LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2016) – Undefeated San Diego prospect Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles takes on Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in a crossroads fight for both on Friday night, September 9, in the return of “Knockout Night at the D,” airing (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) live on CBS Sports Network from the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside on CBS Sports Network.
Robles vs. Claggett, promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, is the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.
Sept. 9th has the potential to be the most explosive top-to-bottom card in the already praised 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” series, which consistently showcases tomorrow’s stars in highly competitive, compelling match-ups.
“Knockout Night at the D’ is truly establishing itself in Downtown Las Vegas as a premier event for boxing fans in the community and beyond,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “From hometown heavy-hitters to up-and-coming amateur fighters, the second half of this series will bring unforgettable, action-packed shows that can’t be missed.”
A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super lightweight champion, as well as a 2008 National PAL gold medalist. Robles (15-0-1, 5 KOs) needs an impressive victory on national television in order to advance to the next level of the junior welterweight division. The southpaw has won his last 11 fights since his 2012 draw with 7-0 Adrian Vargas.
Emmanuel Robles
“I am excited to showcase my skills once again as the main event on a Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions card,” Robles said. “Both of my promoters, RJJ & Bobby D, are presenting me with such an incredible opportunity to fight for the Regional NABA Title belt. My opponent is in for the boxing lesson of his life. I know Claggett will be a strong contender and brings a power punch to the table. He is going to be challenging, the toughest opponent I’ve had to face thus far in my boxing career, but I am ready to show my opponent and his team the skills that will help me capture the title and bring it home to RJJ and my team.
“It’s an honor to display my superior boxing skills for Roy Jones Jr. on CBS Sports Network and I am humbled that Las Vegas has accepted me with such open arms. Defeating Claggett will put me on the map as a contender for the top 140-pounders in the world such as (Adrien) Broner, (Terence) Crawford & (Victor) Postal.
The 27-year-old Claggett (23-4-1, 16 KOs) needs to bounce back from a disputed 10-round loss by majority decision the Chris van Heerden in his last fight this past April, also at the DLVEC, to revitalize his career. Claggett is taking a risk by dropping down one weight class in order to challenge junior welterweight Robles.
Steve Claggett
“This fight means everything to me,” Claggett explained. It is a make or break fight for my career and I have a chance to re-enter the boxing world at 140 pounds, which is a weight that I believe I should have been fighting at a little while ago. I have a new trainer for the first time – a new team – and I am looking forward to showing fans a new fighter. A victory will stamp my name as a true world champion contender. I understand my position and I know that I am on the ‘B’ side, but I have been in this position many times before. I have a lot of experience in the sport of boxing and it has finally all come together for me. This will be my best fight. My focus and training will show on fight night.
“My opponent is a strong fighter. Robles is a sharp boxer and he has a good history in the sport as well. He is a southpaw and brings a good record to the table. All respect to the Robles team, but I am ready to fight for my life, and this is what this sport is all about. Expect me to bring everything I have and put on a ’10’ war for the fans.”
A firefight is developing for the 8-round co-feature between unbeaten prospects Rolando “Rola” Garza (9-0, 6 KOs) and Neeco “Roster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will throw-down for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship.
The opening 4-round television fight pits two young welterweights, local favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) and Texan Steve Belmonte (2-0), in another rare showdown between unbeaten prospects.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercards are undefeated Ugandan lightweight prospect Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (17-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Minneapolis, in an 8-rounder vs. TBA. In 4-round fights, 20-year-old junior lightweight Randy Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, will be matched against an opponent to be announced and Las Vegas junior flyweight Marina Ramirez (1-0) meets New Jersey’s Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:15 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
