Championship Boxing returns Friday to Del Mar

(l to r) co-promoter of the September 6th event, Gabriel Barron of Barron Entertainment, the challenger in the main event, Mexican bantamweight Manuel Roman, Del Mar Fairgrounds CEO and General Manager Timothy Fennell, Roman’s rival in the main event, John Amuzu from Accra, Kenya and co-promoter/matchmaker Jorge Marron. All photos: Jim Wyatt

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA

The recipe for an outstanding boxing show appears simple. First, you sign the quality headliners; boxers who have earned the right to compete in a meaningful, sanctioned title fight. In support of your Main Event you go looking for as many top prospects as you can afford, then have your matchmaker diligently find competitors of equal ability who have more than a legitimate shot of knocking them off their perch. In other words, you need that keen, competitive aspect throughout your entire lineup. 

That’s what they’ve done for this Friday’s show being presented by the International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Don Chargin, A&T GYM, and the San Diego-based Barron Entertainment. In their Main Event they have the fast rising Mexican star Manuel Roman (15-2-2, 8 KOs) of Tijuana taking on knockout sensation John Amuzu (14-0, 13 KOs) of Accra, Ghana in a 10-round bout for the California State Bantamweight Title.

Roman, an outstanding amateur, is especially motivated following his last appearance, a bitter decision loss to the undefeated WBO NABO bantamweight champion Randy Caballero (19-0, 11 KOs) in a televised main event aired on Showtime.

“This is a very important fight for me” stated Roman at his August 30, 2013 Press Conference held at the Del Mar Fairground’s Corporate Offices. “I will not disappoint my Mexican fans. This title will be mine.”

Prior to ripping off his 14 straight pro wins, the undefeated Amuzu had a sterling, amateur career, going 98-10 with an incredible 92 KOs. He was scheduled to represent Ghana in the 2008 Beijing Olympics until a lack of funding for the national team shattered his dream.

The headliners on the “Mexico vs. Kenya” show to be held this Friday at the Bing Crosby Hall on the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA, Manuel Roman (l) and John Amuzu (r) showoff the Championship Belt that will be awarded to the winner.

In his last outing, a six round unanimous decision victory over the formerly Manny-Pacquiao-backed Juanito Rubillar (49-22-7, 24 KOs), Amuzu showcased not only his power but his lightning fast hand speed. Amuzu dominated and took every round from Rubillar. Surprisingly, that fight marked the first time Amuzu had gone the distance, ending his knockout streak of 13.

“I left my family and friends in Ghana to pursue my boxing career in the United States and I plan to get back on my knockout track against Roman,” said Amuzu at the same Friday Press Conference. That my friends is going to be a tall order since Mr. Roman has never been stopped.

Being the cousin of top professionals Javier, Oscar and Carlos Molina has been a big help in preparing hot prospect Danny Ramirez for his own career in the ring.

The undercard is headlined by Danny Ramirez (2-0, 2 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens, CA taking on another local favorite James Taylor (3-1) of Lakeside, CA in a junior welterweight clash. Taylor, who sports one of those physiques you normally see on a world champion body builder has power in both hands.

Being a local favorite, junior welterweight James “Hollywood” Taylor of Lakeside, CA should have quite a few fans in the seats. This will be Taylor’s second visit to the Bing Crosby Hall. Back on May 24, 2013, he got by Andre Ewell winning by a majority decision.

If you think Taylor should dominate in this match, you’re sadly mistaken. First consider Ramirez’s pedigree. He not only works out with the three world class Molina brothers (Javier, Oscar and Carlos) he’s also their cousin. After dominating in the Amateur ranks, he’s about to explode on the pro-circuit.

Mexican Olympic boxing team alternate super middleweight Elias Espadas (1-1) from Merida, Yucatán, Mexico is scheduled to face Riverside, CA’s Elliot Lemon (0-1) in a scheduled four round bout. Espadas, who has plenty of power, can also box. In Lemon’s debut, the powers to be matched him up with a KO artist by the name of Jose Hernandez.

Elias Espadas is shown posing for a photo with two of the lovely ring card girls after defeating Greg Baca back on June 21, 2013 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego.

The skills of Ramona’s own Araceli Tinoco (2-0) are undeniable. She’ll be featured in a four round junior flyweight contest against Guadalupe Gutierrez (1-4) of Fallbrook, CA. This is a rematch of her pro-debut which ended in a mixed decision. In this one, Tinoco wants there to be no doubt.

Normally very shy, Araceli Tinoco did a fine job behind the mike at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Press Conference on Friday, August 30, 2013.

Also, Vista, CA’s junior welterweight Roque Ramos (0-0-1) is back and set to face Tyshawn Sherman (0-1) of Compton in a scheduled four rounder. Ramos with trainer Kalina Fernandez in his corner, is hoping to rebound after a whacky, split decision draw in his debut against Carlos Morales (2-1-3). Fernandez has Ramos in terrific condition and serious as a heart attack about progressing in his career.

Friday, August 30, 2013, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Roque Ramos addresses the media.

Tickets for this all ages “Mexico vs. Ghana“ live boxing event start at just $25. You can also purchase tickets online and save $5 at www.LiveBoxingEvents.com or purchase them at the door on the night of the event. Advance tickets are also available in person at the Del Mar Fairgrounds box office or by phone at (858) 755-1161. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar, just west of Interstate 5 off the Via de la Valle exit.

The show’s headliners were approached to endorse certain sunglasses 24/7. Promotional contracts were signed with Ray-Ban, Prada, Gucci and Emporio Armani.

Once again, this “Mexico vs. Ghana” live event will take place Friday, September 6, 2013. It’s being sponsored by the Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego Hall of Champions, El Latino newspaper, Mayagra, Island Squeeze, and Cleto Reyes. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout of the evening scheduled for 7:30 p.m.