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10/25/2008 Archived Entry: "Ronnie Rios Scores 1st Round Stoppage in Pro Debut!"
Ronnie Rios Scores 1st Round Stoppage in Pro Debut!
Former amateur standout impresses large crowd in Ontario, California
Press Release
LOS ANGELES, October 25, 2008 -- Last night at the sold out Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, 18 year old Ronny Rios let his fists do the talking as he announced loud and clear in his pro debut that he is ready for the major leagues with a first round stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Fermin Perez.
The former amateur standout wasted no time as he moved aggressively from the opening bell with crunching body shots and wicked right hands leads to the head which wobbled Perez. Displaying his trademark fast hands, the super bantamweight raised the crowd from their seats as fans cheered on the stoppage at the 1:28 mark of the opening stanza.
Said the Santa Ana resident, “This was terrific, it’s a great feeling to turn professional. I was a little nervous before the fight but once the bell rang and we got to swinging it all came together pretty well. The fans were great and I hope to be back in the ring soon.”
Stated manager Frank Espinoza, “This was a perfect start to Ronny’s career.. Fans now can see why I truly believe he can be a world champion. Just like Israel Vazquez and Martin Castillo, he’s very focused and well prepared.. Before the fight it was nice and relaxed in his dressing room. He warmed up, hit the mitts, put on his robe and calmly walked to the ring. He’s a real pro and didn’t seem to be the least bit affected by all the attention.”
Rios’ pro debut has been much anticipated for the last few months given his popularity in Southern California . His much heralded amateur career included first place finishes at the United States Men’s Nationals (twice), National Golden Gloves, World Golden Gloves, Under 19 Nationals, National Silver Gloves and the National Junior Golden Gloves.
Continued Espinoza, “After his last amateur fight he signed with the Espinoza Boxing Club in early September. Everyone who saw him fight as an amateur was looking forward to him turning pro. The fans tonight were thrilled with what they saw and I’ll have an announcement on his next fight in the near future.”
Rios is trained by Hector Lopez at the TKO Boxing Gym in Santa Ana.
The ESPINOZA BOXING CLUB was started in 1991 by Los Angeles area businessman Frank Espinoza. Espinoza has earned numerous accolades for his management skills from many boxing newspaper and internet writers.
In 2006, Espinoza was awarded the Manager of the Year award from the World Boxing Hall of Fame and inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
In the September 2008 issue of Ring Magazine, Espinoza was praised for his outstanding handling of the career of junior featherweight world champion and “Pound for Pound” superstar Israel “EL MAGNIFICO” Vazquez.
Vazquez is currently ranked on numerous Pound for Pound lists including # 4 by Yahoo Sports, # 5 by Ring Magazine and # 7 by ESPN.
Espinoza also has managed retired former world champion Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo and currently manages world ranked Alex Valdez and Miguel “EL ANESTESISTA” Huerta in addition to undefeated prospects Manuel “SUAVECITO” Roman, Jesus “POLLO” Hernandez, Luis Ramos, Carlos Molina, Abraham Lopez and Ronny Rios.
For more information on The Espinoza Boxing Club, please visit their newly remodeled website at www.espinozaboxingclub.com
