Mauricio Herrera Ready For Mike Alvarado

Fireworks Expected in Weekend Showdown

It will be the Cali boxer versus the Colorado banger when Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs) squares off against Mike “Mile High” Alvarado (32-0, 23 KOs) THIS Saturday on the undercard of the Brandon Rios vs. Richard Abril (who eagerly stepped in for the no-show Yuriorkis Gamboa) main event taking place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Will this matchup be the “pick ’em” fight that the crowd clamors for?

Both gladiators are 31 years old; both have championship titles.

A swollen-eyed Herrera beat Ruslan Provodnikov for the IBF Light Welterweight belt in a fiery clash in January 2011. Since then he has nailed victories over tough veteran Cristian Favela while handing rising star Mike Dallas Jr. his second pro loss in June of last year. Ring nemesis Alvarado has built a perfect ledger with his last win over the heralded Breidis Prescott in November. This victory was a tenth-round TKO for the Denver slugger, who is an IBF Latino Light Welter Champ and also holds a WBC Continental Americas strap.

So what will happen this Saturday night when the styles of the two tough fighters will no doubt collide?

Will there be the fiery exchanges that the boxing community is hoping for in this Top Rank’s HBO PPV event?

Who’s got the slight edge in this one? And which one do you dare consider the “underdog”?

Herrera, a self-admitted “late bloomer,” turned pro in 2007; Alvarado, a former amateur star, made his debut in 2004.

Mike has zero losses on his unblemished record while Mauricio has one December 2009 defeat at the hands of “Mighty” Mike Anchondo. Both have their share of local support; both want to shine on a grander stage. Both punchers will soon have their chance in this Vegas bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Herrera came close to higher visibility in a Showtime fight slated for this past February against Pier Oliver Cote. The feud was set to take place in Cote’s native Quebec until reports reports came in that Cote was sick and the bout was scrapped. With patience, Team Herrera kept their cool and will now be going toe to toe against Alvarado.

Denver’s Alvarado is promoted by Top Rank; Riverside’s Herrera promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions.

Will powerhouse Mike Alvarado’s 23 scintillating knockouts tilt the scale in favor of the dynamic Colorado star?

Or will Mauricio Herrera’s quiet confidence, even-keel personality and never-ending jab prevail once again?

When I saw Mauricio after his sole loss to Anchondo, he wore the disappointing defeat well. And when I ran into the fighter after his biggest victory to date against Provodnikov, Herrera wore this huge victory with the same stealth attitude. Solid and steady seems to work for this camp.

Mauricio’s love of the sweet science is also a family affair. His father Mauricio Herrera Sr. and Alberto “Baby Dynamite” Herrera are always in his corner. Alberto is also a prizefighter with 14 bouts logged in. Herrera Jr. has always kept a low-profile visage outside the squared circle. With pretty wife Vanessa by his side and a close-knit family nearby, you won’t hear of the SoCal boxer flashing wads of cash, staying out till 4 a.m. or biting any opponent’s ears off. Stoic in the ring; stoic outside the ropes.

But don’t let this steely junior welterweight’s calm persona fool you.

His coach Willy Silva always raves about his prized pupil, a hard-working and dedicated athlete who always gives it his all in the gym. Mauricio has fought many times in his local neighborhoods of Ontario and Corona on Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo’s monthly boxing shows. Herrera’s trainer Silva, who was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame last year, has full confidence in his young charge, poised to take the next step. The team (including the Herreras, Silva, Jose Torres and Adam Montiel) chooses to answer any doubters when the bell rings.

At yesterday’s final press conference, both warriors said they’re ready, game plans intact. And ready for the challenge, come what may.

Alvarado stated: “I trained hard for this fight. It’s my best camp ever. I hope Herrera can swim because I’m taking him into deep water. I’m taking him deep like Todd Helton.”

Helton is a Colorado Rockies superstar who’s won numerous All Star and Gold Glove awards.

Herrera countered: “This is it for me. I’m ready. A lot of hard work went into my preparation. I’ve waited a long time to finally face one of the best to prove myself. I’m ready and I will perform.”

Also ready are the fans who are really buzzing about this Herrera–Alvarado matchup.

Both aggressors may be tested come Saturday night.

“Alvarado is a tough challenger and he showed it on all his fights but I am more than ready for him,” Mauricio said. “Mike Alvarado has a lot of heart and that’s going to make for a good fight on Saturday April 14th.”

Indeed, this should be good fight for the fans.

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WALK AWAY WITH THIS ALL-IMPORTANT WIN?