By Lauren Rodriguez

Published April 3, 2021

PICO RIVERA, Ca.- Marv Nation Promotions held their press conference at Don Chente, Restaurant, where they introduced their live audience fight night, “The Return of the Legends.”

The event, largely backed by Marv Nation and co-promoted with Red Boxing Promotions, will be held at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena on June 11th. Due to fluctuating COVID restrictions, it is unclear how many seats will be left vacant for the event.

Headlining the event, an exhibition match between former world champions, Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) and Jesus “Renuente” Soto- Karass (29-13-4, 18 KO).

The International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Barrera, retired in 2011. The 47-year-old last fought 10 years ago in Guadalajara, Mx., making this a highly anticipated event. Barrera will train in Mexico and return to California one week before the fight.

Karass, almost 10 years younger than Barrera, fought his last fight in 2018. After a short retirement, Soto-Karass is excited to fight for show, however, stated he will not be returning professionally to boxing.

“My time for professional boxing is over,” stated Soto-Karass.

Joining the epic fight card, the sons of Marvin Rodriguez, Pico Rivera boxing brothers, Angel “El Moreno” Rodriguez (8-0, 5 KO) and Nathan “El Morenito” Rodriguez (2-0).

“It’s an amazing opportunity. My biggest opportunity as a fighter. I’m grateful to be on the card. It’s going to be fun fighting together. Coming back to Pico, it’s my hometown so I always love fighting here,” said Angel Rodriguez.

Nathan “El Morenito” Rodriguez, made his pro debut earlier this year. The 16-year-old fighter leads his pro career with knockouts in the first round. The teen boxer is looking for a youth title within the next year. But it will have to be outside of the US. He is underage according to California State Athletic Commission and cannot fight professionally until he is 18. This fight will be an exhibition.

Adelaida Ruiz (9-0-1) will be on the roster, once more showing Pico Rivera how entertaining and jaw dropping women’s boxing can be. She recently fought for the interim WBC super flyweight title against Sonia Osorio but the fight was stopped early due to an accidental clash of heads. The fight was called a technical draw. She is anxious to return to action.

From Orange California, Bryan “The Thrill” Flores (15-1, 6 KO’S) will also be joining the card.

“It’s an honor to fight with those legends here. To fight on this card means a lot. It means I’m going to have a good performance. Something people can remember. I’m carded with warriors, so I have to be one too.”

Blanca Rubio, 48th district state assembly woman briefly appeared at the press event. The politician praised Marv Nation founder and president, Marvin Rodriguez, with a certificate on behalf of California’s state legislature signifying his community and youth impact.

The newly emerged promotion company seems to be swiftly rising as they have created an exciting roster for boxing.

Marv Nation held their contract signing during the event, adding Rodriguez brothers and Adelaida Ruiz under contract.

“I want to fight for all the world titles, all of them, whoever has them. I think me signing with Marv Nation is a great opportunity to fight for those titles”, said Adelaida Ruiz.