Tag Archives: Massachusetts

Top Prospect Irvin Gonzalez remains perfect Stops Israel Rojas in second round

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM WORCESTER
(L) – Irvin Gonzalez
WORCESTER, Mass. (January 20, 2017) – Boxing returned to Worcester last night (Thursday) for the first time in more than five years to the delight of a capacity crowd of 2,100 passionate fans at the Palladium.
The inaugural event of the “New England’s Future” series, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment, featured 10 action-packed fights, highlighted by rising Worcester featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs).
“The support we received from the sold out crowd was exciting for our first show,” said promoter Jose Antonio Rivera, the former 3-time, 2-division world champion. “We working on our second show in March, of course, right here in Worcester.”
The 20-year-old Gonzalez was absolutely relentless in the main event, fright rom the opening bell, throwing a barrage of unanswered punches from every conceivable angle, repeatedly hurting his Mexican foe, Israel “Tigre” Ramos (9-15, 3 KOs), including a late first-round knockdown.  Gonzalez didn’t let up in the second, firing crisp punches, until Rojas hit the canvas early in the second frame and referee Steve Clark had seen enough, stopping the one-sided fight.
Gonzalez is continuing the rich Worcester boxing tradition.  “I’m always relentless,” Gonzalez said with a smile. “It was great fighting in the main event at home.  I heard the crowd and really appreciated their support.  I hurt him early and I almost took him out in the first round with a body punch. I finished him off with a right in the second.  None of my fights have gone the distance, but I prepared to go the full six tonight, if needed.”
Gonzalez takes off Sunday o report to undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux’ training camp in Miami, where he’ll work with the reigning WBA super bantamweight world champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist.
Undefeated Ray “Bazooka” Gracewski (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Springfield (MA), was on a search-and-destroy mission in the co-feature against Worcester super middleweight Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), who was dropped three times before referee Kevin Hope halted the fight.
Hartford’s pro-debuting Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera was good to the finish, albeit only two rounds, in a fight contested at a 185-pound catchweight against Philadelphian Davonte Hopkins (0-3).   Rivera, who was a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament winner, punished Hopkins, finally dropping him in the second round, after which his corner threw in the towel.
In an evenly matched junior featherweight bout, hometown favorite Ranse Andino‘s pro debut resulted in a hard earned victory, by way of a four-round unanimous decision, over Lowell’s (MA) previously unbeaten Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2  KOs)
Unbeaten Haitian heavyweight Jean Pierre “Kid Creole” Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) pounded game Mexican foe Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KOs) from the opening bell en route to a shutout six-round unanimous decision.
East Hartford prospect Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, finished off winless welterweight Rafael Francis (0-9) with a debilitating body shot early in the second round.
In his pro debut, popular Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez, a local barber, spotted his opponent, 392-pound Bobby Favors (0-4), nearly 60 pounds but Favors was unable to continue after the first round.
Southbridge, MA Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan turned in a memorable pro debut, winning a four-round majority decision over Alexander Picot (1-2-1 (0 KOs), contested at a 145-pound catchweight.
The second-oldest pro fighter in Massachusetts history, 49-year-old “Irish” Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), of nearby Auburn, MA., ended his boxing career in style with an opening-round technical knockout victory over Philadelphia junior middleweight Shavonte Dixon (0-2).
Team Shearns celebrates after his retirement fight
U.S. Marine Brandon Montella, fighting out of Saugus, MA., improved his record to 6-0 (5 KOs), as his light heavyweight Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs) suffered an injury early in the second round.
 
Complete results below:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
Main Event –Featherweights
Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO2 (1:28)
Israel Rojas (9-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Co-Feature – Super Middleweights
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (1:32)
Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jean Pierre Augstin (8-0-1, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-23, 12 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Felix Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Bobby Favors (0-4), Cincinnati, OH
(185-pound) Catchweight
Richard Rivera (1-0, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WTKO2 (2:48)
Davonte Hopkins (0-3), Philadelphia, PA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Brandon Montella (6-0, 5 KOs), Saugus, MA
WTKO2 (0:50)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), Auburn, MA
WTKO1 (2:19)
Shavonte Dixon (0-2), Philadelphia, PA
(145-pound) CATCHWEIGHT
Wilfredo Pagan (1-0, 0 KOs), Southbridge, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Alexander Picot (1-2-1, 0 KOs), Cidra, Puerto Rico
WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
WKO2 (0:24)
Rafael Francis (0-9), Dorchester, MA
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ranse Andino 1-0, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA
 
SPONSORS:  Heavyweights – Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA Health Services; Lightweights – TKO Auto Repair, Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, @KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTIONS ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Founded in 2016, Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – along with his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.

71st annual  Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Preliminary round results from Lowell

LOWELL, Mass. (January 14, 2017) – The 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship kicked-off last night in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium as Central New England (Greater Lowell) preliminary-round action featured 14 exciting men’s and women’s novice class matches.
The preliminary round will conclude next Friday night (Jan. 20) at Lowell Memorial Auditorium with novice and open class matches.  See complete 2017 schedule of events below as well as last night’s complete results.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $70.00 season ticket in the balcony.  To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
Official Results
(winners listed first)
Men’s Novice Division
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Troy Anderson (Dorchester, MA / Nonantum Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Steve Rao (Lowell, MA / Lowell West End)
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Robert Tomczyk (Sterling, MA, / Paladin)
WPTS3 (4-1)
John Cooney (Derry NH / Thrive Boxing)
Ricardo Reid (Dorchester, MA / Everybody Fights)
WPTS3 (5-0
Miguel Rivera (Lawrence, MA / Thrive Boxing)
Nathan Balakin (Tyngsboro, MA / West End)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Keith Rubera (Somerville, MA / Somerville Boxing)
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Christopher Langley (Medford, MA / Unattached)
WTKO2
Dylan Duvel (Middleton, MA / Gloucester Boxing)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Oluyinka Olasode-Martins (Stoughton, MA / Peter Welch’s Boxing)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Josh Flood (Manchester, NH / Murphy’s Bareknuckle Boxing)
Sheniell Rodriguez (Ashland, MA / Upperkuts Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Patrick Brady (South Boston, MA / South Boston Boxing)
Adrian Gedney (Gloucester, MA / Gloucester Boxing)
WTKO3
Whimpper Barahona (Methuen, MA / Lawtown Boxing)
James Marino (Medford, MA / Somerville Boxing)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Patrick Lynch (Boston, MA / Everybody Fights)
Henry Gedney (Gloucester, MA / Gloucester Boston)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Gregory Bono (Watertown, MA / Sorabella Training Center)
 
Women’s Novice Division
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Arika Skoog, Boston, MA / The Ring
WPTS3 (4-1)
Michelle Gould (Somerville, MA / Quietman Sports)
Katie Colton (Boston, MA, Boston Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Nicky Jimenez (Roslindale, MA / Unattached)
Fernada Araujo (North Reading, MA / Firicano Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Marina Krzisch (Nonantum Boxing Club)
71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
Central New England (Greater Lowell)
Preliminary Rounds – Friday, Jan. 20
Quarterfinal Round – Thursday, Jan. 26
Open & Novice Class Semifinals, C.N.E. – Thursday, Feb. 2
Open & Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 9
New England Tournament of Champions
Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 16
Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 23
Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Mar. 1
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Mar. 2
Information:
Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials:  Lauri Purcell
Ring Announcer:  John Vena
Venue:  Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter:  @LowellGloves
ABOUT LOWELL SUN CHARITIES: Established in 1947, Lowell Sun Charities is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for children, families, and the community, offering programs that promote respect and dignity.  Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, Lowell Sun Charities was originally founded to respond to the ever-increasing challenges of the community.  2017 marks the 71st year the Golden Gloves have been held in the great city of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Lowell Sun Charities is a community program that not only makes champions in the ring but also makes champions in life.  Every year these young athletes devote themselves to a sport which teaches discipline, respect, and clean lifestyle for a chance to win a prestigious Golden Gloves Championship.

Prospect Irvin Gonzalez continuing Worcester boxing tradition Jan 19th

Inaugural “New England’s Future” series event in Worcester
WORCESTER, Mass. (January 11, 2017) – Fast rising featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs) will continue Worcester’s rich boxing tradition Thursdaynight, January 19, headlining the inaugural “New England’s Future” series event against Mexican invader Israel “Tigre” Rojas (9-14, 3 KOs), at the Worcester Palladium.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), is promoting the first professional boxing show in the Central Massachusetts city in more than five years.
                                                                                      (photo by Cristian Nunez)
Worcester’s boxing tradition started close to a century ago with Canadian import Lou Brouillard, a two-division world champion and Hall of Famer, 1928 Olympic bronze medalist Leo Sawicki, and more recently, among others, pro and amateur standouts such as multiple national amateur champion Bobby Harris, Sean “The Irish Express” Sean Fitzgerald and Edwin Rodriguez.
Arguably the greatest Worcester fighter in the past 50 years is three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera, who is promoting “New England’s Future” with his son, Anthonee.  “I have seen Irvin train and fight since he was in the Junior Olympics,” Rivera said.  “I am very proud of him because he was able to discover on his own that he was getting in his own way.  He was always a talented fighter but, at times in the ring, he was inconsistent and it cost him a few fights.  As he got older, he boxed more talented boxers and looked good against them.  He started believing in himself more and it showed in his training. His abilities and confidence grew and that got him all the way to the Olympic Trials. I feel he has the skills to become world champion in the future.  The sky is the limit for this young man and I am proud to have him fighting on our show.”
Gonzalez, a 2015 New England Golden Gloves champion, will be headlining his first show in his first scheduled six-round bout.  “Fighting in my hometown in the main event means a lot to me because,” Gonzalez admitted.  “I’ve grown up in this city, fighting my whole life, and of people who’ve supported me will be watching me fight for the first time as a pro.  I’m excited.  I’m comfortable fighting here in Worcester and I want to showcase the boxing talent we have in Worcester.”
Gonzalez qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials but he was eliminated, not due to a loss in the ring, for missing weight.  He decided not to wait four years for another Olympic shot, turning pro this past March with a first-round stoppage of Gilvan Santos at Foxwoods Resort Casino.  In four pro fights to date, Gonzalez has four knockouts and only one was extended into the second round.
“I was always told that I had a pro boxing style,” the well-spoken, handsome Gonzalez continued, “but we didn’t immediately decide to turn pro until the time was right.  I had some stoppages as an amateur but, as a pro, I’ve been going more to the body.  I do have heavy hands. I don’t go into a fight looking for a knockout.  I just let ’em come but I’ve prepared to go six rounds if needed for this fight.  I’ve been sparring eight rounds with different guys coming in fresh.”
In addition to being a prize fighter, the 20-year-old Gonzalez works at a bank and he also owns and operates New England Boxing gym with his father, former boxer Irvin Gonzalez, where the youngster serves as a personal trainer.
In the six-round co-feature Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Reinaldo “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs) faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Ranse Andino in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Bobby Favor (0-3), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Davonte Hopkins (0-2), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Jonathan Ramos (0-2), 2016 N.E. Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO), the 49-year-old hanging up his gloves after his fight with Shavonte Dixon (0-1), of Philadelphia, Saugus (MA) light heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jose Hymberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (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) of any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp

49-year-old pro boxer “Irish” Chuck Shearns Hanging up gloves January 19th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
REMINDER:  The deadline to apply for a media credential is Jan. 12th

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 5, 2017) – Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns will become the second-oldest professional fighter in Massachusetts boxing history on Thursday night, January 19, in his farewell performance at the Worcester Palladium, marking the first pro boxing event in Worcester, located in Central Mass., in more than five years.
The inaugural “New England’s Future” series event is being presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – and his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera.
 
Rising junior lightweight prospect, 2015 New England Golden Gloves champion Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), will be fighting at home in the 6-round main event against Mexican invader Oscar Eduardo Quezada (2-1, 1 KO), while Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Reinaldo “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO) in the six-round co-feature.
The 49-year-old Shearns (2-1, 1 KO), who is the general manager of Lundgren Honda in Auburn, will take on Shavonte Dixon (0-1), of Philadelphia, in a four-round bout.  The state record, set in 2011 by then 53-year-old Joe Siciliano, is safe because Jan. 19th will definitely be Shearns’ last fight.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for all boxers in terms of what they go through to be able to perform at their best in the ring,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera said. “Chuck is doing it at 49 years old! That takes a lot of sacrifice and courage to put your body through that rugged training. I wish him the best and I am glad I can provide him with the opportunity to be able to say goodbye to boxing on his own terms.”
Shearns made his amateur debut at the age of 29, 10 years later he made his professional debut.  “I grew up watching boxing with my father (John), who boxed in the Navy, and my grandfather (John),” Shearns explained. “My grandfather was a club fighter, so, boxing was in my blood. I only had four amateur fights and one day I met “Fitzy,” who is now one of my closest friends. (Sean Fitzgerald, one of Worcester’s all-time best boxers, who is Shearns’ head trainer.)  I told him I wanted one pro fight and asked him to train me.”
Why, though, at the age of 49 does he still put himself through such extensive training, while working fulltime during the holiday season, to fight an opponent half his age?
“Boxing was the ultimate hobby for me and I just got carried away with it,” Shearns admitted. “I’m a novelty, not a real pro boxer.  I’m fighting January 19th because I was given this opportunity and decided to accept it but, honestly, I’m sure that this it!  Maybe I just wanted a chance to go out with a win because I lost my last one?  I don’t know.  Sometimes I wake up asking myself, ‘What am I doing?’  And ‘Fitzy’ is working me so hard for this fight – I don’t know if it’s my age or what – but I’ve hated every minute of it.  I lost my father in March.  He was always in my corner and this fight I’ll have RIP on my trunks in his honor.”
Lately, Shearns’ typical day has been, well, in a word, unordinary, to say the least.  He reports to work at 5 a.m., exercises and runs on the treadmill for an hour in a small gym at work, catches up with “Fitzy” at Anytime Fitness to hit the heavy and speed bags, and after work “Fitzy” trains Shearns at Camp Get Right.
Shearns has the complete support of his family and co-workers, who will all be at the Worcester Palladium supporting him Jan. 19.  “My wife (Karen) and two daughters (Kayla and Olivia) have always been there for me,” Shearns noted.  “My wife supports me and has jokingly said, ‘We’re getting divorced if you lose this fight.’  I’ve worked at Lundgren Honda for about 20 years and most of the 100-plus employees there will be at my fight.  I did want to fight one more time before I turn 50.  When Jose asked me to fight, how could I pass up this final opportunity?”
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Ranse Andino in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Dorchester’s (MA) Brian Richardson (0-8), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 KOs), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 KOs), 2016 N.W. Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) light heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (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) of any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp
Inaugural “New England’s Future” series event in Worcester

Professional Boxing returns Jan. 19 to Worcester Junior lightweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez headlines Inaugural “New England’s Future” series event

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 29, 2016) — Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference yesterday to formally announce its inaugural show, “New England’s Future,” Thursday night, January 19, at the Worcester Palladium.  It will mark the first professional boxing event in Worcester, located in Central Mass., in five years.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – along with his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.
“It’s all about the fighters,” RPE CEO Jose Antonio Rivera said.  “I’m in a unique position as a promoter because of my boxing background.  I hard it is for local fighters to get fights, which is why we have so many with less than six pro fights and five pro debuts fighters on this card.  They are why we’re here today. I never had a press conference until I was much more established in my career. This is about them showcasing their skills.
“After my son graduated from Johnson Wales University with a degree in Sports Management, he told me he was ready to form Rivera Promotions Entertainment, as we had discussed, and promote shows.  I lost a lot of money promoting a show in 2008, so I told him to put a plan together first and within a week he did.  He had gotten his feet wet in the business as an intern for a boxing promoter.  We went over the plan ad decided that we can do this.   We’re not signing fighters, right now, we’re helping them build their careers.  We do a lot of hard work behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see; the fighters work in the gym.  I’m really excited about January 19th.  Irvin Gonzalez is a future world champion.”
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (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) of any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
“We appreciate the support being given to us and the fighters who give their blood, sweat and tears for you,” RPE president A.J. Rivera added.  “I got into the business side of boxing as an intern working for CES.  In Worcester, we have 11 active fighters, all on the rise, and to bring boxing back to Worcester is special, Teamwork makes dreams work. I also want to note that none of these fighters turned down a single opponent we offered.”
Promising junior lightweight prospect, 2015 New England Golden Gloves champion Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Worcester, will be showcased in the 6-round main event against Mexican invader Oscar Eduardo Quezada (2-1, 1 KO).
“I’m very excited to be fighting in my hometown for the first time as a pro,” Gonzalez commented. “I fought here as an amateur but that’s not the same as fighting in the main event and my first 6-rounder.  Don’t take your eyes off the ring when I fight.  I’m going to be 5-0 with five knockouts on January 19th.”
In the 6-round co-feature, light heavyweight Reinaldo “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs), of nearby Springfield (MA), faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Ranse Andino in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), 49-year-old Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO) in his retirement fight vs. Philadelphian  Shavonte Dixon (0-1), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Dorchester’s (MA) Brian Richardson (0-8), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 KOs), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 KOs), 2016 N.W. Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) light heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp

Fortuna Returns with Impressive KO over Formerly Undefeated Cabrera

On Saturday night in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Sambil Commercial Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, former world super featherweight champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna returned to action with an impressive two-round blowout of fellow Dominican Marlyn Cabrera.
In his first fight since a surprise defeat last June to Jason Sosa that cost him his WBA World Super Featherweight Championship, Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) dropped Cabrera twice in the second round, eliciting the stoppage. It was Cabrera’s first loss as a professional.
Fortuna’s victory was one of three Sampson Boxing fighters to win Saturdaynight.
Undefeated 21-year-old Dominican super welterweight Jeison “Banana” Rosario (12-0, 9 KOs) destroyed formerly undefeated Carlos Jairo Cruz (now 17-1, 11 KOs) in two rounds and 22-year-old super featherweight Abraham “Super” Nova moved his record to 3-0, 2 KOs with a fourth-round knockout over Willy Morillo.
Fortuna looked sharp in his comeback bout, putting the explosive power and speed that makes him one of the most exciting fighters in all of boxing. With the victory over Cabrera in the books, the southpaw former champion will now be looking to regain his championship status.
Fortuna’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says his fighter has two options to consider for his next fight.
“Next we will either look for an elimination bout for the IBF mandatory contender to fight Jose Pedraza or we will look to face the winner of Jason Sosa vs. Stephen Smith in Monaco on November 12,” said Lewkowicz. “Javier wants to be champion again and he’ll fight anyone to get there.”
Rosario, a recent Sampson Boxing signee to a long-term promotional agreement, is a former amateur standout with a wealth of boxing talent. Cruz stood no chance against the Santo Domingo-based slugger.
“Jeison is a future star and I’m happy to have him in my stable,” continued Lewkowicz. “I will get him a visa to fight in the USA and pay his IRS taxes, which I do for all my fighters.”
Nova, who was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, to Dominican parents, went 167-11 with 60 KOs as an amateur, winning the 2014 USA Nationals, the 2014 Independent World Cup in the Dominican, Gold at the 2014 Cheo Aponte Tournament, and the 2015 Olympic Qualifiers. He is also a five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion.
“Abraham went some good rounds and got the KO over a veteran with more fights,” said Lewkowicz. “I am happy with his performance and with the improvements he continues to show in every fight. He is a strong prospect with a bright future.”

Former World Champ Javier Fortuna’s Comeback Begins September 23 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Against Undefeated Marlyn Cabrera

The comeback of one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, former WBA World Super Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna, will begin on Friday, September 23, 2016.
Fortuna (29-1-1, 21 KOs) of Braintree, Massachusetts, via La Romana, Dominican Republic, will take on fellow Dominican Marlyn “Maravilla” Cabrera (22-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de los Caballeros in a 10-round super featherweight battle to top promoters Sampson Lewkowicz’s (Sampson Boxing) and Cesar Mercedes’ (Manguita Promotions) night of world-class boxing at the Sambil Ballroom in Sambil Plaza in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and live on Dominican TV RNN.
27-year-old southpaw Fortuna won the WBA World Super Featherweight Championship in May 2015 with a 12-round decision over Bryan Vasquez and made a successful defense in September 2015 against Carlos Ivan Velasquez (TKO 10). But then in June of this year, Fortuna suffered a surprise TKO 11 defeat at the Capital Gym in Beijing, China, to unheralded challenger Jason Sosa of New Jersey. Winning fairly easily on all three scorecards, a tiring Fortuna was surprised and dropped by a spirited late-fight rally.
Undefeated and untested 29-year-old Cabrera will be coming to the ring with pulling off an upset on his mind. In his six-year professional career, he has already held the WBA Fedecaribe and Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Inter­Continental Featherweight Championships.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” said Fortuna. “I lost my championship and I’m going to beat whoever I have to beat to get it back. Cabrera is my countryman and I wish him a long successful career, but right now he is in my way. He has to go.”
Someone’s undefeated “0” must go in the 10-round “All Dominican” junior middleweight co-main event, as Jeison “Banana” Rosario (11-0, 8 KOs) of Santo Domingo will take on Santiago de los Caballeros’ Carlos Jairo Cruz (17-0, 11 KOs).
Rosario was last seen destroying then-undefeated countryman Rafael Lorenzo in two rounds in April. Cruz will be making his first ring appearance this year.
In two other significant match-ups, 25-year-old southpaw Wellington Arias Romero (11-0-1, 5 KOs), of Newburgh, New York, USA via Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will face 26-year-old Abrahan “El Indomable” Peralta (18-4, 13 KOs) of Nagua, Dominican Republic, in an eight-round super lightweight battle; and in an eight-round “All Dominican” lightweight showdown, undefeated Osvaldo Cabrera (11-0-1, 6 KOs) will take on power-punching Ramon De la Cruz (8-2-1, 7 KOs).
In the opening super featherweight four-rounder, future star Abraham “Super” Nova (2-0, 1 KO) of Braintree, Massachusetts, will look to continue his undefeated run in the professionals against Willy Morillo (2-2, 1 KO) of the Dominican Republic.
“It’s a great show with many ‘Dominican vs. Dominican’ fights. Dominican pride will be standing tall that night,” said promoter Lewkowicz. “Javier Fortuna is coming back strong after his first loss against an undefeated fighter. He is angry at himself for losing and wants the tough fights to get him back to the world championship. The other fights are all the top fighters the country has to offer against each other and we have my star of the future Abraham Nova, to open the show. I’m very proud to be part of this show and very happy to come back to the Dominican Republic with my long-time, loyal partner, Cesar Mercedez of Manguita Promotions.”

BRANDON MONTELLA PREPARES FOR BOXING BATTLE IN LEWISTON, MAINE 

Lewiston, Maine (September 2, 2016) – The 3,800-square foot warehouse in Woburn, Massachusetts, is known simply as “The Way.”

No coincidence, since the proprietor who lives out his passion as a personal trainer under its roof, Brandon Montella, has found a way, in his own unique way.

From a turbulent childhood in North Anson, Maine, to four years of meritorious service in the United States Marine Corps, to the mixed emotions of staying ahead in the professional rat race, to intense personal tragedy, Montella, 36, has endured what most would consider a lifetime’s worth of challenges.

Yet he perseveres, finding strength and clarity in a life devoted to helping others. And he stays sharp, counter-intuitive as it may seem to the uninitiated, by letting other people punch him in the face.

“On a personal level it helped me so much. I had a lot of fear, maybe a little lack of confidence, due to some of the abuse in my past,” Montella said. “Boxing helped me so much with that. It made me a more complete person. I’m a better husband, a better businessman, a better man since I started fighting.”

A late bloomer who didn’t fully immerse himself in the fight game until his 30s, Montella (4-0, 3 KOs) will put his undefeated credentials on the line against Tollison Lewis (2-1, 1 KO) at “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” on Saturday, September 10 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine, the venerable boxing venue that in 1965, when it was known as “St. Domenic’s Hall,” played host to the infamous Muhammad Ali-Sonny Liston II world heavyweight title rematch.  (Yes, the same boxing bout that spawned rumors of the “phantom punch,” and produced the most iconic image in the history of sports photography.)

Montella was born in Massachusetts but spent much of his childhood in the Western foothills of Maine, where he graduated from Carrabec High School. He describes those formative years as “a tough time, a little bit of a struggle,” and says fighting was both a means of both self-defense and a way of compensating for that lack of self-esteem.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world now,” Montella said. “It helped shape who I am. I tell everybody the Marine Corps started the process of my becoming a man, and boxing helped finish it.”

He spent four years in the service before receiving an honorable discharge. Along the way he met his wife, Tonya, and settled into the comfortable habit of seeking significance through work.

Fatefully, and admittedly on a lark, he accepted a military buddy’s challenge to enter a Toughman contest. It was the amateur, brawling, distant cousin of boxing that Eric “Butterbean” Esch made famous.

“I was a 240-pound meathead. Three one-minute rounds; that seemed like it was right up my alley,” Montella said.

In the process, Montella discovered that getting back in shape, setting goals and chasing intangible successes that were larger than wins and losses suited him, too.

“That was a turning point for me. Corporate America, I just wasn’t into it,” Montella said. “I couldn’t lie to people and take advantage of them. I couldn’t deal with it morally. I had to turn my back on that. The Marine Corps taught me a different code. I cashed in my 401(k), moved to Massachusetts, became a personal trainer.”

Well, it wasn’t quite that easy. He had to sell Tonya, whom he describes as “the major breadwinner in the house,” on the merits of such a change. She already had politely proclaimed Maine a great vacation spot but not a place she cared to settle down, for professional reasons.

In 2008, work took Tonya to Boston.

“It was when the Celtics were getting ready to win the championship. She got caught up in the atmosphere and came home and told me, ‘I would move to Boston.’ I said OK,” Montella recalled with a laugh. “I didn’t let her take that back.”

Montella started his gym in a 10-feet-by-10-feet basement of a townhouse. He took up amateur boxing, in part, to set an example for his clients.

“I decided I couldn’t train athletes if I’m not doing the (stuff). I want to wear the boots before the suits, you know?” Montella said. “Six months later I was the No. 1 ranked heavyweight in New England. It blew my mind. I found a place that was home.”

He won 14 of his 21 amateur fights, including a novice heavyweight championship in Golden Gloves.

Montella’s trainees have watched him conquer adversity in the prize ring and fight through tragedy in his personal life. Tonya and Brandon’s first child was stillborn on Christmas 2015.

Boxing, and the wilderness in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain that holds so many contradictory memories for Montella, are part of his healing process.

“I’m here in Maine now getting ready, diving off 40-foot cliffs, doing hill sprints up 100-foot sand dunes, training like a savage,” Montella said. “We used to go up there to drink. All the crazy stuff I did as a kid, now I use it to make myself the best I can be.

“I preach it all the time at my gym: See the world as your training facility. What someone else sees as a cliff, I see as place to work on my focus and mental control. Where they see nothing but trees and open space, I see as a place to go and meditate. In my 30s, I don’t need drugs or alcohol now to be open with my emotions. Boxing has given me the strength to be who I always wanted to be.”

The opening bell on September 10 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket for “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” includes three professional boxing matches, five pro mixed martial arts bouts and six amateur MMA scraps. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009, extension 525.

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGFEST SCHEDULED FOR NEF BOXING RING

Lewiston, Maine (August 12, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston on September 10, 2016 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.”  The fight card will feature both mixed-martial-arts and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the first pro boxing bout signed for the event.  Brandon Montella (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on Tollison Lewis (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round light-heavyweight contest.

 

Montella graduated from Carrabec High School in North Anson, Maine in 1998.  Soon after, Montella joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC).  He served in the marines until 2003 when he received an honorable discharge.  After spending the better part of a decade in Virginia, Montella moved with his wife to the Boston, Massachusetts area in 2011.  He owns and operates The Way, LLC boxing gym in Woburn, Massachusetts.  Montella has been on a tear in the boxing ring of late, scoring three knockouts in an eight-month period.

 

Tollison Lewis cut his teeth in the NEF MMA cage.  He has found more success, however, in the boxing ring.  Lewis took a fight on one day’s notice against veteran John Webster (8-7-1, 6 KOs) in the fall of 2014.  He would dominate that fight and win by decision.  Lewis followed up that performance with a stoppage of Zenon Herrera (0-2) last year, earning himself a crack at Brandon Berry’s (11-2-1, 7 KOs) Northeast Junior Welterweight Title earlier in 2016.  Lewis predicts nothing short of an all-out slugfest with Montella on September 10.

 

“I’m expecting a battle,” said Lewis.  “I know I’ll be prepared for one. Expect a war! I’m not going to talk about it – I’m going to show it, and losing isn’t an option.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

JUNIKO SWEEPS; BATTLES VICTORIOUS IN PRO DEBUT; WOMEN’S FIGHT STEALS THE SHOW

Hyannis, Massachusetts (May 15, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its most recent event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE” on Saturday night at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  The HYCC was at capacity for  the first sanctioned mixed-martial-arts (MMA) show ever held on Cape Cod.  The venue opened the upstairs walking track to give standing-room-only fans more elbow room.  The crowd was electric all night for the eight-fight card presented by NEF.

 

Team Juniko, based out of Hyannis and Hanover, Massachusetts, was a perfect 5-0 on the night.  Fabian Miranda (3-0), Thomas Lee Davis, Jr. (2-0), Ed Forlenza (1-0), and Kylie O’Hearn (1-0) all picked up wins for the team on the amateur portion of the card.

 

It was O’Hearn’s bout with Angela Young (1-2) of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine that will be remembered for years to come by all in attendance.  The two women battled back and forth for three grueling rounds before O’Hearn was declared the winner by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.  The fight will be a serious contender for “Fight of the Year” in the northeast by the time 2016 comes to an end.

 

Team Juniko member Brendan Battles (1-0) was victorious in the main event of the evening via technical knockout over Mike Hansen (4-4).  The bout was the pro debut for the native of Eastham, Massachusetts and standout wrestler from Nauset Regional High School.   Battles rebounded from an early flurry by Hansen to get the referee stoppage at 1:46 of the first round.

 

The full results of “NEF 23”:

 

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTS

Brendan Battles def. Mike Hansen via TKO, round 1
Matt Denning def. Derek Shorey via heel hook, round 1

Crowsneck Boutin def. Ruben Redman via TKO, round 1

 

AMATEUR FIGHTS
Kylie O’Hearn def. Angela Young via unanimous decision

Ed Forlenza def. Frank Johanson via doctor stoppage, round 3
Victor Irwin def. Tracey Schryba via KO, round 1

Thomas Lee Davis, Jr. def. Anthony Spires via KO, round 1
Fabian Miranda def. Steve Bang via armbar, round 2

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.