PASADENA, TX, October 13, 2011 – As the defending Legacy Amateur bantamweight champion, Manny Lozoya has been working his butt off in Pasadena’s Bushi Ban headquarters to improve his game in order to successfully defend his belt on October 22nd at Legacy Amateur Series 6 against what has become a familiar opponent, at least in name, against Silverback MMA representative Ramiro Cortina.
This fight will mark his third in a row and fourth overall against a Silverback Fight Club opponent. According to Manny, he can always count on them to have heart and “lots of it.” Come October 22nd, he knows he’s in for yet another fight of life.
“I have tons of respect for Coach Tony Orozco and his family. They know it well too but it’s not up to me to choose who I fight. I don’t like to pick and choose my opponents. I’m not that type of fighter. I’m sure they’re probably the same way over there too. They’ll fight anybody.”
Manny has split his series with the Silverback team so far – winning the Legacy 135 title against David Armas while losing his last bout against Jacob Silva while chasing the Cage Combat flyweight belt.
Based on those experiences, Manny’s figured out one thing he’s learned NOT to do.
“I’ve learned a lot of things, good and boy, over these past few bouts. One thing I know is I’m never cutting down to 125 ever again. But seriously, I’ve matured so much thanks to these last two fights. Those were some tough guys.”
Undeterred, Manny planned to take two weeks off from training after the bout with Silva this past July but ended up back in (at Bushi Ban) within a week’s time and has been working extremely hard to get ready for this upcoming fight – training, running, lifting, and swimming pretty much every day to ensure improvement.
“I couldn’t last without it,” he told us. “I’m still striving to learn so I like to get in there and listen carefully to my trainers and training partners. I’m nowhere near where I plan on going and I want a better me. So I’ve been killing myself in training. Now heading into this fight, I’m prepared for any scenario.”
With fight time now only a week away, the champion is now ready to go.
“My hand will be raised and that belt is going home with me.”
► For the current fight card for Legacy Amateur Series 6 – click here.
► Also read the Top Five Stories to Look Forward to at Legacy Amateur Series 6 for more on what to watch out for with this card.
Fighter Acknowledgements
“Thanks so much to the fans for all the support and faith and thanks to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.” Also thanks to Blood Hound Industries for supporting me and everyone that’s helped me train. My family, through thick-and-thin, we will always overcome! And to my little boy Jadyn, daddy loves you! God bless!” – Manny “el Animal” Lozoya
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