"Richard Torrez Jr: Steady Progress in the Heavyweight Arena"

Next Opponent and Upcoming Fight

Saturday will see the next leg of southpaw Torrez's development as he faces Issac Munoz Gutierrez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) on the undercard of the Oscar Valdez vs. Emanuel Navarette fight at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on ESPN. Torrez is eager to make a big step forward but is following the plan set by Top Rank.

He understands that heavyweights take time to develop and progress, and while he's ready now, he'll abide by the process. If given a title shot tomorrow, he won't turn it down.

Previous Fight and Pressure Relief

In September, Torrez faced Joey Dawejko. The battle-tested veteran was shut out through five rounds but was disqualified for repeatedly spitting out his mouthpiece. Torrez got the win, but his knockout streak ended.

He admits it's a bit annoying not to get the knockout, but he sees it as a pressure relief. It allows him to focus on other aspects of his game without the pressure of continuing the streak.

Opponent's Style and Expectations

Gutierrez has a good style and Torrez respects his boxing abilities. He knows Gutierrez is coming for a fight and he won't predict a knockout. Instead, he'll showcase his boxing, defense, and head movement.

Torrez wants to prove he's progressing in the right direction and not just a one-style fighter. He wants to widen people's perspectives of him as a fighter.

Future and the Next Generation

Torrez is a strong candidate to be one of the next faces of heavyweight boxing. He considers Fabio Wardley, Jared Anderson, Gurgen Hovhannisyan, Guido Vianello, Efe Ajagba, and Frazer Clarke as the next flag bearers for the sport's glamour division.

Next year is a great year for him to establish his name and he's not afraid of taking on any fight. He's about that action and proving himself.