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boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

Claggett upsets Robles for NABA US title Macias steals show with electrifying performance

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“KNOCKOUT NIGHT AT THE D” RESULTS FROM LAS VEGAS
(All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
(L-R) — John Anderson, Neon Star Media; co-promoters Keith Veltre and future Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr., Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
LAS VEGAS (September 10, 2016) – The heat was on last night at “Knockout Night at the D,” in and out of the ring, thoroughly entertaining another sold-out crowd at the outdoorDowntown Las Vegas Events Center.
On a stacked card that had fans on their feet all night, Canadian Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (24-4-1, 16 KOs) upset Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs) in the main event, promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, but it was Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (13-0, 7 KOs) who stole the show in the co-feature
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by

the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Hall Of Fame announcers

Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside on CBS Sports Network in North America and internationally via ESPN.
Steve Claggett (L) upset Emmanuel Robles
Claggett, fighting out of Calgary, Canada, dropped down one weight class. Coming off a disputed 10-round decision loss to Chris van Heerden this past April, also at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, Claggett won a 10-round majority decision (98-92, 98-92, 94-96)tonight for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) welterweight title.  His expert body work allowed him to dictate the pace of the boxing match.
“This is a long time coming, Claggett admitted.  “I took the loss (vs. van Heerden) in stride, vowing to go back to the gym and make changes.  I went down to 140 (lbs.) and it was the right decision.  I’m stronger.  I I really worked hard.
“I landed a couple of shots that hurt him noticeably.  He’s tough.  Robles is a champion in the making.  I have a lot of respect for him.  This is my life.  It (his loss to van Heerden) fueled me.  The fire’s back in me.  I love fighting in Las Vegas.”
Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (L) stole the show to became a rising star
The co-feature showcased a pair undefeated junior middleweights and from the opening bell it was a real firefight. Macias forced Rolando “Rola” Garza (9-1, 6 KOs), a 3-time Mexican National amateur champion, to fight his fight.  Macia’s aggressive style, always coming forward, throwing punches from every conceivable angle, ruled the coop. Garza got caught up in the action and paid for it, although the score after was 39-37, 39-37 for Macias, 39-37 for Garza, entering the fifth and final round.  Macia’s constant pressure controlled the action, wearing down Garza, and paid dividends as he dropped Garza in the fifth. Referee Jay Nady had seen enough, halting the fight at that point as much due to the damage Garza had suffered in the first four rounds as the knockdown.
A rising star was born in Macia, who captured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBC) United States junior middleweight championship.  “It’s conditioning, a lot of work,” Macias explained the reason for his non-stop action before crowing loudly in the ring.  “I stuck to the game plan.  I knew he’d come to fight with a lot of skill to out-box me and get points.  My game plan was throw a lot of upper cuts and punches from every angle. It was all about throwing combinations.
“He had a lot pf power, so I used defense to block punches.  In the last round, I put punches together.  I think the fight was stopped a little early and he could have kept going, but I didn’t see what he saw, and the referee was looking out for the fighters so we can fight another day.”
Jeremy Nichols remained undefeated
In the television opener, flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (6-0, 2 KOs) kept rolling, winning a 4-round unanimous decision over Steve Belmontes (2-1, O KOs).  Nichols outworked his opponent, consistently beating Belmontes to the punch with his superior quickness.
“I think it could have been a little flashier,” Nichols admitted. “But give it up to my opponent, he came to fight.  With more than 100 amateur fights, he could take a punch but he kept coming.  My goal was to take everything from him and make him fight my fight.  His hands were a little slower and he took a lot of good body shots and counters.”
Marina Ramirez (R) was a crowd pleaser
Idaho junior flyweight Marina “Rocky” Ramirez (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) pitched a 4-round shutout, defeating Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-2) by scores of 40-36 across the board.  “I landed a lot of shots,” Ramirez noted.  “I respect her, she was tough.  The game plan worked and we got the win.”
Randy Moreno (L) keeps improving
Twenty-year-old Randy Moreno (4-0, 3 KOs) turned in the best performance of his young career, stopping Australian junior lightweight “12” Gaige Ireland (2-1-2, 2 KOs) in the third round.   Moreno fights with the poise of a much older fighter, effectively counter punching from the opening bell.  “It feels great,” Moreno commented.  “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t forGil Martinez (head trainer).  He is notorious for his training methods and it’s paid off.  I’ve been with him 10 years.  Fighting here at home means the world to me.”
Ismail Muwendo (L) remained undefeated
Undefeated lightweight prospect Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo, fighting out of Minneapolis by way of his native Uganda, improved to 18-0 (12 KOs), taking a one-sided six-round unanimous decision from Eliseo Cruz (9-2-1, 6 KOs).  “I think I did well, I was out of the ring a long time,” Muwendo commented.  He’s a tough guy who was ready.”
Max Ornelas (R) opened the show in grand style
Las Vegas favorite Max “Baby Face Assassin” Ornelas (4-0, 2 KOs) remained unbeaten by way of a 4-round unanimous decision over Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Quiorz (6-5, 1 KO).  “I was confident (of winning the decision,” the 18-year-old Ornelas said.  “I was out-boxing him.  I love fighting here.  I have a lot of support from family and friends; I’m motivated when I hear them.”
Full results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS – MAIN EVENT
Neeco Macias (13-0, 7 KOs), Palm Desert, CA
WTKO5 (2:31)
Rolando Garza (9-1, 6 KOs), Austin, TX
(Macias won vacant WBC US Junior Middleweight title)
WELTERWEIGHTS
Jeremy Nichols (6-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Steve Belmontes (2-1, 0 KOs), Corpus Christi, TX

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – CO-FEATURE
Steve Claggett (24-4-1, 16 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
WDEC10 (98-92, 98-92, 94-96)
Emmanuel Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs), San Diego, CA
(Claggett won vacant NABA – US Junior Welterweight title)
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Ismail Muwendo (18-0, 11 KOs), Minneapolis, MN
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 59-53)
Eliseo Cruz (9-2-1, 6 KOs), Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (4-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WTKO3 (2:52)
Gaige Ireland (2-1-2, 2 KOs), Victoria, Australia
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Max Ornelas (4-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Johnathan Quioroz (6-5, 1 KO), Oceanside, CA
FEMALE JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS
Marina Ramirez (2-0, 0 KOs), Parma, ID
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Rachel Sazoff (0-2), Hamilton, NJ
“Knockout Night at the D” returns Friday, Sept. 30
Hanzel Martinez (23-2, 18 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Quartey (20-2, 19 KOs)
Vacant WBA International Super Bantamweight Championship
Tony Lopez (11-1, 4 KOs) vs. Stephon Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs)
Vacant WBA / NABA Bantamweight Championship
John Vera (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Milorad Zizic (12-1, 6 KOs)
WBA / NABA Super Welterweight Championship
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM or DLVEC.COM
 
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.
 
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
Tonight’s as well as the Sept. 30th “Knockout Night at the D” events are licensed to ESPN, available to watch in 61 additional countries and territories in Latin America (South America, Central America, Mexico & Brazil) Caribbean, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands), United Kingdom, Canada and India
RIVAL BOXING GEAR is the main sponsor of the “Knockout Night at the D” series (www.rivalboxing.com, Twitter: @RivalBoxingGear
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @Jflashgang, @SteveTheBoxer, @IMuwendo, @RandyMoreno
boxing, CBS Boxing

The “O” must go in co-feature showdown at “Knockout Night at the D” between Undefeated junior middleweight prospects Rolando Garza & Neeco Macias  

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Live Sept. 9 on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center
LAS VEGAS (August 30, 2016) – In a classic match-up of contrasting styles, Rolando “Rola” Garza and Neeco “The Rooster” Macias will both put their undefeated records on the line in the “Knockout Night at the D” 8-round co-featured event, airing Friday night, September 9, on CBS Sports Network, live from the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by

and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside, starting at 11 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.

The 10-round main event pits unbeaten junior welterweights Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs) and Steve “The Dragon” Claggett(23-4-1, 16 KOs),promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.
Garza and Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will be fighting for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship, are exact opposites in and out of the ring.  The winner will advance to the next level of competition in the 154-pound division.
A technically sound boxer, Garza had an extensive amateur background as a member of the Mexican National Team, finishing with a 120-12 record, before turning pro September 29, 2012.  The quiet, unassuming fighter 24-year-old was impressive in his last fight, also at the DLVEC this past June 10, in which he dominated previously unbeaten Erasmo Garcia (5-0-1) on his way to  an 6-round unanimous decision (59-54, 59-54, 58-56) victory.
Rolando Garza
(Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D))

“The opportunity that Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions and CBS Sports Network has presented me has boosted my confidence to another level,” Garza said. “I have never been more confident in my skills, my team and training. I’m going to show Las Vegas and the rest of country what my talent brings into the ring.  Once Las Vegas witnesses my talent, fighting on national television, no one will be able to turn a blind eye. Not only will this fight put my name out there, but better opportunities will present themselves, and that keeps me motivated.

“This fight will propel me into the 154-pound rankings. It’s high risk with an even higher reward: the WBC / US title.  My opponent is a brawler; a non-stop, aggressive puncher who moves forward, which will make this fight nothing short of explosive fireworks in the ring.”
In the other corner, the non-stop Macias relies on conditioning and an aggressive, always coming forward approach to break down his opponent.  The 25-year-old Macias, fighting out of Palm Desert, California, unlike Garza, who now lives and trains in Austin (TX), had only 30 amateur bouts having started boxing at the relative advanced age of 21.  He did win gold medals at the National Blue & Gold Tournament, as well as Central California Golden Gloves and Desert Showdown. Macias is a showman, playing to the crowd before, during and after fights, crowing like a rooster, always with a broad smile on his face.
Neeco Macia
(Photo by Tom Donoghue – the D)

Macias’ last fight, also at the DLVE this past April 16, resulted in an action-packed fight against Limberth Ponce(10-2).  Never tasking his foot off the pedal, Macias rolled to a win by 8-round unanimous decision (79-73 X 3), earning him a legion of new fans who were in attendance or watched the fight on CBS Sports Network.

“Fighters don’t really care who they fight, they just want to fight,” Macias explained why his risking his undefeated record against an opponent who has never loss. “I had a fight fall through so, instead of waiting for another fight, when the opportunity to fight a 9-0 guy came, my coaches watched film of him and we agreed that I’m ready.  This is the first time I’m fighting on the ‘B’ side, but we’re using that as motivation.  I take one fight at a time but I know I’m fighting on TV and need to look good.  I want to show everyone that all the hard work has paid off.
“I see this fight as my opponent probably having more skill, he’s technically sound and sets up his shots.  But our plan is to take him out of his game plan, wear him down and have some fun doing it.  My last fight was my first in Las Vegas and first time fighting on national television.  It got a lot of notice.  I’ve been through all of that now and will be even better prepared for this fight.  It’s awesome fighting in Las Vegas on CBS Sports Network!”
‘Knockout Night at the D” returns Friday, Sept. 30
Hanzel Martinez (23-2, 18 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Quartey (20-2, 19 KOs)
Vacant WBA International Super Bantamweight Championship
Tony Lopez (11-1, 4 KOs) vs. Stephon Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs)
Vacant WBA / NABA Bantamweight Championship
John Vera (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Milorad Zizic (12-1, 6 KOs)
WBA / NABA Super Welterweight Championship
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM or DLVEC.COM
 
Las Vegas favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) battles TexanSteve Belmonte (2-0) in a 4-round bout to open the television broadcast.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is undefeated Ugandan lightweight prospect Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (17-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Minneapolis, in a 6-rounder versus dangerous Mexican fighter Eliseo “Lobo” Cruz (9-1-1, 6 KOs). In 4-round fights, 20-year-old junior lightweightRandy Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, will square off with Gaige Ireland (2-0-2, 2 KOs), of Australia by way of Ireland, 18-year-old Las Vegas bantamweight Max “Baby Faced Assassin” Ornelas (3-0, 2 KOs) meetsJohnathan Quiroz (6-4, 1 KO), of Oceanside, California, and Las Vegas junior flyweight Marina Ramirez (1-0) faces New Jersey’s Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

Robles vs. Claggett crossroads fight Headlines Sept. 9th “Knockout Night at the D” 

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Live on CBS Sports Network from 
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2016) – Undefeated San Diego prospect Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles takes on Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in a crossroads fight for both on Friday night, September 9, in the return of “Knockout Night at the D,” airing (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) live on CBS Sports Networkfrom the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside on CBS Sports Network.
Robles vs. Claggett, promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, is the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.
Sept. 9th has the potential to be the most explosive top-to-bottom card in the already praised 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” series, which consistently showcases tomorrow’sstars in highly competitive, compelling match-ups.
“Knockout Night at the D’ is truly establishing itself in Downtown Las Vegas as a premier event for boxing fans in the community and beyond,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “From hometown heavy-hitters to up-and-coming amateur fighters, the second half of this series will bring unforgettable, action-packed shows that can’t be missed.”
A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super lightweight champion, as well as a 2008 National PAL gold medalist.  Robles (15-0-1, 5 KOs) needs an impressive victory on national television in order to advance to the next level of the junior welterweight division. The southpaw has won his last 11 fights since his 2012 draw with 7-0
Adrian Vargas.
Emmanuel Robles
(photo by Marcus Tanner Shepard)
“I am excited to showcase my skills once again as the main event on a Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions card,” Robles said. “Both of my promoters, RJJ & Bobby D, are presenting me with such an incredible opportunity to fight for the Regional NABA Title belt. My opponent is in for the boxing lesson of his life. I know Claggett will be a strong contender and brings a power punch to the table.   He is going to be challenging, the toughest opponent I’ve had to face thus far in my boxing career, but I am ready to show my opponent and his team the skills that will help me capture the title and bring it home to RJJ and my team.
“It’s an honor to display my superior boxing skills for Roy Jones Jr. on CBS Sports Network and I am humbled that Las Vegas has accepted me with such open arms.  Defeating Claggett will put me on the map as a contender for the top 140-pounders in the world such as (Adrien) Broner, (Terence)Crawford & (Victor) Postal.
The 27-year-old Claggett (23-4-1, 16 KOs) needs to bounce back from a disputed 10-round loss by majority decision the Chris van Heerden in his last fight this past April, also at the DLVEC, to revitalize his career. Claggett is taking a risk by dropping down one weight class in order to challenge junior welterweight Robles.
Steve Claggett
(Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D

“This fight means everything to me,” Claggett explained.  It is a make or break fight for my career and I have a chance to re-enter the boxing world at 140 pounds, which is a weight that I believe I should have been fighting at a little while ago. I have a new trainer for the first time – a new team – and I am looking forward to showing fans a new fighter. A victory will stamp my name as a true world champion contender. I understand my position and I know that I am on the ‘B’ side, but I have been in this position many times before. I have a lot of experience in the sport of boxing and it has finally all come together for me. This will be my best fight. My focus and training will show on fight night.

“My opponent is a strong fighter. Robles is a sharp boxer and he has a good history in the sport as well. He is a southpaw and brings a good record to the table. All respect to the Robles team, but I am ready to fight for my life, and this is what this sport is all about. Expect me to bring everything I have and put on a ’10’ war for the fans.”
A firefight is developing for the 8-round co-feature between unbeaten prospects Rolando “Rola” Garza (9-0, 6 KOs) and Neeco “Roster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will throw-down for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship.
The opening 4-round television fight pits two young welterweights, local favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) and Texan Steve Belmonte (2-0), in another rare showdown between unbeaten prospects.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercards are undefeated Ugandan lightweight prospectIsmail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (17-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Minneapolis, in an 8-rounder vs. TBA. In 4-round fights, 20-year-old junior lightweight Randy Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, will be matched against an opponent to be announced and Las Vegas junior flyweight Marina Ramirez (1-0) meets New Jersey’s Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:15 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @Jflashgang, @SteveTheBoxer, @IMuwendo, @RandyMoreno