Young Prospect Adds Another “W”
Unbeaten Michael Dutchover (6-0, 4 KOs) was once again victorious in his latest pro fight against Carlos Flores (4-6-1, 3 KOs). The talented prospect fought September 22 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Just 19 years old, the former amateur star is carving his way to the top–jab by jab, punch by punch. His recent bout was a four-rounder versus a tough fighter from Mexico City. It was good work for Dutchover, who has also fought in six rounders since turning pro. The super featherweight is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions.
Friday’s “New Blood” fight night was promoted by Thompson Boxing and featured five bouts of action. Dutchover has quickly become a crowd favorite in these events. During the contest, the spectators got their money’s worth as they watched the teen use his reach and powerful jab to get the best of his opponent. Dutchover scored a knockdown in the first round and continued to pummel Flores, 28, as the two traded punches in their junior lightweight battle.
It was a good fight for Midland, Texas’s Dutchover, who prevailed with a unanimous decision. Official scores were 40-35 from all three judges thus earning one more “W” to Michael’s undefeated record as a new pro. With this latest victory, Team Dutchover looks to stay busy with another fight either later this month and and/or next month as well. Michael is training in Santa Fe Springs with coach Danny Zamora. The two first met when the up-and-comer was still in high school. Michael tells me he felt an instant connection with Zamora and says working with him has been great.
He has a top notch team behind him. Thompson Boxing Promotions Founder/President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have shined the spotlight 
on this kid since his debut in October 2016. Five of his six fights have been at the Doubletree Hotel and he is building a strong following with each and every appearance. And on September 22, Michael had a large crowd of supporters in the audience who were thrilled to see him fight live. Team Dutchover traveled all the way from the Lone Star State to catch their favorite fighter in the ring.
After Michael’s win, I caught up with the teenage phenom as he introduced me to his family and crew including his parents Jerry and Angel, brother Adam and cornerman Javier Gomez. The Texas slugger first began boxing at age seven after watching his older brother train in the gym; there are three boys in the Dutchover family–a family that loves the sport of boxing.
“Mikey started boxing at seven,” Jerry Dutchover tells me. “His older brother Junior boxed at age eight and continued for about four years.”
What does Team MD think about Michael’s success, first as a blue-chip amateur and now as a rising star in the pro game?
“When he first said he wanted to box as a young boy, we were a little surprised,” his dad mentions. “But he just took off and has done well. We are excited to see what the Lord has for us down the road.”
Michael remains focused on the future. He is young and hungry for more. He tells me he definitely plans on keeping busy.
What did he think of his latest “W”?
“It was good experience for me,” the young pugilist nods. “He was a tough fighter; it was good work for me.”
And how did he plan on celebrating his win?
The 19-year-old told me he already had another competition in mind that night. He and stablemate Ruben Villa (who also fought and won on September 22) apparently have a fierce “Madden” contest brewing. The punchers will test their skills outside the ropes in this Madden Challenge. The pair of prospects planned on going toe to toe in the popular video game with Dutchover promising another victory!
In this sport of brutes, it’s refreshing to hear this young man act like a normal teen. Dutchover will turn 20 in November and it’s easy to predict he will continue on his path to glory in the next couple of years. Thompson Boxing is known for their homegrown champions and Michael Dutchover fits right in with this game plan.
Check out a previous piece about Michael Dutchover here:
Photos by Michele Chong