Promoter Greg Cohen is sending his congratulations out to still-unbeaten southpaw Ismael “El Tigre” Barroso after his highly successful performance on ShoBox on Friday night at The Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York.
Barroso (17-0-2, 16 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, made his American television debut with an impressive TKO over gutty New Yorker Issouf Kinda (17-3, 7 KOs).
After five rounds of absorbing Barroso’s power, including a fifth-round one-punch knockdown, Kinda developed problems with his vision and the fight was stopped just three seconds in to the sixth round. Barroso’s eye-opening victory, however, was not without a price, as he suffered nasty cuts above his right eye and below his left eye from accidental heabutts.
“Barroso has power like (former middleweight champion) Julian Jackson. He hits guys and they go,” said a happy Cohen, post-fight. “People want to see fighters like that. Steve Farhood from Showtime said Ismael is ‘one of boxing’s best-kept secrets.’ The secret is now out. My guy is an animal!”
The brutal victory over Kinda will surely restore Barroso to the lofty heights in the world ratings he once enjoyed. He was formerly rated #5 in the world before visa problems stalled his career. But back on track now and working with GCP, the sky seems to be the limit for this South American with granite fists.
“We want a ranked fighter next,” continued Cohen, “with the goal being a world championship fight and an eventual all-Venezuela showdown with (WBC Lightweight Champion) Jorge Linares.”
Cohen also wishes to congratulate his partners, GH3 Promotions President Vito Mielnicki, whose fighters Antoine Douglas, Jerry Odom and Adam Lopez who recorded impressive Knock Outs in televised action.
“GCP and GH3 both had great nights. I’m very happy my promotional partner Vito’s fighters were victorious and they all looked sensational. I also want to thank David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions for their tremendous work in making this event such a success. David Schuster continues to deliver like no one else in this sport. My warmest regards to all the terrific sponsors for their support: Foxwoods Resort Casino, Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Wager Contracting, Baxter, Smith & Shapiro, Red Roof Plus, Brookside Painting and Maxim Group. And lastly I want to thank the fans who showed up and packed into the theatre down to the last standing-room-only ticket. Without you none of this would be possible. Thank you.”
