"Jungleboy" Zach Walters' (9-1, 8 KO's) career has undergone majorchanges over the last few months. Not long ago, Walters was asked to be a sparring partner to Antonio Tarver, who was preparing to fight Glencoffe Johnson. After three weeks of sparring, Walters went from being one of Tarver's sparring partners to being a fellow pupil under
trainer Buddy McGirt. McGirt, a former world champion, may be best known for guiding Antonio Tarver to a KO win over Roy Jones, Jr and Arturo Gatti's re-invention from fading brawler into a world champion boxer-puncher. This Friday, Walters is looking to take his first step under McGirt and establish himself as a legitimate young contender in
the light heavyweight division. Walters spoke to us via email interview:

This is your 1st fight under trainer Buddy McGirt, how has your training been for this fight?

Training has never been better. I have become a much more efficient, smart, tactical fighter. You will see me at my personal best on Friday.

What do you know about your opponent, Mike Wood (12-2-1, 7 KO's)? Do you have any concerns?

I've done a lot of research on the dude. He seems like a tough, confident fighter that is coming up to MN to make a strong showing. I know that it will be a tough fight, maybe my toughest, but I don't have any concerns I haven't dealt with in the gym already. Like I said, I'm very prepared for this fight.

I read on boxrec.com that Wood was in a no-contest 2 fights ago due to a double-disqualification....something about him trying to kick his opponent. Are you concerned about the rough-house tactics? If so, what will you do to avoid it?

When I read about his double disqualification, I laughed. Not only is he a boxer, but he's a fighter too. It looked like he got frustrated with being overmatched and not being able to deal with the opponent trying to survive. I don't blame him. If a guy fights dirty, fight dirty back. Not much else to say about that.

Your last four fights have ended within two rounds, what are you looking to get out of this fight?

I am looking to legitimize my prior wins by beating Wood, a legit fighter. The way I see it, this guy is as legit as they come and beating him should be able to erase many of the doubts that people have about me. He hasn't lost in his last 6 fights. He KO'd a 7-1 dude in the 6th round of their fight and he has had pretty good opposition his last year. What I am trying to do this fight is have fun and win strong. I want it to be a good showing for the FOX people too.

Your fight is scheduled to be aired on Fox Sports North. What kind of feelings do you have knowing it will be on television?

Not much added pressure. I see televised fights as an inevitable event in my pro career. I have Jesus Christ on my side and I believe this is part of His plans for my boxing career. By being on TV I can reach a bigger audience to show
people what can happen when you trust God to take charge of your life. Feelings…I am very excited to say the least.

What have you, Sharkey, and Buddy been focusing on in the gym?

We have worked on everything. I have sharpened up on all my skills and attributes. Working with Buddy has boosted my confidence in my training habits and the foundation of boxing fundamentals that Sharky and I had already
established. We have focused on all areas of boxing and in the last few weeks (we) laid out a general game plan for the fight. Whatever it takes, I believe I'll come out victorious.

Again, this is your 1st fight under McGirt, what have you learned and how much progress have you made?

I have made leaps and bounds since working with McGirt. Like I said after coming back from Florida the first time when I was sparring with Tarver. 'I left with a high school degree in boxing and came back with a master's degree.'
Now that I have been down there again and been able to do more one-on-one time with Buddy, he was able to sharpen me even further. Buddy is a great asset to my career and I feel that with him and Sharky I'll go a long ways in boxing.

I understand that you were training in Florida, can you talk a little about being down there and who you sparred with or met?

Being in Florida was great! I was able to shave off a few weeks of the cold winter and see some of the most elite boxers in the business. After all, the gym Buddy McGirt has down there is named 'Elite' for a reason… I will not disclose with who I sparred with because that could lead to predictions on what I'm boxing like lately. I sparred with a fellow up-and-comer who was extremely talented. He knew all the tricks and (it) was a blessing to be able to get rounds in with. He helped me with my speed and accuracy of punches as well as sharpening up my defensive skills.

What motivates you inside the ring?

The feeling that every time I step in the ring I am at my personal best! There is a Christian guy named Mark Anderle from the cities. A tragic motorcycle accident ended his basketball career. The significance of Mark is that although he isn't able to play ball anymore, he looks back with no regrets because every time he trained, he put his heart into it. Every time he
played a game, he knew he was at his personal best and therefore was never disappointed in his performance. I listened to him speak to my FCA group (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at UMD and it really inspired me to go all-out with
no regrets, or excuses. Being at my best makes me confident that I will have no regrets with my performance because I will be at my best and The Lord is with me when I box.

Who are your favorite fighters?

I have many. I study them in succession to pick up on their skills and qualities, but my favorites are Ali, Roy Jones Jr., Arturo Gatti, Diego Corrales, Alexis Arguello, and Rafael Marquez. I like them all for different reasons. Gatti and Marquez are probably my most favorite out of the bunch. Tough choice.

Buddy McGirt has obviously accomplished many things as a fighter and now as a trainer. How much confidence does it give you to know that he saw something in you and that he is by your side now? How rewarding has it been for you?

Very rewarding. It lets me know I have been doing something right so far and to keep up the good habits. The fact that Buddy saw something in me really boosted my confidence.

I know you've sparred with Antonio Tarver. Right now, he is arguably the best light heavyweight in the world. What did you take from thatexperience?

I got experience with the best lt. heavyweight in the world. That alone was priceless. I got to see what goes on behind the scenes of the championship fights and the hard work it takes to become a champion. I might also add that Tarver will be back to KO Johnson the same way he KO'd all his other losses in their rematch. Sparring with him was a real great experience for me.

In talking to Chuck "Sharky" Horton and others, it seems like Sharky is really looking out for your best interests. Can you talk a little about that?

I couldn't have a better guy on my side. He knows a ton about boxing, conditioning, managing fighters, match making, and as well as numerous other secrets to the sweet science. And even though he knows a bunch already, he knows how to keep learning. A smart person never stops learning. That's Sharky. He has been able to keep me on track with the thing Buddy and I worked on in Florida. It has been great to see how we both have learned more and more, so we
continue on our journey to be the best we can. As well as being my trainer while I'm in Minnesota, Sharky is also a great friend of mine and that is what keeps us going. I feel like if I can't trust the decisions my team makes (then) what's
the use of having a team at all. My best interests are his as well. Why would he mess up a good thing when he will pay the price as well?

I've heard that you are attending school right now? Can you talk about that and how hard it is to balance all that you do?

Balancing school with boxing isn't that bad. It takes more work than the average college student, but it really isn't that bad. My professors understand that Iam a professional and I need to honor my out-of-school commitments. Having school during the day gives me a productive thing to do in between work-outs. It also keeps me mentally sharp and open to new ideas.

Not that you're looking past Mike Wood, but your career has progressed a lot lately. What should we expect to see from Zach Walters in the not-so-distant future?

More great fights, tougher competition, more TV fights, and hopefully more recognition in the boxing world. At the end of it all, I hope to be a world champion. I know it's not easy, but as long as I am a pro, I'll always push toward that goal. How far I get is in The Lord's hands. I'll just keep seeking to be on top. Why settle on being mediocre?

Anything you'd like to add?

There is a strength and conditioning coach here at UMD named Justin May who has been an asset to my progression in becoming a complete athlete. He is a behind-the-scenes guy that doesn't ask for anything. He has masters' degrees and knows what he is talking about. I have been working with him for the last two years and the results are remarkable. I feel that with out his knowledge in this area, I would not be in the position I am right now. I also want to thank the friends and family that have been supporting me all along and believed in me. I also want to restate that it is God that
has put me in this position to fight Mike Wood and it wouldn't be so if it were not a part of His plans for my life.