“Knockout Night at the D” returns Friday, Nov. 18 Blanco vs. Brock, Cruz vs. Gonzalez

Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 27, 2016) – “Knockout Night at the D” returns Friday night, November 18, airing live (9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center tent, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).

North American Boxing Association (NABA) United States lightweight champion Reynaldo Blanco (13-2, 7 KOs) makes his first title defense against challenger Demond “Body Shot” Brock (12-3, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Hall of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside, along with roving reporter Sean Wheelock, on CBS Sports Network.

The 29-year-old Blanco, fighting out of the Dominican Republic by way of Puerto Rico, captured his NABA US title belt this past January, taking an 8-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Angel Luis Ocasio (8-0-2). In his last fight in July, Blanco stopped another undefeated challenger, 14-0 Mario Beltre, in the second round for the Dominican Republic lightweight championship.

New Orleans-native Brock, who learned how to box serving a 15-year prison sentence, defeated Chuy Gutierrez (14-0-1) in the June 10th “Knockout Night at the D” show to retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States lightweight title in his first title defense. Brock, 35, originally captured his title belt in 2015, by way of an 8-round unanimous decision over Oscar Valenzuela (9-1-1).

In the 8-round co-feature, Puerto Rican junior middleweight Daniel “El Duro” Cruz (11-1, 10 KOs) takes on former Mexico welterweight champion Norberto Gonzalez (22-8, 13 KOs).

Cruz, who has knocked out 10 of his 11 victims, is the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino junior middleweight champion having captured that vacant title in his last fight (July 17, 2015), stopping Aaron Garcia (14-3-1) in the second round in Florida.

Always dangerous Gonzalez is a proven upset specialist with victories against 30-3 Javier Francisco Maciel (DEC8), 20-1 Michael Oliveira (DEC10), 18-2 Antonio Arras (DEC10), and 22-3-1 Joel Juarez (DEC6).

In the television opener, rising junior lightweight Randy Moreno (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Mexican veteran Daniel Perales (7-5-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 6-round bout. Fighting once again at home in Las Vegas, Moreno will be in his first 6-rounder, as well as on national television for the first time. The gifted 20-year-old is coming off explosive back-to-back knockouts of Fabian Alaniz and Gaige Ireland in a pair of “Knockout Night at the D” events in September.

“The hottest series in boxing returns November 18th with another great event,” said Keith Veltre, CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “Once again, the main event and co-feature are pick ’em fights. ‘Knockout Night at the D’ fights are known for its competitiveness and entertainment value. And we remain committed to showcasing local prospects like Randy Moreno, who will be fighting on national television for the first time. Fans in attendance as well as those watching on CBS Sports Network will be into these match-ups from the opening bell.”

Keeping with its goal to showcase young talent based in Las Vegas, junior flyweight Marina “Rocky” Ramirez (2-0), and pro-debuting cruiserweight Jason Beauchamp are slated to be fighting in separate 4-round bouts.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $1,000.00 VIP booth (includes 15 admissions), $50.00 VIP ringside, $25.00 and $15.00 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. PT.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.