Bravo continues to enjoy celebrity status

Wednesday afternoon, dozens of camera-ready fans flocked to the Clubhouse Bar and Grill at Casino Del Sol in Tucson to catch a glimpse of one of Southern Arizona’s most popular athletes.

Norberto “Nito” Bravo, 36, was greeted prior to Wednesday’s weigh-in not like an average boxer, but more like a celebrity.

“We had some of our tribal members asking to see if they could get Nito’s autograph before the fight,” said Pasqua Yaqui Tribal Leader Peter Yucupicio. “It’s a real honor to have him fight here.”

Last night’s bout against last-second fill-in Jaime Barhona drew thousands of boxing enthusiasts to the AVA Amphitheater to see “El Gallito” return to his hometown.

“We love Nito,” said weigh-in attendant Luis Lopez. “He’s such a warrior, and he represents our hometown to the fullest.”

Lopez, an electrician and father of three, said his family watched every episode of “The Contender,” even hosting a handful of parties on the nights Bravo fought.

With flash bulbs greeting the former “Contender” star’s entrance, he was treated like the conquering hero.

Not bad for someone who gave up the sport nearly 15 years ago.

Before Bravo discovered his niche as a reality-TV boxing star, he was struggling to find his identity in the sport.

After suffering a second-round knockout to Jose Antonio Ocampo in 1992, Bravo didn’t set foot in the ring until 2001, when he made the jump from the lightweight division to welterweight.

It took Bravo two years to get comfortable before going on an 8-0-1 tear, with many sold-out appearances at the Desert Diamond Casino.

But, ironically, it was a loss that might have helped Bravo’s career the most.

In March 2005, he battled top-flight welterweight prospect Demetrius Hopkins—nephew of legendary fighter Bernard Hopkins—for 10 brutal rounds before losing a decision.

Hopkins, who still remains undefeated, said after the bout that Bravo was one of the toughest fighters he had ever faced.

“I think it’s impossible for Nito to be in a bad fight,” said boxing Hall-of-Fame member Don Chargin, the promoter of last night’s fight card.

After the Hopkins bout, Bravo’s fanbase had grown considerably, drawing attention from “Contender” producer Sugar Ray Leonard.

The former world champion had promoted a handful of Bravo’s bouts at the DDC, and hoped his gritty style would win over viewers.

Bravo became the breakout star of last year’s show and has parlayed his television stardom into a level of success he never dreamed possible.

“The show has opened doors for me that I could never have expected,” Bravo said. “But it’s always the best when I get to perform in front of the outstanding Tucson boxing fans who have supported me from the start.”

Bravo last stepped in the ring on Feb. 17, with his celebrity status earning him a last-minute fill-in spot on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” card against top-flight prospect, Andre Berto.

However, Berto made quick work of Bravo, stopping him in round one of a scheduled 10.

“I learned a lot in that bout, and now I’m ready to step in there and give the fans a show,” Bravo said.

Editor’s note: Last night’s fights at the AVA Amphitheater took place after this paper’s deadline. Check Sunday’s edition of the Green Valley News for a full recap of the pugilistic action.

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