Fighter’s Corner: Juan Bustamante

The former UCA light heavyweight title challenger, Juan “Bad Blood’ Bustamante, Los Angeles Police Dept.  will be making his professional boxing debut September 20, 2013 against Robert Hill, Palmdale CA.  The UCA sat down with Mr. Bustamante to ask him a few questions about the upcoming fight.

UCA -You are fighting under the All Star Promotions banner, promoter Ed Holmes. How has the process been getting a pro license, signing a contract for money, finding an opponent, selling tickets, etc.?

JB – It was a long process for me, mostly due to family and work. I wanted to make sure I had the time to train and prepare myself. Finding an opponent and signing the contract was tough, but thankfully I was introduced to Ed Holmes and Peter Hironaka (matchmaker) who pretty much took care of all the behind the scenes stuff. As for the selling tickets part, it’s been going smoothly, I’m grateful that I have a good fan base/following.

UCA – There are some big differences fighting as a professional  fighter than as an amateur fighter; no head gear, smaller gloves, longer rounds, fighting for money, etc. What have you done to make the transition to become a professional fighter?

JB – My whole training regimen has changed and sparring is way different!  Training as a pro, compared to training as an amateur has its differences. Just recently, I had been sparring with no head gear on, the fighters my coach brings into camp are a lot more technical, and I’ve integrated an Olympic lifting coach into my camp.

UCA – You will have a lot of friends, family, and coworkers at the fight.  Are you feeling pressure to perform well for them?

JB – I always want to perform well, I definitely feel a lot more pressure due to what’s at stake, but I believe Ill perform to my best ability and be the victor at the end of the night.

UCA – Do you feel you have an advantage fighting at the Quiet Cannon a venue you have fought at numerous times?

JB – The Quiet Cannon is definitely my home turf.  Having fought there so many times throughout my amateur career, I feel that I’ll be having the home field advantage.

UCA – Looking back at your amateur career is there anything different you will do as a pro?

JB – Looking back, EVERYTHING has to change. I can’t be the same fighter I was, I need to fight smarter and with more control.

UCA – What weight will you be fighting at?

JB – I will be fighting at Super Welterweight (154lbs)

UCA – When is the last time you were at the weight?

JB – I’ve NEVER fought at that weight.

UCA – What weight did you start your training camp at?

JB – I started training camp at around 190lbs

UCA – How has the weight cut been?

JB – The weight cutting has been real good. With the type of training I’ve been put through the last couple of months and the change of diet I’ve been sticking to, cutting weight has gone great!

UCA – Do you know anything about your opponent?

JB – His name is Robert Hill and he trains out of SoCal Fight Factory, in Palmdale.

UCA – Is there anything that worries you about Robert Hill?

JB – The only thing that concerns me about Robert Hill is the fact that he’s coming into this fight with nothing to lose. It’s my home, my debut and my reputation on the line.

UCA – How do you see the fight going?

JB – I play the fight over in my head about 1000 times a day. Always ending with my arm being raised.

UCA – Will you have the same team in your corner as you had as an amateur?

JB – Coach Sal Casillas will be my head coach and my corner men are out of Maywood Boxing and my partner from work.  Sal coached me in some of my biggest fights (ex: Bustamante vs. Barrios II).

UCA – Your goal as an amateur was to eventually become a professional fighter, congratulations. What is your goal as a professional fighter?

JB – My goal as a professional is to show everyone in boxing that police officers/correctional officers/deputies/firefighters and all military personnel can hang with some of the best in the world and give us the recognition we deserve.

UCA – What is the difference between Bustamante of today and the one who stepped into the ring for the first time?

JB – Off the top, the weight! hahaha. Of course the experience and skill set. I’ve grown so much as a boxer in these last few years that it’s like day and night from when I first started.

JB – One thing I’d like to add, September 20th is going to be a day that has been coming for a long time.  Once the smoke clears and the cheers stop, I’ll know if this was the right decision I made in life. Win, Lose or draw, I’ll know that I reached a lifelong goal and childhood dream. On Sep 20th, I won’t be in that ring alone. That night I’ll have every peace officer, firefighter and military man & woman with me inside that ring! Every punch I throw, every punch I take, will be for all my brothers/sisters in arms.

Tickets starting at $50 and are available to purchase by calling 626-629-6717 or online at www.allstarfights.com. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept 20, 2013. The first undercard bout starts at 6:30 p.m.  Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA.