EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ALFONSO GOMEZ
By Brad Cooney

Welterweight contender Alfonso Gomez is beginning his training camp for what is no doubt the biggest fight of his career.  Gomez is coming off of two very impressive wins over Arturo Gatti, and most recently Ben Tackie.  Alfonso will now face the best in the business when he goes up against current WBA welterweight world champion, Miguel Cotto on April 12th.


BT – Thanks for joining Boxingtalk Alfonso.

AG – Thank you for having me back on Boxingtalk, It's a pleasure to be here.

BT – This is no doubt the biggest fight of your career.  You will face the world champion, Miguel Cotto.  Has your camp launched yet?

AG – Yes, camp has started.  I have been running and staying in shape.  We will go through the same process, emotional preparation, physical preparation, and everything that I need to get me ready for that night.

BT – This is for the welterweight championship of the world.  Has that sank in yet?

AG – Yes, it has.  I know I am fighting Miguel Cotto, a very tough fighter.  He's the best in the world for a reason.  I think that I have proven time and time again that I am someone that trains hard, and my opponents get the best out of me.  I am very hungry, and I will be coming out even hungrier than I ever have for this victory.

BT – What do you believe are the keys for your victory?

AG – Well in my case I think to beat him I have to be in the best conditioning possible.  I have to be able to go 12 rounds, and stay to my game plan.  I have to expose his weaknesses, and neutralize his strengths.  My main goal is to be 100 percent conditioned, because if I am, I think I can beat him.

BT – You're coming off two impressive wins, one over Arturo Gatti, and then against Ben Tackie.  This next fight is a step WAY up to Miguel Cotto.  Do you believe that you are ready for this big a step up?

AG – Yes I think I am ready.  I have proven myself in the Gatti fight, and the Ben Tackie fight.  I was counted out before I fought Gatti, and then people told me that Tackie would be too much pressure for me, and obviously they were wrong.  I don't listen to the critics, I just know that I am going to win this fight.  If you ask me how, I don't know, I just know.  I am so confident, and I am so motivated that the Gomez team will have a world champion.

BT – You showed some power by knocking out Gatti, but do you believe you have the power to stop a guy in Miguel Cotto?  A guy that keeps coming, and coming, and coming like the tide.

AG – Well I think I do, I have the power to at least prevent him from walking through me.  I think I have enough to make him think about just coming in.  More than anything, if I see an opportunity, I am going to be smart about it. 

BT – Do you think this is going to be a brawl, or a strategic fight?

AG – Well he showed in his fight against Mosley that he can box a little bit.  I have shown that I can box too, but we are both crowd pleasers that come forward, so I wouldn't expect anything else.  If I am toe to toe with him for 12 rounds, it will be the event of the year, and that is what I am looking forward to.

BT – You're no stranger going into enemy territory, and now you will have to do it again in Atlantic City.  Do you like being the underdog and going to other people's backyards?

AG – Well I don't like playing it, but it seems that's the way it turns out.  Ever since my first pro fight it's been like that, the underdog.  Against Manfredo Jr I was underdog as well, so I have no doubt that being the underdog this time will be the same, and I am used to it.

BT – Cotto has victories over Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, and Paulie Malignaggi, all world champions or former world champions.  How much will the experience factor impact this fight?

AG – Well Cotto has more experience than I do, but when it comes to tough fights, and the under dog role, and having everyone against you, I have had more experience in that.  That has made me stronger mentally as a fighter, so it's just a matter of getting ready physically and going in there April 12th, and shocking the boxing world.

BT – Miguel Cotto has plenty of weapons to work with, which one gets your attention the most?

AG – His body punching, he hits you with all of his might each time he hits the body.  That's how he wears down his opponents.  I can't come flabby to this fight like the last fights (laughs).  I am going to have to do 100's of sit ups.

BT – What will be going through your mind if you hear the words, “and the NEW welterweight champion of the world?”

AG – Man, well I don't know but there will be a lot going through my mind.  I might just say, I told you so.

BT – Do you have any closing thoughts?

AG – I want to thank all of my fans for their continued support.  My fans can visit me for my camp updates at www.alfonsosgomez.com  Come April 12th, I will be the new world champion.

Send questions and comments to: bradcooney1@bellsouth.net