Joet Gonzalez is Ready to Break Through
Los Angeles (July 12, 2018)- Joet Gonzalez (19-0 11KO’s) has been slowly catching the eyes of boxing fans on Golden Boy undercards since he turned pro in 2012. Fighting an average of three times a year the featherweight contender is ready to make 2018 his breakout year.
Without the hype that stablemate Joseph Diaz Jr. had coming out of the Olympics and a reserved humble presence the Glendora, CA fighter knows exactly how good he is at his job. “I can compete with all the champions at Featherweight. I’ve sparred with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz and Mikey Garcia. And I compete with them. I’m not just a sparring partner. I give them their money’s worth.” said Gonzalez at a media workout in Los Angeles yesterday.
I first saw Gonzalez in 2014 in Phoenix blasting a journeyman opponent like a rising prospect should. Then I saw him blast another, and another; till I realized. This kid can fight.
Getting his first opportunity to headline, Gonzalez faces tough Mexican puncher Rafael Rivera (25-1-2 16KO’s) on ESPN this Friday at the Novo by Microsoft in Los Angeles. Best known for being out-boxed by Joseph Diaz Jr. on a few days notice last September after original opponent Jorge Lara dropped out because of an “injury” (insiders say he wasn’t remotely close to weight). Despite the short notice Rivera acquitted himself as best you could expect against Diaz.
Now Gonzalez gets his chance to one-up the now once-beaten Diaz for the top featherweight spot on the Golden Boy roster.
Joet Gonzalez works out for the media Photo: Valentin Romero/ UTHW
‘La Diva’ Maricela Cornejo Looks to build Fanbase
Maricela Cornejo (11-2 4KO’s) is popular. She’s attractive, she can fight, and she could potentially face Claressa Shields in a fight that could get people more excited about women’s boxing.
La Diva faces unbeaten Samantha Pill (3-0) in the co-main event Friday. Garnering some TV time, Cornejo is getting support from promoter Golden Boy who may finally recognize the marketability of an attractive Hispanic female fighter. Along with Seniesa Estrada and Marlen Esparza, Oscar De La Hoya’s outfit has been pushing women’s boxing forward and rewarding their top performing females with televised fights.
Guided by Antonio Diaz at the Indio Boys and Girls club, Cornejo’s boxing skill and IQ has shown significant improvement every outing.
“It’s been great to feel the support from Golden Boy. We have had great meetings. That makes me confident because I know they have my back. They’re doing their part to help me, so I know I have to be in the gym doing my part as well. Samantha Pill had 10 fights as amateur. That’s six more than I did. I didn’t have that much but I’m learning on the job. She’s taller than me so I know I have to go in there smart, but I was made for this. I always knew I was meant to be successful in this sport, and I feel myself getting better and better in every fight.” Cornejo told the media.
Growing interest in womens boxing and network putting support behind the effort with the likes of Claressa Shields and undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus show that fighters like Cornejo could soon be in demand.
Now all she has to do is win.
