21.06.07 – John Martinez, BoxingRealm.com: This Saturday HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will showcase what many believe will be a candidate for fight of the year when Jose Luis “ El Temible” Castillo (55,7,1, 47KO’s) challenges Ricky “ The Hitman” Hatton (42,0,0, 30 KO’s) for the WBC junior welterweight title at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. HBO will air the fight live beginning at 10 PM ET/PT.
I had a chance to ask the two- time world champion Castillo about the upcoming fight and this is what he had to say:
JM: How was training camp and how do you feel at 140?
JLC: I had a very good training camp and making 140 is much easier than 135 and I just feel better and stronger at this weight..
JM: When we last you against Herman Ngoudjo, you seemed to be in a tougher than expected fight for your junior welterweight debut. Can you assess your performance from that night?
JLC: I was expecting an easier fight but Ngoudjo turned out to be a much tougher opponent and I hadn’t fought in almost a year and it showed. It was a bit of a struggle but I was able to win.
JM: What do you expect to see from Hatton and what should the public expect to see from you?
JLC: If Hatton comes to fight it should be a great fight. If he comes to hold, grab, and hit, then it will be an ugly fight. But I fight the same all the time.
JM: Are you at all concerned with Hatton’s punching power or do you size him up to be more of a volume puncher than a guy that sits on his punches and follows through with them?
JLC: I’m not concerned about anything Hatton does. I come to make my fight. I do believe he has a great heart and will push forward and that will make for a war on the inside, but I can’t tell you about his punching power until I actually feel it.
JM: What are your thoughts on the warrior Diego Corrales’ untimely passing? The two of you will always share boxing history.
JLC: His death was very tragic and it made me sad. We will always be linked together because of the great fight we had and I feel honored to have fought him.
JM: Final thoughts for your legion of fans.
JLC: I hope everyone turns on to watch because they know I will always do my best.
JM: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions.