Three for Three: The Golden Boys Shine in Texas.

Click for larger image © Sergio Martinez

Fight fans, it was a night to remember at the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas, as the “Night of the Olympians” was a huge success. Over three thousand hardcore, rowdy boxing fans were present to witness what is possibly the future of the sport in action, as “Lil” Abner Mares, Vicente “Chente” Escobedo,

and Daniel Ponce De Leon notched impressive wins for Golden Boy Promotions. It was a solid card all around which and televised on Telefutura’s “Solo Boxeo” series. Let’s recap. The first of the former Olympians to step into the squared circle was nineteen-year-old “Lil” Abner Mares (now 3-0-0 with 2 KOs). “Lil” Abner would be tested by Daniel “Hurricane” Vasquez, a strong, undefeated super bantamweight from Austin, Texas. What appeared to be a mismatch in the beginning, as Vasquez was floored two minutes into the first round by a crisp, fast, short, perfectly placed left hook to the chin, turned into a struggle as the tough and game Texan would come off the canvas to give Mares hell for six rounds. Abner had to settle for a hard-fought, well-earned unanimous decision. It is obvious that Mares is the most naturally talented fighter of a very young stable for Golden Boy Promotions, but, at nineteen, “Lil” Abner showed his young age as, though he could have comfortably out-boxed Vasquez by using his speed and much greater talent, Mares, too many times stood flat-footed while trading power shots. “Lil” Abner also seemed very impatient at times and would wade in, swinging for the fences with both hands. That tactic would cost him, as a clash of heads opened a small cut over Abner’s left eye. In the end though, Mares was just too fast and too talented for Vasquez. It was a solid win for the young super bantamweight, but it showed that he is still a raw work in progress.

Don’t miss the rest of this exclusive ringside report from “The Night of the Olympians,” only at SaddoBoxing.com

After Mares was in such a hard fought, “Peer Six” style brawl, the crowd was loud and looking for some more serious action, and they were not disappointed. Former 2004 U.S. Olympian, and current super featherweight prospect, Vicente “Chente” Escobedo (now 3-0-0 with 3 KOs) made his way to the ring with a quiet, but extremely obvious confidence as he was ready to face the hard and battled tested Mexican, Geronimo “El Torito” Hernandez, from Monterrey, Mexico. Although also very young at twenty-three, Escobedo showed the type of patience and polished boxing skills that was, not only impressive, but scary as he is still considered a “work in progress.” “Chente” displayed amazing boxing technique, and some serious power in both fists, as he beat the tough, much more experienced Mexican, into submission and made him pull a “No Mas” after the third round.

Escobedo took his time and methodically broke “El Torito” down with a blend of powerful straight right hands, a stiff jab, excellent bodywork, perfectly placed uppercuts, and potent hooks with both fists. “Chente” also showed the very definition of “using the ring” as he gracefully moved in and out of range, sidestepping most of the incoming offensive. Escobedo seems to have all the intangibles needed to be a superstar in this sport as he is an articulate, good looking, and strong fighter, who seems to have the discipline, fighter’s mentality, and also, the right people around him. He also has amazing physical tools and has a lot of natural ability. This kid is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as he can only get better, and that just spells trouble for the super featherweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight divisions.

In the main event of the televised portion of the “Solo Boxeo” program, Tarahumara Indian tribe decedent, and current super bantamweight monster Daniel Ponce De Leon (now 25-1-0 with 24 KOs), made his much anticipated return to the ring, after suffering his first professional lost in his last fight, with a spectacular second round knockout of the highly respected Ricardo Barajas (now 24-5-1 with 23 KOs) from La Colonia Boxing Gym in Oxnard, California. Daniel is a no nonsense southpaw whose intent is to take his opponent’s head off with every punch he throws. De Leon is in the true mold of the “Macho” Mexican warriors, as he usually dispenses with his defense, will never quit, and seems to be so much stronger than his opponents. Barajas, who has faced the likes of Steve Forbes, and Veeraphol Sahaprom, tried to keep the Mexican Indian off him, but De Leon’s strength, and fearless fighting style was just too much for Ricardo to handle.

During a vicious exchange on the ropes in the second round, Daniel landed a hellacious left uppercut to his opponent’s liver, which sent Barajas to the canvas wincing in pain. The referee waived off the contest, awarding the Tarahumara India decedent a TKO victory. De Leon is definitely back as Ricardo Barajas was not an easy opponent and was a very live underdog. This tough and extremely strong super bantamweight is going to be hell for any of the current champions in the division. Daniel is probably going to be a fighter that will be avoided by any of the champions, as he is just too much of a risk and seems to punch so much harder than any other 122-pound fighter. SaddoBoxing.com will be keeping a close eye on De Leon, as he seems to be a future champion in the making.

All exclusive photos from the night… Click for larger image

Writer’s Note: I would like to thank Team Mares, and Team Escobedo for being so gracious with this writer in providing access to their locker rooms, and being so receptive to the press. Also, I would like to give a special thank you to Daniel Ponce De Leon, and his handlers, who really took time out and were so gracious as De Leon and his team invited this writer to spend time with them after the fights. It was truly an honor to be able to talk about life, and boxing with such a promising young fighter. SaddoBoxing wishes all of the Olympians best of luck, and will continue to bring boxing fan that can only be found on SaddoBoxing.com.

Sergio Martinez can be reached at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com