Boxing

 

Interview with Norwegian bantamweight prospect Reidar Walstad


Photo: Danish-Boxing.dk

By Teddy Stenmark

06.11 - Former amateur bantamweight star Reidar Walstad seems to have been in boxing forever but the stylish Scandinavian, who turned professional and made his debut on his 25th birthday 16th of March this year in Stuttgart, Germany, outpointing Stefan Berza of Slovakia, is still a youngster and has many good years left. In the unpaid ranks he came across almost everybody worth mentioning at Senior Elite level. He racked home 129 victories in the amateurs with only 36 losses and now he is 2-0-1 (1KO) so far as a professional. On the 16th of November in Mariehamn, Finland he can go home whit yet another victory. Naturally I had to contact him for an interview.

Teddy: How many amateur fights did you have?

Reidar:I have had 165 amateur fights

Teddy: What was your biggest achievement in the amateurs?

Reidar: I would have to say winning the European Senior Bronze medal in Minsk in 1998 And my 2 gold medals at the World cup Tournament in Tampere, Finland.

Teddy: How many Norwegian National titles did you win in the unpaid ranks? (At all levels, Youth, Junior, Senior)

Reidar: I Won 10 Norwegian championship titles - 7 seniors

Teddy: Are you satisfied with your stable Modern Sports & Events?

Reidar: So far I'm very satisfied with my promoter.

Teddy: Who is the toughest opponent you came across in the amateurs?

Reidar: My toughest opponent has to be the Cuban boxer, Ringondaux. We knew each other well and had sparred on 2 separate occasions in Cuba. He is the Strongest boxer I have ever met.

Teddy: And the toughest in the Pros?

Reidar: My toughest pro-opponent have to be Said Raim who was much heavier than me and very strong.

Teddy: Were have you been to prepare for this upcoming fight?

Reidar:I've been in London for some sparring and hard training.

Teddy: Whom have you been sparring with?

Reidar: 4 different pro boxers in bantam and super bantam, and also a few up and coming boxers, and they gave me very good sparring.

Teddy: Who trains you?

Reidar: My main trainer is Randolf Dahl. And we also use one trainer from England, Chris Hall. And my father helps me with the physical training and follow-ups

Teddy: Why did you turn pro when you did?

Reidar:I felt that I've boxed in all the amateur tournaments besides the Olympics and didn't have more in the amateurs that was compelling. I wanted a change, New experiences and new challenges would do me good. I want the opportunity To become European Champion and later on World Champion, and earn some good Money on the way.

Teddy: Who is your closest friend in boxing?

Reidar: My closest friend is my father

Teddy: Is there a fighter out there right now that you truly like and sort of look up to?

Reidar: Konstantin Tszyu

Teddy: Which is the best Swedish amateur you met?

Reidar: Majid Jelili! Who has an awkward international style and he is tough.

Teddy: Are you able to train fulltime or do you have another job on the side while you are boxing?

Reidar: Training fulltime but also studying at the University in Trondheim

Teddy: What are you aiming at with your career, what are your goals?

Reidar: To become a European Champion and eventually World Champion

Teddy: Have you ever been good in any other sports than boxing?

Reidar: Skydiving

Teddy: Are you at your absolute best now when you are fighting Professionally, Do you think that your style is suited best for the professionals?

Reidar: I've always known that my boxing style has been a more pro inspired style, so yes I enjoy my new career.

Teddy: Which of the top-Danes like Spend Abazi, Johnny Bredahl or Steffen Nörskov would you liked to fight if you had the chance?

Reidar: I've already beaten Spend Abazi and Steffen Nørskov as an amateur. But they are now experienced pro boxers so later on I would like to meet them in my weight category. Johnny Bredahl would be a good challenge and a goal in the future. Would like to box him in a 2 years time.

Teddy: Which is the greatest athlete that Norway has produced in your opinion?

Reidar: That would have to be me! Hehehe No, I don't know it's a difficult question, maybe Bjorn Dæhlie (cross-country-skier)

Teddy: Which is your favourite sport beside of boxing?

Reidar: That has to be Skydiving, I just love it and it gives me a buzz.

Teddy: Your brother, correct me if I am wrong, Frank is a good journalist; he is editor for the Norwegian boxing magazine, ever thought of joining him in that mission?

Reidar: As a matter of fact I would like to join him at some point in time, maybe when my boxing career is over.

Teddy: Is he still boxing by the way?

Reidar: He comes to the gym twice a week, the rest of the time he plays football but yes I think he wants to get his 10th Norwegian title. He doesn't want me to have more than him. I bug him about it all the time. (Laughs)

Teddy: Finally Reidar, give me two good reasons why I should bet my money on you in your next fight!

Reidar: My team and me have been working a long time together, and have made a lot of experiences of how to train and know what works. This will make me the fittest boxer in the world and with this fitness comes the ability to train and do more sparring than any other - witch will eventually make me a better boxer.

Teddy: That sure is good enough reason for me! Thank you for your time Reidar and good luck in your bout on the 16th of November

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