"We are prepared for 12 rounds, but this fight will not go too long and there will be rematches. The biggest certainty of this fight will be that it won't go to a decision, although if it does, it's going to be a very draining fight for both of us as it's going to be full of action...I have more experience than him and I've had more world title fights than he has. I think that's an important detail to mention. It gives me more confidence knowing that, but for sure, he is a very very dangerous fighter and I have to be prepared for anything," stated WBC & WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel as he talked about his highly-anticipated February 19th showdown with Nonito Donaire. Check out what else he had to say.
BJ: Hi Fernando, how's training going?
FM: Very well. I'm already feeling strong. I hope my preparation will be 100 percent and I have no doubts that it will be. I'm giving it my all, I'm in very good condition already, and I'm just waiting for that first bell to sound.
BJ: How much satisfaction does it give you that one of boxing's most awaited fights will take place after all the disappointments we've had?
FM: A lot of satisfaction; it's one of the most asked for fights by the fans and it's good that the company and the television networks have gotten together for it. It's a very good fight for my career and very very important.
BJ: How would you define your 2010? Many considered you to be among the 3 best fighters of 2010, along with [Sergio] Martinez and [Giovani] Segura.
FM: It was very satisfactory because I had four fights and all four I won by knockout. They were important fights, such as the one in Japan with the most difficult champion out there. I had 4 fights in total, which was more than sufficient.
BJ: Are you convinced that this fight will not go the distance, given the styles of both fighters?
FM: Yes, definitely. We are prepared for 12 rounds, but this fight will not go too long and there will be rematches. The biggest certainty of this fight will be that it won't go to a decision, although if it does, it's going to be a very draining fight for both of us as it's going to be full of action.
BJ: You have had more fights than him. Do you think that can be an advantage for you and an important factor in the fight?
FM: It could be an advantage. I have more experience than him and I've had more world title fights than he has. I think that's an important detail to mention. It gives me more confidence knowing that, but for sure, he is a very very dangerous fighter and I have to be prepared for anything.
BJ: You're in one of the most interesting weight divisions at the moment. Who do you think will win between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko?
FM: I think Abner Mares will win. He's Mexican, so I hope he wins.
BJ: There are options at super bantamweight as well. Do you think you will move up in weight this year?
FM: Yes, it's one of my objectives, to go up to super bantamweight and win a world title in a forth weight division. That would be a bit of history here in Mexico.
BJ: You are from the city of Los Mochis. Many sportsman, not just boxers, have emerged from there and had success. To what do you think this success is down to?
FM: Well, I don't know what it's down to, but it's a city that, like you said, has produced many good sportsman, not just boxers, and we've had success at the world level. We've had a lot of world champions here in Los Mochis and I still think there's more to come.
BJ: By the way, recently, I interviewed Jesus Soto-Karass, also from Los Mochis, and he had some good words to say about you.
FM: He's a good boxer and I wish him all the luck. He's a courageous fighter and he has all the tools to win his next fight.
BJ: Finally Fernando, do you have a message for your fans out there?
FM: Yes, of course. I'd like to thank them for all the support that they've given me. I'm going to give everything so that they get the fight they deserve and want to see. I hope they'll enjoy this fight and I'll see them all soon.
BJ: Thank you for your time Fernando and best of luck for the fight.
FM: Thanks Ben, see you.
Be sure to follow Fernando Montiel's Twitter account, www.twitter.com/ElKoChul, as he sends live updates (in Spanish) from his training camp.