Philadelphia, PA—In what has become a common story from rising Philadelphia fighters, 25-year-old Gabriel Rosado, like undefeated 28-year-old welterweight Mike Jones, credits ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins for being a helpful influence.
Rosado, who boxes Keenan Collins, of Reading, PA, for the Pennsylvania State junior middleweight title Sept. 9 at the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia, also has helped Hopkins, who became, at age 46, the oldest man to win a major boxing title, prepare for some of his fights.
“I’ve been a sparring partner for Bernard for four of his fights, including his last win,” (a 12-round decision over Jean Pascal in May), said Rosado, who turned pro in 2006 after just 17 amateur fights. “If Bernard sees potential in you, he takes the time to break things down for you. He shares his boxing techniques and old-school traits with you. He has improved my footwork and has shown me how to close the distance between myself and my opponents. He has made a big difference in my career and I’m impressed watching him fight at 46. He’s the coolest dude.”
Rosado (17-5, 10 KOs), is riding the most impressive streak of his career, having won his last three fights, seven of his last nine, 11 of his last 14. Included in those streaks are victories over former IBF world junior middleweight champ Kassim Ouma, of Uganda, and top contender Saul Roman, of Mexico.
The Rosado-Collins championship bout and the eight-round semifinal, which features unbeaten welterweight prospect Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, will be broadcast on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate at 11.30pm ET/PT (10.30pm CT).
Five additional fights complete the card at the Asylum Arena, 7 West Ritner Street. The first fight begins at 7.30pm and the card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., Don Chargin Productions and Golden Boy Promotions.
Tickets are priced at $45 and $65. They are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com.
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Fans at home can be part of the action by participating in Cinturon Tecate and voting for the fighter in the main event who displays the most character in the ring by sending a text message to 55333. Voting will be open through the end of the weekend.
Tecate, cerveza con character, is the largest beer brand to sponsor boxing matches in the U.S. Part of its commitment to make boxing accessible to customers is the title sponsorship of Solo Boxeo Tecate, which creates an opportunity for local fans to witness some of the most exhilarating fights by today’s up-and-coming prospects. Additionally, Tecate has been a primary supporter of Golden Boy Promotions’ marquee events since 2007, and has launched a variety of initiatives to ensure consumers are part of the boxing experience, including boxer autograph signing sessions, commemorative cans, PPV mail-in rebate offers, and most recently the launch of a mobile museum Tecate Museo de Boxeo, which showcases decades of the most memorable moments in the sport.
For more information on Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., visit www.peltzboxing.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/peltzboxing or become a fan on Facebook at Peltz Boxing Facebook Page. For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Promotions Facebook Page.
