By Peter Mark Heintzelman, Photos by Peter Mark Heintzelman: Hartford, Connecticut hosts the defense of the WBC Youth Featherweight Championship belt on Friday night, June 13, 2008, when the undefeated champion, Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 13-0, 7 KO’s, looks south of the border, into the eyes of Mexican challenger, Jose Magallon, 8-4, 3 KO’s! Remillard, of Manchester, Connecticut, acquired the WBC strap in September of 2006, at the same venue, when he handed the previously undefeated Jose Hernandez, (9-1-0, 3 KO’s), of Fort Worth, Texas, his first and only defeat, by a unanimous ten round decision.
Remillard’s first defense of his green and gold was against Manuel Perez (11-4-0, 2 KO‘s), in January of this year, at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, where Remillard retained his title after a tough ten round unanimous decision. Perez had been on a five match winning streak, before luck ran out at the casino..
Now, Mexican Jose Magallon enters enemy territory, after three consecutive wins in California, his latest victim, Mexican Francisco Leal, who was 12-2-1, before suffering a unanimous six round decision at the hands of Magallon.
Remillard, with his original corner man, and best friend, Paul Chicon by his side, and new manager, Bret Hallenbeck, covering his back, took time out to share his thoughts with EastSideBoxing, about his upcoming Friday night fight:
ESB: So, Matt, how does it feel to be main event on Friday, June 13th, on your home turf at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford?
Remillard: It feels great to be the main event in my home town. Hartford is where I won my first professional title ( WBC Super Featherweight youth ) and now it is where I am defending my second title, which is a big accomplishment for Team Remillard and myself. It gives me a chance to give back to my fans with a very exciting fight June 13th.
ESB: And, what do you know of your opponent, Jose Magellan (9-4, 0, 3 KOs) from
Las Vegas, Nevada?
Remillard: Any opponent is a threat to me, and I take them very seriously in the ring. You will never see me under estimate anyone. Jose Magellan is an exciting fighter who brings a lot to the ring. He is a tall, strong featherweight. Even if his KO ratio does not show it. He likes to fight and mix it up, and that’s what we will do on June 13th! I expect it to be a toe-to-toe battle. His few losses were against good prospects. He seems to be growing with each fight, and is on a good winning streak.
ESB: What do you expect his game plan to be against you?
Remillard: I am getting ready and training for every style he brings to the ring. I know I will be ready for anything he bring on June 13th. I expect him to try and mix it up and brawl. Paul Cichon and I, will be ready for anything. I am always in great shape.
ESB: What have you been doing to specifically prepare for your bout with Magallon?
Remillard: I train for every fight like it is my last. I try to leave everything in the ring so there is no excuses. For the most part, I am getting ready for a hard ten round fight.
ESB: What is your prediction, as to the outcome of the fight?
Remillard: My prediction is to win the fight, just grow as a fighter, and if I see the knock out you can guarantee I will take it. June 13th, you will see a stronger, faster, more professional Matt Remillard.
ESB: Matt, you have a hell of a fan base in New England. To what do you attribute that to be, and what message do you want to send to your fans at EastSideBoxing.com and around the world?
Remillard: My fan base is great in New England. They have been very supportive of me, and I try and give back to them by staying out of trouble and giving them entertaining fights. I owe a lot to the people in my hometown and Team Remillard for giving me a chance to show them what I can do as a fighter. I want to send a message to the youth, that you can do whatever you want in life, accomplish as many goals, and it is never to late to turn your life around.
ESB: What are your ultimate goals in the boxing world, Matt?
Remillard: My ultimate goal in boxing is like many other fighters: I want to become successful in boxing, and not just financially. I love this sport, and it has been very good to me. Giving entertaining fights that can be remembered and talked about years later is what I want. Being a positive influence for the sport , but most importantly I want to become a world champion and provide for my family, who has provided for me for so long.
ESB: Have you seen the recent call out by Dat Nguyen to challenge you to a fight, and what do you know about Nguyen, and do you think that fight will ever happen? Your manager seems interested, but your promoter does not. What’s your feelings?
Remillard: Dat Nguyen and I know each other pretty well from the amateurs and being in camp together. He is a very good fighter who is entertaining. I think right now, with him coming off his first defeat and both of us so young in the game it doesn’t make sense. I am all for fighting him today, tomorrow, or next year, but for promotional reasons and everything it doesn’t make good sense right now. Whenever my promoter Jimmy Burchfield and manager Bret Hallenbeck feel its right, I will be ready. All and all, I hope Dat keeps winning and I wish him the best in his future.
ESB: Who else would you like to fight in the near future, to elevate your level in the featherweight division?
Remillard: I am the type of fighter who just wants to fight. You can throw any name at me and I will never say no, or he is too good , or I am not ready. Fighters have a mind that won’t allow them to say those kind of things. That’s why a great team around you is important. I am very lucky to have a team that can move me in the right direction, but also cares about my health and future. Jimmy Burchfield is a great promoter and I have all the respect and trust that he will move me at he right pace.
ESB: Matt, what else would you like to say to yours fans at EastSideBoxing.com?
Remillard: I want to thank EastSideBoxing for giving me the opportunity to get my name out to the world. You have been very supportive and positive for my career. I also want to thank Team Remillard and CES entertainment , along with Bret Hallenbeck, the newest member to our team. Expect a thrilling fight June 13th , that will be one to remember! Thanks again to all my fans, the support has been a big help.
Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, of Providence, Rhode Island, showcases Matt Remillard on a card entitled “Connecticut Conquest“, at the Hartford, Connecticut Convention Center, this Friday night, June 13, 2008. The fight night also features heavyweight, Tony Grano, 13-0-1, 11 KO’s v. Leroy Childs, 13-1-0, 12 KO’s, and light welterweights, Jason Pires, 20-3-0, 9 KO’s v. an unknown opponent.
Super middleweights, Kingsley Ikeke 23-3-0, 13 KO’s v. Dhafir Smith 20-17-6, 4 KO’s duke it out for a scheduled six rounds. Another pair of super middleweights, Brian Macy, 3-0-0, 1 KO’s matches up with Adrian Redmond, 3-5-1, 3 KO’s. Women fighters Adelita Irizarry, 4-2-0-2 KO’s and Janae Archuleta, 5-14-1, 2 KO’s , are scheduled for four rounds at light welterweight. Tylon Burris, 1-0-0, 1 KO takes on Richmond Dalphone, 0-3-2, at super middleweight. Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800). For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. The Convention Center is located at 100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bell rings at 7 PM/ET.