ONE ON ONE FT. GAUGE LATTIMORE
[The bustling city of Detroit sets the background scene for a conversation between Isaac Cohen and Gauge Lattimore, the newly crowned Heavyweight Champion. Both men are sitting in a makeshift portable studio room while controlled chaos in the form of stage hands zip all around them get the final touches in order for this weekend’s fights. It looks like both parties are enjoying themselves and having a good time. As Isaac leans in to rest his elbows on the table and shuffle his notes, Gauge’s facial expression changes to a slightly more serious tone, realizing the interview is about to begin.]
ISAAC COHEN: “What’s up, everyone? I’m here with Gauge Lattimore, the newly crowned Heavyweight Champion, who’s about to headline UGP 43 here in a couple days. Thanks for joining me, Gauge. How are you feeling leading up to your first heavyweight title defense?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Feelin’ great, Isaac. Been trainin’ hard, waitin’ for my name to get called. Ain’t fought since January, so I’m itchin’ to get back in there. Got a lot of nerves built up for this one, but I’ll be ready to put on a show for my hometown.”
ISAAC COHEN: “This will be your second time headlining a card in Detroit. How does it feel to be fighting in your city again?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “It’s amazing, man. Hard to put into words. I’ve always loved fighting here, since my boxing days. It’s a blessing to come back home and put on an event like this. But… You know we’ve seen a lot of fighters crumble under this kind of pressure, fighting in front of their people. Home field advantage ain’t always an advantage, but it fuels me. I want to send everybody home happy, so that’s added motivation to give them my very best.”
ISAAC COHEN: “As far as I know, you’ve stayed here your whole life. Has growing up in Detroit influenced your fighting style at all?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Oh, absolutely. Detroit is a tough city, man. It’s influenced not just my fighting style, but how I look at life in general. Had to grow up quick, be tough and resilient to make it, and that carries over in the cage. I ain’t afraid to get in there and mix it up, and like my Granny Jo use to say, I ain’t afraid to stick my neck out there and risk it for the biscuit!”
ISAAC COHEN: “Let’s talk about your opponent for UGP 43 for a moment, Billy Tweeds. He’s known for his big power and wild brawling style. How do you plan on dealing with him?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Billy Tweeds is definitely a tough big ol’ boy. Heard he’s done some hard time, so I know there ain’t nothin’ that can shake him in the cage. He generates a ton of power behind his punches, but everyone at heavyweight has those traits. It ain’t new to me at this point. I just gotta make sure I stay off that centerline. Hard to hit a movin’ target. Gotta gas him out and then do what I do best.”
ISAAC COHEN: “I want to get your thoughts about the man who will be in the Co-Main Event, a guy that you’re very familiar with. Lovelie Saint-Cyr, a guy you beat during your run as the Cruiserweight Champion. Have you given any thoughts on his matchup against Noah Vanderkaay?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “I’ve got so much respect for Lovelie, man. He’s such a tough fighter. He’s got a tough test in front of him, but from what he’s done at middleweight, I’m sure he’ll hold his own against Noah Vanderkaay. But really, my focus has been on Billy Tweeds. Can’t afford to think about anything else right now.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Before we wrap up, I’d like to ask you one last question. Looking beyond this fight, what’s the future look like for Gauge Lattimore? How much longer do you plan to stay in the game and what’s left to accomplish?”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Right now, my only focus is defending my title against Billy Tweeds this weekend. That’s what’s keeping me going. I messed up with both the G2 Grand Championship and Union Cruiserweight Championship. Despite all I’ve done in this sport, I only got one title defense under my belt. My plan is to keep the Heavyweight Title for a long time and fight against some big names and make some big money. I’m also down to talk about another fight at Openweight, probably in Ryujin, if the right opportunity, opponent, and money comes up. But for now, I’m taking it one fight at a time. I ain’t planning no retirement party anytime soon!”
ISAAC COHEN: “Well, we’re all excited to see what the future holds for you, Gauge, especially in your upcoming fight this weekend. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today, and I want to wish you all the luck in your fight at UGP 43 against Billy Tweeds.”
GAUGE LATTIMORE: “Thanks, Isaac. It was great catching up with you, and I appreciate the love. See you at the fight!”
[The interview ends with a warm exchange as Isaac and Gauge bid each other farewell. Gauge exits the stage and the camera fades to black.]
