By Ryan Burton

Heavyweight Fres Oquendo (31-5) speaks on why he had to pull out from this Saturday's bout with Olandier Solis.  Oquendo was rumored to have pulled out of the fight because of child support issues and not being allowed to leave the state.  Oquendo tells his side of the story and tells his plan for the future.

Fres Oquendo:  Yes, well basically I have a big court date Friday that they are saying is for child support and a legal matter.  It isn't a criminal suit it is a civil suit with some property that I have.  I have to be there or I will be in contempt of court.  This is a personal matter that isn't a child support issue or a criminal issue. 

This has to do with some property of mine.  That is about all I can say about it at this point.  We sent a copy of the order to Top Rank and everyone else so they know what is going on.  Some people are upset about it and are trying to make me look bad because this happened last minute.  I can understand they are upset but I really did want to fight.

BoxingScene:  The rumor floating around was that it was for child support.  I would think if that was the case they would want you to fight and garnish your purse.

Fres Oquendo:  It basically is a court appearance I have to be at. This hasn't been a good week for me.  Someone stole my driver's license that I have to replace now.  Lets just say this isn't hasn't been my week. Again its a civil suit over some property.

BoxingScene:  So has the court said you can't travel to fight or was it Top Rank getting nervous that you wouldn't be able to make it so they decided to find someone else?

Fres Oquendo:  Well right now I just can't leave.  I have to be here for court.  I was supposed to leave on Tuesday which obviously couldn't happen.  I can't weigh in and have my court appearance at the same time so basically that killed the fight.

BoxingScene:  With all of these legal issues popping up right before you were supposed to fight it may have been hard for you to be focused for the fight anyway.  Do you think that maybe you are better off not taking this fight and fighting at a later date when your mind is clear?

Fres Oquendo:  I was prepared to fight.  I fought Holyfield with a 102 degree fever and strep throat.  Looking back at it maybe I shouldn't have done it but I always want to fulfill my obligations.  I took the James Toney fight on a week's notice.  I feel like I won that fight and a lot of other people do as well.  I wouldn't call it a blessing in disguise to miss this fight.  I really wanted to fight Solis.  At the same time everything happens for a reason.

BoxingScene:  Now that you are officially off of this fight where do you go from here?

Fres Oquendo:  Well I am ranked in the top 12 or 13 in the IBF.  The WBC at 12.  I am supposed to defend my WBA interm title against David Rodriguez so hopefully we will be able to defend that.  We just have to decide what makes sense.  I will sit with my team and figure that out.  David Tua is back and I have always wanted that rematch.  That is the only fight that I feel I really lost.  I was sick against Holyfield and people thought I beat him.  A lot of people think I beat Toney.  I am getting toward that make or break point so I have to take my time and decide what to do next.  A rematch with Toney isn't out of the question either.  What I would really like is to fight the Valuev
Haye winner or one of the Klitschko's.  I think after one or two more fights I will be in position for one of those big fights.

BoxingScene:  Closing thoughts?

Fres Oquendo:  I am really sad that I am unable to fight.  People are saying that I pulled out of this fight. People who know me know that I never pull out of a fight.  I fought Holyfield with a 102 degree fever.  I am just disappointed that this happened but it things happen for a reason.  I hope to be back soon and I am just want to thank the fans for their support.  Thanks again.