Published: April 16, 2008 10:22 pm            

BOXING: Casal to fight May 2 in California

Only two months after knocking out journeyman James Wayka, Niagara Falls’ Nick Casal will step into the ring again.

Casal is slated to fight Jose Antonio Ojeda in an eight-round junior welterweight bout on the undercard of a Sho-Box event on May 2 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.

“I’m really happy to be able to get back in the ring so soon,” Casal said this past week from his training facility in Las Vegas.

Casal, 22, has fought on a number of the same cards as Ojeda and he knows that this bout is certainly a chance for him to make his mark in the 140-pound division.

“Ojeda is a big step up in competition,” said Casal, who is 17-2-1. “He’s kind of like the gatekeeper, though, because if I can get by him, there’s bigger and better things ahead.”

Ojeda, 30, has a record of 15-6-3 and won his last fight in November via knockout — but he’s either lost or fought to a draw in five of his last seven bouts.

Adding to Casal’s confidence has been his recent work with WBO junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman. The tandem share the same trainer in Steve Rowlands. Casal said he’s been sparring with Guzman on a daily basis and learning a lot from the undefeated champ.

“Anytime you can spar with a champion, it gives you a huge advantage,” Casal said.

Speaking of advantages, Ojeda — a Santa Maria, Calif.-native — will likely have the home crowd behind him. Casal, though, understands that it’s just another obstacle toward his goal of fighting for some a title by the end of this summer.

“I’m not focused on any other fights, except this one,” Casal said. “He’s a very good boxer and he’s been there for a quite a few years. This is definitely a step up for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.

        

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