2011 Trainer of the Year takes new assignment

Boxingtalk: I hear through the grapevine that you will be taking the head training job of Chazz Witherspoon who will be facing Seth Mitchell on April 28th in Atlantic City, NJ. Is the news true?

Virgil Hunter: Yes that's correct. Chazz will be arriving in the Bay Area on March 3rd and will get to work this Monday.Since you have won Trainer of the Year, I am sure you will be receiving plenty of these calls.

BT: What made you take the job?

VH: I have known Chazz since he was roommates with Andre Ward back in Dre's Olympic days. I was always impressed with him as a fighter and as a young man.

BT: How do you feel about being the B side in this fight [Mitchell is favored]? I know Chazz is a credible fighter but nevertheless he will be the underdog in this fight.

VH: The great thing about coaching is you have to earn your grits. I don't mind being the B side in a fight. It gives me something to work for. It also makes the victory sweeter when you can pull it off.

BT: What needs to be done with Witherspoon, so he can pull this victory off?

VH: Basic mental reprogramming. I hear he is a very dedicated fighter so that's a plus. But I have to re program his belief. Mental interaction is crucial at this stage.

BT: I can remember you clearly stating before Carl Froch's fight with Andre Ward, that you observed that Froch didn't know how to defend himself on the inside. You were dead right, Ward kept landing a short left hook all night. Without giving up the gameplan, I know you see things in Seth Mitchell that can be exploited.

VH: Yes I do. I have been watching Seth since I got the call to train Chazz. Some of his habits made me more confident that we can win this fight. There are some things that Seth does that's a dead tip off. Some of the other things you don't see them until you make Seth go to a certain place. My job is to make him go to that place mentally and physically, and that's what I intend to do.

BT: Well I can say this after many conversations. The playing field just got leveled somewhat and Chazz Witherspoon couldn't have hired a better Coach. They may be giving you too long to prepare.

VH: Thanks Steve, I appreciate that. Chazz will be ready come April 28th.

G

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