Solo Boxeo from Hidalgo Texas Has Stacked Undercard, Including Jermell Charlos vs. Luis Grajeda
On Friday, November 12, Golden Boy Promotions returns to the Rio Grande Valley to feature one of the Valley’s own at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. Weslaco native Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. (10-0, 8 KO’s) will fight against Arturo Quintero of Las Vegas, Nev. in the main event of “Sólo Boxeo Tecate,” while Houston’s undefeated welterweight prospect Jermell Charlo faces top Mexican prospect Luis Enrique Grajeda in the eight round co-featured bout.
“We are excited to bring boxing back to the Rio Grande Valley,” said president of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya. “With a young star like Omar in the main event in a tough fight like he is in against Quintero, and a co-feature between two top undefeated prospects like Charlo and Grajeda, this is a show you do not want to miss.”
Anthony Cavazos, president of Cavazos Boxing and co-promoter of the event, said that he is excited to see Figueroa get this golden opportunity in front of his hometown fans. “Omar is a rising star and this is an exciting time for him to get an opportunity like this,” said Cavazos. “He signed with Golden Boy a year ago and now he is close to a shot at a title. Also, he gets a chance to fight his first eight rounder in a main event fight in front of the Valley fans. Omar has been training really hard with former world champion Jesse James Leija and I am sure he will be in tremendous shape.”
Figueroa vs. Quintero, an eight round bout which headlines a night of world-class professional boxing, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cavazos Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at the State Farm Arena at 6:00pm PT, the first bell rings at 7:00pm and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 11:30pm ET / 8:30pm PT (10:30pm CT). Fans at home can also be part of the action by voting for the fighter in the main event who displayed the most character during the telecast by sending a text message to 55333.
A two-fisted banger who has earned the nickname “Panterita” for his ability to destroy any opponent in his path, 20-year-old Omar Figueroa (10-0, 8 KO’s) has blasted his way to eight knockout victories since his professional debut in 2008. As he continues his third year as a professional on November 12, the native of Weslaco, Texas looks forward to battling Arturo Quintero in front of his hometown crowd.
26-year old Arturo Quintero (15-4, 9 KO’s) is blessed with power and poise in the ring and he’s used both to win 15 of 19 bouts. A rugged competitor who never shies away from a challenge, the Las Vegan makes plans on showing the young gun Omar Figueroa a thing or two.
In 13 professional fights, Houston’s Jermell Charlo (13-0, 7 KO’s) has barely lost a round, dazzling opponents with his speed, combinations and ring savvy. Perhaps the scariest part of Charlo’s ring resume is that he’s accomplished all that he has at only 20 years old. On November 12, fresh off of back-to-back knockout wins over Adan Murillo and Quinton Whitaker, Charlo will get a chance to battle it out with fellow unbeaten prospect Luis Enrique Grajeda.
Two-time Mexican national amateur champion Luis Enrique Grajeda (10-0-1, 7 KO’s) is one of his country’s top prospects, blessed with poise and power in the ring. A two-year professional, Grajeda has already defeated the likes of Osvaldo Rojas and veteran Cristian Favela in 2010. However, he showed more than just skill in his September bout against Alan Sanchez when he rose from two knockdowns to battle his way to an eight round draw, displaying the heart many believe will one day take him to a world championship.
Also appearing on the event is Weslaco native Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (28-3, 21 KO’s) who will make his much anticipated return to the Valley following his battle with former World Champion Antonio Margarito which Garcia lost via a hotly contested unanimous decision.
“Even though Robert lost the 10 round war, he can honestly say he hung in there with one of the most feared fighters in the world and came out of it pretty clean,” said Cavazos. “I am excited to see Robert come back and fight here in the Valley. In fact, the buzz is already on the streets and the phones have been ringing off the hook due to the fact Robert is fighting here once again.”
The hard hitting undercard will also feature local favorites Raul Tovar (8-4-1, 3 KO’s) and Juan Manuel Lopez (7-4, 5 KO’s).
Tickets, priced at $25, $55, $75 and $105 on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. For VIP seating and table information, contact Anthony Cavazos at 956-369-0742.
“This is going to be a big night of boxing here in the Rio Grande Valley” said Cavazos. “We are expecting a big crowd so get your tickets early.”
