S. Cal Rivalry Time: Jose Reynoso & Aris Ambriz II

Another old time local rivalry is brewing as Riverside’s Jose “Pep” Reynoso and Azusa’s Aris Ambriz clash in a junior welterweight fight once again at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario on Friday June 17.

In an earlier era it was common to see local fighters build up their careers in small shows and fight each other one or more times in venues like the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion and the Vernon Arena.

Lately, Thompson Boxing Promotions has begun building up a large contingent of loical fighters and matching some of them against each other. Reynoso and Ambriz are the latest Southern California rivalry to emerge.

Reynoso and Ambriz fought several months ago at San Manuel Casino in an eight round bout that resulted in a disputed draw. Many felt the southpaw from Riverside deserved the win.

“I know what to expect from Ambriz. Since I have been in the ring with him I know his strengths and weaknesses,” said Reynoso (11-3-1) a slick fighting leftie who uses counterpunching and movement to offset an opponent’s power.

Ambriz nearly lost his undefeated record and now equally realizes what to expect from the Riverside boxer.

“You’re going to see a big difference in this fight because my last fight against Reynoso wasn’t my best performance. It all comes down to the way I ate. I cheated on my diet regiment and gained weight during my training camp,” said Ambriz (13-0-1, 8 KOs) I had to drop weight fast and I gained it back instantly after the weigh in, it made me sluggish on fight night.”

The southpaw Reynoso proved too puzzling for Ambriz in their first encounter. Every time the taller puncher tried to step on the gas he was countered with angles and snapping left hands that left the crowd rooting its approval. The Azusa fighter was never able to land that big punch. And when he did land Reynoso rolled with the blow perfectly.

Ambriz thinks he has the antidote this time.

“I’m going to win by jabbing him. I will stay away from him as much as possible. I know he likes to hold but that is no match for the combinations that I am going to throw,” Ambriz said about the rematch.

Reynoso says he’ll be even more prepared for this rematch.

“My trainer Ruben worked with me on adjusting my style so it’s not an even match, I’m going to do subdue him and unleash,” says Reynoso.

Thompson Boxing has been hooking up Southern California with rivalries the past several years and here is another good one.