Iceman John Scully Interview: How Patrick Majewski Must Fight Curtis Stevens
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
In an exclusive interview with Real Combat Media, world class boxing trainer Iceman John Scully, who knows both Patrick Majewski and Curtis Stevens and their middleweight boxing styles very well, assessed Patrick Majewski’s chance of beating the hard-hitting Curtis Stevens in what promises to be an exciting contest. The Iceman spoke with Real Combat Media by telephone on the eve before the Thursday weigh-in between middleweights Patrick Majewski and Curtis Stevens, before their USA NBC Sports Network televised ten round main event from Resorts international in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Friday night, January 24, 2014, promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing.
Scully, the former trainer of World Light Heavyweight champion Andre Ward. The Iceman is now helping to train rising boxing prospects at UFC Gym in Orlando, Florida. Now residing with his family in the Orlando area, Scully is currently helping to train 9-0 Super Middleweight Phillip Benson under head trainer Daniel Estrada. Scully is also working with 2-0 light heavyweight Craig Duncan. Scully is currently still contemplating the idea of opening his own Florida boxing gym in the Orlando area in the near future.
The Iceman was a world ranked super middleweight and light heavyweight during his 49 bout professional career from 1988 to 2001. Scully lost a 12 round decision to undefeated Henry Maske of Germany on May 25, 1996, for the International Boxing Federation World Light Heavyweight title in Leipzig, Germany. Scully finished his professional career as a boxer with an eight round decision win over Cleveland Nelson in Canada in 2001. The Iceman then became an amateur and professional boxing trainer, guiding several boxers to world titles, the best known being IBF Light Heavyweight champion Andre Ward, WBA World Junior Middleweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera, and IBO Super Bantamweight champion Mike Oliver.
Real Combat Media: “Iceman, how do you know Patrick Majewski?”
Iceman John Scully: “I talked with him in the Atlantic City Police Athletic League gym when I was working with Chad Dawson. I saw Patrick work out. He has skills. He’s a real professional. Patrick knows what he’s doing. Patrick is very sharp and very aware.”
Real Combat Media: “Iceman, how do you know Curtis Stevens?”
Iceman John Scully: “I’ve seen Curtis Stevens fight since he was 12 years old many many times.”
Real Combat Media: “What does Patrick Majewski have to do to beat Stevens?”
Iceman John Scully: “Rule number one is for anyone to beat Curtis Stevens, you cannot stand in front of him. Rule number two is for anyone to beat Curtis Stevens, you have got to keep Curtis busy with your jab. Even if your jab is not landing, you are keeping Curtis busy. Curtis is a predator, always eye balling. Curtis is always looking to strike.”
Real Combat Media: “How can Patrick break Curtis down?”
Iceman John Scully: “If Patrick is to have any chance to win this bout, he is going to have to take some punches. Patrick is gonna have to have a good chin. Patrick is gonna have to be in excellent shape.”
Real Combat Media: “What does Patrick Majewski have to do to win a ten round bout with Curtis Stevens which goes the ten round distance?”
Iceman John Scully: “Patrick has gotta box more than he is used to box. Patrick must box laterally, stay off the ropes, and stay out of the corners!”
Real Combat Media: “Does Patrick have to step back when Curtis comes in?”
Iceman John Scully: “Patrick has to step back and over. Patrick has to take two steps back, and two steps over.”
Real Combat Media: “Iceman, what will it take for Patrick Majewski to outbox Curtis Stevens?”
Iceman John Scully: “To defeat Stevens and win, Patrick Majewski has to box more than he normally does. In terms of power punches, Patrick can’t outbox Stevens. Patrick can’t take power punches all night from Stevens. To beat Stevens, Patrick has to box smart.”
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