THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 15, 2022
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Mesa boxer Micky Scala aims for 6-0 start BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor
T
here was once a time in Micky Scala’s life where his peers at Westwood High School would shrug off his claim of becoming a professional boxer. They thought his claims were baseless. His innocent demeanor made them believe he wasn’t cut out for a violent sport of that kind. But now, two years later, those same peers are buying tickets to see the 19-year-old fight. Whether it be in Las Vegas or right in his own backyard in Phoenix and Glendale, his fan base has grown and day by day he’s becoming more of a household name in Mesa and across the state and country. “It’s funny, I will be running, and I’ll be at the canal light where you press the button waiting to cross,” Scala said. “A car will stop and honk and say, ‘Micky!’ I don’t even recognize them but they’re supporting me, so I give them a little wave as I continue to jog. Stuff like that is truly amazing. “It’s not at a crazy level but it’s starting. It’s cool to go to different places and be recognized as a boxer representing Mesa.” Scala had his first boxing match at just eight years old. Before that, he had spent years watching his older brother and father in the ring. Their love for the sport quickly impacted him, as he realized it was also his calling. Scala continued to fight as an amateur until he was 17. He made his professional debut in Mexico and won by unanimous decision. His second fight he won by knockout. It was after that second fight he started to become noticed by major boxing promoters. Mayweather Promotions, owned by legendary boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather, was one of those. The promotion company signed Scala to their brand. A short time later, the pandemic struck. “I’ve had three fights since October when we were allowed to start fighting again,” Scala said. “So, I’ve been busy. I just
It’s an opportunity he and conditioning workout. is looking forward to. Working out three times a day can be “As a kid you imagine exhausting, but it’s what he has to do to yourself fighting in a make weight before fights. And his goals big arena in your home- help him stay disciplined. town,” Scala said. “My Scala aims to become one of the biggest group is coming loud. I’m names in boxing. He wants to be featured very excited to do what I on the main card or as the main event do in front of my friends at a major arena. He wants to hear his and family. The energy is name called with thousands in the stands. going to trickle to every- Whether they cheer or boo him, that body. It’s just awesome doesn’t matter. fighting in your homeHe wants to look back at highlights from town, especially in a big his bouts on national television. But overvenue. all, he wants to represent Mesa, Arizona “I can really see the and most importantly, his family on boxsupport that I’ve ob- ing’s biggest stage. And that starts on Sattained.” urday in Glendale. Since becoming a pro, “I’m super excited. The closer the fight Scala has focused in on gets, the more ready I am to get in the how he treats his body ring,” Scala said. “I know I’m ready. And I leading up to fights. He know I’m going to do exactly what I need runs four miles a day to do to perform at a high level.” every morning and eats Scala’s bout against Plazola will take place a meal-prepped break- Saturday, May 21 at Gila River Arena in GlenMesa native Micky Scala is aiming to improve his profession- fast. He then has time to dale as part of Premier Boxing Champions al boxing record to 6-0 Saturday, May 21 when he faces Mike relax before he heads to beginning at 4 p.m. Phoenix native David “El Plazola at Gila River Arena in Glendale as part of Premier Boxing a boxing gym to train in Bandera Roja” Benavídez will headline the Champions. (Courtesy Micky Scala) the early afternoon. After event. Tickets can be purchased online at hope one day to bring a world title back to that, he goes through his daily strength www. gilariverarena.com/events. ■ this city.” Now 5-0 in his career, he aims to capture his sixth win on Saturday, May 21 at Gila River Arena in Glendale against Mike Plazola (2-1). It will be one of the largest venues Scala has fought in since the start of his career. Recently, he fought at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. He said that was a completely new experience for him in a bigger venue in the entertainment capital of the world. He’s also fought at Footprint Center in Phoenix, home to the Suns who he grew up watching. But in that bout, only the lower bowl was filled. He expects Gila River Arena to be open seating at every level. He estimates over 100 of his friends and family will be there Since being allowed to fight again after the pandemic, Scala has been busy with three bouts to cheer him on, with more joining in once since October. He aims to keep going and representing Mesa, Arizona and his family at a high they realize an undercard bout features level. Ultimately, he aims to bring a world championship back to his hometown in the near future. (Courtesy Micky Scala) someone from nearby Mesa.
