26.03.05 – Sultan Ibragimov (15-0, 13 KOs) continues his quest to become the first heavyweight world champion from Russia when he returns to the ring on Friday, April 22nd at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ as he makes the third defense of his WBO Asian Pacific title..
The 30 year-old southpaw Ibragimov, the 2000 Olympic silver medalist from Russia, is now ranked #8 by the WBO after his dominating stoppage of former IBF cruiserweight champion Al “ICE” Cole in March at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Sultan is joined by his younger cousin Timur Ibragimov (17-0-1, 10 KOs) who will make the third defense of his WBC Fecarbox International title.
Also in action, New Jersey’s rising star, USBA & NABF rated hard hitting Jr.welterweight Julio “College Boy” Aquino (14-2, 13 KOs) of Passaic, NJ.
Passaic County Community College junior Julio Aquino, like most college students is deep in the middle of his school semester. Unlike the rest of the kids, however, this Passaic, New Jersey by way of the Dominican Republic is also deep in the middle of the boxing ring.
“I feel that to achieve real success in life, you have to struggle. You live to go to school and get ready for a fight,” say’s Aquino, who is often referred to as “Baby face” by friends and colleagues.
“My goal is to be a champion and to get a college degree,” he states simply but with great assurance that he will get there. Lofty goals for the graduate of Passaic High School, but he is serious and determined. Aquino was just signed by Bam Sports & Entertainment, and BAM expect big things from the youngster, “As a New Jersey native I am proud to have signed NJ’s best boxing prospect. Aquino is an exemplary kid both in and out of the ring. His smarts and character will serve him well as a professional fighter” says Vincent LaManna, of Bam Sports & Entertainment.
Aquino was an impressive 46-4 as an amateur, including a couple New Jersey Golden Gloves championship’s in the 140 and 147-pound open division in 1992-1996, and an appearance in the finals in the 140-pound division in 1992/96. So far as a pro, he is 14-2, with 13 KO’s and is poised for another victory.
Aquino gives up a lot while juggling his boxing career and college. Unlike most students, he doesn’t have the time to party and hang out with his friends. “I have to focus on me and my children. I miss out on a lot of things, but it’s nothing that I worry about. Right now, it’s studying and training. I’m doing what I want to do.”
Aquino praises the Golden Gloves competition for teaching him the importance of preparation and focus that will hopefully lead to a successful professional career. He acknowledges that it taught him how to get ready for a fight and become a professional in the game.
The rugged, southpaw says that “I always stay focused, and I am always one hundred percent in shape, physically and mentally. I’m a boxer and a puncher depending who I’m in against.” Aquino says that what makes him dangerous is his “power with both hands.” What’s really scary is that he is an educated fighter in and out of the ring, so opponents beware! Julio Aquino hits both the books and his opposition equally hard.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the first bout begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $200, $100, $55 and $25. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets (including online) or by e-mailing Julio Aquino at, Aquinosports@aol.com
The evenings entertainment will be presented by Final Forum, Inc. and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz in association with Dee Lee Promotions.