GUY GRUNDY: Ernie wasn't happy about comments I made in my Musclemag column, Muscle Flashes, about his obvious use of either site injecting or synthol. I admitted several years ago that I used synthol and site injected which basically ruined my career. I no longer felt I deserved to be competing at the World Championships. I actually won the World Championships on my first try, but was put into second place due to my Synthol use. This devastated me as I worked so hard only to shoot myself in the foot. So I have some strong feelings and thoughts on Synthol and site injecting.

In my column I praised Ernie as a bodybuilder and suggested he should stop injecting whatever it is into his Triceps and the ridiculous lumps he had in his quads at the 2002 Olympia. I didn't want Ernie suffering as I have. I also feel that it is cheating, plain and simple. I have made the same mistakes he is now making. I wanted to help him, and others avoid my mistakes. I wasn't the first person to bring this subject up about Ernie; numerous writers and magazines have mentioned this. For some reason Ernie decided when he was in LA preparing for the 2003 Olympia that he would run around Gold's Gym in Venice telling everyone that he was going to kick my ass when he sees me. Ernie could have contacted me easily. I have no idea why he didn't. At the time of his threats I was at home in bed recovering from shoulder surgery. That was pretty big of Ernie. I was amazed he would act so stupid. If he had of come to me we could have avoided all this. I contacted Ernie three times to fix the problem between us, only to hear him make more threats. Due to legal reasons, I cannot be involved in any more street fights. I never had a problem fighting Ernie; he wouldn't let this go, so I informed him that if he wanted to fight me then I was challenging him to fight me like a professional in the ring.

MB: Do either you or Ernie have any previous fighting experience, or is this going to be an old-fashioned street brawl?

GUY: Ernie is a VERY good fighter; he has been fighting Muay Thai for years and has an impressive reputation as a street fighter. I have trained in various styles. Like Ernie, the majority of my fighting has been in the street. I was living on the street at 16 years of age in Sydney, Australia. It isn’t the easiest place to survive on the streets in Sydney. I am a 33 year old husband and father. Unlike Ernie, I have grown up and consider street fighting a thing of the past. I will not jeopardize my green card for Ernie Taylor. But I will gladly kick his ass in the ring.

MB: Why boxing and not arm wrestling, bench pressing, or a posedown to decide a winner?

GUY: We are both professional athletes who make money from our bodies, so full contact and Muay Thai, etc., will put us both in the hospital after the fight. Boxing is as professional as a fight can be. It is an Olympic sport, we can get more exposure as boxing is the most watched and known fighting sport/art in the world. I want to fight Ernie; I don't appreciate him coming to LA, the area I live with my wife and child, making threats towards me through other people. The guy ran around Gold's like a little school girl telling people what he was going to do to me. Once I found out I laughed my ass off. I figured if he wanted to fight me, he would simply contact me. That's what any real man would do, as far as I am concerned. Ernie involved others that needn't have been. I contacted Ernie on three separate occasions to find out what his problem was. Each time he just made more threats. He made it clear he wanted to fight me, so I challenged him to fight me in the boxing ring. Now it's time for him to back up his big mouth.

MB: There's been quite a lot of buzz about this on your end, but not much from Ernie. Has he publicly accepted your challenge?

GUY: Ernie has accepted the challenge. I wouldn't be saying much either if I ran my mouth behind someone's back and got called out for my shit talking. I am sure he's pretty pissed; this whole situation has drawn a lot of attention to his weird lumpy muscle groups. That's his problem. He threatened me; even when I tried to fix the problem, he continued to threaten me. If he had let this go, and stopped his 12-year-old behavior we wouldn't be talking about this. But he didn't, so here we are. My whole point is Ernie brought this all about. Now he has to deal with it.

MB: When and where will it take place?

GUY: Ernie and I both recently underwent surgery, so it is just a matter of us both getting doctors' clearances for the fight. The fight will be either held in the UK or in Los Angeles. The venue will totally depend on the date.

MB: There's been some talk about a DVD release of the fight. Is pay-per-view a possibility?

GUY: That's correct; we will be selling the fight on DVD. I will be filming my preparation and lead up to the fight. It will be like a documentary with the fight and interviews with some of the sport's big names. You will see everything from how small I am after the surgery through to the day of the fight and the aftermath. It will have a ton of special features. The pay-per-view has been mentioned, I have no idea on that at this stage. But if there is enough interest we will definitely pursue pay-per-view.

MB: Some have criticized this event as a phony rivalry between you and Taylor to increase your visibility and to make a few bucks, too. How do you respond to those people?

GUY: I have heard the same things. The only reason we are fighting is because Ernie threatened me and wouldn't let it go. It's that simple. If I can get some exposure for myself and make some money as well, then that's what I am going to do. This sport is a business like any other. I have three endorsements with Kaizen Nutrition, Tantowel and Hair No More, and own several businesses, so the money is not a factor to me. Although, in saying that, whatever money I can make out of the fight is an added bonus. The main reason I am fighting Ernie is that he has a big mouth and he disrespected me. I am looking forward to shutting his big mouth once and for all.

MB: Do you think events like this fight are good for bodybuilding?

GUY: Yes and no. I don't think it is good for the sport when an Olympia level competitor threatens another bodybuilder for saying what he knows is true. How many people have accused Ernie of the same thing in print? The list is VERY LONG, to say the least. His arms and legs look stupid, and his actions reflect badly on the sport as a whole. He wants to fight me, that's fine. I acted as a professional and challenged him to a boxing match with rules and a referee. I am not going to let Ernie belittle me for speaking my mind. He showed no respect for me or the sport with his actions. Without Ernie's threats, none of this would be happening. He shot off his mouth, now he faces the consequences.

MB: OK, enough about the fight. Let's talk about your health. You recently had some surgery. How are you feeling?

GUY: I certainly did, I had a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum. The shoulder was badly damaged and will take a little while to heal. Ernie recently fell of his motor bike, and underwent surgery so we are both in the same boat. Once we both make a complete recovery we will be fighting. That's a definite. He has agreed and I have accepted so we just need to get over our injuries and we can take care of business.

MB: Bodybuilding injuries are quite common for serious long-time lifters. How many surgeries have you had to treat bodybuilding-related injuries?

GUY: Injuries--where do I begin? I have been involved in various sports from State through to National level, from swimming to rugby to bodybuilding and fighting. During my years of competition I have sustained the following injuries:

4 Broken arms
3 shoulder surgeries
Broken collar bone
Broken hand
Dislocated knee cap

I have had stitches over both eyes, under my chin and under my mouth in two places, as well as stitches in my back and hands. I have always pushed myself; at times I have a gone a little too far with what my body can handle. One thing about me is that I believe I can do anything if I set my heart to it. As a professional athlete you have to accept injuries and work around them as best you can. I am now 33 and will be having a couple of more fights after I knock Ernie out. Then I will retire from contact sports. As you get older you think a little differently. Having so many injuries also allows others time to heal and recover. I am feeling the best I have in a long time. I am looking forward to the challenge.

MB: We'll get to see you training heavy when your new DVD, "Guy Grundy: Living the Dream" is released. What can we expect to see?

GUY: We have been working overtime on this. It's different from anything else out there. The DVD starts with me 18 weeks out from the World Championships and shows you how I look, train, and how I am feeling through all the different stages, up until I step on stage. We have guest appearnces from the likes of Craig Titus, Aaron Baker, and actor Andy Bryniarski of Batman and Pearl Harbor. We have numerous special features. I have added a commentary section where I talk about everything as it unfolds. Or you can just watch it as it happens, hardcore and uncensored. Included are some funny deleted scenes as well. Plus a few other special features. The feedback has been great from everyone that has seen the initial release. We are working on the design for the cover and then we will be ready to roll. For more information on my DVD or weight training guide, please check out www.fitnetusa.com.

MB: We haven't seen you on stage in a while. Any plans to compete in the near future?

GUY: No Mate! I am done competing. I am happy with what I have achieved in the sport. As I mentioned, I just turned 33 and would like to accomplish more than just being a bodybuilder in my life. I love bodybuilding and owe it a great deal. It taught me discipline and instilled a strong work ethic within myself. Bodybuilding gave me the confidence to be the man I am today. I love the sport and always will. I no longer have the desire to do what is needed to advance in the sport. The younger guys coming through are hungrier than me; once you lose your drive and huger for something you are just wasting your time. I knew it was time to retire in 2002 after hanging out and becoming friends with Chris Cook. He has the eye of the tiger as they call it; you have to know when it is time to call it quits.

MB: We all know that bodybuilding is doomed without the support of the public. Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?

GUY: Yes, I would buddy, to all the fans that have supported me throughout my career, through the good times and the bad. I have always been honored to have your support and encouragement. I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes. I hope that those who know of my trials and tribulations will have learned from my fuck-ups. My best advice is making your thoughts known. Send letters to the IFBB or your federation and let them know your thoughts on the issues that are ruining the sport, such as Synthol and any other elements that make us look bad. You, the fans are what allow the sport to be what it is. Have your say, because the people that are presently running the sport are running it into the ground.

MB: Looking back, do you regret the situation with Ernie Taylor?

GUY: No, not at all. I said what is the truth and he acted like a little girl. I am looking forward to fighting Ernie. He disrespected me and up set my family. You don't do that, Ernie. You should have been a man and come to me. You didn't do that. So now you look like a fool, which you are for site injecting. I know, I was one of these fools. Thankfully, I woke up to myself. I guess Ernie isn't at that stage as yet. He acts like a school kid.

MB: Your sponsor, Kaizen Nutrition, has been a great support throughout your career. The owner Lou and you have a very strong friendship. How does Lou feel about the fight?

GUY: What can I say about my boy Louie, he is my big brother, father, and Mate. All in one! Lou has had my back no matter what. He stood by me through all my troubles. His support and friendship never wavered. I am blessed to have such a great and cool Mate! Kaizen are working on an individualized supplement program for the fight. For more information on the extensive range of Kaizen supplements check out www.fitnetusa.com. We carry the full range with same-day shipping. Lou is looking forward to the fight as much as I am, maybe more. Boys will be boys!

MB: Thanks again for the interview, Guy. Best wishes on a safe and successful fight!

(Ed. Note: Ernie Taylor was contacted about the fight, but we haven't had a response from him yet. At the time, he was recovering from his motorcycle accident. Another attempt will be made to reach him for his response.)

To view actual interview, click here!