by Pavel Yakovlev: – The future stars of the heavyweight division are not always the highly touted prospects with undefeated records and stellar amateur backgrounds. Sometimes, dominant heavyweights emerge from the clubfighting ranks of the division: boxers ranked 20th to 40th worldwide, who have lost a few bouts but are dangerous nonetheless. Older fans will remember the example of 1980s heavyweight champion Mike Weaver. In 1978, Weaver had a mediocre 14-7 record and was not ranked in the worldwide top-ten. Two years later, however, Weaver was the WBA world champion and, for a few years, regarded as the world’s second-best heavyweight outside of Larry Holmes. No doubt, there are several “sleepers” in today’s heavyweight division. Nicaragua’s Evans Quinn may be one such fighter.
The 27-year-old Quinn recently won recognition by putting up excellent losing efforts against Kali Meehan and Sergei Lyakhovich. Based on his performance in these fights, Quinn may have the talent, size, speed, and firepower necessary to advance himself in the ratings. He took both bouts on short notice (just a couple of weeks at most), and was not able to fight at his best due to lack of preparation. With more training before important fights, Quinn may be capable of upsetting some of the current world-rated contenders.
Quinn’s current record is 18-5-1 (16 KO’s). Now managed by Matt Clark, Quinn is expected to fight often in Australia in the near future. Recently, Quinn granted ESB an exclusive interview.
ESB: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN BOXING?
QUINN: My father got me involved in boxing…telling me about how he used to box. He used to box in the different communities on the South Atlantic Autonomous Regions, during the 1980s. He used to train me on the beach of my community — named Monkey Point — which is located south of the city of Bluefields. I boxed in the army as well. In the army we boxed to be selected to fight. I had 38 amateur fights and I won all 38 fights. I won a gold medal in the year 2004 in a tournament in the Nicaraguan Army.
ESB: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
QUINN: My style is to put on a great show when I box in the ring…that is my intention. I am guided by my ability to move fast in the ring and dominate my opponent. I use my speed and smarts in the sense that when I throw combinations of punches to intimidate my opponent. I’m a boxer, but I have power in both hands. I also have the natural ability to fight my way through any situation in the ring.
ESB: WHICH GREAT BOXERS INSPIRE YOU, PERHAPS ALEXIS ARGUELLO, YOUR COUNTRYMAN?
QUINN: Muhammad Ali inspired me with his speed and psychological dominance in the ring. Also, Floyd Mayweather inspired in because of his unique way of defense.
ESB: WHO IS TRAINING YOU NOW?
QUINN: My trainer right now is Ramon¨ El Chino¨ Gutierez.
ESB: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIGHT WITH KALI MEEHAN
QUINN: I fought a smart fight, but I only had 15 days of training. This fight woke up my ability as a heavyweight boxer. I fought all 12 rounds in the fight without sitting and I felt in control for much of the match. He’s got a good punch, but he never really could reach me because I was much faster than him. I just didn’t have enough sparring before the fight. I must also mention that the Australian public loved the fight and I received a lot of support from the people over there. This fight has inspired me to return to Australia and get what is mine as far as boxing is concerned.
ESB: WHAT ABOUT THESERGEI LYAKHOVICH FIGHT?
QUINN: For Lyakhovich, I had only eight days to train. Don King offered me the fight, and I took it. I don’t regret it because this fight showed me that I am ready to be a world champion. I lost that fight but it was not because Lyakhovich beat me…I beat my own self.
ESB: WHO IS BETTER, LYAKHOVICH OR MEEHAN?
QUINN: I would give it to Kali Meehan, because he is a much smarter fighter and also stronger.
ESB: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN BOXING TWO YEARS FROM NOW?
QUINN: I see my self on top of the world. I am training very hard here in Nicaragua to return to the world of boxing. The only difference this time is that I have more experience and a lot more discipline. I am ready now to take