With less than two weeks before his showdown with WBA Interim lightweight champion Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs), Peruvian contender Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs) reflects on his training camp and the golden opportunity his promoter Gary Shaw has provided for him. The 12-round bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California and air live on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” on January 9, 2015. Maicelo is rated WBA #7, WBO #13 and WBC #22.
Maicelo on fighting Perez on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”…..
“I’m very thankful to my promoter Gary Shaw for bringing me back on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”. I’m looking to redeem myself from my last performance when I lost to Nugaev. I’ve learned from that loss and have every intention on bringing home the victory. This is a big opportunity for Team Maicelo to shine on national television.”
Maicelo on Darleys Perez as a fighter…..
“Perez is a very determined fighter who worked his way back to the top after losing to Gamboa. He’s got a lot of heart but I feel I’m the more skilled fighter. He has a lot of experience fighting at the top level. He’s a crafty veteran, but this is my time to show the world that I’m the better fighter.”
Maicelo on training camp…..
“We’ve had a great training camp here in New Jersey. We did all of our sparring in the Bronx where I’ve had over 100 rounds of good work with top guys. The focus is there with my trainer Butch Sanchez. Together we have a great game plan that we will execute on fight night.”
Maicelo on fighting for the WBA Interim Championship…..
“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a world champion and a win against Perez will be incredible. It’s been a long road to get to where I am today and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Gary Shaw came through on his promise to get me this fight and I’m going to make him and everyone in my country proud. The WBA Interim Championship is mine for the taking.”
“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Gary Shaw. “You have two warriors ready to leave everything in the ring. Maicelo is very confident in his abilities as is Perez, which makes for a very entertaining fight. The Chumash Casino will be rocking on January 9th, that you can take to the bank.”
