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No one will be busier than Abel Sanchez Saturday in France, when he works the corner for Michel Soro in a 154-pound showdown agaist John Vera, and also for two other boxers on the card.
I asked Sanchez for his assessment of the Soro-Vera tango. What does he think of young John, just 18-0, stepping up a rung or two on the ladder?
“Good fighter, young, don’t think he is ready for this step, he will learn and will become a fighter because of this fight,” Abel told me. “Does Soro stop him? Late if stoppage,Vera is young and hungry, but not a big puncher, it’s going to be difficult to deter Soro for 12.”
And the Frenchman Soro, age 30, who holds wins over Glen Tapia and Ivan Montero?
“He is very solid, hard worker, not a complainer, experienced, he had a great camp, he is the consummate pro,” the trainer told me.
And you are busy on this occasion, huh?
“I have three fights that night, Armenian Arsen Goulamirian (age 30; 22-0) for the WBA cruiserweight title, Soro for the WBA interim 154-pound belt, and 154 Louis Toutin in a 10-round fight.
“Goulamirian is a strong kid, has been with me for four fights, has been in the gym with GGG and Murat Gassiev and has picked up rather quickly my style and approach to a fight, a round and minutes of a round. He has matured boxing-wise quite quickly, he wasn’t really on any one’s radar before he came to Big Bear, but I think he will be a force in the cruiser division once Murat leaves to heavyweight.”
And this Toutin?
“Wow, pleasantly surprised, extremely talented, but I think he was coddled before because of that, he could have a great future if he applies himself,” said Sanchez, of the 9-0 French fighter who is just 20.
Arsen fights 24-0 Ryad Merhy, a Belgian, in Marseille, for the record. Toutin is in a résumé builder against 23-17-4 Cameroonian Bernard Donfack.
My three cents: Most didn’t know the name Murat Gassiev, but his allegiance with Sanchez told me that he’d be someone worth remembering. You might want to note that and keep your eyes on these Sanchez fighters, as well.