Roger Gutierrez Believes A Win Over Chris Colbert Is A Defining Victory
WBA “regular” junior lightweight champion Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20ko) is not satisfied with his accomplishments just yet. Moreover, he believes a victory over mandatory challenger Chris “Prime Time” Colbert (16-0, 6ko) will solidify his position in the division.
THE JOURNEY
The 26-year-old Venezuelan had to overcome two straight losses in a row back in 2018 and climb to the top of the mountain to get a title opportunity. Furthermore, he surprised the boxing community with a first-round knockout of undefeated prospect Eduardo Hernandez back in 2019.
The Kid was sidelined all of 2020 in part of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 as fate would have it, he was able to win a championship and avenge the first blemish on his record by Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado back in 2017.
Gemelo came into the long-awaited rematch with the WBA “regular” junior lightweight strap, and a boatload of confidence knowing he had knocked out Gutierrez in their first encounter. However, Gutierrez was the one that served up three knock downs in route to a razor-thin unanimous decision victory.
Of course, a trilogy was in order. Once again, the newly crowned regular champion retained the title. Furthermore, he closed the chapter on Alvarado for good. Now he is focused on bigger challenges ahead.
NEW CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON
When the WBA announced it was going to do away with having so many titles in circulation, one of those belts was the interim title which was in the hands of 3kingsboxing.com 2020 prospect of the year, Chris Colbert.
The organization decided to name Prime-Time the mandatory challenger for Gutierrez’ belt. Although they ordered the fight before eliminating the interim title, it adds more pressure on getting a deal done. This means Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy Promotions will have to play nice to get a deal done before the targeted deadline of September 15.
In a statement released by the WBA, Gutierrez is not letting any of the current success go to his head and is maintaining his hunger by looking to do more. He does not believe his journey is over yet.
“I have not achieved anything yet. There is a long road ahead! New challenges! There is my family and the people who believe in me and who expect a lot from me and I will fight for them.”
The Kid is ready to face the talented fighter from Brooklyn, New York and believes this is the fight that will prove his status as a true champion.
“It will be a great fight. If I beat Colbert, I will consolidate myself in the division.”
By: Garrisson Bland
