By Estewil Quesada-Fernandez: Barranquilla, Colombia. Colombia’s Carlos Támara collides tonight in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, against local Omar Narváez. Támara (17-3-0, 10 KOs), who defeated ranked number one, Mexican Alejandro “Payasito” Hernández, last December 7 in Miami, FL, earned the ticket to fight tonight for the WBO Flyweight Title. Narváez (25-0-2, 16 Kos) reaches his twelfth defense.
I had the opportunity to interview the twenty-four-year-old Colombian. Here is what the Sincelejo-native had to say.
Estéwil Quesada-Fernandez: This fight was unexpected. How do you feel right now?
Carlos Támara: I feel great! I didn’t rest in December. I worked out twice on December 24, 25, and 31. My trainer Roberto Durán Jr., [the son of Panamanian legend Roberto Durán] has taught me a lot of things in Miami, where I live.
EQF: Having a championship match in the near future, would you fight someone like Hernández did with you?
CT: No, I wouldn’t. Hernández made a big mistake fighting me. I would call him out, but what Hernández had to do was to focus on his fight against Narváez.
EQF: You were fighting at 108 pounds. Are you giving advantage at 112?
CT: No. Now I’m faster and stronger. I feel much better. I was weak at 108. Now I’m explosive!
EQF: Narváez is fighting since former champion Daniel Reyes was an amateur. What do you know about him?
CT: He’s a warrior. He likes to fight. However, in the last fights he hasn’t had either the precision or the strength that I have. It’s gonna be hard for him. Becoming a world champion is my dream. I want to please my family and my people because I didn’t win a medal in the Olympic Games in Athens.
EQF: But he’s the favorite in Argentina…
CT: That’s their problem. They believe I’m not a great boxer, but I will surprise them too. Up in the ring I have to confuse Narváez, take advantage of his mistakes. I have a plan that I can’t talk about, but if it fails, I will use my repertory. You know that I’m very technical.
EQF: Then, you’re already thinking as a champion…
CT: You’re right! Since I worked out twice on December 25, I’ll have my Christmas this 25. The belt will be my gift.