LOS ANGELES (April 23) – FOX Deportes and CLARO Sports will be in Mexico City, Mexico, tomorrow, Friday, April 24, as super lightweight contender Roberto “Massa” Ortiz returns in a 10-round bout against Juan Jesus “Burbuja” Rivera at the Foro Polanco Masaryk.

In the co-main event, hometown favorite Judith “La Peligrosa” Rodriguez defends her WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title against Guadalupe “Lupita” Martinez. Opening up the televised action Adan “Speedy” Mares of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, takes on Luis “Titan” Sanchez of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Ortiz vs. Rivera is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Cancun Boxing de Pepe Gomez. The FOX Deportes tripleheader broadcast airs at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. Claro Sports broadcast airs at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT and beginning with the co-main event.

Owner of a stellar (31-1-1 24 KOs) professional record, Torreon’s Roberto “Massa” Ortiz is on a quest to start a new winning streak after suffering the lone loss of his career against the hard-punching Lucas Matthysse last September. Before the defeat, the 29-year-old was on the fast track to a world title shot after winning the WBC Silver Welterweight belt and defending it successfully nine times. Now it’s time for him to begin the road back to the top and that journey starts on Friday night.

Upset-minded Juan Jesus “Burbuja” Rivera (27-12, 17 KOs) always brings a fight to the ring, making him a tough opponent for anyone at 140 pounds. Winner of four of his last seven, the 34-year-old from Aguascalientes has faced several world-class fighters over the course of a career that began in 2004, so he’s not intimidated about a meeting against Ortiz; in fact, he’s looking forward to this week’s bout and his chance to shine.

A fighter with one of the most deceiving records in boxing, Mexico City’s Judith “La Peligrosa” Rodriguez (8-7, 5 KOs) has long been an underrated competitor at 115 pounds, but now the rest of the world is starting to see how good she is. A four-time world title challenger, Rodriguez has won her last two bouts against Aniya Seki and Salma Canales, and in her first bout at home since 2011, she’s looking to put on a show.

Five-time world title challenger Guadalupe “Lupita” Martinez (8-8, 3 KOs) has fit a lot of fighting into just 23 years, and the Tlalnepantla, Mexico native believes she’s only getting started. Fresh off a December 20 win over Marisol Molina, Martinez may be going into her opponent’s backyard on Friday, but she’s confident that she will leave Mexico City with a win as well as some new fans.

The brother of multiple-division world champion Abner Mares, Guadalajara’s Adan “Speedy” Mares (13-0-1, 3 KOs) is a well-schooled boxer looking to take his game to the next level in 2015. The 25-year-old must most recently defeated Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Miguel Angel Gonzalez in an exciting split decision win. Now, Mares is looking to continue his winning streak in 2015 with his first bout of the year against Luis Sanchez.

With five consecutive victories since 2013 against Luis Gonzalez, Jesus Cruz Bibiano, Adrian Padron, and Miguel Beltran, Luis “Titan” Sanchez is not ready to let his winning streak go when he faces Adan Mares on Friday. The Cancun native most recently defeated Alfonso Torres via split decision this past February in an exciting bout.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.quequi.com.mx and www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @PeriodicoQuequi and @FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/periodicoquequi and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes and visit us on Instagram and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 23, 2015) – Lightweight standout Jose Roman (19-1-1, 13 KOs) highlights Thompson Boxing Promotions “Locked n’ Loaded” event Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

At Thursday’s weigh in, Roman came in at 137 lbs., while his opponent, Martin Cardona (18-4, 13 KOs) tipped the scales at 134.5 lbs. The Roman vs. Cardona main event is scheduled for eight rounds.

In the co-feature, super bantamweight Danny Roman (12-2-1, 5 KOs), weighed 123 lbs., while Giovanni Caro (23-14-4, 19 KOs) registered 123 lbs. Roman vs. Caro is scheduled for eight rounds.

Below are the complete weights from the “Locked n’ Loaded” weigh in.

WEIGHTS

Jose Roman, 137 vs. Martin Cardona, 134.5 (8-rounds)
Danny Roman, 123 vs. Giovanni Caro, 123 (8-rounds)
LaRon Mitchell vs. Sylvester Barron (Heavyweights weighing in Friday) (4-rounds)
Rudy Puga, 166 vs. Katrell Straus, 164.5 (4-rounds)
Eridanni Leon, 146 vs. Elih Lizama, 147 (4-rounds)
Miguel Trejo, 159 vs. Jonathan Aceves, 155.5 (4-rounds)

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40 and $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

Save the Date

After “Locked n’ Loaded,” Thompson Boxing celebrates its Fifteenth Year Anniversary with a star-studded event on Friday, May 29, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Leading the show is the fast-rising, undefeated junior welterweight stud Giovani Santillan. Also, all-action super bantamweights Efrain Esquivias, Juan Reyes, Danny Roman, and Jonathan Arellano, plus the veteran Chris Martin returns. A formal announcement will be released soon.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ThompsonBoxing. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing & #LockednLoaded.

NEW YORK (April 23) – Undefeated welterweight star and former 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs) is getting ready to face Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3, 11 KOs) as the co-main event for “The Champion Returns” the World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and top-rated challenger Bryant Jennings at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden on Sat. April 25. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Ali took some time to give us his thoughts during fight week about his training, his opponent and fighting at the legendary Madison Square Garden. Below is what he had to say:

Thoughts on training and what fans should expect on April 25…

“I have been in training for eight weeks. Our focus for this camp has been to stay calm, be smart in the ring and adapt to whatever my opponent brings.

“On April 25 fans should expect a great performance. I will showcase my speed and power. The fight will be entertaining; two hungry fighters are going to go in the ring to win.

“I think fans will be surprised to see how I have grown as a fighter. My skill set has improved and just keep getting better. I am faster and stronger.”

Thoughts on Francisco Santana…

“Francisco is a tough fighter. I know he is coming off of a winning streak and is a hungry fighter. My strategy is to fight smart, stay focused, have a great defense. I need to make sure I am using my best assets in the ring: mind, speed, power.

“A win against Francisco Santana will be another step closer to my goal, to one day be a world champion. I just have to focus and get there one fight at a time.”

Thoughts on fighting at Madison Square Garden …

“Madison Square Garden is a historic place for boxing and fighting here makes it feel like everything that I have worked for in my career is now coming to life.

“The arena is in my home state and I am so happy that everyone can come out and support me. It’s amazing that I will get to fight in front of everyone in my hometown.

“It’s a dream to be able to fight on an amazing heavyweight main event, Klitschko vs. Jennings, at Madison Square Garden the most famous arena in New York. Also, being on HBO it can’t get any better than this in this at this stage of my career and I am excited that I get to be part of this event.”

Thoughts on Klitschko vs. Jennings…

“It’s going to be a great fight that the fans cannot miss.”

Predictions on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao or Canelo vs. Kirkland…

“These are the kind of fights fans want to see and these match ups are perfect for an entertaining night boxing on May 2 and May 9.”

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions in association with Madison Square Garden.

Advance tickets to “The Champion Returns” may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office at www.TheGarden.com and through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-435-5000.)

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.garyshawproductions.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing and @HBOBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, Gray Shaw Productions Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HBOboxing.

Chester, PA (April 23 2015)–This Saturday night, April 25, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia with a terrific card promoted by King’s Promotions and XFE.

In the main event, undefeated lightweight Omar Douglas will see action in an six-round bout when he now fights former world title challenger Daniel Attah (28-19-1, 11 KO’s) of Washington, D.C.

In the co-feature bout, undefeated super middleweight Kyrone “Shut it Down” Davis will look to remain perfect when he takes on veteran Carlos Garcia in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

Davis of Wilmington, Delaware will be making his second start of 2015 as he is coming off six-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia on January 31 in Philadelphia.

“Training has gone real well. I have been doing a lot of roadwork and I feel good,” said the 20-year old Davis.

In Garcia, he is facing a tested fighter who has been in the ring with eleven undefeated fighters including Michael Anderson. Jermell Charlo, Charles Hatley, Lanard Lane, Jonel Tapia, Yordenis Ugas, Glen Tapia, Daniel Rosario and in his last bout when he was stopped in five rounds

“I don’t know too much about him other than he has about 20 fights and he is six-feet tall.”

After a great amateur career, Davis is continuing to learn and grow into the professional ranks.

“I have been learning patience, timing and ring generalship. I am getting comfortable without using the headgear and fighting with the smaller gloves and creating my identity as a fighter.”

This will be the second consecutive fight in the Philadelphia area for Davis as Harrahs Philadelphia is just up I-95 from Davis’ Wilmington home.

“I like that everyone can come see me fight. Other than that I just go about my business and prepare like any other fight.”

Davis believes that he will be ready for bigger stages in the next year.

“We are progressing. We are hoping for a television spot later in the year. I just want everyone to come out and support us on Saturday. I will shut it down like I always do and put on a great show.”

Said Davis’ adviser Stephen Edwards, “Kyrone is progressing great. He has has 20 round of professional experience and he has not lost any of them, He is right on schedule and is getting used to the professional ranks.”

In an eight-round bout, Javonte Starks (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN. will take Jeremiah Wiggins (10-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Newport News, VA in a welterweight bout..

Also in six-round bouts:

Angel Ocasio (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Justin Johnson (6-7-4) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. welterweight bout.

Adam Kownacki (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will try to keep his perfect knockout streak going when he fights Randy Easton (3-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a heavyweight bout.

Stephen Fulton (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will fight Jamal Parram (7-10-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO in a featherweight bout.

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will square off with Alfred Hall (4-8-2, 2 KO’s) of Jackson, Michigan in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Christpher Brooker (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA take on Maurice Amaro (2-8, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a super middleweight bout.

Stephan Shaw (3-0, 3 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO will battle Zachary Bunce (2-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, NV in a heavyweight bout.

Earl Newman (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Julio Garcia (6-8-3, 3 KO’s) of Rincon, PR in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

· SportsCenter, First Take, SportsNation, ESPN Radio’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Sirius XM’s Stephen A. Smith Show, ESPN Radio LA710 Max & Marcellus in Las Vegas

· Coverage from Las Vegas on ESPN Deportes’ News and Information Platforms, Semana de Campeones

· “All-Access” Specials

· Special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights, Noche de Combates

· Pre- and post-fight Analysis, Stories on ESPN.com, ESPN Deportes.com, ESPN The Magazine

MicESPN will present extensive pre- and post-fight coverage across its platforms in English and Spanish of the much- anticipated 12-round welterweight unification title fight between undefeated five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) and eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs). ESPN’s week-long coverage will begin with SportsCenter live from Las Vegas this Sunday, April 26, at 11 p.m. ET, and culminate with live post-fight coverage and reactions immediately following the bout. In addition, ESPN International will present coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim and globally on ESPN.com and other digital media platforms. The fight, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, will take place on Saturday, May 2.

Highlights:

Television

SportsCenter
ESPN’s Hannah Storm, Lindsay Czarniak, Stan Verrett, Neil Everett, Steve Levy, Jay Harris, Max Bretos, Robert Flores, and Joe Tessitore will anchor live coverage from Las Vegas throughout fight week, while ESPN boxing analysts Teddy Atlas and Dan Rafael will provide expert insights and analyses. Hall of Fame referee and ESPN analyst Joe Cortez, PTI co-host Michael Wilbon, First Take’s Stephen A. Smith, SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne, SportsCenter fan correspondent Reese Waters, ESPN NBA analysts Tim Legler and Chauncey Billups will also contribute to coverage. Reporters Josina Anderson, Bernardo Osuna, and Jeremy Schaap will be on site providing live reports with Osuna covering Pacquiao’s camp and Schaap covering Mayweather’s camp. Additionally, former world champion Bernard Hopkins will serve as a special guest analyst. Celebrity guests will also join SportsCenter throughout the week to pick their winner between Mayweather and Pacquiao.

SportsCenter will originate from various locations, including Drai’s Beach Club, the MGM Grand main pool, MGM Grand Garden Arena, MGM Grand Theatre and MGM Grand Media Tent for pre and post-fight coverage. As part of the “SportsCenter on the Road” initiative, live shows will also come via the “SportsCenter on the Road” bus at the Caesars Palace pool, and Mandalay Bay wave beach pool. The actual boxing ring where Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes fought on October 2, 1980 will be used as part of SportsCenter’s set at the Caesars Palace pool with the SportsCenter desk inside the ring.

SportsCenter throughout the week will include:
· “All-access” pieces with both fighters;

· Taped boxing demonstrations with Atlas, in which he demonstrates what each fighter needs to do to win;

· Taped “Inside the Ring” demonstrations with Cortez. Cortez will provide demonstrations from the referee’s perspective.

· Roundtable discussions including various guests.

SportsCenter Specials will include:
· SportsCenter Special Mayweather-Pacquiao presented by Cricket Wireless- A preview show covering the arrival of Pacquiao and his caravan (Monday, April 27, 8 p.m., ESPN2);

· SportsCenter Special Mayweather-Pacquiao presented by Cricket Wireless – A preview show covering the fighters Grand Arrivals (Tuesday, April 28, 8 p.m., ESPN);

· SportsCenter Special–Mayweather-Pacquiao Press Conference presented by Cricket Wireless live (Wednesday, April 29, 4 p.m., ESPN);

· SportsCenter Special–Mayweather-Pacquiao Weigh-In presented by Cricket Wireless live (Friday, May 1, 5 p.m., ESPN2);

· SportsCenter Special–Mayweather/Pacquiao Red Carpet presented by Cricket Wireless live (Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m., ESPN);

· SportsCenter Special–Mayweather/Pacquiao post-match presented by Cricket Wireless live (Saturday, May 2, approx. 12 a.m., ESPN).

#MayweatherWins and #PacquiaoWins
The @SportsCenter Twitter handle will conduct a week-long vote using the hashtags #MayweatherWins and #PacquiaoWins. The winner of the fight, as voted on by the fans, will be revealed late in the week on SportsCenter with a special performance from KÀ by Cirque du Soleil.

Outside the Lines
The April 24 edition of Outside the Lines (2 p.m., ESPN) will feature a story detailing Mayweather’s history with domestic violence and the reaction through the years by boxing officials.

All-Access Specials
· Mayweather: Behind the Scenes: A 30-minute show created from the seven-plus hours that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith spent with Mayweather at his home that gives viewers access to Mayweather’s training camp.

Wednesday, April 29—ESPN2
8 p.m. – Mayweather: Behind the Scenes

Thursday, April 30—ESPN2
8:30 p.m. – Mayweather: Behind the Scenes

Saturday, May 2—ESPN2
6:30 a.m. – Mayweather: Behind the Scenes

8 a.m. – Mayweather: Behind the Scenes
10 a.m. – Mayweather: Behind the Scenes

Saturday, May 2—ABC
4 p.m. Mayweather: Behind the Scenes

· Inside Mayweather/Pacquaio: Three, 30-minute SHOWTIME produced shows will air on ESPN2 throughout fight week.

Wednesday, April 29—ESPN2
8:30 p.m. – Inside Mayweather/Pacquiao (Episode #1)
9 p.m. – Inside Mayweather/Pacquiao (Episode #2)

Thursday, April 30—ESPN2
8 p.m. – Inside Mayweather/Pacquiao (Episode #3)

Saturday, May 2—ESPN2
8:30 a.m. – Inside Mayweather/Pacquiao (Episodes #1 through #3)
10:30 a.m. – Inside Mayweather/Pacquiao (Episodes #1 through #3)

First Take
ESPN2’s two-hour weekday morning live debate show, First Take (10 a.m-12 p.m.) will emanate poolside from the MGM Grand Wednesday—Friday. Host Cari Champion, and featured commentators Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless will debate Mayweather-Pacquiao and more. In addition, a First Take Special: Mayweather/Pacquiao show will air in prime time on Wednesday April 29, at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Celebrity guests throughout the week are scheduled to include Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx and 50 Cent.

SportsNation
ESPN2’ s SportsNation (weekdays 3-4 p.m.) with Michelle Beadle, Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley, will originate poolside from the MGM Grand Wednesday—Friday. The show will welcome celebrity guests and local Vegas acts as well as feature boxing-themed stunts throughout the show.

Special Thursday Edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates
Two days before Mayweather-Pacquiao, a special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will air live April 30, at 9 p.m. on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and via WatchESPN. The show, from the Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort, will be headlined by former world titleholder Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will describe the action on ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham will be on site providing the latest news on Mayweather-Pacquiao. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights ringside for Noche de Combates on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the studio on site. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna will provide live interviews and reports for both shows.

ESPN Classic Boxing Marathon

ESPN Classic will present 26 hours of historic boxing matches, including Mayweather’s first professional fight (televised on Friday Night Fights), beginning Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

ESPN Deportes
ESPN’s Spanish-language network, ESPN Deportes, will have extensive news and information coverage throughout fight week from Las Vegas on SportsCenter, Nación ESPN, Cronómetro and more. ESPN Deportes’ David Faitelson, Claudia Trejos, Jorge Eduardo Sanchez, Karina Correa, Alba Galindo, Renato Bermudez, Alvaro Morales, Mauricio Pedroza, Bernardo Osuna, Carlos Nava, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Joe Cortez will be on site providing all the latest news, insight and analysis. Shows will all originate from the MGM Grand with satellite components from around Las Vegas. The network is set to offer approximately 80 hours of programming beginning Sunday, April 26.

Show highlights for the week include:
· Semana de Campeones (Week of Champions) shows every night throughout fight week:

o Monday-Wednesday’s one-hour shows will air at 10 p.m. on ESPN Deportes;

o Thursday’s Semana de Campeones telecast (8 p.m., ESPN Deportes) will lead in to the special edition of Noche de Combates (9 p.m. ESPN Deportes);

o Friday’s live, two-hour Semana de Campeones show (5:30 p.m., ESPN Deportes), from the MGM Grand Garden Arena will cover the official weigh-in;

o Saturday’s live, one-hour Semana de Campeones shows, from the Media Center at the MGM Grand Arena, will air prior to the fight (8 p.m., ESPN Deportes) and following the fight ( 2 a.m., ESPN Deportes). Leading up to the pre-show special, live segments and hourly updates will begin at 3 p.m.

Radio

The Herd with Colin Cowherd
ESPN Radio’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd (weekdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., ESPN Radio, the ESPN Radio app, espnradio.com, SiriusXM, iTunes Radio, Slacker, TuneIn and simulcast on ESPNU) will broadcast poolside from Mandalay Bay Wednesday-Friday.

The Stephen A. Smith Show and Red Carpet Special with Stephen A. Smith
SirusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show (weekdays, 1–3 p.m.)—produced by ESPN—will broadcast live from radio row at the MGM Grand Wednesday—Friday. In addition, Smith will host an afternoon Red Carpet Special that will be broadcast nationally on ESPN Radio from the MGM Grand lobby on Saturday from 12-3 p.m.

Max & Marcellus
ESPN Radio LA710 Max & Marcellus (weekdays 5:45 p.m.–10 p.m./ 2:45 p.m.–7 p.m. PT) with Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley will broadcast live from radio row at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Wednesday—Friday.

Digital and Print

ESPN3
Coverage of the press conference on Wednesday, April 29, at 4 p.m., and weigh-in on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m., will be live on ESPN3 via WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider.

ESPN.com and ESPNDeportes.com

Highlights:

· Comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos, blogs and predictions from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, Ray Flores, Tim Keown, Brett Okamoto, Darren Rovell, Pablo Torre, Nigel Collins, Rafe Bartholomew, Charles Pierce, Wally Matthews and ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Nava, Salvador Rodriguez, Carlos Narvaez and Joe Cortez;

· “Fight Credential,” ESPN.com’s home page for all Mayweather-Pacquiao coverage, will be updated with features, video, photos and social media from all platforms throughout the week and through the fight.

· Blog dedicated to the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout with contributions from Rafael, Rovell and others;

· Special edition of ESPN.com’s original boxing show Making the Rounds, featuring a combination of ESPN, HBO and SHOWTIME talent;

· Career timelines, which include photo galleries of both Mayweather and Pacquiao;

· Story with opponents who have fought both Mayweather and Pacquiao;

· Live fight coverage, featuring commentary from Rafael, Campbell and Okamoto and Rafael’s unofficial scorecard, on ESPN.com’s “Now” feed;

· Stories highlighting the referee of the fight as well as the judges;

· ESPN Deportes.com dedicated microsite specific to the Mayweather-Pacquiao title bout;

· Daily Mayweather-Pacquiao features on ESPNDeportes.com;

Other highlights include:
· In-depth feature on Pacquiao as an entertainer by Torre;

· A look at the 10 most-anticipated fights in boxing history by Collins;

· Animated gifs, done in “Street Fighter” style, showing possible Mayweather-Pacquiao outcomes.

The Undefeated: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather – Life After Death
Amid the glitz surrounding Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, “The Undefeated” – ESPN’s new site on race, sports and urban culture – critically examines the fight and its place in boxing history. Written by Brando Starkey with reporting by Justin Tinsley, the opinion-forming piece will post on www.espn.com on Tuesday, April 28, a foretaste of the in-depth journalism that will be “The Undefeated’s” calling card.

Highlights:
· Are Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather boxing’s defibrillators, last-gasp instruments trying to shock life into the long-dead sport of boxing?;

· An in-depth examination of why boxing collapsed;

· Boxing began its downfall during the first onslaught of integration – a sport that has always been for the desperate and the poor had its talent pipeline gutted in the early 1970s when mainstream colleges began pervasively recruiting poor black kids to play football and basketball;

· Posits that Pacquiao-Mayweather is another boxing gimmick, no different from 45-year-old Foreman and post-prison Tyson, preying on the nostalgia of fight fans;

· At 36 and 38 years of age, Pacquiao and Mayweather, respectively, are both well past their primes. This is the movie Grudge Match, a marketing blitz, and with neither fighter on the same level as the all-time greats of yesteryears.

ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine’s “Fight for Perfection” Issue, scheduled to hit newsstands Friday, May 1, features Floyd Mayweather on the cover, accompanied by a profile written by Tim Keown. The third installment of the Keown on Mayweather series in The Mag [following the Money Issue in 2012 and the Fight Issue in 2013], will focus on Mayweather’s controversial “antics.” The feature, slated to run on ESPN.com Wednesday, April 29 also includes an overall preview of his May 2 bout versus Manny Pacquiao. In addition, the issue will provide an all-access photo story of Pacquiao written by The Mag’s Pablo Torre.

truTV and Top Rank will partner to exclusively present the MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV, a live primetime boxing series set to debut Friday, May 1, at 10 p.m. ET. The new boxing series, in association with Turner Sports and HBO Sports, will launch on the eve of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao pay-per-view fight with a card featuring two title bouts inside The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The network’s presentation will feature the first-ever domestic use of “Spidercam” technology for a live boxing telecast, providing dynamic coverage of this new series. “Spidercam” operates on a four-point system of cables from designated points beyond the corners of the boxing ring. The suspended camera has the ability to provide compelling 360-degree angles of the action including the ability to move in three dimensions – left/right, forward/backward and up/down.

“Spidercam” will provide the definitive views of the action throughout the series, including a main event on Friday, May 1, showcasing Takahiro Ao (27-3-1, 16 KOs) from Chiba, Japan, vs. Ray Beltran (29-7-1, 17 KOs) from Los Mochis, Mexico, in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Lightweight World Championship. The undercard will include two undefeated fighters in action – Mikael Zewski (26-0, 23 KOs) from Quebec, Canada, vs. Konstantin Ponomarev (27-0, 13 KOs) from Miass, Russia – in a 10-round bout for the NABF Welterweight Championship.

Commentators for the event will include Kevin Kugler providing play-by-play with analyst Timothy Bradley and reporter Crystina Poncher. Kugler is a veteran announcer who has called college basketball and NFL coverage for Westwood One and college football for the Big Ten Network. Bradley is a former WBO welterweight champion and former WBO and two-time WBC junior welterweight champion, including a win over Pacquiao during his career. Poncher is a commentator and reporter for Top Rank, as well as a host, reporter and correspondent for NFL Network and NFL.com. Additionally, closed captioning in Spanish will be available.

The second week of the MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV series – live from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Friday, May 8, at 10 p.m. – will be headlined by Top-10 contenders Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-1, 15 KOs) from Passaic, N.J., and “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (23-0, 15 KOs) in action. Tapia will defend his NABO junior middleweight title against Michael Soro (25-1-1, 15 KOs) from France, with Monaghan (defending his WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title) facing Cleiton Conceicao (20-6-2, 16 KOs) from Brazil.

As part of its entitlement sponsorship of the boxing series on truTV, MetroPCS will receive camera-visible center ring and corner pad brand placement for each fight, as well as inclusion in all promotional messaging across truTV and other Turner Broadcasting networks. Sony PlayStation also joins as an associate sponsor of the series, with in-ring signage and inclusion in promotional spots.

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

NEW YORK (April 23, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) will return to the ring this Saturday at the Madison Square Garden Theater on the undercard of Klitschko vs. Jennings. Sims Jr. will face veteran Luis Rodriguez (3-2, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Kenneth Sims Jr. was a chief sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, getting him ready for his super fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He’ll look to use that experience against Rodriguez, and impress those in attendance with a great performance.

“I’m coming off a great training camp with Manny Pacquiao, where I gained invaluable experience,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I learned a lot from one of the greatest fighters of all time. I’m going into this fight with a tremendous amount of confidence. I’m going to be throwing a lot of hard punches with precise accuracy. I want to thank Gary Shaw for giving me another wonderful opportunity to showcase my skills on the big stage. Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true.”

“Kenneth has shown me he wants to take his career to new heights,” Gary Shaw said. “The fact the Team Pacquiao wanted him in camp says it all. He’s got a lot of God given talent and I’m very happy with his development. I encourage everyone to show up early top get a glimpse of a future star.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 23, 2015) – Fighter of the Decade, eight-division world champion and boxing superhero CONGRESSMAN MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO made another memorable guest shot on Wednesday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! It was the ninth time Manny had been on Kimmel’s popular late-night talk show — more than any other active fighter — in their series of entertaining appearances together dating back to November 3, 2009 (the week before Manny’s knocked out defending WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for his seventh of eight division world titles).

After being “counseled” by Dr. Phil during Kimmel’s monologue, Manny sat down with the popular talk show host for his interview segment. After discussing Manny’s upcoming eagerly-anticipated May 2 welterweight world championship unification battle against undefeated FLOYD “Money” MAYWEATHER JR., Kimmel lobbied Manny to not only be part of his ring walk entourage, but to sing the reigning two-time WBO welterweight world champion’s recently-recorded song “Lalaban Ako Para Sa Pilipino” (“I Will Fight For The Filipino.”) Manny, who directed the music video, also recorded the song — which is taking the world by storm — for his ring entrance. While Manny pondered the request Kimmel gave the champ an impromptu audition that either sealed or killed the deal, depending on your perspective. Manny even joined in for a duet. Finally, to sweeten the deal, Kimmel offered to fight Justin Bieber! It should be noted that Manny has never lost a fight when he has sung during a pre-fight appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! – something that has been dutifully noted by the Nevada sports books which have seen more and more money wagered on a Manny victory since last night’s show.

The following links will take you to Manny’s segments from last night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel’s debut singing of “Lalaban Ako Para Sa Pilipino” and Manny’s self-directed music video:

· Dr. Phil Counsels Manny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N-hb7Ix8dk
· Kimmel Asks to Be in Manny’s Entourage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKv_0PdBIXY
· Kimmel Sings “Lalaban Ako Para Sa Pilipino” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WdyJT0hd0k
· Manny’s Music Video http://youtu.be/uR-3_EwKT2k

******************

Manny’s debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! unveiled his singing chops, where he belted out a rendition of the Dan Hill-penned hit ballad “Sometimes When We Touch.” Manny and Hill collaborated on a remake which also became a hit. Subsequent appearances featured Pacquiao singing duets with Kimmel and Will Ferrell, and an uproarious send-up of HBO Sports’ “24/7” reality franchise, starring Pacquiao and Kimmel sidekick Guillermo. (This link will take you to Manny’s surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the March 11 Los Angeles press conference that announced the “Fight of the Century” between Manny and Mayweather. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ft5j-zZzw&feature=youtu.be.)

That 2009 appearance also marked Manny’s U.S. network TV debut, which has since led to a multitude of network television, radio and magazine features for the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight world champion, including, CBS’ 60 Minutes, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, ABC’s Nightline, FOX News Channel’s On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, CNN’s America Morning, NPR’s Morning Edition and Weekend Edition, Rollingstone, New York, The New Yorker, Playboy, Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine and cover stories in TIME and Newsweek.

Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative of the Sarangani province in the Philippines, is in deep training for the eagerly-anticipated May 2 welterweight world championship unification battle against undefeated Mayweather(47-0, 26 KOs), a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., who now fight out of Las Vegas, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the Mayweather-Pacquiao live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

# # #

For more information visit: www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.SHO.com/Sports, and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao, @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @HBOboxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

LONDON (23 April) – Heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko says public demand pushed him to return to US soil for the first time in seven years.

The undisputed world number one last fought in America back in 2008 when he outpointed sturdy Russian Sultan Ibragimov at the fabled Madison Square Garden in New York.

He now returns to ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ when he takes on undefeated Philadelphian challenger Bryant Jennings, live and exclusive on BoxNation, with the Ukrainian ace saying his hand was forced due to US fight fans eager to see him in the flesh once again.

“It’s not just my own decision; it’s the demand. The demand was so strong – I’m thankful the demand was so strong from public. We can see it in ticket sales; Madison Square Garden wants to see a Klitschko fight and that was supported by the fans because of ticket sales,” said Klitschko.

“Also, from television, the demand is so big that it made me, forced me to come here and fight in the States. On the other hand, I’m really happy about it because the demand in Europe was so strong.

“For the past years I’ve been fighting at soccer stadiums filled out with over 60,000 people and it’s a question of demand. And I’m really, really happy about it, that boxing kicks in eventually and is unbelievably popular right now in the States.

“You really can see it and hear it on the radio and a lot of different channels with all the fight nights and it’s a great time. I think it’s the right time, right place and the right opponent to make it,” he said.

39-year-old Klitschko, who will need to face his mandatory Tyson Fury next up if he prevails, will be putting his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts on the line against the slick Jennings, who has won all 19 of his fights.

Jennings credentials as a legitimate contender have long been mooted and on Saturday night Klitschko is expecting a thrilling fight and is hoping his opponent will stand and trade with him.

“I’m prepared for Bryant Jennings. I’m not going to underestimate him by no means. I’m not going to overestimate him by no means because as I said, we’re all limited, including myself. So we can only fight in the way we can fight and I think that it’s going to be an exciting fight,” said Klitschko.

“Why? Because Bryant Jennings is pretty much at home. He’s going to have a lot of support in the arena and he’s highly motivated, he’s very energetic, he’s a little hyper type of fighter, and he moves a lot, he’s very athletic, but hopefully he’s not going to move around too much, he’s going to come to fight the same way as Pulev did.

“He didn’t move around much. He just came in and was throwing punches and being aggressive. So I’m hoping and expecting that Bryant Jennings is going to give me a fight where he’s going to be aggressive,” he said.

Some feel the opportunity may have come too soon for 30-year-old Jennings who started his career late at 24 after having played local league basketball and up until just last year was working as a maintenance man at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Jennings is unfazed, however, facing the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, who is unbeaten in 11 years, believing experience won’t be the telling factor in this fight.

“Experience plays a part but it’s not a big part because we’ve seen situations where the inexperienced guy comes out on top whether it’s in sports, whether it’s in politics, whether it’s in anything,” said Jennings.

“I don’t pretty much play that experience game because everybody who I face has more experience than me. I first put on the gloves six years ago and here I am fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world.

“I’m aware of the specimen in Wladimir. He’s a very dedicated individual. He’s always been. He appears to live the clean life and he’s a 100% athlete. There’s a lot of things that I’ll be taking on come Saturday, but there are some things that I bring to the table as well.

“I’ll be what I think is the fourth Philly-born heavyweight to ever fight for a title and the second Philly-born heavyweight to ever win it once I become champion,” he said.

Klitschko v Jennings is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546 and TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night at 1am. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

23 April 2015 – Manila, Philippines: ONE Championship™ (ONE) announced that the mixed martial artists competing at ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS have completed the weigh-ins and are ready for the event, which takes place tomorrow evening at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Bashir Ahmad has stepped in on short-notice to replace Shannon Wiratchai, and will face Amir Khan in a catchweight bout. The bout between Geje Eustaquio and Anatpong Bunrad will now be a catchweight bout.

Visit the official ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS weigh-in photo gallery by clicking:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7pof14b9qwz30a2/SFZmzHv8q8.

Tickets for ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS are on sale at www.smtickets.com. Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience at PHP5380. Tickets priced at PHP3180, PHP1280, PHP640 and PHP220 are also available. Prices include ticketing fee.

ONE Welterweight World Champion, Ben Askren, stated, “Luis Santos is not going to take the ONE Welterweight World Championship from me. I’m going to walk across the cage, take him down and beat him up, and there’s nothing he can do to stop me.”

World title challenger, Luis Santos, stated, “I am ready to walk away with the ONE Welterweight World Championship. I am confident in my abilities no matter where the fight goes. If Ben Askren takes me down, I will submit him. If we fight on the feet, I will knock him out. Either way, I am walking away with the ONE Welterweight World Championship.”

MAIN EVENT
ONE Welterweight World Championship bout: Ben Askren (77 kg/ 170 lbs) VS Luis Santos (77 kg/ 170 lbs)

MAIN CARD
Bantamweight bout: Mark Striegl (61 kg/ 135 lbs) VS Casey Suire (61.1 kg/ 135 lbs)
Catchweight bout: Geje Eustaquio (57.1 kg/ 125 lbs) VS Anatpong Bunrad (56.6 kg/ 122 lbs)
Flyweight bout: Eugene Toquero (56.7 kg/ 125 lbs) VS Brianata Rosadhi (55.4 kg/ 125 lbs)
Featherweight bout: Edward Kelly (65.8 kg/ 145 lbs) VS Jimmy Yabo (65.7 kg/ 145 lbs)
Catchweight bout: Amir Khan (67.8 kg/ 149 lbs) VS Bashir Ahmad (68 kg/ 150 lbs)
Flyweight bout: Nicholas Lee (56.7 kg/ 125 lbs) VS Liu Xiao Yang (56.7 kg/ 125 lbs)
Featherweight bout: Wang Ya Wei (65.8 kg/ 145 lbs) VS Sunoto (65 kg/ 143 lbs)

Fans from around the world can witness the action online via live streaming at www.onefc.com/livestream. The event will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Championship™ is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

Saturday night at Harrah’s Philly Casino in Chester, PA highly touted prospect Angel Ocasio is set to make his long awaited return to ring when he takes on Justin Johnson (6-7-4, 2KO’s) in a six round super lightweight tilt.

Ocasio was last seen scoring a second round destruction of Esteban Rodriquez (6-3-1, 1KO) back on December 8, 2012. Since that time Ocasio has taken care of things in his personal life including marrying the woman of his dreams. But the passion for the sport has never left him, so Ocasio has returned to ring with and rededicated himself to sport and is ready to make his move up the rankings.

While most others would have taken quick fights while working back into shape, MAK Boxing Management’s Angel Ocasio did it the right way, methodically working his way back into prime fighting shape in the gyms and with good roadwork. He has sparred with some of the best including the likes of Milton Santiago.

Standing in his way on Saturday night is Justin Johnson, the fighter who is willing to take on anybody anywhere. He has faced some of the top up and comers, including Hastings Bwalya (5-0, 4KO’s), Stevie Weimer (7-0, 2KO’s) Anthony Karperis (3-0, 2KO’s) and owns a victory over Jesus Saucedo (4-0-1,2KO’s).

Now primed and ready Ocasio is ready to make his mark in the world rankings and it all begins again on Saturday night against Justin Johnson. Time to settle unfinished business!!!

Tickets are priced at $50 General Admission, $75 Ringside $100VIP.
For tickets please contact Manny Rivera at 267-325-9963

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Andre Ward will return after a 19-month layoff when he takes on Paul Smith at Oracle Arena in Oakland in a bout that will be televised by BET, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We’re thrilled to not only be introducing our newest broadcast partnership with BET Networks, but also to use this new platform to telecast Andre Ward’s highly anticipated return to the ring,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Roc Nation Sports’ boxing division. “On June 20, we will once again provide fans a night of exciting ‘throne boxing’ fights, live musical entertainment and an unprecedented fan experience.”

Said Stephen G. Hill, BET’s president of programming, “BET is constantly searching for ways to expand its portfolio of content with the sole goal of satisfying our audiences. Roc Nation is doing very exciting things in the entertainment space and we are excited to partner with them on this groundbreaking deal positioning BET Networks as a go-to destination for premier live boxing events. Together, we’ll provide unique entertainment.”

“I’m very excited to be coming back on June 20 at Oracle Arena in my hometown of Oakland, which has been a long time coming,” Ward said. “I’m equally excited to be fighting on BET in front of a potential viewership of over 90 million homes. As a fighter, this diversifies my portfolio and puts me in front of a whole different audience. I have an extremely tough fighter in front of me in Paul Smith, who’s looking to pull the upset, but I can’t let that happen.

“I have to be on my best game to turn Smith away and beat him the way I want to beat him. As always, I’m ready to put on a tremendous performance in front of my hometown fans and those watching on BET. This is a fight you don’t want to miss.”

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring and test myself against a class act like Andre Ward,” Smith said. “I proved that I belong at the top level with my performances against Arthur Abraham and this is a challenge that I am relishing. Andre is a top pound-for-pound fighter and someone I respect a lot, but he has only boxed once in almost three years and I will give it everything I have got.

“I am fresh and confident going into this fight. It’s a massive opportunity for me and one that I took with both hands when it was offered. I have spent a lot of time boxing in the United States and I look forward to returning for this fight.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, after weeks of specualtion, tickets will goo on sale on Thursday for the mega showdown between Floyd Mayweather and May Pacquiao that will take place on May 2 in Las Vegas.

“It was a battle but finally everybody came together,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, told ESPN.com on Wednesday night.

“Then they finally sent over a draft reflecting the deal we had agreed to, and it was absolutely 100 percent what we had agreed to,” Arum said. “But it didn’t come over until 6 p.m. [PT], and by 7 p.m. we had reviewed everything and signed.”

Tickets for the MGM Grand Garden Arena are priced at $7,500, $5,000, $3,500, $2,500 and $1,500, not including applicable service charges, and will go on sale at 3 p.m. ET Thursday via Ticketmaster. They are limited to four per household. There are $10,000 tickets, but they are not among the roughly 500 tickets being made available to the public out of the roughly 16,000 tickets.

“This has been a very complex event, and we are pleased to have resolved the outstanding issues,” said Richard Sturm, president of entertainment and sports for MGM Resorts International. “We look forward to delivering an incredible event weekend, like only Las Vegas can.”

“We were resolute that we were going to hold on to everything we had negotiated with Mayweather Promotions and they weren’t going to use the relationship with MGM to deprive us of our rights,” Arum said. “Ultimately, that’s how the deal was made. We protected Manny and ourselves, and we weren’t asking for anything we didn’t negotiate. We had a deal with Mayweather Promotions, and then they used the MGM to try to erode our rights. And we stood steadfast and we wouldn’t let that happen, and finally we made a deal, a correct deal, and the fight is going ahead. It’s as simple as that.

“We weren’t going to allow anyone to push us around. We didn’t want more than we were entitled to or want anything extra. We wanted everyone to live up to the deal we made. I have to really commend my guys for standing firm, and I want to thank Les Moonves for being a rational person and poised through this whole thing and for not letting us be pushed around.”

ORANGE, Calif. (April 22, 2015) – Jose Roman (19-1-1, 13 KOs), a rising lightweight prospect out of Garden Grove, Calif., is two days away from his “Locked n’ Loaded” main event fight against Martin Cardona (18-4, 13 KOs) of Mexico. The 8-round fight is Roman’s first of the year, after winning four in 2014.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and show the boxing world what I can do,” said the 27-year-old Roman. “I’ve won five fights in a row, and on Friday, it will be number six.”

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

The event takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Roman has been steadily working his way back into the lightweight mix after dropping a disputed split decision to Robert Osiobe two-and-a-half years ago in Las Vegas.

Since then, Roman is undefeated in his last five and knows bigger fights are ahead. But first, he must get through Cardona, who has knocked out his last two opponents.

“It’s going to be an explosive fight,” Roman said. “I’m going to be aggressive from the start and not wait for the fight to come to me. I’m going to bring it early.”

Save the Date

After “Locked n’ Loaded,” Thompson Boxing celebrates its Fifteenth Year Anniversary with a star-studded event on Friday, May 29, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Leading the show is the fast-rising, undefeated junior welterweight stud Giovani Santillan. Also, all-action super bantamweights Efrain Esquivias, Juan Reyes, Danny Roman, and Jonathan Arellano, plus the veteran Chris Martin returns. A formal announcement will be released soon.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ThompsonBoxing. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing & #LockednLoaded.

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 22, 2015) – After trekking a remarkable 500 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona, 50-year heavyweight contender (WBC #17), Bronco Billy Wright (47-4, 38 KOs), has a message to send to the boxing community and the heavyweight division.

“I did this 500 mile “Trek for Cures”, Run, Walk and Ride to help raise money for charities that are close to my heart,” said Bronco Billy Wright. “In addition I wanted to send a message to the heavyweight division, letting everyone rated in the WBC top 15 know that I’m a serious athlete coming for their rankings. My next fight will be announced shortly, and my goal is to take out everyone in my path. I don’t think there is a heavyweight out there that can handle my power. I humbly want to thank the WBC Cares and everyone who supported me during this journey.

The trek ended at the Central Boxing Club in downtown Phoenix, where Bronco Billy was greeted by its members, which included undefeated super-lightweight Jose Benavidez Jr. (22-0, 15 KOs) among others.

“The fighters and coaches at the Central Boxing Club were gracious enough to let me end my trek at their gym and it was fantastic.” Bronco Billy Wright continued. “There were some local TV cameras there to talk about my story. It was a great success and I’m ready to begin my march toward the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Billy currently holds the WBC LATIN AMERICAN, FECARBOX , and United States (USNBC) Silver titles. Right now Bronco Billy is riding a 18-fight knockout streak, 14 of which came by first round KO. With a few more first round knockouts he’ll break Shannon Briggs world record. Look for Bronco Billy to make his return to the ring this summer.

Chester, PA (April 22, 2015)–This Saturday night, April 25, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia with a terrific card promoted by King’s Promotions and XFE.

In the main event, undefeated lightweight Omar Douglas will see action in an six-round bout when he takes on 70-fight veteran Jose Angel Beranza (36-32-2, 28 KO’s) of Tepito, Mexico.

Douglas of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 13-0 with ten knockouts. He turned pro on May 27, 2011 with a 3rd round disqualification victory over Eric Hall.

Douglas won the NABA USA Super Featherweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Jean Javier Soto. Douglas also has a quality win with a 8-round unanimous decision over Jesse Carradine (8-2-2). In his last bout, Douglas scored an explosive first round stoppage over Osnel Charles on December 5, 2014 at Harrahs Philadelphia.

“Training camp has been great. I started preparing for this fight as soon as the last fight was over. I have been sparring with the best fighters in the area. When I started my camp, I was only seven pounds over the contract weight,”said Douglas.

Douglas knows very little about Ortiz.

“I really only know that he is from Mexico and he has a pretty decent record.”

This will be the first time that Douglas headlines in his home region and he not about to have any of the distractions to go with that.

“I take it in stride. I consider it just another day at the office. The only difference is that I am closing the show.”

This being his 14th pro fight, Douglas is now rounding into a situation where he knows what he has to do to continue to get better.

“I have been very responsible with my defense. I always knew I had a pro style. It was my late trainer Lewis Lum who told me I was better suited to become a professional world champion than an Olympic gold medal winner.”

Douglas sees himself continuing to grow and fighting on more high profile platforms as the year progresses.

“I see myself on bigger cards. I am with Al Haymon so to fight on a PBC card is a goal for the year. By the end of the year, I should be considered a hot prospect and I should get in three or four more fights that should put my name out more.”

Douglas finished by saying, “On April 25, expect a show. I will be smart and put everything together. I train for every opponent like they are the best. Once it all comes together it will be lights out!!”

In a six-round co-feature, Kyrone Davis (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will fight Carlos Garcia (7-13-1, 7 KO’s) of Aguada, PR in a super middleweight bout.

In an eight-round bout, Javonte Starks (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN. will take Jeremiah Wiggins (10-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Newport News, VA in a welterweight bout..

Also in six-round bouts:

Angel Ocasio (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Justin Johnson (6-7-4) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. welterweight bout.

Adam Kownacki (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will try to keep his perfect knockout streak going when he fights Randy Easton (3-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a heavyweight bout.

Stephen Fulton (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will fight Jamal Parram (7-10-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO in a featherweight bout.

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will square off with Jose Del Valle (4-10-3) of Corozal, PR in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Christpher Brooker (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA take on Maurice Amaro (2-8, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a super middleweight bout.

Stephan Shaw (3-0, 3 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO will battle Zachary Bunce (2-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, NV in a heavyweight bout.

Earl Newman (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Julio Garcia (6-8-3, 3 KO’s) of Rincon, PR in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

The 1st bout will start at 7 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.

Philadelphia, PA—Amir Mansour may not get his way completely, but his comments that Joey Dawejko has to cut off his beard before their May 8 showdown at the 2300 Arena have not fallen on deaf ears.

“The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission has directed the (Joey) Dawejko camp that Dawejko’s beard must be neatly cropped in accordance with the athletic commission rules,” said promoter J Russell Peltz.
Mansour recently claimed that Dawejko’s beard could be used against him (Mansour) in clinches.
“(Dawejko) can rub that beard in your face and irritate the skin,” Mansour said. “I want it shaved; I want him uncomfortable.”
Dawejko currently is training in Hollywood, CA, under the supervision of James “Buddy” McGirt, who will be working with the Philadelphian for the first time. They will be back in Philadelphia the week of the fight.
Mansour, 42, and Dawejko, 24, meet in the most anticipated local showdown in Philadelphia in years when they go 10 rounds, or less, in front of a packed house and the ESPN 2 cameras on Friday, May 8.
The left-handed Mansour is 21-1, 16 K0s.
The right-handed Dawejko is 14-3-2, 7 K0s, including four one-round K0s in a row.
A limited number of seats remain.

About May 8

The Mansour-Dawejko fight headlines a seven-bout card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. Doors open at 6 pm; first fight is 7.15 pm. The card will be televised live by ESPN 2 at 9 pm. Tickets are $55 and $80 and can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and Wanamaker’s Tickets (215-568-2400). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.wanatix.com. The May 8 card is promoted by Peltz Boxing, Joe Hand Promotions and BAM Boxing.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America is officially back and has been filming its new series in Las Vegas, since March 17th. After reaching an average of 7 million viewers per episode in Mexico and millions more viewers around Latin America during season one, The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America is set to premiere starting the week of August 26th on UFCFIGHTPASS.com, PM Channel 5 in Mexico, UFC® Network and free-to-air networks in Latin America. For 2015, UFC® has recruited talent from all over the region and divided them into two teams: Team Gastelum and Team Escudero. Both teams will represent a combination of Latin American countries including: Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Spain.

Kelvin Gastelum (The Ultimate Fighter® winner of season 17) and Efrain Escudero (winner of season Eight of the reality series and first Mexican to win a contract with the UFC), will be official coaches of the second Spanish speaking series of the reality show. In this ninth international edition of the most challenging sports tournament on television, Gastelum will lead a team of four lightweight (155lbs) and four welterweight (170lbs) fighters against Escudero’s squad of eight similarly divided fighters from Latin American countries.

The list of competitors includes fighters hailing from Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay and Spain. The competitors are listed in alphabetical order (Name, Professional MMA record, Age, Hometown):

LIGHTWEIGHT

WELTERWEIGHT

César Arzamendia (6-1), 23, Alto Parana, Paraguay
Enrique Barzola (10-2), 25, Lima, Peru

Horacio Gutiérrez (3-1), 24, Guadalajara, Mexico
Oliver Meza (3-0), 28, Panama City, Panama
Jonathan Ortega (7-2-1), 31, Temuco, Chile
Marco Polo Reyes (19-7), 30, Mexicali, Mexico
Daniel Salas (15-5), DF, Mexico
Christihian Soto (5-4), 31, Managua, Nicaragua

Héctor Aldana (5-0), 26, San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico
Wilmer Fernández (7-1), 33, San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Alvaro Herrera (8-3), 29, Guadalajara, Mexico
Enrique Marín (8-2), 28, Sevilla, Spain
Kevin Medinilla (5-0), 23, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Erick Montaño (9-5), 29, DF, Mexico
Marco Olano (6-1), 21, Lima, Peru
Vernon Ramos (3-0), 22, La Fontana, Panama

Fans from the following countries will be able to catch the season on their respective free-to-air networks: Bolivia: Red Uno, Mexico: Channel 5, Nicaragua: Viva Nicaragua, Honduras: Teleprogreso, Panama: NexTV, Paraguay: Telefuturo, Chile: Via X, Peru: America TV and Venezuela: Meridiano TV. The season will premiere on these networks the week of August 26, though dates and weekly episodes will vary per country. Viewers should check their local listings for further information.

More networks will be confirmed prior to the series premiere and subscribers to the UFC Network in Latin America will also get the chance to catch replays and watch exclusive content.

The season finale will be featured during Mexico’s second live event later this year. The card will host the final lightweight and welterweight bouts of the series, crowning the winners of The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America season 2. Further event and ticket details will be released later this summer ahead of the scheduled on-sale at the end of August.

In addition to Kelvin Gastelum and Efrain Escudero, The Ultimate Fighter® has launched the careers of more than 100 UFC fighters and produced champions such as Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Matt Serra and current bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw as well as season winners including Michael Bisping, Ryan Bader and Nate Diaz. Mexican American Tony Ferguson captured the season 13 lightweight title, while Diego Sanchez, also of Mexican descent, was the first-ever winner of the franchise. Sanchez defeated Kenny Florian, a fighter of Peruvian descent, at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale in 2005. In 2014, Mexican featherweight fighter, Yair Rodriguez, and bantamweight competitor, Alejando Perez, were crowned season winners of the first Spanish speaking series of The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America.

For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @UltimateFighter or on Facebook.com/TUF.

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About UFC®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Las Vegas (April 22, 2015) – The Raging Babe Soiree: Reaching New Heights presented by RAGING BABE will take place on April 29, 2015, just three days before the fight of the century, Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Over 100 of boxing’s most prestigious and influential women have been invited to attend this exclusive event. The Raging Babe Soiree will be held at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, located in The Linq Promenade in Las Vegas. After dinner, the women of boxing will take in the best views of Las Vegas aboard the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller which features 28 spherical passenger cabins which can accommodate up to 40 passengers each, and is illuminated with dynamic multicolored LED lights nightly. Concluding the night with custom cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes.

“I’m amazed at how far this event has come,” said Michelle Rosado, CEO of Raging Babe. “There were only about 30 invitees at our first event in 2013 and now, two years later, we have over 100 invitees and this is our ‘night out’ to celebrate our accomplishments. Each event we strive to continue developing a strong network and camaraderie amongst these amazing women in professional boxing. It is something that cannot be duplicated.”

The event’s honoree is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, COO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and widow of champion boxer, Diego “Chico” Corrales.

Hosting will be Jackie Kallen, “The First Lady of Boxing” and Boxing Insider correspondent. “I am thrilled to once again be joining forces with Michelle Rosado to host the premier female boxing event of the fight weekend. It’s a pleasure to do something to benefit the NVBHOF and give the women in a boxing an event of their own,” stated Kallen.

In addition to honoring Michelle Corrales-Lewis, Raging Babe will donate a percentage of all financial contributions from event sponsors to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame organization. The NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization that prides itself in honoring the sport of boxing and celebrating to accomplishments of those within it. NVBHOF also supports several community programs, amateur boxing clubs, collegiate boxing programs and several boxing related causes. To learn more, please visit www.nvbhof.com.

Sponsoring this wonderful event is the World Boxing Council (www.wbcboxing.com), Champs Boxing & Fitness Club (www.champsboxingclub.org), 3-Point Tequila, DJ Nina9 (www.nina9.com), Sprinkles Cupcakes (www.sprinkles.com), Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar (www.chayolv.com), and Ramblin Ralph.

Aside from ring announcing, RAMBLIN RALPH’S main goal is to protect boxing superstars and prospects alike, along with their families, outside of the ring. RAMBLIN RALPH has aligned himself with sports biggest agencies to offer programs for boxers such as 401k, pension, and life insurance. He also brokers deals providing branding, licensing and promotional opportunities with the biggest companies in the world. The goal of RAMBLIN RALPH is to shorten the time of a boxer in the ring, and increase their portfolio outside the ring. You can contact RAMBLIN RALPH for more information at 602-695-5798 or by email at ralphvelezjr@gmail.com.

For more information and/or to become a sponsor of the Raging Babe Soiree – Reaching New Heights, contact Michelle Rosado at michelle@ragingbabe.com.

TORONTO | NEW YORK (April 22, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a blockbuster card from ONE Championship live this Friday, April 24 at 7:30 a.m. ET, as ONE Championship 26: Valor of Champions emanates from SM MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines, headlined by polarizing welterweight champion Ben Askren facing one of his toughest tests to date against 71-fight veteran Luis “Sapo” Santos.

Airing live exclusively in Canada, ONE Championship: Valor of Champions will also feature a co-main event bantamweight clash between Filipino standout Mark Striegl and undefeated American Casey Suire, plus Filipino flyweight prospect Eugene Toquero meets Indonesia’s Brianata Rosadhi. Rounding out the card, Canadian heavyweight powerhouse Paul Cheng battles Ukrainian Igor Subora, Thai flyweight Anatpong Bunrad throws down with Filipino sensation Geje Eustaquio, plus Jimmy Yabo tangles with Edward Kelly in a clash of Filipino featherweight contenders.

The full fight card for ONE Championship: Valor of Champions includes:

-Ben Askren (14-0) vs. Luis Santos (61-9-1) – ONE welterweight title
-Mark Striegl (13-1) vs. Casey Suire (5-0)
-Eugene Toquero (5-1) vs. Brianata Rosadhi (1-1)
-Paul Cheng (5-1) vs. Igor Subora (5-2)
-Anatpong Bunrad (4-1) vs. Geje Eustaquio (6-3)
-Jimmy Yabo (4-0) vs. Edward Kelly (5-2)
-Shannon Wiratchai (3-1) vs. Amir Khan (2-1)
-Tsu Notto (2-0) vs. Ya Wei Wang (1-1)

The live action continues on Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28 invades the Ice Hockey Stadium in Zilina, Slovakia, featuring Slovakia’s Tomas Senkyr against Morocco’s Ibrahim El Boustati for the -85kg world title, plus Slovakia’s Vladimir Moravcik meets Frenchman Yohan Lidon in a five-round Muay Thai affair. The card also features a one-night, single-elimination -70kg tournament showcasing Milan Pales vs. Brahim Benameur and Tigran Movsisyan vs. Mohammed Jaraya in opening round matchups.

Fight Network’s live Enfusion broadcast at 3 p.m. ET will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and in Turkey on D-Smart.

On Saturday, April 25, Fight Network will present its UFC 186 Pre-Show Live at7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis ahead of UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi on pay-per-view. Immediately following the main card, Fight Network presents the UFC 186 Post-Show Live, which will include the live post-fight press conference from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now and UFC Ultimate Insider. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

Post-fight coverage continues on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. ET and features a comprehensive breakdown of Saturday’s event.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.