CAMARENA TO CAMPAIGN AT WELTER
By Moncayo Blackbull     Photo: Joseph Cordova (Click on picture for larger view)

August 26, 2007 - Donald Camarena just celebrated his 25th birthday, he’s come a long way from that skinny teenager who boxed at a weight of 135 lbs. Twenty-two fights into his professional career, it’s time to face reality and compete at a weight more suitable for his growing body. Camarena has struggled to make the 140 lb. limit in his last outings and will move up a division to welter.

“I feel more comfortable fighting at 147 lbs. I’m stronger and won’t have to dehydrate and hurt my body.” Said Camarena

Camarena’s campaign at super lightweight was prolific in that he won five titles. A state crown in only his fourth contest, followed with the regional Canadian-American-Mexican (CAM) title. Camarena continued to collect championships and won the coveted WBC’s World Youth, Continental Americas and Intercontinental Mundo Hispano belts.

Camarena’s talent would not be ignored as he quickly rose in world ratings. Camarena would make an attempt to jump to stardom by defending his WBC Continental Americas championship against Paulie Malignaggi, losing a 12 round decision to Malignaggi.

Camarena continued his quest to fight for a world title at 140 lbs. by fighting two fighters rated in the top five of world rankings. First he traveled to Canada and took on Herman Ngoudjo, losing a well fought 12 round decision; he then traveled to California and faced Timothy Bradley, also losing a decision.

“The fight in Canada against Herman was for the WBC International and NABF titles. And I can honestly say we felt we won the fight.” Said trainer/manager Aurelio Martinez

“We fought lame against Timothy, Donald hurt his right hand in training while sparring with Anthony Mosquera. We knew the key to defeating Timothy would be an affective jab in order to keep him (Bradley) at distance. Donald being left-handed relinquished the most important punch of the fight.”

Martinez however, dismisses the loss to Bradley to any injury but blames the struggle to make weight as the culprit. Martinez went on to say that Camarena would have to spend hours in the sauna in order to make weight. The worst episode was against Bradley when Camarena was in the dry sauna hours just before the official weigh-in.

“I can remember the employees of the YMCA coming in the sauna room with water and a look of concern telling us it was not safe for him (Camarena) to do what he is doing.” Said Martinez

Well, so much for life as a professional boxer.

Camarena knew moving up in weight was inevitable but wanted so much to win a world title in the super lightweight division before making the move. It’s not going to happen.

Martinez says fighting at 140 lbs. is history, “We need to focus on Donald’s health and future. Donald has all the skills and talent to become a world champion.”

Camarena is scheduled to fight on October 5th in the welterweight division.

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