Interview

October 13, 2003
Interview with SYD VANDERPOOL

"(Calzaghe) can fight me next then to see where he fits in"

by Julius Stecker
    TalkingBoxing's Julius Stecker caught up with super-middleweight contender, Syd Vanderpool to allow him to iron out some questions surrounding a fight with WBO champ, Joe Calzaghe. Calzaghe recently responded to an open-letter by Vanderpool and Syd has taken some time to collect his thoughts for a response. "The reason I called him out to begin with is because there is nobody left for him to fight," said Vanderpool. "He says he wants to fight Bernard Hopkins, so he can fight me next then to see where he fits in at that level of opponent." Read on for more of what Syd had to say.

Interview with Syd Vanderpool

Julius Stecker: How is everything going right now Syd?

Syd Vanderpool: Everything is going good right now, just training staying in shape...right now I have no fights scheduled.

Julius Stecker: Joe Calzaghe recently responded to your letter, by basically stating you are not a worthy opponent, even though you are a legitmate top 5, top 10 guy, how do you respond to that?

Syd Vanderpool: The reason I called him out to begin with is because there is nobody left for him to fight. He keeps saying that he has beaten ex-champions and everything like that, but that is exactly what they are, ex-champions. He says he wants to fight Bernard Hopkins, so he can fight me next then to see where he fits in at that level of opponent.

Julius Stecker: If a fight with Calazaghe does not come about where will you be looking?

Syd Vanderpool: Sven Ottke or possibly an elimanator bout for the championship belts.

Julius Stecker: In your last fight you were impressive beating a bigger fighter, Demetrius Jenkins, do you think that will help you in the future if you fight bigger opponnent?

Syd Vanderpool: Yes that will definitely help, being in with a guy with that kind of strength. He was a big light heavyweight who knew how to use his weight and that experience will help me out in the future.

Julius Stecker: Changing the subject a little, as far as your training goes do you incorporate weight training in your regimen?

Syd Vanderpool: Yes I do, 3 times a week, I do different types of weight training, I will work on strength training and agility training and I have been doing that type of training for 4 years now.

Julius Stecker: What is your take of Jones-Tarver, who wins and why?

Syd Vanderpool: If Tarver keeps shooting his mouth off like he has been doing, I will go with RJ in 2 or 3 rounds...you saw what happened when Jones was motivated against Griffin.

Julius Stecker: In closing Syd, what would you have to say to Joe Calzaghe if he is listening right now?

Syd Vanderpool: You are supposed to be the pride of Wales, so you should be fighting the contenders and challengers who want to fight you.

TalkingBoxing would like to thank Syd Vanderpool for taking his time to talk with us. We wish him the best of luck in his next fight, hopefully its with Calzaghe!