By Dean Parr
Rashad Holloway is an 11-1-2 (5 KOs) prospect that fights out of Freddie Roach's Wildcard Gym. For those who don't know of him, he's a slick counter puncher with a steady jab and a good left hook, and he is tipped to be the best fighter coming out of Cincinnati, OH since the days of Aaron Pryor.
However, in his last fight, Rashad drew against Frankie Figueroa (then 20-3-0) in a scrappy affair. “After watching the fight over and over, I would definitely agree with the decision. Both of us looked like crap in that fight. I thought I won the first second and sixth rounds hands down, and the others I would give to him,” admitted Holloway.
He continued: “Neither one of us landed any real hard, telling blows. Our styles didn't make for a great fight him being a southpaw at 5'5, and me at 6'0 feet tall, but there was so much I could have and should have done. I've always had trouble with southpaws and you can see that by the other draw I have on my record.
“I had a very bad night and wasn't myself at all but we all have them. I was very embarrassed with my performance and it was my time to really show the world who I was but that's behind me and I'm gonna come out so much harder in 2010. I hope all my opponents judge me off that, because they're in trouble regardless, but even more if they do that.”
As Holloway alluded to there, he's had much better nights than that in the past. He told BoxingScene.com what he thought his best outing was. “I think my best fight was my homecoming fight in Cincinnati back in 2008,” he beamed.
“This was because of the magnitude of the fight as far as attendance (we did about 10,000), the guest we had performing there who was rapper Young Joc and Keri Hilson, The Cincinnati Bengals, The Reds and other celebrities all showed up!”
“Also, we made history in the same stadium Aaron Pryor and Ezzard Charles fought for the title in. Don't forget my friend Lamon Brewster being the main event winning the NABO title either,” Holloway remarked.
Despite this incredible night, he argues another fight changed his career the most. “The fight that meant the most to me was the only loss I have, which was in my 4th fight and was against Martin Tucker,” he explained.
“That was my welcome to the pros fight! It taught me to never underestimate anyone, and no matter how much talent you have, you must get in shape or you can't perform. I trained for one week after being out of the gym almost 2 months and learned my biggest lesson. I was very cocky and I needed that wake up call.”
Holloway also said how positive he felt his experiences at the Wildcard Gym have been for him. “Sparring with these World Champs helped me a lot,” he noted.
“I never went in as a sparring partner trying to emulate anyone. I went in to show my talent and test myself against the world's best. It showed me that I had the talent to be one of the best, and they chose me because of my talent.
“My job was to do what I do best and not hold back. I also gained some experience that I wasn't getting from my fights in these sessions. Sparring and fighting are different but when in with these guys and neither of you are holding back - it's a fight. When you're able to get the better of these guys too at times, it really takes your confidence to another level. I've never been a punching bag in there or held back!”
In the past, Holloway has been fortunate enough to spar fighters such as Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito, although he has a definite idea of who the best person he's fought in the gym is.
“I've been fortunate to swap blows with some great champions, but yes I consider Manny the best fighter I've worked with out of all of them. He's a great person and a great fighter. We became real good friends. To watch him train is a sight to see - he's an 'Energizer Bunny',” he laughed.
Trainer Freddie Roach went on record around a year ago to call Rashad a ‘world class boxer’. The fighter admits he loves learning under his tutelage. “Freddie is a great person,” he exclaimed.
“In the years I've been training there, Freddie and I have become real cool. He respects me as a fighter and a person and of course, the feeling is mutual. He sees me in the gym everyday sparring and working so he knows the skills I possess. We sit at the gym and talk about fights, other fighters and he even asks for my advice on certain boxing related issues, which is a big sign of respect. He lives boxing and really understands it. I always try and pick his brain. He pays attention to everything. In short, he's a great trainer and a great person.”
For someone so highly regarded in the boxing world, title shots must surely be on the agenda? Holloway confirmed that is the case by saying. “As far as a title shot goes, I would love one sometime in 2011. I have to position myself there first though. The talent is there but what I'm lacking is the experience. I would like to be very busy this year and take on a few prospects or maybe even a contender by the end it. I'm not getting any younger, but I'm smart and patient about things.”
He then joked: “I'm just looking forward to it and praying they're right handed! I don't care who the guy is; I've never had a problem with right-handers. Just southpaws."
Rashad then told of his plans for the immediate future. “It looks like I'll be back in the ring Jan 23rd against an opponent TBA,” revealed Rashad. “I was gonna fight Mike Jones on February 27 in Atlantic City for his NABA welterweight title, but they went in a different direction with another opponent, so we'll see what comes up after Jan 23rd, because that's my focus right now.”
In parting, Holloway had this message to put out there. “I would love to thank everyone who supports and believes in me and all the people that don't as well - you'll soon be a Holloway supporter! People don't understand how tough it was coming back from that career ending injury and maybe that's a big reason why 2009 wasn't so great but 2010 will be a big one. I'm coming for whoever's in my way,” he roared.
