The Return of Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard
Featherweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (23-1-0) of Manchester Connecticut didn’t waste any time getting back in the boxing gym. Remillard hasn’t been in a boxing gym since his professional boxing career came to a halt when he was arrested and sentenced to prison for 5 years, commencing on November 29, 2011 for an assault in the first degree per Connecticut General Statute 53a-59.
Remillard held the WBC Youth World super featherweight title, WBC Youth World featherweight title, WBC USNBC featherweight title, NABF featherweight title and the WBO NABO featherweight title. Prior to the incident, Remillard was on the right track in boxing. He started boxing at the age of 13. Before turning pro, his amateur record was 115-25. He won gold medals in the Everlast Fran Jones Under 19 National Championships and finished 3rd in the 2004 National PAL Championship.
Pattee Mak: Freedom… You have got to be feeling on top of the world right now. Tell me how does it feel to be home?
Remillard: It feels amazing but I have a lot of unfinished business to take care of in the boxing world. I'm trying to get my feet under me and take care of all the little things so I can focus back on boxing 100 percent. Every day I accomplish a little more and right now that is all I can ask for.
Pattee Mak: Welcome home.
Pattee Mak: The last time I interviewed you there was a civil lawsuit pending. What is the status on the lawsuit?
Remillard: The civil suit is settled. I settled it a few years ago and am happy with how it worked out. I only wish the criminal suit could of went better. There is a lot of facts that weren't presented that would of shed some real light of what really happened that night. I honestly feel like people would of been able to relate to how I was feeling and could of had a great chance at beating everything if everyone just told the truth.
Pattee Mak: Next interview hopefully you’ll share more light into this.
Pattee Mak: You fought as a featherweight. What is your weight now?
Remillard: My weight right now is 143. I'm in great shape physically but need to get in top boxing shape. I sparred 12 rounds with 5 different guys the very first day I was released. Now all I have to do is get my timing back which my trainer Paul [Cichon] is helping me with every day. I should be back in top fight shape in no time.
Pattee Mak: When I last interviewed you while you were in jail, I asked you if you were keeping in shape. You replied, “I have a job here which allows me to use the gym 6 days a week and I also workout in my cell. I’m definitely staying in shape mentally and physically”. Were you still at the gym faithfully up until you were released?
Remillard: I honestly took off maybe 2 weeks in total over 5 years. I worked out every day and every chance I could. It kept my mind focused on the important aspects of life.
Pattee Mak: Let’s chat about your training currently. How many days a week are you back in the gym? There’s also an element of ring rust too.
Remillard: I'm Back in the gym full time with Paul Cichon. There is an element of ring rust but every day a little comes off. I have to do my best not to get frustrated and trust my coach.
Pattee Mak: I’ve seen postings/photos on facebook of you at Manchester’s ROC. Your original team.
Remillard: Absolutely. I have my original team. A team that I trust and should of never left. Boxing is such a crazy sport and I let people sway my instincts with a lot of things. It's definitely a lesson learned and something I regret to this day.
Pattee Mak: You know everyone wants to know. Is the Sharp Shooter getting back in the ring anytime soon?
Remillard: I want to fight asap. Whenever Paul tells me I am ready. If it was up to me I would fight tomorrow.
Pattee Mak: Do you see yourself once again as a world champion?
Remillard: I really do. I don’t have 5 years hanging over my head along with a huge civil suit. I'm in great shape physically and mentally right now. The only thing I need is a promoter that believes in me and moves me correctly next year. I feel like after a few of the right fights I'll be right back where I was and be able to show the world that my last fight wasn't the real me. If everyone knew my story about that night they would of never let me fight but as a fighter I will never say no to a fight. That's why having a team behind you that you trust is extremely important.
Pattee Mak: During the time that you were in jail were you thinking forward on how you would do things differently this time around with your boxing career once you got out?
Remillard: I thought about that every single day. I reached out to Paul [Cichon] and told him I was sorry and that I wanted to get back on top and do things right. We've been talking every day since piecing everything together.
Pattee Mak: Previous to you going to jail you had a contract with Top Rank. Have you been in contact with Top Rank and can we anticipate you to continue fighting for them?
Remillard: I haven't talked with them in a long time. Top rank is a great promotional company who didn't know my real story. I feel like if they did then they would of pulled me off that card. I hope to work with them in the future.
Pattee Mak: How much did you miss boxing during those 5 years?
Remillard: I can't even put that into words. Boxing is my life and not having it for 5 years killed me.
Pattee Mak: Now that 5 years has past and I’m sure Paul [Cichon] kept you up to date on the good and the bad of the boxing world. Was there any particular bout that you wanted or had to watch or maybe it was Mykey’s pro debut?
Remillard: I want a rematch with Mikey Garcia. That fight haunts me and will continue to burn inside me until we fight again. I would of loved to see Mykey’s pro debut but I did see a clip on the news. He is a really hot prospect who is going to make a lot of noise in his division.
Pattee Mak: Garcia is now 35-0-0. I would think after a few tune up fights for you and when Paul says it’s time, let’s see that rematch.
Pattee Mak: Thanks so much for this interview. I’m looking forward to actually meeting you and seeing you in the ring. I’ve heard wonderful things about you from Paul [Cichon].
Remillard: Thank you for everything. I am looking forward to us meeting too.
Feel free to comment below or on facebook. Photos by Team Remillard.
