Randy Caballero, one of ESPN’s top prospect to watch in 2012

ESPN’s Dan Rafael, one of the most respected boxing journalists out there, put out his top 25 prospects to watch for in 2012, and on the list is Coachella’s Randy Caballero, which is a major accomplishment.

What’s not to like about Caballero. He is one of those athletes who fights with flair and has a good deal of charisma. In the ring, he has an entertaining blend of speed and power. He’s willing to mix it up, but he can be a technician and fight on the outside of need be. The only criticism is he needs to work on his defense. He takes too many blows. It makes his fights entertaining, but also puts on mileage on his body way too early in his career.  

Caballero has been busy since turning pro, and it’s paid off with a WBC youth intercontinental title. He also woke up the echos at Fantasy Springs Casino, making it a great venue for boxing again. Hopefully, with the stamp of approval from ESPN, Golden Boy Promotions will take Caballero out on the road to give him some much needed exposure.

Credit has to go to Golden Boy for bring in some top young talent to Fantasy Springs. All five of the Golden Boy fighers — Sharif Bogere, Seth Mitchell, Leo Santa Cruz and Deontay Wilder — have all fought at Fantasy Springs.

Fantasy Springs is moving up for its next card on Jan. 6, as the fights will be televised on Showtime’s ShoBox The Next Generation, which is a showcase for the top young prospects. That’s the show where Timothy Bradley first began getting noticed and where he won his first world title.