PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 7, 2014)--Mark Cipparone's Club 1957 Management is proud to announce the signing of former world title challenger Teon "The Technician" Kennedy to a management contract. Kennedy of Philadelphia has a record of 19-2-2 with 7 knockouts. The 27 year old won his first 13 bouts which included an explosive 2nd round stoppage over the undefeated Thomas Snow. Kennedy went on to win the USBA Super Bantamweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Francisco Rodriguez. He defended the the title with a 12 round unanimous decision over Jose Angel Beranza. Kennedy added the NABA title with a 10th round stoppage over Alex Beccera. Kennedy scored his best win when he dropped previously undefeated Jorge Diaz (15-0) two times and won a thrilling 12 round unanimous decision on March 26, 2011 as part of the Yuriorkis Gamboa - Jorge Solis undercard in Atlantic City. After suffering his 1st pro defeat to Alejandro Lopez (21-2), Kennedy had a draw with Christopher Martin (23-1-2) that headlined an ESPN Friday Night Fights card. Teon Kennedy signs the contract as Mark Cipparone looks on Kennedy then challenged the highly respected Guillermo Rigondeaux for the WBA Super Bantamweight crown on June 9, 2012 as part of the Manny Pacquiao - Timothy Bradley Pay Per View undercard. Although Kennedy came up short, he showed heart by continuing to get off the canvas until the bout was stopped in 5th round. Since that defeat, Kennedy has fought very well as he moved up to Jr. Lightweight and has scored wins over Carlos Vinan and in his last bout when he fought through a broken jaw but still was able to win a 10 round unanimous decision over Joselito Collado (13-2) on August 24, 2013 in Atlantic City. "I decided to sign with Mark after what I have seen what he has done with his other fighters", said Kennedy. "He takes good care of his fighters and I don't mean with money. He gives great advice about life and he has already provided me with a good strength and conditioning program." "I feel I need two more fights and I will be in a good spot. I know that Mark and my promoter Russell Peltz are on the same page and have a good plan going forward.", finished Kennedy. "We are very happy to have Teon in the fold and part of our team", said Cipparone. "He is a proven fighter who is just a couple fights removed from fighting for a world championship. He is a great talent and we look forward to getting him back to that title fight and we have the confidence that he will be a world champion." Kennedy is promoted by Peltz Boxing and is trained by Wade and Randy Hinnant.
I'd love to see Kennedy vs. Diaz II, if Diaz gets by Luis Rosa on FNF this month. It would be the best move for either man, at least for whoever comes out ahead. It could be an HBO BAD co-feature, since HBO already owns the broadcast rights for their last meeting (although they didn't air it on the night, relegating it to part of Top Rank's live undercard stream online) they could show clips of it to promote the card and hype up the rematch. Both need a big springboard W right now and represent exactly that for each other, and both earned lots of fans in their last war so another one can't hurt.
