Rocky Fielding – Fields Of Gold

Rocky Fielding – Fields Of Gold

By Michael Richards

Saturday evening in the little known German city of Offenburg, Rocky “From Stocky” Fielding bids to win the WBA Regular World Super Middleweight Title. The man standing in his way is the Juergen Braehmer trained Tyron Zeuge, who is unbeaten, but not unbeatable by any means.

Zeuge comfortably outpointed an aging Paul Smith Jr last June, however the younger, fresher Fielding offers a much different proposition. Fielding has rebuilt his career successfully, after a first round beating at the hands of World Boxing Super Series finalist Callum Smith in November 2015. That defeat to Smith would have hurt. The sold out Echo Arena crowd were in expectant mood, so the disappointing way it ended for Rocky was tough to watch.

Since then, things have changed due to an unfortunate illness to trainer Oliver Harrison. Jamie Moore has since taken over the reins in the corner, with the stable of fighters including Carl Frampton and fellow Oliver’s Gym team-mate Martin Murray. Rocky has worked his way back, to put himself in a position to challenge for World honours.

He has shown steady improvements against John Ryder and David Brophy, indicating that his air of confidence is back. The frustration of being lined up/agreeing to fight current WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez will surely wrangle with Fielding and should definitely serve as huge motivation going into this fight.

Questions over his level and pedigree have been asked. Is he really good to enough to be a World Champion? Should he be operating at that level? Such questions will be answered come Saturday night.

The rewards outweigh the risks. His heart and will to succeed are refreshing and unquestionable. Fielding will know a win on Saturday and he will be at the front of the queue to take of the winner of inaugural World Boxing Super Series, with potential redemption against Callum Smith up for grabs. One thing is for sure, his game plan can’t be to box his way to victory this weekend. He has to go there and take the initiative, be the aggressor and pressurise the younger Zeuge. His big height and reach advantage could be key to his success.

For me he needs to box at range and unload once he opens up Zeuge’s guard with his jab. If Rocky is going to do it, it has to be now he might not get another chance at this level. Win the fight, create his legacy and get the big money fight that will be waiting should he do so. His support in his home city is impressive and vast, with everyone from Stockbridge Village to No 1 Barbers in Huyton (his personal choice for a trim), willing him to succeed. It’s a fight of intrigue and potential destiny for the Liverpool man.