By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com caught up with former interm lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco to talk to him about his November 6th fight. DeMarco also talks about his fight with Edwin Valero which was the last fight of Valero's career. See what else DeMarco had to say in this exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: First off do you know who you are fighting on November 6th? Have any names been mentioned that you can tell us?
Antonio DeMarco: We don't know yet but we are going to fight. They programmed us for that date. We don't know who we are going up against yet but the promoter (Gary Shaw) told us to get ready for this date and that is what we are going to do. No, they haven't mentioned any names but I suppose that they are looking. I am sure they don't want to risk that position that we find ourselves so that early next year we can go for the title, God willing.
BoxingScene.com: You Rebounded from your loss to Edwin Valero by destroying Daniel
Attah in the second round. How do you rate that performance?
Antonio DeMarco: I felt strong that night, with a lot more experience. I got in the ring feeling more relaxed. That is something that the sport of boxing teaches you with experience and with the effort you put in it. It was a great experience against Valero. I know that now I am a different Antonio DeMarco and that experience nobody could have given it to me but only a fighter of his class. I feel very confident and sure of what is yet to come.
BoxingScene.com: Your PR team say that Humberto Soto will be vacating his lightweight title and moving up to junior welterweight after his next bout. You are ranked #1 by the WBC. Give us your thoughts on having another title shot so quick. It will be after only 2 wins since your loss to Valero.
Antonio DeMarco: I feel relaxed. I am letting things just happen. We are not pressuring the promoter or anybody else. We are working calmly and taking things in stride. Let God decide what is next and if we get an opportunity early next year, I would be happy and I have to take advantage of it. I am strong and young. This is the right moment for me to challenge for a world title.
BoxingScene.com: Speaking of Valero and his tragic death. Give us your thoughts on your fight with him knowing that you were the last man to step in the ring with him.
Antonio DeMarco: Valero was very respectful of me and I found him to be a good person. He was very respectful outside of the ring and when the fight was over he shared with me some good comments. He called me over to his dressing room and he wished me good luck and he told me that I was going to be a world champion once again. I can't have a bad opinion of him. Only he knows what he did and God is going to judge him.
BoxingScene.com: After your title shot are you looking to move up to 140 pounds yourself?
Antonio DeMarco: The truth is yes, that is what we are looking for. We want to win a title, God willing. My body has grown. I have become stronger and we are starting to have some trouble making the weight. Those are the plans, to win a title early in 2011, defend it once or twice if it is feasible and then go up to 140 pounds.
BoxingScene.com: Your stablemate Rafael Marquez fights Juan Manuel Lopez in the main event of your next fight. Who wins that fight and why?
Antonio DeMarco: Like all Mexicans, I wish the best for Marquez. I hope that Marquez wins but the truth is that JuanMa Lopez is at the best moment of his career. He has the age advantage but it is going to be a good fight. I would not dare to give a result because it is tough fight for both. One has a lot of experience and the other is young but has momentum. I wish both the best of luck and for neither of them to get hurt.
BoxingScene.com: You are a good friend of Alfredo Angulo. Obviously you know the situation he is in. Give us your thoughts on that.
Antonio DeMarco: Each person has their own problems and they have to find the solution. I can't say anything bad about him. I care for him. I am his friend. We are friends and when we see each other we say hello. I wasn't informed on the situation until just recently and I really don't know anything. I have not spoken to him and I don't know much more about the issue. I hope he can resolve that issue soon and he returns to the ring.
BoxingScene.com: Last question do you have a message for the fans?
Antonio DeMarco: I want to thank them for their support. I have noticed that as they see me fight more and more they recognize me, like in San Diego and Los Angeles and its beautiful. I thank them for their support and for them to keep supporting me because Tony DeMarco is going to be a world champion.
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