Ivan Montiel: I am excited about your upcoming fight on July 21st in Las Vegas vs. Oscar Valdez. I know that it’s going to be a war.

Jayson Velez: Most definitely. I told you that if this fight happened it’s going to be war.  That’s why I am preparing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I am ready for a war.

IM: We know that you always put on a spectacular show.  Velez versus Jamie Arboleda (a controversial win for Arboleda) as of now is my fight of 2020.

JV: Yes, up till now.

IM: The last time we spoke you mentioned a possible fight with Chris Colbert. What happened?

JV: That fight with Colbert was being negotiated, we were training for him but there was not a set date.  We never received a contract and the next thing we knew, a fight with Oscar Valdez was offered. We took it.  A fight with Valdez is an emotional fight.  Colbert is not known as much as Valdez plus Oscar represents that fighting style that boxing fans love. And Puerto Rico versus Mexico is you know a boxing rivalry. 

IM: Puerto Rico versus Mexico is always great for boxing.

JV: Yes, it’s always been that way and will continue to be that way.  We have the best boxing rivalries and big hearts.  I will keep it at a professional level, nothing personal. I have respect for Mexicans.  Mexicans are family, they also support me…  all Latinos, it doesn’t matter we must support each other.

IM: This could be another fight of the year candidate...

JV: Velez versus Arboleda is fight of the year so far butthis fight also has all the ingredients to be a fight of the year candidate. The recognition will be huge, it would help my career.  

IM: I take it that you have had to make several changes in training camp since your opponent changed from Colbert to Valdez.

JV: The majority of boxers will say no, but the truth is yes, we don’t train the same for every opponent. The change influences me mentally. For example, I know that I am facing Valdez, he’s a warrior.  Arboleda was too— it wasn’t known much yet but I studied his fights.  I knew Arboleda would be tough that’s why I prepared myself extra hard for that fight.  So yes, we had to make some changes in training camp due to the change of opponent.  Valdez’s style of fighting is what I love. He comes to fight.  I was born to fight that type of fight.  As far as training for Colbert, it was a different game plan.  

IM: What’s your thoughts on Valdez versus WBC 130-pound champion Miguel Berchelt, a fight which was supposed to happen?

JV: I don’t know what happened, and I simply don’t care.

IM: What’s your thoughts on some saying that once Valdez beats you he will fight Berchelt?   

JV: I’ve heard that in the past, for example when I fought [and defeated] my friend Juanma Lopez.  Lopez was looking to finally fight Yuriorkis Gamboa but I crashed that party.  The same thing goes here with Valdez thinking that he will beat me and get a  Berchelt fight. I will crash his party.

IM: In other words, you will shut down all your critics.

JV: I do this for myself but yes, I will shut down them doubters.  People can say whatever they want, I don’t listen to what they say.  I don’t do it for them, I do it for myself.

IM: It does motivate you though

JV: Yes indeed

IM: What’s your thoughts on Valdez?

JV: Valdez is a warrior, he’s a former world champ [who is undefeated and gave up his WBO featherweight title to move up in weight], he has a set of balls.  The man keeps fighting on, he’s a warrior.  We have similar styles of fighting but I am stronger, bigger, and have a longer reach. I move better than him, too. The only advantage he has is his speed, but not by much.  I will demonstrate it on July 21st.

IM: The world of boxing knows Valdez suffered a big injury to his jaw [in a win vs. Scott Quigg] yet at the same time we know he will come to fight.  The man won’t back down.

JV: Yes, we do and that’s what I want ,a war.  I am preparing myself for a war.  Once Valdez stands in front of me, that will be his mistake.  

IM: Can you see yourself being able to stop him due to his prior jaw injury?

JV: I don’t think it will be due to his jaw, but at the same time I don’t think Valdez will be able to finish the fight on his feet.  Our styles of fighting will cause a war.  Once again, I am bigger, stronger I am simply too much for him.  If this fight ends by knockout I will be the winner.  I am better than him, I am going to destroy Oscar Valdez.

IM: Are you looking to go the distance and maybe try to drown him late or are you going to try to end it quickly?

JV: I will be going forward from the first round.  If Valdez wants to move then I will chase him, it all depends on what Oscar wants to do.  That’s what I love, that’s what boxing fans want and that’s what I am going to do. Boxing fans want to see a fight not a dance. 

IM: How’s your weight coming along?

JV: My weight is coming along very good.  I am a few pounds heavy but I still have a week left.  I plan on being 147 pounds on fight night.  I feel comfortable at 147.  Valdez’s speed will not last the entire fight.

IM: Have you ever met Valdez face to face?

JV: Once in Las Vegas but we didn’t talk much. He did seem like a good person though. I have tremendous respect for him.

IM: What’s your thoughts on not having the fans cheering you guys on due to coronavirus precautions?

JV: There’s a good and bad side to not having the fans being able to attend. The good thing is not having the pressure from the fans.  A fighter can fight with more patience and concentrate more.  Then of course there are emotional type fighters who let the public decide everything. Those guys will be affected [by the lack of a live audience].  I am not usually affected,  but yes, at times the public does get to me. It happens but I am normally a  calm fighter so I don't think it will affect me.  

IM: Will there be a face-to-face press conference?

JV: I am not sure but I don’t think there will be.There’s no public allowed at the fight so I can’t see there being an in-person press conference taking place.

IM: Any final thoughts?

JV: On July 21st, Top Rank Boxing will televise me vs. Oscar Valdez on ESPN. It will be Puerto Rico versus Mexico, Jayson Velez versus Oscar Valdez, don’t miss it.  This fight will be a war. This fight will be pure fireworks. Ivan, its always great being able to talk boxing with you, let’s talk once again after my fight.