Local boxer Manuel Quezada's future is golden

Local boxer Manuel Quezada's future is golden

By: Eddie Ronquillo

Posted by admin Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 10:44
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My fellow boxing aficionados, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve filled you in on the latest and greatest in the world of boxing. My deepest and sincerest apologies for leaving you during the last few issues. But I am back by demand. (Can I hear a cheer or two?)
Now let’s get down to business. 
There’s much talk about Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather.  For many boxing fans, myself included, he is fighter you love to hate. See, we honor humbleness in fighters, and to say it nicely, let’s just say Pretty Boy Floyd is seriously lacking in that department. 
I’m not taking anything away from Mayweather. He has done some serious jaw-jacking and usually backs it up. Think of some of the fighters he has been through on the way up: Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Diego “Chico” Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, and now my personal favorite, Juan Manuel Marquez. So, yes, as much I hate to say it, the man is bad. 
Of course, now it’s gonna get interesting.
There have been talks of a Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, 49-3-2 (37 KOs) versus Floyd Mayweather matchup in the near future. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. Pacquiao has to get through Miguel Angel Cotto, 34-1-0 (27 KOs) on Nov. 14. 
Some people would say the ever since Cotto got knocked out by Antonio Margarito, 37-6-0 (27 KOs), he is not the same fighter.  Well, Miguel Cotto is a very sound, heavy-hitting, smart fighter who is a natural Welterweight and very much still in the prime of his career. Manny Pacquiao is fighting beautifully and is on an awesome streak of wins. That knockout over Ricky Hatton is probably one of the most perfect punches I’ve seen in some time. This fight will not disappoint, it is a must-see fight, might just be fight of the year. Stay tuned.
Now let’s talk about hometown greats.
I was fortunate enough to re-visit with Kern County’s Manuel “El Torito” Quezada.  Since our last interview a few months ago, Manuel has continued his winning ways. Most recently, Manuel took on nationally-ranked Heavyweight contender, Travis “the Freight Train” Walker 32-3-1 (26 KOs) — a big test for our local guy. And he did not let his Central Valley fans down.
He outdid his opponent by landing a crushing left hook to the head late in the first round, sending the Freight Train down for the 10 count. 
Since then, Manuel has been the talk of the heavyweight division. 
There are plenty of people who compare Manuel with Christobal “The Nightmare” Arreola, 27-1-0 (26 KOs), who just lost the Heavyweight Title to Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko, 38-2-0 (37 KOs). 
Both are managed by Goosen-Tutor promotions. Both are of Mexican descent and to me, that’s where the similarities end.
In my book, Manuel has the edge because of the blood, sweat and tears he’s put in. He has paid his dues. I predict he will become the next Mexican-American fighter to make it into the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and one of the best chances the United States has of recapturing the Heavy Weight Crown.

Upcoming Events
Saturday, Nov. 14
WBO Welterweight Title (HBO-PPV)
Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto
Undercard
WBA Light Middleweight Title
Daniel Santos versus Yuri Foreman
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr versus Troy Rowland