23.08.07 – Barranquilla, Colombia. WBO Junior Welterweight titleholder Ricardo “Mochuelo” Torres (31-1, 27 KO’s) of Magangué is giving the final touches to his two-month preparation for his September 1 title defense against mandatory challenger Kendall Holt at the Cuadrilátero Gym in Barranquilla.
Motivated and totally focused on the challenger, Ricardo Torres, 27, is immersed in a training regime that includes trotting, vigorous speed mitt drills, and muscular strengthening exercises. According to his trainer, Mr. Orlando Pineda, the champ is in a great condition and ready to defend the belt. When asked about the training, Mr. Pineda used a Colombian idiom to express his feeling: “¡Ricardo está volando!”(Ricardo is flying), meaning he is more than happy with the results and that Ricardo is in excellent condition, both physically and mentally.
A normal day in Ricardo’s training camp is as follows:
4:30 am. The champ and his team trot a couple of miles on Barranquilla’s streets and around Romelio Martínez Soccer Stadium.
6:00 AM. Calisthenics under his trainer’s supervision.
8:00 AM. Rest.
11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Work out and boxing.
3:00 PM. “Mochuelo” rests until the following day.
“I am very happy and motivated. I have worked very hard and I am ready to fight. The pre-weight ceremony went fine and I did not have any problem. I will win over Holt,” said Ricardo Torres. So far, his right hand seems to be the only inconvenient. “That is a reality. I need a good bandage in order to train, and I hope I can resolve this situation after the fight”.
Torres-Holt Facts
Date: September 1, 2007, at Country Club’s Salón Jumbo in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Bout’s Supervisor: Rolando Marcos Hermoso (Panama).
Referee: Genaro Rodríguez (USA).
Judges: Stuart Wilson (USA), José Roberto Torres (Puerto Rico), and Manuel Rodríguez (Colombia).
Official weighing: Friday, August 31, at Barranquilla Plaza Hotel.
Arriving dates: It has been confirmed that Kendall Holt will arrive on Tuesday, August 28 in order to attend the press conference. Supervisor Rolando Hermoso and Judges Wilson and Torres will arrive on Thursday, August 30.
Tickets: Priced at $150.000 (VIP); $100.000 (Ring Side); $60.000 (Ring General), Colombian currency. Tickets can be purchased at Cuadrilátero Headquarters. To buy by phone, call (011-57-5) 3530551 or 3533580.