Rematch with Mike Jones THIS Saturday

After his fight this Saturday night against the unbeaten Mike Jones (23-0, 18 KOs), Jesus Soto Karass (24-5-3, 16 KOs) hopes to fly back to L.A. with some heavy new trinkets in tow. This welterweight rematch between the two is once again a title bout for a trio of championship straps. Up for grabs are Jones’ WBC Continental Americas, WBO NABO and NABA championship belts. The pair will be the co-feature on the Fernando Montiel vs. Nonito Donaire clash taking place this Saturday at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In their first match on the November 13 undercard of the Pacquiao-Margarito battle, Soto Karass was wobbled early in the second frame but survived the rounds to make it a tough and gritty war against the well-regarded Philly fighter, who threw over 100 punches in that round alone. After this rocky start, the intense Los Mochis slugger recovered and continued to come forward and go after Jones, who had appeared to run out of steam as the brawl went on. Many saw the Mexican warrior fight to a draw; some say Jesus was robbed. One thing everyone agrees on is that the contest was a crowd-pleasing slugfest. When the official scores were tallied, Soto Karass lost; judges scored it 95-94, 97-93, with one judge seeing it a draw at 94-94.

This time around, the veteran boxer plans to walk out of the ring as a world champion.

I caught up with the fighter, co-managed by Francisco Espinosa, at last month’s press conference in downtown Los Angeles. His ring rival, Mike Jones from Philadelphia, was not in attendance at this event. But at the podium, Joe Goossen, Soto Karass’ chief second spoke in regards to their upcoming opponent. “Mike Jones is a very, very tough fighter but we are motivated and better prepared.” He further stated that his charge, “will be better, more aggressive and a lot more confident.” The boxing coach also added, “This could be ‘Fight of the Night,’ you don’t want to miss this show!”

With an aggressive style, you can expect fireworks from the Jones-Soto Karass matchup. Jesus’ ring nickname is “Renuente,” for his unwilling and determined force in the squared circle. But outside the ropes, the good-natured Jesus Soto Karass is one of the most humorous athletes you will ever meet and a devoted family man too. He is known for being a lovable “payaso,” clowning around with friends, joking and mugging for the camera. He’s been known to wear hot pink boxer shorts at weigh-ins, flash “Hollywood” style sunglasses, and is not afraid to be silly just to make people laugh.

Always smiling and having fun, he and his camp keep things loose and light outside the gym. But training with Joe Goossen and Ricky Funez, the team is an extremely disciplined one–and all business inside the ropes.

During our conversation, Jesus was very focused on this critical bout ahead. With Ricky translating and stablemate Oscar Meza nearby, I chatted with Team Soto.

“What do you think now about the decision in your first fight?” I asked the tall welterweight.

“Most of all, everyone knows that it’s clear what happened,” Jesus quickly replied. “Coming February 19th, everyone KNOWS what’s gonna happen: I have to take care of business.”

Does the former champ have any prediction for this weekend’s war?

“I don’t want to predict anything,” he told me. “But one thing I know is I’m gonna win!”

Will their second fight–scheduled for ten rounds–go the distance? Much has been made about Jones’ conditioning in the long run.

The boxer gave me a quick grin while saying, “I hope he does stay in front of me and goes body to body–because he knows that I have no respect for him. He knows I’m going after him!”

“So you do not respect Mike Jones at all?” I confirm.

“No,” the boxer shoots back.

I ask him, “If you get past Mike Jones, who do you want next? There was talk of a rematch with Alfonso Gomez…”

Jesus smiles again, shaking his head. “For an opponent, I don’t want a rematch with Alfonso Gomez,” he states. “Because they know that I won that fight, even though I “lost.” But during the fight, going forward in those rounds, I was winning. My error was to start late in those first rounds. And Alfonso Gomez is the last person on my mind right now…I’m thinking bigger heads now!” He then chuckles.

Soto Karass is not afraid to speak his mind and not afraid to take on anyone.

The former WBC Continental Americas titlist has faced everyone from Alfonso Gomez, David Esrada, Carson Jones, Yuri Foreman, Freddy Hernandez, among many others during his ten years as a pro. His brother, Jose Luis Soto Karass, is also a professional prizefighter. Never backing down, Jesus stays loyal to his hardscrabble roots stemming from his early childhood in Sinaloa, Mexico and has gained a reputation as one whose willing to go out on his shield.

During today’s live feed from the final news conference at the Mandalay Bay, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum declared, “These two welterweights, Jesus Soto Karass and Mike Jones are two of the best welterweights in the world!” He also elaborated by introducing the pair of boxers, saying “Jesus Soto Karass has never been in a bad fight. He’s a crowd-pleaser and fan favorite.”

At the mic , Soto Karass promised, “I am physically and mentally 100% prepared. I don’t want to leave anything in the hands of the judges.”

And following his foe on stage today, Jones admitted that he did underestimate his opponent and acknowledged he is a tough fighter.

Now comes “La Revancha” as Soto Karass plans to avenge his earlier defeat at the hands of undefeated contender Mike “Machine Gun” Jones.

The popular Philly puncher told the crowd to be sure to come out and watch, affirming, “It’s gonna be better than the first time!”

Their feud on the canvas will continue this weekend in their highly-anticipated rematch promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions and co-promoted by Peltz Boxing. The Jones-Soto Karass title fight will air on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark.”

If Soto Karass has his way, he will perhaps set off the metal detectors at the airport as he returns home a lot heavier–with three championship straps in tow.

Tickets: (800) 745-3000

Photos by Michele Chong