By James Slater
1: Are you delighted to be facing a legend like Erik Morales?
R – Yes, it’s a huge opportunity for me. It is the chance to face a boxer of enormous talent and reputation. I respect him as boxer, for all that he has accomplished in the past, but inside the ring there will be no respect.
2: Have you been a fan of his over the years?
R – Definitely. He defines what a latino boxer should be like. He is a brave fighter who has been in truly epic battles. He has defeated the best that the world has to offer. I feel really priviledged to be able to share a ring with him.
3: Did you ever think you’d face him in the ring one day?
R –It was my dream. I never imagined that it would happen but luckily it did. I am pumped up for the fight.
4: You are so much younger and you are a natural lightweight – has Morales made a big mistake taking you on?
R – I honestly think he has. I am younger and stronger. I have been a world champ before and know what it takes to be successful. I think that the prolonged time of inactivity, his age, the 50 some odd fights he has had, and the huge amount of weight he will be forced to loose in order to fight will take a huge toll on him.
5: This will be your first fight in Mexico? Are you nervous or excited?
R – Both. If I had to choose one however I would say that I am excited. I have fought abroad before in places like Argentina, USA, Japan, and Germany. This will be nothingnew for me. This will be my first time fighting in Mexico and against their idol. I am really excited about this fight.
6: Do you expect a hostile crowd against you?
R – I am used to this. The crowd is always hostile. Even in my home country of Nicaragua I sometimes have to deal with hostile crowds. I know that in Mexico I can expect a lot of hostility. I know that the Mexicans will be rooting for Morales and not me. The first time he hits the floor however the arena will be silent.
7: What is your best win so far in your career?
R – My best win is either my KO victory over former WBO champ Demarcus Corley or my victory over #1 rated Prawett Singwancha of Thailand where I was able to win the WBA crown. In both cases both boxers had much better records than I did but I came away with a vitctory.
8: The loss last time out, to DeMarco – what went wrong in the fight?
R – Everything went wrong in that fight. I am ashamed of the way I fought. I could have given a lot more inside the ring. DeMarco is very good but I should not have lost to him. I did not pay attention to my corner, did everything different from the game plan they had established and I wound up paying a huge price for this. This fight with Morales will be my chance to fix things up. I want to straighten my career up.
9: You have already reigned as WBA champion, will a win over Morales take you to another title shot?
R –Good question. I do not know. It could open some interesting doors. A victory will definitely make me more popular. My managers have gotten me good opportunities I know that a victory here will make their job a whole lot easier.
10: At age 26, do you feel you have plenty still left to offer the sport?
R- I still do but I can’t waste any more opportunities. I messed up against Kobori and I messed up big time against Demarco. I can’t keep wasting opportunities anymore. I have around 5 more years in my career, I need to make the most of it.
11: After you get past Morales, who would you most like to fight?
R – I would like a second crack at DeMarco or Yusuke Kobori. I feel really bad about those two fights. I know I did not live up to the expectations of my team.
12: Do you feel you will KO Morales?
R – Some people will think I am crazy but I honestly think I can KO Morales. Morales is not what he used to be anymore. Although he will always have a big heart I think that the physical tools are no longer there.
13: Do you expect a hard fight, or do you think Morales may be past it and that your speed and youth will simply make the fight one-sided in your favour?
R – I think that Morales will bring his A game. I think it will be a tough fight for both of us but I am confident that I will be the victor.
Many thanks, Jose, for taking the time to answer these questions. Best wishes for the big fight.
