Junior welterweight prospect Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa will be returning to the squared circle for the first time since successfully defending his New York State Championship against Joey Rios, back in November of last year. Figueroa (14-2, 10 KOs) is headlining the co-featured bout tomorrow night (March 22) on his first-ever Broadway Boxing card.

 

In what will be the year's first installment of the popular local boxing series, Figueroa will do battle against the formidable veteran of Santo Domingo, Antonio Ramirez (24-14-6, 17 KOs). "I always wanted to fight on a Broadway Boxing card. I have been attending all of the shows frequently, hoping that Lou DiBella would see my face. I have been pushing for an opportunity to get on one of the cards. I love the Broadway Boxing atmosphere. It's a close environment where it's just you and the fans. I love fighting in front of the fans," said a jubilant Figueroa.

 

Since it's inauguration in 04, DiBella’s Broadway Boxing series has grown in stature. It has been a place for local products to fine tune their craft as well as develop a following. Fighters such as Paulie Malignaggi and Sechew Powell got their first break on Broadway Boxing.

 

So, as the show has grown in popularity, it has gotten harder and harder to get on a card. Considering that this is Figueroa's first time, was it a difficult process? "Actually it was easy", boasted Figueroa. "My promoters, Seeno Group, are actually advisors to David Estrada. They have really good relations with Lou. It wasn't hard at all to get on the card.”

 

Unhappy with how his career was going, Figueroa recently left his old promoter and went with the lesser-known Seeno Group (based in Miami). According to Figueroa they made him an offer he couldn't refuse. "They offered me a place to stay till I got on my feet (in Miami). And after Rios fight I have been well on my feet. They offered me a chiropractor, a strength and conditioning coach, as well as my own training camps. How could I not jump at the opportunity?"

 

Promotional companies weren't the only things he changed. Figueroa has a new trainer. Originally he was trained by "Chelo" Betancourt, but now is with Eggie Martinez, who has worked with middleweight champion Jermain Taylor.

 

The list of changes continues. The native of the Bronx has changed addresses permanently, leaving the 'Big Apple' for Miami. "Things have changed," admitted Figueroa as he reminisced. "I am no longer on the grind selling tickets. I have made more money not selling tickets than I ever did when I sold them."

 

So what does the future have in store for Figueroa? "In 18 months we are looking at any of the major sanctioning eliminators at 140 pounds." But with less than 20 fights under his belt as a professional, that doesn't seem like a likely scenario. So how about the networks? What about getting on TV? "Something was brewing between me and Dmitriy Salita. It was going to be on HBO's "Boxing after Dark", but unfortunately, he turned me down.

 

When asked if there were any specific names that he has on his radar, “I am willing to fight anybody that is going to bring me closer to a world title," adding, “I am a fighter. I am an investment. And now it is time for our investment to grow."

 

In other news, Figueroa informed FightNews that more than likely he will be Miguel Cotto's sparring partner in preparation for Cotto's June 9 showdown with Zab Judah. Figueroa is now 4-0 as a sparring partner. He has helped Arturo Gatti, Vivian Harris, Ricky Hatton, and Audrey Tsurkan prepare for victories.