Three titles on the line June 13 for 559 Fights in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. – Three 559 Fights Titles are on the line Friday, June 13 in Fresno at Valdez Hall.

In the main event, Fresno’s James Spear takes on Sacramento’s Joseph Morales for the newly vacant Featherweight Championship.

Tickets for the 14-bout, amateur mixed martial arts card start at just $20 and can be purchased at the Fresno Convention Center Box Office, Nutrishop Visalia and online atwww.559fights.com.

VIP Table, Front Row and Sponsorship information please contact 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau at 559-813-0307.

“This is a main event where both fighters are looking for some redemption,” Luchau explained. “Spear was disqualified in his last title fight and wants to show the Valley what he is really all about. Meanwhile, Morales is fighting for the first time in over a year after suffering an injury.”

Spear (5-7-1) was disqualified in his April fight with Archie Tovar (4-0) after an illegal knee to the head. Tovar vacated the title right after the event, which opened the 145 division up.

“Spear was disappointed. He maintains, and I believe him, that he didn’t do anything intentional. I also don’t think Tovar wanted to win a title that way and that’s why he vacated the title,” Luchau said.

Morales (6-0-1) announced he was ready for a return and the match-up was set.

“Morales has fought for 559 Fights a couple of times and has proven to be a great competitor,” Luchau said. “He has been a pleasure to work with inside and outside of the cage. I’ve really been looking forward to him headlining an event for a long time.”

In the co-main event, Fresno’s Garret Marks (3-0) will battle Visalia’s Armando Perez (4-1) for the vacant Welterweight Championship. Former 170-pound champ Art Hernandez (9-3) vacated the title after his defense in April and will move down to 155 pounds and compete in July.

Visalia’s Manuel Ruiz defends his 559 Fights Flyweight title for the third time, stepping into the cage against San Bernardino’s Carlos Garcia (2-1), who is ranked No. 5 in the State.

“I’ve had the toughest time matching Manuel Ruiz. He’s ranked No. 2 in the State and a fierce competitor in the cage. He turned in a fight-of-the-year type fight with Jorge Lima in March,” Luchau said. “Carlos is one of the guys that’s always seemed interested in the fight and finally schedules matched up and we could make it happen.”

Two other key 145-pound fights will also take place. Selma’s Tovar makes his return against Sacramento’s Marcel Cyprian (5-1-1) and Parlier’s Juan Diaz (2-0) faces Farmersville’s Jesse Ledesma (3-1).

“There two fights are certainly main event and co-main event worthy,” Luchau said. “I’m excited that we can add such depth to our fight cards.”

In other bouts;

-Fresno bantamweight Anthony Martinez (0-1) vs. Visalia’s Aaron Warnke (2-1).

-Delano bantamweight Alex Renteria (0-0) vs. Selma’s Sam Fierro (0-0).

-Fresno welterweight Julio Lopez (2-0) vs. Modesto’s Jesus Lopez (0-0).

-Fresno featherweight Jimmy Ang (2-4) vs. Fresno’s Hugo Lopez (1-4).

-Fresno cruiserweight Tyler Benard (1-0) vs. San Leandro’s Amir Lacy (3-0).

-Fresno lightweight Bryant Franklin (1-0) vs. Visalia’s Fabian Luevano (2-3-1).

-Delano lightweight Jefferson Banaag (0-0) vs. Coalinga’s Domingo Ramirez (0-0).

-Escalon featherweight Steve Ronneberg (1-1) vs. TBA

-Delano lightweight Chris Marron (0-0) vs. TBA

-Fresno middleweight Patrick Baker (0-0) vs. Bakersfield’s Mike Stevens (1-0).