Mookie Takes on Steve Quinonez–TONIGHT

Answering his critics, Cleotis Pendarvis says he’s ready to fight!

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (8-1-2, 2 KOs) will face respected veteran Steve “The Mongoose” Quinonez (31-13-1, 10 KOs) TONIGHT at All Star Boxing’s “Battle of the Rising Stars” fight night at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California.

It will be an eight-round battle between two southpaws, as 22-year-old Pendarvis takes on his biggest challenge to date in the 37-year-old Quinonez, a former NABF Lightweight Champion, who lists Steve Forbes, Micky Ward, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales among his many opponents. The two will be competing for the Junior Welterweight California State Title.

When Pendarvis was just a teen, he had the local L.A. boxing scene’s attention with his slick hand speed and promising talent. Since then, he has stayed busy as a sparring partner for several elite fighters, but is now staking claim once again as one to watch.

And tonight’s matchup will be a tough test for both: Pendarvis’ last fight was in October and Quinonez’ last bout was in June of 2008.

At yesterday’s weigh-in, I had a follow-up chat with “Mookie.” During our first interview a month ago, he took a lot of heat for calling out some hot prospects in the 135 division, while at the time the younger and less experienced Pendarvis was about 20 pounds over that desired weight class. On Thursday afternoon, he weighed in at 142 while Quinonez came in at 141 pounds. “Mookie” again confirms to me that his goal is to fight at 135 and will continue to drop weight to reach that target.

In person, the Los Angeles native has an easygoing nature and calmness that belies his youthful 22 years. He projects more of a confidence than the cockiness that people might expect from him. During our conversation, a slimmer and trimmer “Mookie” discusses some personal and painful crises, addresses his critics, and talks about finally proving himself inside the ropes.

Q: You faced some criticism after calling out John Molina, Dominic Salcido and Vicente Escobedo in our last interview. These three fighters are all older, more experienced, and some even say, on a different level than you. Any regrets about what you said regarding them? A: None at all. I don’t disrespect Vicente, I don’t disrespect John, I don’t disrespect Dominic. I’ve seen those guys, a lot of fighters are one dimensional. They’re great fighters, don’t get me wrong…but I definitely don’t feel that these guys can beat me! That’s coming from the “horse’s mouth.” That’s just the way I feel.

Q: Have you heard anything from those fighters themselves? A: To be honest, the guys making all those negative comments about me are probably from the other camps.

Q: John’s fighting at Nokia Theatre (tonight) and Vicente’s taking on Carlos Hernandez next month. Do you think you will ever get a chance to fight either of them? A: It’ll happen. I’ll fight anyone–it doesn’t matter–it’s what God brings it in front of me. But I have to get past Steve Quinonez first.

Q: What do you think Quinonez will bring to the fight? A: A lot of pressure, a lot of power. That’s what everyone says. And I think he’ll try to work my body.

Q: And what will you bring to the fight? A: I’m going to fight my heart out. And for people that think that I don’t–I do have a lot of heart! I’m ready to go to work–it’s time. I’m coming ready!

Q: So during our first interview you were about 150, right? A: I was actually 156 pounds.

Q: What did you weigh in today? A: 142 pounds.

Q: And you still want to fight at 135? Do you think you can get down to that weight? A: Yes. After this fight, I’ll take a couple of days off, go see my mom. But from there, I’m going right back to the gym.

Q: You’ve gone through some personal stuff that a lot of people don’t know about, right? A: My mother was in a car accident and was paralyzed right before I went to camp with Oscar, when he was getting ready for Pacquiao. She’s paralyzed now….right now she’s not walking, but she was my motivation to start again. She showed me that you can continue on no matter what’s happened. And before that, I lost one of my cousins. My little cousin got killed the week of my birthday. We were very close. It happened right before one of my major fights–the Anthony Martinez fight–and I knocked him out in the third round. A lot of people didn’t know about what happened, but it’s not their job to know. I could’ve quit, but I’m still here!

Q: A couple of years ago, everyone in the local boxing community raved about you. What were your roadblocks to the bigger success people expected with your career? A: My biggest thing was to let outside stuff interfere with me. I still have top-notch skills, I just have to prove myself.

Q: Are you surprised by the reaction from fans or media who were there at the start but haven’t been as supportive lately? A: I did get a lot of attention in the beginning. But as soon as I got my first loss, and then the two draws, everyone left. It didn’t surprise me. But I also know they’ll come back!

Q: What do you want to say to all the haters out there? A: Keep on hatin’–that’s their job. I knew it was coming, all the haters. It doesn’t affect me. It’s just a natural thing for Cali people to do that.

Q: Mookie, aren’t you from California? A: Yeah, and that’s how it is if you’re from Cali. I know that. People just say things.  I pay no attention to them.

Q: You were a sparring partner for Victor Ortiz and you were with the De La Hoya camp too? A: Yeah, I’ve had a lot of experience since I was 17 years old and sparred with Edwin Valero. And at 17, I was also a sparring partner for Diego Corrales for his first fight against Casamayor. I’ve also worked with Shane Mosley, Nate Campbell and Mike Anchondo. And I sparred with Vicente (Escobedo) too.

Q: Where are you training now? A: I’m training in Palmdale.

Q: One last question: Everyone wants to know how you got the nickname “Mookie”? A: It’s from my Auntie. (He smiles). It’s a family name–that’s all. (He laughs).

At yesterday’s weigh-in, Pendarvis’ opponent Quinonez was there with his father/trainer Steve Quinonez Sr. When asked if he’s ready, the veteran boxer said with a grin, “Yes, ma’am! I am ready. I can’t wait to fight!”

If you want to come out and see “Mookie” go toe-to-toe with “The Mongoose,” come check out the action tonight! There are seven bouts scheduled on the card, including Stan Martyniouk vs. Jovann Jones, Max Skayzer vs. Bhakari Gates, and Joey Hanks vs. Alvaro Morales.

For more information: All Star Boxing “Battle of the Rising Stars”, Friday March 27th, 7:00 PM Quiet Cannon Country Club, 901 North Via San Clemente, Montebello, California 90640 Tickets start at 50.00. Call 323-781-4871 or 323-816-6200 for tickets.

Photos by Michele Chong: Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis vs. Steve Quinonez