By Steve Kim
When junior middleweight Hugo Centeno faces James De La Rosa on December 6th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, he'll be doing so with a new trainer, Eric Brown, best known for his work with former welterweight belt-holder Paulie Malignaggi and former WBO middleweight titlist, Peter 'Kid Chocolate' Quillin.
Centeno has been a regular presence at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood the last month or so.
"It's been great work, (Brown) has me working very technical," said Centeno, who's bout will be part of the HBO 'Boxing After Dark' telecast.
"He's someone that's made very cerebral. Let's me think on my own and it's helped me a lot, letting me work on my chess game, keeping a few steps ahead of the opponent."
The 23-year old from Oxnard, who has a record of 21-0 (11KO's) has been a quick study according to Brown, who says:
"It's been great. Hugo's a hard worker, he's like a sponge. He absorbs and learns everything and he tries it and if it doesn't work right off the bat, he doesn't give up on it. He keeps right on working."
Joel De La Hoya, who manages 'the Boss' likes what he's seen thus far.
"So far, so good," he said after this day's sparring. "(Hugo's) sitting down more on his punches, his balance is better. He's always had a good jab, he just has to take advantage of his reach and height better."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com
