TalkingBoxing Interviews
Celaya Ready for Spotlight
TUE May 10, JULIUS STECKER - Welterweight contender Jose Celaya takes the next step to becoming a top contender with his upcoming ESPN2 main-event on Friday, May 13th at Civic Arena in San Jose, California.
His opponent, James Webb at 17-0, marks a step up in recent competition as he is a tough undefeated fighter, who has been fighting on the Midwest circuit.
With the addition of John Bray to his already illustrious team of boxing masterminds, Celaya, 26-2, will be looking to demonstrate his speed and boxing skills in this fight. And with that team behind him, he is looking to make a push for a world title by the close of the year.
TalkingBoxing.com caught up with the excellent young fighter to get his feelings on the upcoming fight.
“Every thing is going great, Training is going great. I am in great shape. This is a great opportunity, and I am definitely excited for it. John Bray has me working on different things each day. He keeps me sharp,” explained Celaya.
There has been a buzz about Celaya for quite some time now, starting back when his former manager, Shane Mosley, raved about him, and it has continued now that the legendary Emanuel Stewart is his manager.
This upcoming fight will mark a step up for Celaya as Webb brings in a big punch, with 14 of his wins by knockout. Webb will be looking to make his mark on national television as well.
“I know he is an aggressive fighter who doesn’t stop coming forward,” stated Celaya.
Celaya, who is currently ranked #10 in the IBF, has recently sparred with Shane Mosley along with NBC "The Contender" stars Johnathan Reid and Miguel Espino. The Salinas, California native feels that that sparring experience has kept him sharp and ready for Webb’s pressure.
Last June, Celaya was KO’ed in a shocking upset, but he has since regrouped and reeled off four straight knockout wins and even though he has been red hot, and has rebounded well, the critics are still there.
Celaya doesn’t let any hint of criticism get him down. “Even if I win a world title, people will be talking this and that. I just want to keep fighting, and I want to keep winning.”
Celaya will take his next step May 13th against Webb, and if he is successful, he will be one step closer to his goal, a world title.
Fight News:
The Celaya-Webb bout will headline ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, on May 13th at the San Jose Civic Auditorium. Despite his youth, Jose Celaya has already had an outstanding career.
Doors open at 6pm, bouts start at 6:30pm and the main event is at 8pm. "ESPN2 Friday Night Fights" is presented by El Mexicano products, Entrega Inmediata, La Preciosa 92.3FM and WILD 94.9FM.
Weigh-in's will be open to the public on Thursday May 12th, and will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown San Jose.
Tickets are priced at $20, $45, $65 and $85 and are on sale at all
Ticketmaster outlets.
