When you hear the name Monty Meza-Clay, one image which may come to mind would be a boxing ring. As Monty, a Pittsburgh native is the reigning International Boxing Association's (IBA) World Super Featherweight Champion. Then again, if you know Monty as I ve been honored to get to know him, the first image would be his never ending smile, his love and devotion to family and to the uplifting of the young people in our communities.  

 

        It was a beautiful unseasonably warm December afternoon, when we met Monty to conduct the lunch interview at The Red, White and Blues soul food restaurant in the Homestead s Waterfront area. I arrived with my photographer-in-training, daughter, Venezuela. We ordered mugs of sweet tea and waited for our guest. Who arrived a little late, stating things came up. We ve all experienced it, whenever we have specific plan, this is when all the things come up. Not to worry, it was a lovely day and I had a few extra minutes to spend bonding with my daughter. The restaurant was buzzing with the continuous seating of customers, when Monty walked in and offered a hug of sincere apologies.

 

        In a few weeks Monty will be going off to his training camp nicknamed, Camp Meza-Clay, located in California, PA, to begin training for his upcoming bout on February 22, 2007. His pro stats are 22-1-15, with the one lost to Edner Cherry earlier this year. His boxing career has spanned 14 years, 10 in the amateur ranks and 4 years in the professional ranks. His impressive professional wins of knockouts/wins cover fighters from Choga Badgen, Terrence Roy, James Merriweather, Reggie Sanders, James Baker, Juan Polo Perez, Jefferson Auraad Rodriquez, Mike Dobbs, Fred Neal and the bout with Shamir Isa Reyes at the Mountaineer Race Track this past November where he won the IBA World Super Featherweight belt.

 

            The media has used many descriptive phrases complimenting his boxing style inside the ring, crushing blows, controlling the fight, unleashing hard punches, throwing punches from all angles and impressive destruction. Those phrases may describe Monty the fighter, but what describes Monty the man? This is the thin line few people have been privileged to cross until now.

 

            I asked Monty what he d like people to know about Monty - the man? I m more than boxing. The aggressive manner you experience in my fighting style is not the man I am. That s only my ring persona.

 

            It isn t the words that describe the man, but his deeds. Monty shares some of his activities outside the ring. I ve been invited to speak many young people housed in the Allegheny County Jail, Shuman Juvenile Center, and a Christian recreation center in Rankin and at various community events throughout the region. I never speak from written pages when talking to the young people, most of the times it s right off the top of my head and straight from my heart. I ve experienced to reach the young people you must speak from deep inside. They know when you re playing them. I tell it like it is. I share with them my roots, the good, bad experiences and how through those different experiences, I was able to pull out the positive and build a solid foundation. I also share how the discipline practiced in my boxing can be used in everyday life. There have been times when I stumbled over my words, but they knew I was being real and in turn they gave me respect for being who I am.

 

            I enjoy working with the young people, as I love being around children. I have a host of nieces and nephews who I spend a lot of time. I strongly believe in taking care of family. At this time I m experiencing blessings of a better life and I share those blessings with my Mom, Dad and my two sisters. I could tell he is truly happy, the way his eyes lit up when he spoke of his family.

 

            Commenting of using what he practices in boxing to get ahead in everyday life, Monty told me how the practice of self-discipline has assisted him in becoming a more mature man. By accepting challenges, learning what he is able to control and when the control is not his, it s time to practice patience.  He says boxing is a solitary life, he has learned to appreciate his me time. He has no problem going out alone to dinner, to a movie, he feels confident in being on his own. Monty states he s so in love with boxing, the only desires he has is to excel in the boxing arena by becoming the Undisputed Champion. He knows to reach this plateau he must constantly forge ahead, put his all into his training, focus and use the pressure to excel to work even harder at reaching his goal.

 

        He tells the youth the only way to achieve a positive goal is to focus and work hard at getting from where you are, to where you want to be. Never look back on the past as it has no place in the future.

 

            The most important factor Monty has experienced in getting through and getting back control of his life is his faith in God. He is a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Rankin, lead by Pastor Wanda Sawyer. Who, he said is strong teacher of the Word as she keeps it real with every sermon. Learning how to accept his blessings has helped him share his blessings with others. When not fighting he continues to work with the youth, he also trains young men interested in boxing. His close friend Carl Clemons has also helped him understand when you are in a position to help others, you should use what you learned to encourage, to network with others to help them get ahead. It s important to give back.

 

        He believes it s important to always treat others with respect. He appreciates the respect being given to him from people all around him. I ve experienced the love of the public for Monty, during our short walk to our table he was stopped several times by hellos and to shake hands with other diners. Their love and respect shows how far he has come. He is truly happy to be doing something that he loves. He s learning to relax more and enjoy the ride of his climbing success each day reaching further and further to grab hold of that golden belt to achieve his dream of being the Undisputed Champion.

 

        I thought next I would ask Monty a fun question. What type of woman would he be looking for, it he was looking? I could see this question took him off guard and he shyly smiled and his eyes lit up, not knowing what to say. I broke it down to him more specifically, I m not talking about your groupie type female, who wants you for who you are. I m talking about a woman you d like to get to know as a friend, someone to take home to meet your parents.

 

            I don t need a woman to stroke my ego. I m attracted to classy women. With everything put together, hair, nails, clothes and conversation. A well put together woman, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritual. No Drama Queens, I fight for a living I don t want to come home to a fight. He says with a smile.

 

            One last light tidbit you might not know, Monty likes to watch the cartoon Jimmy Neutron. For reasons he said, the character is enterprising, intelligent and full of excellent ideas. Those words might also describe Monty. Our lunch went way too fast, I enjoyed sharing stories. It s obvious spending this short time with him his drive, determination, his commitment and love of boxing is his strength. And his strength is Undisputed!

 

 Come out and support him.