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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco has distinguished |
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himself through his exceptional achievements in the sport of |
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boxing, earning a world title and compiling an unbeaten record; and |
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WHEREAS, The son of Omar Figueroa Sr. and Judith Figueroa, |
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Omar Figueroa Jr. was introduced to the sport at age six by his |
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father, who has served as his son's trainer for much of his career; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Omar Figueroa Jr. first proved his abilities in the |
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amateur ranks, winning a Golden Gloves state title in 2007; that |
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triumph helped convince him to turn professional, and he notched |
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his first pro victory on June 6, 2008, at the age of 18; earning the |
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nickname "Panterita," or "little panther," for his aggressive style |
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in the ring, he won each of his first eight bouts by knockout or |
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technical knockout, and none of the fights extended past three |
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rounds; by 2012, he was taking on other rising contenders in the |
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135-pound weight class, and key wins against Michael Perez and |
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Abner Cotto earned him a shot at the title; and |
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WHEREAS, On July 27, 2013, Mr. Figueroa stepped into the ring |
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with Nihito Arakawa, and after a thrilling 12-round battle, |
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Panterita was named the victor by unanimous decision, claiming the |
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lightweight world championship; he defeated two challengers in 2014 |
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before relinquishing the title later that year after injuries |
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prevented him from defending it; and |
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WHEREAS, Despite the setback, this determined fighter scored |
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two wins in 2015; following an extended layoff, he returned to |
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action on July 15, 2017, against Robert Guerrero, another former |
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champion; proving that he is once again in top form, Panterita |
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earned a commanding victory in the welterweight class, overcoming |
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his opponent in just three rounds; the fight marked his 19th career |
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knockout and raised his overall record to 27 wins and 1 draw; and |
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WHEREAS, One of the most exciting boxers to emerge from the |
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Lone Star State in recent years, Omar Figueroa Jr. has become a |
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source of great pride to his fellow Texans, and he is indeed |
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deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Omar Figueroa |
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Jr. on his accomplishments as a professional boxer and extend to him |
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sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Figueroa as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |