Two Yuma boxers set to hit the ring in San Luis, Mexico

Erick Gutierrez will lace up for his 10th pro fight, while Romeo Ponce will be making his debut as a professional

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Two professional boxers out of Yuma Fight Academy will be hitting the ring in San Luis, Mex. on Friday night.

Erick Gutierrez (7-1-1) will be fighting for the first time since November 2024, when he drew against Miguel Nieblas Avendano in Mexicali.

Gutierrez will take on Jose Villegas Somoza (3-19), a fighter currently on a nine-fight losing streak.

Regardless, Gutierrez says he does not want to leave the fight up to the judges.

"I believe this time I've been training differently, I've been trying to sit down more of my punches, trying to focus more on KO's, you can expect a knockout," Gutierrez said.

Making his pro debut in 2023, Gutierrez is starting to go from an emerging name to experienced fighter.

However, he still has the same motivation as when he first started.

"I know this is a this is a sport where you can't take no days off, you have to keep training and training because, the competition gets tougher and tougher," Gutierrez said.

Also lacing up will be Romeo Ponce, who will be making his professional debut in the ring against Anibal Gonzalez (0-5).

Just like Gutierrez, Ponce doesn't want to leave a potential first win up to chance.

"He hasn't been knocked out yet, so that's what I'm there for, is to be the first person to actually put him out for the first time," Ponce said.

Ponce has been training for the past five years with the Yuma Fight Academy, saying he's always had an interest in fighting.

"I wouldn't to be the fighter I am if it wasn't for my coach and my team, they mean a lot to me," Ponce said.