Hall of Fame member Tommy Hearns told his son Ronald when he started boxing professionally in 2004 that, "People are going to expect you to be more than you are because of your father." Ronald has found that to be true, but it has not daunted him as he's fought his way to a perfect 21-0 record with 17 knockouts. Ronald has sparred with his father and learned much about boxing from him, but he plans on forging a career in his own way. Big for a junior middleweight at 6'3", Hearns bears a striking resemblance to his father, who was also over six feet, but Ronald has his own style. He's a boxer-puncher with excellent footwork, no doubt something he developed as a basketball player at American University. With a degree in criminal justice, Hearns aims to take the law in his own hands and fight his way to the top.

HBO: You started fighting professionally with the ring alias, "The Motor City Cobra," and now you go as "The Chosen One." Why the change and what exactly do you mean by The Chosen One?

RONALD HEARNS: I wanted to get away from my father and have my own identity. He was called Motor City Cobra (and Hitman). The Chosen One comes from the Bible where it says, 'Many are called, few are chosen.' I feel like I have been chosen.

HBO: You said in Episode One that "boxing is in my blood." In what way?

RH: It's a genetic thing. When I was young and wasn't allowed to box, I remember getting overjoyed every time I watched a fight. Boxing was always my number one love.

HBO: You didn't start boxing professionally until you were 25. Was that because your father wouldn't let you in the gym, or you were pursuing other things?

RH: My dad did not want me in the gym. He told me he wanted me to get a college degree. I have always been obedient to my father. He said when I got out of school I'd be a grown man and can do what I like. When I finished school and came home, about a week later I went to the gym.

HBO: In 2004 you started training at the same gym your father started out in, the Kronk. Many boxers who train there for the first time find the intense atmosphere intimidating. What was your experience?

RH: The Kronk was not intimidating to me because I had been there when I was little to watch my father train. I knew from watching the fighters there spar, that they'd be ready to test me. I was Tommy Hearns' son, and they all wanted to beat me.

HBO: Your father said, "People are going to expect you to be more than you are because of your father." Have you experienced that?

RH: Of course. He was one of the greatest fighters ever; he won championship in six different divisions, so they expected big things out of me. But they had to realize I needed time to grow and learn. Now I really feel I can fight, I'm ready to show what I can do. I have a lot of heart.

HBO: You have sparred with your father many times. What did you learn from doing that, and did he ever hit you with his lethal right hand?

RH: Yeah (laughs), he tagged me once. It was just to keep me in check. He showed me tricks in the ring, like how to move and to hold. He basically made me realize that the fundamentals are important.

HBO: Your father was known as a knockout artist as a pro, but as an amateur with a 155-8 record he had only 11 knockouts. Did he ever explain that to you?

RH: My dad told me he was not focused on setting down on his punches more. When he turned pro he did (Tommy knocked out his first 17 opponents as a pro, and 30 of 32)

HBO: Did you have an amateur career?

RH: I only fought 10 times and then turned pro.

HBO: At American University you played basketball. Did that help you in any way as a boxer?

RH: A little bit. Basketball taught me foot movement and keeping my balance on defense when you have to get low. I have real strong legs. Basketball was my second love, boxing was number one. I played basketball because I was an athlete. In high school I also played football. I was a corner back.

HBO: When you fight next, and do you think you might get a title shot this year?

RH: I'm hoping to fight around the end of February. Most definitely I'm going to get a title shot, and I'm going to shock a lot of people. They haven't seen all I can do in the ring.

HBO: You started your career as a middleweight, fighting 13 times at 160 before switching to junior middleweight in May of 2007. Why did you make the switch?

RH: The reason I made the change was because the weight came off easily. Sometimes I would eat before the weigh in. I walk around at about 165. If I cover all my goals at 154, I would move back up to middleweight.

HBO: You said in Episode One that you wanted your own identity. Describe what kind of identity you'd like to have.

RH: I would want to be recognized as a great fighter. My father did it his way, and I'm doing it my way. I've showed I can be a world champion on my own.