Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ undefeated teenage sensation Jorge Paez Jr. has a new opponent, veteran Rafael Urias, for his six-round, lightweight bout Friday, Dec. 15, in Mexicali, Mexico. “This change in opponents won’t bother me,” said Paez Jr., the son of former International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization featherweight champion Jorge Paez. “I’m ready. I feel I’m in better shape and more focused than I have been in eight months.” ..
A confident Paez Jr. took time out from his training Wednesday to pass out hundreds of toys, provided by Sycuan Ringside Promotions, to boys and girls in his hometown of Mexicali.
“This was the first time I’ve fought in Mexicali in over a year, and because it is the holiday season Sycuan Ringside Promotions and I thought it would be great if I could give gifts to the boys and girls,” said Paez Jr. “The looks of joy on their faces is my Christmas present.”
The 19-year-old Paez Jr., who has a record of 11-0 with seven knockouts, is coming off four decision wins, three of which were on HBO pay-per-view cards. On Sept. 16 in Las Vegas, Nev., he beat Derrick Campos; on Aug. 19 in El Paso, Texas, he defeated Armand Horn in his six-round debut; on June 10 in Atlantic City, N.J., he bested Travis Hartman; and on May 6 in Las Vegas he topped Lowell Brownfield.
Paez Jr., who had an amateur record of 77-3, including a successful outing against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in an exhibition contest, is managed by Andy Ruiz.
Urias, from Los Mochis, Mexico, is a veteran of almost 30 bouts. He replaces Joel Padilla, who injured his left hand while training for Paez.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is considered to be the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had six world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable in addition to Paez Jr., including undefeated WBO junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, IBF lightweight interim champion Julio Diaz, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir and undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk.