Peltz: “Mike Jones Needs to Stay Busy”

Philadelphia, PA–Unbeaten welterweight contender MIKE JONES makes his first start in his hometown in more than two years when he takes onRaul Munoz, of Leon, Mexico, in the scheduled 10-round main event  Saturday evening, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street.

The Jones-Munoz fight contest is part of the Top Rank Live production which will be televised live by Fox Sports Net beginning at 10pm.  First of six additional fights begins at 7.30 p.m.

Jones, 28, scored the biggest win of his career Feb. 19 when he scored a unanimous 12-round decision over JESUS SOTO-KARASS, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, at the Mandalay Bay Resort Casino in Las Vegas.

The win over Soto-Karass was the second for Jones, who narrowly out-pointed him Nov. 13, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.

Jones retained by NABA, NABO and WBC Continental Americas Titles against Soto-Karass.

A pro since 2005, Jones is 24-0, 18 K0s, and he has beaten Irving Garcia, Henry Bruseles, Luciano Perez and Israel “Pito”Cardona.  The June 25 fight with Munoz will Jones’ first in Philadelphia since March 6, 2009, when he knocked out Dairo Esalas, of Miami, FL, in two rounds at the Blue Horizon.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Philadelphia again,” Jones said.  “I didn’t realize it’s been more than two years.  Fighting in Atlantic City is close, but it’s not Philadelphia.  Texas and Nevada were good trips, too, but it will be nice to be back home.”

Munoz, 31, turned pro in 1995 at the age of 18.  His 21-13-1 record includes 16 knockouts and he has been in with some of the best, including ALFONSO GOMEZ, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Hector Camacho, Yori Boy Campas and Joel Casamayor.

In his last fight April 23, Munoz knocked out John Hoffman, of St. Paul, MN, in two rounds in Topeka, KS. 

“We have known Russell Peltz for years and he is a true boxing promoter,” said Top Rank boss Bob Arum.  “Look at the job he has done with the career of MIKE JONES, who is now co-promoted by Top Rank and ready to break out as a big star in the welterweight division.  Mike is an exciting fighter with size and a lot of power.”

Peltz:  “MIKE JONES needs to stay busy.  He cannot fall into the habit of waiting for HBO or Showtime of Pay Per View fights.  That’s the problem with many of today’s fighters; they won’t fight unless they can make a score.  The old-timers fought to pay their bills and to learn their craft.  Experience is the key here and Mike needs it.”

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922).  They also can be purchased online at WWW.PELTZBOXING.COM.