This Friday night at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, undefeated prospect Antoine Douglas (14-0-1, 9 KO’s) will take on tough veteran Jose Medina (18-15-1, 7 KO’s) of Tilton, NH in an 8-round bout.
Douglas of Burke, Virginia has been training hard for this bout as he is coming off the first blemish of his career when he was held to a majority draw against former world title challenger Michel Soro on July 25.
“Everything has been good. I have been training real hard for this fight,” said Douglas.
Douglas was seemingly cruising to a victory as he used a consistent punch output and was firmly in control of the bout until a right hand in the 8th round changed things and Douglas held on for the draw. The bout proved to be a big learning experience for the 22 year-old.
“I learned that I need to be fighting at 160 lbs,” in reference to the bout being contested at 157 lbs where Douglas weighed in at a just 155 1/2.
“I was doing well and just he got me with a good punch over my jab.”
In Medina he will be taking on an opponent who has wins over Issac Rodriguez (17-1) and Chris Fitzpatrick (14-0) and has a draw with former world champion Joachim Alcine (32-2).
“Medina is an experienced guy. He has had his fair share of fights and he definitely comes to fight.”
The fight with Soro headlined the 200th edition of Sho Box and with a win over Medina, Douglas will be back on the national television circuit.
“After this, I expect more television fight, more air time and I will continue to move forward.
Douglas was in camp with recent IBF Middleweight champion Sam Soliman. Being in camp with the former champ did a great service for Douglas.
“It was a great experience sparring with Soliman. He is a cool guy and great to work with. It doesn’t get better then to spar with a world champion.
“I am ready to fight as usual and I am ready to bring home another victory.”
GH3 Promotions has taken full responsibility for his last catch weight at 157 lbs,” said GH3 CEO Vito Mielnicki.
“Douglas being so dedicated to his craft, he came in at 155 and was not able to hydrate Back up after the weigh in. I think me wanting him to showcase his skills almost caused a bad decision on my part. He is one the most talented up coming stars in the game. He is a baby and he is growing every fight. GH3 Promotions is looking to get him 3 fights by January 15 and then make are move on the middleweight title. I know he can beat anyone in the game. He is that special.”, finished Mielnicki.
Also on the card…
Jorge Diaz (18-3, 10 KO’s) will be back at his natural Featherweight when he takes on Jose Haro (8-1, 6 KO’s) in the 8-round co-feature. Diaz, who was a heralded prospect got back on the winning mark when he scored a 6-round unanimous decision over Ramon Ellis on July 25 in Verona, New York.
The bout, which was contested at Lightweight saw Diaz use his speed and look very sharp against the naturally bigger Ellis.
The native of New Brunswick, New Jersey is not only back at a familiar weight but is back to the man who molded and sculpted then now 27 year-old.
“Everything is good. I have been with my amateur trainer, Steve Rivera. He knows me best and he has me back to being me,” said Diaz.
He is taking on a tough opponent in Haro. The native of Salt Lake City, Utah brings in a record of 8-1 with 6 knockouts.”From my understanding he is a tough opponent. I know he has 6 knockouts. I am just going to go out there and give my best effort. I am more confident then I was before.”
That confidence is being back to a weight class to where Diaz feels that he can not only be a contender but a world champion.
“I am the a new Jorge Diaz. I am the real Jorge Diaz. I was in the Arturo Gatti camp before and I think I was trying to be too much like him. I feel now with the way I am feeling within three or four fights, I am a world champion. I know that best has yet to come.”
In an 8-round bout, Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ will take on Darnell Jiles Jr. (9-3-2, 3 KO’s) of Rochester, NY in a Lightweight fight.
Undefeated Super Middleweight John Magda (7-0, 6 KO’s) of Ruthorford, NJ will take on Edgar Perez (6-11, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IL
