January 8, 2014 -This Saturday January 11, The City of Hollister and Six-Time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, join forces to help save lives by adding people of all races to the “Be The Match” marrow registry. The event will take place at The Vault located at 452 San Benito St. in Hollister California from 3:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. The goal is to register as many people as possible and raise money in a quest to save the lives of patients with diseases like leukemia, lymphoma or sickle cell anemia.

Robert Guerrero was the 2013 “Ambassador of Hope” for Be The Match, a nonprofit organization that connects patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant.

“I encourage everyone to come out and join me at this very important event,” said Robert Guerrero. “The procedure to join the marrow registry is very simple, and painless. It will be my life long quest to help as many people join so come on out and help save a life.”

The Ghost will be present from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. A silent action will also be held to benefit “Be The Match”. For more information on how to be a donor visit www.BeTheMatch.org.

AFO RING CARD GIRLS (L-R): Alicia Wright, Amber Reilly, AFO promoter John “The Quietman” Ruiz, Jaide Fernandez, Amber Siriani and Maria Nazarro.

(All pictures by Emily Harney / AFO)

MEDFORD, Mass. (January 8, 2014) – The inaugural American Fighting Championship (AFO) Ring Card Girls Competition Finals contest was held this past Saturday night at The Greatest Bar in Boston to select the five original AFO ring card girls.

Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight boxing champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz owns and operates the new AFO, which will promote professional and amateur mixed-martial-arts and boxing events, starting in the first quarter of 2014.

The five selected AFO ring card girls are all Massachusetts residents: Maria Nazarro, North Reading; Amber Siriani, Lynn; Jacqui Reilly, Hull; Jaide Fernandes, Boston; Alicia Wright, Salem.

“It was an exciting night,” said Ruiz, who is the only world heavyweight boxing champion of Latino heritage. “I want to thank everybody involved, especially all of the girls who competed, as well as our judges, The Greatest Bar, AFO staff, and, of course, the people who were their supporting AFO. This was a great way to officially launch the new AFO. I’m looking forward to our first event.”

The four celebrity judges for the AFO Ring Girls Competition Finals were Reia Connor, former New England Patriots cheerleader and owner/dance instructor of Boston’s only full service dance and promotional company, Phunk Phenomenom; former New England Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham, currently a writer/analyst/broadcaster for the Boston Herald, NESN, WEEI, and Patriots This Week; former New England Patriots tight end Jermaine Wiggins, an NFL analyst for CSN New England and guest on 98.5 The Sports Hub; and fitness specialist Maria Diaz.

Santi DeOleo, executive producer of JAM’M 94.5 FM “Ramiro’s House” morning show, was the Master of Ceremonies and AFO ring announcer John Vena served as the event host.

AFO CELEBRITIES (L-R): Santi DeOleo, John Vena, Matt Chatham, John Ruiz, Reia Connor, Maria Diaz and Jermain Wiggins.

Last Saturday also marked Ruiz’ 42^nd birthday. The attendees serenaded the first and only world heavyweight boxing champion of Latino heritage with a round of “Happy Birthday.”

John Ruiz with his wife, Maribelle, is shown here cutting his birthday cake.

Please contact Deb Cronin at 617.680.2648 with inquiries regarding the new AFO sponsorships and/or advertising opportunities. For more information about the AFO, Quietman Sports or the AFO MMA Ring Girls Competition Finals, please visit www.quietmansports.com, www.facebook.com/QuietmanSports or www.facebook.com/afomma.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twenty-year-old light welterweight professional boxer Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed impressed the local boxing community in 2013 with his speed, strength, and boxing pedigree. Born in Washington, D.C., Reed currently trains in Clinton, Maryland, at Dream Team Boxing Gym, which is owned and operated by his father, Michael “Buck” Pinson. Reed went undefeated in 2013, and his pro record currently stands at 6-0, with 4 knockouts.

Mike Reed discussed his first year as a pro boxer. He said, “Last year, I did a great job of dictating the pace in my fights and thought I showed good ring generalship. My training and conditioning allowed me to perform well in my fights, so I definitely want to keep that going. I’m happy that I stayed busy in my first year as a pro. Thank you to both Keystone Boxing and Top Flight Productions for letting me showcase my talents on their boxing cards in 2013. I am working hard to build a solid fan base, and very thankful for the way my supporters have come out to watch me fight.”

Coach Michael Pinson, who serves as Reed’s trainer and manager, was also pleased with the progress made during last year. He said, “2013 was a good year, as we were able to get six bouts to build from. So far, Mike’s fights have all been great learning experiences. Several opponents were tough and came to win. I didn’t want easy fights in his first year as a pro, because you can’t learn from those. Transitioning from an amateur to a professional boxer can be very difficult. Mike handled it well.”

Reed mentioned some of his plans for the upcoming year. “In 2014, I want to continue with the same work ethic that brought me success last year. I will continue to listen to my father and my team, who always have my best interest at heart. It would be great to fight on some nationally televised cards, so that more people can see me fight. I would also like to continue my college education, do more charity work for my community, and continue to improve on being a good person. I’m frequently asked about which weight class I am best suited for. I can make 135 pounds, but I’m also comfortable fighting at 140 pounds. My team will make the right decision on that issue when the time is right.”

Coach Pinson agreed that the team was successful this year, but added, “There is room for improvement in 2014. It is important that Mike learns how to sit down on his punches, move his head more, work from different angles, and use his speed properly. I’d like to see Mike fight eight times this year. If he continues to impress everyone with his performances, he will earn a solid ranking from a major sanctioning organization.”

Mike Reed remains unsigned and returns to the ring on Friday night, January 17, 2014, against Jorge Marquez (Phoenix, AZ/pro record: 4-1-0, w/ 2 KOs). Reed-Marquez is scheduled as a six-round bout, which will headline the Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

WATCH RELATED VIDEOS ON BOXINGCHANNEL.TV