SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – New England has at all times been a stepping-stone in boxing. Native fighters within the six N.E. states earn their bones, the extra gifted prospects graduating to regional boxing, finally nationally, and sometimes internationally.
Unbeaten junior middleweight Anthony “ATV” Velazquez (16-0-1, 14 KOs), a promotional free agent combating out of his native Springfield, Massachusetts, firmly believes he’s able to bust out of New England boxing scene and showcase his huge abilities on a lot bigger platforms towards main 154-pounders at well-known venues like Madison Sq. Backyard.
First, although, he’s scheduled to headline a Reyes Boxing card at dwelling in Springfield on April twenty sixth towards Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu (11-1, 8 KOs), of Tanzania, on the MassMutual Heart.
“I’m not calling out locals, I need the large canines,” the 28-year-old Velasquez stated. “I now have the expertise to combat outdoors of my consolation zone (New England). I’m a fighter and that’s my mindset. There’s at all times room to enhance. I wish to be taught every single day and my coaches are at all times engaged on a couple of new issues.
“I need individuals outdoors of New England to know what I can do. I gained’t be overwhelmed as a result of I prepare with gifted, skilled fighters within the gymnasium. I wish to be world champion Though I’m 5-10 ½, sometime I’d like to combat Sebastian Fundora.”
Velasquez is coached by skilled cornerman Hector Bermudez, who has guided 5 world champions and at the moment trains world-rated welterweight Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs).
“Anthony is on the verge of shifting into the nationwide scene,” Velasquez’ advisor Gunther Feingold commented. “He has improved dramatically over the previous 12 months and can be a tough problem for any of the opposite scorching prospects at 154.”
Happy with his Boricua heritage – his father and mom have been each born in Puerto Rico – Anthony is impressed by Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad. In truth, his father Carlos was a younger fighter who skilled on the similar gymnasium as Cotto in Caguas the place his household is from.
“My dad was an beginner fighter, however he didn’t go professional as a result of he had 24 brothers and sisters,” Velasquez famous. “I compelled him to carry me to the gymnasium once I was within the sixth grade. My dad taught me learn how to field and after the primary time I went to a gymnasium, I haven’t left it. I discovered that there aren’t any good excuses for not going to the gymnasium every single day. I used to be a great baseball participant, a shortstop, however I at all times wished to field, and I finished enjoying baseball in highschool. All I wish to do is field. I find it irresistible!”
A self-described counter puncher with good energy, velocity and timing, Anthony is a brilliant fighter who adapts to any type his opponent brings into the ring.
The one blemish on Velasquez’ report is a disputed 8-round break up draw with Rashid Stevens practically two years in the past, through which the scores have been 80-72, 74-78, 76-76.
Identified for being the house of the Basketball Corridor of Fame, Springfield is a metropolis situated in Western Massachusetts with a inhabitants of greater than 150,000, a lot of whom are Latinos. Whereas it hasn’t produced any bigtime professional boxers, hometown favourite Anthony Velasquez is able to break that mould, beginning when he busts out of the New England boxing scene.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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