Headlining again at home a dream come true for 16-0-1 junior middleweight Anthony Velasquez
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 23 Apr 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 22, 2025) – It’s always been a dream of unbeaten Springfield (MA) junior middleweight prospect Anthony “ATV” Velazquez (16-0-1, 14 KOs) and this Saturday night (Apr. 26) he will headline a card presented by Reyes Boxing for the second time in his last three fights.
Last September, Velasquez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Florent Dervis (10-1) for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Junior 147-pound title.
Velasquez, 29, takes on Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu (11-1, 8 KOs), of Tanzania, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The 32-year-old Metu will be fighting in the United States for the first time, as well as only his second outside of his native Tanzania, in which he suffered his lone loss, by way of a 10-round unanimous decision, last September in Moscow to Albert Khamkhoev (10-0, 4 KOs) for the Eurasian Super Welterweight Championship.
“It feels great to be headlining again at home in Springfield,” Velasquez said. “It had always been a dream of mine since I was 11. A have a lot of people supporting me here and a lot of kids look up to me. I didn’t have someone growing up here. People here expect big things from me. There are negative environments everywhere; sports are positive for kids, and I use that for motivation.
“I know my opponent is 11-1, my size, and fighters from Africa are tough and always in shape with a lot of pride. Training camp has been great. It’s been long, 14 weeks, and I’m ready to fight right now. I’ve had a lot of 10-round sparring sessions with a lot of good (his head coach” Hector Bermudez’ fighters, depending on who was in camp. All of them are undefeated.”
Under the guidance of his adviser, Gunther Feingold, Velasquez is happy with the way he is being moved, in addition to understanding he’s outgrown the New England boxing scene and likely will soon be fighting on larger platforms.
“His (Gunther) plan is to get me in bigger fights to move me into the ratings,” promotional free agent Velasquez explained. “This is my second scheduled 10-rounder, the more the better, and I hope to stay busy through the end of the year. I’m in the groove and we’ll see who is next after this fight. Promoters are watching now. I believe in my adviser, and this is my time to make a move in my weight class.”
Anthony “ATV” Velasquez is living the dream in terms of headlining at home; however, his ultimate boxing dreams include title belts, major fights with name boxers, promotional contract, and a memorable career.
INFORMATION:
Facebook: /AnthonyVelazquez
Instagram: @anthonyvelazquez_
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
EUBANK JR VS. BENN GRAND ARRIVALS QUOTES
Wed, 23 Apr 2025Headlining again at home a dream come true for 16-0-1 junior middleweight Anthony Velasquez
Wed, 23 Apr 2025Amateur Standout Stephanie Simon Signs with Split-T Boxing Management
Wed, 23 Apr 2025The Past Week in Action 21 April 2025: Fundora KOs Badillo, Retains Undisputed Belts; Smith UD Germain; Kovalev Returns with a Win
By Eric Armit, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Bantamweight Anthony Garnica Scores TKO Against Aston Palicte to Remain Undefeated
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Higher Seeds New York, Denver Fall in Playoffs Second Games to Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Young Gildo: The Baguio Bearcat
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina places solo runner-up in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025