Trainer’s Corner: Gilbert Nieves

Gilbert Nieves, trainer of the  2nd Ranked Cruiserweight Jamaal Brathwaite, Orange Co. SD. The UCA talks to Nieves as he prepares Brathwaite for the UCA Cruiserweight Title fight July 21^st against Brian Stevens, LASD.

1. When did you start training fighters? I have been training fighters for over 20 years I got out of the game for a short while but now I have been back in the game around 6 years as a trainer and a cut man.

2. As a trainer, what do you think the most important aspect of training is: Strong mind, Power, Cardio, Heart, etc? CARDIO, and being Mentally Strong that is my theory. If you do not have Cardio you have no business in the ring and of course HEART.

3. What is the first thing you teach a person who wants to be a fighter? THE 1^st thing I show my fighters is there stance and how to throw a Jab. That is one of the first things a fighter has to learn. Without a jab a fighter is useless. Then head movement because you can’t hit a moving TARGET. These are my ways of starting to train a fighter. Every trainer is different. Styles make fighters.

4. What was your first impression of Jamaal Brathwaite? This guy is tuff and with tighting some of the screws he can become a great fighter. The style is there but I would have to work with him on certain things.

5. How long have you been training him? I am guessing maybe around 3 to 4 years and he has come a long way.

6. What did you see in Jamaal that made you want to train him? His WANT and his COURAGE when he goes into the Ring his athletic abilities start to come out because he is just a natural in what he does. He always gives 110%.  I’ve worked with a lot of PRO FIGHTERS AND HE IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THEM.   

7. What would you like to see Jamaal improve on? MORE PATIENTS, he seems to get a little hyper at times but that’s Jamaal.

8. How do you think Jamaal would do as a professional fighter? I think he would be a great professional fighter because of his athletic ability and raw talent.  He is an ATHELETE.

9. Is there any skill in boxing that you cannot teach? Something a fighter is born with? YES, A BOXER THAT does not listen. If he doesn’t listen to his parents as a child what makes you think that he would listen to his coach.

10. Do you have Jamaal on a special diet? No he knows his BODY and how to take care of it and it shows.

11. Do you have any predictions for the fight? Yes, I know Jamaal and I truly believe that we will get a knock out BUT this is only a 4 rounder so it may go to a decision.

12. Anything you would like to add? I would like to say thanks to Armando Guzman for giving us the opportunity to fight Brian Stevens. Both of these guys have HEARTS OF TRUE CHAMPIONS. I’d also like to thank the UCA for recognizing the talent of Stevens and Brathwaite.  THE BATTLE OF THE BADGES FOR HAVING US ON ALL THEIR SHOWS. MAY THE BEST MAN WIN.