Earlier this week, TheBoxingTribune.com reached out to Frankie Espinoza, the younger Espinoza that runs Espinoza Boxing with his father, Frank, Sr. – a managerial company known for it’s deep roots in the sport. Espinoza Boxing manages the careers of fighters like Abner Mares, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Oscar Valdez, Diego Magdaleno, Carlos Molina, etc. We covered topics ranging from their newest signing in Diego Magdaleno, Oscar Valdez’ future, De Leon Vs. Mares II, and if he sees there being an end to the Top Rank-Golden Boy Promotions feud as Espinoza Boxing’s stable has fighters signed to both promoters. Read on in our brief, exclusive Q&A conversation.
TheBoxingTribune.com: How did the Magdaleno signing come about?
Frankie Espinoza: We heard he was free, so we set up a meeting with him and when that happened, we just hit it off. He shared his thoughts and goals with us and we’re excited because we definitely think he can be a world champion, which is his ultimate goal – and can help guide him there.
TBT: You guys manage both Abner Mares and Daniel Ponce De Leon, do you think there will be a Mares-De Leon II in the future?
F.E.: Well, I’m not sure. But right now I think they’re both going ahead with other plans, but who knows if in the future it will happen. I mean, we never thought the first fight would happen, so there you go. Anything can happen.
TBT: What does Espinoza Boxing do for their fighters?
F.E.: Well we have a lot of experience thanks to my dad. We have a lot of roots in boxing. We’re really hands-on in our approach. And I think what makes us different is that we have a real family atmosphere. We really do look out for (the best interest) our fighters, little things like taking them to dinner, inviting them to family parties. Things like that, but we care about all of our fighters.
TBT: Do you, personally, from what you’ve seen in dealing with both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, that there’ll be a day when they put their differences aside?
F.E: It’s hard to say, we are fortunate to be able to work with both of them, but we separate our business and handle things accordingly. I’m optimistic about it, and when that day finally comes, it will be a great day for the sport of boxing.
TBT: Have you guys ever turned down a fighter who may have been extremely talented, or already was a star, but you guys just couldn’t work with them?
F.E.: Yes, that’s happened before, and vice versa. It’s all about chemistry with us, if we don’t have that, then we can’t work together. Sure, it’s a business, and everyone wants to make money, but that’s not the most important thing for us and in what we do. Unless the chemistry is there, it just won’t work and we have had no problem walking away from fighters because of that.
TBT: What do you guys look for in fighters, because you’re obviously successful with what Frank, Sr. started and he has had an eye for talent? He saw something in Israel Vazquez that no one else saw when he started, and signed Abner Mares well before he became a world champion, and most recently he signed former Olympic Mexican Oscar Valdez. Can you tell us more about that?
F.E.: We look for amateur background. We’re fans first, so we would never invest in a fighter we wouldn’t pay to see. Keeping that in mind, they have to have heart and a fan-friendly style, those are the common denominators. (Pauses) You gotta have balls.
TBT: What do you guys have lined up for Oscar Valdez?
F.E.: Getting him more fights and more rounds. The more rounds, the better. He’s definitely a future world champion. He’s sparred some real top, quality guys, and I’ve seen with my own eyes what he can do.
TBT: Who has he sparred that you witnessed and said “okay, this kid is the goods”?
F.E.: He’s sparred Leo Santa-Cruz, Billy Dib, Orlando Salido, just a lot of top guys who have a lot of experience and he’s stood his ground very well.
TBT: What does Espinoza Boxing have planned for the remainder of 2013 and in the near future?
F.E.: To put on great shows. We have a lot of young talent and we want to keep all of our stable busy and active.
TBT: Thank you for time today, Frankie, we wish you guys the best and look forward to what you guys have in store.
F.E.: Thank you for your time and reaching out to me
TheBoxingTribune.com will keep you posted on further Espinoza Boxing events and news in the future.
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