Boxing News Boxing News
World ranked cruiserweight BJ Flores returned to action at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this past Friday night, stopping Las Vegas native Matt Hicks at 2:50 of the third round.
Fighting for the first time since winning a unanimous decision over Darnell Wilson last February, the well conditioned Flores used his steady jab, relentless body shots and sharp three punch combinations to dominate the fight over the heavier Hicks, who weighed in at 256.
The stoppage from referee Kenny Bayless came after a barrage of power shots left Hicks unable to defend himself in a neutral corner.
With the win, Flores improved to 22-0-1 (14), while Hicks moved to 13-4-0 (12KO’s).
Most recently Flores has moved to #9 in the world rankings by Ring Magazine to go along with rankings of #2 by the IBF, #8 by the WBA, #11 by the WBC and #13 by the WBO.
“It’s nice to have the recognition by Ring Magazine which comes with their knowledgeable editorial staff and boxing journalists from around the world,” said Flores.
“This means there’s eight fighters ahead of me along with their champion Tomasz Adamek. And those are the guys I want to fight.”
In response to internet reports about fights which were recently offered to him and his upcoming plans, Flores said, “Yes, I’ve been offered fights recently against some of the top fighters in boxing, but I will not take a fight on a few days notice and my team will not accept a lowball offer to fight for the championship.
“There is no rush. Our title shot will come this year no matter what. We have potential deals with top fighters right now that are being worked on”
Flores is scheduled to make the first of numerous appearances on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights in the studio with host Brian Kenny on Friday, February 6.
“I’m glad to get back in action and I’m looking to fight for a world title in 2009,” said Flores.
