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Phillips, a tough fighter out of South Wales is a gritty throwback fighter with the heart, and passion for the sport of boxing that makes fight fans proud. I had another opportunity to catch up with the top 5 UK puncher, and this is what he had to say to the TalkingBoxing fans!
"DYNAMITE" DEAN PHILLIPS
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Dean Phillips: Since I last spoke to you, I fought and beat former Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Michael Muya of Kenya in an 8 rounder, winning a clear cut points decision. Off the record, it was an eliminator for the Commonwealth title, although not officially.
Brad Cooney: Dean, How far away do you feel you are from a world title match?
Dean Phillips:My immediate concern is to fight for the Commonwealth Lightweight title, and I shall take it from there. I am expecting a tune-up fight late July/early August, and want to challenge for the title in September. I am not making the mistake of jumping too far ahead of myself. I can sit here and say that I am capable of winning world titles, but I am well aware that I need to take it a step at a time.
I am 28 now, and I feel that my best years are still ahead of me. I will say that at this point in time, I am capable of beating anyone at domestic level, and I aim to prove that in the next year or so. Winning the Commonwealth title will open doors to bigger things, and I look forward to moving up levels immediately after that.
I have only been back fighting competitively since the end of November 2003, and in just 3 fights in six months, I have catapulted from 48th in the rankings to the top 10. Definitely within a year from now, maybe even sooner than that, I will be looked upon as the best Lightweight in Britain. Then I will be looking at conquering Europe before turning my attentions to a major World title. I have a few good years left in me, and I want to go as far as I can in that time.
Brad Cooney: Dean, for my American readers... do you plan on any fights in the US anytime soon?
Dean Phillips: Well, boxing is a funny sport. Opportunities can present themselves at a time when you least expect them, so who knows. Although my forthcoming fights are going to happen here in the UK, I would love to fight in the States in the future. As I stated in a previous interview, American boxing fans would love my style of fighting. I can hit hard with either hand, have a good workrate and I never take a backward step. I also have good stamina, good defence and a very good chin. I have an entertaining all-action style of fighting, and have never been in a dull fight.
Brad Cooney: When we last spoke, we talked about you getting out of the game, and then your return. Do you still have that fire burning in you to go on in this sport?
Dean Phillips: This time I am in it to win it, and I won't let anything come in the way of me realizing my potential. Every day and every night I dream of when I will start wrapping those belts around my waist.
Brad Cooney: Dean, who are some names that you would like to fight next?
Dean Phillips: Well, like I already said, I aim to take it a step at a time, and to progress at a sensible rate. My last couple of wins, both emphatic wins, have proved that I have what it takes to make serious noises at British and Commonwealth level at this time, so am ready for anyone at this level right now. That's not to say that I don't believe in myself enough to go further than that, because I have always believed that I can. Hwever, I don't see the point in calling out big names that are genuine world class until I am in the position where those fights could actually happen. When I have conquered the domestic division, I will be in a better position to talk about potential fights at genuine world class. At the moment, it is the British and Commonwealth lightweight divisions that are my concerns.
Brad Cooney: Dean, do you see a difference in the European style of boxing, and the American style of boxing? If so, what do you see the differences are?
Dean Phillips: ell, I basically see the following trends occurring in boxing these days...In general, American fighters are good to watch; the typical American boxing fan thrives on exciting fights, and usually American promoters make matches that provide this excitement. It is synonymous with the most fundamental rule of supply and demand - what consumers want, the promoters (and ultimately the fighters) deliver.
Generally, American fighters are tested a lot sooner in their careers than in a lot of other countries, and this is why proportionately, America harbours the best fighters; certainly the most genuine World title holders. One of two things happen when a fighter is tested: either he sinks or swims, and because American fighters are put in real 50-50 fights early on in their career, and are moved up in class a lot sooner, the good fighters are found in the process.
Now the European scene is a little different, and I am talking about countries such as Germany and Italy here. Sure the public here still like the excitement of a good match, but generally the European promoters tend to look after their fighters a lot more. Many European boxers wouldn't dream of venturing out of their home countries to fight, many have padded records and often win in controversial circumstances. A sad fact, but a very true fact.
I tend to believe the United Kingdom generally falls somewhere in between the top two trends.
Brad Cooney: Dean, tell your fans where they can read up on you to check out the latest with your career.
Dean Phillips: My website is up and running; you can check out the latest at www.dynamitedeanphillips.com. I upload fight images, news articles, and plan on writing some features on boxing training tips, boxing nutrition tips etc. in the near future.
Brad Cooney: Dean, when your career is all said and done, how do you want the boxing world to best remember you?
Dean Phillips: Boxing is a tough sport through and through, a lot of fighters come and go and only a handful of distinct, very special fighters are actually remembered years after they retire from the sport.
I just want people to really enjoy watching me fight while I achieve my potential, and when I retire from the sport, if I can be remembered at all for what I have achieved in there, it would be a hell of a bonus.
I am not usually the type of person to plan too far ahead, but I can definitely see myself being involved in the sport long after I retire from competitive action. I can definitely see myself as a trainer, and would love to open up a gym training professional fighters in the future. I actually have some years of experience as a coach (Phillips used to coach full contact kickboxing), and am constantly asked by members of the public about setting up a boxing gym. I have always considered myself to possess the knowledge, abilities and characteristics needed to become a top class boxing coach.....But all that is for the future. Right now, I am just one hundred percent focused on achieving my full potential, and its about getting out of the sport all those years of hard work and dedication I have put into it.....Watch this space!
Brad Cooney: Dean, thanks for taking out some time of your busy schedule to talk to me...I really appreciate it.
Dean Phillips: No problem, it is a pleasure.
***Special Thanks to "DYNAMITE" Dean Phillips for doing this interview.
Email Brad Cooney with comments at bradcooney1@bellsouth.net
www.cooneyentertainment.com