After declaring Two-time European championIt can be said Christopher Llorente (Barcelona, 28 years old) is one of the leaders of Spanish boxing today. A few days ago he voluntarily defended his continental title Francesco GrandelliHeld in the small Italian town of Carbonia. Unfortunately, The signal provided in Italy by DAZN does not reach Spain. For this reason, we could not see or know the unanimous victory of the Catalan In the middle of the fight, the power went out.
“There was a blackout during the seventh round break. Luckily it only lasted three minutes and we were sitting in the corner,” The champion explains to MARCA and explains how he faced the moment: “The power went out and at first I wondered what was going on, but Rafa and Sandor (Martin, father and son) calmed me down.. They told me that everything will happen quickly and focus on my matter. I knew I won the first six roundsSo if I have to go for points then victory is mine,” he said.
In my last fight the power went out and I panicked, but Rafa and Sandor calmed me down
The Spaniard was “frustrated” and clearly dominated the fight for its half. “I put him directly on my left”Account. Cristobal adds: “After the blackout he took a breather and came to fight a littleTo exchange blows, and I accept the challenge and there is more equality.” After defeating Mauro Forte and the aforementioned Grandelli, the Barcelona native still has a bit left to do in Italy. His record is 20-0-1, with 8 knockoutsAnd this 2024 is the year of Llorente It is established internationally.
Enters the ‘Top 10’ of the Council
He is The World Boxing Council (WBC) ranked him 11th at featherweight -The taxonomy still needs to be updated after his success-, but the fact is that a Mandatory defense of European title against WBC No. 3-ranked Brit Nathaniel Collins (15-0; 7 KOs). “For me, fighting number 3 will be fantastic because it will be the start of a world qualifier,” explained the Catalan. “Their team hasn’t given any sign yet that they want to fight us, but they haven’t ruled out this option either. “We believe you are very interested in this fight as you have just won the EBU silver title, which is less than what I have.”Cristóbal believes that this intersection is very beneficial for thinking in a globalist key. It is surprising that the Scottish boxer ranked so highly when his best opponent was Grandelli. Whether Collins or someone else, “A great fight awaits me in 2025, for sure”Champion said.
A great fight awaits me in 2025
Barcelona local theme already exists: “They say the titles you win abroad are worth twice as much. I don’t mind fighting abroad.”. In fact, if his progress continues, we may see him fight less in our country: “If there is no television in Spain, boxing cannot develop. Without the support of television, titles cannot be held here.”
‘Grown’ in the gym
What perhaps not everyone knows is that Cristobal Llorente ‘grew up’ in the gym. At the age of six he first came to KO VerdonA forger is waiting for him: “Sandor and I are the fruit that Rafa Martin planted”. A young boxer represents a world title contender and his father, their coach. “More boxers are going to make noise. I think our success lies in going with the mentality that we can win wherever you fight, regardless of the opponent. However, we will do the right thing.”Pointing to the Barcelonan, he adds: “Rafa is like family to me. “He was demanding in the gym and in life because he insisted that I continue to study and get my advanced degree in IT.”. Furthermore, it should be noted that such is the relationship between the European champion and KO Verdon. He also teaches a children’s group.
Sandor and I are the fruit planted by Rafa Martin
Llorente, without a family history in combat sports, He started kickboxing at the age of six.A method in which he has already competed against 13 others. At the age of 15 he focused on great art: “I originally wanted to be a footballer and I ended up in boxing.” Cristobal explained that his amateur phase was temporary until he turned professional, his real goal, “Because I followed Sandor’s path in the gym”. He made his debut in 2016 and knew boxing was for him after winning the Spanish championship. When he defeated his idol Andoni Gago for the EU beltHe thought: “I think I’m made for something great. I’ll work hard to have a great career.”
When I beat Andoni Gago, I thought: ‘I think I was made for something big.
Former Warriors fan Antonio Ginaldo, Manuel Masso and Alexis ArgelloCristobal, in view of his career, “I believe in it and my dream is to become world champion.” He wants to fight in New York’s Madison Square Garden because “the best have been there.” And not only does he believe it, he warns: “We are not too far, for example, from American boxers and Sander showed that. “A lot of Spaniards are going out and doing well.”