By Bill Green

Air Tight Boxing, led by famed Colorado promoter, Steve Mestas, will host a true cross-roads Heavyweight bout when Kenny “Sagrado” Lemos 11-7 (8) of Denver, Colorado, squares off against former amateur boxing star and undefeated boxing prospect, Mike “The Beast” Montoya 4-0-2 (3) of Colorado Springs, Colorado in a scheduled 6 round bout live at the Red and Jerry’s Event Center located in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 20th, 2012.

Lemos, a former 2-time Colorado, Golden Glove Champion in the Amateurs, is best known for his gutsy performance against Mexican-American Heavyweight contender, Chris Areola. Although, Lemos was stopped in the 4th round, he was able to take some of Arreola’s best shots and prove to promoters that he is no push over. Lemos has been DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson’s main sparring partner on several occasions, including helping him prepare for fights against Chris Byrd and Wladmir Klitschko.

The young and brash talking Montoya was a 6-time National Amateur Champion. One of Montoya’s most impressive amateur accomplishments was winning a gold medal in the 2007 JR Olympics. Montoya is undefeated as a pro and comes from a strong boxing family.

BoxingScene.com sat down with both fighters before their upcoming battle on Jan. 20th, 2012:

The confident Joey Montoya wasted little time and is oozing with confidence, here is what he had to say.

Boxing Scene: Joey, you have an impressive amateur background, but have only fought once in your hometown as a pro. Why so few fights here in Colorado?

Montoya:  “It has been extremely tough to find fights here in Colorado. Nobody wants to fight me here. I think that the only reason I got this fight is because the original guy backed out. We have been calling out these guys for years. “

Boxing Scene: So, do you feel as if you’re the underdog despite your accomplishments?

Montoya: “Yes, I feel like the underdog, but only in the media’s eyes. They keep talking about how Kenny has fought all these tough guys; funny thing is that he lost to all of them. It doesn’t matter, because in the end, they will know who the better fighter is and better yet who I am.”

Boxing Scene: I have heard from several fight fans that the Montoya’s come from a great boxing background.

Montoya: “Yes, I’m trained by my father, Mike Montoya. He has over 23 years’ experience in this sport.”

Boxing Scene: What are some of your attributes and what weaknesses do you see in your opponent?

Montoya: “I have great foot and hand speed. I have some pop on my punches too. Kenny is slow on his feet, we plan on boxing him. I’m too young and fast for him and his team knows it. I’m the smarter fighter as well. This isn’t just a job for me, boxing is my life.”

Boxing Scene: So are you saying you’re going to play it safe and try to win on points?

Montoya: “No way. This fight ends in a knock out. No doubt. He’s too easy to hit.  I don’t know what round, but it ends in a knockout loss for Mr. Lemos.”

Boxing Scene: What would you like to tell your opponent and fans?

Montoya: “Kenny, I hope you are at your best because I want no excuses after the fight. I want to beat you at your best.  To my fans, don’t miss this fight. I’m going to put on a boxing clinic.”

Next up was the humble and soft spoken, Kenny Lemos.

Boxing Scene: Tell us about the meaning behind your nickname, Sagrado.

Lemos: “My former amateur coach, Frank Ortega, gave me the nickname.  The English version means sacred warrior, not to be stopped or denied. Frank passed away shortly after he gave me the nickname. I will forever use the nickname Sagrado in memory of Frank”.

Boxing Scene: Kenny, you have come up short on some of your most important fights throughout your career but are known for being very durable.  What type of experience have you gained in fighting someone like Chris Arreola?

Lemos: “The experience has taught me how to be both mentally and physically prepared for a fight. I have a ton of respect for Chris Areola, but deep down I know I gave him one of his tougher fights.”

Boxing Scene: What kind of advantage will you have regarding fighting in your home town?

Lemos: “Fighting at home is definitely to my advantage. On the road you have to worry about quick or bogus stoppages. I believe I will have the crowd’s support heading into this fight with Montoya. I have overcome a lot in my life including being involved in gang activities. Now, I’m a community leader and mentor youth, including coaching wrestling, basketball, and boxing.”

Boxing Scene: What are your best attributes as a fighter?

Lemos: “I believe my heart and chin are my best strengths as a fighter. I have taken shots from some of the best heavyweights out there and I still came back.”

Boxing Scene: What are your thoughts on your opponent?

Lemos: “I don’t know much about him. I hear he had a decent amateur career. Honestly, I haven’t paid much attention to him. I believe that I have fought the better opposition in the pros and that’s what matters. “

Boxing Scene: What closing words do you have for your opponent and fans?

Lemos: “Mr. Montoya, come prepared! I’m in the best shape of my life. As far as my fans, thank you for all of your support and don’t miss Jan. 20th, 2012. The comeback starts now!”

For tickets and more information on this fight please contact Steve Mestas at (720)298.1954