[kenyan_cheena]

Reynolds: Have you watched the fight cards that have taken place this week?

Tunney: (nodding) Yes, I certainly have. It's been great just to see the HBF's vision come to life. The fight cards have really increased my excitement and anticipation for tonight.

Reynolds: Is there a single performance so far that has impressed you above the others?

Tunney: Without a doubt, it would have to be Rocky Marciano. Just an incredible debut. If that's an indicator of what we'll see from him in the future, it's going to take a mighty performance to stop him from winning that tournament. I'd also have to mention Floyd Patterson's victory yesterday. That was a really dominant, aggressive display of boxing skills.

Reynolds: Now, you actually share a common background with Mr Marciano, both of you having served in the military.

Tunney: (nodding) Yeah, we actually talked about that at the tournament announcement in November. He was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, while I was stationed in Kuwait for a short time.

Reynolds: (smiling) But you're the one who got the nickname "The Fighting Marine" during the auditions.

Tunney: (laughing) It was funny how that turned out.

Reynolds: What did you think when you realised that Marciano wasn't placed in the World Championship tournament?

Tunney: The first thing I did was go, "phew" (laughs). No, really, there was a bit of relief there, because I faced him during the auditions. I'm not ashamed to say he got the better of me.

Reynolds: That really makes the HBF's decision all the more perplexing, doesn't it?

Tunney: I'm sure they had their reasons. I'm sure those reasons didn't have anything to do with boxing skills, because we are in the entertainment industry, after all.

Reynolds: So you think it was a premeditated decision?

Tunney: (smiling and laughing) I haven't spoken to anyone who doesn't.

Reynolds: Okay, I want to ask you about some of your fellow competitors. Some of the other top seeds, such as Jack Johnson and Riddick Bowe, seem to have become overnight celebrities. What do you think of all the attention they have received?

Tunney: I think it's great for our organisation. Like Mr Vincennes said yesterday, it's all free publicity. I'm just happy that I haven't had to deal with as much of it as Jack and Riddick. I admire them for that. They love the attention, that's great for them and for the HBF. Personally, I'll be much more happy to let my actions in the ring act as publicity for the federation.

Reynolds: (nodding) I'm sure that during the past 24 hours, a number of people have asked for your opinion on Elmer Ray. I don't want to reiterate what I've already said about him, but I'd like to hear what you think.

Tunney: (exhaling) I think that most of what he did was pretty harmless. I can't stick up for him over the personal things he said about Buddy Baer, though. I think he was way out of line there. But you know, he's only sixteen. When I compare my own behaviour at sixteen to his, I can't really be too critical. I will say that he has a great sense of showmanship about him. He's gonna give Johnson and Bowe a run for their money in that category.

Reynolds: Well, Gene, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. I'd like to wish you all the best for tonight's fight.

Tunney: It's a pleasure. (stands and shakes Reynolds' hand) Thank you so much for your interest and enthusiasm, Mister Reynolds. Tonight, I'll be doing my best to win, but also to put on a good show. Thank you.