Rollin "The Miracle Child" Whitley Getting Back in #Boxing Ring
Super lightweight Rollin “The Miracle Child” Whitley (1-0) of Springfield, Massachusetts will be fighting in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts on April 29, 2022 at the AIC Gymnasium, Springfield, Massachusetts against Jader Alves de Oliveria (0-14-0). This is the second time he’ll be fighting in his backyard. Here’s what Rollin had to say:
Pattee Mak: What’s going on? You have not fought since August 17, 2019, what the heck happened? I always knew you had talent from your amateur days.
Whitley: I don’t know. Maybe you can say bad timing for me. I was fully doing it for me so I guess I wasn't truly invested and still caught up doing other nonsense.
Pattee Mak: Well that is not a good thing. I’m glad you are back on track. 😊
Pattee Mak: Question, since you haven't thought since 2019, have you been training faithfully? I know it probably is difficult because of covid, but I’m assuming you were and still are training with your family's gym which I'm sure made it easier.
Whitley: Since I decided to fight again I've been in the gym daily but before that I was more so still debating on fighting, so I was mentally preparing myself.
Pattee Mak: On April 29th you'll be fighting Jader Alves de Oliveira, (0-14-0). He does not have a winning record but it looks like Carlos Castillo (5-0, 3 kos) also fought him back in 2021. I believe Carlos trains with you in the same gym. Did you ask him about Oliveira, or did you see any of his fight?
Whitley: I was actually at that fight live but yea I ask small simple questions nothing to major because if I'm trained and prepared, I'll be ready for whatever he brings and one thing I know not to do is judge somebody off their record.
Pattee Mak: Because he does not have a winning record do you think this will be easy?
Whitley: Na. Not at all awkward fighters give tough fight because it's not easy to get ready for.
Pattee Mak: What’s your game plan going into the ring? KO or get in the rounds or?
Whitley: Either or. I just know I'm not gunning for a KO like I did in my pro debut. I'm not mad at the performance but I'm not happy LOL. I rate myself a D and look to improve tremendously come April 29th.
Pattee Mak: A D even with your victory. Hmmm
Pattee Mak: What about any ring rust?
Whitley: I'll probably have a lil bit I expect to knock most off leading up to fight night.
Pattee Mak: Has the passing away of Zach [“AK47” Ramsey] affected you at all in your boxing training?
Whitley: If anything, it motivated. I got memories of training wit him like outside the gym, training and seeing how hard he worked and what he came from and sky rocketed up the ranks. That has to be motivation. He wit me every time I step in the ring. I have LL47 stitched in my trunks which stands for long live 47 referring to his boxing name Zachariah “AK47” Ramsey.
Pattee Mak: That’s awesome. I’ll take note of the stitching come fight night.
Pattee Mak: After this fight do you want to continue fighting?
Whitley: Yea. I'm trying to get three off this year. I still wanna do a card with my cousin Denzel Whitley. This is my second one with Derrick [Whitley] then we all gotta be on a card together that's my goal my dream. lol
Pattee Mak: Yes, Derrick Whitley, Jr (6-3-1), your cousin, will also be on the card. He was also the card when you made your pro debut, your last fight. Now we just need to get Derrick [Whitley] and your other cousin, Denzel Whitley (8-0-0, 6 Kos) all on a card the same night.
Whitley: That's literally my dream scenario and you gotta add Carlos Castillo. Can't forget him lol. He family too.
Pattee Mak: How did the “Miracle Child” come about?
Whitley: Life. lol When I was a baby the doc told my parents I wouldn't make it past like 8 months or so because I was born with spinal meningitis and a hernia which messed up my hearing in my right ear and now I'm 31 and I'm still here.
Pattee Mak: I did not know that about you.
Pattee Mak: How can someone purchase tickets off of you?
Whitley: Find me on Facebook Rollin T Whitley https://www.facebook.com/rollin.whitley or email me at whitleyrollin@gmail.com
Pattee Mak: Thank you for the interview.
Whitley: Thank you
[The above bout is subject to change]
