By Jody Kohn: I had a chance to talk with Super Bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero by phone earlier today as he prepares for his fight with unbeaten Daud Yordan this weekend in Florida. He was clearly excited to get back into the ring after a layoff that he felt was a little too long.
JK- Hey there champ, thanks for taking a few minutes of your time.
CC- No problem, I am just getting ready to go to bed.
JK- When did you arrive in Florida?
CC- I got here this past Sunday.
JK- Do you feel you are well prepared for your fight this weekend with Yordan?
CC- Yes, I feel very good. Today I weighed in at 125. I am ready to fight!
JK- Have you been able to study some of Yordan’s previous fights?
CC- I have not seen very much of him. Jeff (Mayweather) has watched quite a bit of video and is going over that with me.
JK- How did your training go in Panama after you left Las Vegas?
CC- Excellent. I trained at my gym in Panama City and worked a lot more with Jeff. Training really went well. It was good to get back to Panama.
JK- What did Jeff think of Panama?
CC- He loved it. He was able to see a lot of things. He can’t wait to go back when he gets a chance.
JK- There is a lot of speculation that the winner of this fight will get a fight with Gamboa next. Have you been offered any such deal?
CC- I have not been offered anything like that. I only have this fight on my contract. Nothing is promised to me after that. When this fight is over, I will see who I will fight next.
JK- Are you hoping to fight him next? There have also been reports that you do not want that fight.
CC- I would like that fight, but I am really hoping that I will get to fight Juanma next. We will see what happens.
JK- Do you have a prediction for this fight?
CC- I will knock him out.
JK- Round?
CC- Whenever.
JK- What song will you come out to?
CC- Prendo el Bom Bom Class. This is one of my songs.
JK- Thanks, champ. Good luck in the fight.
CC- Gracias
This is possibly the most important fight of Pelenchin’s career. A win and he announces his arrival on the scene in the 126 lb. division. He knows that is where the bigger fights lay. Possible dates with Gamboa, John, and the much anticipated Juanma bout could all be rewards of an impressive showing. As he moves towards the final stages of his career, this is his opportunity to add to his legacy as one of the greatest of all boxers from Panama.