Ruvalcaba gets back in the ring Saturday night
Ricardo Ruvalcaba is finding success, in and out of the ring.
Ruvalcaba will face Ramon Duarte Marquez on Saturday night at the Commerce Casino in Commerce. The six-round bout will be part of the All Star Promotions card.
The 22-year-old (8-0-1, 7 knockouts), who resides in Ventura, is coming off a first-round knockout win over Marco Cardenas on March 25 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno. Over 100 family members and friends made the trip to Fresno to watch Ruvalcaba in person.
The fight was part of a card promoted by Top Rank, one of the top promotional companies in boxing and which has a reputation for developing fighters into world champions. Ruvalcaba was grateful for the opportunity and made his Top Rank debut in spectacular fashion.
“Fighting for a promoter like Top Rank was definitely a dream come true,” Ruvalcaba said Wednesday. “I got a lot of exposure and experience, and I can’t wait to be back in August.”
Duarte Marquez (5-3, 5 KOs) has lost his last three fights after winning the first five of his career. Duarte’s last defeat was by knockout at the hands of unbeaten Eric Tudor.
Despite the recent struggles of his opponent, Ruvalcaba is not overlooking him and expects a tough fight Saturday.
“I have a tough, young, and hungry opponent this weekend, but I had an eight-week training camp,” said Ruvalcaba, who is co-managed by his father Telio Ruvalcaba and is trained by Chino Espinoza. “I’m in tremendous shape so I’m excited to show out in front of my family and friends and get that win.”
Ruvalcaba, a 2018 Buena High graduate, fought on a Jan. 21 card in Commerce. More than 200 family members and friends watched him knock out Kenny Williams in the opening round.
Ruvalcaba has developed by sparring top fighters in the sport, including former WBC world welterweight titleholder Victor Ortiz, junior welterweight contender Elvis Rodriguez and Ryan Garcia, who recently fought Gervonta Davis.
Ruvalcaba is managed by Frank Espinoza, who has represented several world titleholders and contenders. Ruvalcaba is grateful to place his career in the hands of one of the more influential people in the sport.
“It’s motivating having a Hall of Fame manager, who has had several world champions, in my corner,” said Ruvalcaba. “He knows my dreams and I know he will get me there.”
It is important for young fighters like Ruvalcaba to keep developing. Three fights in less than five months is impressive by today’s standards.
Amateur card in Port Hueneme
A fight card featuring amateur fighters will take place Saturday at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme.
The Top of the Food Chain card will begin at noon. Special guest Mikey Garcia, a former world titleholder and 2016 Pacifica High graduate, will be in attendance.
Aguiniga Boxing Club and USA Boxing will co-promote the card.
Tickets will be priced at $20 (advanced), $35 (VIP), and $25 at the door the day of the event and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
Weekend fight
Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha (22-1, 14 KOs) of Santa Ana will face Atlantic City’s Anthony Young (24-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round bout Saturday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. The fight will headline a four-bout DAZN stream at 6 p.m.
Francisco A. Salazar covers boxing for The Star. He also covers boxing for Ring Magazine and Boxingscene. He can be reached on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ruvalcaba gets back in the ring Saturday night
