Super featherweight, George “El Yuyu” Acosta (14-1, 2 KOs) is eager to get back in the ring as he prepares to go war with Cesar Villarraga (10-6-1, 5 KOs). The 8-round bout will serve as the main event on Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card.
Weights: George Acosta 129.6 vs Cesar Villarraga 129.9
Rigoberto Hermosillo 127.8 vs Ezequiel Caro 127
Anthony Chavez 134.6 vs Dihul Olguin 130.4
Arnulfo Cazares 245.9 vs Bryan Hall 242.1
Kevin Sagado 141.9 vs Steven Walker 140.2
“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, April 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google.
Here is what Acosta had to say about his upcoming matchup with Cesar Villarraga, his recent training camp, his recent winning streak, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“I’m having another great training camp. I just came off a great win and I took that momentum back to the gym. All my sacrifices are paying off. All my sparring partners are saying I’m getting better with each fight. I feel great.”
On his matchup with Cesar Villarraga:
“This is another tough fight. Although Villarraga doesn’t have the best record on paper, he’s a dangerous fighter. He has knockout power and has defeated some good fighters. I’m definitely not looking past him. I know he’s coming to fight, and I’ll be ready.”
On his current winning streak:
“I’ve learned a lot since my lone defeat. I had to make some adjustments and now I feel I’m on the right track. I’m riding this winning streak with a lot of confidence. I’m feeling like I’m unstoppable.
On fighting at super featherweight and staying busy:
“Fighting at super featherweight was crucial to me becoming a better fighter. At this weight, I feel stronger. This will be my second fight of the year, and it’s making a difference in my mindset. I want to thank Thompson Boxing for keeping me busy. As fighters, we never want to get rusty, so fighting constantly is important, and I’m grateful.”
“Staying busy is a blessing and I’m happy to be returning to the ring for the second time this year,” said George Acosta, who is on a seven fight winning streak. “I have big plans to make a nice run this year and I know a win will keep me on track. I’m going to put on a great show for all my hometown fans who will be in attendance.”
“I always put on a good show and I will be more than ready for Acosta,” Caro stated from his training camp in Argentina. “I’ve seen Acosta fight and I see a lot of flaws in his style, he is not as strong as I am and I’ll be coming into this fight in great shape. I’m going to stop him if I get him hurt, that you can bet on.”
xHere is what Villarraga had to say about his upcoming matchup with George Acosta, his recent training camp, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been in the gym for the last few months hoping that I would get an opportunity to fight. I’ve been working on setting up my power shots so fans can expect me to drop a few bombs. I always stay ready, and I feel I’m in good enough shape to put on a great performance.”
On his matchup with George Acosta:
“Acosta has come along way. My plan is to bring the fight to him. At this point in my career, I have nothing to lose, so I’m going to bring a lot of pressure and try to get him out of there. I feel my power is on another level and it will be on display the Friday when I step in the ring.”
On making his 2023 debut:
“Last year I got back in the ring after taking a few years off. I fought two undefeated fighters and knocked one of them out. On paper my record might not be that great, but believe me, I’m a lot better than it appears. 2023 will be a comeback year for me and it starts with me beating Acosta.”
On fighting in main event on Thompson Boxing card:
“Thompson Boxing cards are always fun because the fans are up close and personal. I’ve fought most of my career on their shows and I feel comfortable fighting at the Doubletree. I will have plenty of fans in attendance and I’m going to pull off the upset.”
UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Lightweight Ruben Islas (6-1, 5 KOs) of Rialto, CA, will take on Francisco Duque (1-2), of Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)
Super featherweight Anthony Chavez (9-3-1, 3 KOs), of Redlands, CA, will look to take out battle tested veteran Dihul Olguin (15-30-5, 10 KOs), of of Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)
Opening the card will be a welterweight bout featuring Kevin Sagado (1-1) of Murrieta, CA, battling Steven Walker (Pro Debut), of Lancaster, CA. (4-rounds).
Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer.
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, Los Angeles’ only luxury casino; Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.
“New Blood” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and
YouTube pages.
For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.