Meet the Unbeaten “El Terminador”
Twenty-one-year old Richard “El Terminador” Contreras will be center ring this Friday night on 
Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” feature taking place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. The Riverside, California slugger has earned an unbeaten 9-0 record with 8 KOs.
I caught up with the southpaw this past weekend at an amateur show at the Warriors Combat Academy in Rancho Cucamonga. Richard was there to support his young stablemates trained by coach and manager Joe Esquivel. Contreras tells me he had about 25 bouts before going pro in May of 2010. Back in his amateur days, he went by the nickname of “The Beast.” Now as a professional, he enters the ring as “El Terminador” on a seek and destroy mission. And after being signed by promoter Ken Thompson, the team has been surging full speed ahead.
And the talented prospect is showing that hard work pays off. The team says they’ve had a great camp at their Riverside Lincoln Boxing Gym along with top-notch sparring with the Maywood Boxing Club’s Leo Santa Cruz and Daniel Roman.
Richard got his last victory at the 124 weight; this Friday Team Contreras says they’re ready to go six rounds–and then some.
“When you see Richard fight that night, you will see that he will be stronger than any of his past fights,” Coach Joe relays. “He is hitting like a rock and his mind is set to destroy what’s in front of him February 24th!”
His young charge will be facing an older and more experienced challenger in Daniel “El Cuate” Quevedo (13-12-2, 8 KOs). Richard will be fighting for his tenth victory and he’s also hoping it will kick off a real birthday bash weekend for him. “I’ll be 22 on February 27, three days after my fight,” Contreras smiles.
“It sounds like you’re gonna have a fun weekend planned with your fight on Friday,” I say to the rising star. “So what do you know about your opponent?”
“All I know about my opponent is that he’s from Mexico,” the lefty replies. “He’s fought everyone…all the top guys at his weight, and he’s never been knocked out or stopped– and he has wobbled a lot of his opponents too.”
Since his nickname translates to “The Terminator,” this banger certainly obliges and acts the part inside the ropes. In a contradiction of this blood sport, his outward appearance belies the ferocious “no mercy” fisticuffs he employs once he steps foot on the canvas.
In today’s landscape of tattooed thugs calling themselves prizefighters, this 21-year-old kid is a refreshing–and fresh face–to many.
The first thing that sets him apart is the fact he wears black-rimmed eyeglasses. Not for fashion but out of necessity. The second thing that’s becoming scarce amongst boxers is the rare sight of Contreras’ non-inked back, torso and arms that aren’t blasted with myriad of tattoos. The third thing that sets him apart from the cocky overblown-ego types lacing up is his attitude and personality outside the squared circle.
This young man is always friendly and polite and yes, he even projects a wholesome school boy appearance in his demeanor.
But don’t let those looks fool you; you can’t judge a book by its cover. As his foes have quickly learned–this kid is a relentless force when going toe to toe. He means business in the ring. And he takes care of business with his fists.
Contreras confidently flips that switch that takes him from a well-mannered and bespectacled athlete to a blazing, “take no prisoners” warrior. He’s relentless in battle.
“He has tremendous power in both hands,” his trainer confirms. “He IS relentless!”
The Perris pug is gaining more and more fans with each and every outing. This Friday should be no different. And this will be Richard’s first match of the new year, coming off his recent victory in 
December.
“What can your fans expect from your fight on Friday night?” I ask as his fight is fast approaching.
“For this fight you can expect fireworks!” he laughs, “Because he is a tough, rugged fighter, he will stand there and trade punches with you. So I will be looking forward to using my jab a lot more and setting up my punches.”
The Terminator (“El Terminador”) is back–back in the ring and ready to have a sizzling 2012.
Catch this new talent on the “New Blood” attraction this weekend.
Tickets: (714) 935-0900
Photos by Michele Chong/ Ring photo by Ray Flores