HUMBLE, TX, July 6, 2012 – making his professional debut at LEGACY 12 is 20 year old welterweight Levi West. A resident of the North Houston / Humble area, “2 Fly” has made somewhat of a name for himself locally through six fights in the thriving local amateur scene here in the Houston area.
As an amateur fighting under Team Tooke and coaches Travis Tooke, Andrew Craig, Jace Pitre, and others, Levi was able to compile a 6-1 record while fighting for the Legacy Amateur Series and Garcia Promotions’ Cage Combat.
By all accounts he did well and fought some tough opposition, name Central Texas’ Geoffrey Neal and East Texas native Charlie Ontiveros.
West will now be turning pro coming off a loss and lesson learned but says he feels stronger than ever heading into his pro debut against Jeremy Morris.
Here are his latest thoughts prior to the fight.
LEGACY 12 Interview – Levi West (Team Tooke)
Yeah man anytime, I feel different but in a good way, I was definitely humbled by my loss (to Charlie Ontiveros, LAM 8) and it opened my eyes up to working more on my weaknesses rather than mainly stand up. I have something to prove and July 13th I will make that walk to the cage and go to work. I will make a statement.
Looking back, how would you describe your amateur career and where you are at this point in your development?
I guess I have had a good career thus far with only having 1 loss as an amateur, I’m far from where I want to be but thank god I’m not where I used to be. The most memorable moment would be my loss. It was the first loss I had in years and I will never forget it. That loss made me a better fighter and it motivated me to work on my wrestling and BJJ more than I’ve been used to.
How do you feel about debuting for Legacy as a pro?
Legacy has made tremendous leaps onto getting on to the main stage these past couple years. Mick and Collin have done a great job with legacy and I’m grateful and very excited to be fighting for them for my pro debut.
How would you describe your style as a fighter to the average fan?
I would tell them that I’m a Muay Thai boxer, I started as a boxer but my kicks have caught up with my hands. I love to set up my kicks with my punches and vice versa…But in all honestly I feel comfortable on the ground, I may not be the most technical but I’m strong, great at scrambling, and always active no matter what position I’m in..
What teams do you work with and who’s helped you get ready for this one in particular?
Team Tooke is my home gym and I go to Jackson’s MMA for a week or two before every fight…. Team Tooke I get to work with top level guys like Travis Tooke, Andrew Craig, Yves Edwards, Irish (Michael Corley), and a lot of other very talented fighters, When I go to Jackson’s you got world class athletes like Cerrone, Bones Jones, Condit and many, many more.
What’s your motivation heading into this fight?
I need to make a statement to all the other 170ers in Houston, Let them know I’m here to stay.
Do you have any thoughts on your Legacy 12 opponent Jeremy Morris?
I don’t really know anything about Jeremy other than the fight videos I have seen…I’m sure he is a cool dude like every other fighter I’ve fought but they doesn’t change what I’m going to do to him July 13th.
I’m not trying to sound like a douche but I have fought and beaten better fighters than him. I have the reach and speed advantage and I’m positive that I am stronger. Now that I can throw knees AND elbows to the face it will be a bloody mess of a fight and it won’t be my blood.
What’s next for you after this?
Whoever wants some, come get it.
Any last words or acknowledgements before the fight?
Yes, I will start out my thanking god for keeping me healthy and allowing me to stay real active with my fighting, also, thanks for my friends and family for always supporting me through the wins and losses, My manager Brett Boyce for everything, Joseph Arb (Mr. Nutrition), Sway promotions, RevGear, Christopher Peacock (redemption), Escobar, Los Vega mexican restaurant, West Rig Welding (my dad), Athletic Republic, My coaches and teammates. Last but not least all the people who buy tickets to watch us fight – love me or hate me I’m fighting for you guys! Thanks again Mike for the interview.