Stockton, California, once again proved itself to be a breeding ground for boxing talent and a city that wholeheartedly supports its athletes. In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, local hero Gabriel Flores Jr. (23-2, 8 KOs) clinched a hard-fought victory over Julian Rodarte (19-0-2, 12 KOs) this past Saturday at the Adventist Health Arena, securing the WBA lightweight Continental USA title.
The event, promoted by Flores's father, Gabe Flores Sr., under the banner of G-Squad Entertainment, was a testament to the city's love for boxing. Flores Jr., affectionately known as "Stockton's King," made a grand entrance, walking through the crowd alongside local rap legend MBNel, symbolizing his deep connection with the community.
The fight was marked by its intensity and the sheer will of both fighters. Flores Jr. set the tone early, earning the crowd's approval with his sharp skills. Despite Rodarte's relentless aggression and strategic body shots, Flores Jr.'s stunning left hook in the mid-rounds became a pivotal moment, though Rodarte's determination kept him in the fight till the end.
The scores reflected the bout's competitive nature, with two judges scoring it 98-92 in favor of Flores and one judge giving Rodarte the edge at 94-96. Flores Jr.'s victory was not just personal; it was a victory for Stockton, showcasing the city's capacity to host major events while maintaining a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.
The co-feature highlighted the promising career of junior welterweight Fernando Vargas Jr. (14-0, 13 KOs), who continued the legacy of his father, Fernando Vargas Sr., with a knockout victory over Brad Solomon (29-7, 9 KOs). Vargas Jr.'s youth and vigor were too much for the 40-year-old Solomon, who showed heart but couldn't withstand the onslaught.
The undercard also saw impressive performances from up-and-comers like lightweight Lorenzo Powell, who won his professional debut against Jose Valenzuela Alvarado, and super flyweight Jessie James Guerrero, who scored a knockout victory, highlighting the depth of talent in the region.
Gabriel Flores Jr.'s win is a beacon of hope and pride for Stockton, illustrating the close-knit community's support for their athletes and the potential for the city to be a hub for boxing excellence. As Flores Jr. himself said, "I am so proud to perform in front of my hometown, and get the win... That meant a lot to me." Stockton stands united, celebrating its king and the promise of more exciting boxing to come.
