MICHAEL NORATO’S KO PRO DEBUT!

Amateur Champ Sizzles in Corona

There’s a new face in the pro game.

Meet Michael “El Calentano” Norato, 22 years old, Los Angeles born and bred.

The amateur star made his long-awaited professional debut on the ESPN “Friday Night Fights” card promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions. Held at Ken Thompson’s Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif., Norato (1-0, I KO) was on the undercard of the Petr Petrov vs. Gamaliel Diaz main event.

With the sizzling sun fading in the background, this outdoor setting was perfect for the large and lively crowd who gathered on this Friday before Easter. The audience was ready to catch some action and Team Norato was ready to impress.

While heading into the fights, I ran into Norato’s sister-in-law Saray Lafaurie. She was excited about Michael’s pro debut and as the night progressed a huge group of supporters made up of family and friends were heard in the venue cheering loudly for their hero.

The lanky southpaw is known to many in the amateur boxing circuit. I’ve seen him fight–and win–at many shows and tournaments in the Southland. After he won the Oxnard PALS last summer, his coach Joe Zanders (Sportscene Boxing Club) mentioned to me that they plan to go pro. And after months of planning and anticipating, the young man stepped into the pro ranks for the very first time. With USA Boxing’s Zanders, Adam Thompson (“Coach Adams”) and Mando Huerta (father of pro boxer Charles Huerta) in his corner, Norato looked ready to go.

The Mexican-American warrior faced off against Pomona’s Sopaun Rin (1-2-1) in a junior lightweight contest scheduled for four rounds. Norato needed only two rounds to dispatch of his outmatched opponent. With speed and power against his game foe, “El Calentano” scored three knockdowns en route to his knockout win at 2:14 of the second frame. Although it was the walkout bout, it was definitely a showstopper and punctuated this exciting night of boxing under the stars.

Immediately after the win, I caught up with Team Norato to hear their thoughts on the win. Chief second Joe Zanders said this has been a long time coming.

“We’ve been waiting for this for six months,” the Long Beach coach told me. “He did great!”

But the camp is keeping its nose to the grindstone. Humble, hard work and dedication. No rest for this young gun on the rise.

“We will be back in the gym on Monday!” Coach Joe mentioned with a smile.

And beginning his pro career with a bang, Norato looks ahead to a bright future.

“It’s a great way to start my career,” the lefty said.

When referee Ray Corona lifted Norato’s hand in victory, the slugger’s big grin said it all. Michael’s pro debut has been years in the making. He first began boxing at the age of nine and through the decade has won numerous titles including the Junior Olympics, National Silver Gloves, Blue & Gold Tournament, National PALS, the Desert Showdown, Ringside World Championship, Adidas National Tournament and more. He started training with Joe Zanders when he was 16 and the team has found much success in the ring.

At the Omega fights, his family and friends quickly surrounded him right after his first “W” as a pro. His whole family loves boxing; he has four older brothers and one sister. The Norato family grew up watching the sweet science and are all very supportive of his career.

“During this new stage I aspire to become a world champion,” Norato says. “I have goals yet to accomplish. Until them I will work hard for them.”

With an attention-getting performance, Michael Norato celebrates this knockout pro debut.

Keep your eye on this talented southpaw as he laces up again soon!

PHOTOS BY MARLENE MARQUEZ