Louie agrees to fight in Vegas

There is turmoil in former World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion Luisito Espinosa’s camp again.

The other day, Espinosa’s manager Erlinda (Boots) Aniel told The STAR in an overseas phone call from her home in Daly City, California, that she wouldn’t agree to an offer for a fight against Augie Sanchez in Las Vegas on Jan. 6 because it came at short notice.

But yesterday, San Francisco-based lawyer Sydney Hall, who advises both Aniel and Espinosa, said he got a call from the fighter’s wife Mariecherie confirming the Sanchez appointment.

Hall said Aniel will likely resign as Espinosa’s manager. Her contract expires in February. "If Boots goes, I’ll go, too," said Hall who added that fighting Sanchez would be ill-advised.

"Louie’s ranked No. 4, Sanchez is No. 9," explained Hall. "I can’t see how fighting Sanchez will improve Louie’s chances of getting another title shot. I would’ve wanted a postponement to talk things over with Louie but it seems that he’s determined. Mariecherie ordered me to arrange the match even if Boots refuses to sign the fight contract. She told me they’re broke and they need the money."

Espinosa has been promised a $15,000 purse to face Sanchez who boasts a 26-2 record, with 23 knockouts. Sanchez is 10 years younger than Espinosa and is coming off a fourth round knockout loss to Naseem Hamed last August. Espinosa is fresh from a fifth round demolition of Ramon Aragon of Mexico in Detroit last October.

Meanwhile, Mexico-born trainer Robert Aguallo sent an e-mail to The STAR the other day insisting that he has not been fired by Espinosa. Aguallo said he has been training Espinosa without Aniel’s knowledge and enjoys his confidence.

"When Luisito fought Aragon in Detroit, he was told by America Presents that he would fight again in January," wrote Aguallo. "Being the professional that he is, he went straight to the gym when he returned from Detroit. He has been training daily for the Jan. 6 fight. He has been sparring with Juan Arrias, 32-1, and Joaquin Gallardo, 10-0. He is in fighting condition. He has over 65 rounds of sparring."

Aguallo said Aniel has lost touch with Espinosa. "If Boots would have more contact with Luisito, she would know that he has been in the gym and is ready to fight," continued Aguallo. "Boots has never called him to see how his training is doing as a manager should. Luisito has ordered Boots to take the fight."

Aguallo added that Joe Goossen whose brother Dan is the President of America Presents, the Denver promotions company, never intended to train Espinosa but only wanted to use him as a sparring partner for WBC champion Joel Casamayor.

"Luisito is a future Hall of Fame fighter," said Aguallo. "If he didn’t want me as his trainer, he would have gotten rid of me. It’s obvious he has confidence in whom he is working with."

Aguallo complained that he hasn’t been paid his fee for training Espinosa in the Aragon fight.

Aniel, for her part, said she never made a profit in managing Espinosa. "I know nothing about boxing," she confessed. "I decided to manage Louie because he needed help. I wanted to help him and his family. I realize they’re hard up. Only recently, I gave them $5,000. I’m lucky that my real estate business is doing okay. If Louie is more comfortable with a manager who knows boxing, I’m willing to resign. No hard feelings. As far as I’m concerned, I will continue to help Louie and his family in any way I can."

Hall said Espinosa didn’t look impressive in beating Aragon who had won only two of 12 fights. "Aragon was a bum and Louie had a hard time against him," related Hall. "Louie even got cut. I think Louie needs to get sharper. I’m not sure if he’s ready for Sanchez. He’s fighting in Sanchez’ hometown and the promoter is using him as a stepping stone for Sanchez. It doesn’t look good for Louie. I just hope he’s prepared to win and not just fight for the money."