Fighter Re-Signs with Thompson Boxing & Banner Promotions
Juan Carlos Burgos is still hoping for a future rematch versus Roman “Rocky” Martinez.
Their January battle ended in a controversial split draw with Team Burgos still shocked over this hotly-contested decision. But the Tijuana puncher (30-1-1, 20 KOs) and his co-promoters Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP) and Banner Promotions have already set their sights on attaining future shots at winning a world title. I attended the press luncheon to hear the promoters’ brand new announcement.
On Wednesday, the two promotional companies announced the re-signing of the WBO #1-rated Super Featherweight at the famed Tamayo restaurant and art gallery in Los Angeles. At the media gathering were Burgos, promoter Ken Thompson, TBP General Manager and matchmaker Alex Camponovo, Banner Promotions’ Artie Pellulo, trainer Gerardo Espinoza and manager Roberto Sandoval.
The team was proud to announce the signing of the second promotional contract with Thompson and Banner. And their laser-like focus on winning future world titles remains strong.
“Juan Carlos Burgos should be recognized as the best 126-130 pounder out there. He has done a great job in every facet of his young career,” Ken Thompson said at the podium. “And today we will solidify his future as we will make sure he gets what he deserves–a belt around his waist!”
“Mini” Burgos has won WBO Latino Super Featherweight and WBC Silver Super Featherweight titles during his career and the Juan Carlos’ camp believes in him 100%.
“We have worked very hard to make sure Juan Carlos Burgos stays with our family,” Alex Camponovo stated before a throng of media. “We know of his potential and value it as such, we will show him the way and he will get there soon.”
And the fighting Burgos family is well known in Tijuana, Mexico. Juan Carlos is the nephew of IBF champ Victor Burgos, who was injured in a fight versus Vic Darchinyan in 2007, thus retiring from the ring.
In my video interview (translated by Marylyn Aceves) with “Mini” Burgos, the boxer talks about how his uncle is currently doing, which opponents he wants to face and what the support of his fans means to him.
One thing remains clear: His stance on being granted a rematch with rival Rocky Martinez remains stronger than ever. Team Burgos will keep pushing for that second chance to get an official victory should the two meet again in the ring. The top-rated contender will strive to get that championship belt.
Camponovo added: “He tried to capture that elusive belt twice, once he was close but inexperienced (Hozumi Hasegawa), the last time he was robbed (Roman Martinez) and got a draw, so we are hopeful that the third time will be the charm!”
The 25-year-old is steely in his desire to rematch Martinez. “I would love to fight and have the rematch against Rocky Martinez,” the warrior told me during our chat. “The fans, myself and many, many people–except for two people–didn’t see it the way it really went!”
The two people Burgos was referring to is of course, the official judges that night. The scores were 114-114, 117-111 (Burgos) and 116-112 (Martinez).
Should there be Burgos vs. Martinez II, Juan Carlos is ready.
But until that day comes, the Tijuana tornado is also ready for more–and eyeing that shot at future world titles.
“We know Juan Carlos Burgos can be the best 130 in the world. He is ranked #1 by the WBO and he should be challenging for that title in the very near future,” Banner Promotions’ President Artie Pellulo expressed. “I’m happy to have been able to work with Burgos thanks to my friendship and association with Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo. I know we will continue doing great things together!”
And look for more great performance by “Mini” Burgos in the ring.
Photo by Michele Chong