Welterweight Damoni Cato-Cain, 26, is facing a challenge many boxers encounter—he can’t secure a fight. Despite his willingness to face any opponent, the Oakland, Calif., native has struggled to find anyone willing to step into the ring with him.
Cato-Cain (8-1-1, 7 KOs) hasn’t fought since November, when he knocked out Juan Meza Moreno in the fourth round at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. His manager, Rogelio Delgadillo, is growing frustrated by the lack of opportunities.
“It’s frustrating,” Delgadillo said. “It seems like we have to sacrifice something—either our coach or me as the manager—to get fights, but we don’t do that. We’re loyal.”
Earlier in 2023, Cato-Cain suffered a loss to Eric Tudor, a setback Delgadillo believed would make it easier to find opponents. Instead, they’ve been met with silence.
Cato-Cain has remained active, training at The Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, Calif., under head trainer Arvin Jugarap. He has been part of high-profile training camps and has sparred with top professionals, but he’s eager for his own moment.
“We’re just trying to get through that hump and keep it independent,” Delgadillo said. “People aren’t going to just give you fame, especially if you want to stay independent, no matter how good you are.”
Cato-Cain has now transitioned to welterweight, a move Delgadillo believes will only make him more dangerous. “He’s a complete all-around fighter at 147,” Delgadillo said. “His power, chin, and speed are all still there, and I don’t see anyone beating him at this weight.”
Reflecting on Cato-Cain’s unanimous decision loss to Tudor and a prior draw with Rashid Stevens, Delgadillo acknowledged some missteps. “What I learned is that you shouldn’t take fights like that unless you know you can win by knockout or signed to a major promotional company,” Delgadillo said. “If I could do it over, I wouldn’t have put Cato in that Golden Boy or Thompson fight. We need to develop him more, get his record right, and then take on big fights.”
Delgadillo remains hopeful for the future. “Something will pop up soon, I know it will,” Delgadillo said. “Cato is ready.”
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