Tag Archives: Kendal Mena

LaManna stops Mena in four in front of sold-out crowd at Claridge in Atlantic City

 

Seldon & Pasciolla pick up Tri-State title belts; Rainone decisions Chalmers

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 21, 2016)–This past Saturday night, welterweight contender, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna thrilled a sold-out crowd at The Claridge in Atlantic City when he scored  fourth round stoppage over Kendal Mena that highlighted a action-packed nine bout card.
The card was promoted by Rising Promotions and Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions.
With all of the seats occupied, fans were jammed on the walls and they enjoyed LaManna’s performance, which was action-filled from the opening bell.
LaManna used hard right hands to continuously rock Mena.  In round one, LaManna set the tone by buckling Mena with one of those rights.
LaManna was sitting down on his punches to the point where he sent Mena’s mouthpiece firing out oh his mouth several times and finally in round three, referee David Fanciosi had to deduct a point from Mena.  LaManna continued to rock Mena with hard shots and had him wobbled throughout round four.  LaManna had Mena on the ropes and one more hard right hand pummeled into Mena and Franciosi stopped the bout at 2:23 of round four.
LaManna of Millville, NJ is 20-1 with eight knockouts.  Mena of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic is 20-4.
“It felt good to get the stoppage.  I can only see bigger and better things coming for my career,  I am only getting better and stronger, and I predict more knockouts to come,”  Said LaManna.  “I felt real composed and I knew he was hurt in the first round and I took my time to break him down and get him out.  Rising Promotions and Gulfstream Promotions has three more dates at The Claridge (May 27, September 17 and November 12) and I am still building.  I am still young and am taking my time to get where I want to be.”
Isiah Seldon (8-1) came back after a 33-month layoff with a six-round unanimous decision over Michael Mitchell to capture the Tri-State Super Middleweight title.
Seldon of Atlantic City almost had a stoppage in round one as he landed a hard flurry of punches and had Mitchell hurt on the ropes.  It looked like referee Mary Glover was stepping in to stop the fight, but she just separated the fighters.  Seldon got the best of the action over the game Mitchell and came home with the victory to the tune of 58-56 on all cards.
Dan Pasciolla (7-1-1) won the Tri-State Heavyweight title with a shutout six-round unanimous decision over comebacking former IBF Cruiserweight champion Imamu Mayfield (25-10-2)
Scores were 60-54 on all cards.
Popular Long Island welterweight Tommy Rainone (25-7-1) made his boardwalk debut a successful one as he scored a hard fought unanimous decision over Maurice Chalmers (14-13-1) in a eight-round bout.  Rainone used effective punching to open up a cut over Chalmers left eye in round two.  Chalmers tried to make the fight, but Rainone used effective counters and won by scores of 79-73 on all cards.
Daryl Bunting (1-0-1) started the card off with a four-round unanimous decision over Darryl Watkins (0-3) in a super middleweight bout.
Bunting win by scores of 40-36 twice and 40-35.
Omar Brito (3-2, 2 KO’s) scored a explosive one-punch knockout over Bienvenido Diaz (2-2) in a scheduled four-round super featherweight bout.
Brito landed a perfect right hand that sent Diaz to the canvas.  Diaz got to his feet but was wobbling around the ring and the bout was stopped at 2:20 of round one.
Quian Davis (2-0-1) won a four round unanimous decision over Corey Morley (0-2-1) in a heavyweight bout.
Scores were 40-36 on all cards.
Alvin Vermall Jr. (8-0-1)  remained perfect by winning an entertaining four round unanimous decision over D’Quan Morgan (3-3-1) in a cruiserweight bout.
There was good back and forth action throughout the bout.  Vermall, who is from Catskills, New York has an exciting style reminiscent to another former Catskills fighter in Mike Tyson.  Morgan was bleeding from his nose in round three.  The two fought a spirited affair with Vermall winning by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Hakim Bryant (6-0) remained perfect with a six-round unanimous decision over Rick Graham in a middleweight bout.
Bryant (6-0) dominated the action, and dropped Graham in round six from a flurry on the ropes and won by scores of 60-51, 60-52 and 60-53.
The show is available for viewing for $14.99 on GFL.TV by CLICKING HERE
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Isiah Seldon back and looking for big opportunities

 

Seldon battles Michael Mitchell this Saturday at The Claridge Hotel for the Garden State Super Middleweight title

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna battles Kendal Mena in main event
1ST BOUT —7 PM SHARP
For Immediate Release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 18, 2016)–TOMORROW NIGHT at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City,super middleweight Isiah Seldon returns to the ring after  a 33-month layoff when he challenges Michael Mitchell  as part of an 11-bout card that is promoted by Rising Promotions and Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions.
In the main event, Thomas LaManna takes on Kendal Mena in a eight round welterweight bout.
Seldon is eager to be back in the ring after much soul searching over the past two-plus years.
“I have been working a job and staying in the gym.  I have been keeping sharp but I just needed to get my life in order, ” said Seldon.  “We have been looking for the right fight.  I was offered some good financial opportunities in Russia, but I want to do this the right way.  I am not in this for the money.”
Seldon feels at age 27, the time is now to concentrate on in his ring career.
“I am not getting any younger, and when I got the call from Rising Promotions and they offered me the right fight, I jumped at it.”
When asked about the veteran Mitchell, Seldon really doesn’t know alot.
“I don’t know much.  I saw a couple video snippets of him and I see a tough guys who comes forward.  It should be a good fight.  I trained very hard for this and I am ready.”
When asked what he sees in the next few years, Seldon, believes that with Rising Promotions looking to do stage multiple fight cards on the boardwalk property, he sees an active 2016.
“I am looking at two or three more fights this year.  Rising Promotions said I could be on their cards going forward.  I am just trying to stay busy.  I am 27 years-old and it is time to go.  The Beast Mode is turned on and I am excited to show a new Isiah Seldon.  Before I was just a brawler but in the time off, I have developed my boxing skills and I am a much better fighter.”
In an eight-round welterweight bout, Tommy Rainone (24-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Long Island, NY battles Maurice Chalmers (14-12-1, 8 KO’s) of Lynchburg, VA.
In six-round bouts:
 
Lamont Capers (5-7-2) of Hawley, PA will fight Willis Lockett (14-16-5, 5 KO’s) of Takoma Park, MD in a cruiserweight bout.

Former cruiserweight world champion Imamu Mayfield (25-9-2, 18 KO’s) of Perth Amboy, NJ returns to the ring after an eight year absence when  he takes on Dan Pasciolla (6-1-1) of Brick, NJ in a heavyweight bout for the Garden State Heavyweight title.
In four round bouts:
Quian Davis (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Mays Landing, NJ battles Corey Morley (0-1-1) of Philadelphia in a Heavyweight bout.
 
Omar Brito (2-2, 1 KO) of Pleasantville, NJ will fight Bienvenido Diaz (2-1, 2 KO’s) of Prospect Park, NJ in a super featherweight fight.
Alvin Vermall (7-0-1, 7 KO’s) of La Place, LA will take on D’Quan Morgan (3-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Hamlet, NC in a cruiserweight tilt.
Undefeated middleweight Hakim Bryant (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Asbury Park, NJ will fightRick Graham (3-11-2, 1 KO) of Detroit, MI.
 
Darryl Bunting (0-0-1) of Asbury Park, NJ will tussle with Darryl Watkins (0-2) of Temple Hills, MD. in a super middleweight fight.
Ubdefeated lightweight Steven Ortiz (2-0) of Philadelphia, PA will box Jose Miguel Castro (5-7, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Tickets for the March 19th fight card are $50 GA,  $75 Stage (very few remaining)$125 VIP (SOLD OUT) (Booths of 5 available for $500—SOLD OUT) and are available at RisingBoxingPromotions.com or 609-487-4444.
The Claridge Hotel is located at  123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City NJ

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Instagram: @risingpromo

Former professional baseball player Quian Davis looking to make a difference in the community

 
Davis to battle Corey Morley this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna battles Kendal Mena in main event
1ST BOUT —7 PM SHARP
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 16, 2016)–This Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City,Heavyweight Quian Davis will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Corey Morley as part of an 11-bout card that is promoted by Rising Promotions and Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions.
In the main event, Thomas LaManna takes on Kendal Mena in a eight round welterweight bout.
Davis of nearby Mays Landing, New Jersey is not the typical fighter who has dreams of winning a world heavyweight title, but he has bigger plans to help mold the youth of the Jersey Shore area as being a role model.
To say Davis is an all-around athlete is an understatement.
The Buena High School all-time leading rusher in football, was a 48th round draft pick of the Florida Marlins and spent three years in their minor league system.
When getting the itch to play football again, Davis bagged baseball and began playing football at Hudson Valley College in upstate New York.
After a few years of figuring out his next move, Davis took up boxing.
At 6’3″and 250 lbs, Davis took up the sweet science at the age of 34.
After eight amateur fights (record of 5-3), Davis turned professional by fighting a four round draw with Willie Harvey on August 15, 2015.
Davis got into the win column with a 26 second knockout over Santario Holdbrooks on December 5th at The Claridge.
“Right now, I am getting by with my natural athletic ability.  I do not know all of the ins and outs of boxing, but I have toughness and have been learning on the job,” said Davis.
“There has been a lot of improvement since I have started”
In Morley, he is facing a durable guy, that has gone the distance in his first two outings.
“I just know he is shorter and heavier then me.  He is from Philadelphia, so that alone, I know he is a tough guy.”
Davis is even more honest when it comes to his ceiling as a fighter.
“My goal is to fight as long as the sport wants me.  I want to have fights that will build my resume and give me the credibility to become a trainer for all athletes.  I would like to instill what I know and my experiences with baseball, football and now boxing and become an all-around trainer and role model.  There are people needed in the community that should be mentoring kids coming up and I feel that I can be that guy around here.”
“I want to thank my supporters.  I am humbled that they spend their hard earned money to come see fight, and I am so appreciative of that.”
In an eight-round bout, Tommy Rainone (24-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Long Island, NY will fight Maurice Chalmers (14-12-1, 8 KO’s) of Danville, VA in a welterweight clash.
In six-round bouts:
 
Lamont Capers (5-7-2) of Hawley, PA will fight Willis Lockett (14-16-5, 5 KO’s) of Takoma Park, MD in a cruiserweight bout.

Isiah Seldon (7-1, 3 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will fight Michael Mitchell (3-6-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ in a fight for the Garden State Super Middleweight title.
Former cruiserweight world champion Imamu Mayfield (25-9-2, 18 KO’s) of Perth Amboy, NJ returns to the ring after an eight year absence when  he takes on Dan Pasciolla (6-1-1) of Brick, NJ in a heavyweight bout.
In four round bouts:
 
Omar Brito (2-2, 1 KO) of Pleasantville, NJ will fight Bienvenido Diaz (2-1, 2 KO’s) of Prospect Park, NJ in a super featherweight fight.
Alvin Vermall (7-0-1, 7 KO’s) of La Place, LA will take on D’Quan Morgan (3-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Hamlet, NC in a cruiserweight tilt.
Undefeated middleweight Hakim Bryant (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Asbury Park, NJ will fight Rick Graham (3-11-2, 1 KO) of Detroit, MI.
 
Darryl Bunting (0-0-1) of Asbury Park, NJ will tussle with Darryl Watkins (0-2) of Temple Hills, MD. in a super middleweight fight.
Undefeated lightweight Steven Ortiz (2-0) of Philadelphia, PA will box Jose Miguel Castro (5-7, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Tickets for the March 19th fight card are $50 GA,  $75 Stage (very few remaining)$125 VIP (SOLD OUT) (Booths of 5 available for $500—SOLD OUT) and are available at RisingBoxingPromotions.com or 609-487-4444.
The Claridge Hotel is located at  123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City NJ

Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo

About Rising Promotions:
Rising Promotions was created with the intent of becoming a house hold name with the key objective of Rising Promotions being able to coordinate an array of diversified special events within the sports and entertainment industry, The CEO and partners at Rising Promotions feel that the opportunities for growth are endless. We would like to give opportunities to up and coming professional as well as amateur boxers that other promoters would not readily give opportunity to. The events that Rising plans to coordinate will provide much needed affordable, family-friendly sports entertainment.

Long Island favorite Tommy “Razor” Rainone looking for big win this Saturday night in boardwalk debut

 
Rainone to take on Maurice Chalmers this Saturday at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna battles Kendal Mena in main event
For Immediate Release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 15, 2016)–This Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, Long Island based welterweight Tommy Rainone makes his debut on the boardwalk when he battles Maurice Chalmers in a eight round bout in a featured undercard bout of a 11-bout card promoted by Rising Promotions and Vincent M.Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions.
In the main event, Thomas LaManna takes on Kendal Mena in a eight round welterweight bout.
Rainone has a record of 24-7-1 with with five knockouts has long been a fan favorite in the Empire state, and the fight with Chalmers will fulfill a venue that has been on the 36 year-old’s bucket list.
“I have fought in Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, The Legendary Blue Horizon and Las Vegas.  I have been wanting to fight in Atlantic City for a long time and Saturday it finally happens,” said Rainone.
What makes Rainone’s career even more fascinating is that he works a full-time job overnight working for Hilton Hotels in the accounting the department.
That makes for long days, working until the early morning, getting just a few hours of sleep and then going to the gym before his overnight shift.
“I have not had a day off in seven weeks, but I will be ready to go on Saturday night.  I have had pretty good training and sparring. Now I am just maintaining my weight “
In Chalmers, he is facing a veteran who has a record of 14-12-1 with eight knockouts.  Chalmers has knocked off three undefeated fighters, but Rainone is confident that his skills and preparation will be enough to get his hand raised.
“I have seen him once in person.  He defeated an undefeated guy and he was very aggressive that night.  I have seen other fight’s where he sits back and is a counter puncher.  I prepare for anything.”
Since turning professional in 2006, Rainone has been an instant fan favorite, and he feels he owes a lot of support to the many supporters who have stuck by him through his whole career.
“Without a fan base, you don’t get fights.  I will have 100 or so fans down in Atlantic City.  I owe everything to them.”
Rainone believes his popularity is due large in part to him being just an “everyday guy” and his fans can relate to him.
“I always put on a good fight, but I am relate able.  After the fights, I hang out with everybody.  I am humble and I show the fans how much I appreciate him.”
In his last bout, Rainone took one of the step up fights that could have set him up for a major opportunity when he took on former junior middleweight champion Ishe Smith.
Rainone came up just short in that fight, but Rainone wanted to test himself against the former world champion.
“That fight was a tall order.  Ishe is the bigger man and a former world champion.  I am not a junior middleweight.  I tried very hard and I knew if I had won that fought, I would have been ranked in the top-ten.”
Rainone is only planning to fight another couple of years and he still has the goals of every fighter, but he is taking his career fight by fight.
“The goal is one fight at a time.  I am excited to fight in Atlantic City.  I want to fight at Barclays Center and again in Madison Square Square Garden as well fighting for a title back in Atlantic City.”
“I have done this the hard way throughout my career.   I do not know who has done it the way I have.  I have done this on my own without any alliance or any promoter and I am very proud what I have accomplished and I still have more to do.”
Tickets for the March 19th fight card are $50 GA,  $75 Stage (very few remaining)$125 VIP (SOLD OUT) (Booths of 5 available for $500—SOLD OUT) and are available at RisingBoxingPromotions.com or 609-487-4444.
The Claridge Hotel is located at  123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City NJ

Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo

About Rising Promotions:
Rising Promotions was created with the intent of becoming a house hold name with the key objective of Rising Promotions being able to coordinate an array of diversified special events within the sports and entertainment industry, The CEO and partners at Rising Promotions feel that the opportunities for growth are endless. We would like to give opportunities to up and coming professional as well as amateur boxers that other promoters would not readily give opportunity to. The events that Rising plans to coordinate will provide much needed affordable, family-friendly sports entertainment.

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to take on Kendal Mena in main event on Saturday, March 19 at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

 
Tommy Rainone takes on Maurice Chalmers; Former world champion Imamu Mayfield returns to fight Dan Pasciolla
Atlantic City, NJ (February 26, 2016)–On Saturday night,  March 19, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will headline in an 8-round Welterweight bout when he fights Kendal Mena at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City
.
The card is promoted by Rising Promotions in association with Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulf Stream Promotions.
LaManna (19-1, 7 KO’s) of nearby Millville, New Jersey will be making his second consecutive appearance at The Claridge.  LaManna won a 8-round unanimous decision over Ariel Vasquez on December 5th.
LaManna used his reach and height and worked behind his jab to keep Vasquez at bay.  As the fight wore on, LaManna started to dominate with body punches and cruised home to victory to the tune of 79-72 on two scorecards and 78-73.
The 24 year-old LaManna turned professional in 2011 and won his first sixteen bouts that were highlighted by wins over Ashandi Gibbs & Jamaal Davis.
“I really don’t know much about Mena, but I am preparing to the best of my ability to handle whatever it is he brings to the table. Records don’t mean anything to me, all I know is he beat twenty men and has knocked out eleven of them,”said LaManna

“Training camp has been great. In this camp my team and I have been focusing more on working on the basics. We believe I have natural talent and I’m excited to see when it all comes to place.”

Since suffering his only loss to world ranked Middleweight Antoine Douglas on ShoBox: The New Generation, LaManna has won three straight which includes a 6-round unanimous decision over rugged Ayi Bruce on September 26th in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

This will be LaManna’s second fight at Welterweight after moving down from Middleweight.
Mena of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has a respectable mark of 20-3 with 11 knockouts.
The 28-year old Mena won his first twenty fights, which earned him a shot at the WBA International title.
He was stopped in the bout by contender Francisco Santana and he has lost to two undefeated fighters in his subsequent bouts.
In an 8-round co-feature, Tommy Rainone takes on Maurice Chalmers in a Welterweight bout.
Rainone has established himself as a fan favorite on the east coast, will be making his Atlantic City debut.
He has a record of 24-7-1 with five knockouts.

The 36 year-old of Long Island, New York won his first 11 bouts.  Rainone captured the IBA Americas Title 10-round unanimous decision over Robby Cannon.  He also captured the USBO Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Carl McNickles.

Rainone will be looking to get back in the win column after dropping a unanimous decision to former world champion Ishe Smith on December 18.
Chalmers of Lynchburg, Virginia has a record of 14-12-1 with 8 knockouts.
Chalmers will be looking to spring the upset, much like he did when he defeated the likes of Marcus Woods (4-1), Michael Lozano (3-0), Rajiv Bhattacharya (9-0) and Tykeem Sadler (6-0).
In the 6-round co-feature, former IBF Cruiserweight champion Imamu Mayfield will be making his long awaited comeback in a Heavyweight bout against Dan Pasciolla for the Garden State Heavyweight title.
Mayfield of Perth Amboy, New Jersey will making his first appearance in just for 8-years.
Mayfield won the IBF Cruiserweight championship when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Uriah Grant on November 8, 1997.  He made one defense and was stopped by Arthur Williams on October 30, 1998.
Mayfield won the USBA Cruiserweight title with 10th round stoppage over Gary Wilcox on June 30, 2001.
Mayfield has also fought world champions Juan Carlos Gomez, Krzystof Wlodarczyk and Alexander Povetkin.
Pasciolla of Brick, New Jersey has a record of 6-1-1 and holds wins over Bill Marks (1-0), John Lennox (13-2) and Donnie Palmer (6-0-1).  In his most recent bout, Pasciolla and Brendan Barrett (3-0-1) fought to a draw on February 19 in Atlantic City.
In a six-round bouts:
Lamont Capers (5-7-2) of Brooklyn, NY fights Tracy Johnson (3-2-3) of Boston, MA in a Cruiserweight bout.
In a bout for the Garden State Super Middleweight title, Isiah Seldon (7-1, 3 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Michael Mitchell (3-6-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ.

Hakim Bryant (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Asbury Park, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a Middleweight bout.

In 4-round Bouts:
Quian Davis (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Mays Landing, NJ will fight Corey Morley (0-1-1) of Philadelphia, PA in a Heavyweight bout.

Caleb Hernandez (2-0) of Vineland, NJ will battle LeAnthony Fleming (1-1) of Lakeland, FL in a Welterweight bout.

 
Omar Brito (2-2) of Pleasantville, NJ will take on Bienvenido Diaz (2-1, 2 KO’s) of the Prospect Park, NJ in a Super Featherweight bout.

Alvin Vermall (7-0-1, 7 KO’s) of LaPlace, LA will fight Dequan Morgan (3-2-1, 1 KO) of Hamlet, NC in a Cruiserweight bout.

Darryl Bunting (0-0-1 ) of Asbury Park, NJ fights Jason Singletary (0-1) of Washington, DC in a Super Middleweight fight

Steven Ortiz (2-0) of Philadelphia will take part in a Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.
Tickets are $50 GA,  $75 Stage (very few remaining)$125 VIP (SOLD OUT)(Booths of 5 available for $500—SOLD OUT) and are available at RisingBoxingPromotions.com or 609-487-4444.
The Clardige Hotel is located at  123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City NJ

Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo

About Rising Promotions:
Rising Promotions was created with the intent of becoming a house hold name with the key objective of Rising Promotions being able to coordinate an array of diversified special events within the sports and entertainment industry, The CEO and partners at Rising Promotions feel that the opportunities for growth are endless. We would like to give opportunities to up and coming professional as well as amateur boxers that other promoters would not readily give opportunity to. The events that Rising plans to coordinate will provide much needed affordable, family-friendly sports entertainment.

ESPN “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” FROM THE CHUMASH CASINO: POST FIGHT REPORT

 DARLEYS PEREZ RETAINS WBA LIGHTWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE

 

SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA (January 9, 2015) –  Tonight at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, Gary Shaw Productions presented his final show as a promotional company on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”.  In the 12-round main event, Darleys Perez (32-1, 20 KOs) won an impressive unanimous decision as he defended his WBA Interim Lightweight Championship against Jonathan Maicelo (21-2, 12 KOs).  Perez vs. Maicelo was a promoted in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions.

 

In the early rounds, Jonathan Maicelo was using lateral movement to set up his punches, but Darleys Perez was timing him every time he jumped in.  Maicelo to his demise was going straight back after every combination and Perez was making him pay.  As the fight entered the later rounds, Perez had control of the fight and was up on the scorecards.  Perez was timing his punches well and landed some very clean shots that had Maicelo off balance.  Perez caught Maicelo jumping in and sent him to the canvas in round eleven.  In round twelve, Perez closed the show as he landed a plethora of hard shots to close out the round.  Maicelo, gave a gallant effort in defeat.  Scorecards read 118-109, 118-108, 120-107 in favor of Perez.

 

“I was prepared for a tough fight,” said Darleys Perez. “Maicelo is an incredible competitor. It took me a few rounds to settle into a rhythm, but once I did, I was able to land whatever I wanted. After a few rounds, I was able to time his movements and connect with a variety of punches. I want to be the best in the lightweight division. That’s what drives me. I put my heart and soul into every fight and I’m going to keep preparing the same way.”

 

“I did my best tonight but was up against a better man in Darleys Perez.” said Maicelo. “He did a good job of using his reach to keep me off balance.  It was very difficult to land my shots.  He’s a great champion and I take my hat off to him.  I still want to fight and see if I can work my way back to the top.  This is not the end of my career.  I know I can get back in there and compete at a high level.”

 

FRANCISCO SANTANA WINS WBA INTERNATIONAL TITLE

In the 10-round co-main event, Santa Barbara’s welterweight contender, Francisco Santana (22-3-1, 11 KOs) didn’t need much time to finish off his opponent, Kendal Mena (20-0, 11 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.  While the taller Mena was trying to establish his distance and jab, Santana, the local hero, landed a left hook that dropped him in the begging of the round.  As soon as Mena got up off the canvas, Santana landed a right hook, left hook combo that put Mena down for good at the 1:43 mark of round one.  With the victory, Santana captures the WBA International Welterweight Championship.

 

“My trainer had a great game plan going into this fight,” said Francisco Santana. “Once I saw an opening in his defense I knew I could land my left hook.  This was great exposure for me and I’m very please I was able to get the knockout on national television.  I want to thank Gary Shaw for this opportunity and I look forward to the future with him moving forward with RocNation.  I’m ready to challenge any of the top welterweights in the division.”

 

“Tonight everyone showed up and gave it their best and the fans go to witness a great night of boxing.” said Gary Shaw. “Perez is a very tough fighter and I see him taking over the lightweight division.  Santana showed he has what it takes to be something special in the welterweight division and he’ll be in a very big fight in the near future.  I’m ready to start the next chapter of my legacy with RocNation and I’m very energized with what the future holds for all my fighters.”

 

Undercard

 

6-Round Super-Bantamweight Bout

Roman Morales (19-0, 10 KOs) vs. Ernesto Guerrero (15-14, 10 KOs)

San Andro, California’s undefeated Super-Bantamweight prospect, Roman Morales extending on his winning streak with an impressive 3rd round knockout.  After a slow start, Morales landed a left hook to the body in round three dropping Guerrero to the canvas.  The referee gave Guerrero the full 10 count and the bout was stopped at the 1:05 mark of the round.

 

6-Round Heavyweight Bout

Jarrell Miller (11-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Kinch (5-4-2, 1 KO)

Brooklyn New York’s Jarrell Miller battered Newark, New Jersey’s Aaron Kinch over six rounds en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.  Even though Miller landed a plethora of power shots throughout the fight, Kinch survived, making it to the final bell giving the fans a spirited effort. Scorecards read 60-54 twice and 60-53 in favor of Miller.

 

6-Round Flyweight Female Attraction

Maria Suarez (8-1-1) vs. Jolene Blackshear (9-5, 4 KOs)

Santa Maria, California’s Maggie Suarez won a close majority decision against a very tough Jolene Blackshear.  Suarez used her superior boxing skills to squeak out the victory.  Jolene had her moments but it wasn’t enough as Suarez landed at a higher percentage in most of the rounds. Scorecards read 57-57, 58-56 for Maggie

 

4-Round Welterweight Bout

Manuel Romero (1-2-2) vs. Carlos Gonzalez (1-6)

Santa Maria California’s Manuel Romero made quick work of Carlos Gonzales.  Round one was all Romero as he came out guns blazing. In round two, Romero landed a barrage of punches and the referee halted the bout at the 2:16 mark of the round two.

 

4-Round Jr. Flyweight Female Attraction

Poula Estrada (2-0) vs. Kayana Rain (0-1)

Palmdale, California’s Poula Estrada did enough to pull off a close victory against a game Kayana Rain, who hails from Los Angeles. . The taller Estrada used a good jab and movement to negate the pressure style of Rain.  Although Rain landed some good power shots, Estrada landed the cleaner blows throughout the fight.  Scorecards read 38-38, 39-37 for Estrada.