Hall of Fame trainer Jessie Reid has some surprising words about Al Haymon-managed heavyweight prospect Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (11-0, 8 KOs).
Reid is serving as co-trainer (along with Aaron Navarro) for 6′ 8″ heavyweight Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott (16-1, 10 KOs) in his upcoming fight against Washington in the 10-round co-main event on Thursday, April 3, when Golden Boy Live! presents “Night Of The Heavyweights,” a tripleheader of heavyweight action on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
“I think he can be outhustled and is somebody we can bang around. He tries to be cute, but he’s not a cutie. Honestly, he strikes me as more of a sparring partner,” said Reid. “If you come in not properly prepared, he can outfight you, but we’re coming in very well-prepared and ready to take it to him and bust his heart.”
Reid, who has handled the careers of such greats as Roger Mayweather, Lamon Brewster, Johnny Tapia, Orlando Canizales, Reggie Johnson and Bruce Curry among the 23 World Champions and over 40 world-rated boxers, says he likes what he sees from Scott.
“I’ve been watching Skipp Scott and he hasn’t lost a fight in seven years. He’s a very big, tough guy. He’s intimidating and he can back it up. You knock him down, he gets back up and I like that. He’s a guy with tons of desire and heart.”
Reid says Scott’s style is perfect for his legendary style of coaching.
“Skipp is a fighter, not a boxer. I can help him with his boxing skills when he needs them, but fighters win by fighting. Boxers use their abilities for defensive moves and they’re very boring at times. I’d rather see somebody who has the boxing skills when they need them, but also be a real finisher with killer instinct. When I look at Skipp Scott, that’s what I see he could be. I’ve worked with plenty of great boxers, but I’m the kind of guy who is a motivator for punchers. I’m excited. Skipp is a real fighter with real heart and I know I can help him.”
In the 10-round main event that night, unbeaten Cuban Luis Ortiz will take on long-time top contender and world-title challenger Monte Barrett and, in the televised opener, 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale will face veteran Nagy Aguilera.
