'Pitbull's' new leash on life

Story & photos by Chris Cozzone

Three bouts into a pro career initiated last year, Josh “Pitbull” Torres, 19 year old Albuquerque welterweight, still feels he made the right choice last year going pro.

And that’s despite a loss in his bout.

In fact, the “Pitbull,” having switched training camps, feels he’s got a new lease—or leash—on life inside the squared circle.

“As a pro, I feel on top of the world,” says Torres, who will fight for the fourth time next Friday night, against El Paso’s Cornelius “Hard Times” Shuler (1-2) in a four-rounder at Isleta.

“I don’t know much about ‘Hard Times,’” admits Torres. “But from what I hear, he’s a dirty fighter. I know that Lucas [Galle] beat him, but I’m not judging my success on that.

“I just know that now, I’m 110%—nothing can stop me.”

Formerly with Robert Padilla, Torres now trains with Manuel Anaya and Miguel Leo at the Jack Candelaria Community Center, with stablemates ranging from Jeremiah Torres to Raymond Montes.

“It was hard to get sparring before,” says Torres. “Now, I get all I need and it’s made a difference.”

In his debut, last May, Torres weathered a less-than-easy first round with MMA fighter-turn-boxer Richard Montano, but snapped to in the second to stop his opponent.

Three months later, he took on Gregory Coverson (then 1-0), who, though floored twice in the first, came back in the last two rounds to give a tiring Torres all he could handle. Torres won unanimously.

In his third bout, however, Torres suffered his first setback when he took a short notice fight in Chandler, Arizona against debuter Rufino Flores. This time, the judges went against Torres, scoring a majority decision for the local kid, 39-37 twice and 38-38.

“Even with the loss I’m not discouraged,” says Torres. “It was very close and could’ve gone either way.

“And I learned a lot. I learned you better stay busier, you better finish your opponent when he’s hurt, and not to leave it in the judges’ hands.”

Looking past Shuler, Torres says he wants to conquer New Mexico before moving on to opponents in surrounding states.

“I’d like to fight Lucas and ‘Tudy,’” says Torres, meaning southpaw Lucas Galle (5-2), from Rio Rancho, and Arturo “Tudy” Crespin (2-0, 1 KO), last year’s top debuter.

“I want to prove I’m the best in the state, first, and make a name for myself as a fighter.”