By Francisco Salazar
Featherweight Adrian Montoya is one of dozens of fighters who have migrated to Oxnard, California in hopes of making it big in boxing.
Montoya hopes a victory tonight could lead to becoming a legit prospect in the division.
The 21-year-old Montoya will face Luis Alberto Gomez at Cheer’s Bar in Tijuana, Mexico.
Originally from Puerto Penasco, Mexico, the same hometown of junior bantamweight contender Juan Francisco Estrada, Montoya arrived to Oxnard in November. He is currently trained by Edgar Cruz and works with conditioning coach Federico Mendoza.
In his last bout on Dec. 9, Montoya (6-0, 6 knockouts) knocked out veteran Francisco Amaro in round two at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana. Montoya went 4-0 in 2018.
People who represent Montoya have told Boxingscene that a major promoter will sign Montoya to a promotional deal after Saturday’s fight.
Despite being shorter than Montoya, Gomez (7-5-1, 3 KOs) will be significant step-up in opposition. Montoya has yet to face a fighter with a winning record.
Gomez, who resides in Tijuana, has not fought since August of 2017, when he fought to a draw against Israel Camacho. Gomez is winless in his last three bouts.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing