By Austin Killeen

The ubiquitous Isidro Castillo is offering fans a solid nine bout card featuring boxers from Texas, New Mexico and California. Over the years Castillo has built an impressive Resume as a promoter and matchmaker. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in other locations in the near future. The city of Amarillo, TX is often referred to as Bomb City, USA because of the Pantex; Americas only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly factory.” In keeping with the name “Bomb City” there will be plenty of bombers on the card featuring hometown heroes. Abe Navarrete and Ben Vasquez both are “Bomb City” residents, who can turn up the heat. Additionally, undefeated Aaron Perez of Albuquerque, NM will be tested when he faces spoiler Raymond Chacon.

Guest writer David Finger will cover the card and publish the results on killeenskorner.com on Sunday.

All fights are scheduled for four rounds.

In the main event of the evening, lightweight Abel Navarrete (3-0-0, 1 KO) of Amarillo, TX faces debuting David Walters of Corpus Christi, TX. Navarrete turned pro in 2015; I have no idea why it’s taking him so long to get to his fourth professional fight. I can assure the reader it’s not lack of talent. I’ve seen him in action; he is well conditioned and possesses skills. This is an opportunity for Navarrete to jump start his career, while establishing a friendly home base to operate from. I can’t emphasize enough what an advantage this is for a young boxer. I’m sure Golden Eagle Promotions would like that idea. I know nothing about the background of debuting Walters, but feel pretty sure he has other ideas about Navarrete’s new home base.

 

In the semi-final, welterweight Ben Vasquez (3-4-1, 3 KO’s) of Amarillo, TX faces Issac Luna (3-1-0) of San Elizario, TX. I’ve seen both of these men in action and they always entertain. Vasquez takes Amarillo’s nickname seriously, as all his wins have come by KO. He has serious power, so do not blink or you may miss a knockout. Luna is a boxer and does not have the power of Vasquez. What he does have is the radar of a bat, and will not be intimidated by the power of his hometown opponent. I witnessed Luna upset of a previously undefeated puncher, by unanimous decision. Contrasting styles make for interesting contest.

 

In the seventh bout, junior welterweight Aaron Perez (5-0-0, 4 KO’s) of Albuquerque, NM faces Raymond Chacon (7-35-1) of Los Angeles, CA. Perez is a highly decorated amateur who was an alternate on our Olympic team. He sailed through his first four opponents, but was given a stiff test in his last fight in which he looked very impressive. Once again he will face a smooth veteran in Chacon. The California import is nearly impossible to hit and has the ability to make an opponent look foolish. If Perez is the real deal, he has to be able to handle a gate keeper like Chacon. For Perez it’s his first time away from friendly New Mexico, while Chacon’s suitcase is loaded with stickers from all over the country.

In the sixth bout, cruiserweight Rico Urquizo (4-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Clovis, NM faces Michael Sanchez (2-3-0, 2 KO’s) of Midland, TX. We all have favorite sports teams and individual athletes, I can’t explain why but I’ve always liked Urquizo when he’s been in the ring. He’s also a gentleman when he’s outside the square circle. This is a rematch with Sanchez and people who witnessed their first contest, said it was a fight of the year candidate. Sanchez was dominating a thrilling battle when Urquizo staged a rally in the fourth round to score a knockout. This has the potential to be the fight of the night.

 

In the fifth bout, debuting heavyweight John King of Amarillo, TX faces Mark Sanchez (0-1-0) Midland, TX. I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing either gentleman in action.

In the fourth bout, debuting heavyweights Amil Ramos, of Longview, TX faces Nick Tipton of Midland, TX. As with the previous contest, I’ve never had the pleasure to see either gentleman in action.

In the third bout, debuting middleweight Dylan Nicholson faces Larry Sanchez (0-1-0) of Midland, TX. I don’t what to sound like a broken record, but I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing either gentleman in action.

In the second bout, debuting featherweight Mobley Villegas of Amarillo, TX faces Michael Petersen (0-2-0) of Clovis, NM. This is the type of bout that matchmaker Isidro Castillo loves to stage; give two inexperienced pros their first chance to enter the winners circle.

In the opening bout of the evening, junior welterweight Rudy Montenegro (0-0-1) of Amarillo, TX faces Levi Lucero (0-3-0) of Albuquerque, NM. Once again Castillo is offering two inexperienced boxers a chance to get their first win.

Azteca Music Hall
500 N FM 1912 Amarillo, TX
DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM  SHOW STARTS AT 7 PM
TICKETS: ISIDRO CASTILLO (575) 263-4942