Uppercut Magazine.com - Golden Boy Prospects

By David A. Avila

Fans often cry out there are no more Manny Pacquiaos, Floyd Mayweathers or Oscar De La Hoyas and that the sport of pro boxing is not developing new stars.

What most don’t understand is that it just seems that way and historically it’s nothing new. When Jack Dempsey left there was Joe Louis. When Joe Louis left there was Rocky Marciano, then Muhammad Ali, then Sugar Ray Leonard and then Mike Tyson.

The stars of tomorrow are out there. What many fail to realize is that De La Hoya, Mayweather and Pacquiao did not magically and suddenly arrive on the scene as mega stars. First, they were prospects.

On Friday, a slew of blue ribbon prospects Randy Caballero, Frankie Gomez, Seniesa Estrada, and Antonio Orozco headline a pro boxing fight card at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Golden Boy Promotions is showcasing its young stars of tomorrow.

Coachella’s Caballero (11-0, 7 KOs) vies for the WBC Youth title against Arizona’s Alexis Santiago (8-0-1, 2 KOs) in a battle of undefeated super bantamweight prospects. It’s a crucial fight for both prospects early in their careers.

One former WBC Youth title winner is current WBC and WBO junior welterweight titleholder Timothy Bradley. He captured the title in 2007 and then 15 months later fought for a world title and was victorious.

Both Bradley and Caballero fight out of the desert.

Caballero has won many boxing titles as an amateur but this will be his first as a professional. His speed and overall boxing skill has impressed those that have seen him perform in the ring.

One expert that was captivated by his talent was the great former champion Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor. When Pryor’s assistants wanted to leave the arena he convinced them to stay and watch Caballero in action. That night the Coachella speedster knocked out his opponent in four rounds. 

Lightweight prospect Gomez of East L.A. is another who experts predict will become a world champion some day. As an amateur he surprised many by plowing through many international amateur stars with his blistering offensive attack.

Gomez (9-0, 7 KOs) has adapted new weapons and a more strategic method of attack as a professional.

Facing Gomez will be Khadaphi Proctor (7-5-1) a strong rugged boxer from Hesperia whose last bout was a victory over undefeated Stan Martyniouk in Oakland.

It won’t be easy for Gomez who has been training in Big Bear with Abel Sanchez.

Another East L.A. prospect is Estrada a female flyweight who just recently departed from the amateur ranks and won her pro debut in May. She faces San Bernardino’s Blanca Raymundo (0-3) a talented flyweight who just hasn’t been able to get over the hump.

Estrada was considered to be one of the favorites to make the U.S. Olympic boxing team but opted to fight as a professional.

“My style of fighting is not made for amateurs,” said Estrada who tallied more than 95 amateur fights. “Every time I ducked under a punch the referee would warn me not to do that.”

The speedy flyweight has Willie Pep moves and that same “will o the wisp” set of reflexes that dazzle friends and foes alike. Estrada could very quickly emerge as a new female boxing star.

Another prospect comes from San Diego. Antonio Orozco has quickly garnered fan support with his aggressive but technical prowess that blends power with defense. The undefeated junior welter reminds some of former world champion Israel Vazquez.

Amateur star from San Bernardino

This weekend Edgar Alvarado made a splash at the U.S. Nationals in Colorado and now qualifies for the Olympic trials to be held later this summer.

Alvarado made it to the finals of the U.S. Championships and lost by one point to Chris Pearson of Ohio. Some people may be familiar with Pearson who fought for the L.A. Matadors this past year.

Though Alvarado did not win the U.S. championship as a middleweight, he will be included in the trials. Congratulations.

Fights on television

Fri. ESPN2, 6 p.m., Mark Melligen (21-2, 14 KOs) vs. Sebastian Lujan (37-5-2).

Fri. Telefutura, 11:30 p.m., Frankie Gomez (9-0) vs. Khadaphi Proctor (7-5-1).

Sat. Fox, 8 p.m., Hernan Marquez (30-2) vs. Edrin Dapudong (22-3).

Sat. HBO, 10:15 p.m., Wladimir Klitschko (55-3) vs. David Haye (25-1).