"I'm working slowly, but surely and gaining experience, but it's a process that takes time and once you're at your best level, then you can fight for world titles. It's not like Rigondeaux, who was a four-time Olympic champion and is fighting for a world title next month...I like to look for even the smallest error from my opponent and I counter attack with my speed. As soon as I see a mistake, I immediately go for a counter punch," stated up-and-coming featherweight Carlos Zambrano (12-0, 6 KO's) as he talked about his recent win, his future plans and much more. Check it out!
BJ: Hi Carlos, how's everything going today?
CZ: Pretty good, just got back from training.
BJ: Great. What type of training did you do today? Something light I imagine as you fought recently.
CZ: Yeah, I did some weight training and some skipping; that type of thing.
BJ: Good, good. Well I wanted to congratulate you for your last fight. You did something that Guillermo Rigondeaux and Jorge Diaz couldn't do. You knocked out the Ghanaian fighter Lante Addy. Now, you boxed very well throughout the fight, but how much satisfaction did it give you ending the fight by knockout?
CZ: Well, you can imagine. My idea wasn't to go for the knockout. It's not really my style, but just imagine, to do something that two high level boxers like Guillermo Rigondeaux and Jorge Diaz couldn't do, I felt surprised and really happy at the same time 'cause I didn't expect to knock him out. I'm more of a technical fighter and I thank God for the victory.
BJ: I think that's 3 fights in a row now that you've won by knockout, right?
CZ: Yeah, that's right, 3 in a row. 2 in Peru and 1 here in the United States.
BJ: How did it feel fighting in front of so many Peruvians in New Jersey?
CZ: I really didn't expect to see such a magnitude of Peruvian fans there. It was like fighting in Peru. It was very motivating seeing all the fans there and I felt very happy and comfortable, as if I were fighting in my home. It was a bit like a soccer match, the way they shout in the matches there.
BJ: Now Carlos, you had a very successful amateur career and I wanted to know how much importance do you place on your amateur fights to prepare you for the professional sport?
CZ: A great deal of importance because, you know, I had nearly 300 amateur fights and each fight can teach you something different; a good one or even a bad one. When you arrive to the professionals, you can have good and bad fights too, obviously, but I learned so much, which I can now use in the professionals. It's like studying; things are always much easier when you have a great base rather than going straight into something, and it's the same in boxing. You know how to train and you already know some of your opponents from the amateurs.
BJ: When you were younger, who were the fighters that you liked to watch?
CZ: I always liked Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather Jr.; always. Especially for their style and their quickness. It's a shame Roy Jones has fallen so much lately, but in his prime, nobody could beat him.
BJ: I also love Roy Jones' style. I agree, in his prime, he was untouchable. Now you fight in the featherweight division, a very interesting weight class. I can imagine in a couple of years, with more experience gained, you'll want to fight for world titles.
CZ: Of course, of course. I'm working slowly, but surely and gaining experience, but it's a process that takes time and once you're at your best level, then you can fight for world titles. It's not like Rigondeaux, who was a four-time Olympic champion and is fighting for a world title next month. He has a big name and great experience, and that makes a difference. His fight will be interesting, but I'm not sure if he has quite adapted to the professional game so well. We'll see how he does against a pressure fighter, which we haven't seen as yet.
BJ: Yeah, we'll see how he does in his next fight. Carlos, for people who haven't seen you fight, how would you describe your style of boxing? You're very quick and a counter-puncher, right?
CZ: Yeah, I like to look for even the smallest error from my opponent and I counter attack with my speed. As soon as I see a mistake, I immediately go for a counter punch.
BJ: Yeah, I've noticed that from your fights which I've watched online. I also wanted to know your opinion about the biggest fight of the year, Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito. What do you think will happen there?
CZ: For me, sincerely, Pacquiao will win. Margarito is very strong, but Pacquiao is too fast and he throws thousands of punchers at a time (laughs). He's gonna confuse Margarito in there and the Mexican won't have an answer for it.
BJ: Well Carlos, it's been a pleasure speaking to you. Do you have a message for the fans out there?
CZ: Yeah. I wanna say to the fans to keep supporting your website and keep on watching all the fights out there.
BJ: Okay Carlos. Thanks again and perhaps we'll speak after your next fight.
CZ: No problem. Don't hesitate to call me.