By Mike Coppinger
Brooklyn-based Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (17-0, 3 KOs) is adjusting in the ring after a seven-year hiatus due to a prison stint, stemming from charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Now, Bracero, 30, is two years into a plan to rejuvenate his once-promising career. So far, so good.
“He’s not a huge puncher, but it’s his second knockout in a row,” said the undefeated fighter’s promoter, Lou DiBella, after the Puerto Rican’s third round KO in July. “I don’t think anyone expected it after a seven-year lay-off and the prison term he had to go through, that he would come back like this, that he would reestablish himself as a top prospect.”
The junior welterweight has had an impressive 2011, winning all four of his bouts, two by KO, his best victory coming on a ShoBox tripleheader in April over previously-undefeated Danny O’Connor, a fight which Bracero dominated. More so, according to DiBella, Bracero’s personal life has seen a rejuvenation much like in the ring.
“He’s also become a real good citizen,” said DiBella. “He has a lot of people supporting him, he’s a good member of the community. He’s got a great following, he’s getting better every fight and he doesn’t fight like a pity-pat fighter. He stands there and he fights, throws a lot of punches and he mixes it up, he’s an exciting fighter.”
DiBella has big plans for Bracero, who has a huge legion of fans that come to each fighter and be heard loudly chanting “Tito” ringside in unison.
“I could see ShoBox again,” said DiBella. “I think early next year, I could see him on the new HBO series [similar to ShoBox], and frankly he can do his own show, he has the kind of following, where he’ll always be busy. Honestly, because of that long lay-off, activity’s very important for him. He’s really impressing people. Certainly locally in New York, he’s one of the biggest ticket-sellers.
“He’s never gonna have one-punch power, but I think within six months, he’s a legitimate top-10 guy. Within a year, he’ll challenge for a world title.”
Mike Coppinger is a regular boxing freelancer for USA TODAY and Ring Magazine. He’s a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, the Ring Ratings Advisory Panel and the Yahoo! Sports Boxing Panel. Follow him on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger. Find an archive of his work at www.mikecoppinger.com.