'Let's just meet in the ring and see if he can really knock me out' -- Mayol

Omar Nino Romero (left) and Rodel Mayol (right) (AP Photo)

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Exclusive Interview with WBC light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol

Defending WBC world light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol is set to defend his title anew against Omar Nino Romero on June 19 at the Coliseo Olimpico in Guadalajara, Mexico in their much anticipated rematch after their highly controversial fight last February that ultimately ended in a technical draw.

Mayol was tagged with a low blow and just when the referee was moving in to stop the action and called for a halt, Nino rocked Mayol with a knockout punch to the jaw that laid the Filipino out.

Nino has already lashed out and issued a statement saying he expects to dominate Mayol if not knock him out this time around. Not to be suckered into petty trash talk, the soft-spoken Mayol responded when I interviewed him recently saying "Let's just meet in the ring and see if he can really knock me out,'. 

Check out the full interview below:

(traslated from Tagalog)

dSource -  How are you doing Rodel?

Mayol - I'm good. I feel good right now.

dSource - How is your training going for you fight on June 19?

Mayol - As of right now I'm in good shape. Actually a while ago I sparred for 10 rounds so my conditioning is good.

dSource - What's your strategy coming in to this rematch on the 19th for you to be able to perform better and secure the victory?

Mayol - We've studied Nino closer and we're working on defense and focus and just to relax during the fight. 

dSource - Going back to your fight, did you have a hard time with Nino and after that low blow, do you consider him as a dirty fighter

Mayol - I didn't really have a hard time with him. I think it just so happened that he got frustrated because he almost went down in the second round. He must've gotten frustrated in the third round because he felt like he needed to get that round that's why the low blow happened. I didn't see his punch because the referee asked us to stop and I was hurting from the low blow. 

dSource - So do you think he is a dirty fighter?

Mayol - I don't think he is. I've seen his fights before against Viloria and I don't think he's a dirty fighter but that low blow of his, I always see that when he fights. I will be more wary of it now. 

dSource - Are you worried that this rematch will happen in Mexico again? I know you're used to fighting in your enemy's turf, but does this concern you?

Mayol - Yes I'm used to it but I still won't be complacent. I hope they get neutral judges that won't be biased and I will really work hard to get this win because Nino is a little older too so I should be able to take advantage of that in this fight.

dSource - What's your reaction about Nino's statements to the media. He seems to be confident and taking you lightly when he said he will dominate you or even knock you out?

Mayol - All I can say about that is, 'Let's just meet in the ring and see if he can really knock me out'. We'll see in the fight if he can really knock me out. Maybe he is saying that because of what happened in the first fight. 

dSource - Maybe he plans to hit you with a low blow again (laughing).

Mayol - Maybe (laughing) but that won't happen again because I'm prepared for that now. 

(listen to the video below for the complete interview)

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