Category Archives: boxing

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Undefeated RayJay Bermudez: Super lightweight prospect flying under the radar

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BOSTON (February 25, 2020) – Undefeated RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs) has tried to stay busy and progress, developmental-wise, fighting three times during the pandemic, including a recent title-winning performance south of the border. 

The 22-year-old Bermudez, fighting out of Albany (NY), stopped journeyman Rynell Griffin in five rounds last November in New Hampshire, and he followed that up in December with a third-round technical knockout of Ever Ceballos in Mexico to capture the vacant American Boxing Federation’s (ABF) Americas West super lightweight championship. 

“Mexico was a humbling experience,” Bermudez said after his ABF title-winning performance.  “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to go to another country and fight for a professional title. I fought a tough, scrappy Mexican veteran, who was game from the beginning, but my plan was to stay composed and break him down.  And that’s exactly want I did to score a third-round TKO and advance my record to 11-0 with 8 knockouts.  Thank you to everybody who tuned on the FITE.app.  This is only the beginning of something special!” 

In his most recent fight earlier this month, Bermudez returned to Mexico for a stay busy fight, stopping Mario Israel Vera round four.  

Despite his unbeaten run, Bermudez is still fighting under the radar, at least on a national basis, but 2021 promises to be a breakout year for him, of course, pending pandemic restrictions in 2021. 

Bermudez, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, is trained by his uncle, Hector Bermudez, who has trained five world champions including TJ Doheny and Javier Fortuna. 

RayJay looked great in his last fight,” Roach commented.  “He stuck to the game plan and broke his opponent down. We as a team are really happy where he is at right now.  We will start stepping up the competition this year. Our goal will be to get him a regional title and get him ranked. This will be an exciting year to be a part of RayJay’s team.  

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro  (20-1, 6 KOs), West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (6-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, pro-debuting Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr., pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (7-0-1, 4 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0, 2 KOs). 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

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20-1 California super flyweight Rocco Santomauro signs with Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker

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BOSTON (February 23, 2021) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker has announced it has signed California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (20-1, 6 KOs) to an exclusive managerial contract. 

The 33-year-old Santomauro, fighting out of Apple Valley, CA, is riding a 7-fight win streak since suffering his only loss as a professional to then 14-0 Diego De La Hoya nearly five years ago. 

“I’m 33,” Santomauro said, but I definitely feel I’m in my prime.  My skill level is at its best and I’m always improving. When it comes to getting in there with top guys, I’ve been in the ring with many world champions, outside of fights, and I’ve more than held my own.  It’s all a matter of timing and I feel mine is here.  I believe I’m very close to a major fight right now at super flyweight.  It’s all a matter of getting myself in the right position and I feel like, right now, I have the right team to do so with Ryan Roach and Fighter Locker backing me. 

“I signed a managerial contract with Ryan and his Fighter Locker because I knew it was a good move.  After managing myself the last year and a half, I knew I needed trustworthy help to get to the next level. Ryan and I were friends on social media. I was aware he was signing fighters with Fighter Locker, so I began to watch and study him to see how he was with his fighters.  Having liked what I saw – Ryan being there for his fighters and building a good relationship with him talking from time to time — we were able to come to an agreement to take me to that next level and get a major fight.” 

“I’m excited to add such a veteran fight to our stable,” Roach commented.  “Rocco checks all the boxes in terms of what a manager looks for in a fighter.  He has great ring IQ.  He’s fast with great defense, and Rocco a very energetic fighter.  He is close to a world title shot; one or two more fights and we will be fighting top super flyweights.  Rocco has what it takes to beat those guys.” 

The son of an Italian father who wanted his son to be an “animal,” Rocco was born with a fighting spirt, aggressive in nature as a child, and inspired by Rocky Marciano.  Rocco got into boxing, in large part, due to following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a decorated amateur boxer.  He first boxed because of his brother, then through a local boxing club in Hesperia (CA), in addition to practicing at home as he watched his favorite fighters on ESPN Classic. 

Santomauro’s amateur career never really took off.  He lived in an area with very little boxing, and needed to travel to box, which resulted in him deciding when he was older to take control of his boxing career by moving to Las Vegas.  He developed his skills there and decided in 2009 to turn pro after suffering what he felt was a bad decision at the USA Nationals. 

An energetic boxer who is a smart, aggressive counter puncher, Santomauro also checks in on the body, and brings excitement into the ring.  His best fight to date was his most recent (Nov. 7, 2020), when he stopped Christian Omar Henriques (10-4-2) in the sixth round of their fight in Tijuana. 

“I was backed by Fighter Locker and my team,” Rocco noted.  “I went in focused and mentally trained properly to do what I had to do against a game, younger opponent with a winning record. I knocked him out! We did it intelligently and were able to hit all the marks performance-wise.” 

Training and fighting during a pandemic have been challenging, to say the least, and being a super flyweight only compounds the problem. 

“It’s been very difficult getting fights as an American super flyweight,” Santomauro added, “especially coming down in weight from featherweight and then junior featherweight.  Nobody was willing to give me the opportunity, nor did they think I could fight at that weight class having debuted as a junior lightweight.  I was basically put on the shelf, turned down left and right as a free agent with 14-1 record at that time.  I reached a 1 ½ year layoff, getting only lowball offers against short notice opponents.  My trainer, Julian Chua, and I decided it would be smart to start fighting in Mexico, where there were super flyweights to fight. 

“Training during the pandemic has been absolute hell for me, closed out of almost all gyms but grateful for being able to visit, from time to time, the Wild Card Boxing Gym and Churchill Boxing Club.  But that wasn’t what I was used to.  I had to do a lot of what I call ‘Rocky 4’ training on my own to stay fit.  I was also lucky enough to build good relationships in Mexico with my promoter, so I was blessed to always have the option of staying busy in Tijuana.  And I did.” 

Now, Roach and Fighter Locker have Santomauro’s back, and his future is promising. 

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes, Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (6-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs),, a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, pro-debuting Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr., pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (7-0-1, 4 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0, 2 KOs). 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker, /roccosantomauro 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, @RoccoSantomauro 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82, @RoccoSantomauro 

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER vs. JOVANIE SANTIAGO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line.” – Broner
 
“I don’t have anything to lose, so AB better bring his A-game against me.” – Santiago
 
Former Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner Returns to the Ring to Face Undefeated Jovanie Santiago Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, February 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from
Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
*Editor’s Note: The main event, previously announced as a super lightweight fight, will now be contested at the welterweight limit (147 lbs.) following a mutual decision from both fighters.
 
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – February 18, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Jovanie Santiago met face to face Thursday at the final press conference to preview their main event attraction taking place this Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
 
The popular Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), who by the age of 26 had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, will end his two-year hiatus from boxing and continue his quest for a fifth world title by returning to face the unbeaten Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight bout.
 
The press conference also featured former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale and highly touted contender Otto Wallin, who will square off in the 12-round co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, and former world champion Robert Easter Jr. and contender Ryan Martin who will meet in a 12-round super lightweight bout to open the telecast.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
 
ADRIEN BRONER
 
“I’ve had so many great performances and I’m looking forward to another great performance Saturday night. I know he’s coming to fight, he’s undefeated and he’s hungry. Anybody who fights a name like Adrien Broner is going to always train to their best ability so I’m not looking at this as a fight where I just go in and destroy this guy. I’m just going to go to do what I have to do to get the victory – look good inside and outside the ring.
 
“I feel like I’m going to be a world champion again, again, again and again. Until I’m really done with boxing. Yes, I took two years off from boxing, retired and let my body heal and rest. I just feel like I’ve got what it takes to win more championships in different weight classes so that’s what I’m going to do.

“At the end of the day, he’s here because of me and everybody in this room is here because of me, so that’s special. Saturday night, the only thing that’s going to be special is this whooping I’m giving out. He’ll know then. Santiago hasn’t been punched yet. When you punch somebody, they talk different. He ain’t going to be talking like that after Saturday.

“I went through a lot of things, honestly. One day, I just woke and said, ‘I’m done.’ In order to change, you’ve got to make change or you’ll steady get caught up doing the same thing. I cut a lot of stuff, I stopped doing a lot of stuff and I got myself together. It was a long road to get to where I’m at today and now I’m here.

“Listen, if you got a belt, just hold on to it. I’m coming to sweep it all up; WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF. I’m coming to get them all.

“Just expect a hell of a show. I know he’s coming to fight, He’s from Puerto Rico, they come to fight. But I didn’t just do all this training to go into the ring and not fight. So he’s got to know that if he comes to a war, he’s going to be in a war too. He better be coming with a lot of equipment because I’ve got a lot of equipment coming with me. I’m just ready to put it all on the line. I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line. I don’t know how far he’s willing to go. He might start thinking about his kids, grandkids, aunts, nieces, I don’t know.

“From the time I was six years old, I never took a break from boxing. So that’s what I did. Now, I’m missing boxing again, I’m back in it and we’re back to it on Saturday night.
 
“It’s been a hell of a training camp. Maybe one of the toughest because I had to get back in rhythm, coming back and losing all that weight and working as hard as I do. I didn’t want an easy fight so I picked a guy like Jovanie Santiago because I know he’s going to push me and bring the best out of me. That’s what I know about him. He’s a good fighter, an undefeated fighter, and he’s not here to lose.
 
“I know a lot of people don’t know these guys, but guys like Jovanie can be very dangerous because a lot of people don’t know him. I know better, he’s coming to fight, he’s a good fighter and undefeated, so I have to stay on my A-game. I’m going in to get the victory – whatever presents itself. If the knockout presents itself, I’m taking it. You don’t get paid for overtime but I’m definitely coming to get my win.

“The overall goal is to get past this fight first. In boxing, you can’t look past no opponent. I don’t care how everything looks on paper. In boxing, you’re only one punch away from a knockout and that’s on both ends. So what I’ve got to do is go in, get my victory, get my hands raised first, and then we’re gonna go to the drawing board. So the plan for me is to get my victory Saturday night.
 
“Everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great start. Like I said before, I didn’t want no easy out. I could have taken a pushover, but I’m not doing that. I love competition. I want somebody to test me, bring the best out of me, and that’s why I picked Jovanie Santiago. Saturday night is going to be a great fight.”
 
JOVANIE SANTIAGO
 
“This is a great opportunity for me. Saturday night, I’m going to show who I am. I’m going to show Adrien Broner that I’m ready to fight.
 
“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to beat him on Saturday night. I’m ready for this fight. At this point, Broner might think he has an easy fight, but he’s in the wrong. I’m here to fight, I’m here to win. We’re ready.

“This Saturday night is going to be a war and it’s going to be a victory for Puerto Rico. I’m ready to die in the line like we say in Puerto Rico.
 
“I know this is the biggest fight of my career. He’s a big name and I’m going to try and win for Puerto Rico. Winning this fight would be the best thing that’s happened in my career and my name would get a lot bigger in the boxing world.
 
“I don’t have anything to lose. Adrien Broner has everything to lose Saturday night so he better bring his A-game against me. A win for me would catapult me into a world title shot.
 
“AB always puts on a show so on Saturday I have to be ready to put on my own show against AB. He is a good champion but I’ve trained really hard in the gym and I’m going to show it on Saturday.
 
“I think Adrien Broner thinks that I’m an easy fight for him, but he’s wrong about that. I think Broner is going to let go of his hands because he sees me as a weak opponent. He’s definitely overlooking me.
 
“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to be ready for it. If he moves, I’m going to move with him. If he wants to brawl, I’m going to brawl. Whatever he does, I’m going to do it better than he does.”
 
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
 
“It’s true you’re only as good as your last fight, but at the same time I feel like this is my coming out party. It feels like my pro debut. I’ve been off for a long time and had a great training camp so I’m ready for Saturday night.
 
“After my last fight against (Deontay) Wilder I took a few days to digest the loss and then was back in the gym about 10 days later. I didn’t want to harp on it or let it bother me. There wasn’t really a sense of urgency, but I knew there were going to be changes and I knew they had to be done in the next couple of weeks. I focused on my eating and my training and, of course, the biggest change of all was my trainer change from Virgil Hunter to Abel Sanchez.
 
“Switching to Abel and training up in Big Bear has been huge and something I wish I would have done years ago. Abel actually has something written on the wall that says, ‘Imagine what if.’ And I imagine ‘what if’ every night. Like I said, I wish I would have done this a year ago, but my conditioning and my confidence are at an all-time high.
 
“Some people might have thought I would have wanted to get back in there with a pushover, but I’ve always wanted to fight the top guys. I saw the Otto Wallin fight and the performance he gave against Tyson Fury and then Travis Kauffman. When the name was brought to my attention, I jumped all over it. I knew that the boxing world would respect the fight against myself and Otto.
 
“I don’t think Otto’s been in there with a big, strong, athletic guy like myself. Mike Tyson said it best: ‘Everyone’s got a game plan until you get punched in the mouth.’”
 
OTTO WALLIN
 
“Everybody wants to ask about my fight with Tyson Fury and they forget that I’ve done a lot more than that. But it was a great performance and I understand that most people hadn’t seen me fight before, it was a great fight and it was better than what most people thought. I’m kind of over that now. I want to move forward. It’s nice to move forward. It’s nice to be on SHOWTIME fighting with Breazeale, who has a good name. So hopefully with this fight, I beat him and move on so people can see I’m able to beat good guys.

“I think I’m more well-rounded than Breazeale. Also, you can’t forget that I’m actually 6’ 6”, 240, so I’m not that small. I know a lot of people look at me like I’m smaller but I’m not that small. With that being said, I’m smarter, got a great team, we’ve had a great camp and I’m really good too. I’m faster than Dominic, I have better footwork, better defense, and better defense. So I’ve got to bring all of that in there, do what I’m good at and I’ll be fine.
 
“I think a win will hopefully help me move past Fury. But also it will put my name up there, to solidify my spot there. I don’t think this fight will get me a title shot but it will be a good shot on the way.

“I think you can expect a good fight, two good fighters. Dominic probably feels he has a point to prove and probably going to come out and be aggressive and try to come after me. I’m sure I won’t have to look for him and I’m ready for that. People can expect an exciting fight and a good night of boxing.

“Dominic is an aggressive guy so I have to be smart. I have to be who I am and set him up and I think I will be able to do that.

“I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just have to be myself and I have to do what I do, what I’m good at. This is a big opportunity for me so I try to be positive. I waited a long time to get to this level, I’m finally here and I’m not going back.”
 
ROBERT EASTER, JR.
 
“I’ve been in some brawls, but I really haven’t ever shown my true boxing abilities. Me, Mike Stafford and my father (Robert Easter, Sr.) just worked on boxing and being myself.
 
“During COVID it really set me down and being off for all that time and never really knowing when I would get that call to get back in the ring. So I really had to focus up and I had to be ready whenever I was given that phone call. It motivated me. Plus, I had to look over my son and make sure he was alright. So it really put a different drive in me. This pandemic really set everything back, but we’re more than ready.
 
“140 is definitely the place for me to be right now. That’s the future. We’re worried about present right and capturing this title at 140.
 
“I’m just worried about me and showing my skills and everything we’ve worked on in training and this camp.”
 
RYAN MARTIN
 
“We fought in the amateurs and he beat me so there’s definitely a little chip on my shoulder there. I want to get back at him and let him know that I’m not a 16-year-old kid anymore.
 
“This fight is going to put me right back up there to be in a position to fight any of the champions or top contenders in the division. This fight is definitely going to steal the show.
 
“I’m focused. My mind is clear. This fight right here gets me excited. We’re two Ohio fighters with history – I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s going to be an action-packed fight and I’m going to bring it. I’m not really surprised that Easter says he doesn’t see much difficulty in fighting me. I kind of expected him to say that. Easter is Easter.
 
“It’s going to be very important that I let my hands go against Easter. I feel that this fight is going to have so much action. I’m clear minded. I’m ready. Saturday night, we’re going to get in there and let it fly.
 
“Words can’t explain how excited and anxious I am for this, to tell you the truth. I’m just so ready for Saturday night. I’m ready to get the weigh-in over with, get under the lights on Saturday night and put on a show. It’s going to be an entertaining fight. A lot of people are saying a lot of things about me based on the Josh Taylor fight. So, it’s kind of like I’m battling two things.
 
“Easter just needs to come with it on Saturday night. I always knew this fight with Robert Easter was going to happen. I don’t know why, but I just always knew that we would meet again in the ring. I think it’s because we were both in Ohio – he was in Toledo and I was in Cleveland – and I just always thought I’d get this fight. I just didn’t think it would happen like this in a bubble.”
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
 
 
# # #
 
ABOUT BRONER VS. SANTIAGO:
Broner vs. Santiago will see former four-division world champion Adrien Broner return to the ring to face undefeated Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round welterweight bout in the main event Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also pit former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

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Richard Brewart Jr. Training Camp Quotes

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Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing Promotions

CORONA, CA (February 18, 2021) – Undefeated middleweight, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO), will take on Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs), this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round bout will serve as the main event of the evening.
 
The co-feature will see undefeated super bantamweight, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), facing fellow unbeaten prospect, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO). In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.


The free stream will air live this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.


Here is what Richard Brewart Jr. had to say about his upcoming fight with Weston, training camp with coach Henry Ramirez, and more.


On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been in the gym with my coach Henry Ramirez, working on a lot of defensive drills and I am seeing the time I have put in paying off. I learned a lot in my last fight, and I know that I am close to some big opportunities, so I’m super focused. It’s been a very productive training camp to say the least.”
 
On his matchup with Nathan Weston:
“I have heard of Weston, I know he’s been in a couple of camps with big names like Golovkin and Munguia, but I know that I am different. This is a chance for me to show my talent against a well-respected opponent and someone who is coming to win. My power is starting to emerge more and more with each fight, and I feel my power will break him down. I’m going to make this fight uncomfortable for him by throwing a lot of power shots.
 
On what a win will do for his career:
“I am about to beat back-to-back undefeated fighters, and that is something a lot of fighters with less than ten fights don’t do. I am looking to make a statement in the middleweight division, and let the rest of the contenders know that I am coming.”
 
On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“Thompson Boxing has always taken great care of me and I appreciate them keeping my busy. Each fight I have been on for 3.2.1 Boxing has been exciting and fan-friendly. My last fight against Louis Hernandez was considered by some to be one of the best fights last year, and I know this fight will be just as good, if not better. I look forward to fighting on future 3.2.1 Boxing cards for the rest of 2021.”


Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosaleswill serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.


For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.


Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.
boxing, women's boxing

Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. Benefited from sparring with undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor

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BOSTON (February 17, 2021) – Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr.  hasn’t made his pro debut yet, but he did get the opportunity to recently spar with undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs), the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ireland, who was a 5-time AIBA world champion as an amateur. 

The 28-year-old Anderson, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, was supposed to make his pro debut earlier this year in Mexico.  He showed up but his opponent tested positive for COVID-19 and their fight was canceled. 

Taylor frequently travels from Ireland to Connecticut, where she prepares for fights with her trainer, Ross Enamait.    

Anderson, a union Sheetmetal worker in local 17, was a decorated amateur who won a gold medal at the 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament, as well as The New England’s Tournament twice in 2018-2019, and won Central Division of the New England Golden Gloves Tournament twice and runner-up twice during his four-year (2016-2019) run.  He also competed in three national tournaments. 

Anderson benefitted from being a southpaw when his trainer, Marc Gargaro, was contacted by Enamait about needing a lefthanded sparring partner for Taylor.  “I’ve only sparred with her once,” Anderson said, “but I believe I will be getting more work with Katie at her training camp in the near future.  I’ve already been asked back for more sparring. 

“In the ring, Katie is patient, sharp, and quick with her combinations.  She also doesn’t waste any movements all all.  She is very tough and aggressive.  Outside the ring, she is very nice, always smiling when talking, and a generous, decent human being.” 

There’s nothing better for a young boxer than to train and spar with a world-class athlete, even if it’s a female against a male, the experience in invaluable. 

I believe getting experience with a world champion helped me build up my confidence.  It definitely opened my mind and eyes to trying new things like different movements and combinations, as well as make sure my defense and foot work was on point.  Learning to become better at changing the tempo of combinations I was throwing.  Also, realizing the things Katie did during and after sparring, understanding her mentality, and letting me know and see what it takes to be the best in the world, will help me grow big-time as a boxer. 

“It is a little different sparring a woman but, honestly, it helped me work on my craft in areas I’ve been trying to improve on.  I am still available to give and get good, solid work and effort.  It’s expanding my mind, I was still able to pick and choose when to dig hard shots to make sure I was still solidly sparring for her, unlike with guys’ majority of punches are thrown hard. 

Ortiz’ manager Ryan Roach commented: “This is a great opportunity for Troy.  Anytime you share the ring with a world champion, even sparring, is a great way to elevate your level of confidence. As many know there are a lot of levels to this sport and these opportunities are crucial in building a fighter.  I am really proud of Troy. His debut got pushed back, but he’s stayed in the gym and remains positive waiting for his shot. He has a great coach and team at Nonantum Boxing.” 

Sparring Taylor may not have erased the disappointment of Anderson’s pro debut being canceled; however, the experience will surely make him a better fighter. 

“Sparring a world champion was unbelievable,” Anderson concluded.  “Just having the opportunity to step foot in the ring with world champion Katie Taylor was amazing.  Literally, leading up to the day of sparring, that’s all I could focus on and think about.  I was extremely locked in, because I wanted to give Katie Taylor good work and show her that reaching out to my coach Marc was not a mistake, and his words about me were solid.  Seeing how Katie is when moving, throwing combinations, and on defense picking and choosing when to be aggressive and not, is unexplainable.  It was truly a blessing and I will forever be grateful and thankful for the experience and opportunity to be able to spar with a world champion, Katie Taylor” 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, @_troyandersonjr 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

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Brewart Jr. vs. Weston New Main Event for 3.2.1. Boxing

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CORONA, CA (February 8, 2021) – Due to sickness, welterweight Saul Bustos (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will have to step down from his scheduled 8-round bout with Todd Manuel (18-17, 5 KOs), that was set to be the main event for Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1. Boxing show on Sunday, February 21, 2021.


A battle of unbeaten middleweights will now serve as the new main event as Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO), will face Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs), in a 6-round bout.


Undefeated super bantamweights, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO) and Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO) will square off in the 6-round co-main event. In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva of Fontana, CA, will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division. 


The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTubepages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.


“It’s unfortunate that Bustos got sick, but I think we rebounded nicely,” said promoter Ken Thompson. “Brewart Jr. vs. Weston and Dinong vs. Akitsugi are two great fights pitting undefeated fighters who will be putting their “0’s” on the line.”


“This card will continue to be very explosive as both our main and co-main events have hungry, young, unbeaten fighters going to battle,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager and creator of 3.2.1 Boxing. “I’m expecting a lot of fireworks to be on display.”


Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosaleswill serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.


For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.


Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.
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Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera finds new home in Orlando

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Returns to ring Feb. 12th in Orlando on Christy Martin-promoted card 

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 4, 2021) – It seems only appropriate that undefeated cruiserweight Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (18-0, 13 KOs) has found a new home in Orlando (FL), although his heart remains in his native Hartford (CT), since he followed his partner/head trainer Tony Blanco there nearly six months ago,   

“I recently went to Universal Studios and it’s definitely Popeye-friendly,” the charismatic Rivera reported.  “They had Popeye rides, souvenirs and novelties.  I felt like it’s my part of town.” 

Due to financial strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Boxing Center (HBC) was closed by the state March 15 and it never reopened. Blanco and his family traveled south to the Sunshine State, where he opened the Orlando Boxing Club (OBC at 7335 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando, Florida).  Soon after “Popeye” packed his bags and joined Blanco. 

“The business was bleeding, and I have a family to support,” Blanco explained.  “We’ve more or less brought Hartford Boxing Center to Orlando, where there are so many opportunities for us.  It is what it is, there was no other way to survive.  We’ve turning a negative into a positive. 

“It was a cool ride alongside the Hartford community.  We were sad to announce the Hartford Boxing Center had closed its doors.  We are deeply indebted to Hartford for giving us the opportunity to meet such a loving community that made us feel like family.  We will miss each and every one there and, hopefully, we left our legacy there in good standing with everyone.  We hope everybody stays safe, healthy and continues their goals and dreams The fight continues!” 

Florida’s weather alone has advantages over Connecticut, in addition to no state tax, and “Popeye” has taken full advantage as he marches towards the top of the cruiserweight division.   

“I’ve taken it all in,” he commented.  “Down here I’m able to run in weather when it isn’t freezing or in the snow, although that did make me more of an animal.  But it was harder training in Hartford and there are so many reasons not to run and train there.  Not in Orlando where I have nothing but quality runs and workouts. I get solid sparring here in Orlando with partners who have different styles and I EVEN went over to the gym owned by my idol, Roy Jones, Jr., in Pensacola. 

“It’s especially difficult being here during the pandemic with so many of my family and friends back in Hartford.  I’m still showed a lot of love back there where I have my roots.  Florida is awesome, but I still have a lot of living left, so we’ll need to wait to see what’s ahead for me in the future.”    

Meanwhile, Rivera and Blanco found a strong ally and friend in Hall of Famer Christy Martin, who is now a boxing promoter in Florida and North Carolina.  Rivera’s last fight was this past August 15th in Daytona Beach (FL) on a Martin-promoted card, in which he knocked out Ryan Soft in the opening round. 

“Popeye” is scheduled to fight on her February 12th show in Orlando against veteran Mexican fighter Ulises “El Cirillo” Jimenez (24-26-1, 18 KOs) in an 8-round featured bout.  

“This will be the fifth time I’ve fought on one of her cards,” Rivera noted.  “She’s awesome.  Boxing is a little cutthroat, but I felt comfortable with Christy right away. She doesn’t need to have me fighting on her cards.  I’m blessed to have her continue to watch after me. I’m also blessed to have a promoter like Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing), especially during this pandemic, because he doesn’t have to let me fight on cards that he doesn’t promote like on February 12th.” 

The feeling between Martin and Team Popeye is mutual.  “I really like Popeye and Tony,” Martin offered.  “He understands that this isn’t all about fighting. Fighters need to market themselves. and everybody here loves Popeye.  After each fight he goes to talk to fans, especially kids, sign autographs for them and pose for pictures.  There’s nothing like being here in Florida.  It’s the best for training. Good weather all around and coming from the north like him, no excuses to work-out because of the cold. He’s improved the basic stuff since I first watched him.  He’s keeping his head up, improved his power, and is more relaxed in the ring.  He’s certainly headed in the right direction.  He hasn’t been in any battles and I think he’s getting ready to take a big leap into a title fight.” 

Rivera has benefitted from being promoted by DeGuardia in several ways, including his role as a regular sparring partner for Star Boxing light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs), who is preparing for a Feb. 13th showdown with Maxim Vlasov (45-3 (26 KOs) airing on ESPN live from The Bubble in Las Vegas.  They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.  

“’Popeye’ is a colorful character and an exciting fighter who has a very entertaining style,” DeGuardia remarked.  “He has a great way about him.” 

When asked about putting “Popeye” on Christy’s show, DeGuardia stated: “Every decision is unique and made with a view towards what’s best for both the promoter and fighter.  Does it make sense? Is it good for Star Boxing and our fighters?  If it fits, I have no problem having our fighter on somebody else’s card.  This makes sense for everybody.  Christy gets a good, featured fighter on her card, hopefully ‘Popeye’ gets a win, and our fighter stays busy.  While in this COVID-19 pandemic a few good wins for your fighter is a good thing,” 

His heart may always be in Hartford, but ‘Popeye” Rivera has found a new home in Orlando, and his boxing career continues to rise. 

INFORMATION. 

Website: www.OrlandoBoxingClub.com, www.StarBoxing.com 

Facebook: /orlandoboxingcenter, /StarBoxing   

Twitter: @orlandoboxing, @StarBoxing 

Instagram: @orlando.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera 

You Tube: /c/OrlandoBoxingCenter, /StarBoxingInc 

boxing, NBC

RING CITY USA RETURNS IN MARCH WITH TWO THURSDAY NIGHT BOXING EVENTS LIVE FROM PUERTO RICO ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

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SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS SERHII BOHACHUK AND BRANDON ADAMS CLASH IN MARCH 4 MAIN EVENT WHILE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ALBERTO MACHADO TAKES ON HECTOR TANAJARA IN MARCH 18 MAIN EVENT

Ring City USA Events Will Air Live Thursday Nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBCSN in the United States and Streaming Around the World on Twitch  

Los Angeles – January 29, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020 on NBC Sports Network, announced today the first two events of 2021 will be held on Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, March 18, live from Puerto Rico. Both events will be televised in the United States on NBC Sports Network and the NBC Sports app on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action streaming live on Twitch. The full card will be available on Twitch outside of the United States.

The return of Ring City USA features two highly competitive matchups with fighters at unique junctures of their professional boxing careers. On March 4, undefeated blue-chip rising star Serhii Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOs) meets former middleweight title challenger Brandon Adams (22-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight main event. Two weeks later on March 18, Ring City presents the next chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry when former super featherweight world titlist Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) faces undefeatedrising prospect Hector Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight main event. Ring City’s events in March will be broadcast live from Puerto Rico as the company continues to tap into boxing’s rich historical locations. 

The fight between Bohachuk and Adams was originally scheduled to top the December 3 Ring City event at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles but Bohachuk was forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.

“We are thrilled to kick off 2021 with two crossroads main event fights in Puerto Rico,” said Head of Boxing Evan Rutkowski. “Serhii Bohachuk has been chomping at the bit to get back in the ring and on March 4 he will meet the most dangerous opponent of his career in Brandon Adams. Then two weeks later we are right back on NBC Sports Network and Twitch with rising undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara battling former world champion Alberto Machado of Puerto Rico in a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry fight.”

The hard-hitting Bohachuk, who is currently ranked seventh by the WBC and ninth by the IBF at 154 pounds, has steamrolled through opposition on his way to an 18-0 record, all of which have come via knockout. Training with Manny Robles out of Legends Boxing Academy, the 25-year-old proved himself with a knockout win over Tyrone Brunson in October of 2019. Most recently, he put on an electric performance in September 2020 when he knocked out Alejandro Davila in six rounds. The Ukrainian-born Bohachuk, who is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Ural Boxing, continues to take the Southern California boxing world by storm with his dominant performances in the ring and magnetic personality out of the ring.

“I’m looking forward to defending my title against Brandon Adams on March 4 in Puerto Rico on NBC Sports Network,” said Bohachuk. “I want to thank Ring City and my promoters for this opportunity. This should be a great fight for the fans. I am sorry we couldn’t do it in December, but now people are talking even more about this fight. I will put on another exciting show for the fans.”

Following Bohachuk’s positive COVID-19 result, Adams went on to face Sonny Duversonne in Ring City’s main event on Dec. 3. Adams bested Duversonne just miles away from his hometown of Watts, Calif., with an impressive second-round knockout victory. The battle-tested Adams who works with accomplished trainer Dub Huntley, challenged WBC Middleweight Titleholder Jermall Charlo for the title in 2019 after defeating Shane Mosley Jr. to win the Epix Television Series “The Contender.” Adams boasts a formidable group of sparring partners, including Shawn Porter and Gennadiy Golovkin. Adams started competitively training at age 19, fought his first amateur fight at age 20 and turned professional at age 21. He is promoted by Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Ring City in March and showing more growth when Serhii and I finally get to step into the ring in Puerto Rico,” said Adams.

Machado (22-2, 18 KOs), who hails from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will fight on the island for the first time since 2017 and the 14th time in his professional career. In 2017, Machado captured the WBA super featherweight world title against Jezreel Corrales via eighth-round knockout. Machado successfully defended the world title twice in 2018 before losing the belt to Andrew Cancio in February 2019. Later in 2019, Machado moved up to lightweight and scored a second-round knockout over Luis Porozo. The 30-year-old is currently ranked 12th by both the WBA and WBO. The southpaw made a name for himself on the Puerto Rican amateur circuit, competing in the AIBA Youth World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers.

“It has been a sad and forced rest due to the Coronavirus but, for me, my body needed this rest. I am excited that after four years I will return to fight again at home in Puerto Rico,” said Machado. “I thank Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Promotions, Golden Boy and Ring City USA for giving me this opportunity to headline this great card. Hector Tanajara, Jr. is a great fighter who seeks to break through in the lightweight division as well. I hope he comes ready and that 135 has my space saved because I belong here and on March 18it will be demonstrated.”

Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) will take on the toughest test of his career when he meets Machado on his home turf. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) is coming off of fighting in his hometown for the first time in his professional career in January 2020 when he took on former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos who he beat convincingly via unanimous decision. The 24-year-old has continued to rise up the lightweight ranks since turning pro in 2015. In Machado, he will face a new challenge by taking on a southpaw fighter for the first time in his 19-fight professional career. Tanajara fights under the tutelage of world-famous trainer Robert Garcia.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Tanajara. “It has been a little over a year and I’ve been training hard this whole time staying ready for whoever. We finally got an opponent and I’m ready to show the world who I am and what I can do with the top guys in the division.”

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico will be former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell will serve as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside.

Full card details will be announced at a later date.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, Rich Bergeron

FRANCOIS BOTHA JOINS THE FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW

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This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Francois Botha, AKA “The White Buffalo.” We discussed his new fitness venture, his hopes to rematch Mike Tyson and how he got his nickname, among a few other topics. Listen here:

Francois “The White Buffalo” Botha Talks About His Amazing Career and His Incredible Future Boxing Plans | Fight Talk Unlimited (spreaker.com)

Contact Rich at rich.bergeron@gmail.com if you’d like to be a future guest on the show or want to sponsor our podcast.

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez targets Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for future mega-showdown

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LAS VEGAS (January 21, 2021) – If 29-year-old Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), arguably already one of the top 25 Mexican fighters of all-time, has his way as he enters his prime years, he will eventually have a mega-showdown with fellow countryman Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (54-2-32, 36 KOs) before making their way to the Hall of Fame.

“Anything is possible, and it’ll be great for fans if a fight for me against ‘Canelo’ happens,” Ramirez said.  “With two Mexicans in the ring, you know it’ll be a war from round one.  We’ll see what happens in the future.” 

First, though, Ramirez has some business to take care of starting with a potential Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOs).

The WBC recently ordered No. 1 rated Ramirez vs. No. 4 Browne. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it goes to purse bid.  Ramirez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

If everything goes as Ramirez plans, he’ll have a world unification fight with either WBC/IBF light heavyweight World champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) or WBA Super title-holder Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs, preferably later in 2021, pending COVID-19 restrictions.

“I never look past any fight,” Ramirez noted.  “In this sport, on any given night, the best man will win.  All I can do is train hard and prepare myself to be my best for when the occasion arises. Brown, Bivol, Beterbiev or Canelo, it doesn’t matter who I fight; I always train hard to make sure I’m ready when the fight is here.” 

Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the athletic southpaw thoroughly dominated defending champion “King” Arthur Abraham (44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the WBO world champion. 

In 2019, Alvarez joined WBO titlist Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) as the only Mexican-born light heavyweight champions of the world, when he stopped 34-3-1 Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to become the WBO World light heavyweight champion. The 9-time, 4-division world champion Alvarez relinquished his WBO light heavyweight crown without defending it.   

Ramirez is off to the 5th-best winning streak to start a professional career in Mexican boxing history behind four Hall of Famers: his idol Julio Cesar Chavez (87), Carlos Zarate (52), Ricardo Lopez (47) and Marco Antonio Barrera (43). 

The dream match for “Zurdo,” of course, is down the road against Canelo. How about having it on Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day? 

Between then and now, however, Ramirez needs a career-defining victory against a primetime opponent such as Beterbiev or Bivol to set the stage for a Canelo showdown. 

“We’ll see if he’s (Canelo) able to do it again (fight as a light heavyweight),” Ramirez added.  “He’s already fought at that weight once (light heavyweight) and I don’t see why it should be a problem unless it was a fluke.  But I do understand he and his team will have to be a lot more cautious navigating this weight class, compared to the lower divisions, due to the higher risk.  Also, we’ve been around each other before and even sparred.  He knows I’m not just a Kovalev or a Callum Smith. 

“It’ll (Canelo vs. Zurdo”) be an instant classic and a great way to showcase top-tier Mexican boxing to the world.  I think fans will love this battle between Sinaloa (Ramirez) and Jalisco (Alvarez).”

INFORMATION: 

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com 

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions 

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez 

About Zurdo Promotions:  Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico.  Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.  Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing.  Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.