Tag Archives: boxing

The late Johnny Tapia remains strong influence for Albuquerque amateur boxer Sharahya-Taina Moreu

November 27, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

The late Johnny Tapia remains strong influence for

Albuquerque amateur boxer Sharahya-Taina Moreu

2020 USA Boxing Nationals, Dec. 5-12, Shreveport, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 23, 2020) – The late, great Hall of Fame boxer Johnny Tapia played a significant role in the development of Albuquerque welterweight Sharahya-Taina Moreu, and the 3-division world champion remains a strong influence in her life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic she has been preparing to compete in the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships, December 5-12, at Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Tapia (shown below with his tattooed back to Moreu) helped Sharahya-Taina overcome the life-changing tragedy of her mother’s automobile accident. She was only eight at the time, laying on her mother after the accident, and the first out of the car and onto the highway asking for help.

“At first,” she spoke about her relationship with Tapia, “I was regretful and angry, getting into fights and on a bad path. I got into boxing at 12, took anger management, and became motivated.”

Tapia, who was a 2-time National Golden Gloves champion as an amateur, had a tremendous impact on Moreu’s life, something that will never leave her heart and soul.

“We became like family,” the 21-year-old explained. “At first, he (Johnny) didn’t like girls boxing, so he worked me really hard. I was a good basketball player and he kept telling me to go play basketball. But he became a big person in my life, I think, because I had lost my mother at such a young age. He helped me in and out of the ring in so many ways. Johnny Tapia was the nicest, most humble man I’ve ever met. We became family until the gym fell apart. He only coached me for about eight months, but he taught me that boxing defines you as a person. I feel safe in the ring. I’m a better person because of Johnny and boxing.”

Training with her father/coach Yoruba Moreu during the pandemic, although it was challenging to find good sparring, hasn’t been as much of a problem as for others because her gym is in the backyard. She hasn’t been in a fight since last December’s Olympic Trials.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring because I’ve gone too long without competition,” Moreu looked ahead to Shreveport. “It’s definitely going to be different, because there are a bunch of new faces coming for the number one spot, which makes it fun and worthy to fight.”

Proud to represent the United States in competition, Sharahya-Taina is proud of her Native American and Puerto Rican heritage, and she’s taken up the cause fighting for women.

“I love to embrace both sides of my culture,” she commented, “representing my Acoma side from my mother and Taino lineage from the Puerto Rican blood in me, and that’s why my name is Sharahya-Taina. Every day is a fight for women. I’m just making it known and clear that we are here to stay. I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m also fighting for my family, ancestors and the next generation of females who choose to pick up a pair of gloves. The goal is not to be just a champ in the ring, but on the outside, too.”

Moreu has been very successful in her development from youth to the elite division, winning the 2017 Youth National Championships and Western Regional Open, as well as the 2016 and 2017 Youth Open. She’s also been runner-up at the 2018 Elite National Championships and Western Elite Qualifier, plus the 2015 National Junior Olympics.

Sharahya-Taina Moreu is a young woman on a mission. She hopes to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, particularly with her younger brother if they both qualified to be, as she says, “an iconic brother/sister duo in Olympic boxing.”

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN INTERIM WBA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS COLBERT BATTLES HARD-HITTING JAIME ARBOLEDA LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 IN AN EVENT PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

November 27, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Middleweight Contenders Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis Clash

in Co-Main Event; Rising Super Lightweight Prospect Richardson Hitchins Takes on Former World Champion Argenis Mendez in Telecast Opener

NEW YORK – November 20, 2020 – Two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division will meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tripleheader, originally scheduled for November 28, will see middleweight contenders Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis battle in the 10-round co-main event and rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round telecast opener. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire was originally scheduled to take place on December 12 but was postponed after Oubaali tested positive for COVID-19.

“This main event on December 12 will pit two of the 130-pound division’s most exciting rising talents against each other as the sublimely skilled Chris Colbert faces the powerful Jaime Arboleda in a can’t-miss showdown,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The co-main event will see two middleweight contenders in Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis looking to show that they’re among the division’s elite, while the SHOWTIME opener features the exciting prospect Richardson Hitchins against the always tough Argenis Mendez in a big step up fight. These are three evenly-matched bouts that should make for nonstop drama on fight night.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (14-0, 5 KOs) has quickly shot up the 130-pound rankings, taking on high-level competition in his first 14 pro fights. The 24-year-old beat then-undefeated fighters Austin Dulay, Titus Williams and Antonio Dubose, all in his first eight fights as a professional. In 2019, Colbert added four more victories to his tally, including an explosive first-round knockout of veteran Miguel Beltran Jr. Most recently, Colbert won his interim title by dropping former super featherweight champion Jezreel Corrales on his way to a unanimous decision in their January 2020 clash.

“I’m super excited to be making my big stage debut in the main event,” said Colbert. “It’s been a long camp, but training is going great. I’m looking to put on a dominant performance, and I’m looking for the knockout if it’s there. If I can get it, that would be splendid. I know Jaime is going to come to fight. He wants the belt as bad as I want to keep the belt. It’s all going to come down to stamina, ring IQ and who has the greater will to win. I feel like I’m the guy for the job. There’s no way in hell I’m giving up my belt in my first defense.”

The 26-year-old Arboleda (16-1, 13 KOs) has amassed an impressive six-fight winning streak heading into the matchup against Colbert, with five of those victories coming inside of the distance. Born in Curundu, Panama, and now fighting out Miami, Fla. Arboleda has fought professionally since 2014 and scored knockouts over two then-undefeated opponents in 2019, Victor Betancourt and Jose Saant. In his last fight, Arboleda, who is ranked fourth in the 130-pound division by the WBA, bested former world title contender Jayson Velez by unanimous decision to win his first 12-round fight this February on SHOWTIME.

“Every boxer’s dream is to fight for a title and be victorious without leaving any doubt,” said Arboleda. “That is my plan for December 12. I’m having the best preparation of my entire career. I feel great, strong and fast like never before. I’m sure it will be a very exciting fight from the very first round.”

Korobov (28-3-1, 14 KOs) returns to action after losing his December 2019 clash against Chris Eubank Jr. when he suffered a shoulder injury that forced the fight to end in the second round. Korobov, who notched 300 wins as a decorated amateur, came into that fight off of a majority draw against Immanuwel Aleem, after serving notice to the middleweight division that he would be a threat when he lost a hard-fought decision to undefeated middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in December. Born in Orotukan, Russia, and now living in St. Petersburg, Fla, Korobov was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Korobov had been riding a four-fight win streak before the Charlo fight, following his first professional defeat against Andy Lee in a 2014 middleweight title fight.

“I am excited to be back in a PBC event on SHOWTIME December 12,” said Korobov. “I have a difficult opponent, but I expect to win and prove that I am back and even better prepared. I must win against Ellis in order to get Jermall Charlo back in the ring. Of course, I believe I beat Charlo, but that is the past. Ellis is in my future, and I am coming to show I am still one of the best middleweights in the world.”

The 31-year-old Ellis (17-1-2, 11 KOs) will look to build off of his last outing, which saw him edge fellow contender Immanuwel Aleem by majority decision in December 2019. For Ellis, that fight got him back in the win column after his first career defeat, a majority decision against DeAndre Ware in March 2019. The Lynn, Mass.-native is the older brother of welterweight Rashidi Ellis, and had an impressive amateur career including a 2010 National Golden Gloves championship capped off by a victory over Terrell Gausha.

“It’s time for me to show out on December 12,” said Ellis. “Korobov had his chance against the top middleweights, and now it’s my time to take advantage of this opportunity and use a win over him to reach that level. We’re working hard in San Diego sparring with Canelo Alvarez so that everything is perfect and I’m at my best on fight night.”

A native of Brooklyn, Hitchins (11-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after representing Haiti at the 2016 Olympics. The 23-year-old has flashed impressive skills as he’s amassed an unbeaten record in the pro ranks, which is the product of an extensive amateur career. Hitchins scored four victories in 2019, before debuting in 2020 with a decision victory over Nicholas DeLomba. In his first two 10-round bouts as a professional, the southpaw has scored decisive unanimous decisions.

“I don’t overlook any opponent, but I believe I have a better and sharper skillset than Mendez,” said Hitchins. “I have all of the intangibles to become a world champion. That’s often mistaken as being cocky, but it’s really just me believing in myself more than anyone else. I will take this fight seriously like I do any other fight and continue to do what I do in order to get one step closer to that title shot. Being in camp with Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis, I’ve learned a lot. I feel like I have to one-up the competition. They really pushed me to be a better fighter.”

A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-5-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds. In 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders, first against Anthony Peterson in March and then against the unbeaten Juan Heraldez in May. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.

“I’m facing a young prospect who’s hungry for success, but I’m hungrier today than I’ve ever been in my career and I have the experience to go along with it,” said Mendez. “I’m also extremely motivated for this fight, which isn’t good news for Hitchins. When fight time comes on December 12, you’ll witness an intelligent but more aggressive Argenis Mendez.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @MayweatherPromo, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

boxing

Undefeated lightweight prospect JAMAINE “THE TECHNICIAN” ORTIZ Hopes to Steal Tyson-Jones Junior Show

November 27, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 17, 2020) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, hopes to steal the show on the November 28^th Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view card, presented by Tyson’s Legends Only League, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, will fight on the undercard against Maryland southpaw Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) lightweight title.

“I feel good and I’m ready,” Ortiz said. “I’m privileged for this opportunity to fight on the Tyson-Jones card and get good exposure. I hope to steal the show. As a kid, I followed them both, especially Jones. I tried to imitate him”

Like all fighters, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected his career, although he has managed to train, albeit in various gyms and mostly by himself.

“It wasn’t too bad,” added Ortiz, who is an apprentice carpenter. “Not all of the facilities I use to train were open. Early on, I trained by myself, and did a lot of running. We were quarantined until late June, early July, but then I was able to get good sparring. So, overall, it wasn’t too much of a change.”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi.

“We’re happy our fighter, Jamaine Ortiz, will be getting such great exposure and he will show the world what we already know here in New England,” Shappy commented. “Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz is a force that will have to be reckoned with.”

boxing, UFC

Undefeated Cuban prospects to be Showcased on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®

November 14, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

CUBAN POWER: (L-R) – Yoelvis Gomez, Geovany Bruzon and Ariel Perez De La Torre

LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2020) – An undefeated trio of Cuban prospects will be showcased Thursday night, November 20^th, on another installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, at Marinaterra Hotel Spa & Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing, presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

The 10-round main event pits undefeated Californian **Juan “Just Business” Barajas** (11-0, 7 KOs) against Mexican knockout artist **Bruno “Tiburon” Sandoval** (21-4-1, 17 KOs), for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super middleweight title.

Barajas, who won 27 of 30 amateur matches, takes advantage of his unusual size for a super middleweight, standing 6′ 3″ with an 80″ reach. Sandoval was the Interim WBC Latino super middleweight champion after defeating 24-8 **Deivas Casseres** (24-8) in 2 ½ years ago by way of a first-round knockout.

The three unbeaten Cuban fighters on the Nov. 19th card, all living in Guatemala, are middleweight **Yoevel “La Joya” Gomez** (2-0, 2 KOs), super bantamweight **Ariel Perez De La Torre** (3-0-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight **Geovany “L Bestia” Bruzon** (2-0, 2 KOs).

A natural junior middleweight, the 22-year-old Gomez agreed to take his 6-round fight against unbeaten Mexican **Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui Palomares** (5-0-1, 4 KOs). Gomez is a technically sound, aggressive power punched. The 2-time Cuban Youth champion is the son of 1980 Olympic gold medalist **Jose Gomez**.

De La Torre, who had more than 150 amateur matches, is dropping down from junior lightweight to super bantamweight, assuring undefeated Mexican **Jesus “Panterita” Daniel Tamez** (6-0, 5 KOs) a significant size advantage in their 6-round fight.

Bruzon, 22, was the 2014 Cuban National Youth champion. A southpaw with great hand speed and power, Bruzon faces **Jose “El Titan” Vazquez** (6-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Unbeaten California welterweight **Raiden “Mortal Kombat” Jace Martinez** (5-0, 5 KOs) is also scheduled to fight in a 4-rounder against TBA off-UFC FIGHT PASS.

Card subject to change.

**INFORMATION:**

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

**UPCOMING EVENTS:**
Nov. 20 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico
Dec. 9 & 10 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico

boxing, charity

Omar Juarez’ Touching Story with Special Needs Child

November 14, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**BROWNSVILLE, TX (November 10, 2020)** – The rapidly expanding emergence of an inspirational leader continues unabated in the personage of undefeated super lightweight prospect, **Omar Juarez** (9-0, 4 KOs). An outstanding professional boxer by trade, Juarez is rising on the national stage with his recent designation as brand ambassador for the newly formed partnership between the California based **Feet First Foundation** and the globally recognized World Boxing Council’s humanitarian branch **“World Boxing Cares”**.

Omar Juarez’ carefully crafted message about the principles needed to achieve goals has positively affected young people’s lives in his hometown, Brownsville, Texas since he was 15-years old. The overwhelmingly positive feedback he has received from young people about his message has inspired him to even greater heights in this endeavor.

None more than a touching tribute he just received from a special needs child named Isaias, who deals with acute challenges that include communication. Isaias is limited to communicating through a laptop and was a frequent visitor to Omar’s gym on Fridays when it was opened to special needs kids.

As the pandemic took hold, Isaias found himself isolated at home and began to feel the effects of this isolation, he typed out a message of gratitude to Omar for being a source of inspiration and hope. His family acknowledged to Omar the much needed solace this represented to their son.

“To hear a message like the one I received from Isaias and his family made my day,” said Omar Juarez, who fights under the **Premier Boxing Champions** banner. “Its moments like these that keep me motivated as I continue to be a positive role model in my community. As a Chinese proverb states…I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”

These are the touching moments that energize Omar as he continues his quest to become an inspirational leader on a worldwide scale.

boxing, USA Boxing, women's boxing

Sa’Rai Brown-El : The future of women’s boxing – 2020 USA Boxing Nationals, Dec. 5-12, Shreveport, Louisiana

November 14, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 9, 2020) – The future of women’s boxing, perhaps, is 15-year-old Sa’Rai Brown-El, who has already captured top honors in 11 national and regional tournaments.

Since she started boxing in 2015, Sa’Rai has collected gold medals at the 2019 Junior Open, 2019 National PAL, 2019 & 2017 National Junior Olympics, 2017 Western Regional Open, and Eastern Regional Open in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“I stayed focused and hungry and, most importantly, humble,” she spoke about her success in the junior division. “No matter how much you’ve accomplished or the number of accolades you’ve gotten, always stay hungry and always strive for more.”

Boxing started for her when she was 10, training at Lugo Boxing and Fitness in Marietta, Georgia. Prior to that in her native Albany (NY), she went to her uncle’s gym and found a pair of boxing gloves.

“I fell in love with boxing when I found that first pair of gloves,” Brown-El explained. “I first started boxing because, at that time, my dad didn’t agree with me. I saw a lot of people who didn’t agree with females competing in a male dominated sport, so I wanted to prove those people wrong. I just love boxing because my whole family boxes.”

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely effected most boxers, who were limited in terms of training and sparring, in addition to being shutout of tournaments. Brown-El, however, made the best of a bad situation, running miles with her siblings, cardio mitt work with her father, and much more.

Brown-El has her sights firmly set on the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships, December 5-12, at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“I am super excited and super focused on the National Championships,” she added. “I am fighting to get on the USA High Performance Team for my second year. I really want this and I will be working hard every day. My goal for now is to be on Team USA for the second time. I want to fight internationally and be Number 1 in the world.”

Brown-El has definitive long-range goals in boxing, starting with the Olympics and finishing as the face of women’s boxing.

“If I win a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, maybe a second time in 2028, after that I think that will open up great opportunities for me,” the prodigy commented. “I think it’ll especially help me in the pro ranks. Winning a gold medal is my biggest goal right now.

“I want to be the greatest female boxer in the world. I want to be known and I want to make a statement for all females. I really want to shock the world. I eat, sleep, and breath boxing. This is not just a sport for me, this is a lifestyle.”

Sa’Rai Brown-El is on a golden path to stardom. She represents the future!

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, mixed martial arts, UFC

RJJ Boxing & iKON Fighting Federation Return to Mexico for back-to-back events

November 3, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

STREAMING LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS^®

Nov. 19 & 20 FROM MARINATERRA HOTEL SPA IN SAN CARLOS

LAS VEGAS (November 2, 2020) – Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and iKON Fighting Federation (iKON) return to Mexico for back-to-back combat sports events, November 19^th an 20^th, at Marinaterra Hotel Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxjng and iKON MMA will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

“We’ve really enjoyed working the past few months with co-promoter Emanuel Romo (De La O Promotions) and Marinaterra Hotel and Spa has been a gracious host” said Keith Veltre, CEO/co-founder of RJJ Boxing. “Things will be a little different this trip, though, because we’ve separated boxing and MMA into two nights of combat sports entertainment. RJJ Boxing features a great super middleweight title fight between undefeated Juan Barajas and Mexican knockout artist Bruno Sandoval. As usual, we’ll showcase some promising prospects in real fights. iKON is growing fast, and our third MMA event promises to be our best yet.”

Boxing is scheduled to start streaming Thursday (Nov. 19) live on UFC FIGHT PASS, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, followed on Friday (Nov. 20) with MMA action, commencing 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

In the 10-round main event, Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Victorville, California, puts his unblemished pro record on the line against dangerous Bruno “Tiburon” Sandoval (21-4-1, 17 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super middleweight championship.

Three unbeaten Cuban prospects living in Guatemala – middleweight Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (2-0, 2 KOs), heavyweight Geovany “La Bestia” Bruzon (2-0, 2 “KOs) and super bantamweight Ariel Perez De La Torre (3-0, 3 KOs) — are slated to be in 6-round bouts versus opponents to be determined. Unbeaten California welterweight Raiden “Mortal Kombat” Jace Martinez (5-0, 5 KOs) is also scheduled to fight in a 4-rounder against TBA.

Two highly rated Mexican lightweights, Alejandro “El Pato” Martinez (11-4-0) and Daniel “Danger” Vega (12-3-0), headline iKON 3.

Additional iKON 3 matches will soon be announced.

Cards subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, WBC #15, WBA #14 and IBF #7 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs), two-time world title challenger WBO #11 bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs), former NABA welterweight champion Kendo ‘Tremendo” Castaneda (17-2, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1 (1 KO), NABF, WBC FECARBOX & WBC U.S. welterweight champion, WBC #14 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (22-0, 17 KOs), undefeated middleweight prospect Connor “Kid” Coyle (12-0, 5 KOs), undefeated super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs).

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS^®: UFC FIGHT PASS^® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

boxing, USA Boxing

Giovanni Marquez following in Olympian and world champion father’s footsteps

November 3, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

2020 USA Boxing Nationals, Dec. 5-12, Shreveport, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 2, 2020) – Houston welterweight amateur boxer Giovanni Marquez is hoping for a little Deja-vu from his chief coach and grandfather, Arturo Marquez, who guided his son and Giovanni’s father, Raul “El Diamante” Marquez, to a roster spot on the 1992 USA Boxing Olympic Boxing Team.

Raul, who was a 2-time US amateur champion in two different weight classes, welterweight, and junior middleweight, went on to become the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light middleweight World champion, retiring with a 41-4 (12 KOs) pro record.

Rather than turn pro this year, 19-year-old Giovanni remained in the amateur ranks, albeit with a series of goals, first and foremost, to capture a gold medal at the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships, December 5-12, at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“My goal this year is to win the U.S. Nationals and have outstanding performances throughout the tournament,” Giovanni reported. “My long-term goal is to compete internationally and represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“The reason I returned for another year after missing in the Olympic Trials is because I still have a lot to prove on the amateur boxing scene. My team and I decided this was the best decision and I am still very young. My performances in every national tournament I’ve competed in have consistently improved every time. In my last national tournament – Last Chance Qualifier – I faced off with Delante Johnson, the 2020 US Olympic Qualification Team member, and I lost a split decision. Although I lost the fight, I proved that I could compete at the highest level with the top dogs. Now that I’m a little bit older, stronger, and physically and mentally more mature, I’m confident I have what it takes to become No. 1 in the division. This is why my team and I decided to stay an amateur instead of turning pro.

“I’m very excited about these Nationals, excited to show what I’ve been working on and critiquing everyday inside the gym. Winning the Nationals will mean the world to me, as I have put in so much time and effort into this sport. With my experience gained the past few years, hard work and maturity, I am confident a gold medal awaits me in Shreveport.”

A boxer-puncher who makes the necessary adjustments needed to win, Giovanni has the ability to switch from his orthodox stance to southpaw, comfortably and effectively.

Being the son of a famous boxer, naturally, has its advantages and disadvantages. Giovanni is ready to break out on his own, at least to some extent, with his grandfather and grandmother (Yolanda Marquez) working his corner, while his dad sits in the stands watching the action.

“Coming from a boxing family,” Giovanni remarked, “I was always in the gym messing around on the heavy bag while my father was training. The reason I started boxing was because it’s something that was just part of my family’s life. I had an interest to try it out myself and realized I was talented. I fell in love with the sport and haven’t looked back since. My first official fight was when I was 12.

“There definitely are more eyes on the son of a famous boxer. This doesn’t add pressure on me, it motivates me to prove that I am capable of accomplishing the same things my father did like winning national titles. To have a father with his experience and knowledge in boxing is truly a blessing.”

Training during the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t really been a problem, largely because his grandfather and father are boxing gym owners. Giovanni did struggle, though, because he worried about his grandfather’s health due to his advanced age and susceptibility to dangerous complications if infected. They’ve stayed healthy by practicing social distancing and properly sanitizing each and every day in the gym.

“Being cornered by my grandfather is a good feeling,” Giovanni explained, “because I know everything he tells me is for my own good. I feel like my grandfather already created one Olympian in my dad, so he has all the right tools and knowledge to do the same with me.

“Not only is he my boxing coach, he’s also a mentor who has groomed me into the young man I am today. My father and uncle also help to train me by working the mitts and helping out with strength and conditioning workouts. Ultimately, it is a good feeling to have my family in my corner, pushing me beyond my limits in order for me to be successful.”

Giovanni Marquez is preparing to establish his own identity.

INFORMATION:

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Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

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boxing, DAZN