It’s been over a year since we last saw Kermit “The Killer” Cintron in action. Not since last May when he tangled, literally with Paul Williams in a fight which saw Williams topple from the ring landing on the floor outside and ultimately unable to carry on have we seen Cintron. Since then Cintron has taken time out and spent it with his family but now he’s ready to get back to work & that starts this Saturday against tough Carlos Molina live on Showtime as chief support to the much anticipated Brandon Rios-Urbano Antillon fight. It represents a welcome return for the Reading, Pa based Cintron who’s now 31 boasting an impressive 32-3-1(28). All of the blemishes on the former IBF Welterweight champion’s record were tinged with controversy of some sort. First the two fights with Antonio Margarito because of the possibility Margarito’s gloves had been tampered with like that had been prior to the Shane Mosley, leading many previous Margarito opponents to cry foul play. Whilst Sergio Martinez in many people’s opinions did enough to beat Cintron but the fight was only called a draw. Most recently of course he lost to Williams leading to a hiatus. He’s what Cintron had to say on all those fights, his return and future plans.

Hello Kermit, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You’ll be fighting Carlos Molina in a few weeks, what are your thoughts on that fight & how do you rate him?

Kermit Cintron – I think Carlos Molina’s a good fighter, very tough. He comes to fight. I have to be very prepared for this fight and I’ve been doing it. I’ve been down here (he’s training in Houston) for 5/6 weeks now. Just getting myself prepared for the fight.

Anson Wainwright – It’ll have been 14 months since we last saw you fight, why was there such a long space of time since you last fought. What have you done in that time?

Kermit Cintron – Oh yeah after the Paul Williams fight I decided to take some time off and take care of a few personal things back home. For the reasons I just wanted to spend time with my kids. I’m always on the run with training camps, so I decided to take the time off and enjoy the time.

Anson Wainwright – Of course your last fight was when you lost a technical decision to Paul Williams. He fell from the ring and injured himself. What are your thoughts on that and how did you see things?

Kermit Cintron – Well you know it’s a fight I should have won, except for the accident. Boxing’s a little shady like that, it is what it is. But I can only move forward. I was looking great against Paul Williams. I feel like I was winning every round. All I can do now is focus on future fights. Big fights coming up, and make sure I take of business and finish my fights.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & your promoter? Also could you tell us about what gym you train at?

Kermit Cintron – Josh Dubin & James Prince are my managers, they gave me the opportunity to sign with Top Rank. I’ve got Ronnie Shields as my trainer. Brian Caldwell is my strength and conditioner. We have a great team. I feel like I have the Dream Team that every fighter would want. Everybody gets along, everybody works together. I’m not longer with Lou Di Bella. When I’m in Houston, I train at the Savannah Boxing gym owned by Willie Savannah who is Juan Diaz (Former WBA, WBO & IBF Lightweight Champion) manager. When I’m home I’m not in the Boxing gym just the gym working on my strength and conditioning with Randy Yocum who’s a good friend of mine he helps me when I’m home. Brian Caldwell & Randy Yocum do talk and keep each other updated with what I have to do. So it all works out.

Anson Wainwright – There are many options at Light Middleweight, provided all goes well for you against Molina. What are you looking to do next?

Kermit Cintron – As of right now I don’t have anything. My focus is on Carlos Molina. If I don’t get passed him there’s nothing else for me in the future. Make sure I come out victorious and look good and I’m sure that’ll help get me go fights afterwards.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts about the current Light Middleweight champions WBC Alvarez, WBA Cotto & Trout, IBF Bundrage & WBO Dzindziruk?

Kermit Cintron – I think there all good fighters, there champions for a reason. One of the fighters I’d like to fight is Dzindziruk who has the WBO but I think the weakest right now that I believe to be champion is the young kid who just fought Saul Alvarez. I think it’s showed twice now that the two European fighters he fought him for the world title. Both fighters did absolutely nothing to win the fight against him.

Anson Wainwright – You drew with current Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, many people thought you actually lost that fight. What are your thoughts on that fight?

Kermit Cintron – I have to respect the judges they had it a draw. I felt I won the fight. I think it was a close fight but that I won it. I should have fought the twelfth round after they took the point from Martinez. But decided to waste time thinking I won the round but they ended up giving the round (to him) and that’s how it ended up being a draw.

Anson Wainwright – Another fighter you fought was Antonio Margarito, he stopped you twice. What are your thoughts on those fights & do you believe Margarito was using loaded gloves against you or was it just a case of him being the better guy?

Kermit Cintron – I believe in the second Margarito fight he used those wraps whatever they were. After the fight I told my manager Josh Dubin in the locker room “I’ve never been punched so hard and felt his knuckles through his gloves like I did tonight” It was weird at the time nobody knew anything but then he gets caught a few years later.

Anson Wainwright – Do you feel as though he punched harder the second time you guys fought?

Kermit Cintron – I believe so yes.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have as a professional Boxer?

Kermit Cintron – I definitely want to be a world champion again. Everybody in this game wants to make big bucks. I just want to come out on top and be one of the best fighters whoever put Boxing gloves on.

Anson Wainwright – Where do you see your future in terms of what weight classes do you want to fight at back down at Welterweight, at Light Middleweight or higher?

Kermit Cintron – I fell like I’d like to go back to 147 and win a world title there again. Hopefully it can happen, but I know for sure It can become a champion at 154. I’m not thinking higher, It wouldn’t be the right move for me. I do want to go back to 147 and challenge for a title in that weight class.

Anson Wainwright – Making 147 wouldn’t be a problem for you?

Kermit Cintron – I don’t believe so. I feel I could make the weight. The second week of training camp for this fight I was already down at 155, I had to pretty much cheat a little with my diet because I couldn’t keep my weight up. I like to stay the same (weight) until the last 2 weeks of the fight which was going to be 152. I think I can make 147 easily.

Anson Wainwright – If we can talk a little about you as a person, could you tell us about your younger days and how things were for you growing up in Puerto Rico and then Reading, Pennsylvania?

Kermit Cintron – As you know I was born in Puerto Rico, I moved to The United States when I was 8. I moved outside Philadelphia it’s called Warminster. I came to Reading because of my room mate in college and he was from there. The first year we were in college we really clicked and became really close friends so we started to make plans after our first year. I found a Boxing gym and that’s how I started Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become Interested and take up Boxing?

Kermit Cintron – I grew up around Boxing. My uncle who raised me was a professional fighter himself but I was more into Wrestling. As you know I Wrestled for a bunch of years. I ended up going to college with a scholarship for Wrestling. I ended up dropping out of school in my sophomore year to give Boxing a try. After signing to go pro after being an amateur for a year. I turned pro just to make a few bucks and ended up being signed by a promotional company which was Main Events. That’s when I started taking this serious.

Anson Wainwright – You have come a long way for a guy who turned pro without much of an amateur Boxing background?

Kermit Cintron – Yeah, I had pretty much no amateur background, no National Championships. So I pretty much had to come up the hard way. I can honestly say I’m not doing to bad.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your time when you’re not training or fighting?

Kermit Cintron – I love spending time with my kids and my wife. I try to enjoy being with them, hang out and chill. I do a lot of Golfing. My younger brother likes Bowling so I go Bowling with him.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Kermit Cintron – July 9th is my comeback fight after a year off. It’ll be on Showtime if you can’t make it to the fight in California at the Home Depot Center watch it on Showtime.

Thanks for your time Kermit. It’s good to see you getting back to action.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

In all walks of life it helps to have some sort of gimmick to set you apart from your piers. Unbeaten Lightweight contender Sharif “The Lion” Bogare uses an unusual but catchy ring entrance; he enters the ring in a cage which is carried by dancers, inside Bogare is dressed as a Lion. Of course an entertaining ring entrance only takes you so far, you have to be able to actually fight once you get inside the squared circle. So far Bogare 22, has done all that he has been asked to do boasting a perfect 20-0(12) record. The Ugandan who now lives in Las Vegas is trained by well respected trainer of champions Kenny Adams who is helping bring out Bogare’s undoubted talent. Despite only being a pro for 3 years he’s already world ranked by the IBF at number 12.

Hello Sharif, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently beat Raymundo Beltran. How did you find that fight, what can you tell us about the win?

Sharif Bogare – That fight was a good experience for me. I did what I had to do. The first few rounds I was Boxing him very good. When I got cut, the blood started to go into my site a little bit. That fight wasn’t so hard for me; I think I won that fight easy.

Anson Wainwright – When can we expect to see you in action next?

Sharif Bogare – Mmm hopefully next month or in the next two months. Right now I’m looking at those top guys. I’m ready for whoever my promoter brings, I’m ready to fight anybody.

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro back in April 2008 and have quickly moved to 20-0(12) with 2 wins this year already. How have you found fighting in America as a pro?

Sharif Bogare – You know America is the place for Boxing. Every fighter wants to fight here, they dream of coming here. It’s like a home to me right now because it’s where my business takes place.

Anson Wainwright – How did moving from Uganda to America come about?

Sharif Bogare – Everything back home was hard but I came to America to turn professional. I was in Thailand for the World Championship and I decided to remain behind and turn professional, because I could take care of my business.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about the team behind you, your manager, trainer & promoter? Also where do you regularly train?

Sharif Bogare – I have two managers right now, one is Jimmy Alex and Ralph Heredia. My trainer is Kenny Adams, one of the best trainers in the world. My promoter is Golden Boy Promotions owned by Oscar De La Hoya. I train in Las Vegas at a gym called Pound for Pound.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you came to be in contact with those guys as there based in America?

Sharif Bogare – Before I came to America I already had contact with Jimmy Alex my manager. So it came from that & I came to Las Vegas.

Anson Wainwright – You have a reputation of coming into the ring dressed as a Lion in a cage. Can you tell us about this and how it came about?

Sharif Bogare – You know my manager and my team saw the way I fight when I just got here in the U.S and they said I fight like a Lion. The Boxing world needs entertainment, Like Naseem (Hamed) he used to do the entrances. We don’t only want to come in the ring and fight it’s important to have an exciting entrance and entertain then take care of business in the ring too.

Anson Wainwright – Presumably things were tough growing up in Uganda? Could you tell us the path it took you as a child through to how you got involved in Boxing?

Sharif Bogare – For me my family wasn’t a wealthy family so I was a young kid who used to struggle. We used to fight on the streets and I got impressed with it. A friend of mine started bringing kids from different families and let them fight each other. What we used to do was take off our shirt and wrap them around our hands like Boxing gloves and started fighting each other. So one day a friend said “Hey Sharif” there’s a Boxing gym right next to your house you should go join. It looks scary not everybody walks straight into the gym , so a friend of mine who was a little older than me took me but he never got in the Boxing ring he was scared. One of the boxers in the gym was like “what are you here for” we said “we’re here to do some Boxing” I took of my shirt and did some shadow boxing, they saw me. I had a little bit of skills that I brought from the ghetto and everything developed from there.

Anson Wainwright – Kassim Ouma is from Uganda, is your situation similar to his in that you can’t go back to your country now?

Sharif Bogare – For me my situation is much different from Kassim. Kassim was in the army. For me I can go home and visit and see my family.

Anson Wainwright – Your still very young , but you had a decent amateur career? If so can you tell us about it the titles you may of won and your record?

Sharif Bogare – Boxing in Uganda we had really good competition. If you fought for Uganda you had to be the best in the country so back home I had a lot of competitions and experience from there I fought in the Central Africa games I won gold medals there. Then I went to the Commonwealth (games) in 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. I got all the way to the quarter finals, but I think I never lost there; the amateur style wasn’t good for me. You hit a guy and they give them the point! So thought I go professional. We did African championship in Madagascar then from there we qualified for the World Championships in Chicago. Then from there I turned professional. Back home in Uganda I think I had a lot of fights but we never had record books. But from what I recall 60 something fights and I lost 4 or 5 fights.

Anson Wainwright – Have you been able to spar with any top pros since you came to America?

Sharif Bogare – Umm I’ve sparred with a lot of good prospects and World champions. When I just got here one of the bigger names I sparred with was Zab Judah. I sparred with a lot of good fighters.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Sharif Bogare – My dream is to make it to a World title. To be a world champion. I have dreamed about it since I was a little kid.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero?

Sharif Bogare – I would say (Mike) Tyson. I grew up watching him.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing, what do you like to do with your time?

Sharif Bogare – For me my life is I’m addicted to training. If I’m off after a fight I go to the gym, lift weights, go to the park and run. I keep busy all the time.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Lightweight division?

Sharif Bogare – They better stay ready Sharif is coming! I’m always going to get better. My last fight moved me to the next level. I’m coming for you. Sharif “The Lion” Bogare is coming to take the titles!

Anson Wainwright – Is there anything you’d like to add?

Sharif Bogare – I’d like to thank my team and the gym back in Africa Kampala Boxing club it’s the same one Boza Edwards & John Mugabi came from.

Thanks for your time Sharif.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

At the turn of the year Thomas Dulorme was just another nameless prospect in the talent laden Welterweight division, however after 2 impressive KO’s on big shows in Connecticut he created his own buzz and moved away from the pack. It’s still early days for the 21 year old; he’s only had 12 fights all wins with 10 inside the distance. His power makes for Interesting viewing, his team matched him with tricky southpaw veteran former world champion DeMarcus Corley last time out, it was a test that Dulorme promptly passed. He’ll stay busy and fight next on 19 August back in Puerto Rico. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him then get a slot on the undercard of Sergio Martinez next fight on 1 October. From here on the challenges get tougher but if Dulorme can keep doing what he’s doing Puerto Rico may just have another star in it’s midst.

Hello Thomas, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your recent win over former world champion DeMarcus Corley. You won comfortably enough on points. Can you tell us about the fight from your point of view and were you happy with your performance?

Thomas Dulorme – It was a great fight and a great learning experience for me as a boxer. Corley is a trickster and you’ve got to be ready against him.

Anson Wainwright – Word is you will next fight on 19 August in Puerto Rico. Can you tell us about this? Any news on who you will fight?

Thomas Dulorme – Yeah. I’m very happy about that. To fight in Puerto Rico is a great opportunity for me, I love my Island. The rival hasn’t been announced.

Anson Wainwright – Prior to the Corley fight you had two very impressive KO victories over Guillermo Valdes on the Martinez-Dzindziruk card & Harrison Cuello on the Berto-Ortiz card. Both were respected journeymen. Can you tell us what it was like for you to appear on big shows in Connecticut like those?

Thomas Dulorme – It was a great experience for me, because fighting the both of them gave me other great opportunities in boxing. They were great foes.

Anson Wainwright – In your last two fights you have weighed in 3 pounds under the Welterweight limit, do you consider yourself a Light Welterweight or Welterweight?

Thomas Dulorme – Well I started as a Light welterweight and what happened was that one day I had problems making the limit of 140 and I started fighting on 142, and then 143 and 144. As of right now I can make the limit of 140, but not easily, so my trainer and me decided we should stay at the low side of Welterweight till I become a full fledged Welterweight which I’m not right now. I’m only 21 so maybe by next year I can become a full Welterweight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re known as a big puncher, could you tell us about your power and also the other skills you believe you possess?

Thomas Dulorme – I believe that my power comes from my fighting stances and speed. I move a lot and have a lot of angles and that helps me a lot to have different positions that allow me to power punch. I really like my speed and lateral movement it helps me a lot to move in and out of trouble.

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at? Have you trained or sparred with any contenders or champions? If so how did it go?

Thomas Dulorme – My manager and trainer is Jose Bonilla and my promoters are Javier Bustillo, Lou Di Bella and Gary Shaw. I train a lot and spar with ex world champion Carlos “El Indio” Quintana. It did go well, I help him since I was little for his fights.

Anson Wainwright – I believe you were born in The Dominican Republic and moved to Puerto Rico. Could you tell us about your early years growing up?

Thomas Dulorme – I grew up in the French side of the Island of St. Martin and then moved to the Dominican Republic and then to PR. I moved to PR when I was nine and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me I love living here.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us how you first became Interested in Boxing and when you took it up? Were you a natural or was it something you had to work at? Did you have much of an amateur career? If so what tournaments and titles did you win? Also what was your final record?

Thomas Dulorme – I became interested when I was little because I walked in to a gym and I thought it was interesting and I started. I was fast but technique wise I had to work a lot to perfect it. I won the Puerto Rico Golden Gloves, St. Martin Golden Gloves and Dominican Republic Golden Gloves. I did 142 amateur fights and lost only 2 of them.

Anson Wainwright – You are a member of Team Puerto Rico, could you tell us a bit about this?

Thomas Dulorme – Well it’s an honour because only the best Puerto Rican fighters are chosen to be part of Team Puerto Rico and it’s an honour to be part of it.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you grow up admiring & who you enjoy watching today?

Thomas Dulorme – My favourite fighter of all time was Sugar Ray Leonard, he had everything, speed, movement and power. If I can be half of what he was I will be fine in boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What are you goals in Boxing?

Thomas Dulorme – I want to become a world champion for my Island of Puerto Rico.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world?

Thomas Dulorme – I want to thank all of them for taking some of their time to see my fights, hopefully I can repay them with excellent fights from now on.

Thanks for your time Thomas, we look forward to seeing you progress in your career.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Unlike many other fighters Adrian “El Confesor” Hernandez 21-1-1(13) had to earn his title opportunity the hard way fighting several tough opponents & continually improving his ranking, even travelling to Europe where he twice fought and won in Italy before becoming the mandatory challenger for the WBC Light Flyweight title. He was determined not to waste his chance when it came beating wily veteran Gilberto Keb Bass to achieve his life long ambition via tenth round stoppage. Now he hopes to retain that title as many times as possible. Currently Hernandez 25, who hails from Toluca in Mexico is awaiting news of his first defence. Here’s what he had to say.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALMA MONTIEL

Hello Adrian, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your terrific title winning effort against Gilbert Keb Baas. What can you tell us about the fight and your performance?

Adrian Hernandez – It was a tough fight, but I was sure of myself because I had beat him before.

Anson Wainwright – What does it mean to you to win a world title?

Adrian Hernandez – It was exciting. It is a life long dream.

Anson Wainwright – It has been mentioned that you may have to fight a rematch with Keb Bass in your first title defence. What do you think of that? When may you be back in action?

Adrian Hernandez – The first fight will be a voluntary defence in August.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Adrian Hernandez – My manager & promoter is Salvador Briman. My trainer is Cesar Bazan (Former WBC Lightweight champion). My gym is Gym Centro Ceremonial Otomi.

Anson Wainwright – The Light Flyweight division is very tough with many talented fighters about and also full of Mexican boxers. What are your thoughts on the current champions WBA Roman Gonzalez, IBF Ulises Solis & WBO Ramon Hirales?

Adrian Hernandez – They are all great and tough champions.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your younger days and what it was like to grow up in Toluca, Mexico?

Adrian Hernandez – I was a normal student from a close knit family. Great family values.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become Interested and take up Boxing? Did you have an amateur career?

Adrian Hernandez – I fell in love with Boxing after watching Rocky. I also got into a lot of fights so Boxing came naturally. I had 40 amateur fights.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have in Boxing after winning the WBC 108 title?

Adrian Hernandez – To retain the title.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up & who do you like to watch fight today?

Adrian Hernandez – My hero was Chavez. I love Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing; what are your hobbies and Interests?

Adrian Hernandez – I like to play Handball.

Anson Wainwright – Some boxers have to work a day job on there way up, is this something you had to do? If so what was it and do you still do the day job after winning the title?

Adrian Hernandez – I had a candy store with my dad. I still help out.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans in Mexico after your recent title victory?

Adrian Hernandez – Thanks for your support. I will keep working hard.

Thanks for your time Adrian, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

He’s only been a pro for a shade over a year but Randy “El Matador” Caballero has make quick progress in the paid ranks. He’s already 11-0(7) and will be attempting to win his first professional title when he fights in front of his legion of fans at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Ca on 1 July. Caballero 20, will look to put on another impressive display whilst moving closer to his long term goal of being a world champion. He knows he still has much to learn but with a hotbed of local gym’s and sparring available in Southern California he’s in the perfect place to hone his talent. Here’s what one of the Boxing’s brightest young prospects had to say on various things including his development so far and his aspirations for the future.

Hello Randy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you moved to 11-0(7) when you beat Sergio Cristobal, what can you tell us about that fight? How happy were you with the win?

Randy Caballero – I’m really happy with the way my career is moving. Last fight was in my home town at Fantasy Springs Casino and I won by knock out in the 4th round. Every time I win makes me the happiest guy in the world.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro for 15months so far, how happy are you with how you have developed so far as a pro?

Randy Caballero – As every fight I step into I learn something new and get better. I know my manager, promoter, and my father will take care of me. I’m in good hands.

Anson Wainwright – You’re next fight is on 1 July, what can you tell us about this fight?

Randy Caballero – It’s going to be in my home town again at Fantasy Springs Casino. I will be moving to 8 rounds for the first time and fighting for the WBC youth title. It’s a big step up for me and I’m not going to let this fight slip away. I’ve been training really hard, great camp so far, just cant wait to step in the ring all ready.

Anson Wainwright – Several of your fights have taken place in Indio, Ca which is near where you are from. What is it like for you to fight in front of your fans?

Randy Caballero – Well the feeling I get fighting in front of friends, family, and fans is really a good feeling. I love walking out the locker room towards the ring looking around everyone cheering for me pumps me up. Seeing all those people there for me supporting me on my day.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & what gym do you train at?

Randy Caballero – I’ve trained at Coachella Valley Boxing Club ever since I was a little kid, I consider the gym my second home. The only person in this world that has trained me since I started and I wouldn’t change him for anyone else is my father Marcos Caballero. He’s the reason I’m where I’m at in my point of career. I have the best manager in this boxing world and that’s Cameron Dunkin. As for the rest of my team I believe I have a great team which are my older brother Robert Caballero, Jesse Garcia, Amit Catz, Jacob Najar, Lee Espinoza, and the one person that holds this whole team together and has always been there for me since day one I walked though the doors of the boxing gym is my mother Stephanie Caballero.

Anson Wainwright – You are promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy. That must be a tremendous honour for you? What can you tell us about this?

Randy Caballero – Being with the biggest promotion company out there Golden boy promotions is something great in my career. Not a lot of fighters get signed off the back or don’t get signed at all but I’m thankful they picked me up and I know there taking care of me.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very good amateur career, can you tell us about some of the titles you won and what your final record was?

Randy Caballero – I started fighting when I was 8 years old. I finished my amateur career with a record of 175 wins and about 12 losses. I have travelled so many places to fight as an amateur from the Ringside tournament in Kansas City, many different national titles, I also went to Istanbul, Turkey for an International world tournament to represent the US team and came back with bronze medal.

Anson Wainwright – Though you are American you are of Nicaraguan descent, what influence does that have on you? Do you go back often to visit family? Could you say a bit about how your family came over to America and settled in California

Randy Caballero – I was born in the United State but my dad being from Nicaragua I’m proud to represent the country. My dad had so many dreams to become a world champion in boxing when he was growing up in Nicaragua but because of a war going on in his country his father sent him to the United States and when he came to the United States he never got to pursuit his dream in this sport. Now that I’m in this sport I want to make not only my dreams come true but also the dreams my dad had and that was to win world titles, fly back to Nicaragua and celebrate with everyone over there especially my family out there.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up & what fighters do you like to watch?

Randy Caballero – Well growing up I loved watching my older brother fight. He would knock out people with one shot. I could honestly say he’s what brought me to this sport. I like to watch all the great fighters that are out there like Floyd Mayweather, Victor Ortiz, Nonito Donaire, and much more.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Randy Caballero – My goal in boxing is to become someone in this sport. Not just another fighter people look at and say he was a good fighter I want people to look at me and say he was a great fighter. I want to become a Hall of Famer in this sport with many different titles and also to set a good example to kids that want to become someone in this sport.

Anson Wainwright – What gym do you train at and what pro fighters to date have you sparred with?

Randy Caballero – I train at the Coachella Valley Boxing Club. I have sparred with many pro fighters from Nonito Donaire, Abner Mares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chris Martin, Charles Huerta, and much more.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do with your time, what hobbies & Interests do you have?

Randy Caballero – I love to spend time with my family that’s the main one. Hang with friends go bowling, watch movies, theme parks, stuff like that.

Anson Wainwright – Finally in closing is there anything you’d like to add, maybe a message to the Boxing world?

Randy Caballero – Just want to say thanks for all the support I been getting so far in this sport. Hope everyone keeps following me because I’m going to make sure I make it to the top. If anyone wants to know more about me they can follow me on facebook, my web site www.TeamCaballero.com thanks!!!

Thanks for your time Randy, we look forward to seeing you continue to develop as a fighter & progress.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

A couple of weeks back Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr joined his father in a very select band fighters who followed in there father in winning a world title. So select they were only the sixth combination to achieve this honour. While it’s early days looking to join that illustrious group is Julius “The Chef” Jackson son of the great Light Middleweight & Middleweight puncher Julian Jackson. The 23 year old fights up at Super Middleweight and currently sports an 11-0(7) record.

Hello Julius, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly your currently 11-0(7) winning two already this year, when can we expect to see you in action next?

Julius Jackson – Well, you can expect to see me in action on the 30th of July in my home town St. Thomas U.S.V.I.!

Anson Wainwright – You’re a son of a famous father, none other than Julian “The Hawk” Jackson. Does this add more pressure to succeed for you? What can you tell us about this?

Julius Jackson – Yes it does, I know it will mostly come from the boxing critics and boxing fans, but no pressure from my dad. I’m just ready to do me!

Anson Wainwright – Your younger brother John is also a boxer who is 10-0(9) what can you tell us about the relationship you both share?

Julius Jackson – We have a very close relationship, ever since the Olympics we’ve bonded even closer. We know each others styles and what we both are capable of in the ring. We really help each other grow.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? Who are your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Julius Jackson – We have a promotional team which consist of 4 members and they do promoting and managing, but Sampson of “Sampson Boxing” is my match maker and one of the members of the promotional team and he makes a lot of the magic happen. My trainers are David Rogers, Joey Vialet, Tony Rosario, and Julian Jackson. I train at the Paul M. Pearson Gardens Recreational Center in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your fighting style? Do you feel you have inherited some of your father’s spectacular power?

Julius Jackson – I would say I am a boxer more than a puncher, I love using combinations, I can stand and fight as well. But I think I have a little bit of that power from my dad, as you can see from my record.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from the Virgin Islands which isn’t known for it’s Boxer’s can you tell us about how you first got into Boxing, obviously your father played a big part in things?

Julius Jackson – Well we have a few fighters like Emile Griffith, and Livingston Bramble, and my dad of course. Boxing was always apart of the Virgin Islands. But yes he did invite me to join the gym, at first just to get in shape, but then I fell in love with the sport.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days, did you have a tough upbringing as many in Boxing do or with your father being a fighter did you have a good childhood? What was your favourite memory of your father’s career as you were a kid?

Julius Jackson – I had good childhood. My dad and mom were great parents and they raised me well. I started playing baseball from t-ball days, I thought I was gonna be a major league star, but I moved back home from living in Vegas and that kind of died, then I got a bit lazy and fat, so my father invited me to his gym and that’s when it all started!

Anson Wainwright – You fought at the last Olympics in Beijing at Light Heavyweight what can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, what other Big tournaments did you appear in like the World Championships etc what current pro fighters have you fought and how did you do? Also what was your amateur record?

Julius Jackson – My amateur career was pretty good. I love the travelling and always had a blast with the team. Going to the Olympics was my biggest accomplishment. I also got a silver medal in the Cheaponte tournament, which is Puerto Rico’s biggest amateur tournament. I got silver in Florida Golden Gloves, and silver in the last Olympic qualifiers! I’ve been the reigning Caribbean champion for three years in the middle-weight division. I fought Carlos Negron, Azea Augustama, Evan Nedd, some of the current pro fighters, I have fought. My record is 22 wins, 9 losses.

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you your brother & father in The Virgin Islands?

Julius Jackson – Yes I would say I’m pretty popular now, I’m trying to get used to the popularity now, but it’s nice. Maybe when we win our first titles we will join our Dad as a National Treasures!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing, what are your hobbies & interests?

Julius Jackson – Well from my ring name “The Chef” you can see I like food. That’s my next love. I love cooking and the whole restaurant business, I have my Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, and I love it. I also am into the ministry and talking to kids, I love helping others and reaching out! I also do a bit of music. I write and produce gospel rap and reggae music.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s, growing up?

Julius Jackson – My heroes growing up were actually baseball players like Mike Piazza and Ken Griffy, Jr. But my Dad was always my hero and along with Evander Holyfield!

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Boxing fans who maybe reading this interview?

Julius Jackson – Yes, I just want to thank the true boxing fans for staying faithful to the sport and for keeping the history alive, and that Julius “The Chef” Jackson will not let them down!

Thanks for your time Chef.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Like many Cuban ex-patriots Luis “La Estrella” Franco defected to America and decided to go pro. Similar to Odlanier Solis, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriorkis Gamboa & Yan Bhartelemy he represented Cuba at the 2004 Olympics, however while the aforementioned fighters who all won gold Franco went out in the Quarter Final stage to future WBC Super Featherweight champion Vitali Tajbert. Though he stayed in the amateur’s until 2008 when he was banned by his own government from competing, it was at this stage Franco knew he’d need to make the leap into the pros to further his Boxing career. He made the bold move in 2009 and has so far made quick progress, which is undoubtedly helped by his vast amateur pedigree going 9-0(5) so far. Last time out Franco 29, outpointed heavy handed Leonilo Miranda who went into their fight with an impressive 32-1(30) record. With that sort of performance we can expect to see Franco back on the airwaves soon and zeroing in on a title shot in the next year or so. He’s already ranked by the IBF at number 8 & 10 by the WBO.

Hello Luis, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly in your last fight you beat Leonilo Miranda. What can you tell us about that fight and how happy were you with how you performed?

Luis Franco – I feel very good about the Miranda fight. It was a very hard fight against a very tough and strong opponent. This was a big step in my development as a pro. I am very happy to have gotten the victory and the experience has made me train all the harder.

Anson Wainwright – Do you know who you’ll be fighting next? What sort of schedule are you looking at this year?

Luis Franco – As of now, I have nothing scheduled, I am waiting to see what my promoters & team come up with. I have two more fights on my contract this year and hope to have at least one more, so hopefully, three.

Anson Wainwright – What parts of your game do you think are your strong points and what do you think you need to work on?

Luis Franco – I have exceptional hand and foot speed and coordination. I am extremely athletic. I command the ring with my generalship and have a sound defence. I continue to work to improve my strength and power.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Featherweight division? How far do you think you are from challenging for a world title?

Luis Franco – The featherweight division has some very good fighters in the top contender status and I respect all of them. I would like to challenge for a world title by the end of 2011.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the champions WBC Jhonny Gonzalez WBA Yuriorkis Gamboa & WBO Orlando Salido? Who are you targeting? Would you fight your countryman Gamboa?

Luis Franco – The current featherweight champions are all very good fighters. I would be happy to fight any one of them, including my countryman, Gamboa. I came to the USA to become a world champion. That is my goal and I will try to achieve it by any means necessary.

Anson Wainwright – What was it like growing up in Cuba as a kid and how did you first get involved in Boxing?

Luis Franco – My father was a musician so I was exposed to music at a very young age. I wanted to become a musician just like my Dad. Some of my friends from my barrio took me to a boxing gym one day and I just fell in love with it. I was 9 years old. I showed aptitude and by 10 years of age I was in a State sponsored boxing school.

Anson Wainwright – Of course you were a very good amateur. What titles and tournaments did you win? What current pros did you meet in the amateurs and how did you do? What was your final record in the amateurs?

Luis Franco – I was two times the Cuban National Champion. I was a World Amateur Champion. I won a pre-Olympic title in Europe. I was a member of the 2004 Olympic boxing team for Cuba in Athens, Greece. I am currently the WBO Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, as a professional. I know all the current Cuban pro boxers from the amateurs. I also know the boxers Elio Rojas, Dominican Republic, and Juan Manuel Lopez, Puerto Rico, both from my days as an amateur. I had over 400 fights as an amateur and lost 32.

Anson Wainwright – Why did you decide to defect to America and go pro? Can you tell us about the journey from Cuba to America?

Luis Franco – I decided to defect and come to the United States in 2008 after being banned from further amateur boxing by the government of Cuba. I travelled by boat from Cuba to Cancun, Mexico. From Cancun, I travelled by airplane and automobile to Texas where I presented myself to U.S. Immigration authorities, seeking asylum.

Anson Wainwright – Many people talk about the new wave of talent that has come over from Cuba Gamboa, Rigondeaux, Solis, Lara, Ugas, you etc in your opinion which fighter is the most talented? Which guys still there do you think would be good additions to the pro game if they were to go pro?

Luis Franco – Rigondeaux was certainly the most talented boxer as an amateur. All the Cuban boxers currently fighting here in the USA are doing very well and I wouldn’t speculate on who is the best. There are not very many good boxers still in Cuba. Practically the entire Cuban National “A” Team is here.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not training or Boxing, tell us about yourself?

Luis Franco – I don’t go out often. I train twice per day and run every day also. I try to relax at home. I enjoy video games, action movies and music.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up?

Luis Franco – My boxing hero growing up was Oscar De La Hoya. I have since come to admire Sugar Ray Leonard.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Featherweight division?

Luis Franco – I would like to put the featherweight division on notice that whoever fights me had better prepare for the hardest fight of their lives. Since the Miranda fight (my last fight) I have rededicated myself to my training. What they saw in my fight with Miranda is not typical of what they will see in my future fights.

Thanks for your time Luis, keep up the good work.

The last few years have been very difficult for Vincente “El Loco” Mosquera; the 31 year old was accused of an homicide after he attended a party in 2006. He always vehemently denied the allegations but was put in prison for 3 and a half years until his trial. It took Mosquera just a week to prove his innocence before being released free of charge reuniting him with his family and young daughter. Now Mosquera feels like he has to make up for lost time both in an out of the ring. The former WBA Super Featherweight has been busy since his release fighting twice both ending in stoppage victories taking his record to 26-2-1(14). He’s currently looking to trim down his weight to get to 140 where he believes he’ll be able to win a second world title. He has a third fight lined up for mid June and hopes to stay busy whilst moving up the ranking. Here’s what Mosquera had to say on various subjects including his time in prison, his future goals and life growing up in Panama.

Hello Vicente, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly can I ask how things are with you? You served around 5 years in jail for an alleged murder. Can you tell us what happened and how long you have been out?

Vincente Mosquera – Things are going good. I was 3 and half years in jail during a trial for alleged murder. I demonstrate that I was innocent but I lost an important part of my life.

Anson Wainwright – It must have been very tough for you being in prison for those years. Can you tell us about that?

Vincente Mosquera – Yes, it was tough to be apart from my family, my wife and my little girl that was born while I was in prison.

Anson Wainwright – You returned to Boxing back in February and then recently winning both. How does it feel to be back Boxing?

Vincente Mosquera – It feels good to be back in boxing and to receive all the support from the fans that encourage me to give 100%

Anson Wainwright – When are you looking at fighting next? What is your plan for 2011?

Vincente Mosquera – I expect to fight on June at 145- 147pounds. I want to finish the year 2011 fighting at 140.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Vincente Mosquera – My manager is Rogelio Espiño, my trainer is Ricardo Archbold and I train at Pedro Alcazar Gym in Curundu.

Anson Wainwright – In your earlier career you fought at Super Featherweight, your recent fights have taken place at around 150. What weight are you looking to fight at for world titles?

Vincente Mosquera – I expect to fight at 140 pounds.

Anson Wainwright – You won the WBA Super Featherweight title in New York at Madison Square Garden against Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai of Thailand, that was a very exciting fight. Can you tell us about it and what it meant to you to win a world title and to do it in such a famous place?

Vincente Mosquera – It was a wonderful experience. I faced a great champion who was undefeated for the previous 11 years. I was in top condition and it helped me to overcome such a difficult warrior.

Anson Wainwright – Much was made of your fight with Edwin Valero back in 2006, what can you remember about that fight? How good do you think Valero was?

Vincente Mosquera – Valero was a great fighter, very fast and heavy puncher. I was prepared to engage in a close fight, showing him that I was not afraid of his punch. I even knock him down for the only time in his career. Sadly, I injured my left arm during the fight and it became difficult to me to continue using it.

Anson Wainwright – You were born and raised in Panama City, can you tell us about your younger days and how tough things were for you?

Vincente Mosquera – I was born and raised in Puerto Caimito a fisherman’s town about 1 hour from Panama City. I thank my parents for all the help they gave me during my childhood.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your Boxing hero’s growing up?

Vincente Mosquera – My hero in boxing was Mike Tyson. I admire his aggressiveness and how he attacked his opponents. I also admire Roberto Durán.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing?

Vincente Mosquera – My main goal is to become champion again.

Anson Wainwright – Finally now your able to continue your Boxing career, do you have a message for the Boxing fans around the world?

Vincente Mosquera – The message for all the fans is that they follow they dream, no matter how many problems you found in life. I once was champion and I am sure that I will become champion again. After very bad experiences I have learned that the most important thing is the family, and that’s my main inspiration.

Thanks for your time Vicente.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Luck is something Nehomar Cermeno knows little about, the talented Panamanian based Venezulean sports an average 20-3(12) you could be forgiven for thinking he was another also ran in the talent laden Super Bantamweight division, however when you look closer at his record you realise that it could just as easily read 23-0. All three loses were split decisions the first two against long ruling Anselmo Moreno in WBA Bantamweight title fight and more recently against Victor Terrazas in a title eliminator up in his new weight class of Super Bantamweight. The 31 year old has recently signed with American promoter Gary Shaw and will hope lady luck helps get him further opportunities and then maybe just maybe his talent will come to the fore.

Hello Nehomar, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly back in January you were involved in a very close fight with Victor Terrazas losing a split decision. What can you tell us about the fight & how did you did you feel after it was over?

Nehomar Cermeno – Thank God I was in excellent conditions. I felt I won that fight but I admit that I was in his house so the judges didn’t appreciate the same. I will work even harder for my next fights.

Anson Wainwright – What are your plans, what you will do next? Who are you targeting at 122?

Nehomar Cermeno – I plan to stay at 122 for a while. I want to challenge any of the champions at this weight and then move up to 126.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve lost 3 times all of them being split decisions against Anselmo Moreno twice & Terrazas. What are your thoughts on that?

Nehomar Cermeno – As you could see, luck was not on my side. But anyway, I showed my great quality and my top condition, so I am sure that I will reign again, now in 122.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager & trainers ? Also what gym do you train at?

Nehomar Cermeno – My manager is Rogelio Espiño and my trainers are Francisco Arroyo and Rigoberto Garibaldi. I train at “Maco Arboleda” Gym in Panama.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from Venezuela but have only fought there once because you are based in Panama. Can you tell us about this? Also you have fought all over the world how has that helped you as a fighter?

Nehomar Cermeno – I am Venezuelan but I am very grateful with the Panamanian people for receiving me and let me the opportunity to develop my career as if I were Panamanian as well. By fighting in different countries I had the opportunity to know about different boxing schools and how they train. It had made me a better boxer.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very good amateur career before you turned pro. Can you tell us about the titles you won, your Olympic experience & what your final record was?

Nehomar Cermeno – I had a great amateur career. I did 240 fights, losing 20. I was European Golden Gloves in Russia, Central American Champion, South American Champion, Pan-American Sub Champion; I went to the Olympic Games 2000 at Sydney, achieving No.8 of the world that was an experience I will never forget.

Anson Wainwright – Most Latin American fighters turn pro young however you were nearly 25 before you turned pro, why did you wait so long before making the move to go pro?

Nehomar Cermeno – I wanted to turn pro at 22 years, but I follow the advice of my trainer and my father to wait until I finished the Olympic cycle.

Anson Wainwright – Who has been your toughest opponent in both the pros or amateur’s?

Nehomar Cermeno – During my amateur career, my tougher opponent was the Cuban, Waldemar Font and in professional, the Panamanian, Anselmo Moreno.

Anson Wainwright – Your biggest win was against Cristian Mijares who you beat twice in 2009. What are your thoughts on those fights?

Nehomar Cermeno – Those fights gave me a lot of experience. To fight for a world title fight against such a big opponent at his own house. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to win twice over that great champion.

Anson Wainwright – Very sadly a year ago one of your countrymen Edwin Valero died. Did you know him and can you tell us your thoughts and feelings on this?

Nehomar Cermeno – I knew Edwin Valero, his death was not easy for me. He was in the Guinness book of Records. It’s difficult to express all that I feel. When you become world champion you should stay focus on your career and humble.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do, do you have any hobbies or Interests?

Nehomar Cermeno – Besides boxing I like to go swimming, billiards and going to the beach.

Anson Wainwright – Finally if you weren’t a boxer what would you be doing? What will you look to do when you have retired from Boxing?

Nehomar Cermeno – If I weren’t boxer, I would like to be a baseball player. After boxing I would like to enter college to study medicine. Also I will continue in the world of politics to help the people of my province in Venezuela.

Thanks for your time Nehomar.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Inside the ring Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero 29-1-1(18) 2 No Contests has won world titles at 3 weight classes and is amongst the very best fighters in the world today. He recently beat Michael Katsidis to claim the WBC/WBA Interim Lightweight titles and is eager to fight the very best to continue improving himself and prove to the Boxing world how good he is. The Katsidis win was arguably the 28 year old’s best win so far in a ten year professional career. He dominated Katsidis for long spells using his considerable Boxing I.Q to claim a wide decision. However outside of the ring is where the Gilroy, Ca resident is really a fighter. Over the past few years he’s earned everyone’s respect & adulation by looking after his wife Casey along with their three young children whilst Casey battled Leukemia. Thankfully she’s doing well and now Guerrero is able to fully focus on Boxing. In this in depth interview Guerrero, who’s always got a smile for everyone and time for his fans talks about his most recent win, the future plus his various activities outside the ring.

Hello Robert, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on a terrific win over Michael Katsidis. What are your thoughts on that fight?

Robert Guerrero – My fight with Katsidis was one of my best performances. He was a very tough opponent and I learned a lot in that fight.

Anson Wainwright – How happy were you with your performance?

Robert Guerrero – I was happy with the win, but I know there are areas in my game that I can improve on.

Anson Wainwright – It’s early days but when can we expect to see you back in action next? Many names have been mentioned who are you looking at?

Robert Guerrero – I’m waiting to hear from Golden Boy on who will be next. Amir Khan, Victor Ortiz, Marquez and everyone at 140 are potential fights. I want them all!

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been linked with some guys at 140? Are you having trouble with making 135? Do you not want to clear things up at Lightweight?

Robert Guerrero – I have no problem making weight at 135, but it’s been difficult getting these guys in the ring. So I would like to move up to 140 and see who’s willing to step up.

Anson Wainwright – You started out at 126 how far up in weight do you think you can successfully go?

Robert Guerrero – My frame is big, so I really believe when it’s all said and done, that I can go up to 154.

Anson Wainwright – You mentioned going up to Light Welterweight division what are your thoughts on the top guys there WBC/WBO Tim Bradley, WBA Amir Khan, IBF Zab Judah, Marcos Maidana, Erik Morales & Devon Alexander even Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao?

Robert Guerrero – I think me fighting all the names you mentioned would be great fights for the fans. It’s by far the most competitive division in boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You have won including the two recent Interim titles 4 titles at 3 weights. What do you think has been to date your proudest moment?

Robert Guerrero – There are so many, but one that sticks out is when I went overseas to Denmark and stopped Spend Abazi in his hometown. Not many fighters would have traveled to foreign country to challenge for a title fight. You’re taking a big risk and you must get the KO to bring home the victory. I did just that.

Anson Wainwright – You’re always involved in various activities, fun raisers, charity work etc in Gilroy and the surrounding areas. What are you up to at the moment?

Robert Guerrero – Right now I’m getting ready for a Robert Guerrero Tribute Day in my hometown of Gilroy, CA. Money will be raised to help fund cancer research.

Anson Wainwright – How’s your wife Casey doing at the moment?

Robert Guerrero – She’s cancer free and I thank the Lord Jesus Christ everyday for her well being. She’s doing great.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about the documentary that you filmed? When is it out, where will people be able to see it?

Robert Guerrero – The Ghost Documentary is in the final stages of production. We are hoping to have it released by the end of the summer. Distribution and viewing will be announced after completion.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have in Boxing that you still want to achieve?

Robert Guerrero – I want to fight all the best fighters in and around my weight class. My goal is to one day be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have any message for your fans?

Robert Guerrero – I want people to know that I’ve never turned down a fight and I’m always looking to fight the best. Fans can follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ghostboxing. Always remember that all things are possible through Christ.

Thanks for your time Robert, it’s been a pleasure as always.

Thank you Anson. Take care and God bless.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Editors Note : At the time of the Interview Guerrero was still in the running for the Amir Khan fight on 23 July. Now that Zab Judah will meet Khan in July Guerrero will fight on 6 August on HBO “Boxing After Dark” No news on who the opponent will be or the venue.

It’s been 8 months since we last saw Paul “The Punisher” Williams in action. On July 9th he makes his much anticipated return. For several weeks several guys were linked with Williams before it was announed he would be fighting Japan’s Nobuhiro Ishida who was coming of a stunning first round KO over James Kirkland, however many felt this wasn’t a fight worthy of HBO who promply brought in unbeaten Cuban Erislandy Lara instead. It’s not something that concerns him, he’s hungry to get back to doing what he does best and wants to make a statement following his brutal loss to Sergio Martinez. Still only 29, with an imposing 6’1 frame to go along with a wing span of 82 inches, he’s a southpaw with a high work rate making him a nightmare for pretty much everyone from 147-160. Here’s what Williams had to say ahead of his comeback.

Hello Paul, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You’re returning to action 9 July on HBO. Can you tell us about this?

Paul Williams – I’ll be fighting the Cuban Erislandy Lara in Atlantic City. I don’t want to say to much about him. I respect his ability and am looking forward to the fight but wont get caught up in a war of words with him. I am a professional and will handle myself like a gentleman. I’ll let my fists do my talking.

Anson Wainwright – What are you looking at from your performance in this fight to move forward?

Paul Williams – What I’m looking for is me to go out there and put on a good show. Like that last fight I had with Sergio Martinez they wanna know how I’m going to perform after that. I’m going to go in there and do my thing. I got caught, the best get caught. It’s not like I got beat up. For me I know there’s a possibility that can happen in a fight so I’m not worried. I just want to get in there and go to work again.

Anson Wainwright – What weight will this fight take place at? What weigh class are you intending to fight in for the foreseeable future?

Paul Williams – I don’t know it could be 54 or 60 for me it really don’t matter.

Anson Wainwright – What weigh class are you intending to fight in for the foreseeable future?

Paul Williams – I want to keep doing what I’m doing now go up and down the weight classes. Wherever we can get a big name fighter, if the money’s right and everything. If that’s the move we’re gonna make I’m game for it. I’m a fighter that’s what I do, that’s how I make my living.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Paul Williams – My manager is Mr Peterson, my trainer is Mr Peterson. Everybody knows him as George “Jumbo” Peterson and Al Haymon and Dan Goossen there my promoters. Well we’re down here in Washington D.C and we go to every gym around. Right now we’re actually at Club 150 Center. We go to different gyms, where the works at, we keep on the move.

Anson Wainwright – Last year you fought Sergio Martinez in a rematch, he stopped you in the second. What are your thoughts and feelings on that looking back? How difficult was this for you to deal with?

Paul Williams – After the fight we still had our party as we would if we’d won, nothing changed. I joked around with the guys. You know when you play Fight Night video games and you try to get up and put everything back together that’s how it is. Line everything back up, by that time they’d stopped the fight. I was like I’m good. I saw the doctor to make sure I was clear. Right after that fight everything went out the window, I was like it is what it is. I wasn’t crying or sad, I would have been mad if I wasn’t in shape but I was in the best shape. That first round was going to be like the second round, third round, fourth round and pick it up till the fight was over but I got caught and I have to live with it. But did I dwell on it or beat myself up on it? No I went out had my fun just like when I lost to Quintana, I had my fun. When I get back in there you better believe who ever it is is going to pay for it. As I tell everybody you can’t accept winning if you can’t accept losing. I deal with it, its business. I’d of been happy if I’d of won just like he was its competion.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve lost twice in 41 fights but have victories over both Carlos Quintana & Sergio Martinez who beat you. You have beaten Margarito, Cintron, Winky Wright etc who would you say has been the best fighter you have ever fought to date?

Paul Williams – To be honest I put all them in the same category. Not down playing their skills or anything. I never got in the ring with a guy I couldn’t do anything to, I never got in with a guy I couldn’t get off with , I always get mine in. They all have their skills. I really don’t know I just go in there to fight.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have in Boxing?

Paul Williams – The goals I have in Boxing. I’ve accomplished just about all my goals, becoming a world champion, that’s the main thing you want to do. And becoming a 2 time champion. Now I want to fight the best out there. I’d love to get in there with Manny Pacquiao. I call out these guys’ names but you never hear these guys call out Paul Williams’s name. You know he’s (Pacquiao) the best out there and my thing is who else can you fight who is a big name besides me only Martinez and Martinez ain’t no big name. He got a big win over me but his last fight not to down play it, I saw it on TV it seemed like the whole building could of fell in and it wouldn’t of hurt anyone cos there wasn’t that many people there.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Aitken, South Carolina. Can you tell us about your younger days and what it was like for you growing up?

Paul Williams – I was born in Augusta, Georgia but raised in Aitken, South Carolina. I didn’t really have a tough upbringing. My mom raised us good, working 2 jobs to keep me and my two brothers and sisters. I can’t say any of my family were locked up or any bad stuff. We’re a pretty good family. My mom did the best she could. When I started to get to my teens I started hanging with my friends a little more but we never had any issues with the law or anything like that. I had a good upbringing, it made me who I am today, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I had a few street fights with my friends and other friends coming up in the neighbourhood that made me tougher like any normal kid would go through but nothing bad like real poor or anything like that. My mom did her best and put food on the table for us.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and then take up Boxing?

Paul Williams – I used to be on the school bus and the driver called Lee Wells was a friend of the family, my mom knew his wife. I used to get on the bus be bad fighting and he thought I had a lot of energy. (So he said) Hell put him in Boxing. He asked me and my older brother if we wanted to box. I was like sure I’ll do it. Then we got into it and I fell in love with it.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing. What are your hobbies & Interests?

Paul Williams – I like to get in my old school car and ride up and down the highway. Go to the gun range, shoot my gun you know a little fishing. Ride my bike, be out clear my head away from Boxing. Actually I plan on doing 3 more fights then hang them up. Do my Real Estate; I’ve got some houses and apartments that’s my plan. That’s what I’m already doing so I’ll keep with that.

Anson Wainwright – Would you stay involved in Boxing in some capacity?

Paul Williams – To be honest I probably wouldn’t. I don’t want to get the urge to comeback and not be hungry and get hurt. Right now I’m hungry and want to get what I can get out of it before I get old. I’ve been doing it since I turned 17 and now I’m 29 about to be 30 on July 27. This sports for the young guys. I’ve got Mr Peterson we have a good thing going on he taught me the business side and what to do with my money. So I’ve got a good nest egg with my Real estate and Property I’m renting out. I feel like 3 more big fights then I can hang my gloves up. I’d rather be home with my kids.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve had 2 fights with Martinez would you like to do a third? Who would you like to fight?

Paul Williams – My fans would like to see it, I ain’t got to say I want him. He knows if he wants big money there ain’t nobody but me, he knows that I beat him the first time and he beat me the second time. Let’s make a third fight. There’s no way he set that punch up. It was just a lucky punch that landed but I can’t knock him for it, it landed. Don’t go saying you set it up, everybody knows that bull. It is what it is. I’d love to do a Pacquiao fight a Martinez fight.

Anson Wainwright – How about Floyd Mayweather Jnr. I know he’s with Al Haymon is that a doable fight?

Paul Williams – Everything is doable I think, lets make it.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of your return?

Paul Williams – Oh to my fans, I’m doing good. I’m blessed. I bought some more property to rent out to people who want to live down south. They’ll see the same Paul Williams, doing the same thing putting on a good show for my people and fans, you’re going to see a good fight.

Thanks for taking time out to speak to us Paul.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds

For the second time in a row Austin “No Doubt” Trout will be heading to Mexico to face a Mexican. It wont be easy but the unbeaten Austin knows what to expect after snearing the WBA Light Middleweight crown from Rigoberto Alvarez last time out when he won a near shut out in Guadalajara back in February. Austin 25, will head to Monterrey on 11 June to square off with David Lopez who despite a modest 40-12(23) record is unbeaten in 6 years and has earned his shot at Austin the old fashioned way. Lopez is the kind of fighter who’s in the who needs him club, to good for his own good. It’s something Austin respects, it wasn’t that long ago he was also a member of that club. He’s an old fashioned kind of fighter too and thinks nothing of travelling across the border for his title defence. If he can turn back the challenge of Lopez he will finally get the attention he deserves and make the other big names sit up and take notice. He’s what the talkative Austin had to say.

Hello Austin, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on a terrific win in Mexico, what can you tell us about the fight with Rigoberto Alvarez? Though it’s early when would you like to fight next?

Austin Trout – After my fight with David Lopez I would like to get back in the ring as early as august…Lord willing the fight goes to plan.

Anson Wainwright – How does it feel to of become a world champion? Has winning the title increased the attention you receive & how has it been in New Mexico for you?

Austin Trout – It feels great, I feel proud, accomplished, but also I feel like this just means my job is going to get harder to stay on top. Winning the title definitely has increased my attention. New Mexico has always supported me, but now they are doing it with more excitement!

Anson Wainwright – What was it like fighting in Mexico, were you treated well or did things happen to try to disrupt you in the build up to the fight?

Austin Trout – The people in Guadalajara were wonderful! One thing I love about fighting in Mexico, and just Latin countries period, is their passion and love for boxing. The people although cheered for their man, didn’t care that I was an outsider they were happy to be in the midst of a great fighter regardless race or nationality.

Anson Wainwright – You are heading back to Mexico for your first defense against David Lopez. What are your thoughts on him & the fight?

Austin Trout – David Lopez is a tough guy who is going to bring everything to take my title; I think he sticks to his game plans well. I also believe that I am athletically superior to him and just as strong if not stronger. I am already in good shape and have full confidence that I will be able to take anything he has to give.

Anson Wainwright – Before fighting Alvarez you hadn’t fought in over a year. Can you tell us why this was and what you did in this time?

Austin Trout – Well it was a situation with my mandatory position and after the WBA made a Super Champion there was confusion on what was to happen with the now called “regular” title. Between all that and my new promotion team I was hung up (takes breath). During the layoff I was training and going to training camps with fighters like Margirito, and Sergio Martinez.

Anson Wainwright – Who are members of team Trout, your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Austin Trout – I am trained by Louie Burke, his assistant is Randy Gomez. My strength coach is Shukree Shabazz. Managed by Bob Spagnola and promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, There you have Team No Doubt!

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win and what was your final record?

Austin Trout – I had a decent amateur career I won the US mens title in 2004 and became the Olympic Alternate in Athens Greece. I fought in quite a few international tournaments and duels. My record at the end was 163-42

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get into Boxing?

Austin Trout – When I was about ten I heard about a boxing gym in my town of Las Cruces. I had already been a fan of boxing because my mom was such a fan. She put me in and it was love at first sight

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Light Middleweight division including the other champions WBA Miguel Cotto IBF Cornelius Bundrage, WBC Saul Alvarez & WBO Sergei Dzindziruk? Also the top contenders Lara & Martirosyan?

Austin Trout – I feel my weight class is packed full of talented tough guys. I am honored to be a part of it and I am 100 percent sure that I am the top guy in this class! I know I got some backing up to do, but I am fully prepared and willing to do so. So to answer your question I think all the guys you named are good fighters and will pose a challenge but, I’m better than them, and that’s all that matters in the end

Anson Wainwright – The younger brother of Rigoberto Alvarez is Saul Alvarez, he is thought by many to be the future of Boxing. What do you think of that fight?

Austin Trout – I would love the opportunity to bust that myth.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s growing up & what fighters do you enjoy watching fight today?

Austin Trout – I’ve always enjoyed all the greats since I was a boy I can’t list all my favorite fighters. I am a fan first, the people I like watching today are; Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jnr., Victor Ortiz, Berto, Yuriorkis Gamboa,….i like them all its really not fair to ask me to list them.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do to relax away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and interests?

Austin Trout – I like video games, movies (all kinds), outdoor activities, longboarding, snowboarding. I try to stay as active as my kids allow.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world?

Austin Trout – Win Lose or draw I’ll give it my all, and I will give God the glory. I am excited for everyone to get to see what I got!

Thanks for your time Austin, keep up the good work & good luck in your fight with Lopez.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

It may have been two years ago but it’s something Jeffrey “Mongoose” Mathebula remembers all to well. He travelled to Panama to face WBA/IBF kingpin Celestino Caballero, who was widely regarded as the best Super Bantamweight on the planet. Despite putting up a career best performance Mathebula was on the wrong end of a close split decision loss. There was no rematch, Mathebula would have to get back in line and earn another shot. The 31 year old won a stay busy fight and was vaulted into a title eliminator against countryman Takalani Ndlovu before again losing a heart breaking split decision. On 11 June he gets his chance to once again secure a title shot when he meets another South African Oscar Chauke in an IBF title eliminator. He will hope that he can get the win that will set up a return with Ndlovu.

Hello Jeffrey, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly it’s been several months since you last fought. When can we expect to see you back in action?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I’m very excited!! I will be fighting on the 11th June. It is IBF # 2 Eliminator against my country man Oscar Chauke. Man, this IBF Jnr. Featherweight Title has always been mine!!

Anson Wainwright – Recently your countryman Takalani Ndlovu who beat you on a split decision last year won a world title when he beat Steve Molitor. It must have been nice to see your countryman/friend do this but also frustrating to see someone who you fought so well against win a world title. What are you thoughts on this and Ndlovu?

Jeffrey Mathebula – You are absolutely correct!! Yes, I’m happy for Taki to finally win, especially after our promoter made such a sacrifice in beating Top Rank at the purse bid. However, on the other hand, I should fought have Molitor and not Takalani. I lost an eliminator on split decision. I hope Branco, who promotes all of us, will give me short at Ndlovu!!

Anson Wainwright – Presumably you’d love a second fight with Ndlovu? What can you tell us about the first fight?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I don’t think he give me chance – even if Branco wants to make the fight. He knows I beat him first time! This is why I’m happy to fight now for IBF # 2, which will bring me closer to Takalani fight!

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the members of your team; your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly train at?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I’m with Nick Durandt, who is my manager & trainer. Of course, we all promoted by Branco (Milenkovic).

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Super Bantamweight division including the champions WBC Nishioka, WBA Shimoda/Rigondeaux, IBF Ndlovu & WBO Arce? Who do you consider the best in your weight class?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I want Takalani! I want to prove the point, and after I beat him, anybody can come forward. I’m not scared to fight outside the country, I proved it in Panama.

Anson Wainwright – You also fought Celestino Caballero a couple of years ago, only losing a split decision to him in Panama. Can you tell us about the fight and what you thought it was like fighting there?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I was robbed two years ago in Panama, in unification IBF & WBA against local boy Caballero. Lost on split decision!! You know, in Panama if you lose on split decision, it is like you knock out guy 5 times. The day after the fight, Panama newspapers were having headline “ROBBERY”! Everybody knows I won.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Malamulele in South Africa, can you tell us about your younger days.

Jeffrey Mathebula – We all had tough childhood – tough and poor. This is why I opted for boxing, to give my family better life.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become Interested in Boxing and then can you tell us the path it took you?

Jeffrey Mathebula – It was only way out of poverty. But the big fights are with big promoters in Johannesburg and not Malamulele, this is why I have relocated.

Anson Wainwright – What Boxers did you look up to when you were growing up? Who do you enjoy watching today?

Jeffrey Mathebula – There were many great champions from Malamulele, but possibly the most known is Cassius Baloyi – he was my idol.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your time when you’re not Boxing or training? What are your hobbies and Interest?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I work in the same time as personal trainer for executive clients, at Durandt gym, so I’m busy all day.

Anson Wainwright – Last year the Soccer World Cup took place in South Africa. What did you think of it?

Jeffrey Mathebula – With out doubt it was event of the life time! Have put on the map not only South Africa, but all continents.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Super Bantamweight division?

Jeffrey Mathebula – I’m still around and I’m coming to get you…but first…Takalani!

Thanks for your time Jeffrey.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – It was an Interesting couple of days in the Boxing world. In Britain the grudge match between James Degale & George Groves took place in the splendid 02 Arena in London. Going In I thought Degale would beat up “The Ugle kid” as he’d often called Groves in the build up. It was anything but that in actual fact. Groves started well and while Degale came into in the fight in the middle rounds and then late. Groves won a razor thin majority decision by a single point on two scorecards. Full credit to Groves who went to Miami to train and sparred with world rated southpaw Andre Dirrell, the tough love approach certainly seemed to work. He may not be as skilled as Degale but he’s a ballsy fighter who you can’t take anything away from. The rivalry hasn’t been settled and a rematch is almost certain to happen in the future. For my money I though Degale just about eked it out. Nathan Cleverly endured a strange week when first Jurgen Braehmer pulled out, then Tony Bellew stepped in before not being allowed to fight because he was to far off weight only for Aleksy Kuziemski to take the fight at the eleventh hour. Cleverly managed to stop Kuziemski in the fourth and won handily except for a when the game Pole opened up in the third. Strangely the fight was stopped on a cut but in the Degale-Groves fight both guys had worse cuts and that was a British & Commonwealth title fight. Also part of the card Billy Joe Saunders scored his most impressive win to date with an eye opening second round stoppage over Kevin Hammond who’s known to be tough and never stopped previously. Former amateur star Frankie Gavin won a pedestrian twelve round decision as he comfortably handled former British champ Young Mutley… I’m not sure what it is about bad blood in Britain at the moment, there must be something in the water. The Cleverly-Bellew press conference kicked off http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLiYJMJn-8 , then the much anticipated Kevin Mitchell-John Murray fight scheduled for July got a bit tasty when both guys trash talked each other in the ring ahead on Saturday. At ringside Derek Chisora & Tyson Fury squared up to each other and of course we just had Degale & Groves who even after the fight wouldn’t go near one other…It was a shame to see Roy Jones get stopped in the brutal manner he was against Denis Lebedev, hopefully now the great man will hang them up before he gets an more seriously hurt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlR5fQqdnyc …In Canada the living legend that is Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins once again turned back father time when he won a close but clear decision over Jean Pascal who was 17 years his junior. With the win Hopkins not only claimed the WBC Light Heavyweight title but also the distinction of being the oldest fighter to ever win a world title. Chad Dawson won a decision over Adrian Diaconu that was devoid of any real action…On Friday in North Wales much hyped Sergei Rabchanka beat former Enzo Calzaghe protégé Bradley Pryce over twelve rounds 117-112, 116-112 & 116-113. Rabchanka is handled by super agent Philippe Fondu who rates him as the best fighter he’s worked with. It is hoped that Rabchanka will fight the winner of Lukas Konecny-Hussein Bayram for the European Light Middleweight title in the second half of the year. If Konecny retains the title and faces Rabchanka that would most certainly be an entertaining fight.

It looked as though Lukas Konecny was destined to be one of Boxing nearly men. He had nearly won the European Union title when he lost a split decision to Ruben Varon in 2004 fighting away from home in Spain. His performance was good enough to see him fight Michele Piccarillo for the European title 18 months later; again it wasn’t to be as he lost a close unanimous decision in Italy despite dropping Piccarillo in the second round. Over the next couple of years Konecny stayed busy while waiting for his next opportunity. It finally came when he got his shot at a world title in the spring of 2008 against then undefeated Sergei Dzindziruk, he gave the champion all he could handle over twelve rounds before losing a majority decision. Many fighters would slip away after coming up short on those occasions, not the mentally strong Konecny he continued to keep busy whilst believing in his own ability. Finally last September the Czech Republic fighter won the big one when he beat Matthew Hall to claim the vacant European Light Middleweight title. He’s already defended the title once and is preparing for his second defence on 27 May when he meets mandatory challenger Hussein Bayram. The 32 year old sports a 46-3(22) record and will hope that he can put on an impressive performance in front of his adoring fans and set himself up for a world title fight, he’s currently ranked WBC 6 & WBO 2.

Hello Lukas, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Hussein Bayram, what are your thoughts on that fight, what do you know about Bayram?

Lukas Konecny – I have studied Bayram’s videos. He is a strong fighter who uses his wits in the fight. He will not give me the victory as a present for sure. That much is certain.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought many times in Prague but never your hometown of Usti nad Labem, what does it mean to you to fight in your hometown? How many fans do you believe will turn up?

Lukas Konecny – That’s not quite right, I fought Aziz Daari in a EU Championship on 17 October 2003 in Usti. Nevertheless the upcoming fight is something very special for me. I am looking forward to seeing my fans at the arena. This is my 50th professional fight and first mandatory defence and the opportunity to perform in Usti makes me really proud. I am sure that the 6,500 hall will be sold out.

Anson Wainwright – You were supposed to fight Rhodes last September but he was forced to pull out through injury and you fought Matthew Hall. You both have a similar style and met each other in the centre of the ring and neither of you let up fighting until the end when you stopped Hall in six. Can you talk us through this fight?

Lukas Konecny – Mathew Hall was able to keep a good pace in the first rounds but I noticed that he will not sustain the pace till the end. I knew I will have him under control by the half. And of course I took the first chance I got. This was my and my trainer’s strategy.

Anson Wainwright – What did it mean to you to win the European title at the second attempt?

Lukas Konecny – I was the happiest man after the victory. I am the first professional boxer in the Czech history to win such a valuable title in boxing. You probably could imagine how proud of it I am. I made boxing history in the Czech Republic with this achievement. It doesn’t matter that I won the title at my second attempt.

Anson Wainwright – You’re ranked highly by 2 of the main sanctioning bodies, are you targeting anyone in particular? What do you think of the current champions WBA Miguel Cotto, IBF Cornelius Bundrage & WBO Sergei Dzindziruk?

Lukas Konecny – I would immediately fight again Sergei Dzinziruk. I have an old score to settle with him. If one of the judges had kept his eyes really open, I wood have became the new champion. Maybe it is my destiny to sort things out at the second attempt. Anyway the WBO Championship is a declared goal for me.

Anson Wainwright – The Czech Republic isn’t known for it’s Boxers, can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing?

Lukas Konecny – My father was a boxer. He sparked my interest in boxing. As an amateur I went to Magdeburg and got there a chance to develop further. The then president of the amateur club was Ulf Steinforth. 2000 he founded the professional boxing team SES and I switched to pro boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You are considered the best fighter from Czech Republic, what can you tell us about the Boxing scene in your homeland, are there amateurs coming through?

Lukas Konecny – Since my and other amateur boxers, like Rudolf Kraj for example, big achievements, the Czech boxing sport gained more attention. I am coaching currently the Czech national team and I can say, there are more and more young people getting into boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You were a very good amateur and actually represented Czech Republic in Athens at the 2000 Olympic games. Can you tell us about that experience? What amateur titles did you win and what was your final record?

Lukas Konecny – My training as an amateur was an important and very solid basis for me. Actually I am a man, who seeked and found his own style. I was Czech national champion and won a number of tournaments, especially in my time later in Magdeburg. I got the final touch in Germany but nothing would have been possible without my strong will to win.

Anson Wainwright – Who are your team members, your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Lukas Konecny – I usually train in Usti and Praghe but the last eight weeks before fights I spend in Magdeburg with my coach Dirk Dzemski. My manager is also in Magdeburg. My promoter Ulf Steinforth made for me possible to come to the point where I am now. He is the person I owe a lot because he trusted in me when I lost the European championship.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax?

Lukas Konecny – In the short free time I take care about my family. I am married and have three children. My family is the most important project for me.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have still in Boxing?

Lukas Konecny – It’s quite simple/clear: I want to be a world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Light Middleweight division?

Lukas Konecny – Lukas Konecny boxes his way up, no matter who has the crown I will take it away from him. I want to become the first Czech world champion.

Thanks for your time Lukas, keep up the good work

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Its 10 years since Adrian “The Shark” Diaconu 27-2(15) left his native Romania to turn professional in Canada. In a highly decorated amateur career Diaconu had won bronze at the 1997 World Championships and then two years later at the same event he upgraded to a silver medal before representing his country on the grandest stage of all the Olympics in 2000. He made his debut in 2001 and fought mostly in Canada, honing his skills and getting used to life away from his homeland for the next few years. That is until the spring of 2008 when he headed back to Romania to fight Chris Henry for the vacant WBC Interim Light Heavyweight title which he won on points. After a year out of the ring he lost his crown to Jean Pascal and also lost a rematch. Now Diaconu 32, is on the comeback trail and meets Chad Dawson on the weekend as chief support to the Jean Pascal-Bernard Hopkins 2 fight. He knows that to remain a factor in the division he needs to overcome Dawson. It won’t be an easy task, though he’ll hope to use his pressure & marauding style to smoother the wider skill set of Dawson. Here’s what Diaconu had to say.

Hello Adrian, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you last fought in October last year when you beat Omar Sheika, how did you feel after 10 months away? Were you happy with your performance?

Adrian Diaconu – After two defeats when I lost the title with Jean Pascal then I tried to get the title back and lost again. So was very hard for me to get back in shape. After two defeats it’s not easy. I came back strong. I fought Omar Sheika, I did a very good fight in my opinion. I’m happy.

Anson Wainwright – You’re fighting Chad Dawson on the Pascal-Hopkins 2 card. Can you tell us anything about that fight any what do you think of Dawson?

Adrian Diaconu – You know this last fight he didn’t prove much. I think he’ll come back strong. Right now I think he’s going to be ready for me.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Pascal-Hopkins fight?

Adrian Diaconu -To be honest, right now I’m focused on my fight. It’s going to be an Interesting fight for sure like the first one. My preparation is to be ready for Chad Dawson. But I hope whoever is best wins.

Anson Wainwright – What have you done with your time since your last fight? Have you trained? What is your walk around weight at the moment?

Adrian Diaconu – No, no. I had one week off after the (Sheika) fight. Then I came back to the gym. Depends around 195-200.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team. Who are your manager, trainer & promoter?

Adrian Diaconu – Promoter is Interbox, I manage myself and my trainers are Pierre Bouchard & Stéphan Larouche.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your younger days growing up in Ploiesti, Romania and how you first became interested in Boxing?

Adrian Diaconu – I was a little kid with a lot of energy and my father and teacher asked me to go and expand that energy in the gym.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very successful amateur career in which you represented your country at the 2000 Olympics and twice in the World Championships. What can you tell us about your amateur career?

Adrian Diaconu – I fought a lot of good boxers Sergio Martinez, Carl Froch. I fought the best in the world. Now I’m involved in something else so don’t look at the past.

Anson Wainwright – Lucian Bute is Romanian & fights out of Canada. Can you tell us about the relationship you share?

Adrian Diaconu – We’re good friends. We work out of the same gym. When we were younger we fought on the same squad.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us what happened for you to end up fighting in Canada?

Adrian Diaconu – There was Interest to go pro so I came to Canada. It wasn’t possible to box there (In Romania) at that time.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see the state of the Light Heavyweight division and where do you think you fit in?

Adrian Diaconu – I have a chance to prove I belong at this level with Chad Dawson. With a big win next weekend I’ll be in the mix.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your spare time? What are your hobbies and Interests? Do you go back to Romania often?

Adrian Diaconu – Fishing. Fishing is a good passion of mine. I go back to Romania every year.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Adrian Diaconu – Watch the fight!

Thanks for your time Adrian, good luck with your fight on the weekend.

Anson Wainwright
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Weekend thoughts – You have to give Andre Ward credit he put on a clinic Saturday night, he boxed outstandingly, he’s got speed to burn, his ring generalship was also very impressive. It’s a shame he doesn’t have a big punch, it’s the only thing missing. He’s come on leaps and bounds since the Super Six started. I can’t wait until the final against either Carl Froch or Glen Johnson. I’d favour Ward over either but both guys would bring their own set of problems for Ward. Credit to Abraham for at least having a go this time which is more than can be said for his fight against Froch. It’s tough to see where Abraham goes at 168 from here. It was mentioned he may go back to Middleweight where his strength was much more effective, at 168 he’s not able to bully the top guys. If he can get back down to 160 and get a few wins under his belt I’ll love to see him fight Dmitry Pirog or Sergio Martinez…It was good to see Chris Arreola get into good shape, he looked pretty impressive stopping Nagy Aguilera in three. He got a little wild trying to stop Aguilera but I’m sure his better conditioning helped him not gas out and allow him to keep up his assault. It was the lightest Arreola has been in since 2007…On Friday in England on Friday Prince Aaron won a barburner against Sam Webb to take the British title. Aaron stopped Webb in the final round. he first sprang to prominence last year winning Prizefighter. At 6’3 he holds huge physical advantages over every Light Middleweight.

It was a major surprise late last year when it was announced that Glen Johnson 51-14-2(35) would be a late addition to the Super Six, his inclusion only came because other fighters fell out of the tournament through various injury’s. He scored a dominant win over Allen Green to progress to the Semi Finals where he will now meet Carl Froch for the Englishman’s WBC Super Middleweight title. He’ll be the underdog, but that’s nothing new to the affable Jamaican, it’s a role he’s used to and relishes the chance to shock the world again. He started his career brightly back in 1993 going an impressive 32-0(22) before he ran into a certain Bernard Hopkins and unsuccessfully challenged for Hopkins Middleweight title. After that setback he slipped into journeyman status going 7-8-1 before getting a shot at the Vacant IBF Light Heavyweight title in England against Clinton Woods. Though many believed he should of won it was declared a draw. He returned 3 months later to right the previous wrong and set up for a clash with Roy Jones Jnr. Many believed he was just cannon fodder against the unworldly talented Jones. However he shocked everyone by dominating Jones before knocking the great man out. He parlayed that win with a victory over Antonio Tarver to become The Ring magazine’s 2004 Fighter of the year. Since then he’s lost a few but only to the best whilst beating everyone else, he’s given young guns like Chad Dawson & Tavoris Cloud hell before losing decisions. When the 42 year old “Road Warrior” was offered the spot in the Super Six he jumped at it and see’s it as a new way to prove himself. Here’s what the humble Jamaican had to say.

Hello Glen, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have the semi finals of the Super Six coming up with Carl Froch on 4 June in Atlantic City. What are your thoughts on that fight?

Glen Johnson – You know obviously the fights going to be a tremendous fight; it’s going to be a great fight. Carl Froch is a real fighter and the world already knows I am a good fighter. So we’re going to give the fans their money’s worth.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of Froch?

Glen Johnson – Well he’s a good fighter. He fought a couple of fights I saw him in. He fights on the inside and brawls. The last fight (against Arthur Abraham) he kept his distance used his jabs. He’s an excellent brawler and he’s also an excellent boxer, so we prepare for both things. He’s coming to fight a good fight and I’m going to be ready to fight back.

Anson Wainwright – How easily do you make 168? Before the Allen Green fight it had been 10 years since you were that low in weight.

Glen Johnson – The big challenge was making it for Allen Green but I already made that weight and I did it at short notice and it wasn’t difficult it was easier than I thought. With this fight I had plenty of notice. I’m already on my weight now a month from the fight.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how the deal came about to enter the Super 6?

Glen Johnson – A couple of people got hurt. I believe (Mikkel) Kessler got hurt and they needed a replacement for Kessler & then Andre Dirrell got hurt and they needed a replacement for Dirrell so I believe I replaced Kessler because of the eye and then I needed to knock out Allen Green to make it into the Super Six semi finals just winning wasn’t going to be good enough and when Dirrell got hurt all I needed was just a win but I needed up knocking out Allen Green anyway. So even If I needed a knock out I’d of stayed in.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also where do you regularly train for fights?

Glen Johnson – My manager is Henry Foster, my trainer is Orlando Cuellar and my promoter is Warriors Promotions run by Leon Margules and also Di Bella Entertainment there partners on the promotional deal. I live in Miami and train in Miami, I don’t really go anywhere. I keep my training camp here in Miami.

Anson Wainwright – You’re now 42, what do you think are the main reason’s why you have been so successful at an advanced age for a Boxer?

Glen Johnson – I really don’t know, I could be the fact that clean living, genetics or it could be the fact that I work hard and that I take care of myself or it could be a combination of both but whatever it is I’m not questioning it. I’m not changing anything.

Anson Wainwright – How much longer do you think you can keep performing at the highest level?

Glen Johnson – You know hopefully we can find out I don’t make plans.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you think is the best fighter you have fought in your career?

Glen Johnson – The best fighter I fought was Bernard Hopkins. You know when I fought against Bernard Hopkins we were at two different levels. He was great and I didn’t feel like I knew what was going on, the guy was superior to my level at that time. Nobody has ever got in the ring with me that made me feel the way Bernard Hopkins made me feel, he just made me feel I couldn’t win. Nobody else ever made me feel like that when I’m in the fight. Bernard Hopkins let me know right off the bat from the first round that I had no chance of winning the fight.

Anson Wainwright – What is your best win in you opinion?

Glen Johnson – The Roy Jones fight that was the most popular. I would go with that fight but I would say the fight that meant most to me was the fight is Clinton Woods because that’s when I won my championship and that’s the fight that set up the Roy Jones fight was winning the fight, without winning the championship I’d not of boxed Roy Jones. Winning the IBF title meant the most to me but guess the most popular was the Roy Jones fight.

Anson Wainwright – Many years ago you were scheduled to fight Joe Calzaghe but for various reasons the fight never happened. Why was this from your point of view? What did you think of Calzaghe?

Glen Johnson – I just believe Joe Calzaghe was scared of me. I don’t see no other reason for the fight not to happen. We scheduled the fight 3 times and 3 times it didn’t happen and he had an excuse why the fight didn’t happen. What else is there to say. Maybe he could answer it different but that’s from my side.

Anson Wainwright – Tell us about growing up in Jamaica? How were things for your growing up there? Also how did you first become interested and take up Boxing?

Glen Johnson – Growing up in Jamaica was great for me. I enjoyed my childhood. I had a lot of fun as a kid. I had loving & caring people taking care of me, I had great friends and stuff around and I enjoyed their company. It was a great time for me. I love swimming and did a lot of that when I was on the Island. It was a typical childhood, I just grew up enjoying my surroundings. It was a wonderful time.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when you’re not Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Glen Johnson – My hobbies…You know I don’t know if you can write what I like to do outside of Boxing as my hobbies! Haha But yeah spend time with my wife, lets put it like that! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Not to close to fight!

Glen Johnson – No, not at fight time. Outside of fight time it’s my favourite hobby!

Anson Wainwright – How did you start Boxing?

Glen Johnson – I started Boxing because I was overweight at age 20. I started to get overweight I had a lot of overweight people in my family and didn’t want to end up overweight so I started looking around for a gym to work out. They opened a gym in my community. If you lived in the area it was free and free fitted my budget so I went in and started working out, just exercising and the coach took a liking to me and started to teach me the technique of Boxing. He asked me if I wanted to star amateur Boxing and I said “Yeah” so we took if from there. 3 years later we turned pro.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the other semi final of the Super Six? Presumably you’ll be following that Ward-Abraham?

Glen Johnson – Oh yeah definitely. I’ll certainly have Interest in that fight, I’m looking to fight the winner. I’m looking to win my fight so I’ll be looking to see who I’ll end fighting. I think it’s a good fight, people aren’t giving Abraham much of chance but I think it’s a tough fight for Ward because of Abraham’s style. I believe Abraham will get off a lot easier than he was with Froch. Froch stayed on the outside away from him, Ward’s not that type of guy. He’s faster, he moves his hands faster (Ward) but I give (Abraham) a chance, a lot of people don’t. I think it’ll be a good fight.

Anson Wainwright – Do you still consider yourself part of the Light Heavyweight division?

Glen Johnson – Not right now, I see myself as a Super Middleweight right now. I don’t think I’ll go back to the Light Heavyweight division there’s nothing in the Light Heavyweight division for me. One of the reason’s I was hanging around the Light Heavyweight division was hoping the guys from the Super Middleweight division would come up. But I came down so there’s no reason for me to. I already fought everyone at Light Heavyweight, there’s nobody else to fight. The Super Middleweight division has a lot of opportunities, a lot of great fighters are here. A lot of fighters I’ve never fought, It’s opened up a fresh chapter and great fights for the fans. I’m looking forward to the future in the weight class.

Anson Wainwright – After the Hopkins fight you lost several fights that many people believe you should of won. What are your thoughts on that?

Glen Johnson – You know for me even though the consensus is I was robbed and I didn’t get the decisions you know I didn’t let it take control of me. For me it was a motivating factor. Even though these fighters couldn’t beat me inside the ring, they had people outside the ring (the judges) beat me. They didn’t because they didn’t have the talent in the the ring to beat me. That was the thing for me it was a whole different factor. I kept my spirits up. Probably if I won that fight I probably wouldn’t of had that drive. It made me tough and more mentally prepared for the future.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of the Froch fight?

Glen Johnson – Of course, the message to my fans is their the greatest fans in the world. Most people want to jump on bandwagons of guys who are undefeated and obviously if you look around I’m far from that. So the fans that I have I cherish them. There real Boxing fans, they know what their looking at and seeing and I appreciate that. I get support around the world. So thanks for that.

Thanks for taking time out to speak to us Glen.

Thanks, I appreciate you taking time to Interview me.

Anson Wainwright

Argentinean hard man Marcos “El Chino” Maidana 30-2(27) has been enjoying a well earned rest of late after going life and death with modern day legend Erik Morales back in April. The 27 year old regained the WBA Interim Light Welterweight title when he scored a close majority decision over the rejuvenated Morales. He had lost that very crown when he fought WBA champion Amir Khan last December in a fight that was voted fight of the year at the weekend’s BWAA awards in Las Vegas. After surviving a torrid opening round when he was almost broken in half from a debilitating bodyshot from Khan, Maidana came on and showed how much of a warrior he is going toe to toe with Khan rocking him several times before losing a close decision. He first gatecrashed the world scene when he lost a razor thin decision to Andreas Kotelnik back in 2009; he rebounded with a career best win over new WBC Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz. It was another exciting fight in which both guys were on the canvas 5 times in total before the fight was stopped in the sixth round. If you want excitement Maidana is your man, he boasts knock out ratio of nearly 90% and is regularly in thrill a minute fights. Here’s what “El Chino” had to say in an exclusive interview with 15rounds.com when he kindly took time out from his vacation.

Hello Marcos, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently fought Erik Morales, what are your thoughts on that fight looking back?

Marcos Maidana – Great fight, great rival! It was a close fight in which I made the difference in the last two or three rounds.

Anson Wainwright – Was Morales tougher than you expected? Were you 100% in shape for the fight or did you look past Morales?

Marcos Maidana – If you review all my quotes before the fight I always said he would come tough and prepared for a war. You should never write off a great champ like Morales. No way I underestimated him at all. And yes, I was fully prepared.

Anson Wainwright – What have you done since your last fight?

Marcos Maidana – It was crazy and we were jumping from here to there since we got back to Argentina. Press conference and tons of interviews in Buenos Aires, first. Then, I finally made it back to my home province of Santa Fe, where the governor appointed me as Sports Ambassador. Then, I had the best welcome party ever in my birth-town of Margarita. All the people went out to the streets to greet me. It was great. Now I am finishing my vacation after spending time with my family.

Anson Wainwright – What are your plans for 2011? Do you have a rough idea when you’ll be next in action? Are you targeting anyone?

Marcos Maidana – Our plan is to have the next fight by the end of July or early August. We have a few offers to fight in America and others to fight here in Argentina. My team will weigh them all and make a decision very soon. I am not targeting anyone in particular.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Marcos Maidana – My advisor is Sebastian Contursi, who I worked with since a few years back. My trainer is the well known Mexican Rudy Perez, who formed Marco Antonio Barrera. I worked with him for the first time for the Morales fight. My promoter is Golden Boy Promotions. I usually train in Buenos Aires only for a few days before going to training camp overseas.

Anson Wainwright – You were going to train with Nacho Beristain for the Morales fight however Juan Manuel Marquez wasn’t happy with this and ultimately you didn’t work with Beristain. What are your thoughts on that? Would you like to fight Marquez?

Marcos Maidana – We were quite upset with Beristain’s last minute decision to go back on his word to train me. But things in life happen for a reason. We were already in Mexico City when this happened but we were lucky enough to find Rudy in the same city. I’ll fight Marquez, of course. But I’m not particularly interested on him. If it comes, it comes.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Light Welterweight champions WBC/WBO Tim Bradley, WBA Amir Khan & IBF Zab Judah?

Marcos Maidana – They are all great champs, no doubt about it. They are skilled and fast. I respect them all and I’d like to face them.

Anson Wainwright – You lost a very close fight with Khan last December, what do you think you’d need to adapt if a rematch took place?

Marcos Maidana – I’d make a only few changes in the tactics. But I’d try to put the same pressure on him in a rematch ‘cause I think he would not take it again.

Anson Wainwright – One fight many people have wondered about is you against fellow Argentinean Lucas Matthysse. You both have very similar records and are both big punchers. You fought in the amateur’s could you tell us about those fights and what your thoughts on Matthysse and fighting him are?

Marcos Maidana – Matthysse is a great fighter. We fought four times in the amateurs, when we used to compete for a spot at the national team. I beat him three times and we had a draw. Three of those fights were tough and close but I came stronger in the end. We could very well fight each other as pros yet I guess he needs to beat a few names out there first.

Anson Wainwright – You currently fight at 140, do you make weight easily enough or do you think you’ll move up to Welterweight at some point? What is your walk around weight between fights?

Marcos Maidana – For the time being I can make 140 lbs. Not easily, but I can still make it comfortably. Between fight I normally go up to 160 lbs. Yet, I feel I have a few more fights before moving up to Welterweight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re younger brother Fabian is a top amateur, he won a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics. Can tell us about him, will he go pro? Are any other members of your family Boxers?

Marcos Maidana – He is the only other boxer in the family. He is tall with long arms and more skilful than me. He will probably go pro next year but he is trying to qualify for the next Olympics first.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Santa Fe, can you tell us about your early years growing up there? Was it tough for you as a kid and was that how you first became Interested in Boxing?

Marcos Maidana – I was born in a little town called Margarita, which has about 5,000 people. I was raised in a farm and had great memories of my childhood. We were poor but always had something to eat. I started boxing at 14 and then moved to the city of Santa Fe, where it was tougher ‘cause I had to be on my own until I was called up to the amateur national team.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Marcos Maidana – I am a family guy. I enjoy myself spending time with my 7-year-old son Yoyo, my mom, dad, bros and sisters. I don’t have the chance to be with them often, so I spend good time with them between fights. I love hunting and fishing also. My tattoos don’t have a special meaning for me. Just like the street-style ‘cause I know the streets.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Marcos Maidana – I always thank my fans for the great support they show me every time I fight. They know I am not the most skilful boxer but I always leave it all in the ring for them.

Thanks for your time “El Chino”

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – Manny Pacquiao has taken a bit of criticism for his performance against Shane Mosley, it’s tough being Pacquiao it seems not even a near shut out is enough against one of the best fighters of the past 20. In truth it wasn’t his best performance and he only fought in spells but when he went through the gears, it was all Mosley could do to get out the way of the firestorm. It was surprising to hear boo’s in the arena during the fight, the Las Vegas crowd is indeed a tough crowd. Perhaps we are seeing the very first signs that Pac Man is actually slowing down but I’m still not sure there is a fighter in the game outside of Mayweather who could live with him…It was good to see Kelly Pavlik return to action after a year out in which he’s gone into rehab for an alcohol problem. He lacked the sharpness though that was to be expected, the ten rounds would of done him good. Hopefully they can keep him active and get him back out in the next few months, perhaps in front of his adoring fans in Youngstown while moving towards something bigger…I didn’t expect Jorge Arce to be much more than cannon fodder against Wilfredo Vazquez, but full credit to the old warrior who joined and illustrious band of Mexicans to win world titles in 3 weight classes. Arce started extremely fast and bullied the young Puerto Rican for much of the first four rounds before walking onto to a huge hook from Vazquez who gamely hung in there and did well in the middle rounds when it looked like Arce was fading. Full credit to Arce who charged out in the eleventh and let his hands go like a human windmill. By the end of the round Vazquez was hanging on, a minute into the final round Arce scored the KO when Vazquez corner called the fight off. Arce’s will to win was humbling. It was a brilliant fight with fantastic two way action. At the time of the stoppage two judges had it all square while the third has Arce up 107-102.

With more and more of the top Heavyweights coming from Europe one man looking to snap that dominance and bring back the Heavyweight title to America is Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola. The 30 year old Californian currently sports a 30-2(26) ledger, he fights on the undercard of Andre Ward-V-Arthur Abraham at the Home Depot, Carson, Ca on the 14 May against fringe contender Nagy Aguilera. He’s looking for an impressive performance to set him up for bigger business in the second half of 2011. Currently Arreola is ranked by all four major governing bodies WBC 3, WBA 15, IBF 5, WBO 12 & The Ring 10.

Hello Chris, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Nagy Aguilera on the Ward-Abraham card. What are your thoughts on this fight & what are your expectations going into it?

Chris Arreola – Umm the main thing man, I’m going in there and be me. When I say me is come in there an aggressive Chris Arreola but yet smart and throwing a lot of combinations.

Anson Wainwright – Last time out you demolished Joey Abell in a round. Can you tell us about that fight?

Chris Arreola – Well the thing about that fight it was the first lefty I had fought in many years. It was kind of hard getting sparring to imitate him but the one thing Ronnie (Shields) kept on emphasising was when I throw my punches that I step through and follow through. I saw that he threw his left hand and would always pull back so I just timed it when he threw a jab , I countered with a right hand as he was going back and I caught him flush on his chin.

Anson Wainwright – After the fight you leant in and kissed him, can you tell us about that?

Chris Arreola – You know what; it was a spur of the moment thing I was caught up in the moment. I didn’t mean any disrespect with that. I’m sure a lot of people took it that way and I apologise for that. I’m not a poor sport or one of those guys who likes to showboat. It was spur of the moment, that was it.

Anson Wainwright – Though you won’t want to look past the Aguilera fight, what are your plans for 2011? Who are you targeting?

Chris Arreola – My main thing is staying busy man. Right after this fight staying busy, busy, busy, staying active. I want to get one of the top 10 contenders out there, one of the top 5. And prove myself, prove I’m worthy of my top 10 (ranking) with the Ring magazine and other belts (Other organisations rankings) That’s my main thing proving myself this year and by the end of the year if I keep winning I’ll probably get a title shot.

Anson Wainwright – Can you talk to us about your weight? Many people believe you are a few pounds over what would be a better fighting weight for you. How do you respond to them & what sort of weight are you looking at being for the Aguilera fight?

Chris Arreola – Umm you know what, the weight thing is gonna be answered the night I weigh in. I’m very comfortable where I’m at right now. People won’t believe the numbers I throw out there so regardless I’m coming in ready and prepared. People are gonna see a dedicated Chris Arreola. That’s main thing about this year dedication.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Chris Arreola – My manager Al Haymon, Wes Crockett and all them. Henry Ramirez (Trainer), Dan Goossen there always behind me they believed in me more than I believe in myself. That’s part of the problem. I probably didn’t believe in myself as much as I should have. And umm now I’ve got to prove to my promoter, manager and my trainer that I am a world class fighter and come May 14th that’s what I’m going to prove everyone that believes in me right.

Anson Wainwright – Where do you train?

Chris Arreola – I train at it’s my cut man’s gym. He built a Boxing gym, It’s in his back (yard) it’s very nice. It’s like a barn type of set up. It’s very nice and there’s not kids around so I don’t have to kick them off the bags Haha

Anson Wainwright – Back in September 2009 you met Vitali Klitschko, though it wasn’t a positive experience as you were stopped in the tenth round, you showed a big heart and gained many fans from your stout performance. What are your thoughts on the fight looking back?

Chris Arreola – You know what, I recently watched the fight for the first time since the day of the fight and honestly he kicked my ass, there’s nothing to it. My trainer did the right thing by stopping it. Of course me being a fighter I am I never wanted the fight to be stopped. But Vitali Klitschko was just a better fighter than me that night. He was smarter, that’s the thing that stood out above everything. He’s such a smart fighter in the ring. I made him fight and he threw an unbelievable amount of punches because I made him throw those punches. He was smart enough to throw those punches at the right time and they kept connecting on me. My hat goes off to him that’s why he’s the champion and he came out victorious that night.

Anson Wainwright – The other loss on your record was to Tomasz Adamek a year ago, it was a very entertaining fight. You rocked him several times. What are your feelings on that fight now?

Chris Arreola – That fight I kicked my own ass! With regards that fight I probably trained 3 weeks for that fight. I was stupid and I was full of myself, I was believing the hype Chris Arreola is the next big thing. I fell into that trap of just believing the hype. Did he beat me? Yes. But the thing that beat me was his preparation and my lack of preparation. If I was prepared better like I am now that fight wouldn’t of lasted as long as it did and I hate myself for that fight it really gets me mad. The loss to Tomasz Adamek no disrespect to him, he came in and beat me because he prepared himself better , that was the bottom line to that fight.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see some of the big upcoming Heavyweight fights coming up like Wladimir Klitschko-V-David Haye how do you see that fight?

Chris Arreola – If I was a betting man, I’d put money on David Haye. David Haye is a very fast fighter, he’s a very active fighter, a hard puncher, he moves around very well. I don’t think Wladimir Klitschko has seen anyone like him. There’s a lot of times I’ve talked crap about David Haye but to me he’s earned his stripes. I believe he’ll beat Wladimir Klitschko.

Anson Wainwright – How about two men you know well Vitali Klitschko-Tomasz Adamek?

Chris Arreola – I see Vitali Klitschko beating him, there wont be much of a fight. Tomasz Adamek isn’t strong enough for someone like Vitali Klitschko. He is fast, I’ll give him that but Vitali Klitschko’s ring knowledge and the way he uses his size and his training and everything. So I’d have to give the edge to Vitali Klitschko easily.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Los Angeles, Ca were things tough for you & how did you first became interested in Boxing?

Chris Arreola – You know actually I wouldn’t say I had a tough upbringing because it wasn’t tough. I stayed in the Boxing gym since I was 7 years old. My father never gave me chance or the opportunity to be part of a gang or be a hoodlum on the streets or anything like that. My life since I was a kid revolved around Boxing. I didn’t have a silver spoon in my mouth, I’m very humble, we had beans and rice to eat. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to my father which I don’t give enough of. I’m where I am because of him. My toughness in the ring is because of my father. My father used to make me spar with professionals when I was 12, 13 years old. And then If I wanted to get out of the ring he was like ‘get your butt back in there’. So all my toughness, my Boxing balls or cojones come from my preparation as a kid. My father always encouraged me to be a tough , rugged professional boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s growing up?

Chris Arreola – Actually growing up it was easy to say Julio Cesar Chavez because I saw him many times, he used to come to our gym and train when he was on his tour before fights. When I was in Mexico I met him plenty of times. But the reason he was such a big hero to me was because he was an even better person outside the ring than he was inside. That’s what drew a lot of people to him, he was a real person, what you see is what you get. It’s what I try to emulate , is him inside and outside the ring.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you like to watch today?

Chris Arreola – I love watching Manny Pacquiao and the reason is because I’ve seen him a couple of times training and everything that he works at in the gym with Freddie Roach he does in the Boxing ring. It’s amazing to see someone perfect his craft so well that it translates in the ring in the Boxing fight. That’s probably one of the main reasons I like watching Manny Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – When you’re not Boxing, what are your hobbies and Interests?

Chris Arreola – I’m not a hobbies type of guy. I like going to the movies, I watch movies all the time. Every weekend if a new movies out I’ll go watch it. (I like) Playing video games every now and then but mainly watching movies. Like the man that I am going to the pub, going to a club, hanging out and being a man, having a couple of drinks here and there, nothing wrong with that as long as you know when to stop.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Heavyweight division?

Chris Arreola – The main thing is I’m a focused Chris Arreola . I’m coming in here, I’m coming to fight. I mean no disrespect to anyone but the Heavyweight division they better be scared. That’s it they better be scared.

Thanks for your time Chris, good luck on the 14 May.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

After a 9 month hiatus Deandre “The Bull” Latimore 22-3(17) resurfaced with an 8 round shut out victory over durable veteran Dennis Sharpe on the Andre Berto-Victor Ortiz undercard in Mashantucket, Ct. It helped Latimore 25, get rid of some ring rust, he’s now eager to parlay that win with something much bigger in the talent laden Light Middleweight division. He’s already called out a comeback Paul Williams who is without a dance partner for his has a July date on HBO. Here’s what the St Louis native had to say on various subjects.

Hello Deandre, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently got back in action winning a shut out decision over Dennis Sharpe. What can you tell us about the fight?

Deandre Latimore – I wanted to show the fans and HBO representatives what I can do. I boxed and put on a show.

Anson Wainwright – How happy were you with the performance?

Deandre Latimore – I gave myself an A+ grade because I did everything the way we worked on in training camp

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; your manager, trainer & promoter?

Deandre Latimore – I’m co-promoted Rumble Time Promotions (Steven Smith) and DiBella Entertainment (Lou DiBella), managed by Chris Watkins, and trained by Ray Franklin and Jacob Chavez.

Steven Smith (CEO & President of Rumble Time Promotions): Ray Franklin trained under living legend trainer Ken Adams. Ray was like a sponge, learning from Ken, and then Ray added his specialty, strength and cardio, to become the complete trainer. Ray Franklin is the best kept secret in boxing!

Anson Wainwright – You’re based in Las Vegas these days. Can you tell us about the move, how it’s helped you and the sparring you get?

Deandre Latimore – I’m based in Las Vegas at the Hit Factory. Everything has been great since I moved to Las Vegas. I’ve been able to focus on boxing 100-percent and that’s helped me focus on where I need to be

Anson Wainwright – Recently you have been calling out Paul Williams for a fight on 9 July. Can you tell us about this and do you have a message for Williams?

Deandre Latimore – I know Williams is looking for an opponent for his July 9th fight on HBO. I think me and him would be a perfect fight for television and fans. I want to fight the best in the division because it’s my time to break through and be a big name and face in boxing. I will do that very soon. Let’s make it happen, Paul. I’m ready for a summer showdown with you.

Anson Wainwright – Outside of Williams there are many other options at 154. What other fights Interest you? What do you think of the champions WBA Austin Trout IBF Cornelius Bundrage & WBO Sergei Dzindziruk?

Deandre Latimore – I would fight anyone in the 154-pound division including K9 (Cornelius Bundrage), Austin Trout, and Sergei Dzinziruk.

Anson Wainwright – You’re 1-1 with Sechew Powell; he’s fighting Cornelius Bundrage in June. Would you like to have a third fight with him to settle the score?

Deandre Latimore – I know Sechew is fighting K9 soon and, of Sechew wins I’d love to settle the score. He caught me at a time in my career when I had a lot going on, but I’m back to being Deandre and have my team back together. I promise I’ll knock him out.

Anson Wainwright – Of course you have already fought for a world title losing a split decision to fellow St Louis fighter Cory Spinks. Can you tell us about that fight & what it was like for you to fight in front of your home fans against Spinks who is also from St Louis so you both probably knew each other before hand?

Deandre Latimore – In my fight with Spinks he was a veteran of the game. I was overanxious and wanted to knock him out. It was a good experience for me and I learned a lot from that fight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from St Louis, can you tell us about your younger days and what it was like growing up there?

Deandre Latimore – My childhood was tough growing up in the rough, rugged Clinton Peabody Projects in South St. Louis, Missouri. I have seen the worst of the street and been to hell and back.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and take up Boxing? Can you tell us about your amateur career? What tournaments you won and what your final record was?

Deandre Latimore – I started boxing at the age of eight. I competed in numerous amateur tournaments, winning a National PAL Championship and National Ringside Championship. My amateur record was 250-45.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a bit about your life away from Boxing; what do you like to do with your spare time and what are your hobbies and Interests?

Deandre Latimore – Outside of boxing I spend time with my kids, hang around playing my Xbox 360 Call of Duty.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of your assault on the Light Middleweight division?

Deandre Latimore – 2011 will the year that Deandre Latimore breaks through the boxing headquarters. So keep following me because I’m going to make big things happen this year.

Thanks for your time Deandre.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – It was very sad to hear yesterday that Sir Henry Cooper had passed away aged 76. He was a hugely popular personality in Britain, best most known for being a punch or two away from changing history and knocking out Muhammad Ali in 1963. He ended his career with a record of 40-14-1(27), he held the British, Commonwealth & European titles through out most of the 1960’s. He was twice awarded British Sports Personality, he was also awarded the OBE in 1969 before being knighted in 2000. Though I never had the pleasure of personally meeting “Enry’s Ammer” he is undoubtably a big loss to Boxing, my thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.

In just over a week’s time Manny Pacquiao will meet Shane Mosley in the much talked about Welterweight clash. The night before Top Rank will put on another show from The Mandalay Bay the headliner will be Las Vegas native Diego Magdaleno 18-0(6), he meets tough Mexican Gilberto Sanchez Leon. Last time out he impressively stopped Marcos Jimenez to win the NABF Super Featherweight title to claim the biggest win of his career. It was also his third stoppage in a row; he’ll have a tough time repeating that against Leon who’s only been stopped once in over 40 previous bouts. Here’s what the 24 year old Magdaleno had to say ahead of the clash.

Hello Diego, welcome to 15rounds.com

Firstly thank you for having me for this Interview

Anson Wainwright – You’re scheduled to fight on 6 May in Las Vegas. You’ll be facing Gilberto Sanchez Leon, what are your thoughts on the fight and what do you know about him?

Diego Magdaleno – About the fight. I know that this guy, I’ve seen one of his last fights at the Palms (Hotel Casino in Las Vegas) when my younger brother was on the card, he fought a well known guy Robert Marroquin and I remember catching glimpses of that fight, he’s a tall fighter but doesn’t fight with his reach, he likes to fight on the inside. He’s got some things that I saw that I can adapt to and cut him down to size.

Anson Wainwright – In your last fight you beat Marcos Jimenez and won the NABF 130 title. Can you tell us about this fight?

Diego Magdaleno – Oh that fight was a tremendous fight. I’m still getting compliments on that one. It was something I’ve looked forward to my whole Boxing career, getting a title shot, hopefully that helps me get a world title shot. I took every possible thing that I can work on to achieve the victory on that fight. It was intense from the beginning. Marcos Jimenez was a good fighter, one of the best one’s out of Puerto Rico. I took that and brought it into the ring. We went in with a plan to basically not let him breath and things that I did like pressuring him from the beginning of rounds and eventually the outcome was I was overwhelming him with punches. That’s what the plan was and it worked.

Anson Wainwright – People would look at your record and say you don’t have a very high KO ratio, obviously the last 3 fights have been stoppages. Have you got any thoughts on that?

Diego Magdaleno – Umm (Laughs) Like I tell everybody else, I’m getting comfortable in the ring, you know it’s not that I wasn’t before but I’m starting to sit down on punches, putting everything together. The work outs have been marvellous. Every fight I have is a learning experience, I learn a lot off every fight. I go back and watch my tapes from the very first fight to the last; I review myself, more than I do my opponent before every fight. I think that’s what’s helping me out that way. That way I can see myself as a fighter and what I’m doing wrong in the ring. I really like to focus on myself and better myself.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Diego Magdaleno – Top Rank is my promoter. My manager/trainer is Pat Barry & Dawn Barry (Pat’s Wife) is also my manager. Augie Sanchez (Former World title challenger) is there I wouldn’t call him an assistant coach, him and Pat work so well together. There’s no real head guy. It’s great cos we all work together on everything we do, it works out well. I train at Barry’s Boxing Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Anson Wainwright – What was it like growing up in Las Vegas. I believe there has never been a fighter born in Las Vegas who won a world title.

Diego Magdaleno – I wasn’t born in Las Vegas. I was actually born in Beverly Hills, California at the famous Cedar Sinai Hospital. I started Boxing out in East L.A I was there for about a year until I moved to where I now call home Las Vegas, I was about 8 years old when I moved here. I started my amateur career here in Las Vegas. This is home to me, but I was born in California. But it’s the capital of Boxing and Boxing has always taken place here. I see all the world title fights, they come to the MGM and Mandalay Bay and all the headliners and I just see how close it is and every fight just drives me to get up there. So everytime I go to the big fights I think I’m not far away. I just have to keep pushing and working hard. I’m trying to show my younger brother Jessie who’s 3-0 with 3 knock outs.

Anson Wainwright – You were a very good amateur, can you tell us about your amateur career and what tournaments you won? Also what was your final record?

Diego Magdaleno – Off the top of my head 130 something fights, like 116 and like 15 loses. I went to the Olympic trials twice, unfortunately the last time I went to the Olympic trails in 07 I lost I think in the Quarter Finals. I always made it to the finals of most tournaments and always came up short. I took Second in the Golden Gloves, I took second in the National PAL’s, and I went over to Canada and won there. I won the USA’s in 07 that was prior to the trials for the Olympics.

Anson Wainwright – Your younger brother Jessie turned pro in late last year. What can you tell us about him?

Diego Magdaleno – We have a good bond, we work hard together and I try to be the big brother and be an example to him, show him hard work can get you what you want . We want world titles. I think I can be a good role model to him. As far as work outs together, we run, we do everything together. We have the same relationship other brothers we bump heads and collide. I’m the more serious type of guy, as Jessie goes I would say he’s more of a character. He likes to joke around and have fun with everything and when I’m in the gym, it’s just a different environment, it’s work to me it’s serious and he likes to have fun and mess around with me and try to get into my head. It works out, we have fun.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Super Featherweight division WBC Takahiro Aoh, WBA Takashi Uchiyama, IBF Mzonke Fana & WBO Ricky Burns? Are you targeting anyone and how far do you think you are from a title shot?

Diego Magdaleno – I’m targeting any of those guys. As far as upcoming fights. They say I’d be fighting for a world title at the end of this year. I’ve seen the guys and there quality guys. There not guys I can take lightly but I think that I have a good chance with the world champions. I work hard in the gym and think when Top Rank gives me the chance to be a world champion I’ll do everything to make it happen.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Diego Magdaleno – One thing I like is the outdoors, I like to stay active. I love hiking, spending time with my family because when it comes to being serious with Boxing I hide out, I go back into my tunnel and exclude everyone from my world. When I have a chance I love to help people and be with the family. One of my little hobbies I like to do is interior decorating, not many people know about that, like house projects.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up? And who you enjoy watching today?

Diego Magdaleno – There’s a lot of great fighters out there. One of the last fights I watched was Victor Ortiz and Berto that was a tremendous fight. It brings Boxing back to life. I like Manny Pacquiao who’s an intense fighter. There a lot of guys who keep me on my toes and the Boxing game exciting. When I was growing up I liked Chavez he was an animal in his prime. De La Hoya’s another guy I liked.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing? If it wasn’t for Boxing what do you think you’d be doing for a living?

Diego Magdaleno – My plan in Boxing is definitely to win world titles, that’s the ultimate. If it wasn’t for Boxing, I’d always been Interested in Law Enforcement. So I’d probably be doing something like that.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Super Featherweight division?

Diego Magdaleno – I have a big message. It’s gonna be the guy out in the dark who’s gonna get them. So keep in mind Diego Magdaleno is out there.

Thanks for your time Diego.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Going into the 2008 Olympic Games Felix Diaz was little know and not favoured to bring back a medal. That all changed in the space of a few weeks when he won the Dominican Republic’s only gold of the games. Following that success he elected to turn pro in the summer of 2009 and has progressed well winning all nine fights so far stopping six of his opponents inside the distance. The 27 year old southpaw has picked up important International experience fighting in four different countries to date. He’s next due to see action again in Russia on the 18 June, though no opponent is known as yet.

Hello Felix, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You were supposed to face Yuri Nuzhenko recently but that fight fell out can you tell us about this?

Felix Diaz – Unfortunately the originally planned opponent, Yuri Nuzhenko, had to be replaced shortly before the bout. My promoter and the opponent were unable to agree on the number of rounds for the bout, so I heard. The opponent that I boxed against instead was in fact too easy. I want to box against strong opponents in order to develop my skills further and win titles. I would have liked to box against Nuzhenko to show the world that I am ready for the big fights.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought in several countries already, can you tell us about this from your point of view?

Felix Diaz – I have already boxed in many different countries. I find it interesting and meeting people from different cultures has helped my personality grow. People are enthusiastic about boxing all over the world, regardless of race, culture or language.

Anson Wainwright – Who are your managers, trainers & promoters? Also where do you regularly train?

Felix Diaz – My management company is Mundo Boxing S.L. from Santo Domingo. They have around ten top prospects under contract. Our legal advisor is the German lawyer Rafael Villena y Scheffler. My trainer is Pedro Luis Diaz Benitez, who also trains Odlanier Solis, David Lemieux and Jean Pascal. As you can see, I have gathered a top team around me, which is without a doubt essential to win World Championship titles and to defend them. I train in the Dominican Republic as well as in Florida and in Canada.

Anson Wainwright – You won Gold for your country at the 2008 Olympics. How did this change things for you? Did you become an over night celebrity in The Dominican Republic?

Felix Diaz – With the Olympic victory, a lot has changed for me. I can’t go anywhere in my country without being recognised, and in the United States and elsewhere, people often come and talk to me, too. I am proud to have won the gold medal for the Dominican Republic and for all Latinos in Beijing in 2008, and hope to be an inspiration to young people. As a professional boxer, I would of course like to earn money in order to provide a better life for my family and myself.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win and what was your final record?

Felix Diaz – My amateur record lies at 280 victories, and just under 40 lost bouts. My biggest title was the Olympic victory 2008 in Beijing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do in your spare time away from Boxing?

Felix Diaz – Besides boxing, I like to listen to music, and also play basketball, I very much like to eat, and I love spending time with my family.

Anson Wainwright – I believe that your homeland is quite poor what can you tell us about your childhood and how it took you into Boxing?

Felix Diaz – My childhood was not very different to that of other poor children. Life consisted of going to school, eating, playing, and then going to bed. My brother is the reason why I started boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Two of the top fighters from the Dominican Republic are Joan Guzman & Fernando Guerrero. What is your relationship with them?

Felix Diaz – I would call Joan Guzman a friend of mine. I don’t know Fernando Guerrero personally.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero and why?

Felix Diaz – My boxing hero is Oscar de la Hoya. Not only because of his quality as a boxer, but also because of his entrepreneurial qualities. My goals in boxing are to become World Champion quickly, and then part of the top ten of the best boxers of all classes. I would also like to fight Manny Pacquiao, and of course win against him.

Thanks for your time Felix

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

In the summer of 2006 Nobuo Nashiro first sprang to prominence when he wrested the WBA Super Flyweight title away from Martin Castillo, impressively stopping the Mexican in the tenth due to cuts. It looked even more impressive when you take into account it was only Nashiro’s eighth fight, he had only been a pro for 3 years completing just 42 rounds. Since then Nashiro has taken on all comers with mixed results, with his record currently standing at 14-3-1(9). The 29 year old, two time WBA 115 champion hopes his recent strong showing against Mexican Tomas Rojas can keep him relevant and in the mix for big fights further down the line. He’s currently ranked by the WBC 10 & The Ring 5.

Hello Nobuo, welcome to 15 rounds. com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently fought Tomas Rojas for his WBC Super Flyweight title. You lost a razor close decision. What are your thoughts on the fight?

Nobuo Nashiro – I wound up getting out manoeuvred, and wasn’t able to force him into an exchange. I wanted to fight it out toe-to-toe, but he wouldn’t let me. I’m very upset about it.

Anson Wainwright – Though its early days do you know what your next move will be? Are you thinking of moving up to Bantamweight or do you intend to get back in line and have another go at winning a title at Super Flyweight?

Nobuo Nashiro – I want to be champion again. If there’s a chance, I’ll fight at either weight class.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym to you train at?

Nobuo Nashiro – I belong to Mutoh Boxing Gym in Nagai, Osaka. My promoter and manager is the owner of the gym, Mr. Takashi Edagawa. My trainer is Mr. Toshiyuki Fujiwara.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your gym and the other fighters who train there?

Nobuo Nashiro – We have a really great atmosphere in the gym here. It’s great for training. We also have a special conditioning & strength coach who helps us out, so we can stay in top physical condition. My gym mates are: former Japanese Bantamweight Champion, WBC #20 Bantamweight Mikio Yasuda (WBC #20); former Japanese Middleweight Champion Tetsuya Suzuki; WBC #15 Flyweight Hiroshi Mukai; and Japan #5 Welterweight Takayuki Hosokawa. We’ve got a lot of talented, good boxers here.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing and can you tell us about your first experience with it? Who was your hero growing up and why?

Nobuo Nashiro – The first time I saw a boxing match, when I was eight years old, it was fascinating—so cool—I was hooked. When I was a kid, I admired WBC Bantamweight Champion Joichiro Tatsuyoshi. I really admired the exciting way he fought.

Anson Wainwright – When you’re not Boxing what sort of things do you enjoy doing to relax?

Nobuo Nashiro – I like fishing.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider your toughest opponent to date and what is your best performance so far?

Nobuo Nashiro – The Alexander Munoz fight was a tough fight. For me, my best fight was when I first won the world title from Martin Castillo.

Anson Wainwright – Much is made of the Kameda brothers, they are very different from most Japanese people. Is this a fight you’d like and what are your thoughts on them?

Nobuo Nashiro – Of course I want to fight them. I’m confident I would win. The Kameda Brothers generate a lot of talk and get a lot of exposure, but I don’t think they will achieve as much as Mr. Hasegawa and Mr. Nishioka.

Anson Wainwright – I have heard that you have sparred a lot with Mr. Hasegawa. How was that? Recently, Hasegawa moved up to featherweight and became world champion. Is making the weight at super flyweight difficult for you too? Do you also have a plan to move up and challenge for a world title?

Nobuo Nashiro – About Mr. Hasegawa, I really respect him as a boxer. He’s strong, and I think he’s an amazing boxer.
I don’t have any trouble making weight at super flyweight, but if there’s a chance at super flyweight or bantamweight, I’ll fight at either weight.

Anson Wainwright – We haven’t heard about Sasha Bakhtin lately, but I believe the two of you sparred. What was your impression of Bakhtin?

Nobuo Nashiro – I’ve also sparred with Sasha Bakhtin. He’s really good, and I think if he gets a chance, he’ll be a world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Your opponents in world title matches so far have been Castillo, Garcia, Munoz, Cazares, and Rojas. With the exception of Munoz, they have all been Mexican, and all of them are Latino. What is your impression of Mexican and Latino boxers? Is there a difference between the way Mexican and Latino boxers and Japanese boxers fight?

Nobuo Nashiro – Each and every one of them was different, but they are all smooth, with relaxed shoulders, and can attack from various different angles. Also, they have a variety of punches in their arsenals. I’ve learned a lot from fighting them.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve never fought abroad, have you? Someday, would you like to fight abroad?

Nobuo Nashiro – If I have a chance, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. I want the chance for a big match.

Anson Wainwright – There are many elite boxers in the Bantamweight division now. For example, Montiel, who beat Hasegawa, Donaire, Darchinian, Mijares, Mares, Moreno. What is your dream match?

Nobuo Nashiro – If I was allowed to fight them, I think I’d like to fight any of the names you mention here. If it came true, I’d be really happy. More than anything, I just want the chance.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans that support you in your fights?

Nobuo Nashiro – I want to keep on fighting. If I get the chance, I’ll fight anyone. I hope you can watch my explosive fights!

Thanks for your time Nobau.

Anson Wainwright & Loren Goodman

15rounds.com

Special thanks to Loren Goodman, without whom this Interview wouldn’t of been possible.

When “Dazzling” Darren Barker 22-0(14) steps into the ring on the 30th April to meet Domenico Spada for the Vacant European Middleweight title it will be his first fight in a year. The 28 year old Londoner won the very same title last time out outpointing tough Frenchman Affif Belghecham before having a hip operation that keep him out for several months. Thankfully at the start of this year Barker was able to get back in the gym and train without any problems. He knows it wont be easy against Spada who has never been stopped in his 35 fights but believes this is the fight that can springboard him back out not only onto the European level but also ultimately the world scene where he hopes to campaign in the future. Barker is currently rated WBC 5, IBF 10 & WBO 14. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Darren, welcome to 15rounds.com

Thanks for having me.

Anson Wainwright – You will return to action against Domenico Spada at the end of April. What can you tell us about this fight and what do you know of Spada?

Darren Barker – The fight itself is a massive fight, I haven’t fought in a year. He’s world ranked. As a fighter he’s a real tough, experienced guy, he knows his way around the ring. He’s been in there with top quality operators and it’ll be a real test for me.

Anson Wainwright – By fight time it will have been over a year since you last fought, can you tell us about the hip injury and how things are with you now?

Darren Barker – Yeah it’s fine. I had my left hip operated on which was stopping me from running for a couple of years and became a real problem, so I had the surgery. It’s better now than it’s ever been. I’m able to run now. It’s been fantastic. It wasn’t worth having a fight with a lower class opponent. We thought it best to get back in there and carry onwards and upwards towards this world title shot.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym and where will you base yourself for the Barker fight?

Darren Barker – My manager & trainer is Tony Sims and I’m promoted by Matchroom. It’s a gym in Hainault in Essex. It’s an amateur Boxing club in the evening. In the day it’s Tony Sims gym.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? Also what was your final record?

Darren Barker – I started at Finchley Amateur Boxing club and I left there when I was about 15 and I moved to Repton Boxing club and when I won the NABC and on the back of that I boxed for England in early 2002 won my first Multi Nations for England and got picked for the Commonwealth games, I won gold in Manchester. I boxed in the World Championships, European Championship, so yeah I had a good amateur career. I’m not sure I must have had near a 100 amateur fights, I had about 80 club fights, with fighting for my country it must have been about 100. I wasn’t a very good junior, as a kid I was slow to mature.

Anson Wainwright – What current pros did you fight in your amateur days?

Darren Barker – Timothy Bradley, Andre Berto, Paul McCloskey, Andy Lee, Karoly Balzsay. There’s bundles. I beat Paul McCloskey in the Commonwealth games. Andre Berto I believe I won that, I was seven points up going into the last round and he beat me by two points. I’m still convinced I won that, but that’s Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in London and how it took you into Boxing?

Darren Barker – Well my route into Boxing was sort of typical, my dad was a boxer. Even though he never pushed me into it, It was just a natural thing. I wanted to make my mum and dad proud. I thought I’ll give it ago and it went on from there. I went to the Boxing club; I started to get quite good at it. I started setting my own goals and started to achieve them and went from there.

Anson Wainwright – When you’re not training for a fight what do you do with your time? What are your hobbies?

Darren Barker – Football! I’m a Chelsea fan (Soccer Club). I’m Football mad to be honest. I go to practically every home game. I’m a family man; I have a little daughter & a girlfriend Gemma. That takes up most of my time.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the current state of the Middleweight division?

Darren Barker – Yeah there’s some good prospects coming through and good contender already there. There’s fights to be made. It’s good to be around the division. There’s still some big domestic fights. The Middleweight division is in a good state and it’s good to be part of it.

Anson Wainwright – Last year you were scheduled to fight Matthew Macklin in September and had to pull out through Injury. It then looked like you two would meet this spring before he decided to go another way. Can you tell us your thoughts on the Macklin situation?

Darren Barker – I’m sick of talking about it to be honest. I’m gutted because I know full well I’d beat him, I’ve got his number. Who knows maybe these fights haven’t happened and we’ll fight for a world title. we’ll see we’ll leave a question mark over it. Just see how our careers progress.

Anson Wainwright – If it wasn’t for Boxing what would you be doing for a living?

Darren Barker – I dunno that’s a tough one. I don’t really know to be honest. I know I’m not good enough to play for Chelsea! Haha That’s in my wildest dreams. I really don’t know. Sport is my passion, something maybe involving sport. Whatever I put my mind to I’d of had a good go and succeeded at it.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your favourite fighter growing up?

Darren Barker – Mike Tyson. Even though I didn’t see a great deal of his fights live, I watched them back. As I got older Tony (Sims) introduced me to Sugar Ray Robinson, he was the best Pound for Pound fighter there ever was.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Middleweight division?

Darren Barker – Keep and eye out for me. At the end of the day I’m a young 28 years old, I’m enthusiastic, I’m hard working, I’m determined, I’m ambitious. I think with all those attributes and my Boxing abilities it puts me in good stead for the future.

Thanks for taking time to speak with us.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – It was again a weekend of shocks, first Andre Berto losing to Victor Ortiz & then Juanma Lopez being stopped by Orlando Salido. I didn’t see either coming I thought Berto would be too much for Ortiz, maybe now Ortiz will fulfil his undoubted potential. As for Berto it’s back to the drawing board. You almost get the feeling they waiting to long for one of the name guys at Welterweight and in the mean time feasted on the Freddy Hernandez of this world. I was equally stunned to see Juanma lose, it’s really disappointing that the Lopez-Gamboa fight didn’t happen, it’ll be even longer before we see those guys exchange leather now, if at all. You have to give Salido credit he went in to the lions den knowing he’d need a stoppage and he did just that. One look at Salido’s record and you knew it wasn’t going to be easy for Lopez but it’s still surprising. Rumours are spreading that Lopez had several personal problems going into the fight and he also blew up in weight. It’s also been mentioned they may fight sometime in the fall…I was in Manchester to see Amir Khan make the fourth defence of his WBA 140 title against Paul McCloskey. While won handily enough it wasn’t without controversy, first the doctor entered the ring when McCloskey was cut from a headbutt in the sixth, before the fight was quickly halted going to the cards. It wasn’t all sweetness and light afterwards at the press conference where things got pretty heated. I think it will be a while before Khan is seen fighting on British shores, which is a shame when you think around 17,000 turned up and helped create a fantastic atmostphere.

The much anticipated Amir Khan coming ended up successful when he scored a six round technical decision over Northern Irelands Paul McCloskey. Khan won a unanimous decision 60-54 on all 3 judges cards to retain his WBA Light Welterweight title for the fourth time. Though that only told half the tail. To his credit McCloskey had his moments during the fight.

Both fighters entered the MEN arena in Manchester to a raucous crowd thought to be around 17,000. Firstly McCloskey entered the arena cheered on by thousands of his fans who had travelled over from Ireland. It was then the turn of the champion Khan who also entered to a thunderous reception.

After the formalities the action got underway Khan’s impressive speed allowed him to win the round against McCloskey’s southpaw. It looked early as though McCloskey may be in trouble as he fought with his right hand low and this would allow Khan to pick him off but as the fight went on McCloskey who is no slouch in the speed department himself was able to get out of the way of many of Khan’s combinations.

The second was similar again with Khan’s speed being the key though to his credit McCloskey landed a few of his own shots and wasn’t troubled when Khan landed.

McCloskey has his best round of the fight in the third landing an impressive hook on a retreating Khan against the ropes which Khan acknowledges.

It prompted Khan to start fast in the fourth landing several combinations. Though McCloskey covered up well, by the end of the round both fighters engage each other to loud cheers.

Khan’s speed continues to be the deciding factor in the fifth though McCloskey keeps coming forward looking to land his own shots.

In the sixth both fighters clash heads, though it is McCloskey who comes off worse with a straight cut down towards his left eye brow. The referee Luis Pabon instructs the doctor to look at the cut surprisingly the doctor enters the ring, he then tells the referee to stop the fight. Under WBA rules the fight having gone passed the fourth round goes to the scorecards.

While it was no surprise that Khan won the decision the manner in which the fight was stopped was perplexing to many in attendance. The cut while nasty wasn’t bleeding in the eye so it was surprising the fight was stopped.

Afterwards at a rather ill tempered press conference things continued to simmer. First Oscar De La Hoya thanked everyone and was extremely happy to have such a great atmosphere and praised the fans in attendance. However things descended into chaos when he was repeatedly asked if he thought the fight should have been stopped and what he would of done as a former fighter. He repeated his answer “I don’t know I’m not a doctor” several times much to many peoples chagrin.

He continued and said he hoped to make a fight with Tim Bradley which would be a unification fight and is mooted for 23 July in America.

Khan took his turn to speak and answer questions and with tempers still flaring said “He should be happy this was stopped cos you were getting knocked out”. When asked if he would give McCloskey a rematch he continued “No point giving him a rematch”

While Khan was winning the fight he didn’t come off well in the press conference most likely due to frustration from the past week which has been rather frantic with the late announcement that the card wouldn’t be on Sky PPV and then cancelled from Sky Sports altogether only to be picked up by Primetime a channel with only several thousand viewers. It felt some what apt that after a week of shenanigans that this unsavoury end was preordained.

Stay tuned for the undercard report to follow.

It’s been just over a year since Luis “El Mercedez” Ortiz made his debut, he’s been very busy so far going 7-0(5). Next Saturday he makes his third start of the year when he steps up in completion fighting Derek Bryant. To date Ortiz has fought and impressed beating several tough journeymen in a manner that belies his limited pro experience. However he’s no novice and took part in over 350 amateur fights in his native Cuba before defecting. He’s adapted quickly to the new way of life, and is quickly making a name for himself as one of the fastest moving Heavyweight around. Here’s what Ortiz had to say.

Hello Luis, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You’ve had a busy start to 2011 fighting twice already & you will be in action on 23 April. Who you will be facing?

Luis Ortiz – I will be facing Derek Bryant 20-6.

Anson Wainwright – What is your fight schedule for 2011?

Luis Ortiz – For 2011 my promoter Henry Rivalta of Dream Team Boxing promotions had great plans for me with 5 more scheduled bouts this year. He has helped me since I started as a pro and he will lead me to the promise land. We will be side by side when I become champ one day. I will make him proud of me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Luis Ortiz – My manager is Osmiri el moro Fernandez who is also my trainer. I am promoted by Henry Rivalta and Carlos Rodriguez of Dream Team Boxing Promotions. They are the best and treat me like family. I train at PFC professional fighting center.

Anson Wainwright – Getting from Cuba to America is notoriously difficult, can you tell us about how leaving Cuba came about and how you did it?

Luis Ortiz – Rather not think about that question just keep thinking about when will my daughter arrive one day and when I will be able to hold her in my arms, then I can be even greater.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about why you decided to leave Cuba for America and turn pro? What sacrifices have you made by leaving Cuba?

Luis Ortiz – I left Cuba with a dream in my mind. To come to America and become champion of the world. To make a life here and to one day bring my wife and little daughter who I love and miss so much.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, did you win the Cuban National title, and did you fight in tournaments abroad? Also what was your final record?

Luis Ortiz – I did win the nationals in Cuba and also the worlds. I was the Cuban World Champion and participated in various events and international competitions. My amateur record was 343-26.

Anson Wainwright – Back in March your countryman Odlanier Solis fought Vitali Klitschko losing in the first round but of course he injured his knee. What are your thoughts and feeling on that fight?

Luis Ortiz – I wish Solis could have done better but no one really knows what happened in that night. I don’t judge any fighters but I know I can beat Klitschko when my time comes and I know it will come one day.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously there are many Cubans fighting in the pro’s now but who fighters still in the amateurs over there do you think would make good pros?

Luis Ortiz – Rosniel Iglesias 64 kgs and Leniel Perot Cruiserweight.

Anson Wainwright – How are things for you in Florida compared to how they were in Cuba?

Luis Ortiz – A lot better but I feel bad my daughter can’t enjoy as I do.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Heavyweight division?

Luis Ortiz – The Heavyweight division is dead. I’m here to revive it. I will work hard and give fans the boxing they want to see in heavyweights. No more boring Heavyweights when they watch me, I promise.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see fights with Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye & Vitali Klitschko-Tomasz Adamek going?

Luis Ortiz – I don’t think Haye will beat Klitschko and Adamek might pose a threat. In 2012 I would love to face any of the four, any of them especially Haye I can beat him easy. I hope when I get there they will all give me a shot after all isn’t that what our beautiful sport of boxing is about fighting the best. HERE I COME BABY.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have anything you want to say to the Heavyweight division?

Luis Ortiz – I want to say to the Heavyweight division that I respect the game, that’s why I train so hard everyday no breaks. When I become champ instead of taking a break, I will work harder. To all the contenders, see you soon.

Thanks for your time “El Mercedez”

I want to thank 15 rounds.com for my interview and say thank you to all who support me and my dreams.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Dream Team Boxing Promotions in Association with Promociones Miguel Cotto & Dade Promotions are providing an interesting card on 23 April from Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo, Miami, Florida.

Luis Ortiz 7-0(5) -V- Derek Bryant 20-6-1(17) Heavyweight

Ed Paredes 26-3-1(16) -V- Juliano Ramos 16-4(13) Welterweight

Inocente Fiz 5-0(3) -V- Damian Frias 16-4-1(7) Welterweight

Richard Abril 14-2-1(7) -V- TBA Lightweight Abril’s only loses are to Breidis Prescott & Henry Lundy both via split decision when both were unbeaten.

Joey Hernandez 18-1-1(10) -V- TBA Light Middleweight

John Jackson 15-2-1(13) -V- TBA Super Featherweight

Claudio Marrero 6-0(5) -V- TBA Super Featherweight

Juan Carlos Payano 5-0(3) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight

Humberto Savigne 3-1(2) -V- Cruiserweight

Pedro Rodriguez 4-0(4) -V- TBA Cruiserweight

Yoandris Salinas 6-0(3) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight

Kadel Martinez 1-1(0) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight

New signing Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua will also make his American debut. “Chocorroncito” is only 19 years old, but already 17-0(12) and fights at Strawweight where he is already world ranked. Also in a special attraction Abner Cotto 10-0(5) returns to action.

Miguel Cotto is also expected to attend as a special guest.

For more information call 305-278-2514 or 305-917-5656.

The old Boxing adage “Win and look good next time” applied to Adrien “The Problem” Broner 20-0(16), the young Cincinnati prospect scrapped by former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon to claim a narrow points win. It wasn’t the most impressive performance of Broner’s career but it was against by far his toughest opponent to date. Next up he returns on HBO on 11 June against a resurgent Jason Litzau, it’s another tough fight for “The Problem” but one that could set him up for a world title fight later in 2011. At the moment he’s rated WBC 10, WBA 5 & WBO 6.

Hello Adrien, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Your last fight was a big step up for you, beating Daniel Ponce De Leon. What are your thoughts on that fight? Were you happy with your performance?

Adrien Broner – It was a great fight, I stuck to the game plan and did what I was supposed to do to get the win.

Anson Wainwright – Many people have commented on that fight saying you were negative and not very good to watch. Would you like to respond to that?

Adrien Broner – You know I wasn’t trying to be a negative person, I was just trying to be myself and do it as comfortably as possible.

Anson Wainwright – Do you think you learned a lot from fighting De Leon?

Adrien Broner – I definately learned a lot. Going to somebody elses territory and taking the win it really showed me lot. I’ll do the same things, stay focused and do what I got to do to win. I think I did a great job and put on a helluva performance.

Anson Wainwright – When do you hope to be back in action next?

Adrien Broner – June 11, it’s supposed to be Jason Litzau on HBO. I’m hearing it may take place in Texas but I don’t know yet.

Anson Wainwright – You were a very good amateur and had a lot of fights. Can you tell us what titles you won in the amateur’s and what your final record was? Can you tell us what happened to prevent yourself from fighting in the last Olympics?

Adrien Broner – National Silver Gloves, Junior Olympics I got the bronze, Junior Golden Gloves. I had over 300 fights, I know I lost 15 for sure. I never got the chance to turn up (For the Olympics) and you know things came up in my life and I had a couple of setbacks, I’m back now.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us who is in your team? Your manager, trainer, promoter? What gym do you train at?

Adrien Broner – I’m with Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. I’m with Al Haymon Management. I’m co-promoted by R&R promotions with Andrew Williams in Cincinnati. Mike Stafford is my trainer too. I have a helluva team, my dad comes in and helps. I train in various places, sometimes I go to Colorado, sometimes I go to Texas, you know we move around. I train in Cincinnati at the Mount Arben PAL gym.

Anson Wainwright – You mentioned you’re with R&R Promotions who are based out of Cincinnati and you’ve fought there several times to date. Is building a home following something that’s important to you?

Adrien Broner – It’s very important to me, because a lot of people don’t have the fan base at home and I have a pretty good following. Soon we should have a big fight.

Anson Wainwright – If you fought at home now, how many fans do you think would come and watch you?

Adrien Broner – The sky’s the limit right now. I’d probably bring the whole of Cincinnati if I fought at home.

Anson Wainwright – You fight at 130 what are your thoughts on that division? How far do you think you are from fighting for a world title?

Adrien Broner – About one or two fights, I think I should be a world champion by the end of this year. There’s some ok guys in my division but I know I’m going to wipe out the one’s out above me.

Anson Wainwright – Have you sparred with any of the top guys at or around that weight?

Adrien Broner – Yeah, The Peterson’s, Devon Alexander, Shawn Porter, Ricardo Williams, I sparred a lot of guys, Diego Magdeleno. It went good, it was a great experience, I do what I’ve got to do, just be myself.

Anson Wainwright – How did you get into Boxing in Cincinnati growing up?

Adrien Broner – Growing up in Cincinnati was very rough, I’m coming up in the hood and rough areas. I put it all together as fuel to my fire in boxing and that’s what I’ve done and It worked out, which is great.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Adrien Broner – Sometimes I play basketball, listen to music, I like Rap music. Chill with my family and play with my kids.

Anson Wainwright – Aaron Pryor was with you for the Ponce De Leon fight, Is he one of your Boxing heroes?

Adrien Broner – He was one of my first trainers when I first came to the gym, we hit the pads together and stuff so I know Aaron pretty well. I also like Roy Jones Jnr & Floyd Mayweather

Anson Wainwright – People have said after you’re last fight your Mayweather Lite. What do you think of those sort of comments?

Adrien Broner – I like them, I agree.

Anson Wainwright – Since your last fight you have travelled overseas to visit American soldiers along with Oscar De La Hoya, Seth Mitchell & Daniel Jacobs. Can you tell us about the trip?

Adrien Broner – It was great, it was the experience of my life, it’s not everyday you get to go overseas and see what’s really going on out there. These soldiers are really fighting for us and If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to fight today. Some of it was very emotional and touching to see those guys, they’re dedicated to what they do. They look at us like hero’s but at the end of the day they’re the real heroes because they’re the ones over there putting their life on the line defending the country. It was great.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Adrien Broner – I’m trying to be not just one of the best to come from Cincinnati but one of the best to ever be in the Boxing business.

Anson Wainwright – Finally is there anything you’d like to say in closing?

Adrien Broner – There’s definitely a problem in the game, that’s why they call me the problem. You can catch me on facebook on Adrien “The Problem” Broner or follow me on twitter at ajthe problem21.

Thanks for your time Adrien

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Midweek Musings – I hear that after James Kirkland’s loss his trainer Kenny Adams, passed out. He’s been to hospital and I’m told doing well. Last year I spent three months in Las Vegas and spent a good deal of time with Kenny, he’s one of Boxing’s characters. He’s a helluva trainer too. I’d just like to wish him well an hope to see him back ringside soon…Rumours are that Humberto Soto hasn’t signed to face Urbano Antillon in what was a much anticipated rematch. Apparently his contract has run out with Zanfer & Top Rank and he is exploring other options, a move accross the street to Golden Boy is possible…Over on this side of the pond the Amir Khan-Paul McCloskey show has gone from PPV on Sky to ordinary Sky Sports to Primetime in the space of a week. I rate McCloskey highly and think he’s more than capable of giving Khan some trouble, though you have to figure Khan’s speed and extra class should tell…I’m looking forward to the Omar Narvaez-Cesar Seda fight Friday in Argentina, Narvaez is long reigning and very experienced champion but Seda is confident and a very live underdog…Also on Friday in Spain Jason Booth goes to fight Kiko Martinez for the vacant European Super Featherweight title. That could be a closely contested fight…On Showtime Juanma Lopez takes on grizzled former champion Orlando Salido, who’s a tough night for anyone…In the HBO show I’m expecting Andre Berto to stop Victor Ortiz who moves up to 147.

As the old saying goes “Third time lucky” it was certainly a charm for South African Takalani “Panther” Ndlovu 32-6(18). Recently he won the IBF Super Bantamweight title when he bested Steve Molitor over twelve rounds. Ndlovu 33, had previously lost twice to Molitor in 2007 & 2010 both times in Canada, the first time being stopped in the ninth round. On the second occasion he fought Molitor to a standstill but still lost a decision. Originally hailing from the township of Soweto, he’s come a long way the world seems to be his oyster. Here’s what he had to say on winning the title, what his future hopes are and what life was like growing up in South Africa and the path he took into Boxing.

Hello Takalani, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on a terrific win over Steve Molitor to claim the IBF Super Bantamweight title. What can you tell us about the fight looking back?

Takalani Ndlovu – Thank you. Going into this fight I was realistic. I knew I had to fight and give it my all to win the belt; I didn’t want to leave anything to the judges. I enjoyed my preparations, it was like when you study for exams and can’t wait to write the paper and I couldn’t wait to get into the ring. I also knew Molitor was looking past me because of our previous encounters, the possible plans Top Rank had for him after this fight and he was banking on my past mistakes and losses to him to beat me.

Anson Wainwright – How did you feel when they announced that you had won and were the new champion? Will winning the title change your life?

Takalani Ndlovu – I was emotional. It was a dream a true. I believe my life will change for the better

Anson Wainwright – Thought it is obviously early days what are your future plans now you are the champion?

Takalani Ndlovu – I haven’t had time to sit with my promoter and discuss the way forward. It’s too early to tell, but knowing Branco he has some plans in mind.

Anson Wainwright – It was the third time you had fought Molitor. What was different this time?

Takalani Ndlovu – My mindset and surroundings was different, I matured, I not only had a trainer, but a teacher, I was taught and was willing to learn. We had the same goal and interest. I owed the opportunity to fight Molitor for the 3rd time to my promoter Branco and I was not going to let him or myself down without a fight. I put in more and took nothing for granted.

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Takalani Ndlovu – I train at BRD boxing gym in the south of Johannesburg. My trainer is Mr. Manny Fernandes, my promoter Mr. Branco Milenkovic; I’m managing my boxing career now with the help of my wife and my promoter.

Anson Wainwright – In your career to date you have fought all over the world in Canada, Germany, Britain, America as well as in South Africa. What can you tell us about this experience? Did it help mould you as a fighter & person?

Takalani Ndlovu – As a fighter I learned a lot from my traveling, there are many things and people in my life that helped mold me as a person. I’m grateful for every experience.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your youth growing up in Soweto? Was it similar to many boxers and it was tough for you?

Takalani Ndlovu – Growing up in Soweto was never easy. Most boxers have a similar story to tell. There were many challenges, but I had a choice. With the guide of my late cousin I followed boxing and at the age of 9 I decided to try it. Turned out my cousin opened a gift I had, but wasn’t aware of it. I boxed and it’s been my bread and butter.

Anson Wainwright – Last year the Soccer World Cup took place in South Africa. What did you think of it? Did you go to any games? What impact has that had on your country?

Takalani Ndlovu – It was breathtaking, it brought Africans closer together! I went to a few games. South Africa has changed since the world cup; our economy is standing the test of time. Africa is shinning on the map.

Anson Wainwright – When you’re not boxing what do you enjoy doing with your spare time?

Takalani Ndlovu – I work as a personal trainer and boxing instructor, but importantly I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and kids are wonderful and humorous beings. I always look forward to spending time with them.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the other champions at Super Bantamweight WBC Nishioka, WBA Shimoda & Interim champion Rigondeaux & WBO Vazquez?

Takalani Ndlovu – I don’t know much about them. I know I might have to face one of them one day, I won’t say much I’ll cross the bridge when I get to it. My promoter is a capable man and anything is possible, I’m game to defend my title

Anson Wainwright – Now that you are world champions what goals do you have still in Boxing?

Takalani Ndlovu – I’d like to defend my title three or four times and maybe unify with one of the champions in my division

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the people of South Africa after your title win?

Takalani Ndlovu – I’m humbled by the like and support I received. I’d like to thank my fellow South Africans/fans for their support and well wishes, I hope to defend my title long enough to be able to give back to my supportive community and the South African boxing world.

Thanks for your time Takalani.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – The HBO PPV card on Saturday was billed as “Action Heroes” and it certainly lived up to its name. Many people believed the main event was a mismatch, however Erik Morales rolled back the years giving Marcos Maidana hell all the way through. It was a remarkable performance by “El Terrible” his right eye was closed midway through the second. It was truly inspiring to see the tough Mexican veteran now entering his 35th year roll back the years, if there’s ever been a fighter who fought with such heart I’ve yet to see him, it really was that humbling. The fight most people looked forward to going into the card was Michael Katsidis-Robert Guerrero, it never let us down either. Though for large parts of the fight Guerrero out boxed Katsidis, there were several outstanding exchanges. Guerrero on the back of a very good win deserves a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. The referee Russell Mora had a poor night, he missed a knock down in the second when Guerrero’s glove touched down. He also penalized Katsidis twice in the eighth for low blows, incredibly without any prior warning, he then did the same to Guerrero in the ninth. I’ve always been a big fan of James Kirkland but his first round loss was stunning, I never saw that coming…It was a weekend of shocks first on Friday Night Fights Marco Antonio Rubio took a shellacking for 5 and a half rounds before he stunning David Lemieux coming on strong in the sixth before the well thought of Canadian was rescued in the seventh. On Shobox all three favored fighters lost, Marcus Johnson lost to Dyan Davis, Willie Nelson to Vincent Arroyo & Danny O’Connor was upset against Gabriel Bracero. While over in Primm, NV Ghanian Olympian Bastie Samir drew with unheralded Lester Gonzalez. In Japan Hozumi Hasegawa was surprisingly stopped in four by Jhonny Gonzalez.

As the old saying goes it’s not the size of the dog in the fight it’s the size of the fight in the dog” and this certainly applies to “Fast” Eddie Chambers. He lives in a world of Heavyweight giants, pretty much every opponent in his career has had height, reach and weight advantages over him. As you can see by his 36-2(18) record among the pro’s he’s more than held his own. The 29 year old debuted back in 2000 and learned on the job until he started 2007 when he made a move from the Heavyweight pack beating Derric Rossy KO7, Dominick Guinn PTS10 & then outpointing Calvin Brock in an IBF title eliminator. That win set him up to fight Alexander Povetkin, a former Olympic gold medalist. It was to be Chambers first defeat but he had learned a lot from fighting on the road for the first time as a pro. After four more wins the later being against Samuel Peter who he outpointed. He again traveled to Germany, this time he took on 6’7 behemoth Alexander Dimitrenko who outweighed him by in excess of 40 pounds. Not to be denied he boxed the fight of his life stunner the previously unbeaten Ukrainian again on points. The win set him up for a title challenge when he met Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in early 2010. Like many men previous he found it difficult to get past the big man and was stopped late in the twelfth. It hasn’t affected his desire, after 11 months off when he let the battle scars mentally & physically heal he rebounded to outpoint old adversary Rossy over the distance back in February. No he intends to watch several other fights play out over the next few months before looking for another big fight.

Hello, Eddie, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Back in February you returned from a near year long absence and beat Derric Rossy. Can you tell us about the fight and how happy you were to be back in action?

Eddie Chambers – Umm well I wasn’t happy with my performance. I feel like to a degree I gave my best but I still expected more from me even in the weakened state I was. It was a good comeback fight; there was a lot on the line. I just really wanted to dazzle the crowd and also get a stoppage, that’s what I expected. Beat the guy like I beat him the last time (Chambers scored a seventh round TKO over Derric Rossy in 2007) Of course he’s gotten better, but no matter how much better he is than before I think, I’m on another level and I think I’d have proved it further if I’d stopped him. But all the respect to Rossy who took the shots and continued to fight the way he did through out the fight.

Anson Wainwright – Though it’s early days when are you looking at fighting next & who are you targeting?

Eddie Chambers – Well honestly with me I’m just targeting the top guy. My goal obviously is to be world champion and I’ve been close at one time or another. I think that’s where I should be looking but everything that will get me toward that, any kind of fight with name fighters. I know there’s some fights already made up and I just want to let them happen so I won’t make any decision right away with Haye fighting Wladimir, Adamek fighting Kevin McBride. So there’s really not a lot for me to go at right now as far as top contenders for the titles. So we’ll just sit back and wait just a bit. Then jump in with whoever’s ready. Of course you know and everybody knows I’ll fight anybody and I’m looking for that soon. So hopefully I get that opportunity to fight for the title again. I’d like to fight Haye but of course he’s fighting Wladimir and not looking to fight a tough fight with me who’s not really to well known to away fans. He wouldn’t have much to make from me & Wladimir as well, but it’s not to be because what’s the point he’s beaten me already all he has is to lose. So why not just go about there business and fight each other and leave me in the rear view. I’d love to get those guys in the ring & hopefully that comes very very soon.

Anson Wainwright – Of course in 2010 you challenged Wladimir Klitschko for his IBF & WBO Heavyweight titles; you were stopped late in the twelfth. What can you tell us about that fight from your point of view? Was it a good learning curve despite the defeat? How good do you think he is?

Eddie Chambers – You’ve got to say great. I believe I’m just as good as anybody period, skill wise and ability wise but they go into the fight with a plan coupled with Emmanuel Steward but there’s no unbeatable force right now. I believe If I had had the right plan and been in the right state of mind to execute that plan I think just as he was successful, I could of been successful, it just happens that way. But he has a heck of a championship pedigree, he’s been there years now, he’s been world number one for a long time. He has to go down in the era as one of the greats of Boxing especially Heavyweight Boxing. So the plan they had worked to perfection as it does most other times. When I say perfection there was a lot of difficulty he had with me in some areas as far as landing some shots, there was frustration there but that’s because of my ability and toughness. I didn’t bring enough focus to deal with the preparation he had. I was in great shape I was prepared physically but mentally I wasn’t prepared for what It meant, when you see 55,000+ in the stadium I realized this is something big and then when you get in the ring you realize there’s a whole lot more on the line and you have to get your feet wet a little bit. I didn’t have a huge amateur background, I did have experience but I was never really able to see that before except in the fight before which was Dimitrenko which was on a much smaller scale, though it was important to my career. I’ve seen it and fought the great Klitschko now I have to prove I’m great. I may never get another shot at him (Wladimir) but at least there will be some guys that I can prove that on in the future.

Anson Wainwright – You didn’t fight in 11 months after the Klitschko fight. What did you do with your time off?

Eddie Chambers – Well I took about 11 month’s total. I took it off because it was necessary. I even talked to Emmanuel Steward and he gave advice to me. You see a lot of guys and they get stopped or lose a big fight and it takes a lot out of them physically and mentally and guys comeback straight away and you can’t do that. You take that physical trauma and that’s enough as it is then you take the mental beating you give yourself for losing. You lose that opportunity and it hurts, it takes some getting used to it. I’m not going to lie I sat around most days and didn’t enjoy anything for awhile. I didn’t go outside, I didn’t see people because of how I felt, it hurt. There was so much riding on it in my mind. It takes some serious heart, it’s a rough period and you have to find something which you enjoy and that’s what I did in the time off and tried to enjoy myself best I can. Once I got back I didn’t forget the Klitschko thing because that’s something you need to remember in your mind but now I’m turning the page in my career and trying to start another run.

Anson Wainwright – Who are members of team Eddie Chambers; Who’s your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Eddie Chambers – My manager and trainer is one person right now Robert Murray Snr and my promoter is Dan Goossen. I train at James Shuler’s Memorial gym in West Philadelphia.

Anson Wainwright – You weigh around 210 which isn’t much over the Cruiserweight limit. How tempting is it to drop down a few pounds and try to win a world title there? Especially with a possible Super 6 tournament and even a fight with fellow Philly fighter Steve Cunningham?

Eddie Chambers – Oh I would hope I never have to fight Steve. He’s a friend of mine but we both understand the sport. It was tempting (To drop down to Cruiserweight) at one time; it was more tempting when I was challenging to be Heavyweight champion of the world. I could say hey while I’m waiting I could prove how good an athlete I am by going down and fight for the Cruiserweight championship as well. That’s a little greedy but that’s a challenge, that’s the kind of thing I was trying to put out there. I thought of it at one time but I just believe going down would be like a step back, most people would expect me to do so well and dominate what if god forbid I had a tough fight or lost a fight in the Cruiserweight division their going to look at me an say he wasn’t much anyway. My stock would drop, even If it was a tough fight where they expect you to blow these guys out because your bigger faster and stronger and they say he’s not as good as we thought he was.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from Pittsburgh can you tell us about how life was growing up and how it took you into Boxing?

Eddie Chambers – Well my upbringing was tough, very tough at times. It as tough on me dealing with some kids, I was a real good kid and it made it more tough. I think what got me into it was my father, he used to fight too and he could see what was going on. He heard something’s about some of the kids and I really didn’t have the most confidence. He got a bit tired of hearing about me dealing with some guys giving me problems so he said “I’m going to create a monster” make me a tough guy or at least at that time give me some confidence. I was a little chubby kid and and some kids picked on me not physically more verbally. So he took me to the gym so I could defend myself, I didn’t honestly want to do it, It took me awhile to get me in the gym and stay in the gym. I was trying to avoid the fights at all costs. He took me in and the first day I sparred, handled the kid. I did well and I was sort of surprised but it didn’t do to much to me because I had a couple of tough sparring sessions after that and I was thinking this wasn’t something I really wanted to do, get hit in the face and head and didn’t plan it as a career for myself. So I just went out the next tournament, the Golden Gloves. I fought the first fight and I beat the kid half to death basically and I was thinking this was a fluke so in the next round I stopped the guy in the first round. So I was like wow I’ll keep going till I lose. It took me ten fights before I lost in the amateurs and I had 8 straight stoppages and that loss was just before a National tournament. I thought this is something to do and I seem pretty good at it and as I progressed I continued to get better and better and better. I went to the Olympic trials; I tried that didn’t make it. I think I was more suited to the professional game. I only had 4 years amateur, a lot of kids have there first fight at like 8 years old. I turned professional at 18 and did more of my real learning when I turned professional, once I go to that point I pretty much had everything under control and I real started to develop at that time and I learned at a good pace. That’s pretty much how it happened.

Anson Wainwright – One of the biggest fights in Boxing appears likely to take place this summer with Wladimir Klitschko unifying with David Haye. What do you think of that fight how do you see it going?

Eddie Chambers – Honestly I think David Haye has a good shot if he can land a good shot. But I think by 4, 5, 6 Wladimir will hit his groove, use his jab, line that right hand up. It will be difficult for Haye to land, Haye could land over the top and with his speed you never know. I think Wladimir’s height and reach it’ll be hard for David Haye. Towards the middle rounds Wladimir will land a couple of right hands and it’ll be over.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing can you tell us a little about yourself, what are your Interests & Hobbies?

Eddie Chambers – Most of them are still sports besides video games and when I’m playing them there sports games. I love to play Basketball and I also love to bowl. I’ve been working at my bowling game and been doing pretty well with it. Just spend time with friends; I’ve just done a road trip with family and friends to visit others. These are things I like to do.

Anson Wainwright – Have you ever bowled a perfect game?

Eddie Chambers – No, I’ve bowled a clean game but never a perfect game. Honestly my highest score and some people would laugh is about 215. I’m learning still. It’s fun and a good sport. Hopefully one day I’m good enough to play in the US open, I’ll keep working on it.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Heavyweight division?

Eddie Chambers – Honestly it’s not an I’m going to knock everyone out type of message, I just encourage the guys out there to give me a shot, or lets make great fights for the fans to enjoy. I think that would be the best thing to Boxing especially the Heavyweight division. If we can get that done we could really turn some heads. People mention MMA more than Boxing and it’s tough when you perform in it and not get a real fan base. I just really hope we can make the best fights out there.

Best Wishes & thanks for your time Eddie.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Unlike many of his compatriots Cuban born Yoan Pablo Hernandez elected to leave his homeland for Germany and not Miami, Florida. It seems to be the right think for him with many of the top Cruiserweights in the world plying their trade in Europe particularly Germany. Just a few weeks back Hernandez 26, took his record to 24-1(13) when he stopped Steve Herelius to claim the WBA Interim title. Now he hopes to be able to unify the title and with his promoter Sauerland Events behind him he could certainly get the opportunity in the near future. Here’s what the newly minted champion had to say.

Hello Yoan Pablo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your win over Steve Herelius. You stopped him in the seventh round, what did it mean to get the win and how happy were you with your performance?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – Thank you. I was very happy about the victory. Everyone could see it after the fight, that I was perfectly happy. It was the moment for which I had waited such a long time. I have no words to describe it. My performance was also good. I had trained hard for the fight.

Anson Wainwright – He injured his leg and there was a long delay between the fourth and fifth rounds. This would have been very different from your point of view as you had to just wait to see what would happen. What was going through your mind during the interval?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – I still was ready. I didn’t care. I only wanted to fight and to win. But I was not sure, if it could be a trick. But after all I didn’t think so. Such injuries could happen. That’s boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You’re the WBA Interim champion and the full champion is Guillermo Jones. Is that a fight you are looking for next?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – That would be great. But I’m also ready to fight against the other champions. I will fight whoever my management can organize.

Anson Wainwright – Late last year it was mentioned that your promoter Wilfred Sauerland was looking to set up a Cruiserweight Super 6. What are your thoughts on that?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – I like this idea. Such a tournament with the best fighters in my division would be great.

Anson Wainwright – There are several very good fighters at Cruiserweight what do you think of the current champions WBC Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, IBF Steve Cunningham & WBO Marco Huck?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – They all have their strengths. Cunningham has got great technical skills. Huck is physical strong. And Wlodarczyk has got a little bit of both – technical and physical.

Anson Wainwright – You were born and raised in Pinar del Rio in Cuba, what was it like when you were young growing up there?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – It was not so easy. As a kid I had a few problems. We had not so much money, so sometimes I went to school without shoes or with home made slippers. Sometimes I didn’t go, because it was awkward for me. But later, as a young fighter, I saw a lot of the world. That was a big motivation and helped me. In the end I decided to go to Germany…

Anson Wainwright – Most Cuban’s have moved to Miami, Fl. do you know Gamboa, Rigondeaux, Solis etc and why did you go to Germany and not Miami?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – Not every guy from Cuba is the same. Everyone has got his goals. And everyone has got his place, where he likes to stay. I felt, that I’m able to achieve my dreams and goals in Germany. The like the German style.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously Boxers can’t turn professional in Cuba & you decided to leave and go to Germany. Can you tell us about this and how you find living in Germany where it is significantly different?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – Ha-ha, that’s really not so easy to say. Of course I miss my mother, my father, my sisters and brothers. We are a big family. But one brother is also in Germany. I also miss the sun. But on the other hand I like the silence here in Germany. And I like it to have my own family here with my girl-friend Sally and our son Yoan Jr.

Anson Wainwright – You fought for Cuba in the 2004 Olympics, can you tell us about this experience? Also what other tournaments did you do win medals at? What was your final record in the amateur’s?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – The Olympic Games are one thing, everyone is dreaming about it. Who is able to be there, could be happy – even if his success in the tournament is not so big. I learned a lot there and it was a big experience for me.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax? What are your hobbies & Interests?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – I’m really a quiet guy. I like it, to enjoy the silence. For example I like to look movies in my apartment and to do something with my laptop.

Anson Wainwright – You lost to Wayne Braithwaite back in 2008. Was it a case of the fight being a bit to soon in your pro career for you? What are your thoughts looking back on that fight?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – That fight was really a lesson for me. But I think such an experience is good for every fighter. If you don’t feel a defeat, you can’t learn from it. For me it was a help to the right point of time.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – First I like Mike Tyson. Later I have admired Muhammad Ali.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the cruiserweight division?

Yoan Pablo Hernandez – Go on with your training. The way is not so long….

Thanks for your time & keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek Musings – It was a busy weekend of fights, throught out the world. Giovani Segura repeated his win over Ivan Calderon only sooner, stopping the diminutive Puerto Rico in three, battering him to the body mercilessly until Calderon crumbled. The skies the limit for Segura, who will now move up to Flyweight and look to fight one of his countrymen either Julio Cesar Miranda or newly crowned Hernan Marquez…The aforementioned Marquez travelled to Panama and was involved in a war with Luis Concepcion. Both men were down before Marquez closed the show in the eleventh…In an Interesting Heavyweight tussle Robert Helenius of Finland stretched Sam Peter in the ninth after dominating through out. Helenius is 6’6 so would of had a significant height and reach advantage over Peter. The former WBC champion has always had problems with guys like Helenius who would likely of used the same game plan that the Brothers Klitschko employed on 3 occasions. Though he’s only had 15 fights and is 27 years old Helenius seems to be very much a player in the Heavyweight division while Peter looks to be fading into gatekeeper status. Also on the same card Marco Huck won a workmanlike decision over Ran Nakash…Krzysztof Wlodarczyk retained his WBC Cruiserweight title for the second time with a close split decision win over previously unbeaten Francisco Palacios. Hopefully now Steve Cunningham, Huck & Wlodarczyk have taken care of there mandatories & Yoan Pablo Hernandez took care of business against Steve Herelius we will see the much talked about Cruiserweight super 6.

Next Friday Canadian protégé David Lemieux puts his unblemished 25-0(24) record on the line when he faces grizzled Mexican veteran Marco Antonio Rubio 49-5-1(42) in a WBC Middleweight title eliminator. It’s a huge step up in class for Lemieux, who so far has only been past 5 rounds once in his career that has seen him complete just 55 rounds of pro action. However he’s a young man in a rush, though he knows Rubio won’t be easy “Rubio’s a very dangerous fighter, he’s a big puncher, he’s got quite an awkward style. He’s been in the ring a lot, he’s a veteran, he knows what he’s doing” he remains confident in his own abilities and thus see’s only one outcome “I’m very well prepared. I’m stronger than Rubio and I’m coming in to win”. He believes he’s destined to achieve big things in the ring and hopes to prove his legion of fans correct in their prophecy of him being one of the leading candidates to bring some new life to the stagnant Middleweight division. For Lemieux he see’s Boxing as a gift and wants to be more than a champion he wants to be an entertainer who can have crossover status. A win over Rubio in front of his home fans in Montreal would be another step in the right direction for the precocious youngster.

Hello David, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You fight next on 8 April against Marco Antonio Rubio in a WBC title eliminator. What are your thoughts on that fight and what do you think of Rubio?

David Lemieux – My thoughts on the fight, Rubio’s a very dangerous fighter, he’s a big puncher, he’s got quite an awkward style. He’s been in the ring a lot, he’s a veteran, he knows what he’s doing. It’s going to be an Interesting fight but I’m very well prepared. I’m stronger than Rubio and I’m coming in to win and to look great.

Anson Wainwright – You are widely thought of as the best young fighter in Canada and fight in front of big crowds. What can you tell us about your popularity? Do you do any commercials, TV work etc?

David Lemieux – Yeah, they’re actually about to start a show on me, a little documentary and maybe move up to bigger channels and do a 24/7 type show, we’re working on that. I’m on TV quite often and the media always talks about me. Yeah I’m quite popular here, people know my name. I’m there young hot prospect coming up, so they’ve got to support me. I’m 25 and 0 with 24 knock outs. I always look good when I go in the ring; I give them what they want.

Anson Wainwright – So far in your career you have stopped all but one of your opponents. What can you tell us about your power?

David Lemieux – I think I’m a very powerful puncher probably one of the top pound for pound punchers in the world. I believe anybody I hit I will knock out; I believe I can do a lot of damage. I work a lot on different things but my power has always been there and has been natural.

Anson Wainwright – In your pro career you’ve only boxed 55 rounds, how far do you feel you are from challenging the likes of WBC champion Sergio Martinez?

David Lemieux – Actually I’m ready anytime now. I could be ready for him (Martinez). I like his style, he’s a good fighter but I believe I have the ability and the technique to beat him. But right now we’re concentrating on the Rubio fight and then we’ll talk about whether they want to fight me. I have no problem fighting these guys.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of some of the other champions and big names WBA Felix Sturm, IBF Sebastian Sylvester & WBO Dmitry Pirog? How about Kelly Pavlik & Daniel Jacobs?

David Lemieux – Yeah actually it’s a very active division. I would like to fight Sturm; I would like to fight all the big names, whoever they have for me. If it’s a good deal we’ll fight. I’m not scarred of anybody. I don’t go in with any hesitation when I’m getting ready for a fight no matter who It is I’m ready to fight and win. So Martinez, If It’s Pavlik, Sturm, Zbik, Chavez Jnr, Pirog whoever I’ll fight and I’ll beat them.

Anson Wainwright – What was it like for you growing up in Quebec, did you have the usual tough upbringing many fighters do?

David Lemieux – When I was young I used to have a lot of problems. I’m talking about a young age 8, 9, 10 I used to come home with the police, get locked up in a child facility for maybe a few months, a year or so. When I was younger used to cause a lot of vandalism, not come home, I used to always cause trouble. So I’ve been kicked out from a lot of schools from a young age and had a lot of problems. But then when I got into Boxing it saved my life, It turned everything around. I started to be disciplined; I went to the gym all the time. I didn’t want to get thrown out of the gym because Russ Anber my coach would tell me If I get into problems you will get kicked out of the gym and I didn’t want to get kicked out of the gym so I became careful at what I did. I got a lot of discipline and started on the right road and here I am now.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career, what titles did you win and what was your final record?

David Lemieux – In the amateur’s I won a few things, 3 times National Champion, a few International fights. I think I had 72 fights, maybe 12 loses the rest were victories. I never had a huge amateur career like most guys, I was always the professional type of fighter, I never had that style. I didn’t want to stay in the amateurs to long. I was always practicing a professional style like the guys I was growing up with Otis Grant, Hercules Kyvelos all the guys were pro’s and I wanted to be there fast. So when I turned 17 I wanted to go pro right away but my coach told me to wait a year and go slowly. At 18 years old we turned pro.

Anson Wainwright – Instead of going to the 2008 Olympics you decided that your future was in the pros and turned over in 2007. Can you tell us more about this?

David Lemieux – Hell no! I never liked the amateur’s; I wanted to get out of there as fast as I could. The type of fighter I am, I’m a slow starter. In the amateur fights I never had the opportunity, especially International fights you get to fight the better guys, they score they hit and run. I would want to do what I could but It (The distance of the fight) was short. I didn’t like that so I wanted to turn pro as soon as I could. Because my style didn’t match the amateur’s, now in the pros I can do what I want to do. I’m starting to fight 12 rounds I’ve been doing a few 12 rounds fights and I’ve got time and I’m a power puncher, so it’s perfect for me. I’m like a ticking time bomb! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a bit about yourself as a person away from Boxing, what do you enjoy doing to relax?

David Lemieux – I’m actually a very simple guy. I like being around my girl, going out this and that but not drinking, no nightclubs. I like to keep things quiet. Being with friends. I like going on vacation, I love travelling so whenever I don’t have a big fight coming up I like to go down south, Cuba, Miami, wherever.

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team, your manager, trainer, promoter & what gym do you train at?

David Lemieux – My promoter is Yvon Michel, I’ve been with him since the beginning. My coach has been Russ Anber since I was 9 years old, he’s also my manager. He’s known Internationally, he’s a very good coach. There’s a new guy who takes care of my sponsorship his name is Anthony Aquino. Pedro Luis Diaz the Cuban coach that trained Odlanier Solis for the Heavyweight title fight with Klitschko. I have a very good team that we can go very far with. I train at Ring 83.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a Nickname?

David Lemieux – No I don’t have a nickname. People tend to give me nicknames but I don’t stick with them. They call me “Hello, Goodnight” Haha the Knockout artist. But I’m not into nicknames, people who know me give me whatever they want. But no when I go in the ring I don’t have a particular nickname.

Anson Wainwright – When did you decide you wanted to make a living out of Boxing?

David Lemieux – After I won the Nationals when I was 15, I thought I like this. Then I turned pro and I had my winning streak, I thought “Yeap, this is what I want to do for a good part of my life”.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

David Lemieux – I wish I could go to Heavyweight! Haha I’m going to be a Middleweight for I don’t know how long then I’m going to jump to Super Middleweight. I want to win the Middleweight title defend it and go to Super Middle and win that and hopefully everything goes good, stay healthy and keep winning. I want to be a champion for a long time. I want to be crowd pleasing, to come see me. I don’t just want to be a world champion; I want to be a great entertainer. I want them to love watching me fight even if there not Boxing fans. I want to attract all types of people when I fight, I love to give motivation. A lot of people outside of Boxing who tell me they love to watch my fights because of the way I fight and how explosive I am. There really intrigued by that and also there are a lot of woman who like to watch me fight! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

David Lemieux – Thank you very much for your support, keep watching because I’m going very far.

Thanks for your time David.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Random Musings – It’s never quiet with Bernard Hopkins, over the years he’s been involved in some crazy scene’s at press conference’s & weigh in’s. Earlier this week, he was subdued by his normal standards when Jean Pascal blew his top http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UImI4JjWj9Y Previously he nearly started a riot in Puerto Rico before the Trinidad fight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr1eTEUPp8E&feature=related think back to the hand he put in Winky Wright’s face http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kHVxuVYVLE or how about how his remarks to Joe Calzaghe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NowwnTx0cU&feature=related

Hopkins is a one off athlete; it’s truly amazing that he’s still going at 46. If you think through the various sports in the world and who is still competing at the highest levels at such an advanced age in any sport let alone one as rigorous taxing as prizefighting. His mastery of the mental part of the game is legendary; you’re never sure what you’ll get with the loquacious Hopkins. He’s the last of a dying breed.

He may be in the Twilight of his career and zeroing in on his 40th birthday but “Sugar” Shane Mosley is still a tough night’s work for anyone. For a few years now Mosley has wanted to fight Manny Pacquiao, he has got what he wished for and takes on the Filipino Icon on 7 May in Las Vegas at The MGM Grand in front of millions on Showtime PPV. It’s a fight Mosley believes he can win; he has blind faith in his ability and left his position as a partner of Golden Boy Promotions to take up this challenge. Mosley 46-6-1(39) has fought many of the best fighters in the world from 135-154 winning 5 world titles in 3 weight classes. He’s been one of the standard bearers of the past 2 decades fighting 15 past or present world champions including Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto & Floyd Mayweather.

Hello Shane, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You are fighting Manny Pacquiao on 7 May in Las Vegas. What are your thoughts on the fight & how good do you think Pacquiao is?

Shane Mosley – I think he’s a great fighter, he does a lot of good things. It’s going to be a terrific fight.

Anson Wainwright – Of course it has been much discussed you have left Golden Boy & will be fighting Pacquiao who’s a Top Rank fighter. How are things?

Shane Mosley – No, it’s moving pretty smoothly along with Top Rank. Everything I have asked for has been ok and I’m just happy.

Anson Wainwright – People will say that you haven’t won in your last two fights and not looked the best in your fights with Mayweather & Mora. What do you say to them?

Shane Mosley – I believe I will do a lot better than I did in those two fights. My mentality right now is I’m ready to go and fight and give my 100% all.

Anson Wainwright – It would of been easy for you to stay with Golden Boy where your were a partner and claim your reported 5% but you’re obviously still highly motivated despite being months shy of 40. What are your thoughts on this?

Shane Mosley – I’m very motivated and happy to be able to box at this age. I’ve been boxing for about 31 years and I’ve fought at this level a lot. I’m willing to go in there and prove that I’m still one of the best fighters and fighting Pacquaio will prove that and be a great accomplishment for me.

Anson Wainwright – The Mayweather fight wasn’t your finest hour in the ring. Could you talk us through the fight from your point of view along with the second round?

Shane Mosley – A lot of times I don’t look back on them or think about them (The fights). But it was a pretty good punch, I just couldn’t at that point do what I needed to do to win the fight to KO him but I’ve been working very hard to make sure I close the deal next time I get a person hurt.

Anson Wainwright – If I can take you back to the Margarito fight, going into that fight you had a lot going on outside the ring. The on fight night there was the gauzing that went into Margarito glove. How much of what was going on were you aware of or were you just focused on the fight?

Shane Mosley – Yeah I was just focusing on my game plan, because if he had concrete gloves on I didn’t care I was going to win that fight. I trained hard, I was determined to prove the critic’s and everybody wrong that I was to old and that his rhythm was to much for me and he was going to knock me out and retire me. And I did I stopped him and proved the critics wrong. I’m going to do that in this fight as well.

Anson Wainwright – Do you see this fight with Pacquiao similar to the Margarito one where you were also the underdog and have something to prove?

Shane Mosley – Yeah, I aim to do it again. I aim to shock the world and beat Pacquiao. Once again prove the critics wrong.

Anson Wainwright – How much longer do you think you can keep performing at the top of Boxing? Do you have any plans for what you’d like to do when your finish Boxing?

Shane Mosley – Well yeah I have my promotional company “Sugar” Shane Mosley Promotions and I’m looking to start signing fighters and get more active in the promotional field and help these young fighters become world champions and superstars. That would be another great challenge for me. After this fight I have another 3 or 4 fights in me, then I can start my promotional company.

Anson Wainwright – You’re son Shane Junior is also an up and coming boxer. How are things developing with him and his career?

Shane Mosley – He’s doing pretty good; he’s up here training with me now. Basically I’m just showing him the ropes right now what you have to go through to be world champion and that’s important mentally so he can see what it takes, realise if it’s for him or not. He’s doing good, his punches are pretty hard, and he’s getting faster and better as the days go by. I think he’s going to be alright.

Anson Wainwright – A chip off the old block hey?

Shane Mosley – Ha-ha I think so, he has the determination and he’s getting better and better as we go along.

Anson Wainwright – Has he had any amateur fights yet?

Shane Mosley – He’s had a few, I think I’ll start fighting him more so he can have the experience of fighting in the ring more. He’s been in the ring sparring a lot but not really fighting. There’s a difference between fighting and sparring, that’s what I aim to do a little more.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve fought many of the best fighters of the last 15 years. Who is the best fighter you’ve ever fought?

Shane Mosley – Styles make fights but the most difficult I’d say Winky (Wright) earlier in my career but later on Floyd (Mayweather) was a pretty good defensive fighter as well.

Anson Wainwright – To date what do you consider to be your proudest moment in Boxing?

Shane Mosley – I think the proudest moment was winning my first world title at Lightweight against Philip Holiday.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Welterweight division?

Shane Mosley – I think there’s a lot of great challenge’s with Khan coming up. Me & Manny Pacquiao fighting, there’s others. The division’s good an exciting. There’s a lot of great talent out there.

Anson Wainwright – You’re known as one of boxing good guys but we don’t know to much about you away from Boxing. Can you tell us about other activities you are involved with? Also what are your hobbies & Interests?

Shane Mosley – Well I mean, I’m a family man, I have 4 kids. I like to play Basketball, snowboard, bowl. I’m a very active person, I’m an outdoors person. I like to get out and do things. Boxings in my heart so I don’t stray too far from that. I’m involved in a boxing programme and sponsor the kids in the community.

Anson Wainwright – Last year you teamed up with PETA to help stop dog fighting & the slaughter on Seal trade in Canada, it’s obviously something that’s close to your heart?

Shane Mosley – Well yeah, I have a few pets. Dog’s don’t have a choice to fight or not but we do. So I kind of got behind it and just spoke out about it.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of the Pacquiao fight?

Shane Mosley – This is going to be the fight you don’t want to miss. I’m definitely giving everything I’ve got. You wont be disappointed so come and check it out or watch it on PPV Showtime. It’s definitely going to be a knock out. Also follow me on Sugar Shane on Twitter.

Thank you for your time Shane, it’s been a pleasure.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – Yuriorkis Gamboa looked sensational blowing away Jorge Solis on Saturday. Solis was no mug he was a very solid guy, he just couldn’t deal with the Cuban’s power and speed. Hopefully Juanma Lopez looks just as impressive in a few weeks and Top Rank can get these two together in what would surely be a barnburner…Mikey Garcia kept his unbeaten record but took Matt Remillard’s when Remillard’s corner mercifully stopped the fight at the end of the tenth. Garcia is only 23 but has the look of a man far more experience. He systematically broke down Remillard. Outside of Gamboa & Lopez, Garcia is right in the fight with anyone at Featherweight right now…I haven’t had chance to see it yet but the Kennedy-Diaz fight appeared to be a cracker…Disappointing to see Erislandy Lara on Friday night not really perform, all credit to Carlos Molina…On Saturday Leo Santa Cruz scored a very impressive KO over Stephane Jamoye, it’s the biggest win of Santa Cruz career & proved he can go place, I’m looking for him to have a big year now…I’ve been told Ricardo Mayorga dislocated his thumb in the Cotto fight. He’s also on the short list to fight Saul Alvarez in September provided “Canelo” wins in a June fight possibly against Ryan Rhodes. I’ll say this much if Mayorga does decide to give it another go and not retire a fight with “Canelo” would be a fun promotion. Alvarez wont ever of seen anything or anyone quite like Mayorga.

On Friday night it was the final of the WABA (Welsh Amateur Boxing Association)

Female

54kg Lynsey Holdaway beat Catherine Gillen after the referee stopped the action with Holdaway 20-1 up in the fourth and final round.

60kg Rebecca Price beat defending champion Ashley Brace 14-10.

Male

49kg Ben Baker beat Annes Rashid in the second round Rashid took two standing 8 counts before being stopped

52kg Two time European Bronze medallist Andrew Selby returned from his duty on the British squad to show the gulf in class as he stopped Andrew Perry in the second after Perry had two standing 8 counts in the first.

56kg Daniel Chapman run out 14-1 winner against last years Flyweight champion Jay Harris

60kg Zack Davies outpointed Craig Woodruff 16-4

64kg Chris Jenkins the Welsh representative in last years Commonwealth games beat Ashley Appleby when the referee stopped the action in the second. Jenkins was 9-0 up at the time of the stoppage

69kg Fred Evans who also went to the Commonwealth games won 18-8 against Jamie Evans.

75kg Liam Williams outpointed warren Sinden 19-4

81kg Charlie Moseley narrowly outpointed Tom Lloyd 13-9

91kg Lloyd Davies impressively overwhelmed Robert Penn and after 3 standing 8 counts the fight was called off in the second round.

91+kg Dorian Darch beat Andrew Wyn Davies 16-9 stopping Davies winning the title for the 5th consecutive year.

If you would like to hear from any particular fighters please e-mail me on [email protected]

Next weekend Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk 44-2-1(32) will hope to make a second successful defence of his WBC Cruiserweight title when he meets his unbeaten mandatory challenger Puerto Rican Francisco Palacios. Wlodarczyk 29, will be doing it in front of his home fans in Poland, he hopes that a win will clear the way for the much talked about Cruiserweight Tournament to take place in the second half of 2011. Here’s what he had to say on how he first got in to Boxing, his Interests and the much talked about Cruiserweight Super 6.

Hello, Krzysztof, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You made the first defense of the WBC Cruiserweight title on 25 September against Jason Robinson. What can you tell us about the fight and what do you think of Robinson? How happy were you with your performance?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Robinson was a decent opponent, better than some people thought he would be. Besides it’s always a good experience to fight against a southpaw, because if the Super Six tournament takes place, I think there would be at least 2 southpaws. It was a good fight for me. I didn’t knock him out, but the fight was interesting, and my victory convincing. I wish Jason all the best in the future. I heard that after the fight he got offers to spar against other world champions – Huck and Herelius.

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Francisco Palacios on 2 April in Poland. What do you think of Palacios and what are your thoughts on that fight?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Palacios is good boxer, I’ve seen couple of his fights. He has awkward style, can switch his stance during a round, he can also punch. I read he wanted to knock me out – its okay let him try, I’ll be waiting with my counter punches. Palacios is good, but I’m simply better. I’ve worked so hard for this belt and won’t let a guy from Puerto Rico take it away from me. In December I had a surgery on my knee, but now my preparations go great, I have good sparing partners – Matt Godfrey and Michael Simms. Looking forward to Palacios fight!

Anson Wainwright – You won the WBC title when you impressively stopped Giacobbe Fragomeni in the eighth round. What can you tell us about how your felt the fight went and how happy you were with the performance? Would you say that was your best performance so far?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I don’t know if it was my best performance, but the victory was very sweet. I wanted it very badly after the first Fragomeni fight, which finished in a draw. I wasn’t happy with my performance in Italy as well as with the referee decision, which in my opinion should have stopped that fight in the 9th round. So before the rematch I was extremely focused and motivated.

Anson Wainwright – You drew with Fragomeni previously what do you think was the difference this time?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – The main problem was that Italians rescheduled the first fight 3 times and I think I was over trained. After very good, intense start I completely ran out of gas. Before the rematch everything went great, I was in top shape. Now I can reveal, that in both fights I had problems with my nose, I almost wasn’t able to breathe through it. Before the Robinson fight I had a surgery, so now everything is OK.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – My trainer is Fiodor Lapin – excellent trainer born and educated in Russia, former boxer. He also trains other Polish top fighters like Rafal Jackiewicz, Albert Sosnowski, Dawid Kostecki. My manager and promoters are Andrew Wasilewski and Piotr Werner (12 round Knockout Promotions) and Leon Margules (Warriors Boxing).

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Warsaw, Poland can you tell us about how life was for you growing up?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I live in Piaseczno, near Warsaw. As a young boy I may say I was a little rascal, but when I started to box, I changed. From that moment it was only boxing I was thinking about.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing and how old were you when you first went to the gym and fought? When did you realise you were actually very good and could make a career out of Boxing?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – My first martial art was Karate, I also tried some wrestling and kickboxing. It was cool, cause I always had a warrior inside me, but it was boxing, where I finally found those kind of emotions I was looking for. I remember my first time in the gym pretty well. I was 14. My father told me: “Krzysiek, I show you a cool place”, and he took me to the gym. I remember that smell, noise, sound of the punches… from the very first second I knew this was it. I also remember my first sparring… After weeks of training I couldn’t wait to finally get in the ring to try the real fight. My opponent was 2 years older. He hit me hard twice with his left, then a horrible right. I think I could make 3 rounds then. I left the ring literally shaking. I got my butt kicked, but it was great motivation for me. “OK, let the fun begin!” – I told to my trainer.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I try to spend time with my family, my wife Gosia and 8-yers old son Czarek. I like to travel, my main interests/hobbies are cars and motorcycles. I love to drive fast. My record in car is 170 mph, on motorcycle – faster, but I can’t tell you [laughs].

Anson Wainwright – It has been mentioned that there could well be a Cruiserweight Super 6, what are your thoughts on that? How likely is it that you will appear in it if he happens?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – As far as I know, there are still talks going on. I heard that the tournament cant take place if Hernandez hasn’t got the full version of WBA title, because WBC won’t agree to unify with the Interim WBA champ. So it’s all up to Sauerland Events and Don King who promotes Guillermo Jones. If the tournament takes place, of course I will participate in it only if the money and conditions are right. There are plans to organize one of my S6 (Super 6) fights during the WBC Convention in Katowice in October.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Cruiserweight division? What are your thoughts on IBF Steve Cunningham, WBA Guillermo Jones, WBO Marco Huck, European Alexander Frenkel & IBO Danny Green?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I fought Cunningham twice – we have a draw after two fights, so I’ll gladly make it 2-1 in my favor. He’s great champion. His style is maybe not the one tailor-made for me, but I think that Steve is already a bit after his prime and I’m much better than I was when fighting him. Guillermo Jones in my opinion is underestimated by most of the fans and journalists. Huck is very strong and aggressive, but in terms of boxing skills he cant be compared to the best in the division. Alexander Frenkel is the big puncher. My friend from 12 round Knockout Promotions Pawel Kolodziej says he’s the best puncher he had ever sparred or fought with.

Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Tomasz Adamek is fighting in America and has a large following. You have fought there twice, have you ever thought of following him to America and fighting there?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – The problem is that there’re no big CW fights in the America. All the best 200-pounders fight in Europe. Even Steve Cunningham signed Sauerland and fights in Europe.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans out there?

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Keep your fingers crossed for “Diablo”. I’m going to show my best against Palacios, and later in the “S6”!

Good luck in your upcoming fight Diablo.

Thank You. Greetings for al the 15rounds.com readers.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Most Boxers will tell you their not scared of anyone. This came to pass for Luis “El Nica” Concepcion 22-1(17) a few weeks back when he was confronted by a Bull and was left needing 7 stitches. As one of his trainers joked “You should not worry, If he is not afraid to be in front of a bull imagine when he is in front of another boxer”. Thankfully the heavy handed Panamanian is fine and looking forward to making his first defence of the crown he was awarded in January when Daiki Kameda abdicated from his thrown as WBA Flyweight champion. It allowed Concepcion 25, to be made up from the Interim champion to full champion. It allowed him to add his name to an impressive band of his countryman that includes Roberto Duran, Panama Al Brown, Eusebio Pedroza plus many others. Having achieved his first goal he intends to prove he deserves to be mentioned in such illustrious company. Here’s what “El Nica” had to say on various subjects from his career, private life to his recent brush with the bull.

Hello Luis, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly recently you were attacked by a bull recently. Can you tell us where this happened, how it happened and how you are after the attack?

Luis Concepcion – I was in a fare and I participated in an activity practiced by farmers in the region in which “play” with a cow without hurting her, I slipped and I was hit by its horns, it was nothing serious and I am quite recovered.

Anson Wainwright – You were made up to full WBA champion when Daiki Kameda decided to vacate the title to move up in weight. Do you think he did this so he wouldn’t have to face you?

Luis Concepcion – Yes, after my success against Denkaosan Kaovichit, he realized he could not beat me.

Anson Wainwright – Your scheduled to fight on 2 April, who will you be facing? What is your plan for 2011?

Luis Concepcion – I’ll face a Mexican boxer; Hernan “Tyson” Marquez. My goals are to make several defences and, if possible, unify with another champion.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? Also what gym do you regularly train at?

Luis Concepcion – My coach is Francisco Arroyo and I practice at the Gym “Maco” Arboleda in Panama.

Anson Wainwright – In your last fight you impressively stopped Denkaosan Kaovitchit inside the first round. What can you tell us about that fight and how happy you were to beat such a strong opponent?

Luis Concepcion – I thought it would be harder, but I did my job and, thank God, got the win and I feel very happy because after beating an opponent at this level are more doors open for me in my career

Anson Wainwright – How easily to you make Flyweight? Might you have to move up in weight soon or are you comfortable at 112. What is your walk around weight?

Luis Concepcion – Now I feel good, I want to make several defenses. Unify and then think about weight gain, but later. My normal weight is 128 lbs.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Panama? Did you have a tough upbringing?

Luis Concepcion – Yes, it was difficult. My youth was spent largely in Nicaragua (9 years) and then returned to Panama at age 16.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get into Boxing?

Luis Concepcion – Once, when I sold empanadas (pastries stuffed with meat or cheese) in the street, I passed by the “24 de Diciembre” community gym and saw some guys sparring. There I told the coach that I challenge the best fighter he had there, I did 2 rounds with a boxer, Marcos Suñé, who clearly beat me until I swelled an eye. Despite that, I told the coach that I would return the next day and kept my word, the next day I went back to sparring again and this time it was a closer fight. That was when the coach saw that I had the potential for boxing and invited me to work out at the gym, at first I did it for personal defence, but over time I realized I had talent and I got into.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax? What are you hobbies and Interests?

Luis Concepcion – I like to dance and go to the beach.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider you best performance and what opponent do you think was the toughest you have faced so far?

Luis Concepcion – My best performance was my last defense against Denkaosan Kaovichit and the most difficult opponent in my career was Omar Salado.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the other champions and top fighters at Flyweight WBC Pongsaklek Wongjongkam IBF Moruti Mthalane & WBO Julio Cesar Miranda.

Luis Concepcion – I have not had a chance to see them fight but respect them.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you look up to and were your hero’s growing up? What would you be doing if you weren’t a boxer?

Luis Concepcion – In my youth I was not a big fan of boxing, I followed the great fights of boxers like Oscar De La Hoya and Tito Trinidad. If I would not be a boxer, perhaps I continue selling empanadas on the street.

Anson Wainwright – Your nickname is “El Nica” what does that mean and how did you get that name?

Luis Concepcion – I got it because when I returned to Panama I had Nicaraguan accent, so the people of the District “Las Paredesl” began to call me that name. In Nicaragua I was called “The Panamanian.”

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world?

Luis Concepcion – To all the fans in the world I want to say that I will continue giving 110% in each of my fights to fulfill my goal and my dream to make my mark in boxing.

Thanks for you time “El Nica” I hope you recover well from the injury and get back to thrilling us in the ring with your performances.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – I was really looking forward to Klitschko-Solis and happy that Solis had come in at a decent weight. He started well enough and landed a few decent shots but as soon as Dr Ironfist landed that shot to the temple Solis looked in trouble. However he had no chance when his knee blew out, that’s a tough break to what had looked to be shaping up nicely…As Joe Frazier once famously said “Kill the body and the head will die.” Well that’s what Lucian Bute did to Brian Magee on Saturday in Montreal over ten rounds…In Ireland Guillermo Rigondeaux showed his class upping his record to 8-0(6) taking apart over matched Willie Casey inside a round http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCXE9FmQquY …Anthony Crolla-Gavin Rees for the British Lightweight title is a great addition to the Khan-McCloskey bill on 16 April in Manchester.

For many years when we watched the Boxing at the Olympics we would wonder at the greatness of many of the Cubans, knowing that we’d never see them in the pro game after Fidel
Castro banned professional sports on the Island in the 1950’s. There was a long line of brilliant pugilists who never made the leap Teofilo Stevenson, Felix Savon et al. However in late 2006 news broke that three 2004 Olympics gold medallists had defected whilst in a training camp in Venezuela. One of them was Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa. He moved quickly impressing fans and media alike with his blinding hand speed and crowd pleasing offensive skills that set him apart from the rest. While the rule of thumb with most Cubans is that they are by and large stylists, whereas Gamboa is far more aggressive and looks for the KO. After just 2 years in the pro ranks Gamboa won the WBA featherweight title, after 3 successful defences he added the IBF crown to his list of achievements. Next up for Gamboa is Jorge Solis on 26 March in Atlantic City. If Gamboa beats Jorge Solis on 26 March in Atlantic City, NJ a fight with Puerto Rican star Juanma Lopez will be one step closer. It is hoped that the two who seem to be on a collision course will meet later in 2011. For now Gamboa 29, will focus his attention on Solis and look to improve his 19-0(15) record. Here’s what Gamboa had to say.

Hello Yuriorkis, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly in your last fight you won the IBF Featherweight title when you beat Orlando Salido. What can you tell us about the fight & how happy were you with that performance?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – At this stage of my career every fight is special and fights are getting harder and harder because the opponents are getting stronger and stronger. Salido was a world champion like me. I knew he would come to fight and that he wouldn’t just hand over his belt to me. I think it was a good fight. I know that I still have room for improvement. Together with my trainer Ismael Salas I am analyzing every fight very closely. We are both perfectionists so we always want to look better in the next fight.

Anson Wainwright – Chris John is the WBA “Super” Featherweight champion it has been said that you may both fight this year, can you tell us about developments with that fight? If that fight didn’t come off do you have a plan B?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – There are talks about a lot of fights. I think there are many great possible fights out there in the division right now. Chris John is always an interesting option. For the moment I fully focus on my next opponent Jorge Solis from Mexico. I will face him on March 26th in Atlantic City. I expect a very tough fight again against a strong opponent.

Anson Wainwright – Word is that if both you & JuanMa Lopez win your next fights you could fight in possibly 2011. What do you think of that fight & how do you rate Lopez?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – I always said that I want to fight JuanMa. To prove that I am the best in the world I have to beat the best and JuanMa is surely a great champion and one of the toughest guys out there. But I will show him that he’s not tough enough for me when we finally meet in the ring.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at regularly?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – Ahmet Oner has been my promoter since I started my professional career back in 2007. He brought me to where I am right now and I thank him for all he’s done for me. He also helped me to reunite with my former amateur coach Ismael Salas who is very important for me. I always knew that I would be a champion at the professionals like I have been champion at the amateurs. But I also felt that Ismael was sort of a missing piece. When I started working with him again I knew nobody could stop me or us as a team. On the promotional side we are also working with Top Rank. They are very experienced and know how to turn fantastic fighters into worldwide superstars like they have done it with Oscar De La Hoya or now with Manny Pacquiao. I live and train in Miami but Ismael is also always looking for different training camps to prepare me perfectly for every single fight.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Guantanamo, Cuba can you tell us about how things were growing up there & how you first became interested and took up Boxing?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – Growing up in Cuba is totally different from living and growing up in the USA. We didn’t have a lot of opportunities and were very limited in our freedom. Still we managed to get along and were always happy. My father, who also is a very important part of my time now after he left Cuba, was a very good amateur boxer. I followed him to the gym and started hitting the sandbags. I wanted to be like him. That’s how I fell in love with the sport.

Anson Wainwright – You had a fantastic amateur career in which you won a Gold medal at the 2004 Olympics & a bronze at the 2005 World Championships. Can you tell us about those tournaments & other you won? Also what current pro’s did you fight & what was your final record in the amateur’s?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – As a Cuban amateur boxer losing is not an option. Whenever you enter a tournament you enter it to win it. Of course, winning the Olympic gold was still very special. It makes you very proud when you achieve something great for yourself and your country. I knew that the world was watching and it made me feel great that I could live up to the expectations and win the tournament. I think some of the guys I beat at the amateurs turned pro. My opponent in the Olympic final was Jerome Thomas from France. I heard he’s fighting professionally now, too, but I think he only had a couple of fights so far. I always meet people who I know from the amateur times every now and then.

Anson Wainwright – For you how is life different living in Miami than what it was in Cuba?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – You cannot compare living in the United States to living in Cuba. It is just completely different. But I am happy that I was able to reunite with a lot of Cuban friends in Miami. It feels great to live here.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us from your point of view how you came about deciding to defect from Cuba and going pro?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – Actually we hadn’t exactly planned it very thoroughly. It just happened when we got the chance to leave the team. My main problem was that I didn’t feel worshiped. We had won Olympic gold for our country but I didn’t even have enough money to buy a birthday present for my daughter. I asked myself: Why should I stay in a country where the ruling class doesn’t care about me even though I represent my country in the best possible way? It just didn’t seem to make any sense.

Anson Wainwright – Since you, Bhartelemy & Solis left several other like Lara, Rigondeaux etc have joined you. You will know several of the current top Cuban fighters. What one’s in your opinion would make the transition to the pro’s successfully if they were given the chance?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – At the moment there are a lot of great Cuban fighters showing their talent at the pros. And our fans are supporting us very well. Rigondeaux is already world champion, Lara and Solis are on their best ways and there are still a lot of young hungry guys coming up like Johnson, Dorticos, and I have signed some exceptional talents for my own promotional company: My brother Yoelvis, Humberto Savigne and Sullivan Barrera. There are a lot of excellent Cuban fighters who are ready to take over professional boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You have been on the canvas in a couple of your fights and people have questioned your chin. What are your feelings on this?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – As I said before, Ismael Salas and I are analyzing every fight very carefully. If you look at the so called knockdowns you will see that my chin is not the problem. The problem has always been that I have been caught off balance. That is something we are certainly working on.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do? What are your hobbies, interests? What other sports do you follow and what are your teams you support?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – I love boxing. That’s why I founded my own stable in Gamboa Promotions. I am fascinated by the sport as well as by the business side of it. Apart from that I like music and cars and I love to spend my time with my family and friends. That is what is most important to me.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans and perhaps the people in Cuba?

Yuriorkis Gamboa – I want to thank all my fans for supporting me and I can only tell every boxing fan in the world to keep a close eye at ‘El Ciclon’. I will continue to work very hard to meet the expectations of all of my fans. I want to entertain all the people who love boxing as much as I do. Thank you.

Thanks for your time Yuriorkis, keep up the hard work, it’s always entertaining to see you fight.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Musings – I’ve heard from several sources that Odlanier Solis is in terrific shape ahead of his shot at Vitali Klitschko this weekend. I spoke to Middleweight star David Lemieux who was in camp with Solis. He told me Solis has lost around 30 pounds, he joked with me that he said to Solis that he had Liposuction! Solis has always had the talent but it looked like he lacked the desire to get himself into his optimum condition. If he has got himself into the best possible shape he could cause Vitali some problems this weekend…So Nonito Donaire has left Top Rank for Golden Boy, seems “The Cold War” is burning stronger than ever…After winning last weekend Miguel “Titere” Vazquez could be back defending his title in June I’m told. I hope he’s kept active, as he’s not the most known of fighters and he needs to be kept busy to raise his profile…Alejandro Gonzalez Jr 5-0-1(0) has signed with Ricky Mota and will fight on the undercard of his stable mate Giovani Segura’s rematch with Ivan Calderon. Gonzalez is just 18, fights at Bantamweight. He’s also the son of former WBC Featherweight champion of the same name. It’s hard to believe it was over 15 years ago that “Cobrita” had that terrific war with Kevin Kelley…Word is the much anticipated clash between former team mates turned bitter rivals James Degale-George Groves will take place on 21 May, for Degale’s British title & Groves Commonwealth crown. There is genuine animosity between the two, they hate each other nearly as much as Top Rank & Golden Boy!

While many boxers from around the world look to come to America and get their big break, one American fighter is doing things a little different. Philadelphia native Steve “USS” Cunningham 24-2(12) realised that after just one Television appearance on American airwaves that he needed to change things, so he did just that, making the unusual move of signing with a foreign promoter in the form of German power house Sauerland Events. Fighting abroad is nothing new for Cunningham 34; he’s fought overseas many times. What makes Cunningham more unusual is the fact that he’s also a world champion; he currently owns the IBF Cruiserweight title. However the Cruiserweight division has little appeal in America, whereas it’s one of the show piece weight classes in Europe where all the other champions reside and that is something that certainly interests the former Navy officer, who wants nothing more than to unify the Cruiserweight division. Maybe then America will take notice.

Hello Steve, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you beat Enad Licina in Germany recently. What are your thoughts on the fight & your performance?

Steve Cunningham – Going into the fight with Licina, he was a defensive fighter; he was a pretty good fighter. He won the eliminator, his entry into top level Boxing fighting for the title. We prepared accordingly. The fight was postponed in January from January 23rd to February 12th so we were in Germany for 10 days before we found out it was postponed, then we came back to America and trained and went back 9 days before the fight. When I got there I kind of caught the flu on the first day I got there. I was in bed the Friday, Saturday & Sunday. But I didn’t want to postpone the fight again. So the fight had to go on. So I chose to suck it up. Going into the fight I felt great for the first 3 rounds but come rounds 4 & 5 I felt drained and weak but I still pushed through. I’m pretty happy with my performance in that state, in that condition. I’ve seen the fight I still look sharp, I look good. But on the inside I was hurting. We did everything we set out to do except get the TKO or KO but a unanimous decision with the flu is great in my book.

Anson Wainwright – When are you looking at fighting next?

Steve Cunningham – We have to talk to Sauerland Events, but we want to unify. I want my next bout to be a unification bout. I know there’s been talk about a Cruiserweight tournament and we’ll see what’s up with that but they’ve talked about that for sometime now. I would like to fight again before the end of June, July.

Anson Wainwright – It was your third fight in Germany, you have also fought in Poland & South Africa. How do you feel about fighting away from home?

Steve Cunningham – My experience of fighting abroad is just work harder than you’ve ever worked, train harder, when you get to the fight, fight harder. You take on a totally different mindset. Truthfully in my whole career amateur and pro I’ve only fought at home in Philadelphia one time. I’m used to fighting in other people’s backyards. I believe I was made for this. It means me fighting overseas is suited to me fighting as a professional.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & Promoter?

Steve Cunningham – My wife Livvy is my manager, we made the decision in 2006. We made some changes, things weren’t getting done by my other manager and this guy still wanted his percentage! My wife being a Business & Marketing graduate from Boston University and she’s been around Boxing from day one with me and we kinda knew some things and learned some stuff and we’re still learning. I signed a promotional contract with Sauerland Events a German Promoter in May of 2010. That was the best suited deal for me. I have a fan base in Europe and here in America I’ve fought only once on television. So the contract and numbers looked different with a European promoter. We saw how Sauerland do their business, they keep their fighters active, they keep their champions active unlike some promoters in America. I made that decision to go abroad and I’m comfortable with it. Now I have my new trainer Naazim Richardson. He’s been helping me for a few years now; this was the third fight I’ve had with him. We’ve been doing great; he pushes me to to the limits I didn’t think I could go. I feel the world hasn’t seen the best of Steve “USS” Cunningham yet.

Anson Wainwright – It has been mentioned that Sauerland are looking to do a Cruiserweight version of the Super 6. What are your thoughts on that and do you know what’s happening with that?

Steve Cunningham – They’ve just been talking. Everybody had to get their mandatory’s out of the way Krzysztof Wlodarczyk fighting Palacios. I had to fight Enad Licina. I’m ready to go to work and start unifying the division. I don’t know what everybody else wants to do but that’s what I want to do.

Anson Wainwright – Bernard Hopkins is also from Philadelphia and shares the same trainer as you. Can you tell us a bit about the relationship you both share; do you spar & train together?

Steve Cunningham – Our relationship is more we see each other here and there and we talk. Bernard’s always giving advice. He’s in his 40’s and he’s giving the pass the torch speech to me Mike Jones, Eddie Chambers guys like that. It’s a relationship of respect. For me I was in the gym when he was getting ready for Pascal and I was able to see him spar and work out while I work out. It was amazing to see the legend in action, throwing punches, sweating in front of me. I’ve never sparred him but I’ve still learned by watching. I treat him the way I like to be treated. I don’t bother him in the gym. When I go to the gym I go to work and he’s the same type of guy.

Anson Wainwright – Bernard is known as a character, do you have any stories you can share with us?

Steve Cunningham – I have one little story. They had a little presentation at the Blue Horizon and Vernoca Michael was the owner at the time, she had a bunch of Philly fighters there. So they called me in the ring and me and Bernard were up in the ring and he tried to snatch my belt from me playing saying “I’ll take this” that was pretty funny.

Anson Wainwright – You’re in a unique position in that you have defeated all the other Cruiserweight champions WBC Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, WBA Guillermo Jones & WBO Marco Huck what are your thoughts on them as fighters?

Steve Cunningham – Oh man as you say I beat Guillermo Jones, it was a split decision victory for me. That fight was a little tough. But he was a very deceptive fighter, you think you can just go in and do that. That was a tricky fight for me. He’s a very good fighter; he’s a very skilled fighter. I think he’s the best of all the guys I’ve beat. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk is a hard hitter, he picks his spot and tries to rough you up. But he’s fought mainly in Poland, so I look and think with my style being able mix it up, box and punch and I figured we’d go over there and beat him. As you know they cheated me the first fight. That’s one of the loses on my record. Then you have Marco Huck he’s strong, he’s a former kick boxer, he’s rough, aggressive. He wants to knock you out with every punch and that’s a dangerous guy right there. But I’d love to fight all of them again. Unification that’s what fighters want to do, they want to be the champion.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from Philadelphia which has a rich Boxing history, can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing?

Steve Cunningham – I grew up in Philadelphia. It’s a City where we used to fight before people were shooting each other. I grew up in those years where you could just knuckle up and fight a guy and you wouldn’t have to worry about getting shot. I was the new kid on the block, I moved around a lot so I was picked on here and there so I started standing up for myself and fighting back. I got a bit of a reputation in the neighbourhood. Then I joined the Navy and the base that I trained on was right next to the base where the Navy Boxing team was so I just started working out there. I got my first amateur fight age 19 against the Light Heavy champ of the Navy and I beat him. So I was like man if this is what god wants me to do. This was amazing to me,

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career and what titles you won? Also what was your final record?

Steve Cunningham – I won the silver medal in the 1998 Armed Forces Tournament, I became regional & state champion of Georgia, Virginia. All this was at Light Heavyweight. National Golden Gloves champion in 1998. I think they’re the main one’s. I only won the National’s once. I had 60 something amateur fights and I think I counted 11 loses. It was my learning process, fighting different styles. I fought Daniel Edouard, I believe Tavoris Cloud, Shaun George, DeAndrey Abron, Michael Simms, Donnell Holmes he’s a Heavyweight, there’s a few in the pro ranks.

Anson Wainwright – You served in the Navy from 1994-1998. Can you tell us about this and how it helped mould you as a fighter?

Steve Cunningham – Oh man that was a real difficult time in my life, going from living with my mom, basically going from a teenager to a man and travelling the world. In the military there are a lot of people telling you what to do. The Navy was great, I liked it at times, I hated it at times but overall if was great for my career, it was great for my life actually. If I had to do it again I’d do it again.

Anson Wainwright – Do you see many good guys coming through from Philadelphia, like the new generation?

Steve Cunningham – We’ve got a lot of talent here in Philadelphia, we have a guy called Emmanuel he fights out of the Rock Ministry gym. Khalib Whitmore he’s actually been my chief sparring partner for the past 3 fights he’s very good, very talented. Umm Bear Richardson, Naazim Richardson’s son. There’s so many amateur’s. There’s one kid we call the future, he’s about 11, he’s so smart in the ring it’s unbelievable. We have Steve Cunningham Jnr he’s going to start competing in tournaments in about a year and a half. Philadelphia’s looking good for the future.

Anson Wainwright – What are your Interests & hobbies away from Boxing that you enjoy doing to relax?

Steve Cunningham – We do things with the church, the school or summer camp. I love going down to the Rock Ministry gym to help the kids out there. I play X-Box a lot a lot, I play Call of Duty, now I’m playing Fight Night. I’m drawing a comic book about my career because I can draw. Making me the Superhero and the guys I’ve fought into Villains, its action packed. Hopefully by the end of the year they’ll be on the stands. I’m not really into other sports, I’ll watch them if it’s a big game like the NBA or Superbowl but I don’t really watch Basketball or Football. I watch soccer when I’m in Europe because that’s mainly what they play. I love Brazil, now I’m going to Germany I try to keep up with German soccer teams. But Brazil is my favourite team. We still own a Pizza shop called One Stop Pizza here in West Philly. We’ve leased it out to another couple because it was a little hectic for me and my wife to run it. We have an apartment above which we’re fixing up, doing something else because Boxing won’t be around forever.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Steve Cunningham – Keep in touch with me on my fan page on facebook Steve USS Cunningham. Keep us in your prayers and thank you for the prayers you’ve given us and stay tuned!

Thanks for your time Steve.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek thoughts – The Middleweight king Sergio Martinez looked sensational again. This guy just gets better and better…Have to hand it to Cotto he was the epitome of professional…On the undercard Miguel Vazquez retained his IBF crown, he may not be the most exciting of guys to watch but he gets the job done. He’d be a tough nights work for anyone with his style at 135…Over the weekend I finally got chance to watch Alvarez-Hatton. Canelo won easily enough but I just don’t see the star power in the ring that he undoubtably has outside it where he brings legions of fans everytime he fights. It’s going to be interesting to see how he’s matched in June & September the two dates that have been set aside for him. There are an awful lot of tough fights for him at 154 and he’ll have to grow into the title before he goes after some of the bigger names…Adrien Broner took a lot of stick and much of it was warranted, thankfully I only had to watch “highlights” of his fight with Ponce De Leon. I have a hunch that he’ll of learned a lot from that fight and will improve from here on. None of the 130 champions have the look of Superstars or Hall of Famers, I’d give Broner a good shot at any of them.