As an amateur Escobedo boxed out of the Woodland Boxing Club.
Escobedo represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, winning one bout and losing one bout. He qualified for the Olympic Games by ending up in first place at the 1st AIBA American 2004 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tijuana, Mexico
Escobedo started off his career with nine straight wins, followed by a loss to Daniel Jimenez. He fought eleven more fights, winning all of them, including wins against former champions Carlos Hernandez and Kevin Kelly. On September 19, 2009, he fought Michael Katsidis for the interim WBO lightweight title, but lost the bout by split decision. On November 6, 2010, he was defeated by Robert Guerrero via unanimous decision, Escobedo was knocked down twice by Guerrero. In 2012 he lost another title fight by TKO in the 5th round to Adrien Broner. On February 16, 2013, Escobedo was knocked out by Edner Cherry in the 6th round. (he was down once in the 2nd round and twice in the 6th). In September 2013 Escobedo suffered his third consecutive loss by KO to Fernando Carcamo, Escobedo was Ko'd in round 2. Overall, he has compiled a record of 25 wins (14 by knockout), and 6 losses.