11.05.04 – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.(CES) sends out seven unbeaten fights Friday night (May 14) in “Young Gunz 2004,” live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence. “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs) defends his NABO junior middleweight title for the first time against Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante (24-3-3, 13 KOs), IBA middleweight title-holder, in the 12-round main event.
“Young Gunz 2004” is presented by CES and Mohegan Sun, in association with Bacardi USA, Inc.
The most highly anticipated fight featuring two New England based boxers since Vinny Paz-Dana Rosenblatt (mid-nineties) matches WBC Youth middleweight champ “Bad” Chad Dawson (15-0, 10 KOs), of New Haven (CT) making his first title defense against Ian “The Truth” Gardner (15-1, 7 KOs), of Brockton (MA) in the 10-round co-feature.
The special attraction is the much anticipated pro debut of Providence-native Matt Godfrey, the 2004 U.S. Nationals heavyweight champion and Team USA Olympic second alternate, against Glen Morgan (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round cruiserweight match. Godfrey’s longtime friend and stablemate, Team USA Olympic super heavyweight Jason Estrada, will be in his corner.
Other “Young Gunz 2004” fighters on the card are “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (2-0), gold medal winner at the 2000 Eastern Olympic Trials, versus Felix Lora (1-1-1); light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (10-0, 7 KOs) against. Salah Zabian (5-2, 4 KOs); world top 10 rated featherweight Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. TBA; middleweight Reynaldo Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KOs) against Bobby McAndrews (2-3-1, 2 KOs). (All matches and fighters are subject to change.)
Tickets, also available at the door the night of the fights, may be purchased by calling CES’ corporate (401.724.2253/2254) and Connecticut offices (860.432.4253), R.I. Convention Center (401.458.6000) and Manfredo’s Gym (401.723.1359). Visit www.cesboxing.com for additional information. Doors open at 6 pm, first bout at 7 pm.