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12/18/2003 Archived Entry: "An Interview with O’Neil Bell"
Will O’Neil Bell be a “Slice of Hell” for Derrick Harmon?
An Interview with O’Neil Bell
By Juan C. Ayllon
CHICAGO, IL - Tomorrow night at the Ramada Hotel O’Hare in Rosemont, NABF Cruiserweight Champion O’Neil “Give ‘em Hell” Bell (21-1-1, 20 KOs) will face two-time world title challenger, Derrick Harmon (23-4). Their fight will headline an action-packed card put on by Promoter Bobby Hitz, of Hitz Boxing, as he hosts ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights’ last telecast of the year. The ever-colorful ESPN boxing commentator, Teddy Atlas, will be announcing the fights.
This is a very important and potentially “break out” bout for O’Neil Bell. Bell, an Atlanta native, has knocked out 20 of his 23 opponents, including former world champ "King” Arthur Williams, IBF #1 contender Kelvin Davis, Ernest Mateen and Chicago’s very own Jason Robinson.
This fight is not without its risks, however. Derrick Harmon is perhaps best known for giving Roy Jones, Jr. a very tough battle prior to his corner throwing in the towel as a result of a ruptured eardrum, resulting in an unfortunate TKO loss. In addition to Jones, Harmon has fought Dariusz Michalczewski and Montell Griffin.
Recently, the CBZ caught up with Bell who is eager for tomorrow night’s battle.
Juan Ayllon: How do you feel about the recent move of the cruiserweight weight limit to 200 pounds? Is it more of a relief to you? Have you ever had problems making 190?
O’Neil Bell: I never really had any problems with the weight limit. I walk around 194, 197. With the new weight limit, I can eat what I want. I definitely like it!
JA: Do you think the extra weight will play in your favor fighting Harmon, who has competed most of his career as a light heavy?
OB: Yes, because I’m a solid cruiserweight. Harmon, on the other hand, maybe he’s one who walks around 190. So, yeah, it will definitely benefit me more because I’m very solid at cruiser.
JA: You haven’t lost since your second fight (eight years ago). Has your power, 20 KOs in 21 wins been the recipe for your success?
OB: No, its actually been learning the game, learning to box, to use skills and technique. I don’t rely on power, but my boxing skills. Whatever my opponent brings to the table, I capitalize on that. Then, if I happen to catch him with my left or my right, he probably hits the canvas. However, I don’t rely on the knockout to win my fights.
JA: You are now the mandatory challenger for WBC champ Wayne Braithwaite. Is he the champion you would prefer to fight?
OB: Actually, yes. Braithwaite is my main target. I went up through the ranks and won the NABF Cruiserweight Title. Now, Braithwaite is the next guy in line. However, don’t get me wrong; my main focus Friday night is Derrick Harmon.
JA: Your last opponent, Kelvin Davis, was elevated to the number one spot by the IBF because they had ordered you to fight him again. What happened in that fight and why did you not face him?
OB: I didn’t see why that fight was necessary. I knocked him out! However, his people got a jury together, did some investigating and saw that I hit him when he was down. Well, he jumped up and caught a shot! Earlier, he hit me after he knocked me down. Yet, they say anything about that. That’s clearly a double standard. They’re playing politics to get what they want.
JA: Are you upset that you likely won’t have an opportunity to fight James Toney?
OB: Now, I wouldn’t say never. I plan on building my status up. Who’s to say? Maybe McCline falls through and he’ll look at me then. I’m still looking for Toney, who’s still the best cruiserweight around.
JA: Do you have anything more to say to the readers at the Cyber Boxing Zone?
OB: Sure. To the fans: keep a sharp eye on me and watch for the skills. Whoever they put in front of me, I will handle my business and do my best to be victorious.
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The Ramada Hotel O’Hare is located at 6600 N. Mannheim Road in Rosemont, Illinois. Doors open at 7 PM. First bout is at 8 PM. You can purchase tickets online at www.HitzBoxing.com or phone 630/295-9800. $35, $50 and 100 VIP.
