Justin Hackman: Ja’Rico, congratulations on your victory this past Friday night on ShoBox. You fought a rugged guy in Oscar Vasquez with only two previous losses [now (15-3-1, 3 KOs], who hadn’t been stopped.  He was put in front of you to see if you were good enough to step up in competition.  And you showed the approach of a veteran, like you’ve been there before.  Ja’Rico O’Quinn: Thanks very much I appreciate it, but I didn’t have my best night. I got hit a lot. I must have left my defense at home I guess.  But I use it as a learning experience, something to make me better.  Overall it was a sick performance really because I didn’t do my best and I swept the fight minus a round (*official scores: 79-73 on all three cards) but I wanted to stop him. 

 

[Author's note: O’Quinn improved his pro record to14-0-1 with 8 KOs; official scores were 79-73 on all three cards].

 

JH: So does that mean you are not satisfied?

 

JO: On one hand, I know it was a good victory, and I won clearly.  But I wanted to win and make a big statement doing it.  I don’t feel like I did that—I wanted to get him out of there.  Also, I’m happy that the Showtime commentators were happy with the performance, and that it was exciting to them, as well as the viewers. 

 

JH: But I think any boxing fan watching could tell that a guy like Vasquez might have ended any number of other young prospects dreams that night.  He took what you gave him and never stopped coming forward.

 

JO: Thank you, but I expect more of myself.  I know I could’ve gotten him out of there had I just started earlier.  I am going to go back to the gym and work on utilizing the three-minute round more effectively.

 

JH: Your win was beyond convincing, but you did get hit a lot.  Something tells me that you were OK taking those shots because you knew you could take it and hopefully find your opening.

 

JO: Yeah exactly.  I felt what he had right away, and I wasn’t worried about taking his shots.  I just wanted to catch him with a good one and get him out of there.

 

JH: Clearly you were never wobbled or hurt, but at any point did you feel his punches?

 

JO: He caught me clean more than a few times, but it was nothing.

 

JH: Was Vasquez your toughest opponent so far?

 

JO: He was the most durable, definitely.  I knew he was a tough guy always coming forward.  So I prepared for that test well.  Bottom line is, my desire to improve and be a champion is higher than ever.  I know I will have to face guys that take my shots and continue to come forward.  That’s where a lot of young prospects get tripped up.  It made me feel great to fully conquer a guy like that.

 

JH: What’s next?

 

JO: I want to get back in the ring in the coming months.  I walk around not too far from my fighting weight, and I’m heading back into the gym almost immediately.  I’ll take time for myself and my family, but otherwise I’ll be eagerly waiting for the call on my next fight.

 

JH: Good luck, Ja’Rico, and we’ll be in touch before your next fight.

 

JO: Thank you and take care.