Exclusive Interview by Charles C. White – Newly crowned WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title holder Chauncy Welliver sits down with this author and talks about his most recent win and his future plans for boxing. Don’t miss what he had to say.
Chauncy, congratulations on your unanimous decision victory over Mike Sheppard and your newly acquired WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title. How do you feel about your performance on Friday night?
CW: I felt good, but gotta admit, not great. Just very weak for about 3 days leading in. I had flu-like symptoms, but needed this fight and got the win. Life is good.
What was the game plan going into this fight? Did you expect it to go the distance?
CW: I thought I’d get the stoppage, but after talking to him (Sheppard) after the fight, he had a great game plan and was very prepared and sparred a few very experienced fighters leading into this fight.
Now that you have the WBC Continental Americas title, what new windows of opportunity do you think will open up for you?
CW: I’m really not sure. I’m just glad to have the win and have the opportunity to work with Rumbletime Promotions who I believe are a great promoter, and they seem to believe in me. I think maybe they are my window of opportunity.
Who is on your radar right now? If you could fight anybody, who would you choose to fight?
CW: I would love a fight with Lance Whitaker. I asked his manager and he said he would fight me but on their terms. He doesn’t got it like that anymore.
I could call out Haye and the Klitschkos, but I am only 26 and after 51 fights, I’m just getting serious, so I think Lance would be a great step up.
You have a new manager backing you in Roland Jankelson, best known for guiding former heavyweight contender Joe Hipp towards a title shot against Bruce Seldon in 1995. How did this partnership come about and what do you think Mr. Jankelson will be able to do for your career?
CW: Roland has been around in my life since I was a kid. I called him up one day last year and told him “I’m ready to be real” and here we are as a team.
Roland really is an under rated manager and I think he can help me get a shot in time. He is very connected and will do what is right for me, not his pocketbook.
Are you self trained at the moment, and if so, are you in talks with any trainers that can help advance your skill set?
CW: I was self trained pretty much for 50 fights, but look where that got me. I am now working with Petey Roybal who guided Joe Hipp after his 10th fight until he was done. He made Joe one of the best heavies of the Northwest ever. We only had a little time before this last fight together, but I am learning from him and I think we have a complete team now.
Another thing that should be mentioned is that over your last few fights, you have been consistently dropping the extra weight. What did you weigh in at for this fight and what kinds of things have you been doing in camp that have produced these results?
CW: I weighed 256lbs for this fight. Lost it the good old fashioned way; ate less, trained more. I even started lifting a bit too and feel much stronger, and can only get better with time. I still have a ways to go, but when I get there, these heavies better watch out.
Did you see the Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight? If so, what were your thoughts on both fighters’ performances?
CW: I’m a pro boxer! I can’t afford pay per view! (Laughs). No, I didn’t see the fight. My brother owns a gym and we had an amateur tournament that night, so I missed it, but that doesn’t sound like a bad thing. How bad is a fight when you were better off watching Olympic style boxing instead? (laughs)
I just learned that Eddie Chambers was knocked out in the final round against Wladimir Klitschko. Is a fight with Eddie Chambers something you would look forward to when Chambers returns?
CW: For the first time I can say, gotta ask my management. I would love to fight anybody in time. I am a new fighter and must try these new things being worked on for awhile, but I am ready for the big boys in 3 or 4 fights.
What’s next?
CW: Looking at defending my WBO Asia Pacific title in New Zealand very soon. I am back in the gym already after the fight on Friday, so I will be more ready for the WBO defense.
Any fighter in particular you’d like to fight in New Zealand?
CW: I’d like a fight with either Alex Leapai or Solomon Haumono. Alex is the WBO Oriental champion and WBO Asia Pacific mandatory, so I want to get his belt and get him out of the way, but I know he must get past “Big” Bob Mirovic next, but I’ll be there waiting when he’s done. I’m very keen on making my WBO defense soon, so anybody the WBO says will work for the next defense. Solomon is the OPBF champ and I’m the WBO Continental Americas champ. Can’t hurt to have that title as it is one of the biggest WBC regional titles.
Why all the fights in New Zealand?
CW: I live half the year in New Zealand to be with my great friends and all of the great people there, and I live the other half in America, so I can be with my family, my girlfriend, and my friends there. I love both places and it’s so hard to call one home over the other, but I just get more fights in New Zealand. People there really love this sport.
Thanks for the interview Chauncy. Again, congratulations on winning the WBC Continental Americas title. One final message for the fans?
CW: Thanks for sticking with me and I am on my way to a title. It’s gonna be a journey, but stick with me, it’ll be a fun ride.
For questions or comments, Charles White can be reached at cwhite1078@mysvc.skagit.edu