Exclusive Boxing Interview: Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa

The Bronx’s Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa “can’t stop, won’t stop.” He is on his journey to greatness and is paving the road with vigorous training, concentration and his fitness program.

Currently at 20-3-1 (13), Mr. Figueroa always had a positive, happy-go-lucky attitude growing up. Even getting questionably sent home from Miguel Cotto’s training camp, EL Gato rises above.

SaddoBoxing: You were Miguel Cotto’s sparring partner in preparation for his fight against Manny Pacquiao. How was your experience? And did you sense any problems?

Francisco Figueroa: “Cotto and my personalities don’t mix. There was a personality clash. We didn’t say too much to each other. It was never a “hi, bye” sort of thing. I was doing everything asked of me as a sparring partner. I was near, so close, to Manny Pacquiao’s moves and angles. I push myself, and am competitive. I am self motivated, so even at 180 lb, which I was at during his camp, I stayed competitive. I have never had a complaint before. And I sparred with Sugar Shane, Arturo Gatti, Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto. I’m a sparring partner, but I’m a boxer first.”

SB: You had Pacquiao winning. What did you observe about Cotto during his fight against Pacquiao?

FF: “Yes, I did have Pacquiao winning. Then when I was watching the fight, the first two rounds were all Cotto, he had them. He also had the weight advantage. I thought, maybe he fooled me.”

SB: You recently fought against Rashad Halloway. What was going on there?

FF: “Yeah, it was a draw. I went up in weight to 147, he was very much overweight during the fight. We used 8oz gloves. So I gave him an advantage.”

SB: Details of a fight are like puzzle pieces, hard to fit for both boxers. So how are you improving?

FF: “After the fight, I took four weeks off, then was back in the gym. I run a lot, I love running, I run 7.2 minute miles. It’s a big improvement for myself and that’s the most important. After being knocked out in the Randall Bailey fight, I wasn’t discouraged, I was back in the gym a month later. I am with my trainer Chelo Bentancourt full time. Not just if I’m in camp. I’m happy and focused. I’m constantly learning new stuff, and incorporate a lot of different things and techniques.”

SB: Please, more details on your fitness program.

FF: “It’s called ‘Team Gato’s 12 Rounds of Fitness: Can’t stop, won’t stop’. I always keep my clients motivated and let them know they can go beyond what they expected. I teach them blue collar boxing, if it’s not productive, it’s not proper. Also, I have a cross country program-; on Saturdays, you can run three miles cross country, hills too. Then chill, relax and do some fitness after, like conditioning.”

SB: So you are always on you toes training. What’s in your horizon?

FF: “Well, Square Ring asked me to fight in January or February. I am very focused. I chose February. And you know, I’m getting hand surgery tomorrow. Finally getting it done.

SB: Yes, and I am scheduled right after you! Ironic. Well, you have dedicated fans all over the world. How was your experience in magical Rome?

FF: “The fans have been incredible, all of my fans. Team Gato of Rome sponsored me and went above and beyond, showing me a good time in Italy. I boxed with them and did some fitness. They treated me like a king. I am so grateful for them. It was the best experience.”

For additional information on Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa and his fitness program, visit teamgato.com or youtube.com/teamgato.