Figueroa vs Ayala, Caballero vs Araiza on Showtime

Appearing tonight on Showtime's ShowBox we have (L to R) Randy Caballero, Omar Figueroa, Ramon Ayala, and Jose Luis "Tapitas" Araiza who trains locally at the Gutierrez Gym in South San Diego. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

INDIO, Calif. (March 15, 2012) – All four fighters participating in Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader, 11:00 p.m. PT, weighed in at the Lit Lounge at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA on Thursday.


 

Undefeated lightweight prospect Omar Figueroa Jr. (14-0-1, 11 KO’s), of Weslaco, Texas, was over the division-limit of 135 pounds. He weighed 136.2 pounds and forfeited his WBO Intercontinental Youth title on the scale. However, his 10-round main event fight will go on as scheduled against Morelos, Mexico’s Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KO’s), who tipped the scale at exactly 135 pounds.

Morelos, Mexico’s Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KO’s). Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

Figueroa, who has ended eight of his fights by knockout wins in two rounds or less, is fresh off handing previously unbeaten prospect Michael Perez his first loss on January 6, 2012 while Ayala has won five in a row, including three by knockout.The fighters in Friday’s Co-feature, local favorite Randy Caballero (13-0, 7 KO’s), of Coachella, CA, and Tecate , Mexico ’s Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (29-5-1, 20 KO’s), both weighed in at 117.8 pounds. Caballero will be making his ShoBox debut against the more experienced Araiza in a 10-round bantamweight bout.Caballero has won his last seven consecutive bouts – and eight overall – at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, while the hard-hitting Araiza has registered 11 of his 20 knockouts in three rounds or less.The ShoBox doubleheader is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the first bell sounds at 6:30.What the fighters had to say on Thursday:FIGUEROA:“Honestly, I feel bad for my opponent. I'm going to put every negative together from my camp and take it out on him, and there were a lot of negatives. I had to sacrifice. I sacrificed food, water, seeing my family - all because of my opponent. People don't realize that 50 percent of boxing is just getting to the ring. I'm hungry. I really hope to knock him out.“In my last fight, I proved that I can do it. I’m not going to lose. Whether people believe in me or not, I have my team - it's all I need.“I knew I wasn't going to make weight. I hurt my hand in camp and got sick twice and that’s what took time away from working out and losing the weight.” Undefeated lightweight prospect Omar Figueroa Jr. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

AYALA:

“I’m not a talker. I do my talking inside the ring. All I can say is that I prepared hard. I hope Omar brings his best because I know I will.”

Jose Luis "Tapitas" Araiza (R) who trains locally at the Gutierrez Gym in South San Diego poses for a photo with Randy Caballeros at their Thursday weigh-in for Friday night's fight at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, Indio, CA. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime Promotions

Omar Figueroa (L) and Ramon Ayala (R) face off at the Thursday weigh-ins for Friday night's fight to be aired on Showtime's ShowBox from the Fantasy Springs Hotel & Casino in Indio, CA. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

CABALLERO:

“I don’t see added pressure because I’m on TV. I can’t walk in the ring and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m on Showtime.’ I have to do what brought me here. But I’ll put on a show like I always do.

“All I need to know about my opponent is that he’s trying to beat me. He’s a veteran, so he’s dangerous. I’m ready for a tough fight.

“When I’m ready to challenge for a title, I’ll take on whoever is on top at whatever weight I’m at.”

ARAIZA

“I prepared well for this fight, believe me. I think of fighting in someone’s backyard as a challenge. I’ll use my experience in the ring and it will definitely be an advantage.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. To beat Caballero would mean everything to me.”

Results: Araiza lost convincingly to Caballero and Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala didn’t stand a chance versus Omar Figueroa Jr.

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