Ernesto Garza III vs. Junior Almonte at Paramount: Bantamweight Upset in the Making

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Huntington, NY (September 6th, 2019)– Beware those padded records, especially those fighters with wins over other fighters with padded records. When 12-0 undefeated bantamweight prospect Junior Almonte of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, takes on Ernesto Garza III, on September 20, 2019, at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, Long Island, New York, in the co-main event of a five-bout card promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing called ‘Rockin’ 36 Fights’ in a scheduled eight-rounder, Almonte’s record will be suspect. Almonte needed to go eight rounds to win a decision over Jose Luis Manuel Polanco, a journeyman fighter with a 1-24 record.

Almonte’s World Boxing Council Fecarbox Bantamweight title, will be at stake, and considering both of Almonte’s wins in WBC regional title bouts have been over stiffs he stopped in the first round, Garza, a Police Athletic League and National Golden Gloves champion, won’t be making a social call when trying to win Almonte’s WBC regional belt.

At 10-2 with one no-contest, Garza, of Saginaw, Michigan, a southpaw in the stable of Eddie Jaafar and David McWater, is an underrated fighter in the mold in the mold of Adrian Granados. Garza lost a decision to undefeated world-rated Cuban contender Neslan Machado at featherweight, and was stopped at super featherweight by current European Union EBU European Super Featherweight champion Jon Fernandez. In January 2018, Garza fought to a televised 10 round no-contest with Jesse Angel Hernandez at featherweight. Garza’s level of opposition is a few notches over Almonte, which is why Garza is predicted to win an eight-round decision over Almonte. In addition, Garza is stronger at bantamweight. The only two fighters Garza fought at this lower weight Garza managed to knock out in the first round.

The Paramount Theatre card will feature five prospects bouts, and Garza figures to be the spoiler. If Almonte comes to fighter, the bout will be a wild barnstormer until somebody gets knocked out. Knowing Garza’s aggressive style, one way or the other, either he or Almonte will get knocked out. Garza will force Almonte to fight him. Almonte, who has never fought outside his native Dominican Republic, may find boxing in the United States is a tough proposal. Garza has a better resume of experience, and Almonte will be lucky to survive the eight-rounder. Garza, based on past history of recent, will not be looking for a decision. 20-0 super welterweight prospect Tyrone ‘Pretty boy’ James of Elmont, Long Island, will face 12-10-1 Pawnee Indian Dennis Knifechief of Shawnee, Oklahoma in the other 8 round co-main event. James is favored to win by six or seventh-round stoppage.

Share