As 2010 started Rocky Fuentes 28-6-2(18) was just another fighter in the Flyweight division. However he enjoyed a very successful year claiming the OPBF 112 title when he went to Japan and beat reigning champion Masafumi Okubo. He followed that up with 3 successful defences, all ending inside the distance, with two of them on the road in Japan. The 25 year old is a product of the very successful ALA Gym in The Philippines. He hope’s he is able to follow in predecessors footsteps and also win a world title. He is currently highly ranked WBC 3, WBA 6, IBF 7, WBO 6 & The Ring magazine 8.
Hello Rocky, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly what are you plans for 2011? When can we expect to see you in action next?
Rocky Fuentes – Hello Mr. Wainwright. I am scheduled to fight on March 19, 2011 against Indonesian Jemmy Gobel in ALA Promotions PINOY PRIDE 4: Philippines VS The World.
Anson Wainwright – You enjoyed a great 2010, going 5-0 with 4 stoppages winning the OPBF Flyweight title. What can you tell us about how you feel about your fights last year?
Rocky Fuentes – Me and my team met late 2009 to plan out our 2010 campaign and we set goals. We were looking into a regional championship and when we got a call from Japan for an OPBF Title challenge we took it. I really trained hard. I worked so hard because I wanted that belt badly.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us who are the members of your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?
Rocky Fuentes – My coach is Joseph Baldago and My Manager is Sir ALA (Mr. Antonio Aldeguer) I am handled by ALA Promotions. I have been training at the ALA Gym since I started boxing.
Anson Wainwright – ALA has many very good fighters, who do you, spar with in the gym?
Rocky Fuentes – I spar regularly with WBO Minimumweight World Champion Donnie Nietes, Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, Marjohn Yap and a number of prospects headed by Albert Pagara.
Anson Wainwright – Many Filipino fighters have gone and fought in North America, so far you have fought exclusively in Asia. Would you like to fight in America? Is there something in the works regarding this?
Rocky Fuentes – It would really be great if I get to experience fighting in America but it really is up to my Promoter and Manager. I trust them with my career.
Anson Wainwright – You were born and raised in Cebu, can you tell us about your early years. Many fighters around the world have very hard childhood was this the case with you?
Rocky Fuentes – One of the reasons I went into boxing was to help my family. I also wanted to continue what my father did which was to box. He used to box before.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested and then involved in Boxing?
Rocky Fuentes – I immediately fell in love with the sport since I first saw boxing at a mall that featured Z Gorres and Rodel Mayol. I was so impressed by them and I wanted to do what they were doing. I went straight to the ALA Gym to train.
Anson Wainwright – You had a tough start to your career going 13-5-2 in your first 20 fights. Can you tell us about the first part of your career and how you managed to turn things around and put yourself in the World title picture?
Rocky Fuentes – My career actually started well and I was winning and knocking out opponents but an unfortunate incident happened where a guy I knocked out passed away days after we fought due to the blows he absorbed. I was so bothered and…I don’t know Phobia I guess.
After the losses I realized that I was in a sport to hurt or get hurt. I gathered and re-focused and prayed to God for the best to come out of things. I have goals now and I intend to achieve them.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the Flyweight division and the current champions WBC Pongsaklek Wongjonkam WBA Luis Concepcion IBF Moruti Mthalane & WBO Julio Cesar Miranda?
Rocky Fuentes – They are a really really tough bunch but I will work hard to make it to the top and hopefully get a chance to test my skills and challenge these guys.
Anson Wainwright – Who so far is the toughest opponent you have fought so far in your career?
Rocky Fuentes – So far I think it was Shigetaka Ikehara of Japan for my first title defence. He was very tough and he was taking the best shots I gave and never backed down. He did not want to quit even if I was giving him a bad beating. Good thing his corner stopped the fight. He was a great fighter with a great heart.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?
Rocky Fuentes – I usually spent time with my family and friends hanging out in the mall or doing my duties for our church.
Anson Wainwright – Some Boxers also have day jobs do you currently do any other jobs or have you ever had a job away from Boxing?
Rocky Fuentes – As of now I just box but I am saving what I can to put up my own small business in the future.
Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Manny Pacquiao has really put your country on the map. What are your thoughts on what he has achieved?
Rocky Fuentes – He has inspired millions, including me to be the best I can be in whatever I do.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Flyweight division?
Rocky Fuentes – I hope the champions of my division will give me a chance to challenge them for their belts. That would really be fun.
Thanks for your time Rocky and keep up the good work.
Thank you Mr. Wainwright
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
