Boxing manager Frank Espinoza has been in the fight game a long time. To be exact, 1999 was when Isidro “Chino” Garcia became Espinoza’s first world champion. Since then, he’s guided the careers of ten world champions. Champions like Israel Vazquez, Abner Mares, and Martin Castillo. He currently manages former undefeated world champion Oscar Valdez. We caught up with him and asked a few questions regarding his time in boxing and his outlook for the future.

You’ve been in this sport a long time and you’ve managed to succeed as a boxing manager. What’s the process for finding a good fighter with potential?

I’ve done it a few different ways. But I’d say the best way is to look for a young fighter with a long amateur career who possesses a pro style. Oscar Valdez is a great example. Not only was he a two-time Mexican Olympian but he also has that style that people enjoy to watch. After that, it’s about a two to three year process of grooming the fighter until he’s ready for a title shot or career-defining fight. It’s during those years of grooming that it can get expensive since there are a lot of expenses that go along with the process.

What were your thoughts after finding out Oscar Valdez’s last opponent Andres Gutiérrez came in 11 pounds heavy?

I couldn’t believe it, it was extremely unprofessional and I felt bad for Oscar since he’d been training for Gutiérrez’s style throughout the whole camp. When he was replaced by Lopez we knew he was a tough opponent and he showed it, but at the end of the day Oscar stopped him after being down himself. Oscar got up like a real champion and finished the job.

What’s the plan for Oscar Valdez next? Is Miguel Berchelt in his future?

We’re going to have Oscar rest and recuperate. We’d love to fight Berchelt in the near future. We’d love to fight him next. I think it would be a classic. These are two fighters who will leave it all in the ring. If you were going to watch any fight, this the fight you’d want to watch.

What are your thoughts on Andy Ruiz and his recent rematch against Anthony Joshua?

I tell you what, this is a very serious sport and that was a serious fight with a lot of money riding on it. There’s really no excuse for coming into any fight in substandard shape. Especially when the heavyweight world title is involved. This isn’t just Andy’s fault, this was a team effort and someone should’ve been paying attention and someone should have done something about it. I think it hurt his career but it’s not something he can’t recover from.

Will you be recruiting new talent soon?

My son Frankie and I will be looking at some fighters. Frankie is our Vice President and will be doing more of the scouting now. We’re going to speak to a few fighters and eventually sign a couple. It’s not an easy process to build a champion but we’re always up for the challenge. As long as the fighters do their job, which is training and learning and evolving, We’ll do ours. We’ll get them the opportunities they’re looking for. Once we get them the opportunity, it’s their responsibility to perform.

What can you tell aspiring managers after being in this sport for almost 30 years?

This is a tough sport and a tough business. There’s very little room for error so your decisions have to be on point. And managing is not for everyone. It takes a lot of patience and self-belief. You also have to realize that it’s a big financial gamble. You’re going to have to put out money while you get your fighter in position for a money fight.

How do you see the future of Espinoza Boxing?

We’re going to keep looking for talent, we’re going to keep grooming our talent, we’re going to keep creating champions. We’ve got Joselito Velazquez coming up, Joet Gonzalez is still in the mix, same with Jesse Magdaleno, Emilio Sanchez, Raul Curiel and Antonio Orozco. We love boxing. Frankie and I have been involved since he was a kid and he’s taking on more responsibilities. This sport has provided us with great life lessons and we’re grateful for the people who are our friends in the industry. We’re also grateful for the fans we get to meet along the way. It’s the fans that give this sport that special energy that you don’t get anywhere else.