Within the past few months Main Events has added three fighters to its roster: undefeated Colombian welterweight Joel Julio (23-0, 20 KO’s), undefeated St. Paul, MN super-featherweight Jason Litzau (15-0, 14 KO’s), and undefeated Paterson, NJ welterweight Henry Crawford (7-0, 2 KO’s). Julio has knocked out his last seven opponents. Among those impressed by what they’ve seen so far from the highly-touted, 20-year-old Colombian contender are ESPN.com boxing columnist Dan Rafael and Maxboxing.com scribe Tom Gerbasi:
“I’ve seen Julio fight three or four times and he reminds me of a young Acelino “Popo” Freitas because of his charisma and dynamic punching power. Another thing I love about Julio is that he looks like he’s truly having fun in the ring while destroying his opponents, and that’s something fans will appreciate. If Julio can take a shot, he’s got a chance to be an exciting world champion.” Dan Rafael, ESPN.com
“Julio does so many things well that it’s frightening. He’s a fighter that after you see him for the first time, you make an effort to find out when he’s fighting again because he’s just fun to watch – he’s fast, he has knockout power, and he mixes up his attack so well that you really can’t prepare for him because you don’t know how he’s going to beat you.” Tom Gerbasi, Maxboxing.com
Litzau knocked out his first 14 opponents, all within six rounds. The 22-year-old St. Paul, MN native shined in the main event of the July 15 ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” broadcast when he captured a 10 round split-decision over John Nolasco at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, CA. In his Sunday, August 7 column St. Paul Pioneer- Press scribe Sean Jensen reported that “Litzau apparently pleased ESPN2’s Friday Night Fight fans; the ratings were 0.9 (810,101 homes), the sixth most-watched boxing telecast on ESPN2 and the highest-rated one since 2002.” ESPN2 boxing blow-by-blow announcer Joe Tessitore summarized the feelings of those at ringside on July 15 when he commented at fight’s end, “He [Litzau] is so fun to watch.”
Crawford compiled a record of 90-10 as an amateur. He won the NJ State Golden Gloves three times; made it to the National Golden Gloves twice; and reached the finals of the 2004 National Golden Gloves.