Greg Leon: Congrats on your victory over Jerry Forrest? Can you give us some thoughts on your performance? Jermaine Franklin: "I thought I had a decent performance, I think I need to still work on my overall self control. I got a little wild sometimes, but I think I had a decent performance. There's still work to do, but that'll come in time. I think I won the fight 6-7 or 7-3. GL: So you were confident were you that won the fight when the final bell rang? Jermaine Franklin: "It's like I said, I defnitely did enough to win that fight 6-4 or 7-3, but this is boxing I have to take the split decision." GL: What do you feel like you learned in this fight? What do you like you need to do better next time out? JF: "It's all about my patience, I've been working on my patience, but I've got to keep working on it. I also got to stay busier to make it easier for the judges to score these fights. (laughs) I'm definitely going to be more patient, smarter and let my hands go more next time out."

 

GL: The last time we spoke you told me you were expecting to come him much lower than you did against Booker. Why didn't you? What needs to be changed in your camp to make sure you're going to be better next time?

 

JF: "Actually I was like 237 a few days before and then I rehydrated up to 240 for the weigh in. I'm going to come in at the 230's next time though just so I don't hear people saying anything about my weight all the time."

 

GL: Some guys can be at their most effective while heavy, do you feel like you need to lose to weight to be the best version of yourself?

 

JF: "I would say I'm most comfortable a little lighter, maybe like 225-227. I feel like I'm faster and more effective and I'm working my way down there little by little, it's just been very important for me to stay in the gym, so I'm glad I've been able to do that and I can't wait to get back in the ring."

 

GL: Was there anything about Forrest that surprised you?

 

JF: "He was a lot more active than I expected him to be. He was busier than I saw in other fights where he just looked like a slow counter puncher."

 

GL: Do you think you took him lightly?

 

JF: "I don't want to say that, but I feel like I could have been a little more prepared."

 

GL: Any early indication on when your next fight might take place?

 

JF: "I haven't gotten any date yet, but I'm looking to be back in the year before the year for sure."

 

GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.

 

JF: "Stay tuned. I'm still working and I'm going to be better every time y'all see me. I promise you."