Four State Franchise Fighters: Jarrett “The Legacy” Rouse & Trey Lippe Morrison – “Golden State of Mind”…

Exclusive Interview by Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña
Photos by Cynthia “Cindy Lou” Saldaña

It’s a sunny Thursday afternoon in Southern California and “Cindy Lou” and I have just pulled into the world famous Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California. As we walk up the stairs, and into the gym, Freddie Roach is sitting behind the counter grinning from chin to chin. Joking with Freddie are two young boxing prospects, and part of the “Four State Franchise” Jarrett “The Legacy” Rouse and Trey Lippe-Morrison. As I introduced myself, Cynthia and I are greeted by both fighters with a hand shake and hug. We definitely felt the country hospitality from the start. The gym is busy and loud, it’s business as usual inside the Wild Card as we head to the back of the gym to start our interview and photo shoot.

I start my interview with Jarrett…

“Stacks”: Welcome to LA Jarrett, is this your first time in California?

Yes, first time.

“Stacks”: When did you arrive? What do you think of the city?

About two weeks ago. It’s busy. Where I’m from is about 50 minutes outside of Tulsa, a town called Bartlesville. It’s slow, real slow.

“Stacks”: What’s the experience been like training here at the Wildcard as a prospect?

It’s great, it really is. Here at the Wildcard there is every level of sparring partner. It’s different then home, the level of fighters here is better. I’ve sparred recently a guy at 135lb, with Gamboa and boy is he quick. I’ve also sparred two undefeated Olympians Julian Rodriguez and Taras Shelesyuk.

“Stacks”: Have you sparred Frankie Gomez or Glen Tapia?

No, but I’ve watched Frankie and Ray Beltran in the ring and both are great fighters.

“Stacks”: Are you going to stay at welterweight?

I think I’m going to try to get down to 140. I’m not as strong as some of these welterweights.

“Stacks”: You started your career in Kickboxing and MMA. How has the transition to boxing been for you?

It’s going well. My habits are getting better, as well as my footwork. In kickboxing, my footwork was different, I was throwing knees and kicks, so my adjustment to throwing a punch is getting better.

“Stacks”: I know your background is in kickboxing, but since you’ve been in boxing have you ever had that urge just to kick the shit out of any of your opponents? Or have you had to stop that kicking reflex?.

(Jarrett laughs) No, well this one time this guy just kept coming in real low, I mean just being a real rude fighter, but no I never had that urge! (laughs again)

“Stacks”: As a boxer you’re 9-0, with 4 KO’s. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Well, my strength, I’m hard headed (laughs) and weaknesses I didn’t have any amateur fights, so all my fights I have to progress. I have to get better and learn from each fight. As a team, we always evaluate what I can do to improve.

“Stacks”: How many times do you plan on fighting this year?

I’m not sure, Tony (Holden) takes care of that. I just do as I’m told.

“Stacks”: The nickname “The Legacy”. Where did you get that nickname?

From my mom, she was a world champion boxer. I’m living up to her legacy.

Next up was Trey…

“Stacks”: What’s it like training at the Wildcard?

I was kinda starstruck because, to me, walking in here, I felt at the bottom of the totem pole and, right now, I’m still at the bottom of the totem pole. But it’s a good thing. I want to work my way up, but like I said, I was pretty starstruck, but it gave me something to work for and get up there on the same level as those guys. The training here is something I wasn’t getting in Oklahoma. I get more nervous training and sparring here then getting into the ring for a real fight. These guys I spar are the best. I’ve got my ass kicked sparring, but that a good thing, I’m learning

“Stacks”: What’s it like working with Freddie Roach?

It’s amazing! Freddie is really knowledgeable. The first two or three days I was here, Freddie didn’t say one word to me, nothing. He just sat back and watched me. Freddie took my style and didn’t make big changes, he made subtle changes.
Freddie gets me more involved with the littler things to tweak you and make you better.

“Stacks”: How many fights do you plan on having this year?

That’s up to Tony (Holden).

“Stacks”: All your fights except for one have been in Oklahoma. Do you plan on fighting anywhere else anytime soon?

Well, everyone knows me in Oklahoma. I’m sure eventually I’ll branch out, but for now, I’m pretty sure I’ll keep fighting at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami Oklahoma.

“Stacks”: Your father was a knockout artist. He had a come forward aggressive style. Being 11-0 with 11KO’s, do you feel you have that same style?

Well, I don’t try to knock people out and I go in there trying to box. The power is there. I’m working on my boxing because I know the KO’s will come. My style I believe is a mix of Mike Tyson and my Dad

“Stacks”: Tony Holden worked close with your dad. Did that influence your decision to turn to him to help you with your career?

Football was over for me. I didn’t know what was next for me, but I’m an athlete so I figured I try boxing. Tony didn’t want to help me so I told him I’m doing this with or without you. Two days later, Tony called me back and the rest is history.

“Stacks”: Your dad fought in what many believe was the “Golden Era” of heavyweight boxing, when names like Tyson, Holyfield, and Lewis roamed the division. Do you think the Heavyweight division ever gets back to the way it was?

hope so. I honestly believe it will. These guys like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are tall, they’re good, not as good as the guys you mentioned, but the division is getting better.

“Stacks”: Who’s the best in the heavyweight division is now?

Luis Ortiz…He’s big, he’s slick and he’s strong. You don’t see a lot of fighters that have everything he has. Some are big, but not slick. Some are strong, but don’t have a chin. Luis is an all-around great boxer.

“Stacks”: Do you ever go back and watch old film of your dad?

Yes, but I go back and watch old film on everyone. I love to watch boxing.

“Stacks”: What fight of your dad’s is your favorite?

The Razor Ruddock fight. My dad was hurt and came back with that big left hook to knock him out.

“Stacks”: Tommy Morrison is your father as we all know is your father… So the saying that “Boxing is in your blood” has never been more true. Does boxing come natural to you?

I think it does. I’ve always been athletic and visualized being a fighter. Boxing drives me, it’s an adrenaline rush. I’m excited to be a boxer.

As we walked out the Wildcard Gym, legendary trainer Freddie Roach took time to talk to me. I asked him about Trey and what he saw in him as a boxer? “He’s a little green, but he has good punching power. He can punch hard with both hands and I think he might have got that from his dad.”

Freddie also stated, “His work ethic is good and he trains hard, that’s a plus. Some kids have that ability. I knew Floyd Mayweather, JR. when he was a little kid he was good, he knew how to box it was natural and he didn’t have anyone around and I like Floyd. “I know his dad and his uncle Roger they’re assholes. Trey eventually will have to take on the Morrison name and live up to it. Trey is different than Tommy, he’s progressing slower and learning. He’s working his way up at a slower pace. He gets a little nervous, but he’s only been fighting with me a year he’ll get used to it”.

 

 

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