PHARR – “The King” is making his triumphant return and it’s not Elvis Presley.

After suffering his first professional loss to Allen Conyers (11-4) by unanimous decision back in January of 2011, Harlingen’s “King” James De La Rosa has a totally new focus as he makes his return to the ring on March 23^rd and will face Tyrone Brunson (21-1-1, 20 KO’s) in the co-main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Pharr Events Center.

De La Rosa said that he can’t wait to step into that squared circle after a year of inactivity.

“It feels great to make my boxing return in the Rio Grande Valley,” said De La Rosa. “Not being able to fight for over a year has been very frustrating for me. But in a way it has been a blessing for me too. I was able to sharpen up my boxing skills and get some great sparring in as well.”

“The time off helped me become a totally different person and it will be shown on March 23^rd.”

De La Rosa (20-1, 12 KO’s) feels that suffering that first loss in his professional career has given him a completely new outlook in boxing.

“That first loss was a wake-up call for me,” said De La Rosa. “It has helped me refocus and only think of boxing. I am going to put into it what I get out of it and see how it pays off.”

“Before, I was relying on my talents but it seems my talent only got me so far. I opened my eyes and decided to develop a whole new persona. I am a whole new James De La Rosa. I have stepped up my training and sparring to a whole new level and my road work has become extremely intense. Also, I worked a lot with Robert Garcia and he showed me some things that have really helped me. I feel completely renewed and can’t wait to let the new me out.”

De La Rosa has one final message for the boxing fans out pertaining to his fight on March 24^th.

“The King is coming back better and badder than ever and I hope to see all the fans come out. You definitely won’t want to miss this.”