Connect with us

Articles of 2010

Victor Ortiz Lead Golden Boy Hopefuls In L.A.

Published

on

A roomful of youthful and talented prizefighters takes center stage as the search for the next Oscar De La Hoya or Sugar Shane Mosley resumes.

It’s as difficult as looking for a single pearl in a ton of clams. No easy feat.

Victor Ortiz leads the half dozen prospects that Golden Boy Promotions hopes can lead the boxing company toward another Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Shane Mosley or maybe even a Oscar De La Hoya. First, he and other hopefuls must prove themselves on Thursday Feb. 25, at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. It will be televised on Fox.

“You’re always looking for that new sensation, that new somebody who can capture the public’s imagination,” said De La Hoya who amassed more than $500 million in his boxing career that spanned from 1992 to 2008. “It’s not an easy thing to do.”

Ventura’s Ortiz, who is originally from Kansas, signed a contract with the Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions a few years back. The southpaw slugger with speed, power and youth was felt to be the heir apparent to De La Hoya. But in June 2009 he was knocked out by Argentina’s Marcos Maidana in a pitched battle that saw both fighters hit the deck five times total.

Despite that loss De La Hoya and others still see promise in Ortiz.

“One loss doesn’t make a career,” said Sugar Shane Mosley who spoke to Ortiz immediately after his shocking loss. “You learn from those kinds of experiences and come back better.”

Ortiz himself feels that he can do better. Much better.

“I don’t remember anything after the second round,” said Ortiz (25-2-1, 20 KOs) who floored Maidana three times in the back and forth battle. “I don’t even remember knocking him down. Everything is a blank.”

A blank memory of a critical loss could be a good thing for Ortiz. Aside from that moment, the muscular junior welterweight had racked up victory after victory with his potent fists. The television network HBO was geared up to start marketing the fighter as the successor to De La Hoya.

“I’m just looking forward to winning my next fight,” Ortiz, 23, said.

In his last effort he met good friend and Antonio Diaz, a former junior welterweight world titleholder last December. Ortiz won by stoppage due to cuts. Now he faces veteran Hector Alatorre of Tulare, California. Nobody has an easy fight with him.

“I know all about Victor Ortiz,” said Alatorre (16-8, 5 KOs) who faced Ortiz as an amateur an underestimated him. “All I know is if he doesn’t train as hard as he should, he will pay for it. I come hard for every fight. Don’t make the mistake I made with you as amateurs.”

Ortiz vows that he will be mentally and physically prepared though he is already scheduled to face former lightweight world champion Nate Campbell later in New York if he can beat Alatorre.

“I’m not here to impress anyone but myself,” Ortiz said.

Ramos, Molina, Huerta etc.

Others hoping to impress boxing fans are Orange County’s Luis Ramos, Paramount’s Charles Huerta and Norwalk’s Carlos Molina. All three fighters are on the under card and are considered among Golden Boy’s top young fighters.

Ramos (13-0, 7 KOs), a speedy southpaw from Santa Ana, has shown a ruggedness inside the ring that belies his youth. He’s facing Colombia’s Walter Estrada in a six round lightweight bout. Estrada has fought several world champions in the past including Yuri Gamboa.

Molina (10-0, 6 KOs), a skillful aggressive boxer, was recently placed on the fight card to get more work. His last fight ended abruptly in the first round against Tyler Ziolkowski with a left hook to the body that resulted in a quick knockout three weeks ago.

“We wanted to get him some work,” said Frank Espinoza, who manages both Molina and Ramos. “His (Molina) last fight ended too quickly. He needs more rounds to get his timing.”

Incidentally, both Ramos and Molina were long-time adversaries as amateurs. This past week both could be seen belting each other during sparring at Maywood Boxing Gym.

“They know each other very well,” said Espinoza. “They’re very competitive.”

Molina is tentatively scheduled to meet James Helmes (6-5) in a junior welterweight clash.

In other fights Huerta (12-1) fights dangerous Lupe De Leon (8-9) who beat Derrick Wilson, who handed Huerta a loss. Also, undefeated Jesse Vargas (8-0) faces undefeated Robert Luna Jr. (6-0) in a junior welterweight bout.

Who knows which if any of these young fighters will be the one to follow De La Hoya’s lead?

Fights on television

Thurs. FSN, 9 p.m., Victor Ortiz (25-2-1) vs. Hector Alatorre (16-8) (delayed).

Fri. ESPN2, 6 p.m., Antonio Escalante (22-2) vs. Miguel Roman (28-6).

Sat. pay-per-view, 6 p.m. Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1) vs. Wilfredo Vasquez (17-0-1); Rodel Mayol (26-4-1) vs. Omar Nino (28-3-1).

Sat. Fox, 7 p.m., Kendall Holt (25-3) vs. Kaizer Mabuza (22-6-3).

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 days ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles1 week ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 week ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles5 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 days ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles20 hours ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles20 hours ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 days ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 days ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles5 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles1 week ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 week ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending