A New Chapter For Walters
By Jesse Kelley
6-17-09

Zach “Jungleboy” Walters (23-4) returns to action at Grandma's Sports Garden in Duluth, MN tomorrow night against James Morrow (11-12-3). Walters will be officially fighting in his hometown of Duluth for the first time since 2005. The ring return will also be a chance to test himself at the super-middleweight limit as well as end a two fight skid. Walters said he is starting a new chapter in his career as he discussed his post fight thoughts on Byron Mitchell in New York, the weight change, and a rumored showdown with Phil Williams, which could take place later this year.

 

Take us back to your last fight against Byron Mitchell. What are your thoughts on the fight?
Now that some time has passed since the fight I have been able to give full appreciation to what happened. The way I see it is this: If you went to the show not caring who won you would have thought it was one of the best fights you'd seen. Every round was nuts! No I didn't win, but I gave my best showing and did my job in bringing fight entertainment that fans went away pleased with. To that I am pleased. My conclusion in that fight is I am not physically cut out for light-heavyweight like I wish I was. I realize that at the top of the division those guys get really big. Now add their skill to that. I am moving down to supper- middleweight. It is a new beginning for me, a fresh start at mid-career. It's the right time to make a serious move like this and there are a bunch of new fight possibilities.

You boxed an exhibition with teammate Jorey Olson last month at Grandma's Sports Garden. Was it a last second decision for you to box, and talk about how it felt to get back to action in front of your fans.
Jory has been a sparring partner of mine for quit a while. I was asked a couple of days before the fights to help out by stepping in. Jory's opponent didn't make it for whatever reason so I was glad to step in. It was great to get in front of the home crowd again. They got to see a peek at what I am bringing to the this fight and Jory had a chance to show his skills against a well known boxer. Boxing in the Sports Garden is like boxing in a fight club. Everyone is so close! I had a vision of it becoming a Northland version of The Blue Horizon, or something. To sum it up, the exhibition left me hungry like eating an appetizer without getting the main dish. The show will be great with 3 Fergus Falls fighters on the card; me, KAOS, and Tyler Hultin.

A fight between you and Phil Williams seems very likely to happen later this year...
I really hope Phil isn't just running his mouth to get attention and actually steps in the ring with me. This guy is turning heads because he has based his rise into the pros on an "attack Zach Walters" type of campaign. I think he is a boring fighter and without speaking my name in his interviews they would be empty.
His interviews would sound like this: "So in my last fight I stood there, moved a bit, stood there, thought about punching...I really did, but then I missed my spot so I stood there some more. I figured the other guy would wear himself out and when he was tired I'd hit him really hard. Oh, I want to fight Jungle Boy. That's an easy fight and I think I'd take him out."
Then the fans talk about what a fight would be like between the two of us, not his past performances. With that being said Phil can come up to D-town and get some!

What are your thoughts of him as a fighter? You both have good power, what will you bring that will give you the advantage?
He's boring. That's his style. Counter punching with bombs is his strength. His weakness is his overconfident, big ego. I'll bring what I always bring to that fight. The desire to win.

 

Phil Williams recently stopped Antwun Echols in his last fight. What are your thoughts on that fight?
Good job to Phil on winning his last fight, but I still think he's a boring fighter who lacks confidence. He does a good job of talking tough and looks the part, but he is on a crash course with self destruction if he fights me. Deep down he knows this. That's why he spends so much time trying to verbally attack me. He's trying to convince himself that he can do it, but the more he talks, the more transparent he gets.
He said he'd crush me; well I may hurt him so bad he never fights again! He has physical weaknesses even though he acts tough. Acting tough and being tough are two different things. I see quit in Phil and I hope he doesn't have an excuse as to why he can't fight me in a few months. Look, I like Phil. He's been a nice dude whenever we cross paths, but he's gone too far with his recent statements. Phil, you picked your path. Now you will deal with what lays ahead. Keep your chin tucked in the gym so you're not damaged goods at fight time.

You won the MN light-heavyweight title against Marty Lindquist in 2004. The Commission wasn't around when that fight took place or when you defended against Boyd Davis. Do you know if they will honor your title if you and Williams meet?
I have not looked into the issue of whether or not the MN boxing commission recognizes me as the State Champ. I guess now would be a good time for them to figure that out so we can move on. If I need to punch Phil in the face to make my point I will.

 

Anything you would like to add?
Last year I was not sure if I'd get to fight in the Twin Ports again for a long time. I am psyched to get back in front of the fight fans and I feel totally refreshed. By the way tickets are selling this will be a sellout crowd. The fight fans are ready. This is the start of yet another chapter in my boxing career.

 

In the main event, Andy Kolle (18-2) will face off against Indiana’s Anthony “Showtime” Shuler (20-5). Also, Boris Shishporenok will see action.

Tickets are $35 dollars in advance and $45 dollars at the gate. Doors open at 5pm, and the fights start at 7pm. Weigh-ins will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at Grandma's Sports Garden. The weigh-in is free and open to the media and the public.

The event will also be a pay-per-view feature on iFan.tv. Fans can watch the fights by live webcast by visiting www.iFan.tv. The PPV feature costs $11.99. Tony Grygelko, former professional boxer and CEO of the Twin Cities' fight promotion company, Second's Out Promotions, will be providing ringside commentary for the iFan.tv webcast. Fans can log onto www.iFan.tv now to view a promotional video for the event.

For more information about Bridge Battle II, please contact Chuck Horton by phone at (218) 310-5200 or by email at hortonsgym@gmail.com. For a preview of previous professional boxing matches at Grandma's Sports Garden, visit www.iFan.tv and click the "Pro Boxing .. Bridge Battle" link to see iFan.tv's archived footage of Horton's Gym's first Bridge Battle at the Garden on May 21, 2009.