PICROM SCORES TITLE IN TUNICA
The Mid-South continues providing host sites and venues for the boxing game. On August 17th Greg Pickrom of Houston, Texas 16-5 (13 KO’s) knocked out James Jones 9-4 (7 KO’s) from Meridian, MS. The main event bout was stopped at 2:41 of the second round after Pickrom landed a straight right to the head of Jones. Jones, who traded punches with Pickrom in the first round, fell to the canvas and never regained his legs. In fact, Jones injured his left ankle while falling as a result of the knockout blow delivered by Pickrom. After the fight the newly crowned IBO/USBO Heavyweight boxing champion sat down and discussed his fight and his future plans with the Flyer.
Flyer: Champ, talk to us about the fight. You did the job. Second round. What do you say?
Pickrom: This is what I’ve worked hard for in the gym, and my work paid off.
Flyer: Take us back to the fight, first round and then second round. Did you set him up and finish him off?
Pickrom: Well, he (Jones) was a little awkward, this was the first southpaw that I have fought. The first round I was trying to kind of fill him out and then my timing was off;so I knew I would catch up with him soon, and then that’s what started to happen. He kind of shot himself out a little bit in the first round. I guess he thought he hurt me, he landed a flush punch, but it didn’t phase me. That second round, I came out and was throwing my big shots like I was in the first round and they started landing. I went to the body and that made him stand up. And, as you could see, that straight right hand is what finished him off.
Flyer: You’re coming out of here with a record of 16-5 (13 KO’s);so, what’s in the near future?
Pickrom: I’m going to go back to Houston, Texas, and relax the rest of this week and get back in the gym the following week. This is just a minor goal; our main goal is to become heavyweight championship of the world. And this is one of the many titles. What ever prize fighting puts in front of me I’m going to be ready for.
Flyer: Is there anybody out there in particular you want to fight, or will you just fight whoever
you need to fight?
Pickrom: I’d fight whoever but there is one fight; again that would would be John Ruiz. I believe and feel that he’s the only fighter that has beat me and I’d like to avenge that.
Flyer: How’s the belt? What do you think so far?
Pickrom: It’s a nice belt, it’s going to look good on the shelf.
Flyer: What’s your thoughts on fighting in the Mid-South area? Many people believe the Memphis / Tunica area is the new boxing capital of the new millennium?
Picrom: It’s a nice area to be fighting in. I like the Grand, I’m glad to be a part of this show. They are world class people and I was just glad to be a part of it.
