07.11 - This is an interview with former Two-time WBA middleweight champion William Joppy from Lincoln Park, MD now(32-21) with 24KO's who's on the phone with me as he prepares for his next outing since his lost a 5th round KO to four-time world champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad on May 12 this year.
The former world champion will make his next ring appearance on November 17, on Rahman-Lewis card, at mandalay Bay casino in Las Vegas against WBA number-one unbeaten Englishman Howard Eastman (32-0) for the vacant WBA middleweight championship. Bernard Hopkins vacated the title after being crown the super champion. Joppy began his professional career on Febuary 26, 1993 in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania by scoring a four-rounds decision over Dwayne Tennet. He lost non of his 22 fights when he became WBA No.1 mandatory challenger. On June 24, 1996, Joppy dismantled Shinji Takehara in ninth round to obtain the WBA middleweight championship in Yokohama, Japan. Joppy floored Takehara in round-one with an overhand right and continued to punish him with combination before ref steped in to stop the fight in 9.
Joppy's first lost came August 23, 1997 in Madison Square Garden, New York City when he lost a 12 rounds controversial decision to former champion, Julio Ceasers Green. On January 31, 1998, Joppy avenged his lost to Green by 12th round decision. His second lost came in May when Trinidad Koed him in fifth to grab the WBA middleweight.
How is training going for your upcoming fight with Howard Eastman Nov 17, on
the Rahman-Lewis undercard?
It's going great, thank you. I have worked with Shane Mosley, Kofi Jantuah, Jeff Lacy and other good fighters. Mosley is one of the fastest fighters today. Kofi's a great fighter.
How long have you been preparing for this fight?
I've been training 2 months now for this fight. We're ready for Eastman.
Your impression of Howard Eastman?
He's a good fighter, undefeated but I'm going to show him how we do it in America. He'll receive a little bit more than he can chew from this American fighter.
What should boxing fans expect on Nov.17?
I'll be back after my lost to Trinidad. My lost to Trinidad didn't do anything to me but make me a stronger man. Trinidad got caught rapping his hands illegally. He has been cheating the fans all this time. I have taken his lost as a man but know people can see that he's been cheating. I took it like a man, I'll be 150% this time. I just made mistakes. Trinidad don't have punching power he has been illegally rapping his hands. Bernard took away his power after he found him rapping his hands illegally. Trinidad
cheated against me and others he fought in the past.
How would you describe your fight with Trinidad?
It was a mistake due I can't give him any credit because he cheated. He hurt in the first round. He doesn't have punching power. He has been rapping his hands illegally.
Your thoughts on Hopkins-Trindad fight?
Bernard Hopkins exposed him. He has been winning his fights by cheating and his father has been doing this for him all this time. They have been cheating all his career.
You were in the dressing room when the national anthem was going on? Why did you decide to be in the lockroom at that time?
I don't even remember that.
Did you get a chance to watch your fight Trinidad over since?
No, I don't wanna see it.
Have you thought of a possible match with Keith Holmes?
I wanted to fight Keith since 1996. He doesn't want to fight me, he keeps complaining about money. Holmes is just a local hero in Baltimore, MD. He don't want to fight me. I think he should retire look at he fought Bernard Hopkins like a girl. I hope Hopkins will fight me.
Your prediction on Rahman-Lewis II?
It will be a repeat! I think Rahman will knock him out again. Hasim is in great shape, focused and dedicated. It's going to be the same result you saw in their first fight in South Africa.
Your thoughts on Tszyu-Judah fight?
I was there. Zab didn't fight his fight, he had the speed but just kept moving back and kept hands down. Zab's experience level wasn't there yet. But I still think Zab has the tools to beat Kostya in a rematch. He just have to go about it different next time.
Your hobbies?
I like hand dancing. Not skitting.
Are you still running your Business in D.C?
No, I sold it after my accident. I had to sell it so I can stay home and heal my body and get fully in boxing game.
When did you start amateur and why did you decide to box?
I started in 1991, I was in the Olympic trails and lost to Chris Byrd
This is Chris Bryd who's a heavyweight now? How would you describe your bout with him then at middleweight?
Yeah, I fought him at middleweight, our fight was a good, I lost to him by points. I thought I beat him but his father was the Olympic team coach then.
Your thought of Chris today at heavyweight division?
He's one of the best out their now. He should get a title shot, he's a great fighter. He should have a chance to fight for the world championship.
What do you remember about your first professional fight?
Nothing but I was so excited getting paid. I was looking for that money.
What's next for you if you defeat Howard Eastman?
I'll take it as it comes but we hope Hopkins wants to fight, our style will beat his. If it doesn't happen then we may fight David Reid or other worthy opponents out there. I'll not give Keith Holmes a shot when I get my title back. I've been trying to fight Holmes since 1996 but he kept giving excuses. I think he should retire, he fought Hopkins like a clown.
Is there anything in Boxing that you wish to accomplish that haven't yet?
I have already been a champion twice so my next step is to go down in history as a legend. 100 years from today I want my name to be up there. Who do you here his name all the time "Muhummed Ali". I want to be like him.
If you were to meet Felix Trinidad again. What would you do different?
You know what. I'll not do anything different. I can beat Trinidad, they have been cheating the public. The only thing I'll do different is to make sure we check his hand rap before the fight. beside, I'll have my same game plan. He got caught cheating by Bernard Hopkins.
Send your comments or questions to: Jacboxing@hotmail.com
