NEW YORK (April 16, 2021)-Tomorrow, two members of the under the Split-T Management banner will be in action at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The fights will be streamed live on DAZN (3 PM ET)
Christopher Pearson will battle Carlos Gongora for the IBO Super Middleweight title, while lightweight Otha Jones III takes on Jorge Castaneda.
Pearson of Dayton, Ohio, has been on a roll as he has racked up three consecutive victories to push his record to 17-2 with 12 knockouts.
The 30 year-old Pearson is in his 10th year as a professional has wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Areciao Ferrera (14-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-1), Said El Harrak (12-2-2), Janks Trotter (9-1-1), Joshua Okine (28-6-1) and his last outing when he defeated previously undefeated Olympic medalist Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0) on May 2, 2019
Christopher Pearson quotes:
“I’m ready to step up to the plate and deliver a sensational performance. I’ve got a lot of respect for Carlos, he came in this past December and put on a spectator performance. A lot of credit to him but he’s dealing with a different beast with me, and I look forward to displaying that Saturday night.”
“At this point all there’s left to do is fight. This is the easy part; all the hard stuff is done so I look forward to getting in the ring and displaying my talent Saturday night.”
“168 is a glamour division because you’ve got guys who are very technically sound, throw a lot of punches, got heavyweight knockout power. Anything can happen in this division; I think that fans are going to enjoy these two athletes you have on display. I think we’re going to be able to showcase our boxing and it’s still the ultimate combat sport.”
Gongora of Boston is 19-0 with 14 knockouts.
The 31 year-old Gongora is a six-year professional and has wins over David Adkins (1-0-1), Ronald Mixon (7-0), Marvin Betancourt (29-4), Jesus Aviles (8-1). In his last biut, Gongora shocked the highly regarded and undefeated Ali Akhmedov by stopping him in the 12th round on December 18th at the same Seminole Hard Rock venue.
Pearson was 167 lbs, 8 oz at Friday’s weigh-in. Gongora was 167 lbs, 12 oz.
Jones of Toledo, Ohio brings in a record of 5-0-1 with two knockouts.
The 21 year-old Jones has fought a very ambitious schedule in his first six-fights he has already displayed his talents in the The United States, England and Mexico. In his pro debut, the two year-pro won a unanimous decision over Giorgi Gelashvilli.
In his last Jones fought to a disputed draw with Kevin Montiel on October 23rd in Montiel’s home country of Mexico.
Otha Jones III Press Conference quotes
“The opportunity is great; Mexico didn’t go how I planned – that was my fault. I wasn’t listening to my pops but I went back to square one. I got cool with my pops, moved my camp, I’m ready.”
“That’s why I can’t let Jorge do that. Mexico set me back, I’m looking for revenge and he’s in my way. I got to beat his ass like he stole something now.”
“It’s crunch time for me, I’m back on and looking great, feeling great. I’m going to show that Saturday night.”
Castaneda has a record of 13-1 with 11 knockouts.
Castaneda of Laredo, Texas sports a solid win over Carlos Villareal (9-2), and he is riding a three-fight winning streak.
Jones weighed in at 134 lbs, 8 oz. Castaneda 135 lbs.
Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.
Images by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA
