Tag Archives: Ruben Villa

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Ruben Villa Scores Impressive Knockout Win on Saturday Night

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PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 2, 2018) – Fast rising featherweight Ruben Villa (12-0, 5 KOs) used an explosive sixth round to knock out Ricardo Lopez (7-3-2, 6 KOs) in the “New Blood”main event Saturday night from Omega Products International in Sacramento, Calif.

 

 

 

Villa, a southpaw fighting out of Salinas, Calif., showed off his superior skill set to a sold out crowd that witnessed a devastating knockout win.

 

 

 

Throughout the fight, Villa used a sharp jab to set up left uppercuts and straight rights. While most boxers use the jab as a range finder, Villa uses it to inflict pain on his opponent either by landing it, or sending an unexpected power shot to the head or body.

 

 

 

The 21-year-old also found success on the defensive side, limiting Lopez to very few clean looks.

 

 

 

The thrill ride came toward the end of the sixth round when a multi-punch combination floored Lopez. The Mexican fighter would get up, but it would prove a poor decision. Villa promptly unloaded power shot after power shot until referee Edward Collantes put a stop to the carnage at the 2:49 mark.

 

 

 

“I was landing solid punches in every round,” remarked Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I knew I would be able to take him out. I wore him down and in the sixth I just let me hands go and I caught him with a lot of heavy punches. I was surprised he got up. He was a tough guy.”

 

 

 

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

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
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Ruben Villa Defends WBO Youth Title Saturday from Sacramento, CA

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Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

 

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (June 26, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight standout Ruben Villa (11-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif stars in the main event this Saturday when he takes on Mexico’s Ricardo Lopez (7-2-2, 6 KOs) in an 8-round fight that will mark his third start of the year.

 

 

 

The bout will take place this Saturday, June 30, from Omega Products International in Sacramento.

 

 

 

The slick southpaw defends his WBO Youth title that he won in April in his hometown. Villa thoroughly outpointed Marlon Olea for his first championship as a professional.

 

 

 

“I’m anxious to get back in the ring,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora. “I like being active. I’m defending my title for the first time. I’ll have a lot of fans in attendance so I’m ready to put on a great show.”

 

 

 

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook and ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 7:45 p.m. PT / 10:45 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 7:45 p.m. Omega Products is located at 8111 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95826, and can be reached at 916-635-3335.

 

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

 

 

 

 

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 Ruben Villa Speaks to Troubled Kids at Monterey County Youth Center  

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PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (April 25, 2018) – One week after winning his first professional title (WBO Youth) in his hometown of Salinas, Calif., prized featherweight prospect Ruben Villa paid a visit to the Monterey County Youth Center where he spoke to at risk adolescents.

 

 

 

“There were a lot of young kids, kids that are still in high school that never really got the guidance that you would want them to have,” said Villa, who sports an undefeated record of 11-0, 4 KOs. “My message was simple. You can still better your life, but you have to find the motivation that’s going to make you want to change.”

 

 

 

Villa, 21, was fortunate to have found the sweet science at an early age. He started boxing the same year he entered kindergarten. Many youth in Monterey County and the greater Salinas area get involved with gangs at a young age and enter a path of criminal behavior that almost always ends in incarceration.

 

 

 

“I just tried telling them my story how boxing kept me focus and out of trouble,” Villa said. “At the end of the day, you need to do right by your community. I think these kids want to change and make their family proud, but they need reinforcement and help.”

 

 

 

Although young himself, Villa has developed a reputation for caring deeply for the area he grew up in. The southpaw is always looking for ways to help.

 

 

 

“It’s just one of the qualities that I saw in Ruben when I signed him,” said manager Danny Zamora. “He is very humble and makes me very proud that he is such a positive role model to the community of Salinas. I am glad that he is giving back to the kids that need it the most.”

 

 

 

The Monterey County Youth Center is a residential facility and aftercare program offering educational and rehabilitation opportunities for juvenile court wards.

 

 

 

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

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  Ruben Villa Wins WBO Youth Title Saturday Night in Front of Hometown Fans  

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PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (April 16, 2018) – Prized prospect Ruben Villa(11-0, 4 KOs) continued his upward trajectory by thoroughly dismantling Marlon Olea (13-3, 12 KOs) to win the vacant  WBO Youth Featherweight Title Saturday night from his hometown of  Salinas, Calif.

 

 

 

 

Villa, just days before his twenty-first birthday, headlined his first event and won his first title in front of a raucous home crowd. The southpaw delivered an impressive performance, winning every round on all three scorecards (80-72 x3).

 

 

 

 

“It’s exactly how I wanted to end this night,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I blocked out the crowd and just did what I had to do. Olea moves around a lot, but I was able to land whatever I wanted.”

 

 

 

 

After a feeling out first round, Villa turned up the heat in the second. Both hands began to split Olea’s guard, which became a constant theme throughout the 8-round title fight.

 

 

 

 

As in his other fights, Villa consistently landed a seldom used punch by most boxers, a stiff jab to the midsection that neutralized the Colombian’s attack.

 

 

 

 

 

In the third round, a “Ruben” chant broke out in the Salinas Storm House, just as the former back-to-back Golden Gloves champion started to land heavy combinations. Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora, thrilled the sold-out crowd with his aggressive punching.

 

 

 

 

“I thought Ruben had a terrific performance on Saturday,” said Artie Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions.  “It was a great night for him to perform in front of his hometown fans, and capture his 1st title.  This is the 1st of many titles in Ruben’s future, and by the way, the fans turned out for him. I see Salinas being the home of many more fights for Ruben.”

 

 

 

 

“Ruben put an exclamation point on what turned out to be a fantastic event,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “It’s the best I’ve seen him fight since he turned professional. He showed the skill and confidence of a veteran, yet he’s barely turning 21. The sky is the limit for Ruben.”

“New Blood” was presented by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing
Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
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Ruben Villa Eyes First Title Saturday Night from Salinas, CA

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Photo Credit Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing Promotions

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (April 11, 2018) – Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs)looks to add the first championship of his young career when he battles Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) for the vacant WBO Youth Title this Saturday night from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif.

 

 

 

 

Villa, who turns 21 next week, will be fighting in his hometown for the first time as a professional.

 

 

 

 

“There’s a lot of firsts for this fight,” Villa said. “It’s a great feeling to fight for a title and to do it in my home city with me as the headliner [also a first], it’s a dream come true. These are the types of fights I’ve been working toward ever since I was little.”

 

 

 

 

The southpaw with fast hands and high IQ split his training camp from the arid climate of Riverside, Calif., to the coastal weather of Salinas. Villa faced a variety of sparring partners to prepare for the quick hitting style that Olea will bring on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 

“The key to any training camp is to get tested against quality fighters,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I went against boxers that were real slick with their movements, and others that came forward and threw a lot of punches. I feel confident in what I want to do against Olea.”

 

 

 

 

In addition to making his first headlining appearance on “New Blood,” Villa also fights for the first time at 8-rounds. He is coming off three straight 6-round unanimous decision victories. Until recently, Villa had won every round on every scorecard in his six decision wins with the exception of dropping one round on one scoresheet against Juan Sandoval in February.

 

 

 

 

Olea, for what it’s worth, holds a unanimous decision loss to WBA world champion Danny Roman from November of 2016. That matchup was contested at 122-pounds, while Saturday night’s fight is set for 126-pounds. Villa would appear to have the size advantage, as he is a natural featherweight with room to fill out as he gets older.

 

 

 

 

“In this sport, you take any advantage you can get,” Villa remarked. “He’s still a talented guy so I can’t get over confident on that.”

 

 

 

 

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $75 & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

 

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

 

 

 

 

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907.

 

 

 

 

“New Blood” is presented by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

 

 

 

 

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

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Undefeated Ruben Villa Makes Homecoming Debut in Salinas, California on Saturday April 14th

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March 23, 2018)–Heralded featherweight prospect Ruben Villa returns home for the 1st time as a professional as he headlines in the Northern California city of Salinas on Saturday, April 14, from the popular Salinas Storm House.
The show is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
“Ruben has been coming along great, and on April 14th, he will thrill his hometown fans,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.  “We are looking forward to this special night for Ruben, for him not only to put on a great performance in his hometown, but to capture his first championship.”
“This show has been in the works for more than a year,” said Alex Camponovo, who as Matchmaker and General Manager of Thompson Boxing. “It’s an excellent show from top-to-bottom featuring talent from all over the Bay Area and surrounding parts. You have Ruben looking to win his first professional title [WBO Youth] in his hometown.”

Villa, 20, will be locked in a battle with fellow prospect Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) of Colombia in the 8-round “New Blood” main event where the WBO Youth Featherweight Title is up for grabs. Villa, a southpaw, is currently in Riverside, Calif. with trainer Max Garcia preparing for his main event debut.

“I’m excited to headline my first event,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’ve been preparing for this my whole life. It came fast. There’s a lot to be happy about. It’s a title fight, and it will be in front of my hometown fans.”

Villa will certainly receive a challenge from Olea. He holds a unanimous decision loss against WBA World Champion Danny Roman and is known as a pressure fighter with excellent instincts.

“He’s a mover, and he’s quick with his hands,” Villa said. “I’ll be ready for him. We are getting a little bit of everything in this training camp. I’m sparring guys that like to box and guys that are coming in and pressuring.”

New to Villa for this fight has been the abundance of ticket requests from local boxing fans. The former two-time Golden Gloves Champion has already sold 400 tickets, yet the requests keep pouring in.

“To be honest, I’m not sure how it’s going to feel to fight in my hometown,” Villa said. “I tend to tune out all the white noise and just box. I’m sure there will be some moments when I recognize the crowd. I have to enjoy it, but keep my poise.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $75, & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing .
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Heralded Prospect Ruben Villa Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision this Past Friday Night in Ontario, California

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2017)- Heralded prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. made it ten straight wins to start his career by outpointing veteran Juan Sandoval (15-18, 5 KOs) of Mexico. Scores: 59-55, 60-54 twice.
The bout was the co-feature this past Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa, 20, capitalized on his southpaw stance by landing a strong jab and countering with a right hook that routinely found its mark. Sandoval often looked confused and never managed to find any angles against the busier Villa.
“I just tried to keep the pressure on him from start to finish,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I think he fought a cautious fight, but I was still able to land a lot of punches in every round.”
Villa was most impressive in the fourth and fifth rounds when he delivered numerous sets of combinations that stunned the taller Sandoval. While Villa kept his unbeaten streak alive on Friday night, another, less recognizable streak ended. In his previous unanimous decision wins, Villa had won every round on every scorecard. On Friday night, one judge failed to give Villa all six rounds (59-55).
“That streak was bound to end sooner or later,” Villa said. “I’ll have to start another one.”
“Once again Ruben had a terrific outing on Friday night,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
“Ruben continues his progression and development, and we are extremely pleased at where he is at.  2018 is going to be a big year for Ruben, as we will see him fight for some regional titles in the next 12-18 months.”
“Ruben looked impressive yet again against a veteran opponent,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “Ruben is developing and maturing quicker than we anticipated. He’ll be back in the ring very soon.”
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
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Top Prospect Ruben Villa (9-0, 4 KOs) in Action TONIGHT!! in Ontario, CA

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Philadelphia, Penn./ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2018) – Rising featherweight talent Ruben Villa (9-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. faced some fight week uncertainty after his initial opponent, Ruben Tamayo, fell in and was replaced by Juan Sandoval (7-20-1, 4 KOs) of San Bernardino, Calif. late Wednesday.

The “Path to Glory” co-feature between Villa and Sandoval is set for 6-rounds and originates from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. Tonight.

Villa, a former two-time Golden Gloves winner, gave his take on tonight’s last minute match up, his early dominance on the scorecards, and what its like sparring against heavier competition.

Your main sparring partners for this training camp were Joel Diaz, Jr. and Andy Vences. Both fight at a heavier weight class than you (135-140 lbs.). What kind of advantage will that give you on Friday night?

“It’s a tremendous advantage. My trainer, Max Garcia, wanted me to spar bigger, longer guys with respectable records. Both Joel and Andy have hit the 20-fight mark and are highly skilled. I went four-minute rounds with them to make sure I was prepared for Tamayo. They gave me excellent work.”

Is there anything specific that you dialed in on for this training camp?

“I’m trying to use more angles so I can attack in different ways. Also, trying to mix up my movements so I don’t telegraph what I’m trying to do.”

Your opponent, Juan Sandoval, was added at the last minute. How does this affect your preparation?

“It’s boxing. This type of stuff happens all the time especially when you’re first starting out. I’m not too worried. I put in an excellent training camp and I’m prepared for everything.”

Of your five wins that have resulted in unanimous decision victories, you’ve managed to win every round on every scorecard. Did you expect that kind of dominance early on?

“Staying in the gym pays dividends, but at the same time you should see that type of dominance in a prospect. The ability to impose your will boosts your confidence. I see every round of every fight going my way. It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence and you need that belief otherwise you’re in trouble.”

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via our Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 8:00 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. in Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing .
Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
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Demetrius Andrade wins 12-round unanimous decision over Alantez Fox in Middleweight Debut

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Televised Live on HBO Boxing After Dark®

Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover remain perfect in non-televised action

All Photo Credits: Emily Harney / Banner Promotions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Verona, NY (OCT. 21 2017) -Two-Time undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade made a successful debut as a middleweight by winning a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alantez Fox at The Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The bout was the co-feature bout of an HBO Boxing After Dark® tripleheader
In round one, Andrade rocked Fox with a blistering straight left hand.  Fox was wobbled badly, and Andrade jumped on Fox.  After landing several hard follow up shots, Fox was able to hold on and get out of the first frame.  Andrade was dominant as he continued to land swift combinations at will.  That opening flurry caused Fox to engage very sporadically during the fight
In round seven, Fox was awarded a dubious knockdown when Andrade slipped on the wet canvas.  Television replays showed that Fox did not even land a punch during that exchange.
That was the only blemish for Andrade, as he controlled the action by using his superior skills on both the inside and landing crisp and sharp punches on the outside and he cruised home to the victory.  Compubox punch stats showed the dominance of Andrade as he outlanded Fox 158-52 over the 12-round bout with Andrade winning the power shots by a 132-29 margin.
Those stats were evident in the scoring as Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island won by scores of 118-110, 118-109, and 116-111 to push his perfect mark to 25-0.
Fox loses for the first time, and the native of Forestville, Maryland is now 23-1-1.
ANDRADE QUOTES
“I did what I had to do in there.  I think I did very well, but I will look at the fight and then give myself a grade after that,” said Andrade.
“I did everything I needed to do.  It was a great experience to go 12 rounds at this weight.  Fox is a tough kid, and after I hurt him early in the first round, he recovered well.  He wasn’t sloppy and he knew how to survive, so that is why I did not finish him.”
“I took my time and I needed the 12 rounds.  I knew I could hurt him and had the pop to do it.”
“I will go back and work on putting a little more pop on my punches and I feel that I can do a lot of damage.”
“He was a big test.  Nobody would step up and face him, and I did.  This is why I am the best, because I am willing to face anybody.  Fox is a good fighter and he will do damage down the line, but like I told everybody before the fight, Look out It’s me again!.”
In non-televised action, Ruben Villa remained perfect by winning a six-round unanimous decision over German Meraz in a featherweight bout.
Villa controlled the action against the 100 fight veteran Meraz.  Villa won by shutout margins on all cards by the scores of 60-54 which made Villa of Salinas, California raise his mark to 9-0.  Meraz of Agua, Prieta, Mexico is 54-45-1.
The card opened up with Michael Dutchover beating down and eventually stopping Anthony De Jesus Ruiz in round four of their six-round lightweight bout.
Dutchover landed heavy blows throughout the contest and had Ruiz in trouble several times before the bout was stopped at 2:42 of round four.
Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California via Midland, Texas is now 7-0 with five knockouts.  Ruiz of San Luis Potosi, Mexico is now 2-4.
The Andrade – Fox bout was promoted by Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and A-Team Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The Villa – Meraz & Dutchover – Ruiz fights were promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing .
Twitter, Instagram: @StarBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/starboxing
Youtube: youtube.com/starboxing
Host of the October 21st event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is an award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The October event will mark Turning Stone’s 23rd nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone is celebrated for its noteworthy boxing events such as boxing legend Mike Tyson selecting the resort as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and in April 2015, Turning Stone was selected to host “Fight of the Year” contender – Matthysse vs. Provodnivkov – over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami.  Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.
Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale now and available for $65 for ringside seats and others priced at $25, $30, $40 and $49, plus any applicable fees.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Corrales vs. Machado is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super World Super Featherweight Championship, to be held Saturday, October 21 at the Turning Stone in Verona, New York. The main event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by TECATE, THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Thor: Ragnarok, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.
Professional media requesting credentials for Corrales vs. Machado must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CorralesMachado into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone; and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #CorralesMachado
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Heralded Prospects Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover to appear on non-televised undercard this Saturday night at Turning Stone Resort Casino

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2017) – Heralded prospects, featherweight Ruben Villa (8-0, 4KOs) and junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (6-0, 4 KOs) will return to action this Saturday night on the non-televised portion of an HBO Boxing After Dark® card at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Villa of Salinas, California will take on 103 fight veteran German Meraz in a featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California via Midland, Texas will fight Anthony De Jesus Ruiz in a junior lightweight contest. 
Villa and Dutchover are co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
Both are training in Santa Fe Springs, California and are ready for their 2nd appearances on the East Coast.
Each fighter chimed in with thoughts on their respective battles.
“Everything has gone good in training camp.  I just fought four weeks ago, but I stay ready and that is the case now. I am ready for Saturday night,” said Villa.
Meraz is by far the most veteran opponent that Villa has faced.  He has been in the ring with 25 undefeated opponents and 9 world champions.
“I just need to be patient against him.  He has over 100 fights and knows his way around the ring.  If a knockout presents itself then I have to take it, but I want to display my skills.”
Being on a big card has the 20 year-old Villa excited, and he is looking to endear himself to the New York fight crowd.
“I am excited to be fighting on a bigger show.  It motivates me to do better and get on the broadcast someday soon.  It is very exciting to be on these types of events.”
This will be the ninth bout for Villa in just fifteen months he is very happy about the progress of his career.
“When I signed the plan was to be active, and that has been the case.  I would like to get one more fight in this year.  But I first I am very excited to put on a great performance on Saturday night.”
Dutchover has moved his camp from Texas to California, and the results have been very good as he heads into his bout on Saturday.
Photo by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing
“Everything is going great.  I just fought last month, and I felt good.  I am ready to go back to the east coast, and put on a great show.”
Like Villa, Dutchover was very impressive in his east coast debut on April 14th, and he is looking to cement himself as one of the top prospects in the junior lightweight division.
“This is nothing new.  I have fought on big shows before in the amateurs. The ring is my home.  As long as I am in the ring, I will do my thing and put on an impressive performance.”
Even though Dutchover has very little to go on when it comes to scouting Ruiz, Dutchover is already a young veteran and is leaving no stone unturned.
“I do not know much about him, but I am prepared for anything he will bring, and then I will adjust.  I have had many different sparring partners with diverse styles, so that gets me ready for any opponent.”
“I planned for this, and I train hard.  I am always ready when I get the call for a fight.  I am glad that I have been busy, and I have been improving with each fight, and next year should be a good year in my career.  I have a mentality that if I train hard, the fight is easy.  When I get in the ring, I just like to have fun.”

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