In a few years, boxing historians may look back on Friday, June 27 as a day when fans got to see the fighters making up the future of the sport of boxing all fighting on one spectacular card. Given the amateur pedigree and pro success of Abner Mares, Nestor Rocha, the Velasquez Brothers and Hector Sanchez – who own a combined pro record of 61-0 – it goes without saying that Golden Boy Promotions’ latest card at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon , California will be another one to remember..
Doors open at 4:00pm and the first bell rings at 4:30pm. The TeleFutura ‘Solo Boxeo’ broadcast begins at 8pm ET / PT (delayed on the west coast).
Tickets, priced at $35, $75 and $125, can be purchased at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Box Office at (951) 755-5391 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Abner Mares (16-0, 10 KOs ) is considered by most boxing insiders to be the sport’s next bantamweight star. The Montebello, California resident and member of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team, burst onto the pro scene in style, dazzling fans with his speed and boxing skills. Despite being just 22 years old, he has already beaten fighters far more experienced than him, including his most recent conquest over 34-fight veteran Diosdado Gabi, who he took out in just two rounds to retain his NABO Bantamweight championship on March 15. Further confirming his status as a boxing prodigy, Mares is trained by legendary Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain, who considers Mares one of the most talented fighters he has ever trained.
The pride of Montebello , California , Nestor Rocha (18-1, 6 KOs) has thrilled fans from Texas to Tokyo over the course of his seven year career. Hitting his stride in the last couple of years, Rocha bounced back from his lone loss with a ninth round TKO of former Mexican Olympian Cesar Morales last November, and he is eager to follow up that win in even more emphatic fashion on June 27.
Carlos Velasquez (7-0, 6 KOs ) has been tearing through the junior lightweight division since turning pro in February of 2007. A 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian who compiled an incredible amateur record of 220-30 and owns an amateur win over highly regarded Cuban champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, Velasquez has won all seven of his pro fights, six by knockout, and looks to follow in the footsteps of Puerto Rican icon Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad to multiple world titles. In his last bout on March 22, he decisioned 48-fight veteran Manuel Sarabia over six rounds.
The twin brother of fellow prospect Carlos Velasquez, featherweight prospect Juan Velasquez (7-0, 4 KOs ) has the experience, talent and desire to make a lot of noise in the 126-pound division. A stellar amateur who compiled a record of 210-40, Juan’s pro journey began on February 22, 2007, when he scored a four round unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Manuel Angulo. He has only gone the distance twice more in his subsequent six fights as he has compiled an unbeaten record which includes three first round knockouts and a win over 34-fight veteran Elvis Martinez.
Junior welterweight Hector Sanchez (13-0, 5 KOs ) is a two-time Puerto Rican national amateur champion and a 2000 Junior Olympic Bronze medalist who compiled a 72-10 amateur record. A tall (6’2”) and complete fighter who can box or bang, the 21-year-old turned pro with a four-round win over John Temple in March of 2005 and with 11 more victories under his belt, including a first round TKO of fellow prospect Roberto Astacio in September of 2007, he is hitting his stride and ready to make his move into elite level of the junior welterweight division on his way towards reaching a self imposed goal of World Championships in five weight divisions. Sanchez made his debut under the Golden Boy Promotions banner on the May 3, 2008 De La Hoya vs. Forbes undercard.
Opponents for all fighters will be announced shortly.