Miller: Chin Comes from Genetics, Mental Prep

Jim Miller, on “The Savage Dog Show,” discussing his ability to take a punch, like he did against Melvin Guillard:

“I think it’s genetics. My father’s got a hard head. I’ve seen him take shots from inanimate objects that would probably kill me and him come up without a concussion or anything like that and never even wobble. I think genetics does play a part but also just -- you’re in a fight. I know I’m going to get hit and I know there’s a possibility that something’s going to happen. There was no physical pain associated with it; it’s just kind of like you’re fuzzy. Some guys don’t handle it very well. I kind of expect it to happen almost, not that I want it to happen, but it’s part of the sport and you can’t name a great striker that hasn’t been hit. Everybody’s been hit and everybody’s been wobbled. … These are the types of situations that I basically imagine before the fight happens. How am I going to deal with it? If I do get put in a bad spot, how am I going to deal with it? I’m going to do this. I’m going to clinch. I’m going to work my way back to where I’m comfortable even when I’m wobbly. I kind of just have that mental game plan already in my head if trouble comes.”