Richard Gutierrez Still Fighting to Be Somebody

For all of the characters involved in the world of boxing, the essence of the sport revolves around the two fighters inside of the ring. It is the fighters who are able to achieve all of the accolades and endearment from those watching. It is the fighters who have to sacrifice the most and endure the most pain. And the harsh reality is that it is also the fighters who suffer the most despite giving nearly everything they have.

Richard Gutierrez is a man who knows of this reality all too well. Despite sporting a respectable 24-2-1 record with 14 knockouts, Gutierrez is widely overlooked in the sport due to a recent loss to Mexican brawler Alfredo Angulo. One that fateful night last May, Gutierrez gave a good account of himself early on, only to have the tide of the fight sway against him due to Angulo’s higher workrate, punishing body assault, and heavy hands. The loss to Angulo, coupled with a recent draw to unknown Jerome Ellis, raises some serious questions about Gutierrez’ future in the ring but the Columbian is far from finished with his career.

           
Speaking to 8 Count News following another trying workout, Gutierrez was neither brash nor overly vocal, but was instead straight to the point and spoke with conviction when speaking of his time in the sport. Gutierrez is getting ready for a February 20^th showdown with 24-1 Jesus Gonzalez at the University Center Arena in local Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and insists he will be ready for the contest.

 “I’ve prepared 100% for this fight,” Gutierrez states. “I feel great during this camp and I have just been working hard. I’ve put everything into this fight and I hope my opponent has done the same. It’s going to be a fight that everybody wants to see

Gutierrez has spent much of his time at Contender’s Gym in Fort Lauderdale, under the watchful eye of trainer Noel Carbajal, as known as ‘Chico Gold’ to those close to him. Carbajal has put Gutierrez through a wide array of workouts to ensure that his charge will be at the top of his game come fight time.

           
“Noel has been getting me in great shape,” Gutierrez concedes. “We’ve had a great chemistry this camp and it has made all the difference for me.”

While Gutierrez speaks highly of his chances in his upcoming fight, he would be a fool to overlook Gonzalez, who seemingly will present a difficult test in the ring. From the loss to Angulo to his pitched battle with Joshua Clottey in which he lost a close decision, Gutierrez has had moments both good and bad stem from his fights. He will be the first to tell you that before every fight he prepares himself mentally for the possibilities that could await him every time he sets foot into the ring.           

“You have to prepare your mind for either winning or losing,” Gutierrez says bluntly. “If you can’t take the good with the bad you don’t even belong in this sport. Right now I feel very great physically, mentally, and spiritually, and that’s all I can do on my end.

Gutierrez grew up in a little town right outside of Arjona, Columbia and was a self described street kid who was always into trouble. His father took him to a nearby boxing gym to give him a sense of discipline and he soon fell in love with the possibilities that the sport gave him. Now into his 9^th year as a professional, Gutierrez has had some disappointing moments but he is still fighting to survive and just as importantly, fighting to be somebody.

“Growing up I always wanted to be somebody whether it was on television or in magazines. Boxing has given me that opportunity to have a name and to be honest with you, without boxing I don’t know what I would be doing right now.”

The Richard Gutierrez-Jesus Gonzalez clash takes place on ESPN2 Friday, February 20^th…
Photo by Chris Robinson