Author: Bill Calogero
Simpson vs. Zucco For Euro Title Set For June 7
Callum Simpson will face Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 7 at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley
All the action will be available to watch live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland
BARNSLEY, UK – A massive European night is coming to Barnsley as Callum Simpson faces Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 7 at Oakwell Stadium, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
It will be Simpson’s toughest test to date, and the Barnsley boxer is calling on the passionate club fanbase to turn Oakwell into a fortress and support his battle to overcome an undefeated opponent.
Zucco, from Piemonte, Italy, has risen through the rankings with a series of impressive performances. The 29-year-old, unbeaten in his 21 professional contests, is a former WBC International Champion, who has stopped 18 of his opponents inside the distance.
Barnsley FC and BOXXER executives have been working with local authorities to make sure the stadium is set up with the maximum number of seats for a non-football event.
Simpson’s debut at Oakwell last summer sold out inside 48 hours before going on general sale, with 7,000 fans cheering his impressive British and Commonwealth Title win over Zak Chelli.
Callum Simpson said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date. Last summer, I won the British and Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.
“This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.
“The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.”
Ivan Zucco said: “I am really honoured to fight for such a prestigious title in such a big event. Facing a high-quality opponent like Callum Simpson is an opportunity that excites me a lot. It will be a tough battle, but I am ready to give my all for victory.
“Winning the European title would be a dream come true. This title means a lot to me, not only on a personal level, but also to my family and everyone who has always believed in me. It will be an honour to bring the title back to Italy and the culmination of a journey that I have undertaken with passion and sacrifice.”
Jeter Promotions Sign Cruiserweight Tyler Langer
Recent Jeter Promotions Signee Tyler Langer Ready To Announce Himself to Boxing Fans
Baltimore, MD –Undefeated cruiserweight prospect Tyler Langer will be looking to catapult himself into the thick of the cruiserweight division this fall.
The 29 year-old Langer of Baltimore, Maryland. has a record of 4-0 with three knockouts and already has four more prospective dates on the near horizon.
Langer, who recently signed with Jeter Promotions, is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Sean Schultz on March 1st at Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland.
“He was tough and bigger. He was coming down in weight. I am a natural cruiserweight. He was one of the strongest guys that I have fought. He took a lot of my big shots. He came to win, but. my experience and skill took over. It was a fight that I needed to see where I am,” said Langer
Langer began boxing just nine years ago after a friend of his mother encouraged him to go to the gym.
Tyler amassed a record of 40-10 in the amateur ranks. “I had a hard life growing up. I joined the gym and had success. I was not able to travel for bigger competitions as we were not able to raise enough money to compete,” said Langer.
Before his last fight, Langer was able to ink a deal with Jeter. Promotions: Jeter who has been promoting sold out events over the last decade feels that he has a hidden gem in Langer.
“Tyler has a lot of ability and he will win championships. I plan to bring him along at the right pace and I can see him being a contender in the cruiserweight division in the future,” said Jeter.
Upon hearing high praise from Jeter, Langer was excited about the future.
“Tony Jeter is a great promoter. He can move me the way I need to be moved. I know he can get me to all of the regional, International and eventually world titles. He will get us to where we need to go. It feels amazing that Tony Jeter believes in me the way he does. I know what I am worth, other promoters never gave that. Tony does that. He knows that I want more rounds and undefeated opponents to lead towards belt fights.”
On keeping a busy schedule for the rest of 2025, Langer feels that it is a great opportunity to get exposure and on the radar of some of the fighters that are currently ranked high at cruiserweight.
“As a team, I love being active. I am always in the gym. It keeps my mind goal oriented and I have something to work for.”
I know I could have at least four dates, plus a couple other fights could come up, So i would not be surprised if am 8 or 9-0 at the end of the year.
Langer is trained by Warren Boadley.at the Mack Lewis Gym in Baltimore, Maryland.
“I want everyone to believe in me and I will put the Mack Lewis Gym back on the map.”
Jeter Promotions also promotes Immanuwel Aleem, Mykal Fox, Joe Veazey, Ahmad Jones, Ezri Turner, Victor Williams, Brandon Chambers to name a few fighters in their deep roster.
Jeter Promotions has been promoting high quality events for 17 years.
WBC World Cruiserweight Title Fight on Canelo-Scull Undercard
Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki to Challenge WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Badou Jack on May 3 in Saudi Arabia
HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – Canadian cruiserweight challenger Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) will finally get his World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World title shot against defending champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (20-1-1, 19 KOs) on May 3rd on the Riyadh Season’s high-profile card headlined by the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) versus William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) for the Unified Super Middleweight World Championship.
Proudly channeling his boxing idol, Hall of Famer Jack Dempsey, Rozicki is the WBC No. 1 mandatory challenger for the third time, but he will now get his long-awaited shot. His promoter, Three Lions Promotions, won the purse bid and had originally secured a date and venue, April 26 at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. Negotiations led to Jack vs. Rozicki being added to the May 3rd show in Riyadh.
“We would like to thank his excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, David Ghansa from 258 Management, and WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for making this fight possible. Ryan is fighting on the biggest stage possible, and he is more than ready. Come May 3 there will be a new WBC World Cruiserweight Champion,” Rozicki’s promoter Daniel Otter (Three Lions Promotions) proclaimed. “The world is going to witness the hardest puncher in boxing today. Rozicki is going to walk right through Jack and get him out of there early, mark my words!”
Rozicki, 30, has been the WBC’s mandatory challenger since 2023, first for then-WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelyan (27-2, 12 KOs), who failed to make his ordered title defense with Rozicki. The WBC named Mikaelyan its “Champion In Recess,” elevating Jack to its World Cruiserweight Champion from his position as the WBC “Champion In Recess.” Three-division world champion Jack, 41, hasn’t fought since he captured the crown on February 26, 2023.
Rozicki’s aggressive, powerful style of fighting (“The Bruiser”) has been modeled after Dempsey and the two, despite Ryan being born nearly 100 years to the day after Dempsey, even look similar. Known as a modern-day Jack Dempsey, Rozicki is dedicated to honoring Dempsey’s legacy.
“My style of fighting hasn’t been seen in Saudi Arabia,” Rozicki said. I’m going to knock him (Jack) out and end his boxing career. It’s that simple. These other fighters have been ducking and dodging me for long enough; I’m putting the whole division on blast, after I’m finished with Jack, I want Jai (Opetaia – IBF, Ring Magazine, and lineal champion) and (Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ – WBA and WBO champion) next.”
The May 3rd card is absolutely loaded, arguably “The Event of the Year” from top to bottom. In addition to Canelo vs. Scully and Jack vs. Rozicki, other fights include middleweight Jaime Munguia (44-2, 35 KOs) vs. Bruno Surace (26-0-2, 5 KOs) in a rematch of their fight which was won by the latter in a major upset, as well as heavyweight hopeful Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) vs. Efe Ajagba (20-1, 16 KOs).
Talkin Boxing With Billy Show Update
Talkin Boxing With Billy C Show Update
March 19, 2025
To All The Talkin Boxing With Billy C viewers & listeners:
2025 marks the 22nd year that The Talkin Boxing With Billy C show has been on air. MAN…does time fly! I was a podcast pioneer not only for boxing, but for sports in general. 22 years ago, there wasn’t many podcasts out there. As a matter of fact, most people didn’t even know what a podcast was!
The show was started as a way to promote Snoops Boxing Gym in Poughkeepsie, New York. The Infamous Jeremy C talked me into it. We both thought it may be a cool way to bring people into the gym. It was a simple concept: I wanted the show to feel like two guys hanging out talking about boxing. The added point of it being in a boxing gym with people working out, hitting the bags, sparring, etc., in the background, added to the flavor of the show. It started out as one-hour weekly podcast and was featured on TPS Radio…one of the first podcast networks. The show quickly grew into a two-hour weekly show and then to a daily two-hour show. Our main goal at that time was to get on the radio.
Our first station was on WHTK in Rochester, NY. They took a weekly version of the show that aired on Saturday mornings. That was the beginning of my campaign to get on as many radio stations as we could. Through our own syndication, we ended up on 33 stations throughout the US and Canada on both AM & FM radio stations at all different times.
We continued to have the daily show and a weekly version. Then, we found ourselves doing a daily morning show, which was available on three different boxing TV networks. The morning show was very different. It combined boxing with what you normally find during morning shows; comedy, news updates, etc. At our peak, we had over 250,000 combined podcast subscribers, was on 33 AM & FM radio stations and 3 TV networks.
The Billy C brand didn’t stop at the show. I did many broadcasts with John Moceyunas’ LDLTV. I loved doing every one and especially doing the commentary with the late great Sal “Rocky” Cenicola and my main man Carl King. We did some great fights and I thank John for the opportunity and hope to be able to continue working with LDLTV moving forward! (stay tuned for some news on that!)
I was involved with several big fights in Las Vegas where we did the show for the week leading up to the fight and those were awesome and are available to watch via youtube and recently on Rumble. I did a Boxing Revisited TV show, which aired on several TV networks and was a lot of fun. Sal & I called some fantastic fights of yesteryear as if they were live. Several were done on a big screen in front of a live audience. Special thanks to the late Steve Lott of Big Fights Inc., for giving us the rights to broadcast these fights. We got to call one of the most brutal fights I ever saw, Gene Fullmer vs. Benny Kid Paret. If you haven’t seen it, check it out: https://rumble.com/v4e53tr-gene-fullmer-vs.-benny-kid-paret.html
We had some great contributors throughout the years for the show that I would like to thank.
Special thanks, in no particular order: The Infamous Jeremy C, Sal “Rocky” Cenicola, Alex Pierpaoli, Daxx Khan, Scotty Crouse, Dave Wilcox, Emily Harney, Johnny Boz, Larry Hazzard, Marty Mulcahey, Joe Santoliquito, Keith Tersara, Ron Lipton, Mark Abrams, Amy Green, Thomas Newman, Ryan Songalia, Shelly Williams, Coach and his team at StricklyBusinessBoxing.com AND I’m sure I’m forgetting some others as well and to them, I truly apologize!
Over the years, we had some great guests like Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Tyson Fury, Danny Garcia, Andre Berto, Manny Stewart, Marlon Starling, Hector Camacho Sr. & Jr., Kathy Duva, Buddy McGirt, Steve Canton, Johnny “Bombs” Carlo, Chevelle Hallback, Bernard Hopkins, Ryan Garcia, Holly Holm, Maureen Shea, Bobby Czyz, Ray Mercer, Jeff Mayweather, Bert Sugar, Gerry Cooney, Randy Gordon, Baby Joe Mesi, Mickey Ward, Ray Boom-Boom Mancini, Ernie Shavers, Tim Witherspoon, Mike Weaver, Ron Lyle, Tommy Morrison, Leon Spinks, Nate Campbell, Don King, Jimmy Burchfield, Tony Danza, Snooki, Danny Bonaduce and Lou DiBella just to name a few. We also had some great segments like our Blast From The Past, the Heavyweight Spotlight, The fight before the fight, while youz wuz sleeping and many, many more.
In 2024 I was inducted into the NYS Boxing Hall of Fame and I am part of the 2025 Florida Boxing Hall of fame inductees this year. These are honors I never expected and I’m extremely proud and honored to be part of these halls of fame. I’ve been involved with professional boxing for over 36 years as a promoter, manager, writer, matchmaker, advisor, author, gym owner, amateur fighter, a sanctioning body official, and of course the host of the Talkin Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio show. But first and foremost, I’m a die-hard boxing fan and always will be! I feel that by being part of these Halls of Fame is one of the best accomplishments I could have ever asked for.
I would love all of you to come to Florida June 20 thru June 22 and join me and the other Florida Boxing Hall of Fame inductees for a weekend you won’t forget! After all, if it wasn’t for everyone that’s reading this statement, I would have never received these honors. I thank you all for it!!! If you would like to hang with me and all the other boxing people and inductees for a great boxing weekend, you can get all the all information by visiting www.FloridaBoxingHallofFame.com. Let’s talk boxing in person!
With a heavy heart, I am officially announcing that I am ending the show on a regular basis effective immediately. I plan on focusing on any commentating or ringside analysis opportunities that may come my way. I will also do pre or post-fight shows from time to time for the biggest fights that are made with my first most likely being in September for the Crawford-Canelo showdown. I will also keep www.BillyCBoxing.com updated with the latest boxing news and I plan to write more opinionated articles which will be posted as well. I also hope to write another book, which I plan on starting by the end of this year. I have to figure out what it will be on first!
There are 22 years of shows out there as podcasts or youtube videos and we plan on keeping them available. The podcasts are available where ever you get your podcasts; just search Talkin Boxing With Billy C.
The YouTube videos are actually located in two places: www.Youtube.com/TalkinBoxing and www.youtube.com/BillyCBoxing.
I will also be active on our Facebook and X accounts and hope to do more content on the Instagram account. Who knows, MAYBE I will get on TikTok as well! I will always be available via email at Bill@BillyCBoxing.com or Billy@TalkinBoxing.com to communicate directly with you if you so desire.
There’s really not much more I can say, except thank you. Thank you to all the people that were part of the show, all the supporters of the show, all the past sponsors, and especially to all the viewers and listeners, whether you liked me or not, agreed with me or not, I appreciate every one of you because without you, the show would have never been as successful as it was!
Thank you all for making my ride with the show a GREAT ONE!
Bill Calogero
BOXING IN LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA
Michael “The Bounty” Hunter vs. Christopher Lovejoy Headlines Explosive Night of Boxing at Thunder Studios
LONG BEACH, CA – Showtime Boxing Promotions is set to deliver a thrilling night of fights on April 19, 2025, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, featuring some of the sport’s most exciting contenders and rising stars. The show will stream live on WBCBOXING.com and all WBC outlets.
Headlining the event, WBA #1 ranked heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, takes on knockout artist Christopher Lovejoy (20-1-1, 20 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, in a scheduled 8-round showdown. With both fighters carrying serious power, fans can expect an explosive main event as Hunter looks to solidify his path toward a world title shot while Lovejoy aims to shake up the division.
“I’m coming into this fight with a knockout mentality,” said Hunter. “Lovejoy is tough, but I’m levels above him, and I’ll prove it on fight night. 2025 will be the year I’m crowned world champion.
“People have been doubting me, but I’m here to show I belong with the best,” stated Lovejoy, who is known for his knockout power, as he sees this as a major opportunity. “Hunter better be ready because I’m coming to take his spot.”
In the 8-round co-main event, undefeated bantamweight Anthony Garnica (12-0-1, 7 KOs) of Oakland, CA, will take on former world title challenger Aston Palicte (28-7-1, 23 KOs) of Bago City, Philippines. With both fighters looking to take a big step forward in their careers, this clash promises fireworks.
“Palicte has experience, but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve trained for tough fights like this, and I’m going to show why I’m one of the best rising bantamweights in the world,” said Garnica.
Also on the card, 2020 Mexican Olympian Brianda Tamara Cruz (1-0) of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, globally known for losing to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s in the 2022 WBT Woman’s Golden Belt Series, will compete in a 6-round welterweight bout in her USA debut.
“This is a dream come true. Fighting in the United States is a huge step for me, and I plan to show everyone that I’m ready to take over the welterweight division,” said Cruz.
The card will also feature super lightweight Israel Mercado (11-1-2, 7 KOs) from Pomona, CA, in a 10-round bout, lightweight Victor Manuel Lopez Gala (6-1-1, 3 KOs) from Sonora, Mexico, in an 8-round bout, middleweight Raul Salomon (14-2, 12 KOs) from Long Beach, CA, in an 8-round bout, and bantamweight Chantel Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) from Glendale, CA, in a 6-round bout, with all opponents TBA.
Showtime Boxing Promotions executives Lenin Garcia and Reyes Mejia expressed their excitement about bringing this stacked event to Long Beach.
“This is one of the best fight cards we’ve put together, featuring world-class talent and rising stars,” said Garcia. “Hunter is on the verge of a title shot, Garnica has the potential to be a future champion, and Brianda Tamara Cruz is making her U.S. debut—this is an event fight fans won’t want to miss.”
“Our goal is to showcase elite talent and deliver competitive, entertaining fights,” Mejia added. “April 19 is going to be an incredible night of boxing, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Thunder Studios.”
Junior Younan Main Event March 22
UNDEFEATED JUNIOR YOUNAN IN AS NEW MAIN EVENT OF 50TH ANNIVERSARY ROCKIN’ FIGHTS SAT, MARCH 22ND
Huntington, New York – Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has announced a new headliner for their Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary Event on Saturday, March 22 at The Paramount NY with Undefeated and World Ranked Super-Middleweight Junior Younan,(21-0-1, 13 KO), of Brooklyn, NY fighting in the ten-round main event. Former World Champion Joe Smith Jr., recovering from a bout with pneumonia will now be featured on a later Star Boxing event.
Stated Joe DeGuardia, “We’re going to allow Joe Smith Jr. the time to make a full recovery from
pneumonia and have therefore added Junior Younan to the main event on our historic Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary event on Saturday March 22.” Younan’s opponent will be announced shortly.
“Younan is closing in on the top super middleweights and we’re very excited to have him fight at The Paramount NY for the third time. As we have done with Joe Smith Jr., Chris Algieri and Demetrius Andrade, we will provide fans with another opportunity to witness a future world champion develop on the Rockin’ Fights series.”
Signing with Joe DeGuardia in 2024, Younan fought for the first time under the Star Boxing banner on May 11, 2024, and knocked out Ricardo Luna in the first round at The Paramount NY with a highlight reel knock out. Star Boxing brought Junior right back on September 14, 2024, and the heavy-handed, former amateur standout stopped Alexis Gaytan in the fifth round at the famed Huntington venue. Junior Younan is currently ranked #10 by the World Boxing Association and its WBA Continental Americas Gold champ.
STAR BOXING RETURNS APRIL 26
“BATTLE IN EO FIGHT NIGHT” APRIL 26, 2025
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing & City of East Orange Present: “Battle in EO Fight Night” on April 26, 2025…
White Plains, NY – Boxing returns to East Orange in a major way as Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, in collaboration with the City of East Orange, including the Office of Mayor Ted R. Green, Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, and the East Orange Safe Haven Police Athletic League (PAL), proudly presents “BATTLE IN EO FIGHT NIGHT” on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at East Orange Campus High School, in East Orange, New Jersey.
This highly-anticipated night of professional boxing will include a homecoming as East Orange’s
own Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-1-1) will be in an eagerly-awaited featured bout. Managed by
Critical Sports and Entertainment, Chance was an amateur star and has been making waves as a professional with his dynamic style, speed, and sharp boxing IQ. Now, he returns to where it all
started, fighting in front of his hometown crowd as he continues his ascent in the sport.
“This is bigger than just a fight card,” said Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. “This is about
the synergy between athletes, their fans and the community itself. We aim to showcase not only
top professional boxing, but also how communities embrace and uplift their athletes and athletes
can do the same for cities. The City of East Orange has been incredible in helping make this a
reality, and we can’t wait to showcase some of the best up-and-coming fighters right here at
home.”
The event is being organized with the full support of East Orange’s leadership, ensuring a first-
class experience for fans while fostering a connection between the sport of boxing and the
community. Critical Sports and Entertainment, the East Orange Safe Haven PAL, and the
Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs have all played a key role in making this event
possible, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to providing opportunities for young
athletes and fans alike.
“East Orange has a proud tradition of producing elite athletes, and Rajon Chance is a shining
example of that legacy,” said Mayor Green. “We are thrilled to partner with Star Boxing to bring
this event to our city and to give our community the opportunity to witness one of their own in
action on a major stage.”
In addition to Chance’s homecoming bout, “BATTLE IN EO FIGHT NIGHT” will feature a full
undercard packed with exciting matchups, showcasing top local and national talent in
competitive, action-packed fights.
Erik Bazinyan Injured – Fight With Steven Butler Postponed
ERIK BAZINYAN INJURED; MARCH 14 EVENT CANCELED
MONTREAL, February 26, 2025 — A sprain of the deltoid ligament in his right ankle sustained during training will sideline Erik Bazinyan for the next few weeks, forcing him to postpone his bout against Steven Butler. As a result, Eye of the Tiger must postpone its March 14 event at Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal.
“Despite a strong undercard, including Mary Spencer’s world title defense, we found ourselves in a situation similar to what we experienced with Beterbiev-Smith. It’s a heartbreaking decision, but it would have been disrespectful and inconsiderate to our fans to move forward with the event despite the withdrawal of the main event, Bazinyan vs. Butler, when people had purchased their tickets specifically to see that fight,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.
Further details will follow regarding the rescheduled date for the clash between Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs) and Steven Butler (35-5-1, 29 KOs), as well as the full undercard lineup.
Marco Romero Hopes To Be The Next World Champion From Kansas
Kansas Boxing Prodigy Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Preparing a takeover and bringing Bigtime Boxing back home
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Although Kansas isn’t a hotbed for boxing, blue-chip super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs) is on a mission to personally put his state on the pugilistic map, so to speak, as the potential successor to his favorite boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
In a state known for its invaluable role in agriculture, often referred to as the “Breadbasket of America,” sports in Kansas City are ruled by the Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Kansas men’s basketball team, and occasionally the Kansas City Royals.
Kansas has only produced three professional world boxing champions: heavyweight Jess “Pottawatomie Giant” Willard (22-5-1, 21 KOs), a Hall of Famer born in St. Clere who fought out of Pottawatomie; plus, a pair of Garden City-born fighters, welterweight Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs) and lightweight Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (35-5-1, 26 KOs), who both turned pro in 2004. Willard, of course, is best known for knocking out Jack Johnson in round 26 of their 1915 World Heavyweight Championship match. In addition to “Canelo,” Ortiz and Rios also served as models for a young Romero.
Two other non-native Kansans who fought out of Kansas and captured world titles are heavyweight Tommy “The Duke” Morrison” (48-3-1, 42 KOs) and welterweight Rube “The Kansas Rube” Ferns (45-18-10, 32 KOs).
The irony is Romero’s manager/head trainer, living legend John Brown, has turned only two pros from the 18,000-plus amateurs he has trained, Romero and Morrison. Boxing hasn’t been a big draw in Kansas City – Kansas or Missouri – since Morrison (1988-2008), who fought nine times as a pro in that market, including a world title fight at Kemper Arena (Kansas City, MO).
Other Kansas-natives who were outstanding boxers include No. 1 world rated heavyweight Fred “The Rochester Plasterer” Fulton (79-16-2, 71 KOs / 1913-1933), of Rochester; 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Nico Hernandez (11-0, 4 KOs / 2017-2023), of Wichita; No. 2 world rated lightweight Tommy “Chocolate Ice Cube” Campbell (45-12-6, 22 KOs / 1946-1951), of Kansas City; and world lightweight title challenger Jesse Flores (65-8-11, 25 KOs / 1945-1954), of Herington.
Romero’s ultimate dream is to bring World Championship boxing back to Kansas, in order to give back to his community and inspire other young and upcoming boxers from Kansas City, not necessarily just in boxing, but any sport. He wants to fill up Arrowhead Stadium one day, either defending or fighting for a world title.
Romero’s legendary head trainer/manager John Brown notes that Kansas City may not be known for producing top boxers, however, he attributes that to the lack of regular pro boxing shows there, which, of course, makes it difficult to develop local favorites to local boxing fans to support.
“I was able to fill arenas in this are with Tommy Morrisson (Brown was Morrison’s head trainer/manager) in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s due to him being a charismatic personality and a heavyweight who knocked out opponents. Prior to Tommy, we had Tony Chiaverini, who packed venues in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, proving KC will support a good fighter and good guy.”
Proud of his Mexican American heritage, Marco’s boxing idols are “Canelo” Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez and, of course, his namesake, Marco Antonio Barrera.
Romero dominated countless amateur youth tournaments, and he was rewarded in 2020 by being selected as a member of the USA National Boxing Team preparing to travel to Bulgaria to compete in a tournament. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck and halted boxing worldwide.
Romero dreamed of representing the United States in the 2024 Olympics, however, he never had an opportunity to make the team heading to Paris for two primary reasons. The minimum age was moved from 18 to 19 (Marco didn’t turn 19 until after the Olympic Games had concluded on Nov. 19); Romero had outgrown his weight class (middleweight), and super middleweight wasn’t one of the weight classes sanctioned for competition in Paris.
“Marco’s skill, personality and good looks will soon captivate the city, particularly its huge Mexican population,” Brown predicted. “It is no small thing that Marco is bilingual and able to connect with his people. Marco’s growing popularity will open opportunities for other pros and amateurs from this area who dream of turning pro in the near future. If you have a winner, the fans will follow!”
In four professional bouts, Marco has won all nine rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards.
Romero’s next fight is scheduled for March 14 in Denver and tentative plans call for him to fight for the first time as a prize fighter in his native Kansas on May 24th in Topeka.