(Nov. 28, 2023) — Puerto Rican welterweight contender Derrieck Cuevas returns against Ecuadorian veteran Marlon Aguas in the 10-round main event this Friday, Dec. 1 at Coliseo de Combates Pandeportes in Panama City, Panama.    Cuevas looks to earn his third knockout victory of the year as he sets his sights on the division’s top contenders.   Cuevas-Aguas and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.   Cuevas (26-1-1, 18 KOs), a nine-year pro from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, captured his first regional title in December 2016 with a decision win over Daniel Sostre. Since then, the 29-year-old has only suffered one setback, a six-round split decision loss to Damian Ezequiel Bonelli in December 2020. He bounced back with a TKO win against Esneiker Correa two years later and a knockout victory over Damian Rodriguez in April. In August, Cuevas earned a fourth-round stoppage win over Alberto Mosquera. Aguas (14-1, 9 KOs) debuted as a pro in March 2013 and suffered an early-career loss against then-unbeaten puncher Ivan Golub in 2016. He’s remained undefeated since and returns following a second-round knockout win against Jose Agustin Julio in May.   In other ESPN+ streaming bouts:In the six-round light flyweight co-feature, Eveling Ortega (6-4, 2 KOs) squares off against Guatemala’s Yanissa Castrellon (3-1).   Hometown hero Azael Villar (19-2-4, 15 KOs), ranked No. 10 by the WBC and No. 12 by the WBO, hopes to inch closer to a title opportunity in a 10-round light flyweight battle versus Peru’s Ricardo Astuvilca (23-1, 5 KOs).   Uwel Hernandez (16-1, 9 KOs), a Cuban-born super middleweight who was raised in Germany, defends his WBA Gold belt in a 12-rounder against Colombia’s Alexi Rivera (11-3, 8 KOs).   Unbeaten light heavyweights Yunior Menendez (8-0, 6 KOs) and Heyder Solis (8-0, 6 KOs) collide in an eight-round contest. # # #

Atlanta, GA, November 30, 2022. —  Lightweight Chann Thonson, ranked No. 13 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), lays his undefeated record on the line in a ten-round bout in the December 2 main event of a nine-bout fight card. The event will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center.

“Night of Champions” will be presented by Boswell Promotions in association with Tuto Zabala/All Star Boxing Inc. Individual tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100 and VIP ringside tables are also available. Tickets can be purchased by clicking Freshtix or Boswell Promotions. 

THE FIGHT CARD

10 Rounds Lightweights

135.1 lbs – Chann Thonson, WBA # 13, Brossard, Quebec, Canada, 12-0, 9 KOs

138.9 lbs – Aelio Mesquita, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 21-8-1, 19 KOs

8 Rounds Welterweights

152.3 lbs – Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 23-1-1, 15 KO’s

146.9 lbs – Esneiker Correa, Los Teques, Venezuela, 15-2-1, 13 KO’s

8 Rounds Lightweights

136.5 lbs – Trevor Thonson, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 6-0, 6 KOs

136. lbs – Sebastian Chaves, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 5-5, 2 KOs

8 Rounds Featherweights

125 lbs – Justin Goodson, Atlanta, GA, 6-0, 6 KOs

126 lbs – Weusi Johnson, Wilmington, Delaware, 3-24-1

6 Rounds Welterweights

154.3 lbs – Roddricus Livsey, Atlanta, GA, 11-1-1, 8 KOs

154.3 lbs – Jorge Munguia, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

6 Rounds Light Heavyweights

176.3 lbs – Darrin Austin, Atlanta, GA, 8-0, 7 KOs

170.5 lbs – Tavorus Teague

4 Rounds Welterweights

165.3 lbs – Antonio Todd

160.2 lbs – Larry Smith

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Friday, December 2, FIGHT NIGHT, Doors Open 6 pm, First Bout:  7 pm

CHANN THONSON

“I am feeling great and very confident. I just finished my second Las Vegas training camp where everything is very intense and prepared me well for this fight. Sparring got aggressive and a little heated at times, like a doghouse which is different than the guy I am fighting on Friday – he is a little flatfooted and not as aggressive. Having all of that intensity coming my way has made me really sharp and stay on my toes.  I have always been a boxer first but in this camp we utilized a lot of walking guys down so it made my power blossom and I plan to show that along with the boxing skills.

“The first time I sparred with those guys it felt like holding jackhammer for the first time and being like ‘oh, snap.’ It was a little overwhelming. The second time sparring I went in with a different attitude and was able to embrace the jackhammer and hang with the guys using mental toughness. It showed me what it was like to be a champion. It was an amazing experience.

“I don’t fight for the knockout.  I am not going to go in there swinging, but this fight I want to knock him out. That’s what I am going to get, the KO, behind my boxing of course. I have nine knockouts, and knocked out an undefeated fighter two fights ago, which was impressive to me, but I never utilized my power as I have in this camp. It’s going to be very interesting to me – if it goes past three, I will be surprised, but not a good surprised.”

ESNEIKER CORREA, Los Teques, Venezuela, 15-2-1, 13 KO’s

“Cuevas he is a fighter and I cannot underestimate him.  I know he is coming to fight and if he comes to fight hard, he is going to get knocked out. If he just wants to box, I win by decision. I come from the streets of Venezuela and had nothing. This is a life changer fight for me. A win for me will change everything. It will take me to the next level financially then I can take care of my family.”

DERRIECK “Pretty Boy” CUEAVAS, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 23-1-1, 15 KO’s

“I don’t know much about my opponent, but I know he’s a tough fighter and he comes to fight and I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. I have not fought for a while – it’s been two years and I want to make the most of this opportunity. I had been soft training for two years then going hard and more disciplined the last five months training and sparing with Olympians and top guys. On Friday you will see a KO from Cuevas because I am excited, and I am ready, and it will be over in two or three. After the KO I want the big names and big fights.”

TREVOR THONSON, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 6-0, 6 KOs

Trevor is originally from Quebec.  He fell behind his brother career wise due to the birth of his child.  When she became two and a half, he returned to boxing and ramped it up. “I won a few tournaments in Quebec, and since I am of Jamaican descent, I got my citizenship and went there to train for the national team. I won the nationals there then waited two years for the pandemic to die down for the Olympics to happen. It didn’t die down so I went to Miami to train with my brother.  Now I am 6-0 coming off a beautiful win with my best knockout to date.

“Now I train at Split T in Las Vegas, been out there for 5 months getting the work in. Vegas is one of the highest level of training camps because many world champions and highly ranked fighters are there.

“My opponent is a southpaw so I just have to be a little bit smarter and adjust and I think we can get him out of there in 4 or 5. I’ll be looking to hit him with a straight right or a left hook but my best punch is the overhand right – right over the top down the middle.  Once the distance is there, it will land and it will be over.”

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. July 12, 2019

#13 WBA Welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas 22-0-1(14 KO) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico successfully defended his WBA Fedelatin Title and country’ pride in a classic “Puerto Rico vs Mexico” battle with a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran 17-3-2(10KO).  99-91, 99-91, 98-92.

Opening up the action was a four-round featherweight tussle between Miami’s Luis Melendez who improved to  5-1, (3 KO) with a unanimous decision win over Ponce, Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Melendez 5-27(1 KO)

The second bout of the evening had super bantamweight Jorge De Jesus Romero improving to 15-0(11 KO) with TKO win over Mexico City’s Szilveszter Kanalas (14-9, 9 KO), the end came at 2:43 of round 2.

In an exciting eight-round super featherweight blitz, Miami via Cuba’s Jessy “Beast Boy” Cruz 17-7-1(7 KOs) stretched his winning streak to five in an all-action punch-out with Mexico City’s and former Mexican Super bantamweight champion Isao Gonzalo “Kato” Carranza 15-15-1(9 KO). Carranza got off the canvas four times to come back the second half of the fight to turn the tide, but not enough to make up the points of the knockdowns.  Excellent Fight!

Super featherweight from Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev 10-0(6 KO) won a unanimous decision win over Panama City, Panama’s Ricardo “El Matematico” Nunez 29-10 (23 KO) the fight originally scheduled for eight rounds cut short under the advisement of the doctor after an accidental head butt in round 6 at 2:17.  The cards read 58-56, 59-55, 60-54.

Two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko 9-0,(9 KO) of Boca Raton, Florida, via Rudniy, Kazakhstan, made quick work of ESPN 2015 Boxcino Tournament Quarterfinalist Nate Heaven 9-3 (7 KO) of Ocala, Florida.  Dychko landed a big overhand right In round 2 that crumbled Heaven and ended the fight.

Popular Fort Lauderdale warrior Blake Davis 3-0(1 KO) knocked Jefferson City, Missouri’s Armando Reeves 2-4 down in the first round en route to a unanimous decision victory.  Davis kept the hard-charging Reeves at bay with his long jabs, counter right hands and inside clinches. The final cards came in at 38-37 38-37 39-36

Miami – July 10, 2019 –?“Boxeo Telemundo,”?the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., continues its 30th year anniversary celebration with its summer installment set to premiere this Friday, July 12 featuring a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown with welterweight prospect and current WBA Latin Champion Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas defending his title against Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran. The event will broadcast live on Telemundo at 11:35 p.m. ET, from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.

For four consecutive weeks, all fights will be broadcast live on Telemundo and live streamed on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app with additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including access to the weigh-in and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. In addition, short form content that include fighters, behind the scenes and news will be produced exclusively for Telemundo Deportes social media platforms using the hashtag #BoxeoTelemundo.

“Boxeo Telemundo” is hosted by veteran boxing expert and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo, alongside Edgar Lopez and the return of World Boxing Champion and former Olympian?Abner Mares.

The show will continue celebrating its 30th?anniversary with special content across platforms throughout the four-week season. Each week, “Boxeo Telemundo” will feature segments dedicated to the anniversary celebration that takes viewers back to some of the show’s most memorable moments including the best fights and stories of renowned boxers featured.?

In the season opener, Puerto Rican welterweight Derrieck Cuevas of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (21-0-14 KO’s) will take on his toughest challenger to date, Mexican warrior Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran of Los Mochis, Mexico (17-2-10 KO’s). Both welterweights are looking to get into mix for world title opportunities in a 10-round bout.

Cuevas returns to the ring to defend his current WBA welterweight Fedelatin title for the first time since claiming it last March when he defeated Ed “Lion” Paredes on Boxeo Telemundo. Beltra returns to fight following his first defeat last November after 17 straight wins. This will be his first title bout and his debut in the U.S.

“Boxeo Telemundo” will continue July 19 with two straight weeks of bouts live from Mexico City, featuring WBO #5 WBC #7 light flyweight Saul “Baby” Juarez (25-9-2 10 KOs) defending his WBC Latino title in a 10-round bout against former 3x World Champion Ganigan “La Marvilla” Lopez (35-9 19 KO’s). On July 26, WBC Latino Champion Mauricio “Trompas” Pintor (21-3-1 13 KO’s) squares off against Edson “Buba” Ramirez (18-3 8 KO’s) in a 10-round event.

The summer season will conclude in Kissimmee, FL on August 2 as Puerto Rican sensation, WBO #10 Jr. welterweight prospect Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (16-0 12 KO’s) will put his NABO Title on the line, as he faces Jamay, Jalisco’s Miguel Angel “Conejo” Martinez (15-2-1 9 KO’s).

Debuting in 1989, “Boxeo Telemundo” has grown to become the #1 combat sports program in the U.S. among Hispanics, across broadcast and cable landscape. Since its launch, “Boxeo Telemundo” has broadcast over 350 title fights, showcasing some of the biggest boxing stars as they rose to stardom and won their first championship titles, earning a reputation as the show “where champions are born.” Among these stars is Saúl Canelo Alvarez, who won his first pro boxing title on “Boxeo Telemundo” in 2008. Other notable Champions featured include?Juan Manuel Marquez,?Diego Corrales, Carlos Maussa,? Floyd Mayweather,? Israel Vázquez,? Wilfredo Vázquez,? Rafael Ruelas,? Jorge Solis and many others. In addition, renowned boxing Hall of Famers have also appeared on the show including?Erik Morales,? Marco Antonio Barrera and?Felix Trinidad.?

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (July 1, 2019) – WBA #13-rated welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas is training ferociously in preparation to defend his homeland in a classic “Puerto Rico vs. Mexico” televised 10-round main event on Friday, July 12.

Cuevas (21-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will defend his WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Championship against Los Mochis, Mexico’s Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran (17-2-2, 10 KOs) in the headlining bout of Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory’s, in association with All Star Boxing, “Championship Fight Series” at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

Championship Fight Series’ featured bouts will be televised live on the most popular boxing series on Hispanic television Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 p.m. EST).

Tickets for “Championship Fight Series” are on sale now and cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

“He’s a tough Mexican, and when Mexico meets Puerto Rico, both guys give a lot more to represent their people back home,” said Cuevas. “If you look at his record, he’s only lost once since his third fight and that was close. He’s also beaten some decent opponents, but I know there’s no way I’m losing this fight. My people would never let me forget if I did. I’ve got too many skills for him. I train harder than him. I have more talent than him, and I have more toughness.”

Cuevas, 24, says he’s learned a lot since signing with The Heavyweight Factory and moving his base of fighting operations to the United States last year— a move that has helped him defeat former top contenders Breidis Prescott, Ed Paredes and Albert Mensah in succession.

“I learned that not every fighter is going to sleep the first time I hit them,” said Cuevas. “It’s difficult to get the stoppage against a fighter who has been a top contender who wants to survive. A lot of these guys have switched to survival mode once they felt my power. With that said, my promoters have been matching me against tougher guys to get me some rounds of experience, and I’ve learned a lot.”

Cuevas says the longstanding boxing rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico has him training at peak intensity back home.

“I’m training in Puerto Rico for this one,” said Cuevas. “There are so many great fighters on my beautiful island and so many different styles to learn from. Training has been amazing. I’m in the best shape of my life. Growing up, these kinds of fights would bring the whole country in front of the TV. You don’t lose when national pride is on the line. I’m not really doing anything differently. I’m just doing a lot more of it. So many people are going to see this fight and watch me defend Puerto Rico. I’m doing more than I’ve ever done to make sure everyone remembers what they see that night.”

Six more exciting bouts are being scheduled. On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

#

About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water experience for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and lounges; an expansive gaming floor housing 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live entertainment venue with a 7,000 person capacity, will showcase A-list entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441), and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (June 12, 2019) – Boxing returns to its hotbed in South Florida on Friday, July 12, as Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory in association with All Star Boxing proudly present “Championship Fight Series,” a night of world-class boxing in Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with featured bouts televised live on the most popular boxing series on Hispanic television Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 p.m. EST).

The night’s 10-round main event will feature a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown, as welterweight Derrieck Cuevas of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (21-0-1, 14 KOs) will defend his WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Championship against his toughest challenge to date in Mexican warrior, Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran of Los Mochis (17-2-2, 10 KOs).

Tickets for “Championship Fight Series” are on sale now and cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

A hard-punching prospect on the rise, 24-year-old Cuevas was last seen in May scoring a wide unanimous decision over well-respected Ghanaian veteran Albert Mensah at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.

“I’m prepared to defend my title,” said Cuevas. “This is my first time headlining on a national stage, and I want to show all my fans that I’m worthy of a world title opportunity after this fight.”

Jesus Alberto Beltran, 30, hails from a boxing family. He is the older brother of super featherweight contender and former world-title challenger Miguel “Barreterito” Beltran Jr.

“I want to thank All Star Boxing for giving me the opportunity to come to the U.S. and showcase my talent,” said Beltran. “I will be victorious come July 12. I look forward to fighting on the Telemundo network for years to come.”

“This will be another great show at this fantastic venue,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations for The Heavyweight Factory. “Derrieck Cuevas is becoming a player at 147 lbs. and that means taking on tough opponents like Beltran from Mexico. The winner of this fight will almost certainly gain a world ranking and be closing in on a title shot. It’s going to be a terrific match-up between two fighters with their futures on the line.”

Six more exciting bouts are being scheduled. On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

# # #

About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water experience for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 16 dining outlets and 20 bars and lounges; an expansive gaming floor housing 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue will showcase A-list entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441), and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

Hollywood, Florida – May 10, 2019-Welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro 11-0 (7 KOs), of Miami, won a convincing unanimous decision victory over once feared now faded Breidis Prescott 31-17 (22 KOs) in the main event of a packed house for the fifth installment of the popular ‘Rumble at the Rock’ series, at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

Prescott of Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia is known as “Khanqueror” for his notorious first round knockout of then rising star Amir Khan and also going ten rounds with Terrance Crawford. Navarro got a different version of Prescott tonight and was able to have his way with the worn journeyman landing a variety of shots throughout the eight rounds. Where Navarro has scored KOs in seven of his last eight fights, he was unable to stop the rugged Prescott. The judge’s cards came in at 78-74 and 79-73 and 80-72.

In the 10-round co-main event undefeated, WBA No. 7-rated featherweight contender Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (22-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami via Marianao, Cuba, got his second victory this year by stopping Monteria, Colombia’s Jesus Martinez (25-8, 12 KOs) after 5 rounds of action. Socarras dropped Martinez in round five, who had enough once he returned to his corner, officially declared a TKO victory at 2:59 seconds of the fifth round for El Maja Socarras.

Hometown favorite light heavyweight “BAD” Blake Davis 2-0(1KO) from Cooper City had his roaring crowd in the house again tonight suited up with black T-Shirts with his pink BAD logo, cheering on the one time top rated amateur. Davis electrified the crowd in round one when he dropped Quintell Thompson 2-8-1(2KO) with a big right hand. Tall and rangy Davis, who sold over $25,000 in tickets, scored with long right hands and uppercuts on the hard-charging Thompson, who would occasionally land a wild left hook. All three judges called the fight 40-35.

Kazakhstani heavyweight Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko 8-0(8KO) got the 48year old, 303-pound version of former heavyweight challenger Ray “Rainman” Austin 29-10-4(18KO) tonight to “get the party started” at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood Florida. Early in round one Dychko landed clean left hooks and right hands to the jaw of Austin, and for a minute it looked like the Rainman may not make it out of the round one. Round 2 Dychko continued to fire shots at Austin, landing solid right hands and left hooks. Midway through round three Austin turned to referee James Warring with an apparent left arm injury, after a doctor inspection the fight was called a TKO at 1:48 of round 3.

Welterweight Puerto Rican Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas 21-0-1(14KO) picked up a unanimous decision win over Ghanaian veteran Albert Mensah 31-8-1. Mensah fought most of the fight with his back on the ropes and in his own corner while the Puerto Rican played sharpshooter, slipping most of the seldom counter-attacks from Mensah. The switch-hitting slick Puerto Rican Cuevas, coming off of two solid decision wins over Breidis Prescott and Ed Paredes, was unable to hurt Mensah who offered just enough to stay in the fight and at times appeared to be sleeping on the ropes. A late fight surge from Mensah was not enough as the final cards read 78-74 and 80-72 twice.

In a crowd-pleasing brawl Super Middleweight Cuban Olympian Irosvani Duvergel 6-0(3KO) came off of the canvas to drop the hard-charging Jerhed ‘The Underdog” Fenderson 4-11(2KO) twice in round 3 and again in round five. The Underdog, who was just that, came to fight and was confident in his attempt providing a solid fistic attempt hurting the Cuban again late in the fight and had the crowd on thier feet screaming for more of the same. After 6 exciting rounds, the cards read 59-53 59-54 twice in favor of the Cuban, however, the Underdog gained fans and the respect of the promoter The Heavyweight Factory who ordered an immediate rematch after the decision was announced.

Undefeated super lightweight Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon 16-0(12KO), fully recovered from a knee injury was back to work with seasoned veteran Robert “Red Hot” Frankel 37-21-1(15KO). Loon worked at a steady pace through the eight rounds and took most of the rounds by outworking Frankel, however not winning the rounds in overwhelming fashion. I had the fight 78-74, as did one judge, the other two scored the fight 80-72.

Hard-punching welterweight prospect Derrieck Cuevas says he’s not bothered by the number of fans his upcoming opponent Ed “The Lion” Paredes of Pembroke Pines will have in-house for their showdown.

Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs), originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and now living in Miami, will face popular long-time Florida resident Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) on Friday, March 1, in the 10-round main event of The Heavyweight Factory’s, in association with All Star Boxing, “Rumble at the Rock IV” at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo.

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.

“It doesn’t bother me,” said Cuevas of Paredes’ fan following. “At the end of the day, it’s only me and him, and they can’t fight for him. I look forward to giving him a world-class beating in front of all his fans.”

Cuevas, 24, is coming off an impressive, unanimous decision victory over respected gate keeper Breidis Prescott last November, but says Paredes represents his biggest fistic challenge. Paredes, 33, is a 14-year pro, who once held the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE), WBO Latino Welterweight, WBA-NABA Welterweight and WBC Youth World Welterweight Championships.

“Paredes is the toughest fighter I’ve faced in my career. He’s a savvy veteran who has never been knocked out. But I’m coming to represent Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican boxing fans. Come March 1, I plan to be the first man to knock Ed Paredes out.”

Working hard to make that happen, Cuevas is working with trainer Jesse Robinson, a former Emanuel Steward protege.

“He’s been teaching me a lot of new things,” said Cuevas. “My explosivity and body punching will be really different for this fight. Jesse knows how to get the most out of a fighter’s strong points.

Director of Boxing for The Heavyweight Factory Henry Rivalta says Cuevas’ performance against Paredes will reveal a lot about the young prospect’s future in the sport.

“Paredes is someone only great fighters can get past,” said Rivalta. “He’s never been knocked out and he’s beaten lots of very good fighters. Plus, he’s coming in well-rested and free of injury. If Derrieck can look good against him, or be the first to knock him out, we will know he has a very bright future in professional boxing. This is truly a midterm exam for this up-and-coming fighter.”

On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

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About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts A-list entertainers, comedy and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall 2019 will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to a first-ever, iconic, guitar-shaped hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations in an adjacent hotel tower overlooking a lush, “Bora Bora” style, private cabana environment; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water-focused experience for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding; 21 distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges; an expanded gaming floor featuring 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and 26,000 square feet of new retail space. The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live theater-style concert venue will feature headline performances and live broadcast capabilities. The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441). The resort is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us:
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