Juan Torres won't dance in the ring or work the corner, but Eric Majors and Hector Torres will feel their trainer's presence during their four-round bouts Saturday night at Caesars Tahoe.
"Since his retirement Juan has been focusing a lot of time on us, and that's pretty cool," said the 23-year-old Majors, who brings a 3-2 record into the Stateline card headlined by a 10-round junior featherweight clash between Israel Vasquez (25-2, 18 KOs) vs. Amador Vasquez (13-4-3, seven KOs) and a 12-round title bout between champion Julio Gonzales (21-0-1, 14 KOs) vs. Patrick Swann (18-10-3, 10 KOs). "With all due respect, I'm sure he has it in him to fight, but he's happy he can focus on his fighters and always be involved in boxing that way."
The 31-year-old Juan Torres is recovering from ruptured brain blood vessels that unceremoniously ended his pro fight career last month at the Peppermill Casino in Reno. The "Ghost Warrior," who trains his younger brother Hector and Majors, has decided to take a seat near his fighters' corner Saturday and allow his recovery to continue.
"I still get dizzy sometimes. The doctors say it will take a while for my body to absorb all the blood," Juan Torres said.
His distance from Saturday's undercard probably won't keep the Ghost Warrior from shouting encouragement and instructions to his fighters, though.
Hector brings a 6-1 record into his probable rematch with light heavyweight rematch with Robert Green of Los Angeles. The younger Torres was out of the country until late Thursday and was unavailable for comment, but his older brother knows what has to be done to secure a second win over Green.
"He could have knocked him out the first time, but he went to the head too much," Juan Torres said. "In order to land more of his head shots he's going to have to go to the body more. He was reaching too much and that's why he couldn't put his power into his punches."
A barrage of left hooks sent Green crashing into the ropes and onto the canvas early in the first round, but the pro rookie bounced back to last the four rounds.
After his disappointing pro debut, Green was apologetic.
"Tonight, I didn't perform like a professional, and I want to apologize to everybody," he said 30 minutes after his loss by unanimous decision. "I'm very disappointed with the way I executed, but I would love to fight him again."
Green has his wish, and Juan Torres believes his brother can win by knockout this time.
"If Hector goes to the body before he goes to the head, he should score a KO," Juan said. "Now he knows what he's getting into. As long as we have a game plan, it's going to be easier for us."
Juan is pleased with the progress of Majors, a junior welterweight, as he prepares for his first fight since receiving six stitches above his right eye from a headbutt in a decisive win over Johannes Musa in May. Majors knocked Musa to the canvas four times but settled for a unanimous decision.
"Eric should have no problem scoring a KO; he's been training his (butt) off," Juan said.
During his mandatory 60-day suspension imposed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Majors stayed fit in the gym and then benefited from recent sparring matches with the bulkier Hector.
"When we spar I keep my distance and work on the type of fighting I need to work on, as far as counterpunching. He benefits from my distance punches and I benefit from trying to keep him away," Majors said.
Hector even tested how well Majors' old wound healed, hitting him above the eye with a hard jab.
"A few days ago Hector hit me in the right eye and the cut didn't open, so I know the skin has toughened up to where it won't reopen," Majors said.
In addition, Majors used the extra time between fights to reflect on his mental approach toward training.
"I tend to believe now that boxing is more mental than physical," he said. "Because of the way Juan is training me, I need to approach a fighter even in the training process. He's taught me that I have to put goals to it, dig deep and know I can go 12 rounds if I put my mind to it.
"I've trained my butt off to go four rounds, and I've wondered how do I train for 12 rounds. It's totally mental."
Majors is scheduled to fight Carlos Leon (1-1) of Mexico. Filling out the remainder of the card are lightweights Dairo Esalas (21-0, 20 KOs) vs. Armando Bosquez (13-7, four KOs) in a six-rounder; and junior welterweights Luis Perez (16-0, 11 KOs) vs. Daniel Mendez (13-7, five KOs) in an eight-rounder.
Tickets are $25, $50 and $75. For reservations, call (800) 648-3353. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the first bout set for 7:15 p.m.
