Joey Pagliuso talks upcoming bout with Jose Palacios

Joey Pagliuso took some time to answer a few question regarding his upcoming bout with Jose Palacios at Stand Up Promotion's March 5th event at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, CA. As well as his goals in the sport, and the possibility of trying his hand at MMA.

MTA: You have an upcoming fight with Jose Palacios on the 5th of March, how has training for the fight been going?

Joey: I feel great this is the best training I had in years. I have all my normal trainers and partners at USKO in Riveside, but this time Caine Gayle at the boxing club in San Diego has helped me prepare. I also get great sparring and insight from Colin Oyama at his gym as well.

MTA: As far as Jose Palacios skills go, what do you feel you need to look out for when you step in the ring with him?

Joey: When you get in the ring you have to just be ready. If I'm looking for something I'm not thinking about what I do. So I'm going in there to make him fight me.

MTA: He is a Cung Le protege, are you expecting to see all the flashy spinning kicks, etc. similar to Cung Le?

Joey: I hope so! Both of my parents are martial arts instructors I've been training since i was a little kid. I grew up fighting with sidekicks and spinning kicks I'll be ready for anything.

MTA: He is coming off a close split decision loss to Coke Chunhawat, how much do you pay attention to things like who your opponent has fought in the past, who he has beat, and things like that?

Joey: I like to watch the fights he had but I'm very different then fighters he's fought. At least you can get an idea of what style he has but I'm sure he will be better every time he fights.

MTA: Can you give us a prediction for your fight?

Joey: I've done all the work now its time to go have fun. So we will see if it goes 5 rounds I don't think he will.

MTA: After Palacios is there anyone you would be interested in stepping in the ring with?

Joey: I would love to fight Scotty Leffler or Justin Gre again, both very strong fighters

MTA: Now it's a common thought that all the money is in MMA, have you considered making a move to MMA at all, or do you plan on sticking with Muay Thai?

Joey: I have a wife, 3 kids, and successful gym so I don't do this for the money I do it for the challenge and to show my kids and students a good example. I have been blessed with Muay Thai, that's where my heart is.

MTA: As far as your career goes, by the time it is all set and done, what do you want to look back and say you were able to accomplish?

Joey: I would love to have a WBC title. Besides that just be known as a great fighter.