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| NASHUA, NH – Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Michael “The Blessed Southpaw” Fontanez (12-0, 8 KOs) will take a major step in his career on Saturday, September 6, when he headlines his first CES Boxing card at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium against Venezuelan power-puncher Esneiker Correa (16-6-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round bout. Tickets for ‘Mill City Mayhem’ are on sale now, starting at $80 and available at CES Fights or the Lowell Auditorium website. The 29-year-old Fontanez enters the fight in top form, having already competed twice in 2025 while also fighting with the Boston Butchers of Team Combat League. For the Nashua, NH resident, headlining in Lowell – just 30 minutes from home – carries special significance. “I headlined once with a different company, but it was a last-minute thing,” says Fontanez. “This is definitely bigger. Lowell is a rugged boxing town that everyone knows for the Golden Gloves and Mickey Ward, so it’s pretty cool to headline there.” ‘The Blessed Southpaw’ has put himself through a grueling training camp to prepare for Correa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan based in Miami with 14 knockouts among his 16 wins. “It’s been a brutal training camp, but I had a mental breakthrough last week,” said Fontanez. “Everybody says they had the best training camp, but I truly mean that. This was probably my toughest one, but I’m peaking at the right time.” Despite balancing boxing with landscaping work, personal training clients, and the responsibilities of managing a property, Fontanez remains determined to make the most of his career. “Your 9 to 5 supports your 6 to 10,” reasons Fontanez of what it takes to realize his dreams. “I feel like I’m destined for this, and I know it’s gonna pay off. You only have one shot, so I’m trying to make my mark in boxing while I’m young.” Re-signing with CES Boxing in July, Fontanez feels that his career has been moving in the right direction since joining the Providence, RI based promoter last year. “They’re giving me the right fights and gradually a stiffer level of competition,” says Fontanez. “With CES, I can focus on my training. They have a plan for my career. They’re also not afraid to throw me in 50/50 fights, and I’m not afraid to be in them either.” With Correa, Fontanez is facing a Venezuelan puncher who has also been active this year, fighting in April and June before the September 6 showdown. “He’s good—he’s got 14 knockouts in 16 wins, so I’m not sleeping on him,” admits Fontanez. “He’s strong and rangy, so I’ve been sparring with heavyweights to prepare. I know he’s going to try to take my head off, but I’m prepared for that. I think I’m smarter and sharper, and it’s going to show.” Fighting in the main event furthers Fontanez’s rise following impressive performances on DAZN against the likes of Ray Oliveira Jr., where ‘Salsa Mike’ gradually broke down Oliveira, stopping Ray in 6 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Looking ahead, Fontanez has his sights set on climbing into the world rankings. “I’ve got to get past September 6, but I’d like to be in the top 25 or top 50 by 2026,” said the realistic Fontanez. “I don’t want to overshoot, but I think that’s reasonable.” For now, Fontanez is focused on delivering a memorable performance in Lowell. “I just want thank everyone for pulling up on September 6,” said Fontanez. “It’s pretty cool to headline so close to home and I’m grateful. I’m going to give it my all. I’m prepared for victory, but only God knows what’s going to happen. I know that I’m ready to showcase my skills.” For more information about ‘Mill City Mayhem 2’ and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com. INFORMATIONAbout CES BoxingCES 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”. |
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