ANESTI: Hey Imani, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. For those who don't already know, tell us a little bit about yourself as a fighter, where you fought and how you got started.

IMANI: I moved out to Los Angeles about three years ago to bring my boxing to the next level through training with the likes of 3 time champion James Toney, 2 time champion Michael Moorer, 2 time champion Riddick Bowe, former champion Lamon Brewster and renowned trainer Angelo Dundee. Even though my popularity soared, even being featured on ESPN's Friday Night Fights and signed with Don King, I was tired of the bureaucracy and was in search of something more.

I made the acquaintance of K-1 Superstar Bob Sapp and martial arts trainer Eddy Millis and really kicked up my martial arts training from there, working with champions like "Mighty Mo" Siligia. Some of my recent fights include K-1's Battle at the Bellagio '05 and '06 and Mayhem at the Mirage '06, as well as an MMA event versus Ricco Rodriguez.

I just wanted to bring respect and honor back to the fight game. I looked up to Muhammad Ali in his respect to his charisma and ability to connect with the audience and I hope I can be a positive influence to youngsters with everything that I do.

ANESTI: Now you're making a transition into the entertainment industry and working on movies, which seems like a very smart move. Tell us about any films you're currently working on and any other projects you have coming up.

IMANI: I have worked on quite a few projects lately including the B2K reality show, another reality show called "A Day with Jose Canseco", and a stage play called "He Said, She Said, What Does God Say?"

Most recently, I played the part of Big Lamont in a movie called "Blood and Bone", alongside Michael Jai White. It was an honor to work with such a skilled and accomplished martial artist. The movie also features my friend Bob Sapp, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, and Gina Carano.

ANESTI: Good stuff. It looks like you're off to a great start already. I'm sure with this transition; your training regimen has undergone some changes as well. What steps are you taking to best prepare yourself for working in entertainment?

IMANI: Now that I am working in the entertainment business, I am able to focus more on my diet. I am now able to trim down and not worry about keeping size for a fight. I've also been working with Marrese Crump, who trains with Dave Batista for conditioning and cardio. Marrese is an amazing martial artist and trainer who we will hear a lot about in the future. It will be great to see how all those things blend and come together.

ANESTI: Yes, Marrese Crump is a well known martial artist who also works with WWE Superstar Dave Batista, who you are friends with. What's it like being friends with "The Animal" and how did you guys come to know each other?

IMANI: Growing up around DC Metropolitan was tough, but it gave me the opportunity to know and grow up with Dave. Having known him for a long time is like having a big brother who I have looked up to and seeing all of his achievements have driven me to work harder in achieving my goals. It was an honor to be featured in his book he just wrote and I look forward to doing some work with him in the very near future.

ANESTI: Now there's been some buzz going around about you signing a deal with a major entertainment company. Is there anything you can officially say about it yet or is it still under wraps?

IMANI: There are some things still in the works. I am not going to go into detail just yet, but having the opportunity to sign with the WWE is a dream come true. I remember that I use to watch the WWE with my grandfather every Saturday and now to possibly be a part of that history is a dream come true.

ANESTI: Whoa, That is awesome! Congratulations buddy! Is there anything else you'd like to say to your family, friends, and fans?

IMANI: I would like to thank Dave Batista for believing in me and helping me attain such an amazing dream. Thank you to all of the people who have supported and believed in me. I ain't saying that I'm the greatest; I'm just saying that I'm the latest.

Great news from a great guy… Imani Lee is signed to the WWE. And with being friends with Batista, who knows how that will unfold. Stay in touch for the latest news on Imani, including updates from WWE wrestling camp, video interviews and more at www.imanilee.net and www.myspace.com/imanilee.