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The Hunger, The Struggle and The Reality of the Life for Boxing Prospect Roberto Arriaza

FB_IMG_1463465487638Exclusive Interview by Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña

Growing up on the streets of Nicaragua can be difficult for anyone. In a country with a large percentage of its population living in poverty, Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Food for many is hard to come by, and most people do not have access to clean drinking water, or basic amenities that so many of us are accustomed to having. Out of those streets comes 26 year old boxing prospect Roberto “Dinamita” Arriaza, 11-0, 10 KO’s. I recently had the opportunity to interview Arriaza and get a better understanding of who he is.

Roberto who was born in the town of Chinandega, began his struggles early in life, as he lost his father to cancer at the young age of 5. “When my father died it was hard, especially hard on my mother that’s when she sent me to live with my grandmother.” Soon after the death of his father, Roberto ended up in the streets of Esteli. Located in northern Nicaragua, Esteli is a war torn town that was heavily affected in the 80’s and 90’s by the fighting between the Sandinista revolutionary forces and the troops of former dictator Somoza. It was in those very streets where Roberto was involved in gangs, sold drugs, ran guns and ended up in jail. “I robbed people, I beat people up, I sold drugs, and I was in and out of jail so many times I lost count.” Due to Arriaza being a minor, no real hard time was ever served.

At 14 with his grandmother unable to control him and rival gang members out to get him, the decision was made to send Roberto back to his mother. Roberto continued to run the streets until one day he was involved in a fight. “There was a guy I used to rob named Chico, and one day Chico disappeared.” Five months went by and Chico finally showed his face, Roberto was in for the unexpected. “He beat the shit out of me, he beat me so bad both of my eyes were swollen shut.” said Roberto. Arriaza was given a gun by another gang member, but instead of killing Chico, Roberto let his hands do the talking. Roberto fought Chico again and knocked him out. That’s when he was taken to a local boxing gym by a cousin that witnessed the fight. “I went to the gym and I knew that’s where I belonged, I loved to fight and everything came natural to me.”

At 15 Roberto began boxing and was winning. Arriaza became known for knocking out opponents and was given the nickname “Dinamita” (Dynamite) by his trainer, as his gloves exploded every-time he hit an opponent. Arriaza went on to have an amateur record of, 65-4, 41 KO’s before turning professional in 2013. “First off I want to thank God for putting boxing in my life, boxing gave me the opportunity to leave my past life of drugs, gangs and the street life behind me.” “Boxing has opened up great opportunities in life for me.” None bigger then when Roberto’s current manager Cesar Garcia got a call from his former trainer Albert Vasquez. Vasquez who was scouting talent in Central America advised Cesar of an unnoticed talent in Arriaza. With that phone call Garcia wasted no time in bringing Arriaza to the United States to train full time.FB_IMG_1463465493651

Roberto trains out of Valdez Muay Thai and Boxing with Gil Valdez and his stable fighters known as the “East LA Assassins.” Roberto arrived in Los Angeles in November of 2015 and shortly thereafter was signed by Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing. In January of this year Arriaza and his team traveled to El Salvador as Roberto took on Aristides Quintero for the WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Title. That night Arriaza walked away with a 6th round KO and his first ever title. Arriaza makes his U.S. debut on Friday May 20th against Cameron Kreal, 8-9-2, 1 KO of Las Vegas, on the undercard of Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” Anniversary Event at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario, California. “I’m coming in well prepared for this fight,” It’s important to make a statement in my first U.S. event. I want to show the fans that my talent is real and to expect great things from me down the road”, said Arriaza.

In closing Roberto stated “I want to let all my fans know, especially the youth of Nicaragua that if I can do it, anyone can. I will work hard to bring a world title back to Nicaragua and to help my family escape from their struggles.”

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