BOXING: UPDATE: JAVONTAE STARKS SEEKS BIG WIN TONIGHT
UPDATE: Javontae Starks (13-2-1, 7 KOs) and Cesar Soriano (28-36-3, 17 KOs) fought to a six-round majority draw last Saturday night in Kansas. As far as entertainment goes, Starks and Soriano banged and traded throughout the fight. FightNews.com reporter Bill Green stated that Starks was the more skilled fighter but was pulled into a brawl. Two judges scored the fight 57-57 while the third had it for Soriano 58-56.
Minneapolis welterweight Javontae Starks (13-2, 7 KO’s) makes his long awaited return to the ring tonight at the Artman Arena in Park City, Kansas. Opposite Starks
is former FECARBOX lightweight champion Cesar Soriano (28-36-1, 17 KO’s). The two welterweights meet in a six round co-featured bout. Starks’ fight will be shown on the CBS Sports Network at a date to be announced by CBS at a later date.
Hailing from Minneapolis, Stark is currently training out of the Kronk Gym in Detroit and wants to get back to form following losses in his last two bouts. Prior to those fights, Starks had gone undefeated in 13 impressive matches.
The 39-year-old Soriano (28-36-1, 17 KOs) has fought hard against solid competition and prospect throughout a career spanning nearly 20 years. The Mexico City native has won 4 of his last 6 bouts.
You can sense the disappointment in the voice of Starks when he describes his last two fights, but also the excitement with the opportunity he has to get his boxing career back on track tonight.
“I sort of went against the grain early in my career and maybe paid for it a little” said Starks when asked to look back at his earlier fights. “It’s tough representing yourself and not being fortunate enough of having that team behind you. Especially as an 18, 19 year old, and then into your 20’s. I had to do business by myself at a young age. I might not have made all of the best decisions but through it all, I’m not beat up. I still have a good chin, and I’m ready to take it all and move forward. It’s time to turn it around. I’m with a good company and we are on the right way back.”
For Starks, nothing is certain for the future if things go as planned tonight but he says fighting back home again in Minnesota will always be his top choice. He is proud of the recent accomplishments of fellow Minnesota boxers Caleb Truax, Jamal James, and Rob Brant and plans on fighting his way onto the level of fights that bring big rewards.
“Everybody tells you a layout for the next few years. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. I just want to get active again. I’m tired of sitting on the bench. I’m out here in Detroit working with guys that put you where you need to be. I plan on taking fights that make sense, getting back into the flow and getting back to the level where title opportunities can present themselves. Believe me, I’m working and training hard and I don’t take no for an answer. I’m going into this fight looking for a big comeback win.”
Although the show will be tape delayed on CBS Sports, Starks says that he believes his bout could be streamed live online. Stay tuned to Javontae Starks’ Facebook page here for a link if it becomes available.