Boxing News Boxing News
World ranked flyweight contender Rayonta Whitfield will battle Sergio Espinoza for the NABO Flyweight Title on Saturday, February 27th at the Bell Auditorium, it was announced today by TKO Boxing Promotions.
A press conference to announce the event was held this past Tuesday at Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s office in Augusta.
Said Augusta native Whitfield, “I’m thrilled to be fighting for the NABO Flyweight Title against Sergio Espinoza, but most importantly I’m very happy and proud to be able to fight at home in front of my family and friends. The support that I receive here at home is outstanding and I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance in my hometown on February 27th.
Mayor Copenhaver was effusive with his praise for Whitfield, “We’re all very proud of Rayonta. He’s accomplished a great deal both as an amateur and professional, and Augusta looks forward to cheering him on in his bout against Espinoza on the 27th.”
The 28 year old Whitfield, 23-1-0 (11KO’s) is currently world ranked #4 by the IBF and #5 by the WBO. He is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over Evaristo Primero on October 10th in Houston.
On February 7, 2009, Whitfield battled WBO champion Omar Navarez in Chubut, Argentina evenly over nine rounds before the bout was abruptly halted in the champions’ hometown although Whitfield was unhurt and fully able to continue in the battle.
Hailing from San Diego, California, the 31 year old Espinoza brings a record of 16-6-1 with five knockouts into the title bout with Whitfield. Espinoza is a staple in the highly competitive Southern California boxing scene where he is known for his numerous world class battles over his nine year professional career.
The co-main event will feature outstanding junior lightweight prospect Mickey Bey Jr. in a ten round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Title. After a highly successful amateur career, the 26 year old Cleveland, Ohio native has amassed an undefeated professional record of 15-0-0 (8KO’s). Last year, amongst his three wins was an eight round decision over highly regarded prospect Rashad Ganaway on August 22nd in Houston, Texas.
The undercard includes outstanding newcomers; welterweight Joseph Elegele, 3-0-0 (2KO’s) of Melbourne, Florida and junior featherweight Robert Rodriguez, 1-0-0, from Greeley, Colorado. Additional bouts and further details on the undercard will be announced shortly.
Advance tickets will go on sale at 10am Friday morning, February 5th, priced from $27 to $102 (including a $2.00 facility fee), through the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, (www.georgialinatix.com by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX or in person at the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, 601 Seventh Street).
A $5.00 in person box office discount for all military, police and fire personnel along with college students with proper ID is available in all price ranges until February 26th. The Bell Auditorium is located at 712 Telfair Street in Augusta, Georgia; doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.
