Interview with Heavyweight prospect
Cisse Salif
By Ike Enwereuzor
Jacboxing@hotmail.com
24.10.01 - I was able to catch up
with Heavyweight prospect Cisse Salif of Mali, now
based in New York City on phone to find out how their
training is going with Rahman. Salif is currently
at Big Bear, Calif with WBC/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion
Hasim "the Rock" Rahman helping him get
ready for his second clash with former world champ,
Lennox Lewis on Nov.17, at Mandalay Bay Casino, Las
Vegas.
Salif, 6'7ft now with a professional
record of (9-2) 9KO's began his amateur boxing career
1994 in Paris,France loosing no fights as an amateur
and was a three-time Champion of the Paris. He prepared
Rahman for his first meeting with Lewis last year
April in South Africa where Rahman shocked the world
by knocking Lewis out in 6 to capture the heavyweight
championship. Here's what Salif had to say about their
preparation and more.....
How is training going for you people
and heavyweight champ, Hasim Rahman?
Things are going great here at Big Bear, we're working
very hard for this upcoming fight with Lennox Lewis.
What do you think can happen at
this fight between the two, since this will be they
second time to meet?
I think it will be another big surprise to the world.
Rahman could knock him out again because we're so
pumped so we're training very hard like never before.
It's going to be a war. We're sparring about 14 rounds
plus daily.
When are you expected back in the
ring again?
They are trying to get me a fight on Rahman-Lewis
II card but I'm not sure yet if it will happen. Don
King has a lot of fighters, so I don't know yet my
hope.
How did you get into boxing?
I started my amateur in Paris,
France at a gym called Vga Boxing Gym. I got into
boxing just be trying to be in shape so after trying
it I like it and keep boxing. I was a three-time champion
of the Paris. I won all my 9 amateur fights.
How would would compare boxing
in France to America where you're currently fighting
out of?
France is known for soccer, boxing is not that much
big ther like in America. They is just a soccer area.
Not much boxing competition in Paris compare to America.
I love boxing as a game and America is the place to
be.
You use to spar with David Izon
in France years ago, can you tell us a little about
that?
Yes, I was in France with Izon and Ike Quartey and
I sparred with Izon many times. We use to have a lot
of fun. Izon just came back from Olympics 1992, afterthat
we work together and I learn a lot from him during
that time.
How was your relationship with
Quartey?
He was ok. He was a world champion then I was there
when he beat the guy from Venisula then he said he
was moving to Florida from there to New York. He was
a good fighters but I don't know what he's doing these
days.
Please, decribe the 2 fights you
lost?
First fight I took the guy lightly because I was just
knocking everybody out but when I didn't knock him
out it just went his way by points. Second lost, I
over trained for that fight and I can see my confidence
was a little low.
How long have you been working
with Rahman?
I prepared Rahman for his first fight with Lewis in
April last year when Rahman rocked the world and I
know he can do it again. Lewis will be surprise on
what he's about to see Nov.17 It will be a great fight
to watch.
Any comments to boxing fans?
I'll be back again very soon so don't count me out
yet. I'm working very hard and trust me I'll be back
soon.
David Botice is also in camp with
you guys in Big Bear. What do you think is his chances
against Lou Savarese on Nov.2?
I fought on Savarese-Whitaker undercard and I was
in the same locker room with Lou Savarese. He's a
nice guy. Lou is big and strong due he lost to Izon,
Grant,Tyson and Foreman I think he's strong than Botice.
Botice didn't impress me over here.
Kofi Janutah of Ghana is also here working with William
Joppy.
Salif hands phone to Winky Wright
who predicted that Rahman will stop Lewis again. Also,
Zab Judah will stop Tszyu.
Ike, I had a great fight last week,
we're now hoping to face Shane Mosley next.
Thank you both for your time.
Sure, Ike. Take care of yourself.
