The 18-year-old shows he has what it takes to compete with the best players

YUMA, AZ (KYMA, KECY) – The 18-year-old boxer from Yuma turned pro and kicked off his career with a victory in San Luis, Mexico.

Erick Gutierrez won his first bout as a pro by unanimous decision on February 25, officially advancing to the next round.

Gutierrez competes in the Yuma Fight Academy’s Mini Flyweight 112 division.

He has been boxing since he was 12 years old.

He has an amateur record of 8-1 and says turning pro won’t be easy.

“It takes a lot of discipline and to be honest you have to make a lot of sacrifices, just like you have to be here every day. Train hard,” says Gutierrez .

He says it means a lot to represent Yuma.

“Like any sport, I want to show people that they can do what they love,” continues Gutierrez. “It’s about pushing yourself and knowing that anyone can do it. They can make it a career.”

In the first round of his first professional bout, he knocked his opponent down with a solid left hook.

“When I saw him fall to the floor, I got really excited and I was trying to calm myself down because I wasn’t going to go kill him right away,” Gutierrez explains.

Gutierrez says it felt good to get the win, but now it’s time to fix his mistakes and prepare for the next one.

“It’s like I dropped my right hand. I realized I dropped my hand a little bit and it felt like it took me a little too long. I want to push myself more, throw more punches, dig a little deeper into my body. I think,” says Gutierrez. “Get him down. This guy runs a lot. I need to cut more rings and double-step him. I want to land another hook. Just like the other guys. My power punch.” .”

Gutierrez owes much credit to coach Gary Diaz.

“Just like he taught me a lot, stay away from trouble. Stay away from a lot of things that don’t do you any good,” Gutierrez says.

Diaz says Gutierrez has what it takes.

“He’s doing what he has to do for work. He doesn’t miss days. I think he really wants to be world champion. That’s why he’s here,” Diaz said. .

Gutierrez will face players nearly twice his age, and Diaz says it’s a mind game.

“I think his mindset gets the job done again. He’s very strong in that department,” continues Diaz.

Diaz says it’s easier said than done, but Gutierrez has the strength and youth to win.

Gutierrez said this is what he’s been training for professional boxing and is looking forward to Saturday’s next bout in Glendale, Arizona.

The match will take place at the Glendale Civic Center.Doors open at 5:30 p.m., first bell rings at 7:00 p.m.

you can buy tickets here.