Q & A with Guillermo Rigondeaux

One of the most decorated amateur’s of all time Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux debuted last May. Since then he’s run his record to an impressive 5-0(4) with his most recent one on the recent “Friday Night Fights” he ended the fight with Adolfo Landeros in just 28 seconds with a debilitating body shot. Rigondeaux 29, a two time World & Olympic champion hails from La Prueba in Cuba first tried to escape his homeland in 2007 but was foiled. However in he was successful in a second attempt in early 2009. Though many fighters would be looking to build themselves up slowly this isn’t the case with Rigondeaux who is widely regarded as a blue chip prospect. He’s trained by the highly regarded Freddy Roach who praises the Cuban to such an extent he believes Rigondeaux will be a World Champion inside 10 fights. It looks like a heck of a journey that should be worth paying attention too.

Hello Guillermo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hello Anson it is nice to speak with you.

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you fought Adolfo Landeros on Friday Night Fights, what did you think of your performance? When are you looking to be back in action next?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I didn’t even get going but I have been working on fighting more aggressively and I showed Friday night how I can be as effective when
attacking as defensively.

Anson Wainwright – After so many years in the amateur’s how have you found the move to pro’s? What are the biggest difference’s for you?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – In the pro game I have to train very hard and be very disciplined. I love training hard and sparring with very experienced opponents.

Anson Wainwright – Your manager is Gary Hyde. However until recently this wasn’t clear with it going to arbitration. What happened exactly from your point of view?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Gary was the first manager to sign me and looked after me when I had nothing in Cuba. When I left Cuba I met with some other people who took advantage of my situation but all the problems are behind me now and I have a good team around me

Anson Wainwright – In your opinion how far away do you think you are from fighting for a world title in the pro’s?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I will fight in March this year for the 118lbs title and then I will move back up to 122lbs and then 126lbs. I will be a 3 weight champion in the next 18 months

Anson Wainwright – In the amateur’s your had probably the best record of any fighter that ever lived winning countless International tournaments and medals. Could you tell us what you won altogether & what your final record was as there has been several different records that have been published?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Two time Olympic Gold medal, Two time world champion, Pan American Champion 246 fights with just 3 losses

Anson Wainwright – What title do you consider to be the one that meant the most to you & why?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Olympic Gold because it is the most prestigious and very competitive.

Anson Wainwright – Who has been the toughest guy you fought in your entire amateur career?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I fought many tough guys so I would not like to single one out in case I disappoint some of the others. There are a lot of very tough amateurs on
the world circuit

Anson Wainwright – Having fought so many times in the amateur’s how close do you think you are now to your prime?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I am a novice pro but ready to fight for a world title that should answer your question. I am preserved and seldom hit because of my defensive
skills so I will be champion in to my late 30s.

Anson Wainwright – You train at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach. There are many talented guys around there including Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan. Have you sparred or trained with them, if so what can you tell us about it?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Manny and Amir are very exciting fighters. I would love to spar both of them because I will gain a lot from them and they will from me but we
are in the same team so the competitiveness will be there but its not the same as actual combat.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in La Prueba in Cuba can you tell us about when you were young and how life was for you and then how it took you towards Boxing?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I used to pull large tanks of water for many miles to my family home from the village so I think that’s where I get my base strength. As for the
boxing in Cuba if you don’t get on the national team life is very difficult so when I joined boxing first I found it very natural and spent most of my days practising

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing how do you enjoy spending your time?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I like to dance and listen to Rega Bo but I train 3 times a day so I don’t get much time away.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up and favourite fighter?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Pernell Whitaker is my favourite pro fighter

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – To defend my title, when I win it, in Cuba and be the best fighter and champion that I possibly can and to be respected for this.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans around the world along with the people of Cuba?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – 2010 is Guillermo’s year and I will make you very proud when I will be world champion.

Thanks for your time Guillermo, keep up the good work

Thank you Anson

Anson Wainwright
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