TalkingBoxing Interviews
Roger Cantrell Makes Pro Debut
FRI May 13, JULIUS STECKER - There is something about a pro debut that really gets fight fans buzzing. They want to know who this guy is and they want to know if he will be something special; someone they can look to in the future. Former amateur standout Roger Cantrell can be that man in the thrilling middleweight division.
The Puyallup, Washington native will be looking to put on a spectacular show, when he steps in the ring this Saturday night May 14th at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington for his pro debut.
Talkingboxing.com caught up with the young fighter before his pro debut.
“Training for the pros is a lot different then training for amateurs. Everything is done at a slower pace,” explained Cantrell.
Cantrell had an excellent amateur career, sporting a record of 57-4, with 24 of those wins coming by way of knockout. He is a 2-time Tacoma Gold Gloves Champion, and he placed 5th at this years US Amateur National Championships. He is hoping that his success will carry over to the professional ranks.
“I am a good technical boxer, and I have a great left hook that has bailed me out more then once,” stated Cantrell when asked about his style of fighting.
Roger looks up to young Middleweight Contender Jermain Taylor, and he hopes to one day duplicate the success of the young former Olympian.
While Cantrell admires Taylor, he gets a chance to personally spar with some respected middleweight veteran contenders, namely Kenny Ellis and Emmet Linton.
He explained, “I like working with those guys. They give me great work. They don’t go out there and try to bomb me out. Each time I get in there with them, I learn something different.”
Roger will be looking to make an impact this Saturday, and he closed with this.
“Fight fans can expect me to go in there and get a knockout. In years to come they can expect me to keep winning, and I believe I have the heart to one day win a world title.”
If he makes some noise Saturday night, he could be on his way to a successful future in the sweet science.
