Matt “Sweet Child” Conway stops Jonathan Perez in four, Captures IBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight title & proposes marriage in ring to girlfriend after fight

PITTSBURGH (June 5, 2021) – Pittsburgh favorite Matt “Sweet Child” Conway knocked out veteran Colombian knockout artist Jonathan “Popeye” Perez in last night’s “Battle of the Fairgrounds II” main event to capture the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) junior lightweight title at Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pennsylvania.

After the second installment of the popular “Battle of the Fairgrounds” series, presented by Gionta Management, Conway (19-2, 8 KOs) proposed to his girlfriend (Melissa Norton) in the ring, and he was a winner then as well.

“We had a great event last night that I couldn’t be happier with,” promoter Derek Gionta commented. “Everyone performed well, and we will be back in the Pittsburgh area September 18th with some exciting new additions to our roster.

“I’ve said many times and I’ll say it again, Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the country for boxing. Our aim is to continue putting on competitive match up for the fans.”

Volume puncher Conway, who vacated his IBA Intercontinental lightweight champion to fight Perez (38-27, 30 KOs), the former Colombian Super Bantamweight Champion, came out ready to fight Perez and after a brief feeling-out process, Conway applied intense pressure throwing punches in bunches to Perez’ head and body. Perez was unable to answer the bell after four grueling rounds.

Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger was the IBA supervisor at ringside.

“I wanted him out by the sixth round, and I reached my goal,” a happy Conway said after the fight. “I thought I did a pretty good job. I was a little tentative, hesitant at first, because I wasn’t sure of his power. But then I got more comfortable, digging the body, and breaking him down. When I started feeling my groove. I started landing my big shots. Next up is the IBA World title, hopefully, in January. I want that next!”

Pittsburgh’s crowd-pleasing super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (7-0-1, 3 KOs) exploded out of the corner and thoroughly dominated upset-minded Darryl “Dream King” Bunting (4-10-2, 2 KOs) in the co-featured event. The popular Cantolina, a former mixed-martial-arts fighter (12-8 as an amateur), exploded early in the opening round, decking his opponent, and then finished off Bunting when he dropped him later in the first round.

Ohio super featherweight Ryizeemmion “Humble Beast” Ford (5-1, 3 KOs) cruised to 4-round unanimous decision over late replacement Ryan Venerable (2-5). Ford’s consistent jabbing kept Venerable at a distance, eventually trapping ed Venerable on the ropes and unloading a barrage of punches to the head and body. Ford scored a knockdown in the fourth round, but Venerable survived to go the distance.

Puerto Rican-native Joel De La Paz (10-1-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Atlantic City (NJ), and Cleveland challenger Latiss Norman (4-6-1, 2 KOs) fought to a somewhat disputed 6-round draw in a highly competitive, technical fight. Styles make fights and Norman switched efficiently between orthodox and southpaw stances, while De La Paz walked down his opponent and landed the more impactful punches. De La Paz, whose 3-fight win streak was snapped, opened a cut over Norman’s swollen left eye.

The Fight of the Night was an entertaining 4-round match between Pittsburgh’s Deon “The Blood Hound” Goodlow (2-3,) and Ivan “The Hurricane” Hernandez (2-5-1, 2 KOs). Goodlow won a 4-round majority decision in a match contested at a 152-pound catchweight. Goodlow picked his spots, successfully setting everything up with his jabs, but Hernandez came on strong towards the end of the fight.

Ohio super featherweight Shawn Rall (0-5) registered his first victory as a pro with a first-round stoppage of North Carolina’s Brandon Grimett (0-3). Rall took immediate control, applying pressure to stagger and drop his opponent.

Full results below:


OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT IBA INTERNCONTINENTAL JR. LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Matt Conway (19-2, 8 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA
WTKO4 (3:00)
Jonathan Perez (38-27, 30 KOs), Barranquilla, Colombia
(Conway won IBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight title)

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Richie Cantolina (7-0-1, 3 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA
WTKO1 (0:44)
Darryl Bunting (4-10-2, 2 KOs), Asbury Park, NJ

152-POUND CATCHWEIGHT
Joel De La Paz (10-1-1, 6 KOs), Atlantic City, NJ
D6 (58-56, 56-58, 57-57)
Latiss Norman (4-6-1, 2 KOs), Dunkirk, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Deon Goodlow (2-3, 1 KO), Pittsburgh, PA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Ivan Hernandez (2-4-1, 2 KOs), Dunkirk, NY

JUNIOR FEATERWEIGHTS
Shawn Rall (1-4, 1 KO), Bedford, OH
WTKO1 (0:51)
Brandon Grimett (0-3), Greensboro, NC





Weights from Warwick, RI

Warwick, RI (October 28, 2020) – Super featherweight sensation Toka Kahn-Clary of Providence and Lynn, MA, welterweight Khiry Todd step back into the ring Thursday night at “The Tent” at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to highlight CES Boxing’s long-awaited return to live action.

Kahn (27-2, 18 KOs) faces Colombian challenger Jonathan Perez (38-25, 30 KOs) in the eight-round main event, airing live on UFC FIGHT PASS ®, combat sports’ No. 1 streaming platform. Making his first appearance since signing a long-term promotional agreement with CES, the hard-hitting Todd (10-1, 8 KOs) battles Puerto Rican challenger Ryan Pino (8-5-2, 4 KOs) in the six-round co-main event.

There will be no fans in attendance, but the event will stream live on FIGHT PASS beginning at 7 pm ET with the broadcast duo of CES Boxing publicist and play-by-play announcer Michael Parente and former light welterweight champion and color commentator “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

Visit FIGHT PASS for more information on subscription packages and how to access to the service live on fight night. Stay up to date on all future events at CESBoxing.com, and follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING. Listed below are the complete results from Wednesday’s weigh-in.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS
TOKA KAHN-CLARY
Providence, RI
27-2, 18 KOs
131
JONATHAN PEREZ
Barranquilla, Colombia
38-25, 30 KOs
132
KHIRY TODD
Lynn, MA
10-1, 8 KOs
148
RYAN PINO
San Juan, Puerto Rico
8-5-2, 4 KOs
149
JAMES PERELLA
Mansfield, MA
5-0, 4 KOs
145

ANTONIO CASTILLO
Massillon, OH
1-1
147

FRANCIS HOGAN
Boston, MA
2-0, 2 KOs
157

CHARON SPAIN
Spokane, WA
2-13-2, 1 KO
160

ELIJAH PEIXOTO
East Providence, RI
2-0, 1 KO
137

KRISTOPHER BERBERICH
Wasilla, AK
0-1
145

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence-Warwick is the first choice of those seeking the best in accommodations, convenience, service and sophistication in Rhode Island. A nine-time winner of the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Torchbearer Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the hotel industry, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has 266 guestrooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Whether you’re a business traveler seeking respite from a long flight, a family on vacation visiting nearby Newport, a trade association holding its annual convention, or a young couple planning a wedding, the Crowne Plaza is ready to satisfy your every need. Located 10 minutes from downtown Providence and two miles from T.F. Green Airport on a spacious landscaped 17-acre site featuring abundant, free parking, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is prepared to treat you like royalty.




Alycia Baumgardner Stops Christina Del Valle Pacheco in opening round in Harrisburg, PA.

Harrisburg, PA (December 16, 2019)–Alyica Baumgardner was sensational in stopping Christina del valle Pacheco in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout that headlined a nine-bout card at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, Pa.

The show was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Baumgardner sent Pacheco to the canvas in round one with a chopping right to the head. Baumgardner finished off Pacheco by landing a flush combination that left Pacheco defenseless and the bout was stopped at 1:46.

Baumgardener, 130 3/4 lbs of Freemont, OH is 9-1 with six knockouts. Pacheco, 128 1/2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 11-13-2.

“Alycia looked fantastic tonight, and showed that she is one of the top fighters in the world. She is ready and wanting to fight anybody in the world.” said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King’s Promotions.

Carlos Vidal remained undefeated by stopping Jonathan Perez in the 2nd round of a scheduled six-round junior lightweight fight.

Vidal started landing hard shots in the 2nd frame. He then landed a three-punch combination that wobbled Perez into the corner. A follow up flurry sent Perez down and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Vidal, 128 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Perez, 128 3/4 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 38-25.

James Bernadin stopped Nick Baez in the 2nd round of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

Bernadin landed several hard shots that backed up Baez before a huge overhand right to the jaw sent Baez down, and the fight was immedately called off at 1:57.

Bernadin, 141 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 3-0-1 with two knockouts. Baez, 136 lbs of Bronx, NY was making his pro debut.

Dewayne Williams stopped Brent Oren in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

Williams landed a thudding combination that was capped by a left to the jaw that sent Oren down. The fight was stopped upon Oren getting to his feet at 2:38

Williams, 160 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-2 with one knockout. Oren, 156 1/2 lbs of Harrisburg is 2-3.

Michael Coffie won a technical decision over Grover Young after Young suffered a cut in

round five of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coffie sent Young down with a straight left to the head.

In round five, Young was cut over his left eye. Later in the round, the cut worsened to the point that the ringside physician determined that the cut was too much, and the fight was halted.

Coffie, 273 3/4 lbs of Kissimmee, FL won by scores of 49-45 twice and 48-46, and is now 8-0. Young, 260 lbs of Memphis is 13-29-3.

Luis Morales remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Ayron Palmer in a lightweight battle.

Morales, 136 3/4 lbs of Harrisburg won by 40-36 tallies on all cards and is now 4-0. Palmer, 138 3/4 lbs of Tallahassee, FL is 0-3,

Roudly Lolo and Mike Diorio brawled their way to a four-round split draw in a super middleweight bout.

In round four, Lolo suffered a cut around his left eye.

Each guy took a card 39-37 and a 3rd card was 38-38.

Lolo, 165 1/2 lbs of Harrisburg was making his pro debut. Diorio, 167 3/4 lbs of Cortland, NY is 0-2-1.

Britain Hart and Unique Harris battled to a four-round split draw in a bantamweight fight.

Each fighter won a card 39-37 and 3rd card was even at 38-38.

Hart, 118 1/4 lbs of Bedford, VA is 3-3-3. Harris, 118 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-3-1.

Khainell Wheeler remained undefeated with a 37 second destruction over Patrick Pierre in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

Wheeler landed a left hook in the opening seconds in the bout that wobbled Pierre into the ropes. The follow up flurry saw Wheeler landed several flush punches to the head, and referee Gary Rosato called a halt to the action.

Wheeler, 167 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Pierre, 167 3/4 lbs of Brooklyn is 3-10.

Photos by Darryl Bugham




Alycia Baumgardner Ready Christina del valle Pacheco in the Main Event on Saturday Night at The Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, PA (December 12, 2019)–Alycia Baumgardner (8-1, 5 KOs) will be looking to put on an emphatic performance when she appears in the headlining bout against Christina del valle Pacheco (11-12-2, 2 KOs) this Saturday night at The Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Baumgardner, 25 years old of Fremont, Ohio, has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts, and has been working hard as she prepares for this coveted main event spot.

“My training camp has been amazing. This probably the best camp that I have had so far,” said Baumgarder.

Baumgardner knows that being the headliner is a chance to raise her profile, and that is something she is not taking lightly.

“It is an awesome opportunity to be the main event. Not only does it showcase me, but it showcases women’s boxing. I want to show everybody who I am and what I represent.”

She knows that she has a tough foe in the native of Argentina, Pacheco, but Baumgardner is ready for the challenge.

“My opponent is a veteran fighter who fought for a world title and she is very experienced. so I have prepared very hard for this fight.”

Baumgardner believes that when the calendar turns to 2020, she will make a breakthrough and be recognized as one of the top fighters in the world.

“2020 will be a fruitful year. I think the public will get a good look on who I am, and since signing with King’s Promotions, I have been promoted well. I am keeping busy and getting the fights that I need to get. I am ready for anybody, and that’s facts. You will have to tune in on Saturday to see “The Bomb””

The 39 year-old Pacheco is a 13 year-professional who in her last bout lost to Yazmin Rivas for the WBA Bantamweight title on November 10, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico.

New King’s Promotions signee Carlos Vidal (15-0, 14 KOs) of North Las Vegas will also be in action in an eight-round lightweight bout against 62-fight veteran Jonathan Perez (38-24, 30 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia

Undefeated heavyweight Michael Coffie (7-0, 5 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York will be in action against crafty Grover Young (13-28-3, 9 KOs) of Memphis, TN in a six-round bout

In four-round bouts:

Luis Morales (2-0) of Harrisburg, PA will take on Ayron Palmer (0-2) of Tallahassee, FL in a lightweight fight.

Roudly Lolo of Harrisburg, PA will make his pro debut against Mike Diorio (0-2) of Cortland, NY in a middleweight contest.

Brent Oren (2-2) of Harrisburg, PA takes Dewayne Williams (1-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Unique Harris (1-3) of Philadelphia will fight Britain Hart (3-3-2, 2 KOs) of Bedford, VA in a lightweight fight.

James Bernadin (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Lancaster, PA squares off with pro debuting Nick Baez of Bronx, NY in a lightweight bout.

Khainell Wheeler (3-0, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights Patrick Pierre (3-9, 1 KO) of Brooklyn in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this outstanding evening are $25, $50 and $400 for VIP tables and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

The Zembo-Shine Auditorium is located at 2801 North 3rd Street, #2 in Harrisburg.




It’s Fight Week in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, PA (December 9, 2019)–Fresh off her win on November 2nd, lightweight Alycia Baumgardner will be right back in action on THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, December 14th when she headlines against former world title challenger Christina del valle Pacheco an eight-bout card at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, PA.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Baumgardner, 25 years old of Fremont, Ohio, has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts, has been a professional for over two years, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Annette Pabello on November 2nd in Tampa, Florida.

Pacheco of Cordoba, Argentina has a record of 11-12-2 with two knockouts.

The 39 year-old Pacheco is a 13 year-professional who in her last bout lost to Yazmin Rivas for the WBA Bantamweight title on November 10, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico.

New King’s Promotions signee Carlos Vidal will also be in action in an eight-round lightweight bout against 62-fight veteran Jonathan Perez

Vidal of North Las Vegas, Nevada has a record of 15-0 with 14 knockouts. The 29 year-old is a three-year professional, and who owns a knockout win over Antonio Castro (5-1). Vidal is coming off a 2nd round stoppage of 54-fight veteran Jesus Ricardo Armenta on May 25th.

Perez of Barranquilla, Colombia has a record of 38-24 with 30 knockouts.

The 32 year-old is a 14 year-veteran who has wins over Gustavo Sandoval (7-1-1), Hugo Berrio (15-2) and former world title challenger Gamalier Rodriguez (25-3-3).

Perez is coming off a Dravontay Speed Rawls on May 11th in Fairfax, Virginia.

Undefeated heavyweight Michael Coffie (7-0, 5 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York will be in action against crafty Grover Young (13-28-3, 9 KOs) of Memphis, TN in a six-round bout

In four-round bouts:

Luis Morales (2-0) of Harrisburg, PA will take on Ayron Palmer (0-2) of Tallahassee, FL in a lightweight fight.

Roudly Lolo of Harrisburg, PA will make his pro debut against Mike Diorio (0-2) of Cortland, NY in a middleweight contest.

Brent Oren (2-2) of Harrisburg, PA takes Dewayne Williams (1-2, )) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Unique Harris (1-3) of Philadelphia will fight Britain Hart (3-3-2, 2 KOs) of Bedford, VA in a lightweight fight.

James Bernadin (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Lancaster, PA squares off with pro debuting Nick Baez of Bronx, NY in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for this outstanding evening are $25, $50 and $400 for VIP tables and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

The Zembo-Shine Auditorium is located at 2801 North 3rd Street, #2 in Harrisburg.