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| A refocused Dream, Defiagbon ready for return
by Dave Baggs, FightNews Canada 2005-08-25 Things haven't been going the way David Defiagbon had hoped for. After reeling off 20 straight wins, 1996 Canadian Olympian had suffered back to back losses that has now kept him out of the ring for just over 8 months. Despite being dropped in round 6 and suffering a bothersome back injury as early as round 2, Defiagbon still managed to battle former world contender Oleg Maskaev tough over 10 rounds only to come up short on the two of the judges scorecards. Then it was a quick rest and off to Germany to battle the former WBC Cruiserweight champ turned heavyweight contender Juan Carlos Gomez. The Dream left Germany with a second "L" on his ledger and the label of 'Prospect' removed from his name. Disappointed but not finished, Defiagbon will climb through the ropes again (hopefully soon) and begin the long trip back through the Heavyweight contender and pretender to take his place among the divisions best. David "The Dream' Defiagbon took a few moments to speak with FightNews Canada about his future in pro boxing. How would you describe your career to date? My career has had alot of ups and downs. I won't complain about it right now. Throughout my career, so far, I have had a chance to meet alot of great people. After a tough battle with Maskaev, you ventured into Germany to face Juan Carlos Gomez and you were stopped by the former Cruiserweight champ in three rounds. Why, after Maskaev, did you pick such a tough fight for your return? It has been hard for me to get fights. I had been ranked #1 in Canada for years. I just wanted to take the fight(with Gomez). I took the fight on short notice and only had 1 week of training. I just didn't want to sit around waiting. That's why I took that fight. Was it a matter of underestimating Gomez or did you just get caught? In the Gomez fight, I knew the only way I could win was by KO. So in the fight, Gomez's eye was cut and swollen. The doctor was about to step in and stop the fight due to his cut. If the doctor were to step in, then I would be declared the winner. So the next round came and we were both throwing punches. The first punch he connected with the ref stopped the fight. I didn't fall down at any time of the fight, I was still fighting back. It was just unfortunate they had stopped the fight like that. You've been inactive since that fight. What have you been up to? Is there more boxing left in David Defiagbon? After what happened in Germany, I had taken some time off. I am working with American security at the new Wynn casino in Las Vegas. I am definatly going to fight again. I am focusing on getting ready and hopefully getting a fight by November. It's been quite a while since you've fought on Canadian soil (since 1998). Can your Canadian fans expect to see the Dream in action back home soon? I would love to fight in Canada. this is where I have my fan base. I have no plan yet but I am always open to fight in Canada. A couple of years ago you were going to fight for the vacant Canadian heavyweight title in Slave Lake, Alberta. That fight fell through when your opponent pulled out. Do you have any interest in challenging for the Canadian Heavyweight title, currently being worn by Patrice L'Heureux? I would absolutly love to fight Patrice L'Heureux. If we could get it together than that would be a dream come true. I have been trying to capture the Canadian title for some time now. L'Heureux has stated that he is willing to face any challenger for the Canadian title. How do you think you would fare against such a big and rugged fighter in Patrice? The fight wouldn't even go past 5 rounds, you know that. If the deal was offered, I would jump on the plane today. At 35 years of age, where do you go from here? Do you see yourself back among the world's best? Can you climb back into world contention as you had before the Maskaev and Gomez bouts. Yes, I know I can. This time off has given me focus again. This is Heavyweight boxing, everyone has a chance to be up there. You've been a pro now for just about 9 years now. Have we seen the best in David Defiagbon or is the best yet to come? The best is yet to come for David Defiagbon. Don't count me out. ***** Questions or Comments, contact Dave Baggs. |
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