On July 15th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presents the much anticipated jr. middleweight showdown between, long-time welterweight contender, and former world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14KO’s) and red-hot contender Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19KO’s) at the Roseland Ballroom, in New York City. The show, being shown live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”, will open with Philadelphia’s undefeated welterweight prospect, Raymond “Tito” Serrano (15-0, 8KO’s) taking on NY State Welterweight Champion, Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (11-3-1, 4KO’s) in a ten round match-up.
“From top to bottom this is going to be a great card,” stated Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “In the main event we have two exciting contenders going toe-to-toe in what promises to be an all-out war, with the winner emerging as a serious title contender to any of the champions in the jr. middleweight division. In the co-feature we are showcasing one of our brightest up and coming stars in Raymond. We have promoted Raymond since almost day one of his career, and have seen him grown and mature not only inside, but outside of the ring. He is very focused and determined, and if he continues on this path, we foresee him becoming the next Puerto Rican star in the near future.”
Serrano, who turned pro at just 18-years of age, gained national attention when he traveled to LA in 2009 to serve as a lead sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, before Pacquiao’s 2nd round annihilation of Ricky Hatton.
Serrano, who is two fights removed from his career best victory; an impressive decision over Ghana’s reigning International Boxing Association Intercontinental welterweight titleist, Ayi Bruce (19-3, 12KO’s); Serrano last appeared on ESPN in January of 2010, when he scored a dominating eight round decision over Ronald Warrior (13-2-1 at the time). It was the second appearance for the Philadelphian on ESPN, as he had previously won a six round decision over 12-1 Jay Krupp in March of 2009.
Serrano, who has lived in Philadelphia his entire life, moved his training camp a few months ago to his family’s native country of Puerto Rico. For the past two months Serrano has been training at the Wilfredo Gomez Boxing gym, under the watchful eye of new trainer, Felix Pagan Pintor. Pintor is the trainer of former long-time world champion, Ivan Calderon. The move in training camps is something that has Serrano extremely focused, and pleased.
“This was a great opportunity for me to be able to train with a world-class trainer like Felix,” stated Serrano. “Not only was it a great opportunity for me, but coming here to Puerto Rico was also very special to me, as both my father and mother came from here-it’s my heritage.”
Regarding the fight on July 15th, Serrano is eager to get back into the ring and continue on his quest towards boxing stardom.
“I’m really excited to get back into the ring and showcase my skills once again in the national spotlight on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”. The fight on July 15th is actually contracted at 142 lbs. It is the lightest I will have fought as a professional, and I feel great at this weight. I plan on putting on great performance, and encourage everyone to come out and show their support and watch me get my 16th victory on July 15th.”
Sostre should present a bit of test for the young Serrano. Sostre hasn’t lost since 2007, going 9-0-1, over that span, including four of those wins coming by knockout. Sostre, just like Serrano, is of Puerto Rican decent, but calls Highland in upstate New York home. Sostre won the NY State Welterweight Title in 2009, and has successfully defended the title three times since.
Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100 and $200 and can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or simply by Clicking Here. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. ESPN will begin live coverage at 9PM ET.
