ORANGE, Calif. – Super Bantamweight prospect Juan “Pochito” Reyes (10-1-2, 1 KO) stopped by the KCAL 96.7 FM studios near Riverside, Calif. to chat with the always witty and entertaining morning crew of Stu, Tiffany, & Jimbo. Reyes talked karate, Chinese food, and boxing films, among other things during his recent visit.
Reyes finds himself in the most important fight of his career when he battles Isaac “Dinamita” Zarate (7-1) of Los Angeles for the vacant WBC CABOFE Super Bantamweight Championship,this Friday, May 16, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Tickets priced at $100, $60, & $40 are on sale now and can be purchased online atThompsonBoxing.com or by phone at 714-935-0900.
Transcript of the interview is below, or you can view the full interview here.
You started boxing at age 12, did you know right away that this was the sport for you?
“I had no idea that I would be good at this. It’s just something that my dad wanted me to do. My dad being a black belt in karate, he wanted me to get involved in some combat sports and I eventually chose boxing over karate.”
Do you know any karate?
“No not really, just what I see on TV. I can do all the Karate Kid tricks. You watch enough of that movie and you think you are a karate expert.”
You said you have never been in a street fight, but do people try to pick a fight with you because they know you are a boxer?
“I don’t really go out looking for any trouble. I haven’t had anyone come up to me and try to start any problems. I’m usually always in the gym, at home, or with family.”
There is a lot of strategy in boxing, you have to plot your fight out, but don’t you ever get pissed off in the ring. I know you have to be in control of your emotions, but does anything upset you?
“I haven’t had an experience with an opponent that made me so mad that I just wanted to knock that guy’s head off. My corner always tells me to be intelligent and be smart out there. Like you said, you have to be in control of your emotions.”
What about when you get punched in the face and you know that he tagged you with a great shot?
“I’ve been punched in the face so many times that I don’t even feel it anymore. You can’t let getting punched bother you.”
During training camp, what is your favorite food that you have to give up?
“My favorite food that I give up is steak and Chinese food. I love Chinese food. My favorite meal is steamed rice with teriyaki chicken, its so good.”
What about after your fight? What’s the first meal you eat?
“Its definitely steak with mashed potatoes. I’m getting excited for it already and we haven’t even fought yet.”
What is your favorite boxing movie?
“I have to say Cinderella Man, Rocky, and Price of Glory.”
Reyes vs. Zarate is part of Thompson Boxing Promotions championship triple-header celebrating its 14th Year Anniversary. “New Blood” features rising lightweight star Jose Roman (16-1-1, 12 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. and the hard-hitting Luis Solis (12-2-4, 10 KOs) of Mexico in a fight for the vacant WBC CABOFE Lightweight Championship in the 10-round main event.
The third championship bout of the night showcases IBFA World Light Flyweight Champion Sindy Amador (11-1, 1 KO) of Riverside defending her hardware against the tough and undefeatedMaria Suarez (8-0-1) of Santa Maria, Calif. The world championship fight is scheduled for ten, 2-minute rounds.
As part of the promotion for its 14th Year Anniversary, the Thompson Boxing team brings boxing fans a behind the scenes look at the “New Blood” photo shoot featuring all six fighters involved in the championship fights. Please click here, or on the graphic below for an exclusive look at “New Blood.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Dr. Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.
“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with KCAL 96.7 Rocks!, KOLA 99.9, and LATV Networks.
For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @ThompsonBoxingand Instagram. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing, #NewBlood.
