San Antonio fight fans are in for a real treat on Saturday, August 23, when the Boeing Center at Tech Port hosts a stacked card dubbed the Summer Showdown.
The main event sees undefeated Justin Figueroa (12-0, 10 KOs) headline for the first time, squaring off with Jarrod Tennant (9-5, 4 KOs) for the Junior NABF super welterweight crown.
World Boxing News spoke exclusively to Fighters First Management’s Jolene Mizzone and Adrian Clark, who gave unfiltered thoughts on the event, the fighters, and why their partnership is changing the game for boxers behind the scenes.
‘These are the types of cards I enjoy the best.’
“Being previously on the promoter side for over 25 years, I have to say that I enjoy these types of cards the best!” Mizzone told WBN.
“You have a guy in Justin Figueroa, who is an upcoming boxer fighting in his first main event for a regional title. Then you have Justin Pauldo, who, after this fight, will be right there to fight any of the top 135-lb fighters, so that is exciting.
“You also have another one of our fighters, Joseph Almadji, who is only 20 years old, fighting in his third professional fight. He is the future, so people will be able to see him showcase his skills.
“You also have, from top to bottom, local fighters showcasing their skills. I also need to mention that you have some fights that pit a San Antonio boxer against another San Antonio boxer, which is always great for bragging rights. You don’t see that much these days.
“I am looking forward to seeing them all, and who knows, maybe some of them will end up joining the Fighters First Family.”
Mizzone didn’t exaggerate. The bill is packed with rising local names, city-on-city bragging rights bouts, and established contenders ready to make their move.
Working with Adrian Clark
Mizzone was also keen to credit her right-hand man.
“My partnership with Adrian Clark couldn’t be any better. I don’t think I would be able to do this with anyone else but him. He had the confidence in me to bring me onto the team, and I will be forever grateful for that.
“I think that one of our many strengths is that we both listen to each other, and both have the same end game when it comes to the boxing business, to protect the fighters. That is very important to us.”
Protecting fighters has been a calling card for Fighters First, a management group that has quickly built a reputation for ethics in a notoriously ruthless industry.
The Partnership That Puts Fighters First
“I feel that what makes us very different from most managers is that we like to get our fighters involved in the business side of things. We feel laying out plans or deals to fighters makes a difference.
“At the end of the day, the fighter should be taught the business side of things and understand it.”
That philosophy, Mizzone believes, is what will sustain the growth of Fighters First in the coming years.
“Over the next year, we plan to keep building on the fighters we have and add more fighters to the family,” pointed out Mizzone.
“One thing that we believe is that we want to work with fighters who want to work with us, and I think we bring a lot to fighters that will only help them in the long run.”
Adrian Clark Speaks
Just as enthusiastic as Mizzone, Clark aims to continue the good work that has earned him a reputation over the years, beginning August 23.
“I am excited to work with Desi Martinez Promotions again! San Antonio is my second home. It is the fight capital of Texas, and fans should expect an action-packed card from top to bottom,” Clark told WBN.
“Working with your best friend is always easy, even when days are not easy. I see why she is a Hall of Famer in the sport. Aside from being two very down-to-earth individuals, we offer a service that is better than the competition, at a rate that is lower than the competition.
Asked which fighters he’s most looking forward to showcasing, Clark added, “I am excited for the young gun, Joseph Almajdi. He is the total package. I believe San Antonio fans are going to fall in love with him.
“This show is just part of the story as we aim to emerge as the number one boxing management company in the world,” he concluded.
August 23 – San Antonio’s night
Justin Figueroa (12-0, 10 KOs) vs Jarrod Tennant (9-5, 4 KOs)
Justin Pauldo (18-2, 9 KOs) vs Said Chino (25-12-2, 16 KOs)
Javier “Pitbull” Rodriguez (17-3-3, 3 KOs) vs Brandon Cruz (10-5, 7 KOs)
Edward Ortiz (14-2-2, 5 KOs) vs Jose Sanchez Charles (21-6-1, 12 KOs)
Joseph Almajdi (Fort Worth) vs Santiago Buendia
Isaac Bermea (San Antonio) vs Pedro Pinillo
Ethan Perez (San Antonio) vs Osmar Rodriguez Gamez
Ramon Soto (Converse) vs Emmanuel Saenz
Oliver Guerrero (San Antonio) vs Jerome Aiken
And Mizzone has no doubts about what fans can expect when the lights go up.
“I can’t wait to see Justin Figueroa in his first primary event title fight, and I believe Justin Pauldo is just one step away from facing the biggest names in the 135-pound division.
“I’m also looking forward to watching Joseph Aljamdi showcase his skills for the fans. He’s definitely one to watch for in the future.
“Let’s not forget about all the San Antonio talent that is being showcased on the card as well!”
August 23 – Boeing Center, San Antonio
Doors: 5 p.m. CT | First bell: 5:35 p.m.
Promoters: Desi Martinez Promotions & Fighters First Management
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.