Ring of Fire II!

Featuring what will likely be the last professional fight of junior welterweight veteran Juan Arroyo, Bad Dog Promotions, in association with Seminole Warrior’s Boxing, will present “Ring of Fire II” on Friday, August 24 at the Sheraton Miami Mart, in Miami, Florida.

 

Arroyo (34-5-4, 16 KOs), who is one of South Florida’s most popular boxers, announced that this will be his last bout of his career during the press conference held on Tuesday, August 21.

 

“I think this is going to be my last fight, unless something worth it comes along,” said an emotional Arroyo. “I’m 43 years old and I need to take care of myself.”

 

Arroyo, who was initially announced as the co-main event, will be featured now as the main event against former world title challenger Ilido Julio (35-12-1, 31 KOs) of Colombia. This change came after the scheduled main event between the cruiserweight bout between Sechew “Iron Horse” Powell and James Crayton had to be postponed due to Powell’s health.

 

“When Powell came down from New York, he caught a bad case of the flu,” commented Bad Dog Promotions’ President Robert Dobal. “He couldn’t run for a week and we had to make the decision.” Powell’s fight has been postponed to the next Sheraton Miami Mart’s event on September 21.  

 

Despite the changes, Dobal is excited about Friday night’s card. “I’m glad to be presenting his (Arroyo) last show,” expressed Dobal, who has promoted Arroyo in his last three fights. “It has been an honor and a privilege.”

 

“I’m coming to fight and bring a great show,” said Arroyo, who indicated that he is looking forward to become a full-time trainer after Friday night. “I spent seven months in Washington, D.C. as a trainer and I’m currently working at South Florida Boxing. I love this sport and that is what I want to do now.”

 

“Ring of Fire II,” which is the second of a four card series at the Sheraton Miami Mart, is Dobal’s attempt to reignite the love for club boxing in South Florida. “We are trying to bring club shows back in Miami,” indicated the promoter. “These shows are needed so the young talent can showcase their skills on their way to reach their goal of getting the big fights.”

 

One of those talented young fighters with great potential is Damian “Devo” Frias (13-1, 6 KOs), who will be showcased as the co-main event of the card. Frias will face off against Agustin Velez (7-3, 4 KOs), who is also from Miami, Florida.

 

“I’m glad to be in the show, especially with Arroyo, who I grew up with here in Miami,” commented Frias, who comes off an impressive technical knockout over Derrick Moon (11-14-1, 2 KOs) on July 27. “I’ve been training in the gym, and I’m here to put up a great show.”

 

Another young fighter featured in “Ring of Fire II” is the Cuban heavyweight Henrrys Fuentes (1-0). He will be fighting his second professional bout only five months after putting on boxing gloves for the first time. Fuentes arrived in the United States about six months ago from Cuba, where he was a member of the juvenile greco-roman wrestling national team.

 

“After my first fight, I learned what everyone already knows, this is a tough sport,” expressed Fuentes. “This is something I always wanted to do, become a successful and recognized athlete in combat sport.”

 

Fuentes will face Jimmy Mason (0-1) of Wilson, North Carolina.

 

Other bouts will feature Mohamed Dridi (0-4) of France against Marcus Thomas of Greensboro, North Carolina, who will be making his pro debut in the cruiserweight division; Felix Flores (13-8-1, 11 KOs) of Miami, Florida and Kevin Hudgins (5-10-1, 2 KOs) of Pensacola, Florida, in a featherweight bout; junior welterweights Timmy Leonard (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Key West, Florida, and Alex Deon (0-1) of Macom, Georgia; and Juan Nazario (3-0, 3 KOs) of Miami, Florida, versus Waldo Rangle (1-3) of Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Articles courtesy of Fightnews.com