Exclusive Boxing Interview: Mike Arnauotis

Light welterweight “Mighty” Mike Arnauotis, 17-1-2 (9), is getting ready to face #7 ranked contender Kendall Holt on April 20, 2007 in a WBO title eliminator. Arnauotis is coming off a hard fought decision loss to current WBO Light Welterweight titlist Ricardo Torres last November in a fight that had Arnauotis putting Torres down in the seventh and in some

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peoples eyes, it was a performance that should have won Mike not only the bout but a world title.

When most fighters would have been somewhat bitter about the decision, Mike chalked it up as an experience and became even more motivated, refusing to point blame at anyone and taking full responsibility.

A constant professional who strives to be the best that he can, Arnauotis has re-evaluated himself and since entering training camp, has worked on any slight flaws that might have cost him the decision in that fight.

In our interview, I was surprised at how upbeat he was and just how anxious he was to get back in the ring and prove not only to himself, but to the world, what he is made of.

The Greek born, current US resident fighter has one goal in mind; to get another title shot and join the elite of the sport.

With such a positive outlook and strong will to succeed, there is no reason that “Mighty” Mike won’t be making some noise in the light welterweight division. Here is what he has to say about the Torres fight, his future plans, the 140lb division and much more, exclusively to SaddoBoxing.

SaddoBoxing: I have been talking with your management company about how things are shaping up in training camp and they tell me you’re training harder than ever. How are things coming along?

Mike Arnauotis: “It is going well. I am training hard and working on some new things, fixing a few mistakes I made in the Torres fight so they won’t happen again. I will be ready come April.”

SB: The Torres fight was a close one that had him on the deck in the seventh, yet he still received the decision. Are you upset over that?

MA: “I am not going to make excuses or point fingers for what happened in that fight. It’s over now and I am getting ready to prove myself once again against Kendall Holt.”

SB: After having a tough fight like that, most guys would have taken an easier bout to help rebuild. You go right after a top 10 guy: is that the best decision?

MA: “I want to show everyone what kind of fighter I am. The Torres fight was nothing more than an off night and I want the world to see that. I want to show the real Mike Arnauotis. What better way to do that then to go in with one of the division’s top contenders?”

SB: While we are talking about Torres, he has a defense of the WBO 140 lb title coming up against Henry Bruseles. Assuming that you beat Holt in your eliminator, you are in line for a fight against the winner of that bout. Does it matter to you if it is Bruseles or Torres?

MA: “Right now, the only thing that matters is that there is a title at stake. If it is against Torres, that fine but if not, no big deal. Just as long as there is a title on the line for me to win.”

SB: You took a year off from mid 2002 to mid 2003. Do you think that if you hadn’t taken that break you would be further along in your career by now? Do you think that fight may have slowed down your progress? Your career was on a roll.

MA: “I can’t really say to be honest. You never know what could have happened. Anything is possible. All that is important is that I am back now and ready to fight.”

SB: With Miguel Cotto now securely at 147 and Ricky Hatton giving up titles faster then he can win them, the light welter division has opened up. and at the moment there is no definitive leader. Who do you see besides yourself as the future of the 140 pounders?

MA: “I can’t really say to be honest. I know that I have a future there. What I really want is Hatton. That’s the fight I am working towards.”

SB: Hatton has a challenge of his own coming up against Jose Luis Castillo and many are saying that Hatton has not looked too good in his last outings. His new hit and hold style is not making him any new fans. What do you think of the new Ricky Hatton? The Hatton that likes to call himself a boxer, not the slugger that made him so popular among the fans?

MA: “I had high regard for Kostya Tszyu. The Kostya Tszyu that Hatton beat was an old version of Kostya. Hatton has not looked good since that fight. He likes to hold on and he cuts easy. Once I get him in the ring, I will show the world how you beat Ricky Hatton.”

SB: 147 is the hot division right now, with names such as Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Kermit Cintron and Shane Mosley to name a few. There is a lot of money to be made there. After a few more fights at 140, do you have any plans to chase the money weight?

MA: “Whatever my management team Cestus Management and my promoter Joe DeGuardia thinks is best. So far, they have done a great job in helping me along with my career. That is something we would all have to sit and discuss. 140 or 147, it doesn’t matter to me; I’ll fight anyone in either division.”

SB: Before we go Mike, is there anything that you want to say to the people out there who follow your career?

MA: “I just want to say that you are going to see a new Mike Arnauotis. I have learned from my mistakes in the Torres fight. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia for helping me get this final eliminator. I want my fans to know they won’t be disappointed.”

SB: Mike, as always on behalf of myself and SaddoBoxing, thank you for your time and good luck on April 20.

MA: “Thank you and thanks to SaddoBoxing for taking the time to interview me.”

For more on Mike Arnauotis and how to get tickets for his up-coming fight visit his management team at www.cestusmanagement.com