LAS VEGAS (August 30, 2016) – In a classic match-up of contrasting styles, Rolando “Rola” Garza and Neeco “The Rooster” Macias will both put their undefeated records on the line in the “Knockout Night at the D” 8-round co-featured event, airing Friday night, September 9, on CBS Sports Network, live from the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside, starting at 11 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.
The 10-round main event pits unbeaten junior welterweights Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs) and Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-4-1, 16 KOs),promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.
Garza and Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will be fighting for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship, are exact opposites in and out of the ring. The winner will advance to the next level of competition in the 154-pound division.
A technically sound boxer, Garza had an extensive amateur background as a member of the Mexican National Team, finishing with a 120-12 record, before turning pro September 29, 2012. The quiet, unassuming fighter 24-year-old was impressive in his last fight, also at the DLVEC this past June 10, in which he dominated previously unbeaten Erasmo Garcia (5-0-1) on his way to an 6-round unanimous decision (59-54, 59-54, 58-56) victory.
Rolando Garza
(Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D))
“The opportunity that Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions and CBS Sports Network has presented me has boosted my confidence to another level,” Garza said. “I have never been more confident in my skills, my team and training. I’m going to show Las Vegas and the rest of country what my talent brings into the ring. Once Las Vegas witnesses my talent, fighting on national television, no one will be able to turn a blind eye. Not only will this fight put my name out there, but better opportunities will present themselves, and that keeps me motivated.
“This fight will propel me into the 154-pound rankings. It’s high risk with an even higher reward: the WBC / US title. My opponent is a brawler; a non-stop, aggressive puncher who moves forward, which will make this fight nothing short of explosive fireworks in the ring.”
In the other corner, the non-stop Macias relies on conditioning and an aggressive, always coming forward approach to break down his opponent. The 25-year-old Macias, fighting out of Palm Desert, California, unlike Garza, who now lives and trains in Austin (TX), had only 30 amateur bouts having started boxing at the relative advanced age of 21. He did win gold medals at the National Blue & Gold Tournament, as well as Central California Golden Gloves and Desert Showdown. Macias is a showman, playing to the crowd before, during and after fights, crowing like a rooster, always with a broad smile on his face.
Neeco Macia
(Photo by Tom Donoghue – the D)
Macias’ last fight, also at the DLVE this past April 16, resulted in an action-packed fight against Limberth Ponce (10-2). Never tasking his foot off the pedal, Macias rolled to a win by 8-round unanimous decision (79-73 X 3), earning him a legion of new fans who were in attendance or watched the fight on CBS Sports Network.
“Fighters don’t really care who they fight, they just want to fight,” Macias explained why his risking his undefeated record against an opponent who has never loss. “I had a fight fall through so, instead of waiting for another fight, when the opportunity to fight a 9-0 guy came, my coaches watched film of him and we agreed that I’m ready. This is the first time I’m fighting on the ‘B’ side, but we’re using that as motivation. I take one fight at a time but I know I’m fighting on TV and need to look good. I want to show everyone that all the hard work has paid off.
“I see this fight as my opponent probably having more skill, he’s technically sound and sets up his shots. But our plan is to take him out of his game plan, wear him down and have some fun doing it. My last fight was my first in Las Vegas and first time fighting on national television. It got a lot of notice. I’ve been through all of that now and will be even better prepared for this fight. It’s awesome fighting in Las Vegas on CBS Sports Network!”
‘Knockout Night at the D” returns Friday, Sept. 30
Hanzel Martinez (23-2, 18 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Quartey (20-2, 19 KOs)
Vacant WBA International Super Bantamweight Championship
Tony Lopez (11-1, 4 KOs) vs. Stephon Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs)
Vacant WBA / NABA Bantamweight Championship
John Vera (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Milorad Zizic (12-1, 6 KOs)
WBA / NABA Super Welterweight Championship
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM or DLVEC.COM
Las Vegas favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) battles Texan Steve Belmonte (2-0) in a 4-round bout to open the television broadcast.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is undefeated Ugandan lightweight prospect Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (17-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Minneapolis, in a 6-rounder versus dangerous Mexican fighter Eliseo “Lobo” Cruz (9-1-1, 6 KOs). In 4-round fights, 20-year-old junior lightweight Randy Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, will square off with Gaige Ireland (2-0-2, 2 KOs), of Australia by way of Ireland, 18-year-old Las Vegas bantamweight Max “Baby Faced Assassin” Ornelas (3-0, 2 KOs) meets Johnathan Quiroz (6-4, 1 KO), of Oceanside, California, and Las Vegas junior flyweight Marina Ramirez (1-0) faces New Jersey’s Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
INFORMATION:
Websites: www.dlvec.com, www.thed.com, www.royjonesjrboxing.com, www.knockoutnightboxing.com
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/dlvec, www.Facebook.com/thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @Jflashgang, @SteveTheBoxer, @IMuwendo, @RandyMoreno
About the D Las Vegas: the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.
About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.
About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera and former three-time world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Randy Moreno, cruiserweight Israel Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolanda Garza and light heavyweight Adrian Taylor.
About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results. At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
