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.

JONATHAN MAICELO RETURNS TO THE RING THIS FRIDAY IN NEW YORK

NEW YORK (November 20, 2014) - Tomorrow November 21, 2014 at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York, Gary Shaw Productions lightweight contender, Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring to face hard hitting veteran Hector Velasquez (56-23-3, 38 KOs).  The 10-round bout promoted by New Legend Boxing Promotions will serve as the main event of the evening.

Rated WBA #7, WBO #11 and WBC #22, Maicelo looks to keep the momentum going after his hard fought victory against previously once beaten contender, Art Hovhannisyan (17-2-2, 9 KOs), a fight that took place on July 11, 2014.

Known for having great boxing skills, Maicelo feels confident in his ability to outbox Velasquez, who is notorious for having heavy hands. 

"After I suffered my first loss a few fights back, I realized I needed to dedicate more on my conditioning," said Maicelo. "With a new workout regimen implemented into my training, I feel I can go twelve rounds with ease.  I'm learning how to relax more in the ring which will help me be an all around better fighter.  Velasquez is a big puncher so I will have to be on my toes and do my best to outbox him.  I know I'm the better fighter and I'm ready to prove it this Friday."

"Maicelo is making a nice comeback and I can see the improvement in his stamina," said Gary Shaw. "He was in tough with Hovhannisyan and came out on top.  So I know he can continue marching up the lightweight rankings.  He's still top fifteen in two of the sanctioning organizations.  He's right there ready to challenge any of the top contenders in the division."

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS:" JOHNSON AND MAICELO VICTORIOUS

SHELTON, WA (July 12, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions presented another great night of boxing on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, WA.

In the main event Tureano Johnson (15-1, 10 KOs) handed Mike Gavronski (14-1-1, 10 KOs) his first defeat, as they battled in a 10-round middleweight showdown for the WBC Continental Americas Middleweight title. Johnson started off slow, but kept the pressure on Gavronski, wearing him down as the fight went into the later rounds.  Johnson used a pressure style to break down Gavronski, who seemed to wilt when the going got tough.  With the win, Johnson gets back into world title contention.  Scorecards read 99-91 across the board in favor of Tureano Johnson.

"I wanted to get back in the win column," said Johnson, "Gavronski is a good fighter with a lot of heart so I take my hat off to him for going the distance with me.  I learned a lot it this fight and I feel I still have room to grow as a fighter.  My goal is to become a champion one day and I'm not going to stop until I accomplish it.  My promoter Gary Shaw says he'll get me a big fight so I'm just going to keep working hard in the gym.  I'll be back in the ring before you know it." 

In the 10-round co-feature, lightweights, Art Hovhannisyan (17-2-2, 9 KOs) and Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs) went the distance in an exciting action packed bout. Both fighters had their moments, but is was Maicelo who took control of the fight from the start. Maicelo used his superior boxing skills to outwork Hovahannisyan, landing the cleaner shots throughout the bout.  Every time Hovahannisyan looked to take control, Maicelo would come back with some hard shots to halt his momentum. When it was all said and done, Maicelo won a split decision to capture the WBC International Silver Title. Scorecards read 100-90 Maicelo, 96-94 Hovahannisyan, and 97-93 Maicelo.

"I trained really hard for this fight and my conditioning made a positive difference," said Maicelo. "I knew Hovhannisyan was going to be tough and he brought the fight to me.  My timing was on tonight and I was landing some clean shots.  I'm looking forward to what Gary Shaw has planned for me in the future."

Undercard Results

Kenneth Simms Jr. defeated Evan Woolsey via third round knockout.

Eduardo Martinez won a unanimous decision against Lavale Wilson.

Fatlum Zhuta vs. Shariff Woo Johnson ended in a majority draw.

Jennifer Hamann defeated Ariel Beck via unanimous decision

ESPN Friday Night Fights heats Up

SHELTON, WA (July 8, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions, ESPN "Friday Night Fights" is heating up when main event fighters Tureano Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs) and Mike Gavronski (14-0-1, 10 KOs) battle in a 10-round middleweight showdown for the Continental Americas USNBC Title. Also, in the 10-round co-feature, lightweights, Art Hovhannisyan (17-1-2, 9 KOs) and Jonathan Maicelo (20-1, 12 KOs) will go to war for WBC International Silver Title. The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins this Friday July 11 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA. Johnson vows to make a statement in this fight being that he his last bout against Curtis Stevens was stopped early. "I can't let this fight go the distance," said Johnson, "I don't want to leave this fight in the judges hands. The goal is to throw hard shots all night and take him out. Gary Shaw said this is a big opportunity for me to get back into the mix at middleweight so I'm coming to put on a show. Everyone should be tuning in this Friday." Mike Gavronski knows he's in a tough fight and promises to be victorious agains Johnson. "Johnson is a good fighter, but I don't think he has the talent to be," said Gavronski. "I'll be fighting in front of my home town fans and I'm not going to let them down. I will be victorious on Friday night." In a crossroads bout, Jonathan Maicelo and Art Hovhannisyan will put everything on the line to advance their careers. "The time is now for me to step up my game," said Maicelo, "Shaw said the winner this fight will move on to bigger and better things, so I must win. I will do whatever it takes to get the victory." "I'm at a point in my career where I can't look back, said Art Hovhannisyan. "There is no room for error and on Fridaynight I'm coming to win. I will break the will of Maicelo to come out on top." "The main event and co-main event fighters are at a crossroads in their career," said Gary Shaw. "I can guarantee the fans watching in attendance and all around the world will see an amazing night of boxing. Whoever comes out on top will be rewarded with the big fight. All the fighters understand the significance of what's on the line, so I expect to see a tremendous effort from everyone." "I also want to thank Brian Kweeder for giving GSP the opportunity to present another night of great ESPN fights," Shaw continued. "These are real fighters that come to fight in the ring." Tickets priced $100, $50, $35 and $20 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Little Creek Casino at 1-800-667-7711, onsite at the Little Creek Casino Box Office, or online at www.little-creek.com.

GSP HOT PROSPECTS KENNETH SIMS JR. & EDUARDO MARTINEZ TO FIGHT ON JULY 11 AT LITTLE CREEK CASINO

 Photo By Paul Gallegos

NEW JERSEY (July 1, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions are happy to announce the return of their highly touted prospects,Kenneth "Bossman" Sims Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) and Eduardo Martinez (2-0, 1 KO).  Both fighters hail from Chicago and will fight July 11, 2014 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.

Headlining the ESPN "Friday Night Fights" card will be middleweights Tureano Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs) and Mike Gavronski (14-0-1, 10 KOs) who'll battle in a 10-round middleweight showdown for the Continental Americas USNBC Title.  In the co-feature, lightweights, Art Hovhannisyan (17-1-2, 9 KOs) and Jonathan Maicelo(20-1, 12 KOs) will square off for the WBC International Silver Title.  The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST.

Simms Jr. will fight Evan Woolsey (2-2) in a 4-round Welterweight bout.  The fight will be the TV swing bout of the night.  Sims Jr. is coming off an impressive first round KO in his last fight and will look to continue the momentum.

"It felt real good to get that knockout in my last fight," said Sims Jr. "I'm going to come out strong again and see what happens.  If I can get the knockout then that would be great.  I'm not going to be headhunting but I'll be throwing hard shots for every angle. I really want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard for keeping me busy. If I get a chance to make an appearance on ESPN I'll make the most of my opportunity."

Martinez battles Lavale Wilson (1-3) 4-round Featherweight bout.  Martinez also recorded a first round knockout in his last bout, the first of his career. 

"Shaw and Leonard are doing a great job keeping us busy," said Martinez. "I'm a pressure fighter so I'm always looking to wear down my opponent and get the knockout.  I'll be aggressive in this fight and will be doing my best to please the fans with a great exciting fight."

"This is going to be a great card with a lot of exciting fights," said Gary Shaw. "Sims and Martinez are hungry and I know they are going to bring a ton of action to the Little Creek Casino.  The main and co-main will open up doors for the winners so I'm expecting to see something special from each fighter." 

Rounding out the undercard will be Jared Torgeson (0-1) vs. Marquise Weston (2-0, 1 KO) in a 4-round Cruiserweight bout, Guillermo Delgadillo (4-6-1) vs. Ricardo Maldonado (3-1) in a 4-round Lightweight bout, Fatlum Zhuta (Pro Debut) vs. Woo Johnson (Pro Debut) and Jennifer Hamann (Pro Debut) vs. Ariel Beck (3-0). 

Tickets priced $100, $50, $35 and $20 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Little Creek Casino at 1-800-667-7711, onsite at the Little Creek Casino Box Office, or online at www.little-creek.com.

ESPN 'FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS' HOVHANNISYAN VS. MAICELO JOHNSON vs. GAVRONSKI JULY 11 FROM THE LITTLE CREEK CASINO

NEW JERSEY (June 11, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions presents, ESPN "Friday Night Fights"July 11, 2014 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.  The 10-round main event will feature lightweights, Art Hovhannisyan (17-1-2, 9 KOs) vs. Jonathan Maicelo (20-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC International Silver Title.  In the co-feature, middleweights Tureano Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs) and Mike Gavronski (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will battle in a 10-round middleweight showdown for the Continental Americas USNBC Title.  The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST.

Hovhannisiyan, who resides in Glendale, California, is coming off two impressive victories after suffering his first professional loss, a close unanimous defeat to Alejandro Perez.  With momentum mounting, Hovhannisiyan, will look to get back into world title contention with a victory.

"As a fighter, I've come to realize you learn most about yourself after a defeat," said Hovhannisiyan. "I've rededicated myself to training smarter, and my drive to be a world champion is greater than ever. Shaw knows I'm hungry to get back on top.  Maicelo will have his hands full when we step in the ring on July 11th."

Peruvian born Maicelo is also seeking to get back into title contention with a win. He vows to bring the fight to Hovhannisiyan and realizes a victory will get him closer to a world title shot. 

"I feel like my back is against the wall," said Maicelo. "I'm coming to make a statement and I'll be going for the knockout.  Hovhannisiyan is a good boxer, but he's not better than me.  I know I can win this fight and continue marching toward a world title. The fans can expect to see me bring the fight to Hovhannisiyan. Gary Shaw is the best promoter in boxing"

Tureano Johnson, who hails from the Bahamas, is eager to get back into the ring after a controversial loss to Curtis Stevens, in which he was winning on all scorecards, but had the bout stopped prematurely by the referee. 

"In my last bout, the referee stopped the bout early, and I suffered my first loss," said Johnson. "It was a very disappointing moment in my career but I'm ready to move on and show the world I'm one of the best fighters in the middleweight division.  I'm coming back stronger than ever and I can't wait to mix it up with Gavronski.  Nothing is going to stop me from getting this victory.  I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw for getting back in the ring, especially on ESPN."

Known for having power in both hands, hometown hero Mike Gavronski, has a perfect record and looks to continue his winning ways against Johnson.

"I'm happy to be fighting at home in front of all my family and friends." Gavronski said, "Johnson is a very tough fighter coming off a tough loss to Stevens so he's going to bring it when we step in the ring. I look forward to the challenge and I'm confident I can defeat him. It's going to be a great fight and I'm coming to put on a show for everyone."

"This is another great ESPN "Friday Night Fights" event," said Gary Shaw. "All the fighters on this card bring a crowd pleasing style and The Little Creek Casino will be loaded with fireworks on fight night. There is a lot on the line for the Main and Co-Main event fighters.  The winners will set themselves up for a big fight, so fans can anticipate a night filled with ferocious action."   

"We're excited to bring ESPN 'Friday Night Fights' back to Little Creek Casino Resort," said resort CEO Michael Starr. "The past events have provided great drama and excitement, and these fights promise to provide another thrilling night for our visitors and guests.

Tickets priced $100, $50, $35 and $20 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Little Creek Casino at 1-800-667-7711, onsite at the Little Creek Casino Box Office, or online atwww.little-creek.com.