How much are you weighing today and how much weight will you put on
after the official weigh in?
Dallas JR: I am weighing 142 lbs right now and will probably increase 12
lbs after the weigh-in.
Tell me about fighting for the 4th time on ESPN. Does it
ever get old?
Dallas JR: I am just happy for the opportunity. I am excited and its
my job to capitalize on these chances. I am ready.
Let’s talk about your opponent Javier Castro. He said: “Another
hometown favorite will go down on June 22. Dallas will not be able to
withstand my knockout power.” Your thoughts?
Dallas JR: That does not bother me at all. Let him do whatever he
needs to do to get himself pumped for the fight. All I know is that I am
just ready to fight.
The matchup is clearly speed vs. power. What advantages do you have
over your opponent and what is your strategy for handling his power?
Dallas JR: I feel I have better footwork. Your speed ensures you have
the opportunity to land a good power shot, that’s why I think I have the
advantage. I am faster than he is. As far as strategy for handling his
power, I am going to start like any other fight and turn it up every
round. I mean, I do not know any of the fighters he has knocked out so his
power might be somewhat questionable but you never know.
Tell us about your relationship with new trainer Vigil Hunter? How
was training camp?
Dallas JR: He is great. He takes time to try and help you out. He
works with you on your best aspects. He brings out the best in me. Even
more than a coach, he is like family. We have a good bond. Training camp
went as planned. Training with Virgil, you have to be more focused. His
techniques have more structure and organization, everything is on time.
Any thoughts on the Pacquiao-Bradley judge scoring controversy. Who do
you think won that fight?
Dallas JR: What I got from it is that it makes me work harder. You
don’t want to leave it up to the scorecard judging, you want to win
clearly. I think Pacquiao won the fight.
With the recent doping scandals involving Lamont Peterson and Andre
Berto, Nonito Donaire became the first pro boxer to agree to a year round
drug-testing program. Would you be open to considering this program?
Dallas JR: Yes, we should do more drug testing, especially for smaller
fights like on ESPN. Since there isn’t that much visibility, you don’t
really know what these fighters could be on. I would agree to it to help
keep the sport clean.
Talk about your confidence level going into this fight and what it
would mean to win a world title.
Dallas JR: My confidence level is where it should be. I feel great, I
am ready for this fight. As far as winning a title, that is my main goal
in boxing. That’s what I’m pushing for. That’s the only thing on my mind.
Everything in my way gotta go. I think I deserve a shot and I will be more
than ready.
