Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, will present a live broadcast of Golden Boy Live! professional boxing from BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. on Tuesday, November 26 with a stacked card featuring the return of former world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver facing West Virginia veteran Mike Sheppard in the 10-round main event.
One of Southern California’s top fistic attractions, unbeaten bantamweight Randy “El Matador” Caballero, will make his Florida debut against local southpaw, Jessy Cruz of Miami in the 10-round co-main event.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the ring and showing the world that the ‘Magic Man’ is better than ever and ready for the big fights,” said Tarver. “This is the perfect opportunity to make a statement at home and I can’t wait.”
“Beating someone like Antonio Tarver would be career-altering for me,” said Sheppard. “I know what he’s accomplished in the sport, but I’m hungry for this and you’re going to see the best Mike Sheppard yet.”
“I have not fought here in Florida in almost two years and this is what my fans have been waiting for,” said Ortiz. “It’s going to be a big night in Florida and I will be looking for a knockout.”
Tarver vs. Sheppard is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The BB&T Center doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Fight Network broadcast will air live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
A 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist for the United States, Lutz, Florida’s Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) is one of the premier fighters of this era, having dominated the light heavyweight division with his signature wins over Roy Jones Jr., Glen Johnson, Eric Harding and Clinton Woods. Now looking for another world title at heavyweight, the southpaw is prepared to take on and beat all comers.
A 16-year pro, Palestine, West Virginia’s Mike Sheppard (21-15-1, 9 KO’s) has the veteran experience needed to beat a fighter like Tarver, as he will not be intimidated by any foe in the ring. Winner of six of his last nine bouts, including an August victory over Justin Novaria, Sheppard is amped up to score the upset and get a career-defining win.
“This is only my second fight outside of California and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the Florida fans on November 26,” said Coachella’s Caballero. “This is a big night for me and I can’t wait to get into the ring.”
“Caballero is a tough kid and I’ve watched him on the way up,” said Cruz. “But he’s not coming into my house and beating me here. My trainer Herman Caicedo has prepared me well and I will shock the world when we fight.”
Twenty-three-year-old Randy “El Matador” Caballero (19-0, 11 KO’s) is a top 118-pound prospect on the verge of making noise on the world stage in the coming year. Showing off new skills in his fight game with each and every fight, Caballero has added knockout power to his resume in his last three fights, knocking out Rigoberto Casillas, Luis Maldonado and Miguel Robles, the latter victory coming by way of a debilitating body shot in the seventh round.
Following an impressive amateur career that saw him make it to the quarterfinals of the 2006 National Golden Gloves and also compete at the 2008 Olympic trials, Miami’s Jessy Cruz (10-5-1, 4 KO’s) turned pro in 2008 and after a rough start in his first three years, the thirty-year-old has hit his stride, winning six of his last seven bouts, including three in a row.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.thebbtcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AntonioTarver, www.twitter.com/thebbtcenter and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.
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