Boxingtalk recently caught up with WBO super bantamweight champ Daniel Ponce De Leon (34-1 with 30 ko?s) who is set to defend against undefeated prospect Juan Manuel Lopez (21-0 with 19 ko?s) on June 7th on the Kelly Pavlik Vs. Gary Lockett card televised by HBO. It?s another chapter in the long, ongoing Mexico-Puerto Rico championship rivalry. Read on to find out what the terrifying puncher with a techno ringtone had to say.
BT: How?s it going?
DPL: Everything?s good. We?ve started the tough part of our preparations.
BT: What do you think of your next opponent, Juan Manuel Lopez?
DPL: He?s a good unbeaten prospect.
BT: Prospect like Rey Bautista? Who you knocked out in the first round.
DPL: Maybe this guy has a bit more experience. But it?s going to be a tough fight. I?ll have a good rival in front of me.
BT: What do you think will be your advantages in this fight?
DPL: My experience and the hunger I have to win and continue being champ.
BT: What will you be looking out for?
DPL: He?s a good prospect that has a lot of knockouts. I have to watch out for his power.
BT: How do you feel about facing a southpaw?
DPL: I?ve faced many southpaws. I have to look out for his right hook that he seems to throw a lot.
BT: What?s different for this camp?
DPL: The sparring. I?ve been sparring guys that put a lot of pressure.
BT: How are things with your manager and promoter?
DPL: Good. I?m just waiting on my next assignment.
BT: How do you feel you?ve been progressing as a fighter?
DPL: Good, I think you?ll be seeing a difference in this fight. You?ll see all the good things I?ve always had and my experience. I?m ready to demonstrate my hunger to continue being champ and give the fans a good fight.
BT: What?s next? What do you hope to accomplish this year?
DPL: First of all this fight. Then the rematch with Gerry Penalosa who?s been talking a lot lately, saying he wants the fight. So that might be next.
BT: Do you plan to stay at 122?
DPL: Yeah, I?m comfortable here.
BT: What would you like to say in closing?
DPL: I?d like to say hello to everyone and don?t miss my fight against Juan Manuel Lopez June 6th.
