In the gym with Fields and Zuhdi…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Sounds like a bad name for Web cast show or something, huh? No, actually I watched cruiserweight boxer Eric Fields and Oklahoma lightweight champion Noah Zuhdi train Wednesday.
The two will both be fighting next Thursday (Nov. 12) at Remington Park in separate bouts. For more info, head on over to www.catboxentertainment.com.
It was an eye-opening experience. I hope me being there didn’t distract from their normal routine. It didn’t feel like it did, but who knows?
I haven’t been to many live fights and not nearly as many I would like to, but the THUD of Fields’ punches is downright scary. I don’t know what was louder, the right cross or the left hook? All I know is I never ever even want to be close to the left hook.
Was my first opportunity to really sit down and talk with Fields. His is an interesting story that you find more about next week as we get closer to the fight.
A real quiet, reserved guy. A lot of the boxers in this area have tended to be that way. Fields turned pro after limited amateur experience because he needed to support his family.
Fields has a wife and four kids that live in Ardmore. But it wasn’t like he couldn’t compete. He was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, which is more than enough credentials for anyone.
What I thought was most interesting is that even though Fields is 50 pounds (give or take) heavier than Zuhdi, they both push each other.
Zuhdi commits so much on his punches that it seems like his biggest issue is being too wound up. Needs to try to relax a little more. That’s a tough one to teach.
Fields, on the other hand, is learning the game. He’s come so far with natural gifts, but he’s starting to real learn the ins and outs of the game, starting with footwork.
Boxing becomes a lot more fun when you watch fighters who are so dedicated to their craft like these guys are.
Unfortunately, I picked the wrong day as neither was able to get in sparring, but I was just happy to see them working the mitts with trainer Pete Ramirez.
Also had a chance to meet Fields’ manager Jim Schaffer for the first time, very knowledgable man in the sport.
What’s great about the Azteca Boxing Club is Zuhdi and Fields can use it whenever they want. And when they’re there, it’s basically their gym. That is so crucial to be able to do what you need to do when you want to do it.
I was there for more than three hours and also had a chance to catch up with Capitol Hill student Juan Alex Saucedo. Think his biggest concern is finding a good fighting weight. He’s got some real skills, and Schaffer was pointing out to me the things Saucedo does well. As he starts listing ‘em, you start to realize how much talent this kid has.
Anyway, I shot a bunch of video with Zuhdi and Fields. That should be posted on NewsOK sometime later this week or on the weekend. Hope it gives people a little taste of what the fighters go through on a day-to-day basis.
And once again, the card is next Thursday at Remington Park. Tickets are still available.
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