Last year under the radar the very well respected Juan Carlos Payano who had enjoyed a stellar amateur career finally decided the time was right for him to move into the pro game. He had fought in many International tournaments including 2 Olympics & World Championships and had received an offer an offer he liked so elected to hang up the head gear. The 26 year old Dominican Republic born fighter is currently 4-0(2) though is based out of Miami, Florida. He intends to have a big 2011 and move quickly. Here’s what he had to say.
Hello Juan Carlos, welcome to 15rounds.com
Thank you for having me on.
Anson Wainwright – Firstly you turned pro August 2010 and quickly moved to 4-0(2) how have you found fighting in the pro’s so far? What’s the toughest part?
Juan Carlos Payano – Yes, I have been moving quickly, I am having a great time so far. The hardest part is staying patient in the fight, but I am working on that everyday in the gym.
Anson Wainwright – When will you fight next? What sort of schedule are you looking at for 2011?
Juan Carlos Payano – I will fight in March in Nicaragua, my promoter and manager are looking for a busy 2011 no less than 10 fights.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly train at?
Juan Carlos Payano – My promoter is Henry Rivalta (Dream Team Boxing Promotions) my manager and trainer is Herman Caicedo he has over 17 years in the pros, trained Lou Del Valle, Shannon Briggs, Ray Mercer, and the gym is Dream Team Gym in Miami.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your style of fighting?
Juan Carlos Payano – My style of fighting is a boxer/puncher.
Anson Wainwright – Do you have a nickname?
Juan Carlos Payano – My nickname is “El Don” I got it from my team mates
Anson Wainwright – What was it like for you growing up in the Dominican Republic as a child? Was it tough like for you like many other boxers?
Juan Carlos Payano – Well it was very tough, we were very poor, but boxing was a way for me to travel see the world and help pay the home bills and feed my family.
Anson Wainwright – How did you first get interested and then involved in Boxing?
Juan Carlos Payano – I started boxing at 6 years old, my dad took me to a fight and after that I wanted to box.
Anson Wainwright – You had a very impressive amateur fighting at the Olympics twice and the Worlds. Can you tell us what tournaments you won medals in and what your final record was?
Juan Carlos Payano – I won medals in Pan American games, Central American games, two Olympics and World championships, my final record was over 500 fights.
Anson Wainwright – What made your turn pro at 25 years old? Was it always your intention to go pro?
Juan Carlos Payano – Henry Rivalta and Herman Caicedo came to the Dominican Republic to meet with a few of us, unlike the many who came before them, they were very truthful and sincere. Promised nothing but dedication and hard work on our behalf. I planned to turn pro earlier than 25 but it didn’t happen, I did not trust any of the firms and people who came to recruit us.
Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you fight in the amateur’s that are now professional and how did you do?
Juan Carlos Payano – I fought Yuriorkis Gamboa, Yoandris Salinas I am not sure who else has gone pro. But I fought the best in the world for many years. I am sure there are a few guys and even champions.
Anson Wainwright – Your last fight you 118 but you have been up at Super Bantamweight, what weight are you looking to fight at going forward?
Juan Carlos Payano – I am fighting at 118, the reason for the higher weight is the opponents do not want to fight me at 118 so I moved up to give them the weight advantage.
Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up and who do you enjoy watching today?
Juan Carlos Payano – Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, and as many other do I love Manny Pacquiao.
Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and interests?
Juan Carlos Payano – I play the guitar, and I am a tech geek. I love all sports but I am learning American football and really enjoying it…My coach/manager is teaching me that also…
Thanks for your time Juan Carlos, keep up the hard work.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
