Miami, FL, USA (November 4, 2023) - Jonathan Guidry is gearing up for a fight against Jesus Escalara on the Don King-promoted boxing card in Miami, but he's not taking his opponent lightly.

Escalara, a native of Puerto Rico residing in Riverview, Florida, began his professional career just over a year ago at the age of 43. In contrast, Guidry, a Dulac native, has been in the professional boxing scene since 2014.

Escalara's record boasts 19 fights, all won by knockout, and none of them extending past four rounds. This impressive record surpasses even Mike Tyson's early career performance. Guidry, on the other hand, has 11 knockouts in his 22 fights.

However, it's essential to note that nearly all of Escalara's fights took place in Colombia against opponents with poor records, including one who had a 0-19 record. His only prior fight on American soil occurred in Biloxi, where he secured a first-round knockout, earning the vacant Mississippi heavyweight championship.

Guidry, ranked No. 13 worldwide by the WBA, holds a more legitimate minor belt, the NABF title, which he aims to defend in his upcoming bout.

Jonathan Guidry emphasized the importance of not underestimating any opponent, acknowledging Escalara's extended involvement in the boxing world and his consistent knockout victories. He also mentioned that Escalara tends to be a bully in the ring, and if that happens in their fight, Guidry won't shy away from retaliation.

Despite acknowledging that he hasn't trained extensively for this match, Guidry will step into the ring weighing 273 pounds, the heaviest of his career. In contrast, Escalara, who weighed 220 pounds a year ago but was in the 270s for his past four fights, has slimmed down to 254 pounds for this bout.

Both fighters recognize the significance of this match. Escalara, the perceived underdog, appreciates the opportunity to face someone of Guidry's caliber and aims to prove his worth.

Guidry, while expressing respect for Escalara, is somewhat frustrated that he hasn't secured a stronger opponent for this fight. He aspires to challenge former WBA champion Trevor Bryan, whom he faced to a split decision in January 2022, and who also appears on the same card as part of Don King's 92nd birthday celebration.

Guidry desires to step up to more significant challenges and larger paychecks, indicating his willingness to rematch with Trevor Bryan in December if both fighters emerge from their upcoming bouts in good condition.

"I don't want to get ahead of myself," Guidry said, "but it's time I jumped up into something better and got some bigger paychecks. I'm ranked and feel like I can put on a good show against anyone."

He added, "I wanted a rematch with Trevor for this one, but we couldn't agree on the money. If we both come out of this one in good shape, there's no reason we can't fight in December."

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