Cain Velasquez‘s recent loss to Junior dos Santos has the champion’s trainer, Javier Mendez, optimistic about the 29-year-old’s chances of regaining the heavyweight title.
Velasquez, who entered the bout owning an undefeated record of 9-0, suffered the first loss of his career at the hands of the Brazilian and relinquished the heavyweight crown in the process.
While speaking to TATAME,com, Mendez said he is confident that Velasquez will reclaim the heavyweight title in the near future.
“Cain knows he blew it,” Mendez said.
“Possibly in two or three fights from now. He first has to prove he deserves that chance.”
Despite entering the matchup fully prepared to retain the title, Mendez warned Velasquez to stay wary of dos Santos’ knockout power. Mendez commented on Velasquez’s loss and said his failure to stick to the strategy cost him the bout.
“I told him not to stand before him because the guy’s a great boxer, the best in activity. Once you do that, you’re screwed,” he said.
“The fight presented itself, Cain stood in front of him for a seconds and Junior landed a powerful right hand.”
Velasquez now will look to re-establish himself in the heavyweight division in order to prove he is a contender once again. While he currently is sidelined with an injury, there is no timetable for Velasquez’s return.
But when he is called upon to return to the Octagon, Mendez said Velasquez will be prepared.
“When Zuffa offer us that fight, we’ll work on it,” he said.
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