LAS VEGAS -- Blaise Soares knew he made the right decision to leave Hawaii behind the moment he walked into the entryway of Top Rank Inc., seven months ago. Las Vegas is the
right place for SoaresDecorating the walls were fight posters of some of the greatest bouts ever held in the boxing capitol of the world. There was Sugar Ray Leonard staring down Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Next to them were two more posters of Leonard, this time posing with Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns in their two unforgettable fights.
Down the hall toward the massive gym that houses two rings, numerous speed bags and plenty of exercise equipment were pictures of former world champions Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Donald Curry.
If that wasn't enough to open the eyes of the 22-year-old boxer from Waianae, one day Oscar De La Hoya walked into the gym to prepare for his recent title bout with Hector "Macho" Camacho.
For Soares and many boxing hopefuls like him, De La Hoya represents what can happen when talent, hard work, and the right blend of charisma outside the ring and savvy in it, come together to produce a true world champion.
"Oscar trains here when he's in Las Vegas," Soares said. "The first time he came in, it was such a rush to see him standing there talking to the guys.
"I was so nervous. I didn't really know what to say. But he's really a good guy. My last fight was on the undercard of the Camacho fight at the Thomas and Mack Center.
"When I stepped into the ring, I knew this is what I had been waiting for, that moving here was the right decision for me. I was so excited, I had to keep telling myself to relax and don't rush things. That's really the key for me."
TAKING things as they come is something Top Rank trainer Ken Adams is trying to instill in his young protege. The former coach of the U.S. Olympic team, who was in Kennedy McKinney's corner when he defeated Jesus Salud for the IBF title bout several years ago, says Soares has potential.
The problem is, Soares doesn't have enough ring experience to step in with the big boys just yet. Adams believes he will be ranked some day after witnessing the power Soares displayed in his five pro wins without a loss.
"But we've got a lot of things we're working on, trying to get his speed up," Adams said. "We're working on defense and making him put combinations together. He's coming along, but I want him to do more in the ring."
Soares feels fortunate to have someone of Adams' caliber in his corner. Right now, Adams wants to fight Soares every month to keep him busy. Soares also has a steady job at a local rent-a-car company to take care of the bills.
"Las Vegas is so much cheaper to live than Hawaii, plus I have a good job that keeps the money coming in," Soares said. "I miss my girlfriend and our children. They came out in the summer, but she got homesick and left.
"One day, I'd like to fight in Hawaii as much as I can, just like Jesus Salud did. But right now, I want to take things slow and work on the little things to become an improved fighter. I've still got a long way to go."
ADAMS already has Soares pointing toward Mike Reid, who barely beat him in an amateur fight two years ago. Reid went on to win the gold medal in the 1996 U.S. Olympics and recently captured a bout on the USA Network.
"I saw the film of Soares and Reid when they fought as amateurs," Adams said. "I told Blaise he could have beat the guy if he had more experience in the ring."
Soares, whose parents came to see him on the De La Hoya card, agrees. He has to take it one fight at a time.
"It was great being on that undercard, but it's back to business," Soares said. "It's up to me to make the most of this opportunity."
Paul Arnett has been covering sports
for the Star-Bulletin since 1990.
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