| 17 November 2010
There are few things in life I can recall as vividly as the first time I ever witnessed Rafael Casias fight. On a warm May evening surrounded by the stereotypical rustic western motif that adorns the interior of the Eddie Dean Ranch located in the decidedly un-rustic location of downtown Dallas. I was there covering the event for FightHype.com and was excited to get a chance to witness the George Galvan promoted card as many local fight fans had been extolling the merits of Fort Worth’s Jose Hernandez who was fighting in the night’s main event. What I was unprepared for was my introduction to the embodiment of perseverance that is Rafael Casias.
Clearly relegated to serve as a sacrificial lamb for the debuting Joel Hernandez, Jose’s younger brother and a fighter who too was being trumpeted as a world-beater, Casias entered the ring to miniscule fanfare. Sitting from my perch ringside, I, in my infinite wisdom, surmised that Casias’ chances of winning were on par with me landing a knockout blow to Mike Tyson. After all, the diminutive fighter hailing from Fort Worth was not brought in to win, and everyone in attendance seemed to know this. Everyone, that is, expect Casias.
Words cannot do justice to the brutal opus of fistic fury that was witnessed when Casias and Hernandez traded leather. Simply put, it was breathtaking. That evening I walked away from the Eddie Dean Ranch with a newfound appreciation for the scrappy fighter hailing from Keller. My adulation was further solidified in the rematch between Casias and Hernandez, a rematch Casias had openly campaigned for. Again, these two fighters waged war on one and other for four solid rounds, but it was abundantly clear that Casias’ game had evolved to the point where he was boxing and slugging effectively.
Though Casias dropped the rematch to Hernandez, the foundation of his reputation as a take-no-prisoners fighter was cemented. Since dropping the first three fights of his pro career Casias has gone undefeated in his last four fights. Due in large part to the universal respect afforded to him, and the fact that he now is promoted by none other than Paulie Ayala, Casias’ career has been talking off as of late.
However, this Saturday night, Casias will take on his most dangerous opponent to date when he fights Dallas amateur standout Ray Ximinez Jr. at the WinStar Casino in Thackerville, OK. The fight will take place on the undercard of the Top Rank promoted show. For Casias, this fight represents a steep, but necessary step in competition. While this fight will represent only the second professional fight for Ximinez, the fact of the matter is that he is a young and talented fighter. But despite this, Casias seems confident in his ability going in.
“They offered it, we took it,” Casias explains of how this fight came about. “There’s no beef [with Ximinez]. I don’t want anyone thinking that. I don’t beef with the kid; I think he’s a great kid. It’s a boxing fight and he’s a good name and a good fighter and I’m looking to win. “
In the past, Casias was often forced to take fights on short notice which contributed to his three fight slide. Now, armed with a promoter and manager looking out for his best interests, Casias has more time to focus and train on the fights at hand.
“Yeah, I think that has done wonders,” Casias concedes. “For this fight we have trained for eight weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever had to prepare for an opponent. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, my weights great so I feel strong, we’re ready. My coaches feel I’m ready, we’re ready. All I have to do now is get in the ring and fight.”
Now training under the keen tutelage of Vincent Reyes and Tony Cabello over at Reyes Boxing Gym, Casias is fit and ready to do battle. To listen to Casias tell it, this training camp has exceed all expectations.
“I’ve been getting a lot of sparring over there. I sparred with Adam Lopez, the #2 amateur from San Antonio, I spare with him the other day,” explains Casias. “I’ve been getting some really good sparring with a lot of people that have Ray’s style. We’ve taken all the correct steps. One thing we did do different this time was add a little more rest because we feel that I sort of over trained for my last fight which is why I looked so sluggish.”
Casias’ last fight, a closely contested split decision victory over Edson Renteria in August, caused some to question his dedication to the fight. Not helping matters was the public beef that had begun to hit a fevered level with Dallas’ Luis Yanez. While the two have traded verbal barbs both publicly and privately, Casias is quick to dismiss the gossip and move past it all.
“You know, I’m not even going to get into that,” states Casias. “Whatever happened, happened. My focus right now is on Ray. My only focus right now is on Ray. I can’t worry about any other fighter after I fight Ray because Ray is the one who is getting in the ring with my next Saturday; Ray is the one that poses a threat right now. The only boxer I’m worried about right now is Ray.”
While it’s clear that Top Rank have their eyes on Ximinez, Casias is quick to point out that he will not play the role of the B-side to the equation. While few are given him a chance to upset the surging Ximinez, Casias is steadfast in his confidence.
“I never underestimated Ray. I think a lot of people aren’t given me a chance to win this fight,” Casias explains. “There’s no pressure on me. I really think they just picked me to be another opponent, so I’m going to go in there and surprise some people. That’s fine. I like being the underdog. I’m just going in there to fight, and we have a great game plan.”
Casias is quick to point out that his game plan for Saturday, and his exemplary training camp could not be possible without the help of a number of individuals. After all Casias is an extremely busy man. In addition to being a professional fighter, Casias runs Fitness Fight Factory, one of the most respected MMA gyms in the state, along with heading up his own fighter management company. With so many hats to wear, Casias considers his team of support crucial to his success, especially his family.
“I want to thank Vince and Tony,” states Casias. “I have to thank Paulie [Ayala], my promoter who signed off on allowing me to fight for Top Rank. My wife and daughter who support me like no other. No fighter can make it without a wife who is understanding.”
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