KANSAS CITY, Kan.  (August 27, 2026) – Last week’s PBC debut for undefeated rising prospect Marco “El Tiburón (The Shark)” Romero (15-0, 13 KOs), which was also his fist fight in Las Vegas as a professional, couldn’t have been scripted any better if it had been written by an Academy Awards winner.

His scheduled 8-round fight against Kahlil Mitchell (6-2, 4 KOs), contested at a 165-pound catchweight, was the third and final fight of the preliminary card on Prime Video, live from T-Mobile Arena, preceding the main card headlined by the WBA Welterweight World Championship match between defending champion Rolly Romero (17-3, 13 KOs) and new champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs).

The charismatic 20-year-old Romero, fighting out of Olathe, Kansas, perfectly executed a great gameplan, fighting aggressively but carefully, as he closed the gap between him and his opponent as he moved to the side to avoid any potentially damaging punches.

Romero trapped Michell in a corner twice, punishing him with well placed shots to the body and head, before the end came at 2:33 of the opening round, in which Mitchell was on the opposite end of batting practice, leading referee Allen Huggins to wave off the action and declare a technical knockout victory for the untouched Romero.

Romero’s performance stole the show, including the PPV segment of the main card, as the most entertaining encounter of the evening, registering the lone knockout of nine fights held at T-Mobile Arena. 

“I’m here to take over, I’m coming for it,” Romero described the statement he made in the ring. “I didn’t explore Las Vegas. I had been there before as an amateur. This time I was even more focused on my job to make sure there were no distractions. It all worked out. I knew I had him going right out of the gate when I hit him with a right. I had faked the first right and hit him with the second. I saw he was wobbling and I knew I had him.

“It was a storybook debut,” Romero’s manager/head trainer added. “It’s not always like that and now we’re off to bigger and better things. It’s interesting how Marco handles stress and pressure. Other fighters need mental preparation to handle emotional pressure. Once the bell rings, he turns it on and does his job. He’s always been like that and he was especially impressive fighting for his new promoter, PBC, for the first time.

“We train Marco to be triple E which is Elusive, Explosive, and Exciting. With the triple E program, Marco stays healthy and the fans get exciting boxing. We’re back in the gym working on moving his head more and doing better with his jabs and hooks.  He’s young and continues to get into great shape. We’ve been working on teaching him Tyson hops: hopping to his left, then hopping to his right, to surprise his opponent. It’s subtle but exciting for the crowd because it creates action. His style is to be aggressive but always be aware defensively. He has many great fights ahead of him.”

Team Romero is hoping Marco has two more fights in 2026, one in October and the other in December, before likely moving up to scheduled ten-round fights in 2027.

“I’m super grateful to PBC – Tom Brown and Luis DeCubas Sr. and Jr. – and I couldn’t be happier,” Romero concluded. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Marco is now undefeated in 15 pro fights with 13 stoppages, winning all 36 rounds on the judges’ scorecards. A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a rich amateur pedigree, backed by his remarkable 130-5 record. The handsome Mexican American boxer hasn’t lost in more than 7 years since June 28, 2019.

The next El Tiburón chapter has officially launched.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

LAS VEGAS — The pressure was on Teofimo Lopez. It came from all sides. It was there, on both sides of the ropes. It was there, in his past and his future, a double-edged presence dangerous to  reputation and livelihood. There was no escape.

So,, Lopez did what he could only do.

He embraced the danger poised by skeptics created by his one-sided loss to Shakur Stevenson.

He embraced the risk that came with a new DAZN  deal worth a reported $20-million.

And, above all, he embraced the decision to move forward against a friend and fighter with power enough to destroy his ambition and crush his credibility. There were moments when it looked as if Rolly Romero would do exactly that. He rocked Lopez early and late. He cut midway, leaving him with a stream of blood pouring down one side of his face. But this time the wound was just a price to be paid for all that was at stake.

Lopez prevailed, scarred face and all, winning a majority decisions on score card debatable only because they failed to reflect how big his victory really was.It was 114 – 114 on one card. On the other two, both for Lopez, it was 115-113 and 116-112.

“I could care less about the scorecards,” Lopez said after taking Romero’s welterweight belt in his first fight at 147 pounds..

Only winning mattered  for Lopez, who entered the ring faced by an either-or scenario.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. “When you lose and come back, you;’never lost. You’re a winner.  I’m a winner.”

He was Saturday because of his willingness to walk straight into a tactic that Romero set up as a trap. Once, Lopez stepped in, Romero’s plan was to unleash his power. It worked in the fifth round, opening a cut near Lopez’ right eye. But the blood, a nasty reminder of what happened to his face against Stevenson, was a bad sign.

But Lopez continued to move forward, certain he would eliminate that possibility. Slowly yet surely, he turned Romero’s measured defense into a liability. In the final few rounds, Romero appeared to back way as just an escape.

After it was all over, Romero questioned the scorecards. He also suggested they were close enough for a rematch.

No, Lopez said.

He has already moved on, to a future he fought to protect.

Yoenli Hernandez wins majority decision

Yoenli Hernandez’ reputation — fearless and powerful — preceded him.He was advertised as the next great middleweight.

But reputation and advertising are suddenly on hold, because of skilled Argentinian Francisco Daniel Veron, who didn’t beat him yet might have shown a way how to Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Veron (17-2-1, 10 KOs) withstood the power, stood up under the Cuban’s strength and took him to the scorecards, losing a 10-round majority decision at T-Mobile Arena. One judge scored it a draw, 95-95. The other two judges saw a different fight, one favoring Hernandez, 98-92, and the other, 99-91. 

Hernandez’ raw strength was impossible to ignore. Harder to see was an effective jab from Verson, who used it repeatedly to keep him at distance. In the fifth round, a Veron hook knocked Hernandez off balance. He often made the Cuban look awkward, never often enough to prevail, 

Dull to dynamic, Russell scores 12th round knockdown

For eleven rounds, it was deadly dull.

For one — the final one,there was sudden drama.

Gary Antonio Russell put some life into a fight and probably woke up a lot fans with a right hook that punctuated a junior-featherweight  bout like an exclamation point Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

The shot from the resilient Russell (21-1,13 KOs) dropped Victor Santillan ((16-3, 7 KOs), who fell to the canvas slowly. The crowd and perhaps Russsell would have been happy if it had ended then, Somehow, however, Sabtijjangot up just as some in the crowd woke up, A few moments later it was over, and Russell left the ring with a unanimous decision and an interim 122-pound champion in a division dominated by pound-for pound No. 1 Naoya Inoue., 

Carlos Utria gets win and boos

Carlos Utria got the victory.

Got the boos, too.

Utria (15-0, 12 KOs) overcame some late fatigue and sporadic rallies from Israel Mercado often enough to escape with a split decision, an unpopular one , too — Saturday in the pay-per-view opener to a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena. 

The junior-welterweight fight figured to be close, And it was,, one fighter gaining momentum and the other regaining it ,from round to-round. After the 10th and final round, it looked as if it might be a draw. But two judges said no, both favoring the Colombian, 96-94 and 97-93. The third scored it 96-94 foot Mercado (13-2-2, 7 KOs).

A gathering crowd disagreed loudly, booing Utria as he left the ring.

Marco Romero overwhelms in Vegas debut

Marco Romero introduced himself to Las Vegas.

You might of missed it.

Within three minutes, Romero said goodbye to Khalil Mitchell (7-1, 4 LOs) and hello to Vegas Saturday on the Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero card at T-Mobile Arena, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs), a middleweight prospect from Kansas, overwhelmed Mitchell , of Chattanooga,in a fight stopped at 2:33 of the first round.

Joseph Brown’s dances to victor, gets booed

Joseph Brown, a prospect who has sparred with Boots Ennis, is unbeaten and — by the sound of it — unlikable,

Brown (8-0, 6 KOs) got booed after turning in a dominant performance for a one-sided decision over Alton Wiggins Saturday on the card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena.

Wiggins (3-3-1), of Modesto CA, never had a chance against Brown’s powerful rightt-hand.It was a rout, no reason for a celebration. Brown did anyway, dancing in the center of the ring. Scattered boos were hisreward.

Aldo Blancas, a Milwaukee prospect and a David Benavidez stablemate, flashed some Benavidez-like hand speed, scoring s second-round knockdown with a body shot and went onto win a  one-sided decision over Ricky Mamone

First Bell: Benjamin Johnson opens show with dominant decision

It started with more people in the ring than the seats.

That didn’t bother Maryland welterweight Benjamin Johnson (8-0, 8 KOs). 

He dominated, landing solid shots that echoed throughout an empty T-Mobile Arena for a unanimous decision over Gabriel Rodriguez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Ecuador, in a Saturday matinee, the opening bout on a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2026) – Undefeated rising prospect Marco “El Tiburón (The Shark)” Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) will make his PBC debut this Saturday night fighting for the first time as a prizefighter in Las Vegas.

His 8-round fight against Kahlil Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs), to be contested at a 165-pound catchweight, will be the third and final fight of the preliminary card on Prime Video, live from T-Mobile Arena, preceding the main card headlined by the WBA Welterweight World Championship match between defending champion Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) against challenger Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs).

“It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel,” Romero admitted. “I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas in my PBC debut. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. I’ve dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas. Rolly and Teo are two of my favorite fighters. I picked Lomo (Vasyl Lomachenko) to beat Teo, but after that fight I started following Teo. I’ve followed Rolly for a while and it’s crazy we have the same last name.”

The 20-year-old Romero, fighting out of Olathe, Kansas, is undefeated in 14 pro fights with 12 stoppages, winning all 35 rounds on the judges’ scorecards. A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a rich amateur pedigree, backed by his remarkable 130-5 record. The handsome Mexican American boxer hasn’t lost in more than 7 years since June 28, 2019.

Romero credits Team Tiburón for his success: “I need to throw flowers to my team because I couldn’t do it without them.” In no particular order, he thanked (manager/head trainer) John Brown, father/trainer Salvador Romero, trainers Silvio Flores, and Marcus Davidson, advisor Al Valenti, lawyer John Hornwerner, matchmaker Eric Botjer, strength-and-conditioning trainers Chris Calovich and Tom Virgets, and Marco’s mother, Sendy Romero.

“This will be the first fight in which Marco makes a real payday because now we’re with a viable promoter,” Brown explained. “His first fight in Las Vegas is exciting for us and we’re looking forward to his first fight with PBC. Marco is still a boy – 20 — and we’re getting him ready by building his man strength. It’s coming!

“The key for Marco is not getting hit in the head, a weakness for all fighters, so we’re working on head movement and blocking punches. Marco has a big motor – cardiovascular system – like when I first saw Oscar de la Hoya training as an amateur. He ran like a deer. Marco has also had good sparring since he signed with PBC, something we didn’t always have.”

Brown isn’t concerned that Marco will be overly pumped for his first fight in Las Vegas and all the noise, because he is poised beyond his age and has been for years.

“That’s a product of his experience from being in so many amateur fights,” Brown noted. “He’s been able to control his emotions before he turned pro. He’s very good at that.”

The next chapter of Marco Romero’s boxing career starts Saturday.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

LAS VEGAS – August 17, 2026 – Undefeated rising middleweight Marco Romero will enter the ring in an eight-round showdown against the once-beaten Kahlil Mitchell headlining a three-fight PBC Prelims presentation streaming live on DAZN and Prime Video on Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The streaming presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated super welterweight prospect Joseph Brown kicking off prelims action in a four or six-round bout against Alton Wiggins, plus super lightweight prospect Aldo Blancas battles Ricky Mamone in a four-round matchup.

Prelims will lead into a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**MARCO ROMERO VS. KAHLIL MITCHELL**

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026.

“I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas, especially on this great PBC card at T-Mobile Arena,” said Romero. “It’s all a little surreal; I pinch myself every morning when I get up. For any fighter, we dream of fighting in Las Vegas. I fought in Las Vegas once as amateur, but this will be my first pro fight here and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

The 30-year-old Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs) enters the ring having bounced back from defeat to score knockout victories in back-to-back contests. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mitchell rode a four-fight winning streak into his only career defeat, which came via a narrow majority decision against Jamar Pemberton in December 2024.

“This is a great opportunity for me on August 22,” said Mitchell. “I’m ready to go in there, be at my best, and show Romero something he hasn’t seen before.”

**JOSEPH BROWN VS. ALTON WIGGINS**

The 19-year-old Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) has shown off his prodigious talent since turning pro in 2023, dominating against his early competition. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Brown’s family moved to Canada shortly after, where his father Martin trained him in multiple combat sports before embarking on an accolade-filled amateur boxing career. His most recent action came in February as he stopped Claudio Adan Gamboa in round one. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Wiggins (3-2-1), a native of Oakland, California who went 2-1 in 2025 before losing a decision to unbeaten Javier Guerrero Cruz in June.

**ALDO BLANCAS VS. RICKY MAMONE**

The younger brother of super middleweight prospect Daniel, Blancas (2-0, 2 KOs) has made a successful transition to his pro career in 2026, scoring a pair of quick knockouts in March and May. The 19-year-old Milwaukee-native trains alongside his brother as part of David Benavidez’s camp and will return to fight in Las Vegas for the second time after making his pro debut on the Fundora vs. Thurman card in March. He will be opposed by Hawaii’s Mamone (0-0-1), who made his pro debut in March, fighting the unbeaten Dillan Nguyen to a split-draw. The 22-year-old will bring both professional and extensive amateur MMA experience to the ring against Blancas.

#         #         #

ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – July 28, 2026 – A pair of undefeated rising stars have signed with Premier Boxing Champions as super lightweight Carlos Utria and middleweight Marco Romero seek to prove their mettle as future world champions.

The signing gives two young, unbeaten fighters the opportunity to fight on boxing’s biggest stages, exposing them to the wider boxing audiences. Hungry to display their skills, Utria and Romero are each eager to embark on this next journey of their professional careers.

“For me it is a great honor to sign with PBC, because it shows that I’m doing things right,” said Utria. “I know that I will not disappoint. This is going to be a new era of Colombian boxing, with myself and a lot of great prospects on the rise. I’m going to continue to work hard with this same mentality and continue to chase my dreams going forward.”

“This signing feels like a dream come true,” said Romero. “I’ve always wanted to be on boxing’s biggest cards and I’m super grateful for this opportunity with PBC. They’ve shown a lot of interest in me and they really believe in me. I know they’re going to take care of me on this next step of my career.”

One of the sport’s most acclaimed young prospects, the 22-year-old Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) most recently emerged victorious in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and earned a top 10 ranking at 140-pounds. The five-victory run culminated in a unanimous decision over Mujimillo Tursunov in December, with his championship-winning run leading to him being named Boxing Scene’s 2025 Prospect of the Year.

A native of Soplaviento, Colombia, Utria is led into the ring by his father Lenyn Utria, who’s instilled his son with a versatile ring arsenal that’s allowed him to adapt to opponents of varying styles throughout his Grand Prix-winning run. Utria has fought professionally since 2023 and will look to continue his momentum stateside.

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds.

Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026, kicking off the year with a sixth-round stoppage of veteran Vaught Alexander. He followed that up by going eight rounds for the first time in a shutout victory over William Langston before most recently knocking out Andre Sherard in round one in May.

Information on Utria and Romero’s PBC debuts will be announced shortly.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (June 22, 2026)  – Legendary boxing coach John Brown has coached more than 18,500 youngsters during his 60+ years involved in the sport. The 79-year-old Midwest institution has only turned two of his boxers to the professional ranks, former world champion Tommy Morrison and one of the hottest prospects in the world, Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (14-0, 12 KOs).

Romero, 20, was a sensational amateur boxer – 130-5 record and 23-time national champion  – and he hasn’t lost a fight in nearly 7 years, since he dropped a split decision on June 28, 2019, at the National Junior Olympics.  As a professional, Romero is undefeated in 14 fights and he has won each of the 35 rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards.

“Marco is my coaching Halley’s Comet,” Brown spoke about Romero, “which appears every 85 years or so. He has the best set of combined skills and talents, and that’s why he went pro. For me to train a pro, he has to have the talent and mental toughness to become wealthy and remain healthy at the end of his career.”

In addition to being arguably one of the premier American boxing coaches of all-time, Brown also founded Ringside Boxing, and he was President of USA Boxing. He currently owns and operates the largest gym in the country, Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas City, Kansas.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Brown has always been overly concerned with the health of his boxers, mentally and physically.

Now a promotional free agent being wooed by several top promoters, Romero is expected to soon sign with a promoter, allowing Brown to concentrate solely on managing and training Romero. To this point, he has also served as Romero’s quasi-promoter, covering all the costs associated with promoting a potentially world-class prospect.

Brown always notes that Morrison and Romero, to be kind, are diametrically opposite of each other as fighters and, equally significant, as a person.   

Romero, fighting out of Olathe (KS), has been guided by Brown since he was seven, often saying Coach John means so much more to him than just his boxing coach in the four-cornered ring as well as life.

“Coach John has always taught his boxers to get hit less so they last longer during their career,” Romero said. “Boxing can be punishing, but it’s also a form of art, and Coach John always stresses taking as little punishment as possible to the head.”

In addition to saying his major job is to make Marco wealthy and keep him healthy, hoping his super middleweight/middleweight prospect hangs up his gloves prior to his 30^th birthday, Brown also teaches his “Double E” theory of boxing.

“We all know boxing is very dangerous,” Brown explained. I only wanted to be involved with a pro fighter who I can make wealthy and work to stay healthy. Minimum damage will always be our goal and, so far, we’ve been very successful at that. I want him to continue with what I call the Triple E: elusive, explosive and exciting.

“I want Marco to have the toughness of (Marvelous) Marvin Hagler but more defensive like Bernard Hopkins and Oscar de la Hoya earlier in his career. I want him to be like (Oleksandr) Usyk and (Dmitry) Bivol because they’re great but don’t take a lot of punishment.”

Stay tuned!

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (May 14, 2026) – Undefeated Kansas prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) headed north to prepare for his fight this Saturday night on “The Return,” presented by Kansas City Boxing Promotions, at Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri.

A promotional free agent, the multi-gifted 20-year-old Romero recently spent 2 weeks training in Montreal as a guest of host Eye of the Tiger (EOTT), which is loaded with talented super middleweights from around the world, including International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Champion Osleys Iglesias (15-0, 14 KOs) and top contender Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs).

Romero, fighting out of Olathe (KS), didn’t get an opportunity to spar with Iglesias, who had returned home to Germany after his most recent fight, or Mbilli because he was in Saudi Arabia signing his contract to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (63-3-2. 39 KOs) in September. The Mexican American phenom did gain invaluable experience sparring super middleweights (14-0, 10 KOs) Moreno Fendero (France) and (32-1, 23 KOs) Eric Bazinyan (Armenia), as well as light heavyweight (11-1, 10 KOs) Iman Kathaev (Russia), among the more notables.

(L-R – Moreno Fendero & Marco Romero

“It was amazing,” Romero spoke about his Montreal experience. “This was my first time sparring outside of the United States. I sparred (fellow Kansan) Eric Priest (16-0-1, 8 KOs) in California and there were some good fighters I sparred when I trained in Tampa. But I learned so much from sparring some great fighters in Montreal, and there were some great coaches, too. I got to work with so many different styled fighters. I had to adjust, using my speed with more head movement, and footwork. I sparred guys who were heavy-handed, bigger and older than me.

“I really expanded my boxing knowledge. From the moment we arrived in Montreal, we were welcomed with open arms and love, especially by (EOTT Director of Boxing Development and elite trainer) Marc Ramsey, who is such a nice guy. I really appreciated my Montreal experience.”

(L-R) – Iman Kathaev

“He seems to be even more focused and determined since he came home than he was before,” Romero’s manager/head trainer John Brown commented. “Part of what we have gotten him to be a fulltime boxer to do his job and become more Hagler-like. Marco is becoming more powerful but remember, he’s just a baby, only 20. My job is to make sure he reaches his full potential and keep him healthy.

“I couldn’t be happier with him training in Montreal. I have two good trainers who were amateur boxers, but the missing element has been quality sparring. There’s nobody for him to spar within 400 miles. The Montreal experience was so important for us.”

“El Tiburón” headlines “The Return” this Saturday in an 8-round bout, contested at a 165-pound catchweight, against late replacement Andre Sherrod (5-4, 4 KOs), a southpaw from Milwaukee. Sherrod is a very late replacement for Chown Sims (10-2, 5 KOs), who pulled out of his second scheduled fight with Marco.

Neither the new opponent nor the fact he’s a southpaw concerns Romero, who added: “Absolutely doesn’t matter. I’m going in the ring like I always do, doing my job to the best of my abilities. I’ve fought some lefties and I have the perfect right hand against them.”

Romero, who was a sensational amateur boxer – 130-5 record – hasn’t lost a fight in nearly 7 years, since he dropped a split decision on June 28, 2019, at the National Junior Olympics.

Like Dorothy and Toto from The Wizard of Oz, Marco Romero isn’t just in Kansas anymore.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (March 30, 2026) – Kansas super middleweight/middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) has continued his remarkable streaks, which has also increased his rapidly growing stock.

In his most recent fight on March 20th, he headlined for only the second time and thoroughly dominated the stiffest test of his young pro career, winning an 8-round unanimous decision over noted upset specialist William “The Kid” Langston (14-6-1, 9 KOs on the “All Hustle – No Luck” card, presented by KC Boxing Promotions, at Truman Memorial Building in Independence, Missouri.

“I’m a shark (“El Tiburón” means The Shark in Spanish) even in deep water,” promotional free agent Romero said about his performance, “and I always persevere. He (Langston) wasn’t a stepover. I’ve always said I don’t go into a fight looking for a knockout. My job is to win and dominate. I won every round and proved it doesn’t matter about my opponent’s size. He was taller (by 4 inches), more experienced, and at his peak man strength. He had a longer reach and bigger frame than me, but I’m a dog!”   

Romero has now won all 13 of his pro fights, 11 by stoppage, as well as every round (34) on the judges’ scorecards. His fight against Langston was the first time the gifted Mexican American fighter has had to fight more than 4 rounds, and he welcomed the opportunity.

In his previous fight against undefeated French super middleweight prospect Moreno Fendoro (14-0, 10 KOs), Langston lost a 10-round unanimous decision in Montreal by scores of 99-92, 97-93, 96-94). Romero won every second of each round enroute to a shutout, winning all 8 rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards. Directly comparing these two fights, Romero made a loud statement.

“It (Langston’s fights with Romero and Fendoro) is a good gauge about where I’m at,” Romero agreed. “I’m ready for all comers.”

Romero was a sensational amateur boxer – 130-5 record – and he hasn’t missed a beat since turning pro on June 4, 2024. In fact, he hasn’t lost in the ring in nearly 7 years – keep in mind he only turned 20 last November 14^th – since dropping a split decision on June 28, 2019, at the National Junior Olympics.

“I want to keep my records intact,” Romero added. “No disrespect to anybody, but I’ve shown I’m 100-percent up to or surpassing other top prospects in my weight class. My performance shows I’m ready to compete at a higher level. Some people were a little worried about my size disadvantage in this fight; I may be a little smaller than some other fighters at 168, but I still run over my opponents!

“This was my second time headlining a show (the other was at his home in Olathe last September). It was an amazing feeling, especially fighting so close to home. It was surreal; extra motivating because the small venue sounded like it was MGM Grand with all my family and friends there supporting me loudly as I walked to the ring.”

Romero’s next fight is tentatively slated for May 20 in Kansas City, Missouri. His next two will be contested at 8-rounds, and by the end of 2026, if all goes as planned, he should be fighting in a 10-rounder for a title.

“Marco just fought a guy and went 8 rounds. He really never got hit with a solid shot, which keeps his brain safe and low mileage,” Romero’s veteran manager/trainer John Brown commented. “There is always room for improvement and we are going to give Marco enough time to achieve his full potential. Thankfully, pro boxing seems to be back on track and most of the promotional companies are strongly interested in this quality young man. We are not in a hurry and will eventually partner with those that parallel our vision for Marco.”

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (March 16, 2026) – Only one month after his last fight, Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (12-0, 11 KOs) returns to the ring this Friday night (Mar. 20), versus upset specialist William “The Kid” Langston (14-5-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Kenosha, Wisconsin. They will square off in the 8-round main event on the “All Hustle – No Luck” card, presented by KC Boxing Promotions, at Truman Memorial Building in Independence, Missouri.

“I feel great fighting in the main event,” the Olathe, Kansas super middleweight said. I’m ready to put on a great performance for all my fans and supporters who will be attending. Olathe is only a 35-minute drive from Independence and I’m expecting to see a lot of my fans there.”

Romero has won all 12 professional fights, 11 by stoppage, and every round (26) on the scorecards. His most recent fight was on February 19 in the Orlando area, in which Romero stopped late replacement Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (19-18-2, 12 KOs) in the sixth round, marking the first time Marco fought more than four rounds.

Two fights ago, the dangerous Langston knocked off 9-0 Issac Carbonell by way of an 8-round unanimous decision. The former American Boxing Federation Atlantic super middleweight and USA Wisconsin light heavyweight champion has defeated 8-0 Caleb Hernandez (W8DEC) and fought 7-0 Dante Benjamin to a 6-round majority draw.

“I know he’s tough and has experience,” Romero commented about Langston. “All I’m focused on is doing my job and having a dominant performance. We’ve been working on a lot of different things fans will see come March 20th.”

Something has to give in Independence: Langston has been knocked out only once in 20 pro fights; Romero has stopped 11 of his 12 victims, including the last nine in a row.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (March 2, 2026) – Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (12-0, 11 KOs) stands out as an ideal, if not perfect, boxing prospect.

Romero is undefeated in 12 pro fights with 11 stoppages, winning all 26 rounds on judges’ scorecards.

A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a rich amateur pedigree, which was highlighted by his eye-opening 130-5 record. And he’s also handsome like a Latino movie star, naturally personable, unusually well spoken, especially for a boxer, and very bright. In short, he’s the total package.

Romero, who hails from Olathe, Kansas, has impressively remained undefeated in the ring since June 28, 2019, and he just turned 20 last December.

“Marco is a trainer’s dream because Marco and the team are all in it for the right reasons,” Romero’s manager/trainer John Brown commented. “Marco wants to be successful so he can help his family. He has great parents who have devoted their lives to their children. Marco is not the only ‘Star’ in the family as his younger brother is a highly decorated and recognized soccer prodigy. The parents have had no real life of their own devoting everything they have to the betterment of their athletic boys.

“Training Marco is a team effort with his father always there to give direction and guidance, and the physical work is expertly conducted by two of my former amateur champions, Sergio Flores and Marcus Davidson. From my 65 years in the sport these two are the best trainers I have ever witnessed, and Marco is blessed to have them. Complimenting the above is the addition of Dr. Tom Virgets, who is an exercise physiologist who helped me train Tommy Morrison to the heavyweight championship of the world. Dr. Virgets works closely with our strength and conditioning trainer, Chris Calovich.

“Outside the gym and a vital part of our team is the legendary Al Valenti, who has a lifetime of expertise in the marketing and promotion of boxers. Al was a driving force behind the success of Marvin Hagler, Micky Ward and many others. The business of pro boxing is a complicated web that Al helps clarify on an almost daily basis.”

In his most recent fight on February 19 in the Orlando area, Romero fought on the “Champions Against Domestic Violence” card, presented by Christy Martin’s Promotions. Martin, a Hall of Famer and women’s boxing pioneer, promoted the event at Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs, Florida, which is a North suburb of Orlando only eleven miles away. Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (19-18-2, 12 KOs) was a late replacement with invaluable experience. Alexander has fought the likes of Christian Mbilli, Zach Parker, Bektemir Melikuziev, Zhanibek Alimkhanduly, Sergiy Derevyancheko, Darius Fulghum, Gabe Rosado and Atif Oberlton, to name some of his more notable opponents.

“My opponent was changed late but it didn’t affect me at all,” Romero said. “I still went out and got the job done, needing to do some minor adjustments. It was amazing to fight on a card promoted by Christy Martin. And, of course, who wouldn’t want to be in Orlando? Overall, it was an amazing experience.”

Romero has primarily fought at super middleweight in the pro ranks on his way down to middleweight by the end of this year. He weighed in at 173 ½ pounds because Alexander didn’t have sufficient time to make 168.

Fighting for the first time in 2026, Romero finished off Alexander at the end of the sixth round, firing crisp combinations to break down his opponent. Romero had won the first five rounds on all three of the judges’ scorecards. It marked the first time Romero had fought more than 4 rounds.

There’s no rest for Romero, who headlines a show March 20^th in an 8-round fight versus William Langston (14-5-1, 9 KOs) in Independence, Missouri.

“I was back training the day after my last fight,” Romero noted. “Right back in the gym since I got back home. No time for breaks. We have a pretty good challenge ahead of us March 20^th. We will be prepared for anything!”

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (February 9, 2026) – Undefeated Kansas boxer Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) is heading to the Orlando area soon but not for the warmer weather, fresh seafood, or Disney World.

Romero is a red-hot boxing prospect from Olathe, Kansas, a 23-time national champion who at the tender age of 20, is already making waves in the pro ranks. He will take on Mississippi super middleweight Chown Sims (10-2, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout, on the February 19^th “Champions Against Domestic Violence” card, presented by Christy Martin’s Promotions. Martin, a Hall of Famer and women’s boxing pioneer, is hosting the event at Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs, Florida, which is a North suburb of Orlando only eleven miles away. 

“It’s truly an honor to be fighting on a card promoted by the legendary Christy Martin,” Romero said. I feel it’s bigger than just another boxing show because it’s for ‘Champions Against Domestic Violence’ awareness and support. It’s using platforms to protect, uplift, and give those a voice and safety when needed.”

This will mark Romero’s first fight in 2026 after fighting 7 times last year. He spent a week at training camp in Tampa, where his third pro fight was held on September 13, 2024. His 4-round unanimous decision win against then 42-fight Marcelo Fabian Bzowski. It is the only pro fight in which Romero didn’t stop his opponent as he will be riding an 8-fight knockout streak into his Feb. 19^th clash.

Romero was originally scheduled to fight February 21^st in Miami, but the site and date were switched.

“It doesn’t bother me at all,” Romero noted. “I’m ready to fight anybody, anywhere; all is good. I’ve never fought in Orlando. I’ve been there to Universal, but this is an all-business trip. We’ll just be in and out for the fight.”

“Marco’s obsession for perfection seems to grow with every passing month,” Romero’s legendary manager/head trainer John Brown commented, “which will enable him to meet his team’s expectations with this upcoming bout on February 19^th and his main event fight on March 20^th (in Independence, Missouri).”

Sims’ 8-fight win skein was snapped in his last fight in September to light heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton (14-0, 12 KOs), who was a 2-time National Golden Gloves Champion as an amateur. 

“He (Sims) has been in with a lot of good fighters,” Romero noted. “I know Oberlton. We were in the amateurs at the same time. We’ll find out what my opponent is made of when he gets in the ring with me on February 19^th.”

Romero is a promotional free agent and how he performs this year will determine his value for potential promoters. “The Shark” (‘El Tiburón‘), though, doesn’t feel any added pressure.

“No added pressure on me because I’m fortunate to have goals,” Romero concluded. “My goals are to sign with a big promoter, fight on bigger stages against bigger names, eventually fighting for a world title on a show back home in Kansas City. I ended last year strong and I want to start 2026 by making a statement to put the middleweight division on notice that (‘El Tiburón‘) is coming.” 

Tickets are on sale and are available to purchase by calling 407.720.6008.

First bout at 6:00 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: /MarcoRomero /TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (January 7, 2025) – Undefeated Kansas middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) closed 2025 with his seventh victory of the year, all ending in knockouts, back on December 13 in Topeka, Kansas.

Romero, 20, fought in Topeka for the second time in 2025 on the “Rumble in Title Town – A Night of Champions in the Capital City” card, presented by John Cantrell, in front of a packed house. The impressive prospect from Olathe (KS), who was a 23-time national amateur champion, put super middleweight Martez McGregor (9-10, 7 KOs) to sleep with an explosive 3-punch combination at the 2:09 mark of the opening round.

As is his custom, Romero hurt his opponent with a body shot, rapidly followed by a strong right, and he closed the show with a right uppercut as McGregor was going down to the canvas.

“2025 was all about me progressing in each and every fight,” Romero said. “My maturation, speed and power have all improved in a relatively short time, and this is only the beginning. I will continue being focused and dedicated. In 2026, I hope to get tougher opponents, and everyone will see what I really am. I’m looking forward to it.

“When Coach John (Brown) told me there was an opportunity to fight again in Topeka, I said to take any fight opportunities close to home, because I’m not sure how many more fights I’ll have in Kansas. It’s so exciting fighting in Topeka with family, friends and local fans supporting me. I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s always an amazing experience.”

Romero’s head trainer and manager, John Brown, couldn’t be more excited about the way 2025 ended, as well as Marco’s tremendous potential to pop internationally in 2026.

“2025 was a great developmental year for Marco with seven wins under his belt, one fulfilling his dream of fighting in KC so that his fans could share in his success,” Brown commented. “2026 will begin with Marco soon to sign a contract with one of the World’s best promotional companies that will insure his attainment of 4-6 bouts this year against progressively stronger opponents. His progress will continue with both his skill development and also his strength and conditioning so that he will be properly prepared for all the opportunities coming his way this new year.”

During his 18-month professional boxing career, not only is he 11-0 with 10 knockouts, but he’s also won each of the 20 rounds he’s fought to date.

2026 is set to be “The Year of the Shark” (El Tiburon) for Marco Romero, one of the most prolific prospects in boxing.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club run by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (December 8, 2025) – Rising middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) is scheduled to compete on December 13th in Topeka, Kansas. This event will mark his seventh professional bout of 2025 and his second appearance in Topeka this year.

Romero will go up against perhaps the strongest challenger of his young professional career, Martez McGregor (9-9, 7 KOs), who is based in Maywood, Illinois. They will face off in an eight-round bout as part of the “Rumble in Title Town – A Night of Champions in the Capital City” event presented by John Cantrell.

Romero, who turned 20 on November 21, will be fighting into his second middleweight match after previously competing in the super middleweight division.

“It’s no big deal,” the Olathe (KS) boxer explained the decision for him to fight as a middleweight. “My last year as an amateur (23-time national champion, 130-5 career amateur record), I fought at 165 (pounds, super middleweight), which is halfway between middleweight (160) and super middleweight (168) in the pros. We decided to start in the pros fight at 168, not killing me to make weight, and now we’re locked in as a professional as a middleweight. I walk around at 175. I’m working to bring my power from 168 to 160. It’s never been a problem for me (making weight) and it’ll be better for me.”

Romero’s last fight was this past September 25, at home in Olathe, in which he brutally stopped Javier Dario Aragon (7-1-1) in the second round.

“Marco is stronger as he matures, but he can still make 160, which is a perfect weight for him” Romero’s legendary head trainer/manager John Brown commented. “2025 has been a great developmental year for Marco and 2026 will be his breakout year. He is definitely ready and anxious to show the world the skills he’s attained over the past ten years.”

Upset-minded McGregor, who can punch hard and is durable, went the full 8 rounds in his most recent fight, July 26, against 12-0 opponent Da’Velle Smith. McGregor has also gone the distance, albeit in losses, with then-undefeated prospects such as Cem Kilic (13-0), Cruse Stewart (6-0), and Luis Jimenez (3-0).

Romero has won each of the 19 rounds he’s fought thus far in the pro ranks, but it’s his demonstrated poise well beyond his age that separates him from other gifted, intelligent, experienced pro prospects like the handsome, young Mexican American prizefighter.

“I’ve always been a mature young man,” Romero said. “I think I’ve matured a lot, physically and mentally, and it’s translated to my fights, especially coming off those big knockouts.

“Everything has worked out in a very good way. First, I traveled to the East Coast, than we got a little closer to home in Colorado, before fighting in Topeka and Wichita. We kept getting closer and closer to my hometown of Olathe, which we had built up for my fight there last September. My family, friends and fans really enjoyed watching me fight at home.”

Romero will close 2025 in Topeka and then move ahead to what promises to be “The Year of The Shark “El Tiburon”) in 2026.   

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club run by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (November 5, 2025) – It’s more challenging today in pro boxing to build a promising prospect into a legitimate title contender due to a myriad of reasons, especially in the United States, starting with the lack of television exposure, increasing expenses, and fewer major promoters.

Even a stud like Kansas middleweight Marco “El Tiburon” Romero, despite winning 23 national titles as an amateur and sporting a 10-0 record as a pro with 9 knockouts – all before his 20^th birthday on November 21^st — remains a promotional free agent.

“I’m not surprised by what Marco has done in the past 1-½ years as a pro, but I’m a little disappointed,” Romero’s head trainer/manager John Brown said. “Marco has tremendous skills, and he hasn’t turned 20 yet. If this were 5 years ago, Marco would probably have a contract with a major promoter and fight on ESPN, but there is no exposure on TV in the U.S. right now.

“The beauty of having a young fighter like Marco is we don’t have to hurry, so we will take advantage of this lull until things get better. Marco will continue working hard and steadily improving. We need to get this racehorse ready for when the starting gate opens, hopefully, in a few months.

“The way the landscape is now is difficult. No promoters do shows, at least in this part of the country, which is why we had to fight all over the country. We’re sitting tight and have made physical and financial efforts to make it happen. We don’t know if what Dana White and the Saudis are doing will work. We’ll see where Top Rank, Golden Boy, Queensbury and others will do in the United States. I’ll probably do a couple of shows in Kansas City and we always have Portland (Maine) next November to fight because of my good friend, Bobby Russo (promoter).”

Romero made his pro debut on June 24, 2024, and his most recent fight was at home in Olathe (KS) this past September 5^th. He is undefeated and hasn’t lost a single round in the 19 he’s fought this far.

Romero doesn’t regret turning pro instead of remaining an amateur in order to pursue a spot on the 2028 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team.  

“It feels amazing to already be 10-0 in less than 1 ½ years and still only 19,” Romero commented. “Coach John (Brown), Al (Valenti, advisor), my father (assistant trainer Salvador Romero), me, and Sergio (Flores, assistant trainer) talked. We all knew we were going on a long stretch of fights. I’m grateful to be in the position I am, but this is only the beginning.

“One thing about me is that I don’t have regrets. Once we saw I wasn’t eligible for the last (2024) Olympics (he was underage at 17) and I wasn’t willing to wait another 4 years, we decided to go pro. I’ve adjusted very well with the changes from being an amateur to professional. I was ready for no headgear and smaller gloves. I’m loving it and have no regrets about turning pro when I did.”

Romero’s advisor, Valenti, added: “For the first time since black-and-white television there is no boxing on any television outlet in America. No more Showtime, HBO or ESPN. That’s the elephant in the room. It’s a challenge and moving forward, how can you build a market without television exposure? For now, we need perseverance, patience and wait to see what happens. But we may be waiting for a bus that may never come.”

Romero’s next fight is December 13^th in Topeka, Kansas, against an opponent to be determined for an 8-round bout on the “Rumble in Title Town – A Night of Champions in the Capital City” card.    

2026 promises to be a critical year for Marco Romero, highlighted by him securing his boxing future by signing with a world-class promoter.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club run by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

OLATHE, Kan. (September 8, 2025) – “The Homecoming” Pro-Am boxing event, presented by Turner Boxing Academy, was a celebration of local hero Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) for his family, friends and fans who sold-out Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center last Saturday night in Olathe, Kansas.

“The Homecoming” was a fundraiser for Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event was McCarthy Auto Group, and part of the proceeds was donated to Safe Kids Johnson County.

Putting on a quality pro boxing show is a monumental undertaking,” event promoter John Brown said. ‘It can only be done with the right team and when that works together a masterpiece is produced. Last night was a classic masterpiece. I was lucky to secure the ultimate A-team with the world’s best matchmaker, Mark Vaz, and legendary Al Valenti for marketing, and young rookie named Erin Taylor who was a rock star.

“We had four great competitive amateur bouts featuring some of the best boxers in the country (all won by Turner Boxing Academy boxers) and five exciting bouts that left every fan feeling they really got their money’s worth of entertainment. All of the pro bouts gave the packed house what they wanted: competitive battles and some classic knockouts.”

A 23-time national amateur champion, Romero fought in his hometown for the first time at a lighter weight, 165-pounds, on his way down from super middleweight to middleweight. Romero, 19, faced his Mexican opponent, Javier Dario Aragon (7-2-1, 3 KOs) in the scheduled 8-round main event.

Romero demonstrated his defensive skills in the opening round as Aragon’s steady diet of jabs fell short of striking Marco. Once the “feeling-out” opening round was out of the way, Romero opened up in the second round as he found his range, peppering Aragon with deadly counter-punch combinations until a vicious left hook sent Aragon down to the canvas. A game Aragon beat the count and attempted to move out of trouble, but a deadly double hook to Aragon’s body, followed by a perfectly placed left hook landed on Aragon’s chin to close the show.

“This show made all the years of my hard work and sacrifices worth it,” an exuberant Romero said after the fight. “The best thing about fighting in Olathe was that it was only 5 minutes from my house. I stuck with the game plan, cut off the ring, and landed the power punch I wanted to end the fight. I spoke to Coach John and perhaps I’ll fight for the fourth and final time in Portland (ME) in November, and another possibility is a show in Topeka in December along with John Cantrell.”

“Rarely does the main event live up to expectations, but this one did with young Marco Romero scoring an electrifying knockout with a crushing left hook that would have made Joe Frazier proud,” added Brown, who is also Romero’s head trainer/manager. “Marco gave his fans everything they wanted and more. As always, Marco was a class act after his victory, making sure his most recent victim was okay. Marco then left the ring and was swallowed up by his adoring fans”

“Last Saturday had to be the biggest night in Olathe’s sports history,” noted Romero’s advisor Al Valenti.

In the co-feature, Topeka (KS) heavyweight John “Iron Man” Cantrell improved to 15-0 (14 KOs) with a third-round stoppage of Portland “The Prince” Pringle (5-5, 1 KO). Cantrell, also a licensed boxing promoter in Kansas, took control of the fight in round two as Cantrell landed a series of damaging body punches, which seriously hurt Pringle and finished him off in the third.

Three-time national amateur champion Ben Turla (1-0, 1 KO) turned in a memorable pro debut in a battle of cruiserweight southpaws versus Randy “Spawn” Martina (1-1, 1 KO). Turla came out of the corner determined to make a statement and it didn’t take long for him to establish the pace. A powerful right jab-straight left combo floored Martina and the referee quickly waved off the fight in the opening round.

Undefeated Kansas City (KS) welterweight Marcell Davidson (7-0, 4 KOs) was tested early and often by Ociel Vazquez (2-2, 2 KOs). In a back-and-forth fight, Davidson emerged with a disputed 4-round unanimous decision. Davidson was a celebrated amateur boxer who was the 2019 National Golden Gloves champion, as well as the two-time winner of Ringside World Championships.

In the opener, Kansas City (KS) welterweight Anthony Adams, Jr. (5-1, 5 KOs) stopped 33-fight veteran Marquis “Ther Hawk” Hawthorne in the third round, following a straight right hand that sent Hawthorne onto the ropes, when the referee stepped right in the halt the action.

A 4-bout USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card preceded the pro card.

Official Results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Marco Romero (10-0, 9 KOs), Olathe, KS

WKO2 (1:35)

Javier Dario Aragon (7-2-1, 3 KOs), Denver, CO by way of Mexico

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS

John Cantrell (15-0, 14 KOs), Topeka, KS

WTKO3 (2:02)

Portland Pringle (5-6, 1 KO), Lexington, KY

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Ben Turla (1-0, 1 KO), Leawood, KS

WKO1 (0:57)

Randy Martina (1-1, 1 KO), Fort Riley, KS

WELTERWEIGHTS

Marcell Davidson (7-0, 4 KOs), Kansas City, KS

WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)

Ociel Vazquez (2-2, (2 KOs), Dallas, TX

Anthony Adams, Jr. (5-1, 5 KOs), Kansas City, KS

WTKO3 (1:24)

Marquis Hawthorne (8-25, 2 KOs), Waco. TX

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club run by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

About McCarthy Auto Group: McCarthy Auto Group is a family-owned network of full-service automotive dealerships and repair centers, proudly headquartered in the Kansas City metro. With more than 30 years of deep-rooted local history, we’ve grown to operate 9 award-winning dealerships across Missouri and Kansas, along with 4 well-established Collision centers.

As a company of over 700 employees, it offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles backed by transparent financing, fair pricing, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. McCarthy Auto Group remains dedicated to giving back awarding over 60 local scholarships annually and supporting numerous community partners, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, American Cancer Society, Kansas City Crime Commission, area high schools, animal shelters, and many more.

About Safe Kids Johnson County: Safe Kids Johnson County (KS) is led by the Johnson County Health Department, which provides a dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving its common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, which help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (August 20, 2025) – Boxing coach John Brown, who has trained nearly 20,000 boxers, has chosen to guide only two in the professional ranks, the late World Heavyweight Champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, and undefeated prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero, who is set to headline “The Homecoming” event on September 6 in Olathe, Kansas.

In advance of Romero’s upcoming 8-round main event against Javier Dario Aragon (7-1-1, 3 KOs), Brown spoke about Morrisson and Romero and their contrasting work ethic, personalities, and lifestyles.

Turner Boxing Academy, owned and operated by Brown in Kansas City (KS), is promoting “The Return” at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.

The 19-year-old Romero was a 23-time national amateur, who is set to make his hometown debut as a pro in Olathe in his first scheduled 8-round bout. He will compete at middleweight after previously fighting at super middleweight.

Morrison and Romero share some career milestones. Morrison debuted professionally at age 19, while Romero started at 18. Both were undefeated going into their tenth pro fights. Each had success as amateurs—Romero achieved recognition nationally more than Morrison—although neither competed in the Olympics.

But that’s where their comparisons end.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with troubled kids. In 1988, I stumbled into Tommy Morrison. He was fat and out of shape, but he looked like he could punch,” remembered Brown, who served as manager/head trainer for both fighters. “He didn’t have a good, solid foundation in life, which led to his demise in boxing and life. Tommy was troublesome during training; I have Marco Romero now. Tommy didn’t have the coachability, good family and mental toughness that Marco has. Marco does anything and everything he’s asked. Tommy would take a whole month off and go hide. You can’t appreciate heaven unless you’ve been to hell. I was in hell with Tommy Morrison, but now I’m in heaven, and I can tell you heaven is a lot more fun than hell.

“Tommy and I were like oil and water. I want my fighters’ brains to be very low mileage. How to hit and not be hit is what I’ve always taught boxers. Marco is the whole package. He puts in hard, physical work to be in the best shape and to keep improving his skills. Marco’s a good-looking kid with a magnetic personality that draws in people.”

Brown trained Morrison from 1988 to 1993, guiding him to a win over George Foreman and the WBO Heavyweight title. Their partnership eventually ended bitterly with a lawsuit.

(L-R) – Marco Romero and John Brown

“My relationship with Coach John is more than just boxer and coach,” Romero explained. “Like I’ve said, he’s a father figure and our relationship has only grown over the years. He means a lot to me because, just like my parents and everyone involved with my team, he has a tremendous amount of belief and faith that I will be world champion one day. That makes me believe in myself even more. I work hard every day to accomplish that for Coach John and all my people in KC.”

In the 8-round co-featured event, undefeated Topeka (KS) heavyweight John “Iron Man” Cantrell (14-0, 13 KOs) takes on Portland “The Prince” Pringle (5-5, 1 KO), fighting out of Lexington, Kentucky.

2019 National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist and 2-time winner of The Ringside World Championships winner, Kansas City (KS) welterweight Marcell Davidson (6-0, 4 KOs) faces Ociel Vazquez (2-1, 2 KOs), of Dallas, in a 4-rounder.

2022 USA Boxing Elite Champion, Leawood (KS) cruiserweight Ben Turla, will make his pro debut in a 4-round bout against Randy “SPAWN” Martina (1-0, 1) from Fort Riley, Kansas.

A pair of Kansas welterweights, Anthony Adams, Jr. (6-1, 5 KOs), of Kansas City and Topeka’s Marquis Hawthorne (1-0, 1 KO), are matched in a 4-round bout to open the pro segment of the card.

Card subject to change.

“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group, and a part of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County.

Tickets are on sale and reasonably priced at $75.00 (reserved rows 1-3) and $40.00 (general admission) for purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-homecoming-pro-boxing-in-olathe-ks-tickets-1513153987309?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Turner Boxing Academy at 913.515.6431 or www.turnerboxing.com for more information.

A 4-bout USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, starting at 6:30 p.m. CT, will precede the pro card.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (August 14, 2025) – Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) is preparing for his first professional fight at home in Olathe, Kansas, on September 6. His living legend manager and head trainer, John Brown, has advised Romero to observe future Hall of Famer Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) as a perfect example for his development.

Turner Boxing Academy, owned and operated by Brown in Kansas City (KS), is promoting “The Homecoming,” a professional/amateur boxing card to be headlined by hometown hero Romero, on September 6, at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.

Usyk, a proud Ukrainian who captured a gold medal for his country in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, was the undisputed world cruiserweight champion before moving up to duplicate that feat, not once but twice, as a heavyweight.

“Usyk is a good example for Marco to follow,” Brown explained. “I have him watching videos of Usyk. He’s such an impressive guy, in and out of the ring, and that’s why I’m pushing Marco in his direction. I’m a big fan of Tyson Fury, but I’m trying to instill Usyk’s traits in Marco as a fighter because of Usyk’s tenacity and will, top conditioning, and boxing science knowledge. I’m a realist about life and boxing, how tough they both are, but I always teach my boxers that to be successful in this sport, as well as in life, they need to be obsessed for success.”

“I never really paid attention to Usyk until recently,” Romero added. “He is definitely one of a kind. His movement, footwork, and output for a heavyweight is insane, especially since he’s not on the big side in the heavyweight division. Usyk is a beast!”

“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group, and a part of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County.

Romero, 19 years old and a 23-time national amateur champion, will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout. Romero takes on Javier Dario Aragon (7-1-1, 3 KOs) in the main event. This bout will also mark Romero’s debut as a middleweight with him moving down one division from super middleweight, where he has competed since turning professional.

To watch a recent American Dream TV feature story of Romero, click HERE.

Undefeated Topeka (KS) heavyweight John “Iron Man” Cantrell (14-0, 13 KOs) faces Portland “The Prince” Pringle (5-5, 1 KO), who is from Lexington, Kentucky, in the 8-round co-featured event.

The undercard will feature popular Kansas City (KS) welterweight Marcell Davidson (6-0, 4 KOs) in a 4-round match versus Ociel Vazquez (2-1, 2 KOs), of Dallas. Davidson was a 2-time winner of The Ringside World Championships, as well as a 2019 National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist.

Leawood (KS) cruiserweight Ben Turla will make his pro debut in a 4-round match versus Randy “SPAWN” Martina (1-0, 1) from Fort Riley, Kansas. Turla was a 3-time national amateur champion, including top honors at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite Championships.

Opening the pro side of the card is a 4-round welterweight battle between Anthony Adams, Jr. (6-1, 5 KOs), of Kansas City (KS), and Topeka’s Marquis Hawthorne (1-0, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale and reasonably priced at $75.00 (reserved rows 1-3) and $40.00 (general admission) for purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-homecoming-pro-boxing-in-olathe-ks-tickets-1513153987309?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Turner Boxing Academy at 913.515.6431 or www.turnerboxing.com for more information.

A 4-bout USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, starting at 6:30 p.m. CT, will precede the pro card.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy @KCFavoriteRealtor

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club run by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

About McCarthy Auto Group: McCarthy Auto Group is a family-owned network of full-service automotive dealerships and repair centers, proudly headquartered in the Kansas City metro. With more than 30 years of deep-rooted local history, we’ve grown to operate 9 award-winning dealerships across Missouri and Kansas, along with 4 well-established Collision centers.

As a company of over 700 employees, it offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles backed by transparent financing, fair pricing, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. McCarthy Auto Group remains dedicated to giving back awarding over 60 local scholarships annually and supporting numerous community partners, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, American Cancer Society, Kansas City Crime Commission, area high schools, animal shelters, and many more.

About Safe Kids Johnson County: Safe Kids Johnson County (KS) is led by the Johnson County Health Department, which provides a dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving its common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, which help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (July 29, 2025) – Nineteen-year-old boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his hometown debut as a professional on September 6, headlining “The Homecoming” Pro-Am card, presented by Turner Boxing Academy, at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.

“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy, owned and operated by boxing legend John Brown, in Kansas City, Kansas. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County.

“This will be a special event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Turner Boxing Academy,” explained Turner, who is Romero’s manager/head trainer. It’s a tough homecoming fight for Marco.”

The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group. “I’m elated to support the Turner Boxing Academy’s 20th anniversary event,” McCarthy Auto Group founder and owner John McCarthy commented. “This is clearly a reputable organization and non-profit. I’ve been impressed with Marco Romero and recognize how pivotal early support can be in shaping a career.”

Romero was a 23-time national amateur champion, highlighted by gold medal performances in the 2024 USA National Championships and National Golden Gloves Tournament, for which he was selected as the “Golden Boy” Award winner as the Most Outstanding Boxer.

He is matched against Javier Dario Aragon (7-1-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Denver by way of Mexico, in the 8-round main event.

“Fighting at home means so much to me,” Romero said about fighting in Olathe. “It’s giving me that extra motivation and drive to work hard every single day in the gym. I’m ready to give my people from KC and Olathe a show.”

Romero, currently a promotional free agent, has needed only 17 rounds in his 9 professional bouts, registering 8 stoppages, including his last six fights in a row. He is set to compete as a middleweight for the first time after previously fighting at super middleweight, his sixth fight in 2025.

“Going down to middleweight has always been the plan,” Romero noted. “My dream is to be a multi-world champion in different weight classes. I’m excited to see how I feel going to middleweight and see how I feel after this fight. Our plan is to go even lower in weight to super welterweight.

“I’m ready and excited to fight 8-rounds. Our opposition will be tougher – we know that – so we are preparing for a hard fought 8-rounder or finish it earlier Either way we are coming Shark Style!”

Proud of his Mexican American heritage, Marco’s boxing idols are Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez and, of course, his namesake, Marco Antonio Barrera. Romero’s ultimate goal is to bring world championship boxing back to Kansas, in order to give back to his community and inspire other young and upcoming boxers from Kansas City, not necessarily just in boxing, but any sport. His ultimate goal is to fill up Arrowhead Stadium one day, either fighting for a world title, or defending his world title belt.

In the 10-round co-featured event, Topeka (KS) heavyweight John “Iron Man” Cantrell (14-0, 13 KOs) will take on Portland “The Prince” Pringle (5-5, 1 KO), who is from Lexington, Kentucky.

The undercard will feature Kansas City’s (KS) popular Davidson brothers, Marcell Davidson (6-0, 4 KOs) Marcus Davidson (6-1, 5 KOs), both fighting as welterweights in separate 4-round fights. Marcell was a 2-time winner of The Ringside World Championships, as well as the 2019 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

In another 4-rounder, Leawood (KS) cruiserweight Ben Turla will make his pro debut in a 4-round match versus Randy “SPAWN” Martina (1-0, 1) from Fort Riley, Kansas Turla was a 3-time national amateur champion as an amateur, including top honors at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite Championships.

Card subject to change.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Wed., July 30) and are reasonably priced — $75.00 (reserved rows 1-3) and $40.00 (general admission) — and available for purchase online at www.Eventbrite.com.

A USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, starting at 7 p.m. CT, will precede the pro card.

Doors open at 6 p.m. CT.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Tiburonromero100 @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: /MarcoRomero /TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.

About McCarthy Auto Group: McCarthy Auto Group is a family-owned network of full-service automotive dealerships and repair centers, proudly headquartered in the Kansas City metro. With more than 30 years of deep-rooted local history, we’ve grown to operate 9 award-winning dealerships across Missouri and Kansas, along with 4 well-established Collision centers.

As a company of over 700 employees, it offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles backed by transparent financing, fair pricing, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. McCarthy Auto Group remains dedicated to giving back awarding over 60 local scholarships annually and supporting numerous community partners, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, American Cancer Society, Kansas City Crime Commission, area high schools, animal shelters, and many more.

About Safe Kids Johnson County: Safe Kids Johnson County (KS) is led by the Johnson County Health Department, which provides a dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving its common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (June 23, 2025) – Only two weeks after his last fight, fast-tracked Kansas boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (8-0, 7 KOs) returns this Friday night in Wichita to fight on the “Legacy Reloaded” card, presented by Global Combat Collective, and headlined by the ring return of former world heavyweight champion and 2008 US Olympic bronze medalist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder.

Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) takes on Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) in the 10-round main event, while super middleweight prospect Romero faces undefeated Hawaiian Andre Amaro (2-0, 2 KOs) in a scheduled 6-round bout.

“Legacy Reloaded” will air live from the Charles Koch Arena, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, and be distributed by BLK Prine and Integrated Sports across the United States and Canada live on Cable, Satellite, and Digital Pay-per-View via iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH, Bell TV, Rogers, Fubo, and PPV.com for $24.95. It will also be available for streaming via Digital PPV and BLKPrime.com.

In his fourth fight of 2025, Romero attacked his opponent from the opening bell, displaying another vicious body attack, to register an impressive second-round technical knockout of Nafys Anas Garner (4-2) on June 14 in Portland, Maine.

“Any opportunity I have to step in the ring, especially in Kansas, I’m going to give the audience my best,” Romero concluded. “It’s important for me to put on a show to gain new fans in Kansas and from around the world. Anybody who wants to get on the ‘El Tiburon’ train is welcome.”

“Marco is excited to be on this card that is so close to his home, and he is more than ready to notch his ninth victory,” manager/head coach Brown commented. “He’s inching his way to Kansas City, where he will have the opportunity to display his talents in front of a home crown on September 6 in his hometown of Olathe, Kansas.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (June 9, 2025) – Kansas boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) started his pro career a year ago on Father’s Day Weekend in Portland, Maine, and he returns there this Saturday night for his third fight in The Forest City.

Despite the Cross Insurance Arena being more than 1,500 miles from his home in Olathe, Kansas, the 19-year-old Romero feels that Portland has become his second home, where he kick-started his pro career, and has developed a surprisingly growing fan base.

Romero stopped Jonathan Gary (2-1) on June 15, 2024, in the second round at Cross Insurance Arena. Last October, Romero defeated Orlando Salgado (3-5) in Portland by way of a third-round technical knockout at the Exposition Building.

This Saturday the gifted super middleweight prospect faces “The Conqueror” Nafys Anas Garner (4-2, 3 KOs), fighting out of Sacramento (CA), in a scheduled 6-round bout at Cross Insurance Arena.

“I’m more motivated than ever and couldn’t be happier to see the plan unfolding like we talked about a couple of years ago with Coach John (Brown, manager/head trainer), Uncle Al (Valenti, advisor), my father (Salvatore Romero, assistant trainer) and Sergio (Flores, assistant trainer).

“I’m ready and excited to be fighting again in Portland. I would love to bring a world title fight to Portland, where people appreciate good boxing. Traveling to fight is something I’m used to from my amateur days. Portland is like my second home because I’ve been treated so well there by everyone. I have big respect for Bobby Russo (promoter). He’s an amazing guy who has shown me respect from the start. He gave me my Golden Boy (Most Outstanding Boxer Award, Russo is President of the National Golden Gloves), when I won my division at the (2024) National Golden Gloves.”

(L-R) – Bobby Russo & Marco Romero

“Marco is excited to be fighting again in his adoptive city of Portland, which has the best fight fans in America,” Brown remarked. “He’s hoping to display the talents that will eventually lead him to a world title. Marco’s been lucky to fight every two months all over America, which is helping him build a national fan base.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (June 4, 2025) – The Kansas Athletic Commission has overturned a “no Contest” ruling to a second-round technical knockout victory for 19-year-old boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (7-0, 6 KOs).

Romero, fighting out of Olathe (KS), faced Noah Kidd (10-14-2, 5 KOs) on May 24^th in a scheduled six-round bout outdoors at Energy Plaza in downtown Topeka, Kansas.

Romero completely dominated Kidd, who was reluctant to fight once he felt Marco’s strength, and he was floored in the second round. Kidd then claimed he was unable to continue fighting due to an injury he suffered after falling out of the ring.

Marco’s manager/head trainer John Brown immediately filed a protest requesting the “No Contest” be changed to a well-deserved win for Romero. His challenge noted that the alleged injury was not the result of a foul, Romero was physically able and ready to continue the bout, and circumstances surrounding the fall and stoppage warranted further review.

“I’m glad I got that win on my record,” Romero said. “I put in a lot of hard work in the gym, running and making sacrifices during training camp. I’m happy the Kansas Athletic Commission took its time, watched the fight and made its ruling. The dude only came to pick up a paycheck.”

The Kansas Athletic Commission reviewed the incident and determined that Kidd’s injury from falling out of the ring was accidental, not caused by Romero. The bout was stopped by the ringside physician for medical reasons. Romero did not violate any rules and was capable of continuing the fight.

Based on the Commissions review of circumstances and applicable regulations, the bout did not meet the threshold for a ‘No Contest’ ruling under Kansas law, as the injury did not arise from a rule violation or external interference.

Considering these findings, the Kansas Athletic Commission ruled to overturn the original rules and amended it as an official recording as a Technical Knockout (TKO) victory in favor of Romero.

“Marco came to fight but his opponent wanted to play rugby, trying to run him over and tackle him,” Brown commented. “His opponent hurt himself with these tactics and upon closer examination, the commission did the right thing.”

Romero’s next scheduled fight is June 14 vs. Nafys Anas Garner in a 6-round super middleweight bout in Portland, Maine.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (May 8, 2025) – The Magical Mystery Tour for Kansas boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (6-0, 5 KOs) will make a new stop on Saturday, May 24^th, when the 19-year-old super middleweight faces upset specialist Noah Kidd in a six-round bout outdoors at Energy Plaza in downtown Topeka, Kansas.

Not only is this event considerably closer to his Olathe (KS) home than anywhere Romero has fought so far as a professional, but it is also a widely successful annual show that has reportedly drawn 8,000 fans.

“I’m super excited, pumped up to fight only a 45-minute drive from my hometown for my fans,” Romero said. “They don’t need to drive 15 hours like they have or fly cross country. I’m really going to put on a show for my hometown fans. It’ll be nice to hear hometown fans cheering me on. Other than relatives who live in Denver, I made a few new fans in the other places I’ve fought. They’re starting to know who I am, and it’s really cool for people to come up to me saying they follow me.”

The 29-year-old Kidd (10-13-2, 5 KOs), fighting out of Jefferson, Missouri, recently knocked off then-18-0 Deshawn Prather by way of a 6-round unanimous decision.

“This will be Marco’s seventh fight in a year since turning pro because we have Marco on a fast track due to his vast amateur experience and desire to stay active and improve,” Romero’s legendary manager/trainer John Brown explained. “We are hopeful that Noah Kidd can withstand Marco’s shark (Marco’s nickname, ‘El Tiburón’ means ‘The Shark’ in English) bites and give him several rounds of good work.” 

As a professional, the 23-time national amateur champion Romero has fought in Portland, Maine and Denver twice apiece, Tampa and Atlantic City. His aggressive schedule tentatively continues after Topeka on June 14 in Portland (ME), June 27 in Wichita (KS), July 25 in Atlantic City, September 6 in Olathe and back to Portland (ME) on November 8.

“I love fighting this schedule, fighting every month or two,” Romero noted. “Maybe over time with all the wear and tear could tire me. But I was born to box; it’s my dream. Whoever Coach John (Brown) puts in front of me; I tell him I got him.

“I do think about when I’ll be fighting only twice a year for a lot more money than I’m making today. That’s my goal but I’m focused on the present. I’m working hard every day to get better. In the end, I want to walk away from boxing healthy and hopefully wealthy, like Coach John says. I really like this plan.”

“’El Tiburon’ has four, maybe five bouts scheduled for the rest of the year and at that time, or before, we will partner up with one of the highly recognized promotional groups that have been pursuing Marco,” Brown added. “He is a promoter’s dream: young, handsome, articulate, bilingual, and he has an action-packed style. After watching ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) last weekend……boxing needs a Marco Romero.”

-30-

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Tiberonromero100

Facebook: /MarcoRomero

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 21, 2025) – In his first scheduled six-round bout on April 12^th, Kansas boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (6-0, 5 KOs) only needed only-half of a round to mow down yet another opponent as he continues his aggressive fight schedule.

The 19-year-old Romero, a 23-time national amateur champion, stopped Heber Rondon (20-8, 13 KOs), of Venezuela, with a paralyzing-like left hook to the body at the 1:01 mark of the opening round at Eclipse Event Center in Denver.

“I am doing the right things by listening to my coaches and my team,” Romero said, “doing what we practice in the ring like that left hook to the body. We have worked so hard, and I’d say we are on track to greatness.

“I’m not disappointed that I haven’t been getting more rounds (12 rounds in 6 pro fights) in my fights. Rounds will come as my opposition becomes better. All I can do is my job and, if that means getting my opponent out of there in the first or last round I’ll do it.”

Romero has embarked on an extremely busy 2025 tentative fight schedule for Romero this year continuing May 24 in Topeka (KS), June 14 in Portland (ME), June 27 in Wichita (KS), September 6 in Olathe (KS – Marco’s hometown), and back November 8 to Portland (ME).

“I am very excited about my fight schedule for the rest of 2025,” Romero added, “especially with some being in Kansas. To just be able to stay this active is amazing. We will be doing more six-round fights, but a potential eight-rounder in November is being talked about.”

The architects of Romero’s steady development and accelerated fight schedule are his legendary manager/head trainer John Bown and deeply connected adviser Al Valenti.

“Marco continues to train hard every day and, in fact, as a salute to George Foreman, I got Marco in the woods with a 15-pound axe chopping trees down like Goege’s old school training,” Brown commented. “We have Marco on a very active schedule for one simple reason: THIS KID LOVES TO FIGHT!”  

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 10, 2025) – After fighting his first four professional matches on the East Coast, Kansas City-based super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (5-0, 4 KOs) returns to Denver for his second consecutive fight this Saturday night, only this time at the Eclipse Event Center.

Romero knocked Isaac Johnson out in the second round of their fight a month ago at the Denver Athletic Club.

The 19-year-old, 23-time national amateur champion Romero will fight in his first scheduled six-round bout against upset-minded Heber Rondon (20-7, 13 KOs), of Venezuela. Rondon is a quasi-gatekeeper in the super middleweight division having fought other undefeated prospects, albeit all in losses, such as Fernando Vargas (9-0), Elvis Figueroa (11-0), and Francis Hogan (16-0).

“He (Rendon) has fought some other good guys,” Romero said. “I know Vargas and maybe we’ll fight down the road. We would have a common opponent, and I want to do better than he did (WTKO2). I’ve been focused on my training and will go into the ring to do my job.”

Romero, of course, is excited to be fighting relatively closer to his Olathe, Kansas, home once again, largely because he’ll have support once again from his mother’s side of the family who live in Colorado.

“I feel comfortable fighting in Denver,” Romero explained. “Fighting in different states has been great, but I know I will have fans there cheering me on when I step into the ring this Saturday.”

Romero has gone the distance only once, totaling only 11 rounds fought as a pro, winning each round on all of the judges’ scorecards. Poised beyond his years, Romero isn’t concerned about moving up to six-rounders for the first time, nor the fact he’s fighting a southpaw in Rendon.

“I trained to go six rounds for four-round fights, now I’m training eight for six rounds,” Romero noted. “This way will get me ready for 10-12 rounds. I’m expected to do more in the ring and I’m excited about that. My job is to get my opponent out of there. Maybe he’ll show me some tricks or a different way to set up combinations that I can add to my arsenal? I’m always trying to pick up things to help me in the future.

“I mostly spar southpaws at my gym (Turner Boxing Academy), so that works out great for this fight. I’m doing some things differently to adjust to what my opponent brings. I’ll be prepared.”  

Romero captured back-to-back champion honors in December 2023 at two of the most prestigious U.S. amateur events, USA Boxing National Championships and 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament.  During a hectic 12-month period, Marco was 9-0 in amateur competition, including three at The Nationals and five at The Golden Gloves, in addition to his four pro wins during that stretch for a combined 13-0 record. He was also selected as The Most Outstanding Boxer at the National Golden Gloves.

“I am blessed to have an opportunity to train and manage this young man, who is coachable and has a great work ethic along with his terrific personality and sense of humor,” Romero’s legendary trainer/manager John Brown commented. “I only train pro boxers I can make wealthy and keep healthy. The only other boxer with that potential was Tommy Morrison and training him was like a daily root canal.”

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INFORMATION

Instagram: @Tiberonromero100

Facebook: /MarcoRomero

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 2, 2025) – Only five fights into his professional career, 19-year-old super middleweight phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (5-0, 4 KOs), a 23-time national amateur champion, is already moving up from four to six-round bouts, starting with his next fight on April 12^th in Denver.

Romero will square off in his first scheduled six-rounder against Heber Rondon (20-7, 13 KOs), of Venezuela, at the Eclipse Event Center.

This past March 14^th, Romero stopped Issac Johnson in the second round of their fight in Denver, which is the closest Marco has fought as a pro to his home in Olathe, Kansas.

“I did a good job,” Romero said. “This is all part of the process. It took me a little closer to helping me get big names. I’m moving on to six-rounds fights. It’s exciting to be fighting more rounds because, the more rounds, the better opposition. I’m getting ready to put on a show in my next fight, eventually fighting in 10 and 12 round fights.

“It was amazing for me to fight in Denver. A lot of family (many of his mother’s side live in or close to the Denver market) came through and more wanted to attend, but there weren’t enough tickets available, so they watched the live stream.”

Romero dominated his first five opponents, only one fight went the full four-rounds, and Marco only needed 11 total rounds in his first five fights.

A clear schedule for Romero this year is being followed. After his April 12^th fight in Denver, tentative plans include May 24 in Topeka and June 14 in Portland, Maine, where Marco made his pro debut almost a year to the day, for his third fight there.

“Topeka is only a one-hour drive from Kansas City. I was there a couple of times in the amateurs. Topeka will be a test run for how many fans will go to watch me fight, because Coach John (Brown, his head coach/manager) is in talks for me to fight in my hometown of Olathe (KS) in late August or September. My fanbase has increased at my fights outside of Kansas and we’re not stopping until I sell out Arrowhead Stadium fighting in a world title fight.”

“Marco continues to develop as a professional,” Brown added. “He has learned and is practicing that the key to success is obsession. Marco is obsessed with being the best boxer in the world and demonstrates that every day by totally devoting himself to his training.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (March 10, 2025) – The early professional career of Kansas City blue-chip super middleweight prospect, 23-time national amateur champion Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs), has been like an endless road trip for him having fought all four times on the East Coast.

This Friday night in Denver, the 19-year-old Romero will be fighting much closer to his Kansas City gym, Turner Boxing Club, at the Athletic Club on a card presented by Poor Boys Pro Boxing.

Romero was supposed to fight this past February 8^th in Boston, but the fight fell out only a few days before his scheduled bout, leaving him with the longest stretch of inactivity since his last fight last November 9^th in Portland, Maine.

“No concerns about my layoff because, since the day after my last fight, I only took one day off from training, even when I went on a family vacation in Mexico for a week,” Romero confidently said. “I still did my training and running every day. I’ll be really prepared for my fight in Denver.

“This will be my longest layoff because I didn’t fight in Boston. Every day, I look at my new trunks hanging in my closest that I was supposed to wear in Boston. I try them on and look at myself in the mirror. I’m not going to say what they look like but it’s my style.”

Romero has only fought once in Colorado, in Boulder during the early stage of his amateur career, and he did train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He is excited to be fighting only 600 miles from home, approximately an eight-plus hour drive. Marco is matched against Henry Rivera in a four-round bout.

“I think it’s amazing I’m fighting a lot closer to home.” Romero concluded. “Some people are coming from Kansas, but I also have a lot of family living in Colorado, and they will be there. When my mother’s family first emigrated, Colorado was their first stop.

“I don’t know much about my opponent, but I will dominate him until he quits. That’s all I know.”

Romero had captured back-to-back champion honors in December 2023 at two of the most prestigious U.S. amateur events, USA Boxing National Championships and 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament.  During a hectic 12-month period, Marco was 9-0 in amateur competition, including three at The Nationals and five at The Golden Gloves, in addition to his four pro wins to date for a combined 13-0 record. He was also selected as The Most Outstanding Boxer at the National Golden Gloves.

Romero and Brown will be joined in Denver by members of Romero’s corner, legendary manager/head trainer John Brown, assistant coaches Sergio Flores and Marco’s father, Salvador Romero, as well as advisor Al Valenti.

“Marco’s local popularity is evidenced by the fact that 30 of his fans are willing to drive nearly nine hours to witness his March 14^th fight,” Brown added. “We will be getting close to Kansas City with his post-Denver bout on May 24^th in Topeka, Kansas, which is only a one-hour drive away.

“Layoffs between bouts are utilized as skill and conditioning development times. It’s great, aided by the fact I run a very large gym (Turner Boxing Club), and we have excellent ‘built-in’ sparring for Marco.” 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (February 26, 2025) – Although Kansas isn’t a hotbed for boxing, blue-chip super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs) is on a mission to personally put his state on the pugilistic map, so to speak, as the potential successor to his favorite boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

In a state known for its invaluable role in agriculture, often referred to as the “Breadbasket of America,” sports in Kansas City are ruled by the Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Kansas men’s basketball team, and occasionally the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas has only produced three professional world boxing champions: heavyweight Jess “Pottawatomie Giant” Willard (22-5-1, 21 KOs), a Hall of Famer born in St. Clere who fought out of Pottawatomie; plus, a pair of Garden City-born fighters, welterweight Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs) and lightweight Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (35-5-1, 26 KOs), who both turned pro in 2004. Willard, of course, is best known for knocking out Jack Johnson in round 26 of their 1915 World Heavyweight Championship match. In addition to “Canelo,” Ortiz and Rios also served as models for a young Romero.

Two other non-native Kansans who fought out of Kansas and captured world titles are heavyweight Tommy “The Duke” Morrison” (48-3-1, 42 KOs) and welterweight Rube “The Kansas Rube” Ferns (45-18-10, 32 KOs).

The irony is Romero’s manager/head trainer, living legend John Brown, has turned only two pros from the 18,000-plus amateurs he has trained, Romero and Morrison. Boxing hasn’t been a big draw in Kansas City – Kansas or Missouri – since Morrison (1988-2008), who fought nine times as a pro in that market, including a world title fight at Kemper Arena (Kansas City, MO).   

Other Kansas-natives who were outstanding boxers include No. 1 world rated heavyweight Fred “The Rochester Plasterer” Fulton (79-16-2, 71 KOs / 1913-1933), of Rochester; 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Nico Hernandez (11-0, 4 KOs / 2017-2023), of Wichita; No. 2 world rated lightweight Tommy “Chocolate Ice Cube” Campbell (45-12-6, 22 KOs / 1946-1951), of Kansas City; and world lightweight title challenger Jesse Flores (65-8-11, 25 KOs / 1945-1954), of Herington.

Romero’s ultimate dream is to bring World Championship boxing back to Kansas, in order to give back to his community and inspire other young and upcoming boxers from Kansas City, not necessarily just in boxing, but any sport. He wants to fill up Arrowhead Stadium one day, either defending or fighting for a world title.

Romero’s legendary head trainer/manager John Brown notes that Kansas City may not be known for producing top boxers, however, he attributes that to the lack of regular pro boxing shows there, which, of course, makes it difficult to develop local favorites to local boxing fans to support.

“I was able to fill arenas in this are with Tommy Morrisson (Brown was Morrison’s head trainer/manager) in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s due to him being a charismatic personality and a heavyweight who knocked out opponents. Prior to Tommy, we had Tony Chiaverini, who packed venues in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, proving KC will support a good fighter and good guy.”

Proud of his Mexican American heritage, Marco’s boxing idols are “Canelo” Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez and, of course, his namesake, Marco Antonio Barrera.

Romero dominated countless amateur youth tournaments, and he was rewarded in 2020 by being selected as a member of the USA National Boxing Team preparing to travel to Bulgaria to compete in a tournament. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck and halted boxing worldwide.

Romero dreamed of representing the United States in the 2024 Olympics, however, he never had an opportunity to make the team heading to Paris for two primary reasons. The minimum age was moved from 18 to 19 (Marco didn’t turn 19 until after the Olympic Games had concluded on Nov. 19); Romero had outgrown his weight class (middleweight), and super middleweight wasn’t one of the weight classes sanctioned for competition in Paris.

“Marco’s skill, personality and good looks will soon captivate the city, particularly its huge Mexican population,” Brown predicted. “It is no small thing that Marco is bilingual and able to connect with his people. Marco’s growing popularity will open opportunities for other pros and amateurs from this area who dream of turning pro in the near future. If you have a winner, the fans will follow!”

In four professional bouts, Marco has won all nine rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards.

Romero’s next fight is scheduled for March 14 in Denver and tentative plans call for him to fight for the first time as a prize fighter in his native Kansas on May 24^th in Topeka.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (January 27, 2025) – John Brown, 77, and 74-year-old Al Valenti are boxing lifers with 104 combined years of invaluable experience. They have teamed for one last time to direct the professional boxing career of blue-chip prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs), the 19-year-old super middleweight sensation from Olathe, Kansas.

Brown is a living legend in boxing from the Great Plains, who during his 65 years in boxing has trained an overwhelming 18,000 students, managed and trained Tommy “The Duke” Morrison to the world heavyweight title in 1993, and also created equipment-altering Ringside Boxing.

Valenti is a third-generation boxing promoter following in the footsteps of his grandfather Rip, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012, and his father, Freddy. Rip started promoting shows at the Boxing Garden in the 1930’s and staged the early pro fights for Hall of Famers Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tony DeMarco and Freddie Roach among many others. Al has promoted approximately 200 pro and amateur events around the world.

Brown and Valenti got into boxing for completely different reasons: Brown got into trouble with the police as a teenager because he was born in South Saint Louis with a cleft palate and lip, which resulted in neighborhood kids making fun of him because of his appearance and speech impediment. Lots of fights, to say the least, but John fell in love with boxing once he stepped into the gym, where he watched a boxer training and walking around, Sonny Liston.

“I was in awe of Sonny Liston and by then boxing was my life,” Brown explained. “Once I learned how to box there weren’t many fights because I got respect, which changed my life because I was going in the wrong way. I fought in the Golden Gloves in four open fights, but I realized these other guys were really good, which would put my plastic surgery repaired face at risk. I quickly found out I got hit a lot less coaching. I stopped boxing after my third (of seven total) operation.

“I started coaching the boxing team at St. Benedict’s College in Kansas and later moved to Kansas City following my future wife and was asked if I’d like to coach boxing at a gym, Tomahawk Boxing Club, which was located on a golf course. It was small and in the basement of a school, where it was successful. I had a sales job that I didn’t like and in 1971, I became a juvenile court probation officer, which gave me the opportunity to take the kids to the gym.”

Valenti, on the other hand, never really had a chance. Boxing ran through his blood and as Al says, the apple really didn’t fall far from the tree.

“I wanted to be a sportswriter and worked weekends at the Boston Herald,” Valenti remembered, “but I navigated to Boston Garden Pizza. The first amateur show I promoted was in 1985 at Hormel Stadium (in Medford, MA). I was an usher at the 1974 AAY Boxing Championships when I first saw Hagler fight, and not long after that I decided to get into (selling) Closed Circuit pay-per-view. I did very well with that (he still does), especially at racetracks all over New England. By the time Micky Ward fought John Rafuse (1986) at Lowell Auditorium, I was totally immersed in boxing.”

Valenti promoted shows that featured Ward, Robbie Sims and Dana Rosenblatt, in addition to being involved promoting major events like Mike McCallum vs. Steve Collins at Hynes Convention Center, and Ricky Hatton vs. Luis Collazo at Boston Garden.

Romero was a phenom, a 23-time national amateur champion who Brown has already trained for a decade. The only other fighter John has trained who turned pro was Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs) from his amateur days through his first 39 pro fights, 1988 to 1993. Brown served as Morrison’s manager/trainer and his role is the same with Romero, only this ride is significantly more enjoyable for him.

But why are these two septuagenarians still in boxing?

“I love the sport of boxing,” Browned answered. “Today, I own the largest, most successful gym in America (Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas City, KS), and I wanted to create another great fighter. I told Marco that I’d be involved with him as a professional only if I could make him wealthy and keep him healthy. So, unlike Tommy Morrison he needs to have good defense, be a good kid, and internally motivated. After he won his 10th national title, I believed he could be the one, and he has continued his success.

“I remember seeing (former KC Royals player) Pete Lacock visiting a children’s hospital to make patients happy. I ’ve been there in that hospital room with no hope and I’ve never forgotten that. I think a star can also be a hero by making people forget the nightmare they’re living. What a great gift! It’s my dream to create a star/hero and I see that in Marco. I know he’s from a classic Mexican family who has been disciplined and raised him to understand what’s right and wrong. He has those traits to make and keep him a star. Marco had a very successful amateur career, and indications so far are the same as a pro. I always tell him he needs to be obsessed with success. I had to promote myself when I owned Ringside Boxing because I was so obsessed with being successful. I’m teaching Marco what it takes to be obsessed with in boxing.”

Brown and Valenti have been close finds and associates for more than 30 years and once Brown decided to turn Romero pro, he contacted Valenti to join him on what would likely be their final journey in the Sweet Science.

“I know who Al is and I think he’s the best promoter I’ve ever worked with,” Brown said. “He has great connections in boxing and to know Al is to like him. Look what he did with Hagler, Ward, Ruiz, and others. Our success with Marco will be as a team. It’ll be more fun with Al, and this is more of a priority because of our ages. Neither Al nor I need this project to feed ourselves. Any decision we make will be in Marco’s best interest, not how much money we can make. We’re along for the ride.”

The respect Brown and Valenti have for each other is so rare in boxing, which often is back-stabbing, even among friends. Because he hadn’t reached the mandatory age of 18, compounded by his weight class (super middleweight) wasn’t included in 2024 Olympic boxing, Romero never seriously considered waiting for a shot at making the U.S. Olympic Team. Instead, his immediate vision was to embark on his professional career. Brown and Valenti first met approximately three years ago with Marco’s parents to build a plan and so far, it’s right on target.

The Romero Plan never included The Olympics, so the key was capturing gold medals in his last two elite tournaments, the USA Boxing National Championships and National Golden Gloves. Not only did he accomplish that, but he was also named Most Outstanding Boxer (Golden Boy Award) at The Golden Gloves.

“I’m involved with Marco as an adviser because I believe in John as a person,” Valenti remarked, “especially his sincerity and approach. John is a wonderful human being and great to be around. I believe in what he sees, so we are cultivating this kid. Look at how many fighters John has trained. He is the quintessential boxing trainer. John is a genius. His credentials speak for themselves. He’s won everything. We built a framework, and the last two years couldn’t have been scripted any better. This is the essence of my life’s work. I think Marco is like Oscar de la Hoya as a fighter and marketing-wise. ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) has captivated everybody like Oscar. Who’s next? Marco can be The Guy! And he’s only 19.

“This is a fascinating time for us. It’s a challenge. Our plan in 2025 is for him to fight four or five times, including at least once in Kansas City, where he already is very marketable. By the end of the year, he should be close to double-digit wins with more recognition within the industry. There are only so many stars and there will be a lot of changes by the end of 2025, early 2026, when we will likely decide about signing with a promoter. John and I understand each other and that makes us understand what Marco has to do to get to the top.”

Other integral members of Romero’s corner include assistant coaches Sergio Flores and Marco’s father, Salvador Romero, who encouraged his son to become a boxer at the tender age of seven.

“I first met John in 2016 when I came to his gym from another,” Romero remembered. “He welcomed me, and he took a liking to me after watching me train. I decided to stay with him for my future and he’s been guiding me in boxing ever since. John’s much more than my trainer, he is like another father-figure for me, and I’m so blessed to have him in my corner. Al has really been helping us as I get used to the pro scene that’s new to me. He’s like my fun uncle in boxing.

“In this sport you need confidence in your team, or you won’t get anywhere, and I’m very confident in our team. I’ve known John for years and now Al has joined us to help. It’s good to know that they see the potential in me. They keep putting things together to get me where I want to be. It’s also important because everybody on the team knows their role. I work hard to get ready for every fight. I’m very happy with everything that’s happened on my way to get on the big stage.”

(L-R) – Marco Romero & John Brown

“Marco is like Hailey’s Comet,” Brown concluded, “and I’m lucky to have my second.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (November 26, 2024) — Kansas super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero’s (4-0, 3 KOs) recent victory in Portland, Maine, capped an incredible 12-month stretch in which he was 13-0 overall in the ring, combining nine amateur matches and four pro bouts.

A promotional free agent, Romero destroyed Orlando “El Marro” Salgado (3-6, 2 KOs), blasting his way to sensational knockout – displaying the best left hook to the body in New England boxing since “Irish” Micky Ward – at the 1:21 mark of the opening round on a November 9^th card promoted by Bobby Russo’s Portland Boxing Club at Exposition Building.

“I’ve always had that power, especially that left hook to the body,” Romero commented. “I knew it was over when I hit him with that body shot and he grunted. I’ve worked a lot on that left hook to the head and body. I haven’t met Micky Ward, yet, but I watched the movie, and it was a great story.”

Because he hadn’t reached the mandatory age of 18, and his weight class (super middleweight) wasn’t included in 2024 Olympic boxing, Romero never seriously considered waiting for a shot at making the U.S. Olympic Team. Instead, his eyes were firmly focused on only one prize: to become a professional fighter.

Last December, Romero captured back-to-back champion honors at two of the most prestigious U.S. amateur events, USA Boxing National Championships and 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament.  All told, in the last 12 months, he was 9-0 in amateur competition, including three at The Nationals and five at The Golden Gloves, in addition to his four pro wins to date for a combined 13-0 record, which includes four as a pro and eight in elite national amateur competition (and a win in one non-national event).

The Romero Plan never included The Olympics, primarily because of his age (he didn’t turn 19 until this past Thursday) and that his weight class wasn’t sanctioned at the Paris games. Not only did Marco close out his 12-months of extraordinary boxing with triumphs at The Nationals and The National Golden Gloves, but he was also named Most Outstanding Boxer (Golden Boy Award) at the latter competition.

His 12-month long, prearranged schedule called for a break from fighting during the holidays and he’s gearing up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and an expected life-changing 2025. He is tentatively scheduled to return to the ring during the first quarter of next year.

“Hey, we’re Mexicans. and we love food,” Romero remarked. “I’m going to enjoy the holidays with my family, but I’ll continue working hard to get better, even during the holidays.”

In Romero’s corner is a legendary 77-year-old John Brown, who is Marco’s head trainer and manager, the same role he played for world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs) from his amateur days through his first 39 pro fights, 1988 to 1993.

“I liked the fact Marco fought in front of a lot of people. 3,000 rabid fans,” Brown noted. “It was an exciting environment and down the road, he’s going to be in big fights, and it was good for him to get experience like he did in his last fight. He has a great left hook like so many Mexican fighters. I like that he’s going to have some time off after the last 12 months. We need to find him some durable sparring because that’s lacking in this area. I want him in real sparring sessions, not holding back, to know when to let it go. I don’t worry about his time off over the holidays because he’s always in the gym and he’s only 19.”

Other integral members of Romero’s corner are assistant coaches Sergio Flores and Marco’s father, Salvador Romero, who encouraged his son to become a boxer at the tender age of seven.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (November 7, 2024) – Twenty-three-time national amateur champion, 18-year-old Kansas super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (3-0, 2 KOs), returns this Saturday night to the scene of his successful pro debut this past June in Portland, Maine, 1,300 miles northeast of his home in Overland Park, Kansas.

A promotional free agent, Romero is matched against Orlando “El Marro” Salgado (3-5, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout on a card promoted by Bobby Russo’s Portland Boxing Club in Portland’s Exposition Building.

“I had my first pro fight there and I love Portland people, especially Bobby Russo (who is also President of the National Golden Gloves),” Romero said. “I loved the crowd, everybody was so welcoming, saying, ‘Go KC.’ There’s good energy and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Romero, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on Nov. 19, is a special boxer and young man. The last 12 months have been absolutely amazing whirlwind for him in boxing

Because he hadn’t reached the mandatory age of 18 yet, and his weight class (super middleweight) wasn’t included in 2024 Olympic boxing, Romero never seriously considered waiting for a shot at making the U.S. Olympic Team. Instead, his eyes were on the prize of becoming a professional fighter.

Last December, Romero captured top honors at the prestigious USA Boxing National Championships in Lafayette, Louisiana, followed closely by parlaying that to gold medal performance at the 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament in Detroit. All told, in the last 12 months, he was 9-0 in amateur competition, including three at The Nationals and five at The Golden Gloves, plus three pro victories for a remarkable 12-0 record (three pro and 8 in elite national amateur competition) during this relatively short span.

The Romero Plan has always been to close out his incredible amateur career by winning The Nationals and Golden Gloves, at which he was also named Most Outstanding Boxer, known as the Golden Boy Award, and then turn pro. Mission accomplished!

(L-R) – National Golden Gloves President Bobby Russo and Marco Romero with his Golden Gloves belt and Golden Boy Award)

“I would have liked to have fought in the Olympics,” he explained, “because all of the good, young boxers were there, and we (U.S. men) haven’t won an Olympic Gold Medal since Andre Ward in 2004. But I didn’t turn 18 until two weeks prior to the (Paris) Olympics and my weight class wasn’t contested there.

“Now, I’m on a new journey as a pro. Honestly, there aren’t too many differences between the amateurs and pros. The weigh-ins are right before the fight in the amateurs and the night before as a pro. I don’t have any problems fighting without headgear or with smaller gloves. To me there are really no big differences. I was born to fight!”

Romero describes himself as a heavy hitter who throws every punch with bad intentions. He’s very explosive with ring intelligence, capable of punishing his opponent by breaking them down until they either quit because they can’t take any additional punishment or get put to sleep.

In Romero’s corner is a legend in his own right, 77-year-old John Brown, who is Marco’s head trainer and manager, in the same role he played for world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs) from his amateur days through his first 39 pro fights, 1988 to 1993. The highlight, of course, was Morrison’s 12-round unanimous decision over George Foreman for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title.

Brown clearly doesn’t need to be in Romero’s corner to survive; however, John knows that Marco is a special fighter with tremendous upside, and he’s vowed to get him to the top of the boxing mountain.

“I’m really excited about this kid,” Brown remarked, “and my job is to make him successful for himself and his family. Marco is an amazing kid. He has experience having boxed 10 years and 135 amateur fights. He has good looks and a good personality, great sense of humor, speaks very well in English and Spanish, maturity beyond his years, and a work ethic that’s difficult to find in boxing.

“He’s hungry to be successful in life and knows that boxing is the vehicle to get him there. And he’s with the right people who don’t need to feed people. Anything could go wrong like injuries or illnesses, but it’s all there for him and a clear path. In terms of potential, Marco is in a rare class as part of a typical Mexican American family, tight knit and expanding. He respects everyone and Marco is a once in a lifetime talent.”

Brown knows that a champion boxer needs a supportive team in his corner. Romero has that and much more. In addition to Brown, the team is comprised of Marco’s father, Salvador, who encouraged his son to become a boxer at the tender age of seven, and he has remained with Marco through every step of his boxing journey. Brown also brought in one of his former amateur champions, Sergio Flores, who is a very successful businessman. Flores handles the tough physical training aspects required for success in the ring along with mitt work to help keep Marco’s skills razor sharp.

Fans attending this Saturday night’s show in Portland can look back in a few years and say they saw The Future of Boxing, Marco “El Tiburon” Romero, when he was just an 18-year-old prospect starting out on his mission to greatness.