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Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith: Torres Responds, Edwards MIA and much more By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Boxing fans, Alex Torres took up boxing at 19 and won 4 Canadian National titles and two shots at the Olympics and in doing so surprised a few people, but no himself. The 27 year old Calgary resident has decided to forgo a third Olympic try and turn professional. The ?100%? Mexican fighter was born in Mexico City, brought to Canada so his parents could make a better living for themselves and their children. He thinks boxers, in general, get wrongfully stereotyped and he quickly points out that he is university trained in the field of economics. There is no doubt; he is a believer and an achiever. How smart is pending. Boxing is a brutal and just as in the NFL, any team is capable of winning. And in boxing, it takes only one punch to end a dream. Ask Billy Conn. The boxing world will know more about him after he meets Kyle Oliveira, from Winnipeg on the under card of the well-publicized ?Redemption under the Tent? boxing show in Calgary on Sunday July 6 at the Roadhouse. The event coincides with Stampede Calgary week which should translate into a large crowd. Canada isn?t known for producing a vast quantity of boxers or supporting the sport, but in recent years, promoters are finding some real boxing talent thanks to better coaching and more interest in the sport. I emailed Alex a series of questions and I promised to present his answers in their entirety. I did trash 4-3 questions because of space restrictions and dissatisfaction with a question or two after a second read. Let us begin our verbal journey. ABNN: I read where you had your mind set on competing in the 2016 Olympics. What changed your mind; Perhaps age and time? AT: No, age and time had nothing to do with me deciding to Go Pro. It?s simply just my time. Every boxer knows the feeling. I?m still young (27) and have a lot to offer the sport. ABNN: Are you dropping your last name (Rynn) due to personal, business considerations or both? As a professional fighter, you want to be known as Alex Torres, is that correct? You were born in Mexico City; how did you wind up in Canada? Sounds like you have a story to tell! AT: It?s not a matter of dropping my last name. It?s simply embracing my Mexican roots. I am 100 % Mexican and proud of my heritage. Alex Torres, yes born in Mexico City, brought to Canada so his parents could make a better living for themselves and their children-great story! ABNN: On July 6, you meet Kyle Oliveira from Winnipeg in a scheduled four round contest in Calgary at the Roadhouse. He praises you, but says he will beat you. Have you read his statement and what is your take on meeting Mr. Oliveira under the tent on July 6 in Calgary? One of your supporters predicts you will take care of business before the third round ends! AT: No I haven?t read his statement or know too much about him. But that is good, he should be looking to beat me, it would be sad if he was brought in to lay down. That being said skills and experience will dictate the fight, and I am extremely confident I have more than enough to get the job done on July 6. ABNN: In Canada, boxing takes a back seat to Hockey and Rodeo. Can the presence of Alex Torres change that dynamic? AT: This is very true, and Canada?s love fr Hockey and Rodeo won?t subside any time soon and honestly that?s great. Boxing is very popular with Latinos and in general the Southern US and Mexican Market. Don?t be surprised to see me fight there soon after my debut. ABNN: Are yolu equipped emotionally and mentally to handle all of the nuances associated with boxing? AT: I am, boxing is difficult but I think there is a quote by Floyd Mayweather, ?Life is Hard, boxing is easy?, I am not going as far to say boxing is easy, but nuances that surround boxing are small compared to what some people have to deal with on a day basis. ABNN: Wll your relatively late start in to the pro ranks, impede your path to winning a world championship? AT: Absolutely not! ABNN: Who are the most influential people in your life, past and present? AT: Muhammad Ali without a doubt is my most influential figure, not just for what he did inside the ring but for his heroic work outside the ring. For example, his stand against the Vietnam War., knowing it very well could jeopardize his career and freedom was something ng very admirable. ABNN: Will you miss being an amateur and have you signed a promotional contract? AT: Not really, I have done everything there is to do in the amateurs minus the Olympics f course. And I am just happy and excited to move forward. I have a managerial contract with Fan Base Boxing and I thought about signing with KO promotions but I have other plans which I will announced after I take care of my debut. ABNN: Would you like to say something to the boxing fans who will turn out to watch you do battle with Kyle Oliveira on July 6 at the Roadhouse in Calgary? AT: Anyone that can make it out, please do! ABNN: Thank you for your time! AT: Thank you! Boxing News: An independent film company is promising to start filming at Central Gym with a working title of ?My Name is nobody.? Gym manager Tom Garcia has a minor role in what as been described as a boxing movie. Arizona needs more films made in the state. But unfortunately the State of Arizona doesn?t want to invest the time and money to cultivate and develop a thriving film industry in the Grand Canyon state, too much like Hollywood for the conservative types in the Arizona legislature. Iron Boly 14: Sorry to hear Andrew ?Hurricane? Hernandez is off the Top Rank/Iron Boy Show scheduled for July 26 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix due to a hand injury. He was to meet Joey ?The Boxer? Ruelas in a six round contest that had local boxing fans excited over the scheduling. Joey blasted Andrew for calling the fight off and suggested the injury was faked; one way to determine the truth, doctor verification. In the meantime, sources tell me a replacement is in place and Iron Boy will make an announcement soon. Jose Benavidez Jr. vs. Canadian Steve Claggett is the main event while two times Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez anchors the co-main. Undefeated light heavy Trevor McCumby heads up an under card that whets the boxing appetite with budding stars Alexis Zazueta and Francisco C. de Vaca add a little boxing spice to the already enticing menu. The loss of Hernandez on the card is a low blow, but not an 8 count. He is being crucified over the internet and if the allegations are true, rightfully so. Boxing will survive without him and I hope he gets his life together for the sake of his children. Unlike some columns, I decided, it was tempting, not to dwell on some of the derogatory barbs tossed at the embattled ?Hurricane?, but Joey Ruelas and Steve Franjic are rapping some memorable lines. Surf the net and see for yourself. Time to move on! Claggett?s name on the card should be formally announced in a few days .. He is a huge draw in Canada. Iron Boy should take of advantage of his drawing power in Canada and the large contingent of Canadians living in Phoenix. My sources tell me Claggett skipped the July 6 Card in Calgary, Alberta for a chance to fight Benavidez for a minor title and more money. His sudden pullout from the tentative Calgary gig has irritated some folks and doesn?t bode well for the sport. The blame lies squarely on Mr. Claggett who bungled a very sensitive situation. Live and learn! Hello Derek: Super middleweight Derek Edwards moved from Winston Salem North Carolina to Phoenix. Arizona to breathe new life into a boxing career that had become stale. On 2/24/14, he stunned the world with a 1st round TKO victory over highly ranked Badou Jack. The win gave him instant credibility and earned him headlines and a # ranking. Since then he has pulled a disappearing act. He hasn?t returned to his training camp (Hark Knocks Gym in Phoenix) and he doesn?t return phone calls. I hope he is okay and doesn?t squander the capitol he gained from the huge victory over Jack. Stone Update: Despite an outcry from the boxing community, Damien Stone?s gym (Stone Hard in Chandler) will be allowed to hold sanctioned USA Boxing events . Mr. Stone is awaiting trial for a charge of child prostitution. He accepted a plea bargain agreement in April on one count of prostitution. After careful deliberation and a bit of waffling, USA Boxing has come out and stated that Stone Hard Gym will be allowed to continue as a member of the USA Boxing Arizona organization. Mr. Stone will not be allowed to work or train children. He can continue to work with adults. I thought he would have to divorce himself from the gym and transfer it someone else. I was mistaken and I respectfully disagree with the decision that I think, sends the wrong message to the community. Mr. Stone remains free after posting bail on a charge of Child prostitution. His next court appearance is scheduled for next month in Superior Court. According to an email received at press time, Stone Hard Boxing has a new head coach and Damien Stone is disqualified as a member of USA Boxing. Appointing a new head coach has allowed the boxing gym to keep its? USA Boxing Status. Mr. Stone will continue to own the gym but effective immediately, he is no longer a member of USA Boxing. I hope this clears up the matter, once and for all. Personally, I would have asked him to sell the club, ala Donald Sterling. Oh, by the way, three friends called the gym and asked for te name of the head coach and they were told: Damien Stone; so much for USA Boxing Muscle! Redemption Under The Tent: The July 6 Boxing show at the Roadhouse in Calgary is undergoing a few changes. Light welterweight newcomer Justin Sluchinski (Trinity Boxing) has replaced Bill Arnott and the 25 year old boxer/puncher promises to surprise his more established foe, unbeaten foe Lukasz ?The Polish Punch-out? Wierzbicki 3-0. Justin has seen Wierzbicki on film and doesn?t seem concerned. He admits the Polish fighter is fast, but according to Justin, lacks the lateral movement to pose a problem. Sluchinski is a Manny Pacquiao disciple who punches from angles and remains inconstant motion. He predicts a win without hesitation. So, what is his background? Justin graduated from Drayton Valley High School, near Edmonton, Alberta. He was an honor roll student until his senior year. He has a live-in girlfriend and they share the parenting a 1 year old daughter. Bothe work, he works 40 + hours as an electrician for Strike, local company. And then he trains; sounds like a full load. He took up boxing at age14 and Justin has compiled a modest 10-1 amateur record, but he wholeheartedly belies he is ready to turn professional. The world will know if he is right on July 6. In addition to boxing, Justin is an accomplished Curler and a scratch Golfer. He took the fight on less than two weeks? notice and he openly declares his respect and love for the sport. Asked why he loves the sport, the 5?8?? light welterweight says he likes the physical test the sport presents. He plans to take boxing, one fight at a time. Wierzbicki was born in Poland. He migrated to Canada 1 ? years ago. The U.S.A. was his first preference, but the red tape to settle in America was too restrictive, so he planted his root sin Calgary. He misses Poland dearly and hopes to return after he wins a. world title He has even picked a date; some time in the later months of 2016. He began boxing at age 8-9. As an amateur he posted a remarkable record of 106 wins and he lost only four times. He held 3 National Kick Boxing titles and 1 European champion from the same sport. Lukasz is trained by Chris Ganscu and he is very loyal to his two coaches and manager. The 5? 10 pugilist is single and works part-time (5-6 hours daily) at B & W Roofing and Siding in Calgary. He used the word focused a total of four times during our 27 minute telephone conversation , so I concluded that the 23 year old is definitely focused. As for fighters, he likes Mayweather the boxer, but not the person: too cocky. He also bestowed flattering sentiments towards Mikey Garcia, Orlando Salido and Vasyl Lomachenko; definitely an A list of fighters. He apologized several times about struggling with his English. In reality, his English is better than some Americans. A high School graduate in Poland, Lukasz went on to attend a local University, in Poland, where he majored in Language. At the end of the interview, he volunteered to promote the July 6 event by sending a copy of the fight poster to all of his friends and Polish contacts. When I told him he was fighting Justin and not the previously announced Bill Arnott, he sighed and replied, ?It doesn?t matter?. Quick Jabs: 4 members of the Taiwan National Team are working out in Phoenix at the Busted Knuckle Gym?.Super Middleweight Sijoula Shabazz (Pro Edge Boxing) is willing and able to mix it up with most Super Middleweights, but there are no takers; too bad, he is fun to watch and worthy of an opportunity?.Adrian Servin (Knockout Boxing) Fernando Meza (Strong Enough Boxing) Mariah Martinez (Knockout Boxing) and Eben Vargas (Gene Lewis Boxing) won gold at the PAL boxing Tournament in Oxnard, California, congratulations!......Special props to announcers Jim Grieshaber and Brigham Avery. Jim works here locally and does an outstanding job working the live stream broadcast. He is informative, clear and personable. Brigham Avery is a sports journalist who has worked the mike for CBS, ESPN and others. On July 6, the veteran (15 years) broadcaster will handle mike duties for the ?Redemption under the Tent? show in Calgary. Brigham replaces Ralph Velez who was turned away at the border for what Canadian Officials called ?lying?. Both men (Avery and Grieshaber) are a credit to their profession?? Until Next Time Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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