“Perro” is a high-ranking junior middleweight based in southern California. He is a high pressure, aggressive fighter with a good arsenal of punches. He throws a lot of shots and has a leaky defense, a combination that makes for exciting fights. He has already been featured on HBO a few times, and looks to now make that next big step in his career. At 27, the 17-1 Angulo has time on his side.
Amateur Career
Angulo, from Mexicali in Baja California, took up boxing a little late at 17, an age when many of his countrymen are already veterans. Angulo showed his facility for boxing quickly, and amassed an impressive record of 80-15. He made the 2004 Olympic boxing team and went to compete in Sydney. Despite losing his first round match to Andy Lee, his pressing, body-punching attack figured to shine more in the professional ranks.
Early Pro Career
In early 2005, Angulo set his sights on the pro ranks. Fighting at various Native American casinos in the southwest, he quickly amassed a reputation as an up n’ comer. After winning 3 of his first four bouts by decision, all of his wins have since been by knockout.
Angulo first stepped up against useful Richard Gutierrez, finishing him in five. A frightful battering of contender Andrey Tsurkan followed, and Angulo was now in the world title hunt. A KO over tough Cosme Rivera led to a high-profile HBO slot against Kermit Cintron.
Setback Against Cintron
Angulo was the favorite when he stepped into the ring against former welterweight titlist Cintron. The most visible images in our minds of Cintron had been his two emphatic KO losses to Margarito and an apparent schooling by Sergio Martinez that was scandalously scored a draw.
On this night, however, Cintron cleverly used his movement and length to win rounds against a flat Angulo. There were rumblings before the fight that Angulo was fighting with the flu, and that is consistent with his flat performance in this bout. He had none of the fire that had been seen in all his bouts. Angulo made it close at the end when he began to warm to the task, but Cintron had done enough to win a unanimous decision.
Was this an off night by a rising prospect not feeling his best or a harbinger of bad things to come? It would be harsh to not give Angulo the benefit of the doubt. Firstly, the boxing community underestimated Cintron badly. Secondly, it was apparent that something was wrong with Angulo. On his worst night, he still fought a close fight with a former champion having perhaps his best performance. Due to these extenuating circumstances, Angulo rightfully retained his “super prospect” tag.
Getting Back On Track
After a get-well win, Angulo was back on TV on the Dawson-Johnson II undercard. His opponent was undefeated Harry Joe Yorgey for the interim WBO Junior Middleweight title. Angulo started fast, overpowering his opponent with power shots. The fight ended in the third, with Angulo nearly decapitating Yorgey with a left hook. While no one will confuse Yorgey with a top junior middleweight, it was just the kind of emphatic KO that Angulo needed.
Looking Ahead
Angulo looks to make major strides in 2010. A rematch with Cintron would give him the chance to avenge his only defeat. Sergiy Dzinziruk, the “regular” WBO champion has recently stated his willingness to fight in the USA, creating another interesting match up for Angulo.
