Yoan Pablo Hernandez is ready for the biggest fight of his life when he challenges IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham (24-2, 12 KOs) in Neubrandenburg, Germany on October 1. Boxing-online.com has caught up with the 26-year-old (24-1, 13 KOs).
Q: What do you think of Steve Cunningham?
YPH: “He is a very good boxer. This fight is a tremendous challenge for me and my chance to show everybody how good I am.”
Q: What will your tactics be like for this fight?
YPH: “Cunningham is fast and experienced. That is something I need to be aware of. That´s all I can say. Of course neither my coach Mr. Wegner nor I will reveal the strategy beforehand.”
Q: Cunningham has already defeated your team-mates Marco Huck and Enad Licina. Are you scared that you might be his third victim?
YPH: “No, not at all. Every fight is different. I felt sorry for Marco and Enad that they lost. Marco´s defeat has been quite a while ago, so who knows what the outcome would be now. What I know for sure, however, is that October 1 will be my big day. I will be the new champion.”
Q: You are from Cuba. Is the fight against Cunningham also a fight between Cuba and the USA?
YPH: “No. It’s a fight between two boxers, that´s it. And even though I was born in Cuba, I´ve been living in Germany for quite a while now and feel at home over here.”
Q: Not long ago, you had a special visitor…
YPH: “Yes. My mother came and visited me. I had not seen her for more than six years. It was a very emotional and unforgettable moment for us.”
Q: You knocked out Steve Herelius in February to become the vacant WBA Cruiserweight Champion. You were supposed to fight Guillermo Jones. What happened?
YPH: “I´m not sure. But then came the chance to fight Cunningham, which is great because I can finally accomplish my dream of becoming world champion. I´ve been training ever since February, so I will be in top shape.”
Q: Cunningham is also a member of Team Sauerland. Is he more of a “team-mate” or “enemy” for you?
YPH: “Neither. He is my opponent inside the ring. He is somebody I want to beat. And I will beat him.”