Tulare Olympian Richard Torrez Jr. fight vs Roberto Zavala Jr. to stream at Galaxy Theater
Tulare's Richard Torrez Jr. Friday fight on ESPN will be live-streamed at the Tulare Galaxy10. Admission is free to the first-come-first-serve event.
The Tulare native will fight Roberto Zavala Jr. (2-1-1) in a live televised six-round heavyweight on ESPN from Temecula's Pechanga Resort & Casino. The main card starts at 6 p.m.
"My goal is to win," Torrez said. "Whoever they put in front of me, however fast they move me, whatever they do, my goal is to get out there and show everybody how hard I train, how bad I want it. I do want this. I have a competitive drive. I want to win."
In his pro debut in March at Fresno State's Save Mart Center, Torrez (1-0) registered the first victory of his career, knocking out Allen Melson in the second round.
Torrez enjoyed his pro debut in March in front of a home crowd.
The Save Mart Center is a little over an hour drive from his family's home gym — Tulare Athletic Boxing Club.
At the Olympics, Torrez fought his way to a silver medal without an in-person audience. Fans and spectators were not allowed at last summer's games due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But in March, it was a completely different experience as fans packed the arena to cheer on the Central Valley's Olympic medalist.
Torrez wore black shorts with "Tulare" emblazoned around his waist.
"It was unbelievable," Torrez said. "In the Olympics, we didn’t have any crowds, and to be able to make my debut in front of everyone at home that knew me and really supported me throughout the Olympics, it was unbelievable. The roar from the crowd when I went out there was something I've always dreamed of as a kid. I'm so thankful that they gave that for me. I'm going to work hard to get it again."
With his debut behind him, Torrez has shifted his focus to Zavala — a 34-year-old Texan who is listed at 5-11.
In June, the 6-2, 230-pound Torrez trained for three weeks at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado to prepare for his second pro match, working alongside Team USA Boxing coach Billy Walsh and his staff and current members of Team USA.
Walsh helped direct Torrez, 23, to a podium finish last summer when he became the first American boxer in his weight class to medal at the Olympics since 1988.
Last November, the Mission Oak High School grad turned pro signed a multi-year contract with Top Rank Boxing.
Torrez is considered by many boxing experts as a top up-and-coming boxer in the heavyweight division.
After a standout amateur career, Torrez is now aiming to make a name for himself as a pro.
"I always tell everyone, 'The Olympics and my amateur journey allowed me to see the world, but now it's time for the world to see me as a professional,' " Torrez said. "And I think, that's what's happened. They're not only seeing me, but Tulare as well."
The son of a boxer, Richard Torrez Sr., Torrez grew up around the sport.
Why should Tulare County sports fans tune in on ESPN or head out to the Tulare Galaxy 10?
"I think it'll be an exciting fight," Torrez said. "It'll be exciting. Everyone likes to see something happen. Everyone likes seeing a little action. There will definitely be that in the ring July 15."
Vongni Yang is a sports reporter for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. He covers Tulare County sports. Follow him on Twitter @Vongni. To support his continued coverage of local sports, subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Boxer Richard Torrez Jr. to fight Roberto Zavala Jr. on ESPN
