06.01.05 – Junior Welterweight prospect Al “Speedy” Gonzales (16-0-1) is preparing for his February 4th Shobox fight with Oscar Diaz, by training with Jr. Welterweight Champ Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather is gearing-up for his January 22nd title defense against Henry Bruseles on HBO..
Gonzales, who closed-out 2004 with a one sided 10 round shut-out of Roberto Ortega, jumped at the opportunity to work with Mayweather. “I can’t think of a better way to get ready for my February fight”, Gonzales stated. “Floyd is a very cool guy and a real professional. He’s all business in the gym and I like that.”
“Speedy” is no stranger to World Championship training camps. He spent October and November at Joe Goosen’s gym helping “Sugar” Shane Mosley prepare for his title bout with Winky Wright. “That was great work”, Gonzales said about the experience. “I love Cali (California) and to be training with one of the best fighters in the world was an experience money can’t buy.” “Shane is not only a great fighter, he’s one of the coolest dudes I ever met – in or outside the ring. He gave me some great advice and told me I can be a world champ if I dedicate myself and work hard.” “That meant a lot to me”, Gonzales continued, “I hope I can work with him again.
Gonzales’ trainer, the well respected, Jesse Reid was instrumental in securing the opportunity to work with Mayweather. “I’ve known Roger (Mayweather) for a long time, said Reid, “and I asked him if he was interested in having “Speedy” work with Floyd. He was reluctant at first, but after seeing Floyd and Speedy spar for seven rounds, he was convinced that Speedy was the guy to help Floyd get ready.” Reid concluded, “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to work with Team Mayweather. Floyd is a consummate professional and both he and Speedy will benefit from this experience.”
Gonzales’ managers, Albert Falcon and Pat Doljanin, see 2005 as a break-out year for “Speedy.” Said Doljanin, “Al is having his best camp ever. Albert and I are very grateful to Jesse Reid and Anna Beth Goodman for getting everything set-up in Las Vegas. I know Al misses LA, but he’s in the boxing capitol of the world. In Floyd Mayweather, he’s working with the best boxer in the world.”
According to Co-manager Albert Falcon, “Speedy wants to, and needs to, make a statement February 4th. Oscar Diaz is a tough prospect that we have a lot of respect for. Oscar is not going to Foxwoods (casino) to lose. This is going to be a great fight and I think it will pick-up where Elder/Burton left-off. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Duva Boxing again.”