Premier Boxing Champions returns tonight after its spectacular offerings this past weekend of Spence vs. Algieri and Russell, Jr. vs. Hyland with Lightweight contender Ivan Redkach (19-1, 15 KOs) taking on Puerto Ricos Luis Cruz (22-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round headliner.
The Ukranian born Redkach, 30, began boxing at the age of six and has put together an impressive career since turning pro in 2009. The southpaw recently rebounded from his first professional loss to Dejan Zlaticanin last June. It was also the first time Redkach had been knocked out, losing by TKO.
“I am really looking forward to headlining this event on April 19,” said Redkach. “I know that I have a strong opponent, but I am determined to impress the fans and show that I am ready to challenge the elite in my division. I’ve trained very hard and I’m ready to fight.”
Since then, Redkach has bounced back by knocking out Erick Daniel Martinez last October in the third round. His next challenge, Luis Cruz, won his first 19 fights and is looking to make a statement.
“I plan on rejuvenating my career with this fight,” said Cruz. “Redkach is a tough fighter, but it is nothing that I haven’t seen before. I want to get this big win. It’s now or never for me.”
Middleweight action is also on the card as undefeated Immanuwel Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) takes on Jonathan Cepeda (17-1, 15 KOs).
Born in East Meadow, New Jersey but fighting out of Richmond, Virginia, Aleem was introduced to boxing from a young age by his parents. Since turning pro in 2012 at age 18, the 22-year-old has wiped out all of the competition in front of him.
Originally from New Jersey, Cepeda relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 16 and had a brief but successful 22-3 amateur record, with all three of his loses coming to middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs. He won two Florida Golden Gloves titles and reached a National Golden Gloves semifinal. Cepeda has won five fights in a row including two stoppage victories in 2015.
PBC Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays airs tonight live from the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9pm
