STOCKTON — Adventist Health Arena was the scene of Cesar Olvera’s second professional fight, taking on Victor Saravia of Los Angeles to open one of the most anticipated boxing shows the Central Valley has hosted in recent memory.
The first preliminary bout of a pay-per-view broadcast on DAZN that featured five world title fights and six current or former champions, Olvera and Saravia each had their arms raised by announcer David Diamante as they were handed a majority decision (40-36, 38-38, 38-38) following four rounds of lightweight action.
Olvera, a 24-year-old training out of Rise Above Boxing Club in Turlock, now has a professional record of 1-0-1, while Saravia, who recently transitioned into boxing after a 14-year Muay Thai career in which he won multiple world titles, left Stockton with a 1-6-3 record.
“Got in there with a very game opponent with tons of experience under his belt, but these are the challenges we look for,” Olvera posted on social media. “We weren’t looking for an easy fight and we got just that — a veteran who knows how to survive to test my skills and IQ.”
Making the walk from the trademark Matchroom Boxing stage on the far end of the popular Stockton venue, Olvera, in a stylish white robe with hints of silver, entered the ring with a bright smile as he looked up and saw himself on the jumbotron, as it marked a significant moment in his career. His confidence never wavered once the opening bell sounded.
Standing 5-foot-9, Olvera used a sharp jab to measure up the 5-foot-5 Saravia. It was also a major key in keeping Saravia, constantly walking forward, at bay.
Saravia came out swinging in the second, again being kept honest with counter lefts from Olvera. Midway through the frame, Olvera used jabs to set up a massive overhand right that momentarily had Saravia off balance. In the final minute, as Saravia walked Olvera towards the ropes, Olvera landed a big uppercut.
The two men exchanged blows in the early stages of the third round before momentum was stopped with what appeared to be a minor clash of heads. Olvera continued to score with steady combinations and a counter right that backed Saravia up multiple times.
The fourth and final round was all Saravia, quickly closing the distance and finding success landing to the body and head.
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing, was seen after the match nodding as he stared at the jumbotron near the arena tunnel as fans offered an applause.
Despite the late rally from Saravia, the ringside announcers, as well as the live fan voting on the DAZN website, believed that Olvera had done enough to earn the victory.
“Wasn’t too happy with the decision of the draw,” Olvera continued. “My team felt like I did enough to win the fight, but there’s easy adjustments to make if you ask me. Won’t be the last time you see me under THESE bright lights.”
Trainer and owner of Rise Above Boxing Club Mauricio Lopez, who sported a black hat with “TURLOCK” stitched across the top in bold lettering as he manned Olvera’s corner, is confident his boxer will come back stronger.
“Words cannot describe how proud I am of him, how much I love him…” Lopez said. “His future is cemented in this sport. We didn’t get the decision that we rightfully earned, but that’s OK, even though we beat that kid for four rounds and they gave us a draw. This is just the beginning of one of the future (best) pound-for-pound boxers of the world.”
Olvera later hinted at a return to the ring in March.
