COMMISSIONER CONCERNED ABOUT “KING LOUIE”
Sacramento, CA-Former two-time world champion, Luisito Espinosa, will have an opportunity to be reinstated at an upcoming hearing of the California Athletic Commission, most likely in December. Now 38, Espinosa, was suspended by the same Commission, this after his bout against former world champion, Latva Simm, was mercifully canceled in August.
The Espinosa camp, led by Joe Robles, claimed that the Athletic Commission unnecessarily forced Luisito to take last minute MRI exam in order for the fight Simm. Speaking with the Executive Officer of the Commission, Armando Garcia, he said, “That fight slipped through my radar and was not an approvable fight, which forced me to cancel the bout.” He went on to say that no last minute exams were enforced and that the fight was “never going to happen.” Originally, this bout was as a last minute add-on, announced just three days prior. Latva Simm, a real killer, went on to dominate and devastate a solid young fighter, and natural lightweight in Ebo Elder.
HISTORY OF “KING LOUIE’S” RISE & FALL
Luisito Espinosa, 47-13 (26 KO’s), first came to prominence back in 1989 when he knocked out WBA bantamweight champion, Khaokor Galaxy, in the champion’s hometown. He won his second world title in 1996, defeating Manuel Medina, winning the WBC featherweight championship. He defended the green belt seven times, before losing his crown in a debatable fight against Cesar Soto, in 1999. Since losing the title, Espinosa has posted a paltry 3-5 record, with 4 of 5 losses, (his last two) coming by way of knockout.
LOUIE MUST JUMP THROUGH SOME HOOPS!
California boxing boss Armando Garcia is very serious about his role. A former Miami policeman, he became the Executive Officer in June 2005. He is also one of the best referees in the game, having taught seminars on refereeing for the Association of Boxing Commissions. Immediately after the cancellation of fight, strict guidelines were issued to Espinosa in order to get his license back.
ESPINOSA IS DEEMED A “HIGH RISK”
Garcia went on to say, “Espinosa is a high risk fighter that needs to be reviewed by our medical board. He isn’t the only fighter going through this process.” With the safety and health of the fighter as Garcia’s number one priority, fighters with poor records, consecutive knockout losses, and long losing streaks go through an investigation process. Once the medical board reviews Espinosa’s case, they will recommend either the necessary testing needed for the ex-champion to receive his license, or they’ll retire him!
DOES MANAGER KNOW FISHOOK, FROM LEFT HOOK?
Joe Robles, a licensed manager, told reporters that Espinosa is willing to take all necessary tests that the Commission wants. However, the contractual situation with Espinosa’s estranged manager, Bob Club, has not been resolved yet. Espinosa has a current contract with Club, even though Espinosa’s full trust is with Joe Robles and his team. Espinosa is currently requesting an arbitration hearing to get out of his contract with Club.
TEA LEAVES SAY LOUIE WON’T BE APPROVED!
Armando Garcia said that this process is necessary for safety of a fighter of his age. “Espinosa was a legendary fighter, who fought at the highest levels of this sport. He is a national hero,” continued Garcia, “In his prime, he would’ve destroyed his last opponent. In my opinion, going from 10-12 round main event bouts to 6-8 round fights does not work. I understand that Espinosa wants to continue to fight, but his safety is our main concern. I have extended my neck for Espinosa.” Garcia has made it clear that during the hearings he wants to compare Espinosa’s old fights to his most recent ones.
