‘Iceman’ John Scully is well known in the boxing circles as he is a former light heavyweight contender, a boxing analyst for ESPN and a respected trainer who has trained fighters to world titles. Scully is also socially active and engages with boxing fans via Twitter and Facebook. I recently had a chance to chat with John via Facebook and used the platform to conduct an interview with him to get his thoughts on the current boxing landscape.
In this special interview, John Scully shares his thoughts on Artur Beterbiev’s recent ring return and his views on how ready Beterbiev is for a title shot. Scully also gives his views on Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev being made for November 19th and talks about who he is favoring. Additionally John talked about the future of Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao, and also gave his thoughts on Thurman vs. Porter. Here is what John Scully had to say.
Jenna J: You helped prepare Artur Beterbiev for his most recent fight. What did you think of his performance?
John Scully: I thought he was very calculated and patient. Worked on his jab very well. Once he found his range he was in control.
Jenna J: He had a year out of the ring, did you see any signs of ring rust?
John Scully: Not particularly. He was out of the ring but always stays in proper condition. Him being away for a while is different than others who do it. He never allows himself to fall out of condition.
Jenna J: How far do you see him from being ready for a title shot?
John Scully: In terms of strictly in a boxing sense and not a boxing business sense, I’d think he could afford to have at least a couple more scheduled ten or twelve round fights first. They’re trying to find someone to take him into deeper water and get him that kind of experience, but so far he’s just not cooperating.
Jenna J: Speaking of the light heavyweight division, it was officially announced that Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev will fight each other November 19th in Las Vegas. What do you think of this match?
John Scully: I love it. I plan on being there live to see it, too. One of the best and most intriguing fights that could possibly be made. From fighting the best Olympians at 178lbs while only weighing 167 to jumping into the Super Six, Andre has shown the willingness to find out how great he can really be and this is just another example of that mindset. Both guys are in deep with this one.
Jenna J: If you had to choose today, based on what you have seen from both of them in their recent fights, who would you favor and why?
John Scully: I honestly can’t even call it right now. Both guys can win this one. Great, great match up.
Jenna J: Who would you give the slightest of edge to at this point?
John Scully: I honestly see it as a 50/50. I’m completely torn on who I would pick. I pick one but instantly regret it because I can’t see the other guy losing. If I had to choose right now or face jail time? Andre with a twelve round decision that he wins despite having to roll down the rockiest road of his entire career thus far.
Jenna J: Both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are officially retired. If you had to bet who returns first, who would it be and for what fight?
John Scully: I think Floyd returns first and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was for either the winner of Porter and Thurman or maybe a Canelo rematch. I’ve never felt he would stay retired and not go for a 50 win career.
Jenna J: Does Manny Pacquiao return to the ring? And if he does, what fight would he come back for?
John Scully: I’m less convinced that he will. If he does, I’m thinking it’s only for a Floyd rematch but I’m skeptical that it happens. Casual boxing fans and die-hards of each guy would go for it but I don’t think real boxing people will be even remotely as interested as they were the first time.
Jenna J: In closing John. What is your view on the big fight this weekend between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter? Who wins and why?
John Scully: All I can say for certain is that I will be there live in Brooklyn to witness it. Potentially a great, great fight! I like both guys and believe that the contrast in styles and the energy that both guys bring to the ring are going to result in a potentially classic fight. Strategy and the ability to stick with it one hundred percent is going to be the major key in deciding who wins this fight.
Jenna J: If you were forced to make a pick between the too, who do you think pulls it out?
John Scully: One minute I’ll say Keith’s power gets Shawn to limit his aggression just enough for Keith to keep him at bay and the next I’ll see Shawn being first more often than not and keeping Keith off balance often enough to win a hard fought decision.
Jenna J: Any message you want to pass along to boxing fans?
John Scully: I’d like to say to all these people who say boxing is dying, watch these two fights we just discussed and then get back to me.
Pacquiao should stay retired. There are no more fights for him that mean anything but money.
will USADA do the drug test again? Floyd will never fight if it isn’t USADA
Yeah, right, Pacquiao is not coming back for anybody but Floyd but Floyd is not interested. That being said, Manny already vowed before the Filipino people that he will retire for good and focus on serving them after his proclamation as a senator. Arum changes tune about Pacquiao coming back in October but it’s totally UNTRUE. He keeps mentioning Pacquiao these days to give Pacquiao fans a sense of hope that Manny is coming back, maybe for some business reasons like to keep boxing alive. But don’t count on Arum on this one.
Manny is retired for good. Bradley III was his last fight. That was why there was an air of solitude in the Wild Card gym during Manny’s last day of training and Manny was said to be nostalgic reminiscing his beginnings in that place when he was interviewed. A writer recounted that there was silence and gloominess in the place like it was indeed his last fight.