Exclusive: Richard Torrez Jr. Reflects on Recent Win, Olympic Lessons, and Future Fight Plans

On Friday, September 20, unbeaten American heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) won the NABF junior heavyweight title by DQ, with Joey Dawejko (28-12-4, 16 KOs) constantly warned for spitting out his gumshield and having already lost two points for the same offence. This bout occurred on the undercard of Jaime Munguía vs. Erik Bazinyan in the main event of a Top Rank Promotions card at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Fights fans in the United States could catch the action on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes while those in the United Kingdom could watch on Sky Sports. Following this latest win, Torrez Jr. has spoken exclusively to TJ Rives at Big Fight Weekend about his most recent win, his Olympic lessons and a rematch he wants in the future.

Richard Torrez Jr. Talks Recent Win and Olympic Experience

Torrez Discusses Future Fights and Areas for Improvement

Torrez Jr. once again impressed in his latest fight, dismantling Dawejko, whose DQ saved him from further punishment as the Tulare native gradually upped the pace and picked his punches brilliantly with power and venom aplenty. The increase in pace saw him start to break down his opponent which led to the eventual fifth-round DQ.

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Reflecting on that recent triumph, the unbeaten American said: “I feel good after that win. I feel like camp went really well and we were able to show it in the ring and I think I was able to to show a little bit different side to who I am as a fighter and I’m grateful for it.”

The heavyweight fighter was then asked if he was happy with his progress in 2024: “I am. I am happy with the progress I’m making. I feel like I have a really good team behind me with Top Rank and ESPN.”

To hear the Richard Torrez Jr. interview with TJ Rives, click the play button below.

Olympic Lessons

Looking back on his time at the 2020 Olympics where he won a silver medal, Torrez Jr. said: “It gave me a lot of experience how to handle different fighters” He continued: “I think that the amateurs really taught me and gave me ability on how to adapt and conquer.”

When asked if he would like to fight Bakhodir Jalolov again and avenge his Olympic defeat, Torrez said: “I think so. I would love to be able to have that fight again and I think it would go a little differently now that we have a lot more rounds.”

He added: “It’s whoever is in front of me right now and whoever Top Rank gives me.” 

Staying Active and Improvements

TJ asked Torrez when he would like to be back in the ring, and the Californian said without hesitation: “Before the end of the year. Hopefully as soon as I can. I love fighting and hopefully I can continue this wave so I don’t have to do a full camp again.” 

Talking about where he wants to improve: “I want to keep my hands up more.”

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He added: “I was looking at some of the guys before, Canelo and those guys and they keep their hands up so high and I’m going to try and be like that.”

Towards the end of the interview, the American fighter revealed fighters he admires and interestingly described the influence Lomachenko has on his career: “One guy I love his work and was the reason I started going to dance classes was Lomachenko. I love what he does.” 

Torrez Jr. seemingly remains focused on improvements, and it’s clear the 2020 Olympic silver medallist wants to stay active to sharpen his skills and progress toward bigger challenges in the heavyweight division.