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10/26/2005 Archived Entry: "Jose Hernandez: Ready for Cordoba, Looking to Step Up!"
Jose Hernandez: Ready for Cordoba, Looking to Step Up!
By Juan C. Ayllon
ROUND LAKE, IL – While his beloved Chicago White Sox, who led the World Series 2-0, nudged ahead to a 5-4 lead in hotly contested Game Three at Houston, boxer Jose Andres Hernandez harbored championship ambitions of his own. Originally hoping to fight 2000 Olympic silver medallist Rocky Juarez, who hails from Houston, his sights are now set on Humberto Soto, who erased Juarez’ undefeated streak in winning the WBC Featherweight Interim Title in August.
But first, Hernandez must get past Armando Cordoba on November 11th.
At 18-2-0 and 13 knockouts, Hernandez will be stepping up when he fights NABC Super featherweight Titlist Cordoba, who at 21-19-1, and16 knockouts, has world-class experience. In addition to stopping Daniel Maldonado—who at 18-1 and 12 knockouts held a similar record to Hernandez’—for his title, he fought light welterweight contender Henry Bruseles and Jose Miguel Cotto, the latter for the Vacant WBO NABO Lightweight Title.
Pulling himself away from the game, Hernandez graciously drove home to grant this telephone interview.
Are you watching the White Sox game?
Ah, yeah, I was at the gym, but then I had to come over here, so. It’s depressing right now.
[When advised the Sox were up five to four, he said] Are you serious? Yeah, I left it when it was one to four. All right!
How are you doing with your preparations for your fight against Armando Cordoba?
Good, real good. Actually, preparations are done pretty much. I’ve just got a few more rounds of sparring left. And, I’ve been ready since last week. I actually started training early this time. There wasn’t my usual late starting, so I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. I’ve been on for two months, just about. I really, really prepared for this one.
Have you been doing anything special to prepare for this fight?
Actually, no, the only thing we’re bringing in is—I’m sure you know this—Jesus [Jaime or "Jimmy"] Sandoval, ‘cause he’s* a much taller fighter. I’m not used to fighting taller guys. I’m usually tall in my weight class. I’m 5’ 8”. I’m usually fighting guys who are 5’ 6”, 5’ 7”. He’s coming in at 5’ 10”. So, we’re bringing in somebody taller [to spar, as in Sandoval].
I’ve sparred with [welterweight] Germaine Sanders. Everybody’s always been heavier than me. So, I’m used to sparring with heavier people.
Anybody else you’ve been sparring with in particular?
Oh yeah, I’ve been sparring with [1996 Olympian and lightweight contender] David Diaz a lot, which is very good, very good sparring. Me and him really have a good workout. I mean, he’s a very talented individual, so. He’s my idol.
For those who have not seen you fight before, how would you describe your fighting style?
My fighting style is definitely aggressive, a lot of punches. I am a heavy puncher. So, I’m usually following around the opponent pretty much and definitely—well, from what I’ve heard—an exciting fighter to watch.
What are your favorite punches?
The famous Mexican left hook, I always work on that daily. Definitely the left hook. [However] I think my hardest punch is definitely the right hand. And, now, in this training session, it’s coming around very well.
Are you using the “Gancho”?
Exactly. The “Gancho” is a left hook to the liver.
Assuming all goes well against Cordoba, what are your plans for next year?
Well, definitely, in the next year. We just signed with Dominic [Pesoli], which is 8 Count. Supposedly, we got big plans. I’m ready to step up. I’ve already talked to my manager, we’ve talked to Dominic, [and] we’re definitely ready to step up!
I know it’s been a long road. I’m at that level now where I need to step up now, [and] see if I can take this wonderful career.
Who would you like to fight specifically in your next several bouts? Any big names you would like to fight?
Well, definitely, and I’ve mentioned this to my manager: Humberto Soto, which is right now won the Continental WBC from Ricardo Juarez. I mean, he’s an ideal opponent for me. We’ve talked about it. You see, I’m not ready yet. But, I told him I need to do this now.
Ricardo Juarez was always an opponent I think I’ll be fine with. He turned pro close to same time as I did. And, he’s actually had more experience than I did, even as an amateur and everything else. That’s definitely Ricardo Juarez.
Well, there’s actually a lot of fighters, but the one who really steps me up would be Humberto Soto right now—great fighter and everything, but I think I could do fine with him.
All the good fighters out there, I’m ready to step up to the next level, see. But, I’m definitely at the next step up, too, maybe become a world champion.
Do you do any weight training? If so, what kind of repetition scheme do you use?
Yes, I do, twice a week I do weight lifting. Actually, I just got out of the gym. I do my weight lifting there and my running.
I choose to work with just 15 fast repetitions, non-heavy weights. I’m pretty much just strengthening. Two weeks before the fight, I’m completely off the weights. They don’t want me to do weights anymore. But, definitely, the weights is very important to my training.
With running, what kind of miles do you run, and do you incorporate interval training?
I do. Definitely sprints are very important. But, really, I jog from three and four miles, sometimes five—very rarely I do five—now [we’re] moving to the explosive mode, so I do a lot of speed running; it’s pretty much my conditioning.
Do you have a lot of fight fans in Round Lake, where you hail from?
Well, definitely. I mean, I own a local bar down here, which I don’t go there much, now. And, I draw between a hundred and a 150 people. We get a bus and everything. so a bunch of people [are] coming along.
It’s Copas Bar. It’s on 304 North Cedar Lake. It’s a family owned business, so we get a bunch of wild guys out there!
On a personal note, are you married or single, just in case the women are checking you out?
Single. Hey! [Jose laughs.]
Are there any last things you would like to say to the fans?
Just come out and watch. I’m definitely somebody that’s very focused now, very focused. Well, I promised to my dad, and my manager, Well, Sam has been with me a long time, that we’ll get a world title. It’s going to take time and the managing’s got a lot of importance in it, but I think we can accomplish the goals that we’ve been working [on] for so long.
----
It is fitting to note that the White Sox won game three of the World Series by a score of seven to five in 14 innings, or five hours and 41 minutes. They now lead the series three to zip. Perhaps, like the Sox, Hernandez will realize his championship ambitions in due time. Either way, it's been a long time coming.
*Armando Cordoba
Jose Hernandez will fight Armando Cordoba at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on November 11th in a fight card promoted by Dominic Pesoli/8 Count Productions.
Images courtesy of www.8countproductions.com
