In an age where boxers turn out maybe twice a year, Omar Trinidad is keeping busy.
The undefeated featherweight will take on Lorenzo Parra in what is already his third contest of 2025. Their scheduled 10-round bout will headline an August 15 UFC Fight Pass show from Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.
Trinidad, 19-0-1 (13 KOs), had as many fights last year and four in both 2022 and 2023. Such activity is essential as the 29-year-old Los Angeles native looks to fight his way into a title opportunity.
“I think every boxer needs activity,” Trinidad told BoxingScene recently. “You know, when you are active, you stay ready, you stay at the gym. You don't really fall off the rails too much.
“You stay relevant, and you stay in your rhythm. It helps you stay loose, stay motivated and earn a little bit of pocket money, too.”
It doesn't hurt, either, that he is regularly turning out in front of his home-state crowds.
After starting his career with six contests in Tijuana, 13 of Trinidad’s subsequent 14 outings have been in California – 11 of them in Commerce and Montebello, just outside Los Angeles.
Staying local and staying active is a good way to build up a fan base.
“It's important to stay on the radar,” he agrees, “because there's always a new guy popping up and making a name for himself.”
The one time he strayed from the Golden State came nearly two years ago on the opposite side of the US.
Trinidad took on Andrew Bentley on the undercard of Ireland’s Callum Walsh’s win over Israel Villareal in November 2023 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It didn't last long, as Trinidad dispensed with Bentley inside a round.
“When they told me I was gonna fight at the Garden, I was like, ‘Damn, that's one for the bucket list,” Trinidad said. “You know, with that amazing talent in the card and an amazing atmosphere, it was nothing but an experience, man. And I got him out of there quick, because I wanted to go and explore New York City.”
In addition to Walsh, the card also featured Gor Yeritsyan and Cain Sandoval – who, like Trinidad and the man from Cork – are part of Tom Loeffler’s roster of eager young contenders, of whom much is expected.
While the other three train with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club, Trinidad trains with Don Chuy at Fundamentals 19 Gym. Even so, says Trinidad, they speak regularly and push each other to succeed.
“We don't hang out together too much, but we do connect a lot. I mean, we fight pretty much on the same cards,” he said. “And, you know, surrounding myself with people like that – fighters who are hungry and want to make a name for themselves – it's amazing.
“It drives me even more to be hungrier and to be almost competing with these guys. When we're fighting on the same card, I know they're gonna bring everything. So I'm trying to steal the show, they're trying to steal the show, so it makes for an overall action-packed evening.”
Another side benefit of being an active and unbeaten contender is that Trinidad is now firmly established in the rankings of all four major sanctioning bodies.
Trinidad is simultaneously anxious for his shot and relaxed about waiting for the opportunity to open up.
“Honestly, man, if I could choose a time to fight for a title, I would have had it already, you know? But I mean, everything happens for a reason, and all these guys that have belts, they're very elite fighters, so I want to be fully ready,” he said. “My coach tells me to be patient, to roll with the punches, and we’ll get called out. We'll take it. But if 2025 is the year, then I'm all for it.
“I'll fight any of the champions or any fighter that will get me to the title. I'm just a fighter who loves to fight and give people a show, and I feel like any of those guys, I wouldn't even hesitate to put pen to paper.”
In the meantime, Trinidad is going to keep on fighting – with Parra up next – keep on climbing the ladder and keep on waiting.
“I'm learning to be patient,” he said. “That's a big, big thing to master. Be patient. Keep working hard, and things will happen. I feel like the title shot is going to come sooner than expected, but if I have to wait a little longer because it's going to be a huge moment and God needs time to prepare it, then when it shows up, I’ll take full advantage of it.”
Kieran Mulvaney has written, broadcast and podcast about boxing for HBO, Showtime, ESPN and Reuters, among other outlets. He presently co-hosts the “Fighter Health Podcast” with Dr. Margaret Goodman. He also writes regularly for National Geographic, has written several books on the Arctic and Antarctic, including most recently Arctic Passages: Ice, Exploration, and the Battle for Power at the Top of the World, and is at his happiest hanging out with wild polar bears. His website is www.kieranmulvaney.com.
