Bantamweight Elias Emigdio



AIBA Pro Boxing's (APB) "Boxer of the week" campaign reached Mexico this week and all eyes were on one of the best Bantamweights (50-54 kg) in the world: Elias Emigdio. Again, the questions in this interview were put to Emigdio by boxing fans themselves on APB's Facebook page.


When did you start boxing?
I was 11 years old when I first went to a boxing gym and started to train.


Why did you start boxing?
You know, in Mexico and in particular in Mexico City, boxing is a very popular sport. And I made this choice thanks to my mother who always loved the sport a lot. It was her who wanted me to be a boxer and to become a champion one day. And I started to work towards her dream from a young age.


Does the same thing motivate you now?
Yes, my motivation is still the same! Since I love this sport as much as my mum does, a few years ago I set my mind on winning an Olympic Medal. This goal keeps me really motivated.


Do you have any favourite boxers?
All my idols are Mexicans: Julio Cesar Chavez, Ricardo "Finito" Lopez, Miguel Canto...


And do you have a favourite athlete of all time?
It is definitely Muhammad Ali!


What do you expect in joining APB?
Like many other boxers, I have always been tempted to become a Professional Boxer one day. But had I done it before, I would not be able to pursue my dream of winning an Olympic medal for my country anymore. While joining APB I can achieve both goals as I can turn pro whilst retaining my Olympic eligibility. Moreover, this competition will bring me international exposure and I will fight other high quality boxers.


Tell us a bit how are you preparing yourself for AIBA Pro Boxing. Do you feel ready to box for 8 and 12 rounds?
Obviously me and my coaches want to ensure that my upcoming APB debut is perfect; we are working hard to make it happen. Now my gym sessions are different from before as they aim to increase my endurance and other technical details. And I must admit that I am in excellent shape now! I think that I actually get better and better as I get more rounds into the fight.


Who would you like to have as an opponent for your first ABP bout?
It doesn't matter to me if this is the first, the second, or the tenth bout. I will always want to fight the best fighters in the world.


Do you think that your experience in the WSB will help you to succeed in APB?
Yes, of course it helps because I'm increasing my rounds gradually. Thanks to my WSB experience my adaptation to a pro style competition is easier. Though, in boxing there's no telling what will happen so you always have to be at your best.


What was the most difficult bout you had in the WSB? Also do you remember any difficult bouts in AOB competitions?
My very first bout in the World Series of Boxing which I lost was the most difficult one I guess. As I had never faced a World Champion before and didn't have enough experience at that time to control myself, I was just too panicky at the ring. But even still I managed to perform at my best and my fans were treated to a good fight.

In terms of AOB, I would say that the most complicated fight was the one when I lost to an England team member and thus failed to qualify for London 2012. That was quite a tough fight for me and I learned a lot from it. I don't think I will ever be able to forget it.


It was Khalid Yafai from England who qualified to London 2012 instead. There was also a Welsh boxer Andrew Selby who overcame his opponent at those quarterfinals as you remember. He said recently that he would like to have a fight with you and your fans have would love to see that. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that this fight could happen within APB. What do you think of Selby as a boxer and of the opportunity of fighting him?
To be the best, you have to fight the best. He is one of them so I would like to fight him as well. That would help to further promote my country in the world as well. Besides that I'm pretty sure that it will be an excellent fight due to our boxing styles.


How do you overcome the moments when you want to quit boxing, if you have already had any similar moments in your career?
I've really never thought about it. Even though I have had difficult moments throughout my career, I never thought of quitting the sport.


And finally, your fans would like to find out what helps you most to recover when you have no energy left?
You know, when I have my daily training in the gym I always train until total exhaustion. By investing all my energy into training I have a faster recovery process and control of fatigue as the bout goes on.