Nate Tubbs Interview: Heavyweight Rocky Phillips Dies at age 49 in Ohio
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
In an exclusive new interview with Real Combat Media, former top ranked heavyweight Nate Tubbs, currently working on his next boxing card scheduled for October 18, 2014, in Cincinnati, Ohio, informed of a tragedy. His friend, former heavyweight Paul ‘Rocky’ Phillips, 21-14, 19 knockouts, Dayton, Ohio, has passed away at home at the age of 49.
Real Combat Media: “When did you hear about Rocky Phillips passing away?”
Nate Tubbs: “Yesterday. Phillips daughter Keesha emailed me on Facebook with the news.Paul ‘Rocky’ Phillips passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at age 49, home of an undisclosed illness.”
Nate Tubbs: “The last time I saw Paul Phillips was two months ago in Dayton (his hometown) at some chicken spot. I did not hear from Paul since we saw each other, so I called him last week, but no answer. Then his daughter hit me up (contacted me) on Facebook with the news Paul had passed away.”
Nate Tubbs: “I started promoting boxing cards in 1989, and Rocky Phillips fought on a lot of boxing cards with me. I started promoting boxing cards in Kentucky.”
Real Combat Media: “Rocky was in the ring for 20 years, and fought names such as Trevor Berbick, Brian Nielsen, Adolfo Washington, Alexander Zolkin, Russell Chasteen, Robert Davis and George Linberger. What was Rocky Phillips biggest win?”
Nate Tubbs:”I promoted the show at Peel’s Palace in in Erlander, Kentucky, in October 1997, when Rocky Phillips stopped Michael Dokes in the second round. Rocky broke his jaw, and the referee stopped it.Dokes wasn’t able to continue. Dokes, he didn’t have anything more left (Dokes retired after that bout).”
Real Combat Media: “Paul Phillips lost 11 of his last 12 bouts between 1999 and 2007. What happened to his desire for boxing?”
Nate Tubbs: “Rocky Phillips was taking (those) fights on short notice, for the money. He should have retired. When you lose the desire, and you stop training properly, it’s time to retire (because) you’ll get yourself hurt.”
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