The light heavyweight division is one of the most most talent rich division in the sport and it?s also becoming one of the most exciting with some of the potential matches that can be made in 2015. Sullivan Barrera is 15-0 (10KOs) and is rising up the ranks, now being ranked in the top 15 by 3 of the 4 belts. In this ?On The Ropes? boxing radio interview with Sullivan Barrera, I talk with him about his career and some of the fights he would like to have in the division. Barrera also speaks on the champions of the weight class and working in camp with Gennady Golovkin. Additionally Barrera gives his views and prediction on Mayweather-Pacquiao. Here is what Sullivan Barrera had to say.
Jenna J: The last time we saw you in the ring you had a fight at the Foxwoods casino with former champ Jeff Lacy. You beat him in four rounds, how do you feel about your performance?
Sullivan Barrera: I think that it was a great fight. I think it was another step forward in my career and I?m very happy of having accomplished that victory over Lacy.
Jenna J: You?re 33 years old, you got a late start in the professional ranks even though you have an extensive amateur background. Do you worry about the clock catching up with you?
Sullivan Barrera: I do feel that we need a good fight with a good opponent to demonstrate the talents that I have. It?s tough because I?m willing to risk everything and some guys aren?t willing to risk their record to fight me, so some of the fights are tough to come by. I think that in this year we can accomplish that. This year we can take some steps to make up for the time.
Jenna J: You work with Abel Sanchez, who also trains Gennady Golovkin. How do you feel about having such an accomplished trainer?
Sullivan Barrera: I feel very happy. Sharing training camp with Golovkin and having Abel Sanchez as my trainer I think has been one of the most important things that has happened in my career. I?m very proud to be in the gym with them.
Jenna J: There?s a lot of talent in the light heavyweight division and right now the top champion in many peoples eyes is Sergey Kovalev and there?s also Adonis Stevenson who holds a belt. What do you think of the champs in the weight class?
Sullivan Barrera: I think they?re great boxers. I?m not sure if they will unify the belt but I think there?s potential to have one unified champ at this moment. I think that we can be ready to fight with either one of them by the end of this year.
Jenna J: Do you have any upcoming fight lined up at the moment?
Sullivan Barrera: I think my job is to train and focus on my training. My team is in charge of finding me an opponent, but I am ready for whichever opponent. I want someone in the top ten to take the next step in my career. My job is to train and I?m ready. I?m willing on risking my record, I?m willing to put it all on the line to get to fight for a title.
Jenna J: Is there any particular fighter that you?re eager to get in the ring with?
Sullivan Barrera: I would like to fight with Isaac Chilemba, Gabriel Campillo, even Jean Pascal. Beating someone like that will give me the respect that I need to be amongst the best in the world.
Jenna J: I?d like to get your opinion on the big upcoming fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. As a boxer, what do you think of that fight?
Sullivan Barrera: I think that Mayweather will win this fight. I think that with the defense that Mayweather has, he?s going to make Pacquiao miss. Pacquiao is a fighter that throws a lot of punches and when Mayweather makes him miss, he will get tired. I think that?s the key to victory for Mayweather.
Jenna J: Back to you Sullivan. How soon do you expect to see yourself back in the ring?
Sullivan Barrera: I?m waiting for my team to get me a date but I?m doing my job and staying ready for when they tell me.
Luis Molina(Manager): We?re working with Main Events, trying to get someone in the ring but it?s tough because we have the issue with the promoters that won?t work with certain promoters, we have certain fighters that aren?t willing to risk anything to get in the ring. He?s doing his part and staying ready for when the phone call comes but as of right now, the idea is to get him to fight within April and May.
Jenna J: You?ve been introduced to new fans because of your recent performances, is there any message you want to pass along to them?
Sullivan Barrera: I want to thank all the people that follow me and support me. This year will be a great year for me and I will always give my best so that the fans are happy.+
