LYNN — Adalberto Zorrilla has been itching to step back into the boxing ring.
The native of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico who now calls Lynn “home” will end a three-year hiatus when he squares off with Lawrence’s Agustine Mauras next Saturday. The two will go punch-for-punch in a four-round bout at Castleton Banquet and Conference Center in Windham, New Hampshire next Saturday.
“I’m really motivated,” Zorrilla, 27, said in an interview conducted in Spanish. “I feel as though it’s my first boxing fight all over again.
“We’re working really hard. We’re working to be very prepared. It’s a four-round fight but we’re preparing as if it’s a six-round fight. You never know what can happen. We’re ready.”
The opportunity to resume his pro career isn’t one Zorrilla plans to take for granted.
“I’m grateful for being able to step back into the ring,” Zorrilla said. “I owe thanks to my father, Borreilis Zorrilla, my mother, Yalerin de la Rosa, and Melvin Gonzalez. Marvin helps me wake up and get to work. He really helps me charge my batteries.”
Zorrilla, who carries a 7-2 record since beginning his pro career in 2014, trains five days a week at Private Jewels Fitness under the close watch of Gonzalez and gym owner Alex Sepulveda.
“He’s a really high-skilled fighter,” Sepulveda said. “He has a high amateur background. He has a few losses as a pro but those losses came to high quality boxers. He’s a real contender. He was ranked high in Puerto Rico. He comes from a great background. This is his first bout in Massachusetts and that’s a really big deal. He’s excited to represent the city of Lynn.”
Zorrilla said he sees eye to eye with Sepulveda, which goes a long way in his development as a boxer.
“We understand each other,” Zorrilla said. “What I like about Alex is that he’s demanding. If he sees me doing something wrong, he tells me. When you need to fix something, you need to fix it regardless of whether or not you’re tired.”
Zorrilla moved to Lynn in 2017 and has spent the past three years becoming acclimated to his surroundings. He said he enjoys living in Lynn.
“I don’t come from a bad situation in Puerto Rico,” Zorrilla said. “But I feel more comfortable here. I love the environment. It’s a tranquil area. The gym is very close to me.”
The experience factor in next Saturday’s bout belongs to Mauras. The 29-year-old has 15 pro bouts on his resume, going 6-6-3 with three knockout wins over 67 rounds. Mauras has lost all six of his most recent fights.
“He has fought against good opponents,” Zorrilla said. “He’s fought at Madison Square Garden about four times. All I know is we’re well prepared for whatever happens that day.”
As for his mindset going into the fight, Zorrilla has a simple one.
“They say you have to have a winning mentality,” Zorrilla said. “I’m always ready to win. My main goal is to come in ready to work and do what I have to do to win.”
