By Ryan Burton
Lightweight contender Jesus Chavez speaks about his upcoming bout against fellow ex-champion David Diaz, scheduled to take place in Diaz' hometown of Chicago on Saturday night. Chavez is coming off of a loss to Michael Katsidis in which he quit on his stool after the 7th round. See what Chavez has to say about this fight in this BoxingScene exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: How did training camp go?
Jesus Chavez: Everything went well. I had great sparring for this fight and we couldn't have done anything better.
BoxingScene.com: Who did you spar with?
Chavez: I had several guys that I worked with at different times. We had a guy from Kingsville (TX), a kid from Houston, and several kids from Dallas and other guys from other places.
BoxingScene.com: Did you do anything special in training to prepare for David Diaz?
Chavez: No just you know sparring with southpaws.
BoxingScene.com: What do you feel is the key for you to come out with the victory?
Chavez: We have a good strategy. Basically I just need to follow it. We need to see what he brings. We have enough to adjust to anything that he does.
BoxingScene.com: Do you regard this fight as a make or break fight for you?
Chavez: I think we both regard it that way. I think David and I both are looking at that. It is what it is. We are both going to go in against each other and do what we do. At this stage of my career I can't really look past this fight. All my focus is on that.
BoxingScene.com: I hear what you are saying but lets assume you come out with the victory. Have you peered even a little bit into the crystal ball to see who you would want to fight?
Chavez: No not really. At this point in my career I really have to just take it one fight at a time. We are just worried about getting past David Diaz and we will see what happens next.
BoxingScene.com: Looking back at your last fight in April against Michael Katsidis what went wrong in that fight?
Chavez: I lost focus and I was bleeding. I lost my momentum, not really focus. In the middle of the fight my momentum just stopped. That is pretty much what happened. They couldn't stop the bleeding and that was it. There have been some bad stuff that has happened to me in boxing that I want to look out for my safety.
BoxingScene.com: Would you be interested in a rematch with him down the road?
Chavez: Eventually but first we have to get past Diaz.
BoxingScene.com: Who do you like in Cotto vs Pacquiao?
Chavez: Pacquiao. Cotto's chin is questionable so a knockout is possible.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Chavez: Please come to the fight. I know you are going to enjoy this fight. We did everything possible to have it here in Chicago and it is already here so I am looking forward to it. I think the winner of this fight is going to be the fans.
BoxingScene.com: Good luck in the fight.
Chavez: Thanks.