IRVINGTON, NJ (June 24, 2010) Sensational junior welterweight prospect Francisco “THE PHENOM” Contreras heads to Southern California next week to face off against Mexican veteran Noe Bolanos in the co-main event on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights on Friday, July 2nd at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. The 26 year old Contreras has become one of the most talked about prospects in boxing since the Dominican native made his debut in the United States last June, brutally stopping Gustavo Mejia in the first round at Michael’s Eighth Ave. in Glen Burnie, Maryland..
Fighting all over the country over the next twelve months, the undefeated Contreras won five more bouts, four by knockout, stunning fight fans from coast to coast with his heavy handed power in both hands and raising his record to 14-0-0 with thirteen knockouts.
On February 5th at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, Contreras made his network debut on Showtime, knocking out Juan Castaneda Jr. in the first round with a terrific combination of power shots, cementing his position as a must-see attraction to fight fans.
“Right after the Castaneda knockout, our phones started ringing with boxing writers and other promoters wanting to know more about Francisco. We’re very excited to have him on Friday Night Fights next week” said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions.
Now based in Irvington, New Jersey, Contreras is wrapping up training for next week’s scheduled eight round showdown.
“I’m already on weight, that’s never a problem. I know that he’s never been stopped but he’s never faced a puncher like me” said Contreras. “I would have no problem going the distance if need be, but if I see an opportunity for the knockout, it’s going to happen.”
About fighting on ESPN2 and the recognition he’s received since the Showtime bout, Contreras stated, “I’m excited to get back in the ring and fight again. I have a long way to go but I want to put on a great performance for the Southern California fight fans and the fans watching on ESPN.”
A native of Sonora, Mexico, the 23 year old Bolanos brings a record of 20-5-1 with twelve knockouts into battle against Contreras. In his last bout on December 12th, the veteran lost a very close, hard fought twelve round decision to Rene Gonzalez in San Luis Potosi, Mexico for the interim WBC Latino lightweight title.
Headlining ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights is a welterweight showdown between perennial contenders Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins and “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.
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), undefeated Las Vegas based welterweight Michael Finney, 3-0-0 (3KO’s), sensational Filipino newcomer, Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr, 1-0-0 (1KO) and featherweight Alex Jimenez, 1-0-0, of Perris, California.
Former amateur standouts making their highly anticipated pro debuts on the undercard include welterweight Eric Mendez of Hawaiian Gardens, California and Indio’s Gabino Saenz.
Starting at $29, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com. phone 800-745-3000) or the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office (909-244-5600). A five dollar discount is available for students, military, police and fire personnel in addition to seniors for tickets purchased in advance with ID at the box office. (One ticket per ID.)
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.