29.04.09 – Exclusive Interview by James Slater – 39-year-old Cedric “The Bos” Boswell wants a big fight. 8-0(7) since making a return to the ring after his sole career loss – the October, 2003 10th round TKO at the hands of Jameel McCline – the 29-1(23) contender is hoping to land a world title shot before he’s through.
Last August, Atlanta’s Boswell made short work of the then unbeaten and touted Roman Greenberg, stopping the 26-year-old inside two rounds. Since then “The Bos” has seen off Harold Sconiers in a single round, and now he is waiting for the call for a big fight..
Very kindly taking time out to speak with me earlier today, Cedric had the following answers to my questions.
James Slater: Thank you for your time, Cedric. First of all, is there any word on your next fight yet?
Cedric Boswell: No, nothing yet. I signed with Lou DiBella around a month ago, and I’m just sitting back waiting for him to get something for me. He’s good at what he does, and hopefully he can get me a good fight.
J.S: Your 2nd round TKO over the previously unbeaten Roman Greenberg got people talking. You exposed a young fighter who was tipped to go high. Do you want more fights against young guys like that?
C.B: Well, right now we’ve got to take what we can get. But, no, I’m not really interested in anymore Roman Greenberg-type opponents. It’s the belt holders, the champions, that I really want. I would love to fight Wladimir Klitschko.
J.S: Are you having trouble getting guys to fight you?
C.B: Yes, I’m having real trouble getting fights. We called out Chris Arreola, David Haye, Evander Holyfield – you name it. We can’t get a bite.
J.S: At age 39, which is no way old for a heavyweight these days, do you feel as good as ever?
C.B: I do. I’m a lot more patient now. Before, I used to just rely on my hand speed and try to get a guy outta there. I still have good hand speed, but I set guys up more now.
J.S: Was the win over Greenberg your best win on the comeback, your best performance?
C.B: I felt great in that fight, but I don’t know if it was my best performance. I wasn’t really shocked when I stopped him. He’d fought a few guys who I’d fought, and I’d stopped them a lot earlier than he had. I didn’t think all that much of him, really, although I did think our fight would go longer. But I think he can still make it as a good fighter if his team are patient with him. He’s still young enough.
J.S: After what is your only loss as a pro – to Jameel McCline in 2003, in a fight you were winning – you had a layoff of two-and-a-half years. Why was that?
C.B: I’d injured my rotator cuff, and I took that fight with Jameel because I thought it was a safe fight for me. But I completely tore my rotator cuff in the fourth round and I had only one arm to fight with. I only had my left jab. I tried to pick up points, but I got tired. I needed surgery on that shoulder after the fight and it took time, so I had the layoff.
J.S: If you had your way, would you fight Arreola next, then? Would you pick him over, say, Kevin Johnson?
C.B: If it was between Arreola and Johnson, I’d definitely pick Arreola. I don’t think too much of Kevin Johnson. But the fight I really want is Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko.
J.S: As you know, Wladimir is fighting David Haye next. In your opinion, has Haye got a shot?
C.B: No. No shot. David Haye’s a good fighter against smaller heavyweights and cruiserweights, but from what I’ve seen of him – I saw his win over Monte Barrett – and I don’t think Haye takes a punch too well. And Barrett’s not a huge heavyweight or a huge puncher. I think when Klitschko hits Haye it’s going to be a whole different story.
J.S: Is Haye a hype job? Has he really talked his way into the fight do you think?
C.B: Yes, I think so. He’s not done anything to really earn this fight. I’m jealous, actually.
J.S: Assuming Haye lost but fought well before losing, would you still be interested in fighting him if he wanted to get on the road back?
C.B: Definitely. He’s a big name. After he loses to Klitschko, I’ll fight him and finish him off.
J.S: How long do you plan to fight on for now that you’re 39?
C.B: I think another two or three years. A lot of people have asked me that, and I say because of how I’ve climbed back to the top-ten, I’m not going to walk away now. It’d be too hard to just give it up now. I want to win the heavyweight title and defend it a few times and maybe then I’ll be ready to move on.
J.S: It’s a shame guys are avoiding you, you definitely deserve a big fight. We know you’re a guy who is always in top shape.
C.B: I’m always ready, I’m always in the gym. That’s the reason I think guys are avoiding me, they know I’m always in the gym and that I have good power and speed. They know I’m too much of a dangerous fight for them to take.
J.S: Well, I hope you get a big-name opponent to fight you. It’s been great speaking with you, Cedric.
C.B: I have one question. Have any of you guys heard anything about Greenberg since our fight?
J.S: No. It’s like he’s disappeared. We don’t know if he’s retired, or what. I think you may have ruined him.
C.B: Well I hope not. You know, I hope he gives it at least one more go. It’s tough coming back from a loss, I’ve done it myself. But if you get the chance to speak with him, tell him he shouldn’t give up yet.