KJ Cataraja Signs With Sanman/ZIP Promotions

Undefeated super flyweight prospect Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja (11-0, 9 KOs), formerly of the ALA Boxing Gym, has signed up with the Sanman Promotions and ZIP Management partnership. This was recently revealed by Sanman CEO Jim Claude Manangquil.

“This is an exciting move for Sanman and ZIP. We are happy to welcome Cataraja into our stable. He has an impressive record and brags a very promising boxing career,” Manangquil stated.

Cataraja, 25, was one of the young prospects of the ALA Boxing Gym who was slowly but surely being groomed for the big time. He had been fighting at an average of twice a year since 2015 and once won the World Boxing Organization Youth super flyweight championship, defeating Victor Hugo Reyes of Mexico (14-2-1) by unanimous decision in November 2018. Six of his opponents have been foreigners from Mexico, Indonesia and Thailand. Cataraja is the fourth former ALA boxer to join Sanman Promotions/ZIP partnership, joining Melvin Jersualem, Jeo Santisima, and Esneth Domingo.

Meanwhile, two Sanman boxers will see action on October 17 in the United States, October 18 Philippine time. Lightweight Mark Bernaldez (20-4,14 KOs) faces Ezequiel Tevez of Argentina (13-5-4), while welterweight James Bacon (23-4, 15 KOs) will go up against Gonzalo Dallera (6-8), also from Argentina. The event will be held at the Airtime Center Miami Florida and is promoted by M&R Promotions.

Bernaldez and Bacon have been training in Florida under Cuban trainer Moro Hernandez and are eager to see action for the first time in this pandemic. “I am so blessed to fight again. Many boxers badly want to fight but do not have the opportunity. I never stopped training here in Florida and am confident to bring another win. I always dedicate my fights for my country and for my team Sanman, M&R and Moro,” Bernaldez said.

For his part, Bacon said a win was a must for this fight. “I will make sure I get another win to help my climb in the rankings and get bigger fights. Training under coach Moro has been a great benefit to my boxing skills. I am in the best shape and will try to show it come fight night,” he shared.

Photo: Sanman Promotions