Avila Perspective, Chap. 85: The Art of Matchmaking and More

In the world of prizefighting the art of matchmaking plays a great importance to the sport.

This weekend highlights that importance.

A Southern California fight card on Friday Feb. 14, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. spotlights three rising contenders on a Golden Boy Promotion show and the trio are engaged in pivotal fights that could set back or enhance the future of the Los Angeles-based boxing company.

First, there are three rising contenders: one is a former soccer player turned boxer in Carlos Morales (pictured), another a young slugger Alexis Rocha with a growing fandom who will be fighting near his hometown. And the main attraction is a budding star in Ryan Garcia with the potential to be a mega star.

All three are partaking in pivotal fights based on crucial matchmaking.

Morales, 30, has won only two of his last five fights but will be testing former three-division world champion Jorge “Nino de Oro” Linares, a Venezuelan great. It’s not an easy fight for either fighter.

Though Morales (19-4-4, 8 KOs) does not have the glittery resume of Linares (46-5, 28 KOs, he has been placed in situations that could be called Mission Impossible. Think of his journey to Puerto Rico to fight Alberto “Explosivo” Machado in 2017. Or what about his match against Ryan Garcia in 2018, and then three months later against Rene Alvarado the current WBA super featherweight titlist?

The likeable fighter has gone through a murderer’s row of opponents. He was not expected to win but gave each the fight of their lives when they met. You got to cheer for a kid like this who has grown exponentially since he turned pro.

Morales did not win his first fight until his sixth bout.

I attended his first five fights at places like the Quiet Cannon, Finish Line Grill in Pomona and Florentine Gardens in Hollywood. He was always competitive but just didn’t seem to have what it takes.

So, what made the difference?

“I decided to take boxing seriously,” said Morales. Once he realized that soccer was not an option, he dedicated his time to boxing. “That made the difference for me.”

The Los Angeles-based Morales reeled off 16 consecutive wins before taking on Machado in Puerto Rico. After that fight, Machado became the WBO super featherweight champion.

Now, Morales faces a former three-division world champion in Linares who battled Vasyl Lomachenko evenly for 10 rounds before losing by knockout. It’s yet another seemingly impossible mission but one Morales takes in stride like a true professional.

“I think Linares has lost his legs,” said Morales. “He doesn’t move around as well as before. He needs his legs.”

Morales has proven to be one of the most improved fighters on the Golden Boy roster. From losing his first fight eight years ago to battling neck and neck with two world champions, it says a lot about the former soccer star.

“I’m going to beat him the way the other five beat him by putting pressure (on him),” said Morales. “Beating Jorge Linares for sure would give me a second fight with Ryan Garcia.”

Rocha

Another knocking on the door to Top 20 contender status is Alexis Rocha (15-0, 10 KOs) the southpaw slugger from Santa Ana, Calif. He meets former contender Brad Solomon (28-2, 9 KOs) a slick southpaw in a 10-round welterweight battle.

Rocha, 22, is the younger brother of highly ranked featherweight contender Ronny Rios and the two both train in Santa Ana under trainer Hector Lopez. Though younger he is taller and heavier and faces a very skilled fighter in Louisiana-born Solomon.

In his last fight Rocha out-slugged a slugger, now he faces a fighter with more high tech weaponry.

“I expect an even better Brad Solomon for this fight,” said Rocha who watched Solomon in a losing effort against Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Dec. 13, a fight card that he also participated on. “He was rusty and hadn’t fought in over a year. I expect him to be even sharper when he fights me.”

Having witnessed Solomon’s ability to move laterally and also deliver surprise power has Rocha expecting his toughest foe yet.

“This is going to be a very tough fight, but I like that,” said Rocha, who is making a third defense of the WBC Continental Americas welterweight title.

Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday. DAZN will stream the card.

All Star Promotions

Longtime running All Star Promotions has a competing Valentine’s Day boxing card on Friday Feb. 14, at the Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California.

Leading the Battle of the Rising Stars card is undefeated super welterweight Martin Saldana (13-0) against Alexis Gaytan (7-5) in the main event.

Seven other undefeated prospects are also participating on the boxing card with doors opening at 7 p.m.

For more information call (323) 816-6200.

Nashville

IBF super middleweight titlist Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) defends against Germany’s Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs) on Saturday Feb. 15, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. FOX will televise.

Plant, 27, is originally from Nashville and gets to perform in front of the home folk in his second defense of the title.

The super middleweight division is loaded with talent and fighting a relatively unknown German has its dangers too. Though many expect a showdown with WBC titlist David Benavidez to take place later in the year, this title defense can’t be overlooked.

Still, the ultra-skilled Plant has shown to be even better than advertised and could easily romp over Feigenbutz, especially in front of the hometown crowd. However, so far in 2020 hometown fights have proven to be bad mojo. Think Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Tevin Farmer.

Can Plant break the jinx?

Fights to Watch

Fri. DAZN 6 p.m. Ryan Garcia vs Francisco Fonseca

Fri. Showtime 7 p.m. Thomas Mattice (15-1-1) vs Isaac Cruz Gonzalez (18-1-1).

Sat. FOX, 5 p.m. Caleb Plant (19-0) vs Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2).

Photo credit: Al Applerose

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