Determined to Prove His Worth, Karlos Balderas Eyes Big Fights in Stacked Lightweight Division
Despite a couple of setbacks, rising boxing star Karlos Balderas remains confident in his abilities and is eager to take on the top names in the lightweight division. The 2016 U.S. Olympian recently signed with renowned promoter Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and will make his debut for his new team on Friday, June 7 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, just a short drive from his hometown of Santa Maria.
Boasting an impressive record of 14 wins with 12 knockouts, Balderas (14-2, 12 KOs) no longer sees himself as a mere prospect, but rather a full-fledged contender ready to prove his worth against the division’s elite. Splitting his time between his hometown and the renowned Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, California, the 26-year-old is determined to seize the opportunities that come his way with his new promoter backing him.
“There are some very big fights out there for me,” Balderas told BoxingScene. “The lightweight division is stacked, and I believe I’m one of the best at 135 pounds. I just need a chance to demonstrate it.”
Balderas has his sights set on high-profile matchups against the likes of unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and rising star George Kambosos Jr., who are set to battle it out for the vacant IBF lightweight title this Saturday in Australia. While Balderas favors Lomachenko’s experience and craft, he acknowledges Kambosos’ potential, especially given the sparring he’s done with the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
“I would love to fight someone like Lomachenko or Kambosos,” Balderas said. “I still think Lomachenko is going to win, and I’d love to get a fight with him next year.”
With a renewed sense of determination and a new promoter in his corner, Karlos Balderas is ready to take the boxing world by storm. His upcoming fight against Gilberto Espinoza Zarate (13-2, 8 KOs) on June 7 could be the start of a new chapter in his career as he aims to establish himself as a true contender in the stacked lightweight division.
🔗 Source
