A conference call was held today to discuss the12-Round IBF Super Lightweight Elimination bout between the Dominican Republic’s once-beaten IBF #3-rated Victor “Mermelada” Cayo (20-1, 18 KOs) and Washington DC’s IBF #4-ranked Lamont Peterson (24-1-1, 14 KOs) on Friday, July 29, in the Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live on ESPN Friday Night Fights.
The showdown pits two of the world’s best super lightweights facing each other for the right to face the winner of the July 23 unification match between current IBF king Zab Judah and WBA champion Amir Khan.
Both fighters and their camps were very respectful to each other and both made their intentions clear should they win the high-stakes match-up: They both want Amir Khan next.
Also scheduled for the July 29 fight night is a sensational 10-round light heavyweight showdown between Edison “Pantera” Miranda (34-5, 29 KOs) and Yordanis Despaigne (8-1, 4 KOs).
VICTOR CAYO
Hello to all the fans in the Dominican Republic and worldwide. I had a great training camp in Oxnard, California, and I’m ready to go 12 rounds or finish by KO. I will be victorious.
How were you impacted by having to cancel the fight’s initial date of April 29 due to injury?
I had a very painful injury in my arm and I had no choice but to pull out of the fight because I want to be 100% and not lose this opportunity. Now after a couple months, I feel great and every minute I wait is too long to get in the ring and prove to everyone who Victor Cayo is.
Did you watch much tape of your opponent?
I watched several tapes, but I don’t rely on them too much because every fight is a different story. I will respond in the ring and make changes as I need to. I never really make a plan based on tapes I watch.
Who would you rather fight, Amir Khan or Zab Judah?
Amir Khan. Definitely I prefer to fight Amir Khan because it’d be a more exciting fight. He comes forward and he’s a good fighter, probably one of the best 140 lb’ers at this moment. If I win, I would love to fight Amir Khan.
Describe Lamont Peterson as a fighter.
Lamont is a warrior. He will come to fight. He’s a real professional and a very good boxer with a lot of heart. He gives everything in the ring, so I expect to have a very grueling fight and the best man will win. I have a lot of respect for Lamont.
What are you concentrating on in training right now?
The last few weeks, I’ve been fighting very hard and training very hard and I only have minor things I’m left working on.
LAMONT PETERSON
I’m looking forward to it and I know it’ll be a good fight. I love fighting the top guys in the division and Victor Cayo is one of them. This fight has been coming for a while; we were supposed to fight April 29, but I know things happen in training camp. Victor Cayo got hurt. It actually gave me a chance to heal up because I was nursing an injury too. So I think it works out for the better for both of us. I’m anxious to get in the ring and get it on because this is a big fight and it’ll lead to an even bigger fight.
How were you impacted by Cayo cancelling the fight’s initial date of April 29 due to injury?
For me, I had a neck and shoulder injury and trouble moving around, so I was confused about whether I should fight or pull out, but now I’m 100%. It worked out for me. I think I’ve had more time to focus on Victor’s style and game plan. It was a good thing.
Did you watch much tape of your opponent?
I like to make my adjustments in the ring because a lot of times, for example, I can watch his fight with Marcos Maidana and he’s not going to fight me that way – we’re two different fighters. I just worry about what I’m working on in the gym and what I’m training to do. I’ll figure it out when I get there. I have 12 rounds to do so, so I won’t be in a rush to go in there and do anything. I’ll take my time and figure it out and go from there.
Who would you rather fight, Khan or Judah?
Probably Khan, because I’m fighting Victor Cayo. Their styles and body types are the same, so it better prepares me for that fight, instead of Zab, who is a southpaw and shorter with a different style of fighting.
Describe Cayo as a fighter.
Overall he is a very good fighter who is not lacking in anything. He has good speed and power and avoids punches well and works upstairs and downstairs well. He uses the jab well. He’s well-rounded and, overall, a solid, very good fighter.
What are you concentrating on in training right now?
Just sharpness. I’m already in the best shape I can be in, so I’m just maintaining right now and making sure everything is good. I’m just working on sharpness and reacting on everything pretty quick.
LEON MARGULES (Warriors Boxing) Cayo Co-promoter
This is our third segment of Fight Night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and it promises to be the best one yet.
I believe ESPN is lucky to be having a fight between these two top contenders who have been fighting on premium cable. It’s a coup for ESPN to be getting this fight and I believe it’ll be their fight card of the year and will do a tremendous rating.
LUIS DECUBAS (Event Co-promoter)
I’m very excited to have the third show back at the Cosmopolitan; it’s a terrific site. Thanks again to ESPN for the great opportunity to go back to the Cosmopolitan.
No question, the main event is a great fight between two great fighters. Peterson and Cayo will be a great fight.
The opening bout won’t be too shy of a fight either. You’ve got Edison Miranda, a great puncher with either hand, a guy who has been on the ESPN network many times, against Yordanis Despaigne, a great Cuban boxer. That promises to be a great fight and I’m very, very proud to be involved.
SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ (Sampson Boxing) Cayo Co-promoter
I’m very happy to be part of this event. Victor Cayo is a pure Dominican, proud of his country and he will not lose this great opportunity. I want to thank Peterson’s team for giving us the opportunity to be part of a great night of boxing in my hometown of Las Vegas.
Victor Cayo is probably one the biggest stars at this moment in the Dominican Republic. He had a few issues before and he couldn’t fight. He needed to cancel the fight because of injury but now he’s 100% and hopefully we are victorious on this wonderful night of boxing.
BARRY HUNTER (Peterson Manager)
We’re definitely looking forward to the fight. It should be a great fight. It’s been a while since we’ve been in Vegas. It’s like a second home to us. As far as Lamont, I’m kind of biased when it comes to him. I think Lamont is the best thing in a long time and it’s just up to us to prove it in this chance against Mr. Cayo.
