John Whisler

San Antonio

Senior Reporter at The San Antonio Express-News

Express-News Staff Writer

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Articles

San Antonio boxer Mario Barrios preparing for Manny Pacquiao "in his prime"

3 weeks ago | expressnews.com | John Whisler

A year ago when it was first proposed, the notion of a Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao fight sounded crazy. Article continues below this adAfter all, Pacquiao, one of the greatest champions and most charismatic figures of his era, looked old in his last fight four years ago and today, at 46, is considered a senior citizen. Even in the anything-goes sport of boxing. A year ago, Pacquiao had more important things on his mind than a return to the ring.
Ramon Cardenas loses title thriller to Naoya Inoue by eighth-round

1 month ago | expressnews.com | John Whisler

In the end, the "Monster" lived up to billing and proved to be too much for "Dinamita" on Sunday night. But San Antonio's Ramon Cardenas (26-2, 14 KOs), a prohibitive underdog, drew high praise for taking the fight to one of boxing's great fighters. Naoya Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) of Japan remained undefeated and undisputed super bantamweight champion, overcoming a second-round knockdown to beat Cardenas by TKO in thrilling fashion at T-Mobile Arena.
'Bam' Rodriguez to defend title, unify super flyweight belts July 19 in Frisco

1 month ago | expressnews.com | John Whisler

San Antonio super flyweight champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez has announced he is returning to action in his home state of Texas this summer. Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs), the WBC champion, is hoping to unify the belts in the 115-pound, super flyweight division by taking on WBO champion Phumelela Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs) of South Africa on July 19 from the Star's Ford Center in Frisco (DAZN).
Humble start delivers San Antonio's Ramon Cardenas to big stage for title fight

1 month ago | expressnews.com | John Whisler

Boxing can be a low-blow sport, outside the ring as well as inside it. But that hasn't stopped Ramon Cardenas. Never one to discourage easily, Cardenas didn't hesitate whenever money was in short supply earlier in his career. Article continues below this adOften this meant side gigs as a rideshare or meal delivery driver. Not that long ago, either.
Without veteran leader, San Antonio boxing team takes aim at state Golden Gloves tournament

Mar 11, 2025 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

The scheduled departure for Fort Worth was just 48 hours away when Bianca Ortega got the bad news from her coaches: A lack of competition in her weight class would knock her out of the upcoming Texas State Golden Gloves tournament. The good news? It means she wins by walkover at state to advance to the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions, May 11-18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "I have mixed emotions," Ortega said. "I'm grateful to get to go to nationals, but I trained hard and was ready to fight.
San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas lands dream fight against Japanese star

Mar 10, 2025 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

Ramon Cardenas had just picked up his food order and was walking back to his car when his phone buzzed. Michael Miller was on the line. A respected litigator by trade, Miller has made a name for himself in the boxing business as a fight manager, with a client list that includes 18 world champions, from San Antonio's own "Jesse" James Leija to Timothy Bradley, Kelly Pavlik and Nonito Donaire. Miller called with startling news.
Ramon Cardenas survives knockdown to win 14th straight fight

Feb 9, 2025 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

His knockout streak is over, but Ramon Cardenas did well to survive Saturday night. The San Antonio super bantamweight contender overcame a seventh-round knockdown and hung on to defeat Bryan Acosta of Mexico by unanimous decision in a non-title fight at The Boeing Center at Tech Port, extending his winning streak to 14 straight matches. Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) won by scores of 95-94, 95-94 and 97-92. He got off to a fast start, winning the first six rounds on two of the three judges' scorecards.
San Antonio boxer Ramon Cardenas could put himself in world title picture with win Saturday

Feb 7, 2025 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

Upon arriving in training camp in California's Coachella Valley six weeks ago, Ramon Cardenas was greeted with a message from trainer Joel Diaz. Despite the San Antonio super bantamweight's success, Diaz has made it clear he wants Cardenas to be more aggressive early in fights, to throw punches with a purpose from the opening bell. Not to sit back. Not to wait until the middle or late rounds to get going.
Manny Pacquiao out, as Mario Barrios gets fight on Mike Tyson-Jake Paul undercard

Sep 16, 2024 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

Apparently tired of waiting on Manny Pacquiao to make up his mind, Mario Barrios has decided to move on. After four months of negotiating to fight the future Hall of Famer ended in failure, the San Antonio welterweight (29-2, 18 KOs) announced Monday he is returning to the ring Nov. 15 to defend his WBC 147-pound crown against Abel Ramos (28-6-2, 22 KOs) of Casa Grande, Ariz.
San Antonio boxer Mario Barrios wary of Maidana name in Cinco de Mayo matchup

May 3, 2024 | star-telegram.com | John Whisler

May 3-On a cool December night 11 years ago, Marcos Maidana put his machismo and tough-guy persona on display at the Alamodome. For 12 rounds, Maidana used his genuine dislike for his opponent to bully and batter trash-talking Adrien Broner, a three-division champion, and shocked the crowd of 11,000 with a convincing upset victory. The fight turned the Argentine warrior into a household name in the United States.