David Hopper of 8CN got a chance to speak with junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca (15-1-1, 10 KOs). The 30-year-old will fight Jose Luis Castillo, 38, (63-11-1, 54 KOs) July 13 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. The bout will be televised live on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights.
DH: How is training camp going?
IP: It’s been going good. I’m training hard.
DH: How have you been preparing for the experience and punching power of Castillo?
IP: I’m sparring a little bit heavier guys than my normal weight. I’m trying to get a different defense for those punches, trying to work on power punches because he’s given people wars and actually hits pretty hard. That’s why I’m trying to train with bigger guys.
DH: Ruslan Provodnikov dealt you your first loss last year. What did you take away from that setback?
IP: I fought a different fight. We had a different plan in that fight and then things didn’t go right. That’s why I had to switch trainers because things just weren’t going right with my other trainer. He was trying to make me fight not my style. I’m always an aggressive style and in that fight I was just trying to box around. It was just not my style. I had to bring the real Ivan back because I’m an aggressive guy who always comes forward. If you see that fight I was just trying to move around and not get into power punching. That was just not my style.
DH: So you’re more of a brawler than a boxer?
IP: Yep.
DH: Your upcoming fight will be at the UIC Pavillion, where you have fought six times. Do you feel like that will work to your advantage?
IP: Yeah it’s my hometown but even if it’s my hometown every guy that goes in the ring is going to want to have their hands raised. Everyone that goes in the ring is going to want to have their hands raised. Nobody wants to lose. It’s going to be my toughest fight. He’s been a champion. He’s been in deep waters. Not me, an up-and-coming fighter. I just got to put it out there and give it my best shot.
DH: What would a win over Castillo mean for you?
IP: It would be a great experience because I’m fighting a legend. It’s going to be a great fight.
DH: Talk about the opportunity of fighting on Friday Night Fights.
IP: It’s going to be fun because the whole nation is going to be watching that fight. Just because they think he’s 30 years old, they say ‘Aw he’s shot, he’s old.’ No, it’s not that. He’s been in deep waters. He has a lot of experience. I know I’m younger than him but it’s just like I told you: everybody that steps in the ring wants to win. Nobody wants to lose. Hopefully I’ll pull out the W. That’s my goal and hopefully it comes my way.
DH: What are some of your goals as a professional fighter?
IP: Well, everybody’s goal is to one day maybe have a title. I’m looking forward to maybe have a title or something. Turning pro it was a big thing because you don’t wear head gear no more like in the amateurs. It’s a different impact from the gloves.
DH: Would a win over Castillo move you closer to a title shot?
IP: Not to a title shot, but maybe to starting to fight top contenders. That would the greatest thing. I’m looking forward to getting the big W that day. It won’t be easy but I’m looking forward to it.
DH: Is there anyone in your division who you really want to fight?
IP: No, whoever they put in front of me is who I have to fight. I’m not going to call names out or anything. Whoever the promoter has me fight I’ll be more than happy to fight. The next one is Castillo so I got to get the big W. That’s who I’m preparing for and I’m working hard.
DH: Are you still working as a construction worker?
IP: No, not no more. I’m just a trainer. I’m training people in boxing and cardio and all that stuff.
DH: Do you do that in Chicago?
IP: Yes.
DH: You trained some at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, right?
IP: Yeah I was training there last year. When my big upset came into my career I went for a few months out there. It’s just a different experience out there, fighting and sparring top level guys. It was a big, huge experience. My manager is my brother and he had an accident so I had to come back to Chicago.
DH: Are you originally from Mexico?
IP: Yeah.
DH: When did you move to the U.S.?
IP: When I was 5 years old.
DH: How old were you when you started boxing?
IP: When I was 8 years old.
DH: What attracted you to the sport?
IP: The coolest thing was you would get to travel. My mom and dad used to always work in the factories. When you were in the amateurs you would go to nationals. That was like my vacation because Mama and Dad used to always be working. That was like my vacation but I would go fight.
DH: What’s your prediction for the Pacquiao-Bradley fight this Saturday?
IP: I think Pacquiao is going to take him. You got to be careful with Bradley. He will head butt anybody. It’s going to be a good fight.
DH: Did you ever get to spar with Pacquiao when you were training at the Wild Card gym?
IP: No, he was actually training for a fight at the time so I didn’t get to.
DH: Did Freddie Roach work with you any?
IP: Yes, a few times.
DH: Do you feel like you’re improving with each fight and are there still some things you want to work on?
IP: In every fight when you step into the ring you see the mistakes and you make improvements. Every fight is a different challenge.
DH: Is there anything you want to add?
IP: Just look forward to July 13. There’s going to be some fireworks. It’s going to be a good fight. Me fighting a legend.
