Louis Turner; New Middleweight on The Block
By Joe Harrison
On Saturday, September 29th, Kelly Pavlik became the new WBC and WBO middleweight champion with a knockout victory over Jermain Taylor in the seventh round at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Not only did Pavlik impress boxing fans everywhere, but he also made a good impression on other boxers in his own weight division. Even as some middleweight prospects were inspired by Pavlik’s performance, those same boxers hope to face Pavlik themselves some day.
One special prospect looking to make a name for himself is an undefeated Chicagoan named Louis Turner. Turner is a 2-time Golden Gloves Champion who signed with Don King in August of 2005 and has fought on various undercards of high-profile King events.
With a record of 11-0 including 7 knockouts, this 26 year-old is only going to get better as he continues to dominate his opponents. Four of his seven knockouts have come in the first round. Hungry and determined, Turner is in the same position that Pavlik was once in as an undefeated prospect learning and working his way up the rankings.
Next, on October 13th, Turner will face Angel Hernandez (27-6, 16 KOs) on the undercard of “El Dia de los Diaz” featuring Juan Diaz vs Julio Diaz at the Sears Centre near Chicago, Illinois. It will be a significant step up in competition for Turner, and a victory will mean better opponents with better rewards.
Recently, Turner was available to share his thoughts on the upcoming fight with Hernandez as well as the current state of his career.
BoxingScene.com – How’s your training going, how long have you been training?
Louis Turner – It’s going good, five weeks.
BoxingScene.com – Has training for Angel Hernandez been any different than your training in the past?
Louis Turner – Well, it’s been a little different, a little bit more than normal. I picked up a lot when I was in training camp with Cory Spinks. So I’m doing a little more now than I did before. I do more of a routine now. I spar three times a week. I jog six and a half miles five days a week. Everything else is mostly normal.
BoxingScene.com – Do you feel that Angel Hernandez is a step up in competition for you?
Louis Turner – Yeah, I think he’s a big step up.
BoxingScene.com – Do you envision yourself going the distance with Hernandez or do feel that you can knock him out like you have with most of your opponents?
Louis Turner – I feel that it’s very much a possibility that it’ll go the distance. From what heard, he’s a very tough opponent. I’ll give it a good shot. If I can get him out early, that’ll be good, but I’m training to go the distance.
BoxingScene.com – How do you feel about fighting at the Sears Centre located just outside Chicago?
Louis Turner – I feel great. It’s not too far from my home fans and my family. There should be a nice crowd there.
BoxingScene.com – Do you feel a lot more comfortable fighting in the Chicagoland area?
Louis Turner – No, I actually think it’s the opposite for me. There’s less pressure when you’re fighting away than when you’re in your home town.
BoxingScene.com – You probably don’t like to look ahead of your next opponent, but where do you see yourself going after facing Hernandez?
Louis Turner – I really don’t know. I’m looking to conquer this dream first, and then I’ll look for the next one. I have to accomplish this goal first. I’m sure my management team and my coach got some ideas, but right now is Angel Hernandez. That’s who I’m aiming for so I’m going to stay focused on that right now.
BoxingScene.com – In the middleweight division, who do you believe is the most dangerous boxer other than yourself?
Louis Turner – I saw the fight this past weekend (Pavlik/Taylor). That kid (Pavlik) is real tough. He’s going to be a tough cookie.
Michael Walker, I spar with Mike, he’s a tough fighter, has a strong mentality.
There are a lot of middleweights out there, but I like what I saw in Pavlik, especially coming off the canvas and staying strong, believing in himself. He looked strong in that fight.
BoxingScene.com – Is Pavlik someone who you can see yourself taking on anytime soon?
Louis Turner – No time soon, maybe next year. Maybe in about a year and a half. I’ve only had eleven fights as a pro, I’m pretty much new to the game.
BoxingScene.com – So at this point in your career, you still feel that you’re learning more? Do you think you’re almost in your prime?
Louis Turner – I’m still learning. I had such a late start. I’ve only been boxing for five years. I mean, I’m learning everything, I’m a fast learner, but I’m sure there’s a lot more in store for me.
BoxingScene.com – How do you feel about Don King as your promoter?
Louis Turner – Everybody has their own opinion about him. I’ve been doing okay with him, I have no problems. I’ve been getting along better with him, he’s getting me fights, and I’ve been staying busy. I have no quarrels with him. I think he’s the best man for the job at the moment. He puts you where you need to be as long as you do your part, and that’s win.
BoxingScene.com – Do you have anything extra that you would like share?
Louis Turner – I’m a dedicated worker, I love the sport, and I like working hard. I love to win, and I think to win you have to do your homework. What I call homework is coming to the gym, staying disciplined. That’s pretty much it.