CHARLES MARTIN VS. MATTHEW MCKINNEY TO CAP BANNER YEAR FOR WESTSIDE PROMOTIONS
REDWOOD CITY, CA -- Nov. 5, 2024 -- Westside Promotions is thrilled to announce its return to the iconic Fox Theater in Redwood City on Sat., Nov. 16 with live, professional boxing featuring world class competition from local and national talent. The event promises a stellar lineup featuring an explosive heavyweight bout in the main event. Former IBF World Heavyweight Champion “Prince” Charles Martin headlines the card, and will face Escondito’s Matthew “El Matador” McKinney.
Martin (29-4-1, 26KO) looks to work his way back into title contention when he steps into the ring on November 16th with 1984 Olympic gold medalist Henry Tillman in his corner. The 38 year-old southpaw is coming off an injury-induced layoff after a unanimous decision loss to star heavyweight Jared “Big Baby” Anderson in July 2023.
“I couldn’t jump rope, run, do the things I needed to do,” Martin said of the injury. “I got a lot of rest, let it heal and slowly got back to it.”
The injury gave Martin time to work on other aspects of his game, and to learn new things about his body. Incorporating yoga, stretching, and physical therapy into his routine, Martin has noticed changes in his movement, particularly when throwing power punches.
“I had tight hips. I didn’t know it. With yoga and maintenance of my body, I got them back in the game. It takes a lot of power out of your shot,” said Martin.
"I'm honored and thankful that Westside Promotions was able to set me up with this fight,” he continued. “I just want to display a good night of boxing for the fans, and I hope everyone tunes in. I have a lot of friends and family who are coming to support me. Thank you Patrick Ragan and Westside Promotions. If it weren’t for you, I would be sitting stagnated.”
His opponent, Matthew McKinney, plans on spoiling Martin’s plans. McKinney has reached a crossroads in his life and career, and knows this is his shot to take his career to the next level.
“It’s opportunity knocking,” said McKinney. “It’s happened to me before. It couldn’t have come at more of a crossroads in my life. It’s not about the money. It is the opportunity to say that afterwards I was in the ring with a former world champion -- the best of the best -- and with this time to train, it’s really time to test myself and see if we can pull the upset. This could open bigger doors way down the road and in my life and my career like Cinderella Man. With the ample time, and the training I’m getting at altitude in Columbia, I’m hoping I get the boost I need to catch him.
Also on the card, undefeated prospect Jacob Macalolooy (8-0, 4KO) will face veteran spoiler Jose Marruffo (14-14-2, 2KO) of Phoenix. It will be Macalolooy’s most experienced opponent to date both in fights and foes, with Marruffo having faced the likes of Gary Antuanne Russell, Egis Kavaliauskas, and Maxim Dadashev en route to his bout with Macalolooy.
In other heavyweight action, Fresno heavy hitter Jett Blackwell (3-0-1) puts his “O” on the line when he faces Santa Rosa, Texas’ Robert Salinas (2-1, 2KO) in a six round bout. Blackwell is coming off a draw in his last bout with Kaleel Carter.
Rounding out the card, Malikai “Machine Gun” Johnson (13-0-1, 8KO) will face Nicaraguan Juan Centeno (8-17-4, 1KO) in a six round featherweight bout. Jalan “Sky” Walker (12-1-1, 10KO) makes his Westside Promotions debut after his recent signing when he faces Andrew Rodgers (9-13-3, 3KO) in a six round lightweight bout. Dante Kirkman (2-0) faces Jose Rodriguez in a four round bout at 154 pounds. Abraham Lozano, Kevin Montano, and David Delgado will also appear in separate bouts.
“This is going to be a great fight night for fans and viewers alike,” said Patrick Ragan, COO of Westside Promotions. “Everybody is matched tough, and every fight is going to be explosive.”
Former two-division world champion Michael “Second To” Nunn will be in attendance to sign autographs for fans.
Westside Promotions fight night is brought to you by Local Union 467 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local Union 617 Electric Workers of San Mateo County, Liuna Local 261, Dr. Paul Hughes, and Dr. David Kaplan.
Doors to the Fox Theater open at 5:00 p.m. on November 16th, and first bell is at 6:00 p.m. Tickets start at $63 and can be purchased at westside-promotions.com. Event streaming information will be forthcoming and can be found on Westside Promotions’ instagram at @westside.promotions.