Damien ‘Sugar’ Vasquez poured in on vs. Edwin Reyes this past Saturday night, winning an eight-round decision
By Chris Robinson
From the minute I crossed paths with Damien “Sugar” Vasquez, I could tell instantly that he was on a fast track towards the championship ranks.
Still just an amateur at the time, having just turned 16, young Vasquez had a poise about himself that offset him from most prospects his age and I became intrigued as to what his professional career would hold.
Vasquez kicked off his early career with victories down in Mexico before branching out and performing in his native Denver area in the second half of 2014.
In his sixth fight, Vasquez notched a feather in his cap by winning the vacant NABF junior flyweight title when he outpointed veteran Omar Soto over eight rounds.
That win created some serious buzz for Vasquez and I was excited when I heard he would be making the first defense of his belt in his adopted home of Las Vegas.
This past Saturday night, inside of the Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Vasquez faced off with 27-year old Edwin Reyes in a special attraction showcase to Tony Hirsch’s victory over wild Australian Wes Capper. The event was put together by Pochiro Promotions and RHP.
It was quite the study watching Vasquez go to work against a man ten years his elder, but he came through with a tough points victory over eight rounds.
With veteran Cuban trainer Ismael Salas guiding his corner, Vasquez buckled down for a tough fight, as Reyes, a Vegas resident himself, proved to be a durable and willing combatant.
Vasquez may only be 17 years old but fights anything like it. He is tough and rugged on the inside and crafty while boxing from a distance.
Reyes ended up being sent to the hospital on Saturday night, a testament to the kind of damage that Vasquez is already putting on his foes so early into his career.
Stay tuned in the coming days for a follow up with Vasquez as well as exclusive footage from his fight with Reyes.
Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com