Undefeated, World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (28-0, 20 KOs) and his head trainer, Eric Brown, have developed a symbiotic relationship working together during the past two years. Quillin makes his first world title defense April 27 on Showtime Championship Boxing against challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KOs), at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The right chemistry was there from the start between Quillin and Brown, after the charismatic Cuban-American boxer decided to move his training camp from New York City to Los Angeles, and they’ve been in sync ever since.
“Expectations are high for both of us,” Quillin spoke about their solid relationship. “Eric raised his bar last year as a Trainer of the Year candidate (Brown also trains WBA welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi). I always work hard. He expects a lot out of me and, if he doesn’t get what he wants, we work even hard in the ring. I know that he really cares and values me. I’m very comfortable with Eric, learning a lot from him, in and out of the ring. I blessed to have two other great trainers to work with in Robert Garcia (nutrition and conditioning) and Brad Bose (strength).”
Quillin was originally schedule to defend against Guerrero on February 9, but the entire show was postponed due to an injury suffered by headliner Danny Garcia. Neither fighter nor trainer believes the delay will adversely affect Quillin’s performance at home on Apr. 27.
“It bummed me out a little at first,” Quillin said, “but I did what Eric said and I’ll be in great shape for my fight. I went home for a month but kept a clean lifestyle, as always. I will not be undisciplined because fighting is my job, 24-7.
“Another homecoming motivates me. I will be there in the best shape of my life to showcase my talents again on Showtime and in the Barclays Center. That’s what keeps me happy and driven. I know where I’m from and I enjoy sharing it with my friends and fans back home in New York City.”
“The delay is no problem,” Brown added. “Everything has been going good. He went home for a month but he worked out a little and kept in shape. He’s back in top shape, so the delay will have no effect on him at all.”
Like a true world champion, Quillin has made extreme sacrifices to get where he is today, starting with a fun-free training camp that was managed by his childhood friend, Johnny “Hookem” Burress.
“I can’t afford to have any distractions in camp to accomplish what I want in boxing, getting to the next level to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world,” Quillin concluded. “I’ve been friends with Johnny for more than 20 years, going back to growing up together in Grand Rapids (MI). He was the one that told me others may go into a gym to learn how to fight, but I always knew how to fight and went to the gym to learn how to box.
“I’ve always been a fighter and a fight is like going to war. My training camp is all business. I don’t enjoy anything at camp. I couldn’t go to a Rihanna concert because I’m getting ready for this fight, so I’m going to take that out on Guerrero.”
