SANTA FE, ARGENTINA—What do you do when you sign to fight in the biggest bout of your life, for the largest purse of your life and against the man widely regarded as the top boxer in the world? If you’re Carlos Baldomir (photo by Tom Casino) , you go fishing with a few friends near your hometown.
After defeating Zab Judah Jan. 7, 2006, with a 12-round decision to become the World Boxing Council and lineal welterweight champion and then defending successfully by a spectacular ninth-round stoppage of Arturo Gatti July 22, Baldomir, who’s promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions, is set to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. Nov. 4 at the Mandalay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
But, before training camp began, Baldomir, an avid fisherman, visited the Parana River in Argentina, mere minutes from his home in Santa Fe. While fishing, the Argentine native reeled in the largest Bogas he has ever caught..
“When I felt the hard tug on my line, I knew it was a big one,” said Baldomir. “I laughed and thought of Mayweather. I thought, ‘Just like this fish, I have Mayweather hooked. I just need to reel him in.’ And the Bogas I caught that day was one of the sweetest fish I’ve ever eaten, just as Mayweather will be the finest victory for me. It was a very good omen.”
Baldomir, the modern-day “Cinderella Man,” burst on the national fight scene during 2005, his first year with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, and is the frontrunner for “Fighter of the Year” for 2006.
“Now that training camp has begun, my entire focus is on boxing and cooking up Mayweather,” Baldomir said.
“Carlos has taken us all along for a fantastic ride this year,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “I can’t wait to see where he leads us next.”
“This is a huge fight for Carlos and a big day for Sycuan,” said Scott Woodworth, Vice President, Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “This is our seventh world title fight of 2006; hopefully, it’ll be our lucky number in Las Vegas.”