All photos by Julio Sanchez
Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Mexico City, and of course Los Angeles, are cities synonymous with boxing. Some of the greatest fighters in the world have called one of these cities home.
The Bay Area is often slept on as a hub for boxing, despite producing one of the most celebrated pugilists, Andre Ward. Dig a little deeper into the streets of San Jose, and you’ll find an up and coming talent in Andy “El Tiburon” Vences.
Vences (16-0, 10 KOs), a 25-year-old fighter currently ranked No. 17 in the U.S. and signed to Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, is just one fight away from fulfilling a goal he’s had since he first laced a pair of gloves at the age of 12–become a world champion.
“This is what I’ve been working so hard for,” said an enthusiastic Vences in a recent sit down with Round By Round Boxing.
“They say hard work pays off and I’m living proof of that.” The man who calls himself “The Shark” will make his Las Vegas debut at the Treasure Island Casino on the eve of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas Pay-Pay-View event.
Vences aims to defeat fellow Top Rank fighter, Casey Ramos (23-0, 6 KOs) as they headline the UniMas card with each man hoping to take home the vacant WBA Continental Americas Super Featherweight title. While Ramos may be the more experienced fighter between the two, it’s Vences who is acknowledged for his superior power and punching ability.
“I’ve gotten some great sparring for this fight,” said Vences. ‘Thanks to my coach Gabe Flores I’ve been getting to work with some of the top pros. One of which is Oscar Valdez, another one is Ivan Najera, and I even got a chance to spar with Nate Diaz at the beginning of my camp.”
As Vences’ stock rises he hopes to place himself alongside luminaries like a Ward or MMA’s Nate Diaz. “I definitely belong as one of the top fighters in the Bay Area. I’m certainly one of the best in my division and one of the hardest workers in boxing,” said Vences.
In regards to his bout with Ramos, Vences believes they’ll give fans an evening filled with action. To Vences, this fight is a milestone, one where he will dispel any doubts about his ability, mainly from Ramos.
“I feel like Ramos thinks I was put in there to help boost him in the rankings and that’s just not the case,” said Vences. “I’m there to go home a champion.”
On Friday, November 4 you can catch Andy “El Tiburon” Vences take on Casey Ramos in a 10-round thriller, live from Las Vegas, Nevada at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and live on UniMas’ Solo Boxeo.
[slideshow_deploy id=’69564′]
