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“You know, being compared to Oscar is amazing because he is such a phenomenon in the sport of boxing. It makes me feel good inside and it makes me want to train even harder because I’m representing him.”–Vicente Escobedo on comparisons to his promoter Oscar de la Hoya.
On May 27, 2005, Vicente “Chente” Escobedo, one of boxing future stars, will step into the ring at the Arco Arena, in Sacramento, California, for his fourth professional fight. The young pugilist will be fighting on Telefutura’s “Solo Boxeo” boxing series, and will take on Tijuana, Mexico native, Alfonso Arregui. It is an opponent that Escobedo knows nothing about, but that does not seem to bother the young charge at all. “I really concentrate and train really hard. I am always focused and ready for anyone. I don’t know much about him, but I’m confident in myself and I know that I’m prepared for anyone, and I’m ready to put on a great show,” said Vicente Escobedo from his home base of Woodland, California.
Do not miss this exclusive interview as SaddoBoxing.com continues to bring you the hottest new prospects in boxing.
Escobedo has the pedigree and experience that is essential to all young prospects as he represented the Stars and Stripes in the 2004 Olympic Games. Most of us will never know what it is like to have the privilege to represent our country. Vicente recalls the experience well. “I remember the opening ceremony the most. It was amazing to be there. That is when I knew that I had arrived. Also, just meeting so many different people from other countries was great. I was disappointed that I did not medal in the games, but I still made it to the Olympic team and no one can ever take that experience away from me. I’m just glad I got the opportunity to represent my country and my family.”
Making the transition from the amateurs to the paid ranks is no easy task, but Escobedo seems to be adjusting nicely. He has a very patient and technical style, which seems to be the perfect suit for this sport. “In the pros, you can just relax and pick your punches. I feel that it is a slower pace and that benefits me. In the amateurs, you are so intense and so worried about just throwing punches that you can’t really set anything up. Here, you get to take your time and work off your jab to set things up. I’ve always been told that I had more of a pro style than an amateur one. I just keep giving one hundred percent and I work really hard all the time.”
Vicente, who is contractually obligated to Golden Boy Promotions, is a very articulate, good-looking young man, who tends to remind people of his boss, Oscar De La Hoya. The comparison is one that would rattle most young fighters, but one that Escobedo cherishes. “You know, being compared to Oscar is amazing because he is such a phenomenon in the sport of boxing. It makes me feel good inside and it makes me want to train even harder because I’m representing him. When they look at me and say, “there is the next Oscar,’ it makes me want to train hard because I have to prove myself. I’m not going to lie. It feels good to be compared to him but I know that I’m far, far away from being as good as Oscar, and who knows if I will ever be as good as he is? It’s up to me to work hard and prove it. Oscar was always my idol. I just have always liked the way he fought. He was never cocky and I liked the way he handled himself outside of the ring. He would do the talking with his fists. I just always liked that and respected him. I watched him growing up.”
In closing, Escobedo had this to say, “Thanks to everyone that supports me and thanks to all my fans. I’m here working hard and want to give good fights to the fans. I’m going to try my best and work hard for every fight. Thanks again.”
It is rare that we as fight fans get the honor and privilege to get to know a young fighter that seems to have so much potential and such a bright future in the sport. We can only hope that “Chente” continues his rise up the boxing ladder, and fulfills his talent and possibilities to the fullest. I can tell you from my personal experience of seeing Escobedo fight, that with only four fights under his belt, he already looks like a monster who will one day reign as a champion in the super featherweight, lightweight, or junior welterweight divisions.
Writers note: I would like to thank Vicente “Chente” Escobedo for taking the time and giving SaddoBoxing.com an exclusive interview. Also, I would like to thank a member of “Team Escobedo,” Anthony Velasquez, for setting up the interview. Gracias amigo. Stay tuned fight fans, as we will continue to bring you “Chente’s” rise to stardom with exclusive interviews and footage found only on SaddoBoxing.com.
Sergio Martinez can be reached at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com
