Chauncy with his WBO Belts and his new fiance’ Sarah
I recently had the chance to catch up with the Chauncy “The Hillyard Hammer” Welliver and his fiance’ Sarah. We talked about his recent fight with Caribbean Champion Sherman “The Tank” Williams. Welliver lost that fight but many people thought he actually won. We also chatted about his future in the sport and life after boxing. And we touched a bit on Chauncy and Sarah’s relationship. Enjoy!
Talk about the fight with Sherman Williams.
“It was a real tough fight I knew that going in…nothing clicked. Everything went great in training. Some people said I may have overtrained. I saw the punches I had to throw but I just couldn’t pull the trigger. But I’m encouraged because I didn’t have my best day and he did and a lot of people thought I won the fight. So there’s a rematch in the works and I think that’s in order so we’ll see what happens. If that fight happens, it will be in New Zealand. I gave him an opportunity in China but I think there should be a fight in the New Zealand. It’s my second home. I think it’s an easy way out if the fight’s in the Bahamas. Plus there’s more money. There hasn’t been any trash talking. I’m not a trash talker. I think he respects me after that fight.
You came into the fight with 18 straight wins…was there any complacency on your part?
Yes I had 18 Straight wins. I may have been a little complacent. But I call it more cruise control. I trained extremely hard for this fight in some ways I thought I’d just win and take care of business. But I know the next time around I will win this fight. I know he has my respect as do I for him.
Tell me a little bit about your training and why you train in Tacoma.
Joe Hip is my hero and my trainer and he’s the main reason I’m over there. What Joe tells me I do because I know he’s got my be interest in mind. In Seattle there’s better sparing. Every morning I wake up and we go for a long run. Then I go home eat lunch. Then to the gym for strength and conditioning. Then I go back at night for boxing. I’m boxing all day. Even when I eat it’s for the boxing. It’s 24/7. It’s tough being away from home but I know it’s where I need to be to be at my best. I hate being away from home but that’s why I sneak away and come home to Spokane as often as I can.
You’ve been getting a lot of calls lately for fights…how come?
The funny thing is I’m getting a lot of calls after the loss to Sherman. I got a call from Japan for double what I usually make. But I ask myself should I take it? Because I’m fighting him, his judges and his country. I’m world ranked so I’m at a Y in the road right now. It’s just a matter of which one I take. I am a patient person and know good things are coming.
You’re getting into the business side of boxing a bit, tell me a little bit about that.
I’m working with a kid from China and other kids to help promote their careers. I’ve always loved the business side of things. So in some ways I’m preparing for life after boxing. Life after boxing is something my manager has been pushing. I’d like to work with young kids and see them through the sport. I’d love to get into broadcasting someday and the media side of things. But first my goal is to win the title and I think with the right moves it’s within my grasp.
Tell me about your relationship with Sarah Jackson, who you just asked to marry you?
She said yes. If it wasn’t for Sarah I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Now I train harder so I can support her and she always pushes me to be better. She’s a great girl and smells good. She’s also my best friend. It’s not a one way conversation. When she said yes that made me a world champion. She is my rock.
Sarah what’s it like being engaged to a fighter.
It’s scary to watch the fight. It’s a lot of relief when he gets out the ring. Win or lose we’re in it together. I don’t think it was me pushing him to be better. I focused more on showing Chauncy what he’s capable of. I always thought of him as a diamond in the rough. I just didn’t know he’d be so awesome.
Chauncy what’s next for you?
We start training again and see what happens.
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