Espinoza poised to crown latest champion

By Hesiquio Balderas

Antonio Orozco (22-0, 16 KOs) is ready to become champion. He is getting his opportunity on Friday in Fresno, California, against the WBC super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez (27-0, 17 KOs). Orozco is a humble, easy going man who is willing to listen in order to get things done. He sticks to training and fighting, leaving his team, headed by his manager Frank Espinoza, to decide who he fights and when.

Fightnews.com® spoke to Antonio along with Espinoza. “I’m ready to become world champion. My time is now,” said Orozco.

“I want to thank my manager Frank Espinoza and Golden Boy for getting me the opportunity to fight for the title. It’s fight week and we are ready. Ramirez is a tough champion but we are ready to take the title.”

Three-time manager of the year Frank Espinoza, who recently signed Eddy Reynoso to train one of Espinoza’s boxing stars WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez, has agreed to terms to let Orozco challenge Ramirez in his own home turf in Fresno, California.

“All the parties came to terms. Antonio deserves this opportunity to fight for the title and we got him the fight,” said Espinoza. “This is a great chance for Orozco to show he is the best in the division and I have no doubt he will be world champion this upcoming Friday.”

Espinoza has crowned 12 world champions and he wants Orozco to be his 13th world champion.

“We have the trust of our fighters and that’s the most important thing. We treat them fair and we want them to succeed and I try to get the best opportunities for them. Antonio’s title shot is here and I’m confident he will be world champion.” said Espinoza

His new relationship with Eddy Reynoso has been well publicized and Espinoza has high hopes for the Valdez-Reynoso partnership.

“I had three meetings with Eddy before he accepted to train Oscar. I convinced Eddy who is a very busy man, Valdez and the team agreed that it was the best choice. I know Eddy is completely dedicated to Canelo’s career but he accepted because he knows the talent and skills Valdez has and they will work perfectly together,” he concluded.