Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his time helping survivors contact their loved ones to let them know they were ok. Carlos is a veteran of Univision, FOX, and Telemundo TV stations and a native of Modesto, California.
Stockton’s Gabriel Flores Jr. has his eyes on a very big prize, and Thursday evening provided an opportunity to solidify his current standing in the lightweight ranks while chasing the dream of a world title.
Flores Jr. Ranked #3 in the world in the lightweight division by the WBO, improved to 27-2-0, to put his stamp on a claim to fight for a world championship bout by dominating Christian Villalba Arriola(15-1-2) via unanimous decision as the main event of a five-fight card at Chicken Ranch Casino in Jamestown. If they call on me, that’s my next fight, immediately.”
Taking Arriola’s undefeated record was not easy. “Nobody wants to lose. For sure it’s harder to beat someone when they’re undefeated.”
Flores used his jab and quickness to keep Arriola at a safe distance while also bruising his opponent with power shots that never really allowed Arriola to sustain any rallies against Flores Jr. Now Flores turns his eyes to a possible match with current #1 WBO lightweight contender Sam Noakes from the UK.
“I’m definitely prepared and ready. Ready to bite down,” Flores Jr. said.
With last night’s performance, Flores Jr. has made his claim to the throne. His next fight may just be for all the marbles. Another boxing success story from the 209.
On the undercard, several local boxers acquitted themselves well in the ring.
Welterweight Saul Osario from Turlock made his debut a successful one by winning a 4-round majority decision over Anthony Broadway that one judge scored as a draw.
Tracy’s Cesar Olvera made his pro debut and dominated late-replacement Jaycee King in the lightweight division, getting a 3rdround TKO.
A scary moment during the card was during the fight between Fresno’s Osmel Avila and Henry Mendez. Mendez took a lot of punishment and could not answer the bell in the 4th round. Upon examination by the ring doctor, Mendez was thought to have a possible spinal injury, which necessitated he be placed in a neck brace and stretchered out of the ring as a precaution.
Also on the card, Fresno’s Keon Merlo took a unanimous 4-round decision over Ebert diaz in a lightweight bout.
Ripon Christian Senior Running Back Derek VanElderen breaks free for a big run against the Orestimba defense. Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.Orestimba High Senior wideout Vince Lopez hauls in a long pass in the second quarter of Orestimba’s game against Ripon Christian. Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.The Orestimba student section fires it up during the first half of the highly-anticipated game between Orestimba and Ripon Christian. Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.Orestimba football takes the field as they meet Ripon Christian for a showdown game in a battle of conference leaders. Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.Junior Wide Receiver Jacob Mar returns a kickoff for Orestimba Warriors in their game against Ripon Christian.Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.Orestimba Senior Running Back Kai Brazil breaks tackles during a hard run against the ripon Christian defense. Orestimba won their home matchup against Ripon Christian, 21-7.Running Back Derek VanElderen sees the defense, and bounces his run outside. Ripon Christian lost a tough-fought road conference game to Orestimba, 21-7.Junior Fullback leaves a would-be tackler behind as he looks for more yards against the Orestimba defense. Ripon Christian lost a tough-fought road conference game to Orestimba, 21-7.Junior Wide Reciever Brady Grondz signals touchdown after making a touchdown catch against Orestimba. Ripon Christian lost a tough-fought road conference game to Orestimba, 21-7.junior Orestimba QB Alex Millan tries to evade the Ripon Christian pass rush, as he decides to leave the pocket. Orestimba wound up winning the contest against the visitors from Ripon, 21-7.The battle in the trenches, as the Orestimba offensive line readies for action against the Ripon Christian defense.Orestimba won the matchup by a score of 21-7.Defenders Justin Severson(20) and Logan DeJong(54) celebrate a big defensive play near their sideline in their game against Orestimba High. Ripon Christian lost the tough-fought road conference game, 21-7.Orestimba QB Alex Millan looks to throw to an open receiver during their contest against Ripon Christiasn. Orestimba won Central Valley TV’s Game of the Week, 21-7 in Newman, CA.Brady Grondz of Ripon Christian dives for a pass in the 4th quarter of a game against Orestimba. Ripon Christian lost a tough-fought road conference game to Orestimba, 21-7.