TalkingBoxing Interviews
Talking Boxing with VINCE PHILLIPS
FRI OCTOBER 14, PHILLIP DIAZ - Former IBF jr. welterweight champion "Cool" Vince Phillips came through with his promise to beat highly regarded Kelson Pinto, taking a technical decision last night at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA. After losing a close decision to Alex Bunema at jr. middleweight, the 42-year old Phillips, 48-9-1, has settled down at the welterweight limit scoring a pair of recent wins at 147. Phillips is demanding that Kostya Tszyu attempt revenge and would love to battle Arturo Gatti.
Talkingboxing: First off, congratulations on your victory over Kelson Pinto, what are your thoughts about your performance tonight?
Vince Phillips: Well I thought I had a good performance. I was in there with a young man. I thought I hit him in the first round with some good body shots. He started running, and his shoes, the way they were taped. He kept moving so that made him get away from a lot of shots. I had to time him.
For the second round, I timed him after his jab, and than after I timed him with the right after the jab, that’s what knocked him down. He was moving a lot more so that made it even tougher. So I tried to stay in close just a little bit, use my jab a little bit and just try to time him a little bit better.
Talkingboxing: As far as your opponent, would you say that style wise that this was an easy fight? From my perspective it appeared that way, you were countering him beautifully...
Vince Phillips: Nah, it wasn’t easy. This guy was awkward, when he moved, he slid with his shoes because it wasn’t stable. It wasn’t like he’d stay still and move, it was all kinds of ways, like discombobulated. So it was really hard to time him. So I was just trying to visualize each movement and try to time him that way.
Talkingboxing: Of course there’s been allot of questionable decisions in the past, were you a little worried when the fight was stopped that perhaps it might not go your way? Even though it was pretty obvious who was victorious.
Vince Phillips: Yes I was because I was on their turf and it was their promoter. Even though it’s my homeland in California, I’ve been living here for a little bit here and there, living in Las Vegas, but training out of the L.A. Boxing Gym before they closed it. It’s just that Maldonado had the Brazilian guys, so it was his card, that was his guy. So yes I was kind of worried about them taking the decision.
Talkingboxing: What’s next for Vince Phillips, do you have anybody in mind?
Vince Phillips: I’m calling out [Arturo] Gatti! You know he wanted to move to 147, the WBC recognizes him. You know give me a chance to make some money.
I’m calling out Kosta Tzysu! He wants to fight Jab Judah. Look he beat Judah. Even thought Judah is the champ of the world. I got a belt, I got the WBC belt, you ain’t got no belt! You want to come to 147. Outside of Ricky Hatton, I’m really the only man to beat you, so give me a shot again.
Talking about I’m old, I’m 42, you never gave me my due. I’m 42, so what give me due. Step up to 147 and fight me for my belt. Like I took your belt take mine!
Talkingboxing: You’ve been in the sport for many years; you’ve been a great champion. Do you feel that fight was your greatest performance?
Vince Phillips: This fight here?
Talkingboxing: No the Tszyu fight.
Vince Phillips: Yes, that was my greatest fight. Outside of that I’m still looking for a couple of more great fights. I enjoyed this fight a little bit. It’s just that the guy was so awkward. He slid allot. I didn’t get to time him as good as I wanted to. I think I was too strong for him and that kind of hindered him a little bit.
All and all I give God all praises for giving me the opportunity to go and do what I did. All and all I just thank God and I’m happy for this victory.
Talkingboxing: Once again congratulations on your victory tonight. Is there anything in closing you’d like to say to all your fans out there?
Vince Phillips: I’d like to say keep watching because “Cool” Vince Phillips is still around. And I’d like everyone to keep their prayers for me. Because even though my age is what it is, I feel youthful and ready to fight anybody who steps up to the front. Thank you.
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