(New York, NY) When Joelo Torres steps in the ring on March 31, as part of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing, he will be following the lead of the some of the greatest Puerto Rican pugilists to come before him. He will be performing in New York City, home to one of the nation’s largest Puerto Rican populations.
Torres (11-0-1, 7 KOs) headlines Broadway Boxing from the BB King Blues Club & Grill in the heart of Times Square, battling Leo Martinez (14-12, 6 KOs) of Chicago. Also featured on the show are fellow unbeaten prospects: heavyweight Tor Hamer (10-0, 8 KOs), light welterweight Gabriel Bracero (8-0), middleweight Denis Douglin (7-0, 3 KOs), and middleweight Aleem Whitfield (2-0, 2 KOs). Less than 50 tickets remain for what promises to be a memorable night of action.
From Wilfredo Benitez to Wilfredo Gomez, Jose Torres to Felix Trinidad, the greatest Puerto Rican boxers have all plied their trade in New York City, fighting in front of raucous crowds that rival any on their home island. It’s not a fact lost on Joelo Torres, who hopes to build a similar fan base fighting regularly in the city that never sleeps.
“I’m very happy, excited, and motivated to be on this stage,” said Torres. “I am ready to give a great spectacle in my second home, where millions of my fellow countrymen live. New York City is the capitol of the world!”
Across the ring from Torres will be Martinez, who lacks a gaudy record, but has plenty of fighting spirit. Martinez holds a win over former world champion Eric Aiken, and was impressive in his last fight: a four round decision win over Oscar De La Cruz in April, 2009.
Torres, however, has been on a roll since suffering the lone setback of his career, when he fought to a draw with veteran contender Chris Fernandez in 2008. In his two bouts since, Torres has fought a total of two rounds, including a first round stoppage over the typically durable Washington Hago in front of a vocal BB King crowd in his last outing.
Against Martinez he plans to ride the hot streak, even if the knockout doesn’t come as quickly as his fans have been getting accustomed to.
“I’ve worked very hard to make sure we are prepared for anything that [Martinez] brings,” said Torres. “I will be looking for the KO but I am prepared to go 8 solid rounds.”
Promoter Lou DiBella is confident in his charge, and confident that if Torres continues to impress in front of the New York City fight fans, it won’t be long until he becomes the next Puerto Rican superstar to firmly establish himself in the Big Apple.
“Joelo has not only the look, but the skills and pedigree to back it up,” said DiBella. “Each time he fights, more and more fans show up to cheer him on. It seems like only a matter of time before he becomes the next great attraction of Puerto Rican descent in our sport.”
Torres understands the heavy expectations, but embraces them with open arms. While he remains focused on his fight next Wednesday, he also keeps an eye toward the future, and what lies ahead as he continues to pile up the wins.
“I will show my fans,” said Torres. “That the Island of Puerto Rico will soon have another world champion and his name is Joelo Torres!”
Tickets to Broadway Boxing are available by calling DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577. Tickets are $55 for General Admission, $75 for Floor Seats, and $125 for VIP Ringside tickets. However, only floor seats remain for this nearly sold out event. Additional information can be found by visiting DiBella Entertainment on the web at www.dbe1.com