Photo Credit Mario Serrano

CALIFORNIA – Tonight at the Cache Creek Casino, Bruno “The Aloha Kid” Escalante(13-1-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his IBA Super-Flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory against a game Victor Ruiz (12-3, 9 KOs). Escalante vs Ruiz was presented by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Cache Creek Casino Resort.

 In the early rounds, Ruiz pressed the action and won a few rounds before Escalante got into his grove.  Escalante made the proper adjustments in the middle rounds and used superior boxing skills and defense to confuse Ruiz as he took the lead going into the final two rounds.  Ruiz tried to make a final push but Escalante dug deep and finished strong.  Escalante hurt his hand in round 2 and fought with his right hand for most of the fight.  Scorecards read 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 all in favor for Escalante.

“This was a tough fight but I made the proper adjustments to come out on top,” said Escalante. “Ruiz is a warrior but he never hurt me except when I busted my left hand in the second round, but that came from me hitting him.  My cornermen Brian Schwartz and Mike Bazzel gave me great advice.  They told me to use my jab and stay relaxed.  My defense was on point tonight and I was in great shape.  I will go to the hospital tonight to get an x-ray of my hand. I’m hoping to return to the ring as soon as I get cleared from the doctor.  I want to thank my team for this victory.”

 “Bruno did what he had to do to get the victory,” said Manager Herb Stone. “I’m very satisfied that Bruno was able to make the adjustment needed to win this fight.  The prognosis of his hand injury will give me an idea of when he’ll be able to return. If it’s not too bad I will get him back in the ring in the summer.”