Bryan Flores aims for a breakout win over Lindolfo Delgado in Lopez-Leo undercard
Bryan Flores might have an advantage on most fighters in the sport. In fights where he was knocked down, he would get back up and found a way to win.
Having accumulated an unblemished record, the next step for Flores is to contend for a world title belt.
Flores will face Lindolfo Delgado Saturday night at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 10-round bout will precede the main event bout between IBF featherweight titleholder Luis ‘Venado’ Lopez and challenger Angelo Leo.
Both fights will air live on ESPN (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).
The clash between Delgado and Flores is compelling in that both are unbeaten and are aggressive boxer-punchers.
Flores (26-0-1, 15 knockouts) last fought on March 8, stopping Jorge Abel Bermudez in the fourth round. In his previous fight on September 1, Flores stopped journeyman Eleazar Valenzuela in the third round.
The 28-year-old Flores is familiar with Delgado from their time in amateur ranks in Mexico. He acknowledges Delgado has improved under the tutelage of trainer Robert Garcia, but he is confident his skill-set will be enough to come out victorious.
“I’ve followed his career since the amateur ranks,” Flores told The Ring in a recent interview. “I was on the Mexican Youth Amateur team. He was on the national team. We paid attention to one another. I’ve known him for a long time.
“I think Lindolfo is a great fighter. With Robert, he has improved a lot. He’s a great trainer. But I have my corner and my history. Lindolfo has demonstrated his talent. He has improved a lot as a fighter. He has trained well. His skillset is good, so is his counter-punching ability. I think it’s going to be a war. I prepared a lot. All my life, I’ve prepared for a fight like this. After this, I don’t know what will happen. I’m going to win this fight.”
Flores has a penchant for overcoming knockdowns to rally and come out victorious. This happened on April 7 of last year on a ShoBox card against top prospect Shinard Bunch. Flores was knocked down in the opening round, overcame the heavier hands from Bunch to be the more effective fighter during the second half of the bout to win by split decision.
In June 2019, Flores also overcame a knockdown by Ramon Mascarena, Jr. to win by knockout in a clash of unbeaten prospect. Flores believes some fighters do not know how to capitalize on a hurt fighter or underestimate him.
“I’ve always had difficult fights,” said Flores, who is promoted by Oswaldo Kuchle and is trained by Fernando Villa. “It wasn’t the first time I’ve been dropped to the canvas. I’ve even been dropped three times in a fight, and I’ve gotten up to win the fight. It’s mental when things like that happen. You think about your family, your kids, so you can’t remain there (on the canvas). Lindolfo could knock me down, hopefully not, but if he does, I’m going to get up and I’m going to win. I don’t know how the fight will play out, but I’m going to win, because I’ve exerted myself training a lot. I don’t care if (Lindolfo) has trained the same, or more. I’m content with the work I’ve put in. So we are going to demonstrate (Saturday) the hard work we’ve put in during my 15 years as a pro.
“It’s difficult to defeat me. I’ve been on the canvas, but I’ve gotten up to win. I always give a good fight for the fans. That’s what matters to me. That’s what I think about.”
Flores is trained by Fernando Vila in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where he resides. The city is another hub in Mexico where talented fighters reside, including former world title challenger Miguel ‘Mickey’ Roman.
“Besides Mickey Roman, out of all the fighters in Ciudad Juarez, I’m the closest one (to a world title shot),” said Flores. “I could have that opportunity after beating Lindolfo. I think opening the door for other fighters could make people realize what type of talent exists in the city. There are many prospects there, and top amateur fighters. It’s my duty to become a world champion so people can see what Ciudad Juarez is all about.”
Flores spent 13 weeks in Las Vegas in preparation for the Delgado fight. He sparred other junior welterweights and fighters in higher weight classes, including junior welterweight contender Kenneth Sims, and junior middleweights Brian Mendoza and Gabriel Maestre. Flores also sparred with Nico Ali Walsh.
After the times spent doing mitt work or the amount of sparring he received, Flores believes the preparation will lead to victory. He also believes he is amongst the best in the division.
“There are many great fighters (at 140 pounds). I’ve faced top fighters in Mexico. Some of these fighters I’ve faced are bigger or weigh more than me. All of that has made me believe that I’m one of the best fighters. I believe I’m a top-5 or top-10 fighter in the division. I’m amongst the best. Saturday, people are going to see that I’m prepared for another war. They will see what I’m all about. My struggle and to see the opportunity I have. I’m very motivated to win and to become a world champion.”
On paper, Delgado will be the toughest test, thus far, of Flores’ career. Flores has faced and overcome obstacles that could strengthen his will and mental fortitude.
Despite having not faced a fighter in the upper echelon of the 140-pound division, Flores is convinced he not only can be a factor against the best, but he can also become a world titleholder. Those are lofty expectations, but Flores believes momentum heading into Saturday’s fight is in his favor.
“I have that mentality that I will have a path to knock on the door to fight for a world title. The winner between the two of us will have that opportunity. This is the most difficult fight of my life. But I have trained for this. I entered the sport of boxing for this great opportunity and for the public in the United States to know who I am. It’s going to be a very difficult fight, but I will come out with my arm raised in victory.
“We are going to demonstrate that we can win a world title belt.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at santio89@yahoo.com
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