The Mayweather Chronicles: Jeff Speaks on the Celestino Caballero project

Being modest is a great quality in life, but in the sport of boxing it sometimes can work against you. Perhaps that is why Jeff Mayweather, the most quiet and reserved of the infamous Mayweather clan, hasn’t had too much to say about the rumors of him training IBF and WBA Super Bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero. Only when pried for an answer does Mayweather open up about the situation. Speaking recently to 8 Count News, Mayweather talked about how he crossed paths with Team Caballero, his assessment of the champion, and his thoughts on a possible showdown with WBO king Juan Manuel Lopez…

Coming Together…

“Nothing is finalized but I did get a chance to talk to Cabellero’s people about everything. I didn’t really know where it came from but I think it was his cousin who suggested that I would be a good trainer for him and eventually both sides came together to discuss things. They called me a few times and they let me know that it was more than just talk and that they were genuinely interested. They asked me what I wanted out of the fighter if I was to be his trainer. There is still a lot to iron out but I think we have the foundation for something good.”

Assessing Caballero…

“I really had only seen him fight a few times before this came about so I have been trying to watch tapes or Youtube him to study as much as possible. I tend not to watch guys under 130 pounds unless its somebody like Ivan Calderon who seems to fight a lot on undercards or Vic Darchinyan who generates a lot of interest. From what I have seen of Caballero is that he can definitely punch and he does need to tighten up his defense. Another thing I noticed is that he likes to fight more than he likes to box. I’m not saying I want to turn him purely into a boxer but I would rather him work behind his jab in order to set up his power.”

A Potential Caballero showdown with Juan Manuel Lopez…

“Lopez is a good fighter but I’ve noticed holes in his defense. One thing I can do with any guy that is tall, has skills, and can fight is take him and come up with a plan to beat a smaller man. The basis behind it all comes from a good, strong jab and that is something I would have to focus on with Caballero if that fight ever came about. It’s not like Caballero is a run of the mill fighter, he’s very talented himself so I like his chances in that fight.”