Brandon Rios, center, receives a commendation April 12 from Oxnard Mayor Thomas Holden. Photo by Jose Chavez.
Newly crowned WBA lightweight champ Brandon Rios received a commendation April 12 from the city of Oxnard for becoming its newest world champion.
Rios, who won the title Feb. 26 from Miguel Acosta in what is being considered a candidate for fight of the year, now becomes the third world champion to come out of the Garcia camp in Oxnard, according to Manuel Herrera, spokesperson for Team Garcia.
Oxnard’s first world champion was Robert Garcia who was trained by his father Eduardo at the famous La Colonia Boxing club. Also trained by Eduardo Garcia was Fernando Vargas, who not only was Oxnard’s second world champion but also represented the U.S. in the 1996 Olympics.
Having retired and now following in his father’s footsteps Robert Garcia opened the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy and now has his own stable of champions and contenders. When asked about his latest accomplishment Rios said “I will defend this title proudly not only for my fans all over the world but also for everyone here in Oxnard.”
When you add Sergio Martinez, who now lives and trains in Oxnard, the city now has bragging rights to say that it is truly “The city of Champions.” What other city can claim that?, Herrera said.
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Brandon Rios, left, shares a laugh with Oxnard Mayor Thomas Holden. Rios was honored by the Oxnard City Council on April 12. Photo by Jose Chavez.
Brandon Rios shows off his championship belt and the commendation from the City of Oxnard. Rios was honored by the Oxnard City Council on April 12. Photo by Jose Chavez.