Lightweight Gabriel Flores Jr. may not boast an undefeated record, but the challenges he has met and overcome have endeared him to his hometown of Stockton, California.
Flores, 24, is scheduled to fight Saturday at Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark in what will be the venue’s first major sanctioned boxing event. He will face Ronel Ron in a 10-round bout.
Once the youngest fighter ever to have signed with Top Rank, Flores (24-2, 8 KOs) has since faced setbacks – including losses to Luis Alberto Lopez and Giovanni Cabrera – but has maintained strong support from his local community.
“I feel like a new fighter since competing in front of my hometown crowd,” Flores said. “Stockton’s loyalty is unmatched, which is why we’re focusing on showcasing emerging talent from our region and why I want to fight there so often.”
In March, Flores knocked off undefeated southpaw Julian Rodarte in Stockton. His father, Gabe Flores Sr., praised the positive reception the fight drew at Adventist Health Arena, which drew close to 7,000 attendees.
“In Stockton, many face adversity, setbacks and challenges,” said Flores Sr. “Gabriel’s resilience resonates with our community. His journey isn’t just about talent; it’s about overcoming obstacles, which Stockton understands.”
Stockton knows its share of crime and violence – and Flores Jr. has lost more to them than most. His mother, Juanita Maldonado, was killed in a shooting attack at a child’s birthday party that injured five and killed another victim in 2013, when Flores Jr. was 12. In part to cope with the sorrow and in part to honor his mother and push back in his own way against gang violence, Flores Jr. fought in – and won – a youth tournament just two months later.
“I’ve faced challenges outside the ring that have shaped me,” Flores said. “My losses don’t define me; they’ve fueled my determination.”
Flores Jr.’s next opponent, Ron (14-6, 11 KOs), 26, is a veteran on a three-fight losing streak. In his most recent fight, Ron was stopped by top prospect Abdullah Mason in four rounds.
“He is a good opponent, well-experienced,” Flores Jr. said. “I am completely focused on Ron for this fight, and have hopes of bringing an even bigger fight to Stockton soon.”
“Aside from boxing, it’s about creating a safe, family-oriented environment,” Flores Jr. said. “I’m excited to bring the first summer fight card to Stockton Ballpark so we can have fireworks, in and out of the ring, on that night.”
Julio Sanchez, president of G-Squad Entertainment, highlighted Flores’ impact on Stockton when speaking to BoxingScene.
“Gabriel Flores isn’t just a boxer; he’s a symbol of resilience for Stockton,” Sanchez said. “Our events emphasize fan engagement and community connection, resonating with local hardships.”
The rest of Saturday’s card in Stockton is as follows:
In a lightweight eight-rounder, Julian Rodarte (19-1-2, 8 KOs) of Downey, California, will take on Andrew Rodgers (8-12-3, 3 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana.
Junior lightweight Shamar Canal (8-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York, is scheduled for six rounds against Mexico’s Victor Manuel Lopez Gala (5-1, 3 KOs).
Also at junior lightweight, over four rounds, Lorenzo Powell (1-0) of Sacramento, California, will battle Benji Gomez (0-2) of Oxnard, California.
At junior welterweight, Steve Canela of San Jose, California will face Adam Hach over four rounds in the pro debut of both fighters.
Andrew Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO) will fight Alejandro Robles (0-3) of Modesto, California, in a junior bantamweight four-rounder.
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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