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EXTREME MAXIMUS BOXING RETURNS TO DES MOINES NOV. 11, 2023 ON ‘VETERANS DAY’

When we decided to return to Des Moines, matchmaker Scott Tolzmann said: “We have to make it a special event.”

First, we are holding the event on Nov. 11, 2023 which is “Veteran’s Day.” We will have some special tickets for our vets. We also have a new venue. The newly renovated MVP/DSM complex at 4600 Park Avenue provides an excellent place for Extreme Maximus Boxing’s 16th event in three years.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight at 6 p.m. Tickets are available from participating fighters; online at Nitrotickets.com; or at the MVP/DSM the night of the event.

Well, we are a little over 4 weeks away and the lineup is looking very special.

Starting with the main event: Diego Zuniga (6-0) of Des Moines will defend his USA Mid American welterweight title against Jake Robinson (6-2-2) of Kansas City, Mo.

This fight is expected to be the biggest test yet for Zuniga. In the last two years, Robinson has posted a 3-0-1 record, including an upset win over Alcibiade Duran, who was 9-2.

“This is a step up for Diego, but he’s ready to start fighting the top guys,” Tolzmann said. “I expect his trainers will have him ready and he put on a show.”

Undefeated fighters? Yeah, we have a few of them. There’s Mitchell LeConte (8-0-1), Leo Medel (7-0), Johnny Case (4-0), Traevon Kroger (5-0), Manny Colon (2-0) and Juan Carlos Medina (2-0).

We also have fan favorites: Ruben Garcia, Enrique Uvalle, Sean Frank, Edgar Uvalle, Ernesto Hernandez and DeAndrew Jones.

We have a special guest announcer in Thomas Treiber, who has performed around the globe and is one of the best in the sport. Tolzmann is still working on a couple other fights that we will announce later.

The entire show will be shown on Pay-Per-View by BXNGTV.com.


NOVEMBER 12, 2022 PROMO VIDEO

EXTREME MAXIMUS BOXING LANDS WBA NABA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

Two fighters who are familiar to Extreme Maximus Boxing fans will square off on Nov. 12, 2022 with the WBA NABA silver lightweight title on the line.

The 8-round showdown between Lance Williams of Muscatine, Iowa, and Kenny Davis Jr., of Reno, Nev., has been approved by the sanctioning body. The event will be held at the Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Jefferson, Iowa. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the first bout starting at 5:30.

Williams (9-13-1) is coming off a knockout victory and an impressive losing effort against USA Mid-America champion and undefeated Mitchell LeConte.

“It’s been like 30 years since a title fight of this magnitude has happened in the state of Iowa … and I’ve been involved in boxing for 30 years,” said Williams, whose uses the nickname: “Lay ‘Em Down.”

“This is what destiny is… it’s the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Many people counted me out a long time ago, but I never gave up on myself. I kept pushing and now ‘It’s My Time.’ I want to follow in the footsteps of Michael “Second To” Nunn and bring a title to Iowa.”

Davis (10-2-1) has won 10 straight fights and the 26-year-old will be fighting for Extreme Maximus Boxing for the fourth time in his career.

“I’ve been waiting my entire career for something like this,” said Davis, known as the “Biggest Lil Bomber.”

“I’m making up for lost time but we are moving at God’s speed … this is an amazing opportunity for me to display to the world who I am and what I can do.”

Also fighting on the 12-bout card are: Johnny Case, Diego Zuniga, Victor Moreno, Leo Medel, Angel Reyes, Manny Valadez, Gilbert Gonzalez, Edgar Uvalle, Kurtis Ellis Jr., J.P. Podraza and Junior Hicks.

In addition, popular K-1 veteran Derek Loffer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will fight in a pro kickboxing bout.

Tickets are available from the fighters, online at Nitrotickets.com and at the Wild Rose Iowa Store.


A look at the ring girls of Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Defense of the Belt” event through the lens of Devin Derrick of DP Design. The event was Aug. 6, 2022 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cedar Rapids.



Extreme Maximus Boxing’s ‘Defense of the Belt’

Aug. 6, 2022 at DoubleTree Hotel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Pro Boxing results

Ruben Garcia def. Tyler Redmon, KO at 1:05 of Rd. 1

Khetag Pliev def. Lemuel Peay, KO at 2:45 of Rd. 2

Leo Medel def. Demetrius Walker, Unanimous dec. (60-54, 60-54, 59-55)

Jaquan Weeks def. DeShawn Kennedy, Unanimous dec. (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Mark Stoddard def. Kevin Brown, KO at 2:45 of Rd. 4

Lance Williams def. Lavale Wilson, KO at 2:34 of Rd. 2

Steve Carl def. Jon Kennedy, KO at 1:57 of Rd. 1

Stephen Edwards def. Joseph Borys, Split dec. (59-55, 56-58, 58-56)

Justin Oregon and Mitchell LeConte, majority draw (58-56, 57-57, 57-57)

LeConte retains his USA Mid America Lightweight title


LeConte vs Oregon Promo Video


MMA standout excited to try professional boxing 

It was almost nine years ago when Steve Carl of Belle Plaine, Iowa, won the World Series of Fighting welterweight championship … he had an impressive 21-3 record and was considered to be among the elite mixed martial arts fighters in the world.

Carl admits after winning the WSOF title he kinda got burned out on the sport and was tired of endless training every day. Carl finished his career facing four dangerous opponents with a combined record of 48-9.

“I really got burned out,” Carl said. “I achieved more than I ever thought I would in MMA  and I just lost my motivation.”

Now, Carl is excited to fight again. But he will be doing professional boxing instead of MMA. He will be a feature fight on Aug. 6 on Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Defense of the Belt” event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“I’m excited to try something different,” Carl said. “I’ve sparred thousands of times in the gym, but it’s not the same as having a guy standing across from you in the ring. I’m a wrestler, so in MMA I tried to avoid striking. Now, I don’t have any choice. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”   

“Defense of the Belt” will be held at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Convention Center with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and first fight at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available from participating fighters and online on Nitrotickets.com. If you can’t attend the event, it will be available on Pay-Per-View. Go to Buzztv.live for more information.                              


LeConte excited to defend boxing title in hometown

Mitchell LeConte hopes to take a step closer to his dream when he defends his USA Mid America Lightweight title on Aug. 6 in his hometown of Cedar Rapids.

“The biggest dream is like fighting for a title in Madison Square Garden or something huge like that,” LeConte said. “But defending my title in my hometown is definitely up there.”

LeConte (7-0) will take on Justin Oregon (3-0) of Grand Island, Neb., in the 6-round main event of “Defense of the Belt.” The Pro boxing and kickboxing event, promoted by Extreme Maximus Boxing, will take place at the Alliance Energy Powerhouse Convention Center.

According to Boxrec.com, this will be the first televised professional boxing event in Cedar Rapids since 2001.

Tickets, starting at $42, are available from participating fighters and also online at Nitrotickets.com. The entire event will be shown live on Pay-Per-View. Go to Buzztv.live for directions.

“I know LeConte is a good fighter … he isn’t 7-0 and have a belt for nothing,” Oregon said. “But I’m so happy I got this fight. I really wanted it bad to show my fans who I am. I don’t want to fight bums, I want to be tested.”

Oregon, 23, aspired to be a top soccer player and was all-state in high school. But when the right opportunity didn’t present itself, he returned to boxing, a sport he had done as a boy. 

“When I didn’t get a soccer scholarship, I decided to try boxing and give it 100%,” Oregon said. “I’ve been doing it full-time for 2 1/2 years now.”

In his second fight, Oregon fought John Hunt, an opponent with a 3-1-1 record, on a ShoBox event and won a unanimous decision. 

LeConte, 26, has the more decorated amateur career, winning two Iowa Golden Gloves titles and competing in national tournaments.

“I have more experience and that’s to my advantage. But he clearly has some power and he’s done well,” LeConte said of his opponent. “He’s coming to Cedar Rapids to beat me and take my belt home with him. There’s just no way I’m going to let that happen.”


Edwards hopes winning title brings opportunity

For seven years “Stunning” Stephen Edwards has refined his skills and built his record with the hopes of getting a major fight that could define his career.

Edwards, from Davenport, Iowa, will put his 17-1 record on the line on Aug. 6 when he and Joe Borys of Valparaiso, Ind., battle it out for the vacant USA Mid America Super Middleweight championship.

The fight will be the co-main event on the Extreme Maximus Boxing “Defense of the Belt” event at the Alliance Energy Powerhouse Convention Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“I’m excited for the chance to fight for the belt,” Edwards said. “I’m hoping winning this fight will lead to even a bigger fight down the road.”

Edwards expects to have a “hometown” advantage as he expects his large fan base to follow him the approximate one-hour drive to Cedar Rapids.

“I will absolutely have a lot of crowd support,” Edwards said. “I know my fans will turn out like they always have.”

Borys (2-3) is a 2-time Indiana Golden Gloves champion and all three loses have come to undefeated fighters.

“He’s definitely dangerous, I’ll give him that,” Edwards said of his opponent. “He uses his height effectively and has some power. I will be ready and I think he will definitely be a good test for me.”

Borys is 38 years old and 6-foot-2, while Edwards is 36 and 5-9.

“When I got the call, I said ‘heck, yeah’ I’ll take the fight,” Borys said. “I said send the contract right now and I’ll sign it.
“I’m like ‘Rocky’ in this story. I’m an underdog, but I feel it’s a good fight for me and I expect to win. I will be ready and I hope the best Edwards shows up.”

Asked about his record, Borys said: “I don’t want to fight bums. I have always fought anybody I was offered and that has hurt my record. But its made me ready for a fight like this.”

Mitchell LeConte (7-0) of Cedar Rapids will defend his USA Mid America Lightweight title for the first time against Justin Oregon (3-0) of Grand Island, Neb., in the main event.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the first bout at 5:30. Tickets are available from the participating fighters and online at www.nitrotickets.com. The entire card will be shown live on Pay-Per-View by Buzz TV Live.

For more PPV information, go online to www.Buzztv.live.


Decorated wrestler leaving MMA to concentrate on boxing

The list of accolades in wrestling is almost endless for Khetag Pliev, who was born and raised in Ossetia, Russia and is now a Canadian citizen. 

The 38-year-old has competed in many Pan American Games and other talent-filled tournaments and events in his career, which reached its peak in 2012 when he represented Canada in the Olympic Games. After wrestling, he had some success in both mixed martial arts and boxing. But with injuries taking their toll, Pliev has decided to turn 100% of his attention to boxing.

“I had surgery on my left knee about eight months ago and my back has been giving me trouble,” Pliev said. “I think boxing is a bit easier on my body. And I have always liked boxing.”

Pliev will compete Aug. 6 in Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Defense of the Belt” event at the Alliance Energy Powerhouse Convention Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Tickets for the event are available from participating fighters and online at www.Nitrotickets.com. The event also will be shown live on Pay-Per-View, which can be purchased on www.buzztv.live.

“I only started boxing a few years ago, but I still think I can become a world champion … I really believe it,” Pliev said. “I know the odds are against me, but I have confidence in myself.”

Pliev has a 5-1 record with a upset win over then unbeaten Joshua Temple, and a loss in his last outing against then 10-0 Ryan Rozicki. He had the heavily favored Rozicki in trouble in the second round before getting caught and knocked out.

Stepping in to fight Pliev is Lemuel Peay of Newark, N.J., who will be making his professional debut.

“I plan on putting on a show,” Peay said. “I haven’t been boxing that long, but I’m athletic and the movement in boxing came easy to me.”

Peay said he made a lot of bad choices growing up and it landed him in jail. But the 37-year-old decided to give fighting a try when he got released. He started with MMA, but found that boxing came more natural to him.

“I don’t know much about my opponent except that he is bigger than me,” Pliev said. 

Fighting bigger guys is not uncommon for Pliev, who plans to fight as a cruiserweight at about 185 pounds. Peay will weigh about 220, while Pliev’s first two opponents weighed 306 and 296 pounds, respectively.


Extreme Maximus Boxing partners with Buzz TV Live

Extreme Maximus Boxing is excited to announce a partnership with Buzz TV Live, an expanding content distribution platform, which will handle promotion, distribution and production of our Pay-Per-View events.

In 2015, BuzzTV began manufacturing Android boxes to provide the best video distribution solutions. The BuzzTV boxes currently are in more than 400,000 homes and businesses across the world, predominately in North America, with a reach of more than 1 million viewers.

Buzz TV Live is now launching additional content distribution platforms, including: WebTV, Mobile Application (iOS & Android), Amazon Fire Stick Application, and Roku Application.

Extreme Maximus Boxing began in 2020 when promoter Monte Cox was introduced to matchmaker Scott Tolzmann. They formed a partnership that has produced 11 events in less than two years. EMB previously made television deals with Mediacom, followed by Spectation Sports.

The first EMB promotion on the Buzz TV Live platform is a professional boxing event on Aug. 6 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Convention Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

For more information, look online at BuzzTV.live.


‘Iowa Young Guns’ event is postponed

A series of issues beyond anybody’s control has forced Extreme Maximus Boxing to postpone its “Iowa Young Guns” event set for Saturday at Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Jefferson, Iowa.

The problems started with hometown standout Johnny Case suffering an injury, leaving him unable to compete.

That was followed days later with two other fighters forced to withdraw due to transportation issues, leaving the card in shambles. Casino officials agreed with the promotion that it would be best to postpone rather than continue with a sub-par event.

On behalf of EMB we apologize for the inconvenience and will announce a new date when one is decided upon.

For refunds, take tickets back to the origin of purchase.


‘Young Guns’ gives boxing fans preview of future

Extreme Maximus Boxing has put together a card full of up-and-coming talent for its “Iowa Young Guns” event scheduled for June 4 at Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Jefferson, Iowa.

“Iowa’s talent level in boxing has improved dramatically in the last few years and we have some of the most promising fighters competing at Wild Rose Casino,” said promoter Monte Cox. “It’s obvious these fighters are already super talented, but they are getting close to landing major television bouts.

Top prospects include:
Diego Zuniga (4-0) of Des Moines is a 2-time Iowa Golden Gloves champion and is improving each fight. Last month, he moved into position to fight for the USA Mid America welterweight title.

Robert Calvin (2-0) of Davenport has knocked out both his opponents in a total of 3 minutes, 40 seconds. A former Indiana and Iowa Golden Gloves champion, Calvin is a light heavyweight with power to spare.

Manny Colon (2-0) of Des Moines is new to boxing after competing in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. But the middleweight is off to a bright start, winning both his pro bouts by knockout.

Angel Reyes-Ruiz (3-0) of Des Moines is a barber by day, but improving fighter by night. Of the lightweight’s three wins, two have come by knockout.

Edgar Uvalle (2-3-2) of Des Moines got off to a rough start, but has put together back-to-back victories and is now considered a prospect.

“Iowa Young Guns” will start at 5:30 p.m. with doors opening an hour earlier. Tickets are available online at Nitrotickets.com; at the Wild Rose Iowa Store; or from participating fighters. 


Iowa’s Case continues to chase titles in 2 sports

For most talented athletes, the pursuit of a world championship requires them to spend their time working exclusively on the sport.
But Johnny Case isn’t like most athletes.

The 32-year-old just fought for his first mixed martial arts world title in Japan and now, only 1 1/2 months later, he’s resuming his professional boxing career, which he hopes also leads to a championship.

“The way I look at it, I lost two years to the pandemic,” Case said. “So I’m trying to catch up. I love to fight and to me a fight is a fight … two guys engaged in combat. It doesn’t matter to me if its boxing or MMA. And I love having the opportunity to fight in my hometown. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Case, a native of Jefferson, Iowa, will try to improve to 4-0 in boxing when he headlines the “Iowa Young Guns” event, promoted by Extreme Maximus Boxing. The 10-bout event is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Jefferson.

Tickets are available at the Wild Rose Iowa Store; online at Nitrotickets.com; and from participating fighters. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first fight at 5:30 p.m.

Co-headlining the event is Des Moines fighter Diego Zuniga, a two-time Iowa Golden Gloves champion with a perfect 4-0 record. Zuniga, 26, is coming off an impressive win over tough veteran Gilbert Venegas Sr., just weeks ago at the “Capital Punishment” event in Des Moines.

Other outstanding Iowa fighters include Manny Colon, Robert Calvin, Angel Reyes and Edgar Uvalle.

Iowa Young Guns Promo Video

Capital Punishment Radio Spot

Lightweight title centers on ‘Youth vs. Experience’

At first glance, it would appear Mitchell LeConte and Lance Williams have their careers headed in opposite directions entering their showdown on April 16 at Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Capital Punishment” event at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines.

LeConte, who just turned 26, has a 6-0 record, while the 36-year-old Williams is 8-12-1. However, according to Boxrec.com, the official record keeper for professional boxing, Williams is a slight favorite.

Both fighters are from Iowa and have respect for each other. They agree their USA Mid-America title fight will come down to youth against experience.

“The adrenaline is starting to pump more every day,” said Williams, who is from Muscatine, Iowa. “It’s the classic matchup of youth versus experience. I have a lot of respect for LeConte, but I have to beat him. It’s going to be an exciting fight … that’s for sure.”

A year ago, Williams defeated 20-year-old Jason Phillips.

“I beat Jason last year, so I’m ready to get another young guy this year,” Williams added.

For LeConte, the most difficult time has been getting opponents who don’t drop out at the last minute. He has settled for replacements on several occasions.

“Williams is a veteran who has been around a long time,” said LeConte, who is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “But I think I’m younger, bigger, stronger and quicker.

“I think it will be my toughest test so far … I’ve got to be ready. As far as the title goes, I think it’s an opportunity to show my skills on a bigger stage.”

Williams won 5 Iowa Golden Gloves title as an amateur, while LeConte was a 3-time champion.

Tickets for “Capital Punishment” start at $42 and are available from participating fighters, at the Wells Fargo Arena ticket office, and online at Hyveetix,com. Doors open at 5 p.m, with the first fight at 6 p.m.

It is an all-ages show and children 7 and under get in free to general admission.

The event will be shown live on Spectation Sports. Subscribe to watch it.


Title fights highlight ‘Capital Punishment’ event

3/18/22

Last month, Des Moines boxer Tristan “Tree” James called it “a dream” when he fought for a title in his hometown and celebrated a victory with his fans.

James agreed it will be hard to top his latest accomplishment. However, the new USA Mid-America light heavyweight champion is far from finished. While winning the championship was great, successfully defending it in his hometown might be even greater.

“To be considered a real champion, you have to successfully defend the belt,” James said. “And, I’m going to do that. This is my state, my city and my belt. Nobody is going to take it away from me, period!”

Extreme Maximus Boxing will present “Capital Punishment” on Saturday, April 16, at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines.

James, winner of three straight fights, will defend the belt against veteran Kevin Engel of St. Louis, Mo.

“I’m asked why I call myself the King of Iowa,” James said. “To understand you have to look at the initials. The letters stand for ‘intelligent outsider with ambition’ and I consider myself to be the king of all that.”

In the co-main event, undefeated Mitchell LeConte of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will face Lance Williams of Muscatine, Iowa, for the USA Mid-America lightweight title. LeConte is 6-0 and looking to climb in the rankings, while Williams is a veteran who started out 6-1 before taking on a series of prospects for bigger paydays. He will enter the fight coming off a win, and is 8-12 overall.

Many of Des Moines’ top fighters are also on the card, led by unbeaten Diego Zuniga, former MMA star Victor Moreno, and newcomer Manny Colon. Together, they have won all six of their pro boxing bouts.

Other local fighters are Edgar Uvalle, Angel Ruiz and Manuel Valadez. Nic Martin will compete in kickboxing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first bout at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $42 and are available online at Hyveetix.com, at the Wells Fargo box office, or from any participating fighter.

The event can be seen live with a $19.99 subscription on Spectationsports.com.


HOW TO WATCH CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

3/17/22

Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “CAPITAL PUNISHMENT” is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2022, with the first of 12 fights beginning at 6 p.m. (CST). To watch:
1. Go to our webpage (Extrememaximus.com).
2. Hit the “Buy Now” button, which takes you to Spectationsports.com.
3. Select our event.
4. You will need to either login (If you already have a subscription) or subscribe to Spectation Sports. You can select the monthly plan for $19.99 a month (which you can cancel anytime) or the Annual Pass.
6. Once you have subscribed, you will be able to watch our event.




James, Abraham both predict victory in ‘Battle for the Belt’

Boxers Tristan “Tree” James and Eric “Caution” Abraham agree on a lot of things leading up to their USA Mid-America title fight at “Battle for the Belt” on Feb. 19 in Des Moines. That is, except who is going to win.

“I’m not taking him lightly … he’s a tough opponent,” said James, a Des Moines native. “I’ve watched lots of video on him and in his younger days he was really dangerous. He’s still dangerous now, but I will be on my “A” game … that’s for sure.”

James is a 4-time Iowa Golden Gloves champion and will be dropping down to light heavyweight (178 pounds) to take on Abraham, who also is fighting lighter than usual.

“I say this not to put him down, but he’s definitely not as good as other guys I’ve fought,” said Abraham, a resident of New York.

“I’ve already beaten guys better than him, but at that time I was deep into my training. In the last eight fights or so I started drinking and partying and I didn’t put the work in. That resulted in my record looking bad.”

Abraham only had eight amateur fights before starting off his professional career with a 3-2 record. He then started a streak of nine fights where the opponents had a combined record of 62-1-2. He managed to win three of those fights before he quit serious training.

“I’ve cut all the crap out and I’m taking this fight seriously,” Abraham said. “I’ve turned quite a few other fights down before taking this one. I feel like this is a good fight for me and I’m going to win.”

James also started off his pro career with mixed results, but says his confidence is now at an all-time high.

“Honestly, it all changed when I signed with (Extreme Maximus Boxing) and got a team behind me,” James said. “It gave me the boost I needed to get my career going. I’ve been waiting to be a part of a team since 2017 … that’s five years.”

James also is not taking this fight lightly and has been focusing more on his strength and conditioning. He is excited to fight in his hometown.

“It’s all kind of surreal … I still can’t believe it,” James said. “To be able to fight for my first title, and to do it in front of my fans in my hometown. It truly is a blessing.”

The co-main event features Diego Zuniga vs. Kurtis Ellis in a battle of unbeatens. Other local fighters on the 14-bout card include: Johnny Case, Victor Moreno, Angel Reys, Anthony Crowder, Ernesto Hernandez and Lance Williams.

“Battle for the Belt” will be held at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, on Saturday, Feb. 19. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first bout at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and are available from participating fighters, online at www.nitrotickets.com or at the door the night of the event.

If you can’t attend, the event will be shown live on Pay-Per-View. Go to Extrememaximus.com to see how to sign up. ELITE sportsbook will provide odds for some of the fights. To sign up, go to www.elitesportsbook.com.


HOW TO ORDER OUR PAY-PER-VIEW

HOW TO ORDER OUR PAY-PER-VIEW
Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “BATTLE FOR THE BELT” is scheduled for Saturday, February 19, 2022, with the first of 15 fights beginning at 6:30 p.m. (CST).

To order:
1. Go to our webpage (Extrememaximus.com).
2. Hit the “Buy Now” button, which takes you to Spectationsports.com.
3. Hit the “Get Access” button.
4. “Battle for the Belt” is now in your cart.
5. When you hit checkout, you will need to either login (If you have purchased before) or register (this is free).
6. Once you have registered, you will be able to purchase the Pay-Per-View.


Zuniga, James shine; Hernandez surprises at ‘Return to Des Moines’

December 10, 2021

It was no surprise that Diego Zuniga and Tristan “Tree” James had standout performances Saturday night at Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Return to Des Moines” event at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa.

However, everybody was shocked when massive underdog Ernesto Hernandez’s performance put him in the running for a “Fight of the Night” effort. Even Hernandez was in disbelief.

“That’s it? I won?” the 33-year-old asked when referee Ben Wilson stopped the bout at 1:13 of the first round, declaring Hernandez the winner by knockout. The victory broke a 9-fight losing streak for the Des Moines resident and started a celebration in the corner between the fighter, his father Manuel and his uncle Cepi.

In the other corner, Manuel Valadez was understandably upset. After an undefeated amateur career, he expected his professional debut to be a victory. But it was Hernandez’s night and the 21-year-old Valadez, still a promising prospect from Des Moines, will have to wait for the first pro win.

The scheduled main event unfortunately was cancelled when Nathaniel Morrow struggled with his weight cut and ended up in the hospital. His opponent, unbeaten Mitchell LeConte of Cedar Rapids, was left without an opponent for the third time in his last four fights. The bout was set for the vacant USA Mid-America Lightweight Championship.

Also cancelled was a fight between longtime MMA fighter Victor Moreno and DeAngelo Clardy. A week prior to the event, Clardy suffered an injured shoulder. A replacement could not be found on short notice.

Zuniga was promoted to the main event and he put on an impressive performance, winning by TKO at 1:31 of the first round over Marcus Parkison with a body shot. A two-time Iowa Golden Gloves winner, Zuniga improved to 2-0 and received a standing ovation for his effort.

Parkison, to his credit, was in an emergency room early the day before the fight fighting a kidney stone. An hour after passing the stone, he departed Milwaukee for a six-hour drive to Des Moines. In addition, while traveling to the fight, his wife went into labor.

James, a four-time Iowa Golden Gloves champion, took control from the start, using his length and speed to land frequently on Anthony Williams. It was the first professional fight in James’ hometown of Des Moines and the third-round TKO victory improved his record to 5-4-2. At 34, he still hopes to work his way up to the elite level at cruiserweight.

Antonio Mireles, a 6-foot-9 heavyweight projected to be the best fighter out of Iowa since world champion Michael “Second To” Nunn, needed only 33 seconds to pick up his second pro victory. His opponent, Jacob Williams, also 6-foot-9, complained of a shoulder injury and took a knee shortly after the fight started. The Iowa Athletic Commission was not convinced of the Ohio fighter’s injury and suspended his license for a year and withheld 80% of his purse.

Mireles, who is signed with Top Rank Boxing, won the Olympic Trials, National Golden Gloves and U.S. Nationals as an amateur.

Angel Reyes made his pro debut and scored a unanimous decision over veteran Anthony Crowder, who made the fight competitive. Edgar Uvalle of Des Moines got his first victory by knocking out Devin Parker of New Orleans in the third round to improve to 1-3-2.

Opening the event was a pair of amateur kickboxing bouts featuring all area fighters. Jonah Crilly won a close decision over Stephen Downer while Brayan Valerio and Zacheus Howell fought to a split draw.

Extreme Maximus fans may get look at next superstar

NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Boxing fans will be getting a glimpse of the future when they attend Extreme Maximus Boxing’s “Return to Des Moines” event, scheduled Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa.

Antonio Mireles, one of the nation’s best boxers as an amateur, will fight in his hometown of Des Moines for the first time since turning professional earlier this year.

“I really can’t believe we were able to work it out for Mireles to fight for us,” said Extreme Maximus Boxing promoter Monte Cox. “I suggested it to my partner Scott (Tolzmann) and the next thing I know he has made a few calls and has it all arranged.”

Mireles will be part of 10-fight card headlined by a battle between Mitchell LeConte (5-0) and Nate Morrow (2-3) for the vacant USA Mid-America lightweight title. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first fight at 5:30 p.m. Elite Sportsbook is an event sponsor and will offer betting odds on the fights. Tickets start at $40 in advance and are available now from participating fighters, online at Nitrotickets.com, an on Dec. 4 at the door. If you can’t make it to the event, it will be shown live on Pay-Per-View. Visit to Extrememaximus,com to learn how to order.

Mireles, a 6-foot-9 heavyweight, distinguished himself by winning a trifecta of top amateur events … Olympic Trials, National Golden Gloves and U.S. Nationals. He signed with super manager David McWater and then with Top Rank Boxing. He is trained by Robert Garcia, a former “Trainer of the Year” who has handled multiple world champions, including Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios, Marcos Maidana and Mikey Garcia. Two months ago, Mireles won his pro debut in less than a minute.
Mireles, 24, was quoted In an interview with Joseph Santoliquito of “The Ring.”

“I want to thank Top Rank for this tremendous opportunity,” Mireles said. “I’ve had my eye on Top Rank ever since I started taking the sport seriously, and it’s an honor to turn pro under their banner. I am a versatile boxer, but I’m not afraid to get in the trenches and have a shootout. My coaches try to stop me from doing that, but I’m aggressive by nature. I believe my style is more suited to the pro game …”

“We’ll be patient,” McWaters also was quoted in the “The Ring” article. “If you look at your top 40 American heavyweights, 35 of them will be over 30 and most of those guys are over 35. You’re really in a situation that no matter how good you are as a prospect in your 20s, you’re going to be five years away from your prime.”

Garcia, who was an outstanding boxer himself, said in the same article: “Antonio has the potential to be great … right now I can say he has the work ethic. You don’t see any 6-foot-9 Mexicans. Hispanic people are rarely that tall. We’re working with him and he keeps improving and he looks very strong.”

Other local talent featured on the card include: 2-time Iowa Golden Gloves champ Diego Zuniga; 4-time Iowa Golden Gloves champ Tristan “Tree” James; and standout mixed martial arts fighter Victor Moreno. Additional area fighters include: Manual Valadez, Angel Reyes, Ernesto Hernandez, Edgar Uvalle and Tony Crowder. Opening the show are four area amateurs who will compete in kickboxing. Those fighters are: Brayan Valerio, Zacheus Howell, Stephen Downer and Jonah Crilly.