NABF title fight is next step in Magdaleno’s patient plan

Young boxers are usually in a rush to get a shot at a championship belt, but unfulfilled dreams often result when patience is in short supply.

Diego Magdaleno and his handlers were smarter than that.

From the moment he turned pro in 2007, Magdaleno has been nurtured by his promoter, Top Rank, and his trainer, Pat Barry. The Las Vegas super featherweight wasn’t thrown into the deep end of the pool and told to swim when he was still learning to tread water. He slowly built his resume and improved his skills.

All that careful planning is expected to pay off tonight when Magdaleno, 24, fights for the vacant NABF super featherweight title at Texas Station. If he beats Marcos Jimenez in their 10-round main event, Magdaleno will be in position for a high ranking and maybe a major title shot by this time next year.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,” said Magdaleno (17-0, five knockouts). “I know I’m ready. I’m more experienced and mature. I feel like I’m in full control of everything I do in the ring and nothing surprises me.”

Magdaleno is also stronger. He has become more effective going to his opponent’s body in recent fights and his punches are sharper with more power.

“I’ve always considered myself a decent puncher,” he said. “But I’ve been working on sitting down on my punches, using my legs more and getting more behind my punches. I can definitely see the difference.”

Barry, who has trained Magdaleno since the fighter moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas at age 8, said a strength-training program has helped Magdaleno prepare to fight Jimenez (18-2, 12 KOs).

“We’ve been trying to bring out more power,” Barry said. “It’s a different game at this level. You need power as well as speed, and it took some time to get that into Diego’s game. But when you watch him in the gym and in his fights, he has that down. He’s got the complete package.”

A large crowd is expected at Texas Station’s Dallas Events Center. Magdaleno’s younger brother Jesse is facing Cain Garcia in a four-round featherweight bout; Las Vegas super lightweight Anthony Lenk meets Tyler Pogline in a six-round bout; and super lightweight Jose Benavidez Jr. faces Fernando Rodriguez in a six-rounder.

Magdaleno said he won’t allow himself to get caught up emotionally in the biggest moment of his pro career to date.

“I’ll be focused on my job,” he said. “But it will be great to have my family and friends there to watch. I’m not taking (Jimenez) lightly. I respect all my opponents. But I’ve waited a long time for this chance, and I’m definitely ready to win that title.”

The first bell is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. The card will be televised locally on tape delay on Fox Sports West (Cable 49) at 10:30 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.