By Jeff Zimmerman
Undefeated Ernesto Delgadillo (11-0-2, 2 KOs) out of Dallas, TX, will be back in the ring this Thursday in the state of Washington to fight for the vacant NABF super flyweight title against the also undefeated Jade Bornea (14-0, 10 KOs) out of the Philippines.
For Delgadillo it has been a long journey back after capturing the USNBC title in August 2018. It has been tough to find an opponent plus a fight that was made for August 2019 also didn’t happen as planned.
“I was supposed to have a fight in August (last year) but no one wanted to fight me at 115, so I was to have a fight at 119 in August, but that fight fell through as well,” said Delgadillo.
“It has been hard to get fights. I was able to get a fight through a friend of mine.”
But even with all the hardship in getting fights, Delgadillo kept in the gym and stay focused with his new trainer, Tony Mack. Mack, also out of Dallas, was a promising super middleweight whose career was cut short due to an eye injury. Mack was trained by former trainer of the year Derrick James, who trains one of boxing’s pound for pound best Errol Spence Jr as well as world champion Jermell Charlo.
“I learned a lot more than I ever have with all my other fights,” stated Delgadillo. “I fight a little different now, my defense and training is a lot different, so come Thursday night I am going to put everything together and do what I have to that night.
“I have been with Tony for a good year now. We didn’t want push anything to early as we were getting to know each other.”
Delgadillo has witnessed the rise of Dallas boxing over the last few years with Spence Jr. and Maurice Hooker, who held the WBO 140lb title until he lost in a “fight of the year” unification bout with Jose Ramirez last year in Arlington. However, the boost of boxing in Dallas hasn’t necessarily shed light on his success.
“Yes, but It has been hard to get recognition here in Dallas. I want to make a statement for my name in Dallas and become a world champ is my main goal. I’m trying to do my own thing, my own way, like they did theirs.”
Delgadillo understands Bornea will be no easy task but has been ready for some time.
“I watched some of his fights on YouTube and he likes to go to the body a lot and establish the jab. He’s 14-0 so he is going to come to fight,” said Delgadillo. “Camp has been really good. Like I said, I had a fight in August with Tony, but after that fight fell out, I stayed in gym waiting for anything.
“This fight came up and I have been ready. I am in great shape and feel strong and at weight already and I will be ready to go.”
After such a long layoff, Delgadillo is by no means looking past Bornea and a potential shot at a world title.
“We haven’t actually talked about it. We need to make sure we get this title and from there, we will see what’s next. I’m ready to go. That’s it.”
im pulling for the Dallas boy but hes going to need more KO power to gain any attention that’s just being honest
yeah it is a shame for the fighters when they are skilled but don’t have the KO power. If you are getting taken the distance at the lowest level, the top guys just walk through you. It happens a lot with top Olympians when they turn pro. Super skilled but not powerful enough.
Not enough US fighters in the smaller divisions to have a division for every two or three pounds. Flyweight 112 pounds and bantamweight 118 pounds should be enough.
Go get that belt Ernesto . put Ledbetter in the map !! this is what you been wanting a chance , leave it all in the ring .