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Fighters Sound Off Ahead Of
Mar. 19 Fight Night In San Juan
Fight week in Puerto Rico officially came to life today as
Salita Promotions, in partnership with Universal Promotions,
hosted an exciting press conference filled with Puerto Rican
pride. All seven bouts on the card were represented on
stage, including top contenders, and exciting prospects,
showing confidence, composure, and readiness ahead of fight
night, setting the tone for a high-stakes night of
championship boxing this Thursday at Coliseito Pedrín
Zorrilla.
The action-packed fight night is presented in partnership
with Universal Promotions and will stream live on the global
home of boxing, DAZN. Doors open at 5pm.
Headlining the DAZN main event, undefeated rising contender
Felix Parrilla (12-0, 10 KOs) will face battle-tested
veteran José Velásquez Quellón (34-12-3, 24 KOs) of Chile in
a 10-round clash for the WBO Latino Junior Lightweight
Title.
Parrilla, a heavy-handed prospect with a growing following,
made it clear he’s ready to seize this moment in front of a
passionate Puerto Rican crowd.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and ready to become the
next world champion from Puerto Rico and make my family and
fans proud,” said Parrilla. “Thank you to everyone who
purchased tickets and to those tuning in on DAZN.”
The card will also feature the co-main event showcasing new
Salita Promotions signee, in co-promotion with Universal
Promotions, Abisael Cotto (10-0, 8 KOs), who will face
Derlyn Hernández (10-5-1, 11 KOs) for the WBO Global Junior
Lightweight Title, hometown favorite and Puerto Rican
standout Kiria Tapia (8-0, 1 KO) who brought a wave of
energy and support that turned the press conference into a
full-fledged rally, and Flint, Michigan’s, Garrett “Baby
Gee” Rice Jr. (2-0).
“I’m very grateful to God, thank you to all the fans, " said
Cotto. And we are more than ready for Thursday”
Kiria Tapia enters fight night filled with momentum and
gratitude, great pride, and the island behind her.
I’m very happy to be fighting this Thursday, March 19th, at
the Pedrín Zorrilla,” said Tapia.I feel excited, happy, and
fully ready. The training camp was excellent, working with
Iván Calderón. I’m going to show everything I’ve got this
Thursday.”
She is trained by former world champion Iván Calderón,
Puerto Rico’s most respected figure in her corner.
“We need this—we need great fights here in Puerto Rico and
the support of everyone to help build boxing back on the
island,” said Calderón. “I’m thankful to Dmitriy for
bringing exciting fights here. Tapia is going to war—she’s
going to show her grit and get the win.”
The press conference showcased not only the talent on the
card, but the growing momentum behind Salita Promotions’
continued investment in Puerto Rico’s boxing scene. Thursday
night marks the promotion’s fourth return to the island,
reinforcing its commitment to delivering BIG TIME BOXING to
one of the sport’s most historic and passionate markets.
“March 19, right here on the beautiful island of Puerto
Rico, live on DAZN—this is what it’s all about,” said Salita.
“This card is stacked with talent, and Thursday night, fans
are going to witness future world champions in the making.
Felix Parrilla is stepping into his first world title
fight—this is his moment to show the world who he is and
become the next great Puerto Rican fighter. Garrett Rice Jr.
is another exciting prospect—we’re keeping him active, and
he’s ready to deliver with the full support of Flint behind
him.”
Universal Promotions’ Javier Bustillo emphasized the
significance of the moment and the talent on display:
“We have a great show on March 19, filled with future world
champions and the next generation of fighters,” said
Bustillo. “I’m proud to be united with Salita Promotions to
bring Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico to life. This is an event
you don’t want to miss.”
With local pride, rising stars, and championship stakes all
converging, the stage is now set for an unforgettable night
of boxing in San Juan.
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