Mike Alvarado

At the age of 38, Mike is a 14-year pro. A former WBO junior welterweight world champion, he won the “interim” title in March, 2013 – when WBO champion Juan Manuel Marquez moved up in weight to challenge for a welterweight world title, he vacated the 140-pound title and Mike was elevated to “world” champion. Mike moved up to the welterweight division in January, 2015.

He has been fighting at the top levels of competition and been in some of the most exciting fights in recent years.

Mike returned to the ring in in March, 2016, after 14 months off, and has won five fights in a row, four by knockout.

In his last fight on June 30 in Oklahoma City he won by ninth-round TKO against Martin Martinez.

Boxingscene.com’s Keith Idec reported [excerpts]: Mike Alvarado resumed his comeback by stopping a game Martin Martinez in Oklahoma City.

Alvarado beat Martinez by technical knockout after the ninth round in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Alvarado was bloodied and bruised himself before [the] referee determined that the nasty gash over Martinez’s left eye was too dangerous for him to compete in the final round.

Martinez made their fight competitive in its second half and seemed to buzz Alvarado with a right hand with just under 10 seconds to go in the ninth round. A ringside physician nearly stopped their bout with 31 seconds remaining in the ninth round due to Martinez’s cut, but he allowed the action to continue.

Alvarado sustained a cut over his left eye in the sixth round, but it didn’t bleed nearly as bad as Martinez’s wound. Martinez had some success in the sixth and seventh rounds, particularly with his left hook, as Alvarado appeared to start tiring.

Alvarado absorbed several left hooks in the early rounds, which caused some swelling beneath Alvarado’s right eye. By the third round, the cut that eventually led to the stoppage opened over Martinez’s left eye. [End Idec item]

In his post-fight interview, Mike said, “I felt like I did good. I was strong. It’s just that he was real awkward. I had been off for a long time, and I know what adjustments I have to make. I know what I got to do when I get back in the gym.

“I’m fine. I’ll be good. I’ll redeem myself. Time to get back to business.”

After his second-round TKO win against Matthew Strode on May 26, 2017, Mike said, “I cleansed my life. I’m staying very dedicated. I love what I do. I feel rejuvenated, like I have reinvented myself – I’m back! I’m here to make a statement.

“I’m ready to fight for a world title and have the will to become a world champion once again.”

Regarding his nickname, Mike said, “They call me ‘Mile High Mike.’ You know, coming from Colorado, the whole 5,280 mile-high elevation.”