By Ryan Burton

While Southern California is known as a boxing hotbed, the Bay Area has produced its share of great fighters over the past decade.  Fighters such as Andre Ward, Nonito Donaire, Robert Guerrero and othe solid fighters have honed their crafts in Northern California.

Unbeated super featherweight prospect Andy "El Tiburon" Vences (15-0 10 KOs) hopes to continue the tradition and carry the torch when the over 30-year-old trio have left the sport. 

"There is a whole batch of new fighters, a new generations coming in here. I feel Andre Ward is a great fighter and he still has a lot of great fights to go. I feel Robert Guerrero is kind of on his way out. Nonito Donaire is still there but he had a lot of his prime fights already so I think it is exciting to see what the future holds for the new generation of fighters from the Bay Area. Especially me coming from San Jose. I know it's going to happen. It's just a matter of who's all involved in it," said Vences.

The 25-year-old fights next on July 9th and if all goes well he will be back in the ring on September 10th.  Vences hopes to keep a busy schedule and expects 2017 to be his breakout year.

"As many as I can. This is the longest layoff I have had, since February. I want to fight in September so I am thinking three more fights before the year ends if I could. That would be great. I just want to stay as busy as possible.

"Next year is going to be a big year. Maybe I can get some big fights in the same stable as me in Top Rank. Maybe next year I can fight for a title, or an undefeated guy or a top 10 guy. I can close this year out with 3-4 fights and then next year will be big," Vences stated.

Expectations will continue to rise as he gets closer to title contention and Vences says that he relishes the opportunity.

"I do feel that starting next year is when everything is going to happen for me. I feel mentally and physically I am ready, just like I am prepared for every fight. I know what I got myself into. This is a sport that gets harder and harder with every fight but I am up to the challenge. I love what I do. I have a passion for what I do. I love boxing and I love fighting," Vences told BoxingScene.com.

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