The man of the hour beat a fantastic champion in Chambers. Meers produced a stunning knockout to place himself among the elite. We caught up with him to discuss the fight, the camp and the future.
Warren: I’m sure you woke up a very happy man today. Congratulations.
Meers: I’m not sure I went to sleep. I have been buzzing. It feels like years of hard work has paid off.
Warren: How did you prepare for such a formidable champion?
Meers: I started camp early. Got 4 sparring partners who either replicated his style well or perfectly. I didn’t party and stuck to the nutrition. I went to bed early and did shit loads of sparring.
warren: How good was Chambers?
Meers: Very good. I made sure I stayed focused from start to end. It wasn’t a fight I enjoyed. It was very stressful. I felt like he could finish it if I swtitched off for even a second. Chambers was really good. He didn’t hit as hard as I expected but he covered well.
Warren: It was a massive crowd. How did you stay composed?
Meers: That’s one of the things that really got to me. I wasn’t concerned about the occasion until I saw that many people. It really took me aback. By time the bell went that situation went as well.
warren: Have you seen the Havey fight? Do you think you have overtaken him as the main draw?
Meers: I haven’t seen it because we fought on the same night but not the same show. I wanted to see it. I don’t know man. Something is going on which he isn’t talking about. Why did he fight so differently? Why didn’t he fight left handed? He has always been the most tactical fighter around. How did he get it so wrong. I would want to see them fight again before I make judgement. I think Havey has beaten so many great fighters that he deserves more than being thrown under the bus after one shit performance.
Warren: Do you think that Chambers is finished?
Meers: No way. It’s the same situation. When did we become so quick to condemn bad performances. I bet you have written some articles that weren’t that good. Boxers are the same. Chambers isn’t old and he has mixed it with the best. He has also lost before so we know he can bounce back from a loss. I think he should have some time off and then warm back into things. Because of his age he doesn’t need to rush back into the mix. He can afford 2 or 3 easier fights. I would have no problem getting into the ring with him again if he got back into the contender spot. His promoter would be wise to chase down the English strap.
warren: Who would you like to fight next?
Meers: Anyone. I leave all of that up to my promoter. There’s no one that I’m concerned about. I would even consider a move up to Heavyweight.
Paul Warren
English Boxing Union 