Josh “Pitbull” Torres: Still Hungry for More

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – At 36 years old, Josh “Pitbull” Torres continues to show that age is just a number. The Albuquerque native remains one of New Mexico’s dedicated fighters, maintaining the kind of conditioning and physical shape that would make many younger fighters take notice.

Torres doesn’t look like a fighter approaching the later stages of his career. His commitment to training, conditioning, and staying ready has allowed him to continue competing while showing little indication of slowing down.

This Saturday, November 7, Torres will return to the ring at Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, where he will face Guero Sanchez in a welterweight rematch 13 years in the making. The bout will take place on the undercard of Abraham Perez’s main event.

In their original encounter, Torres came away with the victory. But despite having that win on his record, he isn’t overlooking Sanchez or assuming Saturday’s matchup will resemble their first fight.

Torres recognizes that Sanchez has developed considerably over the years, particularly in his last five or six fights. He also acknowledges that Sanchez has faced tougher competition during that stretch, something Josh is quick to give his opponent credit for.

Torres believes his own experience has made him a better fighter as well, but he understands that Sanchez will be a much tougher opponent this time around.

Thirteen years is a long time in boxing. Both fighters have matured, gained experience, and traveled different paths. For Torres, that makes this rematch an interesting challenge rather than simply an opportunity to repeat the result of their first meeting.

Respect Outside the Ring

Unlike some of the rivalries Torres has experienced throughout his career, including his past encounters with Christian Cabral, Saturday’s matchup with Sanchez carries a different feel.

There is no bad blood between Torres and Sanchez. In fact, both fighters have expressed their mutual respect and admiration for one another during separate interviews with Boxing New Mexico.

They like each other, and both understand that when it comes to Saturday night, it’s simply business.

Torres knows what it’s like to have a rivalry turn into something completely different. Reflecting on his past with Cabral, Torres talked about how much their relationship has changed over the years.

“I never thought that he would be at my house and him sparring. We couldn’t even be in the same room way back in the day. But now everything’s good,” Torres told Boxing New Mexico.

It’s a reflection of the maturity that comes with time in the sport.

That’s a different perspective from the younger Torres who once stepped into the ring with Cabral. Experience has brought not only growth as a fighter but also a different appreciation for the people he has competed against.

Still Plenty Left in the Tank

At 36, Torres continues to demonstrate that he isn’t ready to walk away from boxing. His conditioning, discipline, and willingness to take on challenges speak to a fighter who still has plenty left to accomplish.

Saturday’s rematch against Sanchez offers another opportunity to showcase that.

This isn’t about bad blood or settling a personal score. It’s about two of New Mexico’s top welterweights stepping into the ring, putting their skills to the test, and finding out how much they’ve developed since their first encounter 13 years ago.

For Torres, the respect is there, but once the bell rings, the competitive nature of the Pitbull will take over.

Thirteen years later, the two will meet again. And while much has changed since their first fight, one thing remains the same: Josh Torres still loves the sport and isn’t ready to slow down.