Prospect of the Year Erick Rosa Brought the Noise in 2021!
At the beginning of every fighter’s career, the goal is to introduce themselves into the minds of boxing fans. Fighter’s want to make a lasting impression on why we should bestow the end of the year awards upon their name. This brings us to Erick “Mini Pacman” Rosa (5-0, 1ko) as the 2021 3Kings Boxing Prospect of the Year.
Rosa was previously picked out as a prospect to keep an eye on. Before we continue, this author wants to recognize two other hot prospects that were also making some noise: heavyweight Jared “Big Baby” Anderson (11-0, 11ko) and Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (12-0, 9ko). Their names were at the top of virtually every list. Zayas fought an impressive six times last year. However, his level of competition was subpar with a combined record of 54-10-2.
Big Baby showed a creative side with impressive ring walk entrances, coming out as a chef and an old-school pimp. Anderson fought four times against opponents with a combined record of 60-4-3, maintaining his perfect knockout streak in the process.
Equally important, both Zayas’ and Anderson’s accomplishments were seen live on ESPN. This explains how their names entered the forefront of the boxing community’s minds.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Meanwhile, Rosa pulled off an incredible feat in fewer fights. He defeated better opponents with a combined record of 56-6, while fighting three times in 2021.
On April 12, Rosa stopped Kenny Cano with a third-round knockout to win the WBC Latino and WBA Fedelatin Minimumweight titles. Four months later, the Dominican would test his mettle against undefeated former WBA Global titlist Ricardo Astuvilca.
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Rosa overcame adversity after being knocked down in the fourth, which was more him being off balance. He got back up to use his superior footwork, defense, and hand speed to win the fight by unanimous decision. Equally important, he won the WBA interim title, making the victory even more of a significant accomplishment.
CHAMPION-LEVEL FEATS
Mini Pacman was ready for a showdown with WBA “regular” champion Victorio Saludar. In a fight that saw both men touch the canvas, Rosa was extremely effective with his counter-punches; landing crisp power shots while using his footwork to elude any return fire.
Saludar fought back; showing his championship pedigree. He landed nice flurries of shots and continued to be the aggressor; stalking the younger challenger.
After twelve long, hard rounds, Rosa edged out the victory by split decision and celebrated as the newly crowned champion. What puts this win over the top of Zayas and Anderson is Saludar is a former WBO minimumweight champion. Furthermore depending on how you view the regular WBA title, this makes Rosa a champion in five fights!
In any case, the WBA “regular” title holds more weight than the NABF title Anderson picked up in October 2021. Also, Zayas has yet to acquire any minor titles. With his win over a former champion and the owner of a “higher-end” minor title in just five bouts, Rosa’s accomplishments supersede those of Zayas’ and Anderson’s. Therefore, he is the recipient of the 3Kings Boxing 2021 Prospect of the Year award.
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By: Garrisson Bland
