Last weekend former heavyweight boxer Lou Esa watched MMA fighter Claudio Ledesma improve his professional MMA record to 6-2. Since last year Ledesma has been working with Esa to improve his boxing in an effort to enhance his overall fight game.
“Claudio’s a great kid; he is like a sponge, always looking to learn more and never is complacent,” said Esa. “His background is in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and through his hard work he has become a very dangerous fighter with his hands. The proof is in the results. In his last two fights he outworked both his opponents with his standup game en route to two unanimous decisions.”
Former heavyweight boxer Lou Esa established himself as a hard-nosed, strong handed fighter back in the 1970’s. Having the opportunity to train with Dwaine Simpson, Esa developed proper technique and training from the onset of his career.
A few years ago Esa began training amateur and up-and-coming fighters, and has since expanded into management. In addition to Claudio Ledesma, Esa also works with middleweight boxing prospect Richard Pierson, boxing up-and-comer Thomas Baldwin, and The Ultimate Fighter’s Andy Main.
Esa is adamant about all MMA fighters having an experienced boxing coach to hone their standup skills.
“Every MMA fight starts with the fighters on their feet, and a strong set of hands can easily dictate the pace of the fight,” said Esa. “The perfect example is when Georges St. Pierre closed Josh Koscheck’s eye at UFC 124 by utilizing his jab. He was able to control the fight and keep Koscheck at bay, and won an easy decision.
Esa currently trains out of Final Round Boxing and Fitness in Whippany, New Jersey. For more information visit Winning Method Management’s Facebook page or www.finalroundboxingandfitness.com.
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