Dylan Capetillo impresses in debut

Saturady night, April 11, at The Chelsea, in The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, hometown fighter Dylan Capetillo (1-0, 1 KO) made a successful debut to kick off his pro career.

Capetillo took on previously unbeaten (1-1, 1 KO) Jesus Castro of Tucson, Arizona.

Capetillo was impressive, dropping Castro in the opening round with a perfectly timed left hook, then pouring on the punishment until the referee stopped in.

And, what was equally impressive was how he handled the entire fight week, his debut bout, and all the pressure that comes with being a hot prospect - anointed by none other than legend Oscar De La Hoya, who walked his latest signing into the ring.

It’s great to get signed by Oscar De La Hoya’s “Golden Boy Promotions”. It is great to make your debut in your hometown. But that spotlight comes with a lot of pressure for anyone, never mind a young man still in his teens.

However, as Capetillo likes to say, “I was born for this”. If Saturday’s performance was any indication, indeed he is.

Even though the polite, humble Capetillo dispatched Castro in the opening frame, we must recognize that this opponent presented a challenge and did not solely contribute to Capetillo’s favorable appearance. Yes, Capetillo was the favorite going in, but Castro wasn’t having any part of that. He fought hard and came right to Capetillo, engaging in a slug fest right out of the gate.

Castro came to fight and pull off the upset, but Capetillo was calm, measured, and ready for anything his opponent was going to throw at him.

Capetillo, who is trained at their family gym by his father, Jorge, shows maturity beyond his years. In post-fight interviews, he was excited with the win, but clearly, it’s just the beginning.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to support me. God is good”, he said. “I’m 1 and 0 and we’re going for more. I am a young, hungry Mexican fighter who is ready to take over the sport”.

And Capetillo will get right back to work as promoter De La Hoya plans to bring him back for his sophomore bout on the May 5, Cinco de Mayo - David Benavidez / Gilberto Ramirez card in Las Vegas