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by Spud Woollatt
If you mention the name Wayne McCullough to any boxing fan throughout the world, they will immediately recognise who you are talking about. McCullough, nick-named the ‘Pocket Rocket’, has not only fought the very best fighters in the world on a consistent basis, but has come out of every fight knowing he has fought to 100 per cent of his ability. Even more importantly he has gained the ultimate - the respect of fight fans around the world.
Wayne started his professional career in February 1993 and in only his 17th fight, he fought for and won the WBC World Bantamweight Title against Yasuei Yakushiji. This achievement was even more fantastic as McCullough had to rip the title away from the champion in his own backyard in Japan. Wayne went on to defend his belt on two occasions before controversially losing the title against Daniel Zaragoza in November 1997.
In October 1998 McCullough fought the then WBO Featherweight champion Naseem Hamed. The Belfast man forced the champion to dig further into his reserves than he had ever done before. Many Hamed critics cite the McCullough fight as the one that first showed up the flaws in the supposedly invincible champion. That said, Hamed won by a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
McCullough was still not satisfied with his achievements and the plaudits he was receiving for his ring exploits. In October 1999 he extended one of the very best pound-4-pound fighters in the world today, Erik Morales. After another titanic struggle the ‘Pocket Rocket’ lost the decision on the judges’ scorecards.
After a three-year absence from the ring McCullough fought Scotland's world-rated star Scott Harrison for the WBO Featherweight title. Whilst it can't be said it was one of his best boxing performances, all who watched the fight marvelled at McCullough's bravery, guts and courage as he went down to a convincing points loss.
Wayne's desire and ambition had still not been quelled and only recently he fought WBC World Super-Bantamweight champion Oscar Larios - a fight in which McCullough was convinced he had done enough to impress the judges. But yet again they ruled against him unanimously.
******** caught up with Wayne to discuss the past and to ask him what he felt the future held for him. This is what he had to say:
Spud ... Good day to you Wayne, firstly, there is a certain amount of controversy over the scoring in your most recent fight with Oscar Larios. How did you see that fight, and were you at any stage concerned whether it be your thoughts on losing the fight, or did he hurt you at any stage?
WM ... I thought I did enough to win. I knew going into the fight that I would have to take it to the Champion and that's exactly what I did. I put pressure on him from the opening bell and, even though I gave away the middle rounds, I stepped it up at the end of the fight. There is no way I only won two rounds in that fight!! Larios did hit me with some good body shots but he didn't hurt me.
Spud ... Many people, myself included, were extremely surprised you put in such a good performance against Larios who is clearly the number one ranked Super Bantamweight in the World. I do not say this out of disrespect to you, but because you have been around top-flight boxing now for so long. How much has Wayne McCullough got left, how much longer will you box on?
WM ... I will box on as long as my body and health allow me to. Simple as that. I can't say when I will give up competitive boxing but for right now, Freddie Roach and I know we can still mix it up with the big boys.
Spud ... There are very few fighters in whatever weight division who can say they have consistently fought at such a high level as yourself. Who has been your hardest fight and why?
WM ... My hardest fight was against Victor Rabanales, who I fought in my 13th fight. He had over 50 fights at the time and he hit me with shots that would have knocked out King Kong. I was inexperienced as a pro at the time and I think that's why I remember that one being the hardest but I learned quickly in that fight that I may have to box and move to get out of trouble.
Spud ... What was your best or most favourite performance through your career thus far?
WM ... Obviously my favourite performance was against Yasuei Yakushiji in Japan when I won the WBC bantamweight belt. I beat the world champion in his backyard. I fought in front of about 10,000 people. There were maybe 20 Irish fans in the crowd (some of whom had travelled huge distances to be there) and they made more noise than his 10,000 screaming fans!
Spud ... Has there been a fight, where you have come away kicking yourself that you could have done more, whether it be during the fight or in your training?
WM ... No, I refuse to leave anything in the ring. I give every fight 100 per cent so I'm never walking away thinking of what I should've or could've done. That would be like cheating the fans and myself.
Spud ... Would you like to fight in Northern Ireland before you retire?
WM ... That goes without saying. I relinquished my British license last year so I could concentrate on getting my career back on track in the USA but if I planned on fighting again in Belfast / UK I would have no concerns in reapplying for my BBBC license. In the end, after all my problems were straightened out, the BBBC treated me with the utmost respect.
Spud ... You have fought the very best in the world in the respective weight divisions you have appeared in. Were any of those fights what you would call your "dream fight"?? Also is there an opponent in the world's elite you would really like to fight in the present rankings?
WM ... Naseem Hamed had been a dream fight. It could have happened a year before it did but you never get the fight you want when you want it. So when it came along, we jumped at the chance. There are fighters out there today that I would love to fight. I have never shied away from anyone and have always fought the best out there. At the top of my list would probably be Barrera.
Spud ... Your wife Cheryl manages you, also attends your fights As your wife, doesn't she get upset at her husband being hit in the ring, or does she enjoy the fight game? ... In addition how have you both tackled dealing with the world's variety of promoters, is there a best or favourite one you have both dealt with?
WM ... Cheryl enjoys Wayne McCullough fights. She never really was a boxing fan, but she knows every time I fight she is going to see something exciting. Obviously she worries about me in the ring but that is my chosen career and she would rather be involved than not.
We have had our fair share of promoters, many of whom have made us offers of fights or promised me a contract and never came through. Dan Goossen promoted my first and third pro fights and become involved in my career again in 1997. He has always been up front with us. He fights for his fighters and if he feels the rematch with Larios can be made, then he will be the promoter to get it for me. Dan has worked hard for me in the past seven months, since I signed with him, and I know he will continue to work for me in the future.
Spud ... Do you and Cheryl ever have disagreements about what opponents you should fight?
WM ... No. We make the decision as a team - my promoter, Cheryl, my co-manager (Stuart Campbell) and Dan Goossen. An opponent would never be offered to us by my promoter if he didn't think it was the right fight for me.
Spud ... What is next for Wayne McCullough?
WM ... Obviously I would love a rematch with Larios either on a big Las Vegas fight card or in Ireland! I've never been granted a rematch by anyone I fought. If the rematch doesn't happen right away, I want to get back into the gym with Freddie and continue to learn. If I have to take a couple of fights before a rematch then so be it, but ultimately I would love another crack at him.
Spud ... If you were not a boxer, what would you have been?
WM ... I would have loved to play soccer - I was always the goalkeeper! If not something athletic, then I would probably have been a carpenter since I always loved working with wood. Maybe it's the eye hand co-ordination that I like!
Spud ... How do you handle criticism, whether it be in the press or on the variety of boxing sites that are on the Internet?
WM ... It used to bother me but Cheryl told me to let it slide. I'm the type of person that if you write something negative or untrue about me I will confront you. Cheryl, on the other hand, couldn't care less what is written about her because if it is lies, she is confident enough in herself to know that today's news is tomorrow's trash. I need to be more like her!
Spud ... Outside of Wayne McCullough, do you have your favourite fighters you like to watch? Also if you could name some fighters in Britain, who do you think has what it takes to make an impact on World Boxing?
WM ... I love watching old Henry Armstrong fights. Also Mike Tyson in his prime and Evander Holyfield. I love the excitement of Arturo Gatti and Kostya Tszyu.
I think Ricky Hatton has what it takes to make it on the World Boxing scene. He has the talent and boxing skills to make it.
If you mention the name Wayne McCullough to any boxing fan throughout the world, they will immediately recognise who you are talking about. McCullough, nick-named the ‘Pocket Rocket’, has not only fought the very best fighters in the world on a consistent basis, but has come out of every fight knowing he has fought to 100 per cent of his ability. Even more importantly he has gained the ultimate - the respect of fight fans around the world.
Wayne started his professional career in February 1993 and in only his 17th fight, he fought for and won the WBC World Bantamweight Title against Yasuei Yakushiji. This achievement was even more fantastic as McCullough had to rip the title away from the champion in his own backyard in Japan. Wayne went on to defend his belt on two occasions before controversially losing the title against Daniel Zaragoza in November 1997.
In October 1998 McCullough fought the then WBO Featherweight champion Naseem Hamed. The Belfast man forced the champion to dig further into his reserves than he had ever done before. Many Hamed critics cite the McCullough fight as the one that first showed up the flaws in the supposedly invincible champion. That said, Hamed won by a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
McCullough was still not satisfied with his achievements and the plaudits he was receiving for his ring exploits. In October 1999 he extended one of the very best pound-4-pound fighters in the world today, Erik Morales. After another titanic struggle the ‘Pocket Rocket’ lost the decision on the judges’ scorecards.
After a three-year absence from the ring McCullough fought Scotland's world-rated star Scott Harrison for the WBO Featherweight title. Whilst it can't be said it was one of his best boxing performances, all who watched the fight marvelled at McCullough's bravery, guts and courage as he went down to a convincing points loss.
Wayne's desire and ambition had still not been quelled and only recently he fought WBC World Super-Bantamweight champion Oscar Larios - a fight in which McCullough was convinced he had done enough to impress the judges. But yet again they ruled against him unanimously.
******** caught up with Wayne to discuss the past and to ask him what he felt the future held for him. This is what he had to say:
Spud ... Good day to you Wayne, firstly, there is a certain amount of controversy over the scoring in your most recent fight with Oscar Larios. How did you see that fight, and were you at any stage concerned whether it be your thoughts on losing the fight, or did he hurt you at any stage?
WM ... I thought I did enough to win. I knew going into the fight that I would have to take it to the Champion and that's exactly what I did. I put pressure on him from the opening bell and, even though I gave away the middle rounds, I stepped it up at the end of the fight. There is no way I only won two rounds in that fight!! Larios did hit me with some good body shots but he didn't hurt me.
Spud ... Many people, myself included, were extremely surprised you put in such a good performance against Larios who is clearly the number one ranked Super Bantamweight in the World. I do not say this out of disrespect to you, but because you have been around top-flight boxing now for so long. How much has Wayne McCullough got left, how much longer will you box on?
WM ... I will box on as long as my body and health allow me to. Simple as that. I can't say when I will give up competitive boxing but for right now, Freddie Roach and I know we can still mix it up with the big boys.
Spud ... There are very few fighters in whatever weight division who can say they have consistently fought at such a high level as yourself. Who has been your hardest fight and why?
WM ... My hardest fight was against Victor Rabanales, who I fought in my 13th fight. He had over 50 fights at the time and he hit me with shots that would have knocked out King Kong. I was inexperienced as a pro at the time and I think that's why I remember that one being the hardest but I learned quickly in that fight that I may have to box and move to get out of trouble.
Spud ... What was your best or most favourite performance through your career thus far?
WM ... Obviously my favourite performance was against Yasuei Yakushiji in Japan when I won the WBC bantamweight belt. I beat the world champion in his backyard. I fought in front of about 10,000 people. There were maybe 20 Irish fans in the crowd (some of whom had travelled huge distances to be there) and they made more noise than his 10,000 screaming fans!
Spud ... Has there been a fight, where you have come away kicking yourself that you could have done more, whether it be during the fight or in your training?
WM ... No, I refuse to leave anything in the ring. I give every fight 100 per cent so I'm never walking away thinking of what I should've or could've done. That would be like cheating the fans and myself.
Spud ... Would you like to fight in Northern Ireland before you retire?
WM ... That goes without saying. I relinquished my British license last year so I could concentrate on getting my career back on track in the USA but if I planned on fighting again in Belfast / UK I would have no concerns in reapplying for my BBBC license. In the end, after all my problems were straightened out, the BBBC treated me with the utmost respect.
Spud ... You have fought the very best in the world in the respective weight divisions you have appeared in. Were any of those fights what you would call your "dream fight"?? Also is there an opponent in the world's elite you would really like to fight in the present rankings?
WM ... Naseem Hamed had been a dream fight. It could have happened a year before it did but you never get the fight you want when you want it. So when it came along, we jumped at the chance. There are fighters out there today that I would love to fight. I have never shied away from anyone and have always fought the best out there. At the top of my list would probably be Barrera.
Spud ... Your wife Cheryl manages you, also attends your fights As your wife, doesn't she get upset at her husband being hit in the ring, or does she enjoy the fight game? ... In addition how have you both tackled dealing with the world's variety of promoters, is there a best or favourite one you have both dealt with?
WM ... Cheryl enjoys Wayne McCullough fights. She never really was a boxing fan, but she knows every time I fight she is going to see something exciting. Obviously she worries about me in the ring but that is my chosen career and she would rather be involved than not.
We have had our fair share of promoters, many of whom have made us offers of fights or promised me a contract and never came through. Dan Goossen promoted my first and third pro fights and become involved in my career again in 1997. He has always been up front with us. He fights for his fighters and if he feels the rematch with Larios can be made, then he will be the promoter to get it for me. Dan has worked hard for me in the past seven months, since I signed with him, and I know he will continue to work for me in the future.
Spud ... Do you and Cheryl ever have disagreements about what opponents you should fight?
WM ... No. We make the decision as a team - my promoter, Cheryl, my co-manager (Stuart Campbell) and Dan Goossen. An opponent would never be offered to us by my promoter if he didn't think it was the right fight for me.
Spud ... What is next for Wayne McCullough?
WM ... Obviously I would love a rematch with Larios either on a big Las Vegas fight card or in Ireland! I've never been granted a rematch by anyone I fought. If the rematch doesn't happen right away, I want to get back into the gym with Freddie and continue to learn. If I have to take a couple of fights before a rematch then so be it, but ultimately I would love another crack at him.
Spud ... If you were not a boxer, what would you have been?
WM ... I would have loved to play soccer - I was always the goalkeeper! If not something athletic, then I would probably have been a carpenter since I always loved working with wood. Maybe it's the eye hand co-ordination that I like!
Spud ... How do you handle criticism, whether it be in the press or on the variety of boxing sites that are on the Internet?
WM ... It used to bother me but Cheryl told me to let it slide. I'm the type of person that if you write something negative or untrue about me I will confront you. Cheryl, on the other hand, couldn't care less what is written about her because if it is lies, she is confident enough in herself to know that today's news is tomorrow's trash. I need to be more like her!
Spud ... Outside of Wayne McCullough, do you have your favourite fighters you like to watch? Also if you could name some fighters in Britain, who do you think has what it takes to make an impact on World Boxing?
WM ... I love watching old Henry Armstrong fights. Also Mike Tyson in his prime and Evander Holyfield. I love the excitement of Arturo Gatti and Kostya Tszyu.
I think Ricky Hatton has what it takes to make it on the World Boxing scene. He has the talent and boxing skills to make it.