Ismael Villarreal dreams of sharing ultimate prize that eluded his dad
Otilio Villarreal once had the dream of every fighter – to become world champion – but he became what is called an “opponent,” a tough, reliable journeyman hired to get beat up by big-name opponents in one-sided matchups.
The native of Ecuador settled in the Bronx, where he turned pro in 1992 with ability but not the high-level backing to succeed. He started his career 11-0-1 as a result of innate talent but lost most of his fights thereafter, including his last 11 between 1997 and 2003. Among those who knocked him out during that stretch: Zab Judah, Kermit Cintron and Hector Camacho.
Any hope he had of becoming a champion had vanished by the middle of his ill-fated career.
“They used me for my name. And I needed the money,” he said.
However, Villarreal’s story doesn’t end there. A world title remains a possibility for another Villarreal, Ismael Villarreal, the failed boxer-turned-trainer’s son and protege.
The younger Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) is a 25-year-old junior middleweight prospect who grew up in New York. And he’s good, which is why he’ll be featured in the main event Friday on Showtime’s “ShoBox: The New Generation,” a apt term for him.
Villarreal is scheduled to face another unbeaten young fighter, Ardreal Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs).
“He wasn’t successful in his career but he was successful at being a great dad,” the younger Villarreal told Boxing Junkie. “And even though he went through the things he went through, he learned a lot. When it came to me, he had a better idea about boxing, not only boxing but the business side too. It can be shady.
“And those situations where he made mistakes … he’s tried to steer me to not make similar mistakes. He’s been through it, seen it all.”
Ismael Villarreal hasn’t made many mistakes at all. He has lived up to his promise so far, although Holmes represents a step up in opposition. The fight also is an interesting matchup of different body types and styles, Villarreal being stocky and powerful, Holmes lanky and slick.
This is the kind of fight – on national TV – that could land the winner in the rankings, which is a big step in any fighter’s career.
“Once I win it will open up doors for me,” Villarreal said. “More people will notice who I am, who is Ismael Villarreal. And I’m not afraid to fight anyone. I’m not afraid to risk losing my “0.”
Villarreal was asked how close he believes he is to a shot at a world title and he blanched. Of course, he hopes that day will come soon but he understands how things work. It’s a step-by-step process if done properly, which wasn’t the experience of Otilio Villarreal.
The son is handled by veteran promoter Kathy Duva and manager Jose Perez, meaning he’s in good hands. His time will come if he continues to win.
And he has extra motivation: The knowledge of what his father had to endure in his career. He wants to give dad what the old man never came close to winning, a shiny new belt.
“If I win it, he wins it, too,” the son said.
What does dad think?
Otilio Villarreal was presented with a hypothetical. His son continues to win, gets his shot at a major championship, delivers the performance of his life and has his hand raised in the end. How would that make the elder Villarreal feel?
He shook his head and then smiled.
“All my fights were hard for me,” he said, implying that he was matched unfairly in many of his bouts. “Now I see. Not before, but now I see. Those people put me in hard fights. … I [remember] thinking, ‘I’m coming to America with better conditions. I’m supposed to [became] champion of the world.’”
Two decades after his final fight that dream has been passed on to his son. And he’s confident it will be realized the second time around.
“When my son becomes champ,” he said, “I’m going to feel good.”
