HOLT SET TO TAKE ON DIAZ MAY 13 AT
CHUMASH CASINO RESORT AND LIVE ON
ESPN2 FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS!
Two world champions known for never backing down will meet at the crossroads in the main event of promoter Gary Shaw in association with Thompson Boxing’s outstanding Friday Night Fights broadcast from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, on Friday May 13.
Set to clash in the sensational 10-round “Fight Night at the Chumash” welterweight main event are Paterson, New Jersey’s former WBO Light Welterweight Champion Kendall “Rated R” Holt (26-4, 14 KOs) and Coachella, California’s former IBF Lightweight World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz (38-6, 27 KOs).
In the televised 8-round co-main, the “Next Puerto Rican Superstar”, undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Gonzalez (12-0, 12 KOs) will face the toughest test of his young career when he takes on Chicago’s power punching Rudy Cisneros (12-2, 11 KOs) in a fight that is almost certain not to go the distance.
At this stage in their impressive careers, neither Holt nor Diaz can afford to lose. Both men, already known for the thrills they delivered the boxing world in the past, will be fighting to stay relevant in today’s welterweight division. A victory means another trip up the mountain to try and make the top. A loss means a long climb back into contention.
After dropping two consecutive fights to strong opposition, Holt came back with a 1:50 TKO win last January over veteran Lenin Arroyo. Diaz has notched two good victories since he suffered consecutive losses in 2009.
“Both of these guys have too much to lose for this to be anything but a sensational fight,” said promoter Gary Shaw. “They’re both going to be coming out knowing they must win if they are to ever win another world championship.”
“Mantequilla” Gonzalez has been perfect in his professional career so far, not allowing anyone to make the final bell. But, in Cisneros he is faced with an opponent who can match him power shot for power shot. Fireworks are certain.
“I believe Jonathan has what it takes to become a champion you can mention in the same breath as Miguel Cotto, but we’ll be finding out for sure on May 13,” continued Shaw. “Rudy Cisneros’s only loss in the last seven years was on the show The Contender. He’s a tough fight for anybody.”
Scheduled to appear on the night’s undercard are undefeated Texas super middleweight Kurtiss Colvin (4-0, 4 KOs) in a four-rounder vs. TBA and a six-round all-California featherweight battle as Rufino Serrano (8-3) takes on Edgar Flores.
Also seeing action that night will be Santa Barbara junior middleweight Francisco Santa in a six-round bout vs. TBA; Colton, California, welterweight Artemio Reyes (11-1, 10 KOs) vs. TBA over six rounds, Female junior flyweight Seniesa Estrada will make her pro debut vs. TBA and undefeated super featherweight Joel Diaz (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round fight vs. TBA.
Although the Chumash has become a hotbed of world-class boxing in California, this will be the first time the ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” crew has broadcasted from the beautiful venue.
Opponents will be announced shortly. All bouts are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $35, $45, $55, $65, and $75 and are available at Star Tickets.
You must be 18 to enter the Chumash Casino Resort.
