“Sniper” Pedraza Fights Feb. 23

Pedraza Fights Feb. 23 – January 24, 2013 – On Saturday, February 23, Universal Promotions will be presenting their first 2013 boxing card at the Auditorium Juan “Pachin” Vicens in Ponce, Puerto Rico, which will feature three championship fights.

In the main event, undefeated rising star, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (11-0, 7 KOs) will be defending his WBC Youth super featherweight title, against Mexico’s, Alejandro Rodriguez (18-8, 10 KOs) in a bout set for ten rounds.

“We are excited because this will be a great card with lots of competitive fights,” said Javier Bustillo, president of Universal Promotions. “Pedraza debuted in Ponce with a Knockout victory in the first round, and the fans in Ponce were asking to watch him again.”

“I cannot wait to defend my title. I went four months without a fight, so I’m hungry for a huge victory in Ponce. We are preparing very well, and the fans can expect a great show from me in an event full of great fights,” said José Pedraza, who is promoted by, Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions,and DiBella Entertainment.

Pedraza’s last fight was in October, were he defeated Tevin Farmer by TKO in the 8th round, (7-4-1, 1 KOs) in a Showtime main event held in Missouri.

During his spectacular amateur career, Pedraza built up an impressive record of 160 wins and 16 losses. He won a silver medal in the World Championships in Italy, and captured gold medals in the Central American Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, PR, the Copa Romana in Dominican Republic, and in the qualification tournament in Guatemala for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China, among others.

Rodriguez holds victories over former undefeated prospects, Carlo Jhean Aparicio (13-0, 10 KOs) and Daniel Evangelista Jr.(11-0-1, 9 KOs). In addition, Rodríguez has gone the distance against Rances Barthelemy, Abner Cotto, Eloy Perez, John Molina and Mickey Bey Jr., among others.

In the co-feature bout, former world title contender, Mario “El Principe” Santiago (22-3-1, 14 KO’s) will face tough Dominican, Marcos “El Tigre” Jimenez (18-4, 12 KOs) for the WBA Fedecentro super featherweight title (130lbs) scheduled for 10-rounds.

Former world champion, and reigning WBA Fedecaribe middleweight champion, Manuel “Manny” Siaca (24-7, 20 KOs) will defend his title against American, Gundrick King (18-9, 11 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Also in action: Fernando Torres (18-2-1, 10 KO’s), Edgardo “Eggie” Laboy (5-0, 2 KOs), Carlos “Kid” Narvaez (5-0, 5 KO’), Miguel “El Gallo” Marrero (7-0, 4 KOs), Edwin Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), Reggie Santiago (1-1, 1 KOs), among others. The first fight will start at 7:30 pm.