by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg- 10/31/2005
Daniel Ponce De Leon
Age: 25
Record: 27-1, 25 KO
Hometown: Cuauhtemoc, Mexico
Height: 5'5
Weight: 122 lb
It might seem silly to call De Leon a prospect, but a fringe, vacant title can only mean so much. De Leon actually is a titleholder as he just won the vacant WBO title via a rugged 12-round decision over Sod Lookongyangtoy. I can't thank heaven above that I only had to type that name, not pronounce it. If Sod had won the fight, it would be a nightmare for any broadcaster and hopefully this is the end of him and his ridiculously long name.
Sod did drop De Leon in round two but it only woke him up. De Leon is in the tradition of the grinding forward Mexican warrior that boxing fans love. De Leon has a chance to be a star, although his vulnerability on defense and suspect chin make him inconsistent. Those factors also make him entertaining to watch.
De Leon turned pro in 2001. He does have a few solid wins on his resume but in February he was battered by fellow prospect Celestino Caballero. De Leon was battered and nearly stopped on quite a few occasions, but he showed championship heart to hold on and actually take a few of the late rounds.
I truly think it was a loss that will improve him. Mexican fighters don't let decision losses bother them and I believe his confidence is restored already. Since the loss De Leon went 3-0(2 KOs) and took the WBO title.
De Leon is a southpaw banger whose only defense is his in-your-face offense. He bashes to the head and body and throws some nice combinations as well. If he would employ a little head movement he would legitimately be a championship-caliber fighter. De Leon will have lots of great options at 122. Oscar Larios, Rafeal Marquez, Joan Guzman and possibly even Ben Dunne would all be high action fights. HBO or Showtime would surely hop on for these matchups.
De Leon has the chance to beat a few of the names mentioned and with his work ethic and output, he could overachieve. Golden Boy promotions is behind De Leon and with the WBO strap, he should have no problem finding solid opposition and fairly big money fights.
Doc's looks forward to making money for its clients with Daniel Ponce De Leon.
Grade: B
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