Tag Archives: ESPN Friday Night Fights

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Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight champion John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson ready for next opportunity

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For Immediate Release
 
Newark, NJ (June 3, 2015)–Just two weeks after winning the 2015 Boxcino Jr, Middleweight tournament, John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson (17-1, 6 KO’s) is already getting back in shape and wants a quick ring return.
Thompson won his title by stopping Brandon Adams in two rounds on May 22 in Corona, California, in what was the last show of ESPN Friday Night Fights.
“Everything is going well.  I am already back working out.  I have been receiving a lot of calls to do interviews and being acknowledged,” said Thompson.
“I am going back to down to camp this weekend and start preparing for my next fight.”
Thompson credits his self belief for his success and knows that the best is yet to come.
“I always had big confidence in myself.  If you don’t believe in yourself, you already lost.  My goal is to be number-one.”
“I am just ready to get back in the ring and put on a good show, entertain and continue to win,” finished Thompson.
Thompson is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Banner Promotions.
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Andrey Fedosov & John Thompson crowned Boxcino champions with stoppage wins

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For Immediate Release

Corona, California (May 26, 2015)--Memorial Day weekend started out with a bang as Andrey Fedosov and John Thompson were crowned Boxcino 2015 champions in the Heavyweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions with stoppage wins over Donovan Dennis and Brandon Adams this past Friday night at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The Boxcino Tournament was promoted by Banner Promotions, while Friday’s card was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
The event also served as the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fedosov scored an 8th round stoppage, while Thompson got off the canvas in round 1 to score a 2nd round stoppage.

Fedosov landed some hard power shots in round 2 that Dennis was able to withstand. Fedosov dropped Dennis in round 3 from a left hook to the head. Dennis started being effective the jab in round 4, and he started mixing the straight left behind it.

In round 6, Fedosov hurt Dennis again as he ripped two hard rights off the face of the southpaw. In round 7, it was more power shots that hurt Dennis and made him take a knee.

In round 8, Fedosov landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Dennis hard to the canvas. Dennis got to his feet but the fight was waved off 54 seconds into round 8.

Fedosov, 220 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, California via Russia is now 28-3 with 23 knockouts.  Dennis, 219 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 14-3.
“I was being patient and waiting for a counter, and I was able to hit him with it,” said Fedosov of the knockout blow.  “Now I will look for a big fight.”

John Thompson got off the deck in round 1 to come back and score an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Adams to win the Boxcino Jr. Middleweight title.

Adams dropped Thompson in the opening seconds from a left hook. In round 2, Thompson landed a huge shot that sent Adams to the canvas. Thompson then pounded on Adams and a right hand wobbled Adams into the ropes and a knockdown was ruled. Thompson finished off a visibly hurt Adams with a heavy combination and the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round 2.

Thompson, 153.2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 17-1 with six knockouts. Adams, 154.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 17-2.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Thompson said. “We’re in a whole different ball game now. This is where I’m suppose to be.”

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “It was a great night, and John and Andrey earned these titles.  We expect to have them in big fights very soon.  On another note, I am glad that these two thrilling fights were part of the last ESPN Friday Night Fights show.”

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

John Thompson ready to win Boxcino title tonight

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For Immediate Release

Corona, California (May 22, 2015)-–Tonight at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena, John Thompson (16-1, 5 KO’s) looks  to win the Boxcino Jr. Middlweight championship when he takes on Brandon Adams in the finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Thompson weighed in at a ready 153.2 at Thursday’s weigh in and he looks in prime shape to not only win the title but enter the world rankings.
“John has been really working hard in Virginia.  This is his 2nd training camp down there and after his layoff we have really seen the improvement and his confidence,”said Thompson’s promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.
Thompson, who literally entered the tournament at the last second when Cleotis Pendarvis failed to make weight for his opening round bout with Ricardo Pinnel.  Thompson went out and boxed very soundly to win the unanimous decision.
In his semifinal bout with previously undefeated Stanyslav Skorokhod, Thompson peppered the undefeated Ukrainian fr.om the outside and mixed it up on the iniside en route to winning the split decision on April 10 in Bethlehem, PA.
Now Thompson will take on the Boxcino veteran Adams with the eye on becoming a major player in the crowded Jr. Middleweight division
“I have believed in John since day one.  A lot of people jumped off the bandwagon since his loss to Frank Galarza.  But I always knew he had the ability to compete at the highest level and tonight he will prove that I am excited for not only tonight but the future of John.  He is just 26 and is best boxing is ahead of him,” finished Mielnicki
Photo By Emily Harney / Banner Promotions
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino 2015 finals weigh in Photos

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 21, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.
Below are photos from Thursday’s weigh in from the Boxcino Finals that will take place on Friday at the Omega Products International Outdoor Arena in Corona, California.  The show begins at 10:00 ET on ESPN 2 as the finale of ESPN FridayNight Fights.

 

The Boxcino 2015 tournament is promoted by Banner Promotions.  Friday’s show is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

 
Heavyweight finals–Andrey Fedosov (l) and Donovan Dennis

Jr. Middleweight finals. John Thompson (l) and Brandon Adams

Andrey Fedosov

Donovan Dennis

John Thompson

Brandon Adams

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino Jr. Middleweight finals by the numbers

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.

 

The 10-round junior middleweight final showcases Boxcino tournament veteran Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles against the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey. The finalists will compete for the Boxcino crown on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Also on the line – the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title, and the WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight belt.

 

Tickets for the Boxcino Finals are priced at $50, $70, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

 

The double main event features heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia in a 10-round fight to determine the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight Champion. Dennis-Fedosov will also fight for the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

 

Brandon Adams– 17-1, 12 KO’s                                          John Thompson– 16-1, 5 KO’s

Los Angeles, CA                                                                Newark, NJ
Nickname–“The Cannon”                                                    “Apollo Kidd”

Age: 25                                                                             Age: 26
Has won 3 straight bouts (all by stoppage)                           Has won two straight bouts
66.7 KO %                                                                         29.4 KO%
Has fought 74 rounds (4.1 Rounds/Bout)                              Has fought 78 rounds (4.59 Round/Bout)

5’9″                                                                                   6’1″

70″ Reach                                                                         NA

Opp Rec: 157-99-16                                                          100-45-9

The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT. and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com& ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram@bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Undercard Previewed for Boxcino 2015 Finals ESPN2 May 22

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For Immediate Release

ORANGE, Calif. (May 19, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.

 

The 10-round junior middleweight final showcases Boxcino tournament veteran Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles against the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey. The finalists will compete for the Boxcino crown on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Also on the line – the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title, and the WBO Intercontinental junior middleweight belt.

 

Tickets for the Boxcino Finals are priced at $50, $70, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

 

The double main event features heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia in a 10-round fight to determine the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight Champion. Dennis-Fedosov will also fight for the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

 

The Boxcino Tournament is Promoted by Banner Promotions and televised on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” (ESPN2 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT).  The show on Friday is co-promoted through Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions.

 

The undercard features crafty super bantamweight Isaac Zarate (10-1-1,1 KO) of Los Angeles against Fernando Fuentes (5-4-1, 1 KO) of Hemet, Calif. Outside of the two televised bouts, the 8-round fight between Zarate and Martinez is among the most eagerly anticipated fights of the night.

 

“Zarate is one of the most exciting, young boxers in the 122 lb. division,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He won’t blow you away with power, but his hand speed and work rate are definitely worth the cost of admission.”

 

“I’m looking forward to a great night of boxing,” said Artie Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions. “It’s a great card all around, and the Boxcino finals will be fan friendly fights where two new world title contenders will emerge.”

 

Zarate, a southpaw, makes life difficult for opponents by using an unlimited energy supply to launch punches from all sorts of angles. He’s elusive in that he darts in and out of danger spots, which makes landing combinations on him a difficult matter.

 

“I try not to stay in the same spot for too long,” said the 23-year-old Zarate. “By moving and changing the pace, my opponents typically can’t time my movements.”

 

In other action, Colombian lightweight Andres Figueroa (5-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow prospect Angel Martinez (5-1-1, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Tex. in a 6-round fight.
Humberto Rubalcava (1-0, 1 KO), a Riverside native who turned professional in April, faces super bantamweight Richard Tallmadge, who will be making his pro debut (4-rounds).

 

A pair of young welterweights in Eridani Leon (2-1) of Mexico and Isaac Freeman (1-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles square off in a 4-round bout.

 

Also, Canadian junior middleweight prospect Cody Crowley (3-0, 2 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).
Opening the event is undefeated super bantamweight Adam Lopez (11-0, 6 KOs) of San Antonio going up against the veteran Miguel Tamayo (16-12-2, 14 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).

The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT. and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com& ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram@bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

WBA and WBO to add regional titles to Boxcino championship fights this Friday in Corona, California

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For Immediate Release

ORANGE, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – This Friday night at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena, the 2015 Boxcino finals will take place in the heavyweight and jr. middleweight divisions.
The fights will be televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights beginning at 10 PM ET.

The 2015 Boxcino Tournament is promoted by Banner Promotions.

Friday’s show is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
The stakes just grew even more as two more belts have been added to each final bout.
In the heavyweight final between Andrey Fedosov and Donovan Dennis, the WBA Fedelatin and the WBO Intercontinental titles will be on the line, in addition to the Boxcino 2015 Heavyweight championship.
In the Jr. middleweight bout between Brandon Adams and John Thompson, the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title as well as the WBO Intercontinental Jr. Middleweight belts will be contested for, in addition to the Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight title.
The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com& ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram@bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Reynaldo Ojeda decisions Monty Meza-Clay in U.S. debut

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 Featherweight Luis Rosa goes from

Top prospect to legitimate contender

 

RESULTS FROM HARTFORD

 

Reynaldo Ojeda (R) out-boxed veteran for impressive decision

 

HARTFORD, Conn. (May 15, 2015) — Undefeated Puerto Rican lightweight Reynaldo Ojeda (16-0, 9 KOs) impressively introduced himself to American boxing fans in tonight’s ESPN Friday Night Fights main event, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal Promotions, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

The 26-year-old Ojeda took advantage of his decisive height and reach advantage in his U.S. pro debut, out-boxing the diminutive (5′ 2″), all-action Meza-Clay throughout a very entertaining fight. Meza-Clay continually walked down Ojeda, who used his quickness, superior movement and boxing ability to register a convincing victory by 12-round unanimous decision.

“I’m a top prospect at 135 now; I’m going to be giving them all grades now,” commented Ojeda, a teacher in Puerto Rico. “The plan was to box Monty because he’s such an aggressive fighter.”

Meza-Clay was hampered in the later rounds by a serious cut over his right eye. Ojeda wisely attacked the wound, pumping a series of stiff jabs and left hooks.   “I got confident when his cut opened up,” Ojeda admitted. “What’s next for me is up to my promoter and manager, but I’m available to fight any 135-pounder in the world.”

Luis Rosa (R) finished off Jonathan Perez

Connecticut favorite Luis “KO King” Rosa (20-0, 10 KOs), of New Haven, made a statement in the co-feature against Colombian featherweight Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-11, 27 KOs). Rosa was the aggressor from the opening bell through the end of the fight against a dangerous opponent, firing an array of effective combinations to the head and body, often switching from an orthodox stance to southpaw.

Rosa was penalized a point in the fourth round for hitting his downed opponent. From that point on, though, he never let up. He pounded Perez, caught him on the ropes, and unleashed an unanswered barrage of punches until referee Michael Ortega ended the fight in the fifth round.

Rosa is world ranked by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC), respectively, at No. 15 and No. 16.

“I said it was going to be explosive and we made it that way,” Rosa said after the fight. “I made a statement that I’m coming after all of the top 122-pounders. I’m a future champ in the making.”

Ivan Golub (R) finishes off outclassed Henry Beckford

In the ESPN2 opening fight, 5-time Ukraine National amateur champion Ivan “The Volk” Golub, fighting out of Brooklyn, improved to 13-0 with his eighth career knockout coming against late replacement Henry Beckford (2-2, 1 KO). Class prevailed as rising middleweight star Golub worked fellow southpaw Beckford’s body, dropped him in the fifth with a body shot, and referee Ortega moved in to call off the fight.

The Foster brothers from New Haven were both victorious. Light heavyweight Charles Foster (8-0, 4 KOs) remained undefeated with a sensational knockout of Joe Gardner (11-8-1, 1 KO) only 62-seconds into the first round, while his younger brother, junior lightweight William Foster (2-0, 1 KO) stoppedGilvan Santos (0-2) in the opening round.

Bronx middleweight Chris “Golden” Galeano (8-0) remained unbeaten, boxing his way to a unanimous sixth-round decision over Yosmani Abreau (4-9-2), of Las Vegas.

Decorated Kazakh amateur boxer Dauren Yeleussinov (2-0, 2 KOs), now fighting out of Brooklyn, wore down Louisiana super middleweight Jay “JD” Williams (3-7), winning by way of a sixth-round technical knockout as referee Danny Sciavone halted the action.

Waterbury, CT junior welterweight Jair Ramos (3-2-2, 2 KOs) and Harlem’s Curtis Morton (3-5-2) fought to a four-round majority draw.

In the walk-out bout, Puerto Rican lightweight Alberto Candeleria (5-2-1, 4 KOs) was too much for Brooklyn’s Ian James (3-12-1, 1 KO), as referee Ortega waved off the fight in the first round for a technical knockout.

All pictures by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

Complete results below:

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

(winners listed first)

 

Main Event – Lightweights

Reynaldo Ojeda (17-0, 10 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico

WDEC10 (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)

Monte Meza-Clay (36-5, 22 KOs), Rankin, PA

 

Co-Feature – Junior Featherweights

Luis Rosa (20-0, 10 KOs), New Haven, CT

WTKO5 (2:29)

Jonathan Perez (33-11, 17 KOs), Barranquilla, Colombia

 

UNDERCARD

 

Light Heavyweights

Charles Foster (8-0, 4 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut

WKO1 (1:02)

Joe Gardner (11-8-1, 1 KO), Woonsocket, RI

 

Super Middleweights

Dauren Yeleussinov (2-0, 2 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

WTKO6 (2:29)

Jay Williams (3-7), West Monroe, LA

 

Middleweights

Ivan Golub (13-0. 8 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

WTKO5 (2:17)

Henry Beckford (2-2, 1 KO), Roosevelt, NY

 

Chris Galeano (8-0), Bronx, NY

WDEC6 (59-52, 59-52, 8-56)

Yosmani Abreau (4-9-2), Las Vegas, NV

 

Junior Welterweights

Jair Ramos (3-2-2, 2 KOs, Waterbury, CT

D4 (38-38,38-38, 37-39)

Curt Morton (3-4-3), Harlem, NY

Lightweights

Alberto Candeleria (5-2-1, 4 KOs), Miami, FL

WTKO1 (2:00)

Ian James (3-12-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY

 

Junior Lightweights

William Foster (2-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT

WTKO1 (2:54)

Galvan Santos (0-2), Woburn, MA
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

WEIGHTS FROM HARTFORD for ESPN Friday Night Fights, Friday, May 15

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HARTFORD, Conn. (May 14, 2015) — The official weigh-in was held today for tomorrow night’s ESPNFriday Night Fights, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal Promotions, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

 

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

 

Below find fighter weights and pictures by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment.

(L-R) Reynaldo Ojeda & Monte Meza-Clay

 

Main Event – Lightweights (10) – ESPN2

REYNALDO OJEDA (16-0, 9 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico 135 LBS.

MONTE MEZA-CLAY (36-4, 22 KOs), Rankin, PA 134 LBS.

 

(L-R) Luis Rosa & Jonathan Perez

 

Co-Feature – Featherweights (8) – ESPN2

LUIS “KO King” ROSA (19-0, 9 KOs), New Haven, CT 123 ½ LBS.

JONATHAN “Popeye” PEREZ (33-10, 17 KOs), Barranquilla, Colombia 123 LBS.

 

Junior Welterweights (4) – ESPN2 Swing Bout

JAIR RAMOS (3-2-1, 2 KOs), Waterbury, CT   139 LBS.

CURTIS MORTON (3-4-2), Harlem, NY 139 LBS.

 

Middleweights (6)

IVAN GOLUB (7-0, 5 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Ukraine   TOMORROW

KOSTYANTYN “Kostya” ROVENSKYY (18-1-2, 5 KOs), Luiv, Ukraine TOMORROW

 

Light Heavyweights (6)

CHARLES FOSTER (7-0, 3 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut   174 LBS.

JOE GARDNER (11-7-1, 1 KO), Woonsocket, RI   174 LBS.

 

Junior Welterweights (4)

ALBERTO CANDELERIA (4-2-1, 3 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Puerto Rico 136 LBS.

IAN JAMES (3-11-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY 136 LBS.

 

Middleweights (6)

CHRIS GALEANO (7-0), Bronx, NY 157 LBS.

YOSMANI ABREAU (4-8-2), Las Vegas, NV 157 LBS.

 

Junior Lightweights (4)

WILLIAM FOSTER III (1-0), New Haven, CT 129 LBS.

GALVAN SANTOS (0-1), Woburn, MA 130 LBS.

 

Super Middleweights (6)

DAUREN YELEUSSINOV (1-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY by way of Kazakhstan 164 LBS.

JAY “JD” WILLIAMS (3-6), West Monroe, LA   165 ½ LBS.

 

 

WHEN:           Friday, May 15, 2015

 

WHERE:         Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford

 

PROMOTER: SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal

                       Promotions

 

TV:                  ESPN Friday Night Fights starting at 9:00 p.m. ET

 

TICKETS:      $100, $65 and $35 (plus applicable taxes). Tickets can be purchased by

calling 1 (860) 728-2624 or 1 (203) 627-7472.

 

INFORMATION: www.dbe1.com or www.espn.com/boxing

 

DOORS OPEN: 6:30 p.m. ET                      FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Undefeated New Haven boxer Luis “KO King” Rosa Ready to go from prospect to contender on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Friday, May 15, in Hartford

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HARTFORD (May 11, 2015) – Rising junior featherweight star Luis “KO King” Rosa (19-0, 9 KOs) plans to graduate from top prospect to legitimate contender this Friday (May 15) on ESPN FridayNight Fights, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal Promotions, close to his New Haven home at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

 

A native of Puerto Rico, the 24-year-old Rosa takes on Colombian veteran Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-10, 17 KOs) in the 8-round ESPN2 co-feature.

 

Headlining the card will be undefeated Puerto Rican lightweight Reynaldo Ojeda (16-0, 9 KOs) against longtime contender Monty Meza Clay (36-4, 22 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

 

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

 

The popular Rosa, who is world rated at No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), has prepared for a breakout performance in front of a large ESPN Friday Night Fights viewing audience.

 

“This is a huge fight for me,” Rosa said. “It’s great fighting on ESPN and I’m going to show the nation what I’m all about. I’m prepared to put on an explosive show. I feel that I’m close to getting a title shot. I want to fight world-class opponents and I plan to prove I’m ready on Friday night.

 

“It’s always great fighting in my home state and I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fans there. At the end of the day, though, I’m going to get the job done and it doesn’t matter where the fight would be held.”

 

Perez, 28, a professional fighter since 2005, has won 14 of his last 15 bouts. The battle-tested Colombian has fought the likes of world champions Cristian Mijares, Abner Mares, Jose Lopez, Martin Castillo, Eric Ortiz and Raul Martinez, as well a world title challenger Jesus Jimenez.

 

“Perez is a veteran with 44 pro fights,” said Rosa about Perez. “He’s fought a lot of world-class guys and champions. I know he’s coming to fight. He’s going to come forward and he wants to bang. He’s strong, I’m stronger. I’m faster, too, and the better all-around fighter. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

 

Fighting on the undercard are a pair of promising foreign boxers who are now living in the United States, as well as several New England and New York City favorites.

 

Undefeated Ukrainian middleweight Ivan Golub (7-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, meets fellow Ukrainian Kostyantyn Rovenskyy (18-1-2, 5 KOs) in a six-round bout. Kazakh super middleweightDauren Yeleussinov (1-0), also living in Brooklyn, meets Jay “JD” Williams (3-6), of Louisiana, in a scheduled six-rounder.

 

Also slated to fight in six-round bouts on the undercard are unbeaten New Haven light heavyweightCharles Foster (7-0, 3 KOs) facing Woonsocket, RI, opponent Joe Gardner (11-7-1, 1 KO) and undefeated Bronx middleweight Chris Galeano (7-0) taking on Las Vegas’ upset-minded Yosmani Abreu (4-8-2).

 

Three four-round matches are also on tap with Waterbury, CT, junior welterweight Jair Ramos (3-2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Harlem’s Curtis Morton (3-4-2), Miami lightweight Alberto Candeleria (4-2-1, 3 KOs) vs. Brooklyn’s Ian James (3-11-1, 1 KO), and New Haven junior lightweight William Foster III (1-0) vs. TBA.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $100, $65 and $35 (plus applicable taxes). Tickets can be purchased by calling 1 (860) 728-2624 or 1 (203) 627-7472. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.