SANTA YNEZ, CA (February 5, 2010) Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Francisco “THE PHENOM” Contreras hits Southern California this Friday night, February 5th, to battle Juan Castaneda Jr. at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California in the opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation on Showtime (11pm ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). Signed to the rapidly growing, international boxing promoter, TKO Boxing Promotions, the 25 year old Contreras, 12-0-0 (11KO’s), a native of the Dominican Republic, burst onto the US boxing scene last year with a brutal first round stoppage of Gustavo Mejia on June 18th in front of a stunned crowd at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, outside of Baltimore..
With devastating power in both hands, Contreras quickly earned two more crunching, early stoppages, a first rounder of Julian Rodriguez on August 27th in Hagerstown, Maryland and a second round knockout of Ron Boyd in Houston, Texas on October 10th.
Contreras finished 2009 by dominating veteran Marteze Logan over six rounds towards a unanimous decision win on December 19th in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The 26 year old Castaneda brings a record of 16-2-1 (12KO’s) into the battle with Contreras and is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Alejandro Valladares on December 11th.
Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “We scouted Francisco back in the Dominican Republic and we knew what a beast he was. ShoBox fans and the crowd at the Chumash Casino have a great opportunity to see what we believe is a future world champion in his network debut.”
Now based in Irvington, New Jersey, Contreras is guided by award winning manager Cameron Dunkin.
RAYONTA WHITFIELD VS. SERGIO ESPINOZA HEADLINES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
MICKEY BEY JR IN CO-MAIN SENSATIONAL PROSPECTS JOSEPH ELEGELE, AND ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ON UNDERCARD
AUGUSTA, GA (February 5, 2010) World ranked flyweight contender Rayonta “STINGRAY” Whitfield will battle Sergio Espinoza for the NABO Flyweight Title on Saturday, February 27th at the Bell Auditorium, it was announced today by TKO Boxing Promotions
Advance tickets will go on sale at 10am Friday morning, February 5th, priced from $27 to $102 (including a $2.00 facility fee), through the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, (www.georgialinatix.com, by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX or in person at the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, 601 Seventh Street).
A $5.00 in person box office discount for all military, police and fire personnel along with college students with proper ID is available in all price ranges until February 26th. The Bell Auditorium is located at 712 Telfair Street in Augusta, Georgia; doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.
A press conference to announce the event was held this past Tuesday at Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s office in Augusta .
Said Augusta native Whitfield, “I’m thrilled to be fighting for the NABO Flyweight Title against Sergio Espinoza, but most importantly I’m very happy and proud to be able to fight at home in front of my family and friends. The support that I receive here at home is outstanding and I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance in my hometown on February 27th.
Mayor Copenhaver was effusive with his praise for Whitfield, “We’re all very proud of Rayonta. He’s accomplished a great deal both as an amateur and professional, and Augusta looks forward to cheering him on in his bout against Espinoza on the 27th.”
The 28 year old Whitfield, 23-1-0 (11KO’s) is currently world ranked #4 by the IBF and #5 by the WBO. He is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over Evaristo Primero on October 10th in Houston .
On February 7, 2009, Whitfield battled WBO champion Omar Navarez in Chubut, Argentina evenly over nine rounds before the bout was abruptly halted in the champions’ hometown although Whitfield was unhurt and fully able to continue in the battle.
Hailing from San Diego, California, the 31 year old Espinoza brings a record of 16-6-1 with five knockouts into the title bout with Whitfield. Espinoza is a staple in the highly competitive Southern California boxing scene where he is known for his numerous world class battles over his nine year professional career.
The co-main event will feature outstanding junior lightweight prospect Mickey Bey Jr. in a ten round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Title. After a highly successful amateur career, the 26 year old Cleveland, Ohio native has amassed an undefeated professional record of
15-0-0 (8KO’s). Last year, amongst his three wins was an eight round decision over highly regarded prospect Rashad Ganaway on August 22nd in Houston, Texas.
The undercard includes outstanding newcomers; welterweight Joseph Elegele, 3-0-0 (2KO’s) of Melbourne, Florida and junior featherweight Robert Rodriguez, 1-0-0, from Greeley, Colorado. Additional bouts and further details on the undercard will be announced shortly.
Cliff Couser vs Joe Hanks on Feb 10
Now fans can start winning cash even earlier than normal, as the Opening Night for the 26th Season of the Battle In The Ballroom at the Irvine Marriott will feature five heavyweight amateur bouts beginning at 6pm, with the six bout pro show getting underway at 7:30pm. But if you come early to see great amateur action, all fans in attendance between 6pm and 7pm will get a chance to win CASH. One lucky fan before each of the five bouts will have their name drawn and they will win $100 cash….so five bouts and five $100 winners!
To View the Fightcard and get Tickets to the Wednesday February 10th show please visit www.BattleintheBallroom.com