WORCESTER, Mass. (June 15, 2019) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera concluded his remarkable 26 ½-year professional boxing career last night, winning a hard fought, eight-round split decision over Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott, in the “Quest For 50” main event at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 46-year-old Rivera fought professionally for the 50th and final time, at home in “Quest For 50,” presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions and Rivera Promotions Entertainment,
Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs) stalked his elusive opponent, cutting off the ring and firing punches to the head and body of 38-year-old Scott (19-6, 5 KOs). His aggression, guile and the same determination and displayed throughout his career.

The only knockdown of the fight came near the end of the fifth round, when Scott caught Rivera with a right on the top of the head. The three judges scored the fight: 77-74 and 76-75 for Rivera, 76-75 for Scott.

“I thought I was winning the fight,” Rivera aid after the fight,” but I felt that I had to put my punches together in the last few rounds. It was a flash knockdown; I wasn’t hurt at all. It all comes down to training. I tell young fighters to train, train, train until they’ve given 100-percent and train a little more. I was the busier fight and kept throwing multipole punches to his one at a time.

“This was definitely my last fight. It’s time for my new career. (Rivera was recently promoted to Associate Chief Court Officer.) Every time you go into the ring, you want to win, especially the last one. It was great to win my last fight in my hometown of Worcester.”

Rivera lost 40-pounds in five months to prepare for his fight. He improved his pro record in Worcester to 15-1 (6 KOs).

In the co-featured event, New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Bell, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), another Worcester fighter, got into a rough firefight with the unorthodox Honduran super middleweight Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs) in a non-title fight. Ball floored Zapata twice in the opening round, once in the second, and three times in the third. Referee Paul Casey called off the fight after the seventh final knockdown in round three.

Worcester favorite Owen “The Problem” Minor (2-0, 2 KOs, arguably the most promising Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect of this century, needed only 31-seconds to take care of pro-debuting Jpseph Raposo
(0-1), knocking him out with a single left hook.

The New England junior welterweight title remains vacant, because the fight between Sydney “Keelo” Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), on the advice of the ring physician Dr. Peter Warner, their fight was stopped after two rounds due to a massive hematoma on Everett’s forehead, resulting from an unintentional headbutt.

Hartford welterweight “The Special One” Sharad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion, overwhelmed his opponent, Bruno Dias (0-8), knocking him to the canvas three times. The last trip resulted in referee Kevin Hope waving off the fight with 30-seconds left in round one.

Worcester junior lightweight Philip “Rock Solid” Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Henry Garcia
(0-3-1), from New Bedford, MA, put on quite a show, pounding each other from the opening bell until the final whistle in a very entertaining match. Davis won each round on all three judges’ scorecards for a win by way of a four-round unanimous decision.

Providence welterweight Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO) turned in a superlative pro debut, dropping Carlos Galindo (1-12) three times in the opening round and twice in the second, the last with a vicious body shot after which referee Hope immediately halted the fight.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jose Antonio Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC (77-74, 76-75, 75-76)
Travis Scott (19-6, 5 KOs), Baton Rouge, LA lbs.

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), Worcester, MA.
WTKO3 (2:34)
Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs), Bronx, NY

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WKO1 (0:30)
Joseph Raposo (0-1), Medford, MA

VACANT NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Sydney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
No Contest (2)
Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Sharrad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Hartford, CT
WTKO1 (0:30)
Bruno Dias (0-8), Woburn, MA

Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO), East Providence, RI
WTKO2 (0:56)
Carlos Galindo (1-11), Woburn, MA

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Philip Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA.
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 4036)
Henry Garcia (0-3-1), New Bedford, MA.

A portion of the proceeds benefited the Worcester Boys & Girls Club.

WORCESTER, MASS (May 28, 2019) – The connection between Worcester Strong’s rich boxing tradition and today’s new generational hometown boxers is none other than three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, who will be headlining “Quest For 50,” presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment, Friday night, June 14, at the Worcester Palladium..

In his 50th professional fight, 46-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs) takes on former WFC champion Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott (19-5, 5 KOs), of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the eight-round main event at The Palladium in Worcester.

Worcester’s rich boxing history dates back to nearly a full century and includes Canadian import, world welterweight and middleweight world champion Lou Brouillard (100-31-2, 57 KOs – 1928-1940). 1928 Olympic bronze medalist Harry Devine (39-17-4, 6 KOs – 1928-1943), and New England welterweight titlist Leo Sawicki (42-53-8, 16 KOs – 1939-1949).

Rivera represents the 1992-2011 Worcester Wave in which he captured the IBO and WBA welterweight and WBA super welterweight championships. Others top local fighters in this era includes four-time national amateur champion and heavyweight prospect Bobby Harris (20-2-1, 13 KOs / 1993-1999) and Rivera’s current head trainer, New England middleweight champion Sean “The Irish Express” Fitzgerald (29-2-2, 11 KOs).

In addition to Rivera, Worcester will be represented by four new-age fighters on the electric “Quest For 50” card: New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (12-1-2, 8 KOs), Massachusetts’ top heavyweight prospect of the 21st century, Owen Minor (1-0, 1 KO), welterweight prospect Eslih Owusu (1-0) and featherweight Philip Davis (1-1-1).

Other top contemporary Worcester boxers who are not fighting on the “Quest For 50” card include veteran cruiserweight Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (31-2, 20 KOs), WBC Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine Ortiz (11-0, 6 KOs), and super featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (12-1, 9 KOs).

“Worcester can be and is becoming one of the most active boxing areas in the country,” co-promoter Chuck Shearns said. “There are no less than four boxing gyms here within 5 miles of each other and many professional and amateur boxers throughout our city. Many of them have developed into world-class talents. As the city continues to support shows like June 14th, which features five local fighters, Worcester will continue to be known for boxing and its boxers.”

Ball has been added to an already solid card vs. Honduran Juan Celin Zapata (6-14-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round, super middleweight bout. In four-round bouts, Minor meets Alejandro Santiago (0-4), Owusu squares off with Springfield, MA veteran Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), and Davis is matched against Henry Garcia (0-2-1), of New Bedford, MA.

In an All-Massachusetts showdown finds Boston welterweight Gabriel DuLuc (14-3, 4 KOs) has replaced injured Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) versus New Bedford’s Ray Oliveira, Jr. (8-2, 1 KO), the son of New England boxing favorite “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, in the six-round, co-featured event, that could easily steal the show.

Danbury, CT welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (7-1, 2 KOs) plans to bounce back from his first pro loss versus Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-10-3, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Brooklyn’s Sidney “Keelo” Mccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-5-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, throw-down in a potentially explosive six-rounder for the vacant New England junior welterweight title.

Other four-round undercard bouts include the much anticipated pro-debut of Providence lightweight Elijah Peixoto vs. Bronx lightweight Danny Morales (0-8); Hartford junior welterweight “The Special One” Sharad Collier (1-0-1, 1 KO), a two-time N.E, Golden Gloves champion, vs. Anthony Everett (1-7), of Lawrence, MA, and the pro debut of Methuen, MA lightweight Luka Lannuccilli vs. Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-10).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $70.00 (ringside), $55.00 (mezzanine) and $40.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net, the Palladium box office, or by contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Worcester Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Donations may be sent to the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by going online at www.bgcworcester.org and proceed to “Be a donor” page, mail a check (payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Attention: Liz Hamilton, 65 Tainter St., Worcester, MA 01610), or drop-off donations at its new clubhouse.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Raindrop Liquor, Michelob Ultra, Bay State Savings Bank, Vocero Hispano, Massachusetts Pirates, Office Mac, Chieftain Liquors, realtor Pamela LaPorte, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, and Grille 57.

WORCESTER, MASS (May 9, 2019) — Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) Rivera Entertainment Promotions (RPE) held a press conference this evening at Grille 57 in Worcester to formally announce a co-promotion, “Quest for 50.”

Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera will fight at home for the final time on Friday night, June 14, when he competes in his 50th professional match, headlining “Quest For 50” against former WFC champion Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 46-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs) came out of a seven-year retirement last August, in which he defeated journeyman Larry Smith by way of a seventh-round technical knockout, dropping 40 pounds during the process to fight as a middleweight.

Rivera, a full-time court officer in Worcester, announced that his eight-round, middleweight fight against Scott (19-5, 5 KOs) will be his last fight in Worcester, likely his final ring appearance, unless he receives a lucrative offer he can’t refuse.

“Once I fought last August after a seven-year retirement,” Rivera said, “I knew I was going to have one more for 50. I just didn’t know when. Like Chuck (Shearns, co-promoter) said, my opponent, Travis Scott speaks volumes. His last four opponents had a combined record of 49-0. He’s coming to Worcester to try and win. Let him try.

“I understand I’m 46, but age is the last thing on my mind. It’s more important for me to focus. The weigh in is in five weeks from today and I’m already 10 pounds off weight. It shows how hard I’ve been training. I’m training for this fight like I was training for my world title fights.”
The highlights of Rivera’s 26 ½-year pro boxing career was taking a 12-round majority decision victory in Germany over Michel Trabant in 2003 for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title, along with his 12-round unanimous decision win in 2006, in front of nearly 9,000 fans in Worcester, versus defending WBA junior middleweight champion Alejandro Garcia.

The six-round, co-featured event is an intra-Massachusetts, welterweight showdown between Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs), of Lynn, and New Bedford’s Ray Oliveira, Jr. (8-2, 1 KO), the son of New England boxing favorite “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

Danbury, CT welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (7-1, 2 KOs) will attempt to rebound from his only pro loss in a six-round bout versus Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-10-3, 7 KOs), fighting out of Neptune, New Jersey.

Two boxers with misleading records, Brooklyn’s Sidney “Keelo” Mccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-5-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, throw-down in a six-rounder for the vacant New England junior welterweight title.

Seven-round bouts scheduled on the undercard include Worcester heavyweight Owen Minor (1-0, 1 KOs) vs. Alejandro Santiago (0-4), of Tampa; Worcester welterweight Eslih Owusu (1-0) vs. Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), of Springfield, MA; Bridgeport, CT welterweight Joseph Goss (1-0) vs. Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-9), fighting out of Woburn, MA; East Providence, RI pro-debuting Elijah Peixoto vs. Bronx lightweight Danny Morales (0-8); Hartford, CT junior welterweight “The Special One” Sharad Collier (1-0-1, 1 KO), the 2-time N.E, Golden Gloves champion, vs. Anthony Everett (1-7), of Lawrence, MA; Worcester featherweight Philip Davis (1-1-1) vs. New Bedford’s Henry Garcia (0-2-1); and Methuen, MA lightweight Luka Lannuccilli will make his pro debut against opponents to be determined.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $70.00 (ringside), $55.00 (mezzanine) and $40.00 (general admission), are on
sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net, the Palladium box office, or by
contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Worcester Boys’ and Girls’ Club.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Raindrop Liquor, Michelob Ultra, Bay State Savings Bank, Vocero Hispano, Massachusetts Pirates, Office Mac, Chieftain Liquors, realtor Pamela LaPorte, and Grille 57.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Jose Antonio Rivera: “My mindset is I can train to perform and June 14th you will see for yourself. I’m excited! ‘Quest For 50’ started a long time ago and has been talked about a lot. I’m so excited about the undercard that I will be watching from my dressing room.”

A.J. Rivera, RPE President/matchmaker: “I thought my father was going through a mid-life crisis. He must have turned down 25 opponents until Chuck mentioned a tough fighter, Travis Scott, and he took that fight right away.

“The co-feature is one of the best fights I’ve ever made. I commend Khiry and Ray for taking the fight because, this early in their careers, most fighters won’t take a fight like this. But that’s their mentality.”

Jose Rivera, RPE Vice President: “Worcester’s own Jose Antonio Rivera – three-time world champion – will be fighting for the last time in his hometown. It’s going to be a great event with a tremendous undercard put together by my nephew, A.J. Rivera.”

Chuck Shearns, SBP promoter: “We’re happy to be working again with our friends from Rivera Promotions Entertainment and it’s a great opportunity for us to build on our last show. A.J. has built a good show, good fighters fighting good guys. Jose is driven by accomplishments. He wanted to be put in a good fight. I offered Travis Scott and he jumped at this fight. This kid can fight. His last four opponents had a combined record of 49-0. He’s not afraid to get in the ring with Jose. It’s going to be a compelling, entertaining fight. Owen Minor is the first real Massachusetts heavyweight in years.”

Khiary Todd: “Ray Oliveira is a tough opponent. He comes to fight and so do I. I’ve been here before. We want to move forward, taking good fights. I’m so happy to be on ‘Quest For 50’ with Jose.”

Ray Oliveira, Jr.: “I want to thank God for allowing me to fight after being 15 months off from the sport. I’m thankful to fight in Worcester for the first time and on a card with a legend. Worcester is a tough city that produces tough fighters. This is exactly what I wanted. I took a tough loss last February. I was distracted but I’m ready to come back. It’s all about this fight and I’m looking forward to being in this brawl.”

Owen Minor: “I’m not much of a public speaker, but this is a big show. Jose will be in his 50th fight and not many fighters today ever had 50. I’m thankful for this opportunity.”

Eslih Owusu: “I know my opponent has had a lot more fights than me. He’s tough and comes forward throwing punches. This is what I need to show I’m a great fighter. I will showcase my skills June 14th.”

Elijah Peixoto: “This has been a long time coming. I had an extensive amateur background that I’m taking to the pros. Thanks for this opportunity.”

Phil Davis: “Thanks for the opportunity to fight on ‘Quest For 50.’ It’s also for a new generation of Worcester fighters. Jose is done after this, but he’s giving us an opportunity. You don’t know me but June 14th you will.”

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 19, 2018) – Seven years after his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera returned to the ring in grand fashion last night (Saturday) to headline “Homecoming, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), 35 pounds lighter than he was in February when he started training, packed the house in his hometown, fully entertained his supportive fans. Three-time, two-division world champion Rivera pressured Larry “Slomoshun: Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs) from the opening bell and he never let up.

It took a few rounds for Rivera to wear off the rust, but he fed Smith a steady diet of body shots, gradually breaking down his opponent, as he won round after round on points. Twice in the sixth round it looked like Smith was done, but the tough Texan showed a lot of heart to survive.

Finally, Rivera closed the show in the seventh round, when Smith broke his hand in the fifth round and was unable to continue, kneeling in his corner, obviously in pain.

“I’ve always been tough,” Rivera said after the fight, “but I was a little rusty. He tested me early but, once he saw I wasn’t going anywhere and knew he was in for a fight. I started warming up in the fourth round. I was always a 12-round fighter. I didn’t know he broke his hand until after the fight. I feel great. We gave a good fight to the fans who have always supported me.”

“I give myself a C+ tonight. I’m going to talk with my family, but I’m thinking about one more fight, to make it 50 for his pro career).”

Jose Antonio Rivera (R) had a successful comeback fight

In the co-featured event, Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs) demolished Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-4), flooring him with a right uppercut and soon after finished him with a vicious body shot for a technical-knockout victory in the opening round. The popular Ball was fighting at home for the first time as a professional

The rematch between Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) and Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs) ended in the same fashion as their first encounter did three years ago. Also fighting at home for the first time, Gray blasted out his game opponent, cracking him with a picture-perfect, left-fight combination that put Fernandez on his back. Fernandez beat the count, but referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

Southbridge, MA junior middleweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, using a relentless body attack to drop Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs) three times, the last ending the fight midway through the third round.

Springfield, MA junior lightweight Joshua Orta (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an impressive pro debut in a barn-burner that ended when (1-8-1, 1 KO), of Worcester, was unable to continue fighting after the third round.

Worcester welterweight Eslih Owuso (1-0) pitched a shutout in his pro debut, decking veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs) twice in the second round, en route to a unanimous decision win.

In the opening bout of the night, 45-year-old Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-14-1, 2 KOs) dropped Patrick Leal (0-5) 10-seconds into the fight, once more later in the opening round, and stopped him in the second. Oritz, fighting out of Springfield, MA by way of Puerto Rico, was fighting for the first time in five years, and he registered his first victory in seven.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jose Antonio Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO 7 (1:07)
Larry Smith (10-38-1, 7 KOs), Dallas, Texas

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:21)
Fabian Valdez (2-4, 0 KOs), Cananea Sonora, Mexico

MIDDLWEIGHTS
Jose Angel Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO2 (1:03)
Patrick Leal (0-5), Somerville, MA.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:27)
Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

Wilfredo Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs), Southbridge, MA
WTKO3 (1:29)
Engelberto Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), Agua Prieta, Mexico

WELTERWEIGHTS
Eslih Owusu (1-0), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-34, 40-35, 40-36)
Bryan Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY

JUNIOR LIGHTYWEIGHTS
Joshua Orta 1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA
WTKO3 (3:00)
Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

Event sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto [email protected], Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings
Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57.

A portion of the proceeds was donated to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChinPromotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 15, 2018) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera has a new opponent for his comeback fight this Friday night in “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs), who was matched against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan, didn’t find out until yesterday (Tuesday) that Galvan had broken a finger the night before. Texas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith (10-37-1, 7 KOs) is the late replacement for Rivera in the eight-round main event.

“I am not a fan of late changes,” Rivera said, “but at this point it’s either that or no fight, and I’ve trained too hard not to fight.”

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

Super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball faces Mexican Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-3) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14, 3 KOs), Springfield’s (MA) pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs) and Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Somerville’s (MA) Patrick Leal (0-4).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera ([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 31, 2018) – A dozen years after he captured his third world title in two different weight classes, seven since his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Rivera returns to the ring August 17 to headline “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) has already lost more than 30 pounds, now within four pounds of his contracted weight, since he started training earlier this year. He will headline against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

In front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera capped his boxing career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

“The idea to return to the ring started with my son. A.J., and I talking about chasing history,” Rivera explained. “We are not able to put that together right now (A.J. was born with Spina Bifida and he was unable to secure medical clearance in time for the Aug. 17th show.), but because of my hard work these last six months, I felt that it was only fitting to continue with my fight.

“Granite Chin Promotions has been very instrumental to make sure that this show is put together in the most professional manner possible. I won’t think our promotional company (Jos and A.J. own and operate RPE Promotions Entertainment) would have been able to pull this off. All the negotiations had to be done and me training the only way I know how, at a championship level, would have been too much for us to handle.”

Granite Chin Promotions’ co-promoter Chuck Shearns added, “When Jose and I started talking about his ring return, I was the last person to think he was crazy. We were friends during his championship days and I know how incredibly committed and disciplined Jose is. I fought at 49 years old, not to compare myself to the level Jose has been on, but I know that it can be done. What everyone should know is how well Jose has taken care of himself during his thirties and into his forties. Did I ever think that Chris (Traietti, GCP co-promoter) and I would be co-promoting Jose’s comeback? No, but I’m happy to be involved and I will support him as far as he wants to take this. He’s been training like he’s 25 and Jose’s going to surprise some people.”

During Rivera’s title reigns, unlike other world champions, he also held a full-time job as a court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court, a position in Worcester that he still holds 17 years later. Between working and training, never mind his family responsibilities, Jose somehow manages to balance everything in his extremely busy life.

“Let’s just say it makes for a busy schedule,” Rivera remarked. “I am committed to taking care of my family and will do whatever it takes. I usually run before work and train after work. Starting early and finishing late makes for busy days, but the job needs to get done. Right now, I’m in the middle of the hardest period of training. The week of the fight is more about preparing mentally and making weight. There’s nothing you can do the week of the fight to help you get into better shape.”

Rivera isn’t under any illusions that his comeback will lead to another major world title. The plan is for him to have two more fights to reach a total of 50 as a pro, but he’s taking things one fight at a time, and he still hopes his next fight, tentatively slated for later this year, will be on the same card as his son’s pro debut.

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The battle-tested Galvan, his Aug. 17th opponent from Indiana, has fought other world champions, Including Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Paez and Paul Spadafora.

“I hear he comes to fight and that he likes to fool around a bit to try and get into his opponent’s head,” Rivera added. I’ve concentrated on me, my timing and focus on the game plan

“Training for this fight has been more mental than anything else. I have been able to reach peak performance at 45 training like I did in my prime. The most important thing is that, working with my trainer Sean Fitzgerald, I’ve been focused on making sure my timing gets better since it’s been seven years since I last fought.

“And, of course, it’s always a great feeling to box in front of my hometown fans. Their support is always appreciated.”

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because six fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball meets Demetrius Walker (8-21-2, 4 KOs) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera ([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 19, 2018) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) hosted a press conference yesterday at The Ballot Box in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make a major announcement, as well as introduce local fighters on the August 17th pro boxing card at The Palladium in Worcester.

Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) is making his return in the “Making History” main event, in large part because he wanted to fight on the same card as his son, A.J. Rivera, who was to become the first pro boxer who was born with Spina Bifida. A.J., who is a rising matchmaker in New England, was unable to get medically cleared in time and he will not be fighting Aug. 17.

The event has been renamed, “Homecoming”, because six of the competing fighters, including Jose Antonio Rivera, live in Worcester.

“Unfortunately,” announced promoter Chuck Shearns, who co-promotes Granite Chin Promotions with Chris Traietti, “A.J. isn’t fighting on this show because he couldn’t get medically cleared in time.”

“I trained hard and was within five or six pounds of my contract weight,” a disappointed A.J. Rivera explained. “I passed all of the medical tests except for the CATSCAN. I fought the doctor a little and said I wanted a second opinion. Those results won’t be in time, so I can’t fight on this card.”

“The reason I’m coming back was to make history with my son,” Jose Antonio Rivera added. “We had talked about it a long time but, unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for A.J. for this card. He’s already part of history already as the only fighter born with Spina Bifida who fought as an amateur. I feel bad, but everything happens for a reason and as a father, my son’s safety always comes first. He will continue to be an important part of our team to make our company a success. People are thrown curveballs in life like this and we’ve regrouped to turn this into a positive. We’re still fighting for the cause (Spina Bifida).”

Now 45 years old, Rivera has already lost more than 30 pounds, and he is within eight of his contracted weight for his eight-round fight against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs).

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

Two fights later, in front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera won a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be making their pro debuts at home in Worcester. Ball faces an opponent to be determined in the six-round co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) meets Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, also in a six rounder.

Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, CT, is slated to fight in a six-round bout vs. TBA, as well as his stable mate, two-time New England Golden Gloves champion “The Chosen One” Sharad Collier (1-0, 1 KO), who takes on his Mexican opponent, Emmanuel “Pollo” Valadez (5-4, 4 KOs), in a four-round match.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester lightweight Francisco Irizarry (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester’s pro-debuting lightweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Mexican Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14 (3 KOs).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera ([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, [email protected], Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Joe Antonio Rivera: “I want to thank everybody for coming. Tomorrow is four weeks to the weigh in. It’s an important date because fighting is easy, making weight isn’t. I want to thank Granite Chin Promotions

“Four Worcester fighters (Ball, Gray, Irizarry and Owusu) on this card have never fought here. It’s huge having Kendrick and Khiary on this card and I’d like to thank CES Boxing for allowing them to fight here. I’m proud of Kendrick and Khiary and excited to have them fighting on this show. Chuck and Granite Chin are running this show, I’m only focused on my opponent.

“I’m excited to have an opponent who is coming to fight. He’s my third opponent, but that’s part of boxing. I’m training hard, passed my medicals, and it’s like I’m hungry again. I haven’t fought in years, but I’ve taken good care of my body. I didn’t visualize doing this at 45. I’ve also heard that, after August 17th, there’s a possibility of a title for me by the end of this year.”

Chuck Shearns (GCP co-promoter): “I’m honored to be involved in this show. Jose and I have been friends for years. Months ago, this all started with a text conversation (Chuck, Jose and A.J.). A week later, it started getting serious, and then we had Jose and A.J. fighting on this card. Unfortunately, A.J. isn’t fighting on this card, but the show will go on.”

Jimmy Burchfield (CES promoter): “What’s important is that Jose Antonio Rivera is fighting on this card and that’s why I’m allowing ‘Pepper’ (Ball) and Khiary to fight on this card. I’ve had a good relationship with Chuck and I’ve known Jose and A.J., who worked for me, for a long time. Nothing was happening in Worcester boxing for years, until Jose and A.J. started promoting here, but Worcester has always been a good fight town. All the fighters here will be proud of your victory. This is beautiful! They’ve been around him and know what he’s accomplished in life. Jose has never abused his body, he’s taken good care of himself.

“We (CES Boxing) had an event scheduled August 17th at Twin River (Lincoln, RI), but we moved from that date, and now everything is focused August 17th on Worcester. How could I not have my Worcester fighters on Jose Rivera’s comeback card? ‘Pepper’ and Khiary really wanted to fight on this card. These kids (fighters seated at head table) look up to Jose for what he’s done and in life and his comeback is a really big story. I know what ‘Pepper” and Khiary are going to do and I know what Jose is going to do because he’s a veteran. I believe this will be a sell out!”

Kendrick Ball, Jr.: “I want to thank my promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, for giving me the okay to fight on this card. I also want to thank Granite Chin Promotions and Rivera Promotions Entertainment. I’ve waited for this a long time. This fight will give me a chance to redeem myself and show why I’m the next great middleweight to come out of Worcester. I’m ready to get it on.”

Khiary Gray: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment, CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions for giving me a chance to fight at home for the first time. This is a rematch for me. I stopped him in the first round, but there was some controversy. I know he’s coming to fight.”

Eslih Owusi: “I just graduated from high school and I wasn’t going to turn pro until after that. Fighting as a pro will be much more exciting than in the amateurs.”

Jose Angel Ortiz: “I’m very excited. I haven’t fought in two years. I was supposed to return before, but things didn’t work out. I never left boxing because I’m in the gym all the time working out or training other fighters. Jose and I are both in our forties. We’re going to show everybody that we can still fight.”

Edwin Rosado: “I will try and put on the best show I can.”

Joshua Orta: “I’m very happy about my first pro fight. I’ve dreamed of this day. Everybody is going to see an exciting card. I love this sport and always train hard.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

WORCESTER, Mass. (June 20, 2018) — This past Father’s Day was considerably different for three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera and his pro-debuting son, A.J. Rivera, because they will be “Making History,” presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment and Granite Chin Promotions, August 17 at The Palladium.

Rivera and his son, respectively, are the promoter and matchmaker for Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which will co-promote “Making History” with Granite Chin Promotions (GCP).

“We are excited to be teaming up with GCP for this historic boxing event,” Jose commented. “We have had the pleasure of working with Chris (Traietti) and Chuck (Shearns) in the past. We are grateful that they are able to work with us again to make sure we put together a great boxing event.”

The Riveras will become the first world-champion father-son combination to fight on a pro show that is promoted by their company. More significantly, A.J. will become the first pro boxer to be born with Spina Bifida.

Now 45 years old, Rivera is making his second comeback, but this time it’s solely to fight on the same card as his son. Due to a variety of reasons, “El Gallo” retired from the ring in 2008, but he came back in 2011 for two fights, both victories, before hanging up his gloves again.

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

Two fights later, in front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera won a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

“I am boxing at 45 years old because of this great opportunity that has arisen for my son and I,” Jose explained. “Boxing on the same card with my son is going to be exciting and, even more so, because we will be a part of history! I am fortunate to be healthy, physically, and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for not having any brain issues from my prior years of boxing. I’ve lost 20 pounds, so far, and need to lose 12 more to make the 160-pound weight class.

“I am not sure how the night of the fight is going to go. I play it in my head over and over about how I would like it to go, but in the end, I’m confident we will both be ready for tough fights because of the hard work we’re both putting in at the gym.

“Fan response has been good, positive and supportive of what we both are doing and attempting to accomplish. To look back at the day I was told my son was going to be born with Spina Bifida, preparing myself mentally for the worse, and now 25 years later here we are close to fulfilling his childhood dream. It’s amazing! I feel blessed to share this moment with my son. I am also happy that we can do this in front of our family, friends & fans in our City of Worcester, where my son was born, and I was raised since I moved there when I was 16.”

On Aug. 17, Rivera will face battle-tested middleweight Ryan “Dangerous” Davis (24-19, 9 KOs), fighting out of East Saint Louis, Illinois, in the eight-round main event. Davis has been in with the iron, including six-time, two division world champion Zab Judah, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) world champion Ishe Smith, two-time world title challenger and 2004 US Olympian Vances Martirosyan, world title challenger Jonathan Reid, reigning International Boxing Association (IBA) world junior middleweight champion Mark DeLuca, plus other notables such as Rob Brant, Mikael Zewski, Carlos Bojorquez and Dominik Britsch.

Twenty-five-year-old A.J. will fight an opponent to be determined in a four-round welterweight match. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales with a major in sports management, who has quickly become one of the most respected matchmakers in New England.

A.J. grew-up in a gym, watching his father train, and he also fought as an amateur boxer. “I’ve always wanted to fight as a pro and what better way than to make my pro debut on the same card headlined by my pops,” Rivera said. “This is a one and done, I’m not going to box as a career and, hopefully I will leave the ring on August 17th and retire undefeated. I plan to make matchmaking a career. I can stay in the sport I’ve always loved and matchmake for our company and for other promoters.

“I was born with Spina Bifida. A layer of skin covered a hole in my back, preventing water from getting in, which would have damaged my system and left me paralyzed, unable to speak and with a shunt in my head to drain fluid. The doctors told my parents that, if I survived, I’d only live to be 19, in a wheelchair and a little autistic. I had surgery the next day and my pops kept hope. As I got older, I played basketball, football, baseball and boxed. I was inactive for seven years when I went away to school and started matchmaking.”

In addition to sacrificing to make weight, instead of having a Father’s Day cookout, he watched what he ate and, of course, workout with his father in the gym to prepare for his pro debut.

“I wasn’t able to celebrate my 25th anniversary on June 2 either,” A.J. added. “I plan to celebrate my birthday and Father’s Day when I step out of the ring on August 17th. Then, I’ll go back to focusing on my craft and become a full-time matchmaker.”

Red-hot Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, CT, will be showcased in the eight-round co-featured event. Rivera is the reigning UBF All Americans light heavyweight and ABF International cruiserweight champion.

Schedule to fight on the undercard in separate bouts are Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), promoted by CES Boxing, Danbury, CT junior welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta, Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs), Worcester lightweight Francisco Irizarry (4-0, 2 KOs) and pro-debuting lightweight Eslih Owusu.

Opponents will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera ([email protected]/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera ([email protected]/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Hondo, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA, Chieftain Liquors and ChrisFIT Xperience.

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 24, 2017) – The first year of Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) as a promotional company was a resounding success, as well as an invaluable learning experience for its owners and operators, retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.

RPE promoted for “New England’s Future” events this past year, all held in their hometown of Worcester, located in central Massachusetts, at two different venues, DCU Center and the Palladium.

“I think we exceeded our initial expectations,” RPE CEO Jose Rivera said, “promoting four shows in only 10 months. I still have high expectations and I believe we will be even better in 2018. Believe it or not, what we learned the most was about the extra costs that come with promoting boxing events. We knew the cost of the venues, purses, flights and hotels, but there are so much more in terms of cost to promote shows, and doing four in 10 months helped us learn quickly. We need to bring our A game in 2018.

“I’m most proud of my son’s growth as a matchmaker and RPE president. He is so passionate about boxing and making RPE a successful promotional company in professional boxing.”

RPE’s philosophy is to provide a platform for young, local boxers to develop their skills and gain public and media exposure. As a former pro boxer, Jose understands how critically important that is for boxing prospects.

“It means a lot to me that we started with a dream of how we wanted to represent ourselves in the boxing game and accomplished that in our first year,” Jose continued. “Boxing has a reputation for taking advantage of boxers and RPE wants to make sure that boxers know about all the sacrifices I made to become world champion and that, if they’re willing to work with us – let us help them – we would love helping them get to the top as well.”

AJ grew up in boxing, always at his father’s side in the gym and at fights, and the young Johnson & Wales University graduate realized early on that he was born with boxing running through his veins. As the youngest matchmaker in U.S. boxing, AJ gained invaluable experience this past year, especially in the behind-the-scenes part of pro boxing.

“I would like to thank Worcester and all the fans who supported us during our first year,” the 24-year-old AJ commented. “This year was fun and full of memories. Never did I imagine in our first year of business we’d be as successful as were. We’re truly blessed and thankful for those who have supported and believed in us this past year. Because of the support people gave Rivera Promotions Entertainment, we are going to expand at a rapid rate. RPE is looking in to promoting shows in other states, as well as opening a new music division to promote concerts.

“I also want to give a special shout out to Connecticut. In my first year of business, I learned very quick that Connecticut breeds some bad boys! The Connecticut guys can really fight! and it’s been a pleasure to develop a working relationship with its fighters who brought tremendous amounts of excitement to our shows, and to their loyal fans who traveled to show their support. It will be an honor for RPE to give Connecticut fighters an opportunity to fight in their hometowns in 2018, the same way we did for Worcester-area fighters this past year.”

RPE plans to make a major announcement after Thanksgiving about its first event of 2018 and some of the boxers who’ve agreed to work with RPE next year.

This was only the beginning for RPE, the best is yet to come!