Photos and article by David Finger of Fightnews
For come-backing junior middleweight contender Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr. and former NABF and USBA lightweight champion Israel “Pito” Cardona, things started off with a bang this Saturday in Cleveland as the first press event for “Latino Invasion” kicked off with nearly ten thousand fans at the Cleveland Municipal Field to witness the two Puerto Ricans set the stage for their August 29th showdown. In attendance for the press conference, which took place during Cleveland ’s annual Puerto Rican Parade, was Promoter Zef Ramirez (of Zeferino Entertainment) as well as Camacho and Cardona, who are on a collision course to fight for the vacant WBC Caribbean federation light middleweight Title. Also in attendance were Co-Promoter and current WBF Champion Ronald “The American Dream” Johnson and Mickey Bey Jr. along with his brother, fellow prospect Cortez Bey. Ronald “The American Dream” Johnson is scheduled to battle with current WBC/USNBC light middleweight champion Billy Bailey, while #1 ranked NABO contender Mickey Bey Jr. and his brother Cortez will return home to Cleveland in highly anticipated homecoming fights.
“This was such a great way for this card to kick off,” commented Ramirez, “The Puerto Rican fans
are very passionate for their fighters and the sport of boxing. This is going to be one of the most talked about fights to hit Ohio in years.”
Ramirez also commented on the newfound spark in dedication of Camacho to the sport not seen since his early days as a junior middleweight contender. “I can see a fire in the eyes of Camacho Jr. that I haven’t seen for quite some time. He already weighs in at 159 and looks solid! His new promotional team including myself, Ron Johnson and manager Teddy Coleman, know Camacho’s future is very bright and promising. The only thing in his way right now is Pito Cardona. But Camacho has stressed to me and to his fans that he is bringing his “A” game and taking home the WBC title.”
For light heavyweight prospect Ronald Johnson, co-promoting the fight has not turned into much of a distraction to him or Ramirez. “I am eager for this fight,” commented Ramirez, “It has been some time since I was fortunate enough to watch Ronald in the ring. He brings a lot of heart and heat and is a fan favorite. But Billy Bailey is no slouch and he will be coming for blood. This combination will result in an explosive fight, and I think this will be one of the best fights to his the Buckeye state in years.”
This card will round out with Marvin “Much 2 Much” Cordova Jr. vs. Ernest Johnson and the return of Cleveland ’s Aaron “Awesome” Williams. Also featured are Dante Moore and prospect Julius Leegrand. Talented Colorado based prospect Able Perry will be looking to add another win to his record when he squares off with fellow prospect Jay Krupp.
The venue for this event will be at the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland Ohio . The event will be on live on Pay-Per-View. This event is promoted by Zeferino Entertainment and AD&CO Events LLC, in association with Bey Brothers Promotions. The fight will also be sponsored by www.fmsnevada.com, FMS, LLC and “Put Down The Guns And Pick Up The Gloves” (a foundation formed by Ronald Johnson, to give kids an alternative to gang violence). Tickets for this event available at Ticket Master, or can be purchased at the Wolstein Center Arena Box Office (at 1-800-745-3000).