Gabriel Flores Jr. cruised to decision win over Josec Ruiz

Jose Pedraza vs. Mikkel LesPierre was canceled, and Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Josec Ruiz was promoted to the main event. Flores made the most of it. 

Early on Thursday, hours before Top Rank of ESPN’s night of boxing, the main event between Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre was canceled. Young lightweight boxing prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. (18-0, 6 KOs) was thrust into the spotlight against Josec Ruiz (21-3-3, 14 KOs) and fought well in his first career 10-round fight.

The young 20-year-old Stockton, CA product made easy work of Ruiz. He’s not known as a power-puncher, but his youth might have something to do with that. He’s still maturing physically and filling out his 5-foot-9 frame.

Flores made waves when he signed with Top Rank Boxing at the age of 16. He won multiple national titles as an amateur and showed a mature boxing I.Q. that made him a desirable signee. Flores showcased his talent against an experienced Ruiz.

In the opening round, Flores established his game plan. He steadily moved on the outside and peppered Ruiz with tripwire left jabs. After seducing Ruiz with jabs, Flores would occasionally rip left hooks to the head. His left hooks showed increased power from his previous performances.

In round 2, Flores nearly ended the fight. He hurt Ruiz with one of his left hooks and followed it with a right hand that dropped Ruiz. ESPN commentators noted that it was the first time that Ruiz had ever been knocked down as a professional.

Ruiz made it to his feet and survived the round. He may lack elite skills, but Ruiz boasts a sturdy chin. Flores tested it all night.

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Not much changed in the pace throughout the fight. Flores was content with picking apart Ruiz on the outside. He tried to time Ruiz with a counter left hooks, but couldn’t find a punch as clean as the one that hurt Ruiz in round 2.

The action of the rounds was repetitive, but Flores showed exceptional boxing skills and defense as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory. He pitched a shutout and didn’t lose a round on any of the judges’ scorecards.

On Wednesday, June 17, multiple news outlets reported that a lone gambler laid a $187,847.35 on Flores to win at the MGM Grand to win a highly disproportionate amount of about $4,000 due to the lopsided odds in Flores’ favor. Flores made sure to secure the obscene risk for the manic bettor.

“That’s a winner though,” said Flores of the risky gambler during a pre-taped segment. “He knows what he wants, and he knows what the outcome is gonna be.”

After the contest, Flores was all smiles but revealed an injury in the post-fight interview.

“This is the worst injury I’ve had to deal with in a fight,” said Flores. “My lower back is hurt severely.”

Flores fought with an injured back that he suffered in his last sparring session before the fight. He never showed a hint of his weakened condition against Ruiz.

Flores has room to grow but showed fast, accurate hands and a defensive elusiveness that most boxers never possess. It will be fun to see how far he can take his talents.