Tulare's Richard Torrez Jr. wins in pro debut

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- 22-year-old Richard Torrez Jr. burst onto the scene at the Tokyo Olympics this past summer, taking home a silver medal in the super heavyweight division.

And Friday night in front of thousands at the Save Mart Center, Torrez Jr. walked home on top in his professional debut, making quick work of Allen Melson by KO in the second round.

"You know going to the Olympics, there was no crowd and so I hit the guy and there's nothing," Torrez Jr. said. "I walk in the ring and there's an explosion of applause."

An infectious energy Torrez Jr. used to his advantage in front of a hometown crowd.

"To be in front of my hometown, well my home audience is unimaginable," Torrez Jr. said. "I mean that's going to go down in the history books as one of my favorite fights ever, no matter what."

For now, Torrez Jr. is staying humble and says he's proud to represent the city he calls home.

Avenal's Jose Ramirez also walks home with victory tonight with a unanimous decision against Jose Pedraza, as his quest to reclaim the 140-pound belt begins.