Last summer, unknown Mexican bantamweight
David De La Mora, 24-1 (17), headed to Japan where he met local star Koki Kameda
for the WBA 118-pound crown. Going into the bout, “Morita” was unbeaten but not
expected to unseat the hometown favourite. It didn’t look like he would either
when he was dropped heavily with a minute to go in the third stanza from a
blitzkrieg of a left hook. To De La Mora’s credit, when he rose, he showed the
machismo Mexican fighters are renowned for in giving Kameda all he could handle,
fighting him to a standstill for the remainder of the bout. However, the effort
was moot with Kameda prevailing via close unanimous decision (with scores of
114-113, 115-113 and 115-112). The 23-year-old Tijuana native left Japan with
his reputation and stock enhanced. He’s since got back in the win column and
now finds himself challenging long-reigning WBA “super” champion Anselmo Moreno.
Again, De La Mora will be the underdog but with every intention of shaking up
the bantamweight division. Moreno-De La Mora takes place on the undercard of Saturday
night’s Abner Mares-Eric Morel showdown and will be shown on Showtime in
America and BoxNation in Britain.
Anson
Wainwright – Firstly, you meet Anselmo Moreno on 21 April in El Paso,
Texas. What do you think of Moreno? How good do you think he is?
David De La Mora - He is good enough; that’s why he’s “super”
champion. I think I'm the great exception and will be the person who beats him.
AW -
The bout will be aired on Showtime in America and BoxNation in Britain. How do
you feel about appearing in front of so many people?
DDLM
- Very excited because many people will know me. I hope this brings me more
fights and bigger challenges. It's
a huge compliment cause many, many stars have been on those channels. That
motivates me to bring my best. I hope the people like it.
AW -
This will be your second world title fight having run Koki Kameda very close
last August. What are your thoughts looking back on the Kameda fight?
DDLM-
That is in the past. Kameda won
because his father owns the company. I'm sure Kameda would not dare to face me
again because he knows that I would win.
AW -
Could you tell us a little about your fighting style and what we can expect
from you against Moreno?
DDLM -
My way of fighting is think and analyze in the ring and win round after round.
I know that Moreno will not fight me face to face; he will be moving around and
running like a marathon.
AW -
Who are the key members of your team and where do you regularly train?
DDLM -
My coach is Romulo Quirarte and his sons, Bobby and Roberto. My promoter is
Antonio Lozada. My biggest motivation is my family and the key and most
important person is me! The gym where I train is called Crea, a Municipal Gym
in Tijuana, Baja California.
AW -
When did you go into camp and where are you training for Moreno?
DDLM -
I am currently getting ready for this fight in Mexico City. I usually run
alone; I really like it. The fighter Luis “Pollo” Ceja, he’s helping me with
sparring. Ceja pushes me
to the limit. He boxes me; he puts a lot of pressure on me so he's helping me
out a lot. I’m doing sparring three or four days a week. The other work is
routine work, heavy bags, speed bags, etc.
AW -
Can you tell us a little about your background growing up in Tijuana?
DDLM -
Boxing has been the family sport. I am the last of the family who practices it.
It has not been easy. I began to fight local, in a municipal level, and then
Nationals. I've had about 80 amateur fights. I had my professional debut when I
was 16 years old and now I’m preparing for the world title.
AW
- Were things tough for you growing up like they are for many in Mexico?
DDLM - Not exactly a tough one. I was
lucky to go to school and do things and in my younger days, I always remember
being in a gym with my uncle, Luis “Buky” Mora, and my father, Porfirio De La
Mora, so most of my life has been 80% relating with boxing.
AW -
How old were you when you first became interested in boxing?
DDLM -
Since I was five years old. My father gave me fight gloves to play with my
neighbors and friends. When I was 10 years old, I started training as a boxer.
AW –
Please tell us about yourself as a person, your family life and what you enjoy
doing away from boxing.
DDLM -
My family is like any other. My father is a taxi driver; my mother is a
housewife and I am studying in college for a career. I'm studying communications
and publicity. I love everything related with production, cameras, talking in
front of people, etc. I enjoy
spending time with my girlfriend, Melissa, and my closest friends, “Los Cuates.” Just hang out with them, maybe do some
[billiards], theater or just chill out together.
AW -
There are some very good fighters at bantamweight at the moment despite Nonito
Donaire and Abner Mares moving up to 122. What are your thoughts on the
division and the current champions?
DDLM - I think it's a very
competitive division where there are very big champions but I also think some
should no longer be there as one of the “champions.”
AW -
Who was your boxing hero growing up and who do you like to watch today?
DDLM- As a kid, I enjoyed
watching Mike Tyson fights for his quick punches, waist movement and strength.
Currently, I’m not used to seeing fights. I only practice [boxing]. And to be
totally honest with you, until a few days ago, I had no idea who
Moreno was!
AW – Finally, do you have a message for
Anselmo Moreno?
DDLM- Moreno will have a big
surprise facing a great, young fighter with a hunger for victory.
