Boxing News Boxing News
Undefeated Teon Kennedy, of Philadelphia, PA, makes the first defense of his USBA super bantamweight title when he faces Jose Angel Beranza, of San Pedro, CA, in the scheduled 12-round main event on Saturday evening, May 22, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight at 7.30 p.m.
This will mark Kennedy’s first fight since Nov. 20, 2009, the night he won the vacant USBA title in his tragic encounter with Francisco Rodriguez, of Chicago, IL, at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, PA.
In that match, which was close on the scorecards after nine rounds, Kennedy won by knockout when referee Benji Estevez stopped the contest at 1.52 of the 10th round. Rodriguez had taken a beating in the 10th, but was still on his feet when the fight was stopped.
Rodriguez was led back to his corner and he sat down on the stool, but when he did not respond minutes later, he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. He died 48 hours later from brain injuries suffered in the fight.
Kennedy, 23, has a 14-0-1 record, 6 K0s. The win over Rodriguez landed Kennedy the No. 13 spot in the IBF world rankings at 122 pounds. A former National Golden Gloves flyweight champion, Kennedy has pro wins over Castulo Gonzales, Thomas Snow and Lucian Gonzales.
Beranza, 33, turned pro in 1996. His pro record is 32-17-2, 25 K0s. He has fought some of the best in the world between 118 and 122 pounds, including world champions Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr., and Jhonny Gonzalez, as well as top contenders Jorge Lacierva, Antonio Escalante, Nestor Rocha and Jonathan Oquendo.
Twice in the last 16 months Beranza upset unbeaten prospects. He out-pointed Jesus Rojas, then 13-0, on Dec. 6, 2008, on the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao card at the MGM in Las Vegas, and he also beat highly touted Juan Carlos Velasquez, then 9-0, on July 24, 2008, on an ESPN-televised card from El Paso, TX.
The combined record of Beranza’s last 13 opponents was 260-33-10.
Tickets for the seven-bout card, promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., are priced at $75 and $50. They are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.xcom and www.Ticketmaster.com.
