Getting To Know Randy “El Matador” Caballero

Carlos Gomez recently had the opportunity to speak with Golden Boy Promotions Nicaraguan-American, un-defeated (13-0, 7 k.o.’s) prospect and WBC, Youth Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero.

Below is a Question and Answer session with Carlos Gomez

Gomez: Thank you for taking time from your training schedule to speak with us and talk to us about your up and coming fight with Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (29-5-1, 20 ko’s).

Q: How is your training going?

A: “I’m feeling the urgency of now to diligently prepare for my March 16^th fight at Fantasy Springs Casino in front of my home crowd. I am training very hard, sparring with a great group of guys that keep me focused and sharp. I feel that the sparring I’ve done in the past with Nonito Donaire (WBO Super Bantamweight Champ., “The Filipino Flash”, 28-1-0, 18 ko’s) has added a great deal of experience to my boxing style.”

Q: Give us some in-sight as to your up bringing in the Caballero family. What was that like?

A: “The Caballero family consists of three siblings; I have one older brother and two younger brothers. My family is rooted in boxing as my father was a fighter and my older brother was too. As you can imagine, our evenings would include many living room sibling fights. My family is the core, support and inspiration since my first fight at eight years old. They will be my titanium spine of support. Dad has taught me everything I know. No family is perfect...however, we are a tight knit family and part of our family values consist of hard-work ethic, working out to stay strong and healthy; An attitude and demeanor to never give up, never surrender!...Persistence and respect are huge morals and values in my life and in the Caballero family.”

Q: Who are your mentors, role models?

A: “My Dad and older brother (Robert Caballero) are. I vividly remember watching his fights and witnessing first hand the psychological, physical and strategic breakdown of his opponents in the ring. It is those boxing characteristics that has brought me much inspiration to my style of fighting. A fighter which has also given me much inspiration for the person he was and his disposition was Nicaraguan boxing legend Alexis “El Flaco Explosivo” Arguello (died at the age of 57 on July 1^st 2009). His explosiveness in the ring and tactical dismantling of his opponents are all things I admired about him. I try to be a student of boxing by studying film; observing fighters tendencies and training regiments. I look at all things to give me an edge. I feel very fortunate to have sparred with boxing greats like Nonito Donaire while he was in preparation for the (Fernando “Cochulito”) Montiel fight that resulted in a technical knock out win in the second round. It was an amazing experience to have done that with him and I see that as an important part of continued boxing growth and maturity.”

Q: How are you approaching the March 16^th, fight vs. Jose Luis Araiza?

A: “I don’t care who they put in front of me...I’m there, I train 110% in the gym and I work hard so that I’m prepared for anything. We’ve been working on a various styles, we know anyone they put in front of me to fight will come in swinging. We are working on a variety of techniques, including added head movement and footwork. We are working on mitigating the stifling, high pressure type of fighter as well as other styles.”

Q: What does your career blue print look like for success?

A: “The recipe for my success lies with being a member of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and the work that my Manager, Cameron Duncan does. The continued guidance that both my Dad and Brother give me will continue to guide the path of my career. I will continue to fight at Super (Bantamweight) and then slowly move up in weight classes to take on additional challenges. I would like to thank the boxing pubic, especially the Coachella Valley public for supporting me in what I’ve done so far. I will continue to work hard to prove myself to all of the fight fans. I can be followed on Twitter: @TeamCaballero and on the web: teamcaballero.com”

March 9, 2012