By Steve Kim
One of the key signings as Ringstar Sports was formed by Richard Schaefer was 2016 U.S. Olympian, Karlos Balderas.
On Saturday, he is part of the non-televised undercard at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The Showtime televised main event will feature the rematch between featherweights Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares - who battler for the WBA featherweight world title that Santa Cruz first captured in beating Mares by way of a close decision back in 2015 at the same venue.
Many observers believe Balderas (4-0, 3 KO's) is a future star with a blend of natural talent and charisma.
"Oh absolutely, I mean when I sit there ringside and I see Karlos come in with the way he carries himself, it starts with the walk-in, he just has that 'it' factor," said Schaefer, who gushes about his 22-year old client. "It just gives me chills and the only other two times I had those chills was when I saw Oscar (De La Hoya) and (Floyd) Mayweather walk in.
"And he has that presence with his long robe and just the way he carries himself and his looks, the fact he's bilingual, his background from his family who are farmers, pickers from Santa Maria (California). I mean, he is just an unbelievable talent."
Balderas last fought on February 17th in El Paso, Texas on FOX versus Jorge Rojas, where he scored a four round decision.
"He had some issues with his hands,'' explained Schaefer. "He feels good, he feels strong so he is ready to go and on that card besides the main event (the rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares) and (Jermell) Charlo and (Austin) Trout, that's really the kid I'm looking forward to the most to see."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com
