HOT Prospects To Watch!

Abner Cotto- Hot Prospect from a fighting family!
By: Daxx Kahn - July 18, 2012

It is never easy living up to expectations set before you because your last name is attached with success. In boxing, those expectations can be merciless!  Should your Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather or any other relation have reached the pinnacle in boxing, you are automatically assumed to exceed their past feats. Having “Cotto” as your surname allows you little room for error and should you falter in your quest toward greatness, it BETTER BE GO BIG OR DON’T COME AT ALL!  

24 year old Abner Cotto is the second cousin of former Puerto Rican amateur great and world title challenger Jose Miguel Cotto, it also means he is the second cousin of Jose’s brother 3 division world champion Miguel Cotto who might be this era’s most beloved warrior from Puerto Rico.

Abner himself has a strong amateur background and was a finalist in the World amateur championship’s as a Featherweight in 2007.

Since turning professional in 2009 Abner thus far is unblemished, sporting a current resume of 14-0 (6). His most notable fight to date took place July 14th on the undercard of Amir Khan versus Danny Garcia. While Khan and Garcia were preparing in their dressing rooms for their 140 pound world title unification main event match-up, Abner was in the ring doing what seems to come natural in the Cotto family “FIGHT”. Abner won his bout via 8th round TKO over Juan Montiel.

Abner, who is slightly smaller than his cousins, has started his career in the lightweight division. In that division he has already won several minor title belts. On October 28th 2011 in Guayama, Puerto Rico Abner won the vacant Puerto Rican lightweight title via a unanimous ten-round decision over the more experienced Fernando Torres. Four months later on February 18th 2012, Cotto won the vacant WBC FECARBOX lightweight title in Caguas, Puerto Rico by a unanimous decision when he swept almost every round on the judge’s scorecards.

Boxing is always looking for another merging superstar. If your last name is Cotto and you hail from the island of Puerto Rico, you already have a jump over most in terms of where you rank in popularity. Abner demonstrates the skillset of his relations and if his heart matches those as well how can he go wrong? Like everything else in this sport we need to see what happens in time, this HOT PROSPECT OF THE MONTH IS CERTAINLY ONE WORTH WATCHING!!
 

Chris Algieri- The Kid From Huntington NY that’s bringing fans to their feet!
By: Daxx Kahn - June 18, 2012

28 year old Chris Algieri stepped into his first pro boxing bout at a fairly late age in terms of “Fighters” years. On April 4th 2008 Chris made his debut against Ken Dunham winning a third round TKO victory at Brooklyn New York’s Aviator Sports Complex. Here we are 13 bouts and 4 years later waiting to see what comes next for this unbeaten prospect.

Looking at Chris should you see him online at the grocery store one would never guess this young man is a fighter, he has that everyday kid next door look, good manners, he is well spoken and has a smooth face that would give inclination of a business man rather brawling one. Though if the latter is your guess based on appearance alone it is not too far off, Algieri does possess a Bachelors degree of Science in Health Care and plans on one day attending medical school according to those who know him best. One day Chris states he will be attempting to treat athlete’s without surgeries, the use of pharmaceuticals and make at so they are able to get back to their craft if injured sooner than later while returning 100% healthy! If only we should see such a medical advancement our sport would flourish as top level fighters perform at their best always and naturally!

Despite the late arrival to boxing full contact sports are nothing new for Algieri, he has participated in Varsity Wrestling, Martial arts and has won a world titles in professional Kickboxing. One of his world Kickboxing title’s came via KO 8 over Brad Fowler, that victory put the WKA welterweight crown on his waist. In October 2007 he won the ISKA world welterweight championship by UD after tasting canvas in his battle against Scott Mukaddam, proving he has heart to go along with ability.

I have been ringside for 3 of Algieri’s bouts over the last 2 years, each time he has entered the fans have gone nuts during his ring walk, such ovations give inclination that star power exist should he improve his current 14-0 resume with the “0” intact down the line. Only time will give us the answers on that or to what level his boxing career will be successful on. Meanwhile boxing has a good guy that we need more of leaving it all in the ring for those willing to pay the price of admission. That’s why he is our Hot Prospect of the Month!
 

Photo By: Daxx Khan/BillyCBoxing.com,

Welterweight - Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle
By: Daxx Kahn - April 5, 2012

25 year old Luis “Orlando” Del Valle might not be a name many of you are familiar with though I suspect that will all change by 2014 if he continues to perform inside boxing rings like he has recently. It was before turning professional Luis grabbed attentions of those around American boxing circuit’s by being one of the most dominate amateurs never to be part of an Olympic team. During 2004 Del Valle won Silver at 125lbs when competing in the PAL Nationals and was also the National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion. In 2005 Luis was the under 19 National amateur champion in his perspective weight class, won another Silver Medal at the PAL Nationals not to mention his Bronze medal win at Finland’s “Tammer Tournament”. 2006 Del Valle claimed Gold at the “Six nations Cup” held in Italy when representing the United Sates, third at the National PAL championships and Gold in the Jose Che Aponte tournament. 2007 success carried on when he once again was a top 3 finisher in the PAL nationals and semi-finalist at the Pan-Am Olympic qualifiers. Those 4 whirlwind years helped Luis gain valuable experience on a top level that has thus far benefitted his professional career.       

A few years ago when I had first met Del Valle he had been preparing to have his ninth bout in Poughkeepsie NY, one he claimed victory via first round KO, that victory was followed by another KO stoppage where Del Valle picked up New York States Welterweight belt. Three bouts later Del Valle would be on Showtime’s “Boxing After Dark” series claiming his biggest professional win to date facing then highly touted prospect and more experienced Dat Nguyen, his victory on that evening helped him fill the vacant NABA Featherweight Championship. April 27th Del Valle will once again step in with a more experienced opponent when he battles Christopher Martin in hopes of furthering an already impressive 15-0 (11) resume and near closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.

Luis when speaking with him displays all the confidence a young fighter should minus arrogance something that will make him popular among fans later in his career. Coming from Bayamon Puerto Rico Del Valle naturally aspires to one day be considered among the Islands top fighters of all time and have his name mentioned alongside ones such as Felix Trinidad or Miguel Cotto, two warriors he looks up towards. That is a high standard of goals to set for one’s self but Luis knows he has to work hard and does not mind doing so if such an accomplishment is to be met.

His style is that of a Boxer-Puncher yet his KO% would suggest power is a primary weapon for him but if you should watch his bouts Del Valle goes from Boxer-Puncher to pure boxer without faltering based upon what best suits to beat his opponent at that moment. Keep your eye out for Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle and his upcoming bouts because his name will be one heard often down the road and that is why he is this month’s “Hot Prospect”.  
 

WELTERWEIGHT SAMUEL VARGAS

By: Daxx Khan - February 22, 2012 - BillyCBoxing.com

If you are searching for a potential future superstar to keep an eye on current Canadian welterweight champion Samuel Vargas is one to follow. A native of Columbia who now resides in Canada, Vargas is developing quite an impressive following throughout the country. In his 10 pro bouts thus far all have taken place there and his last two have created some big noise not only in Canada but throughout boxing circles internationally. October 22nd 2011 Vargas faced Ahmad Cheikho in a bout so action packed that it was voted the “Canadian fight of the year” despite ending in just 5 rounds after Ahmad retired on his stool due to accumulated punishment. February 11th 2012 Samuel met a more experienced Manolis Plaitis to decide on who would wear the vacant Canadian Welterweight championship. That affair ended in round one after Vargas hit Plaitis with a shot so devastating it’s already being considered as a knockout of the year candidate.

    
Since he only had 12 amateur fights before turning professional Samuel knows the importance of hard work and dedication when in the gym. He credits trainer Billy Martin for teaching him proper stances also how to throw a punch that will leave an impact on his foe. The manner in which Vargas dispatched his last several opponent’s backs up any doubts if there were some by chance on exactly how hard he works at perfecting his craft.

I spoke with Samuel recently after viewing video of his 1st round stoppage win over Plaitis, the fight certainly gave me reason to believe this 22 year old is someone to keep my eye on as a possible future star. That is why he is the focus of this editions feature prospect to follow.

      
BillyCBoxing- Sam how do you do, I have been hearing your name quite a bit lately. It started in October 23rd of 2011 after your war against Ahmad Cheikho, a fight you were victorious in when Cheikho quit on his stool. The affair lasted only 5 rounds but was named Canada’s 2011 Fight of the year. Then on February 11th 2012 when you defeated a much more experienced Manolis Plaitis for the vacant Canadian Welterweight title by 1st round stoppage everyone who seen the bout was buzzing your name for a week. You must be pleased with how much progress and attention you’re drawing after only 10 pro bouts.  

Samuel Vargas- It is a great feeling knowing people are supportive of me.

BCB- You were born in Columbia am I correct? How did Canada become your home base?

SV- I was born in Columbia, my family came here 7 years ago we were looking to make a better life for us because financially in Columbia it was very hard. We liked it very much, Canada is a good country. I live here with my Mother, Step Father and little sister.

BCB- How are the Canadian fans treating you? Over the years they have been very kind to fighters from other nations they adopted as their own. A perfect example currently would be IBF Super Middleweight Champion Lucian Bute who was born in Romania.

SV- They treat me well, the people in this country are all very nice. Canadian sports fans love boxing, you do not have to be Canadian born for them to appreciate you, fans want to see great fights if you can give them those fights they will appreciate your efforts.

    
BCB- What sort of amateur background do you have and were your amateur fights in Canada or Columbia?

SV- I did not have a long amateur career only about 12 fights, they took place here in Canada. So for me every professional fight is a new experience.

BCB- You recently won the vacant Canadian welterweight championship after stopping a more experienced Manolis Plaitis in under a round. Manolis had 18 bouts on his resume opposed to your 9, were you surprised that affair ended so quickly?

SV- I was confident going into the bout because I worked very hard training and it helped me inside the ring. I was a little surprised but when he hit me and could not get me out once I touched him I knew I had him.

BCB- Now that you have won your first title belt, I can only imagine the confidence level that has boosted. How does it feel to be in possession of a championship belt?

SV- It feels good knowing that what I work so hard at is paying off, I am building more confidence with every bout and I am improving each time out.

BCB- You won your first bout by TKO and then did not have a stoppage win until October of last year, then another one to follow up with it. Where has this sudden power come from?

SV- My trainer Billy Martin has focused on my technique and how to throw shots with power behind them; he developed drills for me in the gym that have paid off. I am glad to be working with him.

BCB- At what age did you first become interested enough in boxing that you envisioned it as a career for you?

SV- I was about 16 years old when boxing became something I knew I wanted to do as a professional.

BCB- Any fighter in particular that inspired you be it past or present?

SV- Julio Cesar Chavez Senior is one fighter I looked up to. Steve Molitor also is a fighter I looked up to, I learned a lot from watching his fights.

BCB- Do you know when your next bout is to take place and if so will that be held in Canada?

SV- Right now it looks like my next fight will be in March or May and it will take place in Canada.

BCB- Any chance you will be visiting the United States and give American fans a live glimpse at what has Canadian fans so excited?

SV- For sure, right now I am waiting for my people to finalize my next fight then we will go from there but I would like to fight in the US.

BCB- It has been nice speaking with you, from the way things are progressing thus far I have a feeling your name will be one mentioned more often among boxing fans not only in Canada but around the globe, especially if you continue ending fights in the same fashion as your recent two.

SV- Thank You

22 years old, unbeaten in his professional campaign, a Canadian Welterweight Champion that has already won the country’s fight of the year honors sounds like a prospect we will be hearing from throughout boxing’s upcoming future. Everything about Samuel Vargas so far has “Hot Prospect” written all over it, all we need do now is sit back while his story inside the ring unfolds.