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Unbeaten Alonzo pulls no punches: Foe tough
By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer SPRING HILL -- Jose Alonzo got to 8-0 in his professional boxing career with the muster of his powerful punching. Despite his relative lack of experience, the Spring Hill super middleweight has been able to thump his way into prospect status against opponents who didn't force him to box. That should all change tonight at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa, where Alonzo, 25, meets Albert Albaladejo, a 32-year-old with an 8-2-2 record and six knockouts. Alonzo, concerned but not worried, thinks Albaladejo's aggressive style may eventually play to Alonzo's strength. "I know the guy will come straight ahead," Alonzo said. "I'll box more and see if I can find an opening, pick my spot. "If I have to fight, I have to fight," he said. "If I have to box, I have to box." The bout is scheduled for six rounds, longer than Alonzo has fought. He went four rounds three straight times in beating Jose Riverson, Mack Willis and Vincent Godbolt in late 1999 and early 2000. Don Khan, who returned as Alonzo's trainer a few weeks ago after Alonzo and Pete Fernandez had a disagreement, said he will let Albaladejo's strategy dictate the plan for Alonzo. "If I can push him to look for the knockout, I will," said Khan, who trained world champions Alexis Arguello and Wilfredo Benitez. "I've trained him to be a boxer. He is a puncher naturally." Khan said the fight will determine Alonzo's future in the sport. "This is going to be one of the toughest he's ever met," Khan said. "He's going to prove if he really can be a contender." Albaladejo lost a six-round decision to Alonzo's stablemate, Gene Molen, in Albaladejo's last bout. Molen is 9-0 and ranked 96th in the world among super middleweights by boxrec.com. Alonzo scored a KO of 39-year-old Ruben Ruiz (15-33-2) at 2:23 of the second round in Alonzo's most recent fight, May 25. -- Staff writer Brant James can be reached at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1407. Send e-mail to ALONZO BOUTWHO: Jose Alonzo vs. Albert Albaladejo. WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. at Al La Carte Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. INFORMATION: (813) 831-5390. RECORDS: Alonzo is 8-0, including 5 knockouts. Albaladejo is 8-2-2, including 6 knockouts.
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