Classy Fleming aims for a ‘Showtime’ performance

Classy Fleming aims for a ‘Showtime’ performance

By Nathan Butler (July 5, 2011) Doghouse Boxing
-

Recently I caught up with the classy Paul Fleming, finalising his training in Australia under the astute taskmaster Billy Hussein before flying out for his upcoming international pro debut on the Brandon Rios / Urbano Antillon WBA Lightweight world title card and discussed his fight, how his training was coming along, boxing legend Lionel Rose and his upcoming feature interview on the Wide World of Sports.

The young man they call ‘Showtime’ is always chipper for a chat had a bit to say and was a lot of fun.

NB: G’day Paul, good to chat and thanks for taking the time to catch up.

PF: Sweet as Nathan, thanks for the opportunity.

NB: It’s been a great start to your pro career thus far Paul after what was a very decorated amateur career and now, your international pro debut for Top Rank on their big world title card in California, you really must be happy with how things are progressing?

PF: I am really happy with everything. It's has been a great start, little frustrating at times, but one that I’ve enjoyed very much and now is taking another positive step with this upcoming fight. I’m especially happy for my Mum and sister who can see my career heading places after what’s been a challenging couple of years for our family.

NB: You mention family Paul, obviously your very close to your Mum and sister and also to your late father. The challenges of the last couple of years have in a way also matured you wouldn’t you say?

PF: Absolutely. With Dad passing away only a couple of years ago, it really is me now there to support my Mum and sister and everything I do in boxing is for them. Mum lost the house at home in Tully this year as a result of firstly, the damage caused in Cyclone Yasi, but then the disastrous floods and she has had to vacate so it has been a hard couple of years. With me down in Sydney to further my career, it makes it hard to be there or available easily to be with them. In saying that however, they know I’m here for them and I hope in the years to come to support them in a big way.

NB: That’s a great attitude Paul and I’m sure the family understand the commitment you have to boxing and to them. I see your training hard in readiness for July 9th (July 10th in Australia) on the big Top Rank card and are slated for 6rd’s of action against the well performed, Willie Villanueva (10 (2) / 3 (2) / 0). I’m sure your aim is to showcase a solid performance in front of the Top Rank people and importantly, the TV exec’s and audience. The irony of the show is that it’s actually being shown through the ‘Showtime’ network in America and with you sharing the same nickname (as well as tattooed on his hands!), I suppose it’s fair to say that nothing short of a ‘Showtime’ performance will be expected from you hey Paul!

PF: Hahaha... yeah exactly. I hope the commentators pick up on the ‘pun’ so to speak. No seriously, I’m training very hard for this and enjoying every minute of it. My trainer Billy Hussein is a great conditioner and I just learn so much from him all the time. We have a really good team and a good mix of fighters in the gym.

As you said Nathan, TV is so important. I have to put in a top performance and let them see my skills, ability and demonstrate to my promoter that their faith in signing me was warranted. We all want to fight and win, and importantly, we want the fans, both at the venue and on telly to be impressed and want to see us fight again.

NB: We hear you’ve been performing on TV here recently with the Wide World of Sports on the Nine network, care to tell us more about that?

PF: My co-manager Mike Altamura through his contacts introduced me to the Wide World of Sports head interviewer - Tim Sheridan. As you know it's one of Australia’s top sports program’s and Tim wanted to do a story on my career thus far and he filmed me recently during training and we talked about the family, my contract with Top Rank and where things were heading with my next fight and I was very excited and appreciative of the opportunity. It’s great for Mum and the family to see me on the TV and positive things happening with my career.

Tim Sheridan is a great guy and is really good at what he does, he asked me questions that allowed me the chance to give more than just cut and dry answers. It was a fun experience. It's due to air on July 10th here in Australia (Sunday) so it actually times perfectly as at the time it showing here, I’ll actually be fighting in the states! (Saturday night the 9th in the USA)

NB: Well done Paul and a nice exposure opportunity for you and for fans to get to see another side to you. Let’s talk Top Rank and also your managers – Cameron Dunkin and Mike Altamura, they all must be pleased with how your coming along to now entrust you to a spot on such a big show?

PF: Hahaha... I hope so! Mike’s great, we speak a lot and both he and Cameron have always said they just want to be patient, take a smooth approach and let the fights tick over and progress with no pressure to rush towards this or that. They will move me as fast as my progress allows them to. I’m comfortable with that, they are the best at what they do. Mike is like an encyclopaedia of boxing and Cameron has worked with many champions, so I think as a team, we work spot on.

As for Top Rank, well it’s my opportunity to repay their faith in me, signing me on from an amateur and turning pro. They have looked after me, and now it's time to put on a real performance for them. I can’t wait, I’m buzzing man!

NB: You mentioned family on numerous occasions Paul and obviously proud of your aboriginal heritage. It must have saddened you recently about fellow Aboriginal boxer and legend Lionel Rose’s passing?

PF: Ohh gutted Nath. What a legend Lionel was and opened up Australian society in a lot of ways to Aboriginal culture, not only in boxing but life. A super fighter and boxing legend. I'll be dedicating my next fight to his memory.

NB: Well said Paul, well said. Best of luck once again for July 9th (July 10th in Australia). Top Rank have again provided fans with a stacked card full of quality, headlined by the big Rios / Antillon world-title fight and all Aussie boxing fans are right behind you. It’s the first step in what I’m sure will be many international appearances for you mate and go get em’ as they say!

PF: Sweet as Nathan. Big thanks to you and the Aussie fans and I hope to make you all real proud of my performance. Cheers!

For more about Paul, please check out www.paulfleming.net.au or the Top Rank website - www.toprank.com...

For much more boxng headlines and videos, visit the homepage at DoghouseBoxing.

Write for Doghouse Boxing: anthonyc1974@gmail.com.

NEW: Follow Doghouse Boxing on FaceBook!
For more Boxing News 24/7 and so much more...
visit our homepage now!