by James Slater, photo by Tom Casino – As is the case with Kendall Holt, the other exciting fighter in this light-welterweight rivalry, Ricardo Torres, the former WBO 140-pound champion, is very confident he will emerge the victor and settle the score once and for all on December 13th. As such, the fans cannot wait for Holt-Torres part three. As we know, controversy abounded in fights one and two, with Torres being sensationally stopped in just 61 seconds of the return fight held in Las Vegas.
However, were it not for a head butt landed by Holt, Torres says, he would have definitely won. Very kindly taking time out from training to speak with this writer about this and other things concerning his fight with “Rated R,” Ricardo gave the following answers to my questions.
Speaking through his promoter and translator, Billy Cham, the 28-year-old Colombian spoke to me over the phone today..
James Slater: I really appreciate your time, Ricardo. Firstly, how’s training been going?
Ricardo Torres: I feel well. I feel relaxed and very confident. I weigh 150-pounds right now.
J.S: Who have you been sparring with?
R.T: A guy from the US, (unintelligible) Collins, a good fighter. I also spar very often with Breidis Prescott, my friend.
J.S: We all know him over here in the UK, after what he did to Amir Khan!
R.T: Yes (laughs). I know.
J.S: The last fight with Kendall Holt had an amazing start. Will you come out that fast again on December 13th?
R.T: Yes, I’d like to get the fight over with as soon as possible. But I must be relaxed also, and calm. I must be at my best. I must use caution – I don’t want to get another head butt!
J.S: Without the butt, do you think you would have won and not been KO’d?
R.T: Of course. I had already got him twice.
J.S: Do you think the butt was on purpose or an accident?
R.T: I think it was on purpose.
J.S: Is it fair to say this fight is the biggest of your career so far?
R.T: Yes it is, the most crucial.
J.S: Are you looking for any big names at 140 after you win?
R.T: It will be Timothy Bradley after I win. That has already been planned.
J.S: Who hits harder, Miguel Cotto or Holt?
R.T: No contest. Cotto. Holt only hits hard with his head.
J.S: Thanks very much for talking with me, champ. Best wishes for December 13th.
R.T: Thank you very much. Good bye.