Miguel Espino on the rise
 By Benny Henderson Jr. (May 9, 2006)
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Miguel Espino
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When the fighters who participated in the first season of ‘The Contender’ are mentioned just a few names usually standout in the mix: Peter Manfredo Jr., Alfonso Gomez, Jesse Brinkley and of course ‘The Contender’ Champion Sergio Mora. But, there is another Contender contestant on the rise, one lurking in the shadows who will no longer be in the back of the pack, a twenty-six year old Californian who isn’t afraid to jump in the ring and go to war.
Miguel Espino.
A mild mannered man who began his pro career late summer of 2000, Espino banged out nine wins and battled out to one draw before tasting defeat in a close fight against the undefeated Daniel Edouard in ’03, a bout where Espino feels he should have got the go ahead. “I definitely beat Edouard when I lost to him but they gave him the decision for whatever reason because of the promoter. You know how it goes, but I’m not dwelling on that.”
Miguel was cast on the first season of the boxing series ‘The Contender’ and lost out to yet another close decision this time to Peter Manfredo Jr., but a year later Espino came out of his shell and showed the world he was the real deal and not to be overlooked when he left no room for another close loss by knocking out tough Tennessee native Jonathan Reid in a five round scrap.
With two more six round unanimous decision victories under his belt over Dominican Dorian Beaupierre and just recently over tough Texan Gabriel Holguin, Espino says he is ready for the ten round bouts and feels even more confident he has a place with the elite. “I just want my chance and opportunity, and I am ready for the top 15-20 guys,” he said.
Working with one time professional heavyweight prospect and former sparring partner for Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, Espino has learned a lot from John Bray.
“John is a great trainer, he is the whole package,” stated Espino.
And John Bray told the Doghouse, “Espino is the kind of kid that every trainer really looks for, he is a guy with a big heart, and has a winning spirit.”
Bray feels that the only problem with Espino’s career has been the managerial problems that he has been faced with in the past, but now it all seems to be falling into place for Espino and the top of the crop is in the horizon.
Espino’s greatest asset is his durability; “super durable” as he calls it. His willingness to go toe to toe with the opponents has earned him many fans, but now it is time that Espino gets the respect and recognition he deserves.
“Hopefully people will give me the recognition I deserve, I work my butt off,” said Espino.
So although Espino has been a professional pugilist for six years, his time to shine is at hand. And the star quality middleweight prospect is ready for the elite. He is on the rise and he won’t be denied, so expect his name to be mentioned along with the best in the very near future.
Stay tuned.
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