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

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OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM WORCESTER
(L) – Irvin Gonzalez
WORCESTER, Massa. (Januari 20, 2017) – Boxing returned to Worcester last night (Donderdag) 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” serie, gepresenteerd door Rivera Promotions Entertainment, featured 10 actievolle gevechten, highlighted by rising Worcester featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KO).
“The support we received from the sold out crowd was exciting for our first show,” de promotor Jose Antonio Rivera, the former 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen. “We working on our second show in March, natuurlijk, 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, Israël “Tijger” Ramos (9-15, 3 KO), 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 Zondag 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.
Ongeslagen Straal “antitankgeweer” Gracewski (5-0, 3 KO), 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 pro-debuterende Richard “Popeye de matroos” 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, die een 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, woonplaats favoriet andino Ranse‘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 KO)
Unbeaten Haitian heavyweight Jean Pierre “Kid Creole” Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KO) pounded game Mexican foe Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KO) from the opening bell en route to a shutout six-round unanimous decision.
East Hartford prospect Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), een 2016 New England Golden Gloves kampioen, finished off winless welterweight Rafael Francis (0-9) with a debilitating body shot early in the second round.
In zijn profdebuut, popular Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez, a local barber, spotted his opponent, 392-pond Bobby Favors (0-4), bijna 60 pounds but Favors was unable to continue after the first round.
Southbridge, MA Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens turned in a memorable pro debut, winning a four-round majority decision over Alexander Picot (1-2-1 (0 KO), contested at a 145-pound catchweight.
The second-oldest pro fighter in Massachusetts history, 49-jaar oud “Iers” Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KO), 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. Marinier Brandon Montella, fighting out of Saugus, MA., verbeterde zijn record naar 6-0 (5 KO), as his light heavyweight Mexican veteran Roberto “The Old” Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KO) suffered an injury early in the second round.
Volledige resultaten hieronder:
Officiële resultaten
Main Event –Featherweights
Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO2 (1:28)
Israël Rojas (9-15, 3 KO), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Co-functie – Super Middleweights
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KO), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (1:32)
Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
ZWAARGEWICHTEN
Jean Pierre Augstin (8-0-1, 3 KO), Lawrence, MA
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-23, 12 KO), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Felix Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Bobby Favors (0-4), Cincinnati, OH
(185-pond) Catchweight
Richard Rivera (1-0, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WTKO2 (2:48)
Davonte Hopkins (0-3), Philadelphia, PA
Licht zwaargewichten
Brandon Montella (6-0, 5 KO), Saugus, MA
WTKO2 (0:50)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KO), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
JUNIOR MIDDENGEWICHTEN
Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KO), Auburn, MA
WTKO1 (2:19)
Shavonte Dixon (0-2), Philadelphia, PA
(145-pond) catchweight
Wilfredo Pagan (1-0, 0 KO), Southbridge, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Alexander Picot (1-2-1, 0 KO), Cidra, Puerto Rico
Welterweights
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
WKO2 (0:24)
Rafael Francis (0-9), Dorchester, MA
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
andino Ranse 1-0, 0 KO), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2 KO), Lowell, MA
SPONSORS: Zwaargewichten – Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA Health Services; Lichtgewichten – TKO Auto Repair, Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, @KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTIONS ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Gesticht in 2016, Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-tijd, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “De 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.
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Prospect Irvin Gonzalez continuing Worcester boxing tradition Jan 19th

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Inaugural “New England's Future” series event in Worcester
WORCESTER, Massa. (Januari 11, 2017) – Fast rising featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KO) will continue Worcester’s rich boxing tradition Donderdagnacht, Januari 19, headlining the inaugural “New England's Future” series event against Mexican invader Israël “Tijger” Rojas (9-14, 3 KO), 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 Olympisch bronzen medaillewinnaar Leo Sawicki, and more recently, onder andere, pro and amateur standouts such as multiple national amateur champion Bobby Harris, Sean “The Irish Express” Sean Fitzgerald en Edwin Rodriguez.
Arguably the greatest Worcester fighter in the past 50 years is three-time, twee-divisie wereldkampioen Jose Antonio “De 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, een 2015 New England Golden Gloves kampioen, 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. Ik ben opgewonden. 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, als 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) licht zwaargewicht Reinaldo “antitankgeweer” Graceski (4-0, 2 KO) faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight andino Ranse in zijn pro-debuut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KO), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Bobby Favor (0-3), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Davonte Hopkins (0-2), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) bokser Wilfredo Pagan vs. Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KO) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Jonathan Ramos (0-2), 2016 GEEN VAN BEIDE. Golden Gloves kampioen Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Auburn (MA) junior middengewicht “Iers” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO), the 49-year-old hanging up his gloves after his fight with Shavonte Dixon (0-1), van Philadelphia, Saugus (MA) licht zwaargewicht Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KO) vs. Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KO) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) zwaargewicht Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KO) vs. Jose Hymberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KO).
Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.
Tickets, geprijsd op $65.00 (eerste rang), $45.00 (preferred seating) en $35.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact 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.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp
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49-year-old pro boxer “Iers” Chuck Shearns Hanging up gloves January 19th

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

WORCESTER, Massa. (Januari 5, 2017) – Auburn (MA) junior middengewicht “Iers” Chuck Shearns will become the second-oldest professional fighter in Massachusetts boxing history op donderdag nacht, Januari 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.
De inaugurele “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-tijd, 2-divisie wereldkampioen Jose Antonio “De Gallo” Rivera – en zijn zoon, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera.
Rising junior lightweight prospect, 2015 New England Golden Gloves kampioen Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KO), will be fighting at home in the 6-round main event against Mexican invader Oscar Eduardo Quezada (2-1, 1 KO), while Springfield (MA) licht zwaargewicht Reinaldo “antitankgeweer” Graceski (4-0, 2 KO) 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, zal op zich te nemen Shavonte Dixon (0-1), van Philadelphia, in een vier-ronde 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 jaar oud! 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, dus, 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.”
Waarom, hoewel, op de leeftijd van 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 Januari 19th because I was given this opportunity and decided to accept it but, eerlijk, I’m sure that this it! Maybe I just wanted a chance to go out with a win because I lost my last one? Ik weet het niet. 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, goed, in a word, unordinary, op zijn zachtst gezegd. 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 andino Ranse in zijn pro-debuut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KO), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Dorchester’s (MA) Brian Richardson (0-8), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 KO), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) bokser Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KO) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 KO), 2016 N.W. Golden Gloves kampioen Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) licht zwaargewicht Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KO) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KO) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) zwaargewicht Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KO).
Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.
Tickets, geprijsd op $65.00 (eerste rang), $45.00 (preferred seating) en $35.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact 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.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp
Inaugural “New England's Future” series event in Worcester
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Professional Boxing returns Jan. 19 to Worcester Junior lightweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez headlines Inaugural “New England's Future” series event

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WORCESTER, Massa. (December 29, 2016) — Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference yesterday to formally announce its inaugural show, “New England's Future,” Thursday night, Januari 19, at the Worcester Palladium. It will mark the first professional boxing event in Worcester, located in Central Mass., in vijf jaar.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-tijd, 2-divisie wereldkampioen Jose Antonio “De 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, nu, 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, geprijsd op $65.00 (eerste rang), $45.00 (preferred seating) en $35.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact 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, wij hebben 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 kampioen Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KO), vechten uit 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. Ik ga zijn 5-0 with five knockouts on Januari 19th.”
In de 6-round co-feature, licht zwaargewicht Reinaldo “antitankgeweer” Graceski (4-0, 2 KO), 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 andino Ranse in zijn pro-debuut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KO), 49-year-old Auburn (MA) junior middengewicht “Iers” 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 de matroos” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 KO), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) bokser Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KO) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 KO), 2016 N.W. Golden Gloves kampioen Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) licht zwaargewicht Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KO) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KO) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) zwaargewicht Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KO) vs. TBA.
Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.
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.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp