Boxing News Boxing News
On March 20, 2009 , ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights Boxing Series” invaded beautiful Laredo, Texas, with an excellent fight card which drove the local and area contingent out in force as over four thousand rabid boxing fans crowded the Laredo Entertainment Center.
The event was promoted by Banner Promotions and delivered nonstop action. What further made the card a complete success was the presence of Cestus Management products Rodolfo Gomez and Robert Luna Jr.
Both Gomez and Luna Jr. produced scintillating performances which left everyone in attendance gasping for more.
The local fans were also given a special treat when Cestus Management’s good friend and supporter, Mexican boxing legend and current undisputed world lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez flew in all the way from Mexico City, Mexico and showed his class outside of the ring, to be at ringside to support the two Cestus fighters by leading them into the ring for each of their fights.
Robert Luna Jr. (142 pounds) was featured in the second non-televised undercard fight of the night and was true to form as he battered Kingsville, Texas, combatant Oscar Gonzalez (142 ½ pounds) over four rounds.
The Iraq war veteran, showcased his entire arsenal as he unleashed bone shattering combinations which seriously damaged the game but clearly outgunned Gonzalez. All three judges scored the bout 40-35 in favor of Luna Jr.m who improved to 3-0 with 1 knockout.
As the fight night went on, local fan favorite Rodolfo Gomez brought the thousands present to their feet as he made his way to ring.
The energy inside the Laredo Entertainment Center was intoxicating as everyone in attendance was still buzzing from Luna Jr.’s display of brutality and where now anticipated witnessing another breathtaking knockout by the six-foot, three-inch power punching Mexican-American phenomena.
The fans were not disappointed as in the opening round, Gomez dropped Villarreal with a quick left hook to the jaw. The dazed but determined Texan beat the count and was eventually saved by the bell.
It did not matter as Gomez came out in the second and went right back to work using his amazing eighty inch reach in the form of a left jab.
Villarreal, sensing that he was in over his head, began to charge in with his head in an attempt to rattle Gomezm who responded by dropping a crushing right hand on Villarreal’s face which sent the Texan crashing to the canvas and brought the live crowd to a roar.
There was no need for a count as Villarreal laid flat causing the referee to immediately call a halt to the contest. Gomez improved to 3-0 with 3 knockouts.
Gina Iacavou, who is the CEO of Cestus Management, said, “We are so proud of both Robert (Luna Jr.) and Rudy (Gomez) as they looked sensational. Robert showed his amazing brute force and Gomez displayed his one punch power capability. The local fans were treated to a great night of boxing and we are looking forward to returning to Laredo next month with more of our fabulous stable of fighters.”
Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s Founder, stated, “The local fans and televised audience were treated to a great show as all of the fights on the card were well matched and entertaining.
“Gomez and Robert Luna Jr. displayed the kind of talent and power that we at Cestus Management are known to produce and are without question going to be exciting TV fighters.
“The Laredo fans are educated boxing people and understand that they are witnessing the development of two young fighters in Gomez and Luna Jr. who have the potential to grow into great professionals.
“We would like to thank ESPN and Banner Promotions for putting on a very exciting event. I would also like to personally thank The whole of Laredo for supporting the event and also my good friends World Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez and Gente Entertainment’s Director Anthony Velasquez for their continued support.
“Gomez and Luna Jr will be back in action in Laredo, Texas, on April 18, 2009, so get ready to lock the doors and run for cover!”
