Walsh Faces Barretto in Irvine Tonight

IRVINE — La Mirada welterweight Mike Walsh will put his flashy 15-1-3 record on the line tonight against lefty Juan Carlos Barretto of Los Angeles in the Irvine Marriott’s co-main event.

Walsh is coming off a one-round technical draw in June at the Marriott against Omar Pacheco of Sonora, Mexico.

Walsh opened a cut over Pacheco’s eye in the first round. The referee ruled the cut was caused by a head butt and the fight was called a draw.

Walsh has had his way in most of his recent bouts at the Marriott, but he might get tested by Barretto (13-13-3 with six knockouts), who is known for his aggressive nature.

In the other main event, Huntington Beach bantamweight Johnny Vasquez will try to shake off a disappointing six-round decision loss to Jesus Jimenez of Tijuana. Vasquez (5-4 with four knockouts), who is hoping for a shot at the California bantamweight title, will fight Jose Luis Orejel (7-6-2 with three knockouts) of Tijuana. Orejel is coming off an impressive first-round knockout victory in August.

The three-fight undercard begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $30 and $35.