On Thursday, December 31, at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, , Oliver “Trombita” Flores (27-1-2, 17 KOs), the southpaw from Leon, Nicaragua, currently ranked #6 by the WBA, challenges reigning and defending WBA Super World super featherweight champion Takashi “Kid Dynamite” Uchiyama (23-0-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of Tokyo.
This is the first shot at a world title for the 24-year-old Flores, who believes he’s catching the 36-year-old champion at the right time.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be fighting for a world title,” he said. “I’ve worked my whole life to get in this position. I’m 100 prepared to give Uchiyama the fight of his life. My body is healthy and I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m going to seize the opportunity to the best of my ability.”
Getting by Uchiyama, who has held the title for five years, won’t be easy.
“Takashi Uchiyama is an incredible fighter. He’s defended his title many times over and his record is unblemished. Most of his title defenses have ended in a knockout so I know he’s a very powerful puncher. I’m expecting him to be aggressive in his approach.”
Nicaragua has produced some very special fighters over the years. Topping the list is Alexis Argüello, but there is also Rosendo Alvarez, Ricardo Mayorga, and current pound-for-pound claimant Román González.
Flores, it goes without saying, wants to join that starry roster.
“To bring the title home would be a dream come true for me. I have a lot of support from family and friends that will be looking forward to the outcome. I know I’m the underdog going into this fight but I have a country that will be showing support when I go to battle in Japan. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of Alexis Argüello and Román González, who brought great pride to Nicaragua.”
Flores is as ready as he’s going to be.
“Training camp has been very demanding,” he said. “I’m on a strict diet that has me at my optimum best. I’ve had some great sparring here in Nicaragua where I’m working out with a few different guys. Everyone is pushing me to the limit. It’s this type of training camp that’s going to get ready for Uchiyama, who I know is going to be at his best. I’m executing every possible situation that I feel will come up in this fight. I need to be aware of his powerful right hand power punches. He also likes to land he left hook to the body, so I need to be ready to counter those punches.”
It’s sometimes hard for foreign fighters to win close decisions in Japan, but that’s of no concern to Flores.
“I believe the WBA judges will be fair. Of course my goal is to end the fight early if possible, to avoid any argument. I know it’s going to be a very difficult task to come out with a victory, but a task I feel I can accomplish. I am ready for battle.”
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
