Adrian Roach On Upcoming Fight In Mexico
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Boxer Adrian Roach says he is ready to seize his chance on the international stage when he faces Victor Emmanuel López in Mexicali, Baja California, on Saturday [October 4].
The 23-year-old welterweight, who only accepted the bout at short notice, believes the four-round contest is a springboard to bigger opportunities and a chance to grow Bermuda’s reputation in the sport.
Roach was forced to fly to Mexico a day earlier than planned after Hurricane Imelda threatened Bermuda’s air routes. But the young fighter shrugged off the disruption, pointing to the experience gained during an extensive amateur career.
“My amateur experience has primed me for moments like this. I’m comfortable,” Roach told Bernews. “The travel has been stressful, but I’ve been here before. Once, I flew five hours and fought the same day.
“I was offered the fight a few weeks ago, but if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. When the call came, I was already in shape – I just had to fine-tune a few things.”
Roach, who trains at Controversy Gym in Hamilton, is on the same undercard as compatriot Saundre “Dash” Simmons.
It follows his professional debut in July, when he stopped Canadian Brent Coxworthy in the first round at The Shed in Dockyard.
“My first fight was on Dash’s undercard and now we’re on the same card again,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can get on the same card as Andre [Lambe] soon. It’s good for people to see boxers from Bermuda making waves and showing that they’re good at what they do.”
His opponent López, 21, holds a 2-3 record and is known for his combative style – something Roach says he welcomes.
“He’s aggressive, but that’s nothing new to me,” he added. “He will have more fans in the arena, but they won’t be in the ring. When the bell goes, it’s just me, him and the referee.”
As an amateur with 41 bouts, Roach represented Bermuda at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador two years ago, and earlier this year was named Boxer of the Year at Crandall University’s Blue & Gold Awards.
