Filipino Prospect Escalante Hits San Francisco

Super bantamweight prospect Bruno Escalante Jr. returns to the Bay Area for the third straight time in his professional career as he takes on crafty Shaun Solomon in a four-round swing bout on tonight’s Telefutura Solo Boxeo undercard, emanating from the Longshoremen’s Hall in San Francisco, California.

The Filipino-born former National PAL Champion dominated Martin “Tarzan” Sandoval en route to a second-round knockout February 25th at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California. In addition to notching the impressive victory, Escalante signed a managerial contract with boxing hype man Repo Ric, who gets him right back in the ring tonight.

Escalante (2-0-1, 1 KO) of San Carlos, California by way of Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines was one of the country’s top amateurs at 112-pounds before turning pro a little over a year ago will again be fighting a naturally larger opponent. It is a scenario the tenacious Escalante come to accept, considering the lack of viable opponents at his natural weight class. “Repo Ric helps me a lot,” said Escalante of his manager, who matched his fight tonight. “I know he has worked his ass off to get me fights and I know it is hard to get me fights because I am so small.”

While Escalante grew up in Hawaii, he has made San Carlos his home away from home, while training under Brian Schwartz at the Undisputed Boxing Gym. Fighting before the Bay Area fight fans, especially considering the large population of Filipinos within that group, is something that excites Escalante. “It is really nice fighting here. I am really excited to give the local fans the opportunity to see my fighting style and how I work.”

Solomon (1-2-1) of Moreno Valley, California may not have the most intimidating record, but he has been matched incredibly tough in his brief pro career. Solomon ran into the buzzsaw known as Roman Morales his last time out, which accounts for his only stoppage defeat. Escalante knows very little about his opponent, but is confident nonetheless. “I am fighting a left-hander,” states Escalante. “I don’t really know about him, but I will stick to my game plan and it will work, you will see.”

While Escalante may not know much about Solomon, his manager Repo Ric is quite familiar with the crafty southpaw. Ric also manages Roman Morales, and saw first hand what Solomon brings to the ring. “He’s fighting a left handed opponent that is very aggressive,” says Repo. “His record is not what he is all about. You can’t go by his record. The kid is aggressive. If he catches [Solomon] out of shape, then he’s got him. But if he’s caught the kid in shape, we are going the full four rounds. Other than that, we should go a round-and-a-half and we should be done.”

Escalante’s growing local fan base appears to be coming out in full force tonight in San Francisco. “He’s sold 80 something tickets as of [Thursday night] and hopefully by tomorrow we should hit 100, and that’s not counting the walk-ups,” says Repo Ric.

All that is left to do is to send them home happy.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Jorge Marron Productions and Paco Presents, are available online at http://theboxingtruth.vbotickets.com/events