MightyGloves.com

The Confidence Man: Nate Campbell

posted by mightygloves.com on July 21, 2009, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

Photo Credits: www.skysports.com and www.eastsideboxing.com

One fact becomes crystal clear when speaking with Nate Campbell, former unified lightweight world title holder and veteran ring warrior he loves to fight and he especially loves to win. Nate ( 33-5-1 25K's) will be fighting Timothy Bradley ( 24-0 11K's) come August 1st at the Agua Caliente Casino in California for Bradley's WBO junior welterweight title.

Nate is one fighter who exhibits an air of confidence not only inside the square circle but outside the ropes as well. Nate is aware of his critics and their sucker punches directed towards his character, vocal opinions and his boxing ability. Nate chooses to silence his haters by performing well in the ring so his numerous fans get to see an entertaining bout and understand his hard hitting talent and his many accomplishments so far are for real.

Even the fact that Timothy Bradley is younger, faster and quicker than Campbell doesn't phase this elite fighter one bit. Being a boxing veteran, Nate has been around the hurt business a long time and is aware of all the possible tricks of the trade Bradley may bring to the fight. " I've fought all types of fighters. There is nothing he ( Bradley) can show me that I haven't already seen." stated Nate. "The question should be, Has he ever fought anyone like me before?" I don't think so."

Let's talk to Nate about the upcoming fight, his career and thoughts on the sport of boxing:

BD What attracted you to boxing?
NC I was a fan who loved it and thought I could do better than what was out there and had been shadowing boxing all my life.

BD Starting late in the sport a disadvantage at all?
NC Obviously not. I became a 3 title holder world champ and can dance with the best of them.

BD How did you get your nickname?
NC The word Gallaxy came from my gym and the guys use to call me little warrior so I combined the 2 to get Gallaxy Warrior.

BD How would you define yourself as a fighter?
NC I'm a aggressive type of person as well as fighter. I can do anything. I'm an utility boxer.

BD Who were your inspirations in the sport of boxing?
NC Arguello and Gatti. My all time favorite is Sugar Ray Robison.

BD Reaction to your last fight?
NC It was a weight I couldn't make anymore.

BD How did you feel being stripped of your titles?
NC I wasn't happy about it. It is what it is.

BD What did you learn from this fight?
NC There was more dog in me that people knew about.

BD How did your unorthodox style evolve?
NC Out of necessity. When people want to knock your head off you do what you can to not let that happen.

BD Did age finally dictate what weight to fight at?
NC Yes.

BD What do you think of catch weights?
NC Bull shit. If you can't make a weight class then don't fight in.

BD People say you do not deserve a title shot in your first fight at jr. welterweight your thoughts on that?
NC What wouldn't I. Manny gets title shots in every weight class he goes for. I guess I'm not as popular as Manny happens to be.

BD Would you fight Hatton in England?
NC Yes. Two hours after my fight with Bradley.

BD Would you fight Manny in the Philippines?
NC Yes. I'd fight him at a bus stop.

BD Which of these 3 words would you describe Manny? good great over-rated
NC Over-rated.

BD Are you anxious,nervous or excited about your upcoming fight?
NC I love to fight. I'm a fighter that's what I do.

BD What do you know of your opponent?
NC A lot. The question should be what does he know about me.

BD What problems does he present for you?
NC He can run all night long and get the decision in his home town but I won't let that happen.

BD Are you prepared to go the distance?
NC Every fight I fight.

BD Are you looking for a KO?
NC Every fight.

BD What do you think about the match up of styles?
NC My style is superior to his. He never fought anyone like me. They think I got old and that's why they want to fight me but I sill have a lot left. It will be a great fight.

BD What about the critics who say Bradley is to young,to quick and to strong for you?
NC They said the same thing about Juan Diaz and we know how that turned out.

BD How is training going?
NC Great. I just sparred 12 rounds yesterday.

BD How is your overall conditioning?
NC I'm in great shape. Best shape then ever before. As I get older my conditioning picks up and I'm ready to knock out guys because they run away from me.

BD Your greatest strength in boxing?
NC My style.

BD What needs improvement?
NC Everything. I'm always learning. I'm human.

BD Describe your ring generalship?
NC I know how to win rounds without throwing many punches. Fans want to see a million punches even if you don't land them. I'm opposite of that. That is how boxing is hurting itself.

BD Is boxing fun for you?
NC It's the thing in my life that completes me. I do what I love. I have lived my dream how many people can say that?

BD Would you consider going up to welterweight to fight Cotto or Clotty?
NC It's on my mind.

BD What drives you internally?
NC My sheer hatred for how boxing is all business now.

BD Your greatest accomplishment so far?
NC The oldest first time unified world champ.

BD Best thing about being a boxer?
NC Getting to hurt people. You have to walk the walk in boxing and not just talk the talk.

BD Of your 5 losses who would you like to rematch?
NC Everyone.

BD Any regrets in your career?
NC No I don't. My career made me who I am.

BD Your opinion on women's boxing and mma?
NC I love women's boxing and nothing bad to say about mma but not everyone can box.

BD What do you like to do when your not training for a fight?
NC Hang out with my wife and kids. I'm a regular guy.

BD Ever feel you made a fight tougher than it should have been?
NC We all have done that.

BD What do you think of undefeated records?
NC Over-rated.

BD Who are some boxers you like presently?
NC Ones who work hard. There is more fluff now then guys who are willing to work hard at their craft.

BD How do you hope to be ultimately remembered as a fighter?
NC I lived my dream and I did it my way. I will have my name in the record books.

BD After hanging up the gloves would you like to train fighters?
NC Oh Yeah.

BD What makes you special?
NC I don't know. What do you think makes me special? Everyone is special.

BD What are you afraid of?
NC Snakes. Sharks.

BD Best part of your body?
NC Can't say it on the phone. Just Kidding. My heart.

BD 1 word to describe your personality?
NC Aggressive.

BD 1 thing people would never guess about you?
NC I'm down to earth.

BD Dream vacation?
NC My wife and I would go to Hawaii

BD If people were cars you would be a ...
NC 1967 ss Chevelle

BD What do you most want people to know about you?
NC I truly believe what I tell them. I'm much more articulate than people give me credit for.

BD Your worst habit?
NC Nail biter.

BD To lighten up you...
NC Hang out with my family. Spend time on the pc. I love music.

BD Favorite color
NC red

BD Favorite food
NC Ohhh. I love food. Soul anything.

BD Favorite snack
NC Ice cream and freezer pops.

BD Favorite music
NC R and B, Gospel, Motown and some Disco.

BD Favorite drink
NC Coke and Pepsi soda is my guilty pleasure.

BD In closing- How can we keep boxing strong?
NC Kill the politics.

BD Anything you would like to add to this interview?
NC You got into my business as best as anyone has.
BD I hope that is a good thing?
NC Yes. Thank you.

« Previous article: Technical Difficulties with Links

Next article: The World's Greatest Ever Lightweight Boxers »