Antonio Orozco: a part of the big show, Showtime’s ShoBox

The pride of San Diego and National City, CA, Antonio "the Simple Man" Orozco (12-0-0, 9 KOs). Photo: Jim Wyatt

It appears the magic number has become 17-0 before you get featured on National Television. Antonio Orozco of National City is five wins away from reaching this plateau. Tonight, he’s on the Undercard of Showtime’s ShowBox: the New Generation at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

Before sparring, Carlos Barragan Sr. assists Antonio Orozco with the chin strap for his head gear. Photo: Carlos Barragan

After their weigh-in on Thursday, the two boxers, Antonio Orozco (R) and Rodolfo Armenta (L) were asked to face each other for a photo. Photo: Carlos Barragan

Orozco (12-0-0, 8 KOs) is fighting an eight rounder against Rodolfo Armenta, arguably his toughest opponent to date. Armenta, who is from Los Mochis, Mexico is (11-5-1 with 9 KO’s). His five losses came to gents, that many would say, are the cream of the crop. If you were to combine the current win/loss records of the five people who beat Armenta, you’d get 86 wins 9 losses.

In the 10-round main event, another of the boxing’s top young prospects, unbeaten welterweight Jessie Vargas (17-0-0, 9 KO’s) of Las Vegas will be opposed by Lanardo Tyner (25-6-2, 15 KO’s) of Detroit.  Also, Junior middleweight DeAndre Latimore (22-3-0, 17 KO’s) is returning to the ring for the first time in 10 months to take on Colombia’s hard-hitting Milton Nunez (23-3-1, 21 KO’s) in the 10-round co-feature.

Nunez of Baranquilla, Col. is stepping in on short notice to replace Ryan Davis who was forced to withdraw from his fight against Latimore due to a failed medical exam.

On the undercard, 27 year-old featherweight David “Thunder” Clark of San Diego, CA is facing Rocco Espinoza (3-2-0) of Las Vegas, NV and junior welterweights Joaquin Chavez (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, CA will go up against Jalani Wilson of Los Angeles who is making his pro debut.  Not much is known about Mr. Clark but we’ve put the word out on the street. Perhaps he has just moved here to San Diego.

Quotes from the Las Vegas participants:

ANTONIO OROZCO’S TRAINER CARLOS BARRAGAN:

“We’re all set to go. Since we were originally scheduled to be on the undercard of the Andre Berto versus Victor Ortiz show for February 11 and then that got cancelled, this show turned out to be perfect for us. Showtime’s Steve Farhood is now interviewing Antonio. Tony wants to thank all the people back home, especially Frank Espinosa and Golden Boy for giving him this opportunity. This is going to be Tony’s first eight rounder and we’re excited.

“And you know who else is here? David Clark. Years back, his Mom, Deborah Clark, was very active in our USA Amateur Boxing program in Southern California, LBC44. David trained with David Gutierrez and his father, Max Gutierrez, then he was with Vince Parra, left San Diego for Michigan, attended a Northern Michigan University up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And now they must be living in the Los Angeles area because he’s been training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym.

“Anyway, Tony’s done all the work and now he’s ready to make all of San Diego and National City proud. As soon as the fight’s over, we’ll be calling you to let you know how things went.”

After their weigh-in on Thursday, February 23, 2012, Jessie Vargas (R) and Lanardo Tyner (L) posed for photos. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

JESSIE VARGAS

“I’m looking for a win and I’m looking to win impressively but, yes, I look at it as a challenge to be the first to knock down or stop Tyner.

“I feel much stronger at 147.  I had been fighting at or around 140-143 pounds since I was 17 so it is definitely time to move up in weight.

“My last fight against (Jose) Lopez was close, but I definitely felt I won, no doubt about it.  I landed many more punches than he did, but it was also a great learning experience and I am always looking to progress and improve. It meant a lot to me to know that I could go 10 hard rounds.

“My dream is to become a great fighter and this is the next step. He may be the shortest guy I’ve ever been in with, but we brought guys in like him for sparring so I’m ready.’’

LANARDO TYNER

“I’m really in good spirits and ready for a fight.  The key, as always with me, is to relax.

“I’ve had some fights that I have legitimately lost in my mind and others that I know I won but got robbed in them.  That’s why I am so glad that this fight is on Showtime.  That way, if they take the decision from me, the world will see it.  Some of my fights, no one except those in the arena have seen.

“I don’t know a lot about this guy, but I like to fight the guys with the bigger names. I’m used to fighting taller guys so that will not be a problem.

“I come to fight and try hard to win.  I’ve never been hurt or knocked out.  I’m really jealous of guys like Vargas, someone who has a big promoter and has a good but built-up record. That’s why I wanted this fight so badly. I want to get a promoter so I can be in that position, too.’’

After their weigh-in on Thursday, February 23, 2012, Milton Nunez (R) and DeAndre Latimore (L) posed for photos. Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

DEANDRE LATIMORE

“For the first time, I really feel I’m back on track. I have a new promoter (like Vargas, Mayweather Promotions) and a new trainer (Jeff Mayweather).  I’m ready to keep pushing like never before and go get that world title belt.  The past is the past and nothing I dwell on anymore.

“I expect to fight a few times a year instead of once or twice. I’m happy to be fighting again and I know I need to fight more so when the title fight comes again, I’ll be ready.

“Jeff is really bringing out the best in me. For this fight, I think composure is a key and that I need to be patient.  Jeff is getting me to try and box more, but if I have to brawl, you know I will.’’

MILTON NUNEZ

“I took this fight on short notice, but I had been in the gym training for a fight, so I feel I am almost 100 percent.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I feel they’ve made a mistake by fighting me. I consider him an ‘A’ fighter but I’m confident and believe I am good enough to win this.

“A win and I will be right back in line for a world ranking and another shot at a world title.’’