New Faces: Jayson Velez

Jayson Velez (left), a native of Puerto Rico, is excited to be making his Showtime debut against Mexican veteran Sal Sanchez II (right), the nephew of late, great Salvador Sanchez.

New Faces: Jayson Velez

Vital Statistics:

Age: 24
Hometown: Juncos, Puerto Rico
Weight class: Featherweight
Height / reach: 5-9 (175 cm) / 70 inches (178 cm)
Amateur record:  78-15, 15 knockouts (reported)
Turned pro: Oct. 27, 2007
Pro record: 19-0, 14 knockouts
Trainer: Jose Parrilla
Manager: Gaby Penagaricano
Promoter: Miguel Cotto Promotions

Best night of pro career: His Oct. 2011 stoppage win over Jonathan Arias. He dropped Arias in the third and then floored him again in the fifth before the fight was called. The win was his third fight in his hometown of Juncos, but his highest-profile fight there to date. The tough Mexican had previously went the 10-round distance with Abner Mares.

Worst night of pro career: A July 2011 win over Carlos Valcarcel. Velez struggled in the bout and barely won the fight, edging Valcarcel by scores of 96-94, 97-93 and 96-94. If one more round went to Valcarcel, Velez would have been stuck with a draw. Velez was easy to hit in the bout and it proved to be a learning experience.

Next fight: Velez makes his premium network debut on Saturday when he takes on the nephew of the legendary Salvador Sanchez, Salvador Sanchez II, on Showtime. His bout will be the co-feature to his promoter Miguel Cotto’s bout with Austin Trout from the Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.  Sanchez (30-4-3, 18 knockouts) will wear the trunks of his uncle into the ring, but Velez says it won’t help. “I am not fighting a uniform, says Velez, I am fighting the guy in the uniform.” Cotto has won all eight of his fights at The Garden and Velez is excited for his debut fight at The Mecca. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a great honor,” said Velez. “I know the Puerto Rican fans will be there in full force.”

Why he’s a prospect: Velez comes from the boxing hotbed of Puerto Rico and has trained alongside future Hall of Famer Cotto. Velez calls Cotto a role model and is “honored” to train alongside him. Velez has shown good power against limited opposition and also proved to have a good chin, yet to taste the canvas as a professional. Velez is also a skilled offensive fighter and puts punches together well.

Why he’s a suspect: Velez has yet to step-up in competition and possess questionable defensive skills. Against his two best opponents to date – Carlos Valcarcel and Jose Angel Beranza – he struggled to decision victories. The two fights were the only times he went the 10 round distance, but the experiences should serve him well. He also needs to work on his jab.

Story lines: Jayson Velez Jimenez started boxing at the age of 11 and was a decorated amateur. Known as “La Maravilla”, he competed in the 2004 Junior Olympics, winning a bronze medal. Puerto Rican great Wilfredo Vazquez works in his corner and he has trained with Juanma Lopez in the past. With Miguel Cotto and Gaby Penagaricano behind him, he is on the fast track in the sport and with an impressive win on Saturday, should be a network staple going forward. He is excited to continue the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry on Saturday and feels his extensive work with Cotto for this camp will propel him to new heights.“I want to thank Miguel Cotto personally.  He has helped me this entire camp,” said Velez. “”I am prepared.  I am ready.  I am happy to be in this great legendary arena fighting a Mexican warrior.”

Fight-by-fight record

Photo / Rich Kane-Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions