Trini Ochoa (right) with three-division titlist and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasiliy Lomachenko. Photo courtesy of Ochoa’s social media
There’s nothing like a hometown fight for Trini Ochoa.
The undefeated junior welterweight will take on Jose Jacobo at the Celebrity Theater in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. The 10-round fight will be streamed live on BXNG TV on Vyre Network on Friday (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
At Thursday’s weigh-in, Ochoa weighed in at 139.6 pounds. Jacobo came in at 138.8 pounds.
Ochoa (18-0, 8 KOs) has been a regular at Celebrity Theater since his pro debut in April 2018. All but two of his fights took place there. Ochoa gets an exciting fight in front of familiar faces.
With a lot on the line against the credible Jacobo (15-1, 6 KOs), a win tonight would be that much more rewarding.
“I get to share the experience (of fighting) with my friends, family and fans,” Ochoa told The Ring. “Bring everyone together and celebrate (afterwards) together. Nothing beats that feeling. Especially with Jacobo, because he is going to be the toughest opponent yet. Someone who wants to win, who also had a full training camp.
“This is an opportunity for me to show the level I’m at and put on a great performance to earn that belt against a skilled fighter.
Ochoa, 26, last fought on August 24, defeating gatekeeper and Olympian Jose Angulo by unanimous decision. The win over Angulo was Ochoa’s first scheduled 10-round fight.
“Going into this fight I feel strong, sharp and prepared,” Ochoa insisted. “I have the skill, the heart and the strength to get in the ring (tonight).
“No one else but me gets the win, and no one else but me gets that belt. I’m ready and feeling great.”
Jacobo (15-1, 6 KOs), who is from Grand Island, Nebraska, also fought his last fight on August 24th. He defeated journeyman Clay Burns by unanimous decision over six rounds. In his previous fight on February 10, Jacobo defeated Jaijohn Gonzalez by split decision.
Friday’s fight will be his first time fighting in a scheduled 10-round bout.
The show is presented by Iron Boy Promotions. Also on the card, LA-based Ukrainian heavyweight Serhii Sheludko (5-1, 3 KOs) meets undefeated Mario Jaquez (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at (email protected).
