"This is a very important fight to open the doors for a top-15 or top-20 opponent. After that it’s a champion title for me."

BoxingTalk:  Fres, how is your preparation for Javier Mora going for you?

Fres Oquendo:  Oh man, it’s going great.  I have some great friends motivating me for this fight.  Ricky Quiles, who will be fighting for the IBF Lightweight title against Julio Diaz and I are really motivating each other.  Also, Manny Pacquiao will be here in the gym soon as he prepares for his upcoming fight.

BoxingTalk:  What statement are you hoping to make in your fight against Mora?

Fres Oquendo:  This is a very important fight.  I take no fighter lightly, and Mora is no exception.  He is an up-and-coming young prospect who had a decent fight with Kirk Johnson even though it was a controversial call.

BoxingTalk:  You have faced some of the best heavyweights out there today.  Do you feel your past level of opposition will play a major role in your victory against Mora?

Fres Oquendo:  Oh yeah.  I’ve fought the best, and my losses were all controversial ones. I’ve been in there with guerillas, and beat the best.  This is Mora’s biggest fight of his career, and I know he’ll put up a great effort.  I’m not taking anything for granted, but look for me to be spectacular in this victory.

BoxingTalk:  What are your thoughts on Mora’s last performance against Kirk Johnson?

Fres Oquendo:  Like I said, he’s up and coming.  He‘s still learning.  Kirk Johnson was not up to par to the Kirk Johnson that we saw a few years ago, but I don’t take anyone lightly.

BoxingTalk:  This will be your second fight in 2006.  With the year almost half way done, what are you anticipating for your boxing career in the next six months?

Fres Oquendo:  This is a very important fight to open the doors for a top-15 or top-20 opponent.  After that it’s a champion title for me.  I want to prove that I’m still in the mix of things, and that’s my plan.

BoxingTalk:  How will this fight against Mora physically and mentally compare to your fights with Byrd, Ruiz, and Tua?

Fres Oquendo:  I have no negative aspect with my manger and promoter like I have had in the past.  I don’t want to bad mouth anybody, but I look at this fight as me being more focused with no monkey on my back.  I’m self-managed now, so no one is taking half of my pie, I’m taking the whole pie.

BoxingTalk:  What can we expect from you on May 25th in bout with Mora?

Fres Oquendo:  I want all my people to tune in and look for a spectacular performance, because I know Mora is going to bring the best out of me.  I want everyone to know that I’m dedicating this fight to a friend of mine who just passed away, Angelo Rodriquez.


 

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