Published: July 02, 2008 11:36 am         

Local boxer plans to fight all the way to the top

Boxing Herald was ringside for the Chris Howard vs. John Trigg fight in Tunica, MS, recently.

Here are some thoughts with Chris on his performance and what lies ahead in his promising future as a professional boxer.

BH: Chris, nice job tonight, tough fight and you got a nice win. Talk about your performance.

CH: I want to thank God for pushing and doing what he did for me. We kept a good hard stiff jab on this guy, and he was a gritty fighter. I give him credit for that, but we out boxed him for six solid rounds.

BH: This was one of those fights that you needed early in your career to prepare you for fights later in your career.

CH: Definitely, I need that in my career. You can't be world champion without stepping up. I will step up in my next fight too. I have to keep beating these guys, and keep getting better. I have a lot of work to do in this game. I am thankful for what I have, but I have a lot to learn. I would like to be up there with the top in about four years time.

BH: Did Trigg ever hurt you during the fight?

CH: Nah, not really. He stunned me a little bit early with some body shots, but nothing that I couldn't handle.

BH: Are you pleased with your performance tonight?

CH: My performance was OK, but I have some things to work on. I was pleased with my offense, but not with my defense. I have to learn to slip more shots because the next guy I fight might have that one punch that can put me down.

BH: You're eight and zero right now. How busy do you want to be for the rest of the year?

CH: We have been really busy this year but it's up to Prize Fight Promotions. Hopefully I will get on ESPN later in the year so I can get my name out there. I would like for the country to see me. I would like to be 12 and 0 by the end of the year. I will be ready, my team is ready, and I am thankful for them.

BH: Talk about Prize Fight Promotions and what they have done for your career.

CH: They have done a lot for me. I never won any national titles, even though I was close, and I fought in tournaments right around here in front of the guys at Prize Fight. They gave me a chance, and signed me to a five-year deal. My dad is my trainer, and thank God for him. He's the best at what he does, and he brought me this far so he can bring me to the top. My dad has fought world champions, he was a fighter, and he knows what it's like. He does not says that he knows it all, but he teaches me everything that he knows.

BH: Recently you did some work with the Peterson brothers, Anthony and Lamont. How was that for you?

CH: Those guys are amazing. The work ethic that they have is incredible. When I got there I was like "whoa," I ain't ready for this (he laughs). As of right now, I feel that I am in the best shape of my life.

BH: When do you want to get back into the ring?

CH: Well I have been fighting for six months straight. I want to take a small break to get my mind clear, and just relax some. I am thinking that I will be back in July. As far as I am concerned, I'll fight in June if my promoters want me to.

BH: Closing thoughts?

CH: I want to thank my fans, you are the best. No fan will be left behind as far as I am concerned. You will all see me on television one day fighting for the lightweight championship of the world!

Editor's note: You can learn more about Chris Howard at boxingherald.com. He is going to Maryland this month to prepare for his next bout in August. If you want more articles about Howard, who is from Cumberland County, you can e-mail your comments to sports@crossville-chronicle.com or call 404-931-6260 and ask for Michael.