The PUNCH-OUT!! big fight build-up begins...

Boxing's main event is coming to Wii. Featuring a line-up of the boldest, brashest boxers on the planet and a Head-to-Head Mode that lets you test your skills against a friend, PUNCH-OUT!! for Wii brings the classic franchise back to life in spectacular style.

Standing at the centre of the ring when the first bell sounds in PUNCH-OUT!! will be a little fighter with huge aspirations. Hailing from the Bronx, NY, Little Mac’s professional debut should be an explosive experience if his legendary trainer, Doc Louis, is even half-right about his charge’s potential.

We caught up with the “Doc” in the run-up to Little Mac’s first pro outing – a Minor Circuit match-up in which the New York teenager will come face-to-face with ring veteran, Glass Joe.

The man behind the man. Little Mac’s trainer Doc Louis believes he has a world champion on his hands.

Jerome, you’re a former heavyweight fighter and experienced trainer. What did you see in Little Mac that made you think he could be a contender?

Doc: Heart, speed, power – you name it, Little Mac’s got it! Before I started working with him, he’d been rejected by countless other trainers, but that’s their loss and my gain, let me tell you! The best shot in his arsenal is what we like to call the Star Punch. When Mac cuts loose with one of those, there ain’t too many fighters out there who’ll be able to keep their feet. But you know what, the thing I like best about this kid is the fact that he ain’t got no fear. You could send him in the ring with somebody five times his size and he wouldn’t flinch!

His first pro fight is just around the corner. How do you like Little Mac’s chances against Glass Joe?

Doc: I like them an awful lot. This guy’s lost 99 fights! 99! That’s almost as many chocolate bars as I ate yesterday. I suspect even ol’ Granny Louis could drop this chump, so I’m predicting the first victory of many.

But Glass Joe is just the first step, right? There are 12 more fighters to face on the way to the world title. Do you really think Little Mac can survive against some of the monstrous opponents out there?

Doc: Listen, they call boxing the sweet science for a good reason. There ain’t no fighter in the Minor, Major or World Circuits that doesn’t have a weakness, and no matter who Little Mac faces, the key to victory is timing. If he can adapt to his opponent’s attack patterns and hit back when the chance arises, he can beat anyone out there. Sure, some guys will come at him with the craziest combinations he’s ever seen, but even if he gets knocked down, I know he’s gonna pick himself right back up.

Finally Doc, do you believe that Little Mac can some day be a long-reigning world champion?

Doc: I have no doubt. But it’s an interesting question though, because being a champion isn’t just about winning a belt – it’s about defending it as well. Every guy Mac knocks down on the way up is going to be hungry for a rematch. They’re gonna train, fix their mistakes and learn new techniques that they hope will earn them revenge.

But you know what? To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and whatever these other fighters out there can bring to the table, I know my man will have the skill and will to stay at the top of the world. Trust me; Little Mac has what it takes to become the undisputed king of the ring. I just can’t wait to get started!

Take Little Mac’s fighting destiny into your hands when PUNCH-OUT!! launches soon, only on Wii.