Las Cruces native Ariana Carrasco set to do battle on Aug. 7 El Paso boxing card

One of New Mexico's best-ever amateur boxers has found herself in the spotlight on the professional stage.

Las Cruces native Ariana Carrasco, who won 12 national championships as an amateur boxer, will compete in her second professional bout against British fighter Chanisse Jenner on a Red Owl Boxing card at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, TX. The event will stream live on DAZN at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7.

Carrasco's first professional bout in March technically ended in a victory against Tennielle Young, but Young walked out of the ring before the fight began and forfeited. Barring another circumstance like that, Carrasco's bout against the pro-debuting Jenner will be her first taste of pro boxing action.

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Carrasco has sparred with WBA female lightweight champion Stephanie Han ahead of the event.

"I want to make a statement in this fight," Carrasco told the El Paso Times . "I want to showcase all the hard work I've put in. It's been about five months since I had a fight. Training camp has gone well and I feel good. I plan on staying busy the rest of the year."

Another Las Cruces native, Devon Garcia, will also compete on the card against Patrick Harris of Killeen, TX. Garcia will seek to maintain his 4-0 unbeaten record and earn his fifth pro knockout in five pro fights.

Hear from Carrasco herself as she continues her professional career.

How has training camp been for you for this fight?

"It’s been good. I’ve just keeping myself on track with my nutrition, with boxing and with sparring."

What do you know about your opponent, and what do you think the keys are for you to be successful against her?

"I don’t know too much.  She doesn’t have a huge amateur background. It’s also her pro debut, so there’s a lack of experience we might be able to capitalize on. We did get to see some video of her and I think my keys to victory will be punching down the middle, keeping my guard tight and pushing the pressure because I think she doesn’t know how to fight backwards."

How do you describe your fighting style?

"I like to counter. I like to keep my distance. I like to place my punches. I don’t like wasting punches. I want to use my ring IQ from all of the amateur experience — over 80 amateur fights — that I have."

Tell us what happened in your last fight that gave you the fastest KO in fight history after your opponent walked out of the ring before the fight even started and while you were being introduced by the ring announcer?

"With all the experience I have and my accolades, I think I just scared her off — scared off the competition. I did not expect that to happen to me, so I was in shock. I didn’t know how to react. Obviously, though, you can’t make someone fight and I’m not going to pressure someone to fight me."

You have a lot going on in your life with your military experience and your status as a member of the National Guard.  What makes you want to box professionally?

"It’s always been a dream of mine. ever since I was younger. I tried to take a different route at first and go to the Olympics but, since then, I’ve always wanted to turn pro and see where I can go with that. I’m excited to fight this time in front of a lot of supporters from my hometown (Las Cruces). That makes a world of difference when you fight."

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces native Ariana Carrasco set to do battle on Aug. 7 El Paso boxing card

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