By Michael J. Campbell

BoxingScene.com catches up with Kansas prospect “El Cuervo” Jose Luis Gonzalez (10-1, 9 KOs) and his manager Troy Patterson, to discuss his amateur career, his current run in the pro ranks and his plans for the future.

BoxingScene.com: Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and your amateur boxing background.

JLG: I was raised in Garden City, Kansas, and lived my whole life in the U.S.  My parents are Mexican from Guadalajara, Jalisco.  I had more than 300 amateur fights, with 7 national titles including a Ringside title.  I started boxing when I was 7 years old.  My father took me to the gym and introduced me to boxing.  He passed away two weeks later.  I’ve always felt closer to my father when I’m in the gym and fighting.

BoxingScene.com: Where and who are you training with?

JLG: I’ve spent the last six months training outside of Springfield, and my trainer is Brandon Woods. 

BoxingScene.com: Jose recently scored a KO victory over an undefeated fighter, tell us about that and your next bout.

TP: He knocked out Timmy Connors, who was a very good amateur and one of the better prospects in the St. Louis area.  We has been asked to fight Rudy Cisneros in Chicago.  We signed the contract, but Rudy backed out and didn’t want to fight.  Jose is ready to step up and start taking some tougher fights.  We took a fight last week on the B.J. Flores card in Springfield and Jose knocked out his opponent in 12 seconds.  Jose is fighting on Saturday at Harrahs Casino against Alan Velasco (8-0).

BoxingScene.com: Tell us about Jose outside the ring.

JLG: Right now, I’m training quite a bit and working part time at a dry cleaner from 6-2 before heading to the gym.    No kids, never been married.  I’m fluent in English and Spanish and have a deep connection with my Mexican heritage.  I love Mexican music and culture.

BoxingScene.com: You’ve been fighting at Junior Middleweight.  Is that where you want to campaign and get yourself in line for a title opportunity.

JLG: Actually, I’m on my way down to Welterweight, where I’ll be competing.  I am about 6’1” so I think that I’ll be tall in that division.  I’m ready to step in with anyone right now.  I think my amateur and pro records speak for themselves.  I’m ready for hard fights and we won’t back down from anybody.

BoxingScene.com: Describe your pro style.

JLG: I’m definitely a boxer-puncher, I usually just adapt to whatever my opponent comes at me with.

BoxingScene.com: Best of luck to you and we look forward to following your progress.