New Mexico Boxing

Esquibel fights on for his father

Some say when a fighter gets the ring, that he does so alone.

That’s not what Matthew Esquibel believes.

After a successful amateur career and seven victories as a pro, the local featherweight favorite says his connection to his murdered father is as strong as ever.

In 1996, just one day after Christmas, Esquibel’s father, Marty Esquibel, was viciously stabbed to death. Matthew and his younger brother, Raymond, went to live with their grandparents. Not long after, Esquibel convinced his grandmother, Adelma, to drive him to the gym where he learned how to box under his uncle, Fred.

Twelve years later, Matthew and Fred remain a team—and, together, they continue to deal with the loss of Marty Esquibel.

“It’s been a real emotional time for us,” says the elder Esquibel. “Last Sunday would’ve been Matthew’s father’s birthday. It’s made this training camp a difficult one.”

On Saturday, Matthew will fight the feature of a six-fight card at Sky City Casino. Esquibel, known to local fight fans as “Papitas”—the nickname given to him by his father as a child—will be taking on his toughest opponent-to-date.

“It still feels like what happened, happened just last week,” says the 21-year-old fighter. “People say it will be easier over time, but it never does get easier.

“I think about him every day, and I pray before every fight. I know my dad’s sitting up there, next to God. I know God lets him look down to watch me. I can feel him there with me.”

Come Saturday, Esquibel, 7-0, 4 KOs, will go six rounds with Luis Alberto Cervantes, 7-1-3, 2 KOs, of Cathedral City, Calif. The bout will cap a Juan Romero-promoted card of five four-rounders, featuring all local fighters.

Esquibel last fought on Dec. 1, scoring a six-round TKO over veteran Martin Armenta. He’s had difficulties securing a fight since then.

“A lot of that has to do with work,” says Esquibel, who is a bus driver for the city of Albuquerque during the week.

While Matthew’s route takes him up and down Central Avenue, trainer Fred says his true route will be the one that takes him to a world championship.

“First things first,” says the trainer. “He’s got to get by Cervantes.”

Cervantes fought in New Mexico last July, on a Romero card, beating game Colbert Lozoya to a unanimous decision.

“I saw that fight and was rooting for Colbert,” says Matthew. “Cervantes is going to be my toughest opponent yet. He has skills—he’s sharp and has pinpoint accuracy.”

Fighting a tough opponent like Cervantes is part of the plan, says Fred.

“But this one’s a lot tougher than we would’ve liked. This guy is a big step.”

Since turning pro, two years ago, Esquibel has overcome several difficulties. In his pro debut, he was headbutted continually, until he was cut over both eyes—yet he still managed to pull off every round—and, in two bouts, he’s been on the canvas for flash knockdowns.

“It’s all part of gaining experience,” says Matthew. “I’ve learned how to deal with headbutts and cuts, and how to get back up from the canvas.

“I think I’m progressing the right way, and learning how I go.”

For this fight, Esquibel’s work schedule—from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.—has prevented him from obtaining a variety of sparring partners, though he’s spent time working with locals Jeremiah Torres, Jose Garcia and James Piar.

“It’s the way life goes, I guess,” he says. “I have to work. I mean, I love boxing, and I’ll take it as far as I can, but meantime, I’ll continue to work.”

The Esquibels also hope finding a fight will be easier in the future.

“We have to take what we can, sometimes,” says Fred. “We’ve been on several local promoters’ cards, but have no commitments with anyone. It’s on a fight-by-fight basis.

“It’s not what we prefer, because it forces you to take what fights are offered, but, hopefully, sooner or later, maybe something will come along.”

. . . .

Matthew not only dedicates his fight Saturday night to his father, but to his grandparents—primarily to his grandmother, Adelma, for Mother’s Day.