Roy Jones disciple Mandeep “MJ” Jangra has his 11th pro fight tonight – his eight with Jones as his trainer – when he meets Nilo Guerrero for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) junior lightweight title.
The 10-rounder is the main event on the Roy Jones Jr. Boxing promoted card on Thursday, September 19, at Legends Casino Hotel in Toppenish, Washington.
Jangra, 10-0 (7 KOs), was born and raised in India, and now trains at the Roy Jones Jr. training camp, on Roy’s farm, in Pensacola, Florida following an amateur career which included silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
“This is a great opportunity for me, and I am blessed to be here. I have always dreamed about becoming a world champion,” said Jangra. “I want to be an inspiration for the next generation of Indian boxers. They can learn from my hard work and dedication. India is an upcoming powerhouse for professional boxing.
“Roy is a great mentor. I am so blessed that he gave me chance to work with him.”
Guerrero, also undefeated at 9-0 (7 KOs), was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua and now resides in Coachella, California. He debuted in 2021, fought his first six fights in Nicaragua and his last three in the USA.
“I’m happy to have this opportunity and I’m motivated for this fight,” Guerrero said. “My opponent is an excellent fighter and I know this will be a war. We are both fighting to stay undefeated. but I will do my job and get that victory no matter what. I know it will be the best fight of the night. In my mind, the objective is to come out on top, either by decision, TKO or KO.”
Also on the bill, Dominique “Lil Jalapeño” Roundtree (9-0, 6 KOs) from Augusta, Georgia, also trained by Jones, faces Mexican Roberto Canto (4-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round featherweight bout.
In a six-round bout at a catchweight of 151lbs, Keon “TheChosen1” Papillion. (9-0-1, 6 KOs) from Lafayette, Louisiana meets Duluth, Minnesota’s Rondale Hubbert (16-32, 10 KOs).
Keon is the son of two-time world title challenger Jason Pappilion. Jason, who trains Keon at his gym in Lafayette, had fought the likes of Keith Homes, Winky Wright, Kassim Ouma and Bronco McCart, while also being Roy Jones main sparring partner.
“It’s going to be a great card on Thursday at Legends Casino Hotel,” said Jones. “I have these three great guys on the card, two great prospects and the third fighting for a world [NBA] title. I love having them on this card. Roundtree, who many people have not seen, is a very interesting guy. Papillion is also an up and comer and of course the ever-loving Mandeep Jangra. Jangra always brings the action and he’ll be fighting for a world title which is very exciting for me.”
10 Rounds – junior lightweight
Mandeep “MJ” Jangra, 129.7 lbs. NBA Americas Champion, Kharian, India, 10-0, 7 KOs
Nilo Guererro, 129.7 lbs., Coachella, CA via Managua, NIC, 9-0, 7 KOs
6 Rounds – junior middleweight – 151 lbs Limit
Keon “TheChosen1” Papillion, 150 lbs. NBA Cont. Welter Champion, Lafayette, LA, 9-0-1, 6 KOs
Rondale Hubbert, 150 lbs. Duluth, MN, 16-32, 10 KOs,
6 Rounds – featherweight – 126 Lbs. Limit
Dominique “Lil Jalapeño” Roundtree, 126 lbs, Augusta, GA, 9-0, 6 KOs
Roberto Cantu, 124.4 lbs. Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, 4-3, 3 KOs
4 Rounds – welterweight – 147 lbs.
Quinn McKenna, 144 lbs. Chicago, IL, Pro Debut
Margarito Hernandez, 145.6 lbs. Wapato, Washington, 3-8-2
4 Rounds – junior featherweight – 125 lbs Limit
Nelson Guererro, 127 lbs. Coachella CA. via Managua, NIC, 2-0, 2 KOs
Lavelle Whittington, 126.9 lbs. Chicago, IL, 2-2, 1 KO
Read the full article here
