Sitting in his cell watching time go by, Gabriel “Tito” Bracero couldn’t wait to get back to boxing. He spent so many lonely nights dreaming of a chance at the big time.
On Friday, the dream will come true.
“I got sidetracked and got in trouble. I went on a little vacation,” admits the likeable Bracero. “But now I’m a momma’s boy. I’m here next to my mom right now.”
Since returning in 2009 after an eight-year absence, 30-year-old Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) has made the most of his time, fighting on DiBella Entertainment’s “Broadway Boxing” series and winning nine consecutive fights.
Bracero will look to make a major move toward a world title shot when he faces the also undefeated Danny O’Connor in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown to kick off the fantastic April 8 ShoBox: The New Generation Triple Header entitled “Rumble on the Rio” from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas (broadcast starts at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West coast).
“This is the biggest fight of my career, fighting on Showtime. It’s very important to me. I’m training hard and I’m focused. I feel like this is destiny and it’s the perfect time because I’m ready for it. I’m in great shape. I was ready two weeks ago.”
Bracero says it doesn’t matter that this will be his first fight outside the confines of his hometown of New York City. “I have friends in Texas,” he explains “and they’re all planning on going out to the fight, plus I have a strong support team of people flying out with me. I’m moving New York to Texas for this fight!”
Given the nickname Tito as a child, Bracero started boxing at age nine and was a Junior Olympic and two-time New York City Golden Gloves Champion.
“I’ve seen a couple of his fights and he tries to look a little flashy,” he says of O’Connor, “but it doesn’t matter. Whatever style he has I will adapt well to it. I’ve sparred with world champions and a lot of good fighters and I have a lot of good experience. By the third round I will have him figured out.”
Married with four children, these days Bracero says instead of looking for trouble, he submerses himself in training at Gleason’s Gym under trainer Tommy Gallagher. “This fight will be the best performance of my career because I’ve waited so long for it. When you’ve waited as long as I have, every fight is a dream come true.”
