"My plan is to stay at 126 for the next three fight and then to move to 130 pounds. I also plan on having Pablo Sarmiento back in my corner for future fights...I'm looking to return as quickly as possible and against anyone at 126 that thinks they can challenge me...I am targeting all of the belt holders in the 126-pound division. I'm confident I can knock all of them out," stated undefeated featherweight Javier Fortuna, who talked about his recent impressive knockout victory, his future plans, and much more. Check it out!
PC: Congratulations on a great knockout win over Miguel Zamudio. When you score a scary knockout like that, is it a bitter sweet moment for you, especially after seeing him brought off on a stretcher?
JF: It is very scary after the moment sinks in and I pray to God that he recovers and can continue his career.
PC: When you missed weight at the weigh-ins, most people will look at it as if you could have tried to lose the half pound. At that point, had you just really dried yourself out and there was no more weight to lose?
JF: I could not lose anymore weight at that point. I showed up to Atlantic City a little heavier than I would have liked and my trainer, Vincente De La Cruz, came the day of the fight due to visa issues. While I was waiting for him in Atlantic City, I did not work out for two days. Once I realized he was not coming until the day of the fight, I had to make up for those two days.
PC: Will you be moving up to 130 or simply changing things up to assure you make the weight limit next fight?
JF: My plan is to stay at 126 for the next three fight and then to move to 130 pounds. I also plan on having Pablo Sarmiento back in my corner for future fights.
PC: You came out very aggressive, swinging bombs. You told me in our last interview that you wanted to erase the memory of the Patrick Hyland fight. Is that why you came out so aggressive or did you see a weakness in Zamudio that you wanted to exploit right away?
JF: I felt that I had to look very impressive after my last fight against Hyland and I knew if I came out very aggressive against Zamudio, I would eventually catch him with my power.
PC: His punches seemed to be very slow and lazy and you punched right over them with that left hand. Were you surprised he got up after the first knockdown?
JF: I was very surprised because I hit him so hard. I did not expect him to recover and get up after that punch.
PC: It seemed like when you landed the second big left hand, you knew it was over. I'm sure you didn't expect him to get up after that.
JF: After that punch, I was certain the fight was over.
PC: A 68-second performance usually calls for a quick turnaround. Would you like a break after this fight or are you looking to get right back in there?
JF: I'm looking to return as quickly as possible and against anyone at 126 that thinks they can challenge me.
PC: Are there any names in particular who you are targeting and is that knockout what we can grow accustomed to seeing from you?
JF: I am targeting all of the belt holders in the 126-pound division. I'm confident I can knock all of them out.
PC: I appreciate your time. Again, congrats and that was a beautiful left hand that you landed. Is there anything you want to say in closing or anyone you want to thank?
JF: I want to thank my manager, Cesar Mercedes, and my promoter, Sampson Lekwowicz, and I want to apologize to the boxing fans about not making the weight and promise it will never happen again.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrFighthype ]