Maldonado set to spoil Rivera’s plans
Albuquerque fighter is eager for televised bout vs. unbeaten foe
Neither Fidel Maldonado Jr. nor his father and trainer, Fidel Sr., were born when the Monkees hit the charts with “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone” in 1966.
Even so, it’s a song that could serve as a recurring theme for Maldonado Jr.’s professional boxing career — and, in particular, for his nationally televised (Fox Sports 1), 10-round lightweight fight Saturday in Biloxi, Mississippi, against unbeaten (17-0, 11 KOs) prospect Michel Rivera.
“They (promoters) want this guy (Rivera) to prove himself and see what he’s all about,” Maldonado Sr. said in a recent interview at Sanchez Brothers Gym on Old Coors SW. “He doesn’t realize what he’s gotten himself into.”
If Maldonado (27-4-1, 20 knockouts) wins on Saturday, it won’t be the first time he’s gone into a fight as “the opponent” and come away with a victory.
Luis Ramos Jr. was 23-1 and seeking to rebound from his first loss when he faced Maldonado in November 2013. The Albuquerque southpaw floored Ramos twice en route to a victory by seventh-round TKO.
Pablo Cêsar Cano was 30-5-1 and a heavy favorite when he stepped in the ring with Maldonado in June 2017. “The Atrisco Kid,” dropped and dazed in the fourth round, recovered to thoroughly outbox Cano, earning a victory by split decision.
Of course, being the “opponent” has had its down side as well. Fights against then-unbeaten Amir Imam in January 2015 and against former interim world champion Ismael Barroso in October 2017 resulted in losses and career setbacks.
Maldonado Jr., having watched Rivera on video, is confident he won’t serve as a steppingstone for the 21-year-old Dominican.
“He’s a tough guy; he’s an up-and-comer,” Maldonado Jr. said. “But I’m his first real test, and he’s not gonna pass the test . ... He’s undefeated right now, until (Saturday).”
Saturday’s card at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is being promoted by Tom Brown (TGB Promotions), but it was international promoter Sampson Lewkowicz who brought Maldonado to the show.
Though Lewkowicz is Rivera’s promoter, Maldonado Sr. said there’s a high level of trust between the parties — based on Lewkowicz’s relationship with Santa Fe promoter Pat Holmes. Lewkowicz co-promoted with Holmes on a card at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in Pojoaque in October 2017.
“That’s why we’re dealing with (Lewkowicz), because of Pat,” Maldonado Sr. said. “He knows Sampson really well, so we’ve got our shot.
“We’re getting our shot because of that man, Pat Holmes.”
In getting a shot at Rivera, Maldonado Jr. knows he’s facing a talented and dangerous opponent.
A video of Rivera’s victory by eighth-round TKO of Yankiel Leon in July 2018 depicts a fighter who uses a soft left jab as a range-finder but throws everything else, left and right, with bad intentions.
“He likes to keep his range a little bit,” Maldonado Jr. said, “and once he gets you where he wants you is when he unleashes. But I’m not gonna be where he wants me to be.”
Maldonado does not lack power, but since a May 2016 slugging match with the rugged Art Hovhannisyan — resulting in a 10-round draw — he has concentrated on refining boxing skills that he has always had.
“Once I went pro, I started getting knockouts and I fell in love with my power,” he said. “I didn’t care how hard (opponents) hit or whatever, as long as I could land mine.
“Now, I’m using my skills instead of going out there hot-headed.”
If cool heads prevail in Biloxi, Maldonado Sr. said, big things await his 28-year-old son. The vacant World Boxing Council Continental Americas lightweight title will be at stake Saturday.
“This is a (world) title eliminator,” the elder Maldonado said. “We’re three fights away from (fighting for) a world title.
“Fidel’s just got to do his job and take care of business.”