Welterweight prospect David Ribeiro preparing again for pro debut

David Ribeiro vs. Rakim Johnson

Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, USA – 25 June 2022

2020 New England Golden Gloves champion David Ribeiro, fighting out of Brockton (MA), is preparing once again for his long-awaited professional debut, scheduled for June 25th, on the evening portion of “Road 2 Stardom” card, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham.

“Road 2 Stardom”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, is the first day-night professional boxing doubleheader in Massachusetts history. Boxing fans will be available to watch both shows via live stream at BXNGTV.COM for only $24.99.

Ribeiro was all set to make his pro debut back on May 7th in Bridgewater (MA), but his opponent never got on the phone, cancelling their fight, and disappointing the ready-to-go Ribeiro.

“I didn’t find out until the day of the weigh in,” Ribeiro explained. “I was devastated. I was on weight and ready to put on an exciting show. I had sold all my tickets. It was a great moment until I got the news. I’ll be even more prepared this time because the cancellation motivated me to work even harder. I had been in training camp for 8 weeks. There’s no easy way to get ready for a fight. I’ve been working on my strength and conditioning, cardio, and nutrition. I’ve been sparring some tough people. The only difference is my opponent.”

Ribeiro is slated to face Rakim Johnson (6-17-1, 5 KOs), of Indianapolis, in a 4-round bout. The Brockton fighter could have fought an easier opponent in his first pro fight, certainly less experienced than the 24-fight Johnson.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Ribeiro said. “My team picks my opponent. I know what I bring to the table. I know what I’m capable of and I’m very confident.

“The excitement is still there. Bridgewater is only 20 minutes from my home, Framingham is around 40, but I still have people buying tickets. They’re willing to travel to support me.”

So much for a fighter only having one pro debut. It’s like “Groundhog Day” for the latest fighter from the City of Champions (Brockton), David Ribeiro, who can’t wait to get into the ring.

“I was heartbroken when I got the call in May from Dave’s opponent that he got cold feet and skipped out on the flight,”

Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “Well, heartbroken, enraged, and a few other emotions to go with it. Making that call knowing how disappointed he was going to be, made me sick to my stomach. But, like the gentleman he is, Dave took it in stride and didn’t let it get him down. He is staying ready, and I have no doubt he is going to make a statement on June 25th. Dave was a high-level amateur with a ton of confidence. We are going to move him along rapidly, but in control and within 18 months, you will see him fighting on TV.”

The evening card will be headlined by undefeated Holyoke (MA) welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (8-0, 6 KOs), 26, who will headline for the first time in the 6-round main event versus Brazilian Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-4, 1 KO).

In the potential Fight of the Night, Massachusetts intra-state rivals Nathan Balakin (3-1, 1 KO), of Tyngsboro, and Attleboro’s Bryan Urday (2-1) square off in the 6-round co-featured event for the vacant Massachusetts Welterweight Championship.

Undefeated Floridian welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs) returns again to New England, where  all of his pro fights have been held, to meet Bryan Goldsby (5-16) in a 6-round bout.

Woburn (MA) junior lightweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs) will seek revenge in a rematch against Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-2), of Warwick (RI), who won their first encounter last November by way of a 4-round split decision. They’ll be fighting in a scheduled 6-rounder on June 25th.

Undefeated Lowell (MA) welterweight Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (9-0, 3 KOs), known as the home of “Irish” Micky Ward, takes on upset-minded Argentinian Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-10, 7 KOs) in a 6-round match.

Providence junior middleweight Rob “The Golden Child” Nolette (1-1, 1 KO) faces DeWayne Wisdom (7-61, 3 KOs) in a 4-round fight opening the evening’s action.

Another undefeated fighter, Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs), will headline the day card in an 8-round match versus Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-16-1, 6 KOs).

Pittsfield’s undefeated Sumpter brothers, super middleweight Steve (5-0, 5 KOs) and heavyweight Quinton (4-0, 4 KOs), will be showcased on the afternoon card.

Undefeated Pittsfield super middleweight Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs) headlines the matinee card in his first scheduled 8-rounder against Florida veteran Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-6-1, 6 KOs).  Sumpter’s brother, unbeaten heavyweight Quinton, also fighting out of Pittsfield, throws-down with the brother of world champion Demetrius Andrade, Boston’s Tracey “The Titan” Johnson (4-10-6), in a 6-round fight.

Fighting out of nearby Marlboro (MA), local favorite Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO) faces Brazilian cruiserweight Igor Igor Pessoa (0-2) in the 4-round co-featured event.

Other 4-round fights during the afternoon session include Dracut (MA) lightweight Gabriel “Menace” Morales (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Issac Haynes (0-1), Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (2-2, 1 KO) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-52-2, 2 KOs), New York cruiserweights Scott “Bombz” Lampert (2-5, 2 KOs) vs. Andrew Nolan (0-4), Methuen junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Robert Bricks (0-10), and Florida light heavyweight Carlos Arredondo (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Michael Medeiros (0-1).

Both cards are subject to change.

Separate admission tickets are available for purchase at tickerriver.com (Search: Road2Stardom): day – $45.00 (general admission), $60.00 (ringside) and $750.00 for a table of 10; night – $50.00 (general admission), $75.00 (ringside) and $1,000 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 1:00 pm ET and 7 p.m. ET, respectively, with first bouts at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

We need your support!

If you like what we do and you wish to support us, please consider a one-off donation, however big or small. It helps us to continue our work and sustains our future. All safe and via PayPal…just click the PayPal image below:

For the list of the latest boxing news and boxing results, click the following latest boxing news & results