Billy Dib gives promoter 50 Cent ESPN Friday Night Fights Victory

50 Cent's Birthday Bash July 5, 2013 * Connecticut Convention Center * Hartford, CT HARTFORD (July 8, 2013) -- Australian featherweight contender Billy "The Kid" Dib (36-2, 21 KOs) gave his promoter, famed rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, an early present on last week's edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights, winning a hard fought 10-round decision from local favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-4, 8 KOs), in the "50 Cent's Birthday Bash" main event at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The originally scheduled main event on SMS Promotions' first solo event, between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) and former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs), was abruptly cancelled the day of the fight when Green was taken to the hospital with food poisoning. Dib vs. Oliver moved up from co-feature to main event. Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) World featherweight champion Dib, fighting for the first time since losing a 12-round split decision and his IBF title belt this past March 1to Evgeny Gradovich, also in the main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights, rebounded with a workmanlike performance against a game Oliver, former International Boxing Organization (IBO) super bantamweight titlist. Rated No. 4-rated in the world by the IBF, as well as ranked No. 7 by The Ring Magazine and No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Dib has altered his style in the past year to become a much more aggressive and entertaining fighter.  He was deducted two points for low blows in the second and third rounds to account for the majority decision scoring (96-92, 96-92, 94-94). Positioned for another world title shot, Dib plans to invoke a rematch clause in his contract with Gradovich for the Australian's next fight, if Gradovich successfully defends his title July 27 against challenger Maurico Javier Munoz (26-3, 12 KOs) in Macao. Unbeaten Louisiana lightweight prospect Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (17-0, 5 KOs), who captured gold medals at the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Championships, fought for the first time since November 12, 2011.  He shook off rust and took advantage of fighting in the ESPN Friday Night Fights co-feature, winning an eight-round decision against Nigerian veteran "Super" Robert Osiobe (14-6-4, 6 KOs). On the undercard, all decided by four-round decisions, Puerto Rican welterweight Emmanuel "Pirata" DeJesus (5-0, 4 KOs) kept his perfect record intact versus Rikardo Smith (6-4, 1 KO), Cincinnati super lightweight Donte Strayhorn (2-1) defeated Hartford's Oscar Diaz (0-2), New Haven (CT) featherweight Nate Green (4-0, 1 KO) shutout Micah Branch (1-7-1), of Cincinnati, New Haven welterweight Jimmy Williams (4-0, 2 KOs) dominated all four rounds against Saul Almeida (0-2), of Framingham (MA), and New Haven super welterweight middleweight David Wilson (1-0) won his pro debut against Woburn's (MA) Rodrigo Almeida. Dib, Davis, Strayhorn and De Jesus are promoted by 50 Cent.  Full Results SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS: David Wilson (1-0), New Haven, CT                                                           WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)                                  Rodrigo Almeida Woburn, MA WELTERWEIGHTS: Emmanuel DeJesus (5-0, 4 KOs), Canovanas, Puerto Ric                        WDEC4 (40-35, 39-36, 39-36)                                  Rikardo Smith (6-4, 1 KO), Kissimmee, FL               Jimmy Williams (4-0, 2 KOs), New Haven, CT                                           WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)                                  Saul Almeida, Framingham, MA  SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS: Donte Strayhorn (2-1), Cincinnati, OH                                                         WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 38-38)                                 Oscar Diaz (0-2), Hartford, CT LIGHTWEIGHTS: Mark Davis (17-0, 5 KOs), Baton Rouge, LA                                               WDEC8 (78-74, 78-74, 77-75)                                Robert Osiobe (14-6-4, 6 KOs), Las Vegas, NV FEATHERWEIGHTS: Billy Dib (36-2, 21 KOs), Sydney, Australia                                                 WDEC10 (96-92, 96-92, 94-94)                                 Mike Olvier (25-4, 8 KOs), Hartford, CT Nate Green (4-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT                                                    WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-26)                                  Micah Branch (1-7-1), Cincinnati, OH

Perez-Olivares is off, Colón Boxing statement

This Friday, promoter Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson ( SMS Promotions ) will have his first solo boxing event titled "50 Cent's Birthday Bash," live on 'ESPN Friday Night Fights' from the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

One of 50 Cent's most prominent prospects, Luis "Magic Man" Olivares ( 4-0, 3 KO's ) from Arizona was set to face Puerto Rican Jonathan "Fafa" Perez ( 4-0, 2 KO's ) but Olivares cancelled due to illness.

José Colón of Colón Boxing, who manages Jonathan Pérez and Javier 'El Chino' Flores said: "The Magic Man used his magic tricks to disappeared on fight week. This fight was signed for 140 pounds but then I was told that "Fafa" looks too big. Later I was told if "Fafa" can drop two pounds ( 138lbs ), and now Olivares got sick on fight week".

Now "Fafa" will be facing Antonio Chaves ( 2-11-1 ) in a 4 round fight at the junior welterweight division.

ESPN Friday Night Fights show will broadcast the main event fight between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez ( 12-0, 8 KO's ) vs former world title contender, Allan Green ( 32-4-0, 22 KO's) and in the co-feature at 122lbs, former world champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KO's ) will battle "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver ( 25-3, 8 KO's ).

July 5th ESPN Friday Night Fights

Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford

HARTFORD (July 1, 2013) --  Famed rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's SMS Promotions will present its first solo professional boxing event, "50 Cent's Birthday Bash," this Friday (July 5) live on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Headlining the stacked ESPN Friday Night Fights show is an exciting 10-round clash between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) and former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs). The main event is presented in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM).    Eleider "Storm" Alvarez Unleashed (courtesy of GYM)  The fast-rising, explosive Alvarez (12-0-0, 8 KOs), a 2008 Colombian Olympian who lives in Montreal, is on his way to positioning himself for a world title shot. Already ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), he is stepping up in class to face Green (32-4-0, 22 KOs), fighting out of Tulsa (OK), who fought in the Super Sixtournament.  The 10-round ESPN co-feature showcases former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Hartford favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-3, 8 KOs).  A native of Australia, Dib is coming off a highly-competitive, fan-friendly fight on March 1, also shown on ESPN Friday Night Fights, in which he lost a 12-round split decision and his IBF belt to undefeated Russian Evgeny Gradovich (18-0).    Billy "The Kid" Dib (photo by Shareif Ziyadat)    Dib is the No. 4-rated featherweight in the world by the IBF, as well as ranked No. 7 by The Ring Magazine, and No. 15 by the WBO.  Oliver is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantamweight champion. Undefeated Louisiana lightweight prospect Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (16-0, 5 KOs),  who captured gold medals at the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Championships, meets TBA in an eight-round bound.   Also fighting on the undercard in four rounds bouts are hot Arizona light welterweight prospect "Magic Man" Luis Olivares (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. undefeated Puerto Rican Jonathan Perez (4-0, 2 KOs), Cincinnati native Donte Strayhorn vs. Hartford's Oscar Diaz (0-1), New Haven (CT) featherweight Nate Green (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Micah Branch (1-6-1), of Cincinnati, New Haven super bantamweight Jimmy Williams vs. Saul Almeida (0-1, of Framingham (MA), plus pro-debuting light middleweights David Wilson, of New Haven, and Woburn's (MA) Rodrigo Almeida.    "Magic Man" Luis Olivares, Jr.  (photo by Shareif Ziyadat)

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Dib, Olivares, Strayhorn and De Jesus are promoted by 50 Cent.  Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $60.00 and $35.00 (SOLD OUT) and available to purchase at Connecticut Convention Center (860-728-2624) or by calling Mike Criscio (203-627-7472).  There is a 10-percent surcharge on all sold tickets.  The $150.00 and $100.00 ticket entitles the bearer to free admission to 50 Cent's post-fight party at the Connecticut Convention Center.  Otherwise, admission to the post fight party is $40.00 and up per person at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

Prospect Luis Olivares On fast track

50 Cent's Birthday Bash July 5, 2013 * Connecticut Convention Center * Hartford, CT

July 5 ESPN FNF at Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford   Luis Olivares (photo by Shareif Ziyadat) HARTFORD (June 27, 2013) - Twenty-year-old "Magic Man" Luis Olivares, Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs), promoted by Curtis (50 Cent) Jackson's SMS Promotions, is on the fast track to potential stardom.  His accelerated path already finds him in his fifth professional fight, since his pro debut this past March, on the July 5th ESPNFriday Night Fights card, airing live from the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. "50 Cent's Birthday Bash," the first solo venture by rapper/promoter 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, is headlined on ESPN Friday Night Fights by a 10-round throw-down between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) and former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs). Alvarez-Green is being presented in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM).  In the 10-round ESPN Friday Night Fights co-feature, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KOs), a native of Australia, meets hometown favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-3, 8 KOs), a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) super bantamweight titlist. Alvarez, fighting out of Glendale, Arizona, will be fighting for the fifth time in only 3 ½ months, including his last on June 14, in which he stopped Juan Zuniga in the opening round of their fight in Santa Ynez, California. "I've been blessed, truthfully, to be given opportunities to fight so often and get exposure," Olivares said.  "I'm with the right team at the right time.  I was jumping up and down when I signed with 50 Cent.  My sister first introduced me to his music. I grew-up listening to him and 50 was the first rapper I liked.  I'm a movie fanatic and loved his movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin'.  He can do so much more for a fighter than other boxing promoters, in terms of exposure, because of his superstar status, which isn't limited to just boxing." Olivares was a standout amateur (120-15) whose career was highlighted by his bronze-medal placing at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.  He lost to the eventual 141-pound U.S. Olympian, Jamel Herring. In his July 5th fight in Hartford, Olivares will take on another unbeaten prospect, super lightweight Jonathan Perez (4-0, 2 KOs), of Puerto Rico.  It's rare for a pair of undefeated prospects to fight each other so early in their careers. "A lot of people have been asking me why I'm taking a risk fighting a 4-0 opponent," Olivares explained.  "I am fighting a tough guy but I'll fight anybody. I don't want to take a step backwards.  My coach, Alan Biers, wanted to take the fight, so we sat down with my manager, Tony Gonzalez, and decided to take it.  We're all confident in my ability to win this fight." An explosive boxer-puncher who counters when opportunities present themselves, Olivares is a well-spoken, personable young fighter who, thanks to 50 Cent, is on the fast track. Also fighting on the undercard in four rounds bouts is Cincinnati native Donte Strayhorn (1-1) vs. Hartford super lightweight Oscar Diaz (0-1), New Haven featherweight Nate Green (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Micah Branch (1-6-1), of Cincinnati, New Haven (CT) welterweight Jimmy Williams vs. Saul Almeida (0-1), of Woburn (MA), and pro-debuting super welterweights David Wilson, of New Haven, vs. Woburn's (MA) Rodrigo Almeida.  Unbeaten super welterweight Emmanuel "Pirata" De Jesus (4-0, 4 KOs) has been added to the card in a four-round match against an opponent to be determined. Dib, Strayhorn and De Jesus are also promoted by 50 Cent.  All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $60.00 and $35.00 (SOLD OUT) and available to purchase at Connecticut Convention Center (860-728-2625) or by calling Mike Criscio (203-627-7472).  There is a 10-percent surcharge on all sold tickets.  A $150.00 or $100.00 ticket entitles the bearer to free admission to 50 Cent's post-fight party at the Connecticut Convention Center.  Admission to the post fight party is $30.00 per person at the door for those without a fight ticket, or $20.00 for $35.00 ticket holders. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

Billy 'The Kid' Dib back on

50 Cent's Birthday Bash July 5, 2013 * Connecticut Convention Center * Hartford, CT

July 5 at Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford Billy "The Kid" Dib (photo by Shareif Ziyadat) HARTFORD (June 20, 2013) -- Australian boxer-puncher Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KOs) returns to the United States on a mission to recapture his world title belt.  The former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion takes on local favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-3, 8 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on the July 5th ESPN Friday Night Fightsshow, airing live from the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. "50 Cent's Birthday Bash," the first solo venture by rapper/promoter 50 Cent's (Curtis Jackson) SMS Promotions, is headlined on ESPN Friday Night Fights by a potentially explosive 10-round war showcasing undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) against former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs). Alvarez-Green is being presented in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM).  Dib is coming off an exciting slugfest that headlined the March 1st ESPN Friday Night Fights, in which he lost a 12-round split decision (114-112, 112-114, 112-114) and his IBF belt to undefeated Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich (18-0).  IBF No. 4-rated Dib, ironically, gained more respect among American fans from his loss to Gradovich than he had in his 35 victories.  "I fought the wrong fight and paid the ultimate penalty," Dib spoke about fighting Gradovich's fight instead of following his game plan.  "It was really hard for me to lose my IBF belt, which meant so much to me, but the great news is I know I can win it back.  I have to give Gradovich credit for his performance but it'll be a different outcome in a rematch.  I will make a statement in this fight to let world featherweight champions know that Billy Dib is still here." Oliver, a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantamweight champion, handed 18-0 Gary Stark, Jr. his first professional loss in 2007 by 12-round decision.  The 33-year-old Oliver's other notable victims include Adam Carrera, Al Seeger and Mauricio Pastrana. "I know he (Oliver) was a great amateur champion who will enjoy fighting in front of his hometown fans," Ring Magazine No. 7-rated Dib remarked.  "He's a crafty southpaw. People are going to see a rejuvenated Billy Dib, an aggressive fighter who is coming to fight Oliver.  I was shown a lot of love and respect after my last fight in America and I will return that love with a devastating performance and knockout victory." Dib is promoted by 50 Cent, who has opened up many doors for the Australian boxer.  "It has been amazing to work with 50," Dib explained.  "My manager and brother, Emaid Dib, deals with him on a regular basis. He says 50 really gets involved and is hands-on with the promoting side of boxing.  He's a great person with a great heart, who has great energy for boxing and actually loves the sport.  He has built a great team around him at SMS Promotions.  My twitter account (@BillyDib) went crazy when 50 sent out a couple of tweets to follow me.  The social media side of things has been huge and my crossover fans have really increased.  I guess that's the power he brings that other promoters probably can't.  I want to thank all my fans for their loyalty and support." Undefeated lightweight prospect Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (16-0, 5 KOs),  who captured gold medals at the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Championships, meets Danish-import Robert "Super" Osobe (14-5-4, 6 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, in an eight-round bound. In a six-round bout, unbeaten Puerto Rican welterweight Javier "El Chino" Flores (9-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, faces Rogelio De la Torre (10-3, 6 KOs), of Houston. Also fighting on the undercard in four rounds bouts is hot prospect Arizona light welterweight Luis Olivares (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. undefeated Puerto Rican Jonathan Perez (4-0, 2 KOs), along with Cincinnati native Donte Strayhorn (1-1) vs. Hartford's Oscar Diaz (0-1), New Haven featherweight Nate Green (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Micah Branch (1-6-1), of Cincinnati, New Haven (CT) super bantamweight Jimmy Williams vs. Saul Almeida (0-1), of Woburn (MA), and pro-debuting light middleweights David Wilson, of New Haven, vs. Woburn's (MA) Rodrigo Almeida. Davis, Olivares, and Strayhorn are also promoted by 50 Cent.  All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $60.00 and $35.00 (SOLD OUT) and available to purchase at Connecticut Convention Center (860-728-2625) or by calling Mike Criscio (203-627-7472).  There is a 10-percent surcharge on all sold tickets.  A $150.00 ticket entitles the bearer to free admission to 50 Cent's post-fight party at the Connecticut Convention Center.  Admission to the post fight party is $30.00 per person at the door for those without a fight ticket, or $20.00 for all tickets excluding $150.00. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

50 Cent's 1st solo boxing promotion July 5th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford

50 Cent's Birthday Bash July 5, 2013 * Connecticut Convention Center * Hartford, CT

HARTFORD (June 12, 2013) --  Famed rapper and new boxing promoter, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, held a press conference today in Hartford to announce that his company, SMS Promotions, will present the "50 Cent's Birthday Bash" professional boxing event, July 5 live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Headlining the stacked ESPN Friday Night Fights show, the first solo promotion by SMS Promotions, is an exciting 10-round clash between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) and former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs). The fast-rising, explosive Alvarez (12-0-0, 8 KOs), a 2008 Colombian Olympian who lives in Montreal, is on his way to positioning himself for a world title shot. Already ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), he is stepping up in class to face Green (32-4-0, 22 KOs), fighting out of Tulsa (OK), who fought in the Super Six tournament.  The 10-round ESPN co-feature showcases former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Hartford favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-3, 8 KOs).  A native of Australia, Dib is coming off a highly-competitive, fan-friendly fight on March 1, also shown on ESPN Friday Night Fights, in which he lost a 12-round split decision and his IBF belt to undefeated Russian Evgeny Gradovich (18-0). Dib is the No. 4-rated featherweight in the world by the IBF, as well as ranked No. 7 by The Ring Magazine, and No. 15 by the WBO.  Oliver is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantamweight champion. Unbeaten lightweight prospect Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (16-0, 5 KOs) meets Danish Robert "Super" Osobe (14-5-4, 6 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, in an eight-round bound. The 26-year-old Davis, of Baton Rouge (LA), has been inactive since November 12, 2011, when he won a 10-round unanimous decision over Guillermo Sanchez.  Davis was a highly-decorated amateur who captured gold medals at the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Championships. Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight Javier "El Chino" Flores (9-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, takes on Rogelio De la Torre (10-3, 6 KOs), of Houston, in a six-round bout. Also fighting on the undercard in four rounds bouts are hot prospects such as Arizona light welterweight Luis Olivares (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. undefeated Puerto Rican Jonathan Perez (4-0, 2 KOs), and Cincinnati native Donte Strayhorn, a talented light welterweight now based out of Las Vegas vs. Hartford's Oscar Diaz (0-1), as well as New Haven featherweight Nate Green (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Micah Branch (1-6-1), of Cincinnati, New Haven (CT) super bantamweight Jimmy Williams vs. TBA, plus pro-debuting light middleweights David Wilson, of New Haven, and Woburn's (MA) Rodrigo Almeida. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Dib, Davis, Olivares, and Strayhorn are promoted by 50 Cent.  Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $60.00 and $35.00 (SOLD OUT) and available to purchase at Connecticut Convention Center (860-728-2625) or by calling Mike Criscio (203-627-7472).  There is a 10-percent surcharge on all sold tickets.  A $150.00 ticket entitles the bearer to free admission to 50 Cent's post-fight party at the Connecticut Convention Center.  Admission to the post fight party is $30.00 per person at the door for those without a fight ticket, or $20.00 for all tickets excluding $150.00. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET. Press Conference Quotes 50 Cent:  "I'm excited because this is the first show put together by SMS Promotions.  It's been a learning experience.  We've been part of shows but never did the promotional job.  I'm not far from home in Farmington. We've put together a real event with some of the best fighters in the world, good prospects and some local fighters.  We're creating a platform for fighters to progress and I want to be part of it.  Overall, it's a great opportunity to do things a little differently.  I've associated myself with some big name fighters. "The Hartford area has a long boxing history with Hall of Famer Willie Pep and other world champions and top contenders like Battling Battalino, Marlon Starling (in attendance), Kid Kaplan, Tyrone Booze and 'Iceman' John Scully. "I'd like to thank ESPN for this opportunity, the Connecticut Convention Center and the Connecticut Boxing Commission for participating on a holiday weekend." Mike Oliver:  "I want to thank 50 for having me on his card.  I haven't fought in over a year but I'm back. My last fight was against Juanma (Juan Manuel Lopez) but that was in Puerto Rico and this fight is in my hometown, Hartford.  I know you don't believe me 50 but I'm going to beat your guy.  He better bring his A game.  I'm back! This is going to be a good fight." Javier Flores:  "I want to thank everybody for coming out and the company for giving me an opportunity to fight July 5.  I want thank 50 Cent. It's a pleasure working for him.  I've been training hard for this fight because I believe it will open many doors for me.  July 5th you will see the best of me." Jimmy Williams:  "I want to thank 50 Cent for putting me on my second TV card for 50.  I'm so excited I want to fight right now.  My mom told me when I was eight that I was going to be a boxer.  I wanted to play football but I'm living the dream.  I can beat somebody without going to jail.  I've looked up to 50 and I'm motivated.  July 5th I'm coming to fight." Nate Green:  "I want to thank my manager, Marilyn Rosa, and my trainer, Luis Rosa.  It's going to be a good day July 5th.  Want to know why?  I'm on it." Oscar Diaz:  "I lost in Rhode Island but this won't be the same.  I'm a fighter.  I want to thank 50.  I love Hartford." David Wilson:  "I want to thank 50 for putting me on this show.  I'm training to win and that's all I'll accept."

JOSE SNIPER PEDRAZA DISPLAYS VICIOUS BODY ATTACK WHILE DEFEATING VILLANUEVA ON HBO LATINO

NEW YORK, June 10, 2013 - This past Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, highly touted Puerto Rican prospect, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (13-0, 9 KO's) made an impressive HBO Latino debut by defeating tough Mexican, Sergio Villanueva ( 25-3-2, 13 KO's ) by scoring a 7th round TKO.

The 24 year old ambidextrous fighter was able to establish the pace of fight from the opening bell. In the middle rounds Pedraza was fighting from both stances, southpaw to conventional, confusing his opponent while landing clean shots. Pedraza's body attack was superb throughout the entire match and in the fifth round he managed to send Villanueva to the canvas.  As the body attack continued the bout was halted in the seventh round at the 2:59 mark when Pedraza dropped Villanueva twice, prompting the intervention of his corner right after Villanueva beat the 8 count. 

"I was surprised with my opponent's heart.  He never backed down and was able to recover too.  I kept boxing without losing focus, until we achieved the victory," said Pedraza, who is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. "I want to thank God for this victory, my promoters and HBO."

"The body work Pedraza displayed against Villanueva showed me he's becoming a complete fighter," said Gary Shaw. "I see him improving on his craft with each fight. His stock is rising and his talent will be seen again soon."

In 2011, Pedraza captured the WBC Youth super featherweight champion over African Herbert Quartey by way of technical knockout in the fifth round.

During his amateur boxing career, Pedraza represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and won a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010. He won silver medals at the 2009 World Championships in Milan and at the 2010 Pan American Games in Ecuador, among other achievements.