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02/25/2004 Archived Entry: ""Speedy" Gonzalez Says He's 'Ready to Rock & Roll'"
"Speedy" Gonzalez Says He's 'Ready to Rock & Roll'
By Juan C. Ayllon
Under the bright lights of the DePaul Athletic Center, on Friday, February 27th, undefeated junior welterweight phenomenon, Al “Speedy” Gonzalez will face a stiff challenge. He will be fighting a rough and tough puncher by the name of Jesse Feliciano (12-1-1 with seven kayos) who has promised to knock him out. Undaunted, Al Gonzalez (13-0 with seven kayos) is confident that he is more than ready to meet the challenge.
After all, Gonzalez fought through the pain of a broken jaw—and prevailed—in a bloody, knock down, drag out war for the Illinois state title versus one Humberto Chavez in June 2003. Gonzalez proved his mettle, winning by unanimous decision no less. He expects no less from himself this time around.
Al Gonzalez granted the Cyber Boxing Zone an exclusive interview just days before his fight.
Juan Ayllon: Are you excited about the fight?
Al Gonzalez: Yeah, I am. I am ready to rock and roll!
JA: What did you think about Feliciano’s remarks about promising a knock out?
AG: I don’t care. Bring it on to the ring. You’ve got to show me what you’re going to do.
JA: So, you don’t care about his comments?
AG: Not too much. But, hearing about his comments, of course I do some. I just gotta do what I gotta do.
JA: What is your approach to this fight?
AG: I’m going to see what happens. I’m going to come in to him and see what’s up, stick some jabs on him. I’m not going to try and knock him out. If it comes, it comes. I’ll be focusing on [Feliciano’s] wild and crazy punches he’s throwing and countering over them. Just don’t get caught with crazy punches.
JA: What things have you been working on improving since your last fight versus Carlos Navarez?
AG: That was basically a warm-up fight since the injury. I was basically playing around. I don’t know if you saw my fight for the Illinois State Title [versus Humberto Chavez]. I was throwing so many punches. I liked the way I fought that fight. I would like to see that happen in this fight.
JA: That was quite the brawl, wasn’t it?
AG: Yeah, it was a brawl.
JA: Would you like to use a little more discipline—perhaps more footwork—in executing this fight plan?
AG: Yeah. He always comes in forward. Basically, I’ve got to step to the side and counter over him.
JA: What kind of combinations do you plan to use on him?
AG: It depends on what side I go to [when going side to side]. Probably, I’ll focus on the straight right and the hook. If he comes in with the head, he’ll be right there for the uppercut. It depends on how he comes in. I’ll be checking him out. JA: How has your preparation been coming along?
AG: I’ve been training hard, working hard. I’ve been working with George Hernandez; he’s a trainer. I’ve been sparring with Luciano Perez and [Miguel] Angel Hernandez. You know who Angel Hernandez is, right?
JA: Those are both very heavy-handed fighters, with Perez at welterweight and Hernandez at middleweight, right?
AG: [laughing] Yeah, Hernandez is a middleweight.
JA: Have you sparred with David Diaz lately? You used to spar with him prior to suffering your broken jaw, right?
AG: I haven’t seen him. He hasn’t been in. I’ve been working out with Jamae Marks. He fought Luciano [Perez] last and lost to him. Sparring was pretty tough!
JA: Now, you mentioned that you are working with George Hernandez. Are you still with Patrick Doljanin?
AG: Yeah. Pat’s my manager. George is training me. Albert Falcon is my other trainer.
JA: Pat’s a nice guy. So, things are working out with him fine then?
AG: It’s okay. I like working with him.
JA: So, you do all your training in Highland Park? [Editors note: Highland Park, where Al Gonzalez is headquartered, is an affluent, North Shore suburb, located north of Chicago and adjacent to Lake Michigan]
AG: That’s where I basically train, but for sparring I go wherever I need to go to get good sparring. I go to Windy City, Garfield and JABB [located in Chicago]. My promoter’s new gym is called JABB.
JA: That’s a nice gym. What do you like most about it?
AG: A lot of people that go there, a lot of fighters.
JA: Now, you recently underwent surgery to remove a wisdom tooth, didn’t you? I was told that it acted as a wedge into your jaw and helped produce the broken jaw in the Chavez fight. Did the operation work out well for you?
AG: Yeah. They pulled the tooth out two to three weeks ago. They took the wisdom tooth out. Now, my jaw’s perfect! It’s fine.
JA: You throw very quick combinations and use good movement in the ring. How else would you describe your style and strengths to someone who has not seen you fight yet?
AG: That’s about it. I don’t know what else to say about it. I basically like body punches. It’s the main thing I should be going for but I go for the head shots too much.
JA: Do you have a specific timeline you want to meet for getting a title shot?
AG: After the fight, I want to go for fighters with records like 15-0. Guys like Paul Malignaggi from New York or Panchito Bojado. After that, we’ll see what goes from there.
JA: Would you like to fight for a world title in the next two or three years?
AG: In the next two years.
JA: In wrapping up, do you have a prediction for the outcome of your fight this Friday?
AG: No.
JA: Only that you’ll win, right?
AG: Oh, yes, I will!
Al Gonzalez will be the featured in Friday’s “Night of the Gladiators.” Former Lightweight World Champion Cesar Bazan will be headlining the event, a joint production between Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated. The fight card will be nationally broadcast on Telefutura's weekly boxing series Solo Boxeo.
Also featured will be a highly anticipated six rounder between Chicagoan KO artist Luciano "El Gallo Bravo" Perez and Juan "The Mexican Connection" Aguilar of Whiting, IN.
Junior middleweights "Macho" Miguel Hernandez, "Classy" Freddie Cuevas and former amateur standout welterweight Trinidad—who will be making his pro debut—will round out the roster.
The DePaul Athletic Center is located at 2323 N. Sheffield in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago. Doors open at 6pm, the first bell is at 7pm. Fight fans are encouraged to order tickets in advance by calling 312-226-5800.
Replies: 1 Comment made on this article
sounds like a good fight. i look forward to the fireworks this friday.
--jp
Posted by Joe Piccione @ 02/26/2004 08:48 AM EST
