Gerardo Martinez Returns to the Ring on "Philly Special" Show

By Matt Ward

The fighting pride of Coatesville, Pennsylvania Gerardo Martinez (3-1, 1 KO) returns to the ring next Friday night on Raging Babe's "Philly Special" show at the 2300 Arena. He is scheduled to square off with Atlantic City veteran pugilist Osnel Charles (12-18-1, 2 KOs) in a four round, super lightweight bout.

Martinez's sole career blemish in his young career was a close split decision loss to Vinnie Denierio  last March, a loss that in this writer's opinion, should have ended in favor of Martinez. Charles, on the other hand, has fought professionally since 2009, and has been in the ring with many promising prospects from the greater Philadelphia area. This fact has not been overlooked by Martinez, who is confident that his solid training will pay off against the 34-year-old who will fight for the 32nd time as a professional.

Gerardo Martinez

Leading up to the training camp for this bout, Martinez was out of the gym for eight weeks due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The 23-year-old lightweight bounced back from this setback and trained even harder to ensure that he was "110%" ready for his first career showdown with a veteran opponent. Trainer Jim Deoria, a former Pennsylvania Lightweight Champion, told TWI that Gerardo sparred 12 to 20 rounds a week during training camp, with several sparring partners in his Phoenixville Area PAL gym, Bethlehem, and Philadelphia. 

When asked about Charles, Deoria said, "I am very familiar with Osnel Charles. I fought him with Ryan Carson in Atlantic City back in 2009! Osnel is a very solid boxer and he has the experience factor, but we feel that Gerardo is ready to step up for the challenge."

Deoria will be joined in Gerardo's corner by Joe Rowan, a long-time boxing trainer at the Phoenixville Area PAL. 

Gerardo Martinez and Osnel Charles are just two of the many fighters who will appear on the February 8th Raging Babe "Philly Special" show. Michelle Rosado, CEO of Raging Babe, has put together a card full of popular local and undefeated pro fighters including, Christian Carto (17-0, 11 KOs), Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs), Darmani Rock (13-0, 8 KOs), and Alejandro Jimenez (4-0, 1 KO). Sonny Conto, a highly successful amateur fighter who recently signed with Top Rank, will also make his professional debut on the card.

When asked about fighting on Raging Babe's "Philly Special" show, Martinez said, "I’m excited to fight on this card. I have had all my fights in Philadelphia. The communication she (Michelle Rosado) has with fighters is great, and in any business that's important. Her (Rosado) promotional skills are great and I’m excited for Feb 8th."

Tickets for Raging Babe's "Philly Special" show can be purchased on the 2300 Arena website, and start at just $50. 

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Kings Promotions Recent Results & Preview

Kings Promotions continues their busy schedule of providing action fights for the Philadelphia and North East Pennsylvania area fight fans. On Friday night, September 14th, a nine fight card took place at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.  The card was featured on Fight Night Live, which is streamed on Facebook.  So far over 200,000 fans have viewed the action. Below are the results from this great night of action. 

Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (6-0, 2 KOs) won a four round decision over Justin Johnson (6-18-6) in a welterweight fight. Tazhibay looked solid as he continues his development.  

James Bernadin (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Christopher Burogos (1-3-1) at the 2:19 mark of the third round. Bernadin came out firing power shots and withstood the game effort from Burogos, who tested the new professional’s stamina and will. Bernadin was able to land power rights that finally halted the fight.  

Yeri Andujar (1-0, 1 KO) stopped the returning Crystian Peguero (2-1, 1 KO) in the third round at the 2:36 minute mark. Peguero was considered the favorite, but was fighting for the first time in a year. Andujar blasted away at the body of Peguero from the start of the fight, which effectively broke down the favorite, who clearly suffered from his long lay-off.  

Dalyann Butt (2-0) out boxed Anthony Smith (1-3, 1 KO) over four rounds for a unanimous decision victory.  

Keeshawn Williams (3-0, 1 KO) also used the four rounds to out work and out box Farhad Fatulla (1-2).  

In a good bantamweight fight, Alejandro Jimenez (3-0, 1 KO) defeated Jerrod Minor (1-2-2, 1 KO). After four rounds, it was clear that Jimenez was the winner, as he applied effective aggression behind a good jab to land the more telling power shots.  

Former three time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (5-0, 2 KOs) proved yet again that he is a prospect to watch. After landing a crisp right hook that floored Angel Monreal (10-11-1, 3 KOs). Monreal rose to his feet and tried to survive with a jab. Yunusov would land a crushing straight left from his southpaw stance that ended the fight at 2:39 of the opening round.  

Terrell Williams (17-0, 13 KOs) got a great night of work and a quality test from David Grayton (15-3-1, 11 KOs). Williams landed a crushing straight right hand that dropped Grayton in the first round. After another right in the third put Grayton down, it looked as though it would be a quick night for Williams. Grayton proved his value as he battled through the early knockdowns to push Williams into the middle rounds. This forced Williams to prove that he is a true near future contender as he had to battle his own fatigue and the on coming assault from Grayton. It was a little too much, too late for Grayton as Williams lasted to the final bell wining a ten round decision. Scores were 97-92, 98-89, and 98-90.  

In the main event, Brandon Robinson (11-1, 8 KOs) warmed up in the second round and got to work landing hard body shots on Ernest Amuzu (24-4, 22 KOs).  Robinson's momentum continued into the third round and the two fighters started to exchange power shots when Robinson pinned Amuzu in the corner. As Amuzu escaped, Robinson landed a huge right hand bomb that made Amuzu walk backwards on spaghetti legs. Just as he reached the other side of the ring, Robinson landed a second right hand bomb that prompted the referee to stop the fight at the 2:04 mark of the third round. Robinson continues to improve, and at the age of 30 will be looked for more fights to rise up the ranks in 2019.     

Upcoming Kings Action:

On Tuesday night September 25th, Kings Promotions returns to the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Yet another nine fight card will take place that will feature a good eight round battle between Anthony Mercado (11-4, 9 KOs) and Victor Vazquez (10-4, 3 KOs). Both fighters have been improving as of late and Vazquez, who is co-trained by lightweight prospect Branden Pizzaro's father Angel Pizzaro, has impressed with his now disciplined jab, which he uses to set up his powerful right hand.  

Also on this night, featherweight prospect Stephen "Scooter" Fulton (13-0, 6 KOs) will continue his rise through the featherweight ranks as he takes on the tough Esteban Aquino (12-5, 7 KOs).  Fulton is a former National Golden Gloves and Ringside champion. Fulton is always in an entertaining fight, and with Aquino is looking to prove that he is a true challenger. Look for this fight to be no different. 

Other fights on this card will feature the following fan favorites: Erik Spring, Joe Hanks, Martino Jules, and heavyweight Michael Coffie.  

Tickets are still available and start at just $35. There is no bad seat in the house, and the Sands and Kings always provide fan friendly fights at a great price. Tickets can be purchased from the Sands Casino box office here.  

-Luis A. Cortes III

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Michael Woods Interview

Luis Cortes sat down with Michael Woods of RingTV this past Friday at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The two men discussed Brandon Robinson's (11-1, 8 KOs) knockout victory over Ernest Amuzu (24-4, 22 KOs), the 9/14 Kings Promotions' card, and the Philadelphia fight scene.

Check out Luis' interview on SoundCloud and iTunes:

Bonus Round - Michael Woods of RingTV Interview with Luis Cortes on SoundCloud 

Bonus Round - Michael Woods of RingTV Interview with Luis Cortes on iTunes

-Luis A. Cortes III

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