P.J. Goossen (15-0) Signs Deal With Coetzee’s Top Ring USA

P.J. Goossen, one of the most popular boxers to fight at the Warner Center Marriott, Tuesday signed a promotional contract with Top Ring USA that will make the San Fernando Valley his home base for the next three years.

Goossen, ranked among the world’s top 20 junior middleweights by several boxing organizations, has a record of 15-0.

“We’re very excited about being associated with a boxer with P.J.’s talent,” said Gerrie Coetzee, Top Ring’s president. “He’s very popular in Woodland Hills and he’s the type of fighter we want in our shows.”

Coetzee, a former world heavyweight champion, promotes monthly fight cards at the Marriott.

Goossen, 25, who recently won a 10-round decision over Leroy Owens in his first televised fight, tentatively is scheduled to face Eric McNair on Sept. 20 in an eight-round bout at the Marriott.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but Goossen is guaranteed a minimum of four fights a year for purses that would increase according to his success.

“If he wins his next 10 fights or so, I’m in a position to get him a big-money fight, maybe for a world title,” Coetzee said. “Until then, this allows him to stay close to home against some good competition and keep his fans happy.”

Goossen grew up in North Hollywood and started his professional career in bouts at the Reseda Country Club.

Pat Goossen, P.J.’s manager and trainer, said he is happy his son will be staying close to home.

“This is his back yard,” Pat said. “He needs some more experience. I’m not going to throw him in with the dogs right now. They’re going to feature him as much as they can at Woodland Hills and when we’re ready to fight the big dogs they’ll still be there.”

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The main event of the Sept. 20 Marriott card will be a North American Boxing Organization middleweight title bout between Randy (Big Man) Smith (15-1-3) and Kenny Pratt (9-1-1), scheduled for 12 rounds.

Tentatively scheduled for the undercard are matchups between cruiserweights Jim Mullen and Fred Simmons, heavyweights Randy Davis and Tony White, light welterweights Jaime Oceguedo and Fermin Estrada, and lightweights Carlos Guzman and Brian Simicaca.