By Ryan Burton
On the most recent edition of The Boxing Lab, BoxingScene.com's official audio show, we welcomed rising prospect Thomas Dulorme (13-0). The 21 year old fighter was born on the island of St. Martin and moved to Puerto Rico when he was three years old. I asked Dulorme which fighters he looked up to as he moved his way up through the amateur ranks.
"For me the number one fighter in terms of style and career was Sugar Ray Leonard. I try to be like him. He is my idol," revealed Dulorme.
Most fans from "La Isla Encantada" view Felix "Tito" Trinidad as the best fighter that the island has produced. Dulorme is in agreement with that thought process.
"Now if we are talking (about) Puerto Rican fighters, then of course it is Tito Trinidad. He is my favorite," said Dulorme.
Dulorme faced Venezuelan Charlie Jose Navarro in his most recent fight which took place in Panama. While he defeated Navarro, Dulorme was hurt at times and bloodied in the fight. He had to dig deep to come out with the unanimous decision victory. He praised Navarro, teling The Boxing Lab that their fight was the toughest of his career.
"Navarro is my toughest fight to date," stated Dulorme. "He fought (Vyacheslav) Senchenko for a title. He is a very good fighter. Very tough. That definitely was the toughest fight of my career."
Even though he is only 21 years old, Dulorme appears to be on the fast track to a title shot. He has already appeared in a ten round fight against former champion DeMarcus Corley and a nine round fight against the aforementioned Navarro. While he feels that he is ready for a title shot now, the welterweight prospect said that he is content to let his team handle that aspect of his career.
"I think I am ready now for a title shot but I let my promoters do that while I work in the gym. I work hard six days a week in the gym. I trust my team with my career," Dulorme stated.
Dulorme credited former welterweight champion Carlos Quintana for helping make him a better fighter during their numerous sparring sessions. He mentioned that he has also sparred with the current king of Puerto Rican fighters, Miguel Cotto and that is part of the reason why he feels ready to fight for a world title now.
"I have sparred many times with Carlos Quintana. I have sparred with him more than anyone. He has helped me a lot. I have also sparred with Cotto. It is great sparring with experienced guys like that. It helps me become a better fighter."
Dulorme is scheduled to return to the ring on February 17th in California against Jos Reynoso.
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter and tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene's official audio on Tuesdays. The show is hosted by Ernie Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton
