Victory Boxing Returns with “Young Guns” feat New Mexico’s Future Champs & Philadelphia’s Boots Ennis

RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO – July 1, 2016 – New Mexico’s rising crop of boxing prospects descends on the Santa Ana Star Center Saturday, July 9th, in a ten-bout event showcasing both local and national blue-chip talent, presented by Victory Boxing. The promotional company, founded by Chris Middendorf, made headlines in April with its debut event in Utah, which featured a slew of undefeated, world class talent, and Victory Boxing is poised to deliver that same quality and exposure to New Mexico boxing fans.

In the main event, “The Atrisco Kid,” Fidel Maldonado, Jr. (21-3-1, 18KO) faces Mexico’s Gerardo “Pipino” Cuevas in an eight round bout at lightweight. Maldonado impressed New Mexico fans and media in January with a second round knockout win over the experienced Michael Clark. This is his first fight at home after a subsequent draw in a hard-fought battle with Armenian Art Hovhannisyan. “I can’t wait to put on a show for my hometown fans,” said Maldonado. “He’s fought a lot of tough guys but when he fights top competition he loses. You can’t overlook the guy, though, because he has power.” Maldonado will have his father, Fidel Maldonado, Sr., a fixture of New Mexico boxing, in his corner on fight night.

In the co-main event, Albuquerque favorite Matthew “Diamond Boy” Griego (5-0, 5KO) returns to fight at home in a four round flyweight bout. Griego, who travels with a huge contingent of “Team Diamond Boy” fans, will look to keep his knockout streak going in front of his hometown crowd. The young fighter, who had over 110 amateur fights, often draws comparisons to fellow New Mexican Johnny Tapia, both in fighting style and heart.

Another New Mexico native, Cuban-American Brian “La Bala” Mendoza (13-0, 9KO) of Rio Rancho will face Dona Ana’s Daniel Calzada. Calzada is the toughest fight Mendoza has had to date, but the fighter’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, isn’t worried. “He hits like a freight train,” said Dunkin of Mendoza. “He’s getting better every fight.”

Dunkin signee Alex Holguin (8-1, 5KO), will make his debut under the Victory Boxing promotional banner. He faces MMA fighter George Roybal in a four round contest at Super Featherweight.

National prospect Jaron “Boots” Ennis (3-0, 3KO), who is coming off his third straight knockout win, will make an appearance on the card against an as yet to be determined opponent, over four rounds at super lightweight. Ennis, who is also managed by Dunkin, was a four-time National Champion and Olympic alternate, who made his debut on the Victory Promotions’ inaugural card in April. Fellow amateur standout and prospect-to-watch Carlos Sanchez (7-0, 7KO) will make his New Mexico debut, undoubtedly wearing his now trademark serape into the ring. He looks to continue his knockout streak against Christopher Russell of Oklahoma in a four round, super lightweight bout. Donovan Cameron (3-0, 3KO), who hails from Manchester England, by way of Las Vegas, will face Hobbs, New Mexico fighter Oscar Espinoza at super welterweight.

New Mexico fighters Ronald Baca (5-3-1, 2KO) and Randy McCarty (1-1-1, 0KO) will battle it out at heavyweight and Eliju Sena (2-0, 1KO) rounds out the card.

“This is the beginning of a long relationship we hope to have with the fight fans, boxing community, and businesses of Albuquerque,” said Promoter Chris Middendorf. “We are building champions, and hope to bring many belts home to New Mexico. We’ve already planned two additional dates here this year, and hope that the fight fans and media will be out to see world class level talent in action, right here in New Mexico.”

Tickets are priced at $54.75, $29.75 and are available at victoryboxingpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on fight night. First bell is at 7:00 p.m.