Story & Photos contributed by Dan Rogers

Irving Xilohua is looking to become a champion. Like many boxers, Xilohua(2-0, 2 KO) knows this will take some time, but the Stockton native looks to take the next step in his journey as he takes on fellow Super bantamweight Rodolfo Molina of Antioch, CA at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds tomorrow night.  Molina will be making his professional debut.  

The fight is being put on by Toscano Boxing promotions, and features 8 contests with several Stockton and Central California fighters. The main event will feature Damian “Samurai” Sosa (20-1, 11 KOs)  who will square off against Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-1-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Xilohua hopes that his upcoming fight will establish him as a contender and that a convincing win in front of his hometown fans will “elevate me to the next level.”

Irving says this was the easiest camp and weight cut he has ever had, the result of adding a nutritionist to his team for the first time. Also helping to sharpen his skills are a father and son team of trainers, Leonel Salas and his son, assistant trainer Sammy Salas. 

Irving has been fighting out of Stockton’s Cal Street Boxing Club for the past 10 years, a graduate of Lincoln High.  He hopes to be successful against someone he considers a tough opponent, but regardless of the outcome Friday night, Xilohua wants to stay busy by following this contest up with another fight before the calendar year ends.  

Busy is good, but his dreams involve title belts and lots of wins.  With the talent and skill he has flashed early on, Irving Xilohua may just see those dreams take root right here in Stockton, and then beyond.

Fights start at 6:30 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. The fights can be streamed live for free on Fight Hype and in Spanish on TV Boxeo.