Tag Archives: Angel Manfredy

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Special Guest Angel Manfredy

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Tom, Tony and Rich are back together again for another episode of the FNU Combat Sports Show. This week’s combat sports show touches on a variety of subjects, from UFC 216 to Andre Ward’s retirement. We also feature a special interview with former pro boxer Angel Manfredy.

 

Show Opening:

Angel Manfredy Interview:

boxing

Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Stops Jose Rodriguez in the third round

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO NIGHT BOXING: RAPID FIRE”
OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM KANSAS 
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The beginning of the end for Jose Rodriguez (R) against Nico Hernandez
(All pictures courtesy of Charles Yellowfeather)

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 18, 2017) – Wichita hero and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Nico Hernandez, dominated Jose “Mexican Diablo” Rodriguez in last night’s “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” main event, which aired on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” was a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.  TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.

  Nico Hernandez (R) battered Jose Rodriguez in a one-sided contest
The 21-year-old Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs) came out fast, rapidly firing combinations that consistently landed to his opponent’s head and body. Hernandez was as electric in the ring as the sky outside, battering the over-matched Rodriguez, finally dropping him midway through the second round.
The extremely sharp Hernandez floored Rodriguez again in the third with a right-left combination but the tough Mexican rose again. The onslaught continued briefly as the Olympian pounded Rodriguez (2-1, 2 KOs), knocking him down for the third time and final time as referee Kevin Champion counted him out at 2:38.
“I came out with a victory, it can’t get better than that,” Hernandez said after the fight. “I put him down a few times. I was happy with my performance. I was trying to get out of her to celebrate with my family and friends.

“I didn’t expect him to keep coming, getting up and still coming forward. I’ll talk to my promoter and coaches and see what’s next.”

 

Nico Hernandez celebrated his triumph at home in front of family and friends

Local favorite Noel Esqueda (7-3-2, 5 KOs), of Wichita, was unable to handle Mexican junior middleweight Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (13-3, 9 KOs), fighting out of Quad Cities (IL), in the co-featured event  The two fighters fought mostly on the inside as Ponce effectively landed overhand rights on his way to a six-round unanimous decision,
Kansas featherweight rivals Eric Vargas (3-0, 1 KO), of Garden City, and Winfield’s pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez (0-1) had fans screaming from start to finish in an entertaining match. The stronger Vargas outworked the game Tellez through most of their action-packed fight to earn a hard-fought win by four-round majority decision.
In the television opener, pro-debuting Kansas super middleweights Eddie Chavez (0-1), of Wichita, and Garden City’s Luis Fernando Juanez Jasso (1-0, 1 KO) went toe-to-toe from the opening bell until there was one minute left in the opening round, when Jasso suddenly dropped Chavez with a punishing right. Chavez beat the count but he was hurting. Jasso trapped Chavez on the ropes and unloaded seven unanswered punch until Chavez took a knee and referee Champion immediately stepped in to stop the fight.
Pro-debuting Brian Clements (0-0-1), fighting out of Topeka (KS), and Garden City veteran Bryant Montalvo (1-9-1) fought to a four-round draw in a back-and-forth contest.
Winfield (KS) light heavyweight “The Prince” Juan Hollingsworth (1-0-1, 1 KO) and pro-debuting Matt Dixon (0-0-1), of Tulsa (OK), fought to an entertaining four-round split draw in the opening bout of the evening.
 
Complete results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(all winners listed first))
MAIN EVENT — FLYWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
WKO3 (2:38)
Jose Rodriguez (2-1, 2 KOs), Markesan, WI
CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Limberth Ponce (13-3, 9 KOs), Rock Island, IL
WDEC6 (60-54, 58-56, 58-56)
Noel Esqueda (7-4-2, 5 KOs), Wichita, KS
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Juan Hollingsworth (1-0-1, 1 KO), Winfield, KS
D4 (39037, 37-39, 38-38)
Matt Dixon (0-0-1, 0 KO), Tulsa, OK.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Luis Fernando Juanez Jasso (1-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WTKO1 (2:26)
Eddie Chavez (0-1, 0 KO), Wichita, KS.
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Brian Clements (0-0-1), Topeka, KS
D4
Bryant Montalvo (1-9-1, 1 KO), Garden City, KS.
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Eric Vargas (3-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38)
Humberto Tellez (0-1), Winfield, KS
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

Hartman Arena extends Box Office hours To support ticket demand for this Saturday night’s “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” event Featuring 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Airing live on CBS Sports Network  

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 13, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez returns to the ring this Saturday night, June 17, at home in Wichita for his second professional fight, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Wichita-native Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) will face unbeaten Mexican flyweight Jose Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs)in the six-round main event.
Due to ticket demand in the local market and in anticipation of a sold-out event, Hartman Arena will be extending it box office hours tomorrow, (Wednesday, June 14) and Thursday, June 15from 10 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT.
In addition, Hartman Arena personnel will be selling tickets at Mort’s Cigar Bar this Friday night (June 16) for the official weigh in, open to the public and starting at 6 p.m. ET. Mort’s is located at 223 E.1st Street in North Wichita.
“We are tracking very well with ticket sales for this Saturday’s upcoming ‘KO Night Boxing’ featuring Kansas’ own Nico Hernandez,” said Jennifer Ferguson, Box Office Manager, Hartman arena. “We are anticipating a very strong walk up as well Saturday, which is why we have extended the box office hours and will have extra staff on hand to meet Saturday night’s demands. Tickets are also available to purchase.”
Hartman Arena: 8151 N Hartman Arena Drive, Park City, KS 67147
Ticket Prices:
  • $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt Rally towel, limited edition lanyard signed by Nico, a ticket to the official after-party at Hartman arena *Only 200 VIP seats left.
  • $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and rally towel.
  • $75.00, $35.00 $20.00.
Tickets may also be obtained in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or by calling Team Nico (Jeremiah) @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
All fights and fighters are subject to change
 
“We are thrilled with the response ‘KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire’ has received from fans there,” added John Andersen President of KO Night Boxing LLC. “In our first show in this market this past March 25th in nearby Mulvane, we had more than 3,100 come out to support Nico in his pro debut, and there was a televised University of Kansas NCAA tournament game the same night. Based on the feedback I am getting, we are looking at a sold out show this Saturday night. It should make for a very special night as this event will also be airing live across the country on CBS Sports Network, where boxing fans all across North America will see how passionate people here are about supporting their hometown hero, Nico Hernandez.”

INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Dedicated to building boxing in Wichita & across Kansas

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (June 1, 2017) – Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, is on a mission to establish his home as a real “fight town” like world champion Terence Crawford has done in Omaha, Nebraska.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Saturday, June 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, March 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which he knocked out Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Hernandez’ promoter, KO Night Boxing, LLC, is committed to showcasing Hernandez at home on national television, as well as provide a platform for young Kansas boxers for them to develop their skills and build intra-state rivalries as evident on this card.
“My plan is to do it like Terence Crawford has done in Omaha,” Hernandez explained. “I’m hoping it works out as well for me.  It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these fans and all the good, young boxers we have here.”
“This is a good opportunity for fighters from Wichita, across Kanas, to showcase their skills to the boxing world,” promoter John Andersen said. “Nico is giving all these other fighters a chance to do that by headlining our shows on CBS Sports Network. They need to fight to develop; otherwise, they’d have to travel far from home just to fight. They can build fanbases close to their hometowns.

“We’re an up-and-coming promotional company, much like Nico as a pro fighter, and together we want to build boxing across Kansas and build natural rivalries like we have on this card. Nico is the perfect fighter to do this because, in addition to being an Olympic medalist, he’s a great role model for young people in Wichita, and Kansas as a whole, to emulate. We’ve planted the boxing seed in Wichita, through Nico, and we feel that boxing is going to grow across the state where Nico is bigger than life.”

Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) meets Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-feature, while Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) takes on 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in the six-round match,
A prime example of a budding intrastate Kansas rivalry will be displayed in the televised opener as Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing, charity

June 3, NYC, Wilfred Benitez Fundraising event

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FUNDRAISER for three-time World Champion WILFRED “EL RADAR’ BENITEZ
(Youngest World Champion Ever at age 17)
Organized and promoted by Efrain Diaz, Franklin “Beatle” Flores, former NYC amateur boxer Eddie Montalvo, Yvonne Benitez (Wilfred’s sister)  and “Iceman” John Scully
Saturday, June 3, 2017  @ Monique’s Lounge in Spanish Harlem, New York City. 1 pm – 7 pm
181 East 108th St. Spanish Harlem, NY 10029.
FOOD-MUSIC-FUN
$20 admission. All proceeds go to Wilfred Benitez.
Wilfred Benitez tee-shirt comes with the admission price)
Invited and expected guests include the likes of Mark Breland, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, “Poison” Junior Jones, Seamus McDonough, Dennis “The Magician” Milton, Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, Angel Manfredy, Israel “Pito” Cardona, Harold “The Shadow” Knight, Pedro Vilella, Hector Camacho Jr. Richie “The Mountain” Lamontagne, Alfred “Ice” Cole, Tyrone “The Harlem Butcher” and HBO Judge Harold Lederman.
Benitez’ sister Evelyn will also be in attendance.
Actor and former professional boxer Mickey Rourke has already donated an undisclosed sum to the Fundraiser.
boxing

Jose Rodriguez unfazed, determined to KO 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez In “Rapid Fire” main event June 17 

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (May 11, 2017) – Unfazed Mexico-native Jose Rodriguez is determined to knockout 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez on Saturday, June 17, in the “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” headline event.

Wichita-native Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) will be fighting at home against Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs), a flyweight living in Wisconsin,in the six-round main event that will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, March 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which the 21-year-old future star stopped Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Rodriguez is chasing the American dream having moved 12 years ago to Wisconsin for a job opportunity and better life for his family.  He had started boxing in Mexico but was unable to continue because he needed to work.  A few years after he moved to Wisconsin, Rodriguez decided he wanted to box again, although he had a difficult time finding a trainer who wanted to work with a 24-year-old novice.  Trainer Eddie Haynes gave Rodriguez an opportunity to join Team Certified, which includes former world title challenger Angel Manfredy, who also works Rodriguez’ corner.
After a brief yet undefeated amateur career, highlighted by Rodriguez’ gold-medal performance in the in the Milwaukee Golden Gloves Championships, Jose turned pro last July in Milwaukee against Nicholas Brand. Now, he has a pair of first-round knockouts, the last this past September against Richard Tallmadge, who was coached by Nate Jones, ironically, also an American Olympic bronze-medal winner in 1996.
Rodriguez, who drives 1 ½-hours to train at his gym, works the night shift in a factory.  “I fight for my wife and three children,” the 29-year-old Rodriquez said.  “This is a very important fight for me because, when I knock him out, it’ll open doors for me and my team.  I train very hard every day because I want to make a living boxing, or at least enough to work less hours, so I can see my kids more than the hour a day I do now.  I’ve already lost too much time
“This is going to be a good action-fight, from start to finish, as long as it lasts.  I like to fight inside, putting a lot of pressure on my opponent.  I don’t want to leave it in the hands of the judges.  No decision, I’m knocking him out.  If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight, he’ll know who I am after our fight.  I’m going to finish him!”
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) takes on Mexican invader Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (9-8-1, 3 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.  Pagacaliwangan is a Taekwondo-trained fighter of Filipino heritage.  He is a three-time Ontario Golden Gloves and two-time Provincial amateur champion in his native Canada.
Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout.  Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) faces pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
Non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard bouts featuring additional Kansas fighters will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74.  Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00.  Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Returns to headline “Rapid Fire” in Kansas 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17 on CBS Sports Network, live from Hartman Arena 

 
PARK CITY, Kansas (May 1, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez returns to the ring on Saturday, June 17, at home in Wichita for his second professional fight. “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Wichita native Hernandez will face unbeaten Mexican flyweight Jose Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs)in the six-round main event.
 
In his professional debut on March 25th, Hernandez turned in an impressive performance, entertaining nearly 3,200 passionate Kansas fans as he defeated Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event. The fight was also televised on CBS Sports Network.
 
NICO HERNANDEZ HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO FROM HIS PRO DEBUT
Feel free to view and/or post parts or all of this highlights video of Nick Hernandez’ pro debut.  To use, credit “KO Night Boxing, LLC and TITLE Boxing:
Nico Hernandez
(Picture courtesy of TITLE Boxing)

The 21-year-old Hernandez displayed tremendous poise and a few tweaks to his amateur style, adding a devastating body attack, in addition to effectively switching from his orthodox stance to southpaw at times.

“I feel that there will be even more people there this fight than at my pro debut,” Hernandez said.  “I live only a 10 to 15-minute drive from Hartman Arena, north of Wichita.
“I worked hard on body punching for my pro debut.  I didn’t do that in the amateurs (no scoring points) and I’m getting use to switching to southpaw.  Both were in our game plan and successful in my firsts fight.  I’m excited to get right back in the ring, especially at home.  Our plan is to fight every two to three months and have a total of four fights this year.”
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
“Gutierrez was the perfect opponent for Nico’s pro debut,” commented John Andersen, who promotes Hernandez as well as the June 17th show.  “He was tough but now it’s time to step it up a little against a 2-0 opponent with two knockouts.  Nico is starting to climb the ladder to get him where we want him to go.  We need to move him quicker than an average fighter, largely due to his amateur background, and he’ll probably have only one more six-round bout after this before moving him up to eight.
“I thought he looked a little nervous in his pro debut at the start, but that’s expected for a fighter making his pro debut at home in front of nearly 3,200 people, and after that he was great.  We couldn’t have asked for anything more and he did get in some rounds that will be helpful.
“This fight will be close to where Nico lives. Nico really connects to kids in the community, often speaking at local schools, and this is the perfect opportunity for parents to bring their children to watch him fight on a weekend night.
“We’re calling this show, ‘Rapid Fire,’ primarily because of Nico’s exciting style, firing crisp combinations in rapid succession, in addition to his activity level as he comes right back to fight so quickly.”
Hernandez’ father and head trainer, Lewis Hernandez, believes fans will see a more improved, well-rounded fighter in this fight.  “Nico showed his body punching and he switched around a little to fight lefthanded,” he explained, “which weren’t part of his boxing style in the amateurs.  Fans will see the fighter Nico really is but this fight he’ll get back to boxing more.  I told him that he needed to go to the body as a professional fighter but that each punch doesn’t have to be as hard.    Sometimes I need to remind him of that because he’s a fighter at heart.
“I knew he’d be okay in his pro debut (nerves-wise) because he gets going as the fight goes on.  When he hurts his opponent, he comes on even stronger.  I just tell him to box and be himself.  He’s always well-conditioned so he can go rounds without a problem.  I want him to be fast and elusive to take away his opponents’ body and then, in later rounds, go back to boxing.  He fought at 115-pounds but he’ll be back to 112 for this fight.  Nico was strong at 115 and he’ll be very strong at flyweight.”
A 29-year-old native of Mexico who fights out of Markesan, Wisconsin, Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) has two first-round knockouts in a pair of pro fights.  Rodriguez is trained by four-time world title challenger Angel Manfredy, whose invaluable experience from fighting Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Stevie Johnston and Diego Corrales certainly aids his fighter. Manfredy (43-8-1, 32 KOs) had statement victories over Arturo Gatti, Julio Diaz and Ivan Robinson, among the more notables.
Additional “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” fights will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets go on special pre-sale Wednesday, May 3, and general sales Friday, May 5, at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74.  Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00.  Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N), or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @316.806.0144.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram