LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26) – Golden Boy Promotions returns to San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12 with a special HBO Latino Boxing two-fight live telecast co-promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions. In the headlining bout, 2008 Mexican Olympian, undefeated WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) will put his undefeated record and titles on the line when he faces off against Australian standout “Wild” Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs) from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.

In the evening’s co-main event, Mexican favorite Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs) will battle against the tough warrior Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges go on sale Saturday, Jan. 31 at 12:00 p.m. CT and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, at the AT&T Center South East Box Office in person Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

“I am preparing for the best Tomlinson can give me,” said Vargas. “This fight is very important for me, a win would only get me closer to a world title fight. My manager Joel De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions are guiding me down the best path and I can promise that I will give them and the fans the best fight on March 12.”

“I am very excited to fight Francisco Vargas,” said Tomlinson. “He is a hungry, aggressive fighter. I think I have the speed, strength and movement to not only beat Francisco but also to give the fans one hell of a fight and introduce myself to the Latino fans. It’s an honor to be fighting for the NABF and WBO International titles and I will proudly hold them high after a solid win in San Antonio.”

“Undefeated records, title shots and the opportunity for even bigger fights down the road – with so much on the line, fans can bet that fireworks will be in great supply on March 12,” said Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya.

“Leija*Battah Promotions is proud to announce their first fight with HBO Latino Boxing and their partner Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions,” said Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions. “Texas fight fans will be very satisfied with the lineup and won’t want to miss out.”

“I’d like to thank my promoter Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Latino Boxing for this opportunity,” said Orozco. “I am ready to put up a good fight for the fans. I know Emanuel Taylor is a tough fighter but I am more than ready to showcase my talent. This is another step closer to becoming a world champion.”

“I can’t wait to fight on HBO Latino on March 12th. I will be 100% ready and I know it will be a good fight with Orozco,” said Taylor. “I am very confident that I will win this fight. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing as well as Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Latino Boxing for giving me this opportunity.”

“We are looking forward to watching Taylor fight again and expect an extremely exciting fight against Orozco,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “Taylor showed his grit against Adrien Broner last September and we have high hopes for him on March 12 and the rest of 2015.”

Born in Tijuana and now fighting out of Mexico City, the 2008 Olympian Vargas had a notable win over Abner Cotto, and defended his WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight titles against former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez in 2014. The 30-year-old closed out the year with an eighth-round knockout victory over the tough Genaro Camargo in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

A Melbourne, Australia native Tomlinson won and successfully defended several regional titles down under. He was racing toward a world title shot before an upset loss to Jerry Belmontes in March 2014. The 28-year-old wasn’t deterred from his path and in August he bounced back with a victory over Alberto Cupido and a technical knockout win over Miguel Zamudio in December that put him on the road to the top once more.

An undefeated star from Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and fighting out of San Diego, Calif. Orozcohas kept an impressive undefeated record since turning professional in 2008. 2014 was a successful year for Orozco, winning the vacant NABF Junior Super Lightweight title against Martin Honorio via unanimous decision in May. The 27-year-old was most recently seen in a battle against Steve “2 Pound” Forbes at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in October also winning by unanimous decision after an eight-round fight.

Fighting out of Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, Tayloris a tough warrior who was first noticed when he went the distance with Chris Algieri in February 2014. Next, the tough boxer rebounded with a win via unanimous decision over Karim Mayfield in August setting him up to fight the toughest fight of his career against Adrien Broner in September. Taylor didn’t disappoint as he went the distance in a 12-round bout against Broner in Broner’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Now, the 24-year-old Taylor is looking to rebound once again and prove that his is still in the game to win a world title.

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. Orozco vs. Taylor is a 10-round junior welterweight fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing two-fight telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 5:00 p.m. CT, and the first bout will start at 5:30 p.m. CT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com and www.freemancoliseum.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr, @HBOLatino, @elbandido130, @WillTomlinsonAU, @PuroOrozco, and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/hbolatino or www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr,@elbandido130, @willtomlinsonau, @allrelentless, and @tranzformaa.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another stacked edition of Golden Boy Live! tonight, Monday, Jan. 26 at 10 p.m. ET, as Golden Boy Promotions returns to Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas with a main event that true boxing fans won’t want to miss. WBC Silver featherweight champion Rocky Juarez (30-10-1, 21 KOs) defends his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (20-10, 13 KOs) in a 10-round brawl that will also serve as a WBC featherweight world title eliminator.

Fight Network’s broadcast will air live exclusively in Canada.

In other televised bouts, Austin’s own Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (9-0, 9 KOs) faces the toughest test of his young career against Mexico’s Nestor “Baby” Rojas (11-3, 7 KOs), while undefeated KeAndre Gibson (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will be featured in the eight-round opener against Nelson Lara (15-6-5, 8 KOs).

“It is not often that two veteran gladiators face off with one final title shot likely up for grabs,” said Oscar De La Hoya, founder and president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is the last shot for two battle-tested fighters, and fans in San Antonio will get to witness first-hand what these boxing lions will do to make it back to the top.”

A silver medal winner for the United States in the 2000 Olympics, Rocky Juarez (30-10-1, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s most respected veterans. After falling just short of world title honors over the years against the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Chris John; the 34-year-old from Houston has parlayed huge wins over Antonio Escalante and Rene Alvarado into a number three ranking by the WBC. On Jan. 26, he has the chance to defeat Castellanos and earn the world title shot he has been waiting for.

Ranked fifth in the world by the WBC, Celaya’s Robinson Castellanos (20-10, 13 KOs), rebounded from a rocky start to win 12 of his last 13 fights, rejuvenating a career that began in 2002. His victories include a decision win over former world champion Celestino Caballero in 2013 and his biggest impact was in October 2014, when he knocked out 23-0 Ronny Rios in the fifth round. Now he faces off against the granite-chinned Juarez with a world title shot on the line, and the 32-year-old veteran can’t wait for the first bell to ring.

Coached by legendary female fighter Ann Wolfe, 19-year-old Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (9-0, 9 KOs) is one of the top prospects in boxing today, a fact evidenced by a perfect professional record in which he’s ended five fights in the first round. Now ready for his biggest year yet, Mazion is looking forward to the co-main event spotlight in Cowboys Dancehall, where he’s already won four fights.

A hard-hitting veteran who is looking to get back on the winning track to kick off the New Year, 29-year-old Nestor “Baby” Rosas (9-3, 6 KOs) has already been in the ring with former world champion Victor Ortiz and top prospect Wale Omotoso over the course of his career, making it clear that he has the experience to test Mazion on Jan. 26.

KeAndre Gibson (11-0-1, 5 KOs) now makes his home in Las Vegas, where he trains under renowned coach Kenny Adams, but the 24-year-old welterweight prospect has become quite popular in Texas, where he won impressive victories over John Nater and Jose Hernandez. Hoping to keep his winning streak going on January 26, Gibson will face Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara in an eight-round matchup. Lara (15-6-5, 8 KOs) is a former WBA Fedebol champion coming off of a September bout with Fidel Maldonado Jr.

“Juarez vs. Castellanos” is a 10-round bout for Juarez’ WBC Silver Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions. Fight Network’s live broadcast airs at 10 p.m. ET.

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

Los Angeles, CA (January 26, 2015) Former world title challenger MICHEL SORO will kick off his 2015 campaign this Friday night, January 30 with a 10-round clash against SANDOR “Mics K.O.” MICSKO at the Salle Polyvalente Du Ramier in Blagnac, France.

Sporting a record of 23-1-1 with thirteen knockouts, the 27-year-old Soro, fighting out of Rhone, France returns to battle following his U.S. debut this past July 25 against undefeated prospect Antoine Douglas.

Telecast on Showtime from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, Soro took over the fight in the second half, rocking Douglas badly in the 8th stanza and final two rounds. Despite a very strong showing, Soro had to settle for a 10-round majority draw, two judges scoring it even and one for the France native.

“We’ve got big plans for Michel in 2015, he was impressive against Douglas and we anticipate a fight against a top ten contender if he’s successful against Micsko,” said MICHAEL KING of KING SPORTS.

“Michel’s only loss was for the WBO Junior Welterweight Title against Zaurbek Baysangurov in 2012 in a very close fight so we know he can compete at a world class the level. The key is for him to stay busy and that’s our plan for him in 2015.”

A native of Budapest, Hungary, the also 27-year-old Micsko enters the battle against Soro with a record of 25-7-2 (19KO’s). The southpaw started the New Year with a second round stoppage of Roland Bakonyi on January 11 in Slovakia.

ABOUT KING SPORTS
King Sports is a company started by entertainment entrepreneur Michael King. King Sports’ first foray into boxing was with All-American Heavyweights, a revolutionary boxing program that boasted a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with the latest technology, premiere coaching and medical staff along with the ideal dietary and nutritional needs for its fighters. Since making the decision to enter professional boxing, King Sports has spent time evaluating the entire spectrum of global boxing talent. Through an exhaustive scouting and evaluation process, King Sports has found some of the most exciting young fighters from around the world.

For more information follow King Sports on Twitter @KingSportsWorld, Facebook @KingSportsWorldwide and visit their website at www.KingSportsWorldwide.com.

Mashantucket, CT: Before ESPN2 Friday Night Fights’ live audience witnesses the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship battle between Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) and Tony “The Lightning” Luis (18-2, 7 KOs), they will be treated to a stacked undercard that includes Shane Mosley, Jr. (2-1, 2 KOs), Cuban Sullivan Barrera (14-0, 9 KOs) and local prospects.

The undefeated Barrera is taking on veteran Jeff Lacy (27-5, 18 KOs) for eight rounds of action in the light heavyweight division. Barrera had a stellar 2014 with four wins and three knockouts. In his last fight on the Kovalev-Hopkins undercard, he stopped Rowland Bryant in the fourth round. Lacy also defeated his last opponent, Timothy Hall, Jr.

Middleweight Mosley, Jr., of Pomona, CA, is taking on Rafael Machado for four rounds of action. Mosley has been training in Foxwoods with his father, Sugar Shane Mosley, as part of the reality television series Knockout. The 24-year old Mosley suffered his first career loss in his last fight against Marchristopher Adkins. Machado is still looking for his first career win.

In another eight rounder heavyweights Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (12-0, 7 KOs) of Santurce, Puerto Rico and Jesse Oltmanns (10-4, 7 KOs) of Bartonsville, PA will square off. The undefeated Tapia is coming off an eight round unanimous decision victory over Paul Jennette in June of last year. Oltmanns is looking to snap a three fight losing streak. In his last fight he was stopped by Matt Godfrey in the fifth round.

Light heavyweights Larry Pryor (9-8, 5 KOs) of Washington, DC and Charles Foster (6-0, 3 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will face off for six rounds. Pryor has won his last two fights in a row after suffering a six-round unanimous decision loss to Barrera at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA in April. In his last fight, he defeated Rayco Saunders via a six-round unanimous decision. The undefeated Foster knocked out Robert Jackson in the first round on the undercard of the Mchunu-Wilson card at Foxwoods in September.

Local favorite Cassius Chaney of New London, Connecticut will make his professional debut in a four-round heavyweight match-up with Antonio Assermelly (0-2) of Vesterly, Rhode Island. Assermelly is still looking for his first professional victory.

Finally, undefeated Philadelphian big man Khalib “Big Foot” Whitmore (6-0, 5 KOs) will square off against Carlos Reyes of (6-5-1, 4 KOs) of Kuarny, Arizona for four rounds of cruiserweight action. Whitmore has knocked out his last five opponents in a row. Most recently he stopped Lamont Capers in the fourth round at Sands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania back in August of 2014. The southpaw, Reyes, is coming off a second round stoppage of Mike Bissett last month in St. Petersburg, Fl.

About January 30
Presented by Main Events in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, the Jan. 30 edition of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and will take place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. It features a ten-round lightweight battle between undefeated contender Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) against Tony “The Lightning” Luis (18-2, 7 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship in the main event. The co-feature is an eight-round middleweight bout between Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) against Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs). The remaining undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets are $40, $60 and $75 and available now through Foxwoods.com and the Foxwoods box office. The doors will open at 5:00 PM ET and the Friday Night Fights telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26) – Undefeated Brazilian brawler Patrick Teixeira has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. The rising star and WBO Latin Super Welterweight Champion is undefeated with a record of 24 wins and 20 knockouts. Known to be a heavy hitter in his hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Teixeira is also making a name for himself internationally, having fought and won in his native country of Brazil, Mexico City, Miami, Fl. and Southern California. He is quickly becoming a feared contender in the hot super welterweight division with the skills and power to conquer the weight class.

“American fans unfamiliar with the hard-hitting power and one-punch knockout potential of Patrick Texiera will soon know his name — and so will his opponents in the Super Welterweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, founder and president of Golden Boy Promotions. “We look forward to a long relationship with Patrick that ends with him reaching his full potential of winning a world championship belt.”

“Today is a very special day for my professional career,” said Patrick Teixeira. “My dream was to sign with Golden Boy Promotions and get to know Oscar De La Hoya. I know that more opportunities will open up as a result of my signing on to the exclusive roster of fighters at Golden Boy Promotions and they will guide my career down the right path in order for me to give great performances for all my fans.”

“I am very excited to have had the opportunity to work with a young fighter such as Patrick Teixeira and have brought such a great talent to Golden Boy Promotions,” said Edu Peixoto, Teixeira’s manager. “Golden Boy Promotions is the leading boxing promoter in the world and without a doubt will take Patrick to new heights in his career and make him a world champion.”

A professional since 2009, the 24-year old wants to follow in the steps of the Brazilian three time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas and write his own story by conquering world titles in his career. Most recently, Teixeira beat Ulises David Lopez for the WBO Latino Super Welterweight title knocking Lopez down on the second round and winning the fight by knockout in the third round. In 2012, the young Brazilian star began to turn heads when he traveled to Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico and defeated Omar Vasquez via eighth round technical knockout. Now, Teixeira is intent on conquering the super welterweight division and becoming a world champion.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @alenteixeira become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/PatrickAllenTeixeira or follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya.

Philadelphia, PA (January 26, 2015)–This Saturday night at the 2300 Arena, undefeated Super Bantamweight Stephen “Scooter” Fulton will look to remain perfect when he takes on Eric Gotay in a 4-round bout on a show promoted by King’s Promotions.

The main event will see undefeated Prichard Colon (12-0, 10 KO’s) of Orocovis, Puerto Rico taking on Hector Munoz (23-13-1, 15 KO’s) of Albuquerque, New Mexico in the 8-round Jr. Middleweight fight.

Fulton of Philadelphia has a record of 3-0 with 1 knockout and he has had a good camp as he prepares for his 2nd consecutive hometown appearance.

“Everything has been great. I been working on a strength and conditioning. I have been getting great pad work and my trainers have been pushing me real hard. We are looking to fight 6-rounds but I am preparing for more,”said the 20 year-old Fulton.

Fulton has been trying find out about Gotay but has only found very little information on his opponent.

“The only thing I really know about him is that he has long arms and he likes to jab.”

Fulton, who made his Philadelphia debut with a 4-round unanimous decision over Benjamin Burgos on December 5 enjoy his hometown but he prefers to fight out of town.

“I enjoy fighting away from here. There is more pressure fighting home, but I am very focused.”

That pressure is nothing to new to Fulton as the decorated amateur was a National Silver Gloves champion, a Ringside champion and competed in the World Series of boxing where he went 2-1.

Fulton has been hailed by some as a future star of boxing and he wants to appeal to the fans.

“I want to make sure people notice me and enjoy my fighting style. A lot of people will notice me by the end of the year and hopefully I can get some television time. Take a good look at me and see where I am, because i a few years, I will be a world champion.

In 6 round bouts:

Raynell Williams (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will battle Ryan Picou (2-4) of Las Vegas in a Lightweight bout.

Grayson Blake (5-3, 2 KO’s) of State College, PA will fight Anthony Prescott (5-4-2, 2 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout.

Kyrone Davis (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will take on Jonathan Garcia (4-11, 1 KO) of Aguada, PR in a Middleweight bout.
.

In 4 round bouts:

Earl Newman (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will do battle with Yuwshua Zadok (2-2-1) of Atlanta, GA in a Cruiserweight fight.

Caleb Plant (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will square off with David Lopez (4-11-3, 1 KO) of Caldwell, ID in a Middleweight bout.

Jamatay Clark (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will fight Dominique Foster (2-6-1) of Las Vegas, NV in a Welterweight fight.

Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will take on Luis Acevedo (1-0-1) of Bethlehem, PA in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Willie Jones (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Tampa, FL will fight Moises Rios (5-2, 4 KO’s) of Arecibo, PR in a Welterweight fight.

Antonio Russell of Capitol Heights, MD will make his pro debut against Gabriel Braxton (2-7, 1 KO) of Red Oak, GA in a Bantamweight fight.

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.

Brandon Rios scored a emphatic 3rd round stoppage over Mike Alvarado in their contest that was a scheduled 12-round Welterweight bout at the 1stBank Arena in Broomfield, Colorado.

Rios busted up Alvarado in the first round from a shots with both hands by Rios. Rios continued the assault in round two as he wobbled Alvarado with a right and then followed up with solid body work. Rios continued to drill Alvarado in round three and finally sent him to the deck with an uppercut.

After the round, Alvarado had enough and called a halt to the bout.

Rios, 146 3/4 lbs of Oxnard, CA is now 33-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Alvarado, 146 1/2 lbs of Thornton, CO is now 34-4.

Gilberto Ramirez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Maxim Vlasov in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Ramirez, 170 1/2 lbs of Sinaloa, MX won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 31-0. Vlasov, 170 lbs of Russia is now 30-2.

Chazz Witherspoon 236 – Cory Phelps 235
Courtney Blocker 140 – Domonic Goode 140
Emmnuel Lipscomb 160 – Matthew Gonzalez 160
Travis McClaren 155 – Erik Spring 155
Jose Garcia 120 – Vidal Rivera 120
Nick Valliere 155 – Francisco Cruz 155
Malik Hawkins 141 – Josue Rivera 141

Promoters: CMIS & Silver Spoon Promotions
Venue: GPG Event Center
1st Bell: 7 PM

Tickets for the great evening of championship boxing $100 for Platinum Ringside (limited amount available); $75 for Gold Select seating (limited amount available)and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 856 472 0443.

Bouts subject to change

There will be an after party at the GPG Event Center.

The GPG Event Center is located at 1444 Route 73 in Pennsauken.

Los Angeles (Jan. 23) – Golden Boy Promotions held a press conference at the Golden Boy Building in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan 22., to announce the Feb. 27 IBF Bantamweight World Championship fight between the titleholder Randy “El Matador” Caballero and Alberto “Metro” Guevara. The event was hosted by Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions and was attended by more than 50 local and international media outlets. Seven-time world champion in four weight classes, Erik Morales and former WBC and IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion Isreal Vasquez were also in attendance.

Other fighters featured on the card participated in the press conference including Mexicali’s Diego De La Hoya (8-0, 6 KOs) who fights in his first eight-round bout as the co-main event against Los Angeles’ Manuel “Suavecito” Roman (17-3-3, 6 KOs). Plus, Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (2-0, 2 KOs) spoke about his upcoming opening telecast bout on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, a four-round fight against Roy McCary (3-2, 3 KOs). Also, newcomer Nick Arce (1-0, 1 KO) and the undefeated Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete (7-0, 3 KOs) discussed their upcoming fights, both against opponents yet to be announced.

Tickets for the event, priced at $105, $75, $55, $45 and $35 are on sale now, at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Below is what the fighters had to say today at the Golden Boy Building, in downtown Los Angeles:

Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“I’m really excited to be presenting to you what we call a homecoming. ‘The Homecoming’ will consist of a champion who traveled all the way to Monte Carlo and brought the world title back to Coachella. Back to where he grew up, where he trained. Back to all his people that always supported him at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

“[Randy] is a champion that has always represented his roots from Nicaragua. That for many years another great champion, my idol, Alexis Arguello represented. For Randy it will be a great honor to fight in front of his public, his hometown.

“Thank you to FOX for this great opportunity. It’s going to be a tremendous showdown on FOX Sports 1. This is what FOX Sports 1 is all about giving you the best action not only from the future champions, but as we can see now ‘The Champion,’ Randy Caballero.

“We will be bringing back Fight Night Club live from downtown. That will be an exciting series. It will give us an opportunity to cultivate the next generation of Los Angeles champions.

“We believe in Taishan, we believe in his ability. He has talent, speed and tremendous power as demonstrated in his last two fights. We know how to build champions; therefore we have no doubt in our mind that Taishan can become the heavyweight fighter that everyone dreams to of.

“It goes to show you the character in Manuel [Roman]. He’s chasing after his dream, he wants that world title, but he has to get through the next young fighter.

“This next fighter has the same last name as me, De La Hoya; yes he is my cousin. But this is a serious fight. This is a real fight. This is a dangerous fight. Diego is all about facing the toughest challenges. He wants to go as fast as he can towards a world title.

“[Alberto Guevara] has recent wins that have put him back on that championship level and now he is back challenging for a world title at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

“[Randy] has fought 12 times at Fantasy Springs Casino and every single time he comes out more explosive, hungrier than ever, working harder and harder, all for the fans. All to make sure that the fans leave satisfied having witnessed some great fights.”

Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Undefeated IBF Bantamweight World Champion

“I want to thank Alberto for taking this fight, it’s going to be a war.

“I went around the world to win this title. Trust me, it wasn’t easy and I am not ready to give it up. I am going to make sure to keep it right by my side and we are going to conquer 118 pounds one fight at a time.

“The people on this card are great. We are glad to have it at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

“I’m going to make sure I am the fight of the night and you guys leave satisfied. Hopefully he is ready, because I am going to be giving it my all. I’m not letting this title go anywhere.”

Alberto “Metro” Guevara, Bantamweight Contender

“I am prepared, happy, excited, and motivated. I think that on the February 27 we will win, I come with that attitude.

“Thanks to the champion, thanks to Golden Boy for giving me this opportunity. It is my time. I deserve it. I have worked very hard. I have the attitude. I have the talent to win the world title.

“I can assure you that February 27 will be a very good fight, a fight you don’t want to miss. It will be explosive and, at the end of the night, I will be the new world champion.”

Diego De La Hoya, Super Bantamweight Prospect

“I’m very happy to be here and very happy with my promoter that is taking me and guiding me in the right way. I’m very happy to be a part of this card and with a companion, a stable mate like Randy and to have it be at Fantasy Springs, which is like a second home to me is very exciting.

“I’m training hard. I’m fighting an opponent with a lot of experience. There is no other way than victory for that night. I am going to win.

“I want to make it clear: I’m not afraid to be fighting with fighters at this level and this much experience because I’m confident of what I’ve done: De La Hoya is going to win.”

Manuel “Suavecito” Roman, Super Bantamweight Contender

“I want to thank Golden Boy for this opportunity and all the media for supporting this event.

“I’m in great shape for this fight. I just recently changed trainers, I’m with Isreal Vasquez and I think he is going to benefit me a lot. Having a world champion in my corner, you’ll see some changes

“I know my opponent comes as an undefeated fighter so I’m getting ready for everything.”

Taishan, Heavyweight Prospect

“I’m so excited to see you all here to support this upcoming fight at Fantasy Springs.

“I want to thank Fantasy Springs Casino Resort for inviting me back into the ring. Thank you Oscar De La Hoya for giving me this opportunity to fulfill my dream in boxing.”

“I will do my best to fight each fight, I want everyone to come out on February 27 to support me.”

Nick Arce, Super Featherweight Prospect

“First, I want to thank you all for being here today. I also would like to thank my team at West Side Boxing and my promoter Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this opportunity”

“I’ll give a great show on February 27 so that people can start knowing who Nick Arce is.”

Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete, Bantamweight Prospect

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar, Leo Santa Cruz and my management team.

“I invite you all to come and meet the ‘Colombian Jaguar’ on February 27.”

John Carvelli, Vice Chair of the California State Athletic Commission

“I want to reiterate our pride and support for Golden Boy Promotions a California born and bred company, they are our most active promoter in the state. We are proud of Golden Boy Promotion’s professionalism.”

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Caballero vs. Guevara, a 12-round bout for Caballero’s IBF Bantamweight World Championship is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Mexico, Live It To Believe It! and Golden Ram Group. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Swanson_comm, @FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Kell Brook will make the 1st defense of the IBF Welterweight title against mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan on March 28 in Sheffield, England, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The 28-year-old Brook was supposed to make his first title defense late last year — the opponent had not been announced — but he suffered a stab wound in his leg during an incident while he was on vacation in Spain in September.

“After everything that’s happened over the last six months, it feels incredible knowing I will be defending my world title in Sheffield,” Brook said. “I want to get this mandatory out of the way and then target those megafights that are out there in the division.

“There is no chance that I will be underestimating Jo Jo Dan, though, as I know how he will be feeling, having worked so hard to get into the mandatory position just like I did, but I will be working twice as hard to keep the belt that I earned.”

“To see Kell walk out in front of a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Sheffield is going to be an emotional night,” Hearn said. “Kell has gone to America and beaten an American to win the world title; it’s a massive achievement and it shows that he is a very, very special fighter.

“Jo Jo Dan is a tough fight. There’s no way that Kell can be anything but 100 percent to beat him, and I have no doubt that he will be. There are some massive fights out there for Kell if he can take care of Jo Jo, but his focus is solely on Dan and I expect him to shine on March 28.”

Former Super Lightweight titlist Lucas Matthysse has signed a contract extension with Golden Boy Promotions according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Lucas Matthysse is extremely happy with Golden Boy Promotions, and he wants to retire with us,” De La Hoya said. “I’m extremely happy that he’s a loyal fighter and person who understands the value of having a promoter on a long-term contract in order for us to keep building him and get him the fights he deserves.”

“Mario Arano is his manager, and we did a deal with his manager,” De La Hoya said. “Al Haymon is an adviser to Mario and Lucas. We went directly to his manager, and his manager and Lucas are loyal to us. We built Lucas Matthysse and got him the fights that have put him in this position, therefore he re-signed with us because he wants to continue on this path to the end of his career.”

Said Matthysse: “I am excited to continue to work with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotion. They are my family. They have supported me and built my career from the beginning and I’m loyal to them as they have been to me. I’m looking forward to my future and what 2015 has to offer.

“Lucas Matthysse will have a few more fights at 140 pounds and then he wants to go up to 147,” De La Hoya said. “We’ll continue to bring him the best fights possible. He is willing to fight anybody, unlike a lot of fighters.”

De La Hoya said he would talk to both HBO and Showtime — which both have televised Matthysse’s bouts — about his next fight.

“It all depends on who he fights. For instance, maybe we make a deal with Ruslan Provodnikov’s promoter (Banner Promotions) to do a fight,” De La Hoya said. “My understanding is Provodnikov has a first/last (contract position) with HBO. But we also have to keep in mind that Stephen Espinoza at Showtime has been showcasing Lucas Matthysse on his network, so it’s a very delicate situation. We’ll explore all options, but he’s definitely going to fight in March.”

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23) – Before Rocky Juarez (30-10-1, 21 KOs) and Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (20-10, 13 KOs) square off for Juarez’ WBC Silver Featherweight Title and final title elimination bout at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas, the Golden Boy Live! card on Monday, January 26 will feature Austin’s own Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (9-0, 9 KOs) in the biggest fight of his young career when he battles Mexico’s Nestor “Baby” Rosas (11-3, 7 KOs). Also, the undefeated KeAndre Gibson (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will be featured in an eight-round televised-opening bout against Nelson Lara (15-6-5, 8 KOs) on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.

Also in action will be San Antonio’s super bantamweight standout Javier Rodriguez (11-0-1, 1 KO) and rising super featherweight from Alice, Texas Arturo Esquivel (9-1, 2 KOs) and several of the Lone Star State’s premier talents as they compete on a stacked eight-bout card.

Tickets, priced at $100 (Ringside – Rows 1-3), $65 (Ringside – Rows 4-7), $35 (Stool seating) and $20 (General admission), plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges are on sale now by phone by calling Leija-Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, m@leijabattahpromo.com or text “Tickets” to 210-556-7390. Tables for four are also available for $260, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges.

Coached by legendary female fighter Ann Wolfe, 19-year-old Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (9-0, 9 KOs) is one of the top prospects in boxing today, a fact evidenced by a perfect professional record in which he’s ended five fights in the first round. Now ready for his biggest year yet, Mazion is looking forward to the co-main event spotlight in Cowboys Dance Hall, where he’s already won four fights.

A hard-hitting veteran who is looking to get back on the winning track to kick off the New Year, 29-year-old Nestor “Baby” Rosas (9-3, 6 KOs) has already been in the ring with former world champion Victor Ortiz and top prospect Wale Omotoso over the course of his career, making it clear that he has the experience to test Mazion on January 26.

KeAndre Gibson (11-0-1, 5 KOs) now makes his home in Las Vegas, where he trains under renowned coach Kenny Adams, but the 24-year-old welterweight prospect has become quite popular in Texas, where he won impressive victories over John Nater and Jose Hernandez. Hoping to keep his winning streak going on January 26, Gibson will face Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara in an eight-round matchup. Lara (15-6-5, 8 KOs) is a former WBA Fedebol champion coming off of a September bout with Fidel Maldonado Jr.

In a super bantamweight swing bout scheduled for six rounds, San Antonio native Javier Rodriguez (11-0-1, 1 KO) looks to show off his impressive boxing skills once more at home when he takes on Quincy Wesby (2-7) from Dallas. A professional since 2011, the 20-year-old Rodriguez always brings a crowd out when he steps between the ropes.

In a four-round lightweight bout, San Antonio’s Cristian Santibanez (1-2) battles Austin’s Alberto Romero (1-3-1) and in a junior welterweight matchup also scheduled for four rounds is local favorite Armando Cardenas (5-0, 2 KOs) from San Antonio, who risks his perfect record against Laredo’s Albert Espinoza (2-5) in a welterweight bout.

Junior featherweight rising Texan star Arturo Esquivel (9-1, 2 KOs) will face off against Jesus Sandoval (3-5-3) in a six-round fight. Robert Vela (10-0-2, 5 KOs) of Robstown will face off against Ramiro Torres (4-27-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in a four-round lightweight match.

Juarez vs. Castellanos is a 10-round bout for Juarez’ WBC Silver Featherweight Title and final title elimination bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. Cowboys Dancehall doors will open at 5:00 p.m. CT, and the first bout will start at 5:30 p.m. CT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr, @Swanson_comm, @FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing or @LeijaBattahPr. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/watch/FOXSports1 and become a follower on @FOXSports. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes on Facebook.

Powerful adviser Al Haymon announced his plans for a Friday night series on Spike TV according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The first card will take place March 13 (9 p.m. ET/PT) at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, and be headlined by former welterweight titleholder Andre Berto (29-3, 22 KOs) against Josesito Lopez (33-6, 19 KOs). Former welterweight titleholder Shawn Porter (24-1-1, 15 KOs) and Roberto Garcia (36-3, 23 KOs) will meet in the co-feature.

“We share the vision of the ‘Premier Boxing Champions’ series to put the fighters first,” Spike TV president Kevin Kay said. “The fighters are the stars, and we will give them a platform to demonstrate why they are among greatest and most exciting athletes in the world.”

“I love that [Ali] era of boxing, and I have always felt that if somebody came along and could put together great fights and great cards and market and promote it in the right way, and do it on cable TV on a regular basis and be committed to it, that we could bring that back and kind of get boxing the comeback it deserves,” Kay said. “Boxing needs a comeback right now. Right now I think you look at boxing and it’s just a handful of guys that you know.

“I think that’s because nobody is committed to a consistent place on [basic] cable TV where you can promote, market, and develop boxers and their brands. That’s what I’m excited about. I have wanted to do it for a long time.”

“Haymon has big names. What I wasn’t hearing [from others] was that the fighters come first because I believe the fighters need to come first,” Kay said. “It’s not about the manager, the promoter — that’s what I think is actually not good for the sport. We’re not talking about any of that [with Haymon]. Al’s thing is that, and I always say, he’s like a ghost, man. His spirit is with us. But the thing that I heard was he wants to innovate and wants to change the presentation of the sport because he feels, like I feel, which is what I had wanted to hear, is that I don’t want to see a red, white and blue ring when I turn on a fight and feel like I’m still in 1975. I want to bring a presentation to this, and this is what we at the network do.

“We want to update the level of production and put a broadcast team out there that is young, diverse, that feels like the audience. We want to tell stories about fighters and build them as stars. Commit to shoulder programming for every single fight and run it a whole bunch of times on the channel so that we get to a place where the audience knows who these guys are and gets invested in them. We look at these kids today, and they are so charismatic and they have great smiles and winning personalities. Let’s tell their stories and invest the audience in them, and I think if we do that, we have something really special here.”

Berto, who has been featured for years on premium cable networks HBO and Showtime, said he believes bringing top-level fights (in which the fighters will earn similar purses) to basic cable is great for boxing.

“This series is something that the sport has been needing and yearning for,” he said. “I believe this is a huge message from Al Haymon. He has always been a man behind the scenes, but he is making huge power moves, and this right here is one where he is definitely sending out his message to everyone in general. For everyone that has been trying to find out what he really is about or who has doubted what he is able to do, this right here is a huge platform for his fighters. We are going to be in about 90 or 100 million homes. It doesn’t get any better than that. This is taking it back to the days of Sugar Ray Leonard, [Roberto] Duran and Marvin Hagler. They were stars, and now we are getting a taste of that now. It’s an exciting moment.”

“I think they just want everyone out in the world to be aware of what the talent is in boxing now,” Porter said. “It’s talent that hasn’t been seen by everyone. I think with launching this on Spike TV, and also NBC, it’s going to show people out in the world that boxing has great talent and excitement that everyone can tune in to.

“For me personally, it’s very cool because people know me from a boxing standpoint, but to cross over, touch so many more people and have them get to know you, I’m built for that. I’m excited for that and I’m ready for it. It’s very exciting for me personally and all the boxers coming to do this as well. I think we will all have something to look forward to.”

Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark doubleheader telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).

The HBO telecast kicks off live from 1STBANK Center, located in the Denver suburb of Broomfield, CO., when light heavyweights Gilberto Ramirez and Maxim Vlasov square off for 10 rounds.

The main event of the evening, a 12-round welterweight showdown, features Mike Alvarado against Brandon Rios in the final chapter of their epic trilogy.

Official Weights from Broomfield:

Mike Alvarado: 146.5 lbs.
Brandon Rios: 146.75 lbs.

Gilberto Ramirez: 170.5 lbs.
Maxim Vlasov: 170 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #AlvaradoRios

LINCOLN, R.I. (Jan. 22nd, 2015) — The Chuck O’Neil preparing to enter the cage next Friday is a smarter, savvier version of the raw talent who first stepped foot inside the hexagon eight years ago.

“I’d just fight and say, ‘Screw this guy. I’m going to punch him in the face,'” O’Neil said. “That was my logic behind fights.”

Nearly a decade later, the Bourne, Mass., native is a student of the game, a technician who now watches film, studies tendencies and prepares in advance of each upcoming fight. The game plan these days is far more sophisticated than just cocking back and firing a right hand at a moving target, perhaps the main reason O’Neil has evolved from a fringe contender on the regional circuit to the reigning CES MMA welterweight champion.

“You’ll see even more improvement from my last fight to this next fight,” O’Neil promised.

The next opportunity for O’Neil (14-6, 4 KOs) comes Friday, Jan. 30th, 2015 in the main event of “CES MMA XXVII” when he defends his title in a five-round bout against Jersey City veteran Manny Walo (7-1-1, 1 KO) at Twin River Casino. The fight will air live on AXS TV, the first of five CES MMA events scheduled for network television in 2015.

It’ll be difficult for O’Neil to top his win over Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) alum Ricardo Funch in October, a fight in which O’Neil submitted the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt via arm bar in the second round, but Walo might force his hand. The 27-year-old vet has won seven of his last eight fights and hasn’t lost since dropping a three-round decision to Michael Wilcox in his pro debut.

“He’s a very tough opponent,” O’Neil said of Walo. “Coming off the win against Ricardo, I came back to [CES MMA matchmaker] Pat Sullivan and said, ‘Look, I want a tough opponent.’

“That’s what it’s going to take to get back to a bigger show. Yeah, I’ve won three in a row, but I need to keep fighting tough opponents. They found one in Manny Walo. I expect him to come out guns blazing looking to rip my head off, take me down and smash me out on the ground.

“These are the kind of fights that bring out the best in me. I’m healthy and I’m ready to keep going. It’s time to make this push and make something happen in this sport.”

Tickets for “CES MMA XXVII” are on $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All bouts are subject to change.

The Walo-O’Neil title bout highlights a stacked main card featuring six nationally-televised bouts, including a five-round lightweight showdown between CES MMA’s reigning 155-pound champion, Julian Lane (8-3-1, 1 KO) of Mansfield, Ohio and Somerville, Mass., challenger Lucas Cruz (7-2, 4 KOs). Lane is fresh off a nationally-televised win over Providence, R.I., lightweight Luis Felix, who also returns Jan. 30th on the main card in a three-round bout D’Juan Owens (11-8, 4 KOs) of Richmond, Va.

Also on the main card, Woonsocket, R.I., bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath (8-2, 4 KOs) faces Brian Kelleher (11-7, 5 KOs) of Seldon, N.Y., while Dedham, Mass., welterweight Brett Oteri (12-5, 1 KO) battles Ludlow, Mass., vet Jon Manley (8-2). The opening bout on AXS TV features East Providence, R.I., bantamweight Dinis Paiva (5-5, 3 KOs) battling Matt Doherty (3-1, 4 KOs) of Salem, Mass.

O’Neil’s rise back to the top of the regional welterweight rankings comes more than a year half after his devastating knockout loss to Brazilian Gil de Freitas, a blow he considers nothing more than a minor detour on his road back to the UFC, where he starred in Season 13 of the promotion’s The Ultimate Fighter reality television series.

“The big thing was I knew I made a lot of mistakes in that [loss to de Freitas]. It was time to work on my boxing issues,” O’Neil said. “I worked on my footwork and movement and began cross-training at Tri-Force, working with boxing coach Dave Keefe. It’s a huge difference.”

With wins over Chris Woodall and Roger Carroll under his belt, O’Neil challenged Funch, a four-time UFC vet, and pulled out a victory he admits ranks “pretty high up there” on his list of career accomplishments.

“Ricardo is a beast,” O’Neil said. “We came up around the same time, but when I came up I was just some scrubby guy throwing crappy punches and relying on last-ditch effort submissions. He was out there mauling people and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Wow, this guy is awesome!’ To be able to go out and perform as well as I did was awesome.

“I’ve gone from a submission grappler to a jiu-jitsu practitioner now. People look at me and say I’m this or I’m that. I’m an MMA fighter. I’m prepared to go wherever the fight takes me.

“I’m not just going out there to get a win. I’m looking to make a statement and that’s what I’m going to do.”

The undercard of “CES MMA XXVII” features six bouts, including a three-round featherweight showdown between Kyle Bochniak (3-0, 1 KO) of Boston and Long Island vet Thomas English (5-5, 2 KOs) and a lightweight bout between battle-tested veteran Jeff Anderson (11-9, 2 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., and Medford, Mass., prospect Lewis Corapi (6-1, 3 KOs).

Middleweight Eric Spicely (5-0, 2 KOs) of Providence faces Terrell Clark (2-1, 1 KO) of Worcester, Mass., and South Boston’s James Murrin (2-1, 2 KOs) battles Baltimore’s Robert Sullivan (4-3) in a featherweight bout. Flyweights Chris Cole (3-2) of Andover, Mass., and Dan Cormier (4-4, 1 KO) of East Providence, R.I., battle in a three-round bout and featherweight Rico Disciullo (3-0, 1 KO) of Peabody, Mass., faces newcomer Mak Kelleher of Selden.

Tacoma, Washington (January 22nd, 2015) Brian Halquist Productions and CageSport MMA are proud to announce Super Fight League America 3, live from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, February 21st 2015 at 7:00pm.

Coming off one of the most talked about shows the northwest has seen in years, Super Fight League America 3 promises fans another thrilling night of action inside the cage. Once again, there will be two championship fights, this time in the men’s 145lb and 170lb divisions. The main event of the evening will feature the most anticipated rematch in northwest MMA’s history, as Tacoma’s own Drew “The Eternal Fire” Brokenshire (10-2) takes on Yakima’s Julian “Juicy J” Erosa (13-2) to become the first ever SFLA Featherweight Champion. In the semi-main event of the evening, Ben “Flat Top” Fodor (4-0-1), better known as Seattle Superhero Phoenix Jones, returns to the EQC for a shot at the 170lb Welterweight Championship, this time against Lynwood, Washington’s CJ “Siege” Marsh (5-7).

It’s a rematch they both knew was coming. Drew “The Eternal Fire” Brokenshire and Julian “Juicy J” Erosa. Ever since Brokenshire handed Erosa his first professional loss in December of 2012, Yakima-native Erosa has been clamoring for another shot at the man that beat him. When asked about Erosa constantly calling him out, Brokenshire had this to say:

“Our first fight was so competitive, but I feel like I beat him pretty decisively. He must feel like he still has something to prove. I’ve been trying to find new competition because I don’t really like rematches. He’s been fighting the same guys over and over and I don’t feel like he’s earned his way back to fight me again.”

“That’s ridiculous! So I don’t deserve this fight just because I didn’t go to Russia and get beat up?” said Erosa when asked to respond. “Drew changed weight classes so he wouldn’t have to fight me again. He’s been ducking me for two years. I’m going to show everyone that he’s the one that doesn’t deserve this fight.” Since their first fight, Erosa has gone 4-1, capturing the SFL America 155lb. Championship in the process. After having his heart tested in their first bout, Julian thinks his mental toughness will be the difference this time around. “Yakima is a small town,” he said. “But we have a lot of dedicated people here and we push each other. I didn’t know how to handle losing last time. But I’m more experienced and mentally tough now. I’m a different fighter. I’ll be ready.”

Brokenshire on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after suffering a loss in August of this year during a fight in Russia. “It’s been the longest layoff of my career.” said Brokenshire. “But I’ve improved a lot, especially on the ground.” With each fighter’s huge fan base in tow, these men will certainly put on a show that is not to be missed.

In the semi-main event, fans packed into the EQC showroom will get another opportunity to see a rising star in MMA and a real life super hero, Ben Fodor, or as you may know him, Phoenix Jones. Fodor has patrolled the streets of western Washington for years now; preventing crime and assisting police on an almost nightly basis. After battling Enumclaw’s Tyson Cunningham to a controversial draw in December of 2014, Fodor will look to regain his momentum and get back to his winning ways against the heavy-handed CJ Marsh.

Tickets for Super Fight League America 3 are on sale now through the Emerald Queen Casino box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets start at only $35 and fans are encouraged to get theirs early, as this event will sell out. Doors open at 6 PM with the first fight scheduled for 7 PM. For more info please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the CageSport MMA Facebook page.

Mashantucket, CT:During their amateur careers New England middleweights Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs), of Portland, Maine, and Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs), of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, met several times, with Lamour defeating Falowo all but once. Now these two fighters meet again as pros for hometown bragging rights in their ESPN Friday Night Fights debut at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT.

The 26-year old Falowo is from nearby Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He is coming off a seventh round stoppage defeat to Ronald Gavril on ShoBox. Although he only beat Lamour once as an amateur, he feels he can defeat Lamour as a pro. He said, “When we fought each other in the amateurs it was four or six rounds, but now that this fight is up to eight rounds it definitely gives me time to break him down. More rounds gives me the advantage because I am a pressure fighter and it definitely takes me awhile to try to get warmed up.”

Russell Lamour

The undefeated Lamour is a native of Portland, Maine. He made his professional debut in 2012 and has fought his entire professional career in front of New England crowds. Lamour admits that Falowo has improved since they last fought each other but still feels he will have the edge. “My game plan has changed a little since our last meeting because his skill has gotten much better,” explained Lamour. “There are a few small mistakes that we are working on but not too much has changed. To me the number of rounds does not matter. I know him. He will be ready. I will be ready. It will be a great fight. I am just looking to outbox him.”

With both fighters residing in New England, each expects to have a lot of crowd support at Foxwoods, but Lamour feels Thomas may have the bigger crowd. Russell does not think the crowd support will make much of a difference. He explained, “His family lives closer to Foxwoods so he will probably have a bigger crowd then I do but if he does, he does. It really doesn’t matter to me. It is not my concern. I will be in the ring doing what I do.”

Thomas Falowo

Falowo believes his key to victory is aggressiveness, “I am working on more effective aggressiveness. Lamour likes to move around a lot. He is a boxer-type. I really doubt he is going to stand there and try to trade with me but, if he did, it would be even better for me. He is probably going to try to box me, so I am just going to work on effective aggressiveness and hitting without getting hit so much.” Lamour downplays Falowo’s only victory against him adding, “In the one loss I had against him it was a close fight. He won by a split decision.”

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “Fights where there is a history and a little bit of animosity between the fighters make great fights in the ring. The Fox Theater at Foxwoods will be packed with Lamour and Falowo fans. Russell tried to downplay his crowd support but his team is literally bringing in busloads of people from Maine! This will be a great start to FNF on January 30.”

About January 30
Presented by Main Events in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, the Jan. 30 edition of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and will take place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. It features a ten-round lightweight battle between undefeated contender Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) against Tony “The Lightning” Luis (18-2, 7 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship in the main event. The co-feature is an eight-round middleweight bout between Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) against Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs). The remaining undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets are $40, $60 and $75 and available now through Foxwoods.com and the Foxwoods box office. The doors will open at 5:00 PM ET and the Friday Night Fights telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.

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Philadelphia, PA–Jason Sosa, of Camden, NJ, riding an eight-fight knockout streak, returns to action Friday? evening, March 6, when he boxes Bergman Aguilar, of Escazu, Costa Rica, in an eight-round junior lightweight fight at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The Sosa-Bergman contest, along with an eight-round heavyweight match featuring Joey Dawejko, of Philadelphia, PA, headlines a seven-fight card which begins at 7pm
Sosa (right), 26, who knocked out Juan Cruz in his last fight Oct. 18 in Catano, Puerto Rico, is 13-1-3, 9 K0s. He has been a pro since 2009.
Earlier in 2014, Sosa scored his biggest win when he knocked out Michael Brooks, of Long Island, NY, in the ninth round at Bally’s Atlantic City.
Sosa is ranked No. 2 by the United States at 130 pounds by the USBA and No. 31 in the world by the WBC.
“I’m excited to be back fighting in Philadelphia in front of my fans, family and friends who will be crossing the bridge from my hometown of Camden,” said Sosa. “I expect 2015 to be a great year and I will continue where I left off with my explosive knockouts. I want to thank my manager, Mark Cipparone, of Club 1957 Management, and the entire Rocco’s Collision Team for believing in me and making a lot of things possible. I would like to thank Russell Peltz as well. El Canito is back!”
Sosa has not boxed in Philadelphia since Dec. 8, 2012, when he knocked out Isaac Suarez, of Lancaster, PA, in two rounds at McGonigle Hall on the campus of Temple University.
Aguilar (left) 30, now living in Puerto Rico, is 12-1-1, 4 K0s. In his last fight April 24 in Panama, Aguilar scored an 11-round decision over previously unbeaten hometown hero Juan Huertas for the interim WBA Fedelatin Title.
A pro since 2008, Aguilar will be making his first star outside Central America.
“I ask for all Costa Rican fans to come out and support me in Philadelphia,” said Aguilar.

About March 6

The Sosa-Aguilar fight headlines a seven-bout card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. Doors open at 6 pm; first fight is 7pm. The card will be streamed live on www.gfl.tv and aired on Comcast SportsNet (CSN) on a delayed basis. Tickets are priced $35, $50 and $75 and they 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 March 6 card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions, Peltz Boxing and BAM Boxing.

Pennsauken, NJ (January 22, 2015)–This Saturday night, January 24 at the GPG Event Center (Formerly the Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, New Jersey, the inaugural boxing will take place with local favorite as Heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon (31-3, 23 KO’s) of Paulsboro, NJ will take on Cory Phelps (16-7-1, 8 KO’s) of Catlettsburg, KY in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

The show is promoted by CMIS Enterprises & Witherspoon’s Silver Spoon Promotions.

In four round bouts:

Nick Valliere (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Forked River, NJ will fight pro debuting Francisco Cruz of Philadelphia in a Welterweight bout.

Erik Spring (4-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will see action in a Jr. Middleweight bout against Travis McClaren (1-5) of Virginia.

Malik Hawkins (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore will take part in a Welterweight bout against Josue Rivera (2-6, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA

Courtney Blocker (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will fight in a Jr. Welterweight bout against Domonic Goode (0-3) of Bridgeton, NJ

Matthew Gonzalez (1-0) of Vineland, NJ will fight Emmanuel Lipscomb of Philadelphia in a Middleweight bout.

Vidal Rivera of Camden, NJ will make his pro debut in a Super Bantamweight bout against Jose Garcia (0-2) of Philadelphia.

Jerome Conquest (1-1) of Philadelphia will fight Tyshae Furguson (0-3) of Danville, VA in a Super Lightweight bout.

Tickets for the great evening of championship boxing $100 for Platinum Ringside (limited amount available); $75 for Gold Select seating (limited amount available)and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 856 472 0443.

Bouts subject to change

There will be an after party at the GPG Event Center.

The GPG Event Center is located at 1444 Route 73 in Pennsauken.

Philadelphia (January 22, 2015 ) – This past Tuesday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Jr. Welterweight Raymond “Tito” Serrano scored a clear unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez.

With the win, Serrano raised his record to 20-2 as the score cards read 59-55 on all cards.

“It was a fight that I worked on things in training,”said Serrano.

“I knew going in that Rodriguez was a slick boxer but he was a little more aggressive then I expected so I adjusted and fought smart. After the 3rd round he seemed to fade a little bit and I started to land my shots.”

This was Serrano’s 2nd bout after a 22-month layoff and he is happy with the improvement shown in this bout.

“I thought I was better. Rodriguez is young and hungry and he comes to fight. I had to be smarter in this fight and I was better than the last one.”

Serrano will get right back at it as he is looking to fight on February 27 in Huntington, New York on a show that will be promoted by his promoter Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

“I should be back on February 27 on the Star Boxing card. I am getting right back to the gym. I am moving forward to accomplish the dream of becoming world champion. I know my promoter will put me in the spots to accomplish that goal.”

“I want to thank my manager Mark Cipparone and all my fans. I want to know that I am back and I am taking my quest to become champion one bout at a time.”

” This was the perfect fight for Ray in every measure. From the very first round it was clear to all in the building that Rodriguez, who is certainly no push over was in the ring with an elite professional. Ray landed impressive shots to the body of Rodriguez all night and his veteran boxing skills made it all look too easy. I have been in the gym for some time now watching Ray closely, comparing and measuring and he will be a problem for anyone out there. Tito has earned my attention for sure so don’t sleep on him because his comeback is now a reality! “, said Club 1957 Management CEO Mark Cipparone

Club 1957 Management was founded in 2013 by local businessman Mark Cipparone. Cipparone is the owner of the widely successful and popular Rocco’s Collision. Since the formation of Club 1957 Management he has guided the careers of some the top fighters in the country. Currently he manages Heavyweight Joey Dawejko, Welterweight Raymond Serrano, Jr. Lightweight Tevin Farmer and Jr. Lightweight Jason Sosa and others.

WFC 33 RESULTS, WFC ANNOUNCES WFC 36, BOXING BACK AT THE BELLE OF BATON ROUGE

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — January 21, 2015 — In front of yet another completely sold out crowd in Baton Rouge, World Fighting Championships presented six competitive, high energy bouts, showcasing the level of quality that the promotional company is becoming known for, in both the boxing and MMA communities.

Justin Thomas (11-0, 17KO) shined in the main event, knocking out his opponent, David Lujan (4-3-0, 1KO) in the fourth round of their scheduled six round contest. “It was a great turnout and a great fight for me. It was a real privilege being the main event, especially fighting a fighter like David,” said Thomas after the bout. “He is a great fighter and a great person. He showed great character outside the ring and made me give him more respect.” Said Thomas of the decision, “I got to show my pure boxing skills instead of relying on my power. I’m looking forward to continuing to fight good competition. I feel that in this fight I proved I’m a main event fighter, and I’m just going to get better each fight.”

Other Results:

Chris Singleton def Gary Bergeron by 2nd round knockout
Marcus McDaniel def Jay Williams by unanimous decision (6 rounds)
Stephan Louis def Samotheous Parker by unanimous decision (4 rounds)
Justin Verdin def Dennis Williams by unanimous decision (4 rounds)
Thomas Dorsey def Antonio Mignella by unanimous decision (4 rounds)

World Fighting Championships immediately announced its next boxing event, WFC 36 at the Belle of Baton Rouge, featuring Chris Singleton, Justin Thomas and Samotheous Parker on March 28th. Tickets for the event may be purchased at www.wfcfights.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid being denied entry on fight night due to the immense popularity of the WFC boxing series at the Belle of Baton Rouge.

Floriana Pagliara 125.4 vs Antwan Robertson 123.4
(WBU Americas Featherweight title)

Wright Johnson

Junior Wright 199.2 vs Rayford Johnson 198.8

Perea Salas

Ytalo Perea 237.8 vs Emilio Salas 207.2
Akil Frederick-Auguste 159.2 vs Eddie Edmond 158.6
Gary Beriguette 145.2 vs Rafael Luna 148.2
Tre’Sean Wiggins 145.6 va Ilyas Aksabaev 145.2
Marcos Suarez 137.4 vs Micah Branch 130.8
Damien Yero 154 vs Mack Babb 151.6

Promoter: Dmitry Salita’s Star of David Promotions
Venue: Webster Hall
1st Bell 7:00 PM

Photo Credit : Vladimir Lik

Webster Hall is located at 125 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003.

Doors open for the 8-bout card at 7 PM ET, with ticket prices starting at $40.

Monte-Carlo (January 21, 2015) Thirty days out from their highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and MARTIN MURRAY have both weighed in within the World Boxing Council’s (‘WBC’) required limits heading into their February 21 clash in Monte-Carlo.

From his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, Golovkin, the WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Champion weighed in at 172lbs. while top rated challenger Murray hit the scale at 169lbs. on Wednesday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For middleweight world title fights, the WBC mandates that fighters must be no more than 176lbs. thirty days prior to the fight.

Said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions, “The interest from the fans and media worldwide has been extraordinary for this event. Golovkin and Murray are exceptionally well conditioned athletes and each will be ready on February 21 to prove who the best middleweight in the world is.”

“Both of these fighters are in excellent shape and boxing fans around the world will be in for an outstanding battle in boxing’s most glamorous division on February 21, “ said RODNEY BERMAN of Golden Gloves of South Africa.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

The fight from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo will be telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight KO victory and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue where many world champions have fought including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

Golovkin holds the highest knockout percentage in world title fights of any active champion with a perfect 100%.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, both fights taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25th, Martin Murray stopped Dominico Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a highly controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown world champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite the scoring of a highly controversial split decision draw.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 21, 2015) – Injury has forced the delay of a heavily anticipated matchup between Bobby Lashley (12-2) and James Thompson (20-14) but Bellator MMA officials have announced a blockbuster fight to replace it in Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (14-4) vs. Cheick Kongo (22-9-2). Also Andre Santos (37-9) has stepped in for the injured welterweight champion Douglas Lima (26-5), and will now face the always-dangerous Paul Daley (35-13).

The new contest is scheduled for the televised portion of “Bellator: British Invasion,” which takes place on Friday, February 27, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The night’s main card airs live on Spike TV, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

Tickets for “Bellator: British Invasion,” which start at just $25, are already on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts are expected to be announced shortly.

“We’re disappointed we had to delay these fights between Bobby Lashley and James Thompson, and Douglas Lima and Paul Daley, but I have no doubt that these matchups will be fantastic once they eventually come to fruition,” Bellator MMA CEO Scott Coker said. “Fortunately, we’re able to replace the bouts with equally entertaining contests for our fans.”

“King Mo” Lawal fights for the 10th time for Bellator MMA and has established himself as one of the most recognizable superstars in the sport. A standout wrestler who normally competes at light heavyweight, the former NCAA Division I All-American and Pan American gold medalist has earned 11 of his 14 career MMA wins by knockout, including recent striking stoppages of Joe Vedepo and Dustin Jacoby. The former Bellator MMA tournament winner and Strikeforce light heavyweight world champion now moves up to heavyweight for the first time since 2009 to challenge himself against Kongo.

Kongo, a 6-foot-4 Frenchman, is a former professional kickboxer who boasts black belts in both Karate and Kendo. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Kongo now focuses solely on MMA and has built a 4-1 record under the Bellator MMA banner. Training at Wolfslair MMA Academy in London, Kongo most recently flashed his well-rounded game by scoring a first-round submission over fellow striker Lavar Johnson in a September matchup. Kongo’s lone Bellator loss came in a five-round contest for the Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Championship, in which he went five full rounds with Vitaly Minakov but came up short in a decision result.

Paul Daley is a highly feared and respected veteran with dynamite in both fists, which earned him the nickname “Semtex”. The 31-year-old from Nottingham, England has won an impressive 74% of his 35 victories by way of knockout. Having fought for Scott Coker under the Strikeforce banner, rejoining him at Bellator was a no brainer. Daley took to the internet to share his feelings on the injury to Lima, stating: “Nervous, Scared??…..I understand, preparing to fight me…. I would be. It’s ok…. guess you get to have a few more photo shoots with the belt…. My focus has shifted, same date, new opponent…. British Invasion at Bellator 134.”

The new opponent his focus has shifted to is Andre “Chatuba” Santos. A veteran of the sport in his own right, the Rio De Janeiro fighter has two more wins than Daley in four less fights. Santos defeated James Terry at Bellator 129, in what was his first fight on American soil. He now has his sights set on Daley, with hopes to win his seventh straight fight.

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

BOB ARUM: Thank you. Everyone is looking forward to what should be a great, great fight. The previous two fights were classics and this one will probably top them all. I am really looking forward to Saturday night in Denver and now I would like to put the fighters on. These are two gladiators. These are two guys that make the sport of boxing proud the way they perform in the ring.

BRANDON RIOS: How is it going everybody? I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a great New Years. We are ready for Saturday to give the fans a great show.

MIKE ALVARADO: Training is going good and I am ready to put on a great show. I am ready to start the year off right and put a great trilogy on for the fans. I am ready and excited for this fight.

Do you go into this fight thinking you will fight the same way or do you try to add a wrinkle?

MIKE ALVARADO: I will let the fight go how it goes and make adjustments accordingly to how we fight. Our styles clash and we know each other so well that we know what’s going to happen then make adjustments. There are going to be a lot of adjustments that we will make as we compare each others styles and how we react to them. So it is going to be very interesting to see how this fight plays out as it goes along.

BRANDON RIOS: I see it the same way – we are going to both make adjustments. Like Mike said we are both similar and fight the same way. We both have heart and wear our hearts on our sleeves. It all depends on how the first round goes – that’s how I see it. However the first round goes, that’s how the fight is going to be, and we are ready. We are ready for war, we are ready for boxing and ready for everything that we are going to make adjustments for. I know it’s going to be a great fight and the fans are going to love this one.

What type of a relationship do you have with each other?

BRANDON RIOS: There is no animosity between Mike and me, we are cool. We are the same kind of people. We are the same person. We know what it takes to be where we are at. We both have our problems outside the ring and we both have our problems inside the ring. We know that and at the end of the day we are both the same person. We are both from the hood – we both grew up like that. We understand ‘real’ and we recognize ‘real,’ and that’s what we are we are real fighters. We are cool outside the ring but once we get in that ring we hate each other. We want to kill each other and that’s what makes this sport and that’s what makes these fights more exciting because everyone thins that ‘these guys are too close, the have fun together, but once they get in the ring they kill each other.’ It’s like the Army, all of the soldiers are your brothers. Alvarado is like my brother and we fight – we fight until somebody gets hurt.

MIKE ALVARADO: Brandon said it pretty clear. We have nothing against each other and once we get in the ring we know what we gotta do. We know what type of fight we are getting into with each other. That is the warrior that is going to come out of us that night because we know what kind of fighters we are – we both have heart and power and we are both warriors. There is no reason for us to add more to it. Everybody know what kind of fight they are going to get out of us. We didn’t get to this third fight against each other by accident.

Are you guy’s friends?

MIKE ALVARADO: I would say we are. We don’t really communicate on a day-to-day basis but when we see each other we are cool and have that mutual respect and we understand each other.

BRANDON RIOS: I feel the same way too. Like he said, we don’t talk a lot but once we see each other of course we are going to shake each others’ hand and joke around while we see each other. I live in California and he lives in Denver so it is hard to communicate. We do have that mutual respect for everything that we do inside the ring and outside of the ring.

BOB ARUM: The best trilogies are the ones where the fighters respect one another so much that they consider each other friends. After the trilogy is over they continue to be friends. Recently we saw that with Gatti and Ward. Before Gatti’s untimely death they were really close. I’m sure the Mike and ‘Bam Bam’ will be close for the rest of their lives because they have been through hell together.

The opposite would be Barrera and Morales who still can’t stand to be in the same room with each other…

BOB ARUM: They were different people – they came from different social strata in Mexico. Barrera was much more Spanish and Morales had a lot more Indian blood. They taunted each other with that, and you are correct, there was a lot of animosity and unfortunately, there still is. But these guys are like two peas in the pod. They are really alike. They are fun-loving guys, who when they get in the ring are absolutely fearsome.

Brandon, can you talk about your last two fights?

BRANDON RIOS: From the Pacquiao fight, it is what it is. He showed why he is one of the greatest in the world and I am proud to have lost to one of the greatest in the world. I was confident going into that fight and I thought I was going to win that fight, but I lost and there is nothing I can take away from that. And that controversial win (Chaves) – how is that controversial? Because the guy is eye-gouging me? And keeps eye-gouging me and eye-gouging me – that is controversial? Because he was winning? I still had another round to come back – I was down a point on the cards. It wasn’t like I was losing the whole entire fight. I was down one point and still had a round to go. That’s why he was eye-gouging me because he felt the pressure and the power so he had no other choice than to do his dirty tactics, which he did. I read that in Argentina he is doing all kinds of dirty (stuff) – he bit a British kid in the amateurs. This guy is a dirty guy. You might think it is controversial then you can think that, but at the end of the day I don’t really care what anybody says about it. A win is a win and I still got the win.

I meant controversial meaning what happened in the fight – not the win…

BRANDON RIOS: OK then, you didn’t explain your self right.

Do you like knowing that this will be an exciting fight no matter what happens?

BRANDON RIOS: Yes, no matter what happens it will be. People always say ‘Brandon can’t fight fighters that box.’ I can’t get too comfortable with one person with one style and I got so comfortable with a guy attacking and putting pressure on – taking a shot to give a shot. I got too comfortable. Earlier in my career, I was moving my head and I was moving around, I was boxing and trading punches when I had to. But I just got too comfortable. It is what it is and I learned from the Pacquiao fight. And I learned a lot from the Chaves fight. I reached deep down inside me and did a soul-search and I am ready for whomever now. Fortunately it is Alvarado and we know we are going to put on a great show but it is what it is and now I’m ready.

Mike, people may think you have lost a lot being in the Provodnikov and Bradley fights…

MIKE ALVARADO: I know that those fights didn’t have any wear and tear on me, being in wars like that. I learned a lot since I started in this boxing game. It has been a learning experience as far as my technique and generalship in the ring and everything that goes along with it. Everything that happened in the ring makes me learn more about myself – every situation and every moment in that ring has been a learning experience and I have taken it all with me. I have grown over the past few years as a fighter and as a man inside and outside the ring. It is going to make me a better fighter in the ring. It is on me to make those adjustments and utilize them in that ring.

You have had a couple incidences outside of the ring recently…

MIKE ALVARADO: I have grown so much from all of these learning experiences. I put them behind me. I don’t hold on to them. I don’t bring them with me into the ring and it’s not a distraction. I have learned to be positive through it and be strong and it gives me more confidence to be a better person and a better fighter. On Saturday night it is on us to reach deep inside and make the adjustments that we need to make to overcome this kind of fight.

BOB ARUM: They are both terrific fighters and they have demonstrated that many, many times and there is something about this rivalry that makes them even greater when they face each other and that’s what I look forward to.

Brandon, what type of soul-searching were you doing?

BRANDON RIOS: I got too comfortable at a young age, making all of this money. So I had to do some soul-searching and go back to my roots. Go back to what got me here and not to forget. That’s what I meant by soul-searching.

BRANDON RIOS: We are fighters. We are warriors. We will fight each other and day at any time. I am happy about this. We have to have this trilogy because it’s time. We cannot leave it as a tie. We have to see who is better than whom so we have to have this trilogy.

MIKE ALVARADO: I don’t look at is as a rivalry. We are going to get in there and do what we do. It is what we chose to compete in and it’s 1-1. There has to be a winner to this. It is a trilogy and we have to figure out who wins. I am going to get in there and do what I do – that’s what I do.

What did you think about Bradley-Chaves?

BRANDON RIOS: It was a close fight but I thought Bradley won the fight. Chaves was doing some things but he wasn’t eye-gouging and things like that because Bradley wasn’t letting him. He fought two different guys. Chaves fought guys that he knew could punch and he fought guys that he knew he could stay there and not get hurt. That’s why he fought two different guys and he fought two different styles. It wasn’t the best performance I have seen out of Timothy Bradley.

You have fought Pacquiao so how do you think he would do against Mayweather?

BRANDON RIOS: Right now about 0%. From what I have read Mayweather is saying this and saying that so at the end of the day I am not going to get too excited about it until I see the contract signed and they have a press conference and I will fight on the undercard and that will be a hell of a fight.

Mike, how big of a distraction have the recent legal issues been?

MIKE ALVARADO: There have been no distractions. I am use to something always going wrong in camp. When it is going too good and perfect I know something bad is going to happen because that’s the way it has always been. I have been dealing with adversity my whole life. Adversity has been in my life the whole time so there are not distractions for this fight.

Did you miss any time when this incident happened?

MIKE ALVARADO: No I didn’t miss any training time. I went to jail for one day and I just made up for that day on that Sunday.

Do you think about what a win or a loss will do for your future?

MIKE ALVARADO: The thought goes through my head. I think about it. I know I need this win and we are going to go in there and fight our hearts out. That’s just the kind of fighters we are and the kind of fighter I am. I hate losing so at the end of the day, regardless, I love to win.

BRANDON RIOS: Of course I am thinking about that because we both have a lot on the line right now as far as our careers. I am so focused right now and ready for this fight. It is unbelievable. I had a tremendous training camp and I know what could happen if we lose and what could happen if we win. My mind is set on the prize and for the glory. I am still young in the sport and I have a lot to give to it.

Does your training regimen fit the fact that your fights turn into wars?

BRANDON RIOS: It’s not that I am in wars. It’s just the way I fight. I don’t look for the wars, it’s just the way I fight. Like I said, I got too comfortable fighting one style and forgot about the regimen of boxing and how to get to the top again. So I did some soul-searching and I am ready to get back. I have rejuvenated myself and I am ready. Everybody is going to say what they want to say no matter what. Everybody is going to have their opinion…”this guy’s been in too many wars,’ this and that, but I don’t really care. I know what I can bring and I know what I can provide.

BRANDON RIOS: Making the money at a young age, a kid like me. I grew up poor and never had that much money. I had never seen that much money before. I was always on the street and in and out of jail and causing trouble. That’s how Mike and I can relate and that’s why we get along very well. Having that money made me forget the hunger that got me there. I am ready to get back to the top again. I remember all of that stuff now and I am ready to get back.

You are training in Denver compared to the last fight you trained in California – which is best?

MIKE ALVARADO: There are distractions anywhere, regardless. If there was stuff going on at home, it would distract me. If I was out there in LA – I would still hear about it and still stress about it. But I am comfortable at home. I love training at home so why train away from home? I am focused on training where my main support group is – where my family is and where my kids are. I feel more confident training in my hometown. I love being around my kids

Do your kids sit ringside for your fights?

MIKE ALVARADO: Yes definitely. My oldest daughter will be going into the ring with me and my other daughters will be there as well. I have three girls and they are my number one fans.

How do you make sure you stick to your game plan?

MIKE ALVARADO: I just stay with my game plan that I have already developed and making those adjustments quicker this time around. Sticking to my game plan and not giving in like the first fight. The first fight was a test for that technique – a style against a style. The second fight is where the adjustments come in. Now that I know I was able to adapt to a certain style, I can make the adjustments I need to make to overcome that type of style. I am going to go in there and stick with my game plan.

Is there animosity towards Chaves?

BRANDON RIOS: There is no animosity towards Chaves. I had an eight-month layoff before I had gone back into the gym. Everyone else may talk about that fight but I don’t talk about it. It is what it is. Now I am talking about staying shape and staying in the gym. I literally took eight months off and I did nothing. After the Pacquiao fight I was devastated and down on myself – I was mad and depressed. I have no problem fighting Chaves again. I don’t turn down a fight from nobody. I’ll fight anybody. I am a warrior and I will fight. I’ll fight until I die. I don’t care.

BRANDON RIOS: I was depressed after the Pacquiao fight because I was confident when I went in there but there is a point where you get confident and not cocky confident. What happened is I got cocky confident. It was my fault and I had nobody else to blame. It was my big rodeo for the first time and I didn’t come out and do what I thought I was able to do. Then after that I only fought one time last year and it sucked. And from testing positive for something I never tested positive for before, which I had the wrong guy in my camp and I came out dirty. I wasn’t really dirty there was just a lot of stuff going on in my camp.

In Closing…

BOB ARUM: I can’t wait for Saturday night it is going to be a great fight with two great warriors. Also prior to that fight you will get an opportunity to see Gilberto Ramirez – the undefeated No. 2 super middleweight contender from Mexico. He is something special — I believe he can be the next big thing in boxing — a big knockout puncher and he’s in with a very tough Russian opponent, Maxim Vlasov, a Top-10 contender, and that should be a terrific fight as well.

BRANDON RIOS: Everybody don’t sit on and it don’t wait too long there are still tickets and get your tickets because this is going to be an exciting fight and you want to be there or you are going to be squared. Alvarado is ready and I’m ready and we are going to put on a great show.

MIKE ALVARADO: I am promising that it is going to be a great end to this trilogy. Everybody make sure they get their tickets because it’s going to be a fight.

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Former world champions and co-stars of one this era’s most intense and exciting boxing rivalries — Denver’s “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO and BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS, of Oxnard, Calif. — are just three days away from authoring Chapter 3 of their amazing trilogy. Boasting a combined record of 66-5-1 (45 KOs), each warrior owns a victory in the series — both of which were candidates for Fight of the Year in 2012 and 2013.

Mexico’s next big thing, undefeated No. 2 super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ and once-beaten Top-10 contender MAXIM VLASOV of Russia, will be featured in the co-main event in a 10-round light heavyweight battle.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Alvarado-Rios welterweight championship event, priced at $250, $200, $125, $65 and $40, are available at www.AltitudeTickets.com, by phone at 866-461-6556 and at the Pepsi Center box office. The 12-round Alvarado-Rios 3 WBO International Welterweight Championship rumble will take place Saturday, January 24, at the 1STBANK Center in nearby Broomfield and will be televised live on HBO®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with the Ramirez-Vlasov rumble.

The last boxing event hosted by 1STBANK Center was sold out in advance — the October 19, 2013 WBO junior welterweight world championship between Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov.

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The “Road to Alvarado-Rios 3” special will replay on HBO on Thursday, January 23 (6:00 p.m. & 1:30 a.m.) and 24 (11:45 a.m.). All times are ET/PT. The 15-minute special will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #AlvaradoRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK (Jan. 21, 2015)—SHOWTIME Sports garnered a record audience for Saturday’s 2015 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING premiere telecast headlined by newly minted WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder in his breakout win over Bermane Stiverne. The main event ranks as the highest-rated fight on any premium network in the past 12 months while the entire three-fight telecast becomes the highest rated on SHOWTIME in more than two years. The Jan. 17 telecast attracted the second largest audience since 2004* behind the Miguel Cotto vs. Austin Trout event from Dec. 2012. (*since Nielsen began to separately measure premium television multiplex channels)

Wilder’s impressive win captured an average audience of 1.24 million viewers, ranked as the fourth highest-rated fight on record for the network, with a peak audience of 1.34 million viewers.

The average individual audiences for each of the three fights on the telecast now rank in the top-20 of the most watched bouts on SHOWTIME since 2009. WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz’s eighth-round TKO of Jesus Ruiz ranks 12th highest while the telecast opener, super lightweight Amir Imam’s fifth-round TKO of Fidel Maldonado Jr. ranks 20th.

The event was co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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SHOWTIME releases Stiverne vs. Wilder Round 7 in its entirety! http://s.sho.com/1J52G55

Plus, catch the entire SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast again on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME®
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Photo Credit: SHOWTIME/Esther Lin

Suggested Tweet
Entire Rd7 from #StiverneWilder http://s.sho.com/1J52G55; Catch the replay ON DEMAND & SHO ANYTIME. @BStiverne vs @BronzeBomber

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“RETURN TO GLORY”: STIVERNE VS. WILDER, a 12-round fight for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight Championship took place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and and sponsored by Corona and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defended against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated Amir Imam faced Fidel Maldonado Jr. in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight Title. The event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will aired live on SHOWTIME (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast was also available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts were televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

For more information visit www.donking.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BStiverne, @BronzeBomber, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.