WEIGHTS FROM SANTA YNEZ ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS"

12-ROUND MAIN EVENT

Jonathan Maicelo 135 vs. Darleys Perez 133

WBA Interim Lightweight Championship

Francisco Santana  145 vs. Kendal Mena  147

Roman Morales 121 vs. Ernesto Guerrero 119

Manuel Romero 136 vs. Carlos Gonzales 140

Aaron Kinch 253 vs. Jerrell Miller 281

Paula Estrada 106 vs. Kayana Rain 108

Maria Suarez 109 vs. Jolene Blackshear 110

 Francisco Santana vs. Kendal Mena

WBA International Championship

 Ernesto Guerrero vs. Roman Morales

 Manuel Romero vs. Carlos Gonzalez

 Jerrell Miller vs. Aaron Kinch

 Paula Estrada vs. Kayana Rain

 Maria Saurez vs. Jolene Blackshear

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. 

Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M. 

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" JAN 9 AT THE CHUMASH RESORT CASINO

SANTA, YNEZ (January 5, 2015) - Gary Shaw Productions welterweight contender, Francisco Santana (21-3-1, 10 KOs) has a new opponent for this Fridays "ESPN Friday Night Fights" show at the Chumash Casino.  Santana will now face undefeated prospect Kendal Mena (20-0, 11 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.  Santana vs. Mena, a 10-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round main event featuring WBA Interim lightweight champion Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) vs.Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs).

After an impressive win against Eddie Gomez (17-1, 10 KOs) at super-welterweight earlier this year, Santana feels he has the talent to become something special in the welterweight division. 

"I was supposed to fight Sebastian Lujan and then Randall Bailey but both bouts fell out," said Francisco Santana. "Now I'm fighting Mena who is undefeated, which is a fight I'm looking forward to.  A win against Mena will be a nice nod on my record.  I'm moving down to 147 for this fight.  I know I can make some noise in the welterweight division.  Gary Shaw, who is a man of his word, has promised me some big fights, so I'm going to do my best to perform to my best ability."

 "Santana is a throwback fighter and he's willing to fight anyone to get to the top." said Gary Shaw. "Mena is undefeated but I believe Santana has what it takes to come out on top.  My undefeated featherweight sensation, Roman Morales, will be making his 2015 debut on this card as well.  It's gong to be a great show and I'm expecting a night filled with exciting fights." 

Undercard

8-Round Featherweight Bout

Roman Morales (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ernesto Guerrero (15-14, 10 KOs)

6-Round Heavyweight Bout

Jarrell Miller (10-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Kinch (5-3-2, 1 KO)

6-Round Female Attraction

Maria Suarez (8-1-1) vs. Jolene Blackshear (9-5, 4 KOs)

4-Round Featherweight Bout

Manuel Romero (0-2-2) vs. Oscar Rojas (0-1)

4-Round Female Attraction

Paula Estrada (0-1) vs. Kayana Rain (Pro Debut)

8-Round Heavyweight Bout

Mike Perez (20-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. TBA

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.  Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

***CAMP NOTES*** JONATHAN MAICELO

Photo by Team Maicelo

NEW JERSEY (January 2, 2015) - With less than two weeks before his showdown with WBA Interim lightweight champion Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs), Peruvian contender Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs) reflects on his training camp and the golden opportunity his promoter Gary Shaw has provided for him.  The 12-round bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California and air live on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" on January 9, 2015.  Maicelo is rated WBA #7, WBO #13 and WBC #22.  

Maicelo on fighting Perez on ESPN "Friday Night Fights".....

"I'm very thankful to my promoter Gary Shaw for bringing me back on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights".  I'm looking to redeem myself from my last performance when I lost to Nugaev.  I've learned from that loss and have every intention on bringing home the victory. This is a big opportunity for Team Maicelo to shine on national television."

Maicelo on Darleys Perez as a fighter.....

"Perez is a very determined fighter who worked his way back to the top after losing to Gamboa. He's got a lot of heart but I feel I'm the more skilled fighter.  He has a lot of experience fighting at the top level.  He's a crafty veteran, but this is my time to show the world that I'm the better fighter."

Maicelo on training camp.....

"We've had a great training camp here in New Jersey.  We did all of our sparring in the Bronx where I've had over 100 rounds of good work with top guys.  The focus is there with my trainer Butch Sanchez.  Together we have a great game plan that we will execute on fight night."

Maicelo on fighting for the WBA Interim Championship.....

"I've always dreamed of becoming a world champion and a win against Perez will be incredible.  It's been a long road to get to where I am today and I'm not going to let this opportunity pass me by.  Gary Shaw came through on his promise to get me this fight and I'm going to make him and everyone in my country proud.  The WBA Interim Championship is mine for the taking."

"I'm very excited about this fight," said Gary Shaw. "You have two warriors ready to leave everything in the ring.  Maicelo is very confident in his abilities as is Perez, which makes for a very entertaining fight.  The Chumash Casino will be rocking on January 9th, that you can take to the bank." 

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.  Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

RETURNS AGAINST SEBASTIAN LUJAN JANUARY 9, 2015 AT THE CHUMASH CASINO

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS"

FRANCISCO SANTANA

SANTA BARBARA (December 15, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions' super-welterweight contender,Francisco Santana (21-3-1, 10 KOs), returns to the ring against Sebastian Lujan (43-8-2, 26 KOs) on January 9, 2015 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California. The 10-round bout will serve as the co-feature to the Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) vs. Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs).  Both fights will air live on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights".

Earlier this year, Santana impressed the boxing world when he defeated former undefeated contender Eddie Gomez (17-1, 10 KOs) by way of unanimous decision.  Francisco is currently riding a winning streak which spans 9-fights in a row. In his last bout he defeated Luis Alfredo Lugo by way of fifth round knockout.  He'll look to continue on his winning streak against a tough Lujan whose only been stopped twice in his career.

"I'm very excited that my promoter Gary Shaw has brought me back to ESPN." said Santana. "I know Lujan is a very crafty veteran and I'm not looking past him.  These are the type of fights that I have to win if I want to accomplish my goal of becoming a world champion.  The Chumash is in my backyard and I want to put on a great show for all my hometown fans that will be there to support me.  2015 is going to be a big year for me."

"Santana has proven to me that he really wants to take his career to the next level." Gary Shaw said. "He done everything we've asked him to do and now I'm going to push really hard to get him into a big fight.  He looked incredible against Eddie Gomez, who was undefeated at the time.  That win showed me a lot.  Lujan is no pushover so I want him to get though this fight before we start talking about anything else.  There is no doubt that this fight will be a crowd pleaser because Santana brings an action style to the ring." 

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.  Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and$95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" PEREZ vs. MAICELO JANUARY 9, 2015 AT THE CHUMASH CASINO

NEW JERSEY (November 28, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions has finalized a bout with two of his top lightweight contenders.  On January 9, 2015, WBA Interim lightweight champion, Darleys Perez(31-1, 20 KOs), who hails from Columbia, will put everything on the line against Peruvian contender Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs).  The 12-round bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California and air live on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights".

In his last bout which took place on October 24, 2014, Perez defended his interim title with a 6th round knockout over Jaider Parra (23-2-1, 12 KOs). Against Maicelo he'll look to stay in the win column and retain his title with an impressive victory.

"Maicelo is a very difficult opponent and I will have to use all my skills to come out victorious." said Darleys Perez. "Knowing I've been here before, I feel I have the advantage going into this bout.  A win will advance my career to the next level and I know what I have to do to be victorious.  It's going to be an exciting fight because we both have a lot to lose.  I need to come out on top and that's exactly what I'm going to do."

Rated WBA #7, WBO #13 and WBC #22, Maicelo was supposed to fight on November 21, 2014 at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York, against Hector Velasquez (56-23-3, 38 KOs), but pulled out to face Perez on national TV.  With the WBA Interim title on the line, Maicelo is taking his training to a new level.

"Gary Shaw has giving me this wonderful opportunity to take Perez' WBA title and I'm not going to cut any corners." Jonathan Macielo said. "I'm taking this fight very serious.  My trainer and I are working extremely smart to make sure I'm in the best shape of my life.  I know with a win, I can become a world champion.   I'm bringing everything I got come fight night and I anticipate myself being the victor." 

"When I made this bout I knew it was going to be a crowd pleasing fight because both fighters are putting everything on the line," said Gary Shaw. "Both Perez and Maicelo are great men and I know they will bring their very best on January 9th.  The fans are in for a great night of boxing."

 "This is a fantastic fight for the fans," said Alex Camponovo of Thompson Boxing Promotionswho co-promotes Perez with GSP. "Darleys Perez is very hungry to show the world he's one of the top fighters in the lightweight division.  I expect a great show as I know both fighters are coming with their "A" game.  Everyone should be tuning in." 

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.  Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and$95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

DARLEYS PEREZ RETAINS WBA INTERIM TITLE WITH 6TH ROUND KNOCKOUT

COLOMBIA (Oct. 25, 2014) - Last night at the Coliseo Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, hometown hero Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) successfully defended his WBA interim Lightweight title with a 6th round knockout over Jaider Parra (23-2-1, 12 KOs). 

Perez, who is the mandatory challenger to face current WBA champion Richar Abril, was thrilled with his recent victory and now looks forward to regaining his status as one of the best lightweight in the world. 

"I wanted to make a statement and show my people of Colombia that I'm for real," said Perez. "In the early rounds I was feeling him out and then started to get into a rhythm. That's when my punches started to land more cleanly. After the fifth round I knew he wouldn't last much longer. In the sixth round I finally ended the bout with a nice body shot. I'm ready to fight Abril for the championship. My promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson boxing said they are working hard to get me that fight. I can't wait!"

Perez is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. The event was host to the WBA KO Drugs celebration.  For more information, please visit www.ThompsonBoxing.com and

www.GaryShawProductions.com.

PEREZ vs. PARRA IN COLOMBIA THIS SATURDAY

ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2014) - Interim WBA Lightweight World Champion

Darleys Perez (30-1, 19 KOs) defends his title against fellow Colombian

Jaider Parra (23-1-1, 12 KOs) this Saturday, Oct. 25, in the 12-round main event from the Coliseo Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia. 

Perez, who is currently the WBA No. 1 ranked challenger to current world champion Richar Abril, understands the high importance attached to this interim title defense.

"This is simply another step I need to take to fulfill my goal of becoming an outright world champion," said Perez, who captured the interim title against the previously undefeated Argenis Lopez in June. "I've been focused since day one of training camp and look forward to winning in front of my hometown fans. I know Parra will come out swinging, but I won't let that affect my game plan."

Perez is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. 

"Darleys Perez is back on top of the lightweight division and I know he has what it takes to solidify himself as the best 135 pounder in the world," said

Gary Shaw, president of Gary Shaw Productions. "Parra is a tough opponent, but I think Perez is the more superior fighter who's fought the better competition. A victory for Perez will do wonders for his career."

"We know Darleys to be one of the brightest talents in the lightweight division, and on Saturday, he's going to show the world he's the guy to beat in that loaded division," said Ken Thompson, founder and president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. "He has all the tools and motivation to be great for a long time."

For more information, please visit www.ThompsonBoxing.com andwww.GaryShawProductions.com

DARLEYS PEREZ CAPTURES WBA INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

  

Photo By: Gary Shaw Productions

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (June 28, 2014) - Tonight in Dominican Republic, Gary Shaw Productions' and Thompson Boxing Promotions',  Darleys Perez (30-1, 19 KOs), captured the WBA Interim Title with a hard fought victory against Argenis Lopez (19-1, 7 KOs), who was fighting in his home country.

From the opening bell, Perez was the busier fighter as he threw more punches and landed the cleaner shots.  Lopez never really got into a rhythm and Perez took advantage of the situation by outworking him throughout the fight.  Neither fighter was seriously hurt.  Scorecards read 116-112 and 117-111 twice, all in favor for Perez.

With the win, Perez cements himself as a serious player in the lightweight division.  Many fights can be made with Perez challenging any of the world champions at 135lbs.  Promoter Gary Shaw feels Perez is on his way to a big time fight.

"This is a very big win for us," said Gary Shaw. "Thompson Boxing and GSP are very thrilled to have another world champion to promote.  There are some big fights that can be made so we'll get working on some great opportunities for Perez.  For Perez to win a decision in Lopez's hometown is amazing.  He really earned this victory with tremendous heart and grandeur."

"I knew I had to give it my all to come out here and earn a decision," said Perez. "I felt I was in control of the fight from the very beginning.  I never let up and kept coming strong with controlled pressure.  I know my promoters, Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing have some big plans for my future, so I'm going to just enjoy this win and get back to work when I get home.  I'm happy to bring this title home to Colombia.

DARLEYS PEREZ FIGHTS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WBA INTERIM TITLE THIS SATURDAY IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

  

Photo Credit Tom Casino / Showtime

June 25, 2014 - Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions lightweight contender, Darleys Perez (29-1, 19 KOs) will fight for the interim WBA World title against Argenis Lopez (19-0, 7 KOs) at the Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this Saturday June 28, 2014.

After suffering his first lost to Yuriorkis Gamboa over a year ago, Perez returned to the win column with a convincing victory against Dunis Linan back in December of 2013.  Perez who is ranked WBA #5 looks to position himself for a title shot with a victory against Lopez is rated WBA #4. 

"I've had plenty of time to reflect on my defeat to Gamboa," said Perez. "I've came back with a win against Linan and my confidence is where it needs to be moving forward.  Lopez is coming to fight as am I, so I'm expecting to face a fighter who is determined to take food off my table.  I'm not going to let it happen.  I've worked too hard get back in this position and Lopez better be ready to die in the ring because I am."

"I've only fought once in the last twelve months but I've been training hard while I was on down time," Perez continued. "I'm healthy, in great shape, and I'm ready to go the distance if need be.  I'm going to Lopez's hometown so I'll be gunning for the knockout as I don't want to leave any doubt in the judges' minds."

"Darleys has a great opportunity to put himself in a great position to fight for another world title," said Gary Shaw. "If he comes out victorious, which I believe he will, then I'll be working to get him a title shot against the champion, Richard Abril.  Right now he must focus on Lopez and bring home the victory."