It’s All About the “Bling Bling” and Overcoming Obstacles. Interview of Michael “Bling Bling” Valent
He’s flashy, wears his sunglasses at night and has a personality to back it up. Super lightweight Michael “Bling Bling” Valentin (1-0, 1 ko) of Providence, Rhode Island will be stepping back in the ring at Twin River Casino on Saturday, September 16, 2017, when he meets up against Henry Garcia in a four round bout. He has an amazing story to tell about the struggles that he went through as a child and what he had to overcome. Now at that age of 18 he fights as a professional boxer.
Pattee Mak: For your first fight you fought another boxer making his pro debut as well, Kevin De Freitas. You dominated the bout. It didn’t even look like your opponent, De Freitas landed one punch. After a barrage of combinations that you landed, De Freitas went down to the canvas. The ref, Eddie Claudio stopped the bout at 55 seconds into round 1. You were ecstatic in the ring. Tell me about this fight, did you think you were going to get any opposition from your opponent and did you sweat at all?
Valentin: It was a great experience for a pro debut, but you know we both was making are pro debuts, he's a fighter just like I am. I was expecting a more of a fight, but once I landed that right hand to the body, he coughed and dropped his hands. I knew he was hurt so i took advantage of it and took him out. At the end of the night I get paid the same if I stop him early or if it goes to distance!
Pattee Mak: Like I always said, “Get in. Get Out” and always capitalize once you injury your opponent.
Pattee Mak: On Saturday, September 16th you return to Twin River fighting Henry Garcia who will be making his debut. What do you know about him?
Valentin: Absolutely nothing. All I know is that he got two arms and two legs, but I'm training like if I was getting ready to fight with Mayweather. I never fought or sparred him in the amateurs.
Pattee Mak: That is a great training strategy because you never know in this sport.
Pattee Mak: What is your Amateur record and any titles that you held?
Valentin: As an amateur I went 35-7. I won the 2015 silver gloves, 2015 silver mittens, 2015 Jr.Olympics, and the golden gloves twice.
Pattee Mak: I don’t recall seeing you fight in the amateurs and your first pro fight was so fast, I didn’t get to see too much of you in the ring. What do you believe your strengths are in the ring?
Valentin: I'm fast, I'm powerful and I have a great ring IQ and it doesn't hurt having the guidance of 2004 Olympian and professional boxer Jason “Big Six” Estrada and the rest of my team Roland Estrada, my brother Charlie and my manager, Jeremy.
Pattee Mak: Recently I was at a CES press conference in Worcester to discuss the upcoming bouts on the 16th and you have an amazing story. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Tell me more about it.
Valentin: Well hours after I was born I was in surgery getting plugged in with a colostomy bag. I was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's, which is an uncommon intestinal disease. I was unable to have regular bowel movements. When I was old enough to understand my condition, I was told by my doctors I was not able to compete in any contact sports. I had to wear diapers through elementary school, bullying occurred on a daily basis because of that. Over a hundred trips to the hospital in and out and about ten surgeries before the age of 11, my childhood was not great at all but I stayed positive through it all. I never let any of that get to me. I carried myself like no one else has ever and kept my head high.
Pattee Mak: I don’t believe in bullying and I’m glad that you got to step in the ring to do something that you were told that you wouldn’t be able to do. Life is always about overcoming obstacles.
Pattee Mak: Now that you are fighting, have you ever thought to yourself “If I can do this anyone can do anything”.
Valentin: Well that's why I do it with so much passion. There are a lot of people doubting me, but I'm glad they're here cause without them I wouldn't be going this hard. I overcame adversity, people have to stop listening to others when people tell them you can't do it. Anything is possible in this world as long as you have the heart and courage to do what it takes to become successful
Pattee Mak: How did Bling Bling come about?
Valentin: Bling Bling has been my nick name since I was a baby, I always wanted everyone's attention, I wanted to be the superstar. I wanted all eyes on me. I always loved the flashiness. Bling bling was the perfect name for me.
Pattee Mak: Well you got it. September 16th!!! Less than two weeks away. I’m excited to see you back in the ring. Good luck with your fight and thank you for this interview.
Valentin: Thank you.
The above bout is subject to change. Tickets are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased at the Twin River box office, any Ticketmaster location or online at CLICK HERE.
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