It’s been nearly a year since Juan “El Exterminador” Palacios 26-3(21) last fought when he lost a razor thin majority decision in Thailand against unbeaten WBC ruler Oleydong Sithsamerchai. He gets back to work this Thursday when he faces Luis Carlos Leon 11-3(10) in the more hospitable confines of his nations capital Managua as part of the WBA convention. He hopes that if he can stay active and busy he may get another chance to win a world title. It would be his third attempt, way back in 2002 as a novice he travelled to Mexico and introduced himself to the world scene at Strawweight when he lost a split decision to then champion Jose Antonio Aguirre. Since then he has remained a fixture in the top ten of the division. Palacios now 30, did win the WBC Interim title and defended it twice prior to the Oleydong fight. Currenly the pint sized Nicaraguan is WBC 4, WBA 2 & The Ring magazine’s number 6.
Hello Juan, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – We’re approaching a year since you last fought when you went to Thailand and challenged Oleydong Sithsamerchai for his WBC Strawweight title. When can we expect to see you back in action?
Juan Palacios – I will be fighting on Nov 25th in Nicaragua in the WBA Convention fightcard to be held in Nicaragua. I think I am fighting a Colombian or a Mexican guy.
Anson Wainwright – The fight with Oleydong was extremely close, looking back at the fight and trip to Thailand what can your feelings looking back?
Juan Palacios – It was a learning experience. I am not pleased at the result. I felt I beat him. If I were given a second chance I think I can beat him soundly. Sithsamerchai however, is a great fighter.
Anson Wainwright – You recently signed with Prodesa who will now promote you, what can you tell us about this deal?
Juan Palacios – I am happy to be with them. They do a good job promoting kids. They also offered me a sweet deal and most importantly the chance to fight on a constant basis. Since they are relatively small they treat boxers very well. They have some really good talent at the lower weights with fighters like Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Buitrago, Yader Escobar and Nerys Espinoza. Sparring with them will really help me improve.
Anson Wainwright – Now that you have signed with Prodesa will you be staying at 105? If so what is your plan of attack?
Juan Palacios – I want to get active again. They promised me a lot of activity. A few fights with them and I will be back on track for a world title. I want to remain at 105 pounds.
Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Strawweight division at the moment? The world champions WBC Oleydong WBA Roman Gonzalez IBF Nkoshinathi Joyi & WBO Donnie Nietes are all very strong what are your thoughts on them?
Juan Palacios – Gonzalez recently moved up a weight. He is really solid all around. Training with him is a real challenge. Joyi is pretty impressive. Sitsamerchai and Nientes are very good. I think I can hang with them. I think I can beat both Sithsamerchai and Nietes. Joyi and Gonzalez would be really hard fights.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Nicaragua? Were things tough for you?
Juan Palacios – Thing is Nicaragua are always tough. Up till I became a world champ things became a little easier.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested and started in Boxing?
Juan Palacios – I am a real veteran of boxing. I started boxing at the age of 11. I have not stopped since then. I turned pro at around 20 years old. Boxing is my life. It has given me many good things and helped grow as a man.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & what gym do you train at?
Juan Palacios – I have a new team now. My manager is Carlo Pilato and Silvio Conrado. They manage many talented kids including world champs Roman Gonzalez and Jose Alfaro. My trainer is Rey Mendoza. He used to train former champs Rosendo Alvarez and Luis Perez. I train both at Alexis Arguello Gym and Roger Deshon gym. I spar at the Roger Deshon gym because they have some really good talent there.
Anson Wainwright – Your country has produced some very good fighters at Strawweight including Rosendo Alvarez do you know Alvarez & did you ever spar with him? Most recently Roman Gonzalez. How highly do you rate Gonzalez? How do you see a fight with Juan Raveco going?
Juan Palacios – I used to spar with Alvarez often. He was a brutal puncher. He had really good combinations. Gonzalez is a lot younger. He is way more polished than a veteran Alvarez. If he keeps his head straight he will be awesome. Its like he is programmed to box. A well trained and motivated Gonzalez can KO Reveco inside of 6 rounds.
Anson Wainwright – Much has been made of your new stable mate Carlos Buitrago, though he’s still only young can you give us your thoughts on him?
Juan Palacios – He is slick. I like him. I used to bruise him up a lot but he is improving. He has a quick jab and boxes really nice. His speed is his best weapon. He is not a hard puncher. Lately he has improved a lot. On occasions he has given me tons of trouble because he throws a lot of punches and gives you a lot of lateral movement. If he gets stronger he will be a real force.
Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?
Juan Palacios – I sell dietary suppliments. I promote products for a company called Herbal Life with my wife. It’s a small business but we have been increasing our sales gradually. Apart from that I spend a lot of time with my wife. She is my best friend. We have a great relationship.
Anson Wainwright – You made a name for yourself when as an unknown you challenged Jose Antonio Aguirre for his WBC Strawweight title 8 years ago, looking back at that fight you had to go to Mexico for the fight and again lost a close decision what are your thoughts on that fight?
Juan Palacios – Fighting outside of your country is difficult. Sometimes decisions favor the local guy. Aguirre is afraid of me. He did not want to fight me again. My three victories as a world champ were the product of Kos. Nobody can challenge a KO. I knew that come decision time with Sithsamerchai that I had lost. I knew this because the world is not a fair place.
Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s growing up? Who do you enjoy watching fight today?
Juan Palacios – I guess it would have to be Alexis Arguello or Roberto Duran. Arguello was awesome. 19 straight defenses in three different weight classes. What a bad ass!! Currently, I like to watch Pacquiao. He is so talented it is unbelievable. I used to like ODLH and Trinidad.
Thanks for your time “El Exterminador”
Thank you!!!
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
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