https://youtu.be/kKv1kqfONm0
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Abel Mina’s first professional setback doesn’t feel much like a defeat to him.
The Ecuadorian boxer still can’t believe he didn’t have his hand raised after his junior middleweight bout against Damian Sosa on Saturday’s “Tribute to the Kings” card, which featured an exhibition between Julio Cesar Chavez and Hector Camacho Jr.
Mina lost a split decision, 96-94, 95-94 and 94-96. However, many watching from home and at Jalisco Stadium disagreed with the result, as Mina (13-1, 7 KOs) outperformed Sosa (18-1, 10 KOs) for the majority of the fight.
The 28-year-old from Puerto Quito believes he deserved to win a clear decision.
“My trainer told me we’re looking good, we’re up in the sixth round,” Mina told Boxing Junkie in Spanish. “He said let’s win one more round. We went out there, did our best, and we won the first seven rounds. We were good. In the last three rounds, I didn’t pressure as much as I should, but that shouldn’t take away the fact that I won the fight.
“The decision that they gave was opposite to what we had judged as a team, and many other people online felt the same way.”
The result was painful for Mina, who lost his perfect record and took a step backward in his pursuit of a world title shot. He admitted he cried once he got to his hotel room and was unable to sleep through the night.
“So many thoughts came to mind,” Mina said. “I knew a win here would get the doors to the big leagues to open. I knew that, so that’s why I prepared well. I had three months of preparation and seeing that it didn’t go my way, I thought, ‘My doors are closing.’ But in the end, I think it happened for a reason.
“It didn’t work out this time and maybe another opportunity may come in the future. I hope that, God willing, something comes in the future so I can show what I showed on Saturday night. I’m an excellent boxer that’s willing to go to any territory to win and that I can do more than what I did [Saturday].”
“Saturday I was really disappointed, I was down. But then I looked at the phone, and on Instagram so many comments were coming in, and that motivated me. So many people from all over the world, and even in Mexico, were writing me saying that I had won the fight, and that helped me.
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“I also saw many comments on Twitter from the U.S. saying that I won. That helps because it proves that I did a good job, and it helps me pick myself up.”
Mina doubts he’ll get a rematch with Sosa because “it wouldn’t be good for them.” So, as of now, he plans to begin the rebuilding process in Ecuador.
“I’m going to fight again in Ecuador, and I want to look for an international title,” Mina said. “The objective was to win yesterday so I could be close to challenge the world champions, who are the Argentine (Brian Castano) and the American (Jermell Charlo). I wasn’t able to win. Now I have to start again, maybe not from zero, but maybe a few steps back.
“I’m looking for a Latino title from any major organization and then look to fight for world titles. I feel good. I wasn’t hurt. I think August I can make a return.”