Interview: Jerry "Alpenkoenig" Elliott

By Ike Enwereuzor
Jacboxing@hotmail.com

The new IBF International Super middleweight champion and WBC No.9 middleweight contender Jerry "Alpenkoenig" Elliott now (32-1-1) with 26KO's captured the International version of the IBF in the super middleweight division on October 6, over South African Andie Tshongolo with a second round knockout in Cologne, Germany.

Jerry, who made his professional debut on January 26, 1994 has an impressive record of 32 wins, one defeat and a draw. He once held the WBC International middleweight belt but lost a controversial 12 rounds decision to Christian Sanavia on Febuary 17 in Padua, Italy.

"My goal is to fight for the world championship next year (2002) the new IBF International said."

Hello Jerry, congratulation to you for your victory over Tshongolo. what can you tell us about your fight with him on Oct 6?
It was a great fight for me. He was a former WBU International champ and a South African Champ now ranked No.2 in Africa. He wasn't strong enough for me, I was in great shape. I knock him out in 2nd round.

What's next for you?
I want to fight the best out there. My management has promised me a title shot next year but I have to defend my title in December. I have fought several times in Europe since my pro so I'll love to fight in America now to prove myself. I want to prove to the world that I'm among one of the best middleweights today. I'm open to fight any middleweight out there even if I have to come down in weight. I saw the Hopkins-Trinidad fight but I think it was one sided. I know I have a big chance against these guys (Hopkins & Trinidad). I would like to face Hopkins or any of the top ten fighters. People from Nigeria reads and hears about me but never really seen me fight so I would love to fight there in Nigeria someday too.

What did you think of Hopkins-Trinidad bout?
It was a great and interesting fight. Hopkins did what he had to do to win. They are both good fighters, respect them but I'm very good too and needs to be given a chance to prove it. I know American public will love to watch me box. My management hopes we can challenge Hopkins soon. I pray to get this opportunity to display my talent. I know the world was crazy about Dick Tiger so I have to bring that back.

What's your impression of Keith Holmes, have you ever thought of fighting him?
Holmes is a good boxer who's in shape but age is not on his side. I would love to fight him too. I'll fight any middleweight out there to prove myself

How was "Fighing" Ben Salah fight who fought on same card with you Oct.6?
He got careless knockout by a guy from South Africa, for the WBA International super middleweight title. His name was Mxolinxugu. In fact, I asked my management to make a fight with me and him. But they refused for some reasons. I'll fight whoever they put in front of me.

The other fight that night was Danielo Haussler from Germany who beat Italian Vincento Impavato by points. I think Danielo Haussler will fight the winner of Eric Lucas-Dingaan Thobelo. Marcus Beyer beat Shannon Landberg

Please, describe your fight with Christian Sanavia?
I can't talk much more on that fight. I want to let that pass I think I won the fight and even Marvin Hagler was in attendance and told me not to worry, he knows I won that fight. I have asked Sanavia for a rematch but he don't want to fight me. I know I'll meet again in future. I know I won that fight Christian knows it too. I want a rematch but they are asking for too much money from my promoter and said the Italian promoters would promote this fight so maybe we could meet in USA a natural ground.

Any comments to your fans?
I want to thank all my fans for their sincere support and I wish them well. Please, pray for me so I can achieve my dreams. I'll continue to give them a good show.