Trini Ochoa outworked Jose Jacobo on Friday night, winning a hard-fought decision at the Celebrity Theater in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. The scores were 96-94, 97-93, and 99-91 for Ochoa, who improved to 19-0, 8.
Jacobo was athletic and had moments during the fight, but Ochoa showed his pedigree by landing punches that told more, especially to the body. By the middle of the fight, Jacobo was bleeding from the nose, due to the number of accurate punches Ochoa was landing. As the fight wore on, Jacobo’s punch output decreased, paving the way for Ochoa to convincingly win the rounds as he continued to knock Jacobo out.
“It was a tough fight for me,” Ochoa told The Ring on Saturday evening. “My opponent’s game plan was to try to take me out by sticking and moving, especially using his jab and getting away when I got close. It made it a little challenging to get in, but I was able to cut, control the ring, and press all fight. I was marking with good body shots early on and, in the latter part of the fight, I slowed him down enough and gained control to angle him and knock him out. “
Ochoa was proud of her performance, and appreciated the support of the crowd, which included hundreds of family members and friends, including her fans throughout the Phoenix area. All but two of his fights took place at the Celebrity Theatre.
“It was a good experience with a strong opponent who did his homework, and trained to beat me,” said Ochoa. “I had to stay sharp, disciplined, and focused if I wanted to get the win and bring that belt (WBC regional belt) back to my hometown (nearby) Mesa. It was a great fight, the fans enjoyed it, and I showed my ability to adapt and win.
“I was happy with the way I played, but there is always room for improvement, so I plan to get back to the gym and get back to work. It’s not clear yet, but I’m looking to defend the title soon, hopefully in early 2025. “
Ochoa, 26, previously fought on August 24, defeating goalkeeper and Olympian Jose Angulo by unanimous decision. Angulo’s victory marked Ochoa’s first fight scheduled for 10 rounds.
On April 27, Ochoa defeated Jesus Gutierrez by decision in eight one-sided rounds.
Jacobo, from Grand Island, Nebraska, falls to 15-2, 6 KOs. Jacobo fought again on August 24, defeating journeyman Clay Burns by unanimous decision over six rounds.
Jacobo, 30, has not lost since a unanimous decision loss to Misael Lopez in July 2016, his second fight as a champion.
The Ochoa-Jacobo fight was the headliner of a card promoted by Iron Boy Boxing.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has handled boxing in Southern California and internationally since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. They can be reached at [email protected]
