Alfonso Gomez: “The fans want blood, guts and heart, and they’re going to get it”

Alfonso Gomez: “The fans want blood, guts and heart, and they’re going to get it”

INTERVIEW by Anthony Santiago (May 27, 2007) Doghouse Boxing

Boxing fans love nothing more than to see two warriors spill their hearts out in the ring, and completely massacre each other. They love the blood, they love the sweat, and they love the tears. When two exciting fighters get together, a war is the least they can do for everyone.

You've all heard and probably seen The Contender, the reality boxing series on television. Remember that young Mexican Alfonso Gomez? He was the little guy who gave every fight his all, and surprised the world by beating favorite,

previously unbeaten Peter Manfredo in the opening round, and went on to win the bronze.

He's one of those fighters you want to see in a fight. He gives it his all to prove night after night, he's one of the best. Well, thanks to one of our writers for the hookup, I had the chance to interview him. Who better to do my first interview with, than Alfonso Gomez, a man I admired and was rooting for on The Contender? Over the phone the other night, he took time out of his training to speak with me about his upcoming fight with ring war legend Arturo Gatti, and much more. Check it out.

AS: Alfonso, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. This is my first interview, so I'll try to make it my best.

AG: No problem man you sound kinda nervous (laughs).

AS: Definitely am, just trying not to be. I kinda freaked when I answered the phone and was like, "Alfonso Gomez?" (laughs). So you’re fighting Arturo Gatti in July. What does it mean to you to fight someone with such a name as Gatti?

AG: I'm really excited. Most fighters look to have a big fight with a fighter with a big name, and Gatti is one of those names. I'm very excited.

AS: Tell me your gameplan you are going to use versus Arturo.

AG: Well, I've heard he thinks I'm slow on my feet and I know he can box, but I plan to do what I do. I plan to use the jab, move and wear him down. Then maybe hopefully, HOPEFULLY, I can score a knockout.

AS: What do you plan on doing next if you’re to win versus Gatti?

AG: I plan on fighting the big names. He's looking into a Fall fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, but he can't unless he beats me. He thinks he can beat me, and I know he can't. The fans will definitely love this.

AS: Is there anyone in particular you'd like to fight in the future?

AG: No, nobody really. The champions are Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron, and Shane Mosley. Again, all are big names and I'd love to fight them eventually. But Gatti is my first priority and he's a legend, and it's going to be a tough task.

AS: What was your experience on The Contender like?

AG: It was a major experience. It's so different than a normal fight. In a normal fight, you'd have time to concentrate, and study the fighter and on The Contender, you don't know who you’re fighting. You’re just hanging out becoming good friends with everyone, then you’re fighting them. I didn't take it as serious as I should've and that was a mistake. I felt it was more for fun. But the overall experience was fun and exciting. I loved it.

AS: With your rivalry with Peter Manfredo tied 1-1, would you ever consider a third?

AG: Well, he's shot up to 168, and I'm at 147 so I don't think it's possible right now. If we ever did, it'd probably be around 160. But I don't think it's possible, it's basically a 20 pound difference. It'd be nice though.

AS: So how's training camp going for you?

AG: So far so good. We've come to Vegas to get away from the distractions back home in California. But right now it couldn't be better. I feel great, and with eight weeks away and feeling as strong as I do, I'll be fully prepared for July 14.

AS: What do you weigh about right now?

AG: Well we trained today, and I am at 157, so 10 pounds left to go, I will have no problem making the weight.

AS: Any new subtractions or additions to your training camp?

AG: Well like I said, we've come to Vegas and the only new addition is we’re actually in a camp. I've been training with my dad still and next week we might bring in Pepe Correa. He trained Sugar Ray Leonard who is a legend, and we'll see how Pepe could help. If the chemistry is good, we'll keep him around to see what he can do for me.

AS: Who have you brought in to help train for Arturo?

AG: We've brought in ranked light middleweight fighter Roberto Garcia from Texas. Garcia's record is 22-2 with 17 knockouts. He's very strong, and has a similar style to Gatti. He's been lots of help and I'll be ready.

AS: Have you learned anything new in your new camp?

AG: Nothing really new, same old. I'm working to go 12 rounds with Gatti even though it's a 10 round fight. I want to be at my best with a constantly active fighter like Arturo. I've been working on my speed and defense especially. I want no excuses for him or I.

AS: Defense is good, I still remember screaming at you on TV from my house telling you to put up your hands. You were my favorite on the show and you versus Gatti is going to be a barnburner. Is there anything else you'd like to say?

AG: Our styles match perfectly. The fans want blood, guts and heart, and they’re going to get it. USA will love it and so will Mexico. I'll do my best to beat him on his home turf. They fans will get exactly what they want to see come July 14.

AS: Well, that's all I have for you, again thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Alfonso.

AG: No problem man. I'll keep your number in my cell for the future. It was good talking to you.