Check out my new website at www.ultimateboxingresults.com
Leading up to his bout on the undercard of the Mayweather v De La Hoya Show, Scottish Middleweight managed by Oscar De La Hoya, and former Amateur Champion Craig McEwan gives an exclusive interview
Exclusive Interview with Unbeaten up and Coming Scottish Middleweight
Craig McEwen – 4 Fights 4 wins – 3 by Stoppage
12 Rounds with Craig McEwan
1) After a fantastic amateur career did you feel a lot of pressure stepping up to the professional ranks or was it a natural transgression ?
Well, I had 378 amateur fights so my experience stood me in good stead. I have learned to adapt my amateur style into something more suited to a pro.
2) You have had a great start to your career and with the backing of Freddie Roach and Oscar De La Hoya you must have high hopes for your future, obviously everyone wants to make it to a world title, realistically do you think you have a chance ?
Yes, I am so lucky to have the backing of a great trainer and great promoter. You know, if Freddie Roach and Oscar De La Hoya keep telling you, you can be a World Champion then you start to believe it.
3) All your fights so far have been in the US, any plans to fight back in Britain soon?
I would love to fight in Britain, especially in Scotland in front of a home crowd, but I don‘t think it will happen this year. I want to learn my trade in America then take Britain by storm!! Ha ha! The American boxing fans have shown me great support in all of my fights. Most of them have Scottish roots!
4) If you were offered one million pounds cash in hand or a world title shot in the location of your choice which would you take, if the fight which location and who would be the ideal opponent ?
Without question, I would take the world title shot. That’s why I am in the sport. I have trained all my life to win a world title. I would love to fight for it in Edinburgh Castle. I can’t name an ideal opponent. I would fight anyone. I would love it if there were, say, four top guys in the weight and we could all fight each other, like the Leonard, Hagler, Duran, Hearns fights.
5) Which moment of your boxing career amateur and professional are you most proud of ?
Well, fighting in the MGM Grand in Vegas on a Barrera under card for my first professional fight was amazing. I was terrified!! But to top it of with a first round KO was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting or successful debut.
6) There are already looking towards another US v UK contender series for next year if offered would you like to be involved and if so whose side would you be fighting on ?
Well, I had been working with Peter Manfredo Jr in the run up to the Joe Calzaghe fight so I was in Newcastle for the Contender show as part of Team USA. This is a really difficult question. I’ll just say that while I am promoted by Golden Boy I probably couldn’t be part of the series so I don’t have to chose sides!! Ha ha!
7) What is you favourite fight you haven’t been involved in ?
The most memorable fight I have watched is my dad, fighting as a amateur on Easter Sunday, in the Scottish Championships, when I was a kid. I remember sitting at ringside cheering him on, eating an Easter Egg. It was when head guards were first introduced into the amateur game. My dad knocked his opponents’ head guard off three times. For a kid that’s so exciting!!
Who do you think is the best pound for pound boxer around today ?
Well, I have to be bias and say my pal Oscar De La Hoya. I am fighting on the De La Hoya/Mayweather card on May 5th. It’s going to be a great fight!!
9) Do you think there are any fighters around today who will still be talked about in 50 years, like the Sugar Ray Robinsons ?
Again, I would have to say Oscar and Mayweather, especially after this fight. I think if you have a few top guys in one weight division then you will get some super fights. Even non boxing fans remember the Fab Four. At the moment you have a similar situation with Morales, Barrera and Pacquiao. However, I have to say the one who will stick out in 50 years will probably be Mike Tyson.
10) When you retire how would you like people to remember you ?
I would like to be remembered as a great fighter and someone who is prepared to fight the best to get to the top. I don’t want to be one of these fighters who fight on when I’ve got nothing else to prove. I still want to be able to answer questions like this in 10 years time!!
11) Who is the toughest guy you have ever been in a ring with ?
Being in the Wildcard Gym, every time I get in for sparring I am working with a tough guy. I have sparred with Vernon Forrest, Vanes Martirosyan, Peter Manfredo and some really tough Mexican fighters! I just remember the first time I sparred in the Wildcard, Freddie put me in with Kingsley Ikeke. Now I pride myself on being difficult and awkward to hit but, that first time, every time Kingsley stuck out that huge long jag of his it seemed to hit me…even when I was on the other side of the ring!! I’ve gotten used to it now and it has got easier but that first time was a nightmare! I’ve learned so much from these guys, and Freddie, of course.
12) Which Boxer has inspired you the most in your career ?
Got to say my dad. He started boxing at 32 and would fight anyone! He tried to get my two older brothers into boxing. They got fed up he stuck at it. He had 100 fights as an amateur and boxed for Scotland. He now has his own amateur gym in Edinburgh and has produced a number of champions. When I started boxing at 7, my dad’s hero was Sugar Ray Leonard. He taught me how to move before I could punch!! And to this day I still watch Sugar for moves I can add to my arsenal!!
Thanks very much. Great questions.
I had to think long and hard. Glad it wasn’t a TV interview!! Ha ha !
Thanks Craig, some great answers
