ORANGE, Calif. – Two weeks from today, Thompson Boxing Promotions begins its monthly Southern California boxing series with what can only be described as a clash of all-action fighters between undefeated knockout artist Carlos Carlson(12-0, 9 KOs) and the upset-minded Javier Gallo (21-8-1, 12 KOs). They will battle for the vacant WBC Latino Bantamweight Title Friday, Feb. 28, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Both fighters hail from Tijuana, Mex., which makes this eight-round main event even more intense as hometown bragging rights are at stake.
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“We are both after the same prize,” said Carlson, who signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions last year. “Gallo is a tough, veteran boxer that’s going to come at me from the opening bell. He presents a tough obstacle, but I know what I need to do to win that title.”
Carlson is on a knockout spree having won his last seven fights by stoppage. Among his favorite punches is a left hook to the body that carries enough stopping power to flatten opponents.
“I prefer to mix it up on the inside and land body punches to tire out the opposition,” Carlson said. “Sooner or later, they are going to drop.”
Gallo, a versatile bantamweight that accorded himself well against the strong and former world champion Vic Darchinyan, had won three straight before losing a technical decision against Felipe Orucuta in October. He moves well, throws punches from a variety of angles and has faced quality opposition.
“Carlson has not faced anyone quite like me,” Gallo said. “I am more experienced, have a stronger resume and motivated to capture this championship belt.”
The co-feature showcases another pair of exciting bantamweights. Once-beaten Issac Zarate(6-1) of Los Angeles takes on Christian Torres (3-4) of Guadalajara, Mex. in a six-round fight. Zarate is not known for his punching prowess, but an active motor allows him to fight at a fast pace.
“I am not one that likes to waste a round or two, feeling out opponents,” Zarate zaid. “In a six-round fight, you do not really have time to get comfortable. I typically start fast so I can fight from an advantage throughout the bout.”
Erick Ituarte (6-0-1, 1 KO), an undefeated featherweight prospect out of Santa Ana, Calif., puts his young skills to the test against an opponent to be named later. The fight is scheduled for four-rounds. Ituarte is one of a handful of fighters that signed a promotional deal with Thompson Boxing Promotions late last year.
Justin Davenport (1-0-1, 1 KO), a heavyweight from Lake Arrowhead, Calif., goes for another knockout victory against the undefeated Edward Ramirez (1-0, 1 KO) of Yuma, Ariz. The bout is scheduled for four-rounds. Davenport is also a new addition to the Thompson Boxing roster. A formal announcement will be coming soon.
Former Colombian Olympian Cesar Villarraga (1-0, 1 KO) aims to look impressive in his second fight as a Thompson Boxing/Gary Shaw Productions fighter when he meets Osman Rivera (2-5) of Los Angeles in a four-round fight. In his professional debut, Villarraga notched aspectacular fourth round knockout over Sopaun Rin in September.
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Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Dr. Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.
“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Antonio Leonard TNT Productions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with KCAL 96.7 Rocks!, KOLA 99.9 and LATV Networks.
