Unbeaten middleweight sensation Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin fought his way out of Grand Rapids hoping to get an opportunity to shine in the ring. The talented Cuban-American boxer gets that shot November 5, fighting for the first time HBO against Craig McEwan in Cancun, Mexico.
Quillin-McEwan is the co-feature on a Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by Alfredo Angulo vs. James Kirkland.
“This is my first time fighting on HBO,” WBA # 7 rated Quillin said. “I fought on an HBO card but my fight was only on the International feed. I’m so motivated to fight November 5th on HBO that I’m putting in extra rounds in the gym to be fully ready.”
A bi-coastal boxer who lives in New York City and Los Angeles, where he trains at Freddie Roach’s famed Wild Card Gym, Quillin has won four in a row, all by knockout, since signing with Golden Boy against Jason LeHoullier (TKO5), Jesse Brinkley (TKO3), Dennis Sharpe (TKO4) and Martin Desjardins (KO1).
The 28-year-old Quillin has brought in a pair of southpaw sparring partners, former world title challenger Sechew Powell and undefeated Ronson Frank, to prepare him to face Scottish lefty McEwan (19-1, 10 KOs), who was leading in his last fight before being stopped by Andy Lee in the 10th round.
McEwan used to be trained by Roach at Wild Card Gym. “We had some workout sessions together,” Quillin reported. “He wasn’t as friendly as some of the other fighters there, but I understood because we’re both in the same division. I had just started training in the gym and he seemed uncomfortable sparring with me. McEwan is a nice family man, but he’s going around saying he’s going to knock me out. He must be out of his mind. That stuff is uncalled for. Where did he get that from? He’s only knocked out 10 guys. It’s definitely going to be a good fight with both guys trying to make their mark and putting everything on the line.
“I’m looking to go some rounds. I’ve only fought 5 ½ rounds in the last 1 ½ years, including one against a world title challenger, Brinkley. I understand an impressive win will propel me closer to a world title fight and my dream of becoming world champion. I’m a fighter who is always training. I’m never over-weight and never overlook an opponent. I can’t if I want to become world champion. I have everything that fight fans want to see – athleticism, charisma and an exciting style. I’m ready to take the boxing world by storm. I’ve fought on Telefutura, so I hope fans there in Cancun will get behind me. I’ll be representing Latinos, so this is a real good situation for me.”
Quillin passed on an opportunity to fight Sam Soliman in an IBF Box-Off to determine that organization’s No. 2 contender. “It’s all about rankings, money and exposure,” Petey explained. “I would have had to go to Australia to fight Sam Soliman and it wouldn’t have been on TV here (U.S.). My manager, John Seip, worked hard with my promoter to get me in the best possible situation. HBO is the biggest platform for boxing; every fighter wants to be on HBO. No disrespect to Soliman but, HBO against McEwan was a better fight for me. Maybe we can work on making a fight between us after November 5th.”
Roach will be working with Quillin during training camp, but he will not be in Quillin’s corner against WBO # 14-ranked McEwan, due to his commitment to Manny Pacquiao for his fight Nov. 12.
“I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with on November 5th,” Quillin added. “Eric Brown is right there in the gym with me and Freddie and he’s worked my corner before. Freddie will make the game plan. I’m a fighter who takes this job very seriously. I have a good promoter, manager and trainer, but I’m the one doing the fighting. I understand this business and I’m working hard to make a good living so I can be well off when I retire. This is what I love to do – box! My day is coming.”
