Gangsters, speedboats and machine guns; seldom a part of a fighter's journey from amateur to pro in the sport of boxing, but seldom has there been a fighter like "El Chacal" Guillermo Rigondeaux. Although he didn't pick up the sport until midway through adolescence, he quickly rose through the world amateur rankings en route to becoming a multiple-time World Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, in addition to winning other accolades and championships, too numerous to name.
With his managerial situation officially sorted out (the courts have ruled on behalf of Ireland-based boxing manager Gary Hyde, affirming his legal right to manage Guillermo), the 4-0 (3 KOs) Rigondeaux is perhaps the most highly sought after promotional free agent in boxing at this time. Nearly every promotional powerhouse has expressed interest in signing the man that has been called the most decorated amateur boxer of this era. The world's number 1 boxing podcast, OnThEGRiND BOXiNG, had the privilege of conducting Rigondeaux's first boxing website interview and touched on his plans to become World Champion, his training under Freddie Roach, his views on the sport of boxing in general and much more.
OTG: How are you doing Guillermo?
GR: I'm good, how are you?
OTG: Great. How did you first get involved in boxing in your home country of Cuba? When did you get into the sport?
GR: When I was 14 or 15 years old, I started boxing and I've been boxing since I came to the United States.
OTG: Did you ever dream of or plan to become a pro boxer?
GR: No. I never dreamed of becoming a professional boxer in Cuba. I was told in Cuba that I couldn't box anymore, so I came to the United States and began living the dream.
OTG: Did you watch professional boxing in Cuba and were there any fighters in particular that you admired?
GR: I watched Félix Savón (not a professional), 3-time Olympic Champion, and many others. Félix Savón.
OTG: We've heard that you are a fan of Pernell Whitaker as well.
GR: He's one of the best boxers I've ever seen. Yes, Pernell Whitaker.
OTG: How do you think your fellow countrymen, Mike Perez, Alexi Acosta and Luis Garcia, will do in the pro ranks?
GR: Mike Perez is a great boxer, but right now, I'm focusing on myself, changing my style and hopefully will have a world title soon.
OTG: What fighters have you seen at 122 pounds? We've heard that you've seen Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym and you believe that your style can be perfect to beat the Thai boxer.
GR: I don't want to fight anybody [in particular]. Who I fight is up to the promoter. I will go into hand-to-hand combat with anybody, but I don't have anybody I want to fight. It's up to my promoter.
OTG: Do you plan to clean up the super bantamweight division and move up or do you plan on staying at super bantamweight for the duration of your career?
GR: Right now, I'm happy at this weight. I'm comfortable at this weight and this is where I want to stay. Maybe in the future, I will go up, but there are no plans to now.
OTG: You were one of the world's premiere amateurs during your illustrious career. Who was your toughest opponent?
GR: I don't put one opponent above another because all of my opponents are on the same level [elite]. I think they are all great opponents and they are opponents for a reason. It's a win or lose sport and I don't place one above another.
OTG: You trained as an amateur in Cuba for a long time. How do you compare Freddie Roach with some of your former coaches?
GR: It's two different types of boxing. In Cuba, it's one whole style. Here in the states in the professionals, it's a whole different style. Freddie Roach is the perfect trainer to teach me that style; things like cutting off the ring.
OTG: Who have you been sparring with since you've been training out of the Wild Card Gym?
GR: I've trained with a lot of great boxers in the Wild Card Gym. The best of the best go there. People pass through the Wild Card Gym every day. The best boxers in the world; and tourists also. I can't tell you the names of the boxers I've sparred with off the top of my head because I don't remember, but it's the best of the best.
OTG: We know this was your second attempt to get to the United States. How difficult was it, Guillermo, to leave your friends and family in Cuba and get on that boat to Mexico and eventually make your way to the United States?
GR: That was a tough personal choice. How can it not be? But I'm boxing and making the best of it and liking life right now.
OTG: How does it make you feel knowing that Cuban and Cuban American fans are coming out and showing support for you?
GR: I appreciate the support and I hope to continue to receive 100% support from everybody.
OTG: You won your first World Championship in Ireland in 2001. Was that the proudest moment for you or was it your first Olympic Gold Medal?
GR: Anybody can be a World Champion, but the Olympics only happens once every 4 years and that is the biggest honor in the world. The Olympics was the best time of my life.
OTG: Did you have access to footage of Muhammad Ali and other great fighters of the past?
GR: Yes, I saw a lot of video of Muhammad Ali and he is the greatest boxer in the world.
OTG: Do you have an idea of when a World Title fight will be lined up for you?
GR: I feel that in 1 or 2 fights I should already be World Title material.
OTG: Did you feel frustrated in your last fight by the style of Lante Addy or were you happy just to box and get the rounds in?
GR: No, I was just happy to box. I maintained a good style and that's what boxing is. It's preparation for the world title match; you have got to go against every style.
OTG: Do you prefer being in Miami with your fellow Cubans or Los Angeles at the Wild Card Gym?
GR: In LA, it's better training, but I like Miami better where nearly everybody speaks Spanish. I'm trying to learn English...it's important for me to learn English now that I'm living in America, but right now, I like being in Miami.
OTG: Do you have a prediction for the upcoming clash between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.?
GR: I don't know. They are both great fighters; the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound. I do not think it will end in a knockout. It will be won by decision. Round by round, whoever takes it will win.
OTG: Do you have any desire to fight on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather?
GR: No. I have to work my way up the ladder. I'm not big enough yet. Hopefully some day.
OTG: Thank you very much Guillermo. We wish you the best of luck in your career. We are looking forward to big things in 2010 from you.
GR: Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.
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