You’re not supposed to say a fighter is likable, but when you meet Richard Torrez Jr., the 2020 U.S. Olympic Silver medalist one can’t help, but be fond of him. From deep insights to an exciting style inside the ring, Torrez Jr is the type of interesting figure in the sport of boxing who keeps me engaged and wanting to cover boxing. While bad stuff happens, the Richard Torrez Jr's of the world makes it better.
Showing up to the Friday weigh-in, for Jose Ramirez vs. Richard Commey was bittersweet as Torrez Jr was originally set to fight on this card until we found out on March 14th that Torrez would no longer be a part of the card.
“Definitely mixed emotions [coming to this weigh-in],” said Torrez Jr., who showed up to support the local event, he was originally set to fight on. “I really wish I could’ve been here to have had the crowd like [my professional debut, which was at the Save Mart Center]. The amount of love and support the Central Valley gives me is incredible, and I can’t thank them enough. I really wanted to get back, and show how much I have improved, and put on a show for [the Central Valley], but I still know the crowd will be there, and the crowd will be epic, and to be able to watch Jose Ramirez, and a couple of these other guys I am excited to be here.”
A third-generation boxer, Torrez Jr., follows in the tradition of a Central Valley boxing pioneer, in his grandfather, and has been molded into the person he is through his father, whom I have heard nothing but praise from Mario L'Esperance Sr, who competed in the same era of boxing with Torrez’s father. L'Esperance Sr., is a Vallejo, California boxing legend in his own right.
Not just is Torrez an old-school fighter in the way he was raised, but also in terms of his height. Torrez is closer to the average person you’d work next to than the modern heavyweight which is a super-sized human being. This has prompted many naysayers to question, what lies ahead for Torrez Jr.
“I had a little set-back from a training injury, but we’re healing and mending, as soon I am [cleared], I will be [back in the ring],” furthered Torrez Jr. “For those of you who are iffy about my style - I get it. I am a shorter guy, and just by the look it is a little hard [to see him fighting the massive heavyweights of the world]. What I have to say to that is - just keeping watching, and hopefully one day I will prove this to you, that’s all I am [doing]. I am not going to talk or boast myself in any means, but I want to show you what I can do in the ring.”
