’ Mackenzie is one such newcomer. He makes his professional debut tonight, Friday, December 9, at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, against Saskatoon’s Gary Kopas (2-2-1). TBE caught up with Mr. MacKenzie, who graciously agreed to answer a few questions leading up to the fight.
The Boxing Examiner: You’re making your professional debut tomorrow night, are you nervous or excited?
Paul Mackenzie: Honestly, I am a little bit of both, but I can’t wait.
TBE: What influenced you to take up boxing?
PM: I got my Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at first. Then I went into Jing Wu Kung Fu for two years. I wanted to try boxing one day and Scotty “Bulldog” Olson talked with me and told me about Larry Fleming and Cougar Boxing. He wrote me a letter to give to Larry saying to take care of me, which Larry did like he did with all his Boxers.
TBE: How many amateur fights did you have?
PM: I had 48 exciting amateur fights that were all great learning experiences.
TBE: Did you train differently for this fight than any of your amateur fights?
PM: I think I trained pretty much how I trained as an Amateur. My Coaches added a few things in there, of course, and I added a few things that I learned from Roger.
TBE: You had some mini training camps in Las Vegas. Can you tell us about those, who you trained with, and how these camps came to be?
PM: Yes, I went to two camps at Mayweather’s Gym in Las Vegas and trained with Roger. The whole Gym welcomed me like Family down there and I keep in touch with them on a regular basis. I talk with Roger almost every Sunday and definitely listen to what he has to say. (Steve) Claggett was down there too for camps and he will tell you the same thing. They treat you very well and if you’re willing to learn, they’re willing to teach.
TBE: How would you describe your style?
PM: I always hear my style is different. I like to think that now that my style is boxing, but if I have to resort to mixing it up and brawling, I can do that too.
TBE: Do you know anything about the guy you’re fighting tomorrow night?
PM: I don’t know too much about Gary (Kopas) other than he is a real tough guy, had 200 amateur fights, and is 2-2 as a pro. It seems as though everyone I know in boxing knows him from over the years.
TBE: Have you set any goals for yourself as far as your boxing career is concerned?
PM: Being a proud Canadian, I would love to win a Canadian championship, but then I also dream of winning a world title. I don’t believe there is a boxer out there that doesn’t dream of that, but our team will take it one fight at a time.
TBE: Thank you for taking the time to talk with TheBoxingExaminer.com and good luck in there tomorrow!
PM: Thank you Durell, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to do this Interview. I would also like to thank my coaches, my gym the Bronx and all of my training partners.
Tags:Gary Kopas, Paul MacKenzie
Filed Under: Interviews
