Tim Coleman: Ready To Take on the World
Published July 9, 2009 by Boxing Capital
‘After I stop Clay I’ll fight anybody!’ was the distinct message from talented and likeable American light-welterweight Tim Coleman in the run up to his rematch with Martinus Clay on July 25th in Baltimore.
Coleman, 24 years old and with an impressive 15-1-1 (4 KOs) record, previously fought a 10 round draw with Clay in December 2007 and is desperate to set the record straight. Last time these two fighters met, Coleman broke his hand in the opening round of the contest. So, the fact he was able to fight for 10 rounds one handed and still come away with a draw not only shows his courage, but indicates Coleman is a level above his opponent.
That’s a view Coleman agrees with, saying ‘’I don’t really think Clay’s nobody, he’s what his record shows, a bum. He’ll fight anybody just for a bigger pay cheque’’.
When asked how he saw the fight with Clay going, Coleman gave the response of a man totally confident in his abilities ‘’I’m going to try my hardest to stop him and make a statement. If I can’t get him out of there early then I’m going to bust him up for the rest of the fight – I’m going to beat his ass man!’’.
Interestingly, Coleman was speaking from his Manchester base in England, where he is being trained by Lee Beard (trainer of Ricky and Matthew Hatton). The link up with Lee Beard and the Hatton’s came when Tim was asked to act as chief sparring partner to Ricky Hatton in the run up to his contest with Paulie Malignaggi.
It’s clear that Coleman must have made quite an impression in those sparring sessions; not only did Coleman return to spar Ricky Hatton prior to his contest against Manny Pacquiao but he was also flown to the Manchester to spar with Matthew Hatton ahead of Matthew’s impressive victory over Ted Bami.
Coleman is extremely impressed with Lee Beard’s training methods ‘’I switched from Floyd Mayweather Sr. to Lee and I have to say that Lee is truly one of the up and coming trainers out there in boxing’’.
Coleman has also been impressed with the conditioning of fighters in UK in general: ‘’There is a totally different work ethic in the UK compared to the US, in the US the guys love skills but here (the UK) guys are more head down, ass up and light-years ahead of US fighters in conditioning terms’’. To emphasise the point, Coleman elaborates further ‘’Even guys with no talent here are in top condition’’.
With Saturday’s contest made at the welterweight limit of 147lbs, Coleman made it clear he would like to campaign at light welterweight (140lbs) going forward and he’s hopeful that the fight against Clay will be his last appearance up at the higher weight limit of 147lbs.
But, Coleman could still be tempted back to 147lbs for the right fight; specifically, a rematch with the only man to have beaten him, James De La Rosa (19-0, 12 KOs). Coleman lost a razor thin 10 round decision to De La Rosa in an exciting fight last year and would love an opportunity to set the record straight. ‘’Last time against De La Rosa I got drawn into a fight. Next time I’d be smart and box more, I can definitely beat him’’. Everyone who saw the first encounter between these two on Showbox will be hoping that a rematch happens soon.
But, instead of sitting around and hoping for a fight with De La Rosa, Coleman is chasing opposition all over the Globe as he strives to make the step up to the world’s elite. Coleman is ready to fight anybody in boxing at 140lbs/147lbs and is so keen to prove himself to the world he has been trying to make match ups himself! ‘’I’ve been emailing promoters all over, everyone I can get in contact with offering to fight their guys. I’ll take on anybody – over the next 12 months I want big fights so I can show I’m on the top level’’
Interestingly, Coleman today (8th July) emailed Calzaghe Promotions to offer his services for a contest with former WBA light welterweight champion Gavin Rees ‘’I don’t know if I’ll get a response but I want these guys, I can beat them’’.
The interview got very interesting when the subject of Amir Khan’s fight with Andreas Kotelnik on July 18th was raised. After expressing my view that Khan had to be favourite but Kotelnik couldn’t be ruled out, Coleman’s response was much simpler ‘’Khan is sh*t! Quote me on that, please. Prescott nailed that guy in a coffin’’. So we can add Amir Khan to the list of potential opponents for Coleman then!
What shines through in talking to Coleman is that he is a genuinely hungry fighter, desperate for that one big chance to prove his talent. I have no doubt that if he gets that chance, this young man looks certain to take it and move on to bigger and better things.
We wish Tim Coleman the best of luck in his contest against Martinus Clay on July 25th and look forward to following his progress. Stay tuned to Boxing Capital to keep track of Tim as he moves through the boxing rankings further.
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