So much at stake
Thursday night showdown at Twin River boasts array of storylines and rising stars
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Sept. 13, 2012) – The lineup is set for this fall’s most highly-anticipated boxing event, and, as always, there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer title bouts or good old-fashioned grudge matches.
Titles and bragging rights will be on the line Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012 as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports presents, “Closing Statement,” the finale of its popular 2012 Thursday Night Fight Series at Twin River Casino.
The eight-round main event features a bit of regional flair as Joseph “Chip” Perez (9-1, 3 KOs) of East Hartford, Conn., the newest addition to CES’ roster, battles Hartford’s Chazz “Magnificent” McDowell (6-2, 1 KO), by way of Yonkers, N.Y., for the vacant New England Junior Lightweight title. The McDowell-Perez showdown is one of 10 fights on the card, which also includes two long-awaited rematches.
Tickets for “Closing Statement ” are $40.00, $75.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.
A press conference and pep rally to launch the official kickoff for “Closing Statement” will be held Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Flare West Restaurant, located at 335 Wakefield Street in West Warwick, R.I. This event is open to the public.
“The junior lightweight division in this region is incredible competitive and I applaud both Chip and Chazz for being willing to step up to the table and face one another,” Burchfield said. “This fight will have you on the edge of your seat. You’re going to catch a rare glimpse of two old-school warriors who leave everything in the ring and know how to put on a show for the fans.
“This is what boxing needs. This is what the sport lacks in so many other weight classes. For these two to put their records on the line with no questions asked speaks volumes about their will and determination. I’m honored to have them on this show.”
The 25-year-old Perez has won four consecutive fights since his only loss in April of 2011, including a thrilling slugfest against dangerous Johnny Frazier in July. The two exchanged blows throughout the night, with Perez knocking out Frazier at the closing bell of the fourth round for his first knockout since 2010. McDowell, who splits time between New York and Connecticut, is looking to bounce back from a close, unanimous decision loss to undefeated super featherweight prospect Emanuel Gonzalez in July.
“Closing Statement” also features two, four-round rematches, the first between Providence, R.I., super middleweight Alex Amparo (4-0, 2 KOs) and Nick Lavin (2-3, 2 KOs) of Shelton, Conn., who will face another again almost one year to the date of their first showdown in October of 2011, a fight Amparo won by majority decision, 39-37, 38-37, 38-38, at Twin River.
Also, Providence female bantamweight Shelito Vincent (4-0) will face Ivana Coleman (0-1) of Slidell, La., for the second time in four months. Vincent won the first bout convincingly, sweeping all four rounds on each of the scorecards in July to earn a unanimous-decision win.
Sparks will fly in the heavyweight division when hard-hitting Alex Santos (6-0, 5 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., puts his undefeated record on the line against Providence’s Josh Harris (8-6-1, 6 KOs). The show also features two additional regional battles as former The Contender reality television star Rich Gingras (11-3, 7 KOs) of Attleboro, Mass., returns to face Providence’s Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight bout and newcomers Jon Smith of Cranston, R.I., a former three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, and Dinis Paiva Jr. of East Providence, R.I., who has five professional mixed martial arts fights under his belt, square off in a four-round welterweight bout.
“The Vermont Bully” Kevin Cobbs (5-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will look to keep his perfect record intact when he faces tough veteran Alexander Mancera (8-4-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., in a four-round light heavyweight bout and middleweight Thomas Falowo (7-1, 5 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., will battle Ontario, Canada veteran Michael Walchuk (9-6, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Woonsocket, R.I., middleweight Joey Gardner (8-5-1, 1 KO) will also be featured on the undercard in a separate bout.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Closing Statement.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must enter through the West entrance.)
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