Philippines, 26 Sep 2024
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Crossroads fight this Friday night for Matt Conway at “Battle at the Fairgrounds” Pro Boxing returns to Pittsburgh area

PhilBoxing.com




PITTSBURGH (June 1, 2021) – A lot is on the line for Pittsburgh super featherweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway this Friday night (June 4) when he headlines the second installment of the popular “Battle of the Fairgrounds” series, presented by Gionta Management, at Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Conway (18-2, 7 KOs), a former International Boxing Association (IBA) Intercontinental lightweight champion, takes on Colombian knockout specialist Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (38-26, 30 KOs), the former Colombian Super Bantamweight Champion, in the 8-round main event for the vacant IBA Intercontinental Super Featherweight Championship.

The 25-year-old Conway is in a crossroads fight having suffered the first losses of his pro career. He is coming off a win by way of a 6-round unanimous decision this past February against Vincent Jennings, but prior to that fight, Conway stepped up in class and lost to Francisco Esparza (9-1-1) and Gabriel Flores, Jr. (16-0), respectively, by way of 8-round split and unanimous decisions in Las Vegas on Top Rank-promoted cards against its fighters.

Conway, who has never been stopped as a professional, realizes that he needs to get back on the winning track and he’s thrilled to be headlining in his hometown.

“It’s kind of a crossroads fight for me because now, I don’t have much wiggle room and losing can’t be an option,” Conway said. “But losing those two fights pushed me to get better and taught me what I had to work on, and it’s not like I got blown out of those fights. I can still make my mark with quality opponents. I learned to be more patient, and I need to trust myself and know I’m there for a reason.

“Being pumped for this fight is an understatement, especially headlining in a title fight. People are going crazy because they wanted boxing back after the pandemic and we’re making it happen. My hometown fans always come to support me and with this fight in my backyard, I’m ready to put on a show.”

Battle-tested Perez, who has fought world champions Cristian Mijares and Abner Mares, has become a gatekeeper having fought rising prospects such as Toka Khan Clary, Carlos Videl, Nestor Bravo Velezquez, Karl Dargan, Luis Rosa, and many others during the past decade.

“I know my opponent is tough,” Conway added. “He has a lot of experience and is coming here to fight, but I don’t want this fight going more than six rounds. An impressive victory will let everyone know I’m in the running to make some noise, especially in the IBA. My name has a little buzz to it, but it’s not big enough.”

Unbeaten Pittsburgh super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (6-0-1, 2 KOs) faces upset-minded Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (4-9-2, 2 KOs) in the In the 6-round co-featured event. A former mixed-martial-arts fighter (12-8 as an amateur), Cantolina has successfully transitioned to boxing, evident by his pro record.

Ohio super featherweight Ryizeemmion “Humble Beast” Ford (4-1, 3 KOs) meets 21-fight veteran Christopher Nelson, of Louisville, in a 6-rouind match.

Puerto Rico-native Joel De La Paz (10-1, 6 KOs), a promising prospect out of Atlantic City (NJ), takes on Cleveland challenger Latiss Norman (4-6, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout. De La Paz is riding a 3-fight win streak since he suffered his only pro loss in 2018 to 8-1 Naim Terbunja.

Also slated to fight on the under in 4-round bouts are Pittsburgh’s Deon Goodlow (1-3) and Ivan “The Hurricane” Hernandez (2-4-1, 2 KOs), of Buffalo, battle in a 4-round fight at a 152-pound catchweight, Buffalo lightweight Gerffred Ngayot (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, and Ohio super featherweight Shawn Rall (0-4) vs. North Carolina’s Brandon Grimett (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $30.00 general admission, $50.00 reserved seating, and $100.00 table seats (limited available) and available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta
Twitter: @DGionta
Instagram: @d_p_g1
LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Filipinos Vayson, Uduna, Espinas, Soledad Make Weight for Highland Show Sep 26 in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • Melvin’s next defense in Japan?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • Mikaela Mayer, Xander Zayas, and Bruce Carrington Inspire Local NYC Youth Ahead of Friday's ESPN-Televised Tripleheader
    , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • Tagum outplays Valenzuela in come-from behind win
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • FORD AND COE LEAD STACKED UNDERCARD ON BOOTS-BAM PHILLY BLOCKBUSTER
    , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • Santisima KOs Bacalso in 2nd round
    , Wed, 25 Sep 2024
  • ‘Active rest’ for Suarez
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Yoenis Téllez Takes on Johan González in Co-Main Event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video Oct 19 live from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • SPORTS FACTS AND FIGURES 77: MELVIN JERUSALEM DROPS AND DEFEATS LUIS CASTILLO
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Nelson Oliva Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision Victory Against Alfonso Olvera
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • James Bernadin Wins Majority Decision over Matt Conway In Fight of the Year Classic
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Kevin Nagle & Jake Paradise throwdown for Vacant WBC USA Silver Heavyweight title
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Norfolk Knockout: Keyshawn Davis-Gustavo Lemos Scope Arena Tickets ON SALE WEDNESDAY
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Muhsin Cason Takes on Alvin Varmall Jr. on Saturday, November 2nd at The Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey
    , Tue, 24 Sep 2024
  • Weekend of the Small But Terrible
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 23 Sep 2024
  • NM Bernardino rules Tarlac Open rapid chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Sep 2024
  • Sherwin Tiu bags 7th SIKAT also dubbed as Ritchie "Bolong” Evangelista tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Sep 2024
  • Jerusalem retains WBC World minimumweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 23 Sep 2024
  • Melvin Jerusalem Dominates Luis Castillo to Retain World Title; Ancajas Stops Ponpitak in 5 (Photos)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 22 Sep 2024
  • Not a battle but a war
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 22 Sep 2024
  • Ancajas homecoming long overdue
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 22 Sep 2024
  • SPORTS FACTS AND FIGURES 76: MELVIN JERUSALEM VS. LUIS CASTILLO TALE OF THE TAPE
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 22 Sep 2024
  • The Mungificent One: Jaime Munguia KOs Erik Bazinyan in Super Middleweight Scorcher
    , Sat, 21 Sep 2024
  • WEIGHTS FROM MANILA: JERUSALEM - 104.8 LBS., CASTILLO - 104.8 LBS. (PHOTOS)
    , Sat, 21 Sep 2024
  • Ancajas, Ponpitak Make Same Weight, Look Strong for Crucial Fight (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Sep 2024




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2024 philboxing.com.