FILIPINO-AMERICAN BRUNO ESCALANTE GETS SHOT AT VACANT IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 13 Nov 2013
Escalante.
Bruno ?The Aloha Kid? Escalante who grew up in Cebu but moved to Hawaii when he was eight years old before making his home in California, gets a shot at the vacant IBA super flyweight title when he faces off with Michael Ruiz at the Sports House in Redwood, California on December 7.
IBA's World championship is widely considered to be a "stepping stone" title - one which up and coming boxers win on their way to gaining the opportunity to fight for a more prestigious organization's championship title, but has gained some acclaim by its titles being held by many notable boxers including Roy Jones Jr, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley and George Foreman among others.
Regarded as incredibly athletic, Escalante has a record of 10-1-1 with 5 knockouts and will clash with Ruiz who has a record of 9-3 with 3 knockouts and is from Fresno, California.
Escalante has impressed knowledgeable boxing people with his footwork, hand speed and deceptive power.
He has fought and won five fights this year and scored a majority eight round decision in his last fight against Joseph Rios on September 28.
A friend of Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire and a former sparring partner, Escalante was quoted as saying "This is what I've been working towards my whole life, every good decision I've made, every trial and tribulation has been geared towards this moment. I've sacrificed a lot knowing that this day would come and now that it is finally here I'm ecstatic. I will take full advantage of this opportunity as well as the others that will follow."
Escalante's manager Herb Stone is excited over the fact that Escalante is getting the title shot. He has said "Since day one Bruno has spoken about fighting for a title and I know he appreciates this chance more than most. He knows what went into getting him to this point and he has put in the time and effort, as his manager it is great to see it all payoff and as a fan I'm eager to see him stack up his skills against the best. It won't be long until he's on everybody's radar, he's looking to make an immediate impact." Stone said.
The 25 year old Escalante has been described as a young fighter with a mature sense of knowledge in and out of the ring.
He was quoted as saying "Most look at youth as a disadvantage in terms of experience, but I've gained the most out of every learning situation I've been through and I see that as a direct advantage. I have the freshness of a young fighter with the capabilities of a seasoned-veteran, that is a dangerous combination. I will be dedicating this fight to my people back home who are suffering with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. My prayers go out to everyone dealing with this terrible natural disaster."
This bout is being promoted by Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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