Rigo Flores, Heart and Dedication!

Some fighters step into the ring with the confidence of knowing they have the superior skill set. Their talents honed over many years and when that bell rings, their movements come natural, just like walking or breathing.

Others, however are forced to compensate the lack of technique with all out heart and determination. Such is the case with 2-1 welterweight Rigoberto Flores. The San Fernando Valley fighter will never be described as a technical boxer but his fan-friendly, brawler style never falls short of entertainment value.

Standnfight.com caught up with the 29 year-old welterweight as he prepares for his February 24th clash with Alonso Loeza (1-3, 1 KO) at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario Ca.

DS: You have a fight coming up on the 24th, what do you know about your opponent?

Flores: I hear he’s pretty tough. He has an ugly record, 1-3 but I’m not going to underestimate any opponent, I’m just going to do my part.

DS: In a couple of your fights you were brought in as the opponent but you were able to pull off upsets, tell me about that.

Flores: It’s dedication, a lot of heart and especially balls.

DS: Your last fight was against an undefeated Roberto Crespo (2-0). In that fight you looked hungry, like there was nothing he could to do to stop you and you came out with a unanimous decision after 4 rounds.

Flores: You know I was blessed with an opportunity, I’m 29 years old and I don’t have a lot of time. So I’m hungry and I’m just moving forward.

DS: At 29, do you feel you have a lot of catching up to do?

Flores: Yes and no. I don’t want to call it catching up. I’m just going out there and whatever happens, happens. If we make something out of this, we do. If not, It is what it is.

DS: Even though you only have 3 fights, your here at the Maywood gym where the sparring is just like an actual fight, It’s top of the line sparring.

Flores: Oh yea, I love this gym, Maywood. I live 45 minutes away and I come here every day. People ask why I don’t train closer to home. It’s because of the sparring and the people that are here. It’s very… Raza. I’m not racist or anything but we take care of each other over here and there’s a lot of respect.

DS: You said 45 minutes away and I saw you had that 818 on your back, Is that the San Fernando Valley?

Flores: Yea I grew up in North Hills, that’s in the San Fernando Valley. I was born and raised there and I represent it to the fullest.

I grew up in the ghetto and I had a lot of ups and downs. A lot of set backs. I’m actually a 1998 national Jr. Golden Gloves winner but I don’t say it because it’s funny, It’s been so long. I’m just glad I made it back to the sport.

DS: What brought you back to boxing?

Flores: (laughing) It’s funny you ask that. I had just got out of prison and I went to rehab to get off parole. There happened to be a gym down the street and I asked the guy if I could train in return for labor. I didn’t have a job and I was in rehab. I was a convict and he gave me that opportunity. The only thing was it was a martial arts gym and that’s not my thing. Luckily someone referred me to Maywood and I’ve been here ever since.

DS: Being a convict definitely limits your options. Do you feel with boxing you now have a fighting chance to turn your life around? Is that why your so hungry and determined not to let this opportunity go to waste?

Flores: It’s a big opportunity but at the same time, It’s a tough sport. I do believe in God and I do think I was blessed with another opportunity. Yes, that’s why I’m hungry. I didn’t have the support when I was younger but this time around I have that support. I’ve changed my life and now I’m making the best of it.

DS: Do you have any predictions for this next fight?

Flores: I’m just going to give it my all. I’m doing my part and train hard. They tell me I have to watch videos but you know what? I’m just going to train hard and do my part.

DS: This next fight is back at Thompson but not as the opponent, how does that feel?

Flores: Yea this next fight, I’m not the underdog but like I told (matchmaker Alex Camponovo), I don’t care what corner you put me in, I’m going to fight.

Boxing is about entertainment, about throwing a good fight and entertaining the people. That’s what I like to do. I’m an entertainer and to all those fans that love boxing and fighting, if you want to see a good fight come out on Feb 24th. There’s going to be a few good fights that night and mine is going to be one of them.