Escalante triumphs over Ruiz in title fight

• Cebuano boxer wins a unanimous decision

• Makes early adjustments to overcome a strong opponent

• Injures left hand

PHOTO BY MARIO SERRANO

BROOKS, California – Bruno “The Aloha Kid” Escalante, a Cebuano boxer, successfully defended his IBA Super-Flyweight title with a unanimous decision against a game Victor Ruiz at Cache Creek Casino on April 5.

“Escalante vs. Ruiz” was presented by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Cache Creek Casino Resort.

In the early rounds, Ruiz (13-1-1, 6 KOs) pressed the action and won a few rounds before Escalante (12-3, 9 KOs) got into his groove.

Escalante made adjustments in the middle rounds and used superior boxing skills and defense to confuse Ruiz, taking the lead going into the final two rounds.

Ruiz tried to make a final push, but Escalante dug deep and finished strong.  Escalante hurt his hand in Round 2 and fought with his right hand for most of the fight.  Scorecards read 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 all in favor for Escalante.

“This was a tough fight, but I made the proper adjustments to come out on top,” said Escalante.

“Ruiz is a warrior, but he never hurt me except when I busted my left hand in the second round, but that came from me hitting him.  My corner men Brian Schwartz and Mike Bazzel gave me great advice.  They told me to use my jab and stay relaxed.  My defense was on point tonight and I was in great shape.  I will go to the hospital tonight to get an x-ray of my hand. I’m hoping to return to the ring as soon as I get cleared from the doctor.  I want to thank my team for this victory.”

“Bruno did what he had to do to get the victory,” said Manager Herb Stone. “I’m very satisfied that Bruno was able to make the adjustment needed to win this fight.  The prognosis of his hand injury will give me an idea of when he’ll be able to return. If it’s not too bad I will get him back in the ring in the summer.”

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