Junior welterweights headline in Monterey

11/06/2006

Junior welterweights headline in Monterey

PRESS RELEASE: A career crossroads bout is rapidly approaching for a Monterey, California called titled "The Riot". Jesus "Chuy" Rodriguez (8-2, Salinas) will be challenged by Sergio de la Torre (10-8-2, Escondido) in downtown Monterey.  Both fighters are coming off loses to undefeated fighters, and each will drop a couple pounds for the 138-pound showdown.  Rodriguez is the local fighter who spent a year in jail and three years out of the ring.  He ballooned to over 200 pounds in prison, but has trained his way back down to junior welterweight.  When the California commission pulled the plug on a scheduled bout with Gustavo Tapia a month ago, Rodriguez' camp decided to go after a 15-0 Vladimir Zykov two weeks later.  Chuy was stopped in the eighth round, ending his four-fight post-incarceration win streak.  De La Torre, the 1997 U.S. amateur Chasmpion was beaten by 13-0 Mike Alvarado in his last fight.  Two womens' matches are also slated on the six-bout card, but opponents have yet to be signed for Kaleisha West (3-0 Moreno Valley), and former amateur champion Dyana Ornalez who makes her pro debut.  An interesting super heavyweight match is also on the card, with a couple of 260 pound pro debuters each with a Naval background.  Keith Spencer, a 6'4" specimen, currently stationed in Oxnard faces Bakersfield brawler Julius Askew.  Askew was stationed in San Diego, before returning to college several years ago.  Also, a matchup between Gabe Garcia (local legend Georgie Garcia's nephew) and Manuel Delgado will be contested at 134 pounds.  The Riot (formerly the Riot At The Hyatt) is on a streak of 20 consecutive sell outs, moving to the Downtown Monterey Conference Center last July.  Tickets are available only by phone at (831) 688-1604.Â