Thursday, June 11 the newly renovated Dr Pepper Area will host a mixed martial arts card called “Battle of the Texas Titans.” One of the promoters of the event is none other the Richard Steele, known as one of the better boxing referees in the business. Now retired, Steele had been the third man in the ring for some of the greatest boxing matches over the last three to four decades. Since 2003, Richard Steele Promotions has brought MMA events to California, New Mexico, Tijuana, Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada now its North Texas’ turn.

The co-main event pits two very good 170-pound fighters against one another, Joe Christopher and Clay Hantz. North Texas Boxing had an opportunity to have a phone interview with both these men. Tonight we start with the North Texas local, Joe Christopher.

This 32-year-old, 6’ tall fighter grew up in the Pittsburg, PA but now resides in Lewisville. He posts a record of 7-2 with both losses coming by decision; needless to say, letting it go the judges is not something he wants.

Joe Christopher: “I don’t like it going to the judges, I prefer the end it before hand.”

NTB: “You’re 7-2, how did you get those wins?”

Joe Christopher: “Five of my wins have come by submission and two by KO. I’m more of a submission fighter then a striker.”

NTB: “You’re fighting Clay Hantz Thursday night, how do you prepare for a fighter like that? Do you watch tapes of his fights?”

Joe Christopher: “I don’t like watching my opponents’ fights but my trainer has seen a few fights. I hear he likes to strike and fights from his back.”

NTB: “What do you consider your strengths?”

Joe Christopher: “Conditioning for one and takedowns, I ran track and played soccer in high school so I’ve always done very well with my conditioning.”

NTB: “What’s your background in fighting? What started it all?”

Joe Christopher: :Wrestling, I did that in high school also, made it to the state qualifiers but that’s as far as I got. I also studied Shin-Shin and studied Jujitsu for 10 years.”

NTB: “Did you come from a fighting family and I don’t mean domestic violence?”

Joe Christopher: “No, just me.”

NTB: “Who’s your favorite fighter out there today in the MMA world?”

Joe Christopher: “Georges St-Pierre, it’s not just his fighting style but his personality, inside and outside the ring. I’ve also trained with some of his teammates in New Mexico.”

We wish Joe Christopher all the best come Thursday night and throughout his career. He’ll have his hands full with Clay Hantz who I’ve seen fight live once before, we’ll have Clay’s interview on my next installment tomorrow night.

For ticket and more information visit:
www.DrPepperArena.com or call direct at 866-337-1312