_3.jpg)
Former champion Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado will give a “restart” to his career in 2022.
The former Puerto Rican 130-pound beltholder seeks a new breath with the entry of two-time Puerto Rican world champion Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon as head trainer.
Machado is also going to move up in weight to the 140-pound division beginning in the first quarter of next year.
“Machado made a general adjustment, not only with the entry of a new coach, but also with his physical work. He had a defeat on March 18 and he understands – as I do – that adjustments must be made. They are changes that I understand are good,” expressed his manager, Juan De Leon, to Giovanny Vega.
De Leon explained that it was Machado who thought of Calderon to become his coach.
The Puerto Rican boxer – who is 22-3 and 18 KO’s – has been trained in the past by Jim Pagan, Orlando “Cano” Marrero, Freddie Roach and Victor Montanez.
“He has always liked Ivan and approached me that he wanted to work with him. I know of his quality as a coach. What better than to have Ivan, a former boxer stylist, with a lot of movement and defense. I am happy with his work. We’ll see the day Machado steps into the ring,” commented De Leon.
“Gaining weight was the advice of a professional. A physiological profile was made that showed that it is very difficult for Machado to be able to perform 130 or 135 pounds due to his height and muscle mass.”
Machado suffered the third knockout loss of his career in March against Angel Fierro.
That outcome forced the boxer to make changes to his team, which now includes physical trainer Josue Lionel Rivera and doctor Ramon “Kike” Negron.