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Boxing’s next great boxing trainer Julian Chua is a rising star in the gym, ring and corner

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez isChua’s first true world champion
(L-R) – Jesse Vargas, head trainer Julian Chua and two-time World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez 

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2024) –- One of the hottest young trainers in boxing is Julian Chua, even though he still hasn’t received the high-level respect he deserves from many boxing fans and promoters.

When Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) dethroned previously undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (27-0, 19 KOs) this past March, Chua’s stock took off because “Zurdo” is the first world champion the 33-year-old Chua developed into a world champion.

The journey Chua took to become the head trainer of “Zurdo,” who is only two months younger than Julian, was unusual, to say the least. At that time, Ramirez was 39-0 and the first of Mexican heritage to be world super middleweight champion, as well as a promotional free agent. “Zurdo” and his manager, David Suh (3 Point Management – 3PM), were conducting a search for a new head trainer and the list included some of the top coaches in the country. Chua was a relatively unknown commodity outside of southern California who at that time was training fighters at the famed Wildcard Gym in Hollywood (CA) under Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach (he had also trained Chua when he was an amateur boxer from Indiana).

In 2018, Suh reached out to Chua to inquire if he’d be interested in training Ramirez, adding that he was also speaking with several other top names. At first, Ramirez really didn’t know who Chua was, at least, until they met at a coffee shop in Santa Monica to get to know each other. After that meeting, Ramirez gave Julian a chance to train him. The rest, of course, is part of modern-day boxing history.

“We clicked right away,” Chua added. “We learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I’ve always studied a lot and did some research about how he had been trained because I wanted to help him improve. I was getting four fighters ready in L.A. and ‘Zurdo’ couldn’t go there for sparring. I told him that I couldn’t leave these fighters to go and train him in Long Beach. We still wanted to work with each other and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach (where Ramirez trained at Hill Street Boxing & Fitness Gym) twice a week and he came to Wildcard three times.”

Chua made his debut at Ramirez’ new head trainer in 2019, when Ramirez moved up in weight to fight as a light heavyweight, stopping Tommy Karpency in four rounds. COVID-19 restrictions adversely affected Ramirez’ activity, but he learned and improved by continuing to work with Chua in the gym. “Zurdo” signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, gaining added exposure fighting on the DAZN, and he reeled off four more consecutive victories through the middle of 2022, after which he lost for the first time in his pro career to WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0), by way of a 12-round decision.

Ramirez decided that it was time to move up another division to cruiserweight because he was walking around at 200 pounds. Last October, Ramirez made his cruiserweight debut, albeit at a 193-pound catchweight, against former world light heavyweight champion and Bernard Hopkins conqueror Joe Smith, Jr. (28-4). “Zurdo” won a unanimous 10-round decision to become the mandatory challenger for Goulamirian.

“’Zurdo’ is the first world champion I’ve ‘built’ but I’ve been brought in to work with some world champions on their weaknesses – Regis Prograis, Steph Fulton and Alycia Baumgardner,” Chua commented. “It’s a lot more difficult that way because you can’t really have an impact in only two or three months. I’ve been working with ‘Zurdo’ for five years and I’ve had it good. He has a lot of natural talent and has always been a smart fighter, but he picked ‘nuts-and-guts’ too often in his decision making. He didn’t need to get hit so much even though he has a great chin. He has such a beautiful style and he’s so intelligent.”

“He’s such a natural. Mexicans are uppercut kings. I noticed that, defensively, Arsen didn’t move his head or feet much. He was so wide that he was open up the middle for uppercuts, left or right, and that was our master plan. We worked on ‘Zurdo’ not throwing his uppercuts from too far away. He had been wide but, in this fight, he smothered his opponent inside. He did a lot of technical work and he’s always been a versatile fighter. I have him boxing more off his back foot. He could bully opponents with his size at 168, but he doesn’t have that same physical luxury to impose his size at cruiserweight. He’s using his boxing skills more.”

Chua admits he cherished Ramirez capturing the WBA crown, professionally as well as personally. And he also believes “Zurdo” can become the first Mexico-born heavyweight world champion, the same as he was as world super middleweight and cruiserweight champion.

“It meant the world to me,” Chua spoke about ‘Zurdo’ becoming the WBA Cruiserweight World Champion. “The expression on my face when they announced the scores showed how much it meant to me. I’m still fighting for my respect with fans and promoters, especially after the Bivol fight. ‘Zurdo’ is too slick. I believe in this guy! I can see him moving up to heavyweight, but I want to clean up some more things defensively. Sometimes he keeps his head too low, and I don’t want him testing his chin so much. Depending on who the heavyweight champion is when he’s ready, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world with his activity so slick and prioritizing his defense. We’re going to double down. As Abel Sanchez (Goulamirian’s trainer) said at the post-fight press conference, he didn’t think ‘Zurdo’ was so slick, offensively and defensively.”

Chua is preparing “Zurdo” to take on WBO Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) in a unification match on November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In addition to several mixed-martial-arts fighters, Chua is also the head trainer for pro boxers such as WBA world super flyweight challenger and WBA #6-rated John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), undefeated Hawaiian middleweight prospect Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen (9-0, 8 KOs), 2012 Ukrainian Olympian welterweight Taras Shelestyuk (19-0-1, 11 KOs), undefeated New York City welterweight Arnold Gonzalez (15-1, 7 KOs), Armenian super bantamweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (21-5, 17 KOs), and former WBA Inter-Continental Champion “Supreme” Kareem Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), of Toronto. 

Catch the Chua experience, Julian is making a name for himself in boxing circles and drawing fighters to work with him at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California. The best is yet to come, however, especially if “Zurdo” becomes world heavyweight champion in the not-too-distant future.
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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez part of group that opened new state-of-the-art boxing gym in the Heart of North Hollywood’s Arts District

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez part of group that opened new state-of-the-art boxing gym in the Heart of North Hollywood’s Arts District Brickhouse Boxing Club

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2021) – Undefeated former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion (WBO) and current world-ranked light heavyweight contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is a principal member in 3PM Group, which officially opened the 6,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club to the public this past May 31st.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) has been training at Brickhouse Boxing Club for his July 9th12-round main event fight versus former world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).
Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles.

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium and www.ticketmaster.com.
Located in North Hollywood (1116 Weddington St. / 818.821.3355) and arguably the premier boxing gym in Los Angeles, Brickhouse Boxing Club’s key members and trainers include “Zurdo” Ramirez, 4-time World Champion Brian Viloria, Ramirez’ Head Trainer Julian Chua, and Strength & Conditioning Coach Chris Wong.

“The opportunity presented itself and my team was able to put everything together,” Ramirez explained why he is a principal owner of Brickhouse Boxing Club. “The plan was always to create a friendly environment that can help expand to others but, at the same time, provide an elite training facility for professionals.

“Training here (for Barrera fight) has been great. I’m proud to have my own space and glad to have everything I need under one roof – boxing, fitness, recovery, and sauna. Also, it’s been great to invite sparring partners and provide an elite performance center for all fighters.”

PHOTO GALLERY BELOW
INFORMATION:Website: www.brickhouseboxingclub.com, www.ZurdoPromotions.comFacebook: /brickhouseboxingclublaInstagram: @brickhouseboxingclub, @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotionsTwitter: @brickhousenoho, @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez
boxing, DAZN

Heavyweight Andrey Fedosov back in Action on Saturday, April 17th against Mahammadrasul Majidov at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida and LIVE on DAZN

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PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 8, 2021)–Former Boxcino Heavyweight champion, and, current contender, Andrey Fedosov returns to action when he takes on Mahammadrasul Majidov on Saturday, April 17th at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.


Fedosov of Shuya, Russia, will be making his first ring appearance of 2021, and has a record of 31-3 with 25 knockouts.


The former Boxcino champion, who began his career in his native country, has been very successful when taking his career stateside, as he has a record of 12-2 with 11 knockouts, which includes scoring three knockout victories to win the Boxcino Heavyweight title


Fedosov, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Newsboy Boxing, is a former WBO Intercontinental and WBA Fedlatin Heavyweight champion.


Mojidov is 3-0 with three and knockouts, and is a three-time world amateur champion.


“I am excited to be back in the ring. The Pandemic held me back, but I am ready to go on April 17th. I know my opponent was a decorated amateur, but I am a very experienced professional. That will be the difference on fight night,” said Fedosov


“With a win, Andrey puts himself back in the mix in the heavyweight division. He has the ability to defeat anybody, and we look forward to him putting on a major performance on April 17th, said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.


“I am excited to be part of the team with Banner Promotions. We are looking forward on Andrey having a great performance and working towards being a top contender in the heavyweight division,” said Gary McCarthy of Newsboy Boxing Promotions.


Said Steve Burman of Newsboy Boxing Promotions, “This is going to be a great fight for Andrey. I can not wait for Andrey to get in there and display that he is one of the top heavyweights in the world. With a win, the sky is the limit for his success.”


The fight will be streamed live on DAZN.




For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing
 
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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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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.
                              
                                                            
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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

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.
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Large turnout for recent 1st USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering on West Coast

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

A good time was had by all who attended the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association on the West Coast

 

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 9, 2018) – A large group of past and present amateur boxers, as well as others involved in the sport, recently turned out in force for the first USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering on the West Coast.

 

The inaugural West Coast gathering of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, held at Fortune Gym in Hollywood (Los Angeles), resulted in memorable storytelling, welcome reunions, even between past foes, in addition to a substantial increase in membership ranks.

 

In addition to longtime amateur boxing supporter, actor/singer Frank Stallone, along with the Godmother of amateur boxing, Melanie Ley, attending past and present boxers and trainers included Mickey Bey, Alex Ramos, Maureen Shea, Ronnie Essett, Paul Banke, Jorge Hawley, Les Fabri, Frank Vassar, Don Deverges, Michael and Anna Keopuhiwa, Zachary Padilla, Lenny Gargaliano, Tony Lesbeur, Felix Nance, Derrickand Vince Hudson, Rudy Garza, Justine Fortune, Alan Santana, Willie Tubbs, Randy Crippen, Alan Santana, Jacquie Richardson, Steven Stokes, Manny Salcido, Jason and Jeremy Williams, Mike Simms, Jeff Bumpus, current Team USA heavyweight Richard Torres (Tulare, CA), and 2018 Youth World Champion and Los Angeles local Iyana Verduzco. 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Tilman was also in attendance and registered as a new Alumni Association member.

 

 

 

USA Boxing board advisor and fighter liaison, “Iceman” John Scully, was responsible for recruiting most of the attendees.

 

 

 

“The USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering in Hollywood fully demonstrated our mission: Connecting Generations of Champions,” said attendee Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “While former opponents reunited after exiting the ring decades ago, two of today’s champions and Team USA members, Richard Torres and Roxy Verduzco, were proudly recognized for their recent success. The Alumni Association wants to thank Fortune Gym for hosting this gathering, and we look forward to connecting with our West Coast members at future events.”

 

 

 

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — the Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

 

 

 

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

 

 

 

To join the USA Boxing Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing

Derrieck Cuevas to Face Silverio Ortiz at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

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The Heavyweight Factory’s latest promotional signing, undefeated welterweight power puncher Derrieck Cuevas, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will face Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz over 10 rounds on the undercard of “Rumble at the Rock 2,” the professional boxing event on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

A former decorated amateur, Cuevas (17-0-1, 14 KOs) has torn through his professional opposition thus far. Ortiz (37-22, 18 KOs) is a true spoiler, having faced a long list of world champions and undefeated fighters and taken a number of their “0’s.”

 

 

 

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 night’s 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) for the WBA International Featherweight Championship. In an “All Florida” bout, undefeated welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs), from Miami (via Cuba) will face once-beaten Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Cuevas sat down for the following interview during a break in training:

 

 

 

How does it feel fighting in the USA mainland for the first time?

I am happy to be fighting here in Hollywood Florida with my new team. I’m in phenomenal shape and, come September 28, I plan on showing it big time.

 

 

 

What do you know about your opponent?

I know he’s a tough savvy Mexican veteran, but I will be prepared for anything he brings to the table. Mexico vs PR has always been a real draw when it comes to boxing and I invite all the Puerto Rican fans to come see me fight.

 

 

 

How long until we see you in a championship-level fight?

My promotional team at The Heavyweight Factory will take care of that for me. I have full faith in what my manager Alex Troya did when he brought me here. I’m working with my new trainer Jesse Robinson and within 18 months, I will hopefully be fighting for the world title. These people know what they’re doing and work hard for their fighters. I’m glad to be here.

 

 

 

Describe your style of fighting for the people who will be seeing you for the first time.

I don’t run away. I stand in the pocket and slip and make my opponents pay. I am working on power, explosivity and speed. That’s a dangerous combination. I can box. I can bang. I will get it on, how ever they want it. I want to be showman and a crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

How old were you when you realized you had above average punching power?

I must have been 13 and my coach at the time was telling others that I had pop in my punch. Then it just became part of my arsenal.

 

 

 

Would you ever consider an “All Puerto Rico” showdown with a fighter like Subriel Matias or Danielito Zorrilla?

Auntie and Daniel are my friends we spar often on the island. I have great respect for both guys, but once you step in the ring, it’s ‘go time’ no matter who it is.

 

 

 

Do you miss Puerto Rico when you train in the US?

I miss my family and my people but I’m a pro who is focused on getting to the top now and now is the time I will stay focused until I get to that big showdown for the title, coming soon to a theatre near you!

 

 

 

boxing

Calderon Beats Martinez in Grudge Match at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

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A heated crosstown welterweight rivalry was decided tonight in front of a near sellout crowd at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, as Miami’s Harold “King” Calderon (17-0, 10 KOs) out-worked and out-punched Miami’s formerly undefeated John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-1, 8 KOs)

 

 

Fighting in the 10-round main event of Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory Boxing “Hometown Throwdown,” event, Calderon cruised to a dominant 10-round decision by scores of 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90.

 

 

 

A combination-punching southpaw, Calderon had too many weapons for Martinez. He ripped to the body and head for 10 rounds, while Martinez offered up the occasional one/two.

 

 

 

Both fighters are enormously popular in the region and their fans tried everything to drown each other out all fight.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round super lightweight co-main event, Honolulu’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon moved his record to 12-0, 10 KOs, with a routine unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores (24-10, 20 KOs).

 

 

 

The promising 19-year-old Yoon, the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender, learned a lesson about veteran survival tactics, as he followed the reluctant Colombian around the ring the entire fight, looking for opportunities to engage. Flores landed the occasional right hand on the southpaw Yoon, but mostly threw pot shots that missed and then quickly circled out of range of any return fire.

 

 

 

Yoon was cut over the left eye by a headbutt, but still managed to dominate the infrequent action. The scores were 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93.

 

 

 

Two-time Olympic medalist Ivan Dychko of Hollywood, Florida, via Kazakhstan, moved his perfect record to 7-0 (7 KOs) with a one-punch demolition of once promising Maurice Harris 26-22-3 (11 KOs) of East Orange, New Jersey.

 

 

 

Dychko, who said he was hoping to learn something from the experienced Harris, landed a glancing right hook and Harris elected to look for a soft spot to land. Disappointed fans voice their disapproval of Harris’ non-effort. The time of the 10 count was 1:39.

 

 

 

Two featherweights went to crowd-pleasing war over city-wide bragging rights, and after six rounds of “bombs away” action, Jessy Cruz (now 13-7-1, 5 KOs) ended up taking a unanimous decision over fellow Miami resident Raul Chirino (11-8, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

The all-action Cruz can’t seem to be in a bad fight and this one was no different. He was down and badly hurt near the end of round one. Chirino was badly staggered at the end of round two and down from a right hand in round three.

 

 

 

The scores were 58-54, 57-55 and 57-55, but this fun fight could have easily been called a draw.

 

 

 

A single left hook by Miami’s Livan Navarro at 2:47 of round one brought an end to what was shaping up to be a decent eight-round welterweight showdown against the Dominican’s Julio C Reynoso.

 

 

 

The pair came out swinging for the fences and Navarro (now 8-0, 6 KOs) hit it first with the sledgehammer left hand to the jaw of Reynoso (now 12-2, 7 KOs) who dropped and took the full 10 count on one knee.

 

 

 

In a fight where both fighters appeared to injure themselves, popular Miami slugger Ulysses Diaz was forced to go the distance for the first time, but still managed to win his light heavyweight four-rounder over Chicago’s Israel Echevarria by unanimous decision (scores of 39-37, 40-36 and 40-36).

 

 

 

As in many fights tonight, the judges’ verdicts were no indication of the closeness of the fight. The two warriors each did their share of good work. The heavily muscled Diaz (now 6-0, 5 KOs) landed the harder punches occasionally while favoring his right arm. The crafty Echevarria (now 3-5, 2 KOs) snuck in a number of sneaky shots, despite an injured left leg.

 

 

 

To put it mildly, Echevarria was very unhappy with the decision.

 

 

 

In an all-Miami super middleweight scrap, Cuban import Irosvani Duvergel (3-0, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision over “better than his record” Elie Agustama (6-9, 3 KOs).

 

 

 

Duvergel, who had never seen the second round of a professional fight previously, dropped Agustama in the first, but the durable Agustama got up and made a great fight of it. The free-swinging pair brawled furiously the rest of the way. The scores (40-35, 39-36 and 39-36) didn’t reflect the competitiveness of the combat.

 

 

 

In a back-and-forth six-round lightweight battle, Coral Springs, Florida’s Dustin Arnold (5-1, 1 KO) won a closely contested unanimous decision over Miami’s Daniel Placeres (now (6-1, 5 KOs).

 

 

 

Arnold landed the cleaner, harder shots to offset the superior work rate of the shorter Placeres. Plenty of crowd support for both fighters. The scores were 60-54, 58-56 and 59-55

 

 

 

Undefeated Lawrence Newton, of Boynton Beach, Florida, chose to brawl inside for all six rounds of his super bantamweight showdown with tough Mexican, Pedro Melo of Tijuana.

 

 

 

The result was an entertaining if one-sided brawl with nice punches landed both ways. In the end, Newton (10-0, 6 KOs) kept his perfect record by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55. Melo falls to 17-19-2, 8 KOs) with his respectable performance.