![]() boxer has a tough assignment against Pedro Toledo on Feb. “Every day I’m getting better,” says Montelongo. Montelongo is adapting and it shows in the sparring session. Mexican fans especially do not like to see this and will tell you with their collective boos. Audiences don’t like to see what they perceive as running. Before he was more accustomed to scooting out of danger and moving around the ring. It’s more touches.”ĭuring sparring Montelongo used his quick reflexes to avoid punches by moving his head and taking a few quick steps out of range. “In international boxing you can’t beat the Russians or Cubans if you go for power. “It’s difficult and it’s tough,” said Montelongo honestly. After years of perfecting the amateur style Montelongo is now revamping his fight technique to the pro style of power boxing. Knockdowns count for much more than quick touches from a jab. But amateur fighting differs greatly from pro fighting, which prefers power over speed. One fight ended in a draw.Īs an amateur Montelongo won numerous national titles and performed on the international stage as well. So far he’s fought three times in a prize ring and remains undefeated. Standing five feet away was East L.A.’s Xavier Montelongo, a very fast former amateur star who is making the difficult transition to professional prizefighting. “I want to be in a position to fight Nonito Donaire,” says Martin. Martin could enter that championship fold. Now he has a few more prospects and contenders under his supervision. ![]() He also has Josesito Lopez on the cusp of winning a welterweight world title should he get an opportunity. The last thing I have on my mind is going for the knockout.”Ĭamponovo has guided two fighters – Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez – from their earliest fights to world titles. “But I always try to win each round and the fight. “I honestly think I already had it,” says Martin about his punching power. For Martin it might be both of those reasons. It’s one of those revelations that happens to some fighters when they reach a certain age or certain technical level with their boxing expertise. The San Diego boxer has recently exhibited newfound power with two consecutive knockouts. ![]() Martin is fighting the main event in a few weeks. But after several unproductive rounds the session is over and Martin walks out of the ring unscathed. He’s not pleased at all that Martin was forced to spar a southpaw. Watching the entire proceedings was Alex Camponovo, the matchmaker and operations director for Thompson Boxing. If the fight falls through due to injury, then nobody gets paid. One thing Martin doesn’t need is an accidental butt that leads to a cut and postponement. The lefty was tall and rangy and both tangled many times with their feet. Either the other trainer pulled a fast one or there was a mix up, but Martin decided to spar the lefty though he’s scheduled to fight a right-hander. The junior featherweight’s team drove all the way from San Diego to get sparring. Inside Ponce De Leon’s gym Martin is sparring with a tall southpaw. “He was the first guy to beat me,” said Martin (25-2-3, 8 Kos). Only two times has he tasted defeat and his next opponent Jose Angel Beranza is one of the guys that handed it to him. Martin is a veteran at age 26 with 30 professional bouts in six years as a prizefighter. 22, at the Ontario Doubletree Hotel on a Thompson fight card. The slick counter-punching 122-pounder recently signed a contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions. Putting on head gear and gloves was San Diego’s junior featherweight contender Chris Martin (picture of Martin above by Al Applerose). Ponce de Leon was not present when we arrived. The entire gym has a shininess and sparkle as if put together by an interior design artist. Located in Montebello, it’s a spanking brand new boxing hub that has two boxing rings. One of the first gyms on our target list was the new boxing facility owned by WBC featherweight titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon. In reality, all one needs to find the truth is visit the gym and see in person. You can talk to all the trainers, promoters and match makers in the world who spew out reasons why this fighter will beat that fighter. In between press conferences and meetings, one of the most important duties in my opinion is visiting those houses of boxing where the truth is actually shown in front of your eyes.īoxing has a clarity that can’t be disguised. It’s clear that boxing is about to erupt very soon in the area. We visited numerous Southern California boxing gyms during the past week.
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