Wayne McCullough Q&A
Published: Monday, 4 February 2008, 7:40AM
Wayne McCullough has been one of boxing's most dignified and distinguished servants since turning pro in 1993.
However the former WBC bantamweight champion admits he is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the sport and rumours abound that he may be soon make the switch from the old gloves game to Mixed Martial Arts.
Derek Bilton caught up with the 'Pocket Rocket' to ask him about those rumours and what his fighting plans are for the future.
ITV: Wayne there have been rumours circulating that you are set to fight in the UFC? What's it all about?
WM: They are just rumours but I'm interested. I've also had offers from some MMA trainers to get me ready so never say never.
ITV: Have you done any MMA training?
WM: I haven't been training yet but I'd love to get into the sport. I've been studying the fighters and if I do decide to take up MMA I'd go into the gym and learn all the moves for at least six months before I'd step into the Octagon.
ITV: I know you are already an official ambassador for UFC and are one of a growing number of boxers who support both boxing and MMA. Why do you feel the boxing business in general has this snobbish attitude towards MMA?
WM: I've been a fan of the UFC for years. I watched The Ultimate Fighter from season one. I think a lot of boxing people feel threatened by how well the UFC is doing. I've been in boxing for 30 years and only in the UFC for six months. I've seen how both sides treat their fighters in and out of the ring firsthand and in my experience the UFC do it better.
ITV: Have you become a little disillusioned with boxing since the shambles that was the Kiko Martinez fight?
WM: I've been disillusioned since my last fight (Oscar Larios in 2005) and Martinez just topped things off. But when things are out of my control there's nothing I can do about it.
ITV: I found it absolutely incredible that certain people were trying to blame you for what went on. How disappointing was it to have prepared so thoroughly like you did only to have the rug pulled from under you at such short notice?
WM: One journalist and Martinez's manager were the only people claiming I did something wrong so go figure. I was a professional and came in under the contracted weight - which there is nothing wrong with - but he came in OVER weight.
ITV: I get the feeling Wayne that with you, unlike a lot of boxers, it's not about the money at this stage of your career. You have a good life in Las Vegas but I get the impression there remains this urge inside you to test yourself against the best?
WM: It's not about the money anymore but why should I fight for free? Yes, against Martinez I was fighting one of the up-and-coming guys to get back into the mix because I'm always up for a challenge!
ITV: It's been more than two-and-a-half years now since we last saw you in a boxing ring. Do you see yourself ever fighting under the Marquis of Queensbury's rules again or are you moving on?
WM: I have my British license for 2008 so if the opportunity to fight in Britain comes along I'll take it.
ITV: Any closing message for your legions of fans here in Europe and across the world?
WM: The support I've had throughout my career and even after the fallout of the Martinez fight has been tremendous. I'd like to thank all of my fans for their continued support and hopefully they'll get to see me back in the ring, or the Octagon, soon.
