Interview with
Calvin Brock
By Ed Ludwig
11.09.01 - I would
like to start off by offering my deepest sympathies
to the families who have lost loved ones in the
senseless attack that took place in the USA. After
the tragedy took place I was unsure if I should
go ahead with my scheduled interview with Calvin
Brock. He was very kind and candid and I want to
thank him for letting me speak with him during a
very difficult time for all of us who have felt
the impact of what took place on Tuesday September
11th.
Ed Ludwig: How
did you manage balancing your boxing career and
your studies at University Of North Carolina Charlotte?
Calvin Brock: Was
a workhorse from 6 am to 11pm each day. Going to
classes, study and training. There was a lot of
pressure and stress.
EL: How old were
you when you first put on a pair of boxing gloves?
CB: I was eight
years old. I got two sets of gloves for Christmas.
I would box with friends in my yard and I started
in the gym at twelve.
EL: Your fondest
memory of your amateur career?
CB: The bout I won
to make the Olympic Team in the box-offs. I won
by one point and it was the most memorable and exciting
moment of my life. Defeated TJ Wilson.
EL: How did your
fight with veteran Rocky Gannon take place?
CB: The fight was
part of the David Tua vs. Chris Byrd card and my
dad thought he would be a good opponent. We knew
Rocky would be very confident because I only had
five fights leading up to it. It was a tough two
rounds. Rocky Gannon retired after the loss.
EL: How is your
relationship with America Presents?
CB: It is excellent.
Everyone is interested in my career and trying to
build me into a world champion.
EL: Would a fight
with fellow Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey interest
you?
CB: Oh no, definitely
not. Same promoter and it wont happen. Going to
Michigan soon to train with Lawrence and Al Mitchell.
EL: How do you
feel inactivity affects a boxer?
CB: Inactivity is
not good for anyone. You put on weight and rust.
Have to work very hard to get back in shape.
EL: Many families
that work together fall apart, your relationship
with your dad is very strong. What makes it work?
CB: Well first,
before boxing he is a great father who is very supportive
and always been there for me. I first learned boxing
from instructional tapes from Ringside. Kenny Weldon
was the instructor on these tapes. They came from
my dad. I can trust him as my manager because others
would be driven by money. Look at the success of
Felix Trinidad and Shane Mosley. Both trained by
their fathers.
EL: What are
some of the responsibilities your dad has?
CB: Coming to the
gym and train with me. As a manager he has to choose
the right opponent for me. He also gives me a monthly
salary.
EL: Is it hard
for your dad to watch you fight?
CB: Maybe in the
beginning. Once I fight better competition the anxiety
will come. Used to be a time where he would sweat
a lot because of nerves. When I made the Olympic
team neither of us slept much.
EL: You weighed
a career high 238 1/2 pounds against Lewis Gilbert,
what is your most comfortable weight?
CB: It's around
233. A lot depends on what you eat the day of the
fight.
EL: Where do
you see yourself one year from now?
CB: Hopefully I
will have won 16 to 18 fights by then.
EL: Do you mind
going into the later rounds or do you like the early
knockouts?
CB: I don't mind
the later rounds as I always train to go the distance.
EL: Your thoughts
on the Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis rematch that
will take place soon?
CB: It will be interesting.
Lewis should win. He has the big fight experience
and he is the harder puncher. He came back strong
after his loss to Oliver McCall. Rahman could pull
it out though. He is the champion and very confident
plus he is on a high right now.
EL: When your
boxing career is over will you stay involved with
the sport?
CB: I plan to own
my own line of boxing fitness centres in Charlotte.
For people of all ages and have an amateur program
for kids. I will have a ring and regular boxing
workouts.
For more information
on Calvin Brock be sure to check out his website
www.calvinbrockusa.com
Tune into FOX Sunday
Night Fights on October 7th to see Calvin
Brock (7-0 w/6ko's) vs. TBA.
