Tag Archives: Jose Antonio Rivera

boxing, Rivera Promotions

Irvin Gonzalez captures UBF All-Americas Featherweight Title

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Sonya Lamonakis & Laura Ramsey fight to UBF World Heavyweight title draw
“New England’s Future 3” Results from Worcester, MA
WORCESTER, Mass. (June 11, 2017) – Boxing returned to DCU Arena (Exhibition Hall) for the first time in 11 years and Worcester’s newest budding star, Irvin Gonzalez, entertained the hometown crowd, capturing the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Featherweight Championship, last night in the “New England’s Future 3” main event.
“New England’s Future 3” was presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera. RPE will return to the DCU Center on October 28th for its final installment of “New England’s Future” series in 2017.
In the co-featured attraction, popular New York City heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis, by way of Greece and Turners Falls, MA, faced Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey in a female battle of former world champions for the vacant UBF World title,
The 21-year-old Gonzalez (7-0, 6 KOs) was fighting in his first scheduled eight-round bout, against Raul Lopez (10-32-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY). The two fighters came out fast in a firefight, both throwing leather from all angles, although neither was hurt in the opening round. The pace picked up even more in the second as both fighters landed solid shots.
Fighting in the third round for the first time in his young professional career, Gonzalez turned up the heat, ripping effective combination to the head and body of Lopez, who responded by pounding Gonzalez on the ropes.
Gonzalez dropped Lopez early in the fourth with a strong right to the chin, followed by a brawling fifth round, and the action slowed slightly in the sixth. Gonzalez, who took control in the final two rounds, went the distance for the first time, taking a hard-fought eight-round unanimous decision (79-73 X 2, 76-75).
“He was definitely the toughest I’ve fought,” Gonzalez said after the fight. “I still have to work on things in the gym. I didn’t go to the body like I did in my last few fights. I was head-hunting tonight. The dude was tough, I had to out-box him. I hurt my left hand late in the later rounds and stayed southpaw.
“I definitely learned a lot. My conditioning was there and I went eight strong rounds. I feel good, I could go another eight rounds.  Fighting at home was good, I have a big fan-base here. I hope to be back here in October 28th.”
Lamonakis (10-2-3, 1 KO), a former IBO world champion, and past GBU world titlist Ramsey (108-1, 5 KOs) went toe-to-toe from the opening bell for 10 competitive, non-stop rounds, ending in a 10-round draw by three judges’ scores of 95-95.
Undefeated Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (5-0, 3 KOs) unloaded on an over-matched Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-9), dropping the Floridian three times in the second round until referee Leo Gerstel mercifully waved off the fight at the end of the second.
Former No. 1 USA amateur boxer Bobby Harris III, the son of multiple national amateur champion and retired pro heavyweight, Bobby Harris, made his long-awaited pro debut. Fighting out of Worcester, Harris overcame early roughhouse tactics by Brazilian light heavyweight Rodrigo Almeida, of Woburn, MA, to earn a four-round “shutout” decision.
In a rematch of a fight this past April, Antonio Chaves Fernandez (8-32-4, 2 KOs), of Brockton (MA), defeated Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-2, 5 KOs), by way of a six-round majority decision, to even their rivalry at 1-1.
Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (2-0) and his Lawrence, MA opponent, Anthony Everett (1-6), turned in an entertaining performance as Pagan won a four-round majority decision, despite him being decked in the final round.
Lawrence, MA welterweight Adrian Sosa (3-0, 3 KOs) needed only 41-second to stop New York City’s Zach Johnson (0-2). Sosa dropped Johnson in the first 10 seconds and again moments later, after which referee Gerstel halted the action.
Springfield, MA welterweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (2-0), the son of a retired professional boxer, improved to 2-0 with a four-round unanimous decision over veteran Connecticut fighter Shaka Moore (12-23-3, 2 KOs).
Worcester’s pro-debuting Neal Sullivan (0-0-1) and Brazilian super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8-1) opened the night fighting a four-round majority draw.
Complete results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(winners listed first each fight)
MAIN EVENT – VACANT UBF ALL-AMERICAS FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Irvin Gonzalez (7-0, 6 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 76-75)
Raul Lopez (10-3-1, 5 KOs), Bronx, NY
(Gonzalez won vacant UBF All-Americas featherweight title)
CO-FEATURE – VACANT UBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Sonya Lamonakis (10-2-3 (1 KO), New York, NY by way of Greece
D10 (95-95, 95-95, 95-95)
Laura Ramsey (10-7-1 (5 KOs), Winter Haven, FL
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Bryan Daniels (5-0, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO2 (2:35)
Christopher Boykins (1-9, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Bobby Harris III (1-0), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Rodrigo Almeida (1-7, 0 KOs), Woburn, MA
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neal Sullivan (0-0-1), Worcester, MA
D4 (37-39, 38-38, 38-38)
Saul Almeida (0-8-1), Framingham, MA
WELTERWEIGHTS
Derrick Whitley (2-0, 0 KOs), Springfield, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-37)
Shaka Moore (12-23-3, 2 KOs), Norwalk, CT
Antonio Chaves Fernandez (8-32-4, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA
WDEC6 (58-56, 58-56, 57-57)
Andy Gonzalez (6-2, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
Adrian Sosa (3-0, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WTKO1 (0:41)
Zach Johnson (0-2), New York, NY
Wilfredo Pagan (2-0, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 38-38)
Anthony Everett (1-6, 0 KOs), Lawrence, MA
 
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, KingRivera_
boxing, women's boxing

Heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis Takes on Laura Ramsey for vacant UBF World Championship

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“New England’s Future 3” June 10th in Worcester, MA
WORCESTER, Mass. (June 1, 2017) – Popular heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis takes on Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) World title, on Saturday night, June 10, in the eight-round “New England’s Future 3” co-feature at the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
Undefeated prospect Irvin Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs), 21, headlines at home in his first scheduled eight-round bout, versus Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), for the vacant UBF All-American super featherweight championship.
“I am excited to be able to have our first world championship boxing match on our ‘New England’s 3’ boxing event,” promoter Jose Rivera commented. “It’s special because it’s a women’s World Heavyweight title fight with veterans like Sonya and Laura, who also have some hostilities towards one another. They’ve both earned this opportunity to fight for the UBF Women’s World Heavyweight Championship. I expect fireworks and know fans will be in for a treat.”
Pro boxing returns to the DCU Center for the first time in 11 years, when promoter Jose Antonio Rivera defeated Alejandro Garcia, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World super welterweight title.
Born in Greece, Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), who grew-up in Turners Falls (MA), is a teacher in New York City. She is a Springfield College graduate and has two Master’s Degrees. “I’m honored to be fighting in the first world title fight in Worcester since Jose Rivera,” Lamonakis said. “I’m from Massachusetts and I fought twice at Mechanics Hall (in Worcester, including her pro debut in 2010). I heard Jose was promoting shows in Worcester, so I called to say I’d like to fight for a world title on one of his cards. I think he saw me fight before and he quickly agreed.
“This is still a make-dominates sport. I tell young girls to box as a side job. I have two Master’s Degrees and I’m a full-time teacher in New York. Boxing is my hobby. Very few women can make enough money boxing to make a good living. I don’t know if it’s because I was born in Greece and boxing is in my blood, but I love this sport and that’s what keeps me going. I guess I was born to fight. I enjoy getting in the ring. I’ve gotten a lot from boxing and now I’m giving back to amateurs in New York City as president of a youth organization.”
Lamonakis; is a former International Boxing Organization World and New York State female heavyweight champion. Her opponent, Ramsey (10-7, KOs), as a two-time world title challenger is hoping the third time is the charm for her. They have history together and this fight nearly happened a few years ago.
“I beat her daughter (Alysia Williams-Stevenson) in my second pro fight,” Lamonakis explained. “She said she’s see me and now, seven years later, we’re fighting. She’s a little older than me and I needed more fights before I fought her. We were supposed to fight a few years ago in Aruba but a hurricane cancelled the show.”
In an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction, Pembroke (MA) fan favorite Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs) meets Brazilian knockout specialist Marcelo Leonardo “Queizada” Da Silva (22-4, 17 KOs).
Fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Buffalo’s Jack Grady (0-5-1), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3), Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s pro-debuting Bobby Harris III vs. Woburn (MA) super middleweight Rodrigo Almeida (1-6), Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester’s Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) at a 205-pound catchweight, Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Brazilian Nathan Schulte (0-2) at a 180-pound catchweight, and Worcester’s pro-debuting Neal Sullivan vs. Framingham (MA) super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8).
                                                            
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com, by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters
Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Budding star Irvin Gonzalez Starting to make waves in Super featherweight division

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“New England’s Future 3” June 10th in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 24, 2017) – New England’s top prospect with 10 pro fights of less, undefeated hometown favorite Irvin Gonzalez, is on a fast track going into his June 10th headline fight in the third installment of the “New England’s Future” series, at the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
The 21-year-old Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) takes on Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), in an eight-round main event for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All-American super featherweight championship.
Pro boxing returns to the DCU Center for the first time in 11 years, ironically, when promoter Jose Antonio Rivera defeated Alejandro Garcia, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World super welterweight title.
“I am excited to watch Irvin’s boxing career flourish,” promoter Jose Rivera remarked. “He has all the tools to become a world champion. Fighting for the UBF championship will be the first of many and I am glad that we are able to give him this opportunity. I see big things for Irvin and I hope fans come out Saturday night, June 10th, to support him and the other local boxers.”.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Gonzalez said. “I’m blessed to be fighting in Worcester for my first title. It’s not a big title but it’s like taking baby steps to a world title. Since I started boxing at the Boys & Girls Club, I always wanted to be like Jose, a three-time world champion. Now, it’s my turn, and I’m fighting again in my city.”
Gonzalez has a perfect pro record: six rights, six wins by knockout. However, he’s only had fought a grand total of eight rounds, and June 10th he’s in a scheduled eight-round match. The well-spoken youngster isn’t concerned with the step up in rounds and opposition.
“I’ve been asked about that by a lot of media, trainers and other fighters,” he explained. “I’ve always trained like it’s for a world title fight, 12 rounds, so I’m not worried about going into deep water. I’m in magnificent shape, three weeks before the fight, and even in the amateurs I’ve always gotten stronger as the fight went along. In sparring, I get stronger, so going eight isn’t a problem for me.
“I don’t really know much about my opponent. He won a few national titles but hasn’t fought too often. I’ll see what he brings into the ring and then adjust. I know I’m taller.”
Gonzalez learned a lot when he was a sparring partner for Guillermo Rigondeaux in Florida that was supposed to be a six-week training camp that ended after three weeks due to Rigondeaux’ fight being cancelled.
“I learned a lot about different training methods that I now use,” Irvin continued. “His techniques are phenomenal.   I was around a world champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and I saw his work ethic. After all he’s accomplished, he still has a great work ethic, and I learned from him that a fighter need continue working like he does until the day it’s all over. It’s not all about money, it’s having fun every day, doing what we love.”
Former world female heavyweight champions Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), the New York City teacher who lived in Turners Falls (MA), and Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey (10-7, 5 KOs) battle for the vacant UBF World heavyweight title in the eight-round co-featured event.
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs) meets invading Brazilian knockout artist Marcelo Leonardo “Queizada” Da Silva (22-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction.
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Buffalo’s Jack Grady (0-5-1), New Haven (CT) featherweight Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KOs) vs. Georgia’s Gabriel Braxton (2-18, 1 KO), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3), Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s pro-debuting Bobby Harris III vs. Woburn (MA) super middleweight Rodrigo Almeida (1-6), Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester’s Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) at a 205-pound catchweight, Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Brazilian Nathan Schulte (0-2) at a 180-pound catchweight, and Worcester’s pro-debuting Neal Sullivan vs. Framingham (MA) super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8).
                                                            
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com,
by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters
Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Undefeated hometown prospect Irvin Gonzalez to headline June 10; New England’s Future series continues in Worcester, MA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis to
Fight for vacant UBF World title
WORCESTER, Mass. (May 10, 2017, 2017) – Undefeated rising super featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez will headline the third installment of the “New England’s Future” series, Saturday night, June 10, as professional boxing returns for the first time in 11 years to the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
Arguably the top New England prospect, the 21-year-old Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) is continuing Worcester’s rich boxing tradition, which dates back nearly a century.  A 2015 N. E. Golden Gloves champion, Gonzalez has knocked out all six of his pro opponents, four in the opening round, the other two in the second. Gonzalez will fight Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), in an eight-round match for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) East Regional super featherweight championship.
Former International Boxing Organization (IBO heavyweight world champion, Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), will face TBA in the eight-round co-feature for the vacant UBF World heavyweight title.  Lamonakis is a New York City teacher who lived in Turners Falls (MA) and graduated from Springfield (MA) College.  She is a native of Greece and a four-time New York Golden Gloves champion.
“I am excited that we will be having our ‘New England’s Future 3’ boxing event at the DCU Center,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera said.  “The last time there was boxing at the DCU was when I fought for and won the WBA Junior Middleweight world title. It was an electric night with the fight televised live on Showtime. I am hoping we can bring the same kind of excitement with our action- packed lineup of young and hungry up-and-coming boxers.
“We have two UBF title fights on the line with Sonya Lamonakis fighting for the female UBF Heavyweight World Title and Worcester’s own Irving Gonzalez, in only his seventh pro fight, fighting for the UBF 126-pound division East Regional championship. I’m also excited to have five Worcester boxers on our event at the DCU and I hope our Worcester fan-base comes out to support them. I am looking forward to seeing another great night of action-packed boxing.”
Powerhouse fighter Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), returns in an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction against TBA.
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. Baltimore’s Kevin “The Scarecrow” Womack, Jr. (7-14-3, 5 KOs), Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Las Vegas’ Johnny Frazier (2-3-0-4, 2 KOs), New Haven (CT) featherweight Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KOs) vs. Georgia’s Gabriel Braxton (2-18, 1 KO), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3),  Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s Bobby Harris III vs. Brazil’s Nathan Schulte in a battle of pro-debuting super middleweights, Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) and Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Michigan’s Michael Shipp (1-4, 1 KO) fighting at a 180-pound catch-weight.
                                                            
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com, by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.
Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Vinnie Carita stops Gilberto Matheus Domingos In one round of body punches

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Matt Remillard returns with impressive decision Over tough Augustine Mauras
RESULTS FROM WORCESTER
Vinnie Carita punished Gilberto Matheus Domingos
(all pictures by Emily Harney / Rivera Promotions Entertainment)
WORCESTER, Mass. (April 2, 2017) – Popular Massachusetts heavyweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita was too much for former South American champion Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos in last night’s “New England’s Future 2” main event at Worcester Palladium.  A capacity crowd of 1,700 rocked the vintage venue from start to finish.
“New England’s Future 2” was presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, matchmaker Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.  Rivera announced that “New England’s Future 3” will be held June 10th at DCU Center, Exhibition Hall, in Worcester.
Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), unleashed a relentless body attack on his Brazilian foe, Domingos (22-7, 20 KOs), who was unable to answer the bell for the second round due to damaged ribs.
“I was hoping to get in more rounds but unfortunately I didn’t get ’em tonight,” Carita (pictured to the right) commented.  “Based on his record, I thought he’d be more competitive, but that fell short.  I keep stepping up (quality of his opponents) but they haven’t lasted with me.”
Matt Remillard (R) was home once again in the ring.
The feel-good story of the evening was the long awaited return of Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), who was incarcerated five years and hadn’t fought in six.  Remillard pounded his opponent, Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-2-3 3 KOs), whose toughness showed throughout the contest as Remillard pounded his Lawrence (MA) opponent  to the body and head en route to a eight-round unanimous decision (80-71, 79-72, 78-73) in the co-feature.  Mauras was deducted a point in the fourth round for headbutting.
“I was a little rusty but I got better as the fight went on,” Remillard said.  “He’s a tough kid who was slippery inside.  If the fight went a little longer, I think I would have gotten him out of there.”
Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, dropping “Money” Mike Sawyer (7-8, 5 KOs) four times in the opening round, the last coming on the end of a vicious left-hook, resulting in referee Mike Ryan immediatelty stopped the contest without counting.
Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (9-1-1, 8 KOs) outclassed Bobby Favors (1-4, 1 KO), of Cleveland, on his way to a first-round technical knockout win.  Palmer has comeback from being shot in the stomach last summer by his sister’s abusive boyfriend.  He recently served as a sparring partner for Wladimir Klitschko.
Hartford junior welterweight Anthony Laureano (3-0, 2 KOs), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, continued to impress with a third-round technical knockout victory over battled-tested upstate New Yorker Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-25-1, 6 KOs).
Hot junior welterweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), the 18-year-old high school senior from Manchester (CT), lived up to his nickname with an explosive first-round knockout of Mexican veteran fighter Israel “Tigre” Rojas (10-16, 3 KOs).
Three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO), from New Haven (CT), turned in a strong professional debut, stopping Brazilian super middleweight Devision Ribiero (0-4), who was unable to continue after two rounds.
Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) cruised to a four-round unanimous decision over a game Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), of Brockton (MA).
Lawrence (MA) featherweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs), thre 2015 New… England Golden Gloves champion, knocked out Oscar Diaz (0-11), of Hartford, midway through the opening round.
Pro-debuting Luis “Pancho” Santiago (0-0-1), fighting out of Springfield (MA), and Alex Montes (1-2-1), of Lawrence (MA), fought to a hard-fought four-round draw.
Springfield junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” jjjas (10-16, 3 Whitley (1-0) won his pro debut in an entertaining opener with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Everett (1-5), of Lawrence.
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – CRUISERWEIGHTS
Vinnie Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-7, 20 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil
CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT
WDEC8 (80-71, 79-72, 78-73)
Augustine Mauras (6-2-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:54)
Mike Sawyer (7-8, 5 KOs), Winter Park, FL
Donnie Palmer (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Dorchester, MA
WTKO1 (2:06)
Bobby Favors (1-5, 1 KO), Cleveland, OH
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Elvis Figueroa (1-0, 1KO), New Haven, CT
WTKO2 (3:00)
Devision Ribiero (0-4), Tampa, FL
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Derrick Whitley (1-0), Springfield, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Anthony Everett (1-5), Lawrence, MA
WELTERWEIGHTS
Andy Gonzales (6-1, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)
Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-31-4, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA
Adrian Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WKO1 (1:34)
Oscar Diaz (0-11), Hartford, CT
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
Bryan Abraham (6-24-1, 6 KO
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), Manchester, CT
WKO1 (2:05)
Israel Rojas (10-16, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Luis Santiago (0-0-1), Springfield, MA
D4 (40-36, 36-40, 38-38)
Alex Montes (1-2-1), Lawrence, MA
Sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
INFORMATION: 
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM WORCESTER

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WORCESTER, Mass. (March 31, 2017) – Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held the official weigh today at Ballot Box for tomorrow night’s “New England’s Future 2” show at Worcester Palladium.
 
Below are the official weights and pictures by Emily Harney:
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
MAIN EVENT – CRUISERWEIGHTS (8)
(L) Vinnie Carita (15-1-1 (14 KOs), Pembroke, MA 195.2 lbs.
(R) Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil 196 lbs.
CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)
(R) Matt Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT 136.8 lbs.
(L) Augustine Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA 138 lbs.
HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 199 lbs.
Mike Sawyer (7-7, 5 KOs), Winter Park, FL 200 lbs.
Donnie Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs), Dorchester, MA 275 lbs.
Bobby Favors (0-5), Cincinnati, OH 377 lbs.
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Elvis Figueroa (pro debut), New Haven, CT 167 lbs.
Devision Ribiero (0-3), Tampa, FL 167 lbs.
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Derrick Whitley (pro debut), Springfield, MA 152 lbs.
Anthony Everett (1-4), Lawrence, MA 155 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Andy Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA 151.4 lbs.
Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA 151.4 lbs.
Adrian Sosa (1-0, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA 145 lbs.
Oscar Diaz (0-10), Hartford, CT 143 lbs.
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT 138 lbs.
Bryan Abraham (6-24-1, 6 KO 141 lbs.
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Mykquan Williams (5-0, 3 KOs), Manchester, CT 141 lbs.
Israel Rojas (10-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 141 lbs.
FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
Luis Santiago (pro debut), Springfield, MA 127 lbs.
Alex Montes (1-2), Lawrence, MA 133 lbs.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard’s  Ring comeback no April Fool’s Joke

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“New England’s Future 2”, April 1 in Worcester
 

Matt Remillard (center) is prepared to make up for lost time
(photo by Emily Harney / Team Remillard)
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 20, 2017) – The long trip back begins April 1st for Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 12 years to the day from his professional debut, on the “New England’s Future 2” show at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of Manchester, Connecticut, hasn’t boxed for the six years, due to him serving a five-year prison sentence. He takes on Lawrence (MA) lightweight Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.  If their tense, near volatile stare-down at a recent press conference is a true indication, Remillard vs. Mauras is not going the distance, to put things mildly.
New England’s Future 2″ is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
“I am excited to have a boxer of Remillard’s caliber on our ‘New England’s Future 2’ boxing event,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera remarked.  “He has a tough match against August time Mauras for his first fight back.  Knowing Remillard, though, he wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to thank Matt, Paul Cichon (head trainer) and their team for trusting Rivera Promotions Entertainment for Matt’s first boxing match back from his long layoff.”
Remillard is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) United States & Youth World, North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion.  His lone pro loss came in his last fight, March 23, 2011 in Atlantic City to then rising star Mikey Garcia (24-0), when Remillard retired after 11 rounds.  He won’t make excuses; however, he never should have taken the fight with Garcia, facing the impending court case that sent him to prison and working with a new head trainer he’d only met two weeks prior to the fight.
“I’m confident I can get back to where I was in about a year,” the 30-year-old Remillard said. “A dream come true would be a rematch with Garcia, at any weight, but I have to earn that shot.  Everybody wants a rematch with the guy who gave you the first loss.  It seldom happens but, if not, in time I believe there will be other big fights out there for me.
“I’m fighting an opponent who fought by buddy, Chip Perez, three times (0-2-1), so I’m familiar with his style.  He doesn’t back down. I don’t expect him to back down against me…until he feels my power.  I’m going to take out those five years that I was away on him. I’ve been through so much the last six year but I’m most comfortable in the gym.  The past is past and this is my last run.  Paul and I have a lot of unfinished business to take care of.”
Seventeen years ago, Chicon first met Remillard at the Manchester PAL gym, but he made the 13-year-old aspiring boxer earn his opportunity to be trained. Paul made Matt clean the bathrooms, take care of spit buckets, etc. before he started training him.
“When he returned to the gym a few months back, I saw that his work ethic hadn’t faded,” Cichon commented.  “I don’t believe he’s really that far away from where he was six years ago.  He was idle five years but his first day back he sparred 12 rounds.  He stayed in good physical shape and is hungrier than ever.  He thinks he has something to prove after his last fight, but he really doesn’t have anything to prove to me or anybody else.  He is fighting a tough kid but Matt’s going to be victorious.  I think in four or five more fights he’ll be back where he was in boxing.”
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs will headline against Brazilian KO specialist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion, in the eight-round main event.
Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs) faces unbeaten Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KOs), of Mays Landing (NJ), in a four-round bout.
2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), meets Schenectady (NY) veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round match.
Fighting on the undercard in four round bouts are Worcester cruiserweight Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Mexican invader Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corall (19-23, 12 KOs),  Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. Brockton’s Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), 2014 N.E. Golden Gloves champion, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA), Worcester’s pro-debuting super middleweights Neal Sullivan vs. Nathan Schulte, Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, pro-debuting Springfield featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence, and unbeaten Manchester (CT) junior welterweight “Marvelous” Mykqyan Williams (5-0, 3 K0s) vs. TBA..
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
 
INFORMATION: 
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

“New England’s Future 2” Press Conference quotes & pictures  April 1 in Worcester

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(photo by Emily Harney)
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 9, 2017) – Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference last night at Ballot Box in Worcester (MA) to formally announce its April 1st “New England’s Future 2” show at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
New England’s Future 2″ is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs will headline against Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion, in the eight-round main event.  Carita, like promoter Rivera, is a court officer in Brockton (MA) and Worcester, respectively.
Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in six years facing Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence (MA), In the eight-round co-feature,
Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Alando Pugh (1-10-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.  Bradley was shot in the stomach last summer by his sister’s abusive boyfriend.
2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), takes on veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout.
Fighting on the undercard in four round matches are Worcester cruiserweight Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Tracey Johnson (4-5-4, 1 KO), of Boston,  Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzales (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. pro-debuting Irving Veloz, 2014 N.E. Golden Gloves champion, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Jimmy Rosario (2-4, 1 KO), pro-debuting super middleweights Neal Sullivan, of Worcester, vs. Nathan Schulte, Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, pro-debuting Springfield featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence, and unbeaten Manchester (CT) junior welterweight “Marvelous” Mykqyan Williams (5-0, 3 K0s vs. TBA..
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
 
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Vinnie Carita: “I saw the last (RPE) show and it was great.  I’m happy to be on this show.  This is a great show with a lot of New England talent.  There’s going to be fireworks!”
Matt Remillard: “I was at (RPE’s) last fight and it sold out.  That’s awesome.  They’re making boxing better, not only in Worcester, but throughout New England.  April 1, 2005, I turned pro.  I never fought in Worcester before.  It’s a great atmosphere. This has been a long time coming, six years I’m going to punish him for.  It will not go the distance, I can promise that.  He won’t recognize himself after the fight. After I knock him down, I hope he gets back up because I want to punish him.  This isn’t a game.  I’m in the hurt business.”
Augustine Mauras: “I truly thank Matt Remillard for fighting somebody like me.  I’m not an easy cookie.  He’s going to be in the toughest fight of his life.  I’m going to put you (Remillard) on his ass.  I’m here to fight this man!  It’s going to be a helluva fight.”
Jose Antonio Rivera, CEO/promoter: “I appreciate the support we received for our last show and we’re looking ahead to booking our next show in June.  I can’t really say anything about that, yet.  I want to thank our sponsors.  My roots are here in Worcester and that’s why so many of the fighters on this show are from here.  We aren’t signing fighters, just giving them a platform to fight.  We’re happy, right now, helping to provide them with a platform to go on to bigger and better things.  Rivera Promotions Entertainment hopes to move fighters and allow them to showcase their skills.  We’re very happy about this show.  Remillard versus Mauras alone is worth the price of admission.”
Anthonee Rivera, President/matchmaker: “It’s been a lot of fun for us so far.  We’re proud to bring boxing back to New England. There are a lot of great fighters on our April 1st card with top prospects, former Golden Gloves champs, top fighters like Matt Remillard and future world champions.  All of these guys took the opponents they were offered, no cherry-picking, and that shows what kind of fighters they really are.  We have 13 fights and don’t blink during any one of them.”
Bryan Daniels: “I’m a student of Worcester boxing and Jose Rivera was the most established fighter.  He came from nothing to become world champion.  Never in a million years did I think I’d be fighting on his card.  I’m humbled.  I was hoping to get an opponent with experience to bring the best out of me.  This will be my first time fighting in Worcester to showcase my skills.  I’m originally from Illinois but Worcester has a lot to offer, including Rivera Promotions Entertaining giving us a platform.”
Anthony Laureano: “I’m very thankful to be fighting on another Rivera Promotions Entertainment card. They did an awesome job last show and I’m grateful to be fighting again on their card.  This will be a big test.  Rivera Promotions gave me a platform to be signed by Star Boxing.  Jose Rivera was a fighter and he knows what we need.”
Ranse Andino: “I have a fulltime job, go to the gym, and take care of my son.  I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment for allowing me to fight.  I also want to thank Carlos Garcia, he’s the man!  Jose’s been my idol since I first stepped into the gym.”
Neal Sullivan: “I grew up with AJ and Jose has always been good to me.  I wouldn’t be fighting if I didn’t trust them.  They look out for fighters.  I’m a student of the game and know the history of Worcester boxing.    I look forward to bringing it April 1st.”
Derrick Whitley: “My father was a professional boxer and I’ve been around boxing my whole life watching him.  This is my time, the beginning of my journey.”
Luis Santiago: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment this opportunity. I’ve been ready since the last show (his opponent failed the pre-fight medical exam) and haven’t stopped working.  April 1st will be the start of my pro career.  It’s going to b e a great show and I’m going to end-up with a win.”
Mykqyan Williams: “I’m very excited.  Training camp has been excellent. Matt (Remillard) and myself have helped each get ready.  I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.”
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Vinnie Carita headlines April 1 & Matt Remillard returns to ring

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“New England’s Future” series continues April 1 in Worcester
WORCESTER, Mass. (February 23, 2017) – Popular cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita will headline the second installment of the “New England’s Future” series on Saturday night, April 1, at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“New England’s Future 2” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
                                                            
Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), is riding a 12-fight win streak (11-0-1) into his April 1st eight-round main event against Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion.
In the eight-round co-feature, Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in six years.  The former NABF and NABA featherweight champion faces Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence (MA).
“We are excited to be promoting our second boxing event so quickly and with the great lineup of talented boxers who will be showcasing their talents on Saturday, April 1st,” promoter Jose Rivera said. “It’s great to have fellow court officer, Vinnie Carita and longtime friend Matt Remillard, respectively, as our main and co-feature fighters. We are also excited that we will have three Worcester boxers on the card. Bryan Daniels and Andy Gonzales fighting for the first time at home, along with Ranse Andino who fought on our first event this past January 19th.  With only the buzz about our next event and no real promoting to this point, the amount of tickets already sold leads us to believe that there will be another packed house at the Worcester Palladium come fight night.”
2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), meets veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout.
Fighting on the undercard in four round matches are pro-debuting Springfield (MA) featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence (MA), Worcester featherweight Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), 3-time NE Golden Gloves champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), pro-debuting Springfield junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, Haverhill (MA) junior welterweight Carlos “The Dragon” Candelario (9-1, 4 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, Worcester junior middleweight Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester cruiserweight  Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Michael Shipp (1-4, 1 KO), of Michigan, and Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs). vs. Alando Pugh (1-10-1, 1 KO), of Washington D.C.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Top Prospect Irvin Gonzalez remains perfect Stops Israel Rojas in second round

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM WORCESTER
(L) – Irvin Gonzalez
WORCESTER, Mass. (January 20, 2017) – Boxing returned to Worcester last night (Thursday) for the first time in more than five years to the delight of a capacity crowd of 2,100 passionate fans at the Palladium.
The inaugural event of the “New England’s Future” series, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment, featured 10 action-packed fights, highlighted by rising Worcester featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs).
“The support we received from the sold out crowd was exciting for our first show,” said promoter Jose Antonio Rivera, the former 3-time, 2-division world champion. “We working on our second show in March, of course, right here in Worcester.”
The 20-year-old Gonzalez was absolutely relentless in the main event, fright rom the opening bell, throwing a barrage of unanswered punches from every conceivable angle, repeatedly hurting his Mexican foe, Israel “Tigre” Ramos (9-15, 3 KOs), including a late first-round knockdown.  Gonzalez didn’t let up in the second, firing crisp punches, until Rojas hit the canvas early in the second frame and referee Steve Clark had seen enough, stopping the one-sided fight.
Gonzalez is continuing the rich Worcester boxing tradition.  “I’m always relentless,” Gonzalez said with a smile. “It was great fighting in the main event at home.  I heard the crowd and really appreciated their support.  I hurt him early and I almost took him out in the first round with a body punch. I finished him off with a right in the second.  None of my fights have gone the distance, but I prepared to go the full six tonight, if needed.”
Gonzalez takes off Sunday o report to undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux’ training camp in Miami, where he’ll work with the reigning WBA super bantamweight world champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist.
Undefeated Ray “Bazooka” Gracewski (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Springfield (MA), was on a search-and-destroy mission in the co-feature against Worcester super middleweight Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), who was dropped three times before referee Kevin Hope halted the fight.
Hartford’s pro-debuting Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera was good to the finish, albeit only two rounds, in a fight contested at a 185-pound catchweight against Philadelphian Davonte Hopkins (0-3).   Rivera, who was a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament winner, punished Hopkins, finally dropping him in the second round, after which his corner threw in the towel.
In an evenly matched junior featherweight bout, hometown favorite Ranse Andino‘s pro debut resulted in a hard earned victory, by way of a four-round unanimous decision, over Lowell’s (MA) previously unbeaten Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2  KOs)
Unbeaten Haitian heavyweight Jean Pierre “Kid Creole” Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) pounded game Mexican foe Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KOs) from the opening bell en route to a shutout six-round unanimous decision.
East Hartford prospect Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, finished off winless welterweight Rafael Francis (0-9) with a debilitating body shot early in the second round.
In his pro debut, popular Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez, a local barber, spotted his opponent, 392-pound Bobby Favors (0-4), nearly 60 pounds but Favors was unable to continue after the first round.
Southbridge, MA Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan turned in a memorable pro debut, winning a four-round majority decision over Alexander Picot (1-2-1 (0 KOs), contested at a 145-pound catchweight.
The second-oldest pro fighter in Massachusetts history, 49-year-old “Irish” Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), of nearby Auburn, MA., ended his boxing career in style with an opening-round technical knockout victory over Philadelphia junior middleweight Shavonte Dixon (0-2).
Team Shearns celebrates after his retirement fight
U.S. Marine Brandon Montella, fighting out of Saugus, MA., improved his record to 6-0 (5 KOs), as his light heavyweight Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs) suffered an injury early in the second round.
 
Complete results below:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
Main Event –Featherweights
Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO2 (1:28)
Israel Rojas (9-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Co-Feature – Super Middleweights
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (1:32)
Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jean Pierre Augstin (8-0-1, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-23, 12 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
Felix Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Bobby Favors (0-4), Cincinnati, OH
(185-pound) Catchweight
Richard Rivera (1-0, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WTKO2 (2:48)
Davonte Hopkins (0-3), Philadelphia, PA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Brandon Montella (6-0, 5 KOs), Saugus, MA
WTKO2 (0:50)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), Auburn, MA
WTKO1 (2:19)
Shavonte Dixon (0-2), Philadelphia, PA
(145-pound) CATCHWEIGHT
Wilfredo Pagan (1-0, 0 KOs), Southbridge, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Alexander Picot (1-2-1, 0 KOs), Cidra, Puerto Rico
WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
WKO2 (0:24)
Rafael Francis (0-9), Dorchester, MA
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ranse Andino 1-0, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA
 
SPONSORS:  Heavyweights – Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA Health Services; Lightweights – TKO Auto Repair, Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, @KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTIONS ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Founded in 2016, Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – along with his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.