Featherweight Paolo “Pow” Barredo, a senior at Walnut High School, will make his professional debut on Saturday, two days after his 18th birthday. 

Barredo will face Mychaquell Shields (2-5) at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. 

The bout not only marks his first pro fight but also the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his life, one that sees him balancing the demands of academics and the rigors of training as he embarks on his boxing career.

“It’s taken a lot of adjusting,” Barredo said of his packed schedule. “My days start at 6am. with school, followed by training in Riverside, sometimes up to five miles of running and strength conditioning.”

Barredo credits his longtime coach, Henry Ramirez, whom he describes as “more than just a trainer.”

For Barredo, Ramirez is a mentor and “second father” who has guided him since he was eight years old.

“He’s been with me through everything,” Barredo said. “His connections in the pro business are invaluable.”

Despite an impressive amateur record of 90 wins in 106 fights, Barredo never aimed for the Olympics, opting instead to turn professional. “I always saw boxing as a professional sport,” he explained. Barredo’s amateur career featured matchups with notable opponents such as Kaipo Gallegos and Izaiah Darden, but he chose to forgo the elite division in favor of an early pro start.

Barredo’s nickname, “Pow,” has familial origins and ties to his boxing persona. 

“It just happened naturally,” Barredo said with a grin. “It matches and goes with boxing.”

With his pro debut in his hometown looming, Barredo is unfazed by the pressure. He sees this moment as a culmination of years of hard work. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I work too hard to fear what's coming.”

As he prepares for graduation, Barredo looks forward to dedicating more time to his boxing career.

“Once I’m out of high school I’ll have more time to train,” he said, adding that he plans to focus on boxing for the next two years before considering college.

A major driving force behind Barredo’s journey is his father, Paul Barredo, who has been by his side every step of the way, taking him an hour each way to train each day.

“He’s sacrificed everything for me,” Barredo said. “Without him, none of this would be possible.”