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Posted by Mika Frankl
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Baca training center and talk with Matthew “The Champ” Baca (1-0) as he prepares for his return to the ring after a year when he faces Derek Perez (0-0) at the Fire and Ice event at Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 7, 2012.
What are your thoughts on facing Derek?
My thoughts are, I really don’t know much about the kid, but I’m excited to return back to the ring December 7, 2012, and whoever I’m facing I’m happy to be back.
Returning to the ring, a year off how’s the nose how’s the medical problems?
Everything is great, I’m 110%, more than ready to fight again and I’m pumped up. I’m cleared I guess pretty much and ready to fight.
What was the frustration of the last year like?
It was frustrating because I had two fights that fell through and of course you want to fight, it just didn’t go that way. God has a plan for everything and I’m just thankful where I’m at right now.
A year here, a year working, what the new version of you going to look like on December 7?
The new version, just I’m hungry. I’m ready to fight. I been preparing for over a year and getting better and better every day, I feel and December 7th, I’m going to show everyone all the improvements and how that I’m ready 100%.
With the year that’s been the layoff where you surprised by how much you missed the sport, what was that like?
Yeah it was hard not being able to fight and seeing everybody’s fighting and you’re not able to fight, but I’m just happy for this year coming now and December 7th.
So with that year what where some things you were able to get done with the medical stuff going on?
I was still in the gym. I took a little time off after I got surgery but I’ve been in the gym. People think I just disappeared and I wasn’t in the gym, but I been training I stand in good shape, but now I’m in great shape and I’m ready.
December 7th what do you think is going to make the difference in the fight?
December 7th, really it’s whatever it takes to get that “W’ I’m going to get it, I’m going to be ready for that fight whatever it takes I’m going to be in great shape, everything mentally, physically, everything. I’m just going to be on that night.
Right now as we’re talking were more than 2 months from the fight, so has camp even started yet?
Yeah it started actually; I’m already in great shape right now. I’m ready to go. I’m excited for December 7th and the shape I’ll be in that night.
To see the entire interview with more questions play the video below.
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