Paco Damian, the promoter of junior lightweight Omar Salcido, views his fighter’s upcoming bout against Chris Colbert as a make-or-break moment for both men, as each seeks redemption and a path to larger opportunities.
The two will headline “Wednesday Night Fights” on the ProBox TV app, squaring off at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida.
For Salcido, the bout represents a chance to reintroduce himself after his October loss to Jose Nunez on ProBox TV. For Colbert, once considered a rising star, it’s a crucial fight as he looks to bounce back after going 1-2 in his past three outings – including a knockout loss to Jose Valenzuela in December.
“This fight is do-or-die for both of them,” Damian told BoxingScene. “Whoever wins will open the door to a big fight and a great opportunity.”
Mexico’s 24-year-old Salcido (19-1, 13 KOs) got back on track last December with a victory over Louis Coria. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Colbert (17-2, 6 KOs), of Brooklyn, is returning to junior lightweight following his defeat to Valenzuela, who recently claimed the WBA junior welterweight title by defeating Isaac Cruz.
Reflecting on Salcido’s loss to Nunez, Damian acknowledged the pressure Salcido felt competing on a stage like ProBox TV.
“He tried so hard to look good, but everything came out wrong,” Damian said. “He was loading up on the big left hook, but Nunez kept moving and that punch never came. I saw him lose that fight.”
Damian believes Salcido learned from the experience, pointing to his more composed performance against Coria. “He wasn’t too tight or eager. He worked his left hook and timed his combinations well,” Damian said.
Now, Salcido will face a skilled opponent in Colbert, whose speed and movement pose a significant challenge. Damian recognizes that Colbert’s strengths mirror those of Nunez but at a higher level.
“Colbert has good combinations, a good sense of distance, and throws from different angles,” Damian said. “Omar will have to punch in between Colbert’s punches, but I believe Omar is the stronger fighter.”
Salcido has been training with Jose Benavidez Sr. in preparation for the fight, benefiting from the trainer’s knowledge of Colbert’s style. Benavidez Sr. was in Valenzuela’s corner for both of his bouts against Colbert.
“Omar has serious power. If he lets his hands go between Colbert’s combinations, he can hurt him,” Damian said. “This fight won’t go the distance. If Omar stays focused and doesn’t chase the knockout, I believe he’ll come out the winner.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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