Junior welterweight Manuel Jaimes credits his time sparring at Robert Garcia's gym in Riverside, Calif., as key to his belief that he will defeat Rolando Romero on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) and Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) will kick off the pay-per-view card headlined by Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga.
The 24-year-old Jaimes, trained by Steve Salas of Stockton PYA, spent a portion of his training camp at Garcia's gym, away from the distractions of his hometown. He also sparred against elite competition at the gym.
"I had a great training camp at Robert Garcia’s gym in Riverside," Jaimes said. "I know I am coming ready, and I know I am coming to win."
Jaimes, who is moving up to junior welterweight for the first time, is confident not only in his preparation but also in the fact that Romero, 28, lost his WBA junior welterweight title to Isaac Cruz in his last fight.
“I got the best sparring in the world down there,” Jaimes said. “He has lost before, and he will lose again.”
Jaimes, currently riding a four-fight win streak, last fought in July, defeating former titleholder Jonathan Romero. Despite being a man of few words, Jaimes left no doubt about his intentions for Saturday.
“I am going to win,” Jaimes said.
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
