Iron Boy 52 Preview

By Steve Ward

The pugilists of Iron Boy Promotions make their return to Phoenix, Arizona this Saturday evening as the storied Celebrity Theatre plays host to Iron Boy 52. Iron Boy is poised again to satiate the thirst of Phoenix fight fans for top tier sanctioned savagery as they are prepared again to showcase the finest up and coming professional fighters coupled with some grizzled veterans of the squared circle.

The co-main event will pit 21-year old Jesus Ibarra (8-0-0, 4 KOs) as he seeks to remain undefeated against Francisco Dominguez (7-10-1, 1 KO) in a six round bout that will be contested at 126 lbs. Ibarra, a resident of nearby Apache Junction, AZ, will try to continue to build momentum on the heels of his most recent victory – a unanimous decision victory over Isaac Camarillo back in April. Ibarra’s opponent, Francisco “Panchito” Dominguez, a veteran of 18 professional bouts, will seek to right the ship of his career as he is currently riding a seven-fight winless streak with his last victory coming way back in 2010 as he earned a unanimous decision or Arturo Murillo.

In the main event, budding fan favorite Trini Ochoa (6-0-0, 3 KOs) will also strive to remain undefeated in his young campaign as he battles Omar Garcia (6-8-0, 1 KO) at 140 lbs. Ochoa will already be making his third appearance of 2019 after he fought FOUR TIMES in 2018. Ochoa most recently stepped into the ring in April as he made quick work of Elliot Brown with a third round knockout. The 20-year old Ochoa’s opposition will be supplied by 35-year old Omar Garcia. Garcia who goes by the moniker Mr. Power (I must say this may be one of the best ring names I’ve ever seen as it would have perfectly suited a heel character in the 1989 Hulk Hogan classic No Holds Barred – in fact, it’s so incredible that the gentlemen of The Weigh-In may need to bestow it upon our esteemed colleague Justin Dohnson), will seek to return to the win column as he is in the midst of an intimidating six fight losing streak. Garcia last tasted victory in April of 2016 as he earned a unanimous decision over Juan Payta.

The casual fight fan may look at the seemingly mismatched records between some of these fighters and discount the result as being anything but an inevitable victory for the “A side” fighter. An assumption as such would quite frankly be foolish.  These combatants don’t continue to rigorously train to simply get in the ring and lose which is why these action-packed events always provide such a compelling dynamic. Fans not only have the opportunity to witness prospects cut their teeth on the way to potential stardom but also discover whether these young fighters have the grit to overcome some deceivingly stout competition who are not there necessarily to just “lay down” but still have their own hopes of some semblance of glory - despite a seemingly lopsided record.

Don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity to witness all of the action within the intimate confines of the Celebrity Theatre this Saturday! Tickets are still available at celebritytheatre.com starting at only $30, however, if you are not able to come out don’t fret because the fights will be live-streamed on ironboyboxing.com!

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Iron Boy MMA 14 Preview

By Steve Ward

This Saturday, March 30th, the storied Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ will be transformed into a visceral battleground as Iron Boy Promotions returns with Iron Boy MMA 14! The stacked card will feature a plethora of Arizona fighters including young talent from Fight Ready MMA, The MMA Lab, and Pro Edge Boxing, as well as, experienced veterans who have graced the octagon of the UFC.

The main event will pit Queen Creek, Arizona’s Roman “El Gallito” Salazar (12-8-0, 5 KOs, 3 Submissions) who represents Fight Ready MMA against Evan DeLong (16-9-0, 1 KO, 12 Submissions) for the Iron Boy MMA Featherweight Title. Salazar, best known for competing on UFC Fight Nights 54 and 73 and UFC 184: Rousey vs. Zingano, looks to right the ship after a rough 2018. After a round two stoppage (punches) over Federico Betancourt at Iron Boy MMA 10 last March, El Gallito dropped his last two bouts – a unanimous decision loss to Casey Kenney in June and a round one stoppage (punches) when he fought Eduardo Alvarado Osuna in September. Salazar’s opponent, Evan DeLong, will make the trek all the way from Fort Wayne, Indiana as he represents Fit NHB. DeLong enters this bout a winner of his last three contests (all for the King of the Cage promotion) albeit following an extensive layoff from the octagon. DeLong’s last appearance came in December 2016 at KOTC – Hazard Pay where he found himself on the right side of a unanimous decision over Morgan Sickinger. This should prove to be a compelling fight as both veterans look to regain focus and build momentum in their respective careers with a title at stake.

In the co-main event, a pair of Arizonians will square off as Daniel Peru (1-0-0, 1 KO) will compete with JohnPaul Robinson (pro debut) in a clash of lightweights. Peru will be entering the octagon for the first time since October 2016 when he defeated Kasey Yates with a first round TKO (punches), in his only professional bout to date, at Iron Boy MMA 3. Peru’s opponent, 22-year old JohnPaul Robinson, will make his professional debut after compiling an amateur record of 3-2-0, 3 KOs. The narrative of this fight will tell an interesting tale as we will witness the 30-year old Peru, who’s seemingly getting a late start in the fight game, go toe-to-toe with the young prospect who will learn quickly whether his knockout proficiency will carry over to the professional ranks.

Iron Boy Promotions should be poised to present another stellar card this weekend as they never fail to satisfy rabid fight fans with their astute propensity to not only draw veteran fighters but also introduce the absolute finest young talent that Arizona has to offer. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch what should be an exciting evening of fights as tickets are still available on the Celebrity Theatre website starting at only $25!

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Iron Boy 49 Recap

By Steve Ward, Ringside    

Iron Boy Promotions presented Iron Boy 49 from the storied Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, AZ this evening. The six fight card offered the capacity crowd in attendance a bevvy of young talent, local fan favorites, grizzled veterans, and a special treat not often witnessed on a professional card - two amateur fights that featured fighters from the Phoenix chapter of USA Boxing. 

The co-main event featured Fidel Hernandez (19-5-1, 10 KOs) as he did battle with Ulises Jimenez (23-23-1, 15 KOs). This fight marked “OG’s” 2019 debut after a very busy 2018 which saw him enter the squared circle four times with a grab bag of decisions as he finished the year 2-1-1, all decided by the judges. Fidel last stepped in the ring just four months ago as he fought Andrew Hernandez (a man eight years his junior who’s gone toe-to-toe with stout talent such as Caleb Plant and Jesse Hart) to a 10 round majority draw. Hernandez’s opponent tonight was Ulises Jimenez, a fighter who’s engaged in combat with top tier fighters such as Roberto Garcia and Samuel Vargas, who at only age 35 entered his 48^th professional fight.

The main event pitted newly signed Top Rank boxer Francisco De Vaca in his last fight for Iron Boy Promotions against Ernesto Guerrero, a veteran of 55 professional bouts. The 24-year old De Vaca, also known as Panchito El Centenario, made his first appearance of 2019 after a flawless 2018. De Vaca’s last fight emanated from the Gila River Arena back in August on the undercard of the Ray Beltran vs. Jose Pedraza ESPN clash (one I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat for) as he earned an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jesus Serrano.

Amateur Fights

Mario Ruiz vs. Adrian Rodriguez

Three Rounds, Bantamweights

Decision: Adrian Rodriguez via UD

Both of these young men took full advantage of the opportunity to participate on a professional card as they came out ready to put on a show. Rodriguez was able to work around the jab of Ruiz, who had a substantial reach advantage, to do some nice inside work as he landed some crisp uppercuts. Rounds two and three saw Rodriguez start to walk down Ruiz as he began to take control of the fight with some very effective feints that kept Ruiz on his heels in conjunction with some additional well placed uppercuts. The judges were all in accordance as Rodriguez took the bout via unanimous decision.

Jacob Girardot vs. Thomas Valerio

Three Rounds, Featherweights

Decision: Thomas Valerio via SD

In the second, and final, amateur bout of the evening, both young men displayed unwavering tenacity as they stood toe-to-toe and gave 100% effort for three rounds. Girardot displayed excellent head movement and a solid left hook whereas Valerio, much like Mario Ruiz, was able to overcome his reach “disadvantage” to move inside and score what turned out to be significant points. I personally felt Girardot had done enough to win the fight by a narrow margin, however, two of the judges saw it differently as Valerio earned the split decision.

Professional Fights

Jose Castanon (0-1-0) vs. Eduardo Ayala (4-0-0, 1 KO)

Four Rounds, Light Heavyweights (175 lbs)

Decision: Eduardo Ayala via UD (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)

The first bout of the professional portion of the card pitted a pair of Phoenix natives against each other as the debuting Jose Castanon squared off with Eduardo Ayala. Round one saw Ayala come out and press the action as he landed some solid body shots, while Castanon looked primed to go but was a bit gun-shy which could have been attributed to first pro fight jitters. In round two, Castanon begin to establish an effective jab that was able to draw blood from the mouth of Ayala, however, Ayala answered with several vicious combos highlighted by some powerful body shots. Round three saw Ayala slow down a bit but Castanon was unable to capitalize as he still allowed himself to be walked down and thus opened himself up to some additional punishment and the development of a prominent mouse under his right eye. In the fourth and final round, Castanon came out reinvigorated and let his hands go while he continued to utilize an effective jab, however, it was too little too late for a four round contest. The judges viewed this bout unanimously as a clean sweep for Ayala.

Tim Ruiz (1-2-0, 1 KO) vs. Trini Ochoa (5-0-0, 2 KOs)

Four Rounds, Junior Welterweights (141 lbs)

Decision: Trini Ochoa via TKO in round 3

Tim “The Toolman” Ruiz attempted to overwhelm Ochoa with a dose of reckless abandon in the opening round, however, Ochoa displayed great patience and landed a right hook to Ruiz’s ear that dropped him to his knees. Ochoa came out in round two and delivered much of the same as he continued his tactically sound onslaught. Ochoa’s well placed right hooks and straight rights bloodied the mouth of Ruiz, ejecting his mouthpiece in the process. In round three, just seconds after Ochoa reintroduced Ruiz to the canvas, his continued assault led Ruiz to take a knee leading to an impressive victory for the Mesa, AZ native.

Ulises Jimenez (23-24-1, 15 KOs) vs. Fidel Hernandez (20-5-1, 11 KOs)

Eight Rounds, Super Middleweights (168 lbs)

Decision: Fidel Hernandez via TKO in round 3

In the co-main event of the evening, Fidel “OG” Hernandez immediately brought the hometown crowd to their feet as he made his way to the ring donning his sunglasses to the classic War song “Lowrider.” From the opening bell, Jimenez did not exude the body language of a man that wanted any part of this fight as “OG” Hernandez continued to walk him down and cut off the ring leaving him on his heels. Round two delivered much of the same as Jimenez continued to play keep away, a tactic that almost backfired as he caught a right hook on the chin that he was lucky to absorb. Jimenez entered round three like he was a different fighter as he attempted to mount some offense, unfortunately for him, it exposed a window of opportunity for Hernandez to walk him into the corner. OG was able to brutalize Jimenez with body shots that drove Jimenez to his knees leading the referee to call a stop to the action.

Ernesto Guerrero (30-26-0, 20 KOs) vs. Francisco C. DeVaca (20-0-0, 6 KOs)

Eight Rounds, Featherweights

Decision: Francisco De Vaca via UD (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)

Round one was an extended feeling out process for the two pugilists as De Vaca walked down Guerrero repeatedly and stayed busy enough to seemingly have taken the round. Round two saw an uptick in the action as De Vaca quickly landed a stiff, straight right that propelled Guerrero into the ropes with such velocity that I thought he was going to land in the judge at ringside’s lap. Rounds three through eight saw Guerrero enter survival mode as he seemed more interested in wrapping up De Vaca than attempting to inflict any kind of punishment. De Vaca on the other hand demonstrated a proficient jab and when he was able to engage Guerrero, he landed body shots with sniper-like precision. The fight overall was rather frustrating for the fans in attendance as De Vaca literally begged Guerrero to engage him to little avail. In the end, it was no shocker that all three judges agreed that De Vaca pitched a shutout as he was awarded the unanimous decision.

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Iron Boy 49 Preview

By Steve Ward

Pugilistic mayhem returns this Saturday evening to the historic Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, AZ as Iron Boy Promotions presents Iron Boy 49!

The Celebrity Theater should be packed to the rafters as fight fans are drawn to this venue because of the intimate setting that offers an impeccable view from any seat, not to mention if you’re fortunate enough to be down at ringside, there is a distinct possibility that a well-placed left hook could land a fighter’s mouthpiece in your lap. Iron Boy Promotions, known for offering fight cards packed with a healthy array of up and coming prospects, local fan favorites, and grizzled veterans, is ready to deliver again this weekend.

The main event will feature Fidel Hernandez (19-5-1, 10 KOs) as he does battle with Ulises Jimenez (23-23-1, 15 KOs). The 41-year old Hernandez should find himself with a significant level of fanfare being a resident of Phoenix. This fight will mark “OG’s” 2019 debut after a very busy 2018 saw him enter the squared circle four times with a grab bag of decisions as he finished the year 2-1-1, all decided by the judges. Fidel last stepped in the ring just four months ago as he fought Andrew Hernandez (a man eight years his junior who’s gone toe-to-toe with stout talent such as Caleb Plant and Jesse Hart) to a 10 round majority draw. Hernandez’s opponent, Ulises Jimenez, should pose an interesting challenge. On the surface, one may say, “This guy has a .500 record, he’s won 23 fights, with 15 by KO, but also lost 23 fights and ironically has been KO’d 15 times as well, and he’s won only two of his last ten fights.”

This is a compelling argument for a casual fight fan to discount Jimenez in this bout. A more critical evaluation of “El Cerillo,” however, will show that he’s engaged in combat with top tier fighters such as Roberto Garcia and Samuel Vargas, and there’s something to be said about the fortitude of a 35-year-old who’s entering his 48^th professional fight.

The co-feature will pit Francisco De Vaca (19-0-0, 6 Kos), who recently signed with Top Rank, against Ernesto Guerrero (30-25-0, 20 KOs). The 24-year old De Vaca, also known as Panchito El Centenario, is an exciting young prospect from Phoenix making his first appearance of 2019 after a flawless 2018. De Vaca’s last fight emanated from the Gila River Arena back in August on the undercard of the Ray Beltran vs. Jose Pedraza ESPN clash (one I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat for) as he earned an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jesus Serrano.

De Vaca’s opponent, Ernesto Guerrero, brings a wealth of experience beyond his years as he enters his 56^th bout at only 30 years of age. Guerrero virtually lived in the ring last year as he fought an astonishing six times breaking even with a 3-3 record. Guerrero’s most recent appearance saw him drop a unanimous decision to Javier Padilla back in December. One other interesting note about this fight is it’s actually a rematch. These two men squared off in July 2014 when De Vaca was only 19, a fight De Vaca took on the cards unanimously.

If you find yourself in the Phoenix area this Saturday, you will be doing yourself a disservice if you miss this card. Tickets are still available for what should be an exciting evening of boxing at www.celebritytheatre.ticketforce.com and start at just $30!

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