by Charles C. White: I want to first take the opportunity to thank you for this interview Luis. How are you doing today?
LA: I’m doin well. You know, still training.
So let’s start at the beginning. How did you first get into boxing?
LA: I used to always be involved around sports all my life, and I started at a very young age. I did not like that fact that I was too young for certain sports, and the other sports were seasonal. I needed something year round.
What is your overall amateur record to date?
LA: I have a lot of amateur fights, but a rough estimate would be I would say around 120-23.
Few people can deny that you have obvious talent, even winning 6 national titles! What is your most proud moment as an amateur boxer to date?
LA: As of now it would be winning the U.S. Nationals 2 times. My proudest moment still to come would be winning an Olympic medal.
What other accomplishments of yours should the readers unfamiliar with the amateur ranks know about?
LA: I have 2 world medals. I got silver in the 2006 Cadet World Championships and a Bronze in the 2008 Youth World Championships.
Which amateur fighters gave you your toughest tests to date? Tell us about those experiences…
LA: International bouts have always been tough because of the difference in styles. European fighters and other coutries fight completely different than us. In the U.S. though, making it to the finals in any tournament is a guaranteed tough fight.
What motivated you to get through those difficult challenges?
LA: All the hard work that I have put in. The countless miles of running and the hours on the bags that I put in.
How would you describe your style?
LA: I’m versatile. If I fight a strong pressure type fighter, my boxing skills are good enough to adapt to it, and then I can box someone. If I’m fighting someone with good boxing skills and movement, then I can apply pressure because I’m always in good shape.
Who are you currently trained by?
LA: Israel Acosta and also (I) have been working with Ed [Eddie] Mustafa Muhammad.
How important is it for a fighter such as yourself to have a strong bond with his trainer in order to achieve success?
LA: I feel like your corner and trainers is [sic] extremely important, and it has a lot to do with comfort. If I trust and am comfortable with my team, then one can perform at a better level.
What does a typical training session look like for you?
LA: It switches everyday, but for the most part it consists of running everyday. Whether the running is done on hills, treadmills or a track, we have to run everyday. We also make sure we hit the gym everyday.
What fighters, amateur and professional, have you sparred with in order to prepare you for fights?
LA: I’ve worked with several professionals and good amateurs to help prepare, but recently I was lucky enough to work with Ishe Smith and Chad Dawson; two known and respected professionals. Chad Dawson is actually a world champion, and he fight August 14 on HBO for a title. [Dawson went on to lose this fight against Jean Pascal via 11th round technical decision after a headbutt].
Is the ultimate goal for your amateur career to make the 2012 Olympic team? I know that many are already picking you to do great things come 2012.
LA: Yes the ultimate goal for me would be to make the team, but I also would like to get a medal.
Who are some of the fighters that you admired growing up, or even today?
LA: Growing up, I was watchin’ Oscar de la Hoya, Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins. Now, I’m fans of Pacquiao, Mayweather and Chad Dawson actually.
If you could fight any fighter in history that is in your weight class, who would it have been?
LA: I would have to go for one of the greatest ever, Sugar Ray Robinson.
Wisely, you passed on several deals to go pro in order to complete your college career. What degree are you working towards?
LA: Corporate communication.
After college, will you take one of those offers and go pro, or are you bound for other things in life?
LA: I want to become a professional one day, and be a world champion.
Well it has been great speaking with you Luis. Thank you for your time. Any final message to the readers?
LA: Just to remember the name because one day I’ll be a crowd pleasing world champion, with a college degree.
For questions and comments, Charles C. White can be reached at cwhite1078@mysvc.skagit.edu or 360-333-5911.