EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) – El Paso\u2019s fight scene is stepping back into the spotlight this weekend, with two hometown standouts set to lace up the gloves for Ring Wars at the Coliseum.<\/p>\n
Jorge “El Jaguar” Tovar and Nayeli \u201cLa Bikina\u201d Rodriguez, both born and raised in El Paso, are scheduled to fight on the same card, each looking to make a statement in front of family, friends and local fans.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez said she\u2019s expecting a skilled challenge across the ring. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy opponent she\u2019s a technical fighter,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cShe\u2019s fought good fighters as well.\u201d Rodriguez added that her opponent has faced \u201cChristina Cruz\u201d and \u201cI believe Liana Cruz as well,\u201d calling them \u201chigh-level fighters.\u201d <\/p>\n
Rodriguez said she\u2019s especially fired up as she’s fighting for a UBL intercontinental title.<\/p>\n
Tovar meantime described his matchup as a contrast in styles. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think the technical one would be me,\u201d he said, adding that his opponent \u201ccomes to fight but he has no technique whatsoever,\u201d and \u201cJust comes forward and he\u2019ll bring the fight to you.\u201d For him, he said, \u201cit just comes down to me being smart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both fighters have been training for weeks saying this training camp has been about more than just rounds in the gym.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like this training camp has been more a mental thing for me,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cAlso as well spiritually I feel like I had to break through a lot of things only God knows my battles and I feel ready more than ever.\u201d Rodriguez also called it a turning point: \u201cThis is my comeback fight,\u201d she said, explaining she\u2019s returning after a loss. \u201cBut hey, I fought the number two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tovar also pointed to a spiritual focus. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou mentioned spiritual, you know, that\u2019s that\u2019s my key now in every training session every day every day today that I have,\u201d he said. He said he added strength and conditioning and feels a lot more focused and stronger. Tovar also said his preparation includes sharpening the details: <\/p>\n
\u201cWe practice a lot of technique.” Tovar said his team has multiple approaches ready: \u201cWe have a game plan AB received. Whichever, you know, he brings will adapt to and we\u2019ll be ready for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fighting at home is part of the thrill for both.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really exciting, you know, because my family is going to be here and my family\u2019s my everything, you know,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cAnd of course always representing El Paso.\u201d She added, \u201cIt\u2019s awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tovar echoed that energy, noting the crowd will include family friends and a lot of people that look up to them, getting to see them on the big stage at the EL Paso County Coliseum. He said he also wants to shine a brighter light on the city\u2019s boxing culture. \u201cI want to bring a lot of attention to the boxing side of El Paso because El Paso is considered a fight town and we represent El Paso,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Rodriguez said her goals are clear: \u201cI\u2019m looking to more titles,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to become a world champion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tovar said he\u2019s chasing momentum and visibility close to home, pointing out that El Paso has already hosted multiple events. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had I believe six shows already here in El Paso and people are barely catching on,\u201d he said. He said he\u2019d like \u201ca little bit more recognition,\u201d adding that it can come down to \u201cwinning by a crazy knockout or a good highlight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ring Wars is set for March 14 and you can buy tickets online.<\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Monster Jam team brings trucks and smiles to patients at El Paso Children\u2019s Hospital<\/a><\/p>\n