Tag Archives: edwards

Edwards Defeats Guarneros

Posted on 09/16/2019

By: Oliver McManus

British and Commonwealth belts were on offer for the winner between Brad Foster, defending both belts, and his challenger Lucien Reid. Foster, a former world champion kickboxer, arrived having had two stern tests already this year with bouts against Josh Wale and Ashley Lane in which the 21 year old negated the threats with ease. Reid, meanwhile, carried a bulky amateur pedigree as a former Team GB trialist and England representative.

Reid was looking to dust away the cobwebs of inactivity having had just two fights in 24 months, the latest stopped short after an accidental head clash, and he was loose in the shoulders from the start. He kept his head moving in similar fashion as he looked to remain busy across all facets of action – the top third of his body moving more, at points, than the lower.

Foster, trained by his father Martin, was slimmer in the build but equally enthusiastic about ‘getting involved’. Reid looked to build his attacks incrementally and initiated them from a decent range before looking to whip in close with that shuffling movement – reminiscent of Tyrone McCullagh. There was a child like excitement from Reid who really rose to the occasion and each punch landing clean gave credence to his self-belief.

The champion was cut by an accidental clash in the second but remained unfazed in the face of a forced tempo from Reid as the pace began to enter ‘frenetic’ territory. Reid was a half-step ahead of Foster as circumnavigated the ring with gleeful energy. The pace was undoing the defence of the young champion who couldn’t grab a tangible foothold in the contest but, you have to say, Foster was always there or thereabouts in terms of how effective his shots were.

Indeed the business of Reid could have been to his detriment as though it always looked as though he was doing something there really wasn’t much difference between the quality of their work; Foster, evidently, using less energy in the process. Truth be told it was an ever-moving, fast-flowing contest that was good fun to watch but it was messy in parts from the challenger who tied his opponent up frequently.

Alan Smith and Jimmy Tibbs were in the corner of Reid, who sustained a cut via a head clash around the halfway stage, and they were issuing words of ‘patience’ to their charge ahead of the sixth round. Neither man allowed their respective grazes to influence the style of the fight as they continued to get stuck in and look for those smacking shots on the inside; where things were, naturally, scrappier.

The contest remained a tight affair as each round progressed though Lucien Reid did begin to land some higher quality punches from around the eighth round as the need to settle looked to click. It was a bout where rounds could easily be given to each fighter and one of those ‘which style do you prefer?’ for the judges; you’d likely lean towards Reid, just, given his greater intensity throughout the rounds but it really was a ‘squeaky bum time’ fight if ever there was one. 116-112 to Lucien Reid on one scorecard, 114-114, 114-114 a dead heat on the other two to produce a majority draw and that is one of the best decisions in a long time – neither man deserved to lose and neither quite did enough to steal the cards.

Super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards looked to transfer his stardom to the flyweight division and did so emphatically – albeit against a limited calibre of opponent. Edwards, trained by Grant Smith, was fighting the third Mexican of his career and stylistically there was some stereotypical repetition as Rosendo Hugo Guarneros sought to fight from the frontfoot almost immediately.

Edwards opted to switch from orthodox to southpaw at a canter; interchanging the two at the flick of an elbow to highlight his flashy ootwork – arguably the most impressive attribute in his burgeoning arsenal. The ever-green youngster is always easy on the eye but he seemed to take a more measured approach to this contest as he set about controlling fight without much by way of resistance from Guarneros.

The 23 year old opted to stand during the break between rounds and he looked healthy at the weight without losing any of that fleetness of foot or sharpness of shots. As has often been the case in Edwards’ professional career, all the shots were being picked effortlessly as he illustrated the clear gulf in quality between himself and his counterpart. Unlike Hiram Gillardo, Edwards’ last opponent, Guarneros wasn’t as ‘on-top’ and ‘in-your-face’ so Edwards was able to dance around the ring with a dazzle.

Yet another well-rounded performance from Sunny Edwards who continues to showcase all the attributes of a world champion in the making but he’s going to be a nightmare to match – where do you go from here? His footwork, once more, ensured Guarneros couldn’t get close and his shots selected with precision and a clear head. If you had to pick a grip, which is really just nitpicking, then let’s see some more spite from the youngster because he’s an absolute terror with the bit between his teeth.

The long and fluid limbs of Shakan Pitters proved to be the undoing of, the defending English light heavyweight champion, Dec Spelman in the opening televised fight; both men were familiar foes having fought over three rounds in the inaugural Ultimate Boxxer tournament in November 2018. Spelman began the contest with an eager desire to soften the midriff of his challenger but it Pitters, managed by Jon Pegg, wasn’t showing any signs of distress.

Spelman edged his way towards his challenger in short, staccato steps to close the distance between himself and his counterpart and was catching Pitters on the retreat over the opening phases of the fight. Carl Greaves’ champion, despite his height and reach disadvantages, was comfortable.

Yet the tide turned just before the halfway stage with the Pitters upping the aggression and using his natural advantages – a couple of short, straight right hands bloodied Spelman’s nose as the challenger began to hit his stride. The Birmingham-man was relaxing into the contest; pushing his chin out, keeping his hands hung loose and landing swift counter-punches.

The nip-and-tuck encounter continued to ebb and flow as each fighter dug deep to ignite York Hall with a gruelling bout worthy of such a tradition-soaked venue. Spelman enticed roars from the front rows when he wobbled Pitters in the eighth with huge punches to wobble his opponent as the challenger continued to flick out his jab in an effort to restrain the assault.

An unbelievable contest that began with intrigue, a tantalising tussle of tactics and ended with pugnacious pugilistic passion – Pitters adjudged the winner by a scoreline of 97-93 on all three scorecards, a fair assessment of the thrilling bout, and become the new English light heavyweight champion.

Unbeaten Queensbury prospects Zak Chelli and Kody Davies boxed in a British title eliminator that failed to follow the drama of bout that proceeded (Spelman vs Pitters). The fight, Chelli’s first at the weight, saw the Southern Area super middleweight champion engage with confidence over the initial proceedings. Cheli remained patient in the face of Davies jagged and jolting movement, dropping his Welsh opponent in the second round with a tight jab on the inside. That shot prompted a momentary increase in the work-rate of Chelli whilst Davies remained unmoved by the development.

Davies, trained by Gavin Rees, always seemed to be the more at ease with the gameplan – never looking to force anything and sticking to the basics with rigidity. A menacing stare graced his face as he turned the screw in the middle portion of the fight, prompting Chelli to become unstuck. In Chelli’s bout against Umar Sadiq he tired significantly after the sixth round (of a scheduled eight) and that appeared to be the case in this contest, too, with Davies picking up rounds with increasing comfort. 96-94, 96-93, 97-92 to the Welsh fighter, Kody Davies.

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Sunny Edwards Set to Headline First Event

Posted on 09/13/2019

By: Shane Willoughby

The UK has many top prospects touted for big things in the sport but one fighter who is destined for a world title is Sunny Edwards. After only 12 professional fights he is already being seen as one of the most talented fighters in the country pound for pound.

This weekend he will get a perfect opportunity to showcase his tremendous skillset when he takes on Rosendo Guarneros for the IBF international title, live on ESPN+ and BT sport.

Edwards has fought the majority of his career at 115lbs and is ranked 4th with the WBO at that weight class but is dropping down to Flyweight for this bout, where his brother Charlie Edward’s is the WBC champion.

His fight on Saturday is more an exhibition and an opportunity to display the high level of skills that he is known for. It will be hard to see how Guarneros puts up much of a contest, because once Sunny Edward’s steps on the gas, he will prove that there are levels and levels between them.

If you haven’t seen the kid fight you are definitely missing out, he is arguably the most rounded prospects England have right now and not to mention the fact that he is a fantastic entertainer.

When the little guys get in the ring, sometimes it gets quite boring for fans. We expect to see speed and skills but what tends to be the problem is we don’t get the highlight-reel knockout.

Although Edwards only has 4 KO’s on his record he is definitely a showman, and whilst he might not have the power to stop his opponents he definitely knows how to keep the fans interested.

Despite that, it will be good to see if he can apply some pressure and get the stoppage. However, Guarneros is a tough fighter who has only been stopped once in his 20 fights as a professional.

David Haye once labelled Sunny Edwards a mini Lomachenko and after watching him fight a few times there are many similarities. Hopefully this Saturday he can showcase the skill that has got him this far and prove why he belongs at the highest level.

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DAZN Boxing Results: Edwards Dominates Moreno; Buatsi & Okolie Emerge on the European Scene

Posted on 03/23/2019

By: Ste Rowen

Defending his WBC flyweight title for the first time, Charlie Edwards improved his professional record to 15-1 (6KOs), with a completely dominant performance over Spanish challenger, Angel Moreno.

Edwards’ light-handed jab and power shots were enough to demoralise his Spaniard opponent over twelve rounds.

The final scorecards were 120-107 (x3), a first defence that was never in doubt. Edwards spoke in the ring,

‘‘When Eddie offered me Rosales; that rematch still stands.’’

The Londoner was well aware of his responsibilities as a champion at flyweight tonight, and Edwards went twelve rounds in dominant fashion, but with Matchroom sending their best Brits abroad recently, if Charlie wants to headline a show again, it must be a unification showdown or a bout with super-fly champ, Yafai.

If they weren’t on notice already, Britain’s best light-heavyweights are struggling to avoid Joshua Buatsi.

Tonight the Olympic bronze medallist took out Liam Conroy in three rounds. Conroy, 16-3-1, was on a 10-bout unbeaten streak, but Buatsi, in black shorts and pink gloves, fought as if Conroy was an inconvenience in his day. With Joshua, now 10-0 (8KOs) and Lonsdale belt holder, on top in the third, the Olympian went in for the finish and left no excuse for referee, Phil Edwards, to let the fight continue. Joshua spoke post-fight,
‘‘The MSG sounds fantastic. If my team gives me the green light, we’re ready.’’

In a Cruiserweight commonwealth and British unification, Lawrence Okolie took just four rounds to dispatch of Wadi Camacho. It was obvious from the start that Okolie, holder of the British strap, wanted to defy the critics that he’s too keen to clinch rather than engage.

The undefeated fighter came out swinging and although his punching was sporadic, it forced Camacho onto the backfoot early. Southpaw, Wadi Camacho was struggling to land and reluctant to throw as ‘The Sauce’ hustled the commonwealth champion out of contention. Okolie buzzed Wadi on numerous occasions early on but indiscipline, seen in previous bouts, began to creep into Lawrence’s approach.
Then in the 4th, Okolie landed a precise right hook that setup a further three power-punches without reply to drop Camacho. Wadi rose but as soon as Okolie jumped on him again the southpaw had no reply and the referee waved it off. An impressive finished from ‘The Sauce’ who becomes commonwealth champion once again and will surely be aiming his gaze at cruiserweights across the continent next. The unified British and Commonwealth 200lb champ spoke post-fight,

‘‘First and foremost, I don’t care who I fight. That’s never been who I am, or what I’m about.

As soon as I hit people they find the need to get on the inside…They don’t a’’

Making his first return to the ring since losing as a professional for the first time, Lewis Ritson, dressed in his now signature black & white shorts, defeated German Argentino Benitez, of Argentina, to a unanimous decision however the scorecards, that came back as 99-91, 98-92 (x2) all for the home fighter, did not do Benitez justice.

The Newcastle-native went in for the kill immediately, only slowing down his punch output when it suited him. However that was in the first half of the fight; Benitez came back with a resurgence in the second half of the 10-round bout, setting up a nervy ending. Ritson, now 18-1 (11KOs) claims the WBA ‘Inter-Continental- lightweight title, but more importantly returns to winning ways after his surprise decision loss to Francesco Patera in October.

Jason Quigley, fighting for the first time in Europe, made easy work of Mathias Eklund, 10-1-2 in just two rounds. Quigley of Ireland, who’s previous 15 bouts were in the US, improves to 16-0 (12KOs) and intends on fighting more frequently in the UK & Ireland.

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DAZN Boxing Preview: Edwards vs. Moreno

Posted on 03/22/2019

By: Ste Rowen

An early Christmas present and a dream realised. On the 22nd December last year, and in his second attempt in just fifteen fights, Charlie Edwards, in dominant fashion, defeated Cristofer Rosales to claim the WBC flyweight world championship. It came just over two years since his last world title attempt where he was stopped by John Riel Casimero in ten rounds.

But last December, Edwards was the man on the front foot, prepared to pressure and to take a punch to land two. Almost a coming of age fight for the 26-year-old, that proved he belonged with the elite at 112lb. Edwards has called out the current IBF super-flyweight champion and fellow Brit, Kal Yafai but Charlie’s first defence, this weekend at London’s Copper Box Arena, comes against Spaniard and Sergio Martinez managed fighter, Angel Moreno.


Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

At a press-conference, Edwards, 14-1 (6KOs) reflected on his world title win and his first defence,
‘‘When the going was getting tough and it didn’t look like it was coming off I had to believe and I had to keep pushing…I’d come in to the gym with Grant (Smith, Trainer) and I was in tears cos nothing was coming off.

I want to be a British great and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight world champion.

Not only am I headlining my own show, but I’ve got some former Team GB teammates on the show.
Angel Moreno is a great fighter. I think we’ve shared 24-rounds together but it’s gonna heat up really nicely on the night.’’

On paper the signs don’t look good for Moreno, 19-2-2 (6KOs). When the Spaniard has fought outside of his home country (once in France and Ukraine respectively), Angel has come unstuck. A 12-round defeat to Thomas Masson of France, but more significantly a unanimous decision defeat to current WBA flyweight champion, Artem Dalakian, back in 2015 when the Ukrainian was 10-0.

Almost four years on from the Dalakian defeat, Moreno has only fought a scheduled 12-round bout once, his defeat to Masson in 2016. The furthest Angel has gone – and won – is ten rounds vs. gatekeeper, Jose Rivas in the backend of 2017.

However, Moreno will be hoping to follow fellow Spaniard, Sergio Garcia (against Ted Cheeseman), in upsetting the Brit, on foreign soil,
‘‘Charlie is a great boxer, but anything can happen on the night…I don’t think Sergio’s win was any surprise. I will certainly look to take inspiration from that.’’

Also on Saturday night’s card at the Copper Box is light-heavyweight rising star, Joshua Buatsi who looks to improve to 10-0 whilst also winning the vacant British 175lb strap vs. Liam Conroy.

Buatsi, 9-0 (7KOs) was last seen in the ring making lightwork of former super-middleweight IBO champion, Renold Quinlan – knocking him out in the 1st round. In fact, Josh has stopped his last three opponents in the 1st round and now, with the British belt vacant, the timing seems perfect for the much-hyped Buatsi to take his first significant belt as a pro,

‘‘The title is part of the journey I’m taking. So Conroy is the man that’s been put forward and March 23rd, it’s gonna happen…I’ve been getting the sparring that’s been more than ten rounds. As the rounds go on I get better, stronger, fitter. I’ll be there from 1-12 so whatever number it is, I’ll take it.
Don’t be surprised if it’s the 1st.’’

Conroy, 16-3-1 (8KOs), has been waiting a while for a shot at the Lonsdale belt. The 26-year-old is on a 9-fight win streak, stretching back to late 2015. His five straight stoppage victories also make Conroy more than a live dog against the Olympic silver medallist. He seemed in confident mood when he spoke to the media,

‘‘It’s been a long time coming. I won my British title eliminator in 2017 and I’ve been working relentlessly…It’s not about the opponent, it’s about the title. No matter who it was, I would’ve took it.’’

Fighting in an intriguing British-Commonwealth cruiserweight unification, British (and former Commonwealth champ, Lawrence Okolie takes on current Commonwealth titlist, Wadi Camacho in a scheduled 12-rounds.

Okolie, 11-0 (8KOs) has been understandably criticised for past bouts, especially against former British champion, Matty Askin where, despite his proven punching power, Lawrence took a very hug-filled approach to fighting to see him through the full twelve rounds. But if any British cruiserweight can force the action out of Okolie, it must surely be Camacho.

And the two men have a shared opponent in Isaac Chamberlain who Okolie dropped twice and decisioned over twelve and Wadi was beaten over ten.

Camacho, 21-7 (12KOs), claimed the Commonwealth with a Technical Decision over Arfan Iqbal and combined with hooking up with a new team, is confident of defeating the odds-on favourite,
‘‘I’ve been reborn since my last two fights and whoever was there watching it, what you saw was just a little glimpse…Everyone knows I’m an entertaining fighter. I’ve never been in a dull fight and I’ll give it my all.’’

Lawrence fought just last month, dropping Tamas Lodi four times en route to a 3rd round TKO, and after, at times, looking a little confused on how he wants to fight as a pro, Okolie is keen on another short night on Saturday,

‘‘I see Wadi on social media calling me names but when he comes up here he’s very quiet and respectful so hopefully he can bring that same energy from social media to the fight…When I stop and think, I was working at McDonalds and yet somehow I’ve become an Olympian, somehow I’ve won the British title, somehow I’ve won the Commonwealth title, somehow I’m gonna knock out Wadi Camacho on Saturday.’’

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Boxing Insider Notebook: Ortiz, Ali, Ray Edwards, Gomez, Canelo, Ward, Kovalev, Smith, and more…

Posted on 08/30/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Ortiz, Ali, Ray Edwards, Gomez, Canelo, Ward, Kovalev, Smith, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of August 23rd to August 30th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

OrtizJennings_Hoganphotos4
Photo Credit: Hogan Photos

Sadam Ali and Eddie Gomez to Fight on Canelo vs. Smith Undercard

Fans at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas will be in for a treat on Saturday, September 17, as top welterweight contenders Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-1, 13 KOs) and Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (19-1, 11 KOs), make their grand return to the ring in respective 10-round fights. Ali and Gomez will be headlining the preliminary undercard which will start off the action on Mexican Independence Day weekend, ahead of the live Pay-Per-View telecast, on select channels before the pay-per-view event and digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.ringtvlive.com and additional websites and outlets where Ring TV is available starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT.

Diving head first into the action in the Lone Star State this September will be the pride of Brooklyn, as Sadam “World Kid” Ali makes his grand return to the ring to take on Saul Corral (21-7, 12 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight. The Bronx’s Eddie “E-boy” Gomez will also be participating in a 10-round fight defending his IBF North American Welterweight Title against Mexican fighter Dario “Maczio” Ferman (13-1, 10 KOs).

“The preliminary undercard for Canelo vs. Smith features a string of talented and exciting fighters to watch in the ring from rising welterweight contenders to young, thirsty lightweight and bantamweight prospects,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “On Sept. 17, Sadam Ali is determined to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with after a difficult loss to Jessie Vargas earlier this year, and Eddie Gomez will show the fans that he is a threat not to be ignored in the hot welterweight division. Additionally, we have some of Texas’s most promising prospects on the card with Vergil Ortiz, Hector Tanajara, Jr. and Joshua Franco and as fight fans know – some of the best fighters in the sport have come from the Lone Star State. In addition to an exciting undercard, Canelo vs. Smith will be an event that celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with activities to enjoy and celebrate Canelo reclaiming Mexican Independence Day weekend for fight fans.”

Kovalev vs. Ward Tickets On Sale September 2nd

Tickets for the most anticipated fight of the year go on sale to the public on Friday, Sept. 2 at 11:00 a.m. PT. The Saturday, Nov. 19 showdown between No. 2 Pound-for-Pound* and WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) and No. 4 Pound for-Pound* and Two-Time World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) will crown the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets start at $55 and are available on axs.com and the T-Mobile Arena box office.

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound for Pound” is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and sponsored by the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Luis Ortiz Splits with Golden Boy

Luis Ortiz has split with Golden Boy Promotions and will now be a promotional free agent.

Golden Boy Promotions spokesman Stefan Friedman told ESPN, “Golden Boy Promotions and Luiz Ortiz amicably parted ways. We are proud of the work that Golden Boy and Luis accomplished together culminating in his WBA Heavyweight interim championship victory and subsequent title defense. We wish Luis and his team all the best in the future.”

Former NFL Player Ray Edwards Signs with GH3 Promotions

GH3 Promotions is honored to announce the signing of undefeated heavyweight Ray Edwards to an exclusive promotional contract.

Edwards of Cincinnati, Ohio has a perfect mark of 11-0-1 with seven knockouts.

After a successful seven-year career as a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, Edwards has made professional boxing his full-time occupation.

The 31 year-old Edwards actually turned professional May 20, 2011 when the NFL players were entrenched in a lockout.

“Ray has shown that he has the physical tools to become a top heavyweight,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

“He has a ton of upside and with heavyweights, there is a chance to become a star very quickly here in the States. I think that because he has competed at a high level in the NFL, he has a chance to do that in boxing. We are looking to get him three fights before the end of the year. He is 6’6 255 lbs. and we will move him like like most heavyweights, steady but right and no rush. He will be at the top when it’s time. He is class act, well spoken and when he walks in a room u see his presence.

“I always loved boxing. I started doing in at as an off-season workout and just really enjoyed it,” said Edwards.

In his pro debut, Edwards won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyrone Gibson in Hinckley, Minnesota.
Edwards, who did not have an amateur fight, has increased his level of opposition and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Tyner on August 26 in Minneapolis.

“It is a big deal for me to sign with GH3 Promotions,” continued Edwards. “Vito Mielnicki has a good stable with Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom and this is the type of step I was looking for.”

Because Edwards was known for his prowess on the gridiron, his transition into the ring was not taken seriously.

“I was looked down upon because I was a football player. I have the right team around that will help develop my style. I have been in camp wiith (WBC Heavyweight champion) Deontay Wilder and I held my own, and I have confidence in myself.”

In what he thinks his move from the NFL to boxing can help persuade kids to start boxing, where in the recent past, a lot of the good young athletes have chosen other sports.

“I can help kids be passionate about boxing. Kids haven’t dedicated themselves and learned their crafts. People just see the finished products of fighters. I don’t listen to the negative comments and have good people around me.”

“I just want to stay busy and keep winning. Let me be great. In do time, people will see the finished product.”

In what playing at the highest level of professional sports, he can take into boxing, Edwards notes, “I p
played defensive line and I was focused on the ball. So I have learned to tune things out. It’s that tunnel vision that playing in front of 100,000 people, you learn that. Not to listen to the crowd and stay focused.”

When asked if what his former NFL fraternity thinks of his move to boxing, Edwards stated, “I still get support from my friends in the league. They are always asking when and where I am fighting, so I feel when the fights get higher profile, It will become a really big thing.”

Edwards will fight on September 15 against an opponent to be named in Philadelphia. The bout will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

Sampson Lewkowicz Says Peralta No Longer a Cab Driver After Huge Upset Victory Over Robert Guerrero

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of suddenly red-hot welterweight David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, says big changes are on the way for his cab-driving Argentinean fighter.

On Saturday night, Peralta (26-2-1, 14 KOs), a 70:1 underdog, came out of retirement to win a surprise 12-round split decision over former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The victory, televised nationally on PBC on Spike, has changed 33-year-old Peralta’s fortunes in the talent-rich welterweight division.

“He is no longer a cab driver,” laughed a happy Lewkowicz, post-fight. “David came out of retirement to take this fight when I offered it to him. Now his life will change. He will go back to being a full-time fighter and I will find him another big fight to win.”

Lewkowicz, credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez among many others, says his Argentinean fighter was taken lightly because he had never fought outside his homeland, but he knew what he could do.

“David is very talented fighter and very tough,” said Lewkowicz. “We knew Guerrero was in a tough battle against him, but no one else did. And I thank the great champion Robert Guerrero for giving him the opportunity. He and his team have our utmost respect.”

Lewkowicz says he will get to work finding Peralta another big opportunity as soon as possible.

“You have to like David. He is very humble and honest and he fought his heart out and now everybody knows his name. He’s a special fighter and I’m very happy to be his promoter. He was only retired because he thought nothing would ever happen in his career. He’s back now and he’ll be in the gym full-time. His cab can wait. I will find him a big fight against another top contender and try to get him in line for a world title shot. Or if Robert Guerrero feels like he wants an immediate rematch, we would give it to him. He gave us the chance.”

Mason Menard Calls Out Terry Flanagan

Coming off another impressive SHOWTIME-televised knockout last Friday, Louisiana-based lightweight contender “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard is setting his sights on WBO Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan.

“I would be more than happy to fight Terry Flanagan,” said Menard. “It would be a great fight. He’s a skillful southpaw, but he is touchable. With my power, that makes for a cat and mouse-type fight. I think sooner or later I would catch up with him.”

Menard (32-1, 24 KOs) of Rayne, Louisiana, was last seen taking out the capable Bahodir Mamadjonov in nine rounds in the co-main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast from Rochester, New York last Friday night. Before that, the 27-year-old scored a “Knockout of the Year” candidate over then undefeated Eudy Bernardo.

“He’s a star in the making with all the momentum in the world behind him,” said Menard’s promoter, Greg Cohen. “Mason is now the WBO NABO Champion and climbing up their ratings. Now that Felix Verdejo (whom Flanagan was supposed to fight) has been injured, I think Menard stepping in would make for a great match-up.”

However, Menard says he has his doubts that Manchester’s Flanagan will take the bait.

“Let’s just be real, after what I did to the last skillful southpaw (Mamadjonov) with only two weeks’ notice, I doubt he wants these problems.”

DiBella Entertainment Signs Fernandez and Roman

Looking to add to its ever growing stable of young, up-and-coming talent, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) has announced the signing of undefeated Spanish prospect Jon Fernandez and Puerto Rican amateur standout Jose Roman to exclusive long-term promotional contracts. Both Fernandez and Roman will be making their DBE debuts on the upcoming special edition Broadway Boxing card in the Premier Ballroom at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT, next Thursday, September 1. Broadway Boxing is proudly sponsored by Nissan of Queens, OPTYX, Azad Watches, and Christos Steakhouse.

“I am happy to be coming back to Foxwoods with another great card, and to have the opportunity to showcase these two new additions to the DBE roster,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Promoting Sergio Martinez was one of the highlights of my career and I am proud to say that he and I have forged a lifelong friendship. Sergio told me that Jon is one of the best young fighters he has seen in a very long time, and I look forward to helping build the career of Jon Fernandez here in the States with my friend and great champion Maravilla.”

Regarding Roman, DiBella continued, “Jose Roman was a terrific amateur, and gained invaluable experience fighting on the Puerto Rican national team. He was one of the most sought out amateurs on the island and we are thrilled for him to call DBE his home. We are looking forward to featuring him in the US, as well as in Puerto Rico, and building him in front of the huge Puerto Rican fan base here on the East Coast.”
At just 20 years of age, the junior lightweight Fernandez (8-0, 6 KO’s) is one of the most promising young prospects to come out of Spain in years. Standing at 5’11”, Fernandez is extremely tall for the 130lb. division and has devastating power in both hands. Fernandez caught the eye of former middleweight kingpin and future Hall-of-Famer Sergio Martinez when he was still fighting as an amateur. Martinez immediately saw star potential and signed Fernandez to his promotional company, MaravillaBox Promotions, in 2015 and soon after began courting the young Fernandez to his own former promoter Lou DiBella. DiBella and Martinez made things official in June, signing Fernandez to a co-promotional deal at this year’s Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards dinner, where DiBella received the James A. Farley award for honesty and integrity in boxing.

“This is a dream come true. I still cannot believe it,” said Fernandez. “I am very grateful to Lou DiBella, one of the most important and prestigious promoters in the United States, for the trust and belief that he has placed in me and to Sergio (Martinez) for the potential he saw in me as a boxer. Boxing is my life and I want to be the best. Following in the footsteps of Sergio and becoming a world champion like him is my lifelong dream.”

“I have been watching Jon fight since his amateur days and truly believe that the sky is the limit for him,” said Maravilla Martinez. “With each passing fight, he continues to show vast improvement and I believe that he has the ability to become not only a future champion but a future star in this sport. Jon has to stay focused and continue to work, to learn and to give everything he has to this sport. For Jon to have the opportunity to sign with Lou at just 20 years old, an opportunity that I did not have until I was already 32, is amazing and he has to take full advantage of it. Jon has to destroy everything that is put in his path and with time, patience and hard work, he will achieve greatness in this sport.”

A native of the boxing rich city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Roman began boxing at 13 years of age amassing a stellar 124-17 record along the way. Roman joined the Puerto Rican national team in 2012, winning three consecutive national championships from 2013-2015.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get my career underway behind such a great promoter as Lou. DiBella has done tremendous work with so many great fighters over the years, and I am looking forward to growing and shining under the DiBella Entertainment banner. It is every fighter’s dream to fight in the US, and now I have the opportunity to make my pro debut here, and for that I want to thank my manager Ricardo Figueroa and my trainer Emilio Lozado for getting me this amazing opportunity,” said Roman.

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