Sam Webb: Onwards and Upwards

Just a few days after he captured the British light-middleweight title, Sam Webb was still enjoying the moment and in good spirits. Hardly surprising when in Sam’s case he got the very thing he wished for.

Webb was grateful and pleased with the recent BoxRec News feature on him and sounded off a clear media friendly vibe.

Since Friday’s epic display of guts and grit, you may have thought Sam would be found on some sun kissed beach far away from his Isle of Dogs home.

Instead Sam was packing his stuff preparing a permanent move to Chislehurst, which is also the same area of his promoter Frank Maloney’s headquarters.

He laughed when I suggested this might be the opportunity for his promoter to pop in for a cup of tea but he is relishing the future, while trusting Frank and his trainer Alan Smith to mark it out for him.

Before leaving Dagenham’s Goresbrook Leisure Centre last Friday a little rumour was already doing the rounds of Sam’s next move.

The two names mentioned were that of Leicester light-middleweight Martin Concepcion, and then a rematch with the now former champion Anthony Small.

I don’t know where this so called definite came from but it was news to Sam when I suggested a match with Concepcion was gospel.

“No mate nothing yet, I will box anyone I get told to but I’ll wait until Frank and Alan sit down to pick a challenger.”

The promoter in me then suggested that a match with recent Prizefighter winner Prince Arron would be something worth watching but patient Sam answered, “Have to wait and see.”

Having attended last week's press conference where the fight was billed as being for both the British and Commonwealth belts I was interested to know why that changed on the night. (Or some time between Wednesday and Friday fight time.)

Sam explained simply. “I think he (Small) vacated it.” But he also had a little humour in store for me showing that the serious Sam who turned up at the press conference and weigh in with a clear focus was now in a little more playful mood.

“He knew he would lose.” Now before we all think the roles have been reversed like the belts Sam was quick to add "Only joking."

And just what took place and what was said between the two rivals after business was done. Were these once close friends now forever enemies?

Sam answered “I got his number and rang him he wished me all the best but was bitter about the decision. (A majority verdict)

“We only spoke for a minute or so on the phone but I just wanted to clear the air as we will see each other at shows, so no need for any silly stuff.”

Sam will have a short one week break from the gym and says has no problem with Small. “I think he’s okay we got along back in the day and I hope we still can now.”

Before the fight it was Small who was making all the noise while Sam was keeping a low profile publicly but privately he was beaming with confidence and had good reason to.

“I told everyone I would win. I said before Sam Webb with belief is a handful for anyone and Alan Smith has given me so much belief, he is the most under rated trainer out there trust me on that.”

Sam then turned interviewer on me being keen to find out his position. “Where do you think I am rated now?”

I found this fairly easy and told him he is probably only behind European champion Ryan Rhodes as Jamie Moore is moving up to middleweight.

We agreed on this as Sam was keen to describe his emotions. “It all aint sunk in. I can’t stop smiling.”

After twelve hard rounds and belt in hand are there any plans for a holiday?

“I’ve not done anything yet, but I will be going to watch David Haye on Saturday, Adam Booth gave me two ringside tickets so I can’t wait for that.”

How do you see the fight going? “I think David will win between the sixth and eighth round.”

Speaking of big fights I wanted to know what Sam thought about last weekend's super Six super-middleweight square off between Arthur Abraham and Andre Dirrell. He plans on watching it later today but described his painful memories of Dirrell.

“Andre is special I’ll never forget the beating he gave me.” (as an amateur)

Enough of the pain of this game, who are his favourite boxers?

“Nigel Benn, Ricky Hatton, David Haye and Sugar Ray Leonard. I have a few at the moment, Mayweather and Pacman, they are both class.”

Sam obviously looks to men who have reached the top.

While he may not be quite on the aforementioned level yet he sure sums up the words of a former chart topper.

Dreams can come true.