It seems likely that Victor “Mermelada” Cayo 25-0(16) will get his big chance to break into the upper echelons of the talent laden Light Welterweight division when he takes on Marcos “El Chino” Maidana 27-1(26) for Maidana’s Interim WBA Light Welterweight crown on 27 March live on HBO. Cayo 25, who hails from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is ranked highly by the WBA #2 & IBF#10. Having maintained a busy 2009 schedule going 5-0(2) with one of those wins being against former World champion Julio Diaz. He took time out of a busy training camp in Oxnard, Ca. to share his thoughts on various things including his upcoming fight.
Hello Victor, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You have your biggest fight of your career on 27 March when you travel to America to face Marcos Maidana. What do you know about Maidana and what do you expect him to bring to the fight?
Victor Cayo – Maidana, is a tough fighter with a great record, I expect him to come forward and try to knock me out. My plan is to use his aggression against him and make him pay for his mistakes.
Anson Wainwright – He’s known as a big puncher do you think you’ll have to be cagey for a few rounds and box him or are you looking to try to get on the front foot and back him up?
Victor Cayo – It’s hard to say, definitely keep my distance and use my speed to beat him. My job is to listen to my coaches and execute our plan of attack.
Anson Wainwright – Do you see this as a coming out party for you?
Victor Cayo – Absolutely, this is the most important fight of my life. There is lot at stake for both of us. God willing on March 27th the whole world will know who Victor Cayo is.
It has been rumoured that both Maidana and you had to sign an agreement in the contract with HBO that the winner wouldn’t enforce a title fight with Amir Khan for at least a year. Is this true and can you tell us about this?
Victor Cayo – I’m not sure regarding that question. Sampson & my manager handle all my business in the U.S.
Sampson Lewkowicz – This is a very tough fight and we’re not looking past it, we’re just focused on this fight.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter and also where do you regularly train for fights?
Victor Cayo – I have a great team: My manager is Caesar Mercedes Maguita from DR, my trainer is Gabriel Sarmiento, & I am promoted by Warrior Boxing. I train at World Crown Sports training facility located in Oxnard, CA. I enjoy coming to Oxnard, CA to prepare for my fights it has a great training environment and keeps me 100% focused in my boxing.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in The Dominican Republic and how it took you into Boxing?
Victor Cayo – I started boxing at the age of 11; I would always get into street fights so I needed to learn how to protect myself. One day I was walking by this boxing gym in my neighbourhood asked the coach to teach me how to box and defend myself. I have been doing this ever since and won’t stop till I become a World Champion.
Anson Wainwright – Did you have much of an amateur career back in your homeland? If so what titles did you win, what was your record and did you face any well know guys who are now pro’s?
Victor Cayo – I had easily over 300 amateur fights; I won numerous tournaments growing up. I participated in the Military Games in DR which are very competitive, these games show who is the best in DR. I won a Silver Medal in the Cupa Independencia De Boxeo; we would fight against Canada, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Haiti, Ecuador, & Italy. I did fight against and beat Felix Diaz who was the 2008 Gold medallist in Beijing.
Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing when you’re not fighting?
Victor Cayo – I love staying active when I am not boxing, I enjoy playing basketball, softball, & playing pool. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and family get-togethers.
Anson Wainwright – Your nickname is “Mermelada” how did you get that nickname?
Victor Cayo – Well for the people that don’t speak Spanish “Mermelada” means Marmalade (Fruit Jam). When I turned pro, I signed with my boxing manager Caesar Mercedes during the signing we were having lunch together I asked him to pass me the marmalade to put on my toast, then he said that’s it your ring name is going to be “Mermelada” with your slick boxing style and good looks that fits you perfectly.
Anson Wainwright – Who would you say is the toughest opponent you have faced so far?
Victor Cayo – Noe Bolanos. He was a tough SOB, there are certain fighters in the world that won’t go down, he’s one of them.
Anson Wainwright – What is your first boxing memory and who was your hero growing up?
Victor Cayo – My first boxing memory was at age 11 walking into that boxing gym amazed by the sparring sessions and training regimen, I was very impressed. I don’t have a boxing hero but one of my favourite fighters is Bernard Hopkins.
Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Boxing world ahead of your fight with Maidana?
Victor Cayo – First things first, I want to thank 15rounds.com for your time and support I don’t get much exposure in the U.S. but on March 27, 2010 the whole world is going to know who Victor “Mermelada” Cayo is. I want to thank all the boxing fans around the world that support boxing and especially to my all friends and family back home. I want to dedicate this fight to my country of Dominican Republic and hope to inspire the young fighters like I was inspired at age 11.
Thanks for your time “Mermelada”
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
