SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – New England has always been a stepping-stone in boxing. Local fighters in the six N.E. states earn their bones, the more talented prospects graduating to regional boxing, eventually nationally, and occasionally internationally.
Unbeaten junior middleweight Anthony “ATV” Velazquez (16-0-1, 14 KOs), a promotional free agent fighting out of his native Springfield, Massachusetts, firmly believes he’s ready to bust out of New England boxing scene and showcase his vast skills on much larger platforms against leading 154-pounders at famous venues like Madison Square Garden.
First, though, he’s scheduled to headline a Reyes Boxing card at home in Springfield on April 26th against Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu (11-1, 8 KOs), of Tanzania, at the MassMutual Center.
“I’m not calling out locals, I want the big dogs,” the 28-year-old Velasquez said. “I now have the experience to fight outside of my comfort zone (New England). I’m a fighter and that’s my mindset. There’s always room to improve. I want to learn every day and my coaches are always working on a few new things.
“I want people outside of New England to know what I can do. I won’t be overwhelmed because I train with talented, experienced fighters in the gym. I want to be world champion Even though I’m 5-10 ½, someday I’d love to fight Sebastian Fundora.”
Velasquez is coached by experienced cornerman Hector Bermudez, who has guided five world champions and currently trains world-rated welterweight Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs).
“Anthony is on the verge of moving into the national scene,” Velasquez’ advisor Gunther Feingold commented. “He has improved dramatically over the past year and will be a difficult challenge for any of the other hot prospects at 154.”
Proud of his Boricua heritage – his father and mother were both born in Puerto Rico – Anthony is inspired by Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad. In fact, his father Carlos was a young fighter who trained at the same gym as Cotto in Caguas where his family is from.
“My dad was an amateur fighter, but he didn’t go pro because he had 24 brothers and sisters,” Velasquez noted. “I forced him to bring me to the gym when I was in the sixth grade. My dad taught me how to box and after the first time I went to a gym, I haven’t left it. I learned that there are no good excuses for not going to the gym every day. I was a good baseball player, a shortstop, but I always wanted to box, and I stopped playing baseball in high school. All I want to do is box. I love it!”
A self-described counter puncher with good power, speed and timing, Anthony is a smart fighter who adapts to any style his opponent brings into the ring.
The only blemish on Velasquez’ record is a disputed 8-round split draw with Rashid Stevens nearly two years ago, in which the scores were 80-72, 74-78, 76-76.
Known for being the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield is a city located in Western Massachusetts with a population of more than 150,000, many of whom are Latinos. While it hasn’t produced any bigtime pro boxers, hometown favorite Anthony Velasquez is ready to break that mold, starting when he busts out of the New England boxing scene.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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