‘Pitufo’ Diaz and ‘Chapito’ Rivera will be in action April 21 in Kissimmee
All photos by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Also in action, Former 2016 Rio Olympians: Teofimo Lopez, Antonio Vargas and Jeyvier Cintron
Kissimmee, FL (March 28, 2017) – Just like home. That’s how the undefeated Puerto Rican prospects Christopher ‘Pitufo’ Diaz and Jean Carlos ‘Chapito’ Rivera will feel when they headline — in separate bouts — the ‘Solo Boxeo’ event that will be presented by Top Rank in association with All Star Boxing, April 21, at the Osceola Heritage Park of the city nicknamed ‘Little Puerto Rico’.
Diaz (20-0, 12 KO’s), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, will risk his undefeated record against the experienced Mexican brawler Sergio Lopez (20-13-1-1, 13 KO’s), from Ensenada, México, in an eight-round battle in the Featherweight division, that will be the main event of ‘Solo Boxeo’ and that will be televised at 11 p.m. ET/PT by UniMas and Univision Deportes Network.
“I’m ready to return to Kissimmee and give back all the love that I receive from the fans that support me. I’m going to give them an action-packed fight,” said the always entertaining Diaz. “I feel right at home when I fight in Kissimmee. I’m very thankful and I appreciate all the support. I want to give them another victory that will get me a step closer to my dream of helping my family and giving my daughter all that she needs,” said ‘The Son of the Mountain’.
In the TV opening bout, Rivera (10-0, 6 KO’s), a Boricua who was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but now resides in Orlando, Florida, will collide against Jesus Pacheco (7-5, 1 KO ), from Albuquerque, Nuevo México, in a eight-round rumble in the Featherweight division.
“I feel very happy for the opportunity of returning to the ring in Kissimmee where all the Boricuas have given me a lot of support,” expressed Rivera. “On April 21, you can expect the best ‘Chapito’. I’m working hard in the gym and I can guarantee that I will be ready for whatever happens in the ring,” assured the unbeaten prospect.
JEYVIER CINTRON WILL DEBUT IN KISSIMMEE
The card will mark the professional debut on Former Puerto Rican Olympian Jeyvier Cintron, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Cintron, who is being trained by former world champion and Puerto Rican boxing legend Ivan Calderon, has been the only fighter that has represented ‘The Island of Enchantment’ in two Olympic games (London 2012 & Rio 2016).
“I feel very excited for this new stage in my career. I’m very motivated and I’m ready for this moment. You can expect a great spectacle. I’m training hard because I want to give the fans a good impression in my pro debut,” said Cintron. “Having Ivan Calderon in my corner is definitely a great learning experience. I’m sure that with his experience and knowledge will help me a lot inside and outside of the ring,” said the two-time Olympian.
Also, former 2016 Rio Olympians: Teofimo Lopez (3-0, 3 KO’s) and Antonio Vargas (1-0, 1 KO), will also be in action on the card. Likewise, highly touted Puerto Rican prospect Henry ‘Moncho’ Lebrón, (1-0, 1 KO) will also see action on the event.
Tickets priced at $55.00 (Ringside) and $30.00 (General Entrance), plus applicable charges, are now on sale and can be acquired at the Osceola Heritage Park box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.Ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
