A quick peek at the Viloria-Gabi Training Camp
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 03 Aug 2006
I was in midtown LA for a meeting this afternoon and had half an hour to spare so I decided to check out the “happening” at the Wildcard Gym. As usual, the parking lot is crowded to the brim and it took sometime before a guy pulled out and a space was made available for me. The search for a parking space took most of my allotted time to be in the gym so I hurried up the stairs, and weaved through the small crowd to get close to the ring.
The first thing I noticed was an unusual number of people crowding around the ring intently watching Disodado “Lion Heart” Gabi sparring with a Latino boxer who I estimated was about two weight class heavier than him. I scooted next to Mike Koncz (Gabi’s US manager) and asked him for the name of the guy. Koncz said, “His name is Jorge… he used to spar with Manny”. I forgot his last name though” . That confirms my suspicion that the guy was heavier than Gabi. If he used to spar with Manny, he must at least be a super featherweight.
Diosdado Gabi (R) spars with a much heavier and taller opponent.
I watched Gabi spar for three rounds and the guy seems to be holding on very well against the bigger opponent. Freddie Roach was at the ring apron silently giving between rounds instructions to Gabi as if the two had a secret no one else should hear about. I noticed however, that Roach was a bit more animated in coaching Gabi. I could only surmise that he was polishing their game plan for August 10th. And, from the looks of it, Gabi sure is ready as ever to implement it.
Brian Viloria hitting the speed bag.
Brian Viloria, the WBC super flyweight champion was at one corner of the gym hitting the speed bag with so much vigor that it seems to shake the whole place. If anything else, that is a sure indication that the hand he fractured during the Aguirre fight was fully healed. I wished I came a few hours earlier. I could have seen Brian spar.
I spoke to Ben, Brian’s dad and I express to him my concerns about the fight being held on Thursday night, something that is unusual in Vegas. Ben did not seem to be overly worried about the crowd who may or may not be there to fill the Orleans Arena. “It’s okay. The fight is well promoted by Solar Sports and the Coast Casino people are doing their darn best. In fact, I heard the place is already sold out”.
It was almost time to go so I verified the few shots I took with my camera and then hurried out to my meeting. I am just so glad I took a quick peek at Wildcard. Now I have something to share with the readers of this website.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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