"The one that has to worry is Lomachenko. For years, I’ve been seeking a marquee fight to show the world that I’m one of the top pound-for-pound fighters, so I’ll be fine and do what I need to do when I get in the ring...he believes he has the advantage over me. While I respect Lomachenko, the reality is he’s never fought against someone with my pedigree and skillset...on December 9, I plan to surprise the doubters yet again," stated world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, who spoke in-depth about his upcoming showdown with fellow world champion Vasyl Lomachenko. Check it out!
PC: How did training camp go for this very important fight for you?
GR: Training camp was incredible. We have our game plan and I have to do my part and win convincingly. I’m just thankful that my team at Roc Nation helped put me in this position and I’m ready to do my part.
PC: What has it been like for you to not have to cut so much weight and enjoy meals and things of that nature? I’m sure you are feeling a lot stronger.
GR: I just have to be smart and strategic about my eating habits, but I can assure everyone that my speed and explosiveness isn’t going anywhere.
PC: Although you have a very different style from Orlando Salido, do you feel Vasyl Lomachenko is a puzzle that’s been figured out already and you are still an unsolved puzzle? If so, how do you go about giving him his second career defeat?
GR: The one that has to worry is Lomachenko. For years, I’ve been seeking a marquee fight to show the world that I’m one of the top pound-for-pound fighters, so I’ll be fine and do what I need to do when I get in the ring.
PC: This is something of historic proportions to have so many people anticipate a fight of guys in the lower weight classes like this. You’ve wanted this for a long time. Now that’s it’s right around the corner, what’s your mentality like entering this thing?
GR: I’ve just got to do my job, plain and simple. I wanted to fight Lomachenko when he was at 126 pounds, but he wouldn’t step in the ring with me. Now he is at 130 and wants to fight because he believes he has the advantage over me. While I respect Lomachenko, the reality is he’s never fought against someone with my pedigree and skillset.
PC: You guys are both 2-time Gold medalists, both southpaw, and both are viewed as one of the best at what you do. Given all of those similarities on paper, what do you feel will separate you guys on fight night?
GR: I keep hearing pundits say that Lomachenko’s size will give him an advantage in the fight, but I don’t understand that rationale. All of my opponents have been taller than me, yet I still stand here undefeated. For example, Nonito Donaire was much bigger than me in 2013, but I still got the victory. So on December 9, I plan to surprise the doubters yet again.
PC: I like the fact that as soon as this fight was made, you put out a statement on social media saying you didn’t want anyone to use weight as an excuse because you asked for this. Why was it important for you to say that, because we kind of live in an era and a society where having a handy excuse is the norm?
GR: At the end of the day, I asked for this fight and I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to reach the appropriate weight. I’ve called out several top opponents at different weight classes, but none of them had been willing to fight me until Lomachenko finally accepted. I’m just thrilled that I finally have a formidable opponent and huge national stage thanks to ESPN.
PC: Although you train very hard, when I watch videos from your camp, there is a certain amount of fun taking place as well. Is it important to have that balance of seriousness and hard work, combined with a little bit of fun and laughter for you?
GR: Absolutely, and I’m also enjoying the opportunity to engage with my fans on social media more because, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Although I can be a bit more reserved in public, platforms like Twitter truly allow me to showcase my playful personality.
PC: Obviously this fight draws the parallels to your fight against Nonito Donaire. I think at the time of the Donaire fight, you weren’t as disrespected as I have seen recently. Are you entering this fight with even more of an underdog mentality or is it about the same approach that you have going into the Donaire fight?
GR: Honestly, Lomachenko is just another boxer to me. He’s just next in line and another name. If anything, I’m a bit more calm heading into this fight compared to the Donaire fight.
PC: It seemed like at one point, this fight wasn’t going to come off. Did it ever cross your mind or did you get discouraged that it may not happen?
GR: Not at all. I knew my team would get it done.
PC: How have you remained so positive despite the lack of respect at times, despite the criticism you have received, and despite not always getting the fights that you wanted when you wanted them?
GR: I don’t worry about the things that I can’t control; I focus on doing my job and doing it well. I leave the rest for other people to worry about it and handle. I’ve gone through enough adversity in my life as is, so I’ll just take care of what I can control in the ring.
PC: I know you’ve felt this fight hasn’t received the proper build-up. It seems like it’s self-promoted in the sense of everyone is anticipating this event. To get this type of fight on ESPN is a special situation. Could you have asked for a bigger platform to show off your talents? This seems like the best case scenario for fans to see exactly who Guillermo Rigondeaux is.
GR: I started on ESPN, so it’s only fitting that the biggest fight of my career is on this network. Roc Nation and Top Rank have done an incredible job putting this together on ESPN, so I can’t wait to get in the ring and take advantage of this opportunity.
PC: I appreciate your time. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I personally cannot wait for December 9th; best of luck to you. Is there anything else you want to add before I let you go?
GR: Tune into ESPN on Dec. 9 to see a historic fight and thank you to all my fans worldwide!
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]