Wayne McCullough: Fighter That Never Quits.

“I respect Larios 100% as a fighter and for giving me this opportunity.”–Wayne McCullough battles Oscar Larios in a rematch on July 16.

Many people tried to tell Wayne McCullough that at the age of thirty-five, his career was over. Many thought after his fight with Scott Harrison that Wayne was finished, but the “Pocket Rocket” had another plan. What those people considered the end of Wayne McCullough’s career, due to that loss, was more like a rebirth and a new beginning. Wayne McCullough not only rebounded,

but also showed that he deserved to be considered a force in boxing. With a win over Mike Juarez, Wayne showed resilience and poise, thus causing the boxing world to take notice. SaddoBoxing had the privilege of speaking with the motivated and confident Wayne McCullough as he prepares for his fight on July 16 in Las Vegas. And you readers are being treated to a double dose of boxing, as Wayne is joined by his wife and manager Cheryl who also takes part in this exclusive interview brought only to you by the best in the business, SaddoBoxing. See what the power couple had to say in this must read exclusive!

Wayne knows that this fight is a blessing for him; having the opportunity to face Oscar Larios again in the rematch for his WBC super bantamweight title. I asked Wayne how he felt about this rematch. “I prayed to God for the rematch, it was the happiest day of my life to find out I got the rematch,” he proclaimed. “All praises go to Dan Goossen!” Wayne never stopped believing in himself and his abilities, and continued to train hard and stayed focused, knowing that one day he would get this opportunity, and believe you me, he intends to capitalize on this fight without leaving anything up to the judges and the scorecards.

When asked about the whole “age” situation, and why people made such a fuss over it, he happily stated, “Hopkins gives us all hope.” But do not be mistaken, the age thing is definitely not the issue for the McCullough’s. Staying healthy and in shape is first priority. Training non-stop in his own gym located at his home in Las Vegas allows him to be on top of his game. But it has not been an easy road for Wayne McCullough. What most folks do not realize is that there are always two sides to every story and Wayne is now ready to tell his side. Later this year, his book, “The Fighter That Never Quits,” will be released; detailing all the accounts leading up to his loss to Scott Harrison and his reason for continuing in boxing.

What many did not know is that Wayne was hospitalized three days before the Harrison fight, and despite the advice from wife/manager Cheryl, he went through with the fight. When asked why he continued with the fight, he simply stated, “I signed the contract and I’m a man of my word.” And indeed, he kept his word. That comment left me to wonder, how Cheryl would handle such a situation. So I asked the question of how she manages to keep the personal side of the relationship separate from the business side. “It’s tough keeping it separate,” she states, “I can’t secure him a better deal than anybody else could.” So, the McCullough’s work together, and get through every situation.
What keeps this union so strong is that the two understand their roles. As manager, Cheryl states her duties, “I negotiate between Wayne and his promoters, set up interviews along with PR and organize the training camps.” Obviously, we know that there is a whole lot more that goes on behind the scenes managing a world-class fighter. Cheryl’s management tenure with Wayne began in 1997 after his fight against Daniel Zaragoza. Cheryl took the reigns. She manages her husband and no other fighters. She continues, “I started with Wayne and will end with Wayne.” This is an ironclad union with a plan, and the mission is to be once again champion of the world.

Wayne knows the task at hand; to beat Oscar Larios, but as a gentleman he gives all respect to his opponent stating, “I respect Larios 100% as a fighter and for giving me this opportunity.” While conducting this interview, I could honestly tell that Wayne was as relaxed and confident as a fighter could get in this situation; it almost gave me the feeling that all the ups and downs and trails and tribulations that the McCullough’s went through were for this particular moment. The feeling was one of complete peace. So in saying all that, SaddoBoxing would like to wish the best of luck to Wayne McCullough as he attempts to do what so many said he could not do, and that is to become world champion again!

Special thanks to Cheryl for taking time out of her busy schedule to give us an insight on what it is like on the business end; a side of boxing many people rarely get to know about. Thank you and keep posted for the complete post-fight interview.

Katrina Walters can be reached at boxingkatrina@aol.com