Greg Leon: How's everything going in preparation for your June 23rd bout with Alberto Mercado [16-2-1]? Chris Colbert: "Preparation is always the same. Come next Sunday I'm going to go out there and show the world why I'm the best fighter in the world, I'm going to keep proving that every time I step in the ring. I got a tremendous team behind me that's always looking out for me...my dad, Sosa, my brother Antonio, the whole Al Haymon team and they know what they're doing." GL: Do you know anything about Mercado? Have you looked at him at all? Chris Colbert: "I know absolutely nothing about him."

 

GL: Is that your usual MO? Do you never study guys?

 

CC: "I don't do research on my opponents, I've got ten rounds come Sunday night. That gives me ten rounds to adapt."

 

GL: You had ten rounds to adapt last time out and the fight [vs.Mario Briones] only went two rounds. Will this one go the distance?

 

CC: "I mean, I never plan for the knockout, so whatever happens happens, but I know I will get the win."

 

GL: What do you want the win to lead to?

 

CC: "Whatever it leads to. I've got two more fights after this one before the end of the year, and I want bigger and better things. Hopefully we get an undefeated prospect so I can dominate him, and then close out with a main event in my last fight of the year."

 

GL: Is 2020 the year that you become world champion?

 

CC: "Yes sir."

 

GL: I'm sure you feel like you're ready for it now, but...

 

CC: (cutting in) "To be honest I'm not really rushing things, I know I got a great team and they know what they're doing, so I'm just going to follow their blue-print."

 

GL: Is making 130 still easy for you?

 

CC: "Definitely. I could still make 126 if the right fight presented itself."

 

GL: WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell has been talking about moving up to 130 to see Tank [Gervonta Davis, the WBA super champion]. If that happens who do you like?

 

CC: "Tank. He's too big, too strong and too fast for Gary Russell."

 

GL: At what weight do you see yourself winning your first world title?

 

CC: "130."

 

GL: If you could make 126 why not go there? Is it a struggle or something to make?

 

CC: "If I got a title fight I would go there. It's more difficult to make than 130 but I can definitely do it."

 

GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.

 

CC: "Just tune in on Sunday night, it's Prime Time on Prime Time TV!"