WBO super bantamweight world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon informed Boxingtalk that a rematch with WBO bantamweight Gerry Penalosa is in the works for March. Ponce also gives Boxingtalk his thoughts on his recent performance against Eduardo Escobedo, where he won a 12 round UD.
BT ? Can you give us your thoughts on your recent 12 round unanimous decision over Eduardo Escobedo?
DPD ? I fought a guy that just wanted to survive 12 rounds. At the press conference before the fight, he was talking about how I use dirty tactics. It seems he is the one that used the dirty tactics, he came in with his head, and it was leaning down.
BT ? Can you prepare for a fighter that uses dirty tactics?
DPD – Well once the bell rang, I was on top of him. I am prepared to go toe to toe with a fighter like that. He was just in there to survive, that’s all.
BT ? Is there anything good that comes out of a 12 round awkward fight like that?
DPD – Yes definitely, it’s a learning experience to go 12 rounds in a fight. You can learn a lot with a fight like that. It’s better sometimes to get a 12 round fight instead of a quick ending fight, it’s good for my career.
BT ? Can you update us on a possible rematch with Gerry Penalosa?
DPD ? Yes definitely, Golden Boy is talking to Penalosa right now. They offered for me to go to The Philippines to fight there, but if it lands here in USA, I welcome that too.
BT ? Would this rematch be on the same card as Pacquiao vs Marquez?
DPD ? Actually they are talking about the end of March, after Pacquiao vs Marquez. I would like it to be in March on the Pacquiao vs Marquez card.
BT ? The rivalry between Mexico and The Philippines has grown, especially since Pacquiao swept through the Mexican champions. How important is it to you to get revenge, to get some ?get back? at The Philippines?
DPD – Yes, definitely, I stand with Mexico. I beat Penalosa, and he mentioned that he’s not happy with the decision, he thinks he won. He has been talking a lot, and the rivalry between Mexico and Philippines is strong. I am preparing much harder for this fight because of the rivalry between the two countries. I am preparing much harder, even better than when I prepared for Bautista.
BT ? What is your prediction if and when you fight Penalosa again?
DPD ? We know each other, this will be a rematch and I will prepare hard, and work on my defense. I will take away some of those right hands that Penalosa throws. I will prepare to go 12 rounds with Penalosa, I know he is a very tough fighter.
BT ? Were you surprised that you were able to knockout Bautista so quickly?
DPD ? No I was not surprised at all, I was very prepared for that fight.
BT ? Do you have any advice for the kids in Mexico, and around the world for them to do better in life?
DPD ? Yes, I want to tell them to work hard because anything is possible if you work hard, and never give up. I want to tell them to have faith, nothing is impossible in this life, work hard on what you want to achieve.
BT ? Do you have any closing thoughts for the fans?
DPD ? I want to thank all of my fans around the world. I want to wish everyone a happy Christmas, and a happy New Year.
*Special Thanks to Jose Gutierrez for translating this interview
