Alvarado ready to make statement
Undefeated Denver fighter takes on Michel Rosales Friday night

Story & photos by Chris Cozzone

The last time junior welterweight Mike Alvarado was in Albuquerque, in December, it was supposed to be his night to make a statement.

Scheduled for a ten-rounder on the Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.-headlined, “Latin Fury” card, the undefeated Denver fighter stood poised for his highest profile victory, against former contender Michael Clark.

But, after a minute-and-a-half of fighting, Clark threw in the towel due to a busted hand.

Though he was awarded the TKO win, Alvarado did not get the chance to show his goods.

“I was surprised at the outcome,” says Alvarado, back in Albuquerque to headline a Telefutura-televised Top Rank card this Friday night at Isleta Casino. “I thought for sure he’d be tougher than he showed.

“If it’d been my hand, I’d have fought with one arm. I’ve tried something.”

Tomorrow night, however, Alvarado, 20-0, 13 KOs, will probably get his chance to show what’s made of, when he steps into the ring against once-lost Michel Rosales, 20-1, 18 KOs, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

“He’s definitely my toughest opponent so far,” says Alvarado. “But I’m ready to make a statement.”

Rosales has but one loss—a year-and-a-half ago to highly-ranked Jesus Soto Karass. Since then, he’s racked up four straight wins against name, or near-name, opponents.

“He’s had a couple good wins,” says Alvarado. “But his style’s tailor-made for me. He’s flat-footed and will stand there, right in front of me all night.

“I don’t see me having too many problems. It’ll be up to me to get him out of there.”

Alvarado has not had too much trouble climbing the ladder, though his opposition has been, until recently, less than threatening.

“I’m happy with my upward progress,” says Alvarado. “I’m right where I should be right now.

“But I’m ready for the next level.”

Alvarado has been on TV half-a-dozen times, but Friday’s bout will be his second main event on Telefutura. In February, Alvarado headlined a Telefutura card in Chicago, winning a lop-sided decision over 17-2 Jesus Rodriguez.

“My next couple fights are going to be crucial,” he says. “We’ll see how this one goes—I expect a tough fight.”

If Alvarado performs well against Rosales, there’s a good chance he’ll land a spot on the Top Rank card July 5 in Vegas headlining Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres.

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