Tag Archives: Florida

boxing

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, Las Vegas

Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda In Florida for first time but on important business trip

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This Friday showdown vs. unbeaten NABO champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo

LAS VEGAS (February 27, 2020) –  Undefeated super lightweight Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-0, 8 KOs) flew into Orlando from his native San Antonio this past Tuesday night on his first visit to Florida.

Unlike millions of people who go to Orlando for Disneyworld, though, Castaneda’s initial look at palm trees is simply part of his business trip.  Castaneda challenges  North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (17-0-1, 12 KOs) in this Friday night’s 10-round main event, airing live on Boxeo Telemundo, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Alamo vs. Castaneda is co-promoted by All-Star Boxing, which promotes Alamo and the event, and Castaneda’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

“It’s pretty cool here,” Castaneda shared his first impressions of Florida.  “A guy working for the promoter met us at the airport to film my arrival and interview me, so it’s been a welcoming experience, and people in Florida know I’m in the house.  I like it here.  It’s nice and in a way, I feel like I’m at home.  I’m going to put on a show for fans, I’m going to be like their Disney World.  I’m ready for the big ride and to put on a great show for the people.”

Castaneda captured the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown  a year ago, taking a 10-round decision from previously undefeated Gilbert Venegas, Jr. (10-0), and followed that with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Dominican veteran Eudy Berbardo (24-3).

Last October in Reno, Nevada, Castaneda stopped Stan Martyniouk (20-3) in the sixth round, after which he was installed by the World Boxing Organization as its No. 15 rated super lightweight in the world. 

WBO No. 8 ranked Alamo, fighting out of Puerto Rico, is coming off the only blemish on either fighter’s pro record, fighting to a draw with Antonio Moran (24-4-1).

Alamo, 24, is the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World and FECARBOX super lightweight champion, who has made three successful NABO title defenses. 

“After this fight,” Castaneda concluded, “people are going to forget this Alamo (not the famous Alamo in Castaneda’s hometown) and remember me, The Tremendous One.  I expect the fight t to end in a spectacular knockout in my favor, late in the fight, because I like to punish my opponent.”

INFORMATION:

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre, @KendoTremendo

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has been  reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.   


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: WBO #6 rated bantamweight Max Ornelas, featherweight Ray Ximenez, WBO #15 rated super lightweight  Kendo Castaneda,  middleweights John Vera, Connor Coyle and Shady Gamhour, super middleweight Juan Barajas, and heavyweight Alexander Flores. 

boxing

Co-Main Event and Exciting Undercard Announced for Championship Fight Series at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Live on Boxeo Telemundo Friday, July 12

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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (July 8, 2019) – Miami via Cuba prospect Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro’s eight-round welterweight showdown against Mexico City veteran Diego “Demoledor” Cruz will serve as the televised co-main event for the Friday, July 12, “Championship Fight Series” boxing event at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.


Former amateur standout and undefeated Navarro (11-0, 7 KOs) and Cruz (19-7-2, 15 KOs) will meet as the chief supporting bout when WBA #13-rated welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas (21-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, defends his WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Championship against Los Mochis, Mexico’s Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran (17-2-2, 10 KOs) in the 10-round “Puerto Rico vs. Mexico” main event.


Championship Fight Series is presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, and will be televised live on the most popular boxing series on Hispanic television, Boxeo Telemundo, at 11:35 p.m. EST.


Tickets for “Championship Fight Series” are on sale now and cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.


As is custom for these jam-packed events, the exciting undercard features many South Florida and international fighters.


Headlining the undercard, two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko (8-0, 8 KOs) of Boca Raton, Florida, via Rudniy, Kazakhstan, will face former ESPN 2015 Boxcino Tournament Quarterfinalist Nate Heaven (9-2, 7 KOs) of Ocala, Florida.


In an eight-round super featherweight battle, Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (9-0, 6 KOs) will face Panama City, Panama’s Ricardo “El Matematico” Nunez (29-9, 23 KOs). In a four-round light heavyweight contest, Miami via Cuba’s wildly popular Ulysses Diaz (10-1, 9 KOs) will look to return to the win column against Winter Park, Florida’s Mike Sawyer (8-12, 6 KOs).


In a special eight-round super featherweight attraction, Miami via Cuba’s Jessy “Beast Boy” Cruz (16-7-1, 7 KOs) will look to continue his four-fight winning streak in an all-action punch-out with Mexico City’s Isao Gonzalo “Kato” Carranza (15-14-1, 9 KOs).
 
Also featured will be an eight-round super bantamweight slugfest between Miami’s Jorge De Jesus Romero (14-0, 10 KOs) and Mexico City’s Szilveszter Kanalas (14-8, 9 KO); as well as a four-round light heavyweight matchup featuring popular Fort Lauderdale warrior Blake Davis (2-0, 1 KO) and Jefferson City, Missouri’s Armando Reeves (2-3).
 
Opening up the action will be a four-round featherweight bout between Miami’s Luis Melendez (4-1, 3 KOs) and Ponce, Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Melendez (5-26, 1 KO).
 
On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.


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boxing

Match-ups Announced for Undefeated Fighters for Rumble at the Rock V at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Friday, May 10

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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 6, 2019) The matches are taking shape for the fifth installment of the popular Rumble at the Rock series entitled “Night of the Undefeated” on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The event is presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory.

 
In the 10-round main event, streaking undefeated, WBA No. 7-rated featherweight contender Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (21-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami via Marianao, Cuba, will be looking for his second victory this year by taking on hardened veteran Glenn Porras(32-8, 20 KOs) of M’lang, Cotabato, Philippines.



In the night’s co-main event, Miami via Havana’s undefeated Livan “The Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (10-0, 7 KOs) will step up to face long-time gatekeeper Breidis Prescott(31-16, 22 KOs) of Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia in a welterweight 10-rounder. Navarro has scored KOs in seven of his last eight fights.


Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock V” cost $60, $100, $150 and $250 and are available for purchase through ticketmaster.com.


Also in action, undefeated 20-year-old Hawaiian Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (15-0, 12 KOs) will face Denver’s Robert Frankel (37-20-1, 8 KOs) in a super lightweight eight-rounder. Before suffering an injury last year, Yoon had already attained a world ranking. This will be his first fight this year.


In a “can’t miss” crowd pleaser, Cuban super middleweight Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 KOs) will face power puncher Lorawnt T Nelson (5-2, 4 KOs) of Colorado.


Making his second cruiserweight battle, fan favorite “Bad” Blake Davis (1-0) from Cooper City, Fla., will look to thrill fans when he faces Quintell Thompson (2-7-1, 2 KOs) of Columbia, Mo., over four rounds.


More fights will be announced shortly. On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
                              
                                                            
boxing

Rumble at the Rock V “Night of the Undefeated” Comes to Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m.

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Seven Undefeated Local Favorites Featured in Separate Bouts
 
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (April 11, 2019) The fifth installment of the popular Rumble at the Rock series will be held on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Event Center atSeminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, the event, entitled “Night of the Undefeated,” will feature no less than seven undefeated local favorites in separate bouts.
 
In the 10-round main event will be undefeated, WBA No. 7-rated featherweight contender Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (21-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami via Marianao, Cuba. Socarras, 26, was last seen scoring a unanimous eight-round decision over Mexico’s Carlos Ruiz in March at Hard Rock Event Center.
 
Also scheduled for action is Miami via Havana undefeated welterweight Livan “The Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (10-0, 7 KOs). Navarro, 28, scored a KO 4 over Barranquilla, Colombia’s Wilfrido Buelvas last November.


Back in action will be undefeated 20-year-old boxing prodigy Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (15-0, 12 KOs). The Hawaii-based welterweight Yoon is coming off a TKO 5 over Africa’s Hamza Sempewo in Atlantic City last November.


Two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko (7-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Fla., via Kazakhstan, will be back, looking to keep his perfect record intact in an eight-round test. The 28-year-old scored a one-punch demolition of once-promising Maurice Harris last July.


Riding the momentum of impressive victories over established veterans Breidis Prescott and Ed Paredes in his last two fights, popular Puerto Rican sensation Derrieck Cuevas(20-0-1, 14 KOs) will be back for his next step up the welterweight ladder. Cuevas, 24, is the hard-punching prospect Florida fans have rallied behind faithfully.


Back for another appearance is the rugged, made-for-TV Cuban super middleweightIrosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 KOs). Duvergel, 27, will be participating in his fourth straight fight at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and his exciting style has made him a fan favorite.


Also in action will be cruiserweight “Bad” Blake Davis (1-0) from Cooper City, looking for his second win in a four-round showdown.
 
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock V” cost $250, $150, $100 and $60 and are available through ticketmaster.com.
 
“This series of shows has produced several future champions for South Florida and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations for The Heavyweight Factory. “Every one of our undefeated prospects will be matched up in challenging tests to continue their development.”
 
Opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
                              
                                                            
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About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.
 
About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts A-list entertainers, comedy and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall 2019 will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to a first-ever, iconic, guitar-shaped hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations in an adjacent hotel tower overlooking a lush, “Bora Bora” style, private cabana environment; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water-focused experience for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding; 21 distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges; an expanded gaming floor featuring 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and 26,000 square feet of new retail space. The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live theater-style concert venue will feature headline performances and live broadcast capabilities. The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441). The resort is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us:
Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly
boxing

WBO Belted Yomar Álamo in Puerto Rico

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Aguas Buenas – In an emotional activity held at the Aguas Buenas Urban High School, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), together with its president, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq., delivered the WBO North America (NABO) Jr. Welterweight title to boxer Yomar “The Magic” Álamo which he won last Friday in Florida, after defeating Mexican Manuel Méndez by unanimous decision in an event promoted by All Star Boxing.

“When Yomar fought the previously, we were not pleased, Yomar’s people made the decision for him to train with Iván Calderón so that he learned some techniques that Iván had already used very well. Iván is the architect of this and I recognize his work as a coach who charge of polishing this diamond. As a fighter, Iván made 18 world title defenses in the 105 and 108 pounds of the WBO and will be a safe bet for the Hall of Fame”, Varcárcel said.

An excited Álamo said: “I am very happy with this tribute. This fight was for my people of Aguas Buenas and Puerto Rico, who so need moments of happiness. Everything can be done in life, just set some goals and fight for them, no matter how strong the winds are. If you are at the hands of Jesus Christ, our savior, nothing will be missing and I know that many young people will achieve it”.

Álamo’s trainer Iván Calderón said: “I want to thank Ángel Cotto, who was the one who physically prepared Yomar Álamo for the fight and without that work, you can’t do what you did. Thanks to Efraín Román and Armando for giving me the confidence to join the team. The discipline that Yomar had to represent Aguas Buenas with a lot of pride, knowing that his people are behind him, motivated him a lot”.

“From the Cagüitas neighborhood, we have a young man who, since he was a child, trained in the municipal gym of Aguas Buenas with Efraín Román and his father Armando Álamo. His dedication is remarkable throughout the town. Always running at 4:00 in the morning and that fills us with pride. His title is well deserved and thanks to the WBO for this great activity”, said the Aguas Buenas mayor Javier García Pérez, who was joined by the representative Jorge Navarro, on behalf of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico.

For the WBO, other from Valcárcel, Treasurer Adolfo Flores, Vice-Chairman of the Championship Committee Enrique Mendoza, Esq, Ratings Committee Chairman Edgardo López Sasso, Esq, and adviser Gustavo Olivieri, Esq, were also in attendance. ��7D���z5üH

boxing

Espinoza vs. Nuñez Main Event Added to “Rumble at the Rock IV” on Friday, March 1, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. and Live on Boxeo Telemundo

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A second main event has been added to the professional boxing event on Friday, March 1, at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 PM ET/PT).
 
Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, Rumble at the Rock IV  will now also feature highly touted WBO No.1-ranked and WBO Bantamweight Latin Champion Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza (22-2-19 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, defending his title against Panama’s rugged veteran Ricardo “El Matematico” Nuñez (29-8-23 KOs).


In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Miami via Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas(18-0-1, 14 KOs) will face fellow Floridian Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.


Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.
 
Nuñez, a former world title challenger, is looking to test his young opponent by bringing him into deep waters and kickstarting his boxing career for one last shot at a world title. On the other hand, Espinoza is coming off a second-round stoppage of then undefeated Colombian prospect Yeison Vargas (17-1-12 Kos).


“My opponents tend to underestimate me because of my young age,” said Espinoza.“They soon realize my power once in the ring. I never underestimate anyone who has two hands.”


“I’ve seen that Espinoza has never fought into later rounds,” said Nuñez. “I’m looking to take him into uncharted waters to see if he still has the power he claims when we get into rounds 8, 9 and 10.” 


On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
boxing, UFC

Fire Fist Boxing fighters set for UFC Fight Pass bouts in St. Petersburg

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Tampa, FL (February 13, 2019) – Fire Fist Boxing’s Connor “The Kid” Coyle, Willian “Baby Face” Silva and Mark Reyes Jr. will all fight as part of a UFC Fight Pass card Saturday, February 16 at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

This excellent evening of boxing is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Rite Hook Promotions.
 
Headlining the telecast is an eight round middleweight showdown between Coyle and Travis “Dirty Red” Scott. 
 
Splitting time between his native Ireland and St. Petersburg, FL, Coyle’s a perfect 8-0 with 3 wins by knockout. He’s become a big draw in the Tampa-St Pete area and most recently scored a sixth round TKO of Danny Pastrana. The talented Coyle has been featured as a prospect to watch out for by media members from both sides of the pond.
 
Fighting out of Baton Rouge, LA, Scott is Coyle’s most experienced foe to date. The 38-year-old has an excellent 19-4 professional ledger with 5 KO’s. A true veteran of the sport, Scott turned pro in 2004 when Coyle was 14.
 
Welterweight phenom Mark Reyes Jr of Tampa, FL risks his 0 against fellow unbeaten Rodrigo Tatijewski of Sao Paolo, Brazil in a highly-anticipated six round contest.
 
The wildly popular Reyes Jr. is 8-0 with 6 KO’s. An athletic boxer-puncher, Reyes is coming off a third round TKO of Juan Garces last October and at 22-years-old, continues to improve rapidly.
 
Tatijewski, who is fighting for the first time in the United States, is 8-0 and has 7 wins by way of knockout. He’s confident of making a major splash by taking out Reyes in front of millions of viewers on UFC Fight Pass.
 
Junior welterweight Willian “Baby Face” Silva of Plant City, FL by way of Sao Paolo, Brazil challenges rugged Argentinian Juan Ramon Solis in a ten rounder.
 
Silva, who has an excellent 26-2 professional ledger and 15 wins by knockout, scored a dominant 9th round TKO over Jose Forero last October. After fighting most of his career at lightweight, Silva’s sights are set on the best at 140 pounds but he must first get past Solis.
 
Living and fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Solis is 25-13 with 9 KO’s. The 36-year-old’s faced many top fighters including world champion Robert Easter, contenders Sergio Thompson and Diego Silva along with unbeaten Saul Rodriguez among others.
 
“This is a great opportunity for Connor, Mark and Willian,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing. “The UFC Fight Pass platform is perfect for all three of these excellent boxers to showcase their talent to fans from all over. We’re looking forward to Saturday evening.”
 
Fans can watch Coyle, Silva and Reyes’ bouts on Ufc.tv/page/fightpass and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
fight-fest-st-pete-ufc-fight-
pass-rjj-rite-hook-promotions-tickets-55031335205.
 
For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.
 
ABOUT FIRE FIST BOXING: Fire Fist Boxing is a professional full-service boxing management group. Fire Fist Boxing manages elite top-ranked, local and international boxers living and/or training in the Tampa Bay area.
boxing

2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas fights for 1st title against Jesus Perez in Kissimmee, Florida

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NEW YORK (November 16, 2018) –2016 United States Olympian, and undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas (8-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring when he fights Jorge Perez in an eight-round bout at the Civic Center Kissimmee, Florida.

The bout will be the 1st scheduled eight-round bout for Vargas, and it will be for the Jr. NABF Bantamweight title.

Vargas of Kissimmee, will be fighting for his 1st title and he will be doing it  in front of his hometown fans.  This will be the  for 3rd time this year that Vargas will be fighting in Kissimmee.

Vargas is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Felipe Rivas on September 28th in Puerto Rico.

I’m very excited to fight for my first professional title. To top it all off, I get to do it in front of my family and friends,” said Vargas.

“My community has always been very supportive of me since my amateur days and, they continue to support me as many of them make the trip to my fights when I fight here in Florida. I trained harder than I ever train and you will see the best of Antonio Vargas tonight!”

Said Split-T Management’s David McWater, “Nobody is more deserving than Antonio Vargas.  Along with being a great talent, he is such as great kid.  This will be the first of many professional titles for Antonio!”

boxing

Cuban vs. Cuban: Livan Navarro and Armando Alvarez Ready for War at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

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Cuba’s undefeated Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs) loves a good test.

 

 

 

Never one to shy away from a challenge, the Miami (via Havana) welterweight will be in tough once again this Friday night, when he takes on fellow Cuban Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

The rare Cuban vs. Cuban showdown, also Navarro’s first fight scheduled for 10 rounds, highlights a stacked undercard on Friday, Sept. 28, at the “Rumble at the Rock 2,”professional boxing event at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama. In the 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBA International Featherweight Championship.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

So, is Navarro ready for a former WBC Latino Welterweight Champion in just his ninth fight?

 

 

 

“He’s a good fighter, but I feel my style will overpower whatever his so-called experience advantage is,” said a confident Navarro. “I was 312-17 as an amateur and I’m already 8-0 as a pro. I’ve been brought in as an opponent, supposedly to lose, on a Golden Boy card and a PBC show in Miami, and I knocked both those guys out. I fight my best when people don’t think I can win.”

 

 

 

To prepare, Navarro has reunited with trainer Herman Caicedo and gone back to what works best for the Cuban power puncher.

 

 

 

“I’m coming to scrap. This won’t be chess match. We’re going to scrap. That’s my style. I come to fight. I wait on the KO and when I see my opening I take it.”

 

 

 

Navarro says he doesn’t mind being part of an unusual “Cuban vs. Cuban” showdown.

 

 

 

“I’ll fight anyone. I’ve fought Cubans all my life back home, so no, it doesn’t bother me. This is a business. You see Mexican vs Mexican and Puerto Rican against Puerto Rican, so why can’t it be Cuba vs Cuba? Good fighters should fight one another, and the cream will rise to the top. It’s all business when I step in the ring. I wish Armando all the luck in the world. He will need every ounce.”

 

 

 

Alvarez says he knows he looked vulnerable in his last fight, a nationally televised loss to undefeated Jaron Ennis in July, and that’s why Navarro is willing to fight him.

 

 

 

But Alvarez says Team Navarro has made a big mistake.

 

 

 

“I’m 100 percent injury free and mentally ready,” said Alvarez. “That’s what his team didn’t take into account. I fought Ennis with an injury that badly affected my performance. They’re expecting that Armando Alvarez to show up that night, but I’m ready to prove ‘The Gentleman’ is here and alive. He’s a good boxer and he comes to fight, but amateur and pro are two different things and he’s not ready.”

 

 

 

Alvarez says he also doesn’t believe in the unwritten code some fighters carry that says Cubans can’t fight each other.

 

 

 

“It’s rare for two Cubans to face each other, but I think the best should fight the best. I don’t believe in not fighting another Cuban. He’s Cuban from Cuba from Cuba. I’m Cuban too, but I was born and raised here and I think anybody can fight anybody else.”

 

 

 

Alvarez says he’s looking forward to getting back in the win column in front of a large group of his fans.

 

 

 

“I’ll have the majority of the supporters at the fight. I’ll have lots of family and friends. It always helps me when my fans are there live. It pushes me to go that much harder.”

 

 

 

A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s fights at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series. On fight night, doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla. More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.