The career of Chris Colbert is still very much in its genesis. However, after coming up short in his most recent trip to the ring, the 26-year-old is anxious to right the ship.
With a super featherweight world title shot ostensibly close, Hector Luis Garcia was viewed as nothing more than a tenuous roadblock. On February 26th, 2022, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, Colbert was expected to easily handle the former Olympian. Having had roughly two weeks to whip himself into fighting shape, Colbert was convinced that there was nothing his late replacement foe could bring to the table to trouble him.
Nevertheless, despite his hubris, Garcia forced the loquacious super featherweight contender to eat his words, first dropping him in the seventh round before cruising to a unanimous decision victory.
After watching his immaculate record go up in flames, Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs) put the pedal to the metal. In his first official bout since suffering his first defeat, Colbert will make the trek five pounds north when he takes on Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela on March 25th.
Up until this point, the former interim titlist at 130 pounds has participated in several big-time matchups, including against the likes of Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Jezzrel Corrales. But, considering what’s at stake, Colbert views this elevated stage as extremely salient.
“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Colbert to BoxingScene.com. “This is definitely the most important fight.”
Valenzuela, much like Colbert, is aiming for redemption. Following a string of highlight-reel-worthy knockouts, the 23-year-old attempted to place his pernicious KO power on display against Edwin De Los Santos.
But while the Mexican native was correct in his prediction of a short and painful night, he was bemused once it was revealed that he was on the receiving end.
With both fighters coming off jaw-dropping losses, Colbert isn’t allowing the sting of defeat to dictate his personal life. Of course, the Brooklyn native will be sporting an indelible smile if everything goes according to plan. Win, lose, or draw – however, the end result is somewhat extraneous. From Colbert’s point of view, he’s simply appreciative of everything he’s accomplished.
“I never had a losing mindset. Even though I’m coming off a loss, I feel like a loser but I’m never a loser. I’m winning. I beat the odds.”