Thompson Boxing Promotions’ Super Featherweight prospect, George “El YuYu” Acosta (11-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to make his nationally televised debut this Friday on Telemundo in Kissimmee, Florida when he goes up against the hard hitting Puerto Rican, Gadwin Rosa (11-1, 9 KOs). For the South Whittier native Acosta who trains under the tutelage of Jeff Flotree this will be the first 10 round bout of his career as attempts to capture the WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight Title. This writer recently spoke to Acosta about his upcoming televised fight and he stated, “being my first ever nationally televised fight I feel excited and grateful but I know I deserve this. I have worked hard under the radar for so many years. This is an amazing opportunity and I am glad I will be able to showcase my talent on Telemundo. Rosa and I are at a crossroad in our careers. We both need to win to take everything to the next level. I know he has a lot of power, so I’ll be looking to counter all his power punches. I believe I have the superior boxing skills to come out on top. This will be a very difficult fight, but I’m convinced I’ll be victorious.”
Acosta who was born in Long Beach but raised in South Whittier, California was a natural athlete growing up and competed in many sports including Karate, Soccer, and Baseball but fell in love with boxing at the age of nine. “My parents are from Los Mochis, Sinaloa so when I went to visit their hometown a family member who was a professional boxer so he took me to his gym.I fell in love and wanted to pursue this sport.” Stated Acosta, “When I came back to the states and told my parents I want to box and that’s when I signed up at the Sheriff’s Academy Youth Activity League where I met my coach Jeff Flotree and have been with him ever since.”
The relationship between Acosta and Flotree spans over 15 years and now together they look to bring a title home. The first step in many goals Acosta has lined up. “I have many goals, becoming world champion is one of them. Aside from that I want to retire my parents. They have worked so hard all their life I just want them to enjoy life without any worries.” Said Acosta “My mom started working when she was 7 years old in a small tortilleria in Los Mochis and she hasn’t stopped working since. NEVER HAVE I HEARD HER COMPLAIN. My dad is also a great man who never complains. A true honest hard working man who I admire more than I tell him.” Besides wanting the best for his parents Acosta also plans on giving back to his community through philanthropic work such as feeding the homeless, helping kids with school, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Last entering the ring April 18th 2021 and coming away with a unanimous decision over journeyman Edgar Ramirez, the fight vs Rosa is a quick turnaround for Acosta who has no doubt he’ll be ready for Friday nights showdown. “Honestly going into this fight really feels like an extended training camp. The day after my fight I was immediately back in the gym to prepare and strategize for this May 7th match. I don’t mind the quick turnaround as a professional you should always be prepared and when a great opportunity presents itself it does not take much to get motivated.” Stated Acosta who has brought in many names to help him prepare for this fight including Brandon Valdes. “Valdes is a strong, fast, intelligent fighter, so we decided to make him our main sparring partner. This is the first time I will be fighting at 130 pounds since my amateur days so we wanted to get use to the speed of a lighter fighter.”
Another vital person helping Acosta is Jeff Flotree. “That man has stuck by my side for so many years, win or lose. He always finds ways to better himself as a coach. He doesn’t need to be a boxing coach. He is retired and made smart decisions throughout his life but his love for the sport and his want for me to reach my dreams keeps him going.” Stated Acosta “He has been more than a coach to me and I consider him family. However, when we are in the gym we separate our relationship and focus on the task at hand.”
Acosta is managed by Charles Bosecker and Oscar Sanchez, promoted by Thompson Boxing and is Sponsored by Tequila Mandala and KAL Attorneys. As has been the case with all Boxeo Telemundo events since the pandemic, the telecast will air live beginning 12:00 a.m. ET. Fans will be permitted to attend the event, in compliance with social distancing measures as applied by the venue and event promoter.
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