Tag Archives: Nico Hernandez

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Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Riding on the fast track

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LAS VEGAS (June 26, 2017) — Fresh off his sensational stoppage of previously undefeated Jose “Mexican Diablo” Rodriguez, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez is riding the fast track to stardom on an exciting journey that’s just really started.
In the June 17th “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas, Hernandez improved his record to 2-0 (2 KOs), dropping Rodriguez three times and closing the show in the third round..
The 21-year-old Hernandez, fighting out of Wichita, is already proving to be a better professional boxer that he was an amateur, despite all his accomplishments and achievements in the non-paying ranks, firing effective combinations from a wide variety of angles, including punishing body shots and devastating, powerful punches to his opponent’s head.
Because Hernandez fights in the featherweight division, which is void of overwhelming talent and lacks top-notch Americans, along with his amateur pedigree and experience fighting boxers with different styles, Hernandez can likely crack the world ratings this year, possibily getting a world title shot in 2018.
“I did my thing tonight,” Hernandez said after his June 17th fight. “I’ve fought the best at the Olympics, so I wasn’t worried about what he (Rodriguez) he did. This fight was a little personal because he’d said he was knocking me out. I got tired of him and went into the ring trying to take him out. We can be friends now.
“I just need to stay on path and I will. I’ve been on the top since I started boxing when I was nine. I want to do what other Olympians like (Andre) Ward and (Vasyl) Lomanchenko have done…become world champion!”
The highest-rated flyweight in the world today is 36-year-old Brian Viloria (37-5, 22 KOs), the 4-time, 2-division world champion and 2000 U.S. Olympian. Considering his advanced age for a boxer, the “Hawaian Punch” will probably be retired by the time Hernandez is ready for a world title shot, leaving Oscar Cantu and Miguel Cartagena as the only American featherweights currently rated among the top 25 in the world.
 
“Nico was great in his last fight and everybody is seeing what we want to do with him,” Hernadez’ promoter John Andersen (KO Night Boxing) noted. “We need to step up the competition for him in his next fight, which will probably be his last six-round bout. Our plan is one more six and then an eight-rounder for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International Youth featherweight title. But Nico has options because he can easily drop down to junior flyweight or move up to super flyweight. We’ll take things fight-by-fight with him with an eye on the immediate future for a world title fight.”
The featherweight division, right now, is led by a pair of stars, Kazuto Ioka, of Japan, and Filipino Donnie Nietes. The future of lower weight-classes may very well belong to Nico Hernandez.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Stops Jose Rodriguez in the third round

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO NIGHT BOXING: RAPID FIRE”
OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM KANSAS 
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The beginning of the end for Jose Rodriguez (R) against Nico Hernandez
(All pictures courtesy of Charles Yellowfeather)

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 18, 2017) – Wichita hero and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Nico Hernandez, dominated Jose “Mexican Diablo” Rodriguez in last night’s “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” main event, which aired on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” was a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.  TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.

  Nico Hernandez (R) battered Jose Rodriguez in a one-sided contest
The 21-year-old Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs) came out fast, rapidly firing combinations that consistently landed to his opponent’s head and body. Hernandez was as electric in the ring as the sky outside, battering the over-matched Rodriguez, finally dropping him midway through the second round.
The extremely sharp Hernandez floored Rodriguez again in the third with a right-left combination but the tough Mexican rose again. The onslaught continued briefly as the Olympian pounded Rodriguez (2-1, 2 KOs), knocking him down for the third time and final time as referee Kevin Champion counted him out at 2:38.
“I came out with a victory, it can’t get better than that,” Hernandez said after the fight. “I put him down a few times. I was happy with my performance. I was trying to get out of her to celebrate with my family and friends.

“I didn’t expect him to keep coming, getting up and still coming forward. I’ll talk to my promoter and coaches and see what’s next.”

 

Nico Hernandez celebrated his triumph at home in front of family and friends

Local favorite Noel Esqueda (7-3-2, 5 KOs), of Wichita, was unable to handle Mexican junior middleweight Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (13-3, 9 KOs), fighting out of Quad Cities (IL), in the co-featured event  The two fighters fought mostly on the inside as Ponce effectively landed overhand rights on his way to a six-round unanimous decision,
Kansas featherweight rivals Eric Vargas (3-0, 1 KO), of Garden City, and Winfield’s pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez (0-1) had fans screaming from start to finish in an entertaining match. The stronger Vargas outworked the game Tellez through most of their action-packed fight to earn a hard-fought win by four-round majority decision.
In the television opener, pro-debuting Kansas super middleweights Eddie Chavez (0-1), of Wichita, and Garden City’s Luis Fernando Juanez Jasso (1-0, 1 KO) went toe-to-toe from the opening bell until there was one minute left in the opening round, when Jasso suddenly dropped Chavez with a punishing right. Chavez beat the count but he was hurting. Jasso trapped Chavez on the ropes and unloaded seven unanswered punch until Chavez took a knee and referee Champion immediately stepped in to stop the fight.
Pro-debuting Brian Clements (0-0-1), fighting out of Topeka (KS), and Garden City veteran Bryant Montalvo (1-9-1) fought to a four-round draw in a back-and-forth contest.
Winfield (KS) light heavyweight “The Prince” Juan Hollingsworth (1-0-1, 1 KO) and pro-debuting Matt Dixon (0-0-1), of Tulsa (OK), fought to an entertaining four-round split draw in the opening bout of the evening.
 
Complete results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(all winners listed first))
MAIN EVENT — FLYWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
WKO3 (2:38)
Jose Rodriguez (2-1, 2 KOs), Markesan, WI
CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Limberth Ponce (13-3, 9 KOs), Rock Island, IL
WDEC6 (60-54, 58-56, 58-56)
Noel Esqueda (7-4-2, 5 KOs), Wichita, KS
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Juan Hollingsworth (1-0-1, 1 KO), Winfield, KS
D4 (39037, 37-39, 38-38)
Matt Dixon (0-0-1, 0 KO), Tulsa, OK.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Luis Fernando Juanez Jasso (1-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WTKO1 (2:26)
Eddie Chavez (0-1, 0 KO), Wichita, KS.
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Brian Clements (0-0-1), Topeka, KS
D4
Bryant Montalvo (1-9-1, 1 KO), Garden City, KS.
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Eric Vargas (3-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38)
Humberto Tellez (0-1), Winfield, KS
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

Hartman Arena extends Box Office hours To support ticket demand for this Saturday night’s “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” event Featuring 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Airing live on CBS Sports Network  

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 13, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez returns to the ring this Saturday night, June 17, at home in Wichita for his second professional fight, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Wichita-native Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) will face unbeaten Mexican flyweight Jose Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs)in the six-round main event.
Due to ticket demand in the local market and in anticipation of a sold-out event, Hartman Arena will be extending it box office hours tomorrow, (Wednesday, June 14) and Thursday, June 15from 10 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT.
In addition, Hartman Arena personnel will be selling tickets at Mort’s Cigar Bar this Friday night (June 16) for the official weigh in, open to the public and starting at 6 p.m. ET. Mort’s is located at 223 E.1st Street in North Wichita.
“We are tracking very well with ticket sales for this Saturday’s upcoming ‘KO Night Boxing’ featuring Kansas’ own Nico Hernandez,” said Jennifer Ferguson, Box Office Manager, Hartman arena. “We are anticipating a very strong walk up as well Saturday, which is why we have extended the box office hours and will have extra staff on hand to meet Saturday night’s demands. Tickets are also available to purchase.”
Hartman Arena: 8151 N Hartman Arena Drive, Park City, KS 67147
Ticket Prices:
  • $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt Rally towel, limited edition lanyard signed by Nico, a ticket to the official after-party at Hartman arena *Only 200 VIP seats left.
  • $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and rally towel.
  • $75.00, $35.00 $20.00.
Tickets may also be obtained in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or by calling Team Nico (Jeremiah) @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
All fights and fighters are subject to change
 
“We are thrilled with the response ‘KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire’ has received from fans there,” added John Andersen President of KO Night Boxing LLC. “In our first show in this market this past March 25th in nearby Mulvane, we had more than 3,100 come out to support Nico in his pro debut, and there was a televised University of Kansas NCAA tournament game the same night. Based on the feedback I am getting, we are looking at a sold out show this Saturday night. It should make for a very special night as this event will also be airing live across the country on CBS Sports Network, where boxing fans all across North America will see how passionate people here are about supporting their hometown hero, Nico Hernandez.”

INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

Olympian Nico Hernandez had boxing float In Wichita’s Riverfest Sundance Festival parade

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 7, 2017) – Team Hernandez, featuring Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, entered a boxing float in this past Fridaynight’s 45th annual Riverfest Sundance Festival parade in Wichita.

An estimated 50,000 people turned out to enjoy the parade, as well as the opportunity to support hometown hero Hernandez, who will fight at home once again in less than two weeks.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Saturday night, June 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) faces Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-featured event. Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round match,
In the televised opener, Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Dedicated to building boxing in Wichita & across Kansas

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (June 1, 2017) – Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, is on a mission to establish his home as a real “fight town” like world champion Terence Crawford has done in Omaha, Nebraska.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Saturday, June 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, March 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which he knocked out Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Hernandez’ promoter, KO Night Boxing, LLC, is committed to showcasing Hernandez at home on national television, as well as provide a platform for young Kansas boxers for them to develop their skills and build intra-state rivalries as evident on this card.
“My plan is to do it like Terence Crawford has done in Omaha,” Hernandez explained. “I’m hoping it works out as well for me.  It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these fans and all the good, young boxers we have here.”
“This is a good opportunity for fighters from Wichita, across Kanas, to showcase their skills to the boxing world,” promoter John Andersen said. “Nico is giving all these other fighters a chance to do that by headlining our shows on CBS Sports Network. They need to fight to develop; otherwise, they’d have to travel far from home just to fight. They can build fanbases close to their hometowns.

“We’re an up-and-coming promotional company, much like Nico as a pro fighter, and together we want to build boxing across Kansas and build natural rivalries like we have on this card. Nico is the perfect fighter to do this because, in addition to being an Olympic medalist, he’s a great role model for young people in Wichita, and Kansas as a whole, to emulate. We’ve planted the boxing seed in Wichita, through Nico, and we feel that boxing is going to grow across the state where Nico is bigger than life.”

Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) meets Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-feature, while Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) takes on 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in the six-round match,
A prime example of a budding intrastate Kansas rivalry will be displayed in the televised opener as Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

Jose Rodriguez unfazed, determined to KO 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez In “Rapid Fire” main event June 17 

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (May 11, 2017) – Unfazed Mexico-native Jose Rodriguez is determined to knockout 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez on Saturday, June 17, in the “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” headline event.

Wichita-native Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) will be fighting at home against Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs), a flyweight living in Wisconsin,in the six-round main event that will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, March 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which the 21-year-old future star stopped Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Rodriguez is chasing the American dream having moved 12 years ago to Wisconsin for a job opportunity and better life for his family.  He had started boxing in Mexico but was unable to continue because he needed to work.  A few years after he moved to Wisconsin, Rodriguez decided he wanted to box again, although he had a difficult time finding a trainer who wanted to work with a 24-year-old novice.  Trainer Eddie Haynes gave Rodriguez an opportunity to join Team Certified, which includes former world title challenger Angel Manfredy, who also works Rodriguez’ corner.
After a brief yet undefeated amateur career, highlighted by Rodriguez’ gold-medal performance in the in the Milwaukee Golden Gloves Championships, Jose turned pro last July in Milwaukee against Nicholas Brand. Now, he has a pair of first-round knockouts, the last this past September against Richard Tallmadge, who was coached by Nate Jones, ironically, also an American Olympic bronze-medal winner in 1996.
Rodriguez, who drives 1 ½-hours to train at his gym, works the night shift in a factory.  “I fight for my wife and three children,” the 29-year-old Rodriquez said.  “This is a very important fight for me because, when I knock him out, it’ll open doors for me and my team.  I train very hard every day because I want to make a living boxing, or at least enough to work less hours, so I can see my kids more than the hour a day I do now.  I’ve already lost too much time
“This is going to be a good action-fight, from start to finish, as long as it lasts.  I like to fight inside, putting a lot of pressure on my opponent.  I don’t want to leave it in the hands of the judges.  No decision, I’m knocking him out.  If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight, he’ll know who I am after our fight.  I’m going to finish him!”
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) takes on Mexican invader Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (9-8-1, 3 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.  Pagacaliwangan is a Taekwondo-trained fighter of Filipino heritage.  He is a three-time Ontario Golden Gloves and two-time Provincial amateur champion in his native Canada.
Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout.  Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) faces pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
Non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard bouts featuring additional Kansas fighters will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74.  Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00.  Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Returns to headline “Rapid Fire” in Kansas 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17 on CBS Sports Network, live from Hartman Arena 

 
PARK CITY, Kansas (May 1, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez returns to the ring on Saturday, June 17, at home in Wichita for his second professional fight. “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Wichita native Hernandez will face unbeaten Mexican flyweight Jose Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs)in the six-round main event.
 
In his professional debut on March 25th, Hernandez turned in an impressive performance, entertaining nearly 3,200 passionate Kansas fans as he defeated Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event. The fight was also televised on CBS Sports Network.
 
NICO HERNANDEZ HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO FROM HIS PRO DEBUT
Feel free to view and/or post parts or all of this highlights video of Nick Hernandez’ pro debut.  To use, credit “KO Night Boxing, LLC and TITLE Boxing:
Nico Hernandez
(Picture courtesy of TITLE Boxing)

The 21-year-old Hernandez displayed tremendous poise and a few tweaks to his amateur style, adding a devastating body attack, in addition to effectively switching from his orthodox stance to southpaw at times.

“I feel that there will be even more people there this fight than at my pro debut,” Hernandez said.  “I live only a 10 to 15-minute drive from Hartman Arena, north of Wichita.
“I worked hard on body punching for my pro debut.  I didn’t do that in the amateurs (no scoring points) and I’m getting use to switching to southpaw.  Both were in our game plan and successful in my firsts fight.  I’m excited to get right back in the ring, especially at home.  Our plan is to fight every two to three months and have a total of four fights this year.”
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
“Gutierrez was the perfect opponent for Nico’s pro debut,” commented John Andersen, who promotes Hernandez as well as the June 17th show.  “He was tough but now it’s time to step it up a little against a 2-0 opponent with two knockouts.  Nico is starting to climb the ladder to get him where we want him to go.  We need to move him quicker than an average fighter, largely due to his amateur background, and he’ll probably have only one more six-round bout after this before moving him up to eight.
“I thought he looked a little nervous in his pro debut at the start, but that’s expected for a fighter making his pro debut at home in front of nearly 3,200 people, and after that he was great.  We couldn’t have asked for anything more and he did get in some rounds that will be helpful.
“This fight will be close to where Nico lives. Nico really connects to kids in the community, often speaking at local schools, and this is the perfect opportunity for parents to bring their children to watch him fight on a weekend night.
“We’re calling this show, ‘Rapid Fire,’ primarily because of Nico’s exciting style, firing crisp combinations in rapid succession, in addition to his activity level as he comes right back to fight so quickly.”
Hernandez’ father and head trainer, Lewis Hernandez, believes fans will see a more improved, well-rounded fighter in this fight.  “Nico showed his body punching and he switched around a little to fight lefthanded,” he explained, “which weren’t part of his boxing style in the amateurs.  Fans will see the fighter Nico really is but this fight he’ll get back to boxing more.  I told him that he needed to go to the body as a professional fighter but that each punch doesn’t have to be as hard.    Sometimes I need to remind him of that because he’s a fighter at heart.
“I knew he’d be okay in his pro debut (nerves-wise) because he gets going as the fight goes on.  When he hurts his opponent, he comes on even stronger.  I just tell him to box and be himself.  He’s always well-conditioned so he can go rounds without a problem.  I want him to be fast and elusive to take away his opponents’ body and then, in later rounds, go back to boxing.  He fought at 115-pounds but he’ll be back to 112 for this fight.  Nico was strong at 115 and he’ll be very strong at flyweight.”
A 29-year-old native of Mexico who fights out of Markesan, Wisconsin, Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) has two first-round knockouts in a pair of pro fights.  Rodriguez is trained by four-time world title challenger Angel Manfredy, whose invaluable experience from fighting Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Stevie Johnston and Diego Corrales certainly aids his fighter. Manfredy (43-8-1, 32 KOs) had statement victories over Arturo Gatti, Julio Diaz and Ivan Robinson, among the more notables.
Additional “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” fights will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets go on special pre-sale Wednesday, May 3, and general sales Friday, May 5, at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74.  Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00.  Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N), or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @316.806.0144.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Sports Network

U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez Building Wichita into a fight town

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
Encore presentation this Saturday night on CBSSN
 

(photo by Charles Yellowfeather)
WICHITA, Kansas (March 31, 2017) – Last Saturday night at Kansas Star Arena in nearby Mulvane, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez planted a seed in hopes of growing Wichita into a fight town, as world champions Terence Crawford and Deontay Wilder have already accomplished in the respective hometowns, Omaha (NE) and Birmingham (AL).
More than 3,100 fans purchased tickets Hernandez’ successfully professional debut, stopping Pat Gutierrez in the fourth round.  To put that attendance figure in its proper perspective, Wichita has a population of less than 400,000 and in this hoop-crazed state, the appropriately named “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” went head-to-head with the popular Kansas Jayhawks quintet playing on national television in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball championship, as well as The Wichita Force playing at home in indoor football.
The 21-year-old Hernandez is practically a sports franchise in Wichita, second only to the Wichita State University (WSU) men’s basketball team.  The city turned out in force at a parade honoring Hernandez upon his return home from the Olympics and WSU awarded him an open-ended four-year college scholarship.
 
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” Encore Presentation this Saturday night
The encore presentation of last Saturday’s “KO Night Boxing: History Begins,” featuring the pro debut of 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez, will air this Saturday (April 1), starting at 8:30 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.
“The show was a huge success and Nico, as a pro fighter, produced a more complete body of work than we had expected,” Hernandez’ promoter John Andersen (KO Night Boxing) said.  “I was very impressed.  His amateur background converted to an even better pro style.  It really showed his potential and that’s one of the primary reasons we signed him. We really believed in Nico.  He is the only fighter we have signed, right now; Nico is our stable!  We see things from a different angle than big-time promoters.  We understood that he’s a hometown hero, so we had him headline at home his pro debut on national television (CBS Sports Network).  We produce our shows on television and we enjoy telling stories like Nico’s.  We’d like to come right back to Wichita with Nico fighting in June.”
Lifelong Kansas Sean Wheelock, a non-paid member of the Kansas Athletic Commission that oversees boxing, in addition to calling last Saturday’s fights as a member of the KO Night Boxing announcing team on CBS Sports Network, has a unique perspective on the significance of last Saturday evening’s in terms of local boxing history.
“It was huge for Kansas boxing,” Wheelock explained, “the biggest show in this state since the Tommy Morrison Era (early-to-mid 1990’s).  Morrison was an adopted son, though. Nico was born here and he has a deep investment in the Wichita community.  Drawing 3000-plus for his pro debut, in a non-boxing market, was phenomenal and he has the potential to do what Crawford has done in Omaha and Wilder in Birmingham.  Boxing has strong roots in Kansas and across the Midwest, but MMA has taken over and lately, most boxing in Kansas has been on hybrid shows with MMA and kickboxing.
“Fans were loudly chanting, ‘Nico’ and ‘316’ (Wichita’s area code) before, during and after his fight. I’ve never heard fans chanting for a city like they did, ‘Wichita’, for an individual athlete.  And they were also chanting ‘USA’.  As a native Kansas, I’m proud that this state has become more ethnically and culturally diverse with more Hispanics living in Wichita.  Nico is engaged in the Hispanic community and he is a fantastic kid, too.  Because of his personality and fighting style, he can draw locally from Wichita, throughout all of Kansas, and nationally among Hispanics and Americans across the country because of his accomplishment in the Olympics.”
Hernandez is also fighting in one of the hottest divisions in boxing — 115-pound junior bantamweight/super flyweight — showcasing name fighters such as Naoya Inoue, Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco Estrada and recent addition Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.  Conspicuously absent, however, are top 20 ranked American fighters in this weight class, excluding 36-year-old Brian Viloria, the four-time, two-division (junior flyweight and flyweight) world champion.  The opportunity is right there for Hernandez to quickly establish himself as the preeminent American boxer in this weight class.
“There’s no reason for Nico to fight outside of Wichita for a couple of years as he develops,” Andersen noted.  “I feel that he can win a regional title next year. Our goal is to have him in a world title fight position within three years.  Our goal is to get him 13 to 15 fights and then promote a super fight in Wichita.  He started out in a six-round fight.  I think he’ll only have a couple more and then move up to eight-round bouts.
“Nico doesn’t waste a lot of punches, so the number of scheduled rounds won’t be a problem for him. Another fighter would have punched himself out in two rounds, fighting at home in front of a crowed like he had supporting him, but Nico showed tremendous poise, settling down and putting his punches together very well.  He didn’t chase Gutierrez, he effectively cut off the ring, and his powerful body attack was something he didn’t do as an amateur.  We wanted to see how he reacted to resistance and he passed that test with flying colors.”
Andersen noted that his company has promoted several successful shows, noting the big difference is last weekend’s show featured a world-class fighter in Hernandez.  “Making the Olympics was a big deal for Nico,” Andersen added, “whether he medaled or not.  Nico is to us what Manny Pacquiao is to Top Rank, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to Golden Boy. We’re lucky to start out with a fighter like Nico.  Fighting in Wichita was risk for everybody but it’s already paying dividends.
“We know who and what we are as a promotional company.  Nico is our top priority, our only fighter right now, and now we have a great opportunity to build off last weekend’s success.  We give Nico all the attention he deserves and he’s going to take advantage of this situation.  And we also discovered that there’s some other talented boxers in this market. Whit Hayden did a wonderful job making very competitive fights.  That’s his history, he never has blowouts.  Whit is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in boxing.  He’s the perfect matchmaker to guide Nico’s career, along with Nico’s father (head trainer) Lewis Hernandez, who we work closely with in many ways, in and out of the ring.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez
About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution.  In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind.  Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.
boxing, CBS Boxing

2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Shines in professional debut win at home

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams decisions Eduardo “Thunder” Garza to improve to 10-0
 
Neeco “Rooster” Macias crows after 
Dominant victory over Cesar Soriano
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
OFFICIAL RESULTS 
Nico Hernandez (R) is a future star
 
(all pictures by Charles Yellowfeather / KO Night Boxing)
MULVANE, Kansas (March 25, 2017) — A future star was born last night as 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez turned in a stellar performance in his professional debut, stopping Pat “Slacks” Gutierrez in the fourth round of the “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” was presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
The large, hometown crowd of more than 3,100 had Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) pumped to start the fight, in which he quickly established himself as the clear aggressor.  The 21-year-old settled down in the second, showing his full arsenal of punches, as he banged Gutierrez’ body and also landed effectively upstairs.
Hernandez cut off the ring in the third, often trapping Gutierrez (0-3) on the ropes, where he unloaded punishing punches that started to take its toll on the gutsy Las Vegas fighter. Hernandez’ dominance continued in the fourth, even as he surprisingly switched from orthodox to southpaw stance, hurting Gutierrez until his corner asked the referee to halt the action.
Nico Hernandez (R) pounded Pat Gutierrez
“It doesn’t get better than this,” a beaming Hernandez said after the fight. “It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these awesome fans.  I started switching up a little because it was worked.  I’d like to get back fighting again in two months.
“I wasn’t to thank KO Night Boxing.  This was the way I pictured it.  As I was waiting in the tunnel, I could hear the crowd chanting my name.  This was a great night of boxing.  I want to bring more shows here.
“Fighting here tonight was much different than fighting in the Olympics (in Brazil).  Tonight they were cheering me, they booed me at the Olympics no matter who I fought because I was an American.”
In the co-feature, gifted New Haven (CT) southpaw Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams improved his undefeated record to 10-0 (3 KOs), displaying special ring skills on his way to an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over tough Eduardo “Thunder” Garza (6-2, 2 KOs).
A classic boxer, Williams also showed some pop tonight, dropping Garza twice, once in the first round and again in the third. Williams, who made his promotional debut for Roc Nation Sports, rolled to victory by scores of 79-71 twice and 78-72.
Tramaine Williams (R) outclassed Eduardo Garza
“I performance okay,” Williams commented.  “The last two rounds I was a little winded but I hadn’t been in the ring for two years.  We knew he dropped his chin when he jabbed; I followed the game plan and it worked.  He fought his butt off, he didn’t come to lose.  Now, I want to fight the best. Let’s go!”
Relentless junior middleweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Tehachapi, California, enhanced his reputation as a rising contender on the regional scene, assaulting his game Mexican foe, Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), from the opening bell until the very end for a hard-fought win by eight-round unanimous decision.
A southpaw known for his non-stop motor, Macias connected with punches thrown from every conceivable angle, leaving Soriano no room to move or time to catch his wind, to win by scores of 80-71, 79-72, 78-73).
Neeco Macias had too much for Cesar Soriano
“I feel like I could have done better,” Macias admitted.  “My opponent came to fight eight rounds and we respect for each other.  I’m still learning.  Everybody has a game plan until they get hit.  I didn’t move like I should have.  I thank my opponent for giving me a fight I can learn from.

“I was surprised he took so many punches, but he’s a veteran and I didn’t underestimate him.  I trained hard and needed every bit of it.  I’m getting better and I’m coming back strong to make boxing more exciting.”

Fighting for the first time since last August, Kansas favorite Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs) dropped Missouri veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-34-1, 16 KOs) three times for a first-round technical knockout victory in a fight contested at a 186-pounds catchweight.
In a non-title fight, Kansas State junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, stopping fellow Kansan Robert Alexander Seyan (2-6, 2 KOs) in the opening round.
Kansas featherweight Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) pitched a shutout, winning all four rounds against pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia.
Kansas cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0) won his pro debut by way of a four-round unanimous decision over Raymond Gray (1-2),
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
Complete results & post-fight presser conference quotes below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Winners listed first each fight)
MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), Wichita, KS
WTKO4 (2:32)
Pat Gutierrez (0-3), Las Vegas, NV
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (19-0, 3 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (79-71, 79-71, 78-72)
Eduardo Garza (6-2, 2 KOs), Pal View, TX
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO), Winfield, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Raymond Gray (1-2, 0 KO), Columbia, MO
CATCHWEIGHT (186 lbs.)
Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs), Andover, KS
WTKO1 (2:36)
Steve Walker (26-34, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), Tehachapi, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 79-72, 78-73)
Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico
Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs), Garden City. KS
WTKO1 (1:46)
Robert Alexander Seyam (2-6, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Kevin Garcia (0-1), Rio Rancho, NM
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez & @Tramaine_Midget and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms
boxing, CBS Boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Joins elite group Saturday night in pro debut “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 25 on CBS Sports Network live from Kansas Star Arena 

MULVANE, Kansas (March 20, 2017) –– 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez will join an elite group this Saturday night as he makes his professional debut in the “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” main event, airing (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
In his six-round bout against upset-minded Las Vegas (NV) flyweight Patrick Gutierrez (0-2), Wichita-native Hernandez will become only the fourth United States Olympic medalist in the last 40 years to make his pro debut at home in a nationally televised main event.
The other three members of this special quartet, all Olympic gold medalists and pro debut winners, include Hall of Famer “Sugar” Ray Leonard (Feb. 5, 1977, in Baltimore, MD, two-time world champion Mark Breland and world title challenger Paul “Super Fly” Gonzales.
“It’s a great feeling,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said from training camp.  “I am feeling some pressure but, once I’m in the ring, everything goes away.  There definitely is some pressure on me because I’m fighting where everybody knows me in my hometown.  So, I can’t lose. At the Olympics, all the Americans there gave me more energy to win.  I didn’t want to lose in front of my people.  Fighting at home will push me to do my best.
“I’m not really focused on fighting on national television. I’m going out there to put on a boxing clinic and, if the knockout comes, it comes.  If it happens, it happens, but not going in there looking for a knockout.  I’m used to fighting only three rounds (as an amateur) but, as the fight goes on, I’ve always gotten better. Six rounds do give me more time to work on my opponent and do more damage.”
 
Picture gallery below from Nico Hernandez’ 
open workout/meet-and-greet this past Saturday in Wichita
 
Undefeated prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (9-0, 3 KOs), a gifted southpaw from New Haven (CT), takes on Texas featherweight Eduardo Garza (6-1, 2 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.
Opening the televised segment of the card, in an eight-round match, is a potentially explosive junior middleweight throw-down between unbeaten Neeco “Rooster” Macias (14-0, 8 KOs), of Palm Desert, California, and Mexican veteran Cesar Soriano (26-34-1, 16 KOs).
Andover (KS) cruiserweight Jeff Page, Jr. (17-3, 11 KOs) meets Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-33, 18 KOs), from Hannibal (MO), in the six-round television swing bout.
Also fighting on the undercard, in separate four-round bouts, are Kansas St. junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (4-0, 1 KO), from Garden City (KS), vs. Wichita’s Robert Alexander Sevam (2-5, 2 KOs), Garden City featherweight Eric Vargas (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New Mexico’s pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia, and Winfield (KS) cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth will make his pro debut vs. Raymond Gray, of Columbia, Missouri.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Ticket prices are $115.00 (ringside, rows 1 & 2), $75.00 (floor seats, rows 3-5), $60.00 (floor seats, floor rows after 1-5), $35.00 (lower bowl) and $25.00 (upper bowl).  Suites seating up to 22 people are available to purchase for $2,500 (includes non-alcohol beverages and food).
Tickets are available to purchase at  www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena orwww.ticketmaster.com. All ages show.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. CT.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez & @Tramaine_Midget and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms