By Jake Donovan
Miguel Flores is all about consistency in his career. It is what has kept together the same team from when he first entered the Main Street Gym in Houston at age eight, through present day. It has also now allowed for a repeat appearance on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox Sports 1 series.
The 23-year old from Houston graduates from supporting player to featured attraction when he faces Mario Briones on Tuesday evening in San Antonio, Texas. The bout tops the 2016 season premiere of PBC on FS1 (11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT).
“I fought on Fox Sports in November. Putting me on again means they were pleased,” Flores (18-0, 9KOs) surmised to BoxingScene.com. “It’s not the co-main, this time we are the main event. They like me and they like what they see.”
Flores also likes the results he continues to get from the only training team he’s ever known in Aaron Navarro and Bobby Benton.
“It goes way back, to when I was 5-6 years old. My older brother was already fighting. By age eight, I fell in love with boxing and was ready to do it for myself. Aaron is a great guy, he’s been there for me since day one. I spent a lot of days with him at Main Street gym. He’s a friend and father figure.”
The team plays to the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ It’s worked through six-plus years in the pro ranks and now leading to his second straight televised appearance.
Flores enjoyed a breakthrough after having appeared on several non-televised undercards of major shows, as he was showcased in a 2nd round knockout of Alfred Tetteh last November. The bout served in supporting capacity to Karim Guerfi’s 10-round win over Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. in Austin, Texas.
Tuesday evening marks Flores’ fifth consecutive fight in his home state of Texas, all of which have come on the PBC circuit. His three wins prior to Tetteh all came off camera, but the plan is to continue to build his brand in front of a national audience from this point moving forward.
With such exposure will also come increased competition, to which he’s up for the challenge.
“We’re almost at the 20-fight mark. After this we are in the big leagues. The opponents won’t be getting easier,” Flores acknowledges. “I know that Briones isn’t easier than anyone I’ve faced before. Just him being Mexican, I know he’ll be coming to war. He’s no stranger to hostile territory.”
Of course, Flores’ key is not walking into any strange situation.
“No matter the challenge, I have 100% confidence that my team has me prepared,” Flores believes. “I know this guy is coming to fight. We’re ready for him. Come fight night, we’ll find out if he’s ready for what we have in store.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
