A press conference was held yesterday at the Magic City Casino in Miami to discuss the Friday, January 4, season-opening broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights, live from Stage 305 in the Magic City Casino.
Headlining the Warriors Boxing and Bad Dog Productions, in association with the Magic City Casino, event entitled “Friday Night Fights at Magic City Casino” will be a 12-round super featherweight main event between Miami’s own Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KOs), currently ranked #5 in the world by the IBF, against fellow undefeated prospect and Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (20-0, 10 KOs), who is ranked #8 in the world by the WBA.
In the co-featured televised bout, Puerto Rican powerhouse Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (15-0-1, 13 KOs) takes on highly regarded Philadelphian Derek “Pooh” Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs) in a junior middleweight 10-rounder.
Up-and-coming contenders Roberto J. Acevedo and Hairon Socarras were also both in attendance at the conference.
Quotes from the Conference:
Richard Dobal (Co-Promoter and President of Bad Dog Productions): “We are very excited about hosting this great event in this venue, Stage 305. We have an explosive card and are looking forward to a great night of boxing.”
Rances Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KOs): “I am happy to be fighting in Miami in front of all my fans and family. I am ready to score an impressive victory for my family and my city. They give me the strength I need to become champion.
Jonathan Gonzalez (15-0-1, 13 KOs): “I am preparing myself physically for this fight to put on the kind of performance that will erase from memory what happened in my last fight. I feel good and training is going great. I will show I am a future champion on January 4.”
Roberto Acevedo (6-0, 3 KOs): “I’m more than ready to fight. I don’t feel any pressure, I’m aware that whatever the outcome the victory will go one way… Team Acevedo’s way!!!
Hairon Socarras (5-0, 4 KOs): “It is always good to fight in your hometown. I feel great and it will be great night of boxing. I can’t wait to perform in front of my friends and family on this fantastic show.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought on the Magic City Casino website: www.magiccitycasino.com as well as in person at the Magic City Players Club. They are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $35.
On fight night, doors open at 7:30 pm and the first bell is at 8:00.
ABOUT MAGIC CITY CASINO
Magic City Casino features 800 Las Vegas-style slot machines, 18-table Poker Room, outdoor concert amphitheater, multipurpose indoor venue, seasonal live greyhound racing and multiple food and beverage outlets, among other state-of-the-art amenities. The casino is open every day (Sunday through Thursday: 10 am to 4 am; Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 5 am). For more information, visit www.magiccitycasino.com.
