Tag Archives: Kendrick Ball Jr.

boxing, Granite Chin

“Crossroads: doubleheader results from N.H.: Kendrick Ball, Jr. hits home run vs. Bryan Vera

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“Crossroads” results from New Hampshire 

DERRY, N.H. (April 18, 2021) – Former New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. turned in a career-best performance in last night’s main event against dangerous Bryan “The Warrior” Vera on the evening portion of the “Crossroads” day-night doubleheader, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire. 

The pre-fight plan was followed as Ball (16-1-2, 11 KOs) boxed and moved, while Vera (28-17, 18 KOs) applied pressure, right from the opening bell.  Ball took control in the second round, when he stayed in the pocket, snapping off crisp combinations.  Ball fired more effective combinations in the third round as Vera started chasing his opponent.  Ball started moving around the ring and fighting from the outside in the fourth and stayed on his toes the remainder of the fight. 

Ball won an 8-round unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (United States) Silver Super Middleweight Champion. 

“This was my best fight, because of who I fought, and the magnitude of the fight,” Ball commented.  “The plan was to box and move because he was much smaller and slower.  At times I banged, when I knew he wasn’t hurting me, but I shouldn’t have taken the risks.” 

The 39-year-old Vera isn’t the same fighter he was when he beat three different world champions – Andy Lee, Sergio Mora (twice) and Serhiy Dzinziruk.  The Texan needs to decide if it’s time to finally hang up his gloves.  

“This was awesome, definitely our best show to date,” Granite Chin’s Chris Traietti declared after the show.  “We feel great about stepping up to give these fighters, especially the locals, a platform to perform on in front of fans.  I think a lot of promoters have gotten lazy.  They gave us a lane and Granite Chin took advantage.  This was our fourth show with fans during the last year.  Brian fought hard and he’s a great guy, but he’s not the same guy he was in 2011.  He needs to think about what he’s going to do. 

“Granite Chin returns here June 26th with another doubleheader.  The afternoon show will be the Granite Chin Invitational for open elite boxers.  With the New England Golden Gloves canceled again there is a void to fill.  If promoters are going to help amateurs, I certainly will, starting June 26th.” 

Challenger Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs) dethroned defending New Hampshire Welterweight Champion Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO) via a sixth-round stoppage in an entertaining co-feature.  A devastating overhand right from Bates gave him his new crown as the referee didn’t even count as the ring doctor quickly entered the ring.  

Larry “Hitman” Pryor took the contract out on Scott Lambert and he wasted little time taking care of business to become the New Hampshire Cruiserweight Champion.  Pryor took advantage of his decisive height and reach advantages, closing the show with a perfectly thrown left hook that sent Lambert to the canvas.  Lambert managed to beat the count, but the referee stopped the fight midway through the opening round when he saw Lambert wobbling back and forth on rubbery legs. 

Lanky lefthanded Francis “The Tank” Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs) graduated last night with a brilliant performance against Larry “Slo Mo” Smith, who was in his 60th career fight.  Hogan put down Smith early in the third round and caught the Texan late in the same round with a lefty-combination to the temple.  Smith beat the count, but he was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round, and  20-year-old Hogan became the new New Hampshire Junior Middleweight Champion. 

Former New England heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs) positioned himself for another N.E. title shot with a spectacular knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO). The 263-pound Rolfe, fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, charged across the ring at the bell and put his Arizona opponent to sleep right in his corner, when he was counted out at the 20-seconds mark. 

The newest member of the fightin’ Whitley family from western Massachusetts, undefeated welterweight Denzel Whitley, cruised to his fourth victory with his fourth knockout.  He drilled Aquilandro Brandao late in round one and the fight was stopped by the referee. 

Undefeated Jahye Brown (9-0, 7 KOs) captured the vacant ABF Athletic junior middleweight title with a hard fought 8-round unanimous decision over a game Mexican opponent,Dormedes Potes (12-4-1, 9 KOs).  The two fought toe-to-toe from the opening bell and Brown landed the more effective punches inside to earn the victory.  

Promising middleweight prospect Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste improved to 2-0 with his second knockout, blasting out Bruno Dias in the third round.  

Fighting for the first time in more than eight years, Fall River, MA welterweight Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs) won a 4-round unanimous decision over pro-debuting AnthonyAndreozzi in what can best be called a rough and tumble match. 

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo’s professional debut was a gem as the Holyoke, MA fighter dropped Theo Desjardon twice, the last closing the show late in the first round.  

“Cannon” Berry stops Ibarra in 5  

UBO All-America Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs) successfully defended in the afternoon card’s main event, overcoming a slow start in which he was buzzed to stop challenger Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs) in the fifth round. 

Berry finished the fight in the fifth, when he unloaded twin barrages of unanswered punches on a trapped Ibarra until the referee waved off the fight. 

“I’m glad it wasn’t a 4-round fight,” Berry said after the fight.  “He was a strong guy.  I was feeling it.  He tested me.  I want to thank my family and friends here, and Granite Chin and everybody involved in the promotion.” 

In the co-featured event, New England heavyweight champion Mike “Fly” Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), in a non-title fight, knocked out Tracey Johnson (4-10-6) in the third round. 

Popular Boston Irishman Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs) – 6’ 6”, 269 lbs. – needed only 42-seconds and one big right to stop pro-debuting heavyweight Marco Nascimento. 

Massachusetts welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff convincingly won his pro debut against Jader Alves (0-5) as he pitched a 4-round shutout 

Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds had an awesome pro debut, dropping cruiserweight Francisco Neto twice in round one, the second a vicious body shot ending the fight.  Edmonds, a southpaw from Worcester, MA, is a college graduate and bonafide prospect to watch. 

In a non-title fight, New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) schooled his 54-fight Las Vegas opponent, junior middleweight Rynell Griffin. Ohan decked Griffin three times in the first round, the third with a left hook to the body from which Griffin was unable to beat the count. 

Canadian cruiserweight Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) landed two stinging rights to the body of 63-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, both flooring the Missouri fighter, the second resulting in an opening-round knockout for the vacant ABF Atlantic title.  

Connecticut welterweight Omar “The Beast” Borday, Jr. (1101, 3 KOs) dominated 65-fight journeyman Dewayne Wisdom en route to a one-sided 8-round unanimous decision. 

Official results below: 

OFFICIAL RESULTS 

NIGHT CARD 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP  

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (16-1-2, 11 KOs), Worcester, MA 

WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) 

Bryan Vera (28-17, 18 KOs), Austin, TX 

(Ball on WBC USNBC Silver middleweight title)  

CO-FEATIURE –NEW HAMPSHIRE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs), Taunton, MA  

WKO6 (2 :26) 

Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA 

(Bates won the N.H. welterweight title) 

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Larry Pryor (14-23, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD 

WTKO1 (1:50) 

Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO), Dover Plains, NY 

(Pryor won the N.H. cruiserweight title) 

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Francis Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs), Weymouth, MA 

WTKO3 (3:00) 

Larry Smith (12-46-2 (8 KOs), Dallas, TX 

(Hogan won the N.H. junior middleweight title) 

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Jahyae Brown (9-0, 7 KOs), Schenectady, NY 

WDEC8 (79-72, 77-74, 77074) 

Dormedes Potes (12-3-1, 9 KOs), Woburn, MA 

(Brown won ABF Atlantic junior middleweight title) 

HEAVYWEIGHTS 

Justin Rolfe (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME 

WKO1 (0:20) 

Alfredo Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO), Douglas, AZ 

WELTERWEIGHTS 

Denzel Whitley (4-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA  

WTKO1 (2 :42) 

Aquilando Brandao (0-4), Boston, MA 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS 

Julien Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA  

WTKO3 (2 :26) 

Bruno Dias (0-5), Boston, MA  

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT  

Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), Holyoke, MA 

WTKO1 (2:16) 

Theo Desjardin (0-7), Attleboro, MA 

WELTERWEGHTS 

Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA  

WDEC4 (39-36, 39-036, 39-37 

Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Swansea, MA 

. 

DAY CARD 

MAIN EVENT – UBO ALL-AMERICA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Brandon Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME 

WTKO5 (1:29) 

Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs), Bisbee, AZ 

(Berry retained the UBO All-America welterweight title) 

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS 

Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 

WTKO3 (0:38) 

Tracey Johnson, (4-10-6, 0 KOs), Boston, MA. 

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 

WKO1 (1:02) 

Steve Walker (26-37, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO 

(Pellerin won the ABF Atlantic cruiserweight title) 

HEAVYWEIGHTS  

Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA  

WTKO1 (0:42) 

Marco Nascimento (0-1), Bow, NH 

CRUISERWEIGHTS 

Demek Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 

WTKO1 (2:56) 

Francisco Neto (1-12), Woburn, MA 

            JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS 

Mike Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), Holbrook, MA 

WTKO1 (2:52) 

Rynell Griffin (8-46-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 

WELTERWEIGHTS 

Eric Goff (1-0, 1 KO), Weymouth, MA 

WDEC4 (40-30, 40-34, 40-34) 

Jader Alves (0-5), Woburn, MA. 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS 

Omar Borday, Jr. (11-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT 

WDEC8 (80-70, 79-72, 78-72 

Dewayne Wisdom (7-56-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN 

INFORMATION:   

Facebook.com/GraniteChin  

Twitter: @Granite_Chin 

boxing, UFC

No place like home for Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 11, 2020) – A lifelong dream will become finally reality on February 28th, when undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) fights at home for the first time as a professional in  Worcester, Massachusetts.

Ortiz will headline a CES Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), at the historic Worcester Palladium.  His opponent in the 8-round main event will be Mexican knockout artist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs), a former WBC  FECOMBOX lightweight champion.

“I’ve never fought in Worcester as a professional,” Ortiz said at a recent press conference.  “I’ve wanted to do this bad to let people in Worcester see what it has.  It’s going to be extra special because two of my closest friends, Irvin Gonzalez and Kendrick Ball, Jr., are also fighting on this card.  We’ve fought together since we were kids.”

The 23-year-old will not be defending his WBC Youth World title, because he will relinquish his belt in April, when turns 24 and becomes ineligible in terms of the age requirement (23 and younger).

“Jamaine had one of the most prestigious amateur careers ever in New England,” Ortiz’ promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES Boxing) said.  “He already owns the WBC World Youth title and has World Champion written all over him.”

“The Technician” is fine tuning his game and he’s already looking ahead to the not too distant future.

“I’m very excited to be fighting February 28th for the first time in Worcester,” Ortiz added.  “It’s an exciting card with action-packed fights. I expect it’ll be sold out and hope so, because I want to prove to my city, my promoter, and local businesses that big-time boxing belongs here and will be supported by Worcester.  In 2021, I want to bring world championship boxing to the new baseball stadium (Polar Park, the future home of the Worcester Red Sox, Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) across the street that will seat 10,000.”

The Feb. 28th show showcasing Ortiz worldwide will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Tickets are on sale and available to purchase at CESBoxing.com, the Palladium box office or from Team Ortiz.  Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m./ ET.

boxing

Long-Awaited Pro Debut for Worcester Father Owen Minor

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Owen Minor with his sons, (L) Ramiel and Amaren
 
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 5, 2019) – Decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor has spent the past three years focusing on fatherhood responsibilities. Minor will make his long-awaited professional debut with his two sons at his side on the “Every Man for Himself” card, Shearns Boxing Promotions’ (SBP) inaugural event, on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
The 32-year-old Minor, who didn’t start boxing until he was 23, captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments. New England boxing fans have been anxiously waiting for his pro debut.
 
Why did it take so long for Minor to turn pro, especially after a relatively late start in the sport, in addition to developing into quality national amateur boxer?
 
“I was being a father,” Minor explained. “I have two sons, now 11 and 8, and living in Worcester is tough. I wanted to make sure that I put them in the right direction.”
 
A former standout football player (fullback/defensive end) at Holy Name High School, Minor knows what he’s talking about, working full-time with juvenile offenders for the Department of Youth Services in Westborough, MA.
 
“We are excited to have Owen making his pro debut on our first card,” promoter Chuck Shearns remarked. “He is at a point in his life where he feels he can balance boxing and family. Owen is in tremendous shape and can punch through concrete! Fans will really enjoy watching his fight.”
 
The 6′ 1″, 235-pound Minor will be making his pro debut on a card headlined by his cousin and fellow Worcester boxer, Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (11-1-2, 8 KOs), who faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title.
 
Kendrick Ball, Sr. trains his son as well as his nephew, Minor, who takes on Philadelphia’s Corey Morley (0-2-1) in the four-round, co-featured event.
 
“It’s a privilege to make my pro debut in my hometown on a card headlined by my cousin,” Minor said. “Not every boxer gets a chance like this. It’s a great honor for me. I love the City of Worcester and the people who live here. Boxing has always been big in my family and I want to continue our legacy in Worcester boxing.”
 
Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) meets an upset-specialist, Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Bridgeport, CT junior lightweightCarlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Haven, CT junior welterweight Anuel Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) vs. the Bronx’ Danny Morales (0-7), and New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA.
 
Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout against Dallas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online atthepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.

 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.
 

INFORMATION:
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing
boxing

Hometown favorite Kendrick Ball, Jr. headlining at home to establish his place in Worcester’s rich boxing history

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 21, 2019) – Worcester boxer Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. is living the dream and closing in on some of his goals in the ring.
 
Ball (11-1-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of his native Worcester, MA, will headline his first show and fight for his first title belt, when he headlines “Every Man For Himself”, the inaugural event presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester. This will be the first time Ball headlines a show, in addition to fighting for his first title, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title,
 
The 26-year-old Ball, promoted by CES Boxing, faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio.

“This fight is so important for me because I’ve always wanted to headline in my hometown and fight for a title,” the 6′ 3″ Ball said. “Another goal of mine, before I started boxing, was to fight on a card with my cousin, Owen Minor, who will be making his pro debut. He’s a big puncher and people can expect a big KO from him.
 
“I’m an exciting fighter who likes to get knockouts. Expect something big to happen March 15th. I’m working on boxing more, using my jab a lot, to improve. I don’t know a lot about my opponent, but I understand he likes to move a lot.”
 
“Shearns Boxing is happy to have Kendrick Ball, Jr. headline our Mar. 15th card,” SBP promoter Chuck Shearns commented. “He’s a good kid whose family is rooted in Worcester boxing. There definitely is a rise in the number of quality fighters coming out of Worcester. This will probably be our last chance to watch Kendrick Jr. fighting in Worcester before his promoter, CES Boxing, has him fighting on the national scene.”
 
Ball, who started boxing at 13, experienced an unusual start to his boxing career, losing his first nine amateur bouts, before becoming a decorated boxer who turned pro in 2016.
 
“I wasn’t really ready, my head wasn’t into boxing when I started,” Ball explained. “I didn’t want to quit, and that experience taught me to never to give up. I knew that I was good – I had success sparring with pros – but it wasn’t there when I fought. I kept punching and grew into my own.”
 
Ball captured gold medals at three Western Golden Gloves Championships, plus top honors at the Rocky Marciano Tournament, also becoming a prestigious USA New England champion.    
 
Trained by his father, Ken Ball, Sr., who owns and operates Camp Get Right gym in Worcester, Ball Sr. & Jr. have succeeded when many father-son relationships in boxing have often failed.
  

“We have a tight bond and we’ve been doing this since he was little,” Ball Sr. reported. “It’s worked out well. I try to separate father-son and make it trainer-boxer, but that’s hard at times.”
 
His son added, “It’s all good. Sometimes it’s difficult and becomes a little hard, but only because he’s pushing me. He’s my trainer, mostly, during fights.”
 
Father and son agree that there is a boxing resurgence in Worcester, which has a rich history dating back a century, but it also went through a slow period. Ball is part of a gifted quartet that’s making noise today in boxing, joining Khiary Gray, Jermaine Ortiz and Irvin Gonzalez.
 
“Over the last three years,” Ball St. remarked, “boxing has been hot again in Worcester. There are a lot of talented, young boxers in Worcester. Once Khiary turned pro, that triggered a lot of boxers turning pro.”
 
“We’re all close,” Ball Jr. concluded. “We’ve trained together and support each other.”
 
Worcester boxing is on the rise and more talent is turning pro, starting Mar. 15th when Ball’s cousin, Minor, makes his long-awaited pro debut in a four-rounder versus Corey Morley (0-2-1), of Philadelphia.  
 
Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout, co-featured event against Dallas challenger Taronze Washington (17-26, 9 KOs).
 
Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on upset-minded Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Springfield, MA lightweightCalixto Cruz (1-0) vs. TBA, Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA, and Bridgeport, CT junior lightweight Carlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO).
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online atthepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.
 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing
boxing, Granite Chin

3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera returns with a bang KO winner in his first fight in 7 years

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS 
THE CHAMP IS BACK: referee Bob Benoit (L) and Jose Antonio Rivera

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 19, 2018) – Seven years after his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera returned to the ring in grand fashion last night (Saturday) to headline “Homecoming, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), 35 pounds lighter than he was in February when he started training, packed the house in his hometown, fully entertained his supportive fans. Three-time, two-division world champion Rivera pressured Larry “Slomoshun: Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs) from the opening bell and he never let up.

 

 

 

It took a few rounds for Rivera to wear off the rust, but he fed Smith a steady diet of body shots, gradually breaking down his opponent, as he won round after round on points. Twice in the sixth round it looked like Smith was done, but the tough Texan showed a lot of heart to survive.

 

 

 

Finally, Rivera closed the show in the seventh round, when Smith broke his hand in the fifth round and was unable to continue, kneeling in his corner, obviously in pain.

 

 

 

“I’ve always been tough,” Rivera said after the fight, “but I was a little rusty. He tested me early but, once he saw I wasn’t going anywhere and knew he was in for a fight. I started warming up in the fourth round. I was always a 12-round fighter. I didn’t know he broke his hand until after the fight. I feel great. We gave a good fight to the fans who have always supported me.”

 

 

 

“I give myself a C+ tonight. I’m going to talk with my family, but I’m thinking about one more fight, to make it 50 for his pro career).”

 

 

 

Jose Antonio Rivera (R) had a successful comeback fight

 

 

 

In the co-featured event, Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs) demolished Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-4), flooring him with a right uppercut and soon after finished him with a vicious body shot for a technical-knockout victory in the opening round. The popular Ball was fighting at home for the first time as a professional

 

 

 

The rematch between Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) and Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs) ended in the same fashion as their first encounter did three years ago. Also fighting at home for the first time, Gray blasted out his game opponent, cracking him with a picture-perfect, left-fight combination that put Fernandez on his back. Fernandez beat the count, but referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

 

 

 

Southbridge, MA junior middleweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, using a relentless body attack to drop Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs) three times, the last ending the fight midway through the third round.

 

 

 

Springfield, MA junior lightweight Joshua Orta (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an impressive pro debut in a barn-burner that ended when (1-8-1, 1 KO), of Worcester, was unable to continue fighting after the third round.

 

 

 

Worcester welterweight Eslih Owuso (1-0) pitched a shutout in his pro debut, decking veteran  Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs) twice in the second round, en route to a unanimous decision win.

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the night, 45-year-old Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-14-1, 2 KOs) dropped Patrick Leal (0-5) 10-seconds into the fight, once more later in the opening round, and stopped him in the second. Oritz, fighting out of Springfield, MA by way of Puerto Rico, was fighting for the first time in five years, and he registered his first victory in seven.

 

 

 

Official results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Jose Antonio Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO 7 (1:07)

Larry Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs), Dallas, Texas

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:21)

Fabian Valdez (2-4, 0 KOs), Cananea Sonora, Mexico

 

 

 

MIDDLWEIGHTS

Jose Angel Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKO2 (1:03)

Patrick Leal (0-5), Somerville, MA.

 

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:27)

Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

 

 

 

Wilfredo Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs), Southbridge, MA

WTKO3 (1:29)

Engelberto Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), Agua Prieta, Mexico

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Eslih Owusu (1-0), Worcester, MA

WDEC4 (40-34, 40-35, 40-36)

Bryan Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

Joshua Orta 1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO3 (3:00)

Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

 

 

 

 

Event sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto Championsofhealth@USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings

Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57.

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds was donated to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChinPromotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing, Granite Chin

New “Homecoming” opponent for headliner “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
This Friday night at The Palladium in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 15, 2018) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera has a new opponent for his comeback fight this Friday night in “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs), who was matched against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan, didn’t find out until yesterday (Tuesday) that Galvan had broken a finger the night before. Texas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith (10-37-1, 7 KOs) is the late replacement for Rivera in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

“I am not a fan of late changes,” Rivera said, “but at this point it’s either that or no fight, and I’ve trained too hard not to fight.”

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray(15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball faces Mexican Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-3) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14, 3 KOs), Springfield’s (MA) pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs) and Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Somerville’s (MA) Patrick Leal (0-4).

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing, Granite Chin

“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera   “Homecoming” Open Workout  Photo Gallery 

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera  
“Homecoming” Open Workout 
Photo Gallery 
The Champ is back – Jose Antonio Rivera
Photo Gallery below – all pictures courtesy of Cristian Nunez
WORCESTER, Mass. (August 9, 2018) — Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera held an open workout yesterday at Camp Get Right in Worcester, MA, in preparation for his comeback fight August 17, headlining “Homecoming, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) headlines against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals: Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs), junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) and pro-debuting Eslih Owusu.
Ball, Jr. and Owusu, along with nearby Southbridge’s Wilfredo “El Sacaro” Pagan and Worcester’s Edwin Rosado, joined Rivera at last night’s open workout.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (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.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).
A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera, @Granite_Chin

(L-R) — Co-promoter Chuck Shearns & Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera with Kendrick Ball, Jr. being interviewed in background

Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera
  Kendrick Ball, Jr.
Kendrick Ball, Jr.
  Kendrick Ball, Jr.
boxing, Granite Chin

“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera to headline “Homecoming”

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The Champ is back!
 
August 17 at The Palladium in Worcester, MA
 
“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera hitting the pads with his trainer Sean Fitzgerald

 

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 31, 2018) – A dozen years after he captured his third world title in two different weight classes, seven since his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Rivera returns to the ring August 17 to headline “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) has already lost more than 30 pounds, now within four pounds of his contracted weight, since he started training earlier this year. He will headline against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

 

 

 

In front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera capped his boxing career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia(25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

 

 

 

“The idea to return to the ring started with my son. A.J., and I talking about chasing history,” Rivera explained. “We are not able to put that together right now (A.J. was born with Spina Bifida and he was unable to secure medical clearance in time for the Aug. 17th show.), but because of my hard work these last six months, I felt that it was only fitting to continue with my fight.

 

 

 

“Granite Chin Promotions has been very instrumental to make sure that this show is put together in the most professional manner possible. I won’t think our promotional company (Jos and A.J. own and operate RPE Promotions Entertainment) would have been able to pull this off. All the negotiations had to be done and me training the only way I know how, at a championship level, would have been too much for us to handle.”

 

 

 

Granite Chin Promotions’ co-promoter Chuck Shearns added, “When Jose and I started talking about his ring return, I was the last person to think he was crazy. We were friends during his championship days and I know how incredibly committed and disciplined Jose is. I fought at 49 years old, not to compare myself to the level Jose has been on, but I know that it can be done. What everyone should know is how well Jose has taken care of himself during his thirties and into his forties. Did I ever think that Chris (Traietti, GCP co-promoter) and I would be co-promoting Jose’s comeback? No, but I’m happy to be involved and I will support him as far as he wants to take this. He’s been training like he’s 25 and Jose’s going to surprise some people.”

 

 

 

During Rivera’s title reigns, unlike other world champions, he also held a full-time job as a court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court, a position in Worcester that he still holds 17 years later. Between working and training, never mind his family responsibilities, Jose somehow manages to balance everything in his extremely busy life.

 

 

 

“Let’s just say it makes for a busy schedule,” Rivera remarked. “I am committed to taking care of my family and will do whatever it takes. I usually run before work and train after work. Starting early and finishing late makes for busy days, but the job needs to get done. Right now, I’m in the middle of the hardest period of training. The week of the fight is more about preparing mentally and making weight. There’s nothing you can do the week of the fight to help you get into better shape.”

 

 

 

Rivera isn’t under any illusions that his comeback will lead to another major world title. The plan is for him to have two more fights to reach a total of 50 as a pro, but he’s taking things one fight at a time, and he still hopes his next fight, tentatively slated for later this year, will be on the same card as his son’s pro debut.

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The battle-tested Galvan, his Aug. 17th opponent from Indiana, has fought other world champions, Including Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Paez and Paul Spadafora.

 

 

 

“I hear he comes to fight and that he likes to fool around a bit to try and get into his opponent’s head,” Rivera added. I’ve concentrated on me, my timing and focus on the game plan

 

 

 

“Training for this fight has been more mental than anything else. I have been able to reach peak performance at 45 training like I did in my prime. The most important thing is that, working with my trainer Sean Fitzgerald, I’ve been focused on making sure my timing gets better since it’s been seven years since I last fought.

 

 

 

“And, of course, it’s always a great feeling to box in front of my hometown fans. Their support is always appreciated.”

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because six fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball meets Demetrius Walker (8-21-2, 4 KOs) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boxing

OFFICIAL CES BOXING WEIGHTS FOR TOMORROW NIGHT’S LIVE STREAM ON FITE TV

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Airing on FITE TV PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (June 8, 2017) — Boxing fans may watch tomorrow night’s entire CES Boxing card, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
Main Event – New England Junior Middleweight Championship (8)
Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), Champion, Stoneham, MA 152 lbs.
Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs), Challenger, Worcester, MA 154 lbs.
Co-Feature – Junior Middleweights (8)
Mark DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), Quincy, MA 154 lbs.
Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), Chicago, IL 156 lbs.

Heavyweights (6)

Juiseppe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs), Richmond, VA 235 lbs.
Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs), Wilmington, DE 224 lbs.
Middleweights (6)
Kendrick Ball, Sr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA  163 lbs.
Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), Newark, NJ 162 lbs.
Lightweights (6)
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), Dallas, TX 136 lbs.

Lightweights (4)

Michael Valentin (pro debut), Providence, RI 137 lbs.
Kevin De Freitas (pro debut), Somerville, MA 137 lbs.

Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs), Salem, MA 138 lbs.

Placido Hoff (1-1-1), Providence, RI 136 lbs

Featherweights (4)
Ricky Delossantos (1-0), Pawtucket, RI 126 lbs.
Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), Newark, NJ 124 lbs.
 
WHEN:                      Friday, June 9, 2017
WHERE:                   Twin River, in Lincoln, RI, USA
 
PROMOTER:            CES Boxing
LIVE STREAMING: Available to watch live on the FITE app and its website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
 
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
boxing

FITE TV to stream New England Jr. Middleweight Championship

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FITE TV to stream
New England Jr. Middleweight Championship
Live on PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (May 25, 2017) – FITE TV will stream the entire CES Boxing card, featuring the New England junior middleweight title fight, on Friday night, June 9, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, live on Pay Per View from Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
The June 9th CES Boxing show is available to watch on the FITE app and website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
Boxing fans may watch the entire card simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
N.E. Junior Middleweight champion Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Stoneham (MA), will defend his title against Worcester’s (MA) Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Vendetti is riding a 10-fight win streak, knocking out eight opponents during this stretch, while Gray is a former Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and Northeast Junior Middleweight champion.
The best fighter on the card is undefeated junior middleweight Mark “Bazooka” DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), a U.S. Marine from Quincy (MA) who fought in Afghanistan. He’ll be tested by always-dangerous Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), of Chicago, in the eight-round co-feature bout.
In six-round bouts, Worcester’s Kendrick Ball Jr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten middleweight Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), of Newark (NJ); highly-touted Providence lightweight prospect Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) returns to fight Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), of Dallas; Virginia heavyweight Joe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs) takes on Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs); New Bedford (MA) junior middleweight Ray Oliveira, Jr. (7-1 1 KO) – son of former two-time IBU World champion Ray “Sucra” Oliveira – meets Jose Rivera (3-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Hartford (CT), in a rematch of a fight won by Oliveira.
In another hotly-contested regional showdown, New London (CT) junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (4-0, 2 KOs) squares off with fellow unbeaten Miguel Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield (MA), in a four-round bout. Oher four-round matches include Salem (MA) junior welterweight Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs) vs. Providence’s Cido Hoff (1-1-1), Pawtucket (RI) featherweight Ricky Delossantos (1-0) vs. Newark’s Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), and Providence’s pro-debuting Michael Valentin vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Additional PPV fights are scheduled on FITE TV on a weekly basis.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @FiteTV