Ammo & Bam Pick Up Tougher than Expected Wins

26-year-old Southpaw Austin "Ammo" Williams of Houston moved his perfect record to 12-0. He dropped and decisioned rugged contender Kieron Conway of the UK. Ammo was pushed the 10-round distance for the first time in his career. In a fight that was still up for grabs going through the eighth became one-sided in the ninth as the Houstonian seized control of the bout and dropped Conwy with a picture-perfect right uppercut at around the midway point of the round. Right there the fight changed as a noticeably hurt Brit ceased trying to win the fight and spent the rest of the ninth and then the 10th right trying to survive and keep away from the hard-hitting Texan. Conway rolled to a hard-earned UD victory by scores of 97-92x2 and 96-93.

WBC Super flyweight champ and 115-pound sensation Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez continued his surge Saturday night in Vegas in a tougher than expected challenge from Israel Gonzalez. Gonzales used his reach and size to his advantage and had a degree of success keeping Bam off of him and landing his fair share of power shots. By the eighth, the San Antonian took control of the fight landing right hooks and right hands. Mixing up head and body shots to perfection, one such body shot strayed a bit too low and cost the Texan a point. However, it made no impact on the decision as Rodriguez picked up the second defense of his WBC strap and moved his record to 17-0 picking up his third win of 2022 and his fourth win in less than 12 months.

Kayla Gomez Takes International Title in Flyweight Division

Photo Credit: Team USA Boxing

El Paso is known as Chuocotown and its the boxing capital of west Texas. It has produced former women's world champ, Jennifer Han. It is now the home to an amateur international champion as well. El Paso native Kayla Gomez becomes the Flyweight (51KG) champion after shutting out Cai Yan of China. Via 5-0 decision. Chuocotown

A jubilant Gomez talked about her performance saying " I was consistent throughout and kept throwing lots of punches. It feels good to win. I had never fought my opponent in an actual fight before, but I had sparred with her and that certainly helped me. I knew something about her and that knowledge paid off. China has a good boxing team, so this was a good win."

 It was a good win in what was the first international boxing event held in the US since 2018 and the first elite international competition since the 2007 Elite Men’s World Championships. Gomez, 19, dominated the competition and added the international title to her list of prior boxing titles and accomplishments that include:

2021 Junior Pan American Games - 1st

2020 USA Boxing Youth National Championships - 1st

2019 National Junior Olympics - 1st

2019 Western Regional Open - 1st

2018 Under Armour Junior Female Boxer of the Year

Ammo Williams Switches Trainers Ahead of Conway Fight

Not long ago, Austin "Ammo" Williams, of Houston, was viewed as one of if not the brightest prospect on the Matchroom roster. After taking apart Denis Douglin back in March of 2021, a career-best performance. Following the impressive victory, Williams took a leave from the sport. It seemed to derail all the momentum he had built up, despite being away from the ring for only about 9-months. Williams battled his mental health issues and got himself right. Joined up with legendary trainer Kevin Cunningham and got right back on track, an experience Willaims viewed as a good experience. “I decided to make a change and go back to my regular team. I learned so much from Kevin Cunningham, it was a great place for me to be at the time with the struggles I went through with my mental health, to be with someone that is very structured, and added Kevin was in the military and a police officer. He’s lived in harsh environments and was the right man to polish me up and taught me a lot about the business. He saw I had the boxing ability and talent, he took another route and taught me the game, how much of boxing is in the mind, because he’s been there, and I was receptive to listening to it."

Ammo's original team was run by head trainer Dwight Pratchett, a mainstay of the famous Main St Gym, on Main Street in Houston. Willaims turned pro and ran his record to 8-0 (7) and even fought on a Canelo card in his home state. He split and trained with Cunningham and won three fights in a row. However, Willaims is back in a familiar place on a Canelo card with Pratchett in his corner. A position Williams is excited to be in. “It is my honor and a dream come true to open up the Canelo vs. GGG III Pay-Per-View telecast will deliver an unforgettable experience and capture my second consecutive title in the most sophisticated way imaginable." Willaims went on to say "I fought on a Canelo card before and I got a brilliant reaction to my performance that night, so Eddie Hearn knows that the more energy that is in the place, the more I can use it and give it back to the fans."

Willaims will do battle with highly skilled Brit, Kieron Conway for the WBA WBA International Middleweight title. If Williams is successful, he will shoot up the WBA rankings and be entering the world title picture. A world title held by champ Gennady Golovkin. The belt will likely become vacant in the near future. Should GGG lose, it is expected he will hang the gloves up. If he wins, it's thought he will stay at super middleweight. Meaning either way the belt will likely be left vacant. Putting Williams in a position to join fellow Clutch City native Jermall Charlo as a middleweight world champion.

Bam & Ammo Featured on Canelo-GGG III Card

Two undefeated Texans will make the trip to Las Vegas this week and take part in the Canelo-GGG III card at the T Mobile Arena. One champion and one future champ are featured on the card. Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez will return to the ring following his spectacular eighth-round TKO stoppage of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in San Antonio on June 25th. Bam is likely the front-runner for the Fighter of The Year honors. He will battle Israel Gonzalez of Los Cabos, Mexico, a veteran of 33 professional bouts. Gonzalez sports a record of 28-4-1 and has won two consecutive eight-round decisions since his last blemish a draw to Puerto Rican fighter Jose Martinez-Mercado back in March of 2021. Rodriguez has established himself as one of the future mega-stars of the sporty. According to his Co Promotion, Matchroom Boxing, they want to fight Bam four times a year and keep him fighting as the co-main event on Canelo cards. Plus the plan is to fight him twice more each year, headlining in San Antonio. Rodriguez will look to push his perfect record to 17-0 and may fight again towards the end of the year back home in the Alamo City.

Also on the card is surging middleweight prospect Austin "Ammo" Williams of Houston. Williams was viewed as one of Boxing's premier prospects when he dominated rugged veteran Denis Douglin over eight one-sided rounds in just his eighth professional bout back in March of 2021. Following the bout, Williams took a hiatus from the ring. "Ammo", who last fought in April, disposing of undefeated Chrodale Booker in one round, opened up about the outside-the-ring issues he was dealing with “The brain is so complex you don’t really take time to sit with it and understand it. Boxing is the loneliest sport in the world, so we’re dealing with something that’s so high level, putting your life on the line for a living. You are out there to be judged in front of a crowd, your heart on your sleeve and showing your art to the world, and your physical health is attached to that.” Willaims sports an 11-0 (9) record and will battle Kieron Conway of Northamptonshire, England, for the WBA International middleweight title.

"The Unknown Warrior" Fabian Diaz Looks Like RGV's Next Great One

The Rio Grande Valley was put on the world's boxing map when Weslaco native Omar Firugeroa captured the WBC lightweight title in 2013, dropping Nihito Arakawa multiple times and pummeling him on his way to taking a lopsided unanimous decision. His fan-friendly style captured the attention of the boxing community and then the emergence of his brother Brandon Figueroa and emerging contender and WBC international champ Omar Juarez established "The Valley" as one of boxing's premier hotbeds.

The RGV may have its next superstar on the rise already. 18-year-old "Unknown Warrior" Fabian Diaz has emerged as a must-see prospect in the 135 and 140-pound weight classes. He is about to be "Unknown" to the rest of the boxing world no more. His style, speed, power, and overall explosiveness remind one so much of Teofimo Lopez at this same stage of his development. The similarities between the two stylistically can not be denied. Diaz a quintessential boxer-puncher, sports the complete package. A good job, excellent footwork, incredible physical strength, speed, and explosive combination punchin

Diaz, who hails from Edinburg, is a former US national champ who decided to turn pro earlier this summer when he was offered the opportunity to fight on the undercard of Magsayo-Vargas in the Alamodome after winning the WBC Amature Green Belt. He made his pro debut a successful one. Absolutely demolishing an outmatched Julio Gomez over four one-sided rounds. He picked up Saturday night where he left off. Picking up his second career win in his second professional bout. This time in front of his hometown fans in the Rio Grande Valley at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo.

The Unknown Warrior looked even more impressive this time out. A second-generation fighter, who looks to be learning quickly under the tutelage of his dad, former professional fighter Rene Diaz, the younger Diaz showed a complete bag in disposing of a rugged and determined opponent in Jesus Maldonado of Laredo. In the opening moments of the bout, an explosive Daiz ripped off a vicious right hand that sent Maldonado staggering into the ropes and followed up moments later with an explosive three-punch combination that left Maldonado not wanting to test the power of Diaz again. The Edinburg native spent the next three rounds showing off just how complete his bag is. Landing lead hooks and lead uppercuts with laser-like precision and shotgun-like force, snapping back the head of Maldonado. Diaz finished in sensational fashion, scoring with another lightning-quick three-punch combination to seal the deal in style. Diaz picked up another unanimous decision victory and again won every round on every judge's scorecard, 40-36 all on three cards.

Diaz showed improved patience and combination punching from his already highly impressive pro debut. He hopes to be back in the ring by November.

Sammy Castaneda Settles for Tough Luck Draw, Other South Texans Shine at Payne Arena

Sammy "El Gallo Fino"  Castaneda of Mercedes returned to the Rio Grande Valley for the first time since his pro debut, which was changed from a TKO victory in 2019 to a NC by the Texas commission.  His other eight pro bouts took place in the Houston area and Matamoros, Mexico. Castaneda entered the ring to the lyrics of "I am coming Home" and received roaring applause from his RGV faithful. Setting the stage for Castaneda to deliver a brilliant performance against Houston native Julio Sanchez. After a careful and fairly even start to the opening round, Castaneda landed the first punch of consequence. A sweeping right hand at the end of the first caught the attention of Sanchez. The second round saw Sanchez trying to get on the inside and Castaneda trying to keep him at bay. A heated exchange in the final seconds of the second stanza saw each man land heavy artillery which set the tone for the remainder of the scrap. The RGV native got cooking in the third. Rocking the Houstonian early in the round and seemed to seize control of the fight for the remainder of the third and fourth rounds. Chants of Sammy, Sammy, spread throughout the Payne Arena. However, Sanchez perhaps seeing the fight slipping away on points, forced his way onto the inside and the two exchanged fireworks in the fifth. Sanchez was valiantly trying to fight his way back into the fight. The final stanza featured back and forth toe to toe action that ended with a big right hand by Castaneda that rang Sanchez's bell as the bell rang to end the sixth and final round. That shot seemed to signify the fight. A good competitive fight that Castaneda got the better of. That was the sentiment at ringside that Castaneda had escaped a tougher than expected contest. However, the judges overruled the ringside consensus, scoring the bout a majority decision draw by scores of 57-57 X2 and 58-56 in favor of the Mercedes native. 

In another absolutely shocking decision, Laredo-based KO artist Nick Molina seemed to dominate Eduardo Guerra of Edinburg in what was likely the fight of the night due to Guerra's cast iron jaw. However, outside of a strong hometown applause from the crowd, Guerra struggled to get much going offensively after the first round. By the fourth and final round, he was a sitting duck for Molina's heavy artillery. Working behind a stiff jab and pinpoint power shots, the Gateway City native couldn't miss and kept rocking Guerra in what appeared to be a one-sided affair. However, the judges did the unthinkable and scored the bout a draw. With one judge scoring for Molina 40-36 and the other two scoring it 38-38. 

Fellow Laredo native "Triple J" faired much better with the judges, showing off incredible hand speed and combination punching. Jasso controlled the distance and beat down a very rugged Juan Alberto Flores. A 21-year-old Jasso looked experienced beyond his years and has seemed to get into his own under new trainer Luey Villareal as he ran off his second consecutive win and moved his record to 4-2 (1).

In the KO of the night, McAllen native Javier Vargas scored a brutal first-round knockout of Houston-based Dominique Wiltz. A picture-perfect left hook from the McAllen native put Wiltz out before he hit the canvas. Wiltz somehow managed to get to his feet just as the referee counted to 10. However, he was in no position to continue fighting and the bout was waived off at 1:11 of the opening round. Making Vargas's pro debut a successful one. Having had just 18 amateur bouts plus coming off of a four-year layoff from boxing, Vargas certainly seems like a fighter who could make some noise if he remains active.

In what was the performance of the night 18-year-old Edinburg native "The Unknown Warrior" Fabian Diaz wowed the crowd. Looking like a young Teofimo Lopez, the explosive power of the RGV native was on display immediately as his outmatched opponent, Jesus Maldonado. Sending him backward and staggering into the ropes just seconds into the fight.  Diaz then unleashed a three-punch-combination that again staggered Maldonado. He spent the next three rounds showing off just how deep his bag is. Landing lead hooks and lead uppercuts. Each shot was precise and on point and snapping back the head of his brave but outclassed opponent. Diaz finished on a strong note. Scoring with a lightning-quick three-punch combination. As he methodically took his man apart over the four-round distance and scored a UD victory by scores 40-36x3. Winning every round on every judge's card.

In other knockouts of note, Hector Aguirre, of Edinburg scored a vicious knockout via a thudding left hook to move his record to 3-0 (1). Plus Alexis "Bamm Bamm" Balderas, of San Juan, ended Keith  Foreman's night with a perfectly placed body shot in the second round to move his record to 2-0-1 (2). 

Houston Native and World Champ Marlen Esparza Stays with Golden Boy

Houston native Marlen Esparza was the first woman Golden Boy Promotions ever signed all the way back in 2016. The 33-year-old world flyweight champ will remain with Golden Boy. The official details of the contract have not been released. However, Esparza and Golden Boy have made the news official, “I'm with Golden Boy, who has been my day one. I'm doing what I love with great compensation and have opportunities to become undisputed as a flyweight and unify in other weight divisions. Thank you, Golden Boy!"

Esparza has a professional record of 13-1 (1) and holds the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine titles at 112-pounds. She last fought on the Co-main event of Ortiz-McKinson back on august 6th in Fort Worth. She captured a unanimous decision over Eva Guzman. Esparza has mentioned on multiple occasions that she prioritizes unifying all the belts at flyweight, as opposed to trying to revenge her lone defeat to Seniesa Estrada. A fan-friendly all-action fight that was stopped prematurely and went to the scorecards due to a gruesome headbutt back in late 2019. The other two belts in the weight class are held by 13-0 Gabriela Celeste Alaniz and Leonela Paola Yudica (17-0-3), both of Argentina.

Esparza has made history multiple times. In 2012 she became the first woman boxer to qualify for the USA boxing team. A decade later, she became the first Female Ring Magazine Flyweight champion. A belt she has described as her favorite.

Abel Mendoza Returns to West Texas on September 24th

Building up a young prospect's career in boxing in this current environment can be a daunting task. When that fighter is without a manager or promoter, it can seem to be impossible. However, as we see over and over again in the sweet science, nothing is impossible. Rising 130-pound unbeaten prospect Abel Mendoza of West Texas is showing the boxing world exactly how it's done without major representation. The unbeaten Super Featherweight has put together a 34-0 (27) record all on his own. Mendoza said " no manager, no promoter. I've made it to 34-0 on my own. No help, no nothing." He explains staying the course and self-managing and self-promoting "Fighting locally whenever there's show. I fought a lot in Mexico. In Mexico, they don't pay, but I had to do what I had to do, to be in the position I'm in 34-0."

Mendoza is scheduled to make a homecoming fight on the September 24th main event at the La Hacienda Event Center in Midland on a card promoted by Elite Fight Promotions, which is co-owned by Gilbert Torres and Jose Montanez. It's been a hard-fought rise to the top for the 26-year-old West Texan, who commented on fighting his way to the top of the cards and becoming the main attraction " I wasn't headlining, they had me as a co-main, now I am the main event. I am very proud to be in this position. Other fighters in my position have stopped, but I am still going."

Is he ever still going! Beating former world title challenger Victor Zaleta, who went the distance with Omar Navarez and had been in with legendary world champs like Leo Santa Cruz and Carlos Cuadras, none of those names got rid of Zaleta as quickly and as impressively as did Mendoza. Over four high-action but mostly one-sided rounds, Mendoza steamrolled Zaleta back in late 2021. A major step-up fight and Mendoza passed with flying colors and started making the transition from prospect to contender status. He recollects on the fight "We started off pretty fast, it was a fast pace. I was a little surprised I did get him out that quickly. I was expecting to go more rounds. Zaleta is a good fighter. He's a strong fighter. Any fight he's in, he's going to give them problems."

Mendoza has run off three more wins, winning them all by knockouts to move his record to the current 34-0 (27) but has not gotten the big mega fight or world title fight he had his eye on. However, he is not afraid to earn it the old-fashioned way. When asked about getting Abner Mares or a world title fight next he responded, " Hopefully next, I do want to fight the best. Maybe they feel I haven't earned it, and maybe I gotta earn it and that's ok! I am ready to earn my way to fight for a world title." He went on to address the rumors and potential Mares fight "if they would have called me for a Mares fight, I would have took it. If they asked me to fight Mares next, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. It's up to Mares and his team if they want to take this fight."

For the immediate future, it's back to building his resume and waiting for a world champion or another big name to accept a fight with him. The next stop is back in his hometown on September 24th. Mendoza has also done camp back in West Texas, San Diego is where he typically does training camp and has hired the help of fellow West Texas contender Michael Dutchover to help with his conditioning. It's been a good experience for the undefeated knockout artist saying, "It's good. I enjoy being back home. My friends and family, this is home. I am glad to be fighting at home." Should Mendoza get the win he's expected to get, the sky is the limit. A world title fight could be on the horizon, but if it's not Mendoza is in it for the long haul. He will patiently wait for his opportunity, " they can't avoid me forever... If I have to get to 50-0, that's what it's gonna have to be. If I get to 70-0, whatever it takes. it's gonna come." he explained. Mendoa went on to add what it would mean to bring a world title back to West Texas "there hasn't been a world champion here to being a world title here would be awesome."

Two Texans Get Short End of the Stick in California

The substance hardly ever matches the hype. The return of Abner Mares against Houston's Miguel "el Michoacano" Flores came with all the Fight of the Year type of hype. All action, all-Mexican slugfest between two fighters who desperately needed the win. The pair delivered and the substance matched the hype. 36-year-old Mares, a Hawaiian Gardens, California resident, returned from a four-year-layoff. He had not fought since a 2018 points loss to the legendary Leo Santa Cruz. If there was ring rust it didn't show as Mares got to work landing thudding counter shots on an aggressive Flores. Building up a lead in the early rounds, Flores began to flip the script in the fourth as he got his timing down and was able to get on the inside of Mares. As the fight evened up going into the final two rounds Mares looked faded as Flores was surging. The Houston native was willing to eat some clean right hands from Mares to get on the inside and rip body shots and clean left hooks that were taking a toll on the former three-division world champion. By the time the bell sounded to end the 10th round it certainly appeared that he had done enough to everyone in the Crypto.com Arena, except the three judges The Future Hall of Famer Mares got some home cooking and was awarded a majority decision draw with two judges scoring it 95-95 and the third handing in a shockingly bad 96-94 card.

Also on the card was the Fort Worth Wolf Tony Lopez, the Fort Worth native is no stranger to having tight decisions go the wrong way, and Sunday evening in the Crypto Arena was no different. A determined Fort Worth Wilf seemed to out-work and out-hustle his skillful opponent, Anthony Garnica boxed sharp from the outside using his reach to score with a sharp jab to try and keep The Wolf at bay he scored with the occasional right-hand that would stop Lopez in his tracks momentarily, but Lopez stayed determined and kept getting on the inside and slowing the unbeaten prospect down. At the end of a really close fight, California-based judges favored the Californians with two ogf, the three judges scoring in favor of the jab and movement of Garnica by scores of 59-55, and the third judge handed in an even card of 57-57, which is how most of the boxing world viewed the fight Garnica moved to 10-0-1 and Lopez fell to 17-11

Ronnie Cantu Has Long Time Friend Kendo Castaneda Back on Top

When former WBA-NABA 140 pound champion and former blue blue-chip hip prospect Kendo "Tremendo" Castaneda of San Antonio entered the "Last Chance" tournament and hired brought in klargerly unknown trainer Ronnie Cantu as his head trainer. It seemed like an odd move. Castaneda had loss five consecutive fights and  hadnt won since October of 2019 and the 28-year-old Cantu hadn't been the head trainer in a high-profile fight. However, the life long friends knew exactly waht they were doing. "we've been friends for 18 years. I met him when we were both 10 and were both 28 now. The chemistry is something special which is why it's working. We understand each other on a different level. I don't even have to say things sometimes and he already knows. 

Its been a match made in heaven as of September Cantu has a strong case for trainer of the year, and Castaneda has a claim for comeback fighter of the year, KO of the year over (Sonny Fredrickson), and Fight of the Year ( Joseph Fernandez). Castaneda who has had famed trainer Bobby Benton of Main St Gym in Houston and former world champ James Leija as the main man in his corner. Neither of them were able to maximize Castaneda's natural gifts, his physical strength, high punch out put, surprising pop in both hands and come forward style the way Cantu has. The young trainer explained  "Kendo and I grew up together in the ametur ranks... we believe in each other and we push each other. " The belief in Cantu has proven to be perhaps the best move of Castaneda's tremendous career. The two wins Castaneda has scored in the first two rounds of the "Last Chance" tournament has totally rejuvenated career. Following the five consecutive loses Castaneda's career seemed to be spiraling downwards. However, Castaneda never doubted himself, his trainer and vest friend described his fighter's confidence "if you know Kendo he will always stay the same. We were in the fighter meeting with Roy Jones R, (Antonio) Taver, (Paulie) Malignaggi and they were like freaking out. This guys energy is crazy after 5 losses. How do you have that energy? But that's just Kendo, he has always been the same. After every win and loss, he is the same person." 

In the first round of the ProBox Last Chance Tournament Castaneda scored a vicious first-round knockout. A left hook was set up by a double right hand. Exactly the way Cantu drew it up "the plan was to double up everything to take away that reach advantage we couldn't throw just one. It was the double right hand and the left hook just opened up" the San Antonio-based trainer explained.

Up next was Joseph Fernandez a fight that very well could be the 2022 Fight of the Year. A back and forth affair that produced what has to be the round of the year so far in the ninth. Prior to the start of the round, the microphones picked up Cantu telling Castaneda six-minutes for the rest of your life. Cantu, a veteran of over 100 ameture fights said before the epic ninth round  I knew something was up. I am telling what to do and  hes doing it but then it jsut stops. I asked him what's going on and he said "bro I am retired" As a fighter who has been through this  You can't really tell him anything at that point the mental fatigue kicks in execute you can't really execute because your tired. My instincts kicked in. Ok i gotta motivate him now. I just gotta push him. So I was like ok you got two rounds, six-minutes, for the rest of your life that's it. The next round the fight changed." 

Changed it did as Castaneda nearly scored a stoppage of Fernandez and went on to score the unanimous decision.  He'll battle with Antonio Moran who has been in the ring with Devin Haney, Jose Pedraza and Arnold Barboza and has been equally impressive in the first two rounds of the Last Chance Tournament. A win in the finals will propel Castaneda not just to where he was when he was a 17-0 champion but will put him in the discussion for a world title. A fight with Moran certainly won't be easier and the trainer/fighter duo is thankful for the war they endured with Fernandez in the semi-finals of the tournament  "He needed that he needed to be pushed like that to be prepared for a tough war with Moran" Cantu explained.

The finals of Last Chance  vs Moran is scheduled for November 4th, no location has been confirmed at this time. However, one thing has been confirmed and thats Castaneda's confidence which is sky high going into what is the biggest fight of his career. Coming off of the two big wins its as iff the 5 loses never happened. Cantu explains "it feels great we're doing this man it's all God's timing everything is coming together at the right time. Everything is flowing at the right time. Its an amazing feeling." 

Schofield Inks Co-Promotional Deal With Golden Boy; Will Headline Oct. 20th Card

It has been quite a month for the 19-year-old who goes by the nickname "Kid Austin". Floyd Schofield III scored a sensational stoppage of Rodrigo Guerrero, a veteran of over 40 fights who had more knockouts than Schofield had total fights, on the opening portion of the undercard of Ortiz-McKinson at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth earlier this month to move his record to 11-0 (9). He signed a Co- promotional deal with Golden Boy. Meaning the blue-chip prospect is represented by both Davies Entertainment and Golden Boy.

His promotional companies have gone to work for the 19-year-old from Austin. He will headline a Golden Boy Fight Night Live card on October 20th in Indio, California. Golden Boy uses The Fight Night Live series to show off their elite-level prospects. Fighters like Vergil Ortiz of Grand Prarie and WBA Super flyweight Champ Joshua Franco of San Antonio were featured on the series earlier in their careers.

There is a lot of hype around Schofield. Former WBA 140-pound World champion Mario Barrios said, "kid is real fast" to his co-promoter Cameron Davies who was asked how far Schofield could go and if he could see him becoming a world champ. Davies laughed and said, "He can be one of the all-time greats!"

The young Austin native has shown there is quite a bit of substance to back up the hype. In his three fights so far in 2022, he has scored a first-round knockout in February to capture an ABF lightweight title. He followed that up with a stoppage victory over "Fort Worth Wolf" Tony Lopez, a rugged veteran who has wins over the likes of Fernando Garcia and Isaac Torres, in May, and then put on the sensational eye-opening performance over Guerrero in August.

The undefeated youngster remained humble in describing the recent series of events “I am at a loss for words...this is a dream come true. My dad always told me this was all going to happen. To see it really happen is beyond words. Now I have to do my part and win.”

Michael Angeletti Salvages Otherwise Tough Weekend for Texas Fighters.

Houston Area Super featherweight prospect Michael Angeletti continues to take care of business and shoot up the 122-pound rankings. He scored a sensational first-round stoppage of an overmatched Rafael Morel on the undercard of Figueroa-Lipinets at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The knockout came abruptly at 2:28 of the opening round. Morel apparently suffered a fractured orbital bone in the fight. Angeletti moved his record to 6-0 (5). He originally hails from Louisiana, now lives in Spring, Texas, and is a 2016 US National Amateur champion. Angeletti hopes to be fighting for a world title within a year to a year and a half. He has sparred with the likes of Shakur Stevenson and has gone 10-12 rounds with the 130-pound unified champ. Additionally, he has done a lot of sparring with the legendary Cuban former world champ and two-time Gold Medalist Guillermo Rogondeaux. That preparation, with those legends combined with his early success, has assured him he is ready to move up in class and challenge for world titles. However, when he does move up, he plans on moving down in weight to 118lbs.

In the cards' main event, Rio Grande Valley hero and the first world champion to come from "The Valley", Omar "Panterita" Figueroa, didn't fare as well. Figueroa called it a career after a high-action but mostly one-sided loss to former 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets secured the victory via 8th round TKO when Figueroa's father and trainer Omar Sr informed Chris Young that his son had enough. Figueroa expressed that he was able to overcome a series of mental health issues and was thankful for the camp and preparation he had to even get back in the ring, but said his body just wasn't responding. If this is the last time we see Figueroa in the ring, he will walk away with a 28-3-1 (19) record, held the WBC lightweight title, and was one of the most entertaining and fan-friendly fighters of his era.

Also in action was "Pork Chop" Alejandro Guerrero who originally hails from Irving but now fights out of Houston, took on Xavier Martinez on the undercard of the Navarrete-Baez card in the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Pork Chop gut things going in the fourth round and wobbled Martinez courtesy of a right hand. However, the success didn't last, as Martinez rallied and had Guerrero badly hurt in the fifth. Martinez unleashed a flurry of power shots causing Referee Eddie Hernandez, Sr. to call a halt to the bout. Guerrero dropped to 12-3 (9). It's his third consecutive loss after a very promising 12-0 start to his young career.

Flores on Mares Fight "I am going to come away with the victory. I don't know how, but I am confident in myself"

'El Michoacano" Miguel Flores just turned 30 years old last month and has already had a rollercoaster of a career. After turning pro back in 2009 without much attention, and fanfare, Flores put in his time and grinded. Traveling all over the great Republic of Texas he built up a 23-0 record. He scored impressive high-action wins on big stages against Ryan Kielczweski, Mario Briones, and others. Flores got himself signed by PBC and signed with manager Luis DeCubas. He was in line for a title fight and had offers to fight then IBF champion Lee Selby. An opportunity he declined and opted for a homecoming fight in Houston against fringe contender Dat Nguyen. That's when things went sideways in a hurry. In a shocking upset, he got stopped by Nguyen in the sixth round in what appeared to be a quick stoppage by referee Laurence Cole. Cole was the same referee who was the third man in the ring in the fight that Flores's older brother, Benjamin, tragically passed away from just days later. "El Michoacano" returned to the ring just five months later against Chris Avalos. Flores dropped and dominated his opponent when the bout was called to a halt due to a cut. The cut was ruled to be from a legal punch and not a butt. Avalos was declared the winner, VIA 5th round TKO, in a fight, he was being beaten up and dominated.

Flores bounced back nicely and scored two consecutive stoppage victories before getting a call that he was going to fight Leo Santa Cruz for the 130-Pound Super Featherweight title. Flores took the fight at four pounds above his best weight saying, "we can make 126. I don't want to say easy, but that's what I prefer. We fought at 130 with Leo when the opportunity presented itself because we can't pass up on an opportunity like that." Flores fought valiantly with the future Hall of Famer but came up just short, dropping a close competitive decision. Flores proved he belonged with the elite 126 & 130 pounders. He then lost a follow-up fight with Eduardo Ramirez before beating up fringe contender Diuhl Olguin last June.

Flores now prepares for a career-defining fight with former 3-division world champion Abner Flores in the legend’s hometown of Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena. Flores is again jumping up in weight and not to 130 this time, but up to the lightweight limit of 135. He has no hesitation in moving up in weight again saying, "Mares wanted it at 135. He has his reasons. I am sure he was up there in weight and didn't want to do that big weight cut. He's not a natural 135-pounder, so it's not like we're going in there fighting a natural 135. His best days were at 118 and 122. He could have said we're fighting at 140 and I would have said fine.... 135 just means I am going to be fully healthy, I am eating well, and I am staying strong. It's one less thing we have to worry about is losing that extra few pounds."

Flores took the challenge without hesitation and gave credit to Mares for taking such a big challenge "He [Mares] didn't want a soft touch. He coulda got a guy he was positive he could knock out in five, six rounds. I am sure they threw a couple of names at him, and he picked me because I still have a valuable name. I still gave Santa Cruz a good war." Flores isn't showing up to be an opponent. He's not showing up to be a stepping stone in the comeback of a legend. He has put in an incredible camp and plans on using Mares' name to catapult himself back into a world title fight" His name still holds a lot of value, being a three-division world champion, a four-time world champion. His name holds a lot of value, people are gonna see dang he beat Abner Mares. It's going to open a lot of doors for me. Hopefully, it opens up another world title shot down the line. It's going to bring more money. We're prizefighters. It's going to bring more money to me and that's what we're looking for."

The Texan knows what's on the line and knows what to expect, " It's two Mexicans going at it. There's gonna be blood, there's gonna be hooks, there's gonna be body shots, there's gonna be a little bit of everything." He went on to say "I want to give the fans an exciting fight, but I want it to be a one-sided exciting fight. I had one of those, against Mario Briones a couple of years ago. It was an all-action fight but it was a one-sided sided fight. I dominated but he came and gave it his all. That's what I plan to do this September 4th." He plans on shutting up the Mares' hometown fans. He's confident of the win. A win that will propel his career and get him back to where he's supposed to be, near the top of the 126 and 130-pound divisions. Flores had an extremely testing camp, pushing hard through the extreme Texas heat " I'm confident in the work we've put in ...man this summer in Houston has been Hot! The crazy thing is we dont turn the AC on in the gym. It's 96 degrees at 9,10 in the morning. It feels like 120 with all the people in there. Bobby [Benton] is my main guy for this fight and he's the one coming up with the game plan. We're working on a couple of different things. Bobby is a world-class level trainer he's got Regis [Prograis] he's got O'shaquie Foster he's taken all those guys and put all those guys in the top five of their divisions. We've been working on a great game plan and you guys are gonna see that on September 4th. We've been grinding, it's been hell up in that gym, and God willing September 4th it's all gonna pay off."

Now, just weeks away from the career-defining fight against a ring legend, the now 30-year-old Texan remains ultra confident when asked for a prediction. A calm and ready Flores replied " My prediction is I am going to come away with the victory. I don't know how, but I am confident in myself and I am confident in the work I have done with my team that we are going to come away with this win."

Broner Pulls Out of Fight With Figueroa, Replaced with Former Champ Lipinets

A fight between former lightweight champion and Rio Grande Valley native Omar Figueroa of Weslaco and four-division former champ Adrien "The Problem" Broner has been in the making for four years. The long-awaited and highly anticipated bout is now officially off. Broner, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, has cited mental health concerns. Taking to Twitter, the former champ said "Man, I'm going [through] a lot at this moment in my life, but I ain't go give up...I set some more goals and I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting August 20th." Officially killing the fight. On paper, the fight is extremely intriguing due to the contrast in styles. Unfortunately, fans will not go to see it.

The Texan has been an outspoken leader in the battle for mental health and has opened up about his own struggles in the past criticized Broner for pulling out of the August 20th fight. Suggested it's a lack of discipline. “I’m 100-percent sure that it’s lack of discipline and him being him, while not questioning if he has mental health issues, but hiding behind the whole thing now is just a low blow,” and went on to say “So, I don’t understand why he doesn’t man up and come clean that he f—cked up, instead of trying to pull the mental health card, because I feel it undermines what me and a lot of people have gone through and are going through. It’s a constant daily struggle that I have had to deal with throughout this camp."

Figueroa will still headline the four-bout card that will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and will air on Showtime. He will battle with former IBF 140-Pound champ Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets hails from Martuk, Kazakhstan, and sports a 16-2-1 (12). He last fought in April of 2021 and got destroyed by surging welterweight prospect Jaron "Boots" Ennis. Before that, he had a highly entertaining draw with Custio Clayton. His last win was all the way back in 2019 when he stopped Jay Ar Inson in the second round on the undercard of Pacquiao-Thurman.

Josh Juarez, looks Sharp in Return, Eyes Cruiserweight Division

"El Mago '' Joshua Juarez of Laredo returned to the ring in his hometown after a more than two-year layoff in sensational fashion. Moving up to heavyweight for the first time in his career, Juarez scored a sensational first-round knockout out of veteran Randy McCarty. It was exactly what you would want from a prospect returning from a prolonged layoff. Juarez described the scene "It felt great after being away from the ring... I didn't feel any ring rust. We had a good crowd in Laredo."

It was the first time since 2018 that the Gateway City native fought in front of his hometown fans. He was more than excited to be back in front of his native Laredoans. An opportunity he jumped at " Perfect! Let's get it." Juarez exclaimed when informed of the opportunity by his manager, Lamont Roach Sr. He admitted he did have some nerves " I thank God, He blessed me with fighting in Laredo. I had a little Jitters to see how it was fighting at heavyweight."

If the 25-year-old had jitters, they didn't last long as McCarty didn't make it out of the first round. " I wanted to impress in my first fight back. I wanted a knockout. I expected him to go all six rounds. This guy had 11 professional fights... He had 50-something or 60-something MMA fights. You know those guys are built tough. They take kicks. knees, elbows to the face." A victorious El Mago said about his comeback fight.

It was everything you would want in a comeback fight and Juarez gives a large share of the credit to longtime friend and new trainer Alex Rincon. Rincon, a 27-year-old undefeated junior middleweight prospect, who hails from the Dallas area, worked the corner of Juarez. A first for Rincon, but something the young Dallasite excelled at, and it appears to be a match made in heaven. The two were roommates at the National Golden Gloves when they both represented Texas. Juarez said he plans on keeping Rincon in his corner in future fights " Alex gives me the work with strength and conditioning. It was good having him with me mentally and physically. He's not only a boxing trainer, but he does strength and conditioning as well, and those were tough."

In addition to Rincon, Juarez had Light heavyweight/super middleweight contender Eddie Ortiz in his corner. Ortiz's dad served as the cutman. Additionally, fellow Laredo native and 2021 breakthrough prospect Jorge Castaneda accompanied Juarez ringside. It was a who's who of young upcoming Texas fighters in El Mago's corner that got Juarez through a bit of nerves about fighting at heavyweight. Juarez got over the nerves pretty quickly saying "Once you know you can take the pop you're good." Juarez had previously campaigned at the light heavyweight limit of 175-pounds. He weighed 228 for his heavyweight debut, and McCarty tipped the scales at 240. Juarez plans on moving down to cruiserweight shortly saying " I always said I could drop back down to light heavyweight... When this year started, I looked back at it, I looked really skinny. The pop didn't feel the same in the amateurs and fighting at 178. I felt ok, but when I fought at 201, I was actually stopping people. I was walking around at one-ninety-something. I was stopping people and winning more at that weight. Maybe cruiserweight is the weight for me and I will stick at that weight."

Cruiserweight seems to be a perfect fit for the south Texan. He will sport amazing hand speed in the division and will still carry pop at the weight class. At 25 years old he has also filled out to full-blown cruiserweight. He won't look overweight or underweight he explained. Juarez plans on fighting once more in 2022, hopefully in late October or early November, before the holidays, but has to get with Roach, his manager, and iron out all those details. He said he plans on fighting at maybe "210 or 215 pounds" and that the layoff weight is "coming off slowly but surely."

Despite the layoff, Juarez remained sharp and said he is walking around at 229-pounds just a pound over where he fought on July 30th. He is staying in shape and on weight for a hopeful quick turnaround as he looks to get back to where he was before the pandemic layoff. That's an emerging prospect. Juarez aptly described his journey so far " Its a long road but looking back at its short road. I've been to camps in California, DC, Mexico, Dallas, Austin." he said and added he's still young and learning " It's true what they say, in boxing, you never stop learning. I am still learning. I am still young in the sport, very young actually."

Juarez, among others like Castaneda and top-ranked women's amateur standout Jennifer Lozano, has led the surge of boxing in the Gateway City. The Gateway City is quickly becoming not just one of the top hot spots for boxing in Texas. It is becoming one of the premier boxing hotspots anywhere in the country. Something Juarez is excited to be a part of "I am a hometown kid! ... I love Laredo. All I do is support Laredo things, businesses, boxers, fighters, etc. Laredo is getting up there, and to be a part of it makes me happy." It certainly is, and a healthy, sharp, and active Juarez could realistically become the first cruiserweight champion from Laredo in the not so distance future.

Franco, avoided by Estrada; Elevated to Full Champion

It's good news, bad news, for "El Professor" Joshua Franco of San Antonio. The great news is the super flyweight champ has been elevated to full champ status and is losing the "regular" designation. The bad news is the world champ is also losing his potential legacy-making, mega-fight, with the legendary, multi-division world champ and future first ballot hall of Famer Juan Francisco Estrada.

Franco has long been in line for a mega fight. El Professor last fought a year ago and dominated former champ Andrew Moloney, over 12 mostly one-sided rounds in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The WBA, in an effort to consolidate its world titles, had notified that Franco would be fighting the winner of the then champ. Choclatito Gonzalez and Juan Francsico Estrada. Estrada was awarded the benefit of the doubt with Chocolatito and was ordered to fight Franco.

The WBA approved a third Estrada-Gonzalez bout given the controversial ending of the rematch, with the caveat being the winner agreed to fight Franco next. Estrada-Gonzalez 3 was due to take place last October but was delayed when Gonzalez tested positive for Covid and was then rescheduled and later canceled when Estrada tested positive.

With the Estrada-Chocolatito trilogy off, the path was cleared for Estrada-Franco. Estrada has now decided to part ways with his version of the WBA belt and avoids Franco altogether. It appears Estrada will go back to the negotiating table with Chocolatito and try to make the trilogy. Franco, whose younger brother Bam Rodriguez holds the WBC strap, may look to fight either of the other champs in the weight class, Kaz Ioka of Japan holds the WBO belt and Fernando Daniel Martinez of Argentina holds the IBF version. Another possible bout would be with the WBA's #2 ranked contender "Scrappy" Ramirez of Los Angeles, California. Ramirez has been on record, saying he wants the Franco fight. Ramirez looked spectacular in his last step-up fight against Jan Salvatierra. Scrappy also fought in San Antonio late last year at the AT&T Center. A fight that Franco was in attendance for.

Ortiz successful in Return After 12-month layoff: Big Things Next

Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy

It's been a tumultuous 12 months for undefeated, 24-year-old, 147-pound sensation, Vergil Oritz of Grand Prairie. After the longest layoff of his young career and recovering from rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition that attacks the kidneys. Ortiz had his character attacked. After rumors circulated that he pulled out of the original McKinson date because he was walking around heavy and unable to make the 147-pound limit back in March. Ortiz said the criticism is blatantly untrue."They're giving people the wrong information, just straight up false information." Ortiz continued "camp and the weight cut were going fine. I was eating perfectly everything was going good and then everything went south." Ortiz described his condition as literally feeling like his better was falling apart.  "We went to the doctor and they did some blood tests and discovered that my muscles were literally breaking down." The attacks on Ortiz bothered the younger fighter who prides himself on his work ethic  "They were slandering my name, People who are up there [in the boxing world] with straight up false information." 

The undue and inaccurate scrutiny got underneath the skin of Ortiz. However, it ultimately had no impact on his performance. Ortiz was business as usual Saturday night in Fort Worth at the Dickies Arena, in front of a crowd of around 6,500. Ortiz was hyped to be back in front of his home crowd saying, "It's a wonderful feeling having the whole [Dallas-Fort Worth] Metroplex have your back that's always a great feeling" After a bit of a feeling out process Ortiz got to work in the third snapping the head of McKinson with a vicious uppercut that left McKinson staggered and hanging on. Ortiz continued to stalk and ripped power shots to the head and body as McKinson was trying to run out the clock in the third stanza. McKinson was able to stay away and was able to even score a few clean shots with his southpaw jab and the occasional looping left hand. However, the issue was never in doubt. During the middle rounds, Ortiz showed his superior class. The Texan slowed the pace and sharpshooting from the outside and landed thudding head and body shots on the Englishman. McKinson would not cooperate and go quietly into that good night as he continued to circle and make Ortiz chase after him. However, the Grand Prairie stayed patient and got what he was looking for in the eighth a perfectly placed left hook McKinsons body that dropped him. A game and courageous McKinson was somehow able to get to his feet and run out the round. Ortiz said, "No, I wasn't surprised" that he got up. The end was near, however, as Ortiz picked up in the ninth, where he left off in the eighth. The hard-hitting Texan dropped his rugged opponent again with a body shot again McKinson was somehow able to beat the count and make it to his feet. Barely able to stand and clearly in tremendous pain, McKinson was allowed to continue for reasons unknown. After going into retreat and being unable to keep Ortiz off of him, McKinson's corner threw in the towel, and referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight 27 seconds into round nine.

The bout was deemed a title eliminator by the WBA. The WBA world champion is Errol Spence. Take a step back DFW fight fans. That's not the title Ortiz will be in line for. He will be mandatory for the "Regular" designation of the belt which is held by Eimantas Stanionis of Lithuania. The other and more lucrative option for Ortiz is WBO welterweight champ and an all-time-great, pound-for-pound elite, Terence "Bud" Crawford. Crawford expressed interest in fighting Ortiz, who is ranked number one by the WBO. 

Kid Austin’s Star Making Performance

From homeless to Golden Boy's next golden boy, "Kid Austin" Floyd Schofield has had an incredible journey in his 19 years on earth. Recently having signed a co-promotional deal with Golden Boy, Schofield had a large crowd gathered at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, excited to see if "Kid Austin'' had substance behind all the hype. From the infamous Devin Haney Sparring session to his management team and Dad saying he can be "one of the best ever" to world champions who are super impressed by his speed, skills, and power. Schofield had a lot to live up to in his first fight with Golden Boy, his opponent was the rugged Rodrigo Guerrero. A Rugged opponent from Mexico City, Mexico with more KO victories than Schofield has fought.

Schofield certainly delivered for the packed house in The Texan's home state and exceeded expectations. A mesmerizing barrage of power shots staggered Guerrero in the opening round, letting the Capacity Crowd in Fort Worth know that "Kid Austin had arrived. The Athletic 19-year old from Austin, Texas, showed uncanny athleticism and skills in destroying his veteran opponent of over 40-fights. Dazzling footwork kept his overmatched opponent off balance all night long. After a debatable knockdown in the third that put Guerrero on the canvas at the end of the third. Schofield picked up and removed any questions about the first knockdown and scored another in the fourth. A lightning-quick combination by Schofield capped off by a right hand put Guerrero down on the canvas with just about 10 seconds remaining in the fourth. The Texas native again hurt his opponent again with a five-punch combination against the ropes. The corner stepped in and stopped the bout in between the fifth and sixth round. Giving Schofield the sixth-round TKO victory. In the post-fight press conference, a satisfied but humble Kid Austin responded to questions about his sensational performance by saying "Everything I have, I got from my father"

Two Texans Shine on Ortiz-McKinson Undercard in Fort Worth

19-year-old, undefeated super flyweight prospect Figo Ramirez took a step up into the 118-pound weight class and a major step up in talent. In just his second professional fight Ramirez took on a veteran of 22 professional fights in Francisco Bonilla of Chihuahua, Mexico. Starting out in a high guard Ramirez fired a sharp, thudding, shotgun-like jabs that backed his experienced opponent up, and a short right hand staggered Bonilla with just seconds remaining in the opening stanza. There's certainly a resemblance in style to Vergil Ortiz, who is fighting in the main event. That striking similarity was on display when he again staggered his opponent again. This time with a Vergil Ortiz-esque left hook just over a minute into the second round. Chants of Figo, Figo, Figo poured in as Ramirez demoed his much more experienced opponent. Controlling range like a veteran, jabbing and circling. Ramirez continued precision punching scoring with one-two's and moving out of the way. Showing skills and experience beyond his years in all three distances. The Dallas native continued to mix up head and body shots to perfection as he dominated the second and third rounds and rolled to the UD victory by scores of 39-36 on all three cards.

Carlos Nava of Pasadena, Texas scored an impressive fourth-round knockout after dropping his man in the second round he finished the job in the fourth with a barrage of power shots 36 into the fourth round. Moving Nava's record to 9-0 (6) A second body shot put his opponent Rodolfo Gernenadez on the mat in the second. Nava did not ease up and the finish came abruptly in the fourth " I hit him with a right hand and I can see that he was woozy" Nava added. He then unleashed a barrage of power shots that caused the referee to step in and call a halt to the bout at the 36-second mark of the fourth round in what was a scheduled six-rounder.

Kendo Castaneda Scores Tremendous Victory

28-year-old Kendo "Tremendo" Castaneda has had a rollercoaster of a career. He started off 17-0, captured the WBA NABA 140-Pound strap, was highly ranked by the sanctioning body, and was considered one of the premier prospects in the division. He then lost five in a row and was stopped in the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio. That last loss seemed to strike a nerve. Castaneda remotivated himself. He secured a sensational first-round knockout in the opening round of the PROBOX Last Chance Tournament. That set up Saturday's showdown at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Castaneda took on local product Joseph Fernandez in a 10-round affair.

Castaneda got off to a quick start, pressing Fernandez and landing with straight right hands. Setting thighs up off the jab, Castaneda got off to a tremendous start. Fernandez was successful in slowing the pace and evening things up in the middle rounds. The Floridian was able to keep Castaneda at bay and stay off the ropes. A recurring theme had developed. Castaneda would win the first two and a half minutes. Fernandez would rally late to try and steal the round. It was an incredibly close contest heading into the ninth. Castaneda was admittedly exhausted and was told by his trainer Ronnie Cantu "Six minutes for the rest of your life/" Castaneda picked up his second wind and the pair produced the round of the year in the ninth. Castaneda was buckled early in the round. He seemed to be wearing down and that's just when he got going and put together the best rally of the fight that nearly dropped Fernandez and almost ended his fight as the bell sounded to end the round. The late rally from the Texan sealed the deal as Castaneda took a competitive but unanimous decision by scores of 96-94 on all three cards.

Castaneda will battle with rugged veteran Antonio Moran in the finals. Moran outlasted "West Texas" Warrior Michael Dutchover of Midland, to fill out the other side of the bracket. Moran was able to outbox Durchover and rolled to a wide points victory by scores of 100-90x2 and 99-91.