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.
Q & A with Kermit “The Killer” Cintron
Q & A with Sharif “The Lion” Bogare
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.
Q & A with Thomas Dulorme
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.
Q & A with Adrian “El Confesor” Hernandez
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.
Q & A with Randy “El Matador” Caballero
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.
Q & A with Julius ” The Chef” Jackson
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.
Q & A with Luis “La Estrella” Franco
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.
Q & A with Vicente “El Loco” Mosquera
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.
Q & A with Nehomar Cermeno
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.
Q & A with Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero
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.
Q & A with Paul “The Punisher” Williams
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.
Q & A with Austin “No Doubt” Trout
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.
Q & A with Jeffrey “The Mongoose” Mathebula
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.
Q & A with Lukas Konecny
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.
Q & A with Adrian “The Shark” Diaconu
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.
Q & A with Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson
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.
Q & A with Marcos “El Chino” Maidana
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.
Q & A with Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola
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.
Q & A with Deandre “The Bull” Latimore
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.
Q & A with Diego Magdaleno
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.
Q & A WITH FELIX DIAZ
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.
Q & A with Nobuo Nashiro
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.
Q & A with “Dazzling” Darren Barker
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.
Khan Conquers McCloskey amide controversy
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.
Q & A with Luis “El Mercedez” Ortiz
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.
Q & A with Adrien “The Problem” Broner
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.
Q & A with Takalani “Panther” Ndlovu
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.
Q & A with “Fast” Eddie Chambers
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.
Q & A with Yoan Pablo Hernandez
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.
Q & A with David Lemieux
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.