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Arizona Boxing News & Notes with Don Smith
Vaca Shines, Challenge Issued, Red Nation Warriors Boxing & More
Boxing Fans,
A near capacity crowd attended the Iron Boy 8 boxing show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on July 20 despite sweltering heat and a monsoon threat that hit Central Phoenix shortly after the conclusion of the 10 fight program. The star of the evening was highly regarded 18 year old Iron Boy protege Francisco C. De Vaca who fought at 115 lbs., 3 pounds lighter than in his previous bout. Coach Roberto Alcazar told me he plans to have his star pupil fight at 112 lbs. on the Iron Boy 9 Card at the Celebrity Theatre on September 21. The rationale behind the strategy is to put Vaca in a position to win 6 titles in different weight divisions. Pretty ambitious, but the youngster has pedigree and mindset to make some noise. Plus he has champion trainer Alcazar in his corner. Alcazar resume is impeccable. He guided Oscar de La Hoya to Olympic Gold and numerous world titles and the veteran trainer also handles WBC Continental Americas welterweight champion Jessie Vargas. Iron Boy was wise in hiring Alcazar. Vaca's record is now 2-0. More importantly, he has improved significantly after Alcazar joined the team. Smart move by Iron Boy CEO Roberto Vargas and his team of advisors.
In determining who was the fighter of the night, I polled 20 independent people comprised of fighters, fans and boxing related professionals and asked them point blank to put on their investor hat and tell me which fighter(s) would get their dollar. Granted, one fight doesn't make a career, but everyone polled said Francisco C. De Vaca without hesitation. Other pugilists earning high praise from an elite group of observers included Abel Ramos, Candido Lopez, Alexis Santiago, Jensen Ramirez and Mario Esparza. It was a successful debut night for Lopez and Esparza. Santiago (14-3-1) knocked out Jamie Guiterrez in the 3rd round to set up his September 21 WBC USA Super Bantamweight title fight on the Iron Boy 9 card at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. Opponent TBD!
Not grading well with my handpicked ring observers were Joe Martell, Emilio Garcia and unbeaten "prospect" Victor Castro who was chided for his lackluster performance against journeyman Marcos Herrera (6-10-1). Castro upped his record to 10-0, but fans went online to express their displeasure with his performance. Castro vs. Herrera was listed as the main event of the evening and most fans disagreed with the billing. I like Castro, but he hasto make some tough decisions before he can reach the next level. Garcia graded poor because he was on his bicycle too much. Jensen Ramirez dominated him and after the decision was rendered, Garcia fans left quickly with heads bowed. More on the Ramirez/Garcia match up below.