A few years back Lateef “Power” Kayode decided he needed to come to America to make it big. He knew he needed to meet and get successful people to back him to make his dream come true of winning a world title in the professional ranks. He met Steven Feder who quickly saw promise in the raw but strong Nigerian and decided to look after Kayode, such is his promise he has Freddie Roach training him. If you head to the Wild Card gym in Hollywood, Ca you will most likely see Kayode hitting the heavy bag working out vigourously through out the day. His work ethic is second to none, it’s taken him to 15-0(14) and he’s not resting on his laurels, he’ll continue to put in the work that he hopes will see him get to the promised land of a world title. He next fights on 4 February when he faces Nick Iannuzzi 16-1(9) on Showbox. He’s well thought of by the various sanctioning bodies ranked WBC 6, WBA 11, IBF 13 & WBO 4. Here’s what the likeable Nigerian had to say.
Hello Lateef, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You beat Ed Perry recently, what can you tell us about the fight and how happy you are with the performance?
Lateef Kayode – I felt good about the fight. I was really relaxed although I know Perry was a good boxer. In the first and second round, I had to plan what my moves would be.
Anson Wainwright – You have been very active this year going 6-0(6) what are your plans for 2011? How far do you think you are from competing with the best Cruiserweights around for world titles?
Lateef Kayode – Yes, I feel like I will be ready for a world title in 2011 because of the way that I am developing. Whoever is available in 2011, the coaches and my manager will arrange it.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?
Lateef Kayode – My manager is Steven Feder of Standing Eight Management. My head trainer is Freddie Roach and the assistant is Jessie Arevalo. Mike Vale is my strength coach. My promoter is Gary Shaw. At GSP I also speak with John Beninati the matchmaker for Gary. I have a good team.
Anson Wainwright – How did you first get involved with Steven Feder & Freddie Roach? Can you tell us about the journey that you took from Nigeria to become involved with those guys in Los Angeles?
Lateef Kayode – I first came by way of New York then Atlanta looking for a manager. I met several people that wanted the job, but they were fakes. I finally made it to LA. I met Steven Feder at Young Dick Tiger’s gym in Los Angeles. He was there by accident. He was just working out. From there Steven introduced me to the rest of the people who became my team. I met Freddie at Wild Card when we went there to spar. He and Steven talked and we began working with Fred after he liked my punch. I worked the mitts with him and he said that I hit like a heavyweight. That was the beginning.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us what a typical day is for you? From when you get up and through training until you go to bed.
Lateef Kayode – When I first wake up, I warm up at home first, mainly stretching. Then I spend about four hours training at Wild Card. Then, I come home and rest in the evening. After resting, I run in the evenings with my strength and conditioning coach Mike Vale. Then, I end my night by relaxing and watching TV.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Nigerian and how you became involved with Boxing?
Lateef Kayode – It was difficult growing up, but when you are young you don’t know anything to compare it too, only the way your life is. Everyone was poor so we worked hard for everything. It was dangerous sometimes on the streets, but it was a way of life that I became accustom to until I became a boxer. That’s when my life there changed in every way. I was known on the streets as POWER and now I am known in the ring as POWER for the right reasons. But I miss my country, my family, my mother. I have not seen her in three years and that is very difficult. I want her to meet her granddaughter. But I came to America to conquer my dream of being world champion and my country and my family support me in this journey. I will return there to visit and it will be great to see my friends and family and bring home the world title belt to Nigeria. Actually, I got a late start with boxing. It wasn’t until 2003 that I joined the national team. After that, things became serious for me.
Anson Wainwright – It must be vastly different living in Los Angeles to Nigeria, can you tell us about some of those differences and how you have dealt with them?
Lateef Kayode – Life in Nigeria was different in every way. The culture, the people, the way of life. In the beginning, it was hard to understand the language and to adjust to the weather. There is not too much cold in Nigeria. I also missed my native foods.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing or training? What are your hobbies or Interests?
Lateef Kayode – I love to spend time with my newborn daughter and I like playing soccer on my video game system. Sometimes I go to the movies or go to dinner. I really like to catch all the fights on cable.
Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?
Lateef Kayode – I want to be a world champion in Cruiserweight, then go back to Heavyweight and dominate there as well.
Anson Wainwright – Being in and around the Wild Card is obviously a tremendous boast to you. Can you tell us what it’s like to train at the hottest gym in World Boxing with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan etc?
Lateef Kayode – I get a chance to see the greats. It is a good opportuninty. I really listen to Freddie’s advice. I really pay attention to him.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Cruiserweight division? What do you think of the champions are you targeting anyone in particular?
Lateef Kayode – I dont look for anyone in particular. All I want is the belt. Whoever or wherever the belt is, that’s where I want to be. I have no names in mind. I am 15 and 0 with 14 straight KO’s so I think people know what I can do by now. I’m proud of my two North American titles, but I want the world title.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Cruiserweight division?
Lateef Kayode – I want Cruiserweight to be a more popular weight class. More fans should watch cruiserweight. I am glad Showtime is willing to introduce me and the division to the fans. Also, I would like the title to come to America instead of Europe. I hope to get the US excited about this division before I move to Heavyweight someday.
Thanks for your time Lateef, good luck in 2011.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
Midweek Musings – Happy New Year folks!…Everyone has their favourite’s for various awards from 2010, here’s my 10 cents…Fighter of the Year – Sergio Martinez, it was simply a “Maravilla” year for the Argentinean. He won the World Middleweight title with a tremendous performance against Kelly Pavlik before demolishing Paul Williams with one stunning shot which gets my vote for KO of the year. Fight of the Year – Marquez-Katsidis was toe to toe round after round, something had to give. Worthy contenders Khan-Maidana, Martinez-Burns two real rollercoaster fights for British fans. Round of the year – Juan Manuel Marquez-Michael Katsidis Round 3. Marquez was dropped hard and looked in danger of being taken out by the tough Aussie only to end the round pushing Katsidis back, even the press row were on there feet!…Prospect of the Year – James Degale, he started 2010 as more suspect than prospect however he seems to have rounded some of those edges that still made him look amateur and is now looking the real deal, blinding speed, supreme confidence and impressive power are just some of his many talents. Event of the Year – The return of Stadiums to world Championship Boxing (Pacquiao-Clottey & Margarito at The Cowboys Stadium & Cotto-Foreman at Yankee Stadium), on a personal note the Mayweather-Mosley fight which i covered was incredible. In Britain Frank Warren’s “Magnificent Seven” card in September was top notch.
If there are any fighters you would like to hear from you can contact me on elraincoat@live.co.uk
