TalkingBoxing Interviews
Talking Boxing with JULIO GONZALEZ
THU July 21, LUKE CHANCE - Julio Cesar Gonzalez is undoubtedly one of the light heavyweight top stars. Boasting a record of 38-2 with 23 knockouts and ranked 3 in the world according to computerised rankings, the former world champion has mixed it with the best including Roy Jones, losing a decision, and previosuly undefeated Dariusz Michalczewski, whom he decisioned to win the WBO belt.
After losing in his frist defence to Zsolt Erdei, Gonzalez set about pursuing the comeback trail and notched up good wins with an eighth round stoppage of fellow contender, the rugged David Telesco and also winning a technical decision in making Montell Griffin look ordinary. These two good wins have led him to newly crowned IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods, 37-3-1, who defeated the previosuly unbeaten Rico Hoye to lift his first title at the fourth time of asking.
This is, on paper a very even fight, as both fighters looked superb in their last outings, have excellent records and have fought the best that the light heavyweight division has to offer. Gonzalez and Woods are tough guys, with the ability to fight on both the inside and box on the outside. This should be a thrilling encounter and I caught up with Julio to see what his take on the fight would be.
Luke Chance: So Julio, the fight is about six weeks away now, how is training progressing?
Julio Gonzalez: Well training is going great. The fight is still six weeks away, but we are stepping it up and I’m feeling great.
Luke Chance: Other champs you have faced include Roy Jones, Zsolt Erdei and Dariusz Michalczewski. How hard do you believe this fight will be compared to those?
Julio Gonzalez: You know, everybody is different. he is a high caliber fighter and this will be a high caliber matchup. He’s a strong fighter who comes forward and it should be interesting.
Luke Chance: What do you know about your opponent Clinton Woods?
Julio Gonzalez: Well I know he’s a good boxer. He likes to fight inside and in some ways he’s very like me. This has the potential to be a great fight.
Luke Chance: Are you at all worried by what you have seen?
Julio Gonzalez: No of course not, I believe I have everything it takes to beat him and become world champion again.
Luke Chance: How do you feel about fighting in Sheffield?
Julio Gonzalez: Once I’m in there with him it will be just another fight, so I’m not really worried of fighting in front of his fans
Luke Chance: Knowing that you are in Clintons backyard, and the way judges can sometimes be, will you be looking for a KO?
Julio Gonzalez: Well, I don’t have a problem with it. Once we are in that ring it’s just me and him I’m not at all worried about facing him in Sheffield.
Luke Chance: It has been said he’s maybe looking past you, and looking to set up a date with Antonio Tarver. How do you feel about that?
Julio Gonzalez: Well, you know, that’s good and I hope he is. That may be really his goal. But you know on September 9th he is going to have to face me, so he better focus. He better be very focused, because I am going to come with everything, and will be trying to destroy his dream of facing Antonio Tarver.
Luke Chance: If you beat Woods and lift that title who’s next? Antonio tarver? Or maybe a rematch with Zsolt Erdei?
Julio Gonzalez: I don’t know yet. I’m just concentrating on preparing for my fight on 9th September. After that I will sit down with my manager and discuss the options and where I want to move next.
TalkingBoxing.com would like to thank the very obliging Rachel at GoossenTutor promotions and of course Julio Gonzalez for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us.
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