Undefeated welterweight Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (11-0, 8 KO’s) is getting ready for his April third national television debut when he takes on Juan Rodriguez Jr. (12-1, 5 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature of an ESPN “Friday Night Fights” card in Corona, Calif.
The event is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions, and originates from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.
Tickets are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.
In the main event, Petr Petrov (35-4-2, 16 KOs) will defend his NABA & NABO lightweight titles against former world champion Gamaliel Diaz (39-11-3, 18 KOs).
Shelestyuk, who was a 2012 Bronze Medal winner in the London Olympic games, has been training at the Wild Card Gym with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Marvin Somodio. The Ukrainian-born Shelestyuk is looking forward to this great opportunity to display his talents in front of a nationwide audience.
“Juan Rodriguez is a good fighter, but I will show what I am made of on Friday night,” said the 29-year-old Shelestyuk, who lives and trains in Los Angeles. “I can fight and adjust to any opponent during the fight and will do anything to win. I have been waiting a very long time to fight on national television and now it’s here.”
Also on the card, undefeated welterweight prospect Sukhrab Shidaev (12-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Calif. will fight an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).
Former Colombian Olympian and undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga (6-0, 4 KOs) will look to stay unbeaten against Victor Serrano (3-8-1, 1 KO) in a 6-round lightweight bout.
Making his professional debut is junior lightweight Michael Norato facing fellow novice Sopuan Rin (1-1-1) of Pomona, Calif. in a fight scheduled for 4-rounds.
Humberto Rubalcava will also step inside the squared circle for the first as a professional. Rubalcava, a super bantamweight from Riverside, Calif. will face an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).
Opening the event are junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (12-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. (6-rounds).
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT and the first bout starts at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first TV fight begins at 6 p.m. PT on ESPN2. The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, Calif. 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447.
For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com and BannerPromotions.com.