Orantes looking to 'move' on up with his career

BY MIKE HOUSER

Appeal Sports Writer

It's no wonder welterweight Sergio Orantes has been having a hard time finding opponents lately. After all, how many people want to get punched in the face by a guy who moves pianos for a living?

But if all goes right, the 24-year-old Orantes, who has had a spate of fights fall out recently, will meet Sacramento's Will Walter in the main event of an 18-bout amateur boxing card today at Carson City Boxing Club.

The card, which will pit boxers from several Northern Nevada clubs against Mateen's of Sacramento, begins at 3 p.m.

Nobody can accuse the hard-working Orantes of taking the easy way out. After the former Carson High School student is through hauling someone's piano up and down various flights of stairs, he heads to the gym to train under Francisco Peralta.

"It's tough to get him a fight locally," Peralta said. "He's in good shape right now. He's a southpaw, aggressive "he's a brawler with heavy hands who does a lot of body work. He's pretty focused."

Orantes, who has a 24-11 record, found boxing at 16 after engaging in several streetfights, but stepped away from the sport for several years before finding his way back to Peralta's gym.

"I tried to get away from it, but it calls me back," said Orantes, who was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and moved to Carson when he was 4.

Orantes, who took a gold medal in the Silver State Games and was twice a runner-up in the Nevada State Golden Gloves, said he wants three more amateur fights before turning his career in a new direction.

"I'd rather turn pro than get hit for free," Orantes said. "I want to get my name out there."

Orantes, who patterns his all-action style after WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao, has a crowd-pleasing philosophy.

"I try and knock the other guy out before he knocks me out," Orantes said. "It's worked so far. I'd like to be a world champion. I think I'm motivated enough to do it."

Orantes has already got the moving part down. Now he wants to see if he can become a mover and a shaker in the world of boxing.

Today's card includes competitors whose ages range from 8 to 26 and who weigh from 55 to 220 pounds. Local clubs include Peralta's Carson City Boxing Club, Rite of Passage, Bruno's Boxing Club, Reno Jets, Arce's Boxing and Maverick Boxing.

General admission is $10. Tickets for children are $5 and kids under 5 will be admitted free. The Carson City Boxing Club is located at 3579 Business Center, Highway 50 East, Suite 219.

- Contact Mike Houser at mhouser@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214