On May 2nd the eyes of the world were upon the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao did battle with junior welterweight supremacy at stake. A star studded crowd, peppered with hardcore and casual boxing fans alike took in Pacquiao’s spectacular performance, but what few people saw that night was a fast approaching, charismatic new threat to the 140 lb. scene. His name is Nate Campbell, and at 37 years young, he has no intentions of cooling off.
“What makes me special is I’m not showing any signs of slowing down, and I’ll be even stronger at 140 because I won’t have to keep the weight off”
Although age proved to be no burden for Campbell during his campaign in the lightweight division, weight did, and the scale emerged as the factor that would ultimately dethrone him in 2009. Campbell failed to make weight in his title defense with Ali Funeka in February, prompting the WBO and IBF to strip him of the lightweight title he captured one year earlier at age 36. Campbell’s next move would be to set up shop in the junior welterweight division, where he has yet to announce the details of his debut. Although the division is dripping with talent, Campbell is far from specific in terms of who he targets in the near future, but the overall goal could not be clearer.
“I just want to fight, and make my presence known in the division”
One way to make his presence known, would be to snatch a belt, and at the moment WBO champ Timothy Bradley makes a strong case as the most established fighter in the division. Bradley made junior welterweight history last month by unifying the titles when he beat Kendall Holt via unanimous decision. Although Manny Pacquiao made short work of the division’s previous kingpin, Ricky Hatton, it is unclear whether Pacquiao will continue to compete at 140, leading some to conclude that Bradley may be the most formidable match up for Campbell.
“I’ll fight any of these guys. I like Timothy (Bradley) as a person, but when it’s time to fight, that’s my job.”
Capturing world titles in two divisions is never an easy feet, especially after 35. Any fighter who has pulled off such an accomplishment will likely tell you that a firm, established relationship with their trainer is a crucial card to their hand. Campbell has nothing to worry about in that department, as long as world class trainer John David Jackson makes a home in his corner. Jackson led Campbell to the Promised Land once before, and while the plan is to create a carbon copy of their success at a new weight class, the tandem consider themselves two of the most avoided figures in their respective professions.
“I’ll be with him until the end of my career, he’s the best trainer in boxing… John’s the best trainer because nobody wants to fight his fighters. Everyone knows I’m one of the most overlooked and avoided fighters in boxing”
In a chapter of his career that is filled with uncertainty, one thing can be concluded; age and size will not be on Campbell’s side. However, another thing that boxing fans can be sure of is that Campbell won’t care. If the same Nate Campbell that stood toe to toe with the heavily favored Juan Diaz for a world title victory in 2008 shows up in the junior welterweight division, the world may have to take notice once again. Nate Campbell has tasted world title glory one time before, but whether he and John David Jackson will be able to trek one more time to the top of the mountain remains to be seen. Even at 37, questions have yet to be answered for Nate Campbell, but it would be a safe bet to say those answers are worth waiting for, because Nate Campbell is not backing down anytime soon, and what an unpredictable treat his career has been thus far.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pillar to Post: Froch Shocks The World, But Is Green The Real Threat?
This past Saturday I bowled a spare on the ninth frame, and followed it with a strike, the first of my illustrious career, resulting in a once thought impossible third place finish amongst my friends. What I did was truly astounding, however one man may have done something a little more incredible just a few hours later, his name is Carl Froch.
Froch absorbed a dagger at the hands of Jermain Taylor in the third round of their super middleweight title fight, and answered back with a needle prick nine rounds later. That needle prick, however, went right through the heart of Jermain Taylor, and American super-middleweight boxing (yeah, I did steal that from Pearl Harbor). As a fan first and foremost of the sport, I’ll take my countryman’s loss, sew my heart back together, and tip my cap to Carl Froch, so congrats Mr. Froch, and chin up Jermain. I will, however, throw this out to you, and you can bobble it around and toss it right back, or take off with it like Percy Harvin down the middle. My call is that a man by the name of Allan Green will beat his next four or five opponents en route to super-middleweight supremacy. Green’s left hook has pop like no other, and rumor has it a bout with Lucian Bute is in the works. If Green can put Bute to sleep with that hook, I would have to give him the green light(no pun intended) to challenge either Froch or even Mikkel Kessler.
Stepping away from the tremendously stacked super-middleweight division, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Timothy Bradley. Tim Bradley outpointed Kendall Holt a few weeks ago to unify the junior welterweight title, and did something that impressed me, he got knocked down. It was the first time in his career that Bradley was put down, and it was only seconds into the biggest fight of his life, fortunately Bradley sprung right to his feet, but really caught my eye with what he did afterward. Bradley had the presence of mind to take a knee after he got up and await the 8 count from the referee. That extra 8 seconds that Bradley took to gather himself may have been the difference between a first round TKO loss and a unanimous decision win. Look out for Tim Bradley, because those are the components you can’t teach, mind over adrenaline.
Being from Minnesota, where our biggest celebrity is Winona Ryder, and that guy who sang about doves that cry, or whatever it was, it’s always cool to meet someone famous. I had the pleasure of meeting top trainer Roger Mayweather a few weeks ago, and it really is pretty cool to hear some stories from a guy who has seen it all, and this weekend, his brother Floyd will lead Ricky Hatton into battle against Manny Pacquiao. Roger Maywether noted that Hatton should be obligated to win given his size advantage, but I’m going to have to disagree with that notion. Hatton’s only loss left the image of him eating a quick, straight right hand on multiple occasions from Floyd Mayweather Jr. If you don’t know what punch I’m talking about it’s basically the same one Manny Pacquiao shot through Oscar De La Hoya’s defense over and over. Mark my words, if Manny sticks with that straight lead it will result in a gradual annihilation of Ricky Hatton.
As the only Minnesotan who doesn’t like hockey, I’d like to point out that you guys should take a peek at our boxing scene if you get the chance. On June 5 our own Phil Williams will take on Contender runner-up Jaidon Codrington, and appearing on the undercard will be Boxing Digest’s prospect of the month Caleb Truax. I’ll do what I can to bring you some coverage, because there are some special fighters emerging from the land of 10,000 lakes.
Before I say goodnight and God Bless I’ll leave you with my short term wish list following this weekend’s bouts.
Allan Green-Lucian Bute
Lamont Peterson-Kendall Holt
Jermain Taylor-John Duddy
Froch absorbed a dagger at the hands of Jermain Taylor in the third round of their super middleweight title fight, and answered back with a needle prick nine rounds later. That needle prick, however, went right through the heart of Jermain Taylor, and American super-middleweight boxing (yeah, I did steal that from Pearl Harbor). As a fan first and foremost of the sport, I’ll take my countryman’s loss, sew my heart back together, and tip my cap to Carl Froch, so congrats Mr. Froch, and chin up Jermain. I will, however, throw this out to you, and you can bobble it around and toss it right back, or take off with it like Percy Harvin down the middle. My call is that a man by the name of Allan Green will beat his next four or five opponents en route to super-middleweight supremacy. Green’s left hook has pop like no other, and rumor has it a bout with Lucian Bute is in the works. If Green can put Bute to sleep with that hook, I would have to give him the green light(no pun intended) to challenge either Froch or even Mikkel Kessler.
Stepping away from the tremendously stacked super-middleweight division, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Timothy Bradley. Tim Bradley outpointed Kendall Holt a few weeks ago to unify the junior welterweight title, and did something that impressed me, he got knocked down. It was the first time in his career that Bradley was put down, and it was only seconds into the biggest fight of his life, fortunately Bradley sprung right to his feet, but really caught my eye with what he did afterward. Bradley had the presence of mind to take a knee after he got up and await the 8 count from the referee. That extra 8 seconds that Bradley took to gather himself may have been the difference between a first round TKO loss and a unanimous decision win. Look out for Tim Bradley, because those are the components you can’t teach, mind over adrenaline.
Being from Minnesota, where our biggest celebrity is Winona Ryder, and that guy who sang about doves that cry, or whatever it was, it’s always cool to meet someone famous. I had the pleasure of meeting top trainer Roger Mayweather a few weeks ago, and it really is pretty cool to hear some stories from a guy who has seen it all, and this weekend, his brother Floyd will lead Ricky Hatton into battle against Manny Pacquiao. Roger Maywether noted that Hatton should be obligated to win given his size advantage, but I’m going to have to disagree with that notion. Hatton’s only loss left the image of him eating a quick, straight right hand on multiple occasions from Floyd Mayweather Jr. If you don’t know what punch I’m talking about it’s basically the same one Manny Pacquiao shot through Oscar De La Hoya’s defense over and over. Mark my words, if Manny sticks with that straight lead it will result in a gradual annihilation of Ricky Hatton.
As the only Minnesotan who doesn’t like hockey, I’d like to point out that you guys should take a peek at our boxing scene if you get the chance. On June 5 our own Phil Williams will take on Contender runner-up Jaidon Codrington, and appearing on the undercard will be Boxing Digest’s prospect of the month Caleb Truax. I’ll do what I can to bring you some coverage, because there are some special fighters emerging from the land of 10,000 lakes.
Before I say goodnight and God Bless I’ll leave you with my short term wish list following this weekend’s bouts.
Allan Green-Lucian Bute
Lamont Peterson-Kendall Holt
Jermain Taylor-John Duddy
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Feels Like Home
Brett Mauren
Photo:soboxing.com
From the city of purple rain, and the area code where Kirby Puckett injected a chapter of history into a Midwestern city, emerges a new favorite son. He is Phil Williams, and if you consult his adamant fan base, they’ll tell you that this product of Minneapolis’ North side is more than a boxer to them.
Phil can be found most days of the week cutting hair at his Broadway Avenue barber shop Dimensions in Hair, but on April 18 Phil will take on the role that molded him into an embraced asset in his community, 10-1 light heavyweight boxer “The Drill”. “Phil the Drill” will be taking on fellow prospect Reggie LaCrete(4-0) of Brooklyn, New York. A fight at the Target Center means an easy drive for friends and fans of Williams, who notes that fighting in Minneapolis is always a special experience.
“It always feels good to fight at home, show everyone what you got going on…It’s a good thing to have a good following and give people something to look up to around town.”
Although Phil is a headline fighter on the local scene, and perhaps even a celebrity in his part of town, he will be fighting in the middle of the card on April 18, a night sprinkled with local boxing mystique. With local names such as Matt Vanda, Jason Litzau, and a main event grudge match between Wilton Hilario and Allen Litzau, Phil has no problem fighting on the undercard of what has become an all-star event. Phil made his name by providing eye popping knockouts on undercards for the likes of Vanda in the past, but has made it clear that he intends to have fans buzzing about “The Drill” on April 18.
“I’m going to steal the show, but I don’t mind being on the undercard, just have to pay my dues. I always do respect it when I get the main event, but I’m going to steal the show”
One fight that would certainly be a main attraction in the Twin Cities, and worthy of televised coverage would be a bout with Zach Walters (23-4) of Duluth. A Williams-Walters dream match has been a hot topic amongst local boxing fans for years, and with the Target Center signed for a series of boxing shows, a venue is in place for the light-heavyweight super-fight.
“We have to fight. There are no hard feelings, I like him, but he understands the game, if we want to be the best we have to fight the best. We’re cheating Minnesota if we don’t fight“
Fighting Walters would give Phil an opportunity to shoot onto the world stage, and represent Minneapolis at the same time. To understand what representing this City means to Williams, you need not look any further than his nickname. Drill: Directly Relating to the Inner city with Love, and Loyalty.
“It’s the kids I’m trying to get a hold of, the ones that aren’t in school. They can talk to the kids that are in school, but not when they’re out of school”
With his aim to point lost youth in the right direction, Phil is also aware that his status as a professional athlete can’t get in the way of a greater goal.
“I watch some of the things I do now, because I didn’t know I was that much of a role model. A lot of kids come in here and take pictures and get autographs and take them to show and tell. So I cleaned up a little bit because you never know who is looking”
If Phil can attain the ultimate status he strives for, impacting the lives of those around him, his involvement in the community may reach a new high. Citing his love, and knowledge for the city, Phil has hinted at a possible future in politics, and ultimately a campaign for mayor of Minneapolis. Could a professional boxer really be the next mayor of Minneapolis? Phil believes so.
“I definitely want to run for mayor later on. If someone is going to do something around this city it needs to be someone who grew up here, and understands the science, and chemistry of what’s going on. I think that because I live and work around here I understand a little more than someone who watches from the outside”
A Mayoral bid actually may not be far-fetched should William’s hometown popularity spread any further. Before Phil’s political campaign can begin, however, his boxing campaign must continue. The next stop is Target Center where Reggie LaCrete will stand across the ring from him, undoubtedly prepared to give him the fight of his life. To the fans in the seats on April 18, Phil is more than a boxer, and to the man they call “The Drill” this is more than a fight. When Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” blares over the loud speakers at Target Center, and Phil Williams makes his way to the ring, the man who cuts hair on Broadway Avenue will become the man that captures imaginations, and gives his community something that they can believe in.
Back to Phantom Punch Home Page
Photo:soboxing.com
From the city of purple rain, and the area code where Kirby Puckett injected a chapter of history into a Midwestern city, emerges a new favorite son. He is Phil Williams, and if you consult his adamant fan base, they’ll tell you that this product of Minneapolis’ North side is more than a boxer to them.
Phil can be found most days of the week cutting hair at his Broadway Avenue barber shop Dimensions in Hair, but on April 18 Phil will take on the role that molded him into an embraced asset in his community, 10-1 light heavyweight boxer “The Drill”. “Phil the Drill” will be taking on fellow prospect Reggie LaCrete(4-0) of Brooklyn, New York. A fight at the Target Center means an easy drive for friends and fans of Williams, who notes that fighting in Minneapolis is always a special experience.
“It always feels good to fight at home, show everyone what you got going on…It’s a good thing to have a good following and give people something to look up to around town.”
Although Phil is a headline fighter on the local scene, and perhaps even a celebrity in his part of town, he will be fighting in the middle of the card on April 18, a night sprinkled with local boxing mystique. With local names such as Matt Vanda, Jason Litzau, and a main event grudge match between Wilton Hilario and Allen Litzau, Phil has no problem fighting on the undercard of what has become an all-star event. Phil made his name by providing eye popping knockouts on undercards for the likes of Vanda in the past, but has made it clear that he intends to have fans buzzing about “The Drill” on April 18.
“I’m going to steal the show, but I don’t mind being on the undercard, just have to pay my dues. I always do respect it when I get the main event, but I’m going to steal the show”
One fight that would certainly be a main attraction in the Twin Cities, and worthy of televised coverage would be a bout with Zach Walters (23-4) of Duluth. A Williams-Walters dream match has been a hot topic amongst local boxing fans for years, and with the Target Center signed for a series of boxing shows, a venue is in place for the light-heavyweight super-fight.
“We have to fight. There are no hard feelings, I like him, but he understands the game, if we want to be the best we have to fight the best. We’re cheating Minnesota if we don’t fight“
Fighting Walters would give Phil an opportunity to shoot onto the world stage, and represent Minneapolis at the same time. To understand what representing this City means to Williams, you need not look any further than his nickname. Drill: Directly Relating to the Inner city with Love, and Loyalty.
“It’s the kids I’m trying to get a hold of, the ones that aren’t in school. They can talk to the kids that are in school, but not when they’re out of school”
With his aim to point lost youth in the right direction, Phil is also aware that his status as a professional athlete can’t get in the way of a greater goal.
“I watch some of the things I do now, because I didn’t know I was that much of a role model. A lot of kids come in here and take pictures and get autographs and take them to show and tell. So I cleaned up a little bit because you never know who is looking”
If Phil can attain the ultimate status he strives for, impacting the lives of those around him, his involvement in the community may reach a new high. Citing his love, and knowledge for the city, Phil has hinted at a possible future in politics, and ultimately a campaign for mayor of Minneapolis. Could a professional boxer really be the next mayor of Minneapolis? Phil believes so.
“I definitely want to run for mayor later on. If someone is going to do something around this city it needs to be someone who grew up here, and understands the science, and chemistry of what’s going on. I think that because I live and work around here I understand a little more than someone who watches from the outside”
A Mayoral bid actually may not be far-fetched should William’s hometown popularity spread any further. Before Phil’s political campaign can begin, however, his boxing campaign must continue. The next stop is Target Center where Reggie LaCrete will stand across the ring from him, undoubtedly prepared to give him the fight of his life. To the fans in the seats on April 18, Phil is more than a boxer, and to the man they call “The Drill” this is more than a fight. When Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” blares over the loud speakers at Target Center, and Phil Williams makes his way to the ring, the man who cuts hair on Broadway Avenue will become the man that captures imaginations, and gives his community something that they can believe in.
Back to Phantom Punch Home Page
Friday, April 3, 2009
Caleb Truax and Jeremy Mclaurin work pads with Roger Mayweather
Local prospects Caleb Truax, and Jeremy Mclaurin recently had the opportunity to work out with special guest trainer Roger Mayweather! Check out the video footage below as Jeremy and Caleb attempt to nail down Mayweather's famous pad routine.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Up close and personal with Caleb Truax
Following an open workout with boxing's top trainer Roger Mayweather, Caleb Truax took some time to talk to yours truly. Caleb discusses working with the legendary Mayweather, camp in California with Shane Mosley, and what lies ahead. Check out the video footage of "Golden" Truax working the mitts.
Back to Phantom Punch home page
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Javontae Starks on What the Future Holds
Javontae Starks does not want to be the next Muhammad Ali, in fact, he doesn’t know yet whether he will remain in the amateurs through the 2012 Olympics, or make his pro debut sooner, rather than later. Javontae does however know why he fights, and upon seeing the look in his eye, it isn’t hard to believe that whatever he may want, he will get.
Boxing has taken the 20 year old Javontae Starks to places he couldn’t have dreamed, most recently a trip to Dublin, Ireland for an international Golden Gloves tournament. Although Starks has seen different parts of the world, and had the opportunity to box with, and in front of some of the top personalities in boxing, one experience stands out to him, an invitation to camp with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing team.
“I think my top accomplishment was being at camp with all the Olympic guys, working with Demetrius Andrade…chilling with Rau’shee Warren, Raynell Williams…working with some of the alternates.”
An experience like that might instill a drive in a world class athlete, and fuel his own Olympic aspirations, and Starks notes that the 2012 Olympics are on his radar.
“The deal is right now I’m possibly waiting to go to the 2012 Olympics, I think I’m a good candidate for that team, so we’ll see if that works out”
Should Starks crack the 2012 roster, it would seem to be a poetic Olympic story, given what he has overcome to reach that point. Amid graduation festivities in 2007 Starks suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, putting his life on the line, and boxing on hold. The gunshot wound may have been the only thing standing between Starks and a 2008 Olympic bid, but rather than break his spirits, that obstacle has put his life, and career into perspective.
“My mother is out here trying hard for my younger brothers, so the inspiration comes from wanting to keep going and making as much money as possible. My thing isn’t so much to be a great, all I can do is be the best that I can be, and make some money and invest my money smartly.”
It is clear that Starks knows what he is fighting for, not his own pride, but for the family that stands behind him. Being a prospect at the level of Javontae Starks makes solid pay days a safe bet for the future, but the only question is when Starks will take that leap into professional boxing. Starks seems to be timing his transition to the pro game at the moment, all the while building a stronger foundation with amateur titles, making for more lucrative contract offers from promotion companies.
“There is more money involved once you get more accomplishments under your belt. I am an amateur but everything to me is pro, I can’t lose anymore, the more I lose the more money is taken out of my paychecks.”
Whatever route Starks elects to take in the coming years or possibly months, amateur titles will not be lacking. Starks has struck gold in numerous tournaments nationwide, and built quite an impressive trophy case to date, but envisions something more for himself. Almost as if he feels he owes it to himself Starks has put a National title in his cross hairs, and does not intend to let anyone stand in the way of that goal.
“When I was in my crutches, I had never been ranked before, but I told people I will be number one at 152. I’m going on record to let everyone know I’m shutting it down this year at 152, I don’t feel like I’ve showed up at Nationals and had people saying that I really showed up, so I’m guaranteeing at least two more National titles, that’s a guarantee”
A National title would be Starks’ contribution to putting amateur boxing on the map in Minnesota, and another notch to the already illustrious resume’ that he has established. The career of a boxer is not unlike a storybook, there are highs, and lows. Starks has seen the lows, and that has put the highs into a new light. Whether the future of Javontae Starks holds Olympic glory, or a successful pro career remains to be seen. The rest of Stark’s story has yet to unfold, and perhaps that is why it’s so tempting to read on.
Boxing has taken the 20 year old Javontae Starks to places he couldn’t have dreamed, most recently a trip to Dublin, Ireland for an international Golden Gloves tournament. Although Starks has seen different parts of the world, and had the opportunity to box with, and in front of some of the top personalities in boxing, one experience stands out to him, an invitation to camp with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing team.
“I think my top accomplishment was being at camp with all the Olympic guys, working with Demetrius Andrade…chilling with Rau’shee Warren, Raynell Williams…working with some of the alternates.”
An experience like that might instill a drive in a world class athlete, and fuel his own Olympic aspirations, and Starks notes that the 2012 Olympics are on his radar.
“The deal is right now I’m possibly waiting to go to the 2012 Olympics, I think I’m a good candidate for that team, so we’ll see if that works out”
Should Starks crack the 2012 roster, it would seem to be a poetic Olympic story, given what he has overcome to reach that point. Amid graduation festivities in 2007 Starks suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, putting his life on the line, and boxing on hold. The gunshot wound may have been the only thing standing between Starks and a 2008 Olympic bid, but rather than break his spirits, that obstacle has put his life, and career into perspective.
“My mother is out here trying hard for my younger brothers, so the inspiration comes from wanting to keep going and making as much money as possible. My thing isn’t so much to be a great, all I can do is be the best that I can be, and make some money and invest my money smartly.”
It is clear that Starks knows what he is fighting for, not his own pride, but for the family that stands behind him. Being a prospect at the level of Javontae Starks makes solid pay days a safe bet for the future, but the only question is when Starks will take that leap into professional boxing. Starks seems to be timing his transition to the pro game at the moment, all the while building a stronger foundation with amateur titles, making for more lucrative contract offers from promotion companies.
“There is more money involved once you get more accomplishments under your belt. I am an amateur but everything to me is pro, I can’t lose anymore, the more I lose the more money is taken out of my paychecks.”
Whatever route Starks elects to take in the coming years or possibly months, amateur titles will not be lacking. Starks has struck gold in numerous tournaments nationwide, and built quite an impressive trophy case to date, but envisions something more for himself. Almost as if he feels he owes it to himself Starks has put a National title in his cross hairs, and does not intend to let anyone stand in the way of that goal.
“When I was in my crutches, I had never been ranked before, but I told people I will be number one at 152. I’m going on record to let everyone know I’m shutting it down this year at 152, I don’t feel like I’ve showed up at Nationals and had people saying that I really showed up, so I’m guaranteeing at least two more National titles, that’s a guarantee”
A National title would be Starks’ contribution to putting amateur boxing on the map in Minnesota, and another notch to the already illustrious resume’ that he has established. The career of a boxer is not unlike a storybook, there are highs, and lows. Starks has seen the lows, and that has put the highs into a new light. Whether the future of Javontae Starks holds Olympic glory, or a successful pro career remains to be seen. The rest of Stark’s story has yet to unfold, and perhaps that is why it’s so tempting to read on.
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