At 6ft 2ins and pushing 240lbs, Lippe is a clone of his famous father, even bearing the shorts Tommy used to wear in the ring and has already built himself a fearsome reputation as a knockout artist.
Lippe hopes that trend will continue in the presence of one of the world’s best coaches after putting his future path to a potential world title shot in the capable hands of Roach.
“Freddie Roach has been amazing to work with, really and I’m so thankful to have him,” Lippe told World Boxing News.
“I feel that I am learning a lot and he’s helping my game in every aspect. Freddie’s teaching me as fast as fast I can pick it up.
“We have been working on my ring generalship. Like how I move and control the ring. Also my footwork, to always make the right step and never get caught off guard with a foot in the air.”
Asked how he sees the partnership developing, Lippe replied: “It’s definitely going to be long term at the Wild Card for me and I believe I’ll be right here for the rest of my career.
“I feel like I have a lot to prove. Everyone that Freddie has was or is a champion and they’re all way above my level. I’m just a normal guy like everyone else doing my best so that maybe one day I’ll be able to get up there with the rest.”
With eight wins to his name, all inside two rounds – and with only 9:46 seconds of ring action under his belt, Lippe moves on to a clash with Cory Phelps on August 29, an opponent that is way beyond anything the Oklahoma native has previously faced – on paper at least.
Phelps, 31, has moved up from his beginnings ten years ago as a light-heavyweight, to an eventual campaign in the top division from last year. ‘The Cobra’ has so far been stopped by Shannon Briggs and Chazz Witherspoon early, and although Lippe will be expected to do similar on the night, the favorite knows he will have a live opponent in front him.
“Cory Phelps is the best opponent I’ll have gone up against thus far – record wise, boxing wise, and experience wise,” he said.
“I’m just going to listen to my team and fight however many times they think is best and when it comes to fighting for titles we will do that when I’m ready,” added Lippe.
