Mashantucket, CT – Every battle inside the ring represents more than just a fight for Jacob “Lefty” Marrero (10-0, 7 KOs). Each round is another chapter in a story of redemption, perseverance, and renewed purpose that has guided Marrero from the streets of Bridgeport to the bright lights of Foxwoods Resort Casino.
On Saturday, October 11, Lefty fights in the co-main event of CES Boxing’s Bloodlines: Gotti vs. Hagler card at the Great Cedar Showroom against battle-tested Argentine Emiliano “Pac Man” Garcia (19-11-1, 13 KOs).
Limited Tickets remain for Bloodlines: Gotti vs. Hagler, so grab yours now at CES Fights or Ticketmaster.
Locked In and Ready
“Training camp is going great,” said a confident Marrero a week before the bout. “I’m already on weight. I did my rounds, my sparring, my pad work, my cardio — everything. This camp was a lot about mental preparation, and I feel good. I’m ready to put on a show.”
In Garcia, Marrero faces a battle-tested opponent who’s shared the ring with former world champions Denys Berinchyk and Juan Manuel Lopez. On paper, it’s Marrero’s toughest test to date — but the 26-year-old southpaw is unfazed.
“I don’t overlook anybody,” said Marrero. “He’s experienced, but I train to dominate and win impressively. I’ll fight my fight, be patient, and make sure we get the job done. I feel like it’s going to come down to who wants it more — and I want it more.”
From Bridgeport to Foxwoods
Marrero’s journey began early. At just ten years old, he walked into the Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport, where longtime trainer Carlos Nieves took him under his wing.
“I was one of those kids who liked to fight,” Marrero laughed. “My uncle told me about a gym around the corner, and I just went. My coach told me to bring my mom, but she was always working — so I just kept showing up. Eventually, he let me jump rope and showed me how to fight. Seventeen years later, I’m still with the same coach.”
As an amateur, Marrero was a standout — over 70 fights, multiple Golden Gloves and Junior Olympic titles, and in 2016, he was named Connecticut’s Amateur Boxer of the Year. But outside the ring, life dealt him harsh blows.
That same year, Marrero was shot in the ankle at a house party. “It was a random shooting,” he recalled. “The doctors said if it hit my Achilles, they might’ve had to reconstruct my ankle — or worse. I had to teach myself to walk again at 16. It slowed me down, but it didn’t stop me.”
Just as his career began to surge, another setback arrived. In 2018 — only four fights into his pro career — Marrero’s momentum was halted by an incident that led to his incarceration.
“My first night in, I called my coach,” Marrero said. “He told me to stay focused and keep working out. I told him, ‘When I come home, I’m gonna fix everything.’ And I meant it. That first night, I started training. The day I got home, I went straight to the gym. No parties, no distractions — just the gym.”
Redemption and Purpose
Since returning, Marrero has done exactly what he promised. Under the CES Boxing banner, he’s reeled off six straight wins — four by knockout — and officially signed with CES earlier this year.
“Jimmy’s always been there since day one,” Marrero said of CES founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “Even when I was going through tough times, he made us feel like family. Signing with CES just felt right. They’ve always believed in me, and I’m grateful for that.”
Now, with a perfect record and a loyal team behind him, Marrero’s eyes are set on the future.
“There’s a lot of good fighters in my division, but I believe I can compete with anyone,” he said. “In the next two or three years, I want to fight for a regional title, get ranked, and make my name known worldwide. And once I’m there, I want to help the next generation avoid the mistakes I made.”
Fighting for Bridgeport
As fight night approaches, Marrero carries more than his story into the ring — he carries the pride of a city and the belief that redemption is real.
“Bridgeport really motivates me,” he said. “My fight’s not just for me; it’s for the city. Thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. October 11, be there — we’re gonna turn up, we’re gonna win, and we’re gonna keep moving on to bigger and better things.”
For more information on Bloodlines: Gotti vs. Hagler and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.
INFORMATION
About CES Boxing
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.
About Foxwoods Resort Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest resort casino in the Northeast, has set the standard for innovation and excellence in gaming and hospitality for over 33 years. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods continues to redefine the resort experience by offering a dynamic mix of world-class gaming, award-winning dining, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.
A destination like no other, Foxwoods offers over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, over 175,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, shopping at Tanger Outlets, expansive gaming floors throughout the resort, and unmatched amenities. The entertainment portfolio features globally acclaimed artists, exclusive live performances, and premier events hosted at its renowned venues, including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.
Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like DraftKings Sportsbook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Great Wolf Lodge, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings and deliver elevated, curated experiences for guests. The new brand campaign, “This Is How We Resort,” reflects Foxwoods’ commitment to creating unique, personalized moments—from thrilling gaming adventures to relaxing escapes—that redefine what it means to “resort”. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.
