When Minnesota boxing fans gather at Grand Casino Hinckley on September 19 for the return of Friday Night Fights, they’ll see a mix of familiar contenders and fresh faces eager to make their mark. Among the night’s most anticipated debuts is Apple Valley’s Eddy Valenzuela, a former amateur standout and three time Upper Midwest Golden Gloves champion (2022, 2024 at 147 lbs. and 2023 at 156 lbs.) who carved out a reputation in the Minnesota’s boxing circles with his skill, grit, and disciplined style. Now stepping into the professional ranks in a four round welterweight bout, Valenzuela is ready to showcase what he’s built during years of preparation. MN Boxing caught up with him at MN Top Team in Eagan ahead of his debut to talk about the journey, his mindset, and what fans can expect when the bell rings.
MN Boxing: First off, can you share your thoughts on such an incredible amateur run over the years and how that built you to be where you are today?
Valenzuela: Finally after all these years competing in the amateurs, I can say that I’m proud of what I accomplished with everything else going on. I took it seriously and feel like I’ve developed good boxing skills that will set me up well in the professional stage.
MN Boxing: What are your goals and aspirations for this part of your boxing journey as a professional? Is boxing going to be full time for you?
Valenzuela: My goal is still the same, being working towards being the best. As I’m still a college student, I’d like to say I’m going to be a full time boxer as well as a full time student. Nonetheless, I’m still chasing my dream of being the best.
MN Boxing: How excited are you to be turning pro and doing it at a venue like the Grand Casino Hinckley Casino? Also to be boxing in front of your home state crowd.
Valenzuela: I’m really excited for this next chapter of my career. I feel like I’ve established a decent name for myself as an amateur and I’m ready to take it up a notch and show this new audience who I am and what I got. I’m ready to bring some heat to Minnesota!
MN Boxing: Will your team be the same as in the amateurs?
Valenzuela: As I’m just starting my career, I always like to say that if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it. So my team will consist of the same people as in the amateurs. My coaches being my dad, Cesar Valenzuela and Roy Dunlap.
MN Boxing: Any closing thoughts on what fans can expect?
Valenzuela: As always, I’m training to perform well and give the people a reason to get excited for boxing. I’m ready to change the game and help bring some glory to Minnesota. Shout out to my team, family, friends, and supporters who have stuck with my throughout my career. It’s my turn now!
Stay tuned for more interviews. More bouts include:
Tony Woods (13-1) of Shoreview, MN vs. Justin Gunter (7-5) of Lynchburg, Virginia in an 8 round Middleweight bout
Josh Clark (8-1) of Fridley, MN vs. Miguel Gonzalez (4-0-1) of Moline, Illinois in a 6 round lightweight bout.
Jesse Walters (6-1) of Duluth, MN vs. Davonzell Patterson (1-1) in a six round super featherweight bout.
Tyler Nystrom (3-2-1) of Superior, WI vs, Robbie Loyde (1-1) of Minneapolis, MN in a five round super welterweight bout.
Andrew Griggs (1-0) of Duluth, MN vs. Tim Bender (1-1) of Minneapolis, MN in a 4 round super lightweight bout.
Also featuring Jessica Radtke Maltez (1-2-2) of Brainerd, MN and the anticipated pro debuts of Knowledge Johnson (debut) of Brooklyn Park, MN in a 4 round light heavyweight bout and Eddy Valenzuela (debut) of Apple Valley, MN in a 4 round welterweight bout.
Plus more fighters and local matchups.
Friday, September 19 | Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM
Event info ➡️ https://bit.ly/45kaeSF
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