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 elraincoat@live.co.uk

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.

As 2010 started Rocky Fuentes 28-6-2(18) was just another fighter in the Flyweight division. However he enjoyed a very successful year claiming the OPBF 112 title when he went to Japan and beat reigning champion Masafumi Okubo. He followed that up with 3 successful defences, all ending inside the distance, with two of them on the road in Japan. The 25 year old is a product of the very successful ALA Gym in The Philippines. He hope’s he is able to follow in predecessors footsteps and also win a world title. He is currently highly ranked WBC 3, WBA 6, IBF 7, WBO 6 & The Ring magazine 8.

Hello Rocky, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly what are you plans for 2011? When can we expect to see you in action next?

Rocky Fuentes – Hello Mr. Wainwright. I am scheduled to fight on March 19, 2011 against Indonesian Jemmy Gobel in ALA Promotions PINOY PRIDE 4: Philippines VS The World.

Anson Wainwright – You enjoyed a great 2010, going 5-0 with 4 stoppages winning the OPBF Flyweight title. What can you tell us about how you feel about your fights last year?

Rocky Fuentes – Me and my team met late 2009 to plan out our 2010 campaign and we set goals. We were looking into a regional championship and when we got a call from Japan for an OPBF Title challenge we took it. I really trained hard. I worked so hard because I wanted that belt badly.

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

Rocky Fuentes – My coach is Joseph Baldago and My Manager is Sir ALA (Mr. Antonio Aldeguer) I am handled by ALA Promotions. I have been training at the ALA Gym since I started boxing.

Anson Wainwright – ALA has many very good fighters, who do you, spar with in the gym?

Rocky Fuentes – I spar regularly with WBO Minimumweight World Champion Donnie Nietes, Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, Marjohn Yap and a number of prospects headed by Albert Pagara.

Anson Wainwright – Many Filipino fighters have gone and fought in North America, so far you have fought exclusively in Asia. Would you like to fight in America? Is there something in the works regarding this?

Rocky Fuentes – It would really be great if I get to experience fighting in America but it really is up to my Promoter and Manager. I trust them with my career.

Anson Wainwright – You were born and raised in Cebu, can you tell us about your early years. Many fighters around the world have very hard childhood was this the case with you?

Rocky Fuentes – One of the reasons I went into boxing was to help my family. I also wanted to continue what my father did which was to box. He used to box before.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested and then involved in Boxing?

Rocky Fuentes – I immediately fell in love with the sport since I first saw boxing at a mall that featured Z Gorres and Rodel Mayol. I was so impressed by them and I wanted to do what they were doing. I went straight to the ALA Gym to train.

Anson Wainwright – You had a tough start to your career going 13-5-2 in your first 20 fights. Can you tell us about the first part of your career and how you managed to turn things around and put yourself in the World title picture?

Rocky Fuentes – My career actually started well and I was winning and knocking out opponents but an unfortunate incident happened where a guy I knocked out passed away days after we fought due to the blows he absorbed. I was so bothered and…I don’t know Phobia I guess.

After the losses I realized that I was in a sport to hurt or get hurt. I gathered and re-focused and prayed to God for the best to come out of things. I have goals now and I intend to achieve them.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Flyweight division and the current champions WBC Pongsaklek Wongjonkam WBA Luis Concepcion IBF Moruti Mthalane & WBO Julio Cesar Miranda?

Rocky Fuentes – They are a really really tough bunch but I will work hard to make it to the top and hopefully get a chance to test my skills and challenge these guys.

Anson Wainwright – Who so far is the toughest opponent you have fought so far in your career?

Rocky Fuentes – So far I think it was Shigetaka Ikehara of Japan for my first title defence. He was very tough and he was taking the best shots I gave and never backed down. He did not want to quit even if I was giving him a bad beating. Good thing his corner stopped the fight. He was a great fighter with a great heart.

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

Rocky Fuentes – I usually spent time with my family and friends hanging out in the mall or doing my duties for our church.

Anson Wainwright – Some Boxers also have day jobs do you currently do any other jobs or have you ever had a job away from Boxing?

Rocky Fuentes – As of now I just box but I am saving what I can to put up my own small business in the future.

Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Manny Pacquiao has really put your country on the map. What are your thoughts on what he has achieved?

Rocky Fuentes – He has inspired millions, including me to be the best I can be in whatever I do.

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

Rocky Fuentes – I hope the champions of my division will give me a chance to challenge them for their belts. That would really be fun.

Thanks for your time Rocky and keep up the good work.

Thank you Mr. Wainwright

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

World rated Featherweight Billy “The Kid” Dib 30-1(18) hails from Sydney, though is of Lebanese decent. He enjoyed a successful amateur career, before injury prevented him representing Australia at the 2004 Olympics. It was at this point Dib traveled to Sheffield, England to train with his hero Nassem Hamed. Hamed liked what he saw and encouraged his young protégé to turn professional. Having quickly rattled off nineteen wins over the next four years he got his title shot when he went up against Steve Luevano. It was to be Dib’s only career loss to date, going down to a decision. Still only 25, Dib has rebounded well since going 9-0(7) with 1 No Contest. An impressive performance Saturday against Ricky Sismundo 18-5(7) could propel him back into the world scene. The young veteran believes he’s learnt from the Luevano loss, along with sparring in America and is nearing a second opportunity. Currently he’s ranked WBA 12 & IBF 4.

Hello Billy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you will be fighting Ricky Sismundo this weekend. What are your thoughts on this fight and what are you looking for from this fight?

Billy Dib – This is going to be a match in which I will be able to showcase my skills and put in a good performance against a dangerous opponent for the people of Perth, especially since it is my first fight out West. I will be looking to stick to the game plan and am definitely aiming for a knockout.

Anson Wainwright – What are you plans for 2011? Are you targeting anyone in particular?

Billy Dib – 2011 is going to be the year where I finally break out and become the force in the Featherweight division that I am capable of being. Our main target for this year is Chris John and his WBA title but first I will have to put in an impressive performance against Ricky Sismundo. There are, however, some really good things coming in 2011 for us so I urge the fans to keep an eye out for me in what’s going to be a major year for Team BTK.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly train at? Have you left Australia for sparring, if so who have you sparred with and how did it go?

Billy Dib – I have a great team behind me and am very thankful to have them. My manager is Michael K who also manages rising Australian star, Garth Wood. My trainer is the master coach Billy Hussein, who I truly believe is one of the best trainers in the world. I am a free agent at the moment but I’m working with great, young promoters such as Ty Colman as well as having a great relationship with Grange Old School Boxing. I train at my own gym in which is located in Lakemba. I travelled to the US to spar with some talented fighters in Jesse Magdaleno, Diego Magdaleno and Celestino Caballero. This was very beneficial as I had the chance to test my skills.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve won 9 straight since you fought for the WBO Featherweight title against Steve Luevano in 2008. How do you think you have improved since you had that fight with Luevano? What can you tell us about that fight? Was it just a bit soon for you etc?

Billy Dib – I definitely feel as though I have improved under the guidance of Billy Hussein as we have added dimensions to my skill-set which I did not focus on before this fight. The fight with Luevano obviously did not go according to plan and I lost to a better fighter only on that night. There are no excuses for the performance but I know in my heart that I will not pass up another opportunity such as that one again.

Anson Wainwright – The Featherweight division is talent packed with the likes of Juanma Lopez, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Chris John etc what are your thoughts on the division in general?

Billy Dib – It really is a division littered with a lot of great fighters. It is also a division in which I believe I can be among the elite once given my chance to prove my worth. I will be looking to prove that by working my way to the top already having a number 4 spot in the IBF. My team and I will be pushing for fights to put us in a place to be able to challenge and beat these champions.

Anson Wainwright – Your last 3 fights have taken place above the 126 Featherweight limit, are you looking for fights at 130?

Billy Dib – I am looking for fights anywhere between 126 and 130 as long as they are high calibre fights which will help to improve my standing in world boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career and what happened to prevent you representing Australia in the 2004 Olympics? Also what titles did you win and what was your final record?

Billy Dib – I had a very enjoyable and distinguished amateur career in which I represented Australia all over the world. I was unable to represent Australia in the 2004 Olympics due to a motorbike accident which hampered my performance at the trials. I won numerous state, national and Golden Gloves titles, compiling a record of 113 fights for 98 wins.

Anson Wainwright – After not going to the Olympics you came to Britain and went to train with Nassem Hamed. what can you tell us about that experience?

Billy Dib – That was definitely an experience which changed my life. Training with my hero in boxing was something that felt simply like a dream. From there a bond was forged between me and Naz and we have become like brothers. Naz also encouraged me to turn professional after watching a few of my fight tapes, telling me that my style would be better suited to the professional ranks and I did just that.

Anson Wainwright – In 2006 you were given the chance to train with Mike Tyson, how did that come about and what was it like?

Billy Dib – Jeff Fenech decided to take me over to the US to meet and train with Mike Tyson as a 21st Birthday present. It was a great experience training alongside one of the greatest fighters of all time in Mike Tyson. While over there I met with the legendary Sugar Shane Mosley who took me under his wing. We shared many training camps together, shared the ring together in sparring many a time. He is a great mentor and friend of mine.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies & Interests?

Billy Dib – I like to spend time with my family and friends when I am away from boxing. I enjoy wakeboarding and shooting some hoops. I enjoy watching Rugby League, Basketball and Soccer, supporting St George Illawarra in Rugby League, LA Lakers in Basketball and Manchester United in Soccer.

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

Billy Dib – My fans can stay updated with the latest and greatest on my Twitter page, Facebook page and my website at billythekid.com.au. Thanks for all the wonderful support.

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

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Like many boxers Miguel “Titere” Vazquez 27-3(12) had a tough upbringing, brought up in Guadalajara, Mexico, he turned to Boxing because his father had previously been a prize-fighter. After a tough start to his career in which he lost three times, before he met up with Javier Capetillo (Former Antonio Margarito trainer) who revitalized and transformed him. He quickly made a splash becoming the first man to beat Breidis Prescott, who has previously Knocked out Amir Khan is less than a minute, when he got off the canvas himself to post a split decision victory. That put him in line to fight for the vacant IBF Lightweight title against teak tough Ji Hoon Kim. Once again Vazquez used his sublime skills to outpoint the hard charging Korean. Since that win last August Vazquez 24, has defended his crown late last year when he outscored Ricardo Dominguez. Next up he faces rugged Australian mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna in chief support to Cotto-Mayorga on 12 March in Las Vegas. It pits the classic boxer verses the marauding power puncher and will allow the victor to really make a name for himself.

Hello Miguel, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Last year you won the IBF Lightweight title against Ji Hoon Kim and then defended the title against Ricardo Dominguez what can you tell us about those two fight and how happy were you with your performances?

Miguel Vazquez – I’m super happy. At this point of my career better things are coming. Next week there’s another opportunity to show the world the kind of fighter I am.

Anson Wainwright – How did you celebrate winning the title? Has it changed your life at all?

Miguel Vazquez – I celebrated with my family in Mexico. Now it’s just me who has to work hard. Because I have to make my dreams a reality, there’s only one way, just working hard. I’m still the same humble person. It’s changing a little, a lot of people know me and while I’m the champion the purses are changing the financial aspect. I know I have to work hard to be where I want to be.

Anson Wainwright – You will fight on the Cotto-Mayorga card on March 12 in Las Vegas against your mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna. What are your thoughts on fighting on such a big card & what do you know and think of Zappavigna?

Miguel Vazquez – It’s a great opportunity for me, lots of exposure, people who haven’t seen me will see me. I’m going to show the people Miguel Vazquez is one of the brightest stars in Boxing coming up. I know a bit about him. He’s a strong fighter, he’s the challenger, undefeated, he comes forward, he comes to win, he comes to fight, he’s very determined. But it’s going to be a good fight. It’s going to be power and will verses skill.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use?

Miguel Vazquez – My manager/trainer is Javier Capetillo. Ricky Mota who manages Giovani (Segura) also helps me, he advises me, and helps with what I need. My Promoter is Zanfer and I train at Azteca Boxing Club in Bell, California.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Guadalajara, Mexico can you tell us about your younger year?

Miguel Vazquez – It was very hard. I was thrown to the wolves at a young age when I turned pro. If you look at my record you can see I wasn’t managed right. Things happen for a reason, it’s helped me become a stronger and better fighter.

Anson Wainwright -You’ve lost three times twice to “Canelo” Alvarez & once to Tim Bradley. What can you tell us about these fights? How good do you think those guys are?

Miguel Vazquez – I can’t say anything bad about them; there both good fighters in there respective weight classes. I fought them in there respective weigh classes in a way I shouldn’t of, that counts for a lot.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get into Boxing? Who was your inspiration?

Miguel Vazquez – My dad started me off. He was a former professional fighter too. He still co-trains me; he still plays a role in the camp, though Capetillo is the head trainer. I looked up to of course the legend Julio Cesar Chavez Snr and I really like Floyd Mayweather.

Anson Wainwright – What does you nickname Titere mean?

Miguel Vazquez – Titere is like puppet, I move but you can’t hit me. I got it when I was an amateur.

Anson Wainwright – Those fights like many of your fights took place up at Light Welterweight & even Welterweight. Can you tell us what that made you realize you would be better served getting down to Lightweight?

Miguel Vazquez – Once I came to the U.S with my new team. Capetillo showed me how to work hard and I knew that wasn’t my weight class and I came down to Lightweight.

Anson Wainwright – You beat Breidis Prescott who had previously stopped Amir Khan in one round, you were also down in the first round, what can you tell us about that fight and how you managed to get back in the fight after such a difficult start?

Miguel Vazquez – He was a very good fighter, he hit tremendously hard. That was kind of the fight that opened the doors.

Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing with your time when your not boxing or training?

Miguel Vazquez – I like to spend time with my family.

Anson Wainwright – What do you hope to achieve now that you have become a World champion?

Miguel Vazquez – Fight the best fighters in my weight class. Be one of the best Pound for Pound fighters in the world and defend my title against the best and move to another weight class.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the other champions like Juan Manuel Marquez, Humberto Soto & Brandon Rios?

Miguel Vazquez – He’s (Marquez) the best Lightweight he’s proved it. I would like to fight him down the line. He has a lot of experience.

I think Zorrita is a good fighter. I think his best days are behind him and he’s in decline.

I think Rios is a strong fighter. But I see a lot of things I can do (with him) still. I would love to fight him down the line.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing fans of the World?

Miguel Vazquez – Vazquez is the best Lightweight in the world. Stay tuned for next week with another performance by Miguel Vazquez.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – I got chance to speak to Brandon Rios and congratulate him on his title win the other week. He told me “I feel great. My hands fine, it was swollen after the fight” He added “I want to get back in the gym and fight soon. When I asked him about the possibility of fighting Marco Antonio Barrera he continued “It would be an honour”. It’s going to be a fun ride, I’m looking forward to seeing Rios all action style, it’s great news his hand isn’t as bad as first thought…I hear James Kirkland who won on his return Saturday will fight on the 25th March in Fairfield, Ca then again all being well on 9 April on the Maidana-Morlaes card in Las Vegas…Last week Puerto Rico Best Boxing headed up by Ivan Rivera who manage/co-promote most of the big name fighters in there homeland including JuanMa Lopez, Ivan Calderon etc announced they had signed amateur star Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez. I’m told that he debuts on April 1, in a TV Series named “A Puno Limpio” that they are starting Chanel 4 (WAPA TV and WAPA America). He will fight at a maximum 114 pounds no opponent has been annouced yet. It’s obviously very early, but Gonzalez could be the guy to replace Calderon…Just weeks before Michael Katsidis gallantly fought Juan Manuel Marquez his brother Stathi passed away. Over the past week it has been announced that on 31 March at a statue to comemerate him will but unveiled. For more details – http://toowoomba.finda.com.au/features/2011/03/03/stathi-katsidis-jockey-statue-clifford-park/…

Australia has a rich recent tradition in the Super Featherweight & Lightweight divisions where both Robbie Pedan & Michael Katsidis won world titles respectively & and Lenny Zappavigna will challenge for one on 12 March. Next on the production line could well be “Showtime” Paul Fleming 8-0(5). The 22 year old represented his country in the 2008 Olympics having had a stellar amateur career before opting to turn professional. He hopes to fight in America in 2011 where he’s well aligned with manager Cameron Dunkin & promoter by Top Rank. Here’s what Fleming had to say about his life, his passion for tattoos and the recent flooding in his home state of Queensland.

Hello Paul, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – What is your schedule for 2011? When are you next likely to fight?

Paul Fleming – I’m fighting in Perth on the 12th of March on a very good card against a Filipino. I’m very eager to get back inside the ropes and put on a good performance.

Anson Wainwright – You’re on record as saying you want to fight in America in 2011. Can you tell us how plans are coming along on this front & why you’d like to fight in America?

Paul Fleming – Yeah, things are coming along great. Looking to fight in late April hopefully on a big card. I want to fight in the USA because that’s where the best fighters are, that’s the measuring stick. Who in the world doesn’t want to fight at a Caesar’s Palace, Mandalay Bay, or an MGM Grand?!

Anson Wainwright – Could you describe your style of fighting?

Paul Fleming – I’m a flashy southpaw with fast hands and a bit of pop. I can fight on the inside if required, but have a good eye thanks to my Aboriginal genes. I’m a well-rounded fighter.

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

Paul Fleming – I have two managers. Cameron Dunkin in Las Vegas, who of course is very well known and respected in the boxing world, and Australian manager Mike Altamura. He is a younger guy but has some good up and coming boxers and if everything goes according to plan, we will put him on the map. My trainer is Billy Hussein. I moved states just to train with him. He’s a very well-known in Australia and around the world and it is such an honour to train with him. It honestly feels like we’ve been together for years. I’m learning so much from him.

My promoter is Top Rank. Not much has to be said if you’re in the boxing world about them. They are the biggest and most successful promoters in boxing, they’ve started and promoted everyone… Ali, De La Hoya, Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, to name a few, and it’s a privilege to be signed to them.

Anson Wainwright – What was it like growing up in Tully when you were young? And how did you first become interested in and take up Boxing?

Paul Fleming – Tully is such a small town, everyone knows everyone. I was a lonely kid, I grew up in the bush on the farms riding motorbikes, climbing trees, bushwalking. It’s an amazing place, and when my boxing career is finished, I want to move back there again and live a quiet life, grow vegetables, very simple you know!

I was always into fighting, karate, boxing, etc. All that I used to watch was Karate Kid, Ninja Turtles, and my dad used to teach me how to punch. He would get on his knees and spar with me when I was around four. I’ve always seemed to have a set of boxing gloves and it was either football or boxing, and when I remained small, I decided to take boxing seriously.

Anson Wainwright – You had a good amateur career and fought for Australia in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing where you lost to the eventual Silver medalist. What can you tell us about your experience of the Olympics? Also what other tournaments did you win? What was your final record?

Paul Fleming – My final amateur record was 83-17. The best I fought was Khedafi Djelkhir at the Olympics, he won the Silver medal. It was a close fight. I lost by four points. I won the National titles quite a few times (Both Junior and Senior), Oceania, the Chemistry Cup, and also won a bronze at the 2006 World Juniors.

Anson Wainwright – What top amateurs did you fight and how did you get on? Also what current pros have you trained with? Any sparring or training with Michael Katsidis or Lenny Zappavigna?

Paul Fleming – I Fought a lot of the top amateurs in the world. Djelkhir as mentioned, Stephen Smith, Idel Torriente, Joel Brunker, Luke Jackson, and many others.

I currently train with Billy Dib, a top contender in the featherweight division. I haven’t sparred with Michael or Lenny yet, but have sparred with Vic Darchinyan and Chris John.

Anson Wainwright – Your home state of Queensland was recently hit very badly by both flooding and later a cyclone. What impact has it had on your friends and family?

Paul Fleming – Tully was the worst place hit by the cyclones, and sadly a lot of our friend’s houses were destroyed. Thankfully my family house was okay, and my mum and sister were okay, and that’s the most important thing. The flooding hit further down south so I don’t know anyone affected by it, but I really feel for those that were.

Anson Wainwright – You’re obviously a big fan of tattoos and have covered your body in them. Many times when people have tattoos there is a reason behind certain ones. What can you tell us about that?

Paul Fleming – It’s a passion of mine. I guess it’s like a hobby for both me and my girlfriend, and some of our closest friends. Everything on my body has a meaning to me, mostly family and also to resemble times and thing I’ve endured throughout my life. I have plans for many more but just have to find the time and money!

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about yourself as a person away from Boxing, what do you enjoy doing with your spare time? Do you have a hobbies or Interests of note? Do you follow other sports, if so what ones and what teams do you support?

Paul Fleming – I’m a simple person. Give me a TV and some movies, and I’ll be right for days. I’m lazy when not training. I love just hanging out with my close friends and going to dinner. My hobby is tattoos. I love going to tattoo shows and helping mates design their tattoos. Strange, I know, but it’s what I love. Also love chilling with my girlfriend. We have the same kinda mindset and she is one of my best friends.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you look up to when you grew up & who do you like to see fight today?

Paul Fleming – Huge fan of Sweet Pea, Pernell Whitaker, Manny Pacquiao. Love smart, fast-moving southpaws. Love Sugar Ray Robinson. I try to take the good things out of every boxer. There is so much to learn from just watching fight footage of the best. My problem is that I don’t probably watch enough as I love my movies too much (Laughs).

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

Paul Fleming – Firstly, thanks for the interview Anson. As for my fans, I just want them to stay tuned as this year is going to be really exciting. I’ll put on a show every time I get in the ring, and I’m planning to show every aspect of boxing. I’ll fight, box, move, do everything that my ring name suggests I’ll do. I’ll live up to the “Showtime” Paul Fleming name. Also, check out my website: http://www.paulfleming.net.au

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Thursday Thoughts – I spoke to Nonito Donaire on Monday night, he told me he’s heading back to The Philippines at the end of the week for around 3 weeks. He’s said Brandon Rios winning felt like him winning all over again and that he’s pleased for the whole team. He hopes to fight 2 more times this year and wants to be undisputed champion before moving up in weight. He views the Agbeko-Mares fight as 50-50…Yesterday David Haye told Sky Sports that negotiations with Wladimir Klitschko are once again taking place. He went on to add that he is quietly confident that the fight will happen later this year & that he believed that it was 90% done. Can’t help but think we’ve heard this before, we all continue to hope…Tony Sims Darren Barker’s manager/trainer confirmed to me that Barker will face Domenico Spada at Earls Court, Olympia, London on 30 April.

It’s never dull when Ricardo Mayorga’s about that’s for sure. For the past decade the Wildman from Nicaragua has enthralled us with all action style and bad guy ways. Now 37, Mayorga 29-7-1(23) may not be a young fighter but he still feels he has a role to play. He firmly believes he’ll KO Miguel Cotto on 12 March in Las Vegas and then get a shot a Manny Pacquiao in what he thinks will be his career defining moment. Mayorga first sprang to prominence beating Andrew Lewis for the WBA Welterweight title, he then stunned Vernon Forrest KO3 to add the WBC title to his collection. He then won a rematch before losing a majority decision for all the marbles against Cory Spinks. He became a two weight world champion when he claimed the WBC laurels beating Michele Piccarillo in 2005. Never one to turn down a challenge Mayorga has fought many of the top fighters of his generation including Felix Trinidad LKO8, Oscar De La Hoya LKO6, Fernando Vargas PTS12 & Shane Mosley LKO12.

Hello Ricardo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have a big fight coming up against Miguel Cotto on 12 March in Las Vegas. What do you think of that fight and Cotto as a fighter?

Ricardo Mayorga – I think that he a punched out old fighter and I’m going to knock him out quickly.

Anson Wainwright – In your last fight your stopped Michael Walker in nine rounds. Can you tell us how you felt after so long out of the ring?

Ricardo Mayorga – I was very strong, I wasn’t in the best shape but I was in good shape and now I’m even better.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us why you had so long out of the ring? You didn’t fight in over 2 years, what happened?

Ricardo Mayorga – I had an automobile accident and I was out for 2 years. I was operated on, I had a minor operation on my back.

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

Ricardo Mayorga – My Promoter is Don King, my trainer is Luis Leon and Al Bonami is co-training me. I don’t have a manager, I do that myself. Where training for this fight in Ocala, Fl. at Danny Santiago’s gym called Central Florida Boxing. Danny is still fighting but was a ranked Light Heavyweight & Cruiserweight.

Anson Wainwright – You always seem to make weight with ease, why is this and what is your walk around weight between fights?

Ricardo Mayorga – I’m about 161/162 right now. I never really have trouble with my weight, that’s why I’m always underweight. I’m going to come in 152 when I fight Cotto and I’m going to be eating Puerto Rican beans!

Anson Wainwright – You love to play the villain and regularly try to get under your opponents skin. Is this who you are, can you tell us about your nicer side?

Ricardo Mayorga – I always like to a bad guy like in the movies.

Al Bonanni – I started with him when he came to the United States and we were together until he won the title and then I left because he’s a lot to handle and then I worked with him for Trinidad and left again. As far as a person, I love him, I really like him, he’s a wonderful person. We get along very good, we have no problems. He calls me Papi Gordo which is Far Man! Ha-ha He’s a very nice person to me. I have no problems with him. He has a wonderful personality. I don’t believe the energy he has.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Managua did you have a tough time growing up?

Ricardo Mayorga – It was really tough, we were very poor. I always used to fight in the streets and in school. I was always in a fight.

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

Ricardo Mayorga – Playing Billiards and I like to play cards like poker with family.

Anson Wainwright – What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

Ricardo Mayorga – It still hasn’t come to it, the greatest will be when I beat Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought many of the best fighters of your generation including De Le Hoya, Forrest, Mosley, Vargas, Spinks & Trinidad. Who do you consider the best ?

Ricardo Mayorga – For me De La Hoya.

Anson Wainwright – What would you like to do when your retire from Boxing?

Ricardo Mayorga – I want to put the money I earned in the bank and live on a ranch in Nicaragua.

Anson Wainwright – Are there any up an coming fighters you would like to mention from Nicaragua?

Ricardo Mayorga – Right now there isn’t anyone.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been said about you on wiki-leaks with regards an incident between you and a young lady & your relationship with President Ortega. Could you give us your thoughts?

Ricardo Mayorga – I don’t have any comment on that. I have the president’s respect and he has mine. All that on the Internet is just baloney. The only thing I can say is the president is a just man and he’s a good man and we have a good relationship.

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

Ricardo Mayorga – Buy the PPV it’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to knock him out in 4 rounds.

Thank you for your Time Ricardo & Al.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Special thanks Al Bonanni

Relentless Preview – As well as the Cotto-Mayorga main event the Showtime PPV will have several other bouts. Miguel Vazquez 27-3(12) will be defending his IBF Lightweight title for the second time against unbeaten mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna 25-0(17). It pits the classic boxer (Vazquez) against the fighter (Zappavigna). We’ll also see the return of both Joshua Clottey 35-4(20) & Yuri Foreman 28-1(8) in seperate Light Middleweight bouts. Clottey hasn’t been seen since his tentative performance against Manny Pacquiao a year ago will be up against Calvin Green 21-5-1(13). While Foreman was last seen 9 months ago when he injured his knee and lost his title to Cotto meets Pawel Wolak 28-1(18). Amateur standout Matt Korobov 13-0(8) see’s action for the first time in 2011 when he meets Michael Walker 19-6-2(12) over 8 rounds. Also scheduled for action Lightweight Juan Gonzalez 10-0(9), Heavyweights Eric Molina 16-1(12) & Tommy Zbikowski 1-0(1), Featherweight Jesus Rojas 16-1(12) & the return of the ever popular Christy Martin 49-5-3(31).

Last year under the radar the very well respected Juan Carlos Payano who had enjoyed a stellar amateur career finally decided the time was right for him to move into the pro game. He had fought in many International tournaments including 2 Olympics & World Championships and had received an offer an offer he liked so elected to hang up the head gear. The 26 year old Dominican Republic born fighter is currently 4-0(2) though is based out of Miami, Florida. He intends to have a big 2011 and move quickly. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Juan Carlos, welcome to 15rounds.com

Thank you for having me on.

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you turned pro August 2010 and quickly moved to 4-0(2) how have you found fighting in the pro’s so far? What’s the toughest part?

Juan Carlos Payano – Yes, I have been moving quickly, I am having a great time so far. The hardest part is staying patient in the fight, but I am working on that everyday in the gym.

Anson Wainwright – When will you fight next? What sort of schedule are you looking at for 2011?

Juan Carlos Payano – I will fight in March in Nicaragua, my promoter and manager are looking for a busy 2011 no less than 10 fights.

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

Juan Carlos Payano – My promoter is Henry Rivalta (Dream Team Boxing Promotions) my manager and trainer is Herman Caicedo he has over 17 years in the pros, trained Lou Del Valle, Shannon Briggs, Ray Mercer, and the gym is Dream Team Gym in Miami.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your style of fighting?

Juan Carlos Payano – My style of fighting is a boxer/puncher.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a nickname?

Juan Carlos Payano – My nickname is “El Don” I got it from my team mates

Anson Wainwright – What was it like for you growing up in the Dominican Republic as a child? Was it tough like for you like many other boxers?

Juan Carlos Payano – Well it was very tough, we were very poor, but boxing was a way for me to travel see the world and help pay the home bills and feed my family.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get interested and then involved in Boxing?

Juan Carlos Payano – I started boxing at 6 years old, my dad took me to a fight and after that I wanted to box.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very impressive amateur fighting at the Olympics twice and the Worlds. Can you tell us what tournaments you won medals in and what your final record was?

Juan Carlos Payano – I won medals in Pan American games, Central American games, two Olympics and World championships, my final record was over 500 fights.

Anson Wainwright – What made your turn pro at 25 years old? Was it always your intention to go pro?

Juan Carlos Payano – Henry Rivalta and Herman Caicedo came to the Dominican Republic to meet with a few of us, unlike the many who came before them, they were very truthful and sincere. Promised nothing but dedication and hard work on our behalf. I planned to turn pro earlier than 25 but it didn’t happen, I did not trust any of the firms and people who came to recruit us.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you fight in the amateur’s that are now professional and how did you do?

Juan Carlos Payano – I fought Yuriorkis Gamboa, Yoandris Salinas I am not sure who else has gone pro. But I fought the best in the world for many years. I am sure there are a few guys and even champions.

Anson Wainwright – Your last fight you 118 but you have been up at Super Bantamweight, what weight are you looking to fight at going forward?

Juan Carlos Payano – I am fighting at 118, the reason for the higher weight is the opponents do not want to fight me at 118 so I moved up to give them the weight advantage.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up and who do you enjoy watching today?

Juan Carlos Payano – Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, and as many other do I love Manny Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and interests?

Juan Carlos Payano – I play the guitar, and I am a tech geek. I love all sports but I am learning American football and really enjoying it…My coach/manager is teaching me that also…

Thanks for your time Juan Carlos, keep up the hard work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

While the Canadian people love Lucian Bute & Jean Pascal what they crave more than ever is one of there own to reach such hights on the world stage. In 2010 after a standout amateur career Mikael Zewski decided to to turn pro, he’s quickly reached 7-0(4). So far Zewski has looked the part using his undoubted skills to turn back all challenger’s. The 22 year old plies his trade in the Light Middleweight division thought at nearly 6 feet tall he could well one day grow into a fully fledged Middleweight. He hails from the Largest Industrial City in Canada Trois-Rivieres in the province of Quebec. It is situated roughly half way between Montreal & Quebec City which should help him become an attraction in both City’s. He’s already very popular, if he can continue to shine he may in a few years become his countries next star.

Hello Mikael, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Though it’s early days, do you know when and where you may next fight? Do you have a plan for 2011?

Mikael Zewski – I’m fighting March 4th at Palm Springs Casino in Indio, California . I just switched to 6 rounder so in 2011 I want to get used to longer fights and turn to 8 Rounds.

Anson Wainwright – You recently fought in Puerto Rico, that must of been a different experience for you can you tell us about that?

Mikael Zewski – I really enjoy fighting in smaller places because people get there for the whole card, they want to see the entire event not only the Main Event, they are true boxing fans, I would return to Puerto Rico anytime.

Anson Wainwright – You have completed your first year as a pro, how have you found it? How happy have you been with your progress?

Mikael Zewski – I love the pros, its totally different but I always had a pro style, I want to fight, I enjoy the fact that I don’t have to care about the points like in the Amateurs, I just need to fight, do my thing and win rounds.

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

Mikael Zewski – I got the best team and I believe this is one of the keys to success, the game as no more secrets for my manager Cameron Dunkin who has brought from nothing to World Champions many fighters. My father is my coach and we have a one of a kind relationship, boxing is his passion and he is the best to me. And my Promoter is Golden Boy Promotions, I don’t have to say anything about them everybody knows who they are, The Best.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your early years growing up in Trois-Rivières, Canada & How did you first got into Boxing?

Mikael Zewski – When I was young I used to do all the sports, before boxing I played Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Snowboard, skateboard…. My dad was a boxer when he was younger and once I was in a Basketball tournament and he told me – if you score a couple times I will bring you to the boxing gym. I was amazed, I scored he brought me to the gym and my great career began.

Anson Wainwright – You had an impressive amatear career, can you tell us about some of the honours you won and the tournaments you fought at? Also what current pro’s did you fight & what was your final record?

Mikael Zewski – The great thing about Amateur boxing is that it made me travel a lot, in 2004 I won a Silver Medal at the Youth Pan Am Games in Colorado Springs, in 2005 I went in Liverpool, England for the Youth World Championship and I got ranked 5th, in 2007 I went to the Junior World Championship in Morocco and in 2009 In Italy for the Senior World Championship. In Italy I fought the Moroccan guy and I won 10-2 then I fought the Cuban Carlos Banteuax Suarez and I won 5-2, and finally I lost to the guy from Uzbekistan. I got ranked 5th in that tournament. Early in 2009 we had a dual match in Canada against Germany, I won against Jack Culcay and he is the one who won the 2009 World Championship in Italy. He is now 7-0 as a Pro.

Anson Wainwright – You fought twice in your home state of Quebec, what does it mean to you to fight infront of your friends and family?

Mikael Zewski – The two times I fought in Quebec were amazing experiences, its nice when all your friends and family can come to watch you live, every time I meet boxing fans they always ask me when I’m going to fight in Quebec again, but I can’t tell. I enjoy fighting in USA anyways, they have great boxing fans

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you enjoy doing with your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or Interests? What other sports do you like and who do you support?

Mikael Zewski – Boxing is a full time job, when im done training for the day I don’t have much energy to do anything else, I never go out in clubs, I don’t drink I don’t smoke, I like playing Poker and obviously here in Canada the big sport is Hockey so I have to support the Montreal Canadians, I like football also and I support a couple teams, Cowboys from Dallas , Steelers form Pittsburgh and Green bay Packers, for Basketball I like the Lakers.

Anson Wainwright – For you what are the best and worst things about being a boxer?

Mikael Zewski – This is the most beautiful sport in the world, when you step in the ring and you have that feeling that only fighters can feel, its you and the other guy, no one else, people scream but you can’t hear anyone but your coach, that’s what boxing is.

The worst thing to me is the diets, i hate being on diet, I love to eat a lot, to be honest I like junk food for I can’t eat it most of the time cause I have to loose weight for my fights.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you enjoy fight growing up and who do you look up to now?

Mikael Zewski – My idol is Sugar Ray Leonard, I really liked his style but as I grew up I liked Oscar de la Hoya and he is still a model to me outside of the ring because he is a true gentlemen. I like Hopkins for his inside fighting and his attitude; I liked Fernando Vargas also for his attitude. I like a lot of different fighters for different things I like Mayweather for his defence, I like Juan Manuel Marquez because to me he is the combinations King.

I watch a lot of fights of these guys and I try to pull out a couple things that I can do in sparring and in my fights.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Mikael Zewski – I’ve been working so hard, since I was 9, to become successful in Pro boxing. I want to be a p4p top in the world, a well accomplished World champion and become a Hall of Famer. But for now Im at the bottom of the ladder to the top since I’m just starting in the pros so I just want to go up and up.

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

Mikael Zewski – I just want everyone to know that without them boxing would not be what it is. Boxing fans in Canada show me a good support and I enjoy it. Hopefully soon enough I will be on PPV and people will be able to see me fight where ever I fight.

Thanks for your time Mikael.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Thursday thoughts – Darren Barker’s manager/trainer Tony Sims told me that the recent split from Hennessy Promotions to go with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom was because Mick Hennessy couldn’t provide TV for his fighter. Next Monday Barker will find out where & when he will be facing Domenico Spada for the vacant European title. Sims hopes the fight will be in late April…Tonight Fight Night Club returns at The Nokia Center in downtown L.A where four interesting prospects see action. Jesse Vargas goes up against Jose Armando Santa Cruz in what will be by far his toughest test to date. Also scheduled to appear Welterweight Micheal Finney, Ghanian Middleweight Bostie Samir & Irish 135’er Jamie Kavanagh. Also in California James Toney gets back to Boxing after Trying UFC. On Saturday Showtime are doing a split site show, in Las Vegas Miguel Acosta meets Brandon Rios for WBA Lightweight title, in what looks a very interesting match up. The undercard features Robert Marroquin & Jesse Magdaleno two exciting prospects. In the other half of the Showtime broadcast Antonio De Marco squares off with Reyes Sanchez. One of the most underated prospects in Boxing returns on that undercard Terrence Crawford 12-0(9), he helped Tim Bradley with sparring ahead of the Devon Alexander fight and received high praise from Bradley…Stay tuned for upcoming Interviews with Ricardo Mayorga & Australian prospect Paul Fleming.

One of Britain’s most promising prospects is currently Scott Quigg, he boasts an impressive 21-0(14) record. He campaigns in the talented Super Bantamweight division and though a pro since 2007 he is already fighting the twelve round distance and has showed talent and poise that belay his 22 years. Recently he took himself to The Wild Card gym in Los Angeles which of course his the home to several of the top fighters in the world including Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan. This year Quigg hopes to win the British Super Bantamweight title and make inroads to his eventual goal of winning a world title.

Hello Scott, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us when we can expect to see you back in action & against whom?

Scott Quigg – I’m back out on April 16 on the Khan-McCloskey bill but not sure the opponent at the moment.

Anson Wainwright – You have gone to America to train at the World famous Wild Card gym in L.A can you tell us about what made you decide to do this and how it’s going?

Scott Quigg – I’ve come out to the Wild Card because the training an sparring over here brings you on leaps an bounds. I’m being coached by Jesse Reid while I’m out here.

Anson Wainwright – You enjoyed a very solid 2010 going 5-0(4) what can you tell us about how you felt you did last year and how you feel you have improved?

Scott Quigg – Yes 2010 was a good year I had 5 good wins an each fight the opponents got better an so did I. I needed to do to win them and that was the main thing each fight I improved.

Anson Wainwright – What are your plans for 2011? Who are you targeting?

Scott Quigg – Hopefully in 2011 I will get a chance to fight for the British title as that’s my main goal for 2011 an then by end of the year be British and European champion cause in the next 16 months I wanna be ready for a world title fight.

Anson Wainwright – How would you describe your style of fighting for anyone who hasn’t seen you fight so far?

Scott Quigg – I’d describe my style as an aggressive come forward boxer who likes to use angles to confuse my opponent.

Anson Wainwright – Who is part of your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Scott Quigg – My trainer is Brian Hughes who is also my manager and I also get help from Pat Barrett, Darren Phillips and Mike Jackson we all work as a team. My promoter is Ricky Hatton (Hatton Promotions)

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested and took up Boxing?

Scott Quigg – As a young kid I was a Thai boxer and was very successful but I’d always wanted to be a boxer so at 16 I changed over to boxing and it’s just gone from there.

Anson Wainwright – What was your amateur career like? What titles did you win and did you represent England? What was your final record?

Scott Quigg – My amateur record was 12 fights 10 wins 2 losses I won the Junior ABA’s after in 7 fights an represented England 4 times winning a gold medal in a multination’s tournament.

Anson Wainwright – The Super Bantamweight division in Britain has Rendell Munroe & Jason Booth who fought for world titles last year. What did you think of those fights? How far do you think you are from fighting those guys?

Scott Quigg – I thought they both did very well they both showed they deserved to be mixing in world class. I think I’m ready for them now in a couple more fights I’d be more than ready I would like to fight Jason Booth next because he’s the British champion but both of them would be very hard fights because they are world class fighters.

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

Scott Quigg – I just spend time with my girlfriend and my family I’m not really interested in much.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a nickname?

Scott Quigg – I don’t have one.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Scott Quigg – My goal in boxing is to be a world champion an that’s what I’m gonna do I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t think I will be the best it will be a long hard road but I will become world champion it’s gonna take dedication an sacrifices which I’m prepared to do but I have the ability to do it as well.

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

Scott Quigg – Nope, hopefully my performances in the ring will make there own message for the other Super Bantamweights.

Thanks for your time Scott.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – Going in I figured Montiel-Donaire was a 50-50 fight, I certainly didn’t think it would be a massacre. Donaire looked sensational in nearly decapitating Montiel. I’m really looking forward to seeing Donaire over the next couple of years. After being on the end of that KO like that I wonder if Montiel can bounce back to his old form, I hear he also suffered a broken jaw…Mike Jones did what he needed to against Jesus Soto Karass but he doesn’t look like the next in a long line of Philadelphia badass’s…Felix Sturm stopped Ronald Hearns in seven in Germany, I guess there’s only so far good jeans take you. As I read elsewhere it’s a shame that Hearns wasn’t built up to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr that could of made both guys a load of money…Golden Boy partitioned the WBC for Saul Alvarez-Matthew Hatton to be for there vacant Light Middleweight title and they got there way last week. Hatton hasn’t ever fought about the Welterweight limit in a fight scheduled for more than 8 rounds & Alvarez career high is 151. Seems like this fight should of been down at 147…A WBC Final eliminator will take place in Algeria between Ali Chebah & Ajose Olusegun on 25 March.

Just over a year ago “Mighty” Mark Melligen was coming along nicely he had got a spot on a card the night before his countryman Manny Pacquiao was due to fight Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas. His fight was against the more experienced Mexican Michel Rosales, with the aim of showing how far Melligen had come along. However the fight before Melligen was due on saw his good friend Z Gorres triumph against Luis Melendez in a fiercely competitive battle but ultimately lose consciousness before ultimatly having surgery on the left side of his brain. The experience stayed with Melligen who found it understandably difficult to regain his focus and lost a close split decision. Since that near fateful night Gorres has thankfully recovered well and is able to enjoy a near normal life away from Boxing while Melligen has gotten back to winning ways going 4-0(2) since the Rosales setback taking his overall record to 20-2(14). Next up for the humble Filipino is Gabriel Martinez 27-1-1(14) on the undercard of Montiel-Donaire on 19 February.

Hello Mark, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi Mr. Wainwright!

Anson Wainwright – Your fighting was against Gabriel Martinez this weekend what do you know about him and what are your thoughts on that fight?

Mark Melligen – First of all I would like to thank 15 rounds.com, Mr. Anson Wainwright for taking time to do this interview. What I know about Martinez is that he is a powerful and aggressive fighter. I am just very busy now preparing myself to win this fight.

Anson Wainwright – Your last fight took place at The Waterfront Hotel in Cebu, what can you tell us about the card & the venue?

Mark Melligen – The fight card was very exciting. Thanks to our ALA Promotions President Mr. Michael Aldeguer local boxing fans were treated to a fight card headlined by international fighters from Mexico and Asia headed by two time world champion Luis Alberto Perez of Nicaragua. The venue is the classiest boxing venue in the country in terms of boxing and the Cebuano fans always push us to do good by being at our fights in support of all of us.

Anson Wainwright – You fought four times in 2010, how do you assess your development?

Mark Melligen – I think I have done pretty well. I just try to do my thing in training everyday and of course in the ring.

Anson Wainwright – Th e Roslales fight was on the same card as when your friend Z Gorres won but ended up fighting for his life. Though it’s hard what are your memories of that night & how it effected you?

Mark Melligen – It was very difficult for me to fight having witnessed what happened to Z after the fight. I could not seem to focus having Z and his condition in the back of my mind. But I lost and what I said before hand is not to justify the loss. Now Z is recovering pretty well and that is important to all of us. He truly is a warrior. Now, I will just do my best in training and in my fights to come up with the wins.

Anson Wainwright – How is Z getting on these days?

Mark Melligen – Z, thank God is doing great and his recovery is amazing. Weeks after he arrived he was raring to go start his rehab and could not wait. He also is talking about training young fighters when he is up and well. His drive and passion for the sport is amazing. I love the guy for that.

Anson Wainwright – If all goes well against Martinez what would is your plan for 2011?

Mark Melligen – After the Martinez fight where I will do all I can to win, I hope to further my campaign in the U.S. and hopefully have a busy year but it is really up to my promoters TOP RANK and ALA Promotions though.

Anson Wainwright – Your widely known as the second best Welterweight in The Philippines behind Manny Pacquiao. What influence has Manny had on your career?

Mark Melligen – Manny has probably influenced every single fighter in the Philippines…the world even. He likewise has opened the doors for Filipino boxers all over. He has helped Filipino fighters like me get the attention to make it abroad. Our thanks to you Manny.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Bacolod City how tough were things for you early on? Did you have the hard upbringing many boxers do?

Mark Melligen – Looking back at my childhood really amuses me because I never really liked boxing when I was young. My mother held my father from becoming a boxer and he gave in but he said if they had a boy for a child then he would be a fighter. So, my path was cleared. He pushed me hard to practice but I never really liked it. Sometimes when it’s almost time to train I would run to the sugarcane fields to hide. But most of the time he always have convinced me to train and later on have me fight in barrio fiestas and city and province meets. I then realized that it came naturally to me. I won fights and it felt good winning. I then said to myself that it would be a waste not to pursue this.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing?

Mark Melligen – I never really was interested at first until I started to love the feeling of winning matches and being paid in the process. A big factor really with my interest to the sport is my father.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing or training what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies or Interests?

Mark Melligen – When I am not training I usually just relax and hang out with the people close to me. Movies and what not.

Anson Wainwright – Seven of your Twenty one fights so far have been in America, for you how do you find it in America compared to The Philippines?

Mark Melligen – In the United States we obviously earn more but what is important is the number and quality of training and sparring partners. I am fighting in a division where a handful of Filipinos campaign at. It really helps a lot training in the U.S..

Anson Wainwright – How far do you think you are from challenging for a World title? Who are you targeting?

Mark Melligen – I feel I am still young and it really is up to TOP RANK and ALA Promotions what direction my career is headed. I will just train hard and fight hard to win matches and if an opportunity comes I will embrace it and do my best to win. But a chance at redemption from my last loss is certainly on top of my wish list.

Thanks for your time Mark.

Thank you Mr. Wainwright for your time and this interview. Hello to all followers of 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

The best don’t normally fight each other much below Featherweight in Boxing and it’s even rarer to see them fight on HBO or Showtime. However late last year Showtime realised the potential in the Bantamweight class and looked to create another Super 6, which would of included consensus number one Fernando Montiel against Nonito Donaire who was moving up in weight but considered by many to have star potential. Ultimately a deal was struck outside of the confines of a Bantamweight Super 6 that meant Montiel would defend his WBC & WBO titles against Nonito Donaire and HBO happily picked up the fight which takes place this Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV. It’s a very attractive match up between two guys who’s styles mess very well, both have power, speed and excellent fundamentals. For his part Donaire 25-1(17) will be looking to in his own words “Sky rocket his career” he knows this fight holds the keys to possible stardom & crossover appeal enjoyed by only a handful of Boxers today. He has a massive upside and many believe him to be someone who can do much like his fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao did and move successfully through the several weight classes. At only 28 already conqueror of 2 worlds he seeks a third knowing this will be the toughest fight of his career.

Hello Nonito, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on a terrific Bantamweight debut. Looking back on your fight with Wladimir Sidorenko what are your thoughts on the fight & how happy were you with your performance?

Nonito Donaire – I trained really hard for that fight. I was really happy with the performance. To be able to get to Montiel, I was set up to win, if I win then i would fight Montiel and I accomplished that. I felt strong at Bantamweight, my speed and power was there. I’m becoming more natural in the weight, I didn’t have to cut down to much. So I was really comfortable at Bantamweight.

Anson Wainwright – Your fighting Fernando Montiel at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this Saturday. That looks a fantastic fight. What do you think of that fight?

Nonito Donaire – I think it’s good for Boxing. You have two technical guys with power & speed, going in there. It’s a very interesting fight, it’s a fight to look forward too. I mean both Montiel & I want knock out wins. I’m going to go out there and try to knock him out. You’ve got two guys trying to prove who’s the best in the division. It’s going to be a good fight, a very exciting fight.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of Montiel?

Nonito Donaire – As a fighter, as a champion he’s been there for a long time. I think before I even turned pro he was a top guy. He knows what to do out there. He has tremendous power, tremendous experience. I want to beat Montiel. I think Montiel is the guys who’s going to Sky rocket my career to better fights and better deals.

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

Nonito Donaire – Right now for quite a few years actually i’ve worked with Cameron Dunkin as my manager. I work with a strength trainer Michael Bazzel, he does a lot of Pyometrics and stuff like that. I have my ART guy which is Active Release Technique, he’s a Chiropractor. He’s pretty much helped me out when i’m injured or have injuries or pain. He comes and fixes that for me, realigns my spine aswell. Then of course my two trainers Jonathan Penalosa who holds the mits for me and does the physical work for me and my other trainer is Robert Garcia who pretty much heads the strategic part of my fights. He’s out there talking to me in the corner. He’s making decisions on the fight, how I am going to be able to take advantage of my opponent. And of course my nutritionalist Victor Conte who pretty much helped me get the proper diet, the proper amount of minerals and nutrients in my body stuff like that and be healthy for the weigh in. Then I have my sprint trainer Rimi Korchemny. So I have all these guys who do all these things to prepare me mentally and physically. All these guys believe in me, so I have a very good team around me. Of course my wife pretty much does everything all around. I’m promoted by Top Rank and i’ve been with them going on 3 years. I train in San Carlos in California at Undisputed.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your early years growing up in The Philippines and later America? How did you first become interested in Boxing?

Nonito Donaire – Well it was very tough in the Philippines, my family didn’t have much money at all. We were poor a lot of the time my parents were trying to earn as much as they can because they had 4 children including me. They were trying to work as much as they could so we’d have food on the table. It was a difficult journey growing up. I didnt feel like anything would happen to me and then when we moved to the United States everything was very different. For the first time in my life I saw diversity. After a year or two my brother started Boxing and as much as I liked to box it felt like i needed my parents approval to make them proud of me and I thought that was the way. The way they looked at my brother everytime he won, they were proud. They were happy to see us win. That’s how i got started. The main part of that was my dad wanted us to be off the streets instead of going out with our friends he wanted us in the gym. Instead of hanging around doing nothing.

Anson Wainwright – Your coming out party was when you brutally KO’d Vic Darchinyan with one left hook in 2007. Is that how you see it and looking back what are your thoughts on that fight and why the rematch never took place?

Nonito Donaire – That fight we really worked hard for and studied Darchinyan. We were confident we’d win by knock out. When I was interviewed a week or two before the fighti said I was going to knock this guy out and we were able to accomplish that goal and everything changed form that point on. It was an incredible feeling to achieve what I had dreamed of since I was little becoming a world champion. I have no idea (Why the rematch never took place) after the Darchinyan & Maldonado fight I stayed more than a year without a fight, I don’t know what happened. I even stayed for a long time at 112 to be able to give him a rematch. When I was in the 115 division we were supposed to fight last year on Showtime August 21st and 3 months before the fight when I came to sign the contract they backed out, they said I was taking to long to sign the contract. Which was ridiculous because the fight was 3 months away. He said I took to long to sign and they didn’t want to wait for me. I was like it doesn’t matter when I sign the contract. My point is the first time I signed the contract at the weigh in and they never complained about that. I know he’s affraid of me and that’s why the rematch never happened. I waited to give him the opportunity but i’m done waiting around. So I fought Sidorenko and now i’m fighting Montiel. So i’m moving on.

Anson Wainwright – Your name was linked with a Super 6 in the Bantamweight division. Obviously that didn’t happen what are your thoughts on that & what do you think of the 4 man tournament and who do you think will win it?

Nonito Donaire – Well my goal was we were supposed to be in that tournament & Montiel. But Top Rank advised Montiel and then me to pull out and by doing so they’d give me Montiel. I believe Montiel is better than all of them. Those guys are world champions or world calibre fighters but I believe Montiel’s the best in the division right now and on Saturday 19th i’m better than him. That’s my goal that’s why I choose to stick with the Montiel fight.

Anson Wainwright – When your not fighting what is your walk around weight?

Nonito Donaire – Usually if I’m not doing anything maybe 140 or close to that. It was really tough to make 112. I was hungry and not happy. I think that’s why my performances have got a lot better and because of the guys working with me and I focus on my game plan or what’s going to happen and take advantage of my opponent, whereas before I would focus on losing weight and maintaining weight was my main focus. Now I’ll cut down on weight but not as much. But my main focus now is putting a game plan together and executing it.

Anson Wainwright – You won a world Title at Flyweight and have since moved up to 115 where you won an Interim belt and your now up at 118. Without getting ahead of ourselves how many more divisions do you think you can successfully fight in?

Nonito Donaire – I think I’ll be comfortable as I grow older and as the years go by up to 130 or higher.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what are your hobbies and Interests? What other sports do you like and what teams do you support?

Nonito Donaire – I do a lot of photography and filming doing a lot of stuff for my website. Doing some little films and things like that, that’s who I am. I love sports, when I was younger I used to play a lot Basketball, I used to do track and field, I played Soccer, I played football, baseball, I played a lot of sports. I still do, I play a little Basketball or Football but of course I can’t play as much now because when I play I get right into it and don’t want to get injured. I support the Bay area teams like the San Francisco Giants, in the world series or the 49’ers. I watch a lot of Basketball as well and like the Golden State Warriors the Kings. I watch a lot of Sports with my friends.

Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Manny Pacquiao has done wonderful things for Boxing in your country and in general. Could you tell us a little about your relationship with him and how you feel he’s helped create opportunity’s for Filipino’s?

Nonito Donaire – He’s done a lot. I met him in 2000. We actually went to the same school, without knowing that we did. If we see each other we’ll probably have lunch or dinner and we’ll talk for a little bit. He’s a very busy man. But he’s done a lot for the country, not only to inspire it but make it better for people to work together, just a lot of inspiration from that man has got me an a lot of people to work hard and to do the best for ourselves and for the country.

Anson Wainwright – How do you think the fight with Montiel will be viewed in The Philippines. Will it be similar to when Manny Pacquiao fight in that much of the country pretty much comes to a standstill and almost straight after there are bootleg DVD’s available?

Nonito Donaire – Yeah, that happens a lot, one time I fought and the next day they already had my fight in the bootleg section. That was pretty funny. The Philippines has so much love for Boxing, especially for world class fighters. When they fight the whole country stops and gives there support. It means a lot to me for them to do that, so far they’ve been watching my fights and giving me the ratings on the networks, who said it’s pretty high.

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you when you go back amongst the people?

Nonito Donaire – Yeah it’s hard when i’m walking in the mall there’s always someone who recognises me and take a picture, one comes a whole crowd comes. I’m truely blessed with that. It’s been really crazy. There promoting this fight really big in the Philippines.

Anson Wainwright – So if you win this fight, perhaps you’ll get the same treatment as Manny Pacquiao did on 24/7 when you turn up at the airport the plane is ready to leave when you are! Haha

Nonito Donaire – When it comes it comes! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Your fellow Filipino Z Gorres was very badly injured in 2009. How is he doing?

Nonito Donaire – I haven’t really talked to him. His wife facebooked my wife and Z Gorres was telling my wife he wished so bad he could of helped me with this fight. But the only thing he thing he can do for me is pray for me and give me his support. I know a lot of the ALA guys. They all support me the same way I support them.

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

Nonito Donaire – I want to thank each and everyone of them for there support and being there through out. I hope they pray for me and my best everytime I fight. That they cheer and enjoy the fight. Watch February 19 or February 20 wherever your at. It’s going to be very exciting, that’s something you guys can’t miss.

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

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – On Saturday night at Sands Tavern Maroochydore Australia several bouts took place.

(10 x 3)

Australian lightweight champion and first time promoter Brett W Smith put on a great promotion with his debut event at the Sands Tavern Maroochydore. Two professional, six amateur and one exhibition bout provided plenty of action for the night.

Brett W Smith (62.3) probably realised early in the first round of his eight round KO loss to Filipino Jack Asis, that promoting an event and being the main fight isn’t easy.

Brett was down twice in the first round from flurries of hard punches, he managed to find his feet after the shaky start and box his way back into the fight in rounds two and the start of round three before a cut in the third added to his problems. Rounds four and five were much the same as the previous with Brett seemingly in control of the fight when he chose to box only to lose control quickly when he tried to punch it out with his tough opponent. A warning in the sixth on top of being hurt a couple of times spelt more trouble and after another knock down at the end of round seven Brett showed a true champions heart to come out in the eight.

The packed crowd couldn’t lift their local hero and after more brutal exchanges and another knockdown the fight was stopped 1.05 of the eight round, referee was Alan Moore and judges Adrian Cairns, Adam Height and Steve Marshall all had Jack Asis ahead 66-65, 67-64 and 68-63 respectively at the time of stoppage.

Due to a change of opponents twice in the lead up to this fight Brett’s Australian Lightweight title was not on the line, and disappointed as he was after Brett assured me that injuries aside he is willing to defend his title against anyone, jokingly adding so long as it is on someone else’s promotion.

(4 x 3)

Brett John Smith( 65.7) showed his experience with his second round KO over Ryan Mc Donald who was having his first pro fight.

Smith controlled the fight throughout the first round with snappy combinations and some hard shots and continued with more of the same at the start of the second before the end came at .50 in the same round.

Referee was Steve Marshall and judges Adrian Cairns, Adam Height and Alan Moore all had Smith winning the first round.

Global Amateur Results

Australian Heavyweight Title

Tyson Andrews (94.6) KO 2 Glen Ayres

Queensland Middleweight Title

Shane Parry (75) win unanimous points over Nick Murry (69.54)

S/E Queensland Middleweight Title

Ben Greenslade (69.8) win unanimous points over Stuart Shaw (72.1)

Josh Coutts (91.8) win points over Dan Dwyer (87.5)

Dean Flanigan (70.8) win points over Joey Evans (71.68)

Ali Jerkil win points over Josh Adams

Fight report courtesy of Brad Arnold, who was ringside.

When you think of the Worlds top Welterweight’s Jan Zaveck doesn’t spring to mind. However the 34 year old Slovenian who boasts an impressive 30-1(17) career record is the current holder of the IBF championship. He won it late in 2009 in South Africa when he shocked reigning champion Isaac Hlatshwayo, stopping him in three rounds. Since then he has made two successful defence’s in front of adoring home fans stopping Rodolfo Martinez in the twelfth & gaining revenge for his only loss when he outpointed Rafal Jackiewicz. He holds the distinction of becoming the first Slovenian to win a world title. He regularly draws crowds upwards of 10,000, such is his popularity he’s the reigning Slovenian Sportsman of the year. He’ll once again be heavily supported when he faces Paul Delgado who is rated 15 with the IBF on 18 February in his countries capital of Ljubljana.

Hello Jan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have an IBF Welterweight title scheduled for 18 February in your hometown. Any ideas who you may be facing as yet?

Jan Zaveck – Yes, this is the American Paul Delgado.

Anson Wainwright – It has been rumoured that if you and Randall Bailey win interim fights you will meet over the summer. What are your thoughts on that?

Jan Zaveck – It will be a suspenseful fight for sure. If he is the official challenger in this mandatory title defence, I am going to fight him.

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

Jan Zaveck – When I came to Magdeburg 2003, SES manager Ulf Steinforth believed in me and gave me support, led me to international title fights and finally to the champion title. I show him how thankful I am with sport achievements and wins. My coach Dirk Dzemski works in Magdeburg too. I trust him very much and feel there very comfortable, that’s why I train so much in Germany. I complete every single fight preparation session there but spend the rest of my time with my family in Slovenia, where I also train.

Anson Wainwright – How do you find making 147, do you walk around to much over that weight?

Jan Zaveck – I have never had big problems making my weight and feel myself really very comfortable in this weight class.

Anson Wainwright – You came from nowhere to shock Isaac Hlayshwayo for the IBF title in December 2009. What did it feel like to win a world title?

Jan Zaveck – That’s it, when dreams come true. It is impossible to describe it. Only the one, who accomplished his lifelong dream, knows what this feeling is. I have no words to describe it.

Anson Wainwright – Your very much under the radar in a very exciting division all of the big names are in America. What are your thoughts on the Welterweight division including Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Berto etc

Jan Zaveck – Welterweight is a very heavy division. Of course American names are in the spotlight. But my name will keep winning popularity. You know, I am the IBF champion. If somebody wants my belt, he should only knock at my door – no matter what is his name. I would give anybody a fair chance.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have much of an amateur career? If so what titles did you win and who did you fight that is now in the pro’s?

Jan Zaveck – My amateur boxing career is not very long. I spent some time in Austria because in Slovenia at that time there were no big boxing schools. Yet I wanted to become a pro and for this reason I changed the camp so quickly.

Anson Wainwright – Your country Slovenia isn’t known for Boxing, how did you first get into fighting?

Jan Zaveck – I have always been fascinated by boxing. There were no educated professionalists at home. I started training completely alone and later tried with a few fellows who were also very keen on boxing. I have never had a trainer (I mean steadily) before Dirk Dzemski. It was my will to become a master of this sport and this will led me to the top.

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Slovenia? Do you get big crowds to your fights in Ljubljana?

Jan Zaveck – I’ve just been nominated the most famous Slovenian of the year 2010. I am athlete of the year. My last fight took place in the completely sold out 14 000 Arena Stozice in Ljubljana. Do you believe there is still somebody who does not know me?

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

Jan Zaveck – I am very keen on sports. I like a lot of other sports too. I watch football and go skiing in the winter but I am very devoted to my job – boxing. Apart from that I have a family, what I am responsible for.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a job away from Boxing or have you ever worked a day job? What would you like to do when you retire from Boxing?

Jan Zaveck – I worked as a bodyguard of our president and I am working now on my future connected with boxing. That’s all I can tell you for now.

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

Jan Zaveck – I am very pleased about every single person in the world that is interested in boxing. I want to keep presenting suspenseful and fair fights. That’s what my heart beats for and I keep my word .

Thanks for your time Jan.

Thank you for your interest.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Thursday Thoughts – Pascal-Hopkins 2 on 21 May in Canada has been mentioned with Chad Dawson on the undercard…For several months John Murray who owns the longest current unbeaten run in British Boxing has been touted around as a free agent. On Wednesday he decided to sign with Frank Warren…Tomorrow Eddie Chambers resurfaces after a near year long absence against Derrick Rossy. I’m interested to see how he looks after the KO against Wladimir Klitschko. On the undercard Rico Ramos & Cornelius White have step up fights against Alex Valdez & Don George respectively. I’m expecting Ramos to outpoint Valdez and looking forward to seeing if White continues his impressive record of stopping all but one guy…In Germany on Saturday Steve Cunningham will be defending his IBF crown against mandatory Enad Licina. While also in Cruiserweight action Yoan Pablo Hernandez meets WBA Interim champion Steve Herelius. I’m expecting the big Cuban to get through that one. Outside of the Super 6 tournament Arthur Abraham meets Stjepan Bozic, he desperately needs a confidence builder, he should get it and force a stoppage by the midway point…Marco Antonio Barrera resurfaces against little known Jose Arias in Guadalajara, Mexico. Such a shame to see such a great fighter continue past his prime, while hoping to become the first Mexican to become a 4 weight world champion…In Britain John Watson meets Anthony Crolla for the British Lightweight title after Gavin Rees gave up the title due to a problem with his nose that may need an operation. I’ll go with the more experienced Watson to prevail on points.

If you have any requests for a fighter who you would like to here about please contact me on elraincoat@live.co.uk

Patience is a virtue and it’s exactly what Ryan Rhodes 45-4-1(31) needs to be awhile awaiting his shot at a title. Rhodes 34, of Sheffield, England sprung onto the scene when he won the British Light Middleweight title in only his eleventh fight months short of being a pro for two years, he then became the quickest to ever win the Lonsdale belt outright. It looked like the self styled “Spice Boy” would become a star, but in Boxing that star can quickly be shot down. He stepped up to challenge the vastly more experienced Otis Grant for the vacant WBO Middleweight title and lost a decision. After 3 wins he fought dangerous puncher Jason Matthews against at 160 for the WBO Interim title. Again it wasn’t to be and Rhodes was stopped in the second. It looked as though that would be the end for Rhodes, that is unless you know him. He remained in the game and though he toiled away in small arena’s around the country losing a couple more, also both at Middleweight. His career looked to lack direction until he finally got what he wanted most a shot at his old British Light Middleweight title over a decade after he first held it. It wasn’t a chance he was about to let slip through his fingers and he stopped champion Gary Woolcombe in nine rounds. Since then he’s moved on to the European & International scene. Injury forced him to relinquish the European title late last year he’s now waiting for purse bids before he can try to win back the title he never lost in the ring against Lucas Konecny. Also in the works is a possible IBF title shot against Cornelius Bundrage. He’s currently on a ten fight winning streak that goes back to 2006, that see’s him placed highly among all the World sanctioning bodies WBC 3, WBA 9, IBF 3 & The Ring 4.

Hello Ryan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You had to pull out of the fight with Lucas Konecny on the “Magnificent Seven” bill through injury, and fought in December in a stay busy fight. How did you feel in that fight, were you ok after the injury?

Ryan Rhodes – It went well, he was an unbeaten fighter. I felt I needed to get out before Christmas, it would of left me with just one fight last year if I’d not fought. I managed to get that one fight in. I was glad of the performance, 2 rounds. Training went well, my back felt fine. So onwards and upwards.

Anson Wainwright – Who are you looking at fighting next? Are you targeting anyone in particular?

Ryan Rhodes – I’m number one for the European title (Held by Lucas Konecny). I’m just waiting for purse bids to start. So we can start negotiations. So that maybe my next fight. I also had an interesting conversation with my trainer Dave Coldwell, who has been in contact with Cornelius “K9” Bundrage the IBF champ. Asking if he’d come to England and fight me. I’m number 3 in the IBF ratings. He turned around and said if there money’s right yeah.

Anson Wainwright – Although to an extent you can’t control this when would you hope to be back in action next?

Ryan Rhodes – Like I say it’s a waiting game. With the European I’m waiting on purse bids. That could be my next fight. With purse bids it has to happen within 90 days. I’d like to fight in late March if possible. I’m in the gym with my trainer Dave Coldwell and just waiting for that date to step it up.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of Konecny & Bundrage?

Ryan Rhodes – Konecny is a good strong fighter, comes forward, everything seems to be big punches. He doesn’t throw many straight punches, everything’s hooks & uppercuts. I watched the Matthew Hall fight. The one thing that let Matthew Hall down was his defence. Konecny had better defence than Matthew Hall, that’s the only reason why he beat him. Now me fighting Konecny there’s no way I’d fight the same fight as Matthew Hall. I’d be Boxing on the outside, picking him off and using my Boxing ability and maybe in the later stages we’d take the it to Konecny.
I saw Bundrage when he came to England and beat one of our lads (Kevin McNeil KO7) in the contender series. He’s a short fighter, I think he’s about 5’6. He’s similar (To Konecny) throws bombs, uppercuts roughs you up inside and bully you. The same thing, I think my Boxing ability would outclass him by far. I wouldn’t even let him get close with my jab, stinging him with right hands and countering with big shots.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, as you said Dave Caldwell is your trainer. Who is your manager & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Ryan Rhodes – At the minute Frank Warren is my manager, I haven’t got a promoter. Dave Coldwell is my manager. I train in Rotherham with Dave Coldwell. I do a lot of fitness training with my conditioner Mark Wille, we use the Leisure Centre in Sheffield.

Anson Wainwright – You were a part of the same gym as Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson & Junior Witter to name a few those must of been interesting times?

Ryan Rhodes – Yeah we had some good times. It was really good back in the day, I’m talking 10 years ago. It was a fantastic gym to be in. Brendan (Ingle) was churning out champion left right and centre. As well as the guys you mentioned there was Pele Reid, John Thaxton just to mention a few more. The gym was buzzing with champions. When a gym has that many champions it rubs off on everybody else. Everybody else wants a piece of the glory and that’s what we were doing. Everybody was winning and winning well.

Anson Wainwright – You spent a lot of time with Naseem Hamed and know the real him, can you give us a bit of insight about him?

Ryan Rhodes – If Naz hadn’t been different, he wouldn’t of earnt the money he did or had the popularity he had. I think the cockiness, the showmanship, the razzamatazz what Naz brought was what earnt him money. It’s why he used to sell 16,17,18 thousand arena’s out in America & Britain. You look at a similar thing with Eubank he was the same. 50% of the people used to want Eubank to get beat 50% used to love him and think he was fantastic. Naz came into that bracket a little. A lot of it was just for TV.

Anson Wainwright – After bursting onto the scene and winning the British Light Middleweight title after 10 fights you went up to Middleweight and lost two fights that seemed to send your career into tailspin, who do you see that now?

Ryan Rhodes – The opportunity came at Middleweight. I won the British & IBF & WBO Intercontinental titles (At Light Middleweight) and Frank (Warren) offered the Middleweight title against Otis Grant. At that time I thought I was unbeatable and going up to Middleweight would give me that little bit more of weight allowance. I didn’t expect to get beat, I didn’t think anyone would beat me at that time. I was young, full of confidence and opportunities came at Middleweight and we took them. Looking back now maybe I should of thought about it a little bit more. Just analysed more and thought how big the Middleweights really were compared to myself. It’s alright looking back in hindsight but I’m still fighting, I’m in a great position. I feel I’m in a better position than when I was 20/21 years old fighting for world titles. I’ve got my best ranking ever WBC 3, IBF 3 & WBA 9.

Anson Wainwright – After several years in the Boxing Wilderness you got things back on track when you reclaimed the British Light Middleweight title stopping Gary Woolcombe before moving onto the European & International scene what are your thoughts about how you got things back on track and how they are now?

Ryan Rhodes – I just kept my self belief, I knew if I got my chance again I’d take it and take it well. It’s just believing in yourself and people around me believing in me and my ability and what I could do and what I could achieve. Changing trainers, moving from Brendan Ingle after being with him 22/23 years from being 6 years old all the way until 27/28 or whatever it was. Moving gym prior to that I think I’d become stale and a bit bored with the game. I carried on when I left Brendan to go with Dave and the spark came back, the love for the game came back. That’s why I was fighting better, I was producing better fights. My game raised to another level.

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

Ryan Rhodes – I spend time with my kids and play Golf. I watch Football, I’m not a massive fan but I support the local teams Sheffield Wednesday & Sheffield United There not doing very well at the moment! I’ve got a lot of friends who are big fans. Whenever football’s on TV I go and support them.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro now for over 15 years what would you say has been the proudest moment to date?

Ryan Rhodes – Difficult. I’ve had some good one’s. I think winning the European title because I was a massive underdog. Everybody thought Jamie (Moore) would beat me and beat me well. I think winning back the British title, obviously winning it the first time was fantastic but I think after all those years and like you said being in the Wilderness. That was a fantastic moment. There were people saying I was finished, I was pasted it, things like that. I’m 34 and I feel I’m as good if not better that when I was 22/23. It just goes to show if you keep trying you’ll achieve your goals. I think I’m the prime example of that.

Anson Wainwright – I guess you appreciate the chance more now and fighters are fighting when they are older and longer like Bernard Hopkins?

Ryan Rhodes – Absolutely, I thought (Joe) Calzaghe was better when he was older, he produced better performances when he got older. Even Johnny Nelson, he was a massive inspiration to me. Johnny did what he did when he was younger and then we had a similar type of career having to box everywhere and he was a little bit in the Wilderness, he won his world title when he was however old. He just got better and better and then obviously he had the injury. Then he won the world title when he was however old and just got better and better. Like you said Bernard Hopkins, I think he just turned 46, that’s unbelievable!

Anson Wainwright – Do you think you have another 12 years in Boxing then! Ha-ha

Ryan Rhodes – I don’t think so Ha-ha

Anson Wainwright – Your highly rated by both the WBC & IBF at number 4. You obviously want that world title fight, do you want anyone in particular?

Ryan Rhodes – I did a couple of interviews the other week, one was in Boxing news. I don’t care who it is as long as it’s for a world title at Light Middleweight cause I don’t want to have any regrets and think what if I’d of fought for a world title at Light Middleweight could I do it or not. I just need that world title to put a few demons to one side.

Who were your Boxing hero’s and who do you enjoy watching fight today?

Ryan Rhodes – Growing up was Marvin Hagler, Leonard, Duran & Tyson. Hero’s today you’ve got to look at Mayweather, Pacquiao people like that.

Anson Wainwright – Several years ago Mayweather & Naz weren’t to far apart in weight. That would of been interesting?

Ryan Rhodes – Oh Yeah! Imagine that fight. You see I don’t think Naz reached his potential. What we used to see Naz do in the gym was unbelievable. To be fair I know Naz never reached that potential.

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

Ryan Rhodes – Keep supporting me. I’m trying my hardest to get this world title fight. Thanks for supporting all these years and when I do get my world title fight I promise I’m going to give absolutely 110%

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

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Midweek Thoughts – So finally Amir Khan has an opponent for the 16 April. It’s going to be Paul McCloskey. Reports in Britain say that McCloskey who had turned the fight down twice previously will get around £200,000 it is belived that Lamont Peterson wanted £750,000…Over the weekend Tomas “Gusano” Rojas scored an impressive points win over former WBA 115 champion Nobuo Nashiro. It was Rojas first defence of the WBC trinket he had picked up late last year when he won the title also in Japan. The 30 year old doesn’t have an impressive record 35-12-1(23) but he’s always been willing to fight whomever is put in front of him and deserves credit for his persistence and willingness to go on the road and fight the best guys he can. Also on the same card Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tunacao stopped Daigo Nakahiro in six in an OPBF 118 title fight. Tunacao is ten years removed from his brief reign as WBC Flyweight champion and seems to deserve another title shot. How about Koki Kameda-Tunacao…In Mexico Austin”No Doubt” Trout won the WBA Interim Light Middleweight title with a dominant performance over Rigoberto Alvarez…In a give and take British & Commonwealth title fight Jason “2 Smooth” Booth scored a split decision win over Jamie Arthur who put up a gallant effort. On the undercard 2008 Olympic Super Heavyweight bronze medallist David Price moved to 9-0(7) stopping Osborne Machimana in three. Machimana famously ended Corrie Sanders career. Frank Maloney later said he is willing to match Price with anyone in Britain. For now Price will head off to train with Odlanier Solis where he will be Solis chief sparring partner. Last Friday Sergio Mora was surprisingly beaten by Brian Vera, it looks a long road back for Mora from here.

here carne asada marinade

Segun explico Brian D. Levin, vocero de CBP en un comunicado de prensa, algunos oficiales de aduanas ayudaron a rescatar vidas y propiedades en peligro.

El martes 13 el oficial Juan Osorio dejo su trabajo para acudir al lugar donde se desato el multiple incendio, justo cerca de su hogar. Al llegar se dio cuenta que su casa estaba siendo consumida por las llamas.

“El es oriundo de Nogales y fue miembro de los bomberos, y por eso inmediatamente supo el peligro en el que estaban vidas y propiedades en el incendio”, dijo Levin del oficial Osorio, quien ayudo a los bomberos a apagar el fuego, despues de nueve horas de trabajo del departamento de bomberos.

Ahora estan planeando una venta de “carne asada” el 1 de mayo de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. en Karam’s Park, ubicado entre Morley Avenue y Park Street.

La venta consiste en un plato con tres tacos de carne asada, frijoles, salsa y una bebida por el precio de 5 dolares.

Habra venta de boletos con anticipacion en Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Royal Road Market, Nogales Fire Department, pero el dia del evento tambien pueden adquirirse. web site carne asada marinade

Habra tambien un segundo evento para recaudar fondos el mismo dia durante la celebracion de Las Fiestas del 5 de mayo en Fleischer Park, ubicado en Hohokam Street.

En las fiestas habra una vendimia de hamburguesas, hot dogs y bebidas.

“Invitamos a la comunidad a que compren carne asada, hamburguesas, que realmente significa ayudar a nuestra gente en circunstancias dificiles”, comento Osorio.

“La comunidad nogalense debe unirse para ayudar a estas familias que estan en necesidad financiara”, concluyo Levin.

Contacte a Berenice Rosales al 807-8479 o en brosales@azstarnet.com Ayude a ayudar Eventos para recaudar fondos para las cinco familias que perdieron su hogar en un incendio el pasado 13 de abril.

* Donde: Karam’s Park, ubicado entre Morley Avenue y Park Street, venta de carne asada, plato con tres tacos frijoles, salsa y bebida a 5 dolares.

* El mismo dia pero en Fleischer Park, ubicado en Hohokam Street habra venta de hamburguesas y hot dogs durante Las Fiestas del 5 de mayo.

* Cuando: 1 de mayo a partir de las 10 a.m.

* Para mayores informes llame a la camara de comercio local al 287-3685.

BERENICE ROSALES