Figueroa following in path of Ward & Malignaggi
January 27, 2009
LAS VEGAS (January 27, 2008) – Veteran
boxing manager Sal LoNano has brought his fighter, NABF light
welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa (20-2, 13 KOs), in from
his Bronx home to the Boston area for a five-week training program at
the famed Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester,
Massachusetts.
LoNano is having Figueroa follow in the same path two of his better
known fighters, “Irish” Micky Ward and former IBF light welterweight
champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi, also traveled with
tremendous results.
“In Frankie’s last few fights I noticed something wrong on his right
side,” LoNano explained. “He was switching around to the right side
(Figueroa is a southpaw) because he was in some pain I brought Micky and
Paulie to Boyle’s because it’s the best finding physical weaknesses of
pro athletes. A physical therapist evaluated Frankie and found the
problem – intertwined cartilage in his right knee and a weak back. I
knew something was wrong and it’s great they found out what I knew was
wrong from watching him in fights and the gym.
“Boyle’s is the place to go for any athlete trying to get back on the
right track. ‘Gato’ will work there and get strong, just like Micky and
Paulie did, developing muscles not normally used in the fight game. For
example, when Frankie threw a jab it didn’t have any power behind it
because of his knee and back. He’ll work with his trainer at Boyle’s to
correct the problem. Frankie will be back 100-percent, not 80 or 90
percent, and be ready to go to training camp in Vero Beach (FL) for four
weeks prior to his next fight.”
Figueroa will workout at Boyle’s three days a week, two hours a day, for
five weeks. After each session he is massaged-out and off days Frankie
does light boxing-related workouts at a nearby gym.
“After one day of testing I realized that they’re very serious
professionals,” Frankie said. “I was surprised because I thought the
testing would be a lot of jumping and pulling. I’m expecting a big
improvement and increases in my power, balance and speed. I’m for any
edge that will help me reach my goal of becoming the undisputed light
welterweight champion of the world. I take life as it comes; I’m humble
but confident. I’ve won three titles (NABF & New York State light
welterweight and WBC Intercontinental welterweight) but my job won’t be
complete until I’m world champion. This strength-and-conditioning
program is going to help me get there.”
Nicknamed “El Gato” – The Cat – because he was the only one quick enough
to catch a cat that was a mascot at his original gym in the Bronx,
Frankie is now promoted by Roy Jones. Jr’s Square Ring.
The 30-year-old Figueroa, a Puerto
Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, was 2-time New York City high
school wrestler, 14-0 as a senior, who didn’t start boxing until eight
years ago after taking advice from a friend. A U.S. Army veteran rated
No. 5 by the IBF, as well as No. 10 by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBA.
Figueroa hopes to be matched in April against former world champion
Randall Bailey in an IBF light welterweight title eliminator.
Figueroa, coming off of an 8-round decision last November against
veteran Emmanuel Augustus, has won his last 12 fights and is unbeaten
for the past four-plus years. Source/PR Bob Trieger
