By Tim Kudgis
Highly touted undefeated prospect Derrick "Take it to the Bank" Webster makes his long awaited return to the ring when Joey Eye Boxing & XFE presents "Ferrante vs Smith" at the Harrah's Philadelphia Hotel & Casio LIVE around the world on GFL.tv.
Webster, who has been out of the ring since a split decision victory over Darnell Boone who is the only man to defeat light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson and score a knockdown on Andre Ward, will lace them up for the 1st time in a little over a year.
Even though he hasn't fought in over a year, the young prospect has been keeping busy in Championship level fighter's training camps such as Jean Pascal while he was preparing for his victory over Lucian Bute. Webster is also mentored by the living legend Roy Jones J, who he looks at like a father.
When this interview took place Derrick was slated to face Yasin Rahsid, who was forced to withdraw due to not passing the physical. The promoters are confidently working hard to secure an opponent. Here is what Derrick had to say:
Boxingscene.com: How is training camp going for your fight this weekend?
Derrick Webster: It's been great, I've shut my carpentry business down for the week to sharpen up everything! I've learned so much from Roy Jones Jr and Jean Pascal. I'm training twice a day and I've been a weight a week before the fight.
Boxingscene.com: What is it like to train with an ATG like roy Jones Jr and a Top contender & former champ like Pascal?
Derrick Webster: Well Roy needs to train period, he will be a asset to any fighter but right now I'm happy to take him as a mentor and father figure-he takes my advantages and makes it even more of a problem for the fighters I face! A dream, an amount of money can't give you what I feel in the experiences I have with Roy! Pascal has just made history for himself. I've been in many camps and besides Andre Wards camp I've grew so much and learned so much. Mentally and physically I'm learning what it is to be a great champ! Pascal teaches patience and control-at the same time being able to go get it when the time is right! I love these guys!
Boxingscene.com: Why didn't you learn anything in Andre Ward's camp?
Derrick Webster: No maybe that was written wrong or read wrong ward was Definitly the best sparring I've ever had in boxing period and till this day we speak regularly-ward and Bernard Hopkins showed me how to use my jab in so many ways! Ward does everything right in the ring so he taught me to use every athletic bone in my body!
Boxingscene.com: What do you know about your opponent Yasin Rashid? Is there any particular flaws that you feel you can expose?
Derrick Webster: I'm a problem for any fighter! He doesn't compare to anyone I've sparred on the world class level so I'm not worried about much-I've learned that as long as I'm n shape and I've done all I'm suppose to-showing up the fight is enough! Believing in me is enough! I know he is from NY!
Boxingscene.com: A Win on Friday would be a good way to kick off 2014. What are the rest of your goals for 2014?
Derrick Webster: A youth title, leading to great opportunities and for the promoters to wake up and sign real talent with character and a great look for boxing! But I'm leaning toward a title shot Against Kasim Ouma at middleweight! He has to refine his career by beating someone like me and I have to be able to beat a likes of him or Jermajne Taylor to get somewhere! So I have my sights on a few.
Boxingscene.com: Has there been any talks with Kasim or Jermaine for your next fight?
Derrick Webster: I called Kasim out and I just spoke to Joey Eye about this possibly happening in March.
Boxingscene.com: If not Kasim or Jermaine, do you have any other fighters in mind?
Derrick Webster: Not really I'll just take em as they come.
Boxingscene.com: For fans who aren't familiar with you yet, how would you describe yourself in the ring?
Derrick Webster: Total package: speed, power, foot movement, defense, speak very well and I bring presence and the show. Don't blink!
Boxingscene.com: Who are some of the fighters who inspired you growing up to become a fighter yourself?
Derrick Webster: Roy Jones Jr and I lived up the street from Tony Thornton in a Glassboro, NJ. I'd watch him run mile after mile and I always love Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Boxingscene.com: What can fans in attendance as well as fans watching LIVE around the World watching on GFL.tv expect from you on Friday night?
Derrick Webster: A very focused and polished webster-if the knockout comes great if not it'll be entertainment. My grandmother is dying as we do this here n her last words were to "knock some heads and win the belt for her".
To watch Derrick Webster, as well as fellow prospects Naim Nelson, Ievgen Khrytov and the entire card presented by Joey Eye Boxing & XFE, LIVE around the WORLD from start to finish go to GFL.tv or click the link below:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/XFE_Anthony_Ferrante_vs_Anthony_Smith/2285
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