Raul “El Chino” Carrillo (9-1, 6 KOs) will not only get a chance to fight in front of his hometown of Longmont, Colo., this Saturday night at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, but he’ll be battling for major bragging rights for the right to be labeled top Southwest prospect, between Colorado and New Mexico.
Up against Carrillo is Josh “Pittbull” Torres (7-1-1, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, who was, until recently, trained by the late Johnny Tapia. Carrillo and Torres will go six rounds at welter on “Warriors Conquest,” a card promoted by Muneco and Ghost Town Promotions.
Fightnews recently had a chance to catch up with “El Chino” . . . .
Mr. Carrillo you boast an impressive record of 9-1 with 6 knockouts, you have been highly touted as being a true blue chip boxing prospect by several boxing insiders including former manager, Cameron Dunkin, and now current Promoter Zeferino Ramirez (Z-Entertainment.) What do you believe they see in you as a fighter?
I believe that most of my popularity comes from my past opponents and their managers. I produced some exciting knockouts which led to my involvement with Mr. Dunkin. We asked for our release with Mr. Dunkin only because we felt like he was working with too many fighters and we were way down the totem pole. We know Mr. Dunkin just doesn’t choose anybody to work with and we thanked him for the opportunity. However, we believe Zeferino Ramirez has full confidence in us and I plan on showing him and others why they should on Saturday night.
You are coming off a well fought but unanimous decision loss to Rob Frankel 30-12-1 (6). The fight was a sell out and fans were able to see two of Colorado’s best go head to head. What do you believe you gained from going 10 hard fought rounds with Rob Frankel?
There is a lot to be gained by fighters with experience such as Frankel. I learned more in that fight than my previous fights combined. I learned that there is another dimension to boxing. That fight taught me that that I can fight 10 rounds, which I can compete at a higher level. Also, it has given me comfort that my fans will stick by me win lose or draw.
Why is this fight at 147 and only a 6 round fight? What adjustments will you have to make?
I’m comfortable either at 140 or 147 just depends on the opponent. Against Frankel the fight was for a vacant title. This was our first 10 round fight plus we were dealing with a cagy fighter in Frankel. We had to save our energy to go the 10 rounds. In this fight, we can go back to being aggressive and looking to end matters early. We wanted the fight at 8 rounds but Torres camp declined. They know their only way to win is to steal a few rounds and avoid my power but I will start fast and make adjustments round by round.
The title of this fight is being billed “Ready for War” Warriors Conquest. Do you believe Mr. Torres’s aggressive style combined with your seek and destroy style will indeed produce a true back and forth war?
I don’t see it as a war. I know he is known as the “pit bull” but we believe once he feels my power he will go back to counter punching and trying to survive. If he goes toe to toe with me, I welcome that kind of fight but he will pay the price for fighting that way.
Recently, your opponent has been quoted and seen on YouTube stating that he is in tremendous shape. He went on to add that they have the perfect style and game plan to beat you including working off angles, and hurting you early in the fight. What is your response to Mr. Torres and how do you see the fight playing itself out?
Romo Utajara- manager/trainer of Carrillo: They have no idea what is coming. C’mon, compare the records and opponents. Chino beat Fernando Castaneda 18-6 (12), who is the chief sparring partner for Canelo Alvarez. We know that Frankel had success with angles but in no way is Torres in Frankel’s class. We have been sparring with Mike Alvarado for the past 3 years. The guys Torres spars with, we only value as future opponents.
Carrillo: I’m confident in my skills and I’m happy that my opponent is confident as well. That just means there will be zero excuses come Saturday night. I plan on fighting hard for my family, city, and friends. In the end I believe, I will be victorious.
This fight will be in the loving memory of Johnny Tapia and a true treat for New Mexico and Colorado fans. How does it feel to be fighting at home and being involved in the Tapia tribute card?
I loved and admired Johnny Tapia. He served as a great inspiration for many fighters. It is an honor to be involved in this promotion. Mr. Torres was trained by Johnny and I’m sure he will be bringing plenty of fight passion on Saturday night. I have a lot of family in both New Mexico and Colorado. This fight will bring two states together for one special night. However, this is business and I’m going for the knockout. One thing is for sure, if the spirit and fire of Johnny Tapia shows up in both fighters as promised, New Mexico and Colorado fans Get Ready for War!
Presented by EL Muneco and Ghost Town Promotions, advance tickets for WARRIORS CONQUEST, priced at $45, $35 and $25 can be purchased by calling (720) 296-6176. VIP Tables are also available.
The Boulder County Fairgrounds is located at 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont, Colorado. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6pm with the first bell scheduled for 7pm.
The public weigh-in for WARRIORS CONQUEST will take place at 5PM on Friday, June 29th at Las Palmeras, 199 S. Main Street in Longmont, Colorado 80501.
Phone (303) 848-0103. Boxing fans are encouraged to attend, as all fighters will be available for photos and autographs.
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See you at the fights!
