MIAMI – Undefeated former Cuban amateur star Vilier Quinonez (8-0, 5 KOs) will make his U.S. network debut July 25 against unbeaten super middleweight prospect Jerry Odum (11-0, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout, airing on ShoBox: The New Generation, live from Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.
“It’s a privilege for me to fight on ShoBox,” Quinonez said. “I plan to fight impressively so Cuban and American fans alike get to know me better. I know my opponent is 11-0 with 10 knockouts, but I’ll be prepared to do whatever it takes to pull off a victory.”
The 29-year-old Quinonez had a 275-28 amateur record in Cuba, including back-to-back gold and silver medal performances in the World Junior Championships. The 6′ 2″ southpaw, who relocated last fall from Chicago to Miami, isn’t your typical defense-first Cuban boxer.
“My roots are in amateur boxing and I learned a lot in Cuba,” Quinones explained, “but I’ve worked hard in the gym to apply the American style of fighting. I feel comfortable and continue working hard every day to improve my new style.”
Quinonez’ head trainer, Orlando Cuellar, may be best known as chief second for former world champion Glen Johnson, but he has worked with many Cuban fighters in Miami gyms, including current world-rated light heavyweight Yunieski Gonzalez(14-0). He knows first-hand that Quinonez isn’t your typical Cuban professional boxer.
“Vilier’s going to be looking to set-up his opponent,” Cuellar noted, “making adjustments during the fight to stop him. We’re going to win one round at a time, breaking his opponent down and stop him before the final bell. At the end of the day, his job is to drop and stop his opponent. Vilier will check everywhere – chin, body, etc. – a full inspection to see where his opponent’s weaknesses are and expose ’em.
“We’ve been together about 10 months. I didn’t take anything away from his style. I’m just making him a more complete fighter. He’s throwing combinations, head and body shots, not doing what he did to win in the amateurs. We’ve worked on him getting inside, applying pressure, and dissecting and breaking down his opponent. I never like leaving the results in the hands of the judges. Vilier needs to be in charge; he’s the boss and he’s going in the ring to stop his opponent.”
