(Part 2)

RM: What about your fight with Jhonny Gonzalez what a fight that was. What can you tell me about that fight?
IV: It was a tough fight I never expected him to box me the way he did. But to be honest I knew that when I caught up to him I would get him. I knew it. People told me he was strong and he had power.
RM: When he dropped you or when an opponent drops you Israel what goes through your head?
IV: Positive thinking. I never think oh shit I'm hurt or I'm done. I just try to clear my head as best as I can and more importantly I have to convince the ref. that I'm ok. Because I can convince myself real easy that I'm ok. It's convincing the ref. to let you fight on that matters the most. So I think to myself but at the same time make sure the ref. is letting me fight on and then I'll worry if I'm really ok to fight on. I'll worry about gather myself once I see the fight hasn't been stopped.
RM: Ok that's interesting. Had not really thought about it that way. But you definetly have a point.


IV: I gotta tell you Robert. I'm not a big fan of some of the press and I know your not really part of the press but this started as a conversation that's turned into a somewhat interview but you know what. I'm actually enjoying it.
RM: Thank you Israel I'm enjoying it myself.


RM: So who's your fav. boxer all time and who's your fav. current boxer today?
IV: All time it's easy. Julio C. Chavez you can say what you want about his career. But you don't win that many titles and have that many successful title defenses for nothing. People need to realize that as boxers we risk it all in the ring and it's not like he held some insignificant titles. As for the present time it has to be Pacquiao. What's not to like about him. He get's to the gym at 10:00 wraps his own hands warms up and starts he doesn't stop until he's done around 2:00 sometimes and the only rest he get's is 30 sec. other than that he's training. You have to admire that. He is making the sacrifice that a lot of boxers don't have the discipline to do.
RM: You know something Israel just between you and I. I don't think he's human.
IV: (Laughs) What do you mean?
RM: I don't know I have this strange feeling like he was created or something. Like he's some type of superhuman.
IV: (Laughs more) You mean like they created him in and they built him (as he's laughing) that's funny. I sparred with him several times and trained with him along side Freddie and let me tell you. He is superhuman (laughs) you think he's fast on tv or in person? Imagine how fast he is when the punches are coming at you? It took me about a week to adjust (I start laughing out loud) Wait what? Why are you laughing?
RM: I'm not laughing at you it's just crazy to hear that it took a week to adjust to him and find the rhythim. These guys that fight him have minutes to adjust.
IV: But I got the hang of him and found some weaknesses in him.
RM: Well it seems like the body is a weakness.
IV: Yeah that's definitely one of them. Speaking of going to the body you know whos another fighter whom I really like Ruben Olivares.
RM: Really. Wow he's one of my all time fav. and IMO the greatest Bantamweight ever man could he throw a body shot. Don't know if you know this but his more known nickname "El Puas" has to do with his hair. Early in his career he had thick straight pointy hair and friends in the gym nicknamed him "El Puas" because of that.
IV: I didn't know that's how he got it. That's interesting.

RM: What's next for you Israel? One more fight maybe two? Retirement?
IV: No more boxing for me. Maybe and that's a huge maybe one more as a farewell. But who knows.
RM: Would you still like to be involved in boxing?
IV: Yes. At 1st I thought about being a promoter but there is just too much competition going on and let's be honest GBP is boxing and the future of it. I would really like to become a Trainer so I'm going to focus on that. I want to be trainer and get my stable of fighters and build up. Create a name for myself as a trainer and do that as a career.

RM: Lastly Israel...(He interupts me)
IV: What do you mean lastly we're just getting started. (Laughs)
RM: What's your view on a PBF vs. Pac fight? How do you see that playing out?
IV: Mayweather. Like I just told you I admire Pacquiao and he's a good friend. But in my honest opinion Mayweather beats him and anyone else around that weight class. Mayweather carries his weight and he carries it well. He might be flamboyant and he doesn't have the most exciting style in fighting but man can he box. People need to really study him. Watch him but without expectations, whatch but not in a negative aspect. Just watch him box look at the movements and adjustments. It took me a week to adjust to Pacquiao but it'll take Mayweather only a couple of rounds to do it. He's just an excellent boxer.


RM: OK then since you asked here's one more. Aside from boxing what other sport or sports do you play or enjoy watching?
IV: Soccer. Growing up in Mexico I played it often. My favorite team is Chivas de Guadalajara and as Mexican I'm really proud of "Chicharito" and what he is doing with Manchester United.
RM: Any other teams you like?
IV: Barcelona.
RM: Ohh no!!! that's 2 for 2. I like America and Real Madrid.
IV: OK, well it was nice talking to you. See you around (as he sticks his hand out and laughs)
RM: We couldn't be anymore opposites.
IV: What a game that was. Barcelona just dominated Real Madrid they had no answers for our ball control and were lost. This season should have a really good ending like a few years back when it was decided in the last game of the season.
RM: Ohh yes when Real Madrid beat Mallorca what a way to close out the season.


RM: Israel thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I really enjoyed learning more about you and listening to your answers.
IV: Thank you and I wish more press was like this. You should really get involved with this you really have a way of coming through and your genuine and not everyone has that.
RM: Thanks appreciate your advice.

RM: Nice jacket by the way.
IV: (Laughs) Yeah thanks you too.