Kevin Brown is not your average junior welterweight.
After four professional fights, resulting in four victories, Brown enters the top spot of the 140-pound division.
Brown will face Idalberto Umara on Friday night at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The 10-round fight will headline a nine-fight card promoted by BoxLab Promotions, in association with Undisputed Promotions (DAZN, 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT).
Brown, 30, who is originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now lives and trains in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeated veteran Marcos Jimenez in his last fight on Dec. 8, winning by knockout after the fifth round.
Umara, who was also born and raised in Cuba, could present a tough test for Brown as he fights for the WBA regional belt and the world's top 15 ranking. Brown is ready to face Umara (12-2, 8 KOs) and hopes to prepare to come out victorious.
“I'm very grateful for the training and preparation that went into this fight,” said Brown speaking to The Ring on the phone last week. “This is the challenge I am facing with a boxer as good as Umara. He is from Cuba so I know he will prepare for this fight. This is important for me to get this win.”
Kevin Brown – Photo by Alex Sanchez/Team Brown
Brown had a successful career before defecting to Cuba in 2022. He would make his professional debut later that year on August 21, scoring a second round decision over Jose Alberto Gazo, who entered Brown's fight with a 31-12-1 record.
Las Vegas is a hotbed of excitement as it is home to world title holders, competitors, and prospects. Along with working with trainer Ismael Salas, Brown believes that he has not yet reached his ceiling, and will continue to improve as a fighter.
“There are a lot of fighters from different countries who train or live in Las Vegas,” said Brown, who has fought all of his fights, including Friday against Umara at Caribe Royale. “I have spared other players from different gyms. It's an important foundation for a fighter, as you experience different styles and tactics, allowing you to develop your skill set.
“Salas is a teacher, and he is very good. It is an honor to work with him because he has trained world champions. Few have the same vision or experience as him. Working with him was the best decision I ever made.”
A strong win over Umara could put Brown in a position to face better fighters in the junior welterweight division later this year. That may be a reach, for some, for a fighter who has only five fights and is still a relative unknown outside of die-hard boxing fans.
Brown trusts his representatives to put him in the best fights, but he is ready to take the next step and challenge fighters at the top of the division.
“I've improved a lot in these four fights,” said Brown, who is now with his wife here in the United States. “I have shown my ability to fight and I have grown a lot. I know better opposition awaits me and that's okay.
“My team will continue to work. They know what is the best way for me, especially on the way to the world title fight. I am happy with my progress so far.
“I am very grateful to be in this position and to live the American dream as a hero.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has handled boxing in Southern California and internationally since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. They can be reached at [email protected]
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