The “O” must go in “Knockout Night at the D” co-feature showdown: Rolando Garza vs. Neeco Macias

Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (August 30, 2016) – In a classic match-up of contrasting styles, Rolando “Rola” Garza and Neeco “The Rooster” Macias will both put their undefeated records on the line in the “Knockout Night at the D” 8-round co-featured event, airing Friday night, September 9, on CBS Sports Network, live from the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside, starting at 11 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.

The 10-round main event pits unbeaten junior welterweights Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs) and Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-4-1, 16 KOs),promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.

Garza and Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will be fighting for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship, are exact opposites in and out of the ring. The winner will advance to the next level of competition in the 154-pound division.

A technically sound boxer, Garza had an extensive amateur background as a member of the Mexican National Team, finishing with a 120-12 record, before turning pro September 29, 2012. The quiet, unassuming fighter 24-year-old was impressive in his last fight, also at the DLVEC this past June 10, in which he dominated previously unbeaten Erasmo Garcia (5-0-1) on his way to an 6-round unanimous decision (59-54, 59-54, 58-56) victory.

Rolando Garza
(Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D))

“The opportunity that Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions and CBS Sports Network has presented me has boosted my confidence to another level,” Garza said. “I have never been more confident in my skills, my team and training. I’m going to show Las Vegas and the rest of country what my talent brings into the ring. Once Las Vegas witnesses my talent, fighting on national television, no one will be able to turn a blind eye. Not only will this fight put my name out there, but better opportunities will present themselves, and that keeps me motivated.

“This fight will propel me into the 154-pound rankings. It’s high risk with an even higher reward: the WBC / US title. My opponent is a brawler; a non-stop, aggressive puncher who moves forward, which will make this fight nothing short of explosive fireworks in the ring.”

In the other corner, the non-stop Macias relies on conditioning and an aggressive, always coming forward approach to break down his opponent. The 25-year-old Macias, fighting out of Palm Desert, California, unlike Garza, who now lives and trains in Austin (TX), had only 30 amateur bouts having started boxing at the relative advanced age of 21. He did win gold medals at the National Blue & Gold Tournament, as well as Central California Golden Gloves and Desert Showdown. Macias is a showman, playing to the crowd before, during and after fights, crowing like a rooster, always with a broad smile on his face.

Neeco Macia
(Photo by Tom Donoghue – the D)
Macias’ last fight, also at the DLVE this past April 16, resulted in an action-packed fight against Limberth Ponce (10-2). Never tasking his foot off the pedal, Macias rolled to a win by 8-round unanimous decision (79-73 X 3), earning him a legion of new fans who were in attendance or watched the fight on CBS Sports Network.

“Fighters don’t really care who they fight, they just want to fight,” Macias explained why his risking his undefeated record against an opponent who has never loss. “I had a fight fall through so, instead of waiting for another fight, when the opportunity to fight a 9-0 guy came, my coaches watched film of him and we agreed that I’m ready. This is the first time I’m fighting on the ‘B’ side, but we’re using that as motivation. I take one fight at a time but I know I’m fighting on TV and need to look good. I want to show everyone that all the hard work has paid off.

“I see this fight as my opponent probably having more skill, he’s technically sound and sets up his shots. But our plan is to take him out of his game plan, wear him down and have some fun doing it. My last fight was my first in Las Vegas and first time fighting on national television. It got a lot of notice. I’ve been through all of that now and will be even better prepared for this fight. It’s awesome fighting in Las Vegas on CBS Sports Network!”