“La Alacrana” vs. “La Reina” on Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood”
In the breaking news of the day, Carina Moreno (22-3, 6 KOs) will be stepping in to face Sindy Amador (8-0, 1 KO) tomorrow night, Friday, August 24 at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” card at the outdoor Omega Arena in Corona, Calif.
Riverside’s Amador was originally scheduled to fight Elizabeth Cervantes (3-9, 1 KO) at 113. Now she’ll go down to 110 and step up to the challenge of facing the more experienced Moreno, a multiple former champion. The female warriors will be on the undercard of the Artemio Reyes Jr.-John David Charles main event.
This is a golden opportunity for Team Amador–and they say Sindy’s ready for this challenge. I caught up with the boxer and her trainer, Ruben Castanon right after today’s weigh-in. They are excited about this unexpected change of plans and know they’re lucky to get such a grand opportunity to face the highly-regarded Carina “La Reina” Moreno from Watsonville, Calif.
There’s that well-known saying: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
And this old adage reminds me of what Sindy (“La Alacrana”) and her corner are experiencing right now.
With just a couple of days notice, Capital Punishment’s Charlie Perez, Coach Castanon and Amador are all embracing this new chance to prove Amador’s talent in her division. Facing–and defeating Moreno–is one way to fast track Sindy’s burgeoning career as a prizefighter.
Bigger fights means more exposure, more opportunities and more chances to advance.
Amador is a boxer who puts in countless hours at Capital Punishment Boxing Gym while balancing her second job as a waitress. Bigger fights means maybe someday she can focus solely on boxing–punching no other time clock except the one at the gym. Sindy wants to prove she’s ready for the next plateau. But first she’s got to get past Carina.
“It’s gonna be a great fight; I know it’s gonna be tough but I’m ready for anything!” the brunette boxer says during our phone conversation. “I am well-prepared and up to the challenge. I want to fight the best and we plan to win. That’s all I want–to win!”
This SoCal showdown should be a good one as the ladies are set to tussle for six rounds of flyweight action.
At today’s weigh-in, Morena came in at 109.5; Amador at 110.
Sindy may only have eight fights but her team says the timing of this match is perfect especially since Carina’s last fight was in October 2011.
Here’s more on what the Amador camp had to say in our exclusive chat as they gearded up for Friday night’s battle.
“Ruben, what happened to Elizabeth Cervantes and when did you guys make the switch?” I ask.
“We heard Cervantes had a contusion on her wrist and that fight was off, so we were really scrambling!” Castanon chuckles. “And then I got this idea of seeing if Carina wanted to fight, so I talked to Alex Camponovo and we made some calls and it was accepted.”
“Carina has a lot more experience and has won WBC, NABF and WIBA belts,” I comment. “What can you tell me about your game plan for Sindy?”
“We know it’s gonna be a tough fight but we’ve been strength training and we’re gonna come out aggressive,” he replies. “Carina took the fight because maybe she thinks it will be easier with Sindy’s short career of just eight fights. Yes, it’s a calculated risk for us but we took the fight because we believe we can win! We are up for the task.”
Castanon and Perez also have Artemio Reyes in their stable. “We have Artemio’s fight the same night,” Ruben adds. “That will be great too…BUT I believe the girls will steal the show!”
The trainer tells me the weigh-in went well, no trash talking or tension between the women: “They both showed respect. Carina came in like she always does–quiet and professional, all business. But we’re there for the same reasons too and we mean business.”
This is one scrap that the camp is looking forward to. They plan to capitalize on this sudden opportunity to make a splash in the game.
Sindy is young and hungry for more. Moreno’s fought–and won titles–after turning pro in 2003. Castanon likes these odds and thinks it will all be in their favor–with maybe some ring rust in Carina’s corner.
“I’ve been in the business a long time,” he shares. “And she’s not the same Carina Moreno of five years ago. She hasn’t fought at all this year. But in the same token, Carina’s a ‘young’ 30 years old. She’s in shape and has experience. BUT she’s been inactive and I feel we’re catching her at the right time.”
Team Amador is extremely excited about this opportunity, coming on short notice. They began their camp training for a 3-and-9 fighter in original foe Cervantes and now they’re getting ready to blast off against former champion and popular fighter Carina Moreno. They’ve just had two days to prepare. Then again, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
One door closes, another one opens.
“You’re gonna see another side of Sindy,” her trainer adds. “She’ll be boxing a lot and she’s not gonna be reckless. We’ve got six rounds–and we’re not gonna blow this opportunity.”
Sindy is very grateful of the support from Thompson Boxing and for putting her on their cards; it’s not always easy to book a fight when you’re a female.
“I feel great to have the support from Alex and Ken Thompson,” Amador tells me. “And hopefully women’s boxing will keep growing.”
If fans like what they see in Friday’s Moreno vs. Amador clash, expect to see the girls continue to sizzle.
Good luck to the ladies. And may the best woman win.
Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood”
Friday, August 24 at Omega
Tickets: 714-935-0900
Doors 6:30 PM/ First Bell 7:30 PM
(All bouts subject to change)
Photo by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions