World titles are a family business.
In the Silva household, with wife Tuti a 2-time world champion, husband Alejandro is getting down to the business of getting after his own world title.
Undefeated Alejando “El Cuervo” Silva steps back into the ring on October 4th in Colombia for what he hopes will be the next step on a path towards a world title shot in the not-too-distant future.
This will be his 2nd fight since signing with Patrick Ragan’s “Westside Promotions” and Ragan likes what he sees.
“His debut performance for Westside was certainly impressive picking up a TKO 4 last April in his native Argentina”, said Ragan.
Alenjandro has shown impressive power as a pro (25-0-1, 20 KOs) but came to the paid ranks off a good amateur career. He had 54 wins in 60 fights that included a win over Argentine Olympic Team member Beto Palmetto at the Argentine National Championships.
“And, as a professional, Silva is a former Latin American (Federacion Argentina) super welterweight champion”, said Ragan, clearly excited about what lays ahead for his undefeated fighter.
Under the direction of trainer Juan Ledesma, who is also the former Argentine National Team coach, he trains at Ledesma’s “Athletico Palomar” gym. Silva also trains at he and his wife’s, “And the New”, boxing gym.
Boxing is certainly a family affair as his wife, Yesica Bopp, certainly understands her husband’s day job; she herself is a former WBA and WBO world light flyweight champion.
“Alejandro is a pressure fighter who possesses power in both hands along with great boxing skills”, continued Ragan. “He has a high boxing IQ. Argentina has produced some great fighters”, he continued. “I believe that Alejandro’s name will be included in that list. He’s currently 25-0-1, with 20 KOs and we at Westside plan to showcase his dominating skills to the boxing world”, he said.
The future?
“I feel confident that Alejandro will be in line for a world title opportunity by the end of 2026”, said Ragan.
MaxBoxing correspondent/translator Jazmine Alarcon Quezada caught up with Silva from his home in Argentina for a quick chat to get his thoughts on his upcoming fight and what looks like a very bright future.
MaxBoxing/Jazmine Alarcon Quezada: Hello Alejandro. How are you doing?
Good afternoon.
Alejandro Silva: Yes, I am good. How are you doing?
MB/JAQ: Thanks for taking a minute to chat.
AS: Luckily, I just got back from a competition with my daughter and my niece who dance jazz. They competed today and we just got home a little while ago.
MB/JAQ: You have a fight coming up on October 4. How has training gone? You must be looking forward to getting back in the ring?
AS: Yes, the truth is I’m very happy. I always like to train; I train all year because it’s something I like, I’m passionate about it. So, the truth is I’m very happy to be back doing what I love most. I mean, getting up in the ring, competing, and getting closer and closer to the world title, which is my dream.
MB/JAQ: This will be your 2nd fight for Westside Promotions and your 3rd of the year. Do you plan to get another fight in this year?
AS: Yes, obviously. First, I’m very focused on this fight, which is on October 4th. And then, if all goes well and I don’t come away with any injuries, and everything is ready, we will look to do one more. I will surely be back in the ring in December.
MB/JAQ: With 20 KOs in 25 fights, you obviously have power, but what would you describe as your greatest strength as a fighter?
AS: Well, the truth is, I feel that fights nowadays are sometimes short. But I prepare very well. I’m going to face a tough boxer, like all Mexicans and I’ve prepared well. Obviously, I always prepare to fight all the rounds, I’m more than ready. Now I just have to focus on making weight, so the truth is I’m happy and the expectation is always high. When I go out, everyone expects me to win by knockout. But I always tell everyone to be patient, that I don’t go out like crazy looking for the knockout, but that the knockout comes on its own. So, I’m going to keep working, ready to fight all the rounds and whatever comes, comes on its own.
MB/JAQ: You are in your 10th year as a pro and have 26 fights. Do you feel you are at your peak right now and in fact this is the time to look at taking a shot at a world title?
AS: Yes, the truth is that I was in Los Angeles until last year. and I feel that obviously I was on par with many boxers who are world champions today, and other former champions. Obviously, we came to Argentina for other reasons, we had to return to the country. But, yes, today my career is in the hands of Patrick from Westside Promotions. I want to focus on this fight, win this fight, and have them start working to find me good fights and that I be given the opportunity to fight for a title.
MB/JAQ: There have been many great fighters come out of Argentina. Do you feel a lot of pride as a native Argentinian when you step in the ring?
AS: Yes. As I say, one not only wants to fulfill their dream of becoming a world champion, but also to be mentioned among the greats. Boxers who were world champions like Carlos Monzón, Lucas Matthysse, Marcos Maidana, and Bryan Castaño. Today, Fernando “el Puma” Martínez, Mirco Cuello. Today we have two very good world champions and well, obviously one never loses hope of being able to enter the great names of Argentine boxing. Yes, the truth is that representing my country is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me.
MB/JAQ: For many fighters from other parts of the world, their dream is to get over to the United States to the big American boxing audiences. Do you think about that?
AS: Yes, I’ve had opportunities. I’ve fought in New York, I’ve fought in Long Beach, California. I also fought in a reality show. I had the opportunity to fight in different places. The bad luck I had was not having a promoter to manage my career in the United States. But well, the times I fought in the U.S., I did very well. In Long Beach I won by knockout, in New York I won by knockout, and the reality show was a very nice experience. I feel that I also deserve an opportunity for the American public to know me and for the opportunity to be able to get a big fight.
MB/JAQ: Your wife is a 2-time world champion. You need to win a world title so she doesn’t get all the bragging rights in the house.
AS: Yes, obviously. I’ve been told the same thing. Or I have been told what you just said or they talk about the standard or the high bar. The truth is that perhaps I don’t see it that way. Obviously, for me she is a great example as a world champion. The praise is not only mine, but from the whole world when they see her as a world champion. I think it’s something very nice, it’s something that motivates me. Seeing the world title belts here in my house I think that tells me, ‘Come on, you’re still missing that. Keep going, you are the next one’. So, I use that more as motivation. The truth is that I am very happy to have a champion next to me.
MB/JAQ: It must be very helpful to have a partner who understands the commitment boxing takes and can support you.
AS: Yes, the truth is that I was lucky and had the opportunity to have Tuti as a partner in a lot of aspects. She takes care of me, she advises me, she tells me, “Be careful with this. Try not to do that other thing. I tell you from experience”. The truth is that I feel that in small or big things, I was able to make a difference with the advice that she gives me.
MB/JAQ: Alejandro, thank you for your time, and best of luck on October 4. Look forward to talking again soon.
AS: Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for this interview. And well, on October 4th, we are going out to win to be one step closer to the dream. Thank you very much.
MB/JAQ: Much success! It was a pleasure to talk with you.
AS: Thank you very much.
*Special Thank You to Correspondent/Translator – Jazmine Alarcon Quezada