Alfredo Angulo Is Happiest
When He Is In The Ring

Story & Cell Phone Photos By William Trillo

The last place you will find most fighters the week of his fight is in a sparring session, but when I walked into the Maywood Boxing Club early Monday afternoon there was undefeated Jr. Middleweight Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo going toe to toe with yet another one of his many sparring partners.

As I sat and watched the 4 rounds remaining I couldn't get over the fact that in between punches thrown or taken, Angulo was either joking with his trainer and laughing or singing along with the music playing in the background. It wasn't meant as any disrespect to his sparring partner but rather just a guy who is happiest when he is doing his job, and in this case "El Perro" does his very well.

As Angulo finished his work in the ring and started hitting the speed bag I told his trainer "Clemente" that I have never seen a guy so happy about his occupation. Clemente said, "You know the week of the fight most fighters get angrier and angrier everyday. But not this guy, as the fight gets closer he just gets happier and happier."

The reason Angulo stays content when most fighters crawl into a shell is easy according to Clemente, "Most fighters are worried about making weight and they are not eating all week before the fight, but "Perro" is already on weight and he can eat whatever he wants. "Moments later while he was cutting off his wraps Angulo smiled and confirmed what his trainer told me, "Yesterday I had 2 big slices of pepperoni pizza," he said in very good English which caught me off guard, he was born and raised in Mexicali, Mexico and up until Monday I had never heard him utter more than a word or two of English. Looks like his self appointed interpreter will soon be out of a job.

On paper Angulo is 13-0 with 10 KO's, but don't let his lack of pro fights fool you. This kid has been around and if all goes according to plan he will be making a lot of noise in the Jr. Middle division in the near future.

I highly suggest you tune into his fight on HBO this Saturday. He comes up against Andrey Tsurkan who has more than double the pro fights of Angulo and sports a record of 26-3, with 17 KO's.

And if you are in the Southern California area you should consider making a trip to The Pechanga Resort & Casino. You won't by disappointed.

To Purchase tickets or check ticket availability call the Box Office from 10am to 10pm at 951-770-2507 Tickets are priced as follows: General $50 VIP $100 Ringside $150.


Questions Or Comments? Email William Trillo