Anthony Nieves is one of the eight competitors in tonight’s Road to Glory welterweight tournament in New York. The Atlanta based fighter is known for his brutal work in the clinch and his vicious elbows, but for the Road to Glory tournament Nieves will be looking to display a different set of skills as he looks to win the $20,000 prize and a Glory contract. Anthony took some time from his busy schedule to chat with Muay Thai Authority about tonight’s tournament and how his training and preparation has gone. MTA: Anthony you are competing in the Road to Glory welterweight tournament this weekend. How does training change when your opponent can be one of seven fighters?
Anthony: I've left it all up to my coach (Manu Ntoh). We've stepped up my cardio and conditioning, but the rest has stayed the same.
MTA: Going into the tournament how important is it to try and finish your fights early rather than let them go to decisions?
Anthony: I want to go in and get it done quick. Longer rounds early means more energy spent and possibly more damage that could affect the later bouts
MTA: There are some very good opponents in this tournament, Brett Hlavacek, Marcus Fisher, Eric Utsch, is there anyone you would like to fight in particular?
Anthony: I don't have my mind set on fighting anyone in particular. I let my coach Manu decide the game plan and train accordingly. I'm prepared to go the full length of the tournament with anyone in the bracket.
MTA: Is this your first time fighting in a one night tournament, and are you excited for the format?
Anthony: Yes this is the first tournament like event I've been apart of. I'm excited for the event it gives me the opportunity to really show what I'm made of.
MTA: You are known for your incredible clinch, and the elbows you deliver. With the clinch being limited in Glory rules and elbows not being allowed. Do you think it puts you at a disadvantage?
Anthony: I don't think it’s a disadvantage, we didn't work any elbows or clinch for the tournament in training. I've focused on my hands and my conditioning specifically for the tournament and staying focused on the goal.
MTA: You've boxed professionally before do you think that will help under Glory rules?
Anthony: The boxing will allow me to really work in and gain some ground over my opponents. Most of the guys in the tournament have strong traditional kickboxing and Thai styles, I think the heavy hands will prove to make the difference.
MTA: Any words for your supporters Anthony?
Anthony: I like to thank my coach Manu ATL fitness club Braz3n and Monterry's for all your help.
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