Emmanuel DeJesus Ready To Steal Show On Telemundo
Oct 7, 2015 • 1:14 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
With a nickname like “Pirata” (“Pirate”), it’s only natural for Emmanuel DeJesus to always fight with the intention of stealing the show.
It’s what fans can expect from the unbeaten welterweight from Puerto Rico when he faces Cosme Rivera this Friday at Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Their scheduled eight-round bout will in the chief support to the return of Orlando Cruz in a super featherweight clash with Gabino Cota, with fights to be showcased in the fall season premiere of Boxeo Telemundo.
DeJesus (15-0, 10KOs) has emerged as a familiar face on the Telemundo circuit, though rarely gaining actual screen time. The 22-year old prospect has helped prime the crowds in non-televised supporting capacity, although he is now ready for his long-overdue closeup.
“This kid is the goods,” insists Felix ‘Tutico’ Zabala, Jr., the lead promoter of the event. “I’m not just saying that to sell the event; just watch him in action and see for yourself. Mr. DeJesus can fight, and that’s the reaction that comes from observers every time he steps in the ring.”
DeJesus’ career is in the capable hands of Tony Gonzalez and his team, the same group that has served as the driving force behind former champ Yuriorkis Gamboa. While the majority of his career has been staged in Florida and Puerto Rico, he passed his latest test with flying colors, scoring a unanimous decision win over Luis Vidales on the road in Panama this past April.
The 11-round decision marked the deepest he’s had to go to win a fight since turning pro in 2012, and will now face a former welterweight contender in his next ring appearance.
TV/TICKET INFORMATION
Friday’s show airs live on Telemundo, beginning at 11:35 p.m. ET.
A limited number of seats are still available at the Kissimmee Civic Center, which traditionally sells out prior to the opening bell. Tickets can be purchased by at the box office, either at the counter (201 E. Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741) or by calling the hotline at (407) 935-1412.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
