Showtime Boxing returns on Saturday night as the WBA super lightweight crown will be on the line when Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) takes on Ismael Barroso (24-3-2, 22 KOs). In a special attraction, super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez (14-1, 5 KOs) looks to become a contender as he faces veteran gatekeeper Rances Barthelemy (29-2-1, 15 KOs).
The 23-year-old from Brownsville, TX, has been making a little noise for some time, but he hasn’t made too much of a name for himself. It wasn’t his fault, as the super lightweight division wasn’t oozing with talent, but lately, that has all changed with champions at lightweight moving up, and those at 140 without a significant promoter are now aligned with one. So who is Omar Juarez in 2023? “Omar Juarez is a disciplined, hardworking young man that will make a name for himself in the boxing world on May 13th on Showtime.”
I proudly represent my beautiful hometown. #TeamRelampago X #TeamShoePalace ⚡️ FROM BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS! @ShoePalace pic.twitter.com/2ln5ljvyD1
— Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez⚡️ (@iamOmarJuarez) November 24, 2019
Juarez hasn’t had your traditional career coming up, as most will work through club shows that aren’t televised or streamed until you make it to a certain point in your career. Juarez’s pro debut was televised on FOX, and most of his fights after were too, but he didn’t mind the pressure associated with performing in front of a live audience. “I love the pressure and the uncomfortable feeling. That’s what builds a fighter’s character in and out of the ring. I’m ready for this opportunity, and all the hard work put into this camp will show,” said the Brownsville, TX native.
Although Juarez suffered his first loss in 2021 against All Rivera (22-5, 18 KOs) by majority decision, he didn’t allow that to affect his career path. Juarez and his Coach, Rick Nunez, went through that together, strengthening their bond as fighter and coach. Juarez told ProBoxTV News, “We have a really good relationship in and out of the gym. We have just been growing slowly as a fighter. The loss that I had in my 12th fight showed that the only thing that beats that is hard work and consistency. Staying mentally disciplined is where we grew, and it’s molded us into the fighter and team we are today.”
"What a CRUSHING right hand!" 💥🥊@iamOmarJuarez takes on his toughest test to date in @RealKidBlast THIS SATURDAY, live on @ShowtimeBoxing.#RomeroBarroso Fight Night Details: https://t.co/mpIFjCfgPO pic.twitter.com/p4GfUrZB5M
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) May 9, 2023
Juarez brought in veteran Strength & Conditioning Coach Tony Brady for this training camp to prepare him for Barthelemy. Brady has worked with International Boxing Hall of Famer Andre Ward and recently retired fighter Amir Khan and did not make it wasy for Juarez in this camp. Juarez admitted to being “worked like a dog,” as the old expression goes. He also claimed that preparing for this fight has been “the hardest training camp to date.”
It’s important that Juarez levels up on his preparation as Barthelemy is a slippery fighter who knows all of the little tricks to frustrate a young fighter like Juarez on a big stage like Showtime. “I have a lot of respect for him. In order to get to where I want to be, which is a world title shot, I have to beat fighters like Rances (Barthelemy). I’m excited to get this win on my record. I’m excited to show that I belong on this level,” said Juarez.
On Saturday night, those that have never seen Juarez will be treated to what Juarez describes as a “crowd-pleasing style.” Juarez is willing to “leave it all in the ring” to keep heading toward accomplishing his dreams. He did have one last thing to say to those that have supported his career so far. “I appreciate them for their endless support. It’s beautiful. I love you guys. Thank you so much.”
OMAR JUAREZ VS. RANCES BARTHELEMY BETTING ODDS
Per BetOnline.ag, Rances Barthelemy is the favorite at -165, and Omar Juarez is the underdog at +135.
Omar Juarez: Decision +225; TKO/KO +900
Draw: +1200
Rances Barthelemy: Decision +105; TKO/KO +340