Q&A: Frank Espinoza!

March 18, 2008

Photos: espinozaboxingclub.com

Manager Frank Espinoza is riding high along with his fighter WBC Super Bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez after their win over Rafael Marquez in what is being considered one of boxing’s greatest trilogies. Espinoza has managed five world champions and currently manages nine fighters including former world champions, contenders and undefeated up and comers. He took some time to answer a few questions on several important subjects.

How did you have the fight against Rafael Marquez scored and what were you thinking before the final round?

I thought we were ahead in the fight but I felt we needed the last round to make sure we got the win. Israel came out and delivered like a champion. He basically closed the show with that round.

What are some words that come to mind when you think of Israel’s performance against Marquez?

Bravery, heart, toughness, dramatic, exciting, resilience, warrior spirit. Those are some of the words that pop into my head.

How realistic is a fourth fight against Marquez?

At this point there is a lot of talk and a lot of offers but it’s still way too early to think about Israel’s future. He needs to heal after such a war. These guys have been through a lot. The options are many though.

We’re hearing talk of a possible fight against Jorge “Travieso” Arce for Israel. How credible are these reports?

We haven’t spoken to anybody about Arce. For anyone to say that a fight against him is a done deal, they’re jumping the gun. Would we consider Arce? Of course. Why not? Anything’s possible if the situation was correct for all parties involved. At this point everything is just talk.

Did you ever think that one of your fighters would be headlining such a high profile show the way Israel did at The Home Depot Center?

It’s something I’ve always dreamt about. I’ve been at this a long time and to see a sold out arena with Showtime televising and with celebrities in the crowd like Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone is quite an experience.

How important a part did Israel’s wife, Laura, play in his success?

She’s been very important. She’s been extremely supportive and lets Israel do his work without interfering in any way. She keeps herself busy with her hair salon and is always there for him when he needs her. The right kind of support at home makes a tremendous difference for a fighter.

Your promotional contract is up next year with Sycuan Ringside and Golden Boy. Will you remain with them or will you look at working with other promoters?

Our promoters did a fine job with Israel’s last fight. It’s too early to think about something like that. When the time comes to discuss re-signing Israel then we can comment. Right now we’re content but obviously the options are numerous. Everyone wants a piece of Israel Vazquez. He’s a future hall of famer.

How did it feel to have Showtime’s cameras following you around when they were filming their pre-fight documentary?

It was a great experience to have someone recording a part of your life. It will be there forever. Captured on film. It was a humbling honor.

You have a lot of undefeated fighters on your squad. Which one of them excites you the most?

Well you’re right. I have Manny “Suavecito” Roman, Luis Ramos, Carlos Molina and Jesus “Pollo” Hernandez. They’re all undefeated and starting to make some noise. I honestly think I have a couple of future world champions in my stable.

You must’ve been disappointed with the way former world champion Martin Castillo lost to Fernando Montiel (TKO 4). What’s going to happen with him?

It was hard to see Martin lose like he did to Montiel. We’re going to meet and discuss whether there’s still a future for Martin in boxing. We have to meet and re-evaluate his situation. The decision will be in his hands. Whatever his decision is I'll support him.

How does it feel to reach such a high level of success in such a difficult business?

It’s like I’m living a dream. This is an extremely tough business but it’s been a team effort. Everyone’s played their part in this success story. You need the right kind of fighters with real desire and the right kind of people on your team. My son Frankie has been a tremendous help as part of Espinoza Boxing Club.

What are your future goals?

I would like to put together a serious promotional company within the next couple of years. I have the fighters and I have access to great people so why not make a run at it?

You’ve been doing this for 15 years. How long do you plan to stay in the business?

It’s been a long journey and we’ve had success and excitement. I plan for our younger fighters to keep developing and our other fighters like Julio Zarate, Alex Valdez and Israel to keep winning and we’ll see how far we can go. As I also stated, my desire is to one day have a promotional company so there’ll be plenty of Frank Espinoza in the future.

What is it that has made Espinoza Boxing Club a success?

I think I’ve been good at scouting the fighters I’ve signed. I’ve always treated them like my family. We have an important bond and we’re in this together through the good times and the rough times. I’ve also had the ability to help position my fighters so that they get their shot at greatness at the correct time in their careers. I’ve brought them along slowly and carefully.

Do you have any advice for up and coming managers?

I would tell them that it’s a rough business and that you need to have the resources financially because it’s also a risky business. You have to get to know your fighters and make sure they have the proper work ethic in the gym. I would also recommend that you have a business related background and a genuine love for the sport. With some business sense and some luck there’s a good chance for success.

Visit Frank Espinoza’s webpage by logging on to www.espinozaboxingclub.com