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On the 10th February 2005, Wayne McCullough proved a lot of people wrong. By taking WBC super-bantamweight champion Oscar Larios to the wire over 12 hotly contested rounds, the gritty Irishman crushed the doubters who said he was wrong to continue at 35 years of age. On the undercard of the middleweight title fight between Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor this Saturday night McCullough again tackles Larios, this time looking to belong.
Rather than settle for a controversial second best, the 1992 Olympic silver medallist McCullough will look to beat the number one boxer in the division and put his name in the frame for money-spinning contests against the likes of WBA champ Mahyar Monshipour, IBF titlist Israel Vasquez or ex WBO king Joan Guzman.
McCullough, 27-5 (18), a man who has boxed for the WBC 122 lb title three times as well as the WBO version of the featherweight crown, is determined to once again stake his claim as a leading player in his preferred weight class. Lest we forget, McCullough rose to prominence with a WBC bantamweight title triumph back in 1995 with a gutsy win in Japan against Yasuei Yakushiji. He then successfully defended the belt two times in his homeland against Johnny Brehdahl and Jose Luis Bueno, before bowing down to weight making problems, and jumping up four pounds to super-bantam.
Ten years later and with five failed world title bids behind him, Belfast’s McCullough drinks at the Last Chance Saloon on Saturday evening in Las Vegas as he attempts to dethrone Mexican-born number one Larios of his WBC title.
The ‘Pocket Rocket’, one of the toughest men to ever grace the ring, took time out from his hectic training schedule to talk to British Doghouse.
SW: When did you start training for this 2nd fight with Oscar Larios, can you tell us a little bit about your programme and perhaps some of the people you sparred with in recent weeks??
WM: I took 6 days off after my last fight with Larios. Around the beginning of May I got word that the rematch could be made but it wasn't until about 5 weeks ago that I stepped up the pace and got into hard training. I run about 6 days a week and sit on the stationary bike on Sundays. I train twice every day. I have been sparring 3 days a week with 3 different sparring partners. I start by doing a few rounds with Craig Stott (180lb), then I do a few rounds with Brian Clements (140lb) and finish with Matt Fardell (195lb). Brian was a fighter a few years ago but feels better in the gym than in a real fight. Neither Craig or Matt have fought before but they are raw talent.
SW: Are sparring sessions in the States a lot different to those in the UK?
WM: Sparring sessions in the States are always tough. Fighters over here also have different styles than those in Europe.
SW: Many people stated you were robbed in your first fight with Larios, Are you conscious you have to stop him? Have the relevant authorities drafted in experienced judges... what are your overall feelings on this??
WM: I don't want, nor do I expect, any favors here but I know I'll get a fair shake in Vegas. I would love to KO him but I'm prepared for 12 rounds if needs be.
SW: Do you think you will be facing a stronger and more determined Larios this time around? Do you think he was complacent in the first fight, and thus will you be ready for the improved version of the champion?
WM: What more can he bring to the table? I think he fought the best fight of his life in our last fight. If he has anything different, then I'll be ready.
SW: Can you explain a little on how hard it was persuading Team Larios that a second fight should take place, or was the decision taken out of their hands and was it the world governing bodies you had to convince?
WM: Dan Goossen (my promoter) worked hard on securing me the rematch. I know he had correspondence with the WBC and Golden Boy but I think Larios knew he hadn't won so convincingly so he wanted to prove that he could beat me fair and square. However, without Dan Goossen, I would not be where I am today.
SW: Can you confirm who is in your corner next Saturday? If it is Freddie Roach has he taught an experienced Wayne McCullough anything new?
WM: Freddie Roach will be working with me Saturday night. I believe a fighter is always learning new things. Freddie, like Eddie Futch before him, could teach me something new every day and even at this point in my career, I am will to learn.
SW: What on earth keeps you going, you have done fantastically well in your career, why don't you enjoy the money from your ring exploits? What motivates you to turn out for training each day and to run that extra mile and to take part in that extra round of sparring?
WM: Only the love of boxing keeps me going.
SW: What are your thoughts on the British Scene at the present time? Who do you think wins Haye v Hobson, Williams v Skelton and if they are ever to meet, Nelson v Maccarinelli?
WM: To be perfectly honest, I don't know much about any of the fighters you mentioned and it would be unfair of me to give my opinion on those fights or fighters.
SW: Were you surprised at Ricky Hatton beating Kostya Tzsyu?
WM: NO. I picked Ricky to win on points or by late stoppage.
SW: Who is your favourite current British Fighter that you enjoy watching??
WM: Ricky Hatton.
SW: Thanks Wayne for talking to Doghouse Boxing!
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2005
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Interview by Spud Woollatt (July 15, 2005) 
