CES Boxing: Gringas, Flamos Headline July 17 Pro-Am Show

The second Pro-Am boxing show in Rhode Island history will be held July 17 as two stars from The Contender IV television reality show, Rich Gingras and Tim “The Hammer” Flamos, headline the “Braggin’ Rights” card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.

Gingras and Flamos battle for the vacant EBA cruiserweight championship in the 8-round co-main event.

Claremont (NH) native Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), now fighting out of Attleboro (MA), was the 2006 World Ringside Championships winner in the heavyweight division before turning pro.

Flamos (20-6-1, 8 KOs), former EBA and New England cruiserweight champion, continues the rich boxing tradition established by Rocky Marciano and extended by “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler in the City of Champions – Brockton (MA).

The second half of the co-main event is a 6-round rematch of interstate Milltown rivals, EBA New England lightweight champion Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (11-0, 4 KOs), of Pawtucket (RI), and challenger Sean Eklund (6-4, 1 KO). Eklund, trained by his uncle “Irish” Micky Ward, and his Irish fans felt he was robbed in his first fight against Soto.

“This is a great opportunity for boxing fans to see tomorrow’s stars today as well as for some top New England amateurs to get a shot at fighting on a showcased card,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “Understanding that times are tough in today’s economy, we’ve rolled back ticket prices so that it’s affordable for most everyone.

“Fans all over the world recognize Gingras and Flamos from The Contender and it’s a terrific match-up between two warriors. People are still talking about the first Soto-Eklund fight. Both sides thought they won and they want to settle things this time. We’re also excited about some of the young pros on this card.”

Super middleweight Vladine Biosse (1-0, 1 KO), who played football at the University of Rhode Island, is the newest member of the CES stable. He makes his CES debut in a 4-round fight against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the July 17 card are a pair of unbeaten local favorites, cruiserweight Jay Holland (2-0, 1 KO) and exciting light welterweight Diego Pereira (3-0, 2 KOs), in 4-round bouts.

Rollback ticket prices for “Braggin’ Rights” are $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $65.00 ($10.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and $100.00 ($25.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Braggin’ Rights.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)