Figueroa headlines in Palm Beach tomorrow night

Fast rising junior welterweight Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa, steps back into the ring this Saturday night. The Bronx, born south paw is in the main event of the evening, which emanates from the West Palm Beach Convention Center in, Florida. Figueroa will be looking for his 9th straight victory and looks to improve on his 16-2, (10 KO’s) record. Figueroa however will have his hands full as he is matched up against, veteran Ubaldo Hernandez. Hernandez is on a win streak of his own after taking two straight decisions. The 29 year old “Gato”, is expecting a rugged fight from the experienced Ramirez, who brings a record of 24-14 and 6 draws.

“I expect a good fight, come Friday. I know he’s been in with world class competition and he’s coming to win. If you look at who he’s fought, it’s really impressive. He’s very experienced and I know he’s no slouch. The fight will be as good as he can take. If he’s there to get hit with my shots, than its not lasting long,” Figueroa.

The Mexican born Hernandez has been a pro since 1995 and despite his double digit losses he is certainly no journeyman. Hernandez resume includes the likes of Miguel Cotto, Juan Urango, Demetrius Hopkins, Vivian Harris. Now granted all of the aforementioned men defeated Hernandez, he does own an impressive knockout win over then undefeated contender Ebo Elder, and he lost a split decision to current world champion Juan Diaz.

Figueroa and Hernandez are being pitted in a 12 round bout and on the line is the vacant NABF, junior welterweight title. The winner gets bolted into the top 10 by the WBC. Figueroa is ready to be thrust into full fledged contender status.

“The future is now for me, I’m 29 and I’m ready to have a big ending to the year, and hopefully get into the title mix very soon. I’m excited, people know who I am and I’m ready to make it happen. I’ve put in the time and now I’m ready to see the rewards,” Figueroa.

Figueroa, who now resides in Miami, wants to put on a good show for his adopted hometown. His move to the Sunshine state was spurred on by the promotional contract that he signed with the “SeeNo Boxing Group”. This Friday nights card is a SeeNo endeavor, and it features welterweight contender David Estrada.

Figueroa, who is never shy for self promotions, is a self described hustler.  He hopes that his in ring performance from now on, will be suffice to garnish the attention that he craves. That is why in mid June Sal LoNano, president of S&L Boxing signed the junior welterweight. Figueroa signed an exclusive managerial contract with the Boston based LoNano. LoNano managed "Irish" Micky Ward and most recently the newly crowned IBF champion Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi. Figueroa calls his new head advisor a hustler, just like himself.

“Being a boxer/manager as you can imagine is hard, things like dealing with promoters for example on why a fight is not going to happen for example is tough. Right now the time is right, for me to have a manager. Obviously it allows me more time to focus on the physical aspect of the sport. Sal I know from his work with Paulie. I admired from a far the relationship that they had and I saw how highly Paulie always spoke of him. I mean his track record is pretty proven. He made Mickey Ward a household name and a lot of money, without ever winning a belt. I trust him I let him sit down and deal with the business of boxing and take care of me and my job is just to go out and fight,” Figueroa.

If all goes according to plan for Figueroa he hopes to have his first NABF title defense against undefeated and often berated Dimitriy “Star of David” Salita. According to Figueroa, this was an encounter that once upon a time was turned down by HBO hierchy. Figueroa feels, that now with this expected piece of championship hardware, the fight will become more enticing to promoters and the major networks.

“I would love the chance to fight Dimitriy; I think the fight is right. The dude is 29-0 and I respect the record. I don’t pay any attention to the fact that he hasn’t beaten anybody or that he got a couple of gifts. The bottom line is he’s undefeated. He’s the guy I want to fight. After I win this title on Saturday,  I’ll be in the top 10 and the fight makes sense. If he prices himself out than he might as well stop fighting. Really why are you here?” Figueroa.

Future matches are all pending on Saturday night’s results versus Hernandez, but whomever Figueroa fights next, they will have to deal, with another new voice in Gato’s ears. That distinct voice is that of James “Buddy” McGirt. McGirt, without a doubt is one of the worlds most sought after trainer. The Brentwood Long Islander, is credited with resurrecting the career of Arturo Gatti and also having the first fighter to legitimately defeat Roy Jones Jr. Beginning almost immediately after Saturday night Buddy McGirt will be the new head trainer for Figueroa.

“Well me and Buddy getting together is something that can be special. I feel my style is compatible to the way he likes to train and teach his guys. I am similar to some of the guys that were his ring contemporaries, like Pernell Whitaker and Hector Camacho. We’re both New Yorkers and we hit it off really from day one. I was lucky enough to meet him, when I was the chief sparring partner for Gatti. Sal hooked it up and hopefully its going to be the start of a great and another successful relationship.” Figueroa.

“I still would like to keep Eggy Martinez (current trainer) on board, we’ve worked very well together, along with Buddy and Sal it’s a great team. I trust Buddy and I mean his resume speaks for itself, he’s a former multi world champion, trainer of the year and the accolades go on and on. Most importantly he’s a hard worker and so am I. I’m a hustler, Sal’s a hustler and when to hungry guys get together, you get a world champion,” Figueroa.

“In closing, I’d like to tell people that besides the interviews on the net, you can get the latest on me by checking out my website www.gatofigueroa.com ” said Figueroa.

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