Undefeated heavyweight and 2020 Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava (4-0, 4 KOs) is set to headline the “Punches and Punchlines” boxing event in a fight against John Shipman (5-5, 2 KOs) on Thursday at the Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California. This marks the first professional boxing event at the venue in nearly five years, brought to life by Toro Promotions, Inc., House of Pain, and Black House Boxing.
Rogava, originally from Georgia and a former resident of Ukraine, now fights out of Marina del Rey, California. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 270 pounds, Rogava has made a successful transition to boxing from a decorated career in Muay Thai and kickboxing, where he earned three IFMA World titles and an ACB kickboxing crown. Trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen, Rogava is noted for his agility and style, reminiscent of Tyson Fury, despite their imposing statures. Coming off a knockout victory over the previously unbeaten Dante Williams, Rogava aims to continue his winning streak against John Shipman from Dallas, in a six-round heavyweight main event.
The co-main event of the evening presents super lightweight Jimmie “El Chingon” Nunez (5-2, 5 KOs) against Kenekuk De La Rosa (2-1, 1 KO) in what promises to be an aggressive six-round duel.
Adding to the card’s excitement is undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (7-0, 6 KOs), who will take on Dan Hernandez (3-4, 2 KOs) in a six-round contest. At 23, Guerrero stands out not only for his unbeaten record but also for his remarkable height and reach within his weight class, further accentuated by his background as the 2016 Nicaraguan Youth National Champion.
The event aims to blend top-notch boxing with entertainment, featuring comedian Jerry Garcia, who will not only perform a set during the intermission but also introduce each fight, adding a unique vibe to the night.
The undercard is packed with promising talent in four-round bouts, including Temecula cruiserweight David Longoria (2-0, 2 KOs) facing Jason “El Crazy Horse” Lara making his pro debut; lightweight William King (5-1-1, 2 KOs) of Perris, CA, against Giovanny Meza (0-6, 0 KOs); and heavyweight Ian “The Captain” Morgan (1-2, 0 KOs) from Temecula squaring off against Terrance Brown (1-5, 0 KOs).
Fight card:
▪️Tsotne Rogava vs. John Shipman, 6 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Jimmie Nunez vs. Kenekuk De La Rosa, 6 rounds, junior welterweight ▪️Nilo Guerrero vs. Dan Hernandez, 6 rounds, junior lightweight ▪️David Longoria vs. Jason Lara, 4 rounds, cruiserweight ▪️William King vs. Giovanny Meza, 4 rounds, lightweight ▪️Ian Morgan vs. Terrance Brown, 4 rounds, heavyweight
