READING, PA (May 2, 2011) – Junior middleweight boxer Keenan Collins of Reading, PA is set to make big waves in his hometown on May 21 when he headlines King’s Promotions “Fight For Hope” boxing event at the Sovereign Center.
The heavy-handed Collins, who has a record of 12-5-2 (8 KO), will face Allentown, PA’s Jorge Delgado (4-9, 2 KO) in a six-round bout with crosstown bragging rights at stake. Collins’ matchup was elevated to main event status after local heavyweight star Travis Kauffman withdrew from the card with a shoulder injury.
“It’s good to be back at home,” said Collins, who is making his fourth appearance at the venue. “I get to show my people what I love to do, and that’s box. My kids can see the reason why Daddy wakes up in the morning and does his running.”
This will be Collins’ first fight since December of 2009. Collins decided he needed a break from the sport after five straight years of boxing. He labored away in King’s Boxing Gym in Reading with head trainer Marshall Kauffman as he waited for the right time to return to the ring.
“I really have been impressed with his ethic in the gym,” said Kauffman. “I think he’s a much smarter fighter than he was before. What I see more of that I hadn’t seen in the last couple years is his aggressive style. He’s dropped a couple guys in the gym. That’s what he used to have when he was starting and a lot of people were worried about fighting him.”
Collins started his career 12-1-1 before being sidetracked in 2007. In a stretch where he faced two undefeated prospects and a top-rated title contender, Collins’ career lost the glimmer of promise that had separated him from the pack as a prospect.
Now a seasoned veteran, Collins is resuming his career with a renewed optimism that embodies the show’s theme, Reading’s fight for hope.
“I have five kids, and I let them know that Daddy trains hard and that hard work pays off. You get a crowd yelling for you and at the end of the fight you get to put your hands up.
“I’m being a role model to my kids, and I’m leading by example. My daughter plays an instrument and at the end of her concerts, she wants to have the crowd standing up.”
The rest of of the pro card will be comprised of local Pennsylvania talent such as heavyweight William Miranda (2-3) of Allentown, the pro debuts of Williamsport heavyweight Randy Easton and Reading welterweight Cesar Gonzales, welterweight Grayson Blake (1-0, 1 KO) of State College, PA, and lightweight Travis “The Animal” Thompson (4-7-1, 3 KO) of Pottstown, PA.
The card will also feature some of the best local amateur talent, including Quincy Staples of Reading against Abram Santos of Allentown in a rubber match to settle a 1-1 tie.
Xavier Melendez of Reading will face Exeter Township’s Kenny Williams, Fabian Valentin of Reading versus Elmer Madenia from Lebanon, and 6’6″, 280 pound Super Heavyweight Giant Joe Campano versus Darnell Hayes from Lebanon.
And in female amateurs, Tassalea “The Princess” Lopez of Reading will face Janel Grim of Lebanon.
The night will also feature exciting musical performances by local singing talent Allie Santos of Allentown and Jeffrey Beauvais of Mohntan, PA.
The event will be sponsored by Everlast, Direct TV, and GMI First.
Tickets, priced $50, $35 and $25 can be purchased by calling King’s Boxing at 610-587-5950, Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by going online at Ticketmaster.com. VIP tables and family of four special packages are also available. For more information, call 610-898-7469.
Vinny ‘The Lion’ O’Brien Seeks Third Straight Win May 20
Welterweight prospect Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien of East Hanover has exploded onto the boxing scene, winning his first two fights by way of TKO. The explosive 24-year-old fighter has already shown his power and determination, and looks to continue his winning streak May 20 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
O’Brien, who made his pro debut on PPV March 5, is looking forward to appearing on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights for the first time.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity and the ability to showcase my skills on a show that has such tradition in the boxing world,” said O’Brien. “I watch Friday Night Fights every week and I just want to go out there and show everyone who I am as fighter and what I can bring to this sport.”
O’Brien is quickly becoming a fan favorite to New Jersey boxing fans. In both of his first two fights he put on a performance that was reminiscent of a young Arturo Gatti. O’Brien was relentless with his attack and wore down his opponents punch by punch until each fight was ended.
Having garnered much attention on both a national and local level leading up to his professional debut and following his two TKO wins, O’Brien wants to continue putting on a show for his fans each time he steps into the ring.
“My fans are the best around and I don’t think they understand how much I value their love and support for my dream, along with how much it pushes me in my training,” said O’Brien. “And come fight night, I want to be the hometown kid on this card and show ESPN how great my fans truly are. If you haven’t come out to see me fight yet I just ask for this opportunity to come out so I can make you a fan. Thanks again to everyone who has shown continued support throughout my career.
O’Brien trains under the watchful eye of former heavyweight knockout artist Lou Esa at Final Round Boxing in Whippany and works relentlessly to achieve his goal of becoming world champion in the near future.
“Boxing is my life, both in and out of the ring,” said O’Brien. “I want to bring class back to the sport, and I want boxing fans to look at the sport the way they did years ago. I know that boxing will always be a major part of my life.”
Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien is quickly becoming a household name and potentially may be the most exciting up-and-coming fighter boxing has seen in years. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch NJ’s welterweight prospect go to battle May 20 at the Prudential Center.
To purchase tickets contact Lou Esa at 973-885-7962. For more information on Vinny visit www.thelionobrien.com.
Oquendo won’t fight this Friday in show “a puño limpio” in Puerto Rico; Mcwilliams Arroyo and Camilo Pérez in co-star roles
Super Bantamweight contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo can not fight this Friday, May 6 in the second edition of “A Puño Limpio” at the Coliseo Pedrin Zorrila in Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) presentation being televised live on WAPA America.
Oquendo (20-2, 13 KOs) was supposed to defend his 122lb WBO NABO title against Thomas “KO” Snow (14-1, 9 KOs) but hurt an ankle and can not fight.
“We met with Oquendo’s team and dedided that Jonathan will not fight. He is the number three ranked in the WBO Bantamweights and is better now, not risk him with this fight and his sprained ankle. we are goin to wait and if is possible we put him (Oquendo) in the next ‘A Puño Limpio’ on June 3 in Toa Baja”, PRBBP Vice president Peter Rivera said.
Now, prospects McWilliams Arroyo (7-1, 6 KOs), in an eight round Flyweight Division fight, and Camilo Pérez (2-0, 2 KOs), in a four round Super Bantamweight Division fight, will head line the show in different bouts.
Tomorrow, at 12:00 pm will be held a press conference to present the complete show “A Puño Limpio”.