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Universal Boxing Organization World Cruiserweight champion Willie Herring, an experienced trial horse with a winning record and a veteran of many cruiserweight wars, was interviewed by Saddo Boxing from Orlando, Florida as he prepared to fly in to New York City. Herring faces 20-0 Santander Silgado (#13 WBC, # 15 WBA) in a scheduled eight rounder on the undercard of Zab Judah and Vernon Paris in the 12 round IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator main event.
Saddo Boxing: Willie, is this bout for your UBO world title?
Herring: No, it is not. We moved to get both titles, my UBO world title and Silgado’s WBC Fecarbox title on the line at 10 or 12 rounds. They (Havoc Boxing, who promoted Silgado) just wanted eight rounds.
Saddo Boxing: You are also scheduled to fight a 7-0 Nigerian fighter in Indiana on a Nate Tubbs card on April 21.
Herring: I’m not sure. I want to fight up, at least with a fighter who has a better record. If it’s my choice, I would continue to fight up.
Saddo Boxing: How has your trainer Doc O’Neill prepared you to win?
Herring: Pretty much for anything. We’re going to be ready for a war. He (Silgado) has not faced anyone with the skills I have, my being a good boxer, who can control the tempo of the fight from the inside and the outside. We’re going to fight (this bout) on my terms.
Saddo Boxing: Willie, do you think Silgado’s 20-0 cruiserweight record is legitimate?
Herring: It’s legitimate. He has 20 fights with no losses. Is it credible? Whose he fought? Silgado’s going to have to show a world class fight, with sportsmanship and ring generalship, (which you don’t acquire fighting) no bum of the month.
Saddo Boxing: Tell us about your fight last October when you won the Universal Boxing Organization vacant cruiserweight world title by stopping Ravea Springs?
Herring: In November 2011 I was right back in the gym, sharp, tuned up, primed, and ready to perform.
Saddo Boxing: Willie, do you have a prediction of the outcome of your bout with Silgado?
Herring: In the first two rounds, he (Silgado) will be surprised when his punches won’t show any effect due to my ring generalship. In the third or fourth round, it will be shown by my performance that Silgado’s fighting up in the fight of his life, in the fight of my career. In the fifth or sixth round, he’s going down. I don’t want it quick. That’s why (I predict) the fight will end in my favor in the sixth round.
Saddo Boxing: Willie, have you watched any film footage on Silgado and what did it reveal?
Herring: Silgado’s a counterpuncher. His hands are down a lot. He doesn’t have impressive footwork. However, he does have a sharp eye, and he does have talent. But his hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see, and if I’m not there, how can he hit me? He better be ready to move.
Saddo Boxing: Willie, any final comments?
Herring: Yes! Sometimes perfection doesn’t come quick. Therefore I’m taking Santander Silgado out in six!
