El Paso Boxer Antonio Escalante Returns to Ring [AUDIO]

 Not too long ago, El Paso boxer Antonio Escalante appeared headed for stardom. He was on track for a world title shot and delivered some of the most memorable in-ring performances El Paso fight fans had seen in years. Then, 18 months ago, Escalante's career hit a buzzsaw that few could have expected. Back-to-back knockout losses to Daniel Ponce De Leon and little-known Alejandro Perez made the El Paso native reevaluate his career. Escalante had been rushed into the De Leon fight on just three weeks notice by Golden Boy Promotions, but he could not turn down the opportunity to position himself for a world title shot. Then, he changed trainers and never was comfortable with moving to Houston to work with Ronnie Shields for the Perez fight. The marriage lasted for just that one bout, clearly the low point in Escalante’s career. Just 25 at the time, he thought about retiring from the sport he loved so much.

On Monday, Escalante and his new business team, EBA Sports, joined Sportstalk in studio to discuss a variety of topics. One of them included his next fight Saturday night against opponent Francisco Camacho.

"Robert from Golden Boy called me three weeks ago and he asked me if I wanted to fight."

Some boxers  struggle with making weight for a fight more than others. Escalante said making weight is a challenge, both physically and mentally.

"At one point, they tried to put me up all the way up to 135. Now, that was too much. Anybody that's trying to drop a pound is hard." 

When Escalante enters the ring Saturday night against opponent Francisco Camacho, the bout will be televised nationally on Showtime Extreme. The El Pasoan knows his boxing career needs more exposure on national television.

"All the networks know how exciting a fighter I am, and they willing to take me."