Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin Wins Big at the ‘360’ Premiere in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-Nothing like a Hollywood premiere to introduce a new star on the horizon as Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin produced a knockout in front of a star-studded crowd on Tuesday evening.

Martin (21-0,12 KOs) tantalized a crowd of several hundred people at the world famous Avalon theater in knocking out Luis Florez (23-9, 19 KOs). It was also 360 Promotions opening fight show in the city of stars. Celebrities of motion pictures, television, music and boxing all gathered to partake in the event.

Among those spotted underneath the spotlights was Rhys Coiro of the Entourage movie and boxing stars Vanes Martirosyan and Maureen Shea. Many others were in attendance for promoter Tom Loeffler’s first show under 360 Promotions.

But the star of the night was Martin who for the first time in California was the main event. It was both his first time headlining a card and the promotion company’s debut. Both did not disappoint.

Martin looked sharp in firing his left hooks and combinations. Maybe it was the opponent or maybe the Tennessee native just liked the attention as he fired sharp blows through the guard of his opponent. Though Martin was connecting often with the left hooks Florez was never fazed. But that right cross was another thing.

In between rounds trainer Abel Sanchez harangued Martin for not utilizing the overhand right. For the first two rounds both fighters exchanged but Martin was much sharper. Sanchez shouted continuously for Martin to use the right. When the lanky super lightweight finally busted a right, Florez went down in the third round.

During the fourth round Martin realized the right was the right ingredient and floored Florez with a long right cross. Referee Jack Reiss looked at Florez and signaled the fight over at 30 seconds of round four. Martin was the winner by knockout.

“My mindset was being strong. I feel awesome. Every punch I felt so strong,” said Martin who trained in Big Bear for this fight. “It was great to be here in front of the Hollywood fans. I feel that Big Bear has definitely stepped my game up.”

Sanchez concurred.

“The most important thing is that he feels the difference just coming up to Big Bear,” said Sanchez who also trains world champion Gennady Golovkin and Murat Gassiev.

Ceballo

It was easy work for Brooklyn’s Brian Ceballo (1-0) making his pro debut and all it took was 2:16 to win by technical knockout against Luis Longoria (1-1) in a super welterweight contest.

Ceballo was recently signed by 360 Promotions and was making his first appearance in front of California fans. No sweat. After several combinations including a shot to the body with a right cross Longoria signaled to the referee Rudy Barragan that he had enough.

“I feel great. I didn’t know it would be so big. It feels good to have California fans. I appreciate all the support,” said Ceballo.

The Puerto Rican fighter had a lengthy amateur career and was eager to try the professional fight world. He was able to figure out Longoria quickly.

“Once a person throws a jab that tells me a lot of how is footwork is,” Ceballo said. “I’m honored to be a part of this. This is amazing. I’m debuting he’s debuting.”

Other bouts

Anthony Chavez (5-0) of San Bernardino struggled against the awkward Carlos Apodaca (1-8) and his holding tactics in a four round bantamweight match but was able to win by unanimous decision. A point was deducted from Apodaca for excessive holding.

“I feel good but I know I can do better, it was a little awkward,” said Chavez. “I should have pumped with the jab.”

Serhii Bohachuk (7-1, 7 KOs) stopped Lucius Johnson (4-3) with a barrage of blows to win by technical knockout at 12 seconds of the third round in a super middleweight clash.

Maywood’s Jose Casillas (1-0) knocked out May Garduno (0-2) in round three to win his pro debut in a bantamweight fight. Casillas hurt Garduno with a left hook then beat him to the punch with a short right cross for a knockout win at 1:54 of the round.

“I just beat him to the punch,” said Casillas.

South El Monte’s Luis Rosales (7-1, 6 KOs) out-slugged Huntington Beach’s Lupe Arroyo (3-11) to win a wild swinging affair by unanimous decision after six super bantamweight rounds. No knockdowns were scored in the free-swinging fight.

Hollywood’s Mike Melikyan (2-2) won a close fight by split decision after four rounds against Riverside’s Alfredo Hernandez (3-2) in a super lightweight fight.

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