One of Latin America’s most exciting boxers, Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), will defend his title against Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Ivan Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) on Tuesday, September 29 from The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. The 12-round main event will be broadcast live on FS1 at 9 p.m. ET.
Born in La Romana, Dominican Republic, the undefeated Fortuna is an explosive puncher with dynamite in either fist. He is in his second stint as a super featherweight world champion. Fortuna is trained by Hector Bermudez in Boston. As an amateur, he was a member of the Dominican National Team, won a Pan American silver medal and gold medal at the Dominican National Championships.He beat Costa Rican Bryan Vasquez for his title on May 23 of this year.
How is training going and have you done anything differently in training for this fight?
Training is going well. I’m always in great shape. I show up to camp in great shape. I normally don’t spar much in training, but for this camp I’ve already got a lot of rounds in. I’ve been sparring a lot to work on shortening up my punches and throwing them straighter.
Tell me how it feels to be a world champion again:
I’m blessed to have gotten another opportunity to be champion again. I feel on top of the world. I don’t plan on giving up my title ever again.
What do you think of your opponent as a fighter?
He’s a good amateur fighter, making the transition to pro, but he hasn’t yet completed that task. At times, he keeps his guard up really high and shows no regard of people going to his body. But this is a huge opportunity for him, so he will be at his absolute best that night. I think I will knock him out. He stands up too straight and I will catch him, but he’s a good boxer with a good record. Hopefully he’ll show up with no excuses.
What does boxing mean to you?
Boxing is my life. It is give and take. It’s my life and I’ve given a lot to it and sacrificed a lot, but I’ve been rewarded very well for my efforts.
What does this fight mean to you?
I have to get through fights like this to make it to the top of boxing. I need to be impressive in fights like this to keep my name on people’s lips and keep climbing up the ladder.
How important are your fans to you?
They mean everything to me. I talk to fans every day back home. They keep me motivated. I do this for them. I’m very proud to be able to give the history of Latino boxing another world champion and I hope to make them proud of my accomplishments.
