By Sean Reed

Though his dalliance in Beijing, China didn't play out as anticipated, 2008 US Olympic boxer Luis Yanez  is on the home stretch, the last leg of the proverbial victory lap. Local (Dallas, TX) fame, notoriety, autograph sessions, endorsements, the adoration of his city and the accompanying spoils have become commonplace. 

Just recently, Yanez was invited to American Airlines Center to watch a Dallas Mavericks basketball game and also to get a feel for the host locale of his professional boxing debut.  Between the third and fourth quarters, the "Latin Legend" took the court and was introduced to the crowd of 20,000 or more, who cheered as he shot off lefts and rights. 

But make no mistake; the back-patting, congratulatory loop around Dallas/Ft. Worth is almost complete and Luis' focus is where it should be; squarely on his pro debut, atop a card aptly named “Grand Entrance.” The journey begins next Friday, February 20th against Julio Cesar Valadez (3-2) and will air live on FOXSPORTSNET Southwest (9PM CT).

Yanez recently shot the official commercial for "Grand Entrance" and was as playful and engaging as he customarily is for the cameras. In between takes, you got a clear picture of where his head was at. While assorted members of Team Yanez joked around and stuffed their faces in his dressing room, Luis quietly sat in a barber styled chair, deep in study of Valadez via YouTube footage. 

Valadez spoke confidently of his chances and openly questioned Yanez's (a light flyweight in the Olympics) ability to fight at bantamweight in a recent press release. The comments added fuel to the inner fire that burns inside of Luis. When asked his thoughts on the upcoming contest, he answered succinctly, "I'm gonna validate Valadez; I'm gonna punch his ticket!" 

Yanez then arose from his chair and punished the air with lightning quick combinations.  In between flurries, he paced the room. "Being in this dressing room, wearing my stuff has me feeling like it's fight night. I'm ready to go right now!"    

With his own Team Yanez training facility in the final phases of construction, Luis has taken to the road for sparring, displaying his skills and showmanship at no fewer than four different local gyms, working with the best available guys, all of whom were bigger and taller. 

When word spread that the "Latin Legend" was showing up to throw hands, standing room only crowds created an almost fight night atmosphere. Cheering, applause, shouts of encouragement and banter between the fighters can be expected at most Yanez sparring sessions. 

Unlike quite a few professionals, Yanez embraces these occasions.

Tuesday, February 17th, is Media Day, followed by the weigh-in on Thursday. 

By Friday evening, a healthy dose of animosity will have been built up and Luis can reap the fistic rewards of sowing 8 miles of roadwork, 15 rounds of mitt work and 6-8 rounds of daily sparring. 

Though diminutive, Yanez is certainly a giant in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The sleeping giant has clearly been awakened by Valadez’ comments and the Eve of his prizefighting inauguration.