Guadalupe Medina, the highly promising strawweight from Maywood, California, is set to clash with Mexico's formidable Rubi Gutierrez in an anticipated eight-round contest this Friday. The fight, scheduled to take place at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, marks a significant moment in Medina's burgeoning career as she aims to showcase her enhanced endurance and strategic prowess against a tough opponent.
With an impressive record of 10-0 (2 KOs), Medina is rapidly approaching a title opportunity. However, in two of her last three encounters, the fights intensified in the later rounds more than her team had anticipated. This was particularly evident in her majority decision victory over Katherine Renee Lindenmuth and her recent competitive bout against Maria Micheo Santizo. Her trainer, Edgar Jasso, revealed that the team has thoroughly investigated and rectified the underlying causes of her previous fatigue, confidently stating they have found a lasting solution.
Rubi Gutierrez, boasting a record of 5-2-1, is known for her physically demanding fighting style. Her recent U.S. debut saw her lose a unanimous decision to Brook Sibrian in May, but Jasso anticipates a highly competitive challenge from her. He emphasized the importance of Medina's ability to maintain her performance throughout the full eight rounds against such a persistent and challenging opponent, highlighting the rigorous training undertaken to ensure her readiness.
Jasso elaborated on the comprehensive training strategy tailored for the 21-year-old Medina, especially in preparation for her bout against the 19-year-old Gutierrez. Reflecting on Medina's last performance against Santizo, he noted that while she performed commendably, there was a slight dip in intensity during the final two rounds. To counteract this, Medina has engaged in multiple 10-round sparring sessions, a testament to her significantly improved conditioning and readiness for sustained pressure.
A critical question looms over Medina's career: how close is she to a title shot? With an undefeated streak and competing in a division that is not as densely populated as others, Medina, despite being a rising talent, is on the precipice of contending for a championship. Her current No.5 ranking by the WBO further solidifies her position. Jasso believes that each upcoming fight will provide crucial insights into her readiness, suggesting that a title opportunity could materialize within her next few matches as she continues to prove her mettle.