Antonio “Simple Man” Orozco has just one simple goal for his upcoming fight… to win. But the task won’t be so easy. Orozco (5W-0L, 4KO’s) will face veteran Jaime Orrantia (12-26-5, 4KO) of Los Mochis, Mexico in the 6-round Lightweight (135 lb) event Thursday at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego during the Bobby D. Presents Show.

Facing the 28-year-old, who is obviously more experienced, does not bother Orozco. He is more focused on the fact that it will be his first 6-round bout.

“I’m not necessarily nervous, just anxious,” he assured. “But physically and mentally I’d say I’m ready.”

The 22-year-old was originally scheduled to face Christian Favela (17W-23L, 10KO’s) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico but found out days before the fight he would be facing Orrantia instead. Luckily, his trainer said the two opponents have a lot in common.

“I’m just going to box the guy,” the orthodox fighter said. “He’s a bit of a slugger. I’m going to work the jab.”

Orozco said his best punch would be his left hook. He feels more dominant with that hand. He also tries to remain dominant in the ring.

“I’m aggressive. I like to push forward. Right now I’m trying to become more of a technical fighter,” he said. “I always try to see what the guy has the first round. I want to be at a good pace where I can have a good reaction time.”

The Tecate resident has been training hard ever since he found out he was scheduled to fight in February. He trains out of the Community Youth Athletic's Center in National City with Carlos Barragan Jr. and occasionally Barragan Sr.

He obtained his nickname, “Simple Man” from his trainers. It wasn’t because of his style in the ring, but his demeanor outside of it.

“I’m real calm, I don’t really speak much,” he hesitated. “I’m real relaxed, very mellow.”

He even remains quiet and focused during his fights.

“I just block everything out, I’m real focused on the ring and not getting hit,” he said. “I’m in my own little world. I’m just focused on the guy in front of me.”

Focus is key to winning any fight. Not just during the fight, but focusing while training before the big day. Orozco said the hardest part about preparing is cutting weight. What he enjoys most is the hard work it takes leading up to the event.

“My favorite part about boxing is the preparation,” he said. “Getting ready for the fight takes a lot of discipline.”

Orozco knows a thing or two about discipline.

While living in Kansas, he won the Ringside Nationals in 2004. That same year, he competed in the Junior Olympics and won the bronze in Louisiana and took silver in Texas. He earned the opportunity to compete in the National Golden Gloves but chose to graduate high school instead. It’s a decision he stands by today.

“When I was getting ready to graduate my mom told me I could go back to California as long as I gave her a diploma,” he said. “So I did. I had to take night classes when it got closer to graduation, but I did it and I’m glad.”

He began boxing around the age of 10. His dad was pushing him to join a sport. He tried soccer and wrestling but didn’t care for either of them… and then he found boxing. It started out as a hobby, something he never thought he’d be doing professional, but he’s glad that he is.

“Now that I’m boxing it’s so much fun,” he smiled. “I would say my wishes have come true.”

Orozco said the upcoming fight is his main focus and that he is not trying to get ahead of himself by looking for his next challenge. He’s trying to keep his priorities straight, and of course, keep things simple.

“Everybody wants to be a world champion,” he said. “That’s the main goal. I just want to have a home, an investment, have a family.”

Written by : Brandi Perez [San Diego Fights / www.sandiegofights.com]