INDIO, CA (June 23, 2010) A press conference was held on Tuesday afternoon, June 22nd in Indio, California by TKO Boxing Promotions to announce the signing of hometown amateur standout Gabino Saenz.
Saenz will make his highly anticipated pro debut against Colorado’s Brandon Sanchez in a four round featherweight bout on Friday, July 2nd at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, as part of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights..
Among those in attendance to support Gabino at the press conference were the Mayor of Indio, Gene Gilbert, manager Cameron Dunkin, junior welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley and former world champions, brothers Julio and Antonio Diaz along with sensational Coachella based prospect Randy Caballero.
Press Conference Quotes;
Gabino Saenz;
“I’m glad I signed with such an experienced, veteran manager along with TKO Boxing Promotions, a fast rising promotional company. I am ready to begin my journey and I believe I have the right manager and promotional company to lead me to the top. I want to thank Cameron and TKO Boxing Promotions for believing in me.”
“I would like to thank the Bradley’s who I consider my second family. Coach Bradley and Mrs. Bradley and Tim have been such a great support and blessing in my life.”
“Last but not least I would like to thank my family. Without the support of my family I would not be standing here today. They have always sacrificed their dreams in order to pursue mine.”
“Once again I look forward to representing TKO Boxing Promotions as well as having Cameron by my side guiding my career as we make our way to the top. Thank you all for coming.”
Randy Caballero;
“I would like to congratulate Gabino for signing with TKO Boxing Promotions. I have known him throughout the amateurs and look forward to climbing up the pro ranks with him. I am very happy with how my career has been going and want to thank TKO Boxing Promotions for the opportunity.”
Artie DePinho, TKO Boxing Promotions
“TKO Boxing Promotions is very excited to announce the signing of amateur standout Gabino Saenz from Indio, California. This region is known for producing very talented boxers and Gabino is a product of his environment.”
“Along with Cameron Dunkin, our plan is to showcase Gabino in Southern California. We have some very talented fighters in this area with Randy Caballero, Eric Mendez, Leo Santa Cruz, Rolando Reyes, and the Chudinov Brothers, Fedor and Dmitry.”
“Gabino’s pro debut will take place on Friday, July 2nd against Colorado based prospect Brandon Sanchez at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario as part of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights presented by TKO Boxing Promotions.”
“TKO was started in 2008 by Chet Koerner and Chris Middendorf. Our theme is “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” and we truly believe Gabino fits our philosophy. He already has a good fan base and soon he will become a hometown hero.”
“I encourage everybody to get your tickets to come support Gabino in his pro debut. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster and the Citizens Business Bank Arena and start at just $29. Thank you all for coming and I look forward to seeing you on July 2nd.”
Headlining ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights is a welterweight showdown between perennial contenders Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins and “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.
The co-main event at ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will feature one of boxing’s brightest prospects, junior welterweight sensation Francisco “The Phenom” Contreras.
The action packed undercard will feature numerous world class prospects and Inland Empire fan favorites including Coachella based super bantamweight Randy Caballero, 3-0-0 (3KO’s), junior welterweight Joseph Elegele, 8-0-0 (6KO’s) of Melbourne, Florida, along with Ventura, California native, flyweight Austreberto Juarez, 9-0-0 (2KO’s), and featherweight Alex Jimenez, 1-0-0, of Perris, California in addition to pro debuting welterweight Eric Mendez of Hawaiian Gardens, California.
The Citizens Business Bank Arena is located at 4000 East Ontario Center Parkway in Ontario, California. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6pm with the first bell at 7pm.