Roy Tapia says Ali Gonzalez draw haunts him, eyes rematch
Undefeated super bantamweight contender Roy Tapia has informed WBN that he is hoping to arrange a return with recent opponent Ali Gonzalez following the pair’s six-round draw at the Belasco Theater in March.
The 23 year-old California, who moved to 10-0-2 with the stalemate, is back in action on August 6 at the same venue on Golden Boy Promotion’s next instalment of LA Fight Club and Tapia says a rematch with Gonzalez would be most welcome.
“The draw with Gonzalez is not out of my system, it haunts me,” Tapia exclusively told World Boxing News.
“To be honest I feel bad about it. I feel like I let everyone down. I know this feeling will not go away until I get another victory and it makes me more motivated to get the victory. I feel like I wasn’t prepared mentally for this fight. I needed a change and I have done that to be at 100%
“A rematch has been mentioned to me and I would love to do it, definitely. I know it would be a good fight and I also feel confident I can win. I would do it right this time.”
Whether a second chance to put things right comes next month or not, Tapia knows he has to bounce back quickly with a win and believes that he is reaping the benefits of the changes implemented to his training regime.
“It is going great. I have a new coach. We have great chemistry. I have a nutritionist as well as a strength and condition coach. I am doing everything at 100% and I feel 100% mentally and physically.”
On where he hopes to be in the next twelve months, the ‘Pitbull’ added: “I hope to be at a 10-round level. I really don’t like to think about the future. I like to take it day-by-day, one fight at a time. But yes, 10-rounds would be the goal. I know that by getting to that level my career will pick up.
“Right now I will stay at 122 lbs as I feel comfortable at that weight. And I’m thinking that later in my career I would probably move up to 126lbs or 130lbs,” he said.
An opponent for Tapia is expected to be announced shortly.
Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at $20 are on sale now and are available for purchase online at www.goldenboypromotions.com. For ticket information, email us at LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.