By Derek Gionta: 2011 was a strong year for ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. Fights such as Wolak-Rodriguez I, Manfredo-Edouard, and a number of other cards that showcased some of the sport’s up and comers and highly rated prospects have made this network a must-see for fans looking to introduce or reacquaint themselves to the sport.
The opening show of 2012 also looks to be one that fans should not miss. In the main event of a nicely filled card, super middleweight Alfonso "El Tigre" Lopez will make his ESPN debut as he faces Dyah Ali Davis in the 10 round main event at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida.
Secondsout had an opportunity to speak with Lopez, 22-1 (17) prior to his departure. Lopez, 29, is most recognized for the competitive ten round majority decision defeat to Kelly Pavlik this past May in Las Vegas. The Corpus Christi native, now residing in Cut and Shoot, Texas, looks to make his mark this Friday night against another fighter with similar aspirations in Davis, 20-2-1 (9), of Coconut Creek, Florida, who has been signaled as the featured fighter.
Q&A:
Q: Talk about how you got started in boxing and what your amateur career was like.
A: Started boxing about 11 years old with my step dad and uncles. My cousins and I would spar daily in our backyard. Was never serious, just a lot of fun. Started competing in the ammys my freshman year in college. SHSU sigma chi fight night was my first ammy fight. Things took off from there. two Texas state Golden Glove titles and silver medal at Men’s USA national championships. Learned quick because I was sparring pros in the gym.
Q: Give the fans some background about you, your family, and your life in general.
A: Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2006. Married my high school sweetheart who makes me who I am today. My wife graduated from Sam Houston with a Master’s in Dietetics and currently is my strength and conditioning coach. She does it all! We have two beautiful children. Madelyn, 8 and Gavin, 2. My family is everything to me. Boxing is a demanding, tough sport/business but we are ALL IN!!
Q: Talk about your current hometown of Cut N’ Shoot, Texas.
A: Cut N’ Shoot is actually the hometown of my head trainer and his family. Roy Harris made the town famous with his incredible career in the sport. We all trained in CNS up until about 2006. Gym finally gave in to a big storm. Henry Harris (trainer) lives in Huntsville and has his own gym on his property that official goes by the name Cut N’ Shoot Boxing gym. He has gym open to all comers. So not really my hometown! Guess you can say adopted. LOL
Q: Talk about your training camp and team that guides you.
A: My team consist of Henry Harris (chief) Trey Harris (second and Manager) John Harris and Felix Ramirez. Gina Lopez (S&C/Dietitian) Camp was one of the toughest, we trained a lot in Houston at Prince boxing gym. Great sparring at prince with top level fighters. Solid eight weeks of work in preparation for this big show
Q: What do you know about your next opponent Dyah Davis?
A: Dyah Davis is a smooth boxer. Has a great coach and team behind him. Strong, fast, good conditioning. Tough dude to fight for anyone.
Q: How does it feel to be fighting on the first Friday Night Fights Card of 2012 in the main event?
A: It’s a great opportunity to be on espn2 FNF opener. Get a chance to be seen by a national audience, and once again show my skills. I’m excited about the opportunity. Focused and ready!
Q: What will a win do for your career and where does a win take you next?
A: Hope the Win impresses people, and moves me up the rankings. A win keeps me trucking along. My team and I have invested lots of time to the sport. Would love a title shot by the end of the year.
Q: Talk about your fight with Kelly Pavlik and some of the positives and negatives you took from that experience?
A: My fight with Kelly was a great experience. We jumped into it very green but absorbed a tremendous amount of knowledge and respect for the game. The fight was a blessing in disguise because with a win I may not be doing the things I am today in order to prepare better and develop more overall skills. Made me go back to the gym and fix the wrongs and enhance the rights
|
|
Q: Are you under contract with any promoters at the moment and if not, have any been knocking at your door looking to sign you some time in 2012?
A: No calls on the line. But our phone line will be busy after this fight! Free agent!
Q: Do you feel that super middleweight is the best division for you and do you have any plans to move up or down in weight as your career progresses?
A: I believe the middleweight division is best suited for me. I played football up to my freshman year in college and it’s taken lots of time to remove the bulk. Over my ammy and pro career I have slowly moved the weight off. I now can make the middleweight limit of 160 but when big opportunities are put in front of you, I cannot turn them down. So this fight is at the super middleweight max. I believe 160-168 will be my best bet!
Q: Closing remarks and comments about anything that’s on your mind going into this fight and the new year?
A: It’s a New year and I have a new look! I have worked extremely hard on the science of boxing, and I plan to put on a great display to start the season of FNF! Big Thanks to all my fans for the support, Team Grant, Dr. Chase Banks and My Beautiful Amazing wife. Not possible without you momma!! Its Go Time, Eat Em Up Kat!!
January 5, 2012
|
Subscribe to feed
