Avila Perspective, Chap. 294: Southern California Battles

LOS ANGELES-Southern California boxing takes center stage again on Saturday.

Years ago, beginning in the 1920s, major battles between boxing promoters took place in Los Angeles within miles of each other at the Olympic Auditorium and Hollywood Legion Stadium. Now global promotions have taken over.

London-based Matchroom Boxing brings its style of boxing to the Los Angeles area while Los Angeles-based 360 Boxing Promotions stages its brand near Santa Barbara. Both go head-to-head on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Local pugilist Diego Pacheco (21-0, 17 KOs) defends his regional super middleweight titles against Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (32-2, 12 KOs) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Carson is in Los Angeles County. DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing card.

This venue has become notorious for a gladiator’s arena. Some spectacular battles took place in this outdoor arena including Israel Vazquez versus Rafael Marquez, Tim Bradley versus Ruslan Provodnikov and Paul Williams versus Antonio Margarito, to name a few.

Violence of a scientific nature takes over at this place formerly called the StubHub Center and before that Home Depot Center.

“As a little kid I’ve been here so many times to support events. It’s a dream come true to be here headlining and I’m excited for LA to come out and show their support,” said Pacheco.

Pacheco, 23, was raised in South-Central L.A. but now trains in the state of Washington along with champion David Benavidez and his father Jose Benavidez Sr.. Many project him to be the future of the division.

“I feel I’m ready for anybody in the division. Sulecki is my main focus,” Pacheco said.

Polish fighter Sulecki is accustomed to fighting in America. For the last 10 years the super middleweight from Warsaw has engaged in battles from Chicago to New York City. This is his first time gloving up in the Los Angeles area.

“I’m going to take him into the deep waters and drown him. I don’t think he’s ready,” said Sulecki whose only losses were to world champions Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Jacobs.

Super middleweights are the domain of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Whoever can show eye-popping talent will catch his eye.

Pacheco could be the one, but proof is still needed.

“Diego Pacheco can be the future of this division but has a very tough test against Sulecki on Saturday,” said promoter Edie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.

Superfly Women

Also on the same card, female super flyweights Adelaida Ruiz (16-0-1) and Ginny Fuchs (3-0) battle for the interim WBC world title. Neither has ever experienced defeat as professionals.

Ruiz has a hard-charging Mexican-style attack mode. Her quick fists and stamina have allowed her to chase down all previous opponents.

“I’ve been in the game for many years, I know my skills. I’m not only a brawler, I can be a boxer, I can be everything. Everybody has seen what I’m capable of doing inside the ring… I’m keeping my belt on Saturday,” said Ruiz.

Fuchs is an American Olympian with more than 100 amateur fights including international experience. She’s fast, mobile and displays a fearless attack.

I’m glad to be matched up against a top fighter and I don’t think she will be able to handle my speed and footwork,” said Fuchs. I’m ready to be in the ring with her Saturday night and show her my skills.”

Chumash Casino

About 137 miles north of Los Angeles, 360 Boxing Promotions presents one of its popular boxing shows in the wine country.

“Sugar” Cain Sandoval (13-0, 11 KOs) meets hard-hitting Filipino Romero Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) in the super lightweight main event at Chumash Casino on Saturday Aug. 31. UFC Fight Pass will stream the 360 Promotions card.

The last time Sandoval fought at Chumash Casino was against Olympian Javier Molina and the two went 10 strong rounds. This fight against Duno is another test against a fighter with knockout power.

Fights to Watch

Sat. DAZN 4:30 p.m. Diego Pacheco (21-0) vs Maciej Sulecki (32-2); Adelaida Ruiz (16-0-1) vs Ginny Fuchs (3-0).

Sat. UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. Cain Sandoval (13-0) vs Romero Duno (26-4).

Tues, Sept. 3, ESPN+ 2:45 a.m. Naoya Inoue (27-0)  vs. TJ Doheny (26-4)

Photo Credit: Melina Pizano

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