By Victor Salazar
New York - Two weeks ago, Ray Beltran (33-7, 21 KI’s, 1 NC) scored an early candidate for knockout of the year when blasted Jonathan Maicelo (25-3, 12 KO’s, 1 NC) out with a left hook.
Maicelo was motionless then carried out on a stretcher, quieting the pro Peruvian Maicelo crowd at Madison Square Garden. Beltran was ecstatic with the knockout because it makes him the IBF lightweight mandatory for the winner of Robert Easter and Denis Shafikov title fight. But he also showed concern for his opponent.
“It reminded me of Scotland,” Beltran told BoxingScene.com." I didn’t pay that much attention to the knockout cause I was expecting him to get up then I started to pray for him because I don’t want to hurt any of my opponents in a dangerous way. And next is any champion that has a belt interests me. I have to wait for the IBF winner and we’ll see.”
Beltran may have been fighting for more than just a championship fight but fighting to become a green card resident of the United States. Though born in Mexico, Beltran feels like the US is his country now.
“We’re in a nation where we have a lot of opportunities,” explained Beltran. “We can accomplish what we want because of the opportunities as long as you work hard. I love this country. I’m a proud Mexican, it’s my motherland but United States is like my best friend.”
“No matter where you’re from if you have a good soul, you’re ok here. My kids are born here and they are American citizens. I said it before if I have to go to war for this country - I will.”
According to his manager Steve Feder, a win like this certainly helps his green card cause.
“We need all the support we can get, all the press we can get,” stated Feder. “We want to apply for the application and we want to do it once. We don’t want to apply for it and they turn around and they say we need this and that. So we want to load it up. The press helps. Homeland Security sees how much press this guy has and if he is a unique individual? Is he bringing something positive to the United States?”