Raymond Charles/Orlin Norris interview

There is a special bond between a fighter and his trainer. A fighter has to trust his trainer and believe in him. A fighter must know that all the hard work and dedication that he puts into the sweet science is worth it at the end of the day. Who better is there to trust to teach a fighter than a former fighter himself? They have been through the grind and through the trials and tribulations the sport has to offer. Current trainers Freddie Roach, John David Jackson, Ann Wolfe, and Buddy McGirt are all former world class boxers who are now world class trainers.


In the blue collar Texas town of Lubbock, former heavyweight contender and cruiserweight world champion Orlin Norris is looking to add his name to the growing list of fighters to become world class trainers. Norris, who has been in the ring with Mike Tyson, Andrew Golota , Oliver McCall, Tony Tubbs and Tony Tucker just to name a few has found the perfect prospect to take to the top in undefeated Raymond Charles.


As an amateur standout, Charles was a 1996 Junior Olympic silver medalist, 1997 Golden Glove state champion and bronze medalist at the national level, and 1997 under 19 National Champion. On Friday July 16th, Raymond Charles headlines One Punch Productions’ Ballroom Brawl at the Westshore Doubletree in Tampa, Florida. The dream for Charles is to join his trainer Orlin and his brother Terry Norris as the next world champion from Lubbock. Recently 8CN spoke to both Orlin Norris and Raymond Charles.


8CN: Thanks guys for taking the time out to talk. How are you doing?


Charles: I am doing good man. I am peaking at the right time. Very excited to get back in the ring and fight next week.


Norris: I am doing very good.


8CN: Orlin, now that you are training fighters, do you ever miss being out of the ring?


Norris: Do I miss it? No not really. I miss being out of the gym but I don’t miss being out of the ring.


8CN: You have Raymond Charles in your gym. Are there any other fighters that you train?


Norris: I train one other guy right now. His name is Anthony Flores, but he is no where near where Ray is at.

8CN: Ray, you are fighting Dillet Frederick next week. What do you know about him?


Charles: I really don’t know much about him really. I saw some tape of him but that doesn’t mean anything. It is about who shows up that night. The video don’t matter and I will adjust when I get in there and do my thing. The fight was supposed to be an 8 round fight, but we agreed to a 6 round fight at 145. Whatever I got to do to get in the ring, it was fine by me


8CN: There has been some big changes in your career recently. Last year you signed with Voodoo Management (Nate Campbell) and you are now training with former World Champion Orlin Norris. How have these two distinguished boxers help guide your career?


Charles: Nate and Orlin both have been a big help to my career. I am blessed to have my promotional team with Terry [Trekas] and Nate and Orlin in my corner. I’ve done sparring with Nate and he has given me great work. He is a veteran guy and has a lot to offer. Any good fighter knows you take a little bit from everyone you get in the ring with and that makes you a better fighter. Orlin was a great boxer and I have learned a lot by watching and working with him. I have mixed in little things from these guys and added to my game.


8CN: This is your first fight with Orlin in your corner. What differences and changes will we see in the new Raymond Charles?


Charles: I think that if people want to see what I have then they need to come out and watch. I don’t want to give too much away or any secrets but you will see a difference. There is going to be some hard pop in my game. Just show up July 16th and you will see it.


8CN: Orlin, How would you describe Ray’s style of fighting?


Norris: Ray is a real good boxer with some pop to him. That is what I have been working with him at is building up his strength and giving him even more pop behind his punches.


8CN: Since this is your first fight in Ray’s corner, what are you expecting out of him Orlin?


Orlin: I want him to keep his hands moving and work on the stuff I taught him in the gym. I know he won’t always do everything I want him to do, but I want him to do the couple things we have been working on and he should do just fine.


8CN: This is your third fight with One Punch Productions, and you have been moved up into the headlining role on there Ballroom Brawl series. Is there any added pressure moving from the undercards and into the main event?


Charles: Actually not at all. I just have to stay focused and do what I got to do. All fights are important and you can’t take any fights easy. I take all fights the same way regardless if I am fighting in the main event or anywhere else on the cards.


8CN: Orlin, do you see any differences in the boxing game now than to when you were an active fighter?


Norris: Well I don’t think the dedication is there for a lot of guys anymore. A real big problem I have is working with fighters who don’t have the dedication that my brother and I had. If a fighter doesn’t want to put the time in and do it the right way, then I am not going to waste my time with him.


8CN: If you could change anything about the sport, what would it be?


Norris: I would defiantly change some of the politics that go on in boxing. The sport has really damaged itself. There are so many fights out there that have crooked judging and promoters involved with setting it up. You see it over and over again that a local fighter or a fighter tied in with the promoter will get the win even though they really lost. A lot of the good guys in the sport get eaten alive buy these crooks.


8CN: I know you aren’t looking past your fight next week, but do you have anything lined up after this?


Charles: Yea, we talked about some big things, but I don’t want to talk about it until it happens. I don’t want to jinx myself or anything. Right now I am just glad to be back in there but once anything gets decided on you will be the first to know.


8CN: Any final comments for you fans out there?

Charles: Come out and watch Orlin and me do my thing in Tampa next Friday night. We are going to do big things.


Norris: I am back, but only this time outside the ring not inside. Wish everyone out there all the best.



Check out Raymond Charles vs. Dillet Frederick Friday July 16th at the Doubletree Westshore in Tampa, Fl. For more information visit onepunch.net