ROCKY JUAREZ, perennial featherweight contender (pictured far right), participated in the Houston Appreciation Weekend (H.A.W.) Celebrity Charity Basketball game on Father’s Day. The event was hosted by the rapper Drake who was named the most streamed artist in the U.S. in 2013.
Juarez arrived at the arena with his family, his new WBC Silver strap, and a big smile as he surveyed the teams. Rocky seemed to enjoy himself and used the Father’s Day event to celebrate with his family, using his celebrity to help a charitable cause and cross train for his next bout.
Juarez gained his new title by defeating Rene Alvarado of Nicaragua on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 2014 in Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas in front of thousands of military personnel and adoring fans. He is eyeing at a shot at Jhonny Gonzalez who holds the WBC title.
“Right now I am relaxing with my family, my kids and weighing my options,” Rocky said when asked about his next move. “Of course I want Jhonny, he has the green belt. My advisor told me that the WBC fully supports a fight between the two of us, Gonzalez and his promoter has gone on record saying they want the fight and I am ready for it.”
When asked about a potential date for the Gonzalez clash Juarez adds, “That’s not my decision. I am ready and from what I hear Jhonny’s team wants it. The fans need to demand it, make the promoters promote it and the networks broadcast it.”
Also on hand for the event were ATR Boxing’s prospects ‘Rougarou’ Regis Prograis an undefeated light-welterweight from New Orleans, Louisiana and welterweight ‘Cracking’ Craig Callaghan from Liverpool, England.
“I had a ball today!” chimed power punching Prograis. “I have a six months old son named Ray so this is my first Father’s Day, and it was one to remember!”
“I didn’t get in the game today but I had a great time” Callaghan quips. “Where I’m from we dribble with our feet! I am an athlete and I can dunk, and I probably could kick the ball through the hoop.”
Regis, searching for his 10th victory, is scheduled to fight on June 27 in Houston, Texas while Craig is due to return on July 12 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Rocky Juarez was in the game briefly and managed to grab a strong rebound even though he was the most vertically challenged of all participants. Drake, the host, was tough to get to because of the throng of media and his security team. Rocky, Regis and Craig played alongside of, and against celebrities such as James Harden, MORADO, Christopher Reid, Bobby James, Dez Bryant, and Kirko Bangs.
