So Juan first of all congrats on your gradtuation, how excited are you right now?
Thanks Albert, thanks alot, I am very excited and so happy, school was and is very important to me. My degree is something that will always stay with me.
It must have been hard to have been able to accomplish everything that you have accomplished, I mean training for a fight and studying for exams, but now I look at you as now you are 100% involved with just boxing so if we thought you were a beast then, just wait till we get a hold of you now.
[laughing] you are so right, it was difficult at times but I know what it takes to keep that focus, to keep that drive.
So talk to us about your next fight, When will we get to see the Baby Bull do his thing again?
Well right now the scheduled date seems to be August 22nd in Houston, so that’s what I’m hearing right now.
Obviously Rolando Reyes has his sights set on you for that date, Reyes is coming off of a knockout win over Julio Diaz, so I am sure that his plans are to go after the badest Diaz of them all, what are your thoughts on Reyes?
Well Albert, he has been calling me out as you know, and I am sure that his plans are just as you mentioned. Sure, I would fight him, but right now it’s up to HBO on who they will approve.
How about a Joel Casamayor fight? Does that interest you as well?
Yes, it does, I would fight him as well, I think it would also make for a great fight, he has accomplished so much in our sport, but you know the thing is that I am not in the drivers seat, HBO is in that position right now so it’s up to them on who they approve, and on who they turn down.
So with you saying that you are not in the drivers seat, would you say that it’s because of your recent loss that you now find yourself looking to get yourself re-established?
Yes, for sure, I mean I feel that I am no longer in the drivers seat, I gotta get back to the top, the Campbell and Marquez fights hurt, but you know I learned alot from both fights and I will be back stronger than ever.
I have always thought that a fight between Ricky Hatton and yourself would make for a great fight, I’m sure that it would also pay great figures since let’s face it Oscar De La Hoya was the cash cow, Hatton has got to be the cash calve, what’s your take?
[Laughing] You are so right, I have always wanted to make that fight happen, it would be a very entertaining fight. Hatton hasn’t really been saying wheather he will continue to go on or not, but if he decides to stick around, I would love to get it on with him.
What’s your take on the Mayweather/Marquez fight in July? Will you be there to see it live?
Marquez is a very smart and hard puncher, trust me, I know first hand. But Mayweather is also a real smart fighter himself. Marquez is not very agressive, Marquez tends to slowly get into his groove then he comes at you with combinations, Mayweather is not a busy fighter either, Mayweather is real fast and will be too fast for Marquez, it will be a great fight but I think Mayweathers speed will be the difference. I would love to be there live for that one, but I may be in training then so I may have to miss it.
Alot of talk lately has been on a long awaited Mayweather/Mosley clash, who would you favor in that dream match?
Mosley would give Mayweather alot of trouble, they are both real fast, Mayweather would have to keep it in the center as much as possible because if he lays on the ropes Mosley has the speed and power to catch him. Mayweather is better defensively but Mosley gets stronger and stronger as the fight continues, it’s a toss up.
Speaking of Mayweather, I just heard that you are being considered to fight on the Mayweather/Marquez undercard against Reyes, any truth to this?
Well Albert, they mentioned it to me last week but I told them that I needed an answer by this past Friday so that I could start training camp because I need at least 8 weeks to prepare since July 18 is just around the corner, I haven’t received a call so I will let you know soon as I find out.
I also read that Paulie Malignaggi was being mentioned as a possible opponent as well for you, are you also keeping him in mind for that date?
I mean you know Paulie is a good fighter and has more name recognition than Reyes, so yes I would keep him in mind, but as I stated the Mayweather/Marquez undercard was just mentioned nothing has been talked about since, so we will have to wait and see what happens.
Well Juan, thank you so very much for your time we really appreciate it, please let Jose, Brian, and Hylon and them know I said what’s up and you guys to keep doing your thing.
For sure Albert, I will tell them, I will keep you posted on my next fight. Tell Diane that I said Hi, and thank you all at Diamondboxing.com, To all my fans out there, I love and appreciate you all, take care.
