Boxing

Castro: "I don't even know Briggs"

By Sebastián Contursi
www.ESPNdeportes.com / Buenos Aires Herald

04.04 - A few characters in boxing are capable of saying such ironic phrases like "I don't like to run, footing is only for marathoners". Or "I won't train hard again. Last time I did, I lost the title (WBA middleweight) to the Japanese (Shinji Takehara)". Argentine Jorge "Locomotora" Castro is one of them. However, besides his characteristic sense of humour, he is widely recognised as a true warrior of the rings, with more than 130 fights and several records broken. Almost ten years after he won the world title in the 160 pounds and two unsuccessful attempts as a cruiserweight later, these days Castro (123-8-3, 85 KO's) is firmly determined to conquer the light heavyweight crown. And his first step will be on Sunday April 13 in Queensland, Australia, when he faces the local credit Paul Briggs (19-1, 16 KO's). In this interview after one of his last training sessions at the Argentine Boxing Federation's gym in Buenos Aires before travelling, Castro talks about Briggs and his future in boxing.

How was your preparation for this bout?

I did quite a good work in the gym. I've been working hard. The proof is that I'm weighting at almost 176 ¼ lbs. I'm 35 now and know that I have to be ready to fight for ten rounds since the rookies want to kill you in the ring. Besides, this is a great opportunity for me to keep going up in the rankings until I have a chance at the title.

However, you sustained a cut during a sparring session last week, didn't you?

Yes, I suffered a little cut in my left eyebrow. But it's healed now. However, that doesn't concern me at all. I have more than 130 fights on my back so I know what to do in the ring.

Do you know your foe?

I have no idea about him. I'll meet him at the weigh-in. That's why I want to make it clear that I
didn't make any remark about him. I wouldn't like the Australians fans to think that I'm being rude with someone that I don't even know.

But you have to have some sort of reference of him.

All that I know is that he is a young, strong fighter. But I don't like to watch videotapes of my rivals, not even try to analyse them. I study them in the ring. Anyway, I know that I have to knock him out because if the bout goes the distance anything can happen in a foreign country when you're the visitor.

Did you feel more comfortable fighting at light heavyweight, instead of cruiserweight?

Now it's a different story. Because my power punching makes the difference. I had to take punches from 202-pound guys. And I've staggered 196-pound boxers. So now it's much easier for me to knock them out.

Currently, you're again well positioned in the world rankings. Who would you prefer to face if you had the chance?

Am I well positioned at 35 years old? (he laughs). I think people know me because there are only a few fighters of my kind. That's why I will take on anyone. People know that I could have beaten Vassily Jirov (on January 2002) even though I was injured and was giving a huge weight and reach advantage to him. So that tells you that I can beat anyone at light heavyweight. I know I'll be champion again between this year or next.

Rumours have it that you would face former WBC cruiserweight champ Marcelo Domínguez at the Luna Park stadium in Buenos Aires. How true is that?

No one has talked to me about it. Besides, I'm now campaigning as a light heavyweight and I don't think I will go up in weight again. I doubt that Domínguez could weigh less than 198 lbs., so I don't think it'll ever happen.

Who's going to be at your corner in Australia?

I don't remember his name now. It's a trainer who was hired by my promoter, Mario Arano. If it was up to me I'd have chosen my brother to be there.

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