Tag Archives: Massachusetts

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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 to promote 1st pro boxing show ever in Framingham, Mass.

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Charity event for Fighting Life March 20th at Sheraton Hotel

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (February 3, 2020) – Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) has announced it will bring professional boxing for the first time ever to Framingham, Massachusetts with “Fight Night In Framingham,” Friday night, March 20, at Sheraton Framingham Hotel.
 
Proceeds will benefit 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.  With the continuous growth in technology and available access to various social media platforms today, children (especially those ages 11 to 18 years) are easily exposed to and influenced by various social pressures, such as but not limited to, hatred, drug availability, and everyday violence.  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.
 
“We are extremely happy to bring professional boxing to Framingham for the first time,” SBP president Chuck Shearns said, “in addition to teaming with such a great cause in Fighting Life. “We believe that there are plenty of boxing fans in the community who will enjoy a quality show. The early support for this event has been amazing and local businesses have been extremely charitable.
 
“On a personal note, SBP and Framingham have a very important history together. It is where I first met my wife, Karen, and lived when starting our family. I also boxed in Framingham when I was younger.”
 
The City of Framingham, located 20 miles southwest of Boston, dates back to the American Revolution and, perhaps, may be better known as being part of the famed Boston Marathon course. Framingham may never have had a pro boxing show held there, but it doesn’t necessarily mean boxing isn’t popular in the city of nearly 69,000 residents.
 
“We’ve had amateur boxing shows in Framingham, but this will be the first professional event,” Thomas explained. “Kids here are into boxing even though they may not be as knowledgeable about boxing as elsewhere. If more kids understand what boxing can do to better their lives, boxing would have and will get bigger with more exposure to the sport, and that’s why it’s so important to support this show.”
 
Framingham’s most notable boxer is 2008 USA Olympic Team alternate, Danny O’Connor, who has 30-3 (11 KOs) as a pro. Many Framingham-area boxers now have an opportunity to establish their own names in that market, starting with the March 20th show, including unbeaten super featherweight Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs).
 
Ramos, a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion, plans to grab the local spotlight in the 6-round, main event against Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 2017, Ramos fought to a 4-round, majority draw with Philip Davis, who Marrero upset in his last fight by way of as 4-round, split decision.
 
In the co-featured event, undefeated super featherweight Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in a 6-tound match. Another New England Golden Gloves champion, Puerto Rico-native Perez fights out of nearby Marlboro, MA.
 
In a battle of quality MMA fighters in a boxing ring, Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut versus Framingham favorite Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA), who hails from Brazil.
 
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 welterweight Hansen Castillo (0-3), Worcester super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) and pro-debuting Hartford, CT super flyweight Angel Gonzalez, Jr. against opponents to be determined in 4-round fights.
 
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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Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz Hammerin’ his way to medical school

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WORCESTER, Mass. (January 6, 2020) – Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) isn’t a typical professional boxer whose life entirely revolves in and around the “Sweet Science.”

The 23-year-old Ortiz is also a licensed carpenter with diverse interests ranging from engineering and psychology to philosophy, and his ultimate post-boxing career aspiration is to attend medical school.  First, though, Ortiz’ goal is to become world champion, which would be a first for a native of Worcester, Massachusetts.

“I was always fascinated by architecture, starting with my mother’s house, and that spun off to engineering,” Ortiz explained. “I wanted to learn how to build to better understand and became a carpenter after graduating from high school. I’m not worried about getting hurt at work.  I do work with my hands, but I’m in the union and everything is safe, and I’m very careful. 

“Medical school is my dream.  I want to help people working with cells, blood and muscle tissues, understanding the body.  I’m not sure if I’ll do research or be working with patients, maybe in internal medicine, but not in traditional medicine.   I’m interested in natural, holistic medicine, and working for the benefit of people.”

Ortiz, who started boxing at the age of six, will return to the ring in early 2020 for, most likely, his final WBC Youth World title fight, because this title is for fighters 23 or younger, and Jamaine turns 24 on April 28.    

The WBC World Youth title has been a stepping-stone for great champions such as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Timothy Bradley,Danny Garcia and Leo Santa Cruz, among the more notables.

“I’m proud to be the WBC World lightweight champion, but I’ll have to give it up in April when I turn 24.,” Ortiz remarked.  “I’ll win bigger titles as I get older.  This has been good for now, but I’m going on to bigger and better things.  I’m confident that I’ll be world champion in 2021 and I want to be a multiple wight-class world champion before I retire.”

Ortiz recently gained even more confidence when Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World lightweight championship, knocking out defending champion Richard Commey in the second round this past December.

At the 2015 National Golden Gloves, Ortiz lost a decision to Lopez in the championship final.  “He didn’t do that stuff to me (like he did to Commey),” Ortiz noted.  “He didn’t beat me up.  I lost a decision, but I showed that I could fight with him.  He was nothing like you saw on television (vs. Commey), though.  I’ve watched him get better and better.

So is Ortiz and before he swaps his boxing gloves for a stethoscope, he has unfinished business in boxing. Nothing short of capturing a world championship crown will satisfy “The Technician.”

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NUTMEG POWER PREVAILS CONNECTICUT PROSPECTS RICHIE RIVERA & ANTHONY LAUREANO REMAIN UNDEFEATED

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“NEW ENGLAND EXPLOSION” OFFICIAL RESULTS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 13, 2019) — Rising Connecticut stars RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA and“ACTION“ ANTHONY LAUREANO  both remained undefeated with impressive performance tonight on a solid “New England Explosion” card in front of an enthusiastic crowd at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“New England Explosion,” presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, sponsored by MGM Springfield, aired live in a first for New England Sports Network (NESN), and streamed worldwide (excluding N.E.) on www.FITE.TV.

Heavy-handed Rivera (now 16-0, 12 KOs) took his power up to the cruiserweight division against “MIGHTY” JOE JONES (now 11-2, 8 KOs), who unexplainably kept his hands very low, as “Popeye” pounded him to the head and body in the main event. Rivera hit Jones with everything but the kitchen sink, in what looked like batting practice at times, although “Popeye” failed to register a stoppage for only the third time in 16 pro fights.  . 

It was a rough, physical fight that got chippy early with both fighters exchanging trash talk and showboating.  Rivera, who hails from Hartford, pressed the action throughout the fight against a defensive Jones, who switched to a peep-a-boo style in the later rounds. 

“I’m strong to the finish because I eat my spinach….toot, toot! My coach kept telling me to relax but, honestly, I was putting on a show. More or less, I was acting,” Rivera talked about the roughhousing.  “He was tough.  My team said to box.  The plan wasn’t to go for a knockout.  I threw some big shots just to let him know.

“I’m so happy to have had my seventh fight this year.  I’ve been active and I’m undefeated. I try to put on a show for the fans and be a role model.”

In the co-main event, Laureano (now 13-0, 4 KOs), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion from nearby East Hartford, CT., defeated Texas super lightweight ANGEL “AZTEC WARRIOR” HERNANDEZ (17-14-2, 11 KOs) in a toe-to-toe battle from the opening . This TV-friendly fight could have been fought in a proverbial phone booth.  Laureano, as usual, was relentless in his attack, systematically breaking down his opponent with strong body work of his own, as well as seemingly landing uppercuts and left hooks at will.

Laureano took control in the second and never let up against a game Hernandez, who, like Laureano, never stopped throwing punches.  Eventually, Laureano won an 8-round unanimous decision in a wildly entertaining, highly competitive clash.

“It was beautiful,” Laureano commented.  “I like wars, my trainers don’t. I let my emotions take over.  It was a beautiful fight, though, all action and the people loved it.  But I fought his fight.  I did adapt and showed some of my boxing ability at some points.

“He’s experienced and came in confident.  He kept coming; he’s tough. This will build me into a better fighter.  I did a lot of good things. The goal is to learn from every fight, I will, and we’ll go back to the drawing board.”

Danbury, CT super lightweight OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (now 10-1, 3 KOs) opened the NESN broadcast with a masterful display of boxing, winning all eight rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for an 8-round unanimous decision against late replacement DIEUMERCI ”ELEPHANT  MAN” NZAU (now 11-11, 8 KOs). 

Bordoy effectively and consistently beat Nzau to the punch, moved well inside the ropes, and never put himself in dire straits. “It felt good,” Bordoy said after the fight. “The game plan was to out-box him, use my job, and not take any unnecessary chances.  I followed the game plan and came out with an easy victory.

“I knew he had some power and he caught me with a good punch early.  I watched some tape of him and listened to my trainers.  I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”

In a battle of welterweight southpaws, hometown favorite DERRICK “BAD BOY” WHITLEY II (6-1-1) suffered a cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt by JERMAINE CORLEY (3-8, 1 KO) during the second round. The ringside physician halted the action after two rounds and the fight, by rule, was a “no decision.”

In the opening bout of the evening, Hartford welterweight prospect JEFFREY TORRES (now 6-0, 4 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, pitching a shutout for a 6-round unanimous decision over Brockton, MA journeyman ANTONIO CHAVES FERNANDEZ (now 9-40-4, 3 KOs).   Torres out-boxed Fernandez, who was buzzed several times, from start to finish.

Brazilian light heavyweight LEANDRO “BUSCAPE” SILVA (2-3, 1 KO) ruined the homecoming for local fighter ANGEL ‘ THE BLACK RICAN” VAZQUEZ (0-2) In the walk-out bout, Silva trapped Vazquez on the ropes in the fourth round.  Vazquez suffered a standing eight count, but the referee halted the action, and awarded Silva a win by technical knockout.

Complete results and more pictures below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Richie Rivera (16-0, 12 KOs), Hartford, CT

WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)

Joe Jones (11-2, 8 KOs), Leesburg, VA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Leandro Silva (2-3, 1 KO), Woburn, MA

WTKO4 (2:00)

Angel Vazquez (0-2), Springfield, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS

Derrick Whitley II (6-1-1), Springfield, MA

NO DECISION (2)

Jermaine Corley (3-8, 1 KO), Mt. Vernon, NY

Jeffrey Torres (6-0, 4 KOs), Hartford, CT

WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)

Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-40-4, 3 KOs), Brockton, MA

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Anthony Laureano (13-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT

WDEC8 (79-74, 79-74, 77-76)

Angel Hernandez (17-14-2, 11 KOs), McAllen, TX

Omar Bordoy (10-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT

WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) 

Dieumerci Nzau (11-11, 8 KOs), Silver Spring, MD

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SPRINGFIELD FAN FAVORITES READY TO SHINE FRIDAY AT “NEW ENGLAND EXPLOSION”

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LIVE ON NESN FROM MASSMUTUAL CENTER IN SPRINGFIELD, MA

SPONSORED BY MGM SPRINGFIELD

BOSTON (December 9, 2019) —  Having already announced a fierce New England focused tripleheader showcasing, Hartford’s RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (15-0, 12 KO’s), E. Hartford’s “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (12-0, 4 KO’s) and Danbury’s OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (9-1, 3 KO’s), Star Boxing is pleased to showcase local Springfield fan favorites DERRICK WHITLEY II and ANGEL VAZQUEZ, who are ready to shine this Friday night, in separate bouts

Tickets to “New England Explosion,” presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, sponsored by MGM Springfield, from MassMutual Center starts at $40.00 (excludes facility fees and convenience charges) and on sale HERE and at the MassMutual Center Box Office.  “New England Explosion” will air live in a first for New England Sports Network (NESN), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. As the home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, NESN is available nationally on a sports subscription basis.

Whitley, who meets JERMAINE CORLEY (3-8, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout, is a direct descendant of Springfield boxing royalty.  His father/head trainer is former Mass State champion Derrick Whitley, and his uncle/assistant trainer, Darin Whitley, also was a popular regional pro boxer. The Whitley brothers are twins.

“It’s exciting,” Derrick II spoke about fighting at home in Springfield.  “I started out in boxing off my father’s name.  I have a lot to live up to, but I’m a little different than him. I have my own fanbase, which is pretty cool, and they’re there win or lose. There hasn’t been a lot of boxing here since the Hippodrome closed, but MGM Grand has brought boxing back to Springfield.  This will be my third fight here.  

“I’m popular in my city because I played football here in high school.  It’s been a thrill for me to still have my family and fans watching me.  They’ve always supported me.  It’s been pretty crazy for this fight.”

Vazquez (0-1), a native of Puerto Rico, faces LEANDRO SILVA (1-3) in a 4-round match.

“I feel great, like Muhammad Ali,” an excited Vazquez said about fighting at home.  “This is awesome.  Springfield is my town! I’m proud. I grew up in Puerto Rico, but I’ve lived here seven years. I want to put on a great show for my hometown.”

Also fighting on the undercard in a 6-round bout is Hartford welterweight JEFFREY TORRES (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. Brockton, MA veteranANTONIO FERNANDEZ (9-39-4, 3 KOs).

INFO:  East Hartford super lightweight “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (12-0, 4 KO’s), returns home in an 8-round tilt against ANGEL “AZTEC WARRIOR” HERNANDEZ (17-14-2, 11 KO’s), Hartford cruiserweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (15-0, 12 KO’s) faces Virginia cruiserweight “MIGHTY” JOE JONES (11-1, 8 KO’s), while Danbury super lightweight OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (9-1, 3 KO’s) meets Dublin, Ireland’s undefeated “SLICK” VICTOR RABEI (8-0, 2 KO’s).  On the undercard will be local Springfield favorites, DERRICK “BAD BOY” WHITLEY II (6-1-1), the son of former USA Massachusetts State Super Middleweight Champion, Derick Whitley Sr., as well as ANGEL VAZQUEZ (0-1).

December 13 “New England Explosion” Tickets

Tickets start at $40.00 (excludes facility fees and convenience charges) and are on sale HERE and the MassMutual Center Box Office.

WATCH LIVE ON NESN
NESN Star Boxing Night’s, “New England Explosion” sponsored by MGM Springfield will air live for the first time on New England Sports Network (NESN), starting at 9PM ET / 6PM PT. The home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, NESN is available nationally on a sports subscription basis. NESN is the only way to watch Star Boxing’s “New England Explosion” in the New England area (except Fairfield County, CT.) 

WATCH ON FITE.TV PPV
For those outside of the NESN regional footprint, you can catch the action via FITE.TV. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis.  The FITE PPV will stream the “New England Explosion,” and be available for just $14.99.  Pre-order “New England Explosion” HERE.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET and the NESN broadcast commences at 9 p.m. ET.

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NO REWARD IF NO RISK FOR CONNECTICUT LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY

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“NEW ENGLAND EXPLOSION”

LIVE ON NESN FROM MASSMUTUAL CENTER IN SPRINGFIELD, MA

SPONSORED BY MGM SPRINGFIELD

BOSTON (December 9, 2019) — Unlike most boxing prospects, lightweight prospect OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (9-1, 3 KOs) is always willing to take risks, even fighting undefeated opponents, instead of simply padding his record.

Bordoy, fighting out of Danbury, CT, meets undefeated Irish sensation “SLICK” VICTOR RABEI (8-0, 2 KOs) on December 13 in an 8-round bout on a stacked “New England Explosion” card, at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“New England Explosion,” presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING and sponsored by MGM Springfield, will air live from Mass MutualCenter in a first for New England Sports Network (NESN), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.  As the home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, NESN is available nationally on a sports subscription basis.

“I fought an undefeated fighter before and it was cool to give him (3-0 Terell Bostic) his first loss,” the 24-year-old Bordoy said.  “An undefeated record could be padded.  Rabei is a good fighter and I expect a very good fight. He’s a good fighter who is good defensively.  He’ll want to be fighting on the outside because he’s 5’ 9” and I’m 5’ 5”. But he’s coming down in weight and we’re fighting at my natural fighting weight (135 lbs.)  I’ve fought taller opponents before.  It looks like he has a little power.  We’re both stepping up.

“I’m excited to be fighting on live television for the first time.  I’m a kid who came from nothing and now I’m fighting on TV.  I’ve fought in pre-recorded fights before, but this will be my first on live television.  It makes everything even more exciting. I’m glad to be fighting on this NESN platform.”

Bordoy has won two in a row since losing a disputed 6-round split decision last April to Romain Tomas (7-2). 

“I didn’t get into boxing to go undefeated,” remarked Bordoy, who will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-rounder.  “Only a few fighters have ever retired undefeated.  A loss doesn’t bother most greats.  It’s part of my developmental stage.  I’d rather suffer a loss early in my career than later.  I certainly don’t feel like a defeated fighter going into this fight.  I learned a lot about myself and what to do better from that loss.”

Cutting weight for this fight, Bordoy didn’t really enjoy Thanksgiving.  In fact, he ate alone because it was too difficult dieting and eating with others.  So, he had brown rice and baked chicken. 

“Yeah,” he added.  “I didn’t get to eat much.  I’m going to splurge this fight.  And I’ll get an early Christmas present when my hand is raised at the end of the fight.”

BORDOY OPEN WORKOUT DEC. 10 IN DANBURY, CT.

Bordoy will hold an open workout Tuesday, Dec. 10, between 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET at Danbury Champs Gym in Danbury, CT to promote his Dec. 13th fight.  Dambury Champs Gym is  located at 128 E. Liberty St., Danbury, CT. The public is welcome.

Two other Nutmeg state prospects are also fighting in 8-round bouts on “New England Explosion”, Hartford super lightweight“ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (12-0, 4 KOs) vs.  ANGEL “AZTEC WARRIOR” HERNANDEZ (17-14-2, 11 KOs), and Hartford cruiserweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (15-0, 12 KOs vs. “MIGHTY” JOE JONES (11-1, 8 KOs), live on NESN. 

WATCH LIVE ON NESN
NESN Star Boxing Night’s, “New England Explosion” sponsored by MGM Springfield will air live for the first on New England Sports Network (NESN), starting at 9PM ET / 6PM PT. The home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, NESN is available nationally on a sports subscription basis. NESN is the only way to watch Star Boxing’s “New England Explosion” in the New England area (except Fairfield County, CT.) 

WATCH ON FITE.TV PPV
For those outside of the NESN regional footprint, you can catch the action via FITE.TV. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis.  The FITE PPV will stream the “New England Explosion,” and be available for just $14.99.  Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.

Ticket prices start at $40.00 (excludes facility fees and convenience charges) and are on sale now at https://bit.ly/33kRNv4 and the MassMutual Center Box Office, as well as through Hartford Boxing Promotions (860.840.6244 / 519.1505).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET and the NESN broadcast commences at 9 p.m. ET.,



boxing

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

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

West Point Boxing Fall Classic Winchester’s Cadet Luca LoConte Botis Returns home Nov. 10

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Anthony’s in Malden, Mass.

BOSTON, Mass. (October 14, 2019) – The National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) will present the “West Point Fall Classic” on Sunday, November 10, at Anthony’s in Malden, Massachusetts.

Members of the West Point boxing team will compete against amateur boxers from USA Boxing New England, University of Connecticut, Trinity College, Hartford College, and the University of Massachusetts.

“We are excited for this upcoming event featuring the best college athletes in the Northeast,” said Eric Buller, President of the National Collegiate Boxing Association and member of the USA Boxing Board of Directors.  “We are also happy to include some of the most impressive local athletes as well.  This is a win for everyone who attends:  local athletes, future leaders of America, dedicated coaches and officials, boxing legends, great venue and outstanding ring action.  Thanks to Anthony’s for hosting us and to all that are working hard to make this event the great success it will be.”

United States Military Academy Senior Cadet Luca LoConte Botis, who hails from nearby Winchester (MA), will be showcased in what will likely be his final local boxing competition.

A 2015 graduate of Winchester High School, where he captained the school’s cross country, swimming and outdoor track teams. Botis will be supported by a large contingent of family and friends. 

A tribute to the USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be on tap, including appearances by 1988 Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer, International Boxing Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger, three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), three-time two division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA), and former New England amateur champion and reigning IBA super welterweight champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (Stoneham, MA).

Doors open at 2 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. 

Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling Seacoast Ticket Agency at 1.800.382.5242.    

boxing

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

boxing, Rivera Promotions

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

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

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

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