Gomez (left) during his three-round victory over Alexey Mazikin

Heavyweight contender Juan Carlos Gomez returned to the ring last Saturday for the very first time since his devastating loss to Vitali Klitschko almost exactly one year ago and successfully stopped decent Alexey Mazikin in an impressive three rounds. At 37, time is of the essence for the Cuban ‘Black Panther’, but his confidence in himself is enough to convince anyone.

1.) Successful comeback from the Black Panther. Your statement please.
“The Black Panther is back! I wanted to show that I am not too old to play with the big boys and I think I delivered. This was only the first step back to the top. It’s Showtime again!”

2.) Was this fight easy work for you or did you have some trouble after the 1 year lay-off?
“It’s never easy to get back from a long lay-off and I think everybody could see that I was not in the best shape of my life but I felt comfortable and did what I had to do. Now it is important for me to make some more fights to get back into my rhythm and get back in shape as well which is getting harder the older you are.”

3.) The master plan from the Black Panther is to fight in 2 weeks again in Hamburg and then 3 months later in Atlanta, Georgia against Raphael Zumbano for the IBF Latino Heavyweight title.

How will your preparation be with only 2 weeks and when you will travel to Atlanta and start training?
“First of all I focus on April 9th. We will see about the other fight then. As I said I need to get back into the rhythm to become a worthy title challenger again.”

4.) Is a title Fight for you in the next year realistic or is this time plan too short?
“My promoter will see what he can do for me. As everyone knows the situation in the heavyweight division isn’t easy at all. Vitali Klitschko and his little sister are holding three of four world titles. The fourth one – which I could strip from David Haye anytime anyplace – seems to be stuck for two years with mandatories and all that crap. I can only say that whenever I get the chance I will make sure that I don’t blow it again as I did against Vitali one year ago.“

5.) Some experts say the Black Panther is over the hill at 37 and considering the clear loss last year, against a good opponent you have no more chance than you did then. Your answer to that?
“Bring me those experts and I will show them what the Black Panther is capable of. I hope that I get the chance to prove everybody wrong who is talking bullshit about me.”

6.) Have you a special message for David Haye or Wladimir Klitschko?
Which of these 2 guys would you rather fight, and who is the more unpleasant opponent for you?
“I would fight both guys in one night if they want. Neither Haye nor Wladimir can beat me. They don’t have the power, physique and mental strength that Vitali has. Just bring them on and I will kick their asses around the ring. Believe me.”

7.) Last but not least, has the Black Panther got any words for the readers of FF?
“It’s Showtime!”

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