Young junior featherweight boxer John Leonardo (9-1-1, 4 KOs) is gearing up to extend his winning streak in his hometown of Manalapan, N.J., at Sportika. Notably, this match carries an additional significance as Leonardo is also venturing into promoting and co-running Body Shot Promotions with his father and trainer, Donnie Leonardo. This newly-formed company aims to organize up to five events annually, primarily in Monmouth County, central New Jersey. Their debut event showcases John Leonardo facing Dominique Griffin (5-3-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round bout. The Leonardo duo will not only fight but also ensure all aspects of the show are in place, marking a novel step in their careers.
At 35 years of age, Griffin arrives with momentum, having delivered two notable performances. These include a surprise victory over the previously undefeated Carlos Vanegas Nunez in April, followed by a draw against the skilled Robert Rodriguez, who held a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in his previous fights.
The event’s undercard features promising talents like Robert Terry (9-0-1, 3 KOs), Kevin Coleman, James “Crunch Time” Wilkins (10-2, 6 KOs), heavyweight Derek Starling (6-1, 4 KOs), and female lightweight Chiara Dituri (6-0, 3 KOs). As the Leonardos embark on this unique journey of fighter-promoters, they aim to not only secure their financial futures but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the sport they hold dear.
Fight card:
▪️John Leonardo vs. Dominique Griffin, 8 rounds, super bantamweight ▪️James Wilkins vs. Julio Sanchez, 6 rounds, lightweight ▪️Robert Terry vs. Daniel Lartey, 6 rounds, super welterweight ▪️Iman Lee vs. Danny Murray, 6 rounds, lightweight ▪️Derek Starling vs. Lemir Isom Riley, 6 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Alvin Scott vs. Darryl Chamberlain, 4 rounds, welterweight ▪️Chiara Dituri vs. Julie Metzner, 4 rounds, lightweight ▪️Gabriel Gerena vs. Anthony Smith, 4 rounds, lightweight ▪️Robert Sabbagh vs. Mike Diorio, 4 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Kevin Coleman vs. Dennis Maldonado, 4 rounds, light heavyweight
