Litzau Headlines in New Jersey!
By Jesse Kelley
Featherweight Jason Litzau (15-0, 14 KOs) of Saint Paul, Mn will headline
against Mexico's MiguelMunguia (15-4-1,
13KOs) on November 30th at New Jersey's Schuetzen Park in North Bergen.
The twenty two year old Litzau was signed by promoter Main Events last
July following his exciting split decision victory over former Olympian
John Nolasko on Espn2. The bout featured many good exchanges which left
both fighters dazed on different occasions. Litzau had to raise himself
off the canvas in round seven and finished the final rounds strong, securing
the victory. Litzau, now ranked #7 by the NABF and #5 USBA, is ready to
face his next test which comes by the name of Miguel Munguia. Munguia,
of Mexico City, Mexico has been sparring with world champion Rafael Marquez
in preparation for the bout and will no doubt be looking to upset the
favored prospect. Here is what Jason and his trainer Bob Van Syckle had
to say via telephone interview..
I would like to start by talking about your last fight against John Nolasko.
Looking back, can you talk about some of the positives and also the negatives
that you took from your performance?
Jason: Well one thing I learned was that I will never go into a fight with other distractions going on out of the ring. I had a lot going on in my life. To me that was a big positive I took from that fight. I will never look past the fight in front of me. That fight also showed me that I could go ten hard rounds. He tested me through the whole fight and I passed the test. Every fighter gets tested in their career and I feel like I passed the test. Getting knocked down was a positive for me because I knew I had heart, I know that I have all those things. Pretty much everything that happened in that fight was a positive. Even the negatives will be a positive to me because those are the things you have to go through. I got knocked down but I got up and finished strong. Those are the positives to me.
Bob: It was a learning experience and that is what he needs right now. He showed his skills and his heart. Jason is still in the learning process only he is learning in front of millions of people! I thought Jason was winning the fight. He was winning the rounds except for the two in which he got caught. He learned a lot from this fight. He was trying to prove too much to all the people watching that night. He wanted to prove how tough he was. Now he can be much smarter in the ring and use all of his skills and not just brawl.
Next up, you are headlining a card in New Jersey against a tough Mexican
fighter. Can you share what you know about your opponent?
Jason: All I know is that he is a tough guy. I know he is going to show up to fight and so will I. It is going to be a great show come November 30th!
Bob: He is a tough fighter. He has 13 knockouts. By my observations Jason has more talent then Munguia. I think he is a good opponent to take on coming off of a fight like Nolasko. I am just hoping he isn't AS tough (laughing) as the last guy! We are looking to showcase all of jasons skills in this fight rather then just blasting the guy out. It is going to be an exciting fight no matter how long it lasts.
You have been training down in Florida at Buddy Mcgirts gym. Who are some of the fighters you have been working with down there and can you talk a little about how things have been going?
Jason: Yeah, I have been working with Stevie Johnston. Ive been
working with a lot of guys down there, a lot of good fighters. Training
has gone very good. I feel as strong as ever. I'm gonna be ready to rock
that night!
You are being listed at featherweight now. Will this fight be at 126? If so is that going to be your weight for the future?
Jason: 126 is my weight when it is time to go. When I get a big fight, 126 is where it's going to be at.
Bob: Yeah we have been trying to fight within a few pounds of 126 because we want to be ranked at featherweight. These are not title bouts so there is no need to be right on the dot but 126 is what he is fighting at. Im not sure how long he will stay at featherweight but that is the plan, to campaign for a title at 126 in the future.
There has been talk of you fighting on the undercard of Arturo Gatti's
next fight. If all goes well on the 30th, what plans do you have for your
future?
Jason: Well, whatever Main Events wants me to do is what it is
going to be. Whether it is in the Pocono's or Canada with ten people that
is who I am fighting! I let them do their job and I will do my job. I
don't like to look ahead or talk about any fight but the one in front
of me but if everything goes as planned you will see me on that card.
First I have to get passed this guy because I know he is coming.