Coming off a disappointing loss in May, super welterweight prospect Cody Richard 17-2-1 (9 K)’s) was looking to get back on the winning track this past weekend when he literally went head to head against Blake Franklin this past weekend. A fight where Franklin was disqualified in the fourth round for cursing at the referee. A fight which Franklin wants back, and a fight that Richard says he would be glad to take if needed. In this exclusive interview, the Texas native speak out on his recent outing, his career and more, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
You just had the disqualification victory over Blake Franklin this past weekend. Your thoughts on that?
Cody Richard
I was training hard for that fight, I was stopped in the fight before this one. I got back in the gym and got the call to fight Blake so I was excited to have the opportunity to redeem myself. I worked hard for this fight an followed my game plan. I dropped him in the second round with a body shot. And I felt like I was on my way to stopping him. In the fourth round he got into an altercation with the referee. it went down as a disqualification. But I was happy with my performance.
BH
I was not there so I am going by what he and you are saying. Blake told me yesterday that he lost due to disqualification. He said it was a head butt that knocked him down. He said he told the referee that it was, and I quote, “f*cking head butt.” And the ref disqualified him.
CR
We did clash heads, I am not going to deny that. In the fourth round he did go down, it did not really seem like it was a hard head butt. Last year I got cut real bad and had twelve stitches, but I did not take a knee. In between rounds I was being told to keep the pressure on. he was looking for a way out anyways. We did clash heads, he took a knee and I did hear him cuss at the referee. (Laughs) And the referee waved it off. I cannot speak for Blake on how bad the head butt felt, but, I feel I was taking control of the fight.It is unfortunate that it went down as a disqualification. I felt I was on my way to getting a good stoppage. I am just happy I did redeem myself from my last fight and I am happy with my performance.
BH
One last question on that topic. Blake told me yesterday that he wants to fight you again, he hates that this ended with a DQ as well. Would you fight Blake again?
CR
I would not have a problem with doing that again. We would have to sit down and talk and find a promoter that i willing to put us on. I have respect for anybody who steps in the ring, Blake included. It takes courage to step in there. Personally the way the fight went, I do not feel it would be much of a difference from the outcome. If anything I feel I would be better. I believe that if you ask anybody who saw the fight will agree that I was 100% in control. I would be willing to fight him again.
BH
For the ones who do not know who Cody Richard is, how would you describe your fighting style and accolades?
CR
I consider myself a pretty smart fighter. I try to be versatile. I can fight on the inside and the outside. I do not like to get hit, but I can take punches. I try to fight smart. I like to tell people that I do not have a style, it depends on who I am fighting on how I fight. I can slug or box.
BH
What is next for you?
CR
Nothing as of yet. I am going to get back in the gym and work hard. I am ready for something bigger.
BH
Anything in closing?
CR
I would like to thank Chad Bussard for my last fight. To all who came out an supported me. If anybody does not know who I am just keep a look out, I want to make big things happen in the boxing world.
