“Manny is my boy. I have been one of Manny’s regular sparring partners since the first Juan Manuel Marquez fight in 2004. I’ve helped him get ready for almost everybody; Morales, Oscar, Hatton, Cotto, Margarito. I have done more rounds with Manny than anybody. I remember the first few times I sparred Manny before anybody knew him. He hit me with some shots that felt like lightening bolts shooting down my whole body. Man, he could punch. Its been great sparring with him because as his level and skill increased, so did mine…They will see why I have been Manny’s main training partner for almost 7 years,” stated lightweight contender Ray Beltran as he talked about how the years working with pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao has sharpened his skills as he gets set to face Carlos Vinan this Friday for the USBA lightweight title. Check it out!
Q: How does it feel to be fighting for the USBA Lightweight title?
RB: What?! I’m fighting for the USBA Title? My opponent didn’t pull out? I’m joking, but hey bro, knock on wood. My opponents pulled out on me the last 3 fights. It feels great that I will finally be back in the ring to show my skills. I’m so focused for this fight. The USBA title is the first major step towards a world title.
Q: Your opponent, Carlos Vinan, who is known to be one of the most underrated fighters in the world, has fought some of the best fighters in your division, upset a lot of them, and is the #15-ranked lightweight in the world in the IBF ratings. What do you know about your opponent?
RB: First off, I want to give Carlos Vinan credit for taking this fight. There are a lot of fighters out there that don’t want to fight me. Vinan is a good fighter. He’s an aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because of his record, but they don’t take into consideration who he has fought. His record is real. He is not a fighter that has been manufactured by a promoter. I am not underestimating him. I have trained very hard for this fight. I have had great sparring. I’ve done a bunch of rounds with Jaime Kavanagh, Shawn Porter, and Lenny Zappavigna, who’s fighting for the IBF lightweight title this month.
Q: You were originally signed to face John Molina on ESPN for the same vacant USBA title. Why did that fight not materialize?
RB: Hey, is this an adult only website? That fight didn’t happen because John Molina is a fucking pussy. He is what I referred to earlier, a fake ass fighter who hand picks all his opponents. I was supposed to fight Molina twice. The first time, he pulled out a month before the fight claiming illness. Sure, he was probably sick, but who pulls out with more than a month to go? He got scared, that’s why. Lets be real here. He thought I was too risky of a fight for him. He wants easy fights to pad his record so he can eventually get a big payday with a named fighter. He got scared after almost losing the Lundy fight. That’s why he has not fought since.
Q: Would you fight Molina if you win the title?
RB: That’s a tough question. Molina pulled out on me twice already. I went through two training camps, missed out on other fight opportunities and money I needed to take care of my family. Why would I sign to fight him again if he is only going to pull out again? But would I love to fight Molina? Yes! If I were Molina, I would step up and try to prove me wrong. And by the way, it’s not just Molina that has pulled out on me. Have you heard of Vicente Escobedo? Well, you wouldn’t hear about him anymore if he fought me. He’s another fake ass fighter who pulled out on me twice. I hear he’s going to hide down in the 130-pound division now.
Q: You have been one of Manny Pacquiao’s regular sparring partners? How is it sparring and training with Manny? Do you plan on going to the Philippines to help prepare him for the Shane Mosley fight?
RB: Manny is my boy. I have been one of Manny’s regular sparring partners since the first Juan Manuel Marquez fight in 2004. I’ve helped him get ready for almost everybody; Morales, Oscar, Hatton, Cotto, Margarito. I have done more rounds with Manny than anybody. I remember the first few times I sparred Manny before anybody knew him. He hit me with some shots that felt like lightening bolts shooting down my whole body. Man, he could punch. Its been great sparring with him because as his level and skill increased, so did mine. I’m not sure if I’m going to the Philippines yet. I’m still discussing it with Freddie. I think I will be helping Manny get ready for Mosley at some point. I have gone to the Philippines before with Manny. It’s a beautiful country and always a great experience. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity.
Q: If you win the USBA Lightweight title, what will be your next move?
RB: My next move would be to take my family out and celebrate. I would like to fight another highly-ranked fighter to move myself up in the rankings. I would love to get a TV fight. That’s the only way to get recognized by boxing fans and get the bigger fights. I think the fans are looking for real fighters; guys that will fight anybody and put it all on the line. That’s how I fight, like a real Mexican.
Q: What should people that don’t know about Ray Beltran Jr. expect to see Friday night in Woodland Hills?
RB: I hope after they see me fight, they are going to wonder why they didn’t know about me about me sooner. I want the fans to see a style that they love, a fighter with speed and power and balls. They will see why I have been Manny’s main training partner for almost 7 years. They should know I am a family man, that I have a wife and 3 children and that I fight for them and the fans.
Q: Would you like to add anything?
RB: Thank you to everybody that is coming out to the fight on Friday. I will do my best to put on a great show for the fans. Thanks to my family and friends for their support. Thanks to my Dad, Freddie Roach, Pepe Reilly, Jaime Kavanagh, Sedano Ruiz, Mike Vale, Zappavigna, Porter, and all my sparing partners for helping me get ready. I like meeting new fans so feel free to come over and say what’s up. Come down to Wildcard Boxing Club anytime also. See you all at the fight!
