WBC Interviews: A marvellous conversation with Michael Nunn

Like those of us who`ve reached and then passed our fifty-nine-year, Michael is no angel, no saint…but he IS a Nunn!

Michael Nunn has overcome obstacles which would have crushed most of us. Three times Iowa Golden Gloves Champion, a stellar amateur record of 168-8. As a pro, world middleweight and super-middleweight champion, fifteen years in jail following a drugs sting operation. Now released from incarceration and recently inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame for his southpaw brilliance, Michael is an accumulation of wisdom.  Worldly wise, erudite, wry, occasionally dry, yet never bashful or shy, Michael is an engaging conversationalist who appreciates this award and especially in Las Vegas, which he rightly calls the Fight Capital of the World: “A lot of great memories, and we`re now meeting on a different level. All of the fights are behind us and in the past. Back then it was business and not personal. We are civilized persons.”

Somewhere down the line, it`s likely you`re going to share a fight with a friend. Michael and Donald Curry ended getting hot and peppery. Donald had won welter and super welterweight titles and then came after Michael`s middleweight belt. Michael recalls: “He hit me so hard but we are still friends. You`ve got to put friendship aside for the fight and go back to it afterwards, when you can eat a meal together, have a drink and talk about it without grudges. Whatever has happened in the past, belongs in the past. You work hard and things happen.”

Michael smiles as he remembers that wondrous US Amateur Team of 1984 and the Olympics, with the brilliance of Mark Breland, Pernell Whitaker, Henry Tillman, Tyrell Biggs and Paul Gonzalez, saying that he wants to watch amateur boxing rise back to that exalted level and that amateur boxing is a great learning experience. Michael also says he likes to watch the excellence and determination of women boxers.

He explains: “What you have to do is to share with someone else. You see the hunger and the dedication and wanting to be there. But never get into the ring out of shape no matter how good you are. Train, go out there and be the very best you can. Listen to trainers and coaches. There`s nothing wrong with losing, because that`s part of life. You learn from mistakes and work even harder. It makes you grow and become better. The sun comes up, so get up and run a little harder. Then go to the gym and train even more. Good things come when you work hard!

And now? “It isn`t so much what I miss in the ring. I had my time and I`m grateful. Boxing has been good to me and I`ve been good to boxing. But people don`t see what you have to go through to be able to go through twelve rounds. It`s great, but…I don`t miss too much of it. Getting up at 5am to train? I would rather leave it to the young guys!”

The Induction in Las Vegas was especially apt for Michael. He had his first fight there, way back yonder in 1984 when he TKO`d John Boreman in round one, at the Showboat Hotel and Casino. Referee Carlos Padilla, who was also inducted into this triple edition of the Nevada Hall of Boxing Hall of Fame, stopped the fight in two minutes and twenty -six seconds.  Michael won his middleweight world title against Frank Tate at Caesar`s Palace and his super-middleweight crown against Victor Cordoba at the Thomas & Mack Center. So, this is a so special homecoming.

Michael savoured his award and with a happy laugh, quips: “I was getting my flower given to me!” 

Michael “Second to”… Nunn!