Adrian Granat [9-0-0]
Having just spent three weeks in Klitschko's training camp for his upcoming world title defense against Tyson Fury, Sweden's Adrian Granat believes that not only did he benefit from the experience, but that that it also showed him that he belongs in the mix amongst the best heavyweights in the world. Just 2 weeks away from his next fight, Adrian took the time to answer some questions for BoxingQnA.
How did you get into boxing?
I started boxing at the age of 12. The story is the common. I was a big guy and got in to a lot of fights because I beat down bigger and older guys. Some people at the school thought I should use my fighting talent somewhere. I went to the gym and that is how it started,
Who is your team and manager? Also, what is your promotional status?
EC Boxpromotion, Erol Ceylan is both manager and promoter.
Where does your nickname of "The Pike" come from?
My first amateur trainer recognised my power early on and that I had an ability to assess the situaton and deliver a knockout totally unexpectedly and in Sweden, pikes are famous for that, striking.
You have been a part of the Klitschko training camp. How beneficial has this experience been for you when considering how not only did you get to share a ring with the best heavyweight out there, but you also get to see what it takes to be an elite havyweight?
Well it was a great experience and most of all, getting to see that that is exactly where I belong, that means in the mix. I realised that I am already in the mix, or well, I already knew that, but I realised that I will officially join the top of the mix in time, if you understand what I mean.
Very tall heavyweights usually do not throw many body shots and are also much more likely to lean on an opponent on the inside instead of throwing uppercuts, but in your pro fights so far, you have thrown a lot of body shots and have also been very eager to find an opening to land your right uppercut. Do you believe that these inside shots and your willingness to box at such tight angles is something which makes you stand out from other tall heavyweight prospects?
Yes. I work at it a lot and yes, I think it makes me stand out from other tall heavyweight prospects. There was, however, one big heavyweight champ who really knew how to use the uppercut and that champ is probably the best heavyweight fighter of all times, if we skip historical aspects and just look at who has been the best. Well...he is from the UK (Lennox Lewis).
Of course, you will eventually find yourself meeting smaller fighters that will be very persistent in trying to fight you on the inside. Do you believe that you are developing the kind of jab that will allow you to control range, dictate the pace and ensure that fighting on the inside only happens on your terms?
Yes, I believe I am developing a strong jab and, as you mentioned, I can fight both in and out, so obviously that makes it very interesting.
You had surgery on you right hand earlier in the year. How was the injury sustained and how has the hand been since?
It is good now. The injury was due to my old amateur trainer whom I fired when I turned pro; he somehow convinced me when I was younger to punch without gloves a lot which was really stupid with hindsight. Now, everything is fine. Or actually my hands are much stronger than average heavyweights according to the doctors.
Of course, Sweden has two young heavyweight prospects right now in yourself and Otto Wallin. Do you see him as a rival, or do you not closely compare his progress with your own?
Not a rival, no. But I believe that boxing in Sweden, which has of course been prohibited for a long time alongside North Korea, Iran and Cuba, will never be accepted if we do not get big national fights, like you do in the UK. We initiated discussions but Otto pulled out, said he wasn't ready. But I think the fight will take place. Nisse Sauerland has said that he wants the fight to happen in 1 or 2 years. so we'll see. I think it foolish be bad to wait too long. I think that Fury v Chisora and Joshua v Whyte are good examples. Waiting is fine but not too long.
What should fans expect to see from you in 2016?
Well you know, if I maintain the progress I have had in my first 9 fights, I assume that an EBU title shot is not far away. I would guess that I will be top 10-20 on Boxrec at the end of 2016, which is good, and I feel I am already on that level.
Who is Adrian Granat outside of boxing?
I worked as an auditor before. I like economics. If I would not have gone into boxing, I would probably have become a big businessman or politician.
A message to your supporters?
DO NOT MISS THE FIGHT IN HAMBURG ON DECEMBER!