By Twine B. Livity

BoxingScene.com/RockyMountainBoxing.com was able to catch up with Denver resident fighter Robert ‘Red Hot’ Frankel ahead of his big fight Saturday night. In this Q&A, Frankel discusses some of his previous experiences in the ring against elite competition, details about preparation for this weekend’s bout against high-ranked contender Jose Felix Jr. and his thoughts about moving down in weight class.

TBL: First off, thank you for taking the time out to share a few words with Rocky Mountain Boxing ahead of your upcoming bout on Saturday. I know things can be a bit hectic just a few days ahead of fight night. How well has training camp and preparations been ahead of this fight against IBF #5 ranked and WBO #3 ranked lightweight contender Jose Felix Jr.?

RF: Thank you for getting a hold of me. Camp has been great. We work hard for every fight. We are ready for battle.

TBL: You have been in the ring against some very respected names and ex-champions in the sport such as Paul Spadafora, David Diaz, John Molina Jr. and Lamont Peterson. Do you feel any additional pressure heading into Saturday’s bout against your opponent who is currently in contention for a world title shot?

RF: There’s always pressure in any fight. Fighting someone that has no record can bring pressure. What if you lose? Then what? Fighting someone with a good record, the only pressure in that is knowing what the reward can be and what you will do with it.

TBL: Your opponent is somewhat untested despite being highly rated among two of the major sanctioning bodies. Do you feel your experience in the ring against upper echelon opponents will carry over into this fight and help you pull off an upset?

RF: I believe I am capable. This fight is a very winnable fight. I’ve been in there with some of the best and I’ve always brought it, never backing down. I’m not for predictions but I’ll tell you this, I’m coming and I am a roadblock.

TBL: You have fought mainly as a junior welterweight throughout your career. Can we expect to see you continue campaigning at this weight limit of 135 LBS? And has it been a tough process moving down in weight class after fighting in a bigger division most of your career?

RF: Funny my coach and I were talking about that. Money talks! I can make 135. It’s a little harder than what it was before but if the pieces lined up in the right way, I could do it. But I think 140 is my weight.

TBL: Your fight will be the co-main event on this televised card headlined by Miguel Marriaga of Top Rank. For the many fans of boxing out there watching you possibly for the first time, what can they expect to see from the man known as “Red Hot” in this bout?

RF: Just me. I put in the work. I get through the storms. I press, I fight and I don’t give up. They can expect to see a war if that’s the way it goes. I feel a good night coming on. Thank you to all of them.

TBL: Well once again, I’d like to thank you for your time and wish you nothing but the best heading into this fight and moving forward Robert. Any last words you would like to put out there for your supporters?

RF: Thank you Sir. My Colorado and Rocky Mountain boxing fans know I appreciate every single one of them and I will always remember them. The support from my wife Crystal and my four beautiful children is enough to give a man the strength to do anything. That is who I’m fighting for. That is why I do this. It’s all about the heart, and what is put into it reflects what comes out of it. Thank you RMB for the past 13 years and always keeping my mind right in this sport. Much love.

Frankel trains out of the infamous House of Pain and trained by Steve ‘Match Makin’ Mestas and Tomas Gallegos. Be sure to catch Frankel’s fight tonight on Telefutura with a 10pm start time.