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Ayala:"most definitely" wants Barrera-Pacquiao winner
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King of the Junior Featherweights, Paulie Ayala
Julius Stecker: How did training go this time?
Paulie Ayala: Training went very well
Julius Stecker: What do you know about your opponent on Friday?
Paulie Ayala: I know he is a tough durable guy who has never been stopped, he has been in with some tough fighters and he is coming off a big win.
Julius Stecker: You have been off for almost a year now since the Erik Morales fight, do you think now you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated?
Paulie Ayala: Most definitely, a lot people say that inactivity can lead to ring rust and that it will hurt you and to some extent that is true, you can't duplicate being in the ring fighting. But I am always in the gym, and I feel I benefited letting my body heal from such a grueling fight with Morales....I was ready to fight back in March.
Julius Stecker: Where do you see yourself fighting in the future, at Featherweight or defending your Junior Featherweight title?
Paulie Ayala: I am looking at fighting down at Junior Featherweight, maybe defending my title in February.
Julius Stecker: Are you looking at fighting the winner of the Barrera-Pacquiao fight?
Paulie Ayala: Oh yeah most definitely, they would of course take me out of the Junior Featherweight equation, but I always leave my options open to all possibilities.
Julius Stecker: Who wins that fight and why?
Paulie Ayala: It is going to be an interesting fight, Pacquiao is hungry and a youthful fighter. Barrera is a tough proven champion who can fight, he likes to counter punch now and box more and he has looked excellent as of late. Even against Kevin Kelley, who was way past his prime. I think in the end Barrera will catch Pacquiao to the body, and could eventually TKO him. Overall it is still going to be an interesting fight that I will be attending in person.
Julius Stecker: Also you have beaten Johnny Tapia 2 times already in 2 classic fights, but do you think there is going to be a possibility of a 3rd fight?
Paulie Ayala: Like I said before you can never say never, in boxing there is always a possibility...Hopefully if we do fight again or not, I get a chance to play a role in his upcoming movie.
Julius Stecker: Hopefully they portray you in a good light.
Paulie Ayala: Hopefully they let me play myself...(Laughing)
Julius Stecker: Moving on a little, everybody knows what Paulie Ayala brings to the table, your great determination and heart, but in the end how do you want people to remember you as a fighter?
Paulie Ayala: I want to be remembered as a person who always gave my best every-time I fought. I want to be remembered as a winner, a fighter who always gave his best.
Julius Stecker: What would it mean to you if when your career was over to be considered for the Boxing Hall of Fame?
Paulie Ayala: It would be a great honor, it would mean that I am a part of history, a part of boxing history and for me to mentioned in the history of this great sport would be indescribable. Even if some of the fighters I have fought and beaten like Johnny Tapia were to make it, that would be great as well.
Julius Stecker: Tell us about your work in your community.
Paulie Ayala: In between fights I am involved in a campaign called knockout the dropout, which is geared at stopping truancy and dropouts rates of high school students in my area. Also my wife and I, through our church, help out a local group of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and try to teach them good values. It helps give them a better foundation and gives them a chance to aspire to be positive individuals.
Julius Stecker: What can the boxing world expect from Paulie Ayala over the next few years?
Paulie Ayala: Expect as much excitement as we had in the past, I wanted to go out before and fight but some fights fell through. I still have a lot fight in me. God gives you desires of the heart, and I plan on giving my best in the future.
TalkingBoxing would like to thank Paulie Ayala for taking the time out of his busy day to talk with us. We wish him the best of luck tonight when he takes on Edel Ruiz on Telefutura.
