It was January 27, 2006, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois. The final bell rang, ending a wild ten round contest. Super bantamweight prospect Antonio Escalante, 11-0 (7), had been dropped by his opponent Jose Andres Hernandez, 19-3 (13). But Escalante proved he had the heart of a champion and got up and continued to fight. A fight which Escalante ultimately won and a fight that put Antonio on the map as a bright young prospect in the sweet science.

"I feel as if I learned a lot from my last fight," Escalante said. "I was knocked down but I learned I could take a punch from my opponent who had a lot of experience." Escalante also feels he is becoming a smarter boxer by saying that, "I realized not every fighter will go down and there comes a time when you have to start boxing."

Escalante who is now signed with Golden Boy Promotions has said he couldn't be more happy with that outcome. "They treat us very good, and they are getting me to where I want to be." Golden Boy Promotions has even mapped out Escalante's next fight, which will be May 12th in Chicago. "The fight is for a minor title, the NABA, and I'll be the main event." remarked Escalante.

By the end of 2006, Escalante expects to be a legit contender in the super bantamweight division. "Like any other boxer, my goal is to be a world champion," stated Escalante. "Oscar [De La Hoya] said by the beginning of next year I will be fighting for a world title."

Escalante also has confidence that his fighting style will attract many fans and make him a future star in the sport. "People like my style," said the young fighter, "I feel I resemble a young Tyson's aggressiveness, I don't back down, I always give 100 percent and I train hard."

Escalante also made a prediction for the upcoming fight between his promoter Oscar De La Hoya and Ricardo Mayorga. on May 6th. "It's definitely going to be a good show." "Mayorga talks a lot so I think Oscar will punish him and knock Mayorga down, and Oscar will get the decision."

While some prospects seem to take an easier road to get victories, Antonio Escalante does not. He is a young hungry fighter who is willing to fight anybody and I'm sure we will be seeing more of him in the future. Escalante also issued a final statement to the delight of fight fans and to the fear of his future opponents by simply saying that "I'll be knocking
guys out."

Click to read more boxing articles by Jim Marra

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