Patrick Nascimento believes he has Brazil’s next big star on his hands.
The youthful boxing manager Nascimento has a quality eye for talent, as proven by his guidance of Patrick Teixeira to the title stage. The current hot project on his plate is rising junior bantamweight knockout artist Andres Gregorio.
“He will be one of the big names in the 115lbs division,” Nascimento insisted to BoxingScene. “I believe in his potential, and he has everything it takes to become a world champion.”
The next step comes in an April 12 clash with Venezuela’s Victor Matute, 14-4 (12 KOs). Gregorio, 12-0-1 (12 KOs), will defend a WBA regional title in their scheduled co-feature from Arena Tempermax in Sorocaba, Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The fight is viewed as an important one in the development of Gregorio, a 26-year-old fast-rising contender.
Although a shot at a major title is not yet on the horizon, the idea is to advance Gregorio through the rankings. He is currently rated No. 11 by the WBA at junior bantamweight. The current titlist is Fernando “Pumita” Martinez, 17-0 (9 KOs), who will next defend on May 11 in a rematch with former four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka, 31-3-1 (16 KOs).
Gregorio’s upcoming bout with Matute should go chalk. Matute, a 32-year-old El Tigre native, has been stopped in each of his four defeats.
More than anything else, the fight is a means to get Gregorio back in the ring – he has not fought since last July – and on track for what his team hopes will be a breakout 2025 campaign.
“I am very happy to be among the best in the world, in the WBA world ranking No. 11,” Gregorio told BoxingScene. “On April 12, I will be defending my Fedelatin title. I am super-trained to be victorious and climb the WBA ranking and reach the world title.”
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