Tag Archives: young

Posted on 05/30/2018

Compiled By: William Holmes

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

Photo Credit: Luis Arevalo Jr./Westside Boxing

Diego De La Hoya and Mercito Gesta Workout Quotes

Diego De La Hoya (20-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico hosted a media workout today at Wild Card Boxing Club ahead of the June 8 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. De La Hoya will defend his NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles against Jose “Sugar” Salgado (35-4-2, 28 KOs) of Cozumel, Mexico in the 10-round main event.

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Champion:

“This is going to be a tough fight. Salgado has the record of a knockout artist. But that doesn’t intimidate me. I’m going do a good job and show that I’m back. I’m going to show that I’m ready for a world title shot. He’s been saying a few things about me, but he just wants me to lose my focus. He can talk all he wants, but I’ll do my talking in the ring. All I have to say is that I’m going to give a great fight. Winning this fight, I want to face any champion who will give me the opportunity. But they just have to know what they will lose their title fighting me.”

MERCITO “NO MERCY” GESTA, Former Lightweight Title Challenger:

“I feel excited for every fight. It’s another great event. Every event that I fight I treat as something special. Manzanarez is tough, but I’ll need to figure him out in the ring. Based on the videos, it’s tough to get on the inside because he’s tall, long and knows how to use that as advantages.”

“I learned from my world title fight. It boosted my confidence because I did so well against a great fighter. Every opponent is different and has different styles. I can’t look down on this guy. He’s not a stepping stone, and I will treat him as a world champion. I see myself fighting for a world title again soon. I still feel strong and ready. I still have a long way left in my career. I want any champion in the division. I’m always ready to take a fight.”

Anthony “Juice” Young Signs with Real Deal Entertainment

Boxing manager Rich Masini announced that welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young has signed a promotional contract with Real Deal Entertainment.

Young (18-2, 6 KOs) of Atlantic City will make his debut under the Real Deal Entertainment banner when he takes on this Saturday night when he takes on Enver Halili (10-1, 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout at Boardwalk Hall in his hometown of Atlantic City.

“I am happy to join Real Deal Boxing. They are an up-and-coming promotion,” said Young.

In Halili, Young will be fighting the brother of a former opponent who defeated Young for one of his two defeats.

“I expect a tough fight. I saw his fight against Raymond Serrano, and I think he was winning until he got disqualified. I expect to get the victory.. At the end of the day, he is not his brother Skender. When his brother beat me, it was just a little setback.”

The Atlantic City native is honored and motivated to be performing on Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame weekend.

“It is special to fight at Boardwalk Hall. I am now at the point of my career, that I am set on bigger fights, and it is an honor to fight on Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame weekend. It motivates me as I want to be be inducted when my career is over.”

Masini, who has managed Young for the last six-years, is excited at the new partnership that he has for his fighter.

“I have seen “Juice” Improve greatly over his last seven fights. It is Anthony’s commitment and his team led by trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas that have done a great job with his preperation,” said Masini. “In addition, Anthony’s dad, Teany has helped me in the management end of things. I am very proud of him. He has matured inside and outside of the ring.”

“I am looking forward to working with Real Deal Entertainment. Sal Musumeci has been a long time friend, and this is the final piece of the puzzle in-terms of completing the team around Anthony. The reason that I am in this business is because of people like Anthony. He is loyal, dedicated, and now has all of the pieces to become world champion. We have tried to keep him busy, but in the last eight-months, we have had some fights fall out, but we are back on Saturday against Enver Halili. “Juice” will be ready to show all that he is on the rise.”

Ballard vs. Idigov Added to Claressa Shields vs. Hannah Gabriels Card

The Salita Promotions professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, is heating up even more with the announcement of an intriguing match-up of promising light heavyweight prospects with local ties.

In a fight with explosive action written all over it, Detroit’s own James “The Equalizer” Ballard (10-1, 3 KOs) will face undefeated Aslambek Idigov (12-0, 5 KOs), from Detroit via Grozny, Russia, over 10 exciting rounds.

Fighting mostly in his home city, the 28-year-old Ballard has become a fan favorite for his fearlessly aggressive style. Ballard says he refuses to lose on his home turf of Detroit.

“Expect a war,” said Ballard. “I will go out there and give the fans what they want by going toe-to-toe. I am coming for Idigov’s O. I’m not going to be out-boxed in my hometown. It’s a respect thing. It’s going to be a long night for him. We are training hard and ready to go hard every round if it takes that long. June 22 can’t get here soon enough. I’m more than ready to send Russia back home.”

A compact puncher with pinpoint accuracy, Idigov has fan favorite written all over his muscular frame. Since he began training in Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, Idigov says he’s learning to fight the American way.

“Training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit has been a great experience for me and I learn a lot and get better every day. I love their philosophy that the best win is a knockout!”

James Ballard is a very good fighter. I have no problem fighting him and winning in his hometown, which is becoming my second home as well. Let’s get it on!”

“This is a classic, crossroads fight between two talented and hungry prospects,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “This is a ‘pick em’ type of match that will bring excitement to fans in the championship City of Detroit!”

The skillful pair will duel as part of the untelevised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend to Feature Mazion vs. Pauldo on ESPN

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion(12-0, 11 KOs) of Austin, Texas will put his undefeated record on the line against once-beaten Daquan Pauldo(17-1, 9 KOs) of Orlando, Florida in an eight-round super welterweight fight in the co-main event of the June 8 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. In the main event, Diego De La Hoya(20-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will defend his NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles against Jose “Sugar” Salgado(35-4-2, 28 KOs) of Cozumel, Mexico in the 10-round fight.

ESPN3 will stream the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 will air the fights at 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Mazion has the tools and the team that are guaranteed take him to the top, especially since he is trained Ozell Nelson. Nelson is known for training former undisputed middleweight championand Olympic Bronze Medalist Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor, who in his prime ended Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins’12-year reign as world champion. Mazion has been touted to have all the skills that Taylor had bad more, reflected partly by his 90% knockout rate.

“I have the team and the skills, both of which will do all the talking,” said Travell Maizon. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be the co-main event for such a legendary weekend, especially because I’ve got a legendary coach behind me. I want to thank Golden Boy and my team. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Representing Orlando, Fl., Daquan Pauldo, formerly known as Daquan Arnett, only has one-blemish on his record. Pauldo has come back with six impressive victories since.

“I’ll make sure that people haven’t forgotten about me,” said Daquan Pauldo. “I wanted to be more active this year. I’ve been training harder at my original weight class, and I will come into the ring on ESPN showing that I’m someone you should look out for. I want to thank Golden Boy and my team for this opportunity. I’m ready.”

The event will take place during the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, where legendary fighters such as “Dr. Ironfist” Vitali Klitschko, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, and Ronald “Winky” Wright will be inducted, along with important figures in the sport of boxing such as Peter Kohl, Steve Albert, Jim Gray and Lorraine Chargin.

Super lightweight prospect Daniel Zorrilla (6-0, 5 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto will participate in the night’s swing bout, which is schedule for four or six rounds against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Participating in a four-round super lightweight fight, Dallas, Tex.’s Alex Rincon (3-0, 3 KOs) against Agua Prieta, Mex.’s Engelberto Valenzuela (11-13, 3 KOs). Rincon, whose fights have all ended in a knockout, will seek to maintain his unblemished knockout record.

Kenneth “Bossman” Sims, Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago, Il. will participate in a six-round super lightweight fight. The “Bossman” fought at the 2012 Olympic Trials, losing to eventual representative Jose Ramirez by one point.

In a four-round heavyweight fight, Syracuse, New York’s Luis Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) will return to Turning Stone Resort Casino after ending his previous fight in a clear unanimous decision victory. Lawrence Gabriel (2-1-1, 1 KO), who also represents Syracuse, will open up the card in a four-round cruiserweight battle and will return after a technical knockout victory earlier in May.

De La Hoya vs. Salgado is a 10-round super bantamweight fight for the NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don Chargin & Paco Presents.The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. ESPN3 will stream the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 will air the fights at a delayed start time of 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend is packed with a series of events starting Thursday, June 7 until the induction ceremony on Sunday, June 10. The weekend kicks off on Thursday with the opening bell ringing and ringside lectures on the museum grounds. Friday, June 8 will feature another series of lectures preceding the celebrity fist casting, followed by the highly anticipated Fight Night, broadcasted live from Turning Stone. Saturday, June 9 will showcase a golf tournament, a 5K race, another series of lectures, a boxing autograph card show, a VIP “Gala” and the Banquet of Champions at 8:00p.m. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the Parade of Champions and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 2:30p.m. Click here to see the full schedule.

Host of the June 8 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 26th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Christina Hammer Training Camp Notes

Unified Women’s WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer has taken to the mountains of Austria for this leg of her intense training camp.

Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) will make her U.S. fighting debut while defending her titles against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) on Friday, June 22. The bout will serve as a supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super-middleweight champion Claressa Shields’ attempt to become a two-division world champion against unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

Shields vs Gabriels will be contested for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships and telecast on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. Extensive highlights of Hammer vs. Nelson will also be shown.

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division since 2010. The 27-year-old says training at elevation in the mountains of Austria is bringing the best out of her.

How has training camp gone so far?

“My camp has gone well. We train three times a day and work hard to be in the best shape possible on June 22 in Detroit.”

Can you tell us about your current training location?

“We are in Austria, staying at a place in the mountains that is about 5000-feet elevation. It’s amazing here. The nature and the mountains inspire me and give me power. It’s very comfortable to do my roadwork and go to the boxing gym because everything is situated in a comfortable way.”

What is a typical day like at training camp?

“We’ve been in Austria for the last 10 days. At 7:30 am, we start the first interval runs. At 9 am, I have breakfast and at 11 am, we go up to the mountains to our gym (which is at 6500 feet high) to do my strength and conditioning work. Later, in the afternoon, we start our boxing work. The nature and beautiful surroundings give me peace of mind.”

How and why is your training camp built into different stages?

“The mountains are perfect to prepare for the fight. You are away from your hometown stay more focused on training. The air is thin and this high level of elevation gives your body a higher level of conditioning. On June 10, we will move on to our next stage of training, which will take place in the United States. That will be to help acclimate me to the new time and climate for fight night on June 22, which is when I will put all of this hard work together and have it pay off in a big way.”

Who is your head trainer?

“My coach is Dimitrie Kirnos. I started my professional career with him. He himself was Soviet Union Boxing Champion and trained many top champions. He is old school and pushes my mind and body to the limit. He is a big part of my team we have a great bond. I have much respect and admiration for him.”

Have you done anything different preparing for this fight?

“I spar with lots of shorter fighters, like Tori Nelson. I guarantee that it will be much more explosive and impressive than Claressa Shields was against her.”

American fans love knockouts. Can they expect a Christina Hammer KO on June 22?

“That’s why I train hard and give everything in the gym. I want to be amazing that night and a knockout would be a perfect ending.”

What is your prediction for June 22?

“I will show my power and skills. People will see who the real unified Middleweight Champion of the world is. My performance will speak for itself!”

Posted on 06/09/2017

Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna Returns to the Claridge in AC Saturday!
By: Ken Hissner

Rising Star Promotions returns to the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, Saturday night with a 9 bout boxing event. Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna will be in the main event with Anthony “Juice” Young from Atlantic City in the co-feature.

Welterweight Lamanna, 22-2 (9), faces Mexican southpaw Carlos Winston Velasquez, 24-28-2 (14), now out of Union City, NJ, over 8 rounds. “I am looking forward to a great fight on Saturday. I am not taking a 54 fight veteral like Velasquez lightly,” said Lamanna. In the co-feature there will also be Atlantic City’s welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young, 16-2 (6), against George “El terrible” Sosa, 15-8 (15), out of NJ, over 8 rounds.

There will be 7 other bouts featuring Atlantic City’s super middleweight Gabriel “GPHAM” Pham, 8-1 (4), heavyweight southpaw Dan Pasciolla, 9-2-2 (0), of Brick, NJ, super middleweight Chris “Sandman” Thomas, 6-0 (3), of Beachwood, NJ. From New York will be light heavyweight Frederick Julian, 4-0 (2), of NY, all in 6 round bouts and lightweight Tomas Romain, 2-1 (0), of Brooklyn in a 4.

From Philadelphia will be super featherweight Donald “No Love” Smith, 4-0 (3), and super welterweight Elijah Vines, 3-0 (3), in 4 round bout’s. First bout will be at 7pm.

Posted on 07/05/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Pacquiao, Wilder, Arreola, Diaz, Vasquez, Rising Promotions, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of June 28th to July 5th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Deontay Wilder and Chris Arreola Submit to VADA Testing

Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola have both enrolled with the world-renowned Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (“VADA”) to conduct the anti-doping program leading up to their Saturday, July 16 showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“Despite the short lead time to Wilder vs. Arreola, I am happy to report that VADA is in place as the anti-doping agency in accordance with the WBC Clean Boxing Program,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “VADA is a preeminent and reliable service and its relationship with the WBC evidences a commitment to a cleaner sport.”

This marks the second straight training camp in which Wilder has enrolled with VADA. VADA testing, in accordance with the WBC Clean Boxing Program, was in place for Wilder’s scheduled May 21 defense versus Alexander Povetkin, which was canceled following Povetkin’s positive test for Meldonium. In addition, Wilder has submitted paperwork to VADA and the WBC to participate in year-round anti-doping testing that is expected to commence later this summer.

Bob Arum Reserves Mandalay Bay for Manny Pacquiao

Nothing is official, and it appears to be an unlikely possibility since Pacquiao is now a Senator of the Philippines, but Bob Arum has caused a stir in reserving the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for October 15th just in case Pacquiao decides to come back and fight.

There are many possible opponents for Pacquiao if he decides to return and fight. Two leading candidates are Terence Crawford and Adrien Broner.

However, this is just pure speculation at this point. http://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-sn-boxing-pacquiao-arum-crawford-broner-thurman-20160629-snap-story.html

Undefeated Domonique Dolton to Face Levan Ghvamichava

Undefeated Domonique Dolton (17-0-1, 9 KOs) battles Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava (16-2-1, 12 KOs) in the 10-round super welterweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 from Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.

Ghvamichava was originally scheduled to take on Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, who is now facing undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez Jr. in PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action Saturday, July 16 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Televised coverage on July 12 begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features undefeated prospect Malcolm McAllister (7-0, 7 KOs) battling Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira (7-2, 4 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action while undefeated prospects Thomas Hill (6-0, 1 KO) and Marcos Hernandez (7-0, 2 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight fight.

A highly regarded fighter out of the late Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym, the Detroit-native Dolton battled to a draw in an exciting matchup against Oscar Molina on FS1 and FOX Deportes last September. The 26-year-old took home victories over Victor Fonseca and Juan Carlos Rojas in 2015 and owns wins over Donatas Bondorovas, Richard Gutierrez and Jonathan Batista in his eight-year career.

Ghvamichava will look to rebound from a defeat in his last bout after riding a five-fight win streak that had dated back to 2013. The 30-year-old took down previously unbeaten fighters Jonathan Garcia and Chris Singleton in 2014 and followed it up with triumphs over Cameron Kreal and Cosme Rivera in 2015. Originally from Poti, Georgia, Ghvamichava now trains out of Hayward, California.

Orozco and Diaz to Headline HBO Latino Boxing

As California battles through a sizzling heat wave, the Summer of 2016 will get even hotter on Saturday, July 30, as two of SoCal’s undefeated top rising stars return to the ring. Undefeated welterweight Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) of San Diego is set to participate in 10-round main event while Golden Boy Promotions stable mate and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs)of South El Monte, Calif. will be featured in the 10-round co-main event. Both fights will be televised on HBO Latino Boxing.

With Orozco ranked as number one by the WBC and in the top 10 by all major world sanctioning bodies and with Diaz crashing the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings, the stakes have never been higher as world-class boxing returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Opponents for Orozco and Diaz will be announced shortly.

“Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz, Jr. are two fighters quickly rising to the top in Golden Boy’s stable of talent, with both poised to become world champions in the near-future,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “This card will be action-packed, making for an exiting summer event that fans should not miss on July 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and HBO Latino Boxing.”

Sammy Vasquez to Face Felix Diaz

Undefeated welterweight rising star Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. (21-0, 15 KOs) is set to battle former Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz (17-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

Diaz replaces former world champion Luis Collazo, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a torn calf muscle.

“Sammy Vasquez Jr., a U.S. Army veteran and undefeated contender, against once-beaten former Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz is an excellent matchup between two rising stars in the welterweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Following last week’s tremendous battle between Thurman and Porter, I am excited that PBC on FOX is showcasing the welterweight division once again on network television.”

Ruiz to Face Gormley in Heavyweight Showdown on July 16th

An intriguing heavyweight showdown will go down on Saturday, July 16, as WBO #5-, IBF #5-, and WBC #7-rated and current NABF heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer from Mexicali” Ruiz (27-0, 18 KOs) has agreed to face comebacking KO artist Joshua “Josh Dempsey” Gormley (22-4, 21 KOs) in his next ring appearance.

26-year-old Ruiz, from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, will face the determined and upset-minded 41-year-old Gormley, from Torrance in a non-title fight in the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ next “Detroit Brawl” installment at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.

Ruiz has made four successful defenses of his NABF Championship. Before that, he held the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship and made an additional three successful defenses before relinquishing. In his last in-ring appearance, he stopped former world title challenger Ray Austin in the fourth round on May 14 in Studio City, California.

Gormley, who bills himself as a distant relative of former champ Jack Dempsey, reportedly trains with Dino Spencer and Luis “Chiro” Perez at the 5th St. Gym in Miami, Florida. He is on a three-fight KO streak since coming back from a 16-year layoff in late 2015. Despite having had no amateur boxing career, Dempsey fought his way to up-and-comer status in the late 90s and was a fan favorite. He also worked with former champion Lennox Lewis as a sparring partner. Gormley is a former California State Wrestling Champion and MMA fighter and the older brother of UFC fighter Chase Gormley.

Anthony “Juice” Young to Headline Next Rising Promotions Card

On Friday night, July 22nd, welterweight, Anthony “Juice” Young will headline a great night of boxing against Ariel Vasquez in a scheduled 8-round welterweight bout at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
Welterweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take part in a six-round co-feature bout against Eduardo Flores.

The card is promoted by Rising Promotions.

“We are excited to be running our fourth show in seven months at The Claridge,” said Debra LaManna of Rising Promotions.

“We are starting to build a reputation for putting on well matched and exciting cards at The Claridge and July 22nd will be no different.”

Young of Atlantic City has a record of 12-2 with five knockouts will be looking for his second consecutive victory.

The 28 year-old won his first ten bouts that was highlighted by a victory over Jose Javier Calderon (4-1).

This will be Young’s 6th (and 4th consecutive) fight in his hometown.

He is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision victory over Juan Rodriguez on April 29.

Vasquez of Managua, Nicaragua has a record of 12-14-2 with eight knockouts.

Vasquez, 29 years old turned professional in 2005 and fought his first 11 fights in his native Nicaragua. He twice fought Juan Antonio Rodriguez for the WBC Youth Featherweight title and held undefeated Eliezer Landas (10-0) to a draw in a bout for the WBA Fedecentro Super Bantamweight title.
He has faced six undefeated fighters including his last two. In his last outing, Vasquez lost a unanimous decision to Jose Felix Quezada (9-0) on May 17 in Carlton, Minnesota.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 20-1 with eight knockouts.

The 24 year-old LaManna turned professional in 2011 and won his first sixteen bouts that were highlighted by wins over Ashandi Gibbs & Jamaal Davis.

Since suffering his only loss to world ranked Middleweight Antoine Douglas on ShoBox: The New Generation, LaManna has won four straight which includes a 6-round unanimous decision over rugged Ayi Bruce on September 26th in Beach Haven, New Jersey. In his last bout, LaManna stopped Kendal Mena (20-3) in four rounds on March 19th at The Claridge in Atlantic City.

With a win, LaManna will be back in September in a high profile bout.

But he will have to get past Flores, who is a veteran of 47 professional fights (23-21-3, 15 KO’s).
Flores of Quito, Eciador is a battle tested fighter who has faced a bevy of champions and top contenders

Posted on 04/16/2016

ShoBox Results: Young and Potapov Fight to a Draw, Bejenaru and Menard Victorious
By: William Holmes

Tonight’s edition of ShoBox The New Generation was broadcast live from the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. Three fights were broadcast tonight and several foreign fighters were featured.

The first fight of the night was between Constantin Bejenaru (10-0-1) and Alexey Zubov (10-0) in the cruiserweight division. Bejenaru had experience fighting in the heavyweight division, but was the shorter man in length and in height.

Both boxers spent most of the opening round feeling each other out, but Bejenaru was beginning to land some combinations as the round came to an end.

Bejenaru had a very strong second round as his straight left hands were landing cleanly at the end of combinations as well as lead right hooks. Bejenaru’s activity continued to dominate in the third round as he used his superior foot movement to bounce in and out and connect with quick combinations.

Bejenaru at times was too aggressive as he slipped often in this bout, including the third and fourth rounds, but Zubov had no answer and by the fifth round Bejenaru 48 punches dwarfed the meager sixteen punches that Zubov landed.

There was a lot of tying up in the sixth round and Zubov kept the round close. Zubov scored an unexpected knockdown in the seventh round when Bejenaru appeared to have been knocked down from a punch, but in actuality slipped.

Zubov needed a knockout in the final round but instead was warned for a rabbit punch. Zubov had no answer for the activity of Bejenaru.

The judges scored it 77-74, 78-73, and 78-73 for Constantin Bejenaru.

The next bout of the night was between Eduy Bernardo (21-0) and Mason Menard (30-1) in the lightweight division. Menard was giving up four inches in height and seven and a half inches in reach, and neither boxer had much experience fighting outside of their locale.

The first round was more of a feel out round as Bernardo solely threw his jab and Menard attempted to find his range with little significant offense from either side.

Menard picked up the pace in the second round and was able to land a hard right hook right cross combination that hurt Bernardo and followed it up with a head snapping uppercut. Bernardo looked close to going down in the second, but was able to survive.

Menard started off the third round patiently and bided his time before landing an eye opening right hand to the chin of Bernardo that knocked him out instantly.

The referee immediately waived off the fight as Mason Menard won by a stunning knockout at 2:11 of the third round.

The main event of the evening was between Nikolay Potapov (14-0) and Stephon Young (14-0) in the bantamweight division.

Potapov had only fought twice in 2013, 2014, and once in 2015, but his ring rust did not show inside the ring.

Both boxers spent most of the first round feeling each other out, with Potapov throwing and landing to the body while Young appeared to have the quicker rounds.

In the second round Potapov picked up the pace and was successful with his straight right hands to the body of Young. Young did not throw enough combinations in the third round and would only throw one punch at a time while Potapov stayed active with a variety of punches. Young however was able to stagger Potapov near the end of the third round with a crisp straight hand.

Young’s counter punching was slightly more effective in the fourth round and he nearly scored a knockdown with a three punch combination that caused Potapov to lose his balance, but the referee ruled it a slip.

Young maintained a high defensive guard in the fifth round and landed the harder shots despite the fact Potapov threw more punches. Young’s counter right hook was sharp in the sixth round and he dictated the action in the ring and moved Potapov where he wanted.

Young stepped off the gas pedal in the seventh round and Potapov’s activity may have stolen him the round. Young’s punches were short in the eighth round and Potapov looked like he caught a second wind and boxed decently from the outside.

Young’s corner told him he needed a knockout in the final two wins in order to win the fight, and he responded positively in the ninth round and had Potapov backing away from his power shots as the round came to an end.

The fight was likely close on the scorecards in the final round and both boxers had their moments, but Potapov likely won the final round solely based on the fact he looked to be the least tired boxer.

The judges scored it 96-94 Patapov, 95-95, and 95-95 making it a majority draw.