Former 2-division champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton’s injury on Monday caused his cancellation in the Main Event at Philadelphia’s Liacouras Center Saturday! Top Rank Boxing – Bob Arum, Raging Babe Events – Michelle Rosado and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. – J Russell Peltz will be the promoters. Top Rank’s Brad Goodman is the matchmaker. The main part of the promotion will be on ESPN+.
The co-feature of former WBA Super Featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa, 22-3-4 with 15 knockouts of Camden, New Jersey, taking on Haskell “Hackman” Lydell Rhodes, 27-3-1 with 13 knockouts of Las Vegas, Nevada has been moved to the main event.
Jason Sosa:
“It is a blessing to be in the main event, but it sucks what happened to Frampton. Stuff can happen, and we always have to be ready and prepared for everything that is thrown our way. I’m excited to be fighting in Philly. It’s been a long time,” said Sosa.
In the co-feature is knockout specialist Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, 11-0 with 11 knockouts, from Brooklyn, New York, taking on Gregory “Nounou” Trenel, 11-4-2 with 3 knockouts and 9-1-2 in his last 12 fights. He is out of Dainville, France.
Edgar Berlanga:
“I’ve been bumped up to the co-main event which is a blessing. I’m going to go out there and give the fans the type of fight they want to see.”
“I grew up idolizing Felix Trinidad. My dad has a VHS copy of his fight with Fernando Vargas, and I’ve watched it countless times. “I’m from Brooklyn, but my Puerto Rican roots are important to me, and Trinidad continues to inspire me as a fighter.”
“I’m a knockout puncher, and it so happens nobody has made it out of the first round with me. I always train to go the distance, and I’m always prepared for any type of fight.”
Philadelphia has southpaw featherweight Donald “No Love” Smith, 9-0 with 6 knockouts; welterweight Paul “The Punisher” Kroll, 4-0 with 4 knockouts; heavyweight Sonny “The Bronco” Conto, 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Super Bantamweight southpaw Jeremy “Majic Hands” Adorno, 1-0, from Allentown will also be on the undercard.
A special appearance from two-time Olympic Gold medalist Cuban Robeisy Ramirez, making his debut in the featherweight division who is now living in Gulfport, Florida. He has a victory over current contender Shakur Stevenson in the 2016 Olympics.
Robeisy Ramirez:
“It has been a long journey, but I am excited to finally be making my pro debut. Philadelphia is a great city with a lot of boxing history, and it’s an honor for me to be making my debut here.”
“I want to stay active, stay busy and continue to improve with the great team I have behind me.”
“I know the professional game is different from the amateurs, but I am confident I can make the right adjustments and become a world champion. I fought countless great fighters as an amateur, and I am ready to test myself against the best professionals.”
Doors open at 7:30pm with the first bout at 8:00pm.