Requiem for a Super Middleweight

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More About

• South Phoenix
• Oscar De La Hoya
• Jose Luis Zertuche
• Emmanuel Lucero
• Boxing

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The boxing world loves a good comeback story, and local pugilist Jesús “El Martillo” González has one of the better tales of redemption we’ve ever heard.

Widely considered one of the biggest wunderkinds to emerge from Valley’s boxing scene, the South Phoenix southpaw turned pro at 18, amassed an impressive 17-0 record, and was even dubbed “the next Oscar de la Hoya” before suffering a controversial loss to Jose Luis Zertuche in 2005. Even worse, he was unable to fight for a year after his father decked a boxing official, followed by a contract dispute with a crooked promoter that resulted in a two-year hiatus from the sport.

Undaunted, González has fought his way back into contention with and will battle the fearsome Henry “Sugar Poo” Buchanan for the NABF Super Middleweight Title during a taping of ESPN Friday Night Fights on Friday, July 8, at US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson Street. The undercard will feature rising star Yaundale “Money Shot” Evans putting his undefeated streak on against Emmanuel Lucero.


Fri., July 8, 5 p.m., 2011