THE PROSPECT

By Roger Esty

This caught me off guard in a sense. Not like a punch comin' at you,but more like a surprise. Ya' see I got this kid in my class who's somewhat of a fighter. Not a guy who jumps in with all his buddies to stack the odds with him nor is he a kid that gets into fights after school down the street. This kid is one of those UFC kind of fighters. He's won tournaments,championships. Last week he won top prize in a tournament in Las Vegas. He's had 25 matches and is undefeated.

Well I stick my 2 cents in and talk him into going to the National City Community Center in National City. The one where the late Junior Robles used to workout in. I've been there. Know the guy who runs it now. Carlos Barragan. He's a stand up guy with lots of pride and enthusiasm. Going there tomorrow to see this kid workout. I think I've talked him into trying boxing for his luck. The kid's Mexican. Around 5 foot 8. A solid 150. Has long arms and big hands. Says he's been trained to box a little by his UFC coach. He's already made an appearance at the Center. Tomorrow,I'll make mine. Oh,I'll bring my camera. Will take some pics of the place and of Carlos Barragan. It's a real clean facility. Boxing only.

Carlos Barragan keeps it open after school for the kids to come in and learn how to box. Has some amateurs and a couple of pros.30 kids give or take.Who knows, I might get interested again. If this kid looks like something,I might step in.

The kid's name is Jonathan Becerra. Good student when he's in class. He's always either in a tournament or in the gym.Like I said,I might get my beak wet. Maybe Gato would too. Don't know of anyone around who knows more about boxing in the near by area than the ex light weight champ. Gato told me he's got the urge to train a good prospect.

Well ,I don't want to go over board. Take it one step at a time is the best way to go. The kid's 14 years old. Has proven that he's willing to train. Is indefeated in the UFC. There I go again. Slow down.

You might be wondering why I'm on the thread at this time of night. Can't get to sleep thinking about tomorrow.