Both Juniors Score Devastating Left Hook Knockouts; Aguiniga Gets Gift Decision.

Click for larger image © Sergio Martinez

As expected, the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas was overflowing with energy and rowdiness of close to five thousand loud and fanatical fans packed the building. You could feel the intensity as the Mexican and Mexican-American fans were starved for just a glimpse of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

,with the hope and desire that his father would be present at the event. Then, it happened. I walked to Chavez Jr’s dressing room as he was getting ready to walk out for his fight and, as I opened the door, the mythical Mexican legend himself, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. was standing in front of me. For a brief second, I froze in time and was speechless. His face bares several battle scars, and his gaze is stoic. I was in the presence of a true legend and actually felt the hairs on the back of my head raise. I presented by credentials and Fernando Beltran, who manages Chavez Jr. immediately recognized me. I was allowed inside the dressing room for some quick shots before the walkout. I took some shots of Junior and Senior, and got the chance speak to a true boxing legend.

I made my way back to the ring apron to wait for “Junior” to make his entrance. Soon after, the Mariachi music started and the arena noise was deafening. I could literally not hear myself think, and could feel a rumbling at my feet. “Julio! Julio! Julio,” was the chant that rained down as both Junior and Senior walked side-by-side to the ring. As soon as Senior’s face appeared on the jumbo screen at the arena, the electricity got even higher, and the noise was painful to the ears. The man is still the reason why they come!

Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the promoters of this event, set a boxing event attendance record at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Just before the first bell, Chavez senior kissed his son, and made his way to down the ring stairs. Soon after, “Junior” landed a devastating left hook that knocked his opponent Jonathan Nelson senseless, ending the fight within the first minute of the of the first round. It was a “storybook ending” and the only one that would be acceptable this night. It was a great experience as I took pictures of both father and son in the ring after the fight. I was like a kid in a candy store just decaying away in sinful bliss.

The under-card featured another son of a Mexican legend as Jorge “El Raton” Paez Jr. took on Javier Segura. There were some heated exchanges in the first round, but Paez, Jr’s class and superior skills were quickly telling. In the second round, “El Raton” landed a vicious left hook to Segura’s jaw that sent him crashing to the canvas, completely dazed and confused. Just like that, the referee stopped the contest and Paez Jr. made his American debut a memorable one. It is hard to gauge from this short fight, but “El Raton” does have speed, can switch between southpaw and conventional stance, and seems to carry some pop in both of his fists.

The main event of the televised portion of the card featured “Sweet” Jose Aguiniga taking on Gerardo “Locomotora” Espinoza. It was a harder than expected battle for “Sweet” Jose, as Espinoza, coming off three straight loses, showed a lot of heart, toughness, solid skills, and determination as he stood toe-to-toe and slugged it out with Aguiniga. The middle rounds of the bout were as tight as can be as “Locomotora” was landing some solid combinations. Jose showed some heart as he battled back late, landing his own three-to-four-punch combinations. When the fight ended, the crowd was on its feet, as both pugilists left it in the ring. “Sweet” Jose won an unpopular majority decision. In this writer’s opinion, although this was a close contest, Espinoza outworked Aguiniga over the course of the ten rounds, and should have received the call. Like I have said before, such is life and life is boxing.

Fight Photos

Click for larger image © Sergio Martinez

Writer’s Note: I would like to send a special thanks to Sycuan, in particular Michael Marley, for making this event so enjoyable and exciting to watch. Mr. Marley was very patient and gracious. He made sure that my loved ones were taken care of and did an amazing job of getting the press everything they needed. So, on behalf of myself and SaddoBoxing.com, thank you very much amigo and I hope to see you again soon.

Contact Sergio Martinez at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com