22.08.07 – By Marie Luna – Boxingrealm.com – As four time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield reported to training camp for his unprecedented chance at a fifth world title, his trainer, the illustrious Ronnie Shields sat down with me and talked about what preparations they will focus on as they begin their run at yet another title.
ML: What are some of the things you will be focusing on to get Evander ready for his fight with Sultan?
RS: Well, you know first thing I focus on is making sure that Evander does the thing he does best. That’s the first thing. Get him in condition for himself first. Making sure that he is doing everything he is supposed to do. Then maybe in bout 3 weeks into training then I’ll start focusing on the other guy.
ML: What do you know about Ibragimov as far as his strengths and weaknesses?
RS: Nothing. Actually, right now I really don’t. I don’t know anything about him. I haven’t even started watching him yet. My main focus is Evander right now. Working on doing the things that he does best. Once I get that down then I’ll start looking at Ibragimov and find the faults see what mistakes he makes if he makes any and start working a game plan from there.
ML: How does the current Evander Holyfield compare to the past Evander?
RS: Well this Evander Holyfield right now is a lot smarter then the Evander Holyfield from back when. U know Evander Holyfield right now is more of a boxer, he throw a lot more combinations and you know the jab is really working for him right now so. So that’s the things we want to focus on and keep that going. And then from back then he was more of a fighter back then you know that’s why he got the name the warrior. You know and I’m trying to take the warrior out of him and make him more of a boxer.
ML: Are you concerned at all about Evander fighting overseas in the champions backyard.
RS: Not at all. The champion lives in Phoenix Az. But you know his home country is Russia, So no, I’m not we have to all agree on the same referee and judges. We have to all agree on that. So I think we feel comfortable with the guys that we picked and you know basically we picked the same people. So we feel comfortable you know I mean, I guess this is why it’s called the World Championship. You have to go all over to fight for the world title so we don’t mind that.
ML: Last question: Any plans to ditch the training job and head for Hollywood? This is reference to the WWE appearance that aired this past Saturday in which you and Evander were featured.
RS: I really had a good time doing that it, was really fun. But no I think I’ll stick to Boxing. Hollywood will have to wait awhile.