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Boxing saved the life of Two-Division World Champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 4, 2020) – Like many boxers, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera credits boxing for saving his life.

“Absolutely,” Rivera agreed. “After my mom passed away when I was 10 years old, I gave up on life and my decision-making reflected that: hanging around with the wrong crowd including gang members, consuming alcohol between the ages of 10 and 15.  I was definitely going in the wrong direction.

“I never thought I had a future until I started boxing.  It’s hard to say what I’d be doing if I had never boxed, but by the way I was living, I’d probably be in jail or dead by now.”

Born in Philadelphia, Rivera lived in Puerto Rico and Springfield, MA, prior to him moving to Worcester, MA, where he met a man who helped change his life, Carlos Garcia, who was in charge of a special boxing program at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club.

Rivera had started boxing at the age of 14 ½ in a basement with his friend, Felix Lopez.  He had fallen in love with boxing after watching Roberto Duran upset “Sugar” Ray Leonard in their first fight. The young Puerto Rican-American specifically used his amateur boxing experience to prepare for the professional ranks.  Garcia, who is in the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame, put him in a novice match after only one amateur fight in order to put Rivera on the fast track, because he understood that Rivera dreamed of becoming a world champion as a professional. Rivera finished with a 35-15 amateur record, highlighted by a bronze medal performance at the PAL Nationals.

“I never had big amateur aspirations but, of course, I wanted to win every fight I competed in,” Rivera said.  “Once I didn’t qualify for the Olympic Trials, my plan was to turn pro.  I didn’t know how much the amateurs would groom me to be a successful professional boxer. I’m glad I listened to my coaches, otherwise I would have turned pro earlier, because I would get frustrated with the politics of the amateurs.  I hated losing, but I hated losing even more when I knew that I should have won.  After three years together (with Garcia) in the amateurs and gaining a great wealth of experience traveling all over New England, the country and even fighting in Canada, I saw all types of styles and talented boxers that helped me as a pro.  Carlos is like a father figure to me and during all of our training and travels, he was always in my head, building me up to become a good boxer, but also to help me become a better man.”

On November 7, 1992, Rivera made his pro debut, knocking out Francisco Mercedes in the second round.  He went on to win his first 23 pro bouts, including the Massachusetts State welterweight title in 1995. His first pro loss was to veteran Philadelphia fighter Willie Wise (20-3-4), who won a controversial 10-round split decision at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.  Rivera had proven that he was more than a prospect in his first loss, losing a close decision (98-95, 94-97, 94-96) to an opponent that upset Mexican icon Julio Cesar Chavez (102-3-2) only three years later.

Showing the same resiliency that stayed with Rivera his entire career, two fights later Rivera stopped Gilberto Flores in two rounds to capture the International Boxing Organization (IBO) world welterweight championship.  Rivera extended his new win streak to seven, before losing back to back fights. Four fights later, though, Rivera registered his first statement victory in 2001, knocking out Frankie Randall (55-10-1) in the 10th round to retain his North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown in his first defense. 

Now promoted by legendary Don King, Rivera traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2003 to Germany, where few Americans were able to win. Rivera proved early that he meant business, dropping previously undefeated Michel Trabant in the second round en route to winning a 12-round majority decision for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA).  His reign, however, didn’t last long.  In his first defense, Rivera lost a 12-round split decision at home in Worcester to challenger Luis Collazo (24-1)

Rivera moved up one weight class for his next fight, showing   the resiliency that was a staple during his career for his next fight, also at home, against WBA junior middleweight World champion Alexandro Garcia (25-1).

In his next fight and first defense of his third world title, Rivera was stopped for the first time in his pro career, by new champ Travis Simms (24-0), and then he was knocked out by Daniel Santos (24-0) in round eight of their WBA junior middleweight title eliminator.

Rivera retired in 2008 only to make a comeback in 2001, after which he retired again until returning for two fights in Worcester to complete his pro career with 50 fights, the last coming at the age of 46.

“Jose’s USA Boxing experiences shaped him into the man of character he is today, both in and out of the ring,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Director.  “He took the road less traveled for a world champion, and in doing so he showcased his toughness and perseverance that made him a great example for today’s USA Boxers.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Rivera was a true working world champion.  Few world champions also had full-time jobs during their title reigns.  Rivera used vacation time, as well as personal and sick days, when he went to training camp for some of his major fights.

“I always had a good work ethic growing up,” he explained.  “When I moved to Worcester at 16 years old, I lived by myself: school, work, and then to the Boys & Girls Club to train.  I kept the same work ethic I had at 19 when I turned pro.  I became a father at 20, so providing for my family was essential.  Although it was hard, I knew boxing wasn’t going to last forever, and I was lucky enough to find a good job working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Courts.  It made for long days when I was training, especially when I was fighting for or defending my world championships.  In the end, though, keeping my job was the best decision I could have made for me and my family.”

Rivera. who was an Associate Court Officer for years and promoted last year to Assistant Chief Court Officer, is still involved in boxing. He and his oldest son, A.J. Rivera, own and operate a boxing promotional company, Rivera Promotions Entertainment, to give young fighters in his area opportunities to fight more often and at home.  Jose occasionally drops by the Boys & Girls Club to visit his former coaches, Garcia and Rocky Gonzalez, to support their young talent.  He also goes to his friend Kendrick Ball’s gym, Camp Be Right, to give young fighters there a few tips and to keep in shape (not for another comeback).

Jose Antonio Rivera will be best known for his toughness and determination, which led him into a different life, including three world championships and a wonderful life he never would have enjoyed.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.orgi

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. 

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Unhappy birthday coming up for undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

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WORCESTER, Mass. (April 15, 2020) –  Even in his wildest dreams, undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion  Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs) never could have ever imagined that his 24th birthday, later this month, would fall smack in the middle of a worldwide health pandemic

When he turns 24 on April 28th, Ortiz figured he’d be preparing for training camp with a spring fight date set, likely defending his WBC Youth World title of fighting for a regional belt  of some sort.

He certainly didn’t think boxing would be banned around the world, gyms closed by a state mandate, and people wearing facemasks and plastic gloves like they’re in a Sci-Fi movie. And, to boot, his job as a licensed carpenter ended closed shop last Friday.  Like everybody else in the Bay State.

Ortiz is basically self-quarantined at home, although he’s still running, training, eating well and doing everything else to maintain decent shape.  Not elite boxing shape, though, which simply isn’t possible under these restrictive and trying times.

Instead of sparring, he’s shadow boxing, jumping rope has replaced pad-work with his trainers, Rocky Gonzalez and Carlos Garcia, and now his living room serves as his gym.

Times have been dramatically altered, indeed, even celebrating birthdays, which Jamaine fully understands and accepts. 

“I don’t think my birthday will be any different,” Ortiz said.  “I usually spend it alone with my mother and daughter (4-year-old Amira) and this year probably won’t be any different.  I won’t be able to get in a whole bunch of sparring rounds that I usually ask for (laughing) as presents from some of my friends.“ 

Fortunately, though, Ortiz was able to fight this past February 28 in his first action in six months, headlining a CES Boxing-promoted card at home in Worcester, Massachusetts, in which he  registered an impressive second-round stoppage of Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-6, 17 KOs), a former WBC  FECOMBOX lightweight champion.

Ortiz, presently rated No. 16 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), aspires to attend medical school after he hangs up his gloves for good, to become a doctor/researcher.  He reads a lot about medicine, especially holistic treatments, and he believes that he may have already had the coronavirus.

“Five weeks before my last fight,” he explained, “I was in the hospital with a temperature of 104.5.  Just about everybody I knew was sick, my grandmother had pneumonia. I never really get sick.  I had a flu shot for seven years without an issue.  I developed a cough, too.  I felt like I was going to die.  I can’t say with certainty I had coronavirus (there was no test available then), but I feel like I may have had it.” 

Ortiz will be ready for the night the ring bell will finally sound again.  “I hope to be fighting again in July or August, but, no matter when boxing returns, I’ll be ready to go.

“This is a serious, contagious disease.  People should use common sense: wash your hands, stay separated by six feet, and stay at home, especially the elderly and people with respiratory problems. Don’t take any unnecessary risks or panic, either.  This isn’t the end of the world!” 

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Boxing’s Best Kept Secret Undefeated WBC Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

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WORCESTER, Mass. (November 5, 2019) – Undefeated World Boxing Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) is, perhaps, the best prospect in the world who most boxing fans don’t know.
 
A large part of the problem, however, is that the 23-year-old Ortiz, born and raised in the fighting city of Worcester, MA, never aspired to be a professional boxer, despite having a decorated amateur career.
 
He started boxing when he was six years old, thanks to National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer Carlos Garcia, who has run the boxing program at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club for nearly 40 years.
 
The naturally gifted Ortiz compiled an outstanding 100-14 amateur record, highlighted by a silver medal at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Tournament, in which he lost in the championship final to future professional world champion Joselito Lopez, plus back-to-back gold medal performances at the New England Tournament of Champions in 2015 & 2016.  
 
Testimony to Ortiz’ promising potential was his final amateur match, which was a solid victory against Abraham “Super” Nova, who is 17-0 (13 KOs) as a professional, as well as the reigning North American Boxing Association champion, and rated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) as the No. 8 super featherweight in the world.  
 
“Turning pro wasn’t my end goal,” consummate boxer Ortiz said. “It really wasn’t on my mind. I focused on regional and national tournaments. I always thought I’d win an Olympic gold medal and then turn pro. I wish I had been better prepared to turn pro.
 
“People that know me didn’t even realize that I had turned pro. It took a while before I adjusted, but I never really transitioned. Others had a game plan; I didn’t have a clue, but soon realized trophies I won in the amateurs weren’t going to pay the bills. Most of my fans today are other fighters and coaches.”  
 
When his Olympic dream ended, after he lost in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials, that’s when his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports / CES), and co-adviser, Providence businessman Richard Shappy got involved in Ortiz’ pro career. They’ve invested time, money and energy, believing in Ortiz and his tremendous potential.
 
“For years,” explained Shappy, who advises Ortiz along with Eddie Imondi,” I kept telling Jimmy (Burchfield) that I was interested in getting involved with a boxer, but that it had to be the right one. One day Jimmy called to say this (Ortiz) is the one. I jumped onboard. He convinced me that Jamaine is a future world champion. We jumped in from his first fight, on the ground floor, and we believe he is going to be world champion.”
 
Burchfield has promoted the likes of five-time world champion Vinny Paz, U.S. OlympianJason Estrada, Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto, Peter Manfredo, Jr. and many others during his 25-plus years in the boxing industry. “Jamaine is the best I’ve promoted since Vinny Paz,” Burchfield claimed without hesitation. “He’s one of the best prospects in the world today and someday he’ll be world champion. Some say he has the good looks ofOscar de la Hoya; others feel his style is like that of ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard.”    
 
When his Olympic dream unceremoniously ended, he decided to turn pro in 2016, winning his pro debut when Josh Parker retired after one round. The highlight of his young pro career to date was winning an eight-round unanimous decision this past February from previously undefeated (10-0) Ricardo Quiroz to capture the vacant WBC Youth World lightweight title, the same belt once proudly worn by, ironically, the aforementioned Lopez, as well as Juan Diaz and Daniel Estrada.
 
Past CES-promoted fighters who were WBC World Youth champions include three-time world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson and Polish heavyweight Maruisz Wach.  
 
In his last fight and first WBC World Youth title defense this past August, Ortiz won a dominating eight-round unanimous decision over 8-1-1 Romain Couture, pitching a shutout by winning each round on all three judges’ scorecards.
 
Ortiz’ time to star in the ring is coming. He is a diamond in the rough; young, talented and with tremendous upside. He has a strong team behind him, including head coach Rocky Gonzalez and Garcia, who is still working his corner  
 
Ortiz’ fan-base will eventually develop and quickly grow as more and more boxing fans discover this gifted boxer as he ascends to the top of the boxing mountain.
2020 promises to be the “Year of The Technician,” Jamaine Ortiz.
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Jose Antonio Rivera Dedicates “Quest For 50” to Worcester Boys & Girls Club

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(L-R) – Jose Antonio Rivera, current WBC Youth super lightweight champion Jermaine Ortiz
(11-0, 6 KOs) and Carlos Garcia
 
 
WORCESTER, MASS (May 16, 2019) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera is dedicating his 50th pro fight, the last in his hometown of Worcester, to the Boys & Girls Club in Worcester, Massachusetts. A portion of the proceeds from “Quest For 50,” presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment, will benefit the Boys & Girls Club.
 
The 46-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs) faces former WFC champion Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott (19-5, 5 KOs), of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the eight-round main event at The Palladium in Worcester.
 
Rivera, a full-time court officer in Worcester, has had a special relationship for more than 30 years with the Worcester Boys & Girls Club and its director of boxing, Carlos Garcia, who is “The Godfather of Worcester Boxing.”
 
Rivera moved to Worcester from Springfield 30 years ago at the age of 16 to pursue a boxing career, which included being coached by Garcia. Rivera had siblings and other relatives living in Worcester and after living with an aunt for a month, Jose moved into an apartment with another boxer, four-time national amateur champion Bobby Harris.
 
“The Worcester Boys & Girls Club helped me stay off the streets so I could focus on my dream of becoming world champion,” Rivera remembered. “It was a place for me and so many others to go and be safe. Kids, not just boxers, can be kids there, where they don’t have to worry about what’s happening in the streets.
 
“Carlos has played a tremendous part of my life and so many others, influencing us not only to become good boxers, but to be good people in the community. That was always so important to him and he emphasized being a good person. I did my best. He was always fair across the board and gave us all opportunities. He took a liking to me and brags that he never had to throw me out of the Boys & Girls Club. I graduated from high school and went after my dream in 1992 when I turned pro. Carlos is big in amateur boxing, but not so much with pros, because he doesn’t have the time to train pros. I made sure that when turned pro, tough, that he was part of my team. And he’s still a big part of my team and life.”
 
The number of Worcester youths Garcia has had a positive effect on, life-changing in many respects, is countless. One of those many people is Jose’s longtime friend and his current head trainer, Sean Fitzgerald, who retired as a boxer in 2001 with a 29-2-2 pro record. “Fitzy” remembers the fir time he read the sign over the door in the gym at the Boys & Girls Club: “Better to seat than bleed.”
 
Fitzy lived with his father when his parents divorced and at the age of 10, his father sent him to the Boys & Girls Club to attend an after-school program. “Fitzy” said he had to earn his way into Garcia’s good graces.
 
“Carlos didn’t talk to me for the first 5-6 weeks,” Fitzgerald explained. “Then, he put me in the ring as a sparring partner, and I was badly beaten. I had a bloody nose and black eye, but the next day I came back, and the rest is history. Carlos was a great mentor, rough at times, but always there for you. I remember seeing the boxing team jackets. It intrigued me. When I got my jacket and started wearing it, I got respect from everybody, and then I knew that I belonged. I learned a lot about life at the Boys & Girls Club, being with there with people from different generations and cultures. I met many friends there who I never would have met.
 
“The Boys & Girls Club is safe. I was from a tough area in Worcester. My father worked and it was easy to get in trouble with no supervision. Carlos stayed on top of me to graduate from school and if I was home sick, he come buy with chicken soup to make sure I was alright. My father was in my life big-time, but I joke that I had two moms growing up, my father and Carlos. Going to the Boys & Girls Club was something to look forward to every day.
 
“Carlos always taught us to never make the mistakes he did in life. He wanted us to go to school, stay out of trouble, and be a good person. He’s helped so many people over the years. Look around Worcester and you’ll see them: police and court officers, fire fighters, and so many others. The Boys & Girls Club was a great experience for me and so many other kids from Worcester.”
 

(L-R) – Ray Semidei, Carlos Garcia and Jose Antonio Rivera
 
Garcia has been the director of boxing at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club since 1982. Two year ago, Garcia was inductred into the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame.
 
“Never in his life has Jose even raised his voice to me,” Garcia commented. “He treats me like his father and he’s like one of my sons. There aren’t not too many guys like him and he’s so well respected in the community. He came to Worcester from Springfield to train with ne and stayed with me. Jose helps everyone and now he’s promoting to help local boxers.
 
“We’re at the Boys & Girls Club to and that’s the way it really is here. It’s so good to see so many in this community who’ve gone through our boxing program and are good people, good husbands, good parents. It makes me feel so proud. ‘Fitzy’ was a hyper kid. He’s a real gentleman who now does so much for kids here. I’ve never had a signed contract with any of the pro boxers I’ve worked with because I trust them.”
 
Donations may be sent to the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by going online atwww.bgcworcester.org and proceed to “Be a donor” page, mail a check (payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Attention: Liz Hamilton, 65 Tainter St., Worcester, MA 01610), or drop-off donations at its new clubhouse.
 
An All-Massachusetts clash pits welterweights Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs), of Lynn, and New Bedford’s Ray Oliveira, Jr. (8-2, 1 KO), the son of New England boxing favorite“Sucra” Ray Oliveira (8-1, 1 KO), in the four-round, co-featured event..
 
For the first time in his young career, Danbury, CT welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (7-1, 2 KOs) will be coming off a loss to fight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-10-3, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout.
 
Brooklyn’s Sidney “Keelo” Mccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-5-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, will battle in a six-rounder for the vacant New England junior welterweight title.
 
Other undercard bouts, all four-rounders, include Seven-round bouts scheduled on the undercard include Worcester’s popular Owen Minor (1-0, 1 KOs), the top Massachusetts heavyweight prospect in years, vs. Alejandro Santiago (0-4), of Tampa; promising Worcester welterweight Eslih Owusu (1-0) vs. Springfield, MA veteran Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs); East Providence, RI much anticipated pro-debut of Elijah Peixotovs. Bronx lightweight Danny Morales (0-8); flashy Hartford, CT junior welterweight “The Special One” Sharad Collier (1-0-1, 1 KO), the 2-time N.E, Golden Gloves champion, vs.Anthony Everett (1-7), of Lawrence, MA; Worcester featherweight Philip Davis (1-1-1) vs. New Bedford’s Henry Garcia (0-2-1); and Methuen, MA lightweight Luka Lannuccilliwill make his pro debut against an opponent to be determined.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets, priced at $70.00 (ringside), $55.00 (mezzanine) and $40.00 (general admission), are onsale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net, the Palladium box office, or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
 
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Worcester Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Raindrop Liquor, Michelob Ultra, Bay State Savings Bank, Vocero Hispano, Massachusetts Pirates, Office Mac, Chieftain Liquors, realtor Pamela LaPorte, and Grille 57.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Herring – Shafikov weigh in video plus interview with Kermit Cintron

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Reading, PA (July 2, 2016)–Below is the weigh in video for tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions fight card at the Santander Arena.  In the main event, undefeated and former U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring squares off against former world title challenger Denis Shafikov.  In the co-feature undefeated Patrysk Szymanski battles Wilky Campfort in a junior middleweight bout.
Also there is a video imterview with former world champion Kermit Cintron, who fights Carlos Garcia in an eight-round welterweight bout.
Media outlets may use the videos on their digital platforms by copy/pasting the embedded links.
Herring - Shafikov weigh in
Herring – Shafikov weigh in

Embedded Link:  <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/6lCyvEngroU” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Kermit Cintron
Kermit Cintron


Embedded Link:  <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/z2yu3hLNtEA” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $20, $35, $55 and $75, and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Saturday, July 2

6:00 p.m.                SANTANDER ARENA DOORS OPEN
                               Location: 700 Penn Street;Reading, PA 19601

6:30 p.m.                                  FIRST BOUT

9:00 p.m.                         ESPN & ESPN DEPORTES BROADCAST BEGINS

# # #

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Jamel Herring, Denis Shafikov, Patryk Szymanski & Wilky Campfort Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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PBC on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 2 From Santander Arena in Reading, PA.
 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
 
Click HERE for Photos From Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions
 
READING, PA. (July 1, 2016) – Four fighters set for pivotal showdowns this Saturday, July 2 held an open media workoutThursday as they prepare for their Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes battles live from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.
Unbeaten lightweight contender Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring will take on former title challenger Denis Shafikov in the main event of the evening. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten Polish prospect Patryk Szymanski taking on former title challenger “Silky” Wilky Campfort.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $20, $35, $55 and $75, and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
JAMEL HERRING
“Camp was great.  I started in Cincinnati and finished in D.C. with Barry Hunter, Patrice Harris and of course Mike Stafford.  During my time in D.C., I sparred with Lamont Peterson, who turned southpaw for me.
“I have a great deal of respect for Shafikov.  Tough guy, experienced but he had his chance and it’s my time now. This is my toughest fight on paper but I feel good. It’s my time to earn my respect.
“It’s a huge honor and blessing to headline on ESPN on 4th of July weekend.  I want to put on a good show,
“Its extra special to honor on this weekend, being that I was a marine and to headline and I want to put on a patriotic and great performance.
“I believe a win will open the doors for a world title.  In my mind, I am taking this fight as a world title fight.  That is how important this fight is and before the end of the year, I hope to get a crack at a world title.”
DENIS SHAFIKOV
“Everything went well in camp. We had a four-month camp. We were supposed to fight a couple of months ago but when that fight was cancelled, Denis relaxed for a minute and then this opportunity came up.
“Herring has a great record and he represented the U.S. in the Olympics. He is still young and I feel that my experience will be the determining factor.
“I accepted this fight because a win gets us in line for big opportunities, including another shot at a world championship.”
PATRYK SZYMANSKI
“I’m excited about the opportunity to take on an experienced opponent. I think it will be a good test for me and a chance to show off my skills.
“I’ve worked very hard so that I can leave an impression with my performance. These are the kind of fights that I have to win and win in style if I want to reach my goals in this sport.”
WILKY CAMPFORT
“Training camp went very well. I don’t know too much about my opponent but I did see him fight once in Tampa. Come Saturdaynight, I will see what he has.
“It means a lot to fight on ESPN. The first fight that I saw that involved a fellow Haitian was Daniel Edouard on ESPN and it gave me a lot of motivation to pursue my career.
“I am not only fighting for myself, but all of the people in Haiti and Florida that have been supporting me.
“A win will put me right back into where I was when I had my long winning streak. A win will put me back in the mix at 154-pounds.”
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Featherweight Prospect Stephen Fulton Takes on Mexico’s Christian Renteria on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 2 From Santander Arena in Reading, PA.

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Plus! Super Featherweight Contenders Frank DeAlba & Jonathan Perez Meet While Former World Champion Kermit Cintron Battles Puerto Rico’s Carlos Garcia
 
READING, PA. (June 28, 2016) – Unbeaten featherweight prospect Stephen Fulton (9-0, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Christian Renteria (5-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round featherweight attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 2 from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.
PBC on ESPN & ESPN Deportes action is headlined by unbeaten lightweight contender Jamel Herring squaring-off against former title challenger Denis Shafikov in a 10-round bout. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated Polish prospect Patryk Syzmanski battling former title challenger “Silky” Wilky Campfort.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $20, $35, $55 and $75, and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Additional action will see local contender Frank DeAlba (18-2-2, 7 KOs) taking on veteran Colombian Jonathan Perez (35-14, 28 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout while former world champion Kermit Cintron (36-5-2, 28 KOs) takes on Puerto Rico’s Carlos Garcia (10-15-1, 8 KOs) in eight-rounds of junior middleweight action and local prospect Erik Spring(7-1, 1 KO) against Pennsylvania’s James Robinson (3-4-2, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight battle
Rounding out the night of fights are unbeaten prospect Chordale Booker (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight contest against Kevin Womack (7-11-3, 5 KOs), local super welterweight Miguel Martinez (1-1) in a four-round bout against Philadelphia’s Antonio Allen (0-1), the pro debut of New Jersey’s Kashon Hutchinson in a four-round super lightweight attraction against Robert Ramos (1-4-1, 1 KO) and the pro debut of New Jersey’s Christian Carto in a four-round flyweight contest against Rahkeam Parker (0-2).
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton is coming off of a fourth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Adalberto Zorilla in April. The 21-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 10 wins in 10 pro starts when he enters the ring on July 2. He will be opposed by the Tijuana, Mexico-native Renteria who enters the ring coming off of back-to-back knockout victories.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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USA BOXING NEW ENGLAND TO HONOR 5 RETIRED N.E. PRO BOXING CHAMPIONS Awards dinner Nov. 8 in Malden, Mass.

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Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Joey Gamache, Jose Antonio Rivera & John Ruiz
BOSTON (Oct. 21, 2015) — USA Boxing New England, established in 1880 as the official governing body of amateur boxing in the region, will honor five former amateur standouts, who went on to become World Champions as professional boxers, Sunday, November 8 at Anthony’s in Malden.
Vinny Paz (Cranston, RI), Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), Joey Gamache (Lewiston, ME), Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA) and John Ruiz (Chelsea, MA) will receive awards for their outstanding accomplishments in the world of boxing.
USA Boxing New England will also present its inaugural Skeets Scioli Lifetime Achievement Award. Scioli served as President of USA Boxing New England, off and on, during an iconic 70-year period. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
The Skeets Scioli award will be presented to referee/judge Mike Ryan (Tyngsboro, MA) and coach Carlos Garcia (Worcester, MA) for their long time contribution to the sport of amateur boxing.
Al Bernstein, Showtime Championship Boxing commentator and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as event emcee. “This is a tribute to some of boxing’s best,” Bernstein said. “New England has played a major role in boxing, not only here in America, but globally. I am thrilled to participate in this event and I am looking forward to connecting with the boxing fans in that region.”
USA Boxing will also pay tribute to current athletes and members. The event is a fundraiser to assist young amateur athletes with travel expenses to regional and national tournaments.
The event starts with cocktails at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at 3 p.m. Live and silent auctions along with raffles will take place.
Limited tickets are still available to purchase by calling USA Boxing New England at 781-329-9577.