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
