TalkingBoxing.com Interview

Ricardo Lois: Juan, you were fighting at cruiserweight for a few years in Germany before switching to the heavyweight division. You did not fight much at heavyweight. What can you tell us about the situation in Germany?

Juan Carlos Gomez: After leaving Cuba, I ended up in Hamburg, fighting for Universum. I had several fights at cruiserweight. I went to Argentina and on February 21, 1998 defeated Marcelo Dominguez for the WBC Cruiserweight Championship. I defended my title several times and then moved up to the heavyweights. I fought some eight round fights at heavy and decided to stay in that division.

First of all, my body was no longer that of a cruiserweight, making weight was tough. Also, the heavyweight division is where the money is made and the financial aspect was a factor.

Ricardo Lois: All of a sudden, it was announced that you would be joining Sugar Ray Leonard Promotions. How did you connect with Sugar Ray Leonard?

Juan Carlos Gomez: Thanks to God, I was in contact with my old trainer from Cuba, Pupi (Alejandro) De La Torre, while I was in Germany. Through Pupi I met my manager Luis DeCubas, who eventually set me up with Sugar Ray Leonard. It is a true pleasure because Ray Leonard was my favorite boxer when he was fighting. So, while
I was waiting for my immigration situation to clear up in Santo Domingo, Luis worked out the promotional situation with Sugar Ray Leonard.

Ricardo Lois: How is training coming along for the fight with Sinan Samil Sam?

Juan Carlos Gomez: I am training extremely hard, with lots of fire and energy. It has been a year since I have had a fight, so I am giving it my 100 percent in training. You have to work hard when you have not fought in a long time. I started sparring recently and have been in there with Sherman Williams. I am getting my body into the best possible condition. My goal is to put on a good show, so the American public can see who Juan Carlos Gomez really is.

Ricardo Lois: Most American boxing fans have never seen you in the ring before. What can you tell them about your style?

Juan Carlos Gomez: I am a complete boxer, having learned a lot from watching several different fighters. Then, after watching them, I try out different techniques while training. I have had 36 fights and have never been knocked down. I am prepared to fight everyone.

I have a special message for somebody who ignored me. When this person was looking to move up into heavier weight classes and the experts asked him about fighting me, he said he did not know who I was. The person I am talking about is Roy Jones Jr. If Roy Jones wants to know me, he does not have to look far, I am willing to show him who I am. I want to fight Roy Jones. He does not have to look for any opponents anywhere else, I am right here. If he were to beat me, he can have my entire earnings from the fight. I want to show all the fight fans in Miami, all the Latino fight fans, all the fans in America, that I am the best heavyweight in the world.

Ricardo Lois: What are your goals in boxing?

Juan Carlos Gomez: First of all I want to win my upcoming fight against Sinan Samil Sam. Following that, I want to fight for the world heavyweight title of any boxing organization, I don't care which organization. I am made of dynamite and am ready for war.

Ricardo Lois: Any predictions for your fight?

Juan Carlos Gomez: The people in Germany talked real bad about me. I feel disrespected that Sam would even step in the ring with me. He is not anywhere near my caliber. I have all the control in the ring, aside from the referee, he will be the only one able to stop the fight when I have beat Sam on the head numerous times. I could beat Sam inside and outside the ring. I am the best heavyweight out there and want to show everyone.

Ricardo Lois: Any last words for the fight fans?

Juan Carlos Gomez: If Americans don't know me, they will know me. I am happy to be in the United States and want to be in the spotlight. I have to offer all the best of what I have learned about boxing in Cuba and Europe. I want to be a fan favorite, so I can stage huge fights in Las Vegas for all to see.