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Shearns Boxing taking care of unfinished business First pro boxing show ever in Framingham, Mass.

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“Fight Night in Framingham” Oct. 16th
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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (September 14, 2021) — Nineteen months after it was originally scheduled, “Fight Night in Framingham” finally will be presented October 16 by Shearns Boxing Promotions for the benefit of “Fighting Life” at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.
 
Canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, “Fight Night in Framingham” will mark the first professional boxing event ever held in Framingham, a city incorporated in 1700, located in the MetroWest subregion of Greater Boston, less than 40 miles from Boston.
 
“Fighting Life” is an after-school youth boxing program and academic empowerment program, available 100-percentfree of charge to students beginning in elementary school through high school education.
 
High Octane Classics is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Platts Landscaping and Shamrock Sports.
 
“We had to cancel this show last year just a week before the event,” promoter Chuck Shearns explained. “A lot of people had put in a lot of work for the event, so it was disappointing for many, especially fighters. When events were allowed again in Massachusetts, we wanted to finish what we started in Framingham. Although still in uncertain times, we waited just a bit hoping that it would lessen the possibility of another cancellation. We are feeling confident that this will be the great event that we started last year.”
 
Shearns is excited about promoting the first boxing event in Framingham history, as well as working in association with Fighting Life.
 
“Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) is very excited, and we look forward to putting on Framingham’s first-ever boxing event for a great charity, Fighting Life,” Shearns added. “I think what speaks loudest is the amount of community and business support Fighting Life has received. I think it says a lot about what (Fighting Life founder/head coach) and the board are trying to accomplish with this organization. This kind of support will go a long way.”
 
Located in UpperKuts Boxing Club in nearby Ashland, MA, the Fighting Life Boxing Program was founded as a resource and program to provide children with a positive outlet in life. Visit www.fightlif.org to learn more about this organization.
 
The purpose of Fighting Life is to provide a safe space to promote structure, growth mindset, self-worth, and goal setting through physical and academic fulfillment and self-discipline.
 
“It is an outlet for kids,” Thomas said. “Kids who have been picked on. Bullied, or at risk find it’s a safe haven. We take kids from all walks of life. We don’t turn anybody away. If their parents can’t afford the membership fee to join the gym, we provide a voucher to apply to waive the fee. Not all of these kids come here to become boxers. We have fitness classes in addition to teaching boxing lessons.
 
“This show is important because the attention and money we receive will help us get more volunteers, equipment, and go places to box that we’ve never been. Any money we receive will go straight to the kids. Our dream is to promote our own shows someday and get our charity’s name out there for the benefit of our programs. Boxing is growing here in Framingham, and we believe that here will be more boxing in our city. I even check on the kids in school and if they need help, they’ll have a big brother right next to them. Everything is for the kids!”
 
Undefeated Florida-based junior middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (5-0, 3 KOs) will headline “Fight Night in Framingham” in a 6-round bout versus 57-fight veteran Rynell Griffin, of Las Vegas. Castro has been active, something few boxers have been able to do during the pandemic, as this will be his fourth fight of 2021.
 
The co-featured event features a “graduate” of Fighting Life, Marlboro, MA super lightweight Nelson “Chino” Perez (3-0, 2 KOs), who will fight Ryan Venable (2-6) in a 6-round bout. Puerto Rico-native Perez is a past New England Golden Gloves champion.
 
Perez hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. He trains at UpperKuts and often teaches youngsters there how to train to become boxers. “I try to teach the kids to stay out of trouble,” Perez remarked. “I coach them a little to help them live and prosper. It’s great seeing these kids in the gym. I’m very excited to be part of this event to benefit Fighting Life.”
 
Hometown favorite Kevin Lewis will make his professional debut in a 4-rounder against a fellow Framingham resident, super middleweight Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), one of the top MMA fighters in New England.
 
A pair of New Haven (CT) fighters will also be in action. Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, super middleweight Elvis Figueroa (7-0, 4 KOs), and 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion, pro-debuting featherweight Felix Parilla, will fight in 6 and 4-round bouts, respectively, versus opponents to be determined.
 
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Boston heavyweight Wallace Nass Silva (0-2) and pro-debuting Sean Evans, fighting out of Shrewsbury, MA. Brazilian middleweight Leonardo Ladeira (0-6), of Revere (MA), will fight TBAs.
 
Priced at $75.00 ringside and $60.00 general admission, tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fight-night-in-framingham-tickets-171408807357, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 7:00 p.m.
 
INFORMATION:  
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing
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Decorated U.S. amateur boxer Angel Gonzalez, Jr. to make pro debut on “Fight Night In Framingham” card

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Fighting Life charity event,

 March 20th at Sheraton Hotel

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (March 4, 2020) – The long-awaited professional debut of decorated amateur Angel Gonzalez, Jr. will take place Friday night, March 20, on the “Fight Night In Framingham” card, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), at Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night In Framingham”, the first pro boxing event ever in Framingham, is being held for the benefit of Fighting Life, an after-school youth boxing and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge, to students beginning in elementary school through high school education. 

Gonzalez hasn’t fought in three years, since he moved from his native Hartford, CT to Florida.  “It took me a while to settle in after I moved to Florida,” Gonzalez explained.  “I’ve been going to a gym and now I’m on track and coming back to turn pro.  I have the talent for bigger and better things.”

The 26-year-olldf super flyweight had a 45-6 amateur record, highlighted by three New England Golden Gloves, two Ringside National and 2014 National PAL championships. 

The problem for Gonzalez, though, is finding appropriate opponents, especially where he was a standout amateur.  Right now, he’s still without a signed opponent, largely because there are so few 115-pound boxers in America outside of California and the Southwest. “Most super flyweights are from Mexico, Japan, or other foreign countries,” Gonzalez said.  “It doesn’t matter to me who I fight.  I can slug or box, depending on my opponent.  If he’s taller, I’ll fight on the inside; if shorter, I’ll box from the outside. I’ll adjust to my opponent. My best punch is my right.  It’s solid and deadly.”

“I’ve offered this fight to guys with 5 to 10 fights and after consideration,” promoter Chuck Shearns explained, “they have declined to fight Angel.  These lower weight classes can be hard enough to match, never mind against Angel.  What you find is that these smaller guys need to step up their competition earlier than other weight classes, because it’s simply a smaller pool of fighters.  We will see what Angel has very early in his career.”

Two unbeaten pro “graduates” of the Fighting Life Boxing Program, super featherweights Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs) and Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs), will be in action, respectively,  in the main event and co-featured event. 

Ramos, fighting out of Framingham, was a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is in the 6-round, main event against super  Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut. 

Perez, who comes from nearby Marlboro, MA, is another New England Golden Gloves champion, who will be fighting Indianapolis lightweight DeWayne Wisdom (7-52-2, 3 KOs) in the 6-round. co-featured event. Perez faces

Boston heavyweight Tracey Johnson (4-7-6), whose brother is past Olympian and reigning WBO super middleweight championDemetrius Andrade, faces Larry “Hitman” Pryor (11-22-5, 5 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut against Framingham favorite, Brazilian-born Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA) in a 4-round battle of mixed-martial-arts fighters.  

Revere, MA super middleweight Jarel “Sandman” Pemberton (3-0, 1 KO), also a past New England Golden Gloves champion, faces Leandro Silva (2-3, 2 KOs) in a 4-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round matches, is Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) vs.Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-12-4, 7 KOs),  Worcester, MA super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) vs. Henry Garcia (0-5-1), of New Bedford, MA.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices are $75,.00 ringside (rows 1-3), $60.00 (seated), $45.00 standing room, and VIP tables (of 10) for $1000.00 and may be purchased HERE, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.   

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Street Light Ventures is the presenting sponsor.  Other sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, East Coast Herbalist, Tecate, Ashwood Advisors LLC and A Affordable Insurance.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing, @UpperKutsBoxing, @sheratonframingham

Instagram: @ShearnsBoxingPromotions, @Upperkuts_boxing_club, @sheratonframingham

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“Fight Night In Framingham” Fighting Life charity event, March 20th at Sheraton Hotel

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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (February 10, 2020) – “Fight Night In Framingham”, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), not only will be the first professional boxing event in the Massachusetts city, located 20 miles southwest of Boston, it has additional meaning for youngsters in that market.

“Fight Night In Framingham,” will be held Friday night, March 20, at Sheraton Framingham Hotel for the benefit of Fighting Life, an after-school youth boxing and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge, to students beginning in elementary school through high school education. 

“SBP is very excited and looks forward to putting on Framingham’s first ever boxing event for this organization,” promoter Chuck Shearns commented.  “I think what is speaks the loudest right now is the amount of community and business support Fighting Life has received, including the presenting sponsor, Street Light Ventures, which is a great company. I think it says a lot about what A.J. Thomas and the board are trying to accomplish with this organization. This kind of support will go a long way.”

Located out of UpperKuts Boxing Club in Ashland, Massachusetts, the Fighting Life Boxing Program was founded by owner and head coach, A.J. Thomas, as a resource and program to provide children with a positive outlet and outlook in life. Visit www.fightinglife.org to learn more about this organization.

The purpose of Fighting Life is to provide a safe space to promote structure, growth mindset, self-worth, and goal setting through physical and academic fulfillment and self-discipline.

“It is an outlet for kids,” Thomas (pictured to the left) explained Fighting Life.  “Kids who have been picked on, bullied, or at risk find it’s a safe haven.  We take kids from all walks of life.  We don’t turn anybody away.  If their parents can’t afford the membership fee to join the gym, we provide a voucher to apply to waive the fee.  Not all of these kids come here to become boxers.  We have fitness classes in addition to teaching boxing lessons. 

“This show is important because the attention and money we receive will help us get more volunteers, equipment, and go places (to box) that they’ve never been.  Any money we receive will go straight to the kids.  Our dream is promote out own shows someday to get our charity’s name out there for the benefit of our programs. Boxing is growing here in Framingham and we believe that there will be more boxing in our city.  I even check on them in school and if they need help, they’ll have a big brother right next to them.  Everything is for the kids!”

Two unbeaten pro “graduates” of the Fighting Life Boxing Program, super featherweights Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs) and Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0m, 2 KOs), are fighting in the main event and co-feature, respectively.  Both train at UpperKuts and haven’t forgotten where they come from, often teaching youngsters in the program how to train to become boxers. 

“Timmy and Nelson have been with me for years,” Thomas added.  “They’ve used their efforts in boxing to better their lives.  We’re all family here.  Timmy and Nelson are still part of our program because they help the other kids.” 

Ramos, fighting out of Framingham, was a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is in the 6-round, main event against Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut. 

Perez, who hails from nearby Marlboro, is another New England Golden Gloves champion. He faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round co-featured event.   “I try to teach the kids to stay out of trouble,” Perez remarked.  “I coach them a little to help them live and prosper.  It’s great seeing these kids in the gym.  I’m very excited to be part of this event to benefit Fighting Life.” 

Boston heavyweight Tracey Johnson (4-7-6), whose brother Demetrius Andrade is a past Olympian and reigning WBO super middleweight champion, takes on Larry “Hitman” Pryor (11-22-5, 5 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

A pair of quality MMA fighters, Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut against Framingham favorite, Brazilian-born Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA).  

Also fighting on the undercard is Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-12-4, 7 KOs), in a 6-round bout; Worcester, MA super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) vs. Henry Garcia (0-5-1), of New Bedford, MA, and pro-debuting Hartford, CT super flyweight Angel Gonzalez, Jr. vs. Brandon Allen Sagraves (0-1), in 4-round fights.  Gonzalez is a decorated amateur boxer who is a three-time New England Golden Gloves, two-time Ringside National and 2014 National PAL champion

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices are $75,.00 ringside (rows 1-3), $60.00 (seated), $45.00 standing room, and VIP tables (of 10) for $1000.00 and may be purchased HERE, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.   

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Street Light Ventures is the presenting sponsor.  Other sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, East Coast Herbalist, Tecate, Ashwood Advisors LLC and A Affordable Insurance.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing, @UpperKutsBoxing, @sheratonframingham

Instagram: @ShearnsBoxingPromotions, @Upperkuts_boxing_club, @sheratonframingham

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Shearns Boxing Promotions presents “Friday Night Fights at The Station” Pro Boxing charity event

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September 20 in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 21, 2019) – Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) has announced it will present a professional boxing charity event, “Friday Night Fights at The Station,” September 20 at historic Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Proceeds will benefit Why Me (Worcester Help for Youth) & Sherry’s House, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to providing love and support services to families with childhood cancer.  Visit www.whyme.org to learn more about this organization.

“Help us KO cancer,” SBP president Chuck Shearns said.  “We’re excited to be working with such a great organization and lucky to be able to take part in raising money for such an amazing group and worthy cause.  The boxing card will showcase popular, up-and-coming New England-based boxers.” 

Former decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), who captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments, will headline at home in Worcester, MA, against Maine heavyweight Justin Rolfe (1-1, 1 KOs) in the four-round main event. 

The 6’ 1”, 235-pound Minor is arguably the top Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect in the past two decades.

Framingham, MA super featherweight Julio Perez (4-4) meets Luis Rivera (4-3), of Boston, in the six-round co-featured event.

Danbury, CT super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-12, 2 KOs) faces Andy Aiello(1-3-1), of Bridgewater, MA, in a six-round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round matches, are Worcester, MA heavyweightJake Paradise (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Joseph Raposo (0-1), of Woburn, MA; Worcester super welterweight Eslih Owusu (1-0) vs. Leonardo Ladeira (0-2), of Revere, MA; Worcester, MA super featherweight Philip Davis (2-1-1) vs. Carlos Marrero III (1-3-1), of Bridgeport, CT; and Bedford, MA cruiserweight Edet Mkpanam (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Rogero Dionizio, of Revere. 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices start at $40.00 and may be purchased by going online at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-fights-at-the-station-tickets-65569061829

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Palley Advertising and Akuity Technology.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

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Hometown favorite Kendrick Ball, Jr. headlining at home to establish his place in Worcester’s rich boxing history

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 21, 2019) – Worcester boxer Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. is living the dream and closing in on some of his goals in the ring.
 
Ball (11-1-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of his native Worcester, MA, will headline his first show and fight for his first title belt, when he headlines “Every Man For Himself”, the inaugural event presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester. This will be the first time Ball headlines a show, in addition to fighting for his first title, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title,
 
The 26-year-old Ball, promoted by CES Boxing, faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio.

“This fight is so important for me because I’ve always wanted to headline in my hometown and fight for a title,” the 6′ 3″ Ball said. “Another goal of mine, before I started boxing, was to fight on a card with my cousin, Owen Minor, who will be making his pro debut. He’s a big puncher and people can expect a big KO from him.
 
“I’m an exciting fighter who likes to get knockouts. Expect something big to happen March 15th. I’m working on boxing more, using my jab a lot, to improve. I don’t know a lot about my opponent, but I understand he likes to move a lot.”
 
“Shearns Boxing is happy to have Kendrick Ball, Jr. headline our Mar. 15th card,” SBP promoter Chuck Shearns commented. “He’s a good kid whose family is rooted in Worcester boxing. There definitely is a rise in the number of quality fighters coming out of Worcester. This will probably be our last chance to watch Kendrick Jr. fighting in Worcester before his promoter, CES Boxing, has him fighting on the national scene.”
 
Ball, who started boxing at 13, experienced an unusual start to his boxing career, losing his first nine amateur bouts, before becoming a decorated boxer who turned pro in 2016.
 
“I wasn’t really ready, my head wasn’t into boxing when I started,” Ball explained. “I didn’t want to quit, and that experience taught me to never to give up. I knew that I was good – I had success sparring with pros – but it wasn’t there when I fought. I kept punching and grew into my own.”
 
Ball captured gold medals at three Western Golden Gloves Championships, plus top honors at the Rocky Marciano Tournament, also becoming a prestigious USA New England champion.    
 
Trained by his father, Ken Ball, Sr., who owns and operates Camp Get Right gym in Worcester, Ball Sr. & Jr. have succeeded when many father-son relationships in boxing have often failed.
  

“We have a tight bond and we’ve been doing this since he was little,” Ball Sr. reported. “It’s worked out well. I try to separate father-son and make it trainer-boxer, but that’s hard at times.”
 
His son added, “It’s all good. Sometimes it’s difficult and becomes a little hard, but only because he’s pushing me. He’s my trainer, mostly, during fights.”
 
Father and son agree that there is a boxing resurgence in Worcester, which has a rich history dating back a century, but it also went through a slow period. Ball is part of a gifted quartet that’s making noise today in boxing, joining Khiary Gray, Jermaine Ortiz and Irvin Gonzalez.
 
“Over the last three years,” Ball St. remarked, “boxing has been hot again in Worcester. There are a lot of talented, young boxers in Worcester. Once Khiary turned pro, that triggered a lot of boxers turning pro.”
 
“We’re all close,” Ball Jr. concluded. “We’ve trained together and support each other.”
 
Worcester boxing is on the rise and more talent is turning pro, starting Mar. 15th when Ball’s cousin, Minor, makes his long-awaited pro debut in a four-rounder versus Corey Morley (0-2-1), of Philadelphia.  
 
Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout, co-featured event against Dallas challenger Taronze Washington (17-26, 9 KOs).
 
Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on upset-minded Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Springfield, MA lightweightCalixto Cruz (1-0) vs. TBA, Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA, and Bridgeport, CT junior lightweight Carlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO).
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online atthepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.
 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing
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3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera returns with a bang KO winner in his first fight in 7 years

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS 
THE CHAMP IS BACK: referee Bob Benoit (L) and Jose Antonio Rivera

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 19, 2018) – Seven years after his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera returned to the ring in grand fashion last night (Saturday) to headline “Homecoming, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), 35 pounds lighter than he was in February when he started training, packed the house in his hometown, fully entertained his supportive fans. Three-time, two-division world champion Rivera pressured Larry “Slomoshun: Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs) from the opening bell and he never let up.

 

 

 

It took a few rounds for Rivera to wear off the rust, but he fed Smith a steady diet of body shots, gradually breaking down his opponent, as he won round after round on points. Twice in the sixth round it looked like Smith was done, but the tough Texan showed a lot of heart to survive.

 

 

 

Finally, Rivera closed the show in the seventh round, when Smith broke his hand in the fifth round and was unable to continue, kneeling in his corner, obviously in pain.

 

 

 

“I’ve always been tough,” Rivera said after the fight, “but I was a little rusty. He tested me early but, once he saw I wasn’t going anywhere and knew he was in for a fight. I started warming up in the fourth round. I was always a 12-round fighter. I didn’t know he broke his hand until after the fight. I feel great. We gave a good fight to the fans who have always supported me.”

 

 

 

“I give myself a C+ tonight. I’m going to talk with my family, but I’m thinking about one more fight, to make it 50 for his pro career).”

 

 

 

Jose Antonio Rivera (R) had a successful comeback fight

 

 

 

In the co-featured event, Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs) demolished Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-4), flooring him with a right uppercut and soon after finished him with a vicious body shot for a technical-knockout victory in the opening round. The popular Ball was fighting at home for the first time as a professional

 

 

 

The rematch between Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) and Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs) ended in the same fashion as their first encounter did three years ago. Also fighting at home for the first time, Gray blasted out his game opponent, cracking him with a picture-perfect, left-fight combination that put Fernandez on his back. Fernandez beat the count, but referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

 

 

 

Southbridge, MA junior middleweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, using a relentless body attack to drop Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs) three times, the last ending the fight midway through the third round.

 

 

 

Springfield, MA junior lightweight Joshua Orta (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an impressive pro debut in a barn-burner that ended when (1-8-1, 1 KO), of Worcester, was unable to continue fighting after the third round.

 

 

 

Worcester welterweight Eslih Owuso (1-0) pitched a shutout in his pro debut, decking veteran  Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs) twice in the second round, en route to a unanimous decision win.

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the night, 45-year-old Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-14-1, 2 KOs) dropped Patrick Leal (0-5) 10-seconds into the fight, once more later in the opening round, and stopped him in the second. Oritz, fighting out of Springfield, MA by way of Puerto Rico, was fighting for the first time in five years, and he registered his first victory in seven.

 

 

 

Official results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Jose Antonio Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO 7 (1:07)

Larry Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs), Dallas, Texas

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:21)

Fabian Valdez (2-4, 0 KOs), Cananea Sonora, Mexico

 

 

 

MIDDLWEIGHTS

Jose Angel Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKO2 (1:03)

Patrick Leal (0-5), Somerville, MA.

 

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:27)

Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

 

 

 

Wilfredo Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs), Southbridge, MA

WTKO3 (1:29)

Engelberto Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), Agua Prieta, Mexico

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Eslih Owusu (1-0), Worcester, MA

WDEC4 (40-34, 40-35, 40-36)

Bryan Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

Joshua Orta 1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO3 (3:00)

Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

 

 

 

 

Event sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto Championsofhealth@USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings

Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57.

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds was donated to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChinPromotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing, Granite Chin

New “Homecoming” opponent for headliner “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
This Friday night at The Palladium in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 15, 2018) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera has a new opponent for his comeback fight this Friday night in “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs), who was matched against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan, didn’t find out until yesterday (Tuesday) that Galvan had broken a finger the night before. Texas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith (10-37-1, 7 KOs) is the late replacement for Rivera in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

“I am not a fan of late changes,” Rivera said, “but at this point it’s either that or no fight, and I’ve trained too hard not to fight.”

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray(15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball faces Mexican Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-3) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14, 3 KOs), Springfield’s (MA) pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs) and Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Somerville’s (MA) Patrick Leal (0-4).

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), 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.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing, Granite Chin

“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera   “Homecoming” Open Workout  Photo Gallery 

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera  
“Homecoming” Open Workout 
Photo Gallery 
The Champ is back – Jose Antonio Rivera
Photo Gallery below – all pictures courtesy of Cristian Nunez
WORCESTER, Mass. (August 9, 2018) — Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera held an open workout yesterday at Camp Get Right in Worcester, MA, in preparation for his comeback fight August 17, headlining “Homecoming, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) headlines against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals: Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs), junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) and pro-debuting Eslih Owusu.
Ball, Jr. and Owusu, along with nearby Southbridge’s Wilfredo “El Sacaro” Pagan and Worcester’s Edwin Rosado, joined Rivera at last night’s open workout.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), 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.
Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).
A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera, @Granite_Chin

(L-R) — Co-promoter Chuck Shearns & Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera with Kendrick Ball, Jr. being interviewed in background

Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera
  Kendrick Ball, Jr.
Kendrick Ball, Jr.
  Kendrick Ball, Jr.
boxing, Granite Chin

“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera to headline “Homecoming”

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The Champ is back!
 
August 17 at The Palladium in Worcester, MA
 
“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera hitting the pads with his trainer Sean Fitzgerald

 

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 31, 2018) – A dozen years after he captured his third world title in two different weight classes, seven since his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Rivera returns to the ring August 17 to headline “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) has already lost more than 30 pounds, now within four pounds of his contracted weight, since he started training earlier this year. He will headline against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

 

 

 

In front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera capped his boxing career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia(25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

 

 

 

“The idea to return to the ring started with my son. A.J., and I talking about chasing history,” Rivera explained. “We are not able to put that together right now (A.J. was born with Spina Bifida and he was unable to secure medical clearance in time for the Aug. 17th show.), but because of my hard work these last six months, I felt that it was only fitting to continue with my fight.

 

 

 

“Granite Chin Promotions has been very instrumental to make sure that this show is put together in the most professional manner possible. I won’t think our promotional company (Jos and A.J. own and operate RPE Promotions Entertainment) would have been able to pull this off. All the negotiations had to be done and me training the only way I know how, at a championship level, would have been too much for us to handle.”

 

 

 

Granite Chin Promotions’ co-promoter Chuck Shearns added, “When Jose and I started talking about his ring return, I was the last person to think he was crazy. We were friends during his championship days and I know how incredibly committed and disciplined Jose is. I fought at 49 years old, not to compare myself to the level Jose has been on, but I know that it can be done. What everyone should know is how well Jose has taken care of himself during his thirties and into his forties. Did I ever think that Chris (Traietti, GCP co-promoter) and I would be co-promoting Jose’s comeback? No, but I’m happy to be involved and I will support him as far as he wants to take this. He’s been training like he’s 25 and Jose’s going to surprise some people.”

 

 

 

During Rivera’s title reigns, unlike other world champions, he also held a full-time job as a court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court, a position in Worcester that he still holds 17 years later. Between working and training, never mind his family responsibilities, Jose somehow manages to balance everything in his extremely busy life.

 

 

 

“Let’s just say it makes for a busy schedule,” Rivera remarked. “I am committed to taking care of my family and will do whatever it takes. I usually run before work and train after work. Starting early and finishing late makes for busy days, but the job needs to get done. Right now, I’m in the middle of the hardest period of training. The week of the fight is more about preparing mentally and making weight. There’s nothing you can do the week of the fight to help you get into better shape.”

 

 

 

Rivera isn’t under any illusions that his comeback will lead to another major world title. The plan is for him to have two more fights to reach a total of 50 as a pro, but he’s taking things one fight at a time, and he still hopes his next fight, tentatively slated for later this year, will be on the same card as his son’s pro debut.

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The battle-tested Galvan, his Aug. 17th opponent from Indiana, has fought other world champions, Including Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Paez and Paul Spadafora.

 

 

 

“I hear he comes to fight and that he likes to fool around a bit to try and get into his opponent’s head,” Rivera added. I’ve concentrated on me, my timing and focus on the game plan

 

 

 

“Training for this fight has been more mental than anything else. I have been able to reach peak performance at 45 training like I did in my prime. The most important thing is that, working with my trainer Sean Fitzgerald, I’ve been focused on making sure my timing gets better since it’s been seven years since I last fought.

 

 

 

“And, of course, it’s always a great feeling to box in front of my hometown fans. Their support is always appreciated.”

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because six fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball meets Demetrius Walker (8-21-2, 4 KOs) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), 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.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing, Granite Chin

“Fight Night at The Zone” RESULTS from Derry, NH

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stops Larry Smith in 5

 

 

 

Undefeated New England prospects

Richard Rivera & Irvin Gonzalez

Register sensational 1st round knockouts

           

 

 

“Fight Night at The Zone”

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

 

DERRY, N.H. (April 8, 2018) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow (Saturday) evening’s “Fight Night at the Zone,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at The Sportszone in Derry, New Hampshire.

 

 

 

 

In the main event, Dorchester, MA junior middleweight Gabriel Duluc (12-3, 3 KOs) used a vicious body attack to stop veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slomoshun” Smith in the fifth round. A right to the liver put Smith down, but he beat the referee Mike Ryan‘s count. Smith was unable to recover as he was pinned on the ropes by Duluc, who reeled off a dozen unanswered punches, forcing referee Ryan to end the fight.

 

 

 

 

New England’s hardest hitter is unquestionably UBF N.E. light heavyweight champion Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), who knocked out cruiserweight Randy “The Rattler” Campbell (3-19, 2 KOs) with the first punch in their non-title fight, a lethal right that broke Campbell’s lower right ankle.

 

 

 

 

Flashy Worcester, MA prospect Irvin Gonzalez (9-0, 8 KOs) overwhelmed his Mexican opponent, junior welterweight Francisco “El Mono” Medel (12-13, 8 KOs), blasting him from every angle en route to a first-round technical knockout, in which Medal went to the canvas twice.

 

 

 

 

New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), also the co-promoter, pounded “Jammin” James Morrow (12-23-3, 5 KOs) from pillar to post until referee Leo Gerstel halted the action in their non-title fight for a third-round technical knockout.

 

 

 

 

Irish junior welterweight Paddy McGee, fighting out of Dorchester, MA, landed only two punches in his pro debut, both flooring Bardraiel Smith (0-4), for a quick first-round knockout.

 

 

 

 

Stoughton, MA welterweight Travis “The Outlaw” Demko (6-1, 1 KO) outclassed Paul DeSouza (0-11), of Somerville, pitching a six-round shutout decision.

 

 

 

 

With former world champion Wilfredo, Vasquez, Jr. supporting him, Springfield, MA welterweight Anthony Velasquez (2-0, 2 KOs) needed only 43 seconds to finish off Shavonte Dixon (0-3).

 

 

 

 

Danbury, CT junior welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated, taking a four-round unanimous decision from a game Carlos Galindo (0-2).

 

 

 

 

Local favorite, Ricky Ford (2-1-1), fighting out Claremont, NH, dropped Woburn, MA junior middleweight Jaco Matsos (0-2) twice before the fight was stopped by referee Mike Ryan.

 

 

 

 

New Jersey super middleweight Chris “Sandman” Thomas improved his pro record to 8-0-1 (5 KOs), when John Hantzopoulos (0-2) failed to answer the bell for the third round.

 

 

 

 

Complete results below:

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Gabriel Duluc (12-3, 3 KOs), Dorchester, MA
WTKO5 (1:40)
Larry Smith (10-35-1, 7 KOs), Dallas, TX

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – CRUISERWEIGHTS
Richard Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), Hartford, CT
WKO1 (0:37)
Randy Campbell (3-19, 2 KOs), Bowerston, OH

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), Quincy, MA
WTKO3 (0:53)James Morrow (12-23-3, 5 KOs), Lafayette, IN.

 

 

 

SUPER MIDDEWEIGHTS

Chris Thomas (8-0-1, 5 KOs), Beechwood, NJ

WTKO2 (3:00)

John Hantzopoulos (0-2), Lynn, MA

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ricky Ford (2-1-1, 1 KO), Claremont, NH

WTKO1 (1:47)

Jaco Matos (0-2), Woburn, MA

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS
Travis Demko (6-1, 1 KO), Stoughton, MA.
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Paul DeSouza (0-11), Somerville, MA

 

 

 

Anthony Velasquez (2-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO (0:43)
Shavonte Dixon (0-3), Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Irvin Gonzalez (9-0, 8 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (1:57)
Francisco Medel (12-13, 8 KOs), Sonora, Mexico

 

 

 

Paddy McGee (1-0, 1 KO), Dorchester, MA
WTKO1 (1:12)

Bardraiel Smith (0-4), Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

Omar Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-36)
Carlos Galindo (0-2), Woburn, MA

 

 

 

 

Sponsors included Betley Chevrolet, Tobin Scientific, Matrix Aerospace, TownPlace Suites, Manchester Monarchs and Cars.com

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin