Is Wayne McCullough in denial?

bennie · Post by **bennie** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:07

Former WBC bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough has laughed off rumours of his impending retirement from boxing, stating he is far from finished in the ring.
The 33-year-old Las Vegas-based fighter has been dogged by accusations that since an unhappy split with former promoter allegedly, he is set to hang up his gloves.
"I don't know where these rumours have come from, but they have no foundation whatsoever," explained McCullough. "I've never quit anything in my life. I'd love to fight on for another few years. I mean, I fought Daniel Zaragoza when he was 39 so why can't I fight until I am that age myself?"
The Belfast man failed to wrestle the WBO featherweight crown from Scottish hard man Scott Harrison in Glasgow's Braehead arena last March and would clearly relish another title shot.
McCullough was said to have been disappointed with his parting from the Warren stable, having had thoughts of seeing out his career in the UK with the Hertford-based promoter.
But manager and wife Cheryl is currently working on securing a series of bouts in America for the "Pocket Rocket" later this year.
"I don't want to go into any meaningless fights at this stage of my career," McCullough added.
"I've a few possible opponents - Paulie Ayala, Johnny Tapia, big draws in the States. I'm planning on getting back into the ring in February or March at the earliest and we'll see how things pan out from there."

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:18

If McCulloch can get a bout against Ayala, then all well and good, it's not an impossible fight for him to win, and Ayala isn't a natural featherweight.

However, if he's going to start getting in the ring with big hitters like Marquez or Pacquaio, or just become a stepping stone for the featherweight division, I would like to see him retire.

If McCulloch didn't have such a good chin, it wouldn't be as much of a worry to continue, or if he had a big punch.

The combination of having a granite jaw, little punchpower, being a small featherweight, and having a style which relies on volume of punches thrown, is what is of most concern, especially in a division where there are some big hitters.

I guess to put it into perspective, McCulloch isn't that old, but he has absorbed a lot of punishment, making him a lot older than his years in terms of the number of times his bonce has been rattled.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:25

Id love for Wayne to get a fight with Tapia or Ayala, great fights, im sure they would set punch stat records..

They are the fights he will be after and im sure at SB he can win another title, if not he can make a some good money

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:25

Oh dear.

Mrs McCollough may have to take up shaving Wayne ala Jerry Quarry in a few years time if the game Irishman keeps on battling the world's best feathers till he is 39.

Like so many before, I fear his is on track to sour an excellent career.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:32

He wants the big money fights with Tapia and Ayala...I dont think hes going to be fighting at Feather...

get in the ring · Post by **get in the ring** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:38

Ayala and Tapia are the only options for Wayne IMO. As good as he was, Wayne is enjoying his last 'hurrah' now, and must face up to the fact that he will not be able to challenge the elite fighters in the world. That's not to mean he should walk away though, there's plenty of top fights for him elsewhere in the division.

For example, Ayala-McCullough has 'fight of the year' written all over it.

I'll try and get in contact with Ayala to ask him about that fight. Only option for Wayne IMO if he bases himself in the US.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:49

Maybe Tapia and Mculloch could re-enact a kind of Super-Bantam/Featherweight version of the Gatti-Ward trilogy.

Doesn't need a title, make it a 10 rounder as cheif support to a big fight and there will be most likely be calls for a rematch. Could be a good earner for them....

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 08 Jan 2004, 09:51

Goz wrote:Maybe Tapia and Mculloch could re-enact a kind of Super-Bantam/Featherweight version of the Gatti-Ward trilogy.

Doesn't need a title, make it a 10 rounder as cheif support to a big fight and there will be most likely be calls for a rematch. Could be a good earner for them....

Exactly, youve hit the nail on the head...

The main reason for the rumours is the fact that TV wernt going to pay much and Wayne is very much aware of his market value, he isnt going to fight for peanuts

Elliot, let us know what Paulie says....

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 08 Jan 2004, 10:29

Ayala's last fight was at featherweight, is he moving back down to super-bantamweight?

I think McCulloch v Tapia would make for a great fight, and McCulloch won't be fighting a big puncher. Although I think Tapia is pretty shot, he still entertains with his swarming but cute style.

Ayala is a more difficult proposition for sure, but again, would be a great fight.....

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 08 Jan 2004, 11:26

McCullough shouldn't really carry on but if he insists i would hope it would be a payday against a relatively light puncher like Tapia or Ayala so he wouldn't be hurt too much. Despite his excellent chin i don't think he could stand big shots off someone like Marquez or Pacquiao, he also states that when he fought Zaragoza the Mexican was 39 so he can continue himself. McCullough was supposedly in his prime and he still lost, doesn't that tell him something?

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 08 Jan 2004, 12:04

Chuckle....

That's a very good point Steve, never thought of that. It does tell us McCulloch won't age anywhere near as the butt-ugly Zaragoza.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 08 Jan 2004, 12:06

Zaragoza went on to take Morales to the wire, he certainly wasnt shot, I actually had Wayne winning the fight

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 08 Jan 2004, 12:13

With Pacquiao likely to stay at Feather, there is some hope for Wayne. I don't think there is strength in depth in the Super Bantam weight and would still confidently put Wayne in with most of the top names at that weight.

However, I've heard he's continuing as a feather which is silly.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 08 Jan 2004, 12:26

Yes he's in denial, and we're not talking about a river in Egypt.

So will he have the same corner looking after him that bravely let him take that beating against Harrison?

beduff · Post by **beduff** » 08 Jan 2004, 12:31

wayne is a good fighter,but unfortunatley for him had one to many punches to the head,he should retire and be remembered as a good fighter not a old man who went to far.