By Jaime Castro-Núñez: In late 2009 I wrote an article entitled Ten Colombian Prospects who will Entertain us in 2010. The names included were lightweight Darley Pérez, light weavyweight Eléider Álvarez, heavyweight Óscar Rivas, bantamweights Jhonatan Romero and William Urina, flyweight Anuar Salas, featherweight Daulis Prescott, super featherweight Likar Ramos, cruiserweight Santander Silgado and bantamweight Luis Meléndez. Flyweight Anuar Salas (8-0-0, KO’s 7) hasn’t fought in the US just yet, but he might be able to do so sometime between 2012-2013 if he defeats experienced WBC Silver flyweight titleholder Wilbert “Huracán” Uicab (32-5-1, KO’s 18) in a match that will take place this coming Saturday, July 16 in Cancún, México.
Salas, who trains under the tutelage of Pedro Vanegas, has fought 247 rounds less than his opponent. Despite the huge difference, Salas believes he is ready for Uicab. A couple of days ago I caught him training in his native Montería, Colombia, where he granted ESB the following interview.
Jaime Castro-Núñez: Anuar, welcome to ESB…
Anuar Salas: Thank you Jaime for the opportunity.
JCN: How’s training going?
AS: Training is fine. I believe am well prepared. I am ready for Uicab, am gonna do my best in order to bring that belt to Colombia.
JCN: You turned pro in 2009 knocking out Gabriel Filot in Barranquilla. Since then you’ve fought seven times with equal number of victories. How have you felt as a professional boxer?
AS: Great! At the beginning I was a desperate boxer, I wanted to knock guys out, but now I take my time and fight intelligently. I think I’ve done a good jab, that’s why am here, waiting for this fight against Uicab.
JCN: Of all your eight opponents, it seems to me that Nelson Cantero has been the toughest so far. Can you talk a little bit about that fight?
AS: You’re right! Cantero is a tough boxer, but I managed to defeat him. In fact, I knocked him down twice, the referee was about to stop the bout, but at the end I won by UD. Cantero did a good job up in the ring, I’ve to credit him for that.
JCN: You have had a nice start. However, I must note that your opponents have not been top fighters, which is understandable due to the fact you only have eight professional fights. Do you believe you are ready to face Uicab?
AS: I believe I’ve faced decent opponents. At this point of my career am tranquil, because I’ve done my very best. I am ready for “Huracán” Uicab. My plans are to defeat Uicab, have an opportunity against Giovanny Segura and fulfill my two dreams: become boxing world champion and go to college to get a degree.
JCN: Is there something else you want to say?
AS: Just thank ESB for this chance to speak and tell the people who follow me that I am well-prepared, am ready, I want to bring the belt to Montería. I want to be Colombia’s next world champion.