Prospect of the Month (July): Jose Salas Reyes
In arguably the best month of boxing that we have had in years there were numerous cards with countless high-level prospects that made a mark and left an impression. However, perhaps none were better than what 21-year-old Jose Salas Reyes did to former world championship title challenger Aston Palicte. Palicte from the Philipines fought pound-for-pound great and future hall of famer Donnie Nieties to a draw not long ago. The Filipino was absolutely no match for Reyes, who hails from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The Southpaw Super Bantamweight from Mexico picked up his 13th win and 10th KO in 13 professional bouts. He picked up the biggest win of his professional career, moves into the world title picture, and established himself as a legitimate contender, not just a hot shot prospect.
The confidence oozing from the 21-year-old from the opening bell was noticeable. He was in no way intimidated by his much more experienced hard-hitting opponent who fought a legend in his prime to a draw. It was obvious from the early going the Tijuana native was looking to set up something big. Fainting and making Palicte, the KO artist, uncomfortable. The fainting mixed with the right-handed jump and power of Reyes kept Palicte uncomfortable. By the fourth round, Palicte was on his back foot and somewhat in survival mode as a hard straight left from the youngster was backing him up. After several clean lefts landed for Reyes, he found what he was looking for. The straight left by Reyes staggered Palicte a follow-up left uppercut had the former world title challenger in trouble. Reyes jumped on his troubled opponent and unleashed on him which prompted Palicte to take a knee just passed the one-minute mark of the stanza. Palicte decided to beat the count, but still on wobbly legs, referee Huggins gave a long look and decided enough was enough and stopped the bout. Moving Reyes's record to 13-0 (10) and handing Palicte his second consecutive TKO defeat
The 122-pound division is absolutely loaded with good step-up fights for Reyes. At just 21 years old and now with two consecutive really good and nationally televised wins, Reyes is sitting pretty for a big-time fight and on a fast track to a world title. Matchups with names like Ra'eese Aleem or Joshua Greer Jr, who is back in the gym, or a battle of unbeaten youngsters with Jose Tito Sanchez would all be intriguing matchups. Additionally, Angelo Leo and Tremaine Williams are sitting idly by waiting for a fight. Wither of those men would be a massive test for the young hard-hitting Mexican prospect. The reality is, given that performance, Reyes may already be ready for Marlon Taples, who holds half of the straps at 122.
