Colonial graduate Palmer has no trouble in rematch with Miller
Albert Gallatin graduate Eric Palmer didn’t have any trouble in retaining his Appalachian Boxing Association (ABA) Northwest super welterweight belt on Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Palmer earned a 60-54 unanimous decision over Parkersburg native Donny Miller in the six-round main event at 154 pounds.
“I had a fight plan going in and executed it well,” Palmer said. “He (Miller) has a one-dimensional style where he just comes at you hard with haymakers to try and get the knockout.
“I knew if I kept tagging him and move, I would win the fight easily. He couldn’t get close to me, and I could sense his frustration moving to the later rounds.”
Palmer is not afraid to mix it up himself, but he knew the best strategy was to out box Miller, not try and out brawl him, which enraged the hometown fans who wanted to see their favorite son connecting on his wild punches.
“His fans were really on me,” Palmer said. “They booed me pretty much the whole match. I knew it was going to come no matter what since it was in his hometown, but I didn’t let it get to me.
“I have to thank my brothers, Patrick (Palmer) and Justin (Filippone) for being in my corner and not letting me get into an all-out brawl. Patrick wrestled and has some MMA experience, but doesn’t know a ton about boxing, and Justin is still in high school and doesn’t really know anything about boxing, but I wouldn’t have anyone else in my corner. I feel comfortable with them, know I can trust them and they will always be there for me no matter what.”
Miller and Palmer met last year after Palmer took the bout on two weeks notice, and despite winning the match, the former Colonial didn’t feel like his conditioning was at its best.
“I was in a lot better shape this time and his (Miller) corner said that to me,” Palmer said. “They told me that I really looked sharp and I felt like I could have fought at least two more rounds. He (Miller) said that he couldn’t catch me after the first two rounds.
“He (Miller) was real nice after the bout,” Palmer said. “He told me that this was his last fight.”
Palmer showed the audience that normally the skilled boxer can defeat the puncher, even though a puncher can get that one shot in and win.
“He fights, I box,” Palmer said. “The fans were on me for not turning the match into a bar-room brawl, but I think that’s what people forget. Boxing is a disciplined sport. That is why it’s called the sweet science.
“It wouldn’t have been a wise decision for me to start trading haymakers with him. My brothers even told me that I was making him (Miller) look dumb after the second round.”
Palmer returned to the gym on Sunday, and plans on continuing to take any bout that is sent his way. He is glad to be a road warrior.
“I actually just got done sparring,” said Palmer on Sunday afternoon. “I am going to stay in shape because I know I am going to get some pretty good money offers. I still have a few more years in me.
“I am glad to continue to fight in the other guy’s hometown. His (Miller) coaches gave me a lot of credit for coming to his hometown, especially since I was defending my belt. I would love to fight close to home, no doubt, but I will take what comes my way.”
The most impressive detail about Palmer is that he maintains his career as a professional boxer while working a full-time job.