CHICAGO (February 14, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions’ highly touted amateur standouts, Kenneth Sims Jr. and Eduardo Martinez, will make their pro debuts on March 7 at the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, Calif. Both fighters hail from the Chicago area and will be facing opponents to be announced in 4-round bouts. The card, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, will be televised on ESPN 2 “Friday Night Fights”
A decorated amateur with over 200 fights, Kenneth Sims Jr. will compete in the lightweight division. Standing 5’10, Sims will look to use a reach advantage he most likely will have against almost all his opponents. A dynamic boxer-puncher, Sims will look to impress in his pro debut.
“Making my pro debut will be a dream come true for me,” said Sims Jr. “This is the moment every fighter looks forward to coming out of the amateurs and my goal is to come out victorious. I’m looking to make statement in this fight and let the boxing world know I have arrived. I want to thank Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard and James Prince for giving me this opportunity.”
With an aggressive style, bantamweight Eduardo Martinez brings excitement to the ring with punching power in both hands. Turning pro is something Martinez has envisioned since he first stepped in the gym.
“Wow, I can’t wait to get in there and finally feel what it’s like to fight with no head gear and small gloves,” Martinez said. “I know my style is fitted for the pros because I’m a pressure fighter who likes to stay in front of my opponent. I want to make Gary, Antonio and James proud with a great win.”
“I’m thrilled to have Sims Jr. and Martinez on this card making their pro debuts,” stated Gary Shaw. “This will be a wonderful fight card from top to bottom featuring some of the best young fighters in the world. Both these kids are incredible.”
Co-Feature and entire undercard to be announced.
Tickets for the Gary Shaw Productions event, priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at Pala Resort Casino Box office, at the Pala Privileges Center, or by calling 1-877-WIN-PALA. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.startickets.com or by calling 1-800-585-3737.
The Pala Casino Resort and Spa is located at 11154 Hwy 76, Pala, CA 92059. Doors open at 5:00 p.m, first fight starts at 5:30 p.m (PST). ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST.
