Delgado's Drive
Rated by all three Women’s ABC’s, 
Adriana Delgado is on her way to a title shot
But first she has to take care of Michel . . . Again

text and photos by chris cozzone

In the gym, Adriana Delgado is a new woman, a new fighter.

Whether that statement extends to the actual ring will be determined on Friday in Durango, CO, when she goes up against the ever-durable, determined-to-upset Monica Michel.

The fight is a rematch. Back in January, Delgado, coming off a six-month lay-off in her most inactive year since turning pro in December of ’98, went four rounds in what was supposed to be a tune-up fight against a green 0-1 fighter. What Michel lacked in skills (at the time), she more than made up for in toughness and heart.

The first two rounds saw Delgado schooling Michel, using skills she’d sharpened under the watchful eyes of Fred Esquibel, her new trainer since leaving Melcor Chavez and his kickboxing school behind last summer. But in the 3^rd, the persistent Michel suckered Delgado out of her game plan into a brawl and nearly scored an upset. Although Delgado walked away with a 3-rounds-to-1 win over Michel, there were many who thought the fight was a draw; and many who thought, had the round gone into the 5^th, that Delgado would’ve been stopped.

On Saturday, Delgado and Michel will go past the 4^th in a six-rounder. It’s got all the elements of a classic fight: boxer vs. puncher, experience vs. toughness . . . but what makes the fight so significant is the risk involved—for both fighters.

Michel has sworn to quit boxing if she loses. After being overmatched and losing three fights in a row to three of the best fighters in her division—Jayla Ortiz, Delgado and Elena Reid—Michel says if she can’t beat Delgado in the rematch, she’s through.

Delgado has just as much at risk.

With a strong 8-2 (3 KO’s) record, and being rated #2 by the IFBA, #8 by the WIBA and #10 by the IWBF in the flyweight/superfly divisions, Delgado is damn close to landing a title fight. In fact, a fight for one of the vacant belts was in the works between Delgado and Elena “Babydoll” Reid, but was turned down by Reid’s camp.

“She has the same experience and record I have, more or less, and we thought it would be a good fight,” says Delgado. “If she doesn’t want it, we’ll look for someone else who will.”

With a title shot so near, why take a chance against a near-upsetter like Michel?

“It’s different this time,” she says. “Last time, lots of things were effecting me. Two days before the fight, the weight was changed—from 123 to 118—and I had to drop the extra pounds. In January, I hadn’t fought in a while and I was just getting back into fighting. I got tired and my game plan fell part.”

Should the unthinkable happen, and Delgado lose, she’ll most likely plummet down or off the ratings, and lose a shot at a title.

“Now, I’m stronger, I’m faster . . . I know my game plan will go the entire six rounds. I’ve improved and you’ll see next week. Why fight Michel again? It’s more experience. It’s just another fight. Whether it’s Monica or somebody else, it’s still preparation.”

Trainer Fred Esquibel gives Monica her props but is convinced his fighter will come out on top:

“We’re not going to Durango to lose,” says Esquibel. “Monica’s a tough opponent—she’s proved tough by fighting three of the best girls out there—but in my opinion, Adriana is a lot better. She has more experience. We’re going to fight smart and pull out a win.”

Delgado admits, “You never know what’s gonna happen in a fight”—something she learned the hard way by watching stablemate Andres Fernandez nearly die from injuries sustained in a fight last summer—but that she expects to be her best on Saturday.

“All I can say is I’m hoping for the best. I’ll give it all I got.

“As for Monica? She wants it as bad as I do and I give her credit and wish her the best. Whoever wants it more is gonna win—and I want it bad.”

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