Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (22-0, 14 KOs) faces experienced Brad “King” Solomon (28-3, 9 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight bout. The event will take place on Auguust 28th behind closed doors at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California and will be streamed live on DAZN. The main event that night sees Jorge Linares vs. Javier Fortuna in a twelve-round lightweight bout between former world title holders. At 27 years of age, Ellis is ready for the best that the welterweight division has to offer. The native of Lynn, Mass. last fought in November, winning a unanimous decision in his rematch against Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez. [Solomon is coming off back-to-back losses to Vergil Ortiz and Alexis Rocha.]
“Rashidi Ellis is a big problem for everyone at 147 pounds,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “He may very well have the quickest hands in boxing, and he’s eager to fight the very best in the division. We’re proud to have him lead our explosive undercard for August 28, which features some of the best contenders in any division, including the hard-hitting Bektemir Melikuziev and rising welterweight Alexis Rocha.”
“I’m finally back in the ring on August 28th on DAZN,” said Ellis. “And I’m happy that it will be at my favorite place, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Brad Solomon is coming off some very tough challenges, but I’m coming to make a statement. I’m going to show that I’m the best in the welterweight division and that I’m ready for a title shot. Stay tuned!”
Solomon is a 37 year-old from Lafayette, Louisiana who was a decorated amateur before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves tournaments, Solomon also possesses an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he has defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados.
Solomon promises that this fight will re-enter him into upper echelon of the welterweight rankings. “I want to tip my hat off to Golden Boy for bringing me back on one of their shows,” he said. “I will fight a good prospect, an up-and-coming fighter. But that’s what I’ve always wanted, the top, up-and-coming fighters. In this fight, I’m going to prove myself. I’m going to show the sport of boxing that I’m back. I’m going to put my career back on top where it’s supposed to be.”
UNDERCARD
Uzbekistan's Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (5-0, 4 KOs) will continue in the super middleweight division against Alan “La Amenaza” Campa (17-5, 11 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a ten-round clash..
Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-0, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. has signed on for a ten-round battle against Jameson Bacon (23-4, 15 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines...
Lamont Roach Jr. (19-1-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will face Neil Tabanao (17-7, 11 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines in a ten-round super featherweight fight. Roach's last fight was a failed WBO title bid vs. Jamel Herring...
Marlen Esparza (7-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return after her first and only defeat in an eight-round flyweight bout against Jacky Calvo (12-5-1, 1 KO) of Mexico City, Mexico.
