By Bill Green

Struggling to find opponents in their region, former NABA 140 lb champion, Robert “Red Hot” Frankel 29-11 (7) of Denver, Colorado, and undefeated Mexican –Jr . Welterweight prospect, Raul “El Chino” Carrillo 9-0 (6), of Longmont Colorado, have both decided to fight each other.

Both fighters have signed their contracts and will put their skills to the test for the rights to own the vacant WBC/USNBC Jr Welterweight Title on Feb 17th, 2012 at the Red and Jerry’s Event Center located in Sheridan, Colorado.

Frankel assumes the role of the teacher and knows that by beating an undefeated fighter in Carrillo it will lead to much bigger fights and paydays while Carrillo takes the role of the student who hopes to graduate with honors and add Frankel’s name to his undefeated record.

Frankel is best known for upsetting Bobby Pacquiao, former lightweight contender and brother of Bobby Pacquaio back in 2008 but holds impressive performances against some of the elite as well, including losing a controversial majority decision to former lightweight champion, David Diaz, back in 2011 and fought brilliantly against #1 ranked lightweight contender, John Molina, before the bout was stopped on cuts. In his last bout, Frankel stopped Carlos Sanchez 5-3(2) in the 2nd round back in October.

Carrillo may not have the big names on his resume but is well known in Colorado and was once managed by Las Vegas manager, Cameron Dunkin. Dunkin of course is the manager of several former and current champions including, former WBC 140 lb champ Tim Bradley, former middleweight champion ,Kelly Pavlik,  current WBO Super Bantamweight champion, Nonito Donaire and  former WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios. Carrillo remains unbeaten as a professional and possess plenty of power with 3 of his 6 knockouts coming in the first round. In his last bout back in October as well, Carrillo won a 6 round unanimous decision against Tyler Pogline 5-8 (4).

Both fighters have plenty on the line, including respect and bragging rights for being the regions “top dog”.  Frankel and Carrillo bring large fan bases to the table and local promoter, Steve Mestas of Air Tight Promotions, expects a sellout with possibly even turning down a few customers due to the strong ticket demand for this fight. 

Mestas stated “We are completely sold out of ring side seats and the demand for this fight is unreal. We probably needed a bigger venue but the show must go on, this just shows the respect that the both fighters have earned with the fans and community.”

Frankel stated to BoxingScene.com, “I’m in tremendous shape for this fight, I feel stronger at 140 than 135. I have seen Raul fight several times and have done my homework. I will be prepared. I can’t wait for Friday, I want my fans and Raul’s fan’s to be screaming, because this fight is going to explosive!”

Romo Utajara, trainer/manager of Raul Carrillo, stated “we know what Rob brings to the table; we too have done our homework. We know he’s fought all the top guys. However, no disrespect to those guys but we are younger, more athletic, and hungrier. We know it’s a tough fight, but nobody wanted to fight us in Colorado and nobody wants to fight Rob, so here we are ready to battle on the 17th.”

The soft spoken Raul Carrillo stated “I respect Mr. Frankel tremendously and thank him for the opportunity but I will be victorious. This title means a lot to me and my family; on the 17th I will give everything I have to become a champion.”

Win or lose both fighters represent the state of Colorado in a classy manner. Mr. Frankel is a boxing ambassador and helps mentor troubled youth while Mr. Carrillo has overcome gang-activity in Mexico and has transitioned himself into a strong family man and role model for youth.

For tickets please contact (720) 298-1954 or contact Red and Jerry’s 303.783.0655 located at 1840 West Oxford, Sheridan, Colorado 80110