Lightweight Michael Dutchover (13-1, 10 KO’s) of Santa Fe Springs, by way of Midland, Texas returns this Sunday as he takes on Lakeside, California’s Jorge Marron Jr. (18-1, 6 KO’s) at the Omega International Products in Corona, California headlining the Thompson Boxing Promotions 3-2-1 Pay Per View.
“I’m feeling good. Everything is different. We are touching new grounds. I am ready to put on a show July 26th,” Michael Dutchover told Southern California Boxing.com. “It’s humbling for me to be headlining this card. I have to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m ready to go out there and show what I have been working on,” Dutchover added.
Dutchover was originally scheduled to fight Rafael Reyes on March 14 in Ontario, California. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic which shutdown the entire nation his fight was cancelled as his return to the ring was put on delay.
“When my fight got cancelled in March it was devastating. I put in a full training camp. To find out the day before at the weight in,” Dutchover said.
For the 22-year old, Dutchover stayed active working out as he was limited but managed to stay in shape in waiting for the call to return.
“The gym I would go to was closed during COVID. So, I did roadwork. You don’t need a gym to do roadwork. Doing about 15 miles a week, a lot of calisthenics, some boxing workouts in my coach’s backyard. We have been sparring in the backyard because we didn’t have no boxing ring,” Dutchover explained. “I stayed in shape and just got ready. Now I got the fight and getting the opportunity to be one of the first fights in California,”
Since moving from Texas, Dutchover arrived in Southern California. Now living in Santa Fe Springs with his coach Daniel Zamora. Dutchover has been sparring in Bell Gardens, California with fellow prospects Arnold Barboza and Ruben Torres in preparation for this upcoming fight Dutchover.
“This is a boxing hot spot. This is the land of opportunity here in L.A. for boxers there is a lot of hungry fighters out here and there is top of the line sparring. I have sparred and done great work with Oscar Valdez, Jessie Magdaleno, before and now Arnold Barboza, the list goes on,” Dutchover said. “I have really benefited since moving out here,” Dutchover added.
His opponent, Jorge Marrone Jr. is coming of a fourth round TKO over Jovanni Martinez last year in November. Marrone, out of the San Diego area has fought most of his fights in the fighting border town of Tijuana, Mexico
“I know he has a good record and is a southpaw. I have been sparring with nothing but lefties, working on a lot of things. I feel comfortable. Its going to be a great fight,” Dutchover on his opponent.
For Dutchover, he is coming off a tough loss to Thomas Mattice this past September. Dutchover was unable to continue due to a cut that was caused by a punch as the bout was ruled a TKO victory for Mattice as the young prospect had suffered his first defeat in his hometown.
“It was the biggest learning experience, losing in my hometown. It was a technical loss because of a cut. I didn’t take it as a loss. I took it as a learning experience,” Dutchover on his defeat. “I’m ready to get back in the ring,”
Looking to get back in the win column, Dutchover hopes to redeem himself this Sunday night.
“Every fight for me is like fighting for a championship fight. I’m really training hard for this fight,” Dutchover said. “It will be an exciting night. Two guys, one of us wins this fight we go on to better things in the lightweight division. Boxing is back in California,” Dutchover concluded.
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