Boxingtalk interviewed featherweight Ruben Villa (15-0, 5 KOs) in the days before his fight against Luis Alberto Lopez (17-1, 8 KOs). That fight takes place in Corona, California on Friday and will be televised on Showtime's ShoBox series. Lopez is riding high off his career best win, a technical decision over Ray Ximenez (18-2) a little more than two months ago. Here is what Villa had to say:

 

Justin Hackman: Ruben, you’re facing a tough opponent in Lopez on Friday night.  How has camp gone for you?

 

Ruben Villa: It has gone well; we’ve been here in Riverside (California) for four weeks and everything has gone well.

 

JH: You’re on weight I assume?

 

RV: Yes, I am 3 pounds away from where I need to be for the weigh-in, so I’m not struggling at all.

 

JH: Your opponent has a lone split-decision loss [to Abraham Montoya, now 18-1-1 in 2016].  Have you seen tape on him?

 

RV: I’ve seen a few fights of his.  He’s aggressive and awkward.  He’s a veteran, so we just are gonna play it smart, outbox him, especially early and overall just display my skills on Friday night.

 

JH: You’re looking to win any way it comes, but do you often prepare for a distance fight?

 

RV: Yeah exactly.  Lopez is a tough guy, he has a [regional title] belt of his own, he’s coming to win, he’s confident, and he’s no regular opponent to take lightly.  We train for a distance fight, and if we have to, then we’ll be more than ready.  If knockout opportunity is presented then I’ll go after it.

 

JH: You have more pop to your punches than your knockout record might indicate.  Do you feel if you pressed more, you could score more stoppage wins, but are more content to win decisions?

 

RV: Absolutely.  I feel I can be more aggressive and I believe in my punching power, but my skills are all about knowing when to box first and foremost, and secondly when to be more aggressive.  I fight smart.  If he opens up and allows me to be more aggressive, then I’ll be ready for that and he’ll see my power.  But I’m ready to adapt at all times; that’s my game.  I’ll be ready for anything he brings.

 

JH: What does fight week look like for you?  I imagine sparring is all wrapped up?

 

RV: Yes, sparring was completed a few days ago.  This week is about staying loose, keeping an eye on my weight.  And like I said, I’m only a few pounds away, so I’m just staying focused, maintaining the weight.  I haven’t seen my family in a month.  This week is all about focus and not letting distractions get in.

 

JH:  So you leave home to attend camp in Riverside full time?

 

RV: Yes, the sparring is too good at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy for me not to be here full time.  I put on good performances after being here, and this is where I have to be at this point in my career.

 

JH: You haven’t seen your family in a month.  Does that give you extra motivation to punish your opponent?

 

RV: Absolutely, it hurts but that’s the sacrifice I have to make.  I’m not home in my comfort zone, not getting the motherly love, or the girlfriend love.  And just being away in general, it’s a life sacrifice.  But at the end of the day, you gotta do what you gotta do.  It’s making me hungry and motivated to put on a great show Friday night. 

 

JH: Best of luck on Friday, Ruben.  Let’s chat after the fight.

 

RV: Absolutely, let’s do it.  Thank you.