Marcos Maidana (27-1-0, 26 KOs) from Argentina is defending his WBA interim world super lightweight title on March 27 against #2 ranked contender Victor Cayo in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In Part I of this interview, Maidana speaks about his opponent, about a fight against Amir Khan and about preparation for his second big bout in the US.

How do you feel one week before your next big fight in the US?

I have had the best preparation of my entire career. Now I am at 144 lbs eight days before the fight, perfect.

How and where did you prepare for Cayo?

I started preparation 60 days ago and have been training for 35 days here in Las Vegas, focussing on the fight and holding a special diet.

How do you think about your opponent Victor Cayo? Do you know him well?

I have watched several videos. He has a good technique, swift legs, very fast. I hope we will not be able to resist my power, and if he is, then I am prepared to win on points.

Are you angry that Amir Khan didn’t want to fight you?

You know, Khan wouldn’t like to face me at the moment. This shows his intelligence. I would have liked to make a unification fight right now, but my Manager Mario Margossian advised me that it would be better to make two fights in the US before the unification, which will be a very important fight.

Would you beat Khan? What do you think about him?

I have watched various tapes of Khan’s fights and thus know him quite well. He will not be able to resist my attacks. I am sure that I am going to win by KO.

What do you think about your defeat against Kotelnik one year ago?

This was a very balanced fight. I think I would have deserved a very close win, but the judges did not see it that way. This defeat really hurt me, but helped me develop, I scrutinized myself and tried to advance in every way, and this is what I continue to do.