Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) is preparing for his first professional fight at home in Olathe, Kansas, on September 6. His living legend manager and head trainer, John Brown, has advised Romero to observe future Hall of Famer Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) as a perfect example for his development.
Turner Boxing Academy, owned and operated by Brown in Kansas City (KS), is promoting “The Homecoming,” a professional/amateur boxing card to be headlined by hometown hero Romero, on September 6, at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.
Usyk, a proud Ukrainian who captured a gold medal for his country in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, was the undisputed world cruiserweight champion before moving up to duplicate that feat, not once but twice, as a heavyweight.
“Usyk is a good example for Marco to follow,” Brown explained. “I have him watching videos of Usyk. He’s such an impressive guy, in and out of the ring, and that’s why I’m pushing Marco in his direction. I’m a big fan of Tyson Fury, but I’m trying to instill Usyk’s traits in Marco as a fighter because of Usyk’s tenacity and will, top conditioning, and boxing science knowledge. I’m a realist about life and boxing, how tough they both are, but I always teach my boxers that to be successful in this sport, as well as in life, they need to be obsessed for success.”
“I never really paid attention to Usyk until recently,” Romero added. “He is definitely one of a kind. His movement, footwork, and output for a heavyweight is insane, especially since he’s not on the big side in the heavyweight division. Usyk is a beast!”
“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group, and a part of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County.
Romero, 19 years old and a 23-time national amateur champion, will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout. Romero takes on Javier Dario Aragon (7-1-1, 3 KOs) in the main event. This bout will also mark Romero’s debut as a middleweight with him moving down one division from super middleweight, where he has competed since turning professional.
Undefeated Topeka (KS) heavyweight John “Iron Man” Cantrell (14-0, 13 KOs) faces Portland “The Prince” Pringle (5-5, 1 KO), who is from Lexington, Kentucky, in the 8-round co-featured event.
The undercard will feature popular Kansas City (KS) welterweight Marcell Davidson (6-0, 4 KOs) in a 4-round match versus Ociel Vazquez (2-1, 2 KOs), of Dallas. Davidson was a 2-time winner of The Ringside World Championships, as well as a 2019 National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist.
Leawood (KS) cruiserweight Ben Turla will make his pro debut in a 4-round match versus Randy “SPAWN” Martina (1-0, 1) from Fort Riley, Kansas. Turla was a 3-time national amateur champion, including top honors at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite Championships.
Opening the pro side of the card is a 4-round welterweight battle between Anthony Adams, Jr. (6-1, 5 KOs), of Kansas City (KS), and Topeka’s Marquis Hawthorne (1-0, 1 KO).
Card subject to change.