Demond Brock retains title against Las Vegan Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez
Demond Brock was never going to let his rap sheet dictate his life once he finished his prison sentence.
Brock had big plans to change his life around after his 15 years behind bars for armed robbery were up. He envisioned himself headlining a boxing card in a major city.
That lofty goal finally came to fruition on Friday night.
Brock, who learned to box while in prison, was in the main event against Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez for the Knockout Night at the D card at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
Not only did Brock get his dream match in Las Vegas and televised on CBS Sports Network, but he came out victorious in a 10-round slugfest. Brock defeated Gutierrez by unanimous decision (100-90, 98-92, 97-93) to retain his WBC United States lightweight title.
“A long time ago, I envisioned this,” Brock said. “I have seen this in a vision. For it to finally materialize it was kind of like deja vu. It was like I almost been here before.”
Brock (12-3-1, 4 knockouts), who goes by “Body Shot,” wanted the fight to be up close with numerous wild punches being thrown and that’s exactly what he got.
Both fighters traded shots like they were stuck in a phone booth. Brock, however, landed the more powerful, cleaner shots.
Gutierrez’s right side of his face was swollen with a large cut over his eye.
“That is my style to throw up close,” Brock said. “Inside fighting, a lot of head movement, with a lot of pressure.”
The 35-year-old from Kenner, Louisiana, didn’t have the home advantage. The crowd stood behind Gutierrez (14-1-1, 4 KOs), who is a Las Vegas native.
Gutierrez, who also goes by “El Huracan,” had a rally going in the middle of the rounds when he created space and used the jab. Brock brought him back inside for the later rounds.
Brock said he wants to be an inspiration to ex-cons and people in prison.
“My main focus is to be able to give those guys hope and let them know there’s a life beyond prison,” Brock said. “I’m hoping to be able to inspire those guys for when they get out.”
Two Las Vegans come out victorious
Max Ornelas has had a wild 48 hours.
A day after graduating from Eldorado High, Ornelas won his professional debut at the age of 17.
Oh, and the local boxer’s 18th birthday is on Saturday.
“It’s been a special few days,” Ornelas said.
Ornelas (1-0, 1 KO) delivered a vicious body shot to his opponent Robert Ledesma to record a first-round knockout.
“I always wanted the KO in my debut and I knew I was going to to get the KO,” Ornelas said
Ornelas said he rushed from his graduation on Thursday just in time to be in downtown for the weigh-in.
Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols extended his Knockout Night at the D undefeated streak. The Las Vegan defeated Adam Vasquez by unanimous decision.
Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) has competed on all three cards since the downtown event started in April.
Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0492. Follow him on Twitter: @gmanzano24
