Bryan Flores might need a bonus on most fighters within the sport. In fights the place he was knocked down, he would get again up and located a approach to win.
Having accrued an unblemished document, the following step for Flores is to contend for a world title belt.
Flores will face Lindolfo Delgado Saturday evening at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The ten-round bout will precede the primary occasion bout between IBF featherweight titleholder Luis ‘Venado’ Lopez and challenger Angelo Leo.
Each fights will air dwell on ESPN (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).
The conflict between Delgado and Flores is compelling in that each are unbeaten and are aggressive boxer-punchers.
Flores (26-0-1, 15 knockouts) final fought on March 8, stopping Jorge Abel Bermudez within the fourth spherical. In his earlier combat on September 1, Flores stopped journeyman Eleazar Valenzuela within the third spherical.
The 28-year-old Flores is accustomed to Delgado from their time in novice ranks in Mexico. He acknowledges Delgado has improved underneath the tutelage of coach Robert Garcia, however he’s assured his skill-set might be sufficient to return out victorious.
“I’ve adopted his profession because the novice ranks,” Flores advised The Ring in a current interview. “I used to be on the Mexican Youth Beginner staff. He was on the nationwide staff. We paid consideration to at least one one other. I’ve recognized him for a very long time.
“I feel Lindolfo is a superb fighter. With Robert, he has improved so much. He’s a fantastic coach. However I’ve my nook and my historical past. Lindolfo has demonstrated his expertise. He has improved so much as a fighter. He has educated nicely. His skillset is nice, so is his counter-punching means. I feel it’s going to be a conflict. I ready so much. All my life, I’ve ready for a combat like this. After this, I don’t know what’s going to occur. I’m going to win this combat.”
Flores has a penchant for overcoming knockdowns to rally and are available out victorious. This occurred on April 7 of final 12 months on a ShoBox card in opposition to prime prospect Shinard Bunch. Flores was knocked down within the opening spherical, overcame the heavier fingers from Bunch to be the more practical fighter through the second half of the bout to win by cut up choice.
In June 2019, Flores additionally overcame a knockdown by Ramon Mascarena, Jr. to win by knockout in a conflict of unbeaten prospect. Flores believes some fighters have no idea capitalize on a harm fighter or underestimate him.
“I’ve all the time had troublesome fights,” stated Flores, who’s promoted by Oswaldo Kuchle and is educated by Fernando Villa. “It wasn’t the primary time I’ve been dropped to the canvas. I’ve even been dropped 3 times in a combat, and I’ve gotten as much as win the combat. It’s psychological when issues like that occur. You consider your loved ones, your children, so you possibly can’t stay there (on the canvas). Lindolfo may knock me down, hopefully not, but when he does, I’m going to stand up and I’m going to win. I don’t understand how the combat will play out, however I’m going to win, as a result of I’ve exerted myself coaching so much. I don’t care if (Lindolfo) has educated the identical, or extra. I’m content material with the work I’ve put in. So we’re going to show (Saturday) the laborious work we’ve put in throughout my 15 years as a professional.
“It’s troublesome to defeat me. I’ve been on the canvas, however I’ve gotten as much as win. I all the time give a great combat for the followers. That’s what issues to me. That’s what I take into consideration.”
Flores is educated by Fernando Vila in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the place he resides. Town is one other hub in Mexico the place proficient fighters reside, together with former world title challenger Miguel ‘Mickey’ Roman.
“Moreover Mickey Roman, out of all of the fighters in Ciudad Juarez, I’m the closest one (to a world title shot),” stated Flores. “I may have that chance after beating Lindolfo. I feel opening the door for different fighters may make folks understand what kind of expertise exists within the metropolis. There are a lot of prospects there, and prime novice fighters. It’s my obligation to turn out to be a world champion so folks can see what Ciudad Juarez is all about.”
Flores spent 13 weeks in Las Vegas in preparation for the Delgado combat. He sparred different junior welterweights and fighters in larger weight lessons, together with junior welterweight contender Kenneth Sims, and junior middleweights Brian Mendoza and Gabriel Maestre. Flores additionally sparred with Nico Ali Walsh.
After the occasions spent doing mitt work or the quantity of sparring he obtained, Flores believes the preparation will result in victory. He additionally believes he’s amongst the very best within the division.
“There are a lot of nice fighters (at 140 kilos). I’ve confronted prime fighters in Mexico. A few of these fighters I’ve confronted are greater or weigh greater than me. All of that has made me imagine that I’m the most effective fighters. I imagine I’m a top-5 or top-10 fighter within the division. I’m amongst the very best. Saturday, individuals are going to see that I’m ready for one more conflict. They’ll see what I’m all about. My wrestle and to see the chance I’ve. I’m very motivated to win and to turn out to be a world champion.”
On paper, Delgado would be the hardest check, so far, of Flores’ profession. Flores has confronted and overcome obstacles that would strengthen his will and psychological fortitude.
Regardless of having not confronted a fighter within the higher echelon of the 140-pound division, Flores is satisfied he not solely is usually a issue in opposition to the very best, however he may turn out to be a world titleholder. These are lofty expectations, however Flores believes momentum heading into Saturday’s combat is in his favor.
“I’ve that mentality that I’ll have a path to knock on the door to combat for a world title. The winner between the 2 of us could have that chance. That is essentially the most troublesome combat of my life. However I’ve educated for this. I entered the game of boxing for this nice alternative and for the general public in america to know who I’m. It’s going to be a really troublesome combat, however I’ll come out with my arm raised in victory.
“We’re going to show that we are able to win a world title belt.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He may be reached at [email protected]
