Author: Bill Calogero

STAR BOXING’s ROCKIN FIGHTS 49 SET FOR NOVEMBER 23!


Star Boxing Presents: “Rockin’ Fights” 49

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 The Paramount, Huntington, LI “Rockin’ Fights” Returns to The Paramount in Huntington, NY

Long Island, NY (November 8, 2024) – Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” 49 is officially set for November 23, 2024 at the Pollstar #1 World Rated venue, The Paramount, in Huntington, NY!

As previously announced, new signee Micky Scala will make his Star Boxing debut on the stacked card! Full fight card information, featured fights and additional announcements will be released soon.

Yoenis Tellez Eyes Title Eliminator Next


WBA #2 Super Welterweight Yoenis Tellez Eyes Title Eliminator After Dominant Victory Over Johan Gonzalez

ORLANDO, FL (November 7, 2024) – Rising Cuban star Yoenis “El Bandolero” Tellez (9-0, 7 KOs) continues his rapid ascent in the super welterweight division after a commanding victory over Johan Gonzalez (35-4, 34 KOs) that took place, October 19, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. With the win, Tellez successfully defended his WBA Continental Latino Welterweight title and further solidified his position in the world rankings, now sitting at #2 in the WBA. Co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing, Tellez is on the fast track to a world title shot, with plans in place for a potential WBA title eliminator in early 2025.

Tellez’s dominant win over the hard-punching Gonzalez, who had 34 knockouts in 35 victories, showed off his skill, calmness under pressure, and power. This victory brings Tellez one step closer to his dream of becoming a world champion—something he’s been working toward since his standout days as an amateur boxer in Cuba. He is currently rated WBA #2 and looks to climb up the rankings with his latest victory.

“This win was a big step for me,” said Tellez. “Beating a tough fighter like Gonzalez showed that I belong among the top guys in the division. It gave me the chance to prove that I’m ready for even bigger challenges. Being ranked #2 by the WBA is a huge honor, but I’m not stopping here. I’m working hard every day to reach that world title shot. I know that I can compete with anyone in the division, and I’m ready for whoever is next.”

“Yoenis has been exceptional since turning pro, and his latest victory showed that he’s ready for the next level,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “We are working closely with Warriors Boxing and the WBA to secure a title eliminator for early 2025. He has the skill set, the determination, and the right team behind him. A shot at a world title is just around the corner, and we believe he’ll be ready to seize the opportunity.”

“My amateur background has been key to my success as a pro,” concluded Tellez. “I had over 100 fights in Cuba, facing some of the best talent in the world. That experience gave me the skills and confidence I need to compete at this level. Now, I’m focused on becoming a world champion, and I believe I’m closer than ever.”

As Tellez continues his journey towards a world title, his fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this exciting Cuban prospect. With his unbeaten record, rising status in the rankings, and the backing of Warriors Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, Yoenis Tellez is quickly emerging as a name to watch in the super welterweight division.

Julian Chua a rising trainer – Zurdo his first World Champion


(L-R) – Jesse Vargas, head trainer Julian Chua and two-time World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is Chua’s first true world champion

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2024) –- One of the hottest young trainers in boxing is Julian Chua, even though he still hasn’t received the high-level respect he deserves from many boxing fans and promoters.

When Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) dethroned previously undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (27-0, 19 KOs) this past March, Chua’s stock took off because “Zurdo” is the first world champion the 33-year-old Chua developed into a world champion.

The journey Chua took to become the head trainer of “Zurdo,” who is only two months younger than Julian, was unusual, to say the least. At that time, Ramirez was 39-0 and the first of Mexican heritage to be world super middleweight champion, as well as a promotional free agent. “Zurdo” and his manager, David Suh (3 Point Management – 3PM), were conducting a search for a new head trainer and the list included some of the top coaches in the country. Chua was a relatively unknown commodity outside of southern California who at that time was training fighters at the famed Wildcard Gym in Hollywood (CA) under Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach (he had also trained Chua when he was an amateur boxer from Indiana).

In 2018, Suh reached out to Chua to inquire if he’d be interested in training Ramirez, adding that he was also speaking with several other top names. At first, Ramirez really didn’t know who Chua was, at least, until they met at a coffee shop in Santa Monica to get to know each other. After that meeting, Ramirez gave Julian a chance to train him. The rest, of course, is part of modern-day boxing history.

“We clicked right away,” Chua added. “We learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I’ve always studied a lot and did some research about how he had been trained because I wanted to help him improve. I was getting four fighters ready in L.A. and ‘Zurdo’ couldn’t go there for sparring. I told him that I couldn’t leave these fighters to go and train him in Long Beach. We still wanted to work with each other and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach (where Ramirez trained at Hill Street Boxing & Fitness Gym) twice a week and he came to Wildcard three times.”

Chua made his debut at Ramirez’ new head trainer in 2019, when Ramirez moved up in weight to fight as a light heavyweight, stopping Tommy Karpency in four rounds. COVID-19 restrictions adversely affected Ramirez’ activity, but he learned and improved by continuing to work with Chua in the gym. “Zurdo” signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, gaining added exposure fighting on the DAZN, and he reeled off four more consecutive victories through the middle of 2022, after which he lost for the first time in his pro career to WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0), by way of a 12-round decision.

Ramirez decided that it was time to move up another division to cruiserweight because he was walking around at 200 pounds. Last October, Ramirez made his cruiserweight debut, albeit at a 193-pound catchweight, against former world light heavyweight champion and Bernard Hopkins conqueror Joe Smith, Jr. (28-4). “Zurdo” won a unanimous 10-round decision to become the mandatory challenger for Goulamirian.

“’Zurdo’ is the first world champion I’ve ‘built’ but I’ve been brought in to work with some world champions on their weaknesses – Regis Prograis, Steph Fulton and Alycia Baumgardner,” Chua commented. “It’s a lot more difficult that way because you can’t really have an impact in only two or three months. I’ve been working with ‘Zurdo’ for five years and I’ve had it good. He has a lot of natural talent and has always been a smart fighter, but he picked ‘nuts-and-guts’ too often in his decision making. He didn’t need to get hit so much even though he has a great chin. He has such a beautiful style and he’s so intelligent.

“He’s such a natural. Mexicans are uppercut kings. I noticed that, defensively, Arsen didn’t move his head or feet much. He was so wide that he was open up the middle for uppercuts, left or right, and that was our master plan. We worked on ‘Zurdo’ not throwing his uppercuts from too far away. He had been wide but, in this fight, he smothered his opponent inside. He did a lot of technical work and he’s always been a versatile fighter. I have him boxing more off his back foot. He could bully opponents with his size at 168, but he doesn’t have that same physical luxury to impose his size at cruiserweight. He’s using his boxing skills more.”

Chua admits he cherished Ramirez capturing the WBA crown, professionally as well as personally. And he also believes “Zurdo” can become the first Mexico-born heavyweight world champion, the same as he was as world super middleweight and cruiserweight champion.

“It meant the world to me,” Chua spoke about ‘Zurdo’ becoming the WBA Cruiserweight World Champion. “The expression on my face when they announced the scores showed how much it meant to me. I’m still fighting for my respect with fans and promoters, especially after the Bivol fight. ‘Zurdo’ is too slick. I believe in this guy! I can see him moving up to heavyweight, but I want to clean up some more things defensively. Sometimes he keeps his head too low, and I don’t want him testing his chin so much. Depending on who the heavyweight champion is when he’s ready, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world with his activity so slick and prioritizing his defense. We’re going to double down. As Abel Sanchez (Goulamirian’s trainer) said at the post-fight press conference, he didn’t think ‘Zurdo’ was so slick, offensively and defensively.”

Chua is preparing “Zurdo” to take on WBO Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) in a unification match on November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In addition to several mixed-martial-arts fighters, Chua is also the head trainer for pro boxers such as WBA world super flyweight challenger and WBA #6-rated John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), undefeated Hawaiian middleweight prospect Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen (9-0, 8 KOs), 2012 Ukrainian Olympian welterweight Taras Shelestyuk (19-0-1, 11 KOs), undefeated New York City welterweight Arnold Gonzalez (15-1, 7 KOs), Armenian super bantamweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (21-5, 17 KOs), and former WBA Inter-Continental Champion “Supreme” Kareem Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), of Toronto.

Catch the Chua experience, Julian is making a name for himself in boxing circles and drawing fighters to work with him at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California. The best is yet to come, however, especially if “Zurdo” becomes world heavyweight champion in the not-too-distant future.

Simon Vollmer Signs With 3 PM

German super lightweight prospect Simon Vollmer latest member of 3 PM

LOS ANGELES (November 7, 2024) – German super lightweight prospect Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs) is the latest member of one of the fastest growing boxing managerial companies, Los Angeles-based 3 Point Management (3PM).

Vollmer made his successful 3 PM debut, dominating Leon Martinez (2-3-1, 2 KOs) en route to a six-round unanimous decision (60-54, 60-54, 58-56) on a show promoted this past May by Red Boxing International, at Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California. Vollmar followed that with a six-round unanimous decision victory over Seiran Engel this past July 13th.

A four-time member of the German National Boxing Team, the 22-year-old Vollmer is a southpaw from Heidelberg who now trains in Santa Monica (CA) at Churchill Boxing Club under the guidance of his head trainer, Pedro Neme.

“I traveled a lot to different gyms in the United States and went to Brickhouse (Boxing Club in North Hollywood, CA) with a friend,” Vollmer explained his decision to sign with 3 PM. “I worked out there and we (manager David Shu) started following each other. He saw me fight on YouTube and contacted me. I studied a lot before I made a decision to sign. The big factor was the team: who they’ve signed, how they’ve moved their fighters, and where they are today. All categories were very good. They keep their fighters active and in big fights. There’s a lot of talent in Los Angeles. 3 PM takes good care of its fighters and that was very important to me.”

Vollmer started boxing at the age of 10, a self-described troubled kid who liked to fight. Living in Germany, naturally, he played soccer, but he wanted to be the center of attention, and didn’t like team sports. He turned to karate and other combat sports. There was an after-school boxing program offered. Simon attended, started sparring and quickly beat more experienced fighters, and soon fell in love with boxing.

As a four-time member of the German National Boxing Team, Vollmer lived at the Olympic Training Center in Germany, in addition to traveling worldwide for tournaments. He gained invaluable experience fighting opponents with various styles and became obsessed with boxing. Simon lost his first amateur match but went on to record an 80-9-1 amateur record.

“But I felt something was missing,” he said. “I’m proud of my country, but its amateur boxing program is not good because it isn’t supported. It’s political. I’d ask coaches what to do so I could improve, but they didn’t seem to care. I wanted to be in the Olympics and believed I had the skill level for it. I had raw potential, so I took the money I had saved from being on the German National Team and traveled to the United States.

Vollmer started going to different U.S. gyms and he eventually developed what he calls a very old-school American style.

“People won’t believe it,” he added, “but that’s how I fight. Tom Yankello, who trained Paul Spadafora, mentored me and helped change my style. I’m a slick counter-puncher with my jabs and explosiveness from the outside. I’m versatile, though. I adjust during the fight and when there’s an opportunity to break down my opponent, I switch and start counter-punching on the inside.”

When he first started boxing, Simon enjoyed watching tapes of Sugar Ray Leonard, but his all-time favorite is fellow southpaw, the late, great Pernell Whitaker. A true student of boxing, Vollmer also appreciates old-school fighters such as Roberto Duran, Salvidor Sanchez and Joe Louis, to name a few of the more notable boxers he has studied and admires.

Vollmer is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former WBA Cruiserweight World title-holder, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs); world super flyweight title challenger and WBA #6-rated John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), undefeated WBA Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Champion and WBA #6-ranked Darius “DFG “ Fulghum (12-0, 10 KOs), and former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs).

Cristian Javier Pinales Signs Management Agreement


Split-T Management and Trifon Petrov Sign 2024 Olympic Bronze Medal Winner Cristian Javier Pinales

NEW YORK (November 5, 2024)- Trifon Petrov and Split-T Management are proud to announce the signing of Cristian Javier Pinales to a long term management agreement.

Pinales of La Romana, Dominican Republic, the 2024 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, is turning professional and plans on making his debut at the start of 2025 under the guidance of Petrov and Split-T Management.

“I am very happy to have signed with David McWater (CEO of Split-T Management) and Trifon Petrov. They represent many world champions, high level contenders and have great relationships in the sport of boxing. Working with them both will be a huge boost for my career,” said Pinales.

“Cristian is a special talent and has all the necessary skills to become one of boxing greats. He has a very bright future. I am excited that he trusts David and I to guide his career moving forward. It’s a pleasure and honor to have Cristian Pinales as part of the team,” said Trifon Petrov.

“I am very excited to be working with Pinales. I believe him to be one of the best prospects to come out of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Pinales has assembled a great team to guide and support his career with Chelo, Indio, Trifon and I. Very happy to be a member of Team Pinales,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Like his two older brothers, Pinales was an avid basketball player growing up in the Dominican Republic, but his attention shifted to boxing which eventually led him to the Silverio De Aza Boxing Club. Cristian’s many natural gifts combined with a superior work ethic quickly placed him on the world stage as an amateur culminating with an Olympic Bronze medal win.

On winning the bronze medal and representing his home country, Pinales said, “I was filled with pride representing my country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Winning the medal for the Dominican Republic was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“There was a huge welcome once I made it back home. It was absolute madness. Thousands of people were waiting at the airport to congratulate me. For the month to follow I had daily media responsibilities all over the country, including meeting the President of the Dominican Republic, which was a huge honor for me. The Olympics were a huge culmination to my amateur career. Fighting in front of tens or thousands of people in Paris and defeating some of the best boxers in the history of the sport like two-times Olympic Gold medalist Arlen Lopez showed the world I belong with the best. I am ready to make the transition to the professional ranks and keep making my country proud”

When at home in the Dominican Republic, Pinales still trains at The Silverio De Aza Boxing Club, but after turning professional he will base himself in the United States to train Bethlehem, Pennsylvania under the watchful eyes of veteran trainers Chelo Betancourt and Indio Rodriguez.

“After Pinales won a medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming a professional was the next logical step. He’s had an extremely long and successful amateur career, and now it’s time to show the world what he can do as a professional. He is a very talented fighter who can do it all in the ring. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with him alongside Indio Rodriguez,” said Betancourt.

Pinales, a father of two, looks to become a big star in boxing, “Becoming a boxer is the best decision I’ve ever made. Now I am looking forward to becoming professional, as it will be another dream come true. I believe that my combination of skill and charisma will make me a household name in the boxing world. I achieved my first goal of bringing an Olympic Medal home, now my focus shifts to my next goal, which is to bring a world title home. I can’t wait to go to work. I am ready and excited for the journey,” Pinales finished.

STAR Boxing Signs Middleweight Micky Scala


Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Signs Undefeated Middleweight Micky Scala Debuts at “Rockin’ Fights” 49 on Nov 23’ 

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK (November 4, 2024): Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing signed undefeated middleweight Micky Scala to a long-term contract.

Scala, a 22 year old highly regarded 6’2″ prospect is 10-0, 6 KO’s as a professional and ranked #24 in the United States. He will compete in both the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions.

Before turning pro, the Mesa, Arizona native had over 100 amateur fights and was rated the #1 amateur boxer in America (2016), and secured two national championships.

”We’re thrilled to welcome Micky Scala to the Star Boxing family. Aside from being a tremendous young fighter with a bright future, Micky is a quality young man with the right mindset to succeed in boxing. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Micky with Star Boxing,” Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing’ President and CEO said.

Scala began his professional career at 16 years old and by the time he was 17 years old, he signed a multi-year deal with boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather.

Scala was born into a family of fighters, who dealt with life’s battles for generations, going all the way back to Sicily and eventually making its way to New York. Scala’s grandfather immigrated to America from Italy at a very young age; initially planting his flag in Brooklyn, then Long Island and eventually Arizona, where Scala himself grew up. Scala expects a huge contingency of friends and family to be there to support him in New York for his Star Boxing debut on November 23 and The Paramount, including relatives from New York and Arizona.

“As a kid, I’ve always told my family a boxing fight will bring us back to New York and signing with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will allow that plan to come to fruition,” said Scala.

“I can’t wait to represent my Italian heritage as I hear the roar from the crowd at The Paramount on November 23rd when they announce my name, ‘Micky Scala,’ before the bout. My family, friends and entire support system are eager to rock the house,” Scala added.

“I look forward to intelligently building a very important part of my career with Joe DeGuardia and the team at Star Boxing,” said Scala.

It’s safe to say, Scala is excited to put on a show for the New York crowd.

Scala is proud of his Italian heritage and is motivated to become the next great Italian-American fighter. Scala hopes to one day be mentioned with the likes of Rocky Marciano, Jake Lamotta, Ray Mancini, Willie Pep, Carmen Basilio and the many other Italian-American fighters who have defined the boxing world.

Scala will make his much anticipated Star Boxing debut at “Rockin’ Fights” 49 at The Paramount on November 23, 2024.

Dante Kirkman Looks to go 3-0 November 16


Photo by: James Guirao

Stanford University’s Dante Kirkman Set to Return to the Ring at Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA

PALO ALTO, CA (November 1, 2024) – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Dante Kirkman (2-0) will make his return to the ring on November 16, 2024, at the Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA. The event, promoted by Westside Promotions, will mark Kirkman’s third fight of 2024. Known for his high punch volume and ring IQ, the 23-year-old Kirkman is preparing for a scheduled 4-round bout against Jose Rodriguez.

Kirkman, a senior at Stanford University, continues to build an impressive following while balancing his academic pursuits and professional boxing career. The Palo Alto native trains under the guidance of former world title challenger Eddie Croft at B-Street Boxing in nearby San Mateo, CA, where he’s been pushing himself to deliver another memorable performance in front of his hometown crowd.

“Fighting in front of my hometown fans is an honor, and it’s something I don’t take lightly,” said Kirkman, who goes by the nickname “The Inferno”. “It’s a special feeling knowing that I have family, friends, and the community cheering me on. It drives me to give them my best in the ring.”

In addition to local support, Kirkman’s peers at Stanford University have also been rallying behind his journey in the squared circle. “The encouragement from my fellow students has been incredible,” Kirkman expressed. “Balancing my studies and boxing can be challenging but having them in my corner gives me an extra boost of confidence. I’m proud to represent Stanford in the ring.”

Kirkman credits his rapid growth as a fighter to the rigorous training regimen developed by his coach, Eddie Croft. “Coach Eddie and I have been putting in a lot of work to make sure I’m at my peak,” Kirkman concluded. “He’s been pushing me every day to sharpen my skills and stay focused, so I’m ready to put on a show at Fox Theater.”

Undefeated Dominique Dimes Crowder Returns November 16


Undefeated bantamweight prospect Dominique “Dimes” Crowder Ready to cash in on The Boardwalk

Streaming live Nov. 16th on DAZN from Tropicana Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (October 31, 2024) – Undefeated blue-chip bantamweight prospect Dominique “Dimes” Crowder (17-0, 10 KOs) is ready to cash in November 16th on Boxing Insider Promotions’ loaded card, streaming live on DAZN from The Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City.

Crowder. the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) International bantamweight champion, is currently rated No. 14 in the world by the WBA. Trained by Jose Guzman and Hall of Famer Mark Breland, “Dimes” is a two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion rated No. 1 nationally in his weight class during his amateur career.

“I’m super excited to be on this card in Atlantic City,” the 30-year-old Crowder said. “I’m glad (event promoter) Larry Goldberg made it happen. All the greats fought there and it’s not too far from my hometown, about a two-hour drive. I’ll have a lot of support on fight night from people in Baltimore and New York City.”

Crowder takes on Duke Micah (24-2, 19 KOs), of Ghana, in an eight-round bout on The Boardwalk. Micah is a former EBC International, Commonwealth Boxing Council and WBO African bantamweight champion.

“I have known Dominique since he was an amateur when I used to sponsor him,” Goldberg commented. “I have been his friend for years and watched his career progress to 17-0. He has a great team with Jose Guzman, Mark Breland, and his manager Adam Glenn. ‘Dimes’ is one of the best free agents in boxing and just an amazing human being.”

Crowder started boxing at the age of 14 in Baltimore. He fell in love with the sport and quickly discovered that he was a natural boxer. New York City is the home of his training camp for each fight in order to enhance his pro career, going back and forth to his Baltimore home on a regular basis.

Guzman has been training Crowder since the latter part of 2017 and he’s extremely high on his protégé. “Dominique is one of those diamonds in the rough from his amateur days,” Guzman noted. “Everybody knew he was a very slick boxer who was hard to hit, but nobody thought he could hit. As a pro, he’s turned into a boxer-puncher. He didn’t train very much as an amateur because he was so naturally gifted, he didn’t need to. He’s more mature now. Dominique is one of those guys who eats and breathes boxing 24/7. If he’s not in the gym, he’s home watching boxing from back in the day. He is a student of the game.

“He’s the WBA International champion and the question is who is willing to fight him at 118? He’s 6 feet tall, long, and rangy like Mark Breland and Tommy Hearns, and (for his size) Dominique can hit like them.”

Crowder describes his style as a good puncher who is fundamentally sound but can also mix it up pending the situation in the ring. Because of his advantageous height fighting at bantamweight, Crowder watches and in the ring, he attempts to simulate long, rangy fighters such as Mark Breland, Tommy Hearns, Michael Nunn, and Diego Corrales.

The four world bantamweight champions of the major sanctioning bodies are all from Japan and Crowder realizes he may have to travel halfway around the world for his seemingly impending world title shot.

“Boxing is a waiting game,” Dominque explained, “and I need to stay ready until I get that call (world title shot offer). Because I’m ranked, it could happen at any time. If not, I’ll keep working hard to move up and become the mandatory challenger. Hopefully, my chance could happen next year. I’m getting better and better and I’m always fighting bigger guys than me at training camp, real punchers, never guys my weight.

“I’m willing to go to the moon to get my world title shot! I’ll only get one shot at my first world title fight, so I’ll roll the dice and fight anywhere in the world.

Another rising star, Chattanooga (TN) welterweight Avious Griffin (15-0, 14 KOs), headlines in an eight-round bout versus Adrian Gutierrez (12-2-1, 6 KOs). Power-punching Griffin, a former Tennessee State Champion, is trained by Brian “Bomac” McIntyre, who is best known for developing All-World boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford.

Another pair of potential stars who will be in action in six-round bouts are Long Island (NY) super middleweight Donte Layne (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Shaquille Cameron (7-3, 6 KOs) in a match presented in association with Overtime Boxing, and Paterson (NJ) junior middleweight Dwyke Flemmings, Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) vs. TBA.

Layne, 21, was a celebrated amateur who captured gold medals at the 2022 and 2021 USA National Championships and National Golden Gloves Tournament; the 20-year-old Flemmings, Jr., from Paterson (NJ), won a silver medal at the 2018 USA Junior Olympics.

A popular Atlantic City trio of fighters will also be in action: junior middleweight Justin “Mr. Atlantic City” Figueroa (10-0, 8 KOs) vs. Imar Rosales (9-3-1, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder, along with heavyweight Bruce “Atlantic City Express 2.0” Seldon, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) – the son of former (WBA) Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon, Sr. — vs. Julio Mendoza (3-4, 2 KOs), and undefeated lightweight Francisco Rodriguez (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. TBA in a pair of four-round matches.

A pair of potential female world title contenders, Philadelphia welterweight Stacia “The Natural” Suttles and Hawaiian lightweight Shere Mae Patricio (2-0, 1 KO) will also be showcased in four-round fights vs. opponents to be determined. Suttles, who was born in New York City, was a 2016 USA Women’s National Championships gold medalist. Patricio, 21, won a gold medal at the 2023 USA Women’s National Golden Gloves and 2022 USA Women’s National Championships. She will face Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (1-7-1).

Also in action will be undefeated Italian junior welterweight Giacomo Micheli (8-0, 6 KOs), who takes on Ronnell “Punisher” Burnett (11-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout. Micheli was a standout amateur in Italy.

Zurdo Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith November 16


Zurdo Ramirez extremely proud to headline first “Latino Night” in World Cruiserweight Unification Fight versus Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith Nov. 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

LOS ANGELES (October 28, 2024) –- Reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-21, 30 KOs) is extremely proud to headline the inaugural “Latino Night” as part of Riyadh Season against World Boxing Organization (WBO) title holder Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) on November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ramirez vs. Smith-Billam will be streamed live on DAZN as well as broadcast for free on several television networks around the world.

Fighting out of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Zurdo was the first Mexican to capture the world super middleweight title in 2016, and he repeated that feat in the cruiserweight title last March, capturing the 200-pound division’s crown by dethroning previously undefeated WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (27-1, 19 KOs) in Inglewood, California.

“Headlining “Latino Night” is a huge honor for me,” Ramirez said. “It’s a special opportunity to connect with the Latino community and celebrate such as rich culture through my performance. The energy, passion, and pride that come with events like this are something I’m really excited about. What makes it even more special is the chance to blend and cross cultures, especially with Saudi Arabia, where I’ve also drawn a lot of inspiration. Bringing together these vibrant traditions creates a unique experience, and I’m proud to represent both sides on a night like this. And hopefully in the near future, the Excellency can visit my hometown, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

“I’m incredibly excited about what Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season are doing for boxing. It’s amazing to see the sport growing globally, and the level of support and passion they’re bringing to the table is inspiring. The opportunities they’re creating for fighters and fans alike are huge, and I’m really optimistic about what the future holds, It’s a great time to be involved in boxing, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting movement.

“I’m really excited about this show being on free TV because it gives me the chance to reach an even bigger audience worldwide. It’s an amazing opportunity for more people to see my journey and connect with what I do in the ring, The exposure is huge, and it’s motivating to know that people from all over the world will be turning in. I’m grateful for the platform and I’m ready to put on a show for everyone watching.”

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