10.01.09 – by James Slater – Unbeaten 29-year-old cruiserweight contender B.J Flores, 21-0-1(13) is looking ahead to a big and excitement-filled 2009. Thought by some to have an IBF world title shot against Tomasz Adamek lined up, B.J instead has other plans. However, the fighter nicknamed “El Peligroso” is sure he will become world champion in the next twelve months – an Adamek fight or not.
Very kindly taking time out to speak with this writer earlier today, Flores gave the following answers to my questions.
James Slater: As always, I appreciate your time, B.J. The word is you may be fighting IBF champion Tomasz Adamek on February 27th. Is this true?
B.J Flores: No, it’s not true at all. We spoke with Main Events about the fight the day after the Adamek-Steve Cunningham fight, which I was at. But we never came close to a deal. I have a tune-up bout set for January 23rd in Las Vegas, and I’m a man of my word. I said I’d take that fight, which a good friend of mine is involved in – I’m doing it for him as a favour – and when I say I’m going to do something I do it. That’s how I conduct business.
J.S: What did you think of the Adamek-Cunningham fight?
B.J F: I thought it was a really good fight between two very good fighters, that’s why I wanted to be there to see it. I think Cunningham hurt Adamek three or four times in the fight. He really hurt him.
J.S: Are you annoyed you aren’t fighting him (Adamek) next month?
B.J F: Well, I really need this tune-up, and there are already billboards with my name on all over Vegas for the fight. Originally, the fight with Adamek was going to be in April, which would have given me time to get my tune-up fight in. But they wouldn’t budge on the February date and they wouldn’t let me take my tune-up. However, there are some other big plans for me in 2009. It’s possible I could end up facing Jonathan Banks for the WBO title. That would be a good start to an exciting year for me.
J.S: Who will you be fighting on Jan 23rd in Vegas?
B.J F: There are a couple of names floating around right now. I tell you this though, it will be a tune-up, but it will be a live tune-up – against a live opponent. I can’t wait to get into the ring again, it’s been a while, and I think people will be surprised when they see me fight again. The difference in my body will surprise people. I live in Vegas now and I’ve been doing lots of sparring. I’ve really been working seriously in the gym, and I’ll be doing some different things when I fight now.
J.S: Since David Haye moved up, the cruiserweight division has needed a new star to take over. Can you become that star?
B.J F: Well, I think I can, but I need the opportunities to prove it. Talk is cheap. It’s no good me just saying I will [be the next 200-pound star]. But yes, I think 2009 will be an exciting year for me, and I will give the weight class a boost of the excitement it needs. A fight between me and Banks, who is also unbeaten, would be a very good start.
J.S: Have you any plans to follow your good friend David Haye up to heavyweight one day?
B.J F: I wouldn’t rule it out. Right now the cruiserweight division is my priority, but it’s possible I could move up in the future. The thing is, David Haye is a very special fighter, and people have to realise that. Not too many fighters can move up from cruiserweight to heavyweight. David is doing very well.
J.S: We know you’ve been inactive since your great win over Darnell Wilson in February of 2008. Why is that, B.J?
B.J F: I’d say it’s down to how the economy has been in the last six months or so, really. It’s been bad and the promoters I was with then basically didn’t have any shows. But like I say, I’ve kept myself sharp, real sharp in the gym, and I think people will be surprised when they see me next.
J.S: Do you feel you are at your peak now, and that 2009 will be the year when you become a world champion?
B.J F: It will be this year, yes. Some big things will happen for me this year – trust me!
J.S: Thanks so much for talking to me, B.J. Best wishes for 2009.
B.J F: Thanks, James. Keep in touch.