Interview With Former WBO Light Flyweight Champion and Former Undefeated WBO Mini Flyweight Champion, Paul Weir

By Chris Curry

03.12.01 - The Pride of Scotland, Paul Weir is one of the finest Boxer's to arise from his proud land. After an outstanding amateur career, the Scottish Warrior turned professional on April 27th, 1992 in the city of Glasgow. Paul Weir blew away Eddie Vallejo in two rounds. In only his sixth professional contest on May, 15th 1993, Weir was crowned the WBO Mini Flyweight Champion of the World against Fernando Martinez. The unbeaten Champion moved into the Light Flyweight division and after a controversial decision against Josue Camacho on February 2nd, 1994 for the WBO crown, Weir was back in his next fight against Paul Oulden on November 23rd 1994 in Irvine Scotland. He ripped the title away over twelve rounds to be crowned the WBO Light Flyweight Champion of the World, in only his ninth professional contest. Here is what the two weight World Champion had to say about his excellent career and on Boxing.

How did you get into Boxing and what do you remember most about your amateur career?
All I remember about getting into Boxing was when I was at school, everyone started going to the gym, so I tagged along to see if I was any good. I loved the training and the discipline boxing gave you and it all worked out in the end.

What was your amateur record?
Regarding my amateur record, I'm not sure what the total were. I've had various reports from 180 - 202, but I'm not even sure. My amateur international fights were quite a lot, as I Boxed in the following competitions:
1988-89 Norway Box Cup - Silver Diamond Jubilee - Canada Cup - European Championships (Athens) - World Championships - Canada Cup - Commonwealth Games - European Championships (Goteborg - Bronze Medal) - World Cup (Bombay) Canada Cup - World Championships (Sydney).

Western District Champion 1986
Scottish Silver 1986
Western District - Silver 1988
Scottish Champion 1988 - 89 - 90
ABA Silver Medallist 1990.

You were crowned WBO Mini Flyweight Champion of the World in only your sixth professional fight. Can you describe the moment you were announced World Champion?
After being crowned WBO Champion, I don't really think anything changed as I believed I would win the title against Fernando Martinez, regarding Boxing News thinking Martinez would stop me in three rounds. Having an extensive amateur career paid off, as fighters such as Martinez never competed in such tournaments or fought at top level.

How did you prepare mentally for your World title fights. Was it any different in preparation for your non-title fights?
Non-title fights and title fights had no difference as every fight was equally important.

You became a two weight WBO World Champion at Light Flyweight when you beat Paul Oulden. How tough was that fight after losing your last fight for the title against Josue Camacho?
After the decision going to Josue Camacho, I was totally angered with the politics that control the business.

Can you tell us how you felt when your first fight against South African, Baby Jake Matlala ended with a cut and controversial circumstances?
The Baby Jake fight was a big fight for Scottish Boxing. So I was really looking forward to it and was up for the fight. After I was cut, points was the only way, although I did think I was in front, but that is Boxing!!!!!

Who influenced you and who are your idols?
Growing up I really loved the likes of Marvellous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearn's, Sugar Ray Leonard, also the young Julio Cesar Chavez was great to watch. There were many great fighters, but I think these ones were idols to many up and coming fighters.

Looking back on an excellent career in which you won two World Championship titles, what were your highest and lowest points?
Losing fights whether be title or non title fights is a downer. Then on the other hand, I have won two World titles at different weights and probably one of the quickest guy's to achieve such a feat.

You are good friends with former WBC Bantamweight Champion, Wayne McCullough of my home city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. How did you meet the Pocket Rocket and can you recall any memorable times with Wayne?
Wayne McCullough and I met in Auckland, I think at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. We have kept in touch throughout the years since both turning pro. He has achieved so much as both amateur and professional and still has a lot to offer the sport, hopefully he can overcome this dispute with the British Boxing Board of Control.

Who are your favourite fighters?
Favourite fighters to date, I think there is so much talent out there right now and so many fighters to mention, I really enjoy watching, Floyd Mayweather, Joel Casamyer, Oscar De La Hoya, Wayne McCullough, Scott Harrison, Howard Eastman, they are just a few to mention.

What is your favourite fights of all time and do you have an all time favourite?
The best fight that sticks in my mind is Marvin Hagler V's John Mugabi, Hagler is probably the one that inspired me the most with his attitude.

What fights would you most like to see take place in the future?
Naz Vs Michael Brodie (All British), Marco Antonio Barrera Vs Eric Morales, Wayne McCullough Vs Willie Jorrin, Oscar De la Hoya Vs Bernard Hopkins.

In what way do you stay involved in Boxing today?
At the present time I am working as a Boxing agent/manger.

What would you like to say to the fight fans on Eastsideboxing.com?
The Eastsideboxing site is a great site with a lot of information that Boxing people need.

Thank you very much for your time and congratulations on being a two time World Champion. I wish you all the very best for the future and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Keep up the good work Chris with your site and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

You can visit Paul Weir's web site at www.probox.net

Thankyou Paul for an excellent interview.

By Chris Curry, Belfast, Northern Ireland.