By Ryan Burton
Interm WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco speaks to BoxingScene.com about his upcoming championship bout with WBC champion Edwin Valero. The Los Mochis, Mexico native, now based in Tijuana talks about the keys to fight and why he isn't overly concerned with Valero's famous power. DeMarco sees holes in Valero's defense that he plans on exploiting and he also clears the air on why this fight is personal to him.
BoxingScene.com: How is training camp going?
Antonio DeMarco: Everything is going good thanks to God. I feel at this point I am 60% of where I need to be and we still have a month to go till the fight and I will be at 100% come fight night. My weight is good. I will be right at 135 when I weigh in.
BoxingScene.com: What are the keys to victory?
Antonio DeMarco: I have to box him and I have to take control of the ring from the beginning of the fight all the way till the end. I just have to be intelligent inside of the ring.
BoxingScene.com: Valero is known for his power. What can you do to prepare for that power? Eventually you will get hit by his punches.
Antonio DeMarco: I just have to train hard in the gym. To get ready for his power we have brought in the right sparring. We feel that the sparring we have here in the gym hit as hard or harder than Valero and are better technically than him.
BoxingScene.com: Valero also leaves himself open when he punches. Do you think you can capitalize on the holes in his defense?
Antonio DeMarco: You are right that is one of his weaknesses. He is a good fighter that doesn't have a lot of weaknesses but defense is one of his weaknesses. His defense and the lack of is one of the things we are going to capitalize.
BoxingScene.com: With everyone talking about Valero's power do you feel that you are being underestimated in regards to your power?
Antonio DeMarco: I feel strong and solid at 135. Like every Mexican you know I like to go toe to toe. I think I can and I feel confident in my power. I have more than enough power to combat Valero's power.
BoxingScene.com: What does winning the regular WBC title mean to you?
Antonio DeMarco: It is a personal challenge for me. It is the biggest fight of my career. A lot of people are saying I won't last three rounds with Valero. It is a personal challenge for me not only to beat Valero but to show the world that I am ready for Valero and much more.
BoxingScene.com: On BoxingScene.com.com last week Valero said that he does his talking with his fists and took exception to you calling this fight personal. Can you clarify why this is personal?
Antonio DeMarco: It is nothing personal against Valero. I respect him as a fighter. I know what Valero has to go through to step inside the ring just like I have to do it. I respect him for that but once I get inside the ring the respect is out the window and I have to do what it takes to win the fight.
BoxingScene.com: Assuming you come out with the win where do you go from there?
Antonio DeMarco: I can't even worry about that right now. My only focus is on Edwin Valero. After February 6th I will sit down with my team and whatever happens will happen. Right now I am only concerned with Valero.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Antonio DeMarco: Thank you for the support. The fans have been great. On February 6th you are going to see a new Tony DeMarco. I became the interm world champion and now you will see me be the regular world champion. I want to be one of those world champions that lasts a long time. I want to send all my fans a big hug and thank you. Please tune in and watch the fight on February 6th.
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