This Saturday, June 23 Carson’s super bantamweight Efrain Esquivias (16-0, 9 KOs) will go toe-to-toe against former world champion Rico Ramos (20-1, 11 KOs) at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City as the main event on Telefutura.
As amateurs, the pugilists fought three times and since then both feel they have improved at their craft and are the superior fighter. After 8 weeks of grueling training, Thompson Boxing Promotions caught up with their super bantamweight Efrain Esquivias five days before he is put to the test. In addition to the Q&A interview, you’ll also find a collection of photos from Esquivias’ training camp.
How has your training been going?
“Training has been going real well. I’m really looking forward to this fight. I have been training three to four times a day, so I am ready for this fight.”
Give us a glance of what a training day looks like for you?
“In the early morning hours I go for an eight mile run. I use that time as for meditation. I focus on all of the hard work that I have put into this training camp and my desired outcome. I want to win. I need to win. I will win. I can see myself drenched in sweat after 12 hard rounds with the belt buckled securely around my waist. It is only when I can clearly envision that in my mind, that I allow myself to return back home to replenish my energy for the next afternoon training session at the The Rock gym where I lift weights or get in the ring and train. Three days a week I make it a habit to end my night by swimming so that I am able to properly stretch out and unwind in the water.”
How do you feel about your upcoming fight against Rico Ramos?
“I feel confident going up against Rico Ramos. We fought three times as amateurs and each of us won one fight convincingly but the third fight, which he won, was controversial. I believe I won that one and so did the spectators in attendance. There is a history between us but in the pros it bears no relevance because that was the amateurs. As professionals we have sparred against one another and things have changed. I believe that I am a whole different type of boxer now, on the other hand, Rico has not changed his style.”
How has your style changed and how will this affect your upcoming fight?
“I am more aggressive as a professional boxer than I was in the amateurs, I feel it has given me more punching power. I’m feel I am more complete fighter and when I sparred against Ramos as pros I realized that constant pressure caused him more problems. I like to please the crowd at all times and I leave it all in the ring.”
On what he views as Ramos’ biggest weakness:
“I know Rico very well, I know what he does right and wrong. I will take my chances and go out with a good game plan and try to capitalize on his mistakes. Remember, I’m facing a former world champion and he has changed for the better so it won’t be an easy task.”
On his fan base:
“I am always taken back with the amount of support that I receive from the boxing fans. It affects me in that I do my best to train hard and give 110% on fight night. There is something about seeing and hearing my fans cheer me on through social networking and on fight night. I know that they have been with me every step of that way and are just as eager as I am to see me succeed in the ring.”
On his relationship with Ramos outside the ring:
“Rico Ramos and I are friends outside of the ring but at this point it’s like we’re enemies until the final round is over. It’s the enemy mentality. It’s something that I took with me from my amateur fights into the pros. I had to fight against a lot of my friends so I really had to change my frame of mind when I was in the ring with them going toe to toe. So, the countdown begins… we can be friends after the fight but right now it’s all about the win.”
The Esquivias Vs. Ramos NABF Super Bantamweight championship is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Tickets priced from $32.50 to $103.50 are available and can be purchased online at www.goossentutor.com or by calling Goossen Tutor at 818-817-8001.
