Avila Perspective, Chap. 195: An Arc of Boxing from Coachella to Brooklyn

Avila Perspective, Chap. 195: An Arc of Boxing from Coachella to Brooklyn

Southern California’s Jousce Gonzalez stands ready to get a win for the family when he meets Ecuador’s Jose Angulo in the main event on Thursday at Fantasy Springs Casino.

Just last week older brother Joet Gonzalez lost a very close fight against a former world champion.

The younger Jousce Gonzalez (12-0-1, 11 KOs) seeks to remain undefeated against Angulo (14-2, 7 KOs) as both vie for a higher ranking in the very competitive super lightweight division. It’s loaded. The Golden Boy Promotions card will be streamed on DAZN.

Angulo works out of Florida’s boxing hotbed Miami. He’s fought and won prize fights as high as super welterweight, but is dropping down to 140 for this fight against Gonzalez. A victory over Gonzalez on television or streaming could rejuvenate his career.

“We have to prove right here, right now that I am a skilled fighter before we fight the top of the division. Once we win here, the rest of the division will come,” said Angulo. “My rival is good, but I am prepared to obtain the victory and show them who Jose Angulo is.”

Gonzalez, 27, saw his older brother lose to former world champion Isaac Dogboe in still another close match. Joet Gonzalez just can’t seem to get over the hump though he’s extremely talented. One thing that the younger Jousce has is pop. It’s the X-factor that can change a loss into a win at any time.

It’s an important fight for both Gonzalez (on the left) and Angulo (pictured with Bernard Hopkins).

An interesting addition to the boxing card is the two female fights.

Extremely tall Gabriela Fundora (7-0, 4 KOs) meets Lucia Hernandez (7-12) in a super flyweight clash set for eight rounds. Fundora stands 5’9” and will weigh in at 115 or lower. She’s the younger sister of Sebastian Fundora, the undefeated super welterweight contender. Both are southpaws and fight out of Coachella.

“We have been training hard and to be able to fight in my hometown, it’s an honor, I am very grateful,” said Fundora, 20.

In the other female fight, New Mexico’s Amy Salinas (4-1) meets Florida’s Jasmine Artiga (8-0-1, 5 KOs) in a flyweight match set for six rounds.

Lately, Golden Boy Promotions seems to be investing in female flyweights and light flyweights. And why not? The lower weight classes in women’s boxing are filled with attractive talent.

On Wednesday, Golden Boy Promotions announced their new signee IBF minimumweight titlist Yokasta Valle will fight Vietnam’s Thi Thu Nguyen, the WBO titlist. The unification match will be held on September 8 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Showtime in Brooklyn            

It’s east versus west.

Philadelphia’s Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) moves up to super welterweight and will fight Phoenix’s Jose Benavidez (27-1-1, 18 KOs) in the 12-round main event on Saturday, July 30, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Showtime will televise the PBC card.

Both can crack and both are counterpunchers. It’s a very interesting match.

The last time Garcia entered the prize ring he was defeated by IBF and WBC welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. this past December. Probably realizing the line to fight for the welterweight title again might take too long, he moved up to super welterweight in this fight.

“I’ve been fighting at 140 and 147 since the amateurs, for 13 years. I always felt my natural weight was bigger and I was squeezing down. I feel like this weight fits me good. I feel young and fresh. I’m strong and with a lot more stamina,” Garcia said.

Benavidez, the older brother of light heavyweight contender David Benavidez, suffered a draw and a loss in his last two bouts. Of course, losing to top pound for pound fighter Terence Crawford is not a reflection of his talent. The lanky Benavidez has always had plenty of that.

“I want to fight the best of the best. I don’t duck or dodge anyone. I don’t care about the record. I train to win,” said Benavidez. “This is an interesting fight with Danny and it’s a fight the fans are going to want to see. Danny was the perfect pick for this opponent.”

Another interesting bout on the card pits Gary Antuanne Russell (15-0, 15 KOs) against Rances Barthelemy (29-1-1, 15 KOs) in a super lightweight clash. The last time the hard-charging Russell fought he dismantled Viktor Postol in Las Vegas. Barthelemy is another slick Cuban fighter who can give anyone problems.

Russell is the younger brother of former featherweight world champion Gary Russell.

Commerce Casino

During the last year the Commerce Casino has been the busiest boxing venue in Southern California.

On Saturday, July 30, All Star Boxing brings a crowded fight card to the venue located just south of East Los Angeles. The two towns border each other.

About 50 rounds of action are scheduled on the All Star Boxing card. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information call (323) 816-6200.

Influencer Fight in LA Postponed

A Los Angeles boxing card called Social Gloves has been postponed until September, said promoter Bash Boxing. The fight card consisting of pro fighters and social media influencers was scheduled for this Saturday, July 30, at Crypto.com Arena.

Ticket holders are advised to contact their point of purchase for refunds.

Fights to Watch

Thurs. DAZN 6 p.m. Jousce Gonzalez (12-0) vs Jose Angulo (14-2).

Sat. Showtime 6 p.m. Danny Garcia (36-3) vs Jose Benavidez (27-1-1).

To comment in this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE