Two world champions known for never backing down will meet at the crossroads in the main event of promoter Gary Shaw in association with Thompson Boxing’s outstanding Friday Night Fights broadcast from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, on Friday May 13.
Set to clash in the sensational 10-round “Fight Night at the Chumash” welterweight main event are Paterson, New Jersey’s former WBO Light Welterweight Champion Kendall “Rated R” Holt (26-4, 14 KOs) and Coachella, California’s former IBF Lightweight World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz (38-6, 27 KOs).
In the televised 8-round co-main, the “Next Puerto Rican Superstar”, undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Gonzalez (12-0, 12 KOs) will face the toughest test of his young career when he takes on Chicago’s power punching Rudy Cisneros (12-2, 11 KOs) in a fight that is almost certain not to go the distance.
At this stage in their impressive careers, neither Holt nor Diaz can afford to lose. Both men, already known for the thrills they delivered the boxing world in the past, will be fighting to stay relevant in today’s welterweight division. A victory means another trip up the mountain to try and make the top. A loss means a long climb back into contention.
After dropping two consecutive fights to strong opposition, Holt came back with a 1:50 TKO win last January over veteran Lenin Arroyo. Diaz has notched two good victories since he suffered consecutive losses in 2009.
“Both of these guys have too much to lose for this to be anything but a sensational fight,” said promoter Gary Shaw. “They’re both going to be coming out knowing they must win if they are to ever win another world championship.”
“Mantequilla” Gonzalez has been perfect in his professional career so far, not allowing anyone to make the final bell. But, in Cisneros he is faced with an opponent who can match him power shot for power shot. Fireworks are certain.
“I believe Jonathan has what it takes to become a champion you can mention in the same breath as Miguel Cotto, but we’ll be finding out for sure on May 13,” continued Shaw. “Rudy Cisneros’s only loss in the last seven years was on the show The Contender. He’s a tough fight for anybody.”
Scheduled to appear on the night’s undercard are undefeated Texas super middleweight Kurtiss Colvin (4-0, 4 KOs) in a four-rounder vs. TBA and a six-round all-California featherweight battle as Rufino Serrano (8-3) takes on Edgar Flores.
Also seeing action that night will be Santa Barbara junior middleweight Francisco Santa in a six-round bout vs. TBA; Colton, California, welterweight Artemio Reyes (11-1, 10 KOs) vs. TBA over six rounds, Female junior flyweight Seniesa Estrada will make her pro debut vs. TBA and undefeated super featherweight Joel Diaz (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round fight vs. TBA.
Although the Chumash has become a hotbed of world-class boxing in California, this will be the first time the ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” crew has broadcasted from the beautiful venue.
Opponents will be announced shortly. All bouts are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $35, $45, $55, $65, and $75 and are available at Star Tickets.
You must be 18 to enter the Chumash Casino Resort.
Puerto Rican sensation Jose Pedraza lights up Broadway, stays unbeaten in his United States debut
NEW YORK, NY (Mar 29, 2011) – Under the bright lights of Times Square, 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Jose Pedraza won for the second time in as many pro bouts. Pedraza dismantled Corben Page in just one round on Tuesday night in the main event of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing presented by Coors Light, from the BB King Blues Club in Times Square.
Pedraza dropped Page to his knees with a straight right just moments into the contest. The hard-nosed Page, fighting out of Springfield, Oregon, rose to his feet and fought gamely, but hit the deck again just moments later as Pedraza landed a picture perfect jab. Although Page rose again, Pedraza proceeded to chase him around the ring until referee Joe Cusano waved off the contest at just 2:25 of the first round.
“I felt quick tonight, I had the power,” said Pedraza. “I can’t wait to come back to fight in New York again.”
Pedraza, a member of DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions, and Universal Promotion’s Team Puerto Rico, plans to return to New York in June to fight during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.
Full Results from New York, NY:
Junior Lightweight: Jose Pedraza (2-0, 2 KO) TKO1 (2:25) Corben Page (1-2)
Middleweight: Darnell Boone (18-17-3, 7 KOs) SD8 (78-73, 77-74, 75-76) Willie Monroe, Jr. (10-1, 4 KOs)
Light Heavyweight: Seanie Monaghan (7-0, 4 KOs) UD4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Michael Glenn (2-3, 1 KOs)
Super Middleweight: Travis Peterkin (2-0, 2 KOs) TKO1 (2:33) Abdellah Smith (1-2, 1 KO)
Lightweight: Scott Burrell (3-0, 2 KOs) UD4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Jemell Tyson (0-1-1)
Junior Middleweight: Delen Parsley (5-0, 2 KOs) UD6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56) David Lopez (3-5, 3 KOs)
Junior Welterweight: Gabriel DeLuc (1-0) UD4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35) Joal Alarcon (0-2)
NOTRE DAME BOXING CHAMPION MIKE LEE HITS ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, MAY 6TH IN LAS VEGAS
CHICAGO, IL (March 29, 2011) Notre Dame Boxing Champion Mike Lee will make his network debut on Friday, May 6th on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights from the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
A top rated light heavyweight prospect, the 23 year old Lee, 4-0-0 (3KO’s), has impressed fans and media alike with his heavy hands and crushing knockouts.
In his most recent outing, Lee brutally stopped Pablo Gomez in the first round at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The knockout was featured in a two page photo spread in ESPN The Magazine (March 22, 2011).
Lee is currently training in Houston with the renowned Ronnie Shields. Further details of his fight will be announced shortly.
As has become the custom at Lee’s professional bouts, a very large contingent of Notre Dame alums and Chicagoland supporters will be in attendance on May 6th in Las Vegas .
ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is presented by Top Rank Incorporated.
Advance tickets to the May 6th event may be purchased by calling 877-530-4269 during business hours or after 5pm at 630-400-6380.
Lee graduated from the University Of Notre Dame in 2009 at the “top of his class”, with a degree in finance. He is a native of Wheaton, Illinois and a graduate of Benet Academy.
After winning the Chicago Golden Gloves, Lee was signed by Top Rank, boxing’s premier promotional company.
For more information on Mike Lee, please visit his website at www.mikeleeboxing.com and follow him on Facebook at Mike Lee (Boxer). Further information can also be obtained on the Top Rank Incorporated website at www.toprank.com
Additional information on the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino can be found on their website, www.mandalaybay.com