By Reynaldo 'El Papi Chulo' Sanchez
Moises 'Chucky' Flores, 25-0 (17 KO's), from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is absolutely convinced he has the right strategy to take down undefeated Cuban Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux 17-0 (11 KO's).
Flores and Rigondeaux will collide on February 25 at the Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas, for the IBO and WBA super bantamweight titles.
"I will be resting this weekend for Christmas, I will enjoy these days with my children and family. But, next Monday December 26 - I will return to the gym to continue the preparation for this fight," Flores told Ringsidefightingnews/BoxingScene.com.
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How do you think things will play out in this fight with Rigondeaux?
Flores: Rigondeaux is an extraordinary fighter, but I think his speed is not the same anymore. My coach Rafael Guzmán and I, we are designing a strategy based on what we have seen in the recent fights involving Rigo. We have the right strategy to defeat him in February and bring those titles to Mexico.
In your fight against Paulus Ambunda in Africa, you went the twelve round distance. Will the same happen on this occasion?
Flores: We are training very intensely, we know that this fight will not be easy. My training will be in Guadalajara just like in my last fight, I felt very strong against Ambunda and we sent him to the canvas four times. Rigondeaux is very elusive, but we will arrive in condition to fight 15 rounds and if we have the opportunity - we will try to finish this fight quickly.
In relation to the weight and your height of 5' 9", do you have problems in making the weight?
Flores: No way, we are in excellent condition and with our diet plus the proper training - it gives me the strength to arrive on weight and very strong in each fight, and this time will not be different.
Could you explain any details regarding the strategy you mentioned?
Flores: I think that I shouldn't let Rigondeaux think. We have seen his opponents give him space and let him think and that is a mistake. I'm going to impose the rhythm of the fight, I'll get to this fight with a lot of strength to fight from bell to bell in every round. Besides, I already proved that we have the balls and the power to fight at the best level. I hit, I stand, I dance, I jump and I move.
Do you think fighting in Texas will be an advantage in your favor?
Flores: Without a doubt, yes, the warmth of the Texas fans supporting me will be another encouragement to move forward. That feeling is transformed into an oxygen tank for me. I think that's going to be an important factor, we're not going to let Rigondeaux rest in the whole fight.
Do you think favoritism will be on your side or on Rigondeaux's side?
Flores: I've always been an underdog that does not bother me, I know well that many do not think I can beat Rigondeuax, but I'm going to Texas willing to beat Rigo and return to Mexico as the new IBO and WBA champion at 122 pounds .
To conclude, we thank you for this opportunity ... do you want to add something?
Flores: I want to thank Gary Jonas my manager of PROBOX Management for putting me in the United States in these fights. To my sponsor NABOHI and my coach Rafael Guzmán. Also, I want to take this opportunity to wish all fans of boxing a Merry Christmas and in the next year 2017 my best wishes for all.
