Coming off his impressive win over Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133 via KO, Vitor Belfort gave us a few minutes to talk about the recent visit of boxing legend and arguably the greatest latin fighter of all time, Roberto “Hands Of Stone” Duran as well as his boxing idols, influences and his desire to train with pound-4-pound best Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach.
FHTV: You are known for your great stand up technique, whose style do you like in the boxing world and who do you try to mimic in technique or movement?
VB: I admire a lot of people in boxing, I believe each season we see new champions. I personally have my own style and I don’t try to mimic nobody but I sure identify myself with Mike Tyson’s style. He inspired me a lot through my career. For sure he is a big icon as boxer for me and all the old school guys like Ali, Roberto Duran, Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Roy Jones Junior and many others.
FHTV: Roberto Duran recently came into Xtreme Couture, tell us about the experience?
VB: It was an amazing experience. Life is all about learning and changing experiences. He came there watched me train. He is such a nice guy, full of energy and gave me some tips and showed me a couple things. It’s always good to get things from real champions. I really want that and I hope I have the opportunity to have him around again.
FHTV: What did you and Roberto talk about and what did you learn from him coming in?
VB: I learned real champions has always something good to offer to you.
FHTV: Who would you love to work with and learn from in the boxing world?
VB: Many people! I would love to train with Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach.
FHTV: Are you a fan of Acelino Freitas? If so what are your thoughts on him and his possible comeback?
VB: I think he is an icon in the boxing world and he did a great job representing Brasil all those years for boxing. I would love to see him fighting again.
