Exclusive Boxing Interview: Carlos Quintana

Carlos “Indio” Quintana is prepared as one can get for his upcoming title fight tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, as he faces undefeated former 140-pound WBO titleholder Miguel Cotto for the vacant IBF Welterweight belt in what will be Cotto’s first bout at that weight. With more to gain than lose, the 30 year old southpaw has his hopes set high and knows that he is the underdog in this fight, but that seems to be the last thing he is thinking about.

Click for larger image © Tom Casino Showtime Boxing

As far as Quintana is concerned, Cotto is the one taking chances and has the most to lose in this fight. Carlos is not coming into this contest overlooking anything nor is he taking this opportunity for granted; he knows the task ahead of him is not an easy one and will not even think about the future at the moment.

Quintana feels that he needs to take care of the business at hand before he starts making plans. A humble guy who doesn’t overlook anyone is a hard combination of character to find in this sport and here is what Carlos Quintana had to say to SaddoBoxing about the upcoming fight with Miguel Cotto and his career.

SaddoBoxing: Carlos, you’re a hard guy to pin down! How is Atlantic City?

Carlos Quintana: “It’s good. I am very ready for the fight, now I am just waiting.”

SB: “You’re facing Miguel Cotto, a fighter with a reputation for knocking guys out. Do think that he may have taken this fight before a tune up at 147 because he thinks it might be easy?

CQ: “No, I think he is just trying to get himself a belt as quick as possible. Titles are what fighters want and when the chance is there, you take it.”

SB: Is there anyone on your radar after this fight? Anyone you are looking to fight first assuming you win?

CQ: “No, not yet. No matter who wins, there is mandatory challengers we have obligations to so that has to be taken care of first. I think Oktay Urkal is the number one mandatory.”

SB: Now that Floyd Mayweather has left 147 and moved up to 154 for the moment, do you think that leaves the division open for more guys to have bigger fights with each other? It seemed for a short while that Floyd was the focus for everyone and they could care less about going after anyone else?

CQ: “I think more fights will happen but they were always there to happen. It is just that Floyd was the one to earn the most money with.”

SB: Assuming that you win the belt and then beat the mandatory challenger, who would be the first guy you would like to face if given a choice?

CQ: “Well, Margarito is the number one guy right now at 147 since Mayweather left. I know that he wants to face the other title-holders, so he would be the best as far as money. I think maybe Judah would be a good fight, also depending on how focused he is. Maybe try 154 and chase Mayweather, who knows? I just want to win this one first. I am not overlooking anyone, especially Cotto.”

SB: Cotto relies on his power a lot. At 140, he had more than enough to take care of business. Some people think that without power, he is one-dimensional. Do you think if he is not able to carry the power to 147 effectively that he is going to be that one dimensional fighter some people claim he is?

CQ: “I have known Miguel for a long time. I know he has been working with weight training to build up his power more. I also know he doesn’t take anyone lightly, either. I will come out and box in the beginning. I know he will try to catch me early. I also know he will look to see how I react to his punches. I have some good power of my own, so I will see how he takes my shots also. I have studied him and know his strategy. I am prepared for him. I am confident enough that I can take what he has, then out box him.”

SB: Anything to say to your supporters?

CQ: “Everyone watching knows I am going to give him a good fight. To be confident as I am of that, I will walk away with a victory. No one will be disappointed.”

SB: Carlos, good luck this weekend. As always, on behalf of SaddoBoxing and myself, thank you for your time.

CQ: “Thank you. I am going to do my best.”