DEERFIELD, Fla. (August 9, 2013) - One of the most avoided welterweights in the world, Ed "The Lion" Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs) returns to the ring August 23 on the "Iron Mike Returns!" card, representing the debut promotional event for Iron Mike Productions, formerly Acquinity Sports, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

 

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting "Tyson Is Back!" in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

"Tyson Is Back" features a World Championship doubleheader on ESPN Friday Night Fights, headlined by International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion Argenis "La Tormenta" Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) making his initial world title defense, in the 12-round main event against IBF No. 13-rated Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs).

 

Undefeated Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, meets WBA No. 4 Jesus Cueller (22-1, 18 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight championship.

 

After his impressive win against former world champion Vivian Harris by TKO in July 2012 in Florida, Paredes has since registered two more victories, the first against Hector Munoz by unanimous decision on November 30, along with a third-round knockout of Basilio Silva on April 13 in the Dominican Republic.

 

The 28-year-old Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies:  World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.  Paredes will also be participating in the WBC World Cup, organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and its President, Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman.

 

The hard-hitting Paredes is scheduled to fight Mexican invader Noe "Platanito" Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs) on Aug. 23^rd in a 10-round bout.  "We are now very close to a title shot," Paredes said from his Miami training camp.  "I need to stay near the top in the rankings to achieve that world title fight. I'm determined to look good and impressive on August 23^rd.  I'm excited to be fighting on this card and can't wait to get in the ring.  I'd also like to thank the WBC for allowing me to compete in the World Cup."  

 

 

 

'We have an amazing schedule for the second half of 2013 in which we anticipate having the world title fight that Ed Paredes is looking for," Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta said.  "We are making our debut under the Iron Mike Productions banner, but our fighters are experienced and ready, and Ed Paredes will be better prepared to face the best welterweights in the world after his August 23^rd fight."

 

Also scheduled to fight in the "Tyson Is Back!" card is Cuban KO specialist Alexei "The Hurricane" Collado (16-0, 15 KOs), who will meet Mexican featherweight Hugo "Guerrero" Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan "Big Youth" McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell "Spiderman" Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

 

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert "Prince" Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match.  The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.

 

Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on sale and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

 

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23.  The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

 

Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

 

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

 

Pictures by Rey Sanchez / Courtesy of Acquinity-Sports

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