Split-T Management Undefeated Fighters LeAnna Cruz and Joshafat Ortiz in Action TONIGHT in Piladelphia

NEW YORK (April 29, 2023)–Split-T Management undefeated fighters, LeAnna Cruz and Joshafat Ortiz will be in action TONIGHT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Cruz will take on former five-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in a eight-round bantamweight fight, while Ortiz will take on Carlos Rosario in a six-round super featherweight contest.

Cruz of Bethlehem, PA is 4-0. The 25 year-old is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Deavany Cuevas Torres on March 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Cruz is under the guidance of Brian Cohen.

Da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-23 with six knockouts.

The 18 year capable veteran has wins over Paola Herrera (13-1-2), Paulina Cardona (9-2-3), Ikram Kerwat (9-1).

Ortiz of Reading, PA is a recent signee to Split-T Management is 11-0 with five knockouts has wins over Javier Oquendo (3-0), Eickson Rudecinfo (4-1), and is coming off a win six-round unanimous decision Mario Ezequiel Sayal Loza on September 16, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Rosario of Winter Haven, Florida is 5-1 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old Rosario is coming off his first defeat when he dropped a decision to undefeated Ezequiel Bprrero on November 4, 2022 in Plant City, Florida.

Ortiz is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.




Split-T Management Signs Undefeated Joshafat Ortiz

NEW YORK (April 20, 2023)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of undefeated fighter Joshafat Ortiz.

Ortiz of Reading, Pennsylvania is 11-0 with five knockouts.

The 27 year-old Ortiz is looking forward to signing with the top management company in the sport.

“I am excited for this chapter. This is the perfect time in my career to sign with Split-T. I see all the success they have had and have all of the best fighters in the world. It shows what they think of me. I am moving down to featherweight.  This is the perfect team to guide me through the rankings,” said Ortiz

“I feel like that I am the best kept secret and with this team, I will be able to showcase my skills.”

Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the US at age four with his mother and was raised in Reading, PA. Ortiz began boxing at the age of 14, which spawned an amateur career that saw him go 42-7, Ortiz became a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. Ortiz made his pro debut in May 20, 2017 with a first round stoppage over Daron Hester in Raleigh, North Carolina

Ortiz has quality wins over Joshua Orta (6-0), Erickson Vargas Rudecindo (4-1) and is coming off a unanimous decision over Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano on September 16, 2022.

Ortiz, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, will be back in action on April 29th in Philadelphia.

He is trained by Rashiem Jefferson out of Philadelphia and signed with Split-T Management under Brian Cohen.




Joshafat Ortiz Remains Undefeated With Unanimous Decision Over Lozano in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (September 23, 2022)-Junior Lightweight Joshafat Ortiz remained undefeated with a Six-round unanimous decision over Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano in the featured bout at The Fillmore Philadelphia.

The Friday night card was promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions, with the Ortiz – Lozano fight being co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Ortiz of Reading, PA won by shutout tallies of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-0. Lozano is 18-9-1.

Hard Hitting Promotions junior welterweight Jan Carlos Rivera stopped Gonzalo Carlos Dallera in round two of their scheduled six-round affair.

In round two, Rivera dropped Dallera with a body shot. Rivera scored another knockdown when he landed a hard right hook. Dallera got to his feet, nut was deemed unable to continue at 2:58.

Rivera of Philadelphia is 7-1 with five knockouts. Dallera is 10-18.

Recent Hard Hitting Promotions signee LeAnna Cruz remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Lillian Almarez in a super flyweight bout.

Cruz of Allentown, PA won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 3-0.

Carlos Ramos won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Diuhl Olguin in a junior lightweight bout.

Ramos of Spain was able to drop Olguin in the opening frame, and cruised home to a victory by scores of 59-54 on all cards and is now 16-2. Olguin is 15-26-5.

Jeffrey Villanueva stopped Jose Torres in round one of their four-round bantamweight fight.

Villanueva was able to land some hard combinations that put Torres down, and the bout was stopped at 2:44.

Villanueva of Allentown, PA is now 2-0 with one knockout. Torres is 0-2.

John Leonardo won a six-round unanimous decision over Pedro Hernandez in a super featherweight bout.

Leonardo of Englishtown, NJ won by scores of 60-54 and is now 8-1-1. Hernandez is 7-13-1.

Axl Melendez Salgado remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Abdiel Padilla Burgos in a welterweight bout.

Salgado scored two knockdowns, with the latter forcing a corner stoppage at 2:10.

Salgado of Ceiba, Puerto Rico is 4-0 with three knockouts. Burgos falls to 1-4.

Marc Abrams at phillyboxing@gmail.com or 856 287 7611




BALOGUN AND JOS ORTIZ HEADLINE DBE’S BROADWAY BOXING IN MOTOR CITY?FRIDAY, APRIL 15, LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS®

New York, NY (March 30, 2022) DiBella Entertainment’s acclaimed Broadway Boxing series makes its debut in the Motor City on Friday, April 15, at Garden Theater in Detroit. The event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Lee Baxter Promotions, presented by Nissan of Queens, will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, starting at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT.

“I am excited to work with Lee Baxter to help bring Broadway Boxing to Detroit, a great city with a passionate fan base, famous for its deep boxing history and home to the legendary Kronk Gym,” said International Boxing Hall-of-Famer and President of DiBella Entertainment, Lou DiBella. “On April 15, boxing fans in attendance, and those watching on UFC Fight Pass®, will get to see undefeated heavyweight contender Mike Balogun, Manny Robles-trained Michael Pirotton-Bamogo, as well as rising super featherweight Joshafat Ortiz and popular, local prospects.”

Tickets, which start at $65.00, are on sale now through Eventbrite HERE. The Garden Theater is located at 3929 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30pm ET, with the first bell at 7:00pm ET.

Heavyweight knockout artist Mike Balogun (18-0, 14 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD, headlines the event facing Ahmed Hefny (13-2, 5 KOs), of Queens, NY, in an eight-round contest. On December 2, 2021, Balogun scored an impressive first-round knockout against previously undefeated Trey Lippe Morrison, the son of former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. The athletic Balogun is a former college football standout who started for the legendary Oklahoma Sooners before playing in the NFL for three years. In his last bout, Hefny lost a close, split decision to unbeaten Dacarree Scott in January.

In the co-feature, popular Detroit bantamweight Ja’Rico O’Quinn (14-1-1, 8 KOs) takes on Filipino Jobert Alvarez (20-2-2, 7 KOs), of Renton, WA, in an eight-round encounter. He will be looking to rebound from his first defeat last September that aired on Showtime’s ShoBox series. O’Quinn previously held the WBO International super flyweight title and was a USA National champion as an amateur. Making his second appearance in the United States, Alvarez is a former WBC Continental Americas and WBO NABO titlist.

Unbeaten Joshafat Ortiz (9-0, 5 KOs), of Reading, PA, battles Derrick Murray (15-4, 5 KOs), of Saint Louis, MO, in an eight-round super featherweight clash. Ortiz was born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, but moved to the US at age four. He was first introduced to boxing as a child, as his father, uncle and brother were all amateur fighters. Ortiz compiled an amateur record of 42-7, and was a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion. He recently traveled to Dominican Republic to knock out Erickson Vargas in two rounds on March 12. Murray is coming off of a win against previously unbeaten Angel Flores in January.

Heavyweight prospect Michael Pirotton-Bamogo (5-0, 2 KOs), of Liege, Belgium, will make his US debut against fellow undefeated Jonathan Gruber (3-0, 2 KOs), of Fall River, MA, in a six-round bout. Pirotton-Bamogo, whose mother was born in the West African nation of Burkina Faso and father born in Belgium, now trains out of Southern California under the renowned Manny Robles. He took to boxing at the age of 18 and had a short amateur career with 15 fights, which included a 2018 tournament victory in France as part of the Belgian National Team.

Featherweight Sean Brewer (2-0, 1 KO), of Henderson, NV, will participate in a four-round bout on the untelevised undercard.

Further information on this event will be announced shortly.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment




Hart stops Murray in 3

PHILADELPHIA–Former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart stopped David Murray in round three of their super middleweight turned cruiserweight bout that headlined a nine bout card at the 2300 Arena.

The show was promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart dropped Murray with a short jab in the opening frame. Hart sent Murray to the deck again in round three as he hurt Murray with power shots and followed that up with a hard left hook. Murray was in trouble, and Hart sensed that. Hart jumped on Murray and landed a hard flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Joshafat Ortiz remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Rondale Hubbert in a junior welterweight fight.

In the opening seconds, Hubbert’s dropped Ortiz with a right hand. That was high point of the fight as Ortiz started to box and move very effectively as he picked Hubbert apart from the outside. Hubbert would look to land a big shot, but he was never close to striking lightning again.

Ortiz of Reading, PA, won by scores of 58-55, 59-55 and 57-56 and he is now 8-0. Hubbert of Fargo, NC is 14-19-3.

Nafear Charles won a six-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Hernan Godoy in a junior welterweight bout.

Charles won on all cards 58-56 and is now 8-0-1. Godoy is now 5-12.

Steven Pichardo and DeWayne Williams battled to a six-round draw in a middleweight bout.

Scores were 59-55 for Williams; 58-56 for Pichardo and 57-57.

Pichardo is now 8-1-1. Williams is 3-4-1.

Boimah Karmo remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Denzel Fudd in a welterweight.

Karmo of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 and is now 2-0-1. Fudd is 0-2.

Raekwon Butler won a six-round unanimous decision over Derrick Whitley in a welterweight fight.

Butler, 140 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 4-1. Whitley, 144 lbs is now 6-3-1.

Edwin Cortes made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Jerrod Miner in a bantamweight fight.

Cortes, 114.2 lbs of Millville, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 1-0. Miner, 117 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-13-2.

Felix Parrilla remained undefeated with a 4th round stoppage over Ryan Venable in the final round of their super featherweight bout.

In round one, Parrilla floored Venable with a hard left hook. In round three, Payyilla was deducted a poiny for low blows. Later in the round, Parrilla decked Venable with a perfect overhand right. In round four, Parrilla dropped Venable with a body shot, Later in the round, it was two chopping right hands the put Venable down again. The fight stopped after a barrage of punches in the corner at 2:38.

Parrilla, 132.8 lbs of New Haven, CT is 3-0 with three knockouts. Venable, 141 lbs of Roanoke, VA is 2-9.

Jose Nieves won a four-round unanimous decision over Josh Aarons in a super bantamweight bout.

Nieves scored a knockdown in round four, and won by scores of 40-35 on all cards.

Nieves, 124 lbs of Woodbridge, NJ is 2-0. Aarons, 124.8 lbs of Williamsport, PA is 0-2.




RDR Promotions Back at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with Jesse Hart against David Murray in Headline Bout on Saturday, December 11th

PHILADELPHIA (December 1, 2021)–Two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart will be back in action on Saturday, December 11th at the 2300 Arena when he takes on David Murray in the eight round super middleweight main event.

The card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 27-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronksi (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming.

Murray of Wilmington, Delaware, has a record of 10-2-1 with six knockouts.

Murray is an eight-year professional, and is riding a three-fight winning streak with his latest win being a six-round unanimous decision over Austin Marcum on February 29, 2020 in Hockessin, Delaware.

A massive undercard features RDR Promotions fighters, Shynguskhan Tazibay (9-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on an opponent to be named in a six-round middleweight fight and lightweight Isaiah Johnson (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ against opponent to be named.

Also in six-round bouts:

Undefeated Nafear Charles (7-0-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jonathan Hernan Godoy (5-11) of Miami, Florida in a junior welterweight tussle.

Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on Rondale Hubbert (13-18-3, 8 KOs) of Fargo, North Dakota in a super featherweight bout.

Steven Pichardo (8-1,2 KO) of Gardena, California fights DeWayne Williams (3-4, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (6-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight fight.

Nelson Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Marlboro, Massachusetts fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-2-1) of Springfield, Massachusetts fights Raekwon Butler (3-1, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY

In four-round bouts:

Boimah Karmo (1-0-1) of Sharon Hill, Pa fights Denzel Fudd (0-1) of Barrington, PA in a welterweight affair.

Jerod Miner (2-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on debuting Edwin Cortes of Millville, NJ.

featherweight Felix Parrilla (2-0, 2 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will take on an opponent to be named.

Tickets for this great night of boxing ae $50, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=387



Card Shaping up for RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (October 1, 2021)–RDR Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena with a terrific nine-bout card that will take place next Saturday night, October 9th.

The main event will feature an intriguing eight-round featherweight bout that will pit Donald “No Love” Smith (12-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia taking on Elijah Pierce (11-2, 10 KOs) of Midwest City, Oklahoma

In six-round bouts, Isaiah Wise (9-2-2, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on DeWayne Williams (3-3, 3 KOs) in a middleweight bout.

Undefeated super featherweight, Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA will battle an opponent to be named.

In four-round bouts:

Nicholas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA takes on Braulio Avila (3-11, 1 KO) of Mexico in a lightweight contest.

Boimah Karmo (1-0) of Sharon Hill, PA fights pro debuting Michael Gibbons of Atlanta in a welterweight contest.

Temirlan Raimkulov (2-1-2) of Almaty, Kazakhstan fights Jahdon Ervin (1-0) of St. Clair, PA in a middleweight fight.

The much anticipated pro debut of super featherweight Rashan Adams of Philadelphia will take place against Joshua Zimmerman (0-4) of Baltimore.

Rah’quand McDaniel will make his pro debut against Soslan Alborov of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

Undefeated junior welterweight Raekwon Butler (3-0, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY fights fellow undefeated Naheem Parker (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $250 for VIP Box and can be purchased by contacting rdrboxing@yahoo.com or https://2300arena.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=376&src=default




Takam decisions Forrest

Former world title challenger Carlos Takam won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jerry Forrest in a heavyweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Takam was was more active and landed more shots early.

In round four, Takam was cut below his eye from a head clash. After that Forrest picked up a little bit, but it was too little-too late as Takam won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.

Takam landed 106 of 455 punches; Forrest was 70 of 321.

Takam, 245.7 lbs of Douala, CAM is now 39-5-1. Forrest, 225.6 lbs of Newport News, VA is 26-4.

“My father passed away a week ago, so I came into the fight with a heavy heart. It may not have been a spectacular knockout, but most importantly, we got the win,” Takam said. “We took this fight on short notice, but the opportunity on ESPN was too big to pass up. We knew we could beat him regardless.

“I want anyone in the top five, or a title shot if that materializes.” 

Carlos Castro remained undefeated by stopping former two-time world title-challenger Cesar Juarez after round four of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Castro beat up and battered Juarez. In round’s three and four, Castro was especially effective by landing some crushing body blows, and the bout was stopped in the corner.

Castro, 123.8 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 26-0 with 11 knockouts. Juarez, 124.4 lbs of Mexico City is 25-9.

“I admire Cesar Juarez as a Mexican warrior and for everything he’s given the sport. I told him it was an honor to share the ring with him,” Castro said. “I want any title opportunity or an interim title shot. Whatever comes my way, I am ready. I am highly ranked and prepared for the next step.”

In a battle of undefeated junior lightweights, Joshafat Ortiz won a six-round majority decision over Joshua Orta.

In round five, Ortiz was cut around his right eye from an accidental headbutt. Ortiz banked the 1st four frames by working the body behind a nice jab.

Ortiz landed 74 of 354 punches; Orta was 75 of 293.

Ortiz, 130.8 lbs of Ponce, PR and now residing in Reading, PA won by scores 58-56 twice and 57-57 to raise his mark to 8-0. Orta, 132.7 lbs of Springfield, MA is 6-1.

Donte Stubbs won a six-round unanimous decision over Fred Wilson Jr. in a middleweight bout.

In round three, Stubbs was bleeding from his nose. Later in the round, Stubbs dropped Wilson with a right hand.

In round four, Wilson was deducted a point for holding. In round five, Stubs dropped Wilson for a 2nd time with a long right hand to the head.

Stubbs landed 88 of 291 punches. Wilson was 62 of 262.

Stubbs, 159.5 lbs of Riverside, California won by scores of 58-54 and 58-53 twice and bounced back from his 1st professional loss nine days ago, and is now 7-1. Wilson, 159 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 6-1-2.




JOSHAFAT “THE TRUTH” ORTIZ FACES JOSHUA ORTA THURSDAY, JULY 9, ON ESPN IN A BATTLE OF UNBEATEN JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS

New York, NY (06/08/20) – Tomorrow night, July 9, from the Grand Ballroom at the MGM Grand Conference Center, in Las Vegas, NV, DiBella Entertainment’s Joshafat “The Truth” Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) will take on Joshua Orta (6-0, 2 KOs), in a battle of undefeated junior lightweight prospects, scheduled for six rounds, live on ESPN, at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT, as part of the undercard to Jerry Forrest’s heavyweight bout against Carlos Takam.

Ortiz was born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, but moved to the US at age four and was raised by his mother in Reading, PA. He was first introduced to boxing as a child, as his father, uncle and brother were all amateur fighters. Ortiz compiled an amateur record of 42-7, and was a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion, before turning pro in May 2017. Trained by Rashiem Jefferson and managed by Felipe Gomez, he is coming off of an impressive six-round unanimous decision victory against Andrew Bentley, on September 20, 2019.

Joshua Orta, from Springfield, MA, turned pro in August 2018, but has been boxing since age 12 and was a Western New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is trained by Michael Rodriguez and Jose Ortiz out of Springfield’s Central City Boxing & Barbell Gym. In his last fight, Orta earned a majority decision win against the previously undefeated 6-0-1 Michael Valentin on November 23, 2019.

“I’m excited to be able to showcase my skills on such a huge platform. I feel very blessed and I’ll be sure to take full advantage of the opportunity. Orta is a good fighter, but he’ll be the one leaving the ring with his first loss,” said Ortiz. “I’m very thankful for my whole team and promoter Lou DiBella, as well as Top Rank, for making this happen.”

“This is a great opportunity for Joshafat Ortiz and I’m thrilled that he’ll get to return to the ring in front of a national audience on ESPN,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Orta is talented, undefeated and will provide a big test, but I am confident that Ortiz will prove he is a prospect on the rise and one to watch. Both combatants stayed in shape and took this fight on short notice. Good for them.”




World Ranked Welterweight Mykal Fox Headlines On Friday, December 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (November 8, 2019)– World-Ranked welterweight Mykal Fox will compete in the 10-round main event on Friday night, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The 10-bout card will be promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville. Maryland is ranked number-15 by the WBA, has a record of 21-1 with five knockouts.

The 24 year-old Fox is a five year professional and has garnered his world ranking on the strength of wins over Ricardo Garcia (14-1), Gonzalo Carlos Dallera (5-0), 2016 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Fazliddin Gainazarov (7-0) and in his last bout, Fox won a 10-round unanimous decision over Eudy Bernardo (25-4) on September 14th in Bethlehem, PA.

Fox’s opponent will be named shortly.

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Kalvin Henderson will take on Genc Pllana.

Henderson of Fayetville, Arkansas has a record of 12-0 with eight knockouts.

The 29 year-old is a three year professional, and has had a meteoric climb up the super middleweight latter.

Henderson has wins over Bobby Taylor (4-0) and Brandon Robinson in a bout that was voted Philadelphia Fight of the Year for 2018. In his last bout, Henderson stopped Antowyan Aikens on May 10th at the 2300 Arena.

Pllana of Hagerstown, Maryland has a record of 7-1 with four knockouts.

The 25 year-old is a two-year professional who has defeated Jason Bell (3-0) and in his last bout, Pllana stopped Alex Lara in one-round on October 24th in Washington, DC.

A packed undercard has been assembled as some very talented fighters will be on display.

In eight-round bouts, WBA Number-14 ranked super bantamweight Marcus Bates (10-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Jesus Martinez (26-10, 13 KOs) of Hollywood, Florida.

In six-round bouts, Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Shinard Bunch (3-1, 3 KOs) of Camden, NJ fights Vicente Morales (3-4-2, 2 KOs) of Matamoros, MEX in a welterweight contest.

Anthony Mercado (13-4, 11 KOs) of Arecibo, PR takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Undefeated Devar Ferhadi (7-0, 6 KOs) of Frederick, Maryland will square off with fellow undefeated Vincent Baccus (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight bout.

Damon Allen (16-1-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Ryan Umberger (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Charon Spain (1-13-1) of Davenport, IA in a junior middleweight contest.

Brandon Mullins (6-0, 2 KOs) will box an opponent to be named in a middleweight fight.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com




Ortiz overcomes two knockdowns to decision Salinas

BENSALEM, PA-Steven Ortiz remained undefeated but had to navigate through two knockdowns to win an eight-round majority decision over Alejandro Salinas an entertaining lightweight bout at The Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA.

After a furious exchange in round two, for which Ortiz was getting the better, Salinas slipped in a perfect counter left hook that sent Ortiz to his knees for a knockdown. In round three, Ortiz was sent to the canvas for a 2nd time from a hard right hand. Ortiz was bleeding over his right eye. Round four was an exciting one as Ortiz loaded up on every shot and connected on some. The two stood toe-to-toe wailing away on each other which was much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.

Ortiz started land more consistently in round’s five and six. In round seven, he featured a booming right hand that hit Salinas smack in the face. Salinas came back later in the round by buckling Ortiz with a right hand. In round eight, Ortiz landed a hard combination on the ropes. The two fought hard down the stretch with Ortiz landing a flush right at the bell.

Ortiz, 132.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 76-74 twice 75-75 and is now 11-0. Salinas, 131 lbs of Youngstown, OH is 10-3.

Joshafat Ortiz remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Andrew Bentley in a junior lightweight bout.

The rounds were competitive, but Ortiz was the better man in each round as he won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice.

Ortiz, 128.5 lbs of Reading, PA is 7-0. Bentley, 126.5 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 5-4.

Daiyann Butt remained undfeated by stopping Latorrie Woodberry in round one of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

Butt dropped Woodberry twice and the fight was stopped after the 2nd knockdown at 2:45.

Butt, 140.7 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-0 with three knockouts. Woodberry, 141.2 lbs of Roanoke, VA is 2-10-2.

Gnec Pllama stopped Jamaal Davis in round four of their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

Pllama dominated the action and beat up Davis for most of the fight until referee Gary Rosato stopped the bout at 2:28.

Pllama, 165.8 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 6-1 with three knockouts. Davis, 164.9 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 18-16-1.

Davis announced his retirement in the ring.

Afunwa King made a successful pro debut by stopping previously undefeated Jan Czerklewicz in round two of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

After absorbing many hard shots in the 1st frame, Czerklewicz was dropped with a hard right hand. In round two, Czerklewicz began to swell under his right eye. King dropped Czerklewicz again in the round with an overhand right, and the bout was stopped at 1:23.

King, 173.8 lbs of Bronx, NY is 1-0 with one knockout. Czerklewicz, 173.5 lbs of Houston, TX is 2-1.




DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT JOSHAFAT ORTIZ

New York, NY (May 29, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed 23-year-old Puerto Rican junior lightweight prospect Joshafat “The Truth” Ortiz (6-0, 4 KOs), of Reading, PA, to an exclusive promotional agreement. Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the US at age four with his mother and was raised in Reading, PA. He was first introduced to boxing as a child when visiting family in Puerto Rico during the summer months, as his father, uncle and brother were all amateur fighters. By the time he was 14 years old, Ortiz was serious about entering the sport himself. 

While compiling an amateur record of 42-7, Ortiz became a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. Ortiz made his pro debut in May 2017 and is coming off three consecutive knockout victories. He is trained by Rashiem Jefferson out of TKO Fitness Gym, in Cherry Hill, NJ, alongside junior lightweight world champion Tevin Farmer.
“Joshafat Ortiz is a terrific prospect with championship potential,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We have communicated since he was an amateur and he made me want to follow his career. He said that one day I would want to sign him. He was right. Jos has worked hard, improved with every fight, and has the tools and hard grinding mentality to succeed at the highest level in boxing. I’m happy we’ll be chasing big things together.” “I’m very thankful for the opportunity given to me by Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment. It is an honor to sign with one of the more well-known promotional companies in boxing,” said Ortiz. “I trust them to put me in a great position to accomplish my goals. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and, without a doubt, will take full advantage of it. I look forward to bringing several world titles to Reading, PA, and becoming the next Puerto Rican superstar.” Ortiz is managed by Felipe Gomez, of El Matador Management. “Ortiz is a special fighter with a lot of talent,” said Gomez. “He is an exciting boxer to watch. I am confident that by working together with Lou DiBella, we can make Ortiz the next star from Puerto Rico. DiBella is a great promoter who has developed many champions. I know that he will do the same with Ortiz.” Details on Ortiz’ next fight will be announced shortly.




Gvozdyk stops Ngumbu after calf injury


PHILADELPHIA–Oleksandt Gvodyk retained the WBC Light Heavyweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Doudou Ngumbu after Ngumbu could not continue due to a leg cramp.

Gvozdyk controlled the distance trough the abbreviated contest, with the rare occasion of Ngumbu trying to dive in. In round five, Ngumbu started hopping around injured, and it was ruled he could not continue at the 58 second mark.

Gvozdyk, 174.7 lbs of Ukraine is now 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Ngumbu, 174.3 of Toulouse, FRA is 38-9.

“It wasn’t what I expected, but I did my best,” Gvozdyk said. “Sometimes this happens in the sport of boxing. It is what it is.

“My goal is to unify titles. I will wait to see what my team tells me to do next.”

Egidjust Kavaliauskas and ray Robinson battled to a ten-round draw in a welterweight bout.

It was a nip and tuck battle that each guy take turns pushing the action.

Robinson took a card 97-93 ans two cards read even at 95-95.

Kavaliauskas, 146.1 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 21-0-1. Robinson, 145.8 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-3-1.

“I won the fight, and I won it clearly,” Kavaliauskas said. “The judges did not agree, and I can’t control what fight they were watching. I still want to fight for a world title because I consider this fight a victory. I am still undefeated, and I know I can beat all of the champions in the welterweight division.”

“I think everyone in Philadelphia knows I won this fight,” Robinson said. “At the end of the night, I know I beat him. I’m the last person to beat Terence Crawford in the amateurs, and that’s the fight I want.”

Sonny Conto destroyed Omar Acosta in under a round of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Conto landed hard punches that backed Acosta into the corner, and then landed a wicked left hook that sent Acosta down. Acotsa got to his feet but wobbled, and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Conto, 217.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two fist round knockouts. Acosta, 206.6 lbs of Hereford, TX is 1-6.

Jose Lopez stopped Askhat Ualikhanov after round six of their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Lopez landed hard shots throughout and had Ualikhanov in trouble several times before the fight was halted.

Lopez, 141.5 lbs Humacao, PR is now 12-1 with 10 knockouts. Ualikhanov, 141.3 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 4-2.

Joshafat Ortiz stopped James Thomas in round of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

Ortiz dropped Thomas with a hard right, and the bout was stoped at 2:53.

Ortiz, 129.6 lbs of Reading, PA is 6-0 with four knockouts. Thomas, 130.3 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI is 6-5.

Juan Ruiz upset Frederick Lawson by scoring a 4th round stoppage in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight bout.

Ruiz seemed to have dropped Lawson in round four, but it was a ruled a slip. Lawson was groggy, and he took a flurry of punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 1:16 of round four.

Ruiz, 149.5 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 22-4 with 14 knockouts. Lawson, 146.7 lbs of Accra, GHA is 27-2.

Christian Mbolli went the distance for the 1st time and pounded out a eight-round unanimous decision over Humberto Gutierrez in a super middleweight bout.

Mbilli, 163.3 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice, and is now 14-0. Gutierrez 165.5 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 33-8-2.

Kudratillo Abudukakhorov won a 12-round unanimous decision over Keita Obara in an IBF Welterweight elimination bout.

Abudukakhorov, 145.8 lbs of Kuala Lumpor, MAL won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113 and is now 16-0. Obara, 146.4 lbs of Tokyo, JPN is 20-4-1.

Cassius Chaney stopped Christian Mariscal in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Chaney registered two knockdowns, and the fight was stopped at 2:16.

Chaney, 248.6 lbs of new London, CT is 15-0 with nine knockouts. Mariscal, 251.2 lbs of Tijuna, MX is 12-3.

Jeremy Adorno made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Sebastian Baltazar in a super bantamweight contest.

Adorno, 120.1 lbs of Allentown, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 1-0. Baltazar, 120.3 lbs of Tacoma, WA is 1-4.

Donald Smith remained undefeated with a 4th round knockout over Jose Antonio Martinez in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

Smith registered a knockdown in round one. In round four, Smith landed a perfect counter left that plummeted Martinez to the canvas. The back of Martinez head hit the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 2:01.

Smithm 126.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 9-0 with six knockouts. Jose Antonio Martinez, 127.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 11-18.




Anvar Yunusov takes on Joshua Davis in main event on Friday, November 16th at Sands Bethlehem Event Center


Bethlehem, PA (October 16, 2018) –Three-time Olympian and undefeated Anvar Yunusov takes on Joshua Davis in the eight-round super featherweight main event on Friday night, November 16th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Yunusov, who competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics for his native Tajikistan, is now 5-0 with two knockouts as a professional.

The 31 year-old fights out of Philadelphia, and turned professional in 2017. He has registered his two knockouts in his last two outings with a 4th round stoppage over former contender Mike Oliver, and in his lat bout when he destroyed Angel Monreal in one-round on September 14th in Philadelphia.

Davis of Washington, DC has a record of 11-3 with five knockouts.

The 27 year-old Davis is a seven-year professional, who has an impressive 7th round stoppage win over Carlos Rosario (7-1). Davis is looking to get back into the wins column as he has dropped his last two outings. In his last bout, Davis was stopped by undefeated Steven Ortiz on January 26th in Philadelphia.

A full undercard of top prospects in action-packed matchups will entertain the fans in attendance in Bethlehem.

In six-round bouts:

Martino Jules

Martino Jules (5-0) of Bethlehem fights Daron Williams (7-0, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC in a featherweight bout.

Joshafat Ortiz

Joshafat Ortiz (5-0, 3 KOs) of Reading, PA fights Joey Arroyo (3-5-1) of Bronx, NY in a lightweight bout.

Michael Coffie

Michael Coffie (4-0, 3 KOs) fights Juan Goode (8-8, 6 KOs) of Taylor, MI in a heavyweight bout.

Joseph George (7-0, 6 KOs) fights Andre Espuet (4-7, 3 KOs) of Cedar Rapids, IA in a super middleweight fight.

Christian Montano

Christian Montano (7-0, 6 KOs) boxes Paul Holley (6-1-1, 5 KOs) of Sarasota, FL in a light heavyweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Jonathan Torres of Bethlehem, PA will fight Steven Lopez (0-2) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight affair.

Alejandro Jimenez

Alejandro Jimenez (3-0, 1 KO) of New Hope, PA takes on debuting Francisco Santiago of Reading, PA in a bantamweight bout.

Yeuri Andujar (1-0, 1 KO) of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic fights Bryann Perez (2-11-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a featherweight affair.

Kendall Cannida

In a battle of undefeated light heavyweight, Kendall Cannida (2-0) of Philadelphia fights Travis Toledo (2-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore.

Ricky Nuno (2-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA boxes Jonathan Burrs (0-1) of Hagerstown, MD in a welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.