Stockton native Gabriel Flores Jr. continues to make waves in the boxing world, securing his third victory of 2024 and extending his impressive win streak. Flores triumphed in a unanimous decision over Dennis Contreras in the main event at Stockton's Adventist Health Arena, a Halloween-themed spectacle that captivated his hometown fans. With scores of 80-72, 80-72, and 79-73, Flores' record now stands at 25-2 (8 KOs), solidifying his position as one of boxing’s rising stars.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with Flores making a show-stopping entrance complete with stilt walkers, fire breathers, and contortionists dressed as zombie cheerleaders. This wasn’t just another fight for Flores—it was a chance to showcase his talent in front of his home crowd and continue building his brand as both a fighter and a local icon.
Looking Ahead: Top-Tier Opponents and Future Fights
After the win, Flores Jr. already had his sights set on the next step in his career. “We're looking at February, that’s the ideal date for my next fight," Flores said. "We don’t have an opponent locked in yet, but I’d love to fight Nicholas Walters. We’re aiming for someone in the top ten—that’s what we’re ready for.”
The mention of Walters, a former featherweight champion with a reputation for tough fights, signals Flores’ intention to climb the ranks and take on bigger challenges. A fight with Walters would represent a significant step-up in competition, pushing Flores closer to a potential title shot.
When asked if the pressure of fighting in front of his hometown crowd affected him, Flores was quick to dismiss the idea. “There’s no pressure. Real pressure is dealing with everyday life—the things people go through that aren’t in the spotlight. This right here, this is what I love. This is my craft,” he shared. His cool demeanor and focus are a testament to his maturity both in and outside the ring.
Promoting Independence and Building a Northern California Movement
One unique aspect of Flores’ career is his independence from major promotional companies. Flores Sr., who is not only his son’s trainer but also his promoter, has played a pivotal role in allowing Gabriel Jr. to chart his own course. “It’s a blessing that I get to put on my own shows, wherever I want, whenever I want,” Flores Jr. said. “That’s not something many fighters get to do.”
Flores Sr. expressed pride in the journey they’ve taken as a family, not just in developing Gabriel’s career but also in giving opportunities to other up-and-coming fighters who may have been overlooked by bigger promotions. "There are so many talented fighters who just need a shot. We're here to give them that shot," he said.
The team has plans to expand their events beyond Stockton, eyeing cities like Sacramento, San Jose, and even Phoenix as future venues. “We want to take over Northern California,” Flores Sr. said with determination. “We’re building something for this region. It's not just about Gabriel, it’s about creating opportunities for other fighters too. We want to be in San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, and the Bay Area.”
The father-son duo’s vision is clear: they want to create a movement that will give Northern California boxing fans a new reason to cheer and fighters a platform to shine. "We’re not just aiming for Vegas all the time," Flores Sr. added. "We’re bringing the action here to Northern California. We’re giving local fighters a stage, and we’re going to put on great shows."
Advice to the Next Generation
Gabriel Jr. had an important message for the younger generation, especially those from his hometown of Stockton. “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you react to it. Whether you’re pursuing a dream or just living everyday life, you're going to go through hard times. That’s inevitable. But if you’re going to struggle, why not struggle for something you love?”
Reflecting on his own journey, he shared words of encouragement for young people looking up to him. "I’ve faced setbacks, and I’ve made mistakes, but those experiences taught me to keep pushing forward. Success isn’t just what people see in the ring—it’s all the hard work behind the scenes, all the moments when I could have given up but didn’t."
Flores Sr. echoed his son’s sentiment, reinforcing the idea of resilience and perseverance. “It wasn’t easy getting here. We built this together, as a family. And that’s what I want other young fighters to know—you can make it happen if you put in the work.”
What’s Next for Team Flores?
With plans to take over Northern California and potentially face a top-ten opponent early next year, Gabriel Flores Jr.’s future looks brighter than ever. His ambitions stretch beyond the ring, as he and his father aim to build a lasting legacy—not just for their own career, but for the region’s boxing community.
"We're trying to get to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento next year," said Flores Sr., referencing the Sacramento Kings’ arena as a potential future venue. "We’re taking it step by step, but that’s the goal—to make it to these big venues and give Northern California the boxing shows it deserves."
For now, Flores Jr. is taking a brief rest before preparing for his February fight. “This is just the beginning,” he said with a smile. “We’ve got a lot more work to do, and I’m ready for it.”
As Stockton rallies behind its hometown hero, Gabriel Flores Jr. continues to prove that he’s not just a boxer—he’s a rising star with a vision for his community and the future of Northern California boxing.