John Jackson Returns, Looking for Redemption and Revenge Against Jerez

Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, junior middleweight dynamo John "Dah Rock" Jackson (18-2, 15 KOs) will return to action on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the Quorum Córdoba Hotel in Cordoba, Argentina, against hometown veteran Carlos Adan "El Malevo" Jerez (40-17-3, 18 KOs). Presented by Sampson Boxing, Maravillabox, Tello-Box and J.E.B. Boxing, Jackson vs. Jerez will serve as one of the main supporting bouts for a night of boxing headlined by Carolina Marcela Gutierrez (22-4-1, 13 KOs) taking on Yulihan Luna Avila (11-2, 1 KO) for the vacant IBF World female super bantamweight title. 25-year-old Jackson says his fight against Jerez will serve two purposes: First, Jerez was the first fighter to pin a loss on his cousin, Samuel Rogers and so some family-style revenge is on the menu. Secondly, this will be Jackson's first fight since his shock KO loss to Ireland's Andy Lee last June at Madison Square Garden. Fighting on the PPV-broadcast undercard of Martinez vs. Cotto, Jackson dominated every minute of the first four rounds against the highly rated Lee before running into perfectly timed right hand at 1:07 of round five. Jackson had put Lee down in round one and battered him around the ring non-stop, but got careless against the dangerous puncher as he was moving in for the kill. "John knows he got careless against Lee," said Jackson's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. "He knows what he did wrong and paid a heavy price for it. He was beating Andy Lee all over the ring and forgot about his defense. It's something that will never happen again." Lewkowicz says Jackson is still young and will be able to recover from the surprise loss quickly. "He's a very strong, good young fighter and he learned a very important lesson against a fighter with a lot more experience. But before the lucky punch, it was apparent that John Jackson is a top fighter who can handle other highly rated contenders in his division very well. Once he gets his revenge for his cousin Samuel against Jerez, he will continue to rebuild by taking on tough foes to regain his position in the rankings. This is far from the last of John Jackson. It was just a learning experience on his way to the championship." Gutierrez vs. Avila and Jackson vs. Jerez will be televised live on Argentina's TyC Sports. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Willie Nelson express back on track After elbow surgery derailment To headline this week's ESPN FNF

(photo by Bob Barton / Rumble Time Promotions) ST. LOUIS (August 4, 2014) -- World super welterweight contender Willie "The Great" Nelson (22-1-1, 13 KOs), rated No. 5 in the world by the World Boxing Council (WBC), is back on track after surgery to his left elbow temporarily derailed his very promising career. Nelson takes on former Mexican champion Luis "Slayer" Grajeda (17-2-2, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon, Nevada. "My elbow is fine, 100-percent, and I don't even think about it when I'm fighting," Nelson said. "It's been frustrating but I'm a fighter and I'm looking forward. I'm focused on winning this fight, not on who I might be fighting next. I can't get my big fight without making a big splash this Friday night. Grajeda is in top shape, always comes to fight, and nobody's ever stopped him." Nelson is riding an impressive six-fight win streak into this Friday night's fight. He had moved up to No. 3 in the WBC and signed to fight three-time world title challenger Matthew Macklin last December on HBO, however, the aforementioned elbow surgery forced him to pull out of that fight. Nelson was on a real roll, too, ranked as high as No. 3 in the WBC with all signs pointing towards his first world title fight in 2014.   Following his upset win over one Olympian, 2004 Cuban silver medalist Yudel Jhonson (currently WBC #18) by 10-round decision (97-92, 97-92, 95-94), Nelson defeated former U.S. Virgin Island Olympian, previously unbeaten (13-0) John Jackson (currently WBC #6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (98-92, 96-94, 96-94) for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title. Then, on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Nelson registered a sensational first-round knockout of Michael Medina (26-3-2), whose ankle was fractured from the force of the blow. This scintillating performance earned Nelson his first shot on HBO, in which Nelson took a 10-round decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) from underrated Luciano Leonel Cuello (32-2), who is currently No. 13 by the WBC. The stage was set for Nelson's showdown with Macklin at 160 pounds, albeit for his elbow injury, which momentarily curtailed his rise to stardom "We're grateful to ESPN for once again giving Willie great exposure fighting again on national television," added Steve Smith (Rumble Time Promotions) who co-promotes Nelson with DiBella Entertainment. "A bad injury that required elbow surgery slowed his career but he put in a lot of hard rehab and we're moving forward together as a team. HBO has indicated to us that Willie will be fighting back on HBO later this year, but he needs to look greatthis Friday against a hard punching opponent who's never been stopped. "It's not easy getting top guys to fight Willie because of his size (6' 3 ½" and 81" reach) and tremendous talent as an elite boxer-puncher. We thought Willie was going to fight (James) Kirkland on HBO a few months ago but he was MIA. Sooner, rather than later, Willie's time to shine will come." Alicia vs. Huff in Friday night's undercard Another Cleveland fighter also co-promoted by Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, undefeated middleweight prospect Eduardo Alicea (7-0, 3 KOs), is also scheduled to fight on this Friday's card against Kirk Huff (3-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. The 23-year-old Alicia had a sterling 143-16 amateur, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2007 National Junior Olympics champion. Famed trainer Robert Garcia is Alicia's chief second. Nelson returned to the ring this past June 7 at Madison Square Garden on the off-TV undercard of the Miquel Cotto--Sergio Martinez pay-per-view event. The freakishly built super welterweight from Cleveland took out all his bent-up frustrations out on veteran Darryl Cunningham (29-6), who was decked twice in the opening round before referee Eddie Claudio mercifully halted the action only 2:43 into the action. Now, Nelson continues his quest for a world title and/or career-defining fight, showcasing his vast skills this Friday on ESPN FNF against Grajeda. Grajeda is far from being a soft touch, though, despite American boxing fans not really knowing anything about him. To the contrary, he's never been stopped in 21 pro fights, defeated Hector Camacho, Jr., among the more notable, and went the full eight-round distance in a competitive loss by decision to WBC #3 Jermell Charlo. "This kid (Grajeda) can fight," Nelson's head trainer Jack Loew added. "He's 17-3 and a big, strong, hungry kid who at 6' 1" can punch. He has everything to gain fighting the No. 5 super welterweight in the WBC. If he can pull off an upset, he's right in the picture. "Any setback at this stage is frustrating. My guy deserves a big fight but that's what an injury like Willie had can do. It's not fair but sometimes it's that way in boxing. My job is to make Willie believe in me and that he'll get there. He knows I'm not lying because I've been there before with Kelly Pavlik, who was 27-0 before he had his first real big fight. I believe everything happens for a reason. We didn't fight Macklin but that's in the rear mirror. If we let everybody do their job (to get Nelson into a big fight), it's easier for us to do ours in the gym and ring." For more information about Nelson go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com or Dbe1.com. Follow Nelson on Twitter @Trae_fab_5ive.

Willie Nelson victimized by power play Loses out on HBO PPV fight vs. Andy Lee

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release    (photo by Bob Barton / Rumble Time Promotions) ST. LOUIS (April 24, 2014) -- World junior middleweight Willie "The Great" Nelson 21-1-1, 12 KOs) has been caught in the middle of a boxing power play, resulting in the loss of his HBO PPV debut fight June 7 against Andy Lee (32-2, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Team Nelson had agreed to the Lee fight, which was supposed to be part of the HBO PPV headlined by Miquel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez.  However, plans changed yesterday with the announcement that Lee will now face John "Dah Rock" Jackson (18-1, 15 KOs), the same fighter Nelson defeated in 2012. The switch reportedly was the result of a power play led by Jackson's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who demanded a Jackson rematch with Nelson.  When Team Nelson rejected the offer, Lewkowicz leveraged Lee vs. Jackson, essentially forcing Nelson off the televised portion of the show. Nelson is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rumble Time Promotions. DiBella promotes the Lewkowicz-managed Martinez. "Why would we fight Jackson again," Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith asked rhetorically.  "We're moving forward not backwards.  We already beat him; Willie's rated higher (WBC #3 and WBC #5) and there was relatively little money in that fight.  We wanted to fight Lee, he wanted to fight Willie." Nelson upset previously undefeated Jackson (13-0), the son of three-time, two division world champion Julian Jackson, September 15, 2013  by 10-round decision (98-92, 96-94, 96-94) on the Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. HBO PPV card in Las Vegas. Prior to defeating the U.S. Virgin Island Olympian for the vacant NABF title, Nelson had upset another Olympian, 2004 Cuban silver medalist Yudel Jhonson, by 10-round decision.  Nelson, fighting out of Cleveland, went on to beat Michael Medina (26-3-2) by way of a sensational first-round knockout, and followed up with a victory by 10-round decision on HBO over Luciano Leonel Cuello (32-2), who is currently WBC #15 rated in the 154-pound division. Nelson was scheduled to fight Mathew Macklin last December on HBO but Willie was forced to withdraw due to an elbow injury that required surgery. After losing to Nelson, Jackson has won five fights in a row, albeit in carefully matched bouts against relatively unknown opponents such as Alexander Hernandez (11-9-1), Alexis Pena (7-2), Cerresso Fort (16-0-1), Tony Hirsch (14-5-2), and Jorge Miranda (51-15).   "I'm very disappointed," Nelson's trainer Jack Loew said.  "I expected a lot more from Lou DiBella." Still scheduled to fight June 7 but now against an opponent to be determined, Nelson is the highest-rated fighter on the entire undercard, yet he'll be fighting off television.

"The Hawk's Flock" Re-Signs Deal with Sampson Boxing and 340 Boxing

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, along with Lesley Comissiong and Jose Rosario of U.S. Virgin Islands-based 340 Boxing, proudly announce the re-signing of "The Hawk's Flock", the sons: John "Da Rock" Jackson (18-1-15 KOs) and Julius "The Chef" Jackson (17-0 13 KOs), and nephew, Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs), of former three-time world champion  Julian "The Hawk" Jackson to a long-term promotional agreement. The fighting trio originally signed with Sampson Boxing/340 Boxing in 2008, but has made such remarkable progress during the term of their first promotional agreement, that each says they are happy to continue the partnership. "It feels great. I wouldn't even think about signing with anyone else," said 2008 Olympian and WBC #7 Junior Middleweight John "Da Rock" Jackson (18-1-15 KOs). "We've got the best team in the world and I'm excited to see where this year brings us. I can't wait to get back in the ring." "This team that has been put together has been the best thing that ever happened to my career," said WBC #6, WBA #14, and IBF #15-rated super middleweight Julius "The Chef" Jackson (17-0 13 KOs). "We're going to keep working with this team and I'm excited for the future." "I am very pleased to be staying with this team," said junior middleweight contender Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs). "I will continue to work my hardest and do my part to make the most of all the great opportunities my promoters have given me. The future is very bright." The fighters are not the only ones happy to be continuing this promotional alliance. "There was not even a thought about not re-signing this deal. Sampson Boxing has been very good to us through the years and we will be together for years to come," said Tony Rosario of 340 Boxing. "There was not even a thought about not re-signing this deal. We have the best promoter in the world with Sampson Boxing. He is the most honest and transparent man there is in boxing and that was a big thing. We are very happy with him. Sampson and 340 in 2014 will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future." "We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Sampson Boxing and thankful for the opportunity to re-sign, John, Julius and Samuel," said Lesley Comissiong of 340 Boxing. "We're looking forward to taking the boxing world by storm with these three athletic phenomenons." "It has been a pleasure to work with all three fighters and my wonderful partners at 340 Boxing," said Sampson Lewkowicz. "The sons and nephews of Julian Jackson are on their way to making their own boxing history and I am proud to be part of it." The family patriarch, former three-time world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, says he's also pleased with the deal. "Having a deal like this for my boys is something that I have always dreamed of. I'm very pleased with the way things are going and I never had anyone else in mind than Sampson. He is the man who will finish the job and make my boys world champions." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Fighting Jacksons to Face Tough Battles in Historic Cordoba, Argentina, Stadium Show on December 7

On Saturday, December 7, at the 20,000-seat Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes (Chateau Carreras Olympic Stadium) in Cordoba, Argentina, promoters Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Charly Tello of Tello-Box, and Lesley Comissiong and Jose Rosario of 340 Boxing will proudly present an historic night of professional boxing. Held in conjunction with the 100-year anniversary of the legendary soccer club Talleres de Cordoba, the event will feature the two sons and nephew of the legendary Champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, known as the "Hawk's Flock", taking on the primary Argentinean sparring partners of middleweight champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez in separate bouts. In the 10-round middleweight main event, Julius "The Chef" Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, will face Cordoba, Argentina's Marcos Hector Vergara (28-3, 21 KOs). Also in featured 10-round bouts will be promising super welterweight contender John "Dah Rock" Jackson (17-1, 14 KOs) of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, taking on Carlos Adan "El Malevo" Jerez (37-16-3, 18 KOs) of Cordoba, Argentina, and super welterweight prospect Samuel "The Hunter" Rogers (14-0, 8 KOs) of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, going against  Guillermo Suarez (14-3, 4 KOs) of Cordoba, Argentina. On the undercard, local product Carolina "Chapita" Gutierrez (21-2-1, 13 KOs) of Cordoba, Argentina, will face Anahi Salles of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a women's 6/8-round super bantamweight battle and in an eight-round "All Cordoba" crosstown lightweight battle, Luis Antonio "El Pony" Garay (10-3, 1 KO) will face Jose Carlos "Puro" Paz (6-1, 2 KOs). "We were happy to have made history with over 50,000 fans in attendance for Sergio Martinez vs. Martin Murray last April and we're going to do it again with this show," said event co-promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. "We are fully expecting a sell-out in this beautiful stadium for a night of highly competitive fights between the best of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the main training partners of 'Maravilla.'" ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Lewkowicz Offers Congratulations to Virgin Islands Victors

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing wishes to congratulate all the fighters he promotes and/or co-promotes who scored victories Saturday night at the "Boxing in Paradise 6" show, held at Antilles School's Mark C. Marin Center in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Topping the bill that night were "The Hawk's Flock", the sons and nephew of legendary world champion Julian Jackson. Junior middleweight son John "Dah Rock" Jackson (17-1, 14 KOs) defeated Tony Hirsch by eight-round unanimous decision (scores: 79-73, 77-75 and 78-74), while super middleweight son Julius "The Chef" Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) scored a TKO 1 North Carolina's Julius Fogle. Junior middleweight nephew Samuel "The Hunter" Rogers (14-0, 8 KOs) notched a TKO 2 Eduardo Adorno (time 1:26). All three are co-promoted by Sampson Boxing and Leslie Commissiong and Jose Rosarioof 340 Promotions. Other Sampson Boxing prospects to emerge victorious were Las Vegas resident and undefeated junior featherweight Rocco Santomauro (11-0, 1 KO), who scored a unanimous six-round decision (scores: 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55) over Christian Fernandez and Puerto Rican junior welterweight Daniel Rosario Cruz (5-0, 4 KOs) who needed just 25 seconds to stop Jordan Wisenfeld. "I congratulate all my fighters for their victories on Saturday night," said Sampson Lewkowicz. "They are at different levels in their careers, but each one moved forward and that was the goal. They were all impressive in their performances and I'm very happy a sold-out crowd got to watch them in action. I wish to thank my promotional partners, 340 Promotions for being so wonderful to work with and I am looking forward to the next show in this island paradise."

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Lewkowicz: Fortuna Would KO Any Featherweight in the World

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz would like to congratulate his fighter, Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic for his sensational first-round KO over Mexico's Miguel Zamudio. Fighting in the main event last Friday (April 19) at the Tropicana Showroom in the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City (and televised live worldwide on ESPN Friday Night Fights), Fortuna came out like a human buzz saw and dropped Zamudio twice, the second time rendering him unconscious for several frightening minutes at 1:08 of the first round. Unfortunately, Fortuna was unable to made the 126-lb featherweight limit before the fight (he weighed in at 126.6 lbs) and lost his WBA Interim belt on the scale, but the performance against Zamudio was eye-catching enough to cement him as a major force in the division, title belt or not. Fortuna's promoter, however, says he's disappointed in criticisms from those who said Fortuna and Zamudio didn't belong in the same ring. "How can anyone make that determination?" said Sampson Lewkowicz. "What Fortuna did to Zamudio is what he did to Yuandale Evans, who was undefeated and many thought was going to beat Fortuna. It's the same thing he did to Cristobal Cruz, a former world champion. It's what he did to Victor Valenzuela, who was 8-0. He did the same thing to Zamudio that he did to two of his last three opponents and there was no questioning their quality as fighters. It's impossible to say based on what we saw if Miguel Zamudio belonged in there. Fortuna would do that to anyone in the division." Lewkowicz says Fortuna will continue to campaign at featherweight and he will be looking to help him regain his championship as quickly as possible in a high-profile fight. "Javier was only .6 overweight, and it's possible he could have lost the weight, but even though it cost me money I would not let him risk his health. My fighters are like my children. He will make the weight next time. I am putting a challenge out to the promoters of any world champ or any top featherweight to come and face Javier Fortuna. He is the best of the best at featherweight and he will do what he did to Zamudio to anyone. It really doesn't matter who I put in front of Javier. They're getting knocked out."

Lewkowicz Congratulates Jackson for Impressive Victory against Fort

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing congratulates Virgin Islands slugger John "Dah Rock" Jackson (16-1, 14 KOs) for his impressive nationally televised victory over formerly undefeated "Sir" Cerresso Fort. Fighting in the eight-round co-main event last Friday (April 19) at the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, and live worldwide on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Jackson was stronger and faster than the well-regarded Fort and won by unanimous decision (77-75, 79-73 and 79-73). WBC #15 Jackson was expected to face a test against Fort (then 16-0-1, 11 KOs) but was simply a league above his game opponent. Jackson took Fort's power with ease while delivering world-class power shots in dazzling combination. It was an impressive win for the 24-year-old son of former world champion Julian Jackson. "John was sensational," said Lewkowicz. "He showed he is a class above even well-regarded prospects. Fort is a strong fighter and John was just too good for him. Even though he is a KO puncher, he took his time and picked Fort apart. That was a veteran move and it showed his true championship character." Lewkowicz says Jackson will be back soon in an even higher profile matchup. "The next fight will hopefully be an ESPN main event against a quality opponent that will showcase to the world that he is a future champion. And after that, I will be looking to the premium cable channels like HBO to put him in a world-title fight. I believe it's going to be a big year for John Jackson."

Fort: This Fight Will Be My Introduction

They call St. Paul, Minnesota, junior middleweight Cerresso Fort (16-0-1, 11 KOs) "Sir" because of his cordial nature. He's a very nice young man.

But heading into the biggest fight of his life tonight, Fort knows it is now time to earn the respect of the boxing world by being anything but polite against Virgin Islands slugger John "Dah Rock" Jackson (15-1, 14 KOs).

The two will meet tonight (Friday, April 19) at the Tropicana Showroom in the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City and live across the country on ESPN Friday Night Fights (10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN and later televised Saturday April 20, at 2:30 a.m. on ESPNEWS).

The exciting eight-round match-up will serve as the main supporting bout to Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) defending his interim WBA World featherweight title against Sinaloa, Mexico's Miguel "Mikol" Zamudio (25-1-1, 13 KOs) in the main event.

"I give a lot of respect, I was raised well by my grandmother, but I know it's time for me to go out and get my respect now. That's what this performance against Jackson will be about. It'll be my introduction to the boxing world."

Fort, a former accomplished amateur and cousin to highly touted prospect Gary Russell Jr., says he's got a surprise for Jackson, the hard-punching son of former champion Julian Jackson.

"I've got power too. He's going to feel it. I call myself a puncher/boxer. He's either going to have to throw in the towel or get knocked out because I'm here to show the world what I can do. I didn't have a famous father in boxing. I have a lot of will built in me. I used to run six miles a day to get to the gym. I made me who I am. I didn't have any help from anyone famous."

Fort spends his off-time working at the boxing gym he's partly owns called Element Boxing and Fitness in St. Paul, training children and adults.

"The dream is to be world champion someday. That's why I'm in it. And after this fight, all the fans will know who I am. People inside boxing have known who I am for years because of my amateur career, but now the fans around the world are going to see what I can do!"

###

This event is presented by Sampson Boxing.

In another featured bout Ghana's Emmanuel Lartei Lartey (14-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on the Dominican Republic's Jonathan Batista (13-0, 6 KOs) in a six/eight-round welterweight battle of undefeateds.

On the undercard, undefeated Anthony Young (7-0, 3 KOs) of Atlantic City will face St. Clair, Pennsylvania's Rafael Montalvo (2-3, 2 KOs) in a  four-round welterweight clash and Brooklyn, New York's Dean Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) will face Durham, North Carolina's Vernon Alston (5-4, 5 Kos).

Tickets for "Fortuna vs. Zamudio" are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Tropicana box office on fight night.

On fight night, doors open at 7:00 (approx.) and the action starts at 8:00. The Tropicana Casino & Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Jackson Ready for 'Exciting War' Against Fort

"My dad gave me the name 'Dah Rock'. He said that when I hit it feels like a rock in my gloves. The island we're from, they call it the rock too. Plus, God is my rock. I heard him say that and I said 'yeah. I like it.'" Growing up the son of one of boxing's hardest hitters ever, you have some pretty big gloves to fill if you plan on becoming a fighter, but so far, Virgin Islands slugger John "Dah Rock" Jackson (15-1, 14 KOs), son of legendary champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, isn't doing so bad at it. 16 fights into his career, the elder Jackson was still fighting preliminaries. Going into his 17th fight, WBC #15 Jackson is set to face St. Paul, Minnesota's undefeated "Sir" Cerresso Fort (16-0-1, 11 KOs) in the televised six-round co-main event this Friday (April 19) at the Tropicana Showroom in the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City and live across the country on ESPN Friday Night Fights (10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes andWatchESPN and later televised Saturday April 20, at 2:30 a.m. on ESPNEWS). Presented by Sampson Boxing, the spectacular tripleheader of world-class boxing will be topped by La Romana, Dominican Republic's dynamic Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) defending his interim WBA World featherweight title against Sinaloa, Mexico's Miguel "Mikol" Zamudio (25-1-1, 13 KOs) and will also feature Ghana's Emmanuel Lartei Lartey (14-0-1, 7 KOs) taking on the Dominican Republic's Jonathan Batista (13-0, 6 KOs) in a six/eight-round welterweight battle of undefeateds. "A lot of people compare me to my dad because of the power I got from him, but my dad was something special," admitted Jackson of his father, who also serves as his assistant trainer (with head trainer David Rogers). "He had that one-punch power that puts guys to sleep. I'm glad I got some of what he had at least. And I'm glad to be his son and represent him." Jackson says he's ready for war against the formidable Fort, a match-up that could prove to be the runaway winner of Fight of the Night. "I know he's undefeated and a very strong fighter, and a hard hitter also. We're both heavy-handed. I'm going in there focused and ready for war. I know it'll be exciting. The people who tune in are going to love it. I'm not going out for a KO. I'm just going in to work and it if comes, it comes. Early or late I will take it, but I'll go in there and do what we worked and come out with the impressive win." Unlike his father at similar points in their careers, the younger Jackson has already suffered a career loss. Last September in Las Vegas, he dropped a close but unanimous decision to the streaking Willie Nelson in a battle for the NABF Championship. "I learned a lot," he admitted. "It was the best fight I've had to date, an exciting ten-rounder and I fought hard. It could have gone either way. I learned a lot about myself. I learned I can go ten and I can take a punch. It was a great experience." Jackson is one of a fistic trio with his brother, undefeated super middleweight contender Julius "The Chef" Jackson (15-0, 11 KOs) and cousin, undefeated super welterweight Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (13-0, 6 KOs), known as "The Hawk's Flock" a play on Julius Jackson's fighting nickname. "We mostly spar with each other. We go real hard at each other, but we don't try to see who is better. We train three times a week, so we can't be trying to win every day. Sometimes, we each get the best of each other and there are some wars, but there is no family rivalry." Jackson says that, like his father, the dream is to eventually strap a world-title belt around his waist for his beautiful homeland. "My dream is just to keep moving up, get to the top and be world champion. That's the ultimate goal: to hold a world title and defend it. That's the dream. I think I could get some more experience first. After a couple more fights, I'll be ready to go in there and capture my dreams." ### On the undercard, undefeated Anthony Young (7-0, 3 KOs) of Atlantic City will face St. Clair, Pennsylvania's Rafael Montalvo (2-3, 2 KOs) in a  four-round welterweight clash;  Brooklyn, New York's Dean Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) will face Durham, North Carolina's Vernon Alston (5-4, 5 KOs) in a four-round lightweight bout; and in a pair of  four-round heavyweight battles, undefeated Charles Martin (6-0-1, 6 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri, will face David Saulsberry (7-5, 7 KOs) of Greenville, Kentucky, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Eric Newell (5-2-1, 3 KOs) will take on Virginia Beach, Virginia's Joe Cusomano (6-1, KOs). Tickets for "Fortuna vs. Zamudio" are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Tropicana box office on fight night. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 (approx.) and the action starts at 8:00. The Tropicana Casino & Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk in Atlantic City.