Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa is fresh off a taxing victory over Mexico's Ubaldo Hernandez in one of the better fights that many boxing fans won’t get the chance to see. These two 140 pounders thrilled the audience at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida. Figueroa and Hernandez tested their wills and chins for eleven rounds before Figueroa’s power proved too much for Hernandez. With his latest victory, Figueroa feels ready to mix with the best that the junior welterweight division has to offer.

 

"It was a great fight, we came out and put on what people pay their money to see and that's two guys who come to fight. That's what I try to bring every time I step into the ring. I'm a crowd pleasing fighter who brings it, every time in that ring, my hat goes off to Hernandez," said Figueroa.

 

Figueroa admitted that the ending was not a classic one hitter quitter, but more of a result of a grueling bout. "El Gato" says that from about round 7 up until the eventual decisive round, he really focused on a strong body attack.

 

"It was not a picture perfect knockout win, but it was more a case of the wear and tear of a brutal back and forth bout. I remember telling myself to just start hitting him to the body, regardless of landing them cleanly. Just keep the pressure on him eventually I'll land more than I'll miss," said Figueroa.

 

A straight left was the final blow landed by Figueroa, that sent Hernandez to the canvas. For Figueroa he admits that in a way he compromised himself, it was not the type of strategy that one would expect since coming in he had several physical advantages over his opponent. No one would argue that he had the superior hand speed, quicker feet and punching power over his opponent. Then again, Figueroa in the ring is anything but typical.

 

"I can dig deep when I have to, in that regards I bring a lot of old school with me. I can box and I can be cute if i want to. The first option is to always rely on my skills and box, i'm fortunate though that I can do both. Eventually during the course of any match you have to show that you can do both. I think that's what people like to see and what they expect to see. As far as this fight, I knew it was a close fight, but i felt i had won most of the rounds, and i was never in any trouble," stated Figueroa.

 

For "El Gato", it was his 9th straight win and he improves his record to, 17-2, (11 KO’s). More importantly this regional title, will more than likely spring board him into the upper echelon of the WBC ratings. Figueroa has now set his feline eyes on a bigger prize. The man on the radar for the 29 year old Bronx born southpaw, is a fellow New Yorker: undefeated Dimitriy “Star of David” Salita. Figueroa feels that its time that Salita prove that he's much more than just a good local box office draw.

 

“It’s a great fight, for boxing, it’s a great fight for all New York boxing fans. If the fight gets signed, the true boxing fan will start buzzing. My style, and Dimitriy’s style has all the makings of a great fight. We are two young up and comers, with good records. I’d be his step up and he’d be a great challenge for me,” said Figueroa.

 

Figueroa feels that now he holds some leverage in terms of making this very potentially intriguing fight a reality. Figueroa who like no other fighter from the big apple embraces his New York roots, says that he’d love to have the first challenge for his belt, come from a fellow New Yorker. Salita who calls Brooklyn home is one of the best selling regional fighters in the country. “El Gato” feels that with the set in place and his own growing notoriety that it is a made for television bout. Figueroa also pointed out that since Salita claims to be his own manager, that he has a lot of say in making this bout a possibility.

 

“I want to give him the opportunity since he’s from New York. I know the fans are dying to see this match up. I’m willing to go half way to make this fight happen. I  just hope he meets me and accepts my challenge,” said Figueroa.

 

Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik have the upcoming HBO telecast  on September 29th. Figueroa feels that the DiBella promoted Salita and him would be an ideal co-feature attraction. [Editor's note: that spot has already gone to Andre Berto-David Estrada]

 

"I would like to say this to Dimitriy I hope you accept the challenge. I hope you don't decline. You'd be getting the opportunity to fight on HBO, and now for the NABF belt. To me the fight makes sense for both of us. I don't see why not?", Figueroa said.