Western grad Gutierrez’s flair builds fan appeal in boxing ring

Las Vegan Jesus Gutierrez continues to impress in the lightweight division.

The 24-year-old Gutierrez is 8-0 with two knockouts and one no decision. He will fight on Top Rank’s card Friday at Texas Station, facing Guillermo Delgadillo (4-3-1) of Walla Walla, Wash., in a six-round undercard bout.

“We’re not doing this for the short plan; we’re here to stay,” said Gutierrez, who didn’t begin boxing until after graduating from Western High School six years ago. “I know my time will come. Every day, I’m trying to improve.

“I’m blessed to have so many people coming out to my fights and supporting me. I want to win and also put on a good show for those who pay good money to watch me fight.”

Eight of his fights have been in Las Vegas, and Gutierrez attracts a sizable crowd. His ability to sell tickets makes him a perfect fit for Top Rank’s club shows in smaller venues.

“He’s one of those kids who is willing to fight anybody and doesn’t turn anyone down,” Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman said. “He sells a lot of tickets locally, and while he’s not a power puncher, he makes up for it with his intensity and his volume punching. He’s entertaining to watch, and that’s why people like coming to watch him fight.”

Gutierrez, managed by Saul Avelar, missed almost a year while suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission because he tested positive for diuretics after his Jan. 7, 2011, fight against Franky Martinez, a unanimous-decision victory that was changed to a no decision.

Gutierrez fought six times in 2012, making the leap from four-round to six-round bouts. Though he scored only one technical knockout in those wins, he said the final result matters most.

“I need to use my head more and think,” he said. “I’ve been going for the early knockouts, and when they don’t come, I sometimes get frustrated. But I know what I’m capable of doing, and I know the power, the speed and the intelligence is there.”

In his last bout, Gutierrez scored a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel Calzada at the Hard Rock Hotel. He’s hoping by next summer to be fighting on the undercard of a Top Rank pay-per-view show and holding either an NABF or NABO title belt.

“I’m a lightweight, and I think that’s where I want to be right now,” Gutierrez said. “When I’m active, I don’t have a problem making weight. Maybe later, down the road, I’ll move up (to 140 pounds). But I’m fine where I am.”

The card’s 10-round main event, which will be televised by ESPN2 as part of its “Friday Night Fights” package, pits Chris Avalos (21-2, 16 KOs) against Drian Francisco (24-1-1, 19 KOs) for the vacant NABO super bantamweight title.

The card is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., with the telecast at 7.

■ HOF DONATIONS — The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will make donations to several in-state boxing organizations as part of its inaugural induction ceremonies Aug. 10 at the Monte Carlo.

Locally, the UNLV and UNR boxing clubs will be given scholarship grants, and Barry’s Boxing, which is hosting the 2014 Golden Gloves national championships, will receive financial assistance.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are available at nvbhof.com.

■ MAGDALENOS UPDATE — Plans are being made for Diego and Jessie Magdaleno to fight on the same card in Las Vegas in late August.

Diego Magdaleno (23-1, nine KOs) hasn’t fought since April 6, when he lost to WBO super featherweight champion Rocky Martinez in Macau. Super bantamweight Jessie Magdaleno (15-0, 11 KOs) stopped Henry Maldonado in the fourth round June 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel in his most recent bout.

The plan is for Diego to headline a 10-round bout and for Jessie to fight in the co-feature, also probably 10 rounds.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.