In an ugly foul dest, Richard Abril retained the WBA Lightweight championship with a twelve round unanimous decision over Sharif Bogere at the Joint at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

The raggedness pace was set early was the two clutched and Bogere headbutted and Abril was even wrestled to the canvas in the first two rounds. Two traded rounds until the fight was turned in round six when a butt from Bogere opened up a cut over the right eye of Abril.

Bogere had a decent round seven and Abril was docked a point for holding in round eight but after that it was all Abril as he started to find a home with his right hand in between clinches. Rounds nine through eleven were pretty much the same as Abril continued to land pinpoint shots in between all the rough housing while Bogere tried to work the body but it was in effective. Bogere was docked a point himself for many headbutts in round twelve and by that time he was far behind on the cards. Despite cuts around both eyes, Abril dominated the last four rounds and came home with the victory by scores of 116-110, 116-110 and 115-111.

Abril, 134 1/2 lbs of Miami via Cuba is now 18-3-1. Bogere, 134 lbs of Las Vegas via Uganda is now 23-1.

“I am very happy to get the win, but I’m not happy at all with the way the fight went,” said Abril after retaining his WBA 135-pound title with a unanimous 12-round decision over previously undefeated Sharif “The Lion” Bogere in the main event of Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition live on SHOWTIME® from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“I was hoping for and expected a much cleaner fight,” Abril said. “It’s hard to show your skills in a fight against a dirty fighter. I kept getting warned for holding, but I really didn’t feel like I was holding. He was shorter and kept coming in head-first.”

“I definitely knew I would get the decision. I landed all the cleanest shots,” said Abril, who connected on 35 percent of his punches (152 out of 433) according to SHOSTATS provided by CompuBox. Bogere, who was busier but less effective, hit on only 15 percent (93 out of 614).

The right eye of The Tiger was cut from an unintentional head-butt in the sixth. “He used his head to come in on me the whole fight,” Abril said. “The bleeding made it hard for me to concentrate.”

Bogere said he felt the fight was much closer than the scores indicated and that he had “done enough to win.”

“He was taller and that made it difficult for me to get inside,” said Bogere, who fell short in his quest to join fellow Ugandan fighters such as Cornelius Boza-Edwards, John Mugabi, Ayub Kalule and Kassim Ouma to capture a world title. “But when I did get inside, all he did was hold.

“This is very, very disappointing. My dream was to win the world title. I’m not happy now and I’m pretty down, but I know I’ll come back. You haven’t heard the last of The Lion.”

Super prospect Gary Russell Jr. struggled with his hand and gloves more than he struggled with Vyacheslav Gusev en route to an ten round unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

Russell got off to a blazing start as he showed his world class hand speed over the first three rounds which culminated with a knockdown in round three from a combination that made Gusev’s glove touch the canvas. After that it seemed that Russell hurt his left hand sometime in the middle rounds and threw nothing but jabs and hooks with the right hand.

Fortunately Gusev proved no threat and didn’t take any chances and Russell’s superior ability showed in what basically turned into a sparring session that Russell dominated to the tune of 100-89 on all cards.

Russell, 127 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 22-0. Gusev of Russia is now 20-1.

The talented Russell fought the last several rounds with a bruised left hand. “I think I hurt it in the third round,” he said. “The last few rounds I was tentative with it and only showed it to him. My corner knew I’d hurt it and did a great job between rounds coming up with different strategies, like starting off with a stiff jab and maintaining it, and slowing down the pace.

“My right hand is bruised too, but I don’t think it is anything serious. I fully expect to fight again in three months.”

According to SHOSTATS, Russell landed 229 of 797 punches (29 percent). Gusev, making his second start in the United States, connected on just 15 percent. Of the 214 punches he delivered, he landed only 33 times, the lowest total in the history of CompuBox for a 10-round fight.

Knockout artist Jorge Melendez lived up to just that, a scintillating fourth round stoppage over Ryan Davis in a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Davis had a nice first round as he tried to push the big punching Melendez on the ropes. Melendez got things going in round two by starting to land power punches. At the end of round of three, Melendez landed a hard right to the body that sent Davis to the canvas. It wasn’t long, actually just thirteen seconds into round four, Melendez landed a devastating right uppercut that sent Davis down with a thud and the fight was waved off immediately.

Melendez, 156 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is now 26-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Davis, 158 lbs of Granite City, IL is now 24-10-3.

Lightweight Jeffrey Fontanez scored a six round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Daniel Attah.

Fontonez won with activity over the first five rounds to built up an insurmountable lead and coasted home and won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55.

Fontanez, 134 1/2 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 11-0. Attah, 135 lbs of Washington, DC is now 28-14-1.

Thomas Williams Jr. scored a third round stoppage over Kevin Engel in a scheduled eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

Williams was dominant throughout as Williams mixed up the shots with both hands and used a good variation of punches from jabs to uppercuts. Engel tried but was overmatched and in round three, Williams landed a hard combination that dropped Engel along the ropes. Referee Tony Weeks stopped the bout at the count of six at 1:31 of round three.

Williams, 175 lbs of Washington, DC is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Engel, 174 1/2 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 20-8.

Follow all the action LIVE from the Hard Rock in Las Vegas as Rchard Abril defends the WBA Lightweight title against Sharif Bogere. The action begins at 8 pm EST / 5 pm Pac with bouts involving Jorge Melendez, Thomas Williams Jr. and super prospect Gary Russell Jr.

REFRESH FOR UP TO DATE RESULTS

12 ROUNDS–WBA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–RICHARD ABRIL (17-3-1, 8 KO’S) VS SHARIF BOGERE (23-0, 15 KO’S)

Round 1 Abril lands a 3 punch combo…Bogere wrestles Abril to canvas..10-9 Abril

Round 2 Abril falls again from rough housing from Bogere..Bogere lands a left..19-19

Round 3 Lead left hook from Bogere…29-28 Bogere

Round 4 Right from Abril…Counter right..Bogere lands a left..Bogere Jabs..Abril lands a right..jab..overhand right..38-38

Round 5 Abril lands a right…uppercut…48-47 Abril

Round 6 Abril lands a combination..Jab..right..head keep clashing…Abril cut above the right eye..Bogere trying to bull rush…left from Bogere…body..Abril lands a right.andother right…right to body from Bogere..hard right..58-56 Abril

Round 7 Bogere lands a lead left hook..Trading shots…Bogere lands a 1-2..Abril 1-2..Bogere lands a body shot..Abril chastised for holding..67-66 Abril

Round 8 ABRIL DOCKED A POINT FOR HOLDING…trading rights..Abril lands a 1-2..2 rights..Right on the ropes..body shots in the clinch..2 rights from Bogere..Right from Abril..76-75 Abril

Round 9 Abril lands a 3 punch combination…right hand and another..left hook…1-2 combination..another 1-2..Bogere lands a body shot..Rught from Abril…86-84 Abril

Round 10 Straight right backs up Bogere…Counter right..Bogere slips to canvas..Bogere finally warned for Headbutts..1-2 from Abril..96-93 Abril

Round 11 Abril another 1-2..Bogere lands a body punch..106-102 Abril

Round 12 BOGERE DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A HEADBUTT…Abril lands a right uppercut..right..short right uppercut…116-110 Abril

115-111; 116-110; 116-110 and STILL CHAMPION—RICHARD ABRIL

10 ROUNDS–SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT–GARY RUSSELL JR (21-0, 13 KO’S) VS VYACHESLAV GUSEV (20-2, 5 KO’S)

Round 1 Russell jabbing…lead uppercut..Overhand left…Gusev lands a body shot…Ruseell explodes with a combination…Gusev wobbled at the end of the round 10-9 Rusell

Round 2 Russell gets in good body work…Sharp counter..3 punch combo finished with an uppercut…20-18 Russell

Round 3 HARD LEFT HOOK…GUSEV GLOVE TOUCHES…KNOCKDOWN…hard combo at the bell…30-26 Russell

Round 4 Gusev going to body…Nice left and right to the body from Russell…Hard body combination..Body shots..40-35 Russell

Round 5 Straight from Gusev..Russell lands a 3 punch combination..left uppercut..50-44 Russell

Round 6 Russell lands a double jab..Gusev lands a right..Russell lands 2 lefts and a right..60-53 Russell

Round 7 Russell straight left…double jab..70-63 Russell

Round 8 Russell lands a lead uppercut…Fight becoming a sparring session..3 right hooks from Russell..80-71 Russell—RUSSELL HAS A CUT ON HIS –THEY ARE CHANGING THE GLOVES

Round 9 Russell throwing nothing but rights and landing combinations..90-80 Russell

Round 10 Russell continues to be only one doing anything …100-89 Russell

100-89 ON ALL CARDS FOR GARY RUSSELL JR

8 ROUNDS MIDDLEWEIGHTS–JORGE MELENDEZ (25-2-1, 24 KO’S) VS RYAN DAVIS (24-9-3, 9 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Melendez lands a right…Good flurry from Davis..10-9 Davis

Round 2 Melendez landed a good left..Good right..Davis jabs to the body..Wicked uppercut from Melendez..Good right…19-19

Round 3 Uppercut hurts Davis…Body shot…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES DAVIS …29-27 MELENDEZ

ROUND 4 HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DAVIS AND THE FIGHT IS OVER UPPERCUT

6 ROUNDS–LIGHTWEIGHTS–JEFFREY FONTANEZ (10-0, 9 KO’S) VS DANIEL ATTAH (28-13-1, 11 KO’S)

Round 1 Attah lands a left..2 body shots from Fontanez…Good left to the head…10-9 Fontanez

Round 2 2 body shots by Fontanez..Attah tries to throw a long left…Good body shot from Fontanez..20-18 Fontanez

Round 3 Fontanez lands a left to the body followed by an uppercut…3 punch combination..Attah lands a right..30-27 Fontanez

Round 4 Fontanez lands a body shot..body shot followed by 2 head shots..40-36 Fontanez

Round 5 Clubbing left from Fontanez..slower action…50-45 Fontanez

Round 6 Attah being more active but not effective..59-55 Fontanez

8 ROUNDS–LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS–THOMAS WILLIAMS JR (12-0, 9 KO’S) VS KEVIN ENGEL (20-7, 16 KO’S)

Round 1 Williams lands a quick right..RIGHT hook and Engel slips to the ground…Engel lands a body shot..Willams lands a right..Right hook..Engel lands a right..Williams lands a right…10-9 Williams

Round 2 Willams lands a quick combination..double jab and left…3 body shots…4 punch combo..Engel starting to swell around left eye..Good body shot…Engel lands a couple body shot..Williams lands an uppercut..Right hand..2 Good body shots..3 hard rights…2 more body shots..2 more rights…20-18 Williams

Round 3 COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ENGEL…FIGHT IS STOPPED

Undefeated IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs) took his last run this morning in Big Bear Lake, Calif., prior to departing for Brooklyn, N.Y., to make his fifth title defense on March 9 at Barclays Center against future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs). (HBO, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Cloud is shown here in front of the beautiful Bear Mountain Ski Resort.

Cloud, from Tallahassee, Fla., and his new trainer Abel Sanchez faced a number of challenges at their high-altitude training camp perched in the mountains east of Los Angeles. They braved a bitterly cold January followed by heavy snowfall that Cloud noted “was beautiful.”

February brought on what Cloud said “was not a good time to be a black man in Big Bear,” when an intense California-wide manhunt lead police to Cloud’s scenic mountain oasis in search of former Los Angeles Police Department cop Christoper Dorner–a fugitive with a $1 million bounty on his head after being suspected of going on a killing spree–whose truck was found in the snow-covered woods near Big Bear Lake.

Police got into a gunfight with the outlaw on Glass Road in the Big Bear area before subsequently burning a cabin where he had holed up on Feb. 12.

Ulises Lara scored a suprising second round stoppage over former four-time world title challenger Omar Soto in Mexico City, Mexico.

Lara dropped Soto in round two from an upper cut. Soto never full recovered and was sent to the canvas two more times with the third knockdown sending Soto down for the ten count.

Lara, 112 lbs is now 12-13-2 with seven knockouts. Soto, 111 lbs is now 23-10-2.

Pedro Melo scored a six round unanimous decision over Angel Rezago in a Bantamweight bout.

Melo is now 13-2-1. Rezago is 15-4-1.

Jose Zuniga won a four round split decision over Pablo Arias in a Jr. Welterweight bout

Zuniga is 2-1-1. Arias is 0-2.

Omar Gonzalez scored a second round stoppage over Oscar Gonzalez is a scheduled four round Featherweight bout.

Omar is now 1-1 while Oscar was making his pro debut

LAS VEGAS (March 1, 2013) – All 14 boxers who will compete on Golden Boy Promotions’ fight card tomorrow, Saturday, March 2 from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, including those who will duke it out live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT), made weight on their first attempts Friday at Hard Rock.

The WBA Lightweight World Championship will be on the line when defending champion Richar “El Tigre” Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., by way of Cuba, makes his first defense against unbeaten Ugandan Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Las Vegas, in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition on SHOWTIME.

In the co-featured bout, highly regarded, world-rated southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Live preliminary fights from the Hard Rock will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME. In eight-round bouts, Jorge Melendez (25-2, 24 KO’s), of Manati, P.R. will face Ryan Davis (24-9-3, 9 KO’s), of Granite City, Ill., in a middleweight match and Thomas Williams (12-0, 9 KO’s), of Fort Washington, Md., takes on Kevin Engel (20-7, 16 KO’s), of St. Louis, in a light heavyweight scrap. Time permitting, Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0, 9 KO’s), of Caguas, P.R., will take on with Daniel Attah (27-13-1, 10 KO’s), of Washington, D.C., in a six-round lightweight bout.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. PT. The first non-televised fight is at 3:45 p.m.

Non-televised matchups: Luis Arias (3-0, 2 KO’s), Las Vegas, vs. Arsenio Terrazas (9-3, 8 KO’s), Mexicali, Mex., 6 rounds, super middleweights; and Sammy Vasquez (6-0, 4 KO’s), Monessen, Pa., vs. Leandro Albornoz (15-2-1, 5 KO’s), Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 6 rounds, welterweights.

WEIGHTS: Abril tipped scale at 134½ pounds, Bogere 134; Russell Jr. weighed 127 pounds, Gusev 126½; Melendez weighed 156½ pounds, Davis 158; Williams weighed 175 pounds, Engel 174½; Fontanez weighed 134½ pounds, Attah 135; Arias weighed 166½ pounds, Terrazas 168 and Vasquez weighed 147½ pounds, Albornoz 146.

ABOUT ABRIL VS. BOGERE:

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Sherman Oaks, CA (March 1) – The Heavyweight elimination bout scheduled for March 9 between Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne has been postponed. The match up will be rescheduled to a later date due to a bronchial infection sustained by Chris Arreola.

The co-featured bout scheduled for that same night, as well as the remaining undercard bouts, will continue as scheduled with the much anticipated IBF junior lightweight championship rematch between Mexico’s World Champion Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1, 16 KOs) taking on the #1 world contender and mandatory challenger Argenis Mendez (20-2, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic stepping into the spotlight. The co-semi-main bouts, will feature twin brothers, Javier and Oscar Molina.

HBO Latino®, Home Box Office’s dedicated Spanish-language premium channel, will telecast the Salgado-Mendez bout, reaching today’s many multigenerational and bilingual Hispanic households in the U.S., appealing to the wildly popular boxing and sports fan base.

The two originally battled for the vacant IBF super featherweight title in a September 2011 bout in which Salgado persisted and survived through a rough twelfth round in which Mendez had him down, but not out, to claim his first IBF World Championship by unanimous decision.

Javier “El Intocable” Molina (12-1, 5 KOs), the 2008 U.S. Olympian challenges the heavy-hitting Josesph Elegele (13-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round welterweight war and Oscar Molina (1-0), the 2012 Mexican Olympian makes his U.S. debut in a 4-round welterweight bout.

Other featured fights include #6 world rated light heavyweight, Cornelius “Da Beast” White (20-1, 16 KOs) versus Otis Griffin (24-11-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round match up and the highly anticipated debut of Van Nuys, CA local featherweight, Juan Funez in a 4-round bout against Jose Garcia (1-5-1, 1 KO) of King City, CA.

Tickets for this event have been revamped and are priced at $100, $75, and $50 are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.fightcluboc.com and irma@goossentutor.com or by calling 818-817-8001.

For all fans who have purchased and received their tickets to the originally scheduled March 9th HBO show at The Hangar, and still want to see a great night of fights will be entitled to receive the same seats at a reduced price.

With the new reduced pricing, customers that purchased their seats will have the option to: 1) apply their prior purchase toward additional lower priced tickets in the same section (if a customer purchased 4 tickets at $75 [$300 total] they can receive the same four tickets now priced at $50 [total $200] and apply the extra $100 toward two additional tickets at $50; or 2) apply their prior purchase toward the same amount of tickets and receive the applicable rebate (for each ticket, a $250 ticket will receive a $150 rebate, $150 ticket will receive a $75 rebate, and a $75 ticket will receive a $25 rebate); or 3) the customer can request a full refund.

Doors open at The Hangar at 4:00 p.m. The first non-televised bout starts at 4:30 p.m.

The event is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC in association with Promociones del Pueblo.

IBF Welterweight champion Devin Alexander will defend his crown against mandatory contender Kell Brook on May 18th in Atlantic City according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The bout has been postponed twice due to injuries.

I like Atlantic City. There are great boxing fans there,” Said ALexander’s manager/trainer Kevin Cunningham. “I’ve been out there working with Adrien Broner [as an assistant trainer last month] and there’s a great boxing atmosphere. I always had pretty good luck there.”

“He started back in the gym on Monday, so he’s basically at 90 percent, and so we’ll step it up a little more next week,” Cunningham said. “Within the next couple of weeks, he should be back to 100 percent and we’re expecting to do some sparring in the next couple of weeks. We’ll be ready, and Kell Brook will finally get his wish to be in the ring with Devon Alexander — but that’s about as far as that wish will go.”

The bout will be televised by Showtime and could be the co-feature to IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson defending against Lucas Matthysse

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com Victor Terrazas will meet former world champion Cristian Mijares on April 20th in Mexico.

“I am excited because soon I will go for the title of the world,” Terrazas said. “I will go through a great moment in my career and it will be reflected that night. I fought hard for this opportunity. In a fight with Cristian Mijares, I will go for the knockout. We must go in there well prepared to beat him. He was the world champion and has a lot of experience, but I want to be champion and nobody will stop me from reaching my goal.”

The bout will be televised bu Uni Mas

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Featherweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon will defend his crown against Abner Mares as part of the Floyd Mayweatherf – Robert Guerrero card on May 4th in Las Vegas.

“We got it worked and both fighters are excited, we are excited,” Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “It’s a great platform for Abner and Ponce to be on. They will be on the biggest pay-per-view and it is on Cinco De Mayo weekend, which is big for them as Mexican stars.”

“Once it became known that Canelo was not going to be on card, Floyd called me himself and said, ‘Please go get the best fight you can for the card,’ and I discussed with him the possibility of Ponce and Mares, and he was excited about it. He said, ‘Go out and get it done,’ and that’s what I did,” Schaefer said.

“I had numerous conversations with (Mares and De Leon Manager) Frank (Espinoza) ,” Schaefer said. “I told him to look at some of the great fighters who had big fights — George Foreman, Oscar (De La Hoya), Manny Pacquiao, Floyd. Those cards all had young fighters gain tremendous exposure on their undercards. So I told him this was a great opportunity for his guys to be in high-profile card.

“He realized that and was excited about it and then couldn’t wait to talk to the fighters. He did a great job to look out for Ponce and Abner. Frank’s a smart guy, a great poker player. He knows the benefits of them being on this card, so what he did was he negotiated for more money. He did a good job.”

“We’re very excited about appearing on the May 4 card,” Espinoza told ESPN.com. “The addition of Abner and Ponce De Leon will make an explosive night for boxing fans all around the world. We know it’s big. There’s no question. To be showcasing both of their talents on a worldwide platform, to have worldwide media and fans from around the world seeing them, it’s just the greatest exposure for both of them, and they can’t wait.

“Being on Cinco De Mayo and you have two of the finest Mexican fighters, it’s perfect. People were already excited about this fight happening on April 20, and now it just adds more being on Cinco De Mayo.”

“We finalized the fight and it’s the kind of fight you know can be a fight of the year candidate because of how these two guys fight,” Schaefer said.

LOS ANGELES, March 1 – Two of Mexico’s top young fighters, Carlos “Principe” Cuadras and Zulina “La Loba” Munoz, take to the ring at The Gimnasio “Las Liebres” in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico this Saturday, March 2 to battle top notch foes in championship bouts which will be televised in the United States on FOX Deportes on Sunday, March 3 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT.

In the 12-round main event, the unbeaten Cuadras defends his WBC Silver Super Flyweight World Championship against countryman Victor “Nene” Zaleta. In the 10-round co-main event, Munoz defends her WBC Super Flyweight World Championship against Japan’s Tenkai Tsunami.

Cuadras vs. Zaleta is presented by Canelo Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. The Televisa broadcast will air on Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 p.m. CT, with the FOX Deportes broadcast airing on Sunday, March 3 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT.

24-year-old Mexico City product Carlos Cuadras (27-0, 22 KO’s) was a decorated amateur competitor who is now seeking a world championship as a professional. He’s off to an outstanding start, winning all 27 of his bouts, including a September 2012 stoppage of Ronald Barrera that earned him the WBC Silver Super Flyweight title. Less than two months later, Cuadras decisioned Fernando Lumacad to defend his belt and on Saturday, he will aim for a second successful defense against Zaleta.

Coming off of a courageous performance in a bantamweight world championship fight against undefeated former World Champion Leo Santa Cruz last November, Juarez’s Victor Zaleta (20-3-1, 10 KO’s) gained many fans with his game effort that night in Los Angeles. Now, he returns to the 115 pound division and ready to take on all comers, starting with talented countryman Cuadras on Saturday night.

An always active fighter who routinely holds an edge in experience over her foes, Mexico City’s Zulina Munoz (36-1-2, 24 KO’s) didn’t slack off at all in 2012, going four for four in her latest series of championship bouts. Coming off of a 10-round win over Maribel Ramirez last November that earned her the vacant WBC Super Flyweight World Championship, she will now defend her title against Tsunami in attempt to extend her unbeaten streak to 23 fights this weekend.

Tokyo’s Tenkai Tsunami (18-6, 7 KO’s) is no stranger to fighting elite competition, having held the WBA Super Flyweight World Championship from 2009 to 2012, defending the belt four times. In 2012, the eight-year veteran and Japanese female boxing pioneer was in tough fights against Naoko Yamaguchi, Janeth Perez and Mariana Juarez, but you can never count her out, something she plans on proving against Munoz on March 2.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXDeportes.com, www.televisadeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes, www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, or www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

SAN ANTONIO, March 1 – Texas’ finest boxers will be out in full force on Saturday, March 2, when Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions bring world-class fight action to the Our Lady of the Lake University Wellness & Activities Center in San Antonio, Texas, featuring unbeaten Lone Star State rising stars Omar Figueroa Jr., Jermall Charlo and Errol Spence Jr.

In the eight-round junior welterweight main event, which will be televised live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes, Weslaco’s Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. (19-0-1, 15 KO’s) battles Miami veteran Henry Aurad (14-6-1, 11 KO’s). In the co-featured fights, Houston’s Jermall Charlo (11-0, 7 KO’s) takes on East Moline, Illinois’ Gilbert Venegas (12-8-3, 8 KO’s) in an eight-round junior middleweight fight and in a four round welterweight contest, 2012 United States Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (3-0, 3 KO’s) of DeSoto takes on San Antonio’s Luis Torres (4-2-3, 1 KO).

That’s not all as there is a stacked undercard for fans on-site. In an eight round light heavyweight battle, hometown favorite Emanuel Ledezma (11-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Mercedes’ Felix Piedra (9-1-1). Also featured will be a junior welterweight matchup between two San Antonio newcomers, 1-0 Jairo Castaneda and debuting Christian Santibanez.

Plus, San Antonio’s Felipe Castaneda (7-4-1, 3 KO’s) meets Mission’s Gabriel Rangel (7-8-4, 3 KO’s) in a six round bantamweight bout, Austin middleweight prospect Kurtiss Colvin (6-1, 5 KO’s) battles Chicago’s Darius Shorter (1-6, 1 KO) in a four round fight and another San Antonian, Joseph Rodriguez (1-0), takes on Plainview’s Elio Ruiz (1-1) in junior lightweight action scheduled for four rounds.

Opening the event will be a four round middleweight bout pitting Austin’s Kenton Sippio-Cook (1-0, 1 KO) against Dallas’ Carlos Dixon.

# # #

Figueroa vs. Aurad is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes bi-lingual simulcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $125, $100, $75 and $20 are available for purchase by calling Leija & Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302 or through email at m@leijabattahpromo.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR, www.twitter.com/FutureOfBoxing, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr or visit on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes or visit www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes on Facebook.

LAS VEGAS, March 1 – Puerto Rican power puncher Jorge Melendez squares off against Granite City, Illinois’ Ryan Davis and unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Thomas Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland puts his unbeaten record on the line in an eight round battle against St. Louis’ Kevin Engel on Saturday, March 2 on SHOWTIME EXTREME just before the SHOWTIME® Boxing-Special Edition telecast from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas featuring the lightweight world title fight between Richar Abril and Sharif Bogere and the featherweight battle between Gary Russell Jr. and Vyacheslav Gusev.

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Twenty-four-year-old Jorge Melendez (25-2-1, 24 KO’s) is bringing a 12-fight winning streak into his Las Vegas debut this Saturday and you can expect that he will be looking to add another victory and knockout to his record. The winner of 17 bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less, the Manati, Puerto Rico knockout artist is on the fast track to big things in the coming years. Hoping to slow Melendez’ progress is 34-year-old “Dangerous” Ryan Davis (24-9-3, 9 KO’s), a veteran of over 13 years in the sport. Unbeaten in five of his last six bouts, the Illinois native once took Zab Judah the 12-round distance and is looking forward to scoring the upset this weekend.

Maryland’s Thomas Williams Jr. (12-0, 9 KO’s) earned rave reviews for a 2012 campaign in which he went 5-0 with four knockouts (three in the first round) and he got 2013 off to an equally impressive start in January with a third round technical knockout over fellow prospect Jason Smith. On Saturday, the 25-year-old meets Missouri’s Kevin “Hitman” Engel (20-7, 16 KO’s), a hard-hitting 32-year-old who has won two of his last three heading into this pivotal matchup.

In other undercard action…

Unbeaten Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Caguas, Puerto Rico faces longtime standout Daniel Attah (27-13-1, 10 KO’s) of Washington, DC by way of Calabar, Nigeria, in a six round lightweight bout.

Las Vegas super middleweight Luis Arias (3-0, 2 KO’s) who fights under the Mayweather Promotions banner meets Mexicali, Mexico’s Arsenio Terraza (9-3, 8 KO’s) in a six round matchup and in the four round welterweight opener, Monongahela, Pennsylvania’s Sammy Vasquez (6-0, 4 KO’s) takes on Fort Lauderdale’s Leandro Albornoz (15-2-1, 5 KO’s).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/DestroyerPR, www.twitter.com/@Topdoggjr, www.twitter.com/@FontanezJeffrey, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Tickets are moving quickly for the Saturday, March 9, “The Darwish Brothers Presents EFC: Relentless” MMA Event in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. More than a week out from the event and co-promoter Hani Darwish reports that 70% of the tickets have already been sold.

“Response has been tremendous,” said Darwish. “EFC events have all been sellouts and this one is headed there too in a big way.”

Darwish says he’s happy to be bringing the big crowd expected to the Trump Taj Mahal, which he says has been extremely supportive of his efforts. “The Trump Taj Mahal is a world-class casino hotel for a reason, the staff has been a tremendous help in making this event the huge success it is already shaping up to be. They’ve all been extremely cooperative and helpful and I give my sincere thanks.”

Featuring many of the New Jersey area’s brightest new stars, “The Darwish Brothers Presents EFC: Relentless” will feature in the main event Bloomfield, New Jersey’s undefeated Fabian “The Baby Face Killer” Rosario (6-0) defending his EFC Welterweight Championship against Danny “Massacre” Massa (2-2) of Westchester Fight Club in New Rochelle, New York.

“If you’re going to support your favorite fighter, you should get your tickets now,” continued Darwish. “I can’t guarantee there will be any left on fight night. Obviously if you put out a superior product, people respond eagerly and that’s what we’ve set out to do with the EFC and it’s working.”

Tickets for “The Darwish Brothers Presents EFC: Relentless” are priced at $45, $55, $65, $75, $100 and $125 Cageside and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Trump Taj Mahal box office on fight night.

***The Darwish Brothers are offering an exciting discount on tickets purchased on fight night for their EFC “Relentless” MMA event on Saturday, March 9, 2013, in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Attendees of the NJSIAA 2013 State Wrestling Championships, being held the weekend of March 8 – 10 in Atlantic City, can present a valid ticket stub from the tournament and receive $5 off the advertised ticket price for EFC “Relentless”.***

Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout is at 8 pm. All bouts subject to change.

LEDYARD, Conn. (March 1st, 2013) – Professional boxing and hip-hop will collide in front of a worldwide audience Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino with two of Connecticut’s rising stars looking to steal the show.

Undefeated New London female bantamweight Shelito Vincent (7-0) and New Haven welterweight Jimmy Williams (1-0, 1 KO) will be featured tonight on the undercard of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the MGM Grand Theater, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and rap mogul 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions. The show will also feature a live performance by the Queens native 50 Cent, a three-time American Music Award winner and platinum-selling artist.

Vincent, who now lives and trains in Providence, R.I., is aiming for her second win of 2013 when she faces Mikayla Nebel (0-3) in a six-round bout. For Nebel, an Ohio native, this is another in a long line of tough fights since she turned pro last March; she’s gone the distance with Nydia Feliciano, whom Vincent beat in January, New York fan-favorite Heather Hardy and Jennifer Santiago. Her previous three opponents have a combined record of 11-4-3.

“She’s a nice little fighter,” said Vincent, who out-worked Feliciano in a unanimous-decision win in January for her seventh win. “She’s got a nice right hand, but I move my head, and a lot of other girls don’t, so I’m not worried about it.”

Vincent is dedicating the fight to her friend and fellow fighter Noemi Bosques, whose mother is in critical condition due to illness. Bosques is set to face New York’s Vanessa Greco in a four-round bantamweight bout March 15th in Providence.

“I’m taking it out on her,” Vincent said of Nebel. “I feel bad for her.”

After debuting in front of a national-television audience on NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night with a fourth-round knockout win over Noel Garcia on Jan. 19, Williams – a former college football player at Southern Connecticut State University – will return tonight against 26-year-old Ray Younger (0-1) of Georgia.

“I’ve been training hard, so I expect to win,” Williams said. “I feel good. This is the second step in becoming a champion.”

The main event of Friday’s card features the 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title bout between Australian champion Billy Dib (35-1, 21 KOs) and Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8 KOs). Cleveland’s Willie Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) will defend his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light middleweight title against Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) of Los Angeles in the 10-round co-feature. The live broadcast on ESPN2 begins at 9 p.m. ET.

Tickets priced at $40.00, $75.00, $100.00 and $200.00 can be purchased online at www.foxwoods.com, at the MGM Grand Theater box office or by calling 800-200-2282.

Prospect Boxing has teamed up with Scottish bookmakers, McBookie.com, who will be the official bookmaker for their March 8th event called ‘The Steelmen Return’ which takes place at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, Motherwell. The on line site will be offering exclusive match betting on selected fights via their website.

With twelve fights currently scheduled, the action pack card is headlined by Paul Allison v Gary McCallum for the vacant Scottish Middleweight title. A packed under card sees rising stars Iain Butcher, Mitch Prince, Mark Parvin, Ryan Scott return to action as part of a eleven fight under card.

In what appears to be a first for a non televised British show, Prospect Boxing owner Paul Graham explains partnership with McBookie.com “We have been looking at ways to enhance how the crowd enjoy the show, and betting on the fights adds to the whole fight night experience. But what also makes this better, is that everyone will have the opportunity to bet on the March 8th card.

“This could be the first time a non televised show in the UK has offered people the opportunities to bet on its fight. We have a cracking card, headlined by a real 50/50 fight between Paul Allison and Gary McCallum for Scottish Middleweight title,while we have another eleven fights” added the Bellshill based promoter.

Paul Petrie, McBookie.com spokesman commented, “McBookie is all about putting Scottish sport first so we are delighted to get involved in this top class Scottish event. Boxing is extremely popular with our customers so to give them a chance to bet on up and coming Scottish fighters is something we feel they will enjoy. We just only hope they don’t knock us out.”

Prospect Boxing and Chris Gilmour in association with McBookie.com present ‘The Steel Men Return’ an evening of Professional Championship Boxing at Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Friday March 8th. Headlined by Gary McCallum v Paul Allison for the Vacant Scottish Middleweight Title.

With a 10 fight under card featuring Rhys Pagan, Mark Parvin, Sean Watson and Ryan Scott. Jordan McCorry, Darren McAdam, Mitch Prince and Martin Taylor makes his pro debut in the Light Welterweight division while Alex Montgomery makes his debut in a Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets are priced at £30 (unreserved) and £40 (ringside) ,and further details are avail from www.prospectboxing.com and www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing, while the latest prices are available from www.mcbookie.co.uk and via twitter at @McBookie

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 28, 2013) – Golden Boy Promotions hosted the final press conference Thursday for the big fight card this Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in LasVegas.

In the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition, Cuba’s Richar “El Tigre” Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., will make the first defense of his WBA Lightweight World Championship when he meets unbeaten Ugandan Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Las Vegas.

The co-feature on SHOWTIME will feature undefeated, world-rated southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., against Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Preceding the SHOWTIME telecast will be live preliminary fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Hard-hitting Jorge Melendez (25-2, 24 KO’s), of Manati, Puerto Rico, takes on Ryan Davis (24-9-3, 9 KO’s), of Granite City, Ill., in an eight-round middleweight match and Thomas Williams (12-0, 9 KO’s), of Fort Washington, Md., risks his unblemished record against Kevin Engel (20-7, 16 KO’s), of St. Louis, in an eight-round light heavyweight scrap. Time permitting, Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Caguas, P.R., collides with Daniel Attah (27-13-1, 10 KO’s), of Washington, D.C., in a lightweight bout slated for six rounds.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Thursday’s press conference was coming to a quiet and peaceful conclusion when Ken Adams, the veteran Las Vegas trainer of Bogere, stood up from his seat near the dais and asked permission to speak.

“When I watched tapes of your [Abril’s] fights, I couldn’t tell if you were on the track team (because you run so much), or if you were on the wrestling team (because of the way you fight inside),” said Adams, who has worked with numerous world champions including Eddie Cook, Kennedy McKinney, Freddie Norwood, Al Cole, Charles Murray and Stevie Johnson. “The Lion’s last meal is going to be Abril!”

Countered Ricardo Rizzo, Abril’s advisor who was standing off to the side of the dais. “With all due respect to the trainer, Abril isn’t running from anyone and he is ready to fight March 2!”

What the fighters said Thursday:

RICHAR ABRIL:

“I’ve waited for this fight a long time because of the postponements, so I’m happy we’re just two days away.

“I don’t really understand why Bogere talks so much (on Twitter), but I can tell you one thing: on Saturday, I am not going to run.

“I respect Bogere, I respect all fighters, but I’m just saying let’s put on a good show for the fans.

“He’s a lion, but I’m a tiger, and the real king of the jungle is the tiger.”

SHARIF BOGERE:

“I want to thank everyone for being here today. I knew if I stayed positive my time would come and now it’s almost here. I want to thank Golden Boy and my team for making this fight happen.

“On Saturday night, I’m going to take care of business. I’m 100 percent prepared and ready to go. On Saturday, I’ll become champion of the world.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.:

“I think I trained for six and a half or seven weeks, so I am definitely ready to go. I’m looking forward to Saturday, fighting again and fighting on SHOWTIME again.

“I had a good, exciting knockout in my last fight, but I don’t put pressure on myself to duplicate that kind of fight. My job is to perform and win fights.”

VYACHESLAV GUSEV:

“I came all the way from Russia for this fight and I’m here to put on a really great fight. I’ve trained very hard for this. I know Russell is a good fighter. I’m excited about the opportunity that I’m getting.”

JORGE MELENDEZ:

“I’d like to thank Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity. I want to thank Ryan Davis for accepting the fight. This victory is dedicated to all of Puerto Rico.”

THOMAS WILLIAMS:

“I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me another opportunity to showcase my skills. Fighting on the undercard of a world title fight brings me a lot more exposure. I’m excited and looking forward to putting on a good show.”

KEVIN ENGEL:

“I’d like to thank Golden Boy for bringing me in for this fight. I think this is a good matchup and that our fight will be the most exciting of the night.”

JEFFREY FONTANEZ:

“It’s a great pleasure for me to be fighting in Las Vegas again. I want to thank my promoters, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for this opportunity. My team has me ready. Like always, I’m very well prepared. I have a tough opponent, but I’ll be the one coming out victorious. I look forward to a good fight.”

ABOUT ABRIL VS. BOGERE:

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (February 28, 2013) – Earlier tonight IBF Featherweight Champion Billy “The Kid” Dib (35-1-1NC, 21KO’s) and undefeated Russian Challenger Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8KO’s) both made weight for their championship bout tomorrow night at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods. Both Dib and Gradovich looked to be in tremendous shape, with each fighter tipping the scales at 125 lbs.

The event tomorrow is promoted by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by SMS Audio. The championship bout will be televised live tomorrow night on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Below are the complete weights for the entire card.

IBF Featherweight Championship (12)

Billy Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), Champion, Sydney, Australia 125 LBS.

Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8 KOs), Challenger, Igrim, Russia 125 LBS.

NABF Super Welterweight Championship (10)

Willie Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs), Champion, Cleveland, OH 152 LBS.

Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs), Challenger, Los Angeles, CA 154 LBS.

Junior Lightweights (8)

Ryan Kielczweski (15-0, 3 KOs), Quincy, MA 127 LBS.

Gil Garcia (5-3-1, 1 KO), Houston, TX 129 LBS.

Super Bantamweights (8)

Luis Rosa Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT 124 LBS.

Jhovany Collado (4-6-2, 1 KO), Jamaica, NY 123 LBS.

Junior Welterweights (4)

Luis Oliveras (pro debut), Glendale, AZ 140 LBS.

Rafael Munoz (1-1), Houston, TX 140 LBS.

Female Junior Featherweights (6)

Shelly Vincent (7-0), Providence, RI 124 LBS.

Mikayla Nevel (0-3), Columbus, OH 122 LBS.

Welterweights (4)

Jimmy Williams (1-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT 146 LBS.

Raynard Younger (0-1), Alpharetta, GA 147 LBS.

The 12-round main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights features International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Champion Billy Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), who is promoted by 50 Cent, defending against undefeated Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich. NABF Super Welterweight Champion Willie Nelson defends his title against Michael Medina in the 10-round co-feature.

The ESPN Friday Night Fights card, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, will air live at 9 p.m. ET. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions. The event is sponsored by SMS Audio.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75 and $40 may be purchased online at foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office.

Photo by Ed Diller

Former Middleweight beltholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr was fine $900,000 and suspended for nine months for his positive post fight drug test following his loss to Sergio Martinez in September that showed that Chavez had marijuana in his system.

“I’d like to apologize to everyone in boxing,” Chavez told the commission. “I know this has been a very bad thing for me and my career. A lot of things have been said about it and my reputation. I respect boxing a lot. I’ve been in it a long time. I try to do the best I can and will continue to try to do the best I can because I love boxing more than ever.”

“The nine months is fine, but a 30 percent fine on a purse of $3 million, that’s extortion,” Chavez promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com. “That means Julio has to make a decision — is he going to contest the fine in court or he can elect not to fight ever again in Nevada. There’s no question the nine months is the nine months, but it’s ridiculous money, particularly since you already take out 30 percent for taxes.

“I was hoping for nine months, that worked out. The fine is an absolute stunner. You don’t do that to an athlete. Which athlete in any sport has been fined as much as $900,000?”

Under questioning from the commissioners, Chavez admitted that he smoked marijuana “eight or nine days before the fight.”

“I feel very bad about the situation,” Chavez said. “I know I committed a big error, a mistake. I wanted everyone to know this has hurt me and that I let a lot of people down. It was a big mistake and I know it has damaged me.”

Chavez was asked why he thought the commission should be lenient on him.

“I’m asking for leniency so I can fight as soon as I can, but I am willing to take my punishment,” he said. “I know I committed an error.”

Asked why he decided to smoke before the fight, Chavez said, “I was told it would help my stress. I was tense for the fight and someone mentioned it to me and that’s why I did it eight or nine days before the fight.”

Chavez would not say who suggested he smoke marijuana other than that it was a “personal friend of mine from Los Angeles.”

Chavez was asked if he had felt pressure before previous fights and answered, “Never like this time.”

On why he smoked marijuana before this fight and not any other, Chavez said, “I couldn’t tell you the exact reason why I did it. I just can tell you I was under a lot of stress and had family problems, a lot of things going on in my life. Just something I did. It was the biggest mistake and I’ll never do it again.”

Chavez said he never smoked before any other fight, but declined to answer whether he had ever smoked marijuana at all, answering only, “I wasn’t myself. I was not thinking properly

“He didn’t answer if he had smoked before and that has an impact on me making a decision,” commissioner Pat Lundvall said.

“He’s well aware of the rules of the commission,” Lundvall said.

“He’s going to fight June 16, we cleared that with the commission,” Arum said. “They told us we can promote the fight during the suspension as long as the fight takes place after the suspension is up. But we were not going to take this fight to Las Vegas anyway. We have a hold on a building in Texas or we may do the fight in the new arena in Mexico City. One thing we won’t do is have Chavez fight in Mexico during the suspension [where he could get a license].”

The versatile play-by-play man has gained a reputation for calling thrilling finishes. “The Tessitore Effect,” as explained here in Sports Illustrated, suggests that Tessitore’s presence at a sporting event increases the likelihood for late game drama.

On Saturday at Santa Anita race track in Southern California, the theory will have a new test case opportunity as Joe Tess, a three-year-old Dark Bay colt owned by George Bolton and Barbara Banke (Stonestreet Stables), makes its debut in the day’s 11th and final race. Read more on ESPN Front Row.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND, February 28 – After nearly two years fighting away from England, the “King” is back. On Saturday, April 27 at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, British superstar Amir “King” Khan returns to England to face former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz.

Plus, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo makes his long-awaited professional debut in a four round middleweight bout against an opponent to be determined.

“April 27th is going to be a special night,” said Khan. “It’s been two years since I last fought in the United Kingdom and I can’t wait to get in the ring in front of my fans. Julio Diaz is a former World Champion and a very dangerous opponent who is coming off of an impressive performance in his last fight. I know he will be coming with guns blazing and I’m ready for whatever he has to throw at me. With my speed and boxing skills, and his power and experience, it makes for a really exciting matchup. He may have other ideas but I’m adamant that my return to the British shores is going to be a very successful one.”

“I’m not going to England for the fight to go to the scorecards. I’m fighting for the knockout,” said Diaz. “I know the knockout is the only thing that will get me the win, so I’m training extra hard already in order to get a victory on Khan’s home turf. I’m a heavy hitter and he can’t take a punch, so to me, that is the perfect combination.”

“I’m proud to be British and so the opportunity to turn pro on such a big fight card in England is a dream come true,” said Ogogo. “I want to become a world champion and this is the first very important step. I know what I have to do and that is to win and I want to win in style. I can’t wait to show the British public what I can do and will be training as hard as I possibly can between now and April 27th to get myself in the best shape I’ve ever been in”.

“Return of the King”: Khan vs. Diaz is a 12 round 143 pound catch-weight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport and Maxi Muscle.

Tickets, priced at £300, £200, £125, £75 and £50 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now and may be purchased at the Motorpoint Arena box office, by calling (+44) 0114 256 5656, online at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or through Sports Corporation by calling 0845 163 0845 or at www.sportscorporation.com.

“We’re excited to return to England and bring the loyal British fans the return of Amir Khan on April 27,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “Amir is closing in on a shot at regaining his world champion status and I know he’s going to use the energy from the crowd in Sheffield to motivate him. Standing in his way will be a dangerous opponent in Julio Diaz who is on a hot streak of his own that he expects to keep intact in England.”

“April 27 is going to be a great night for boxing in the U.K. and a great night for Golden Boy Promotions,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Between Amir Khan returning home where he is immensely popular and the pro debut of our newest prospect Anthony Ogogo, this is a great way to jump start an amazing run of fights that Golden Boy Promotions will be a part of in England for many years to come.”

“It was well known that Amir wanted to have his next fight back home in Britain for his loyal fan base,” said Asif Vali of Khan Promotions. “It has taken a bit of time to get to this point, but we’re delighted to announce Julio Diaz as his next opponent. He upset the odds to score a draw in his last fight against a highly touted prospect in Shawn Porter and we know he will be looking to upset the odds and score a win come April 27. Both fighters have been world champions and Amir is determined to reach that summit once again. It will be a night not to miss in Sheffield as we witness ‘the return of the King’.”

“Motorpoint Arena Sheffield is delighted to be playing host to Amir Khan’s return to Britain,” said Joe Waldron, Deputy General Manager of the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield. “We host some of the biggest stars in the world in this region and it’s a privilege to have secured another in Amir with his first fight back on British soil in two years. This event will be a special occasion for all boxing fans and the Sheffield public with yet another unforgettable night expected at the Motorpoint Arena.”

A true international superstar that captured the world’s imagination when he won a Silver medal for Great Britain in the 2004 Olympics at age 17, Amir “King” Khan (27-3, 19 KO’s) is one of boxing’s best, a dynamic boxer-puncher with fight ending power and lightning quick speed. Just 26 years old, Bolton’s Khan is a former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion with five successful title defenses to his name. Among the foes he has dispatched are Marco Antonio “The Baby Face Assassin” Barrera, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Marcos “El Chino” Maidana and Zab “Super” Judah. In his most recent fight on December 15, 2012, he stopped previously unbeaten Carlos Molina in the 10th round. Now he looks forward to returning home and entertaining his fans in person.

A respected veteran and former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz (40-7-1, 29 KO’s) is a member of a fighting family and he has been boxing for much of his life. Diaz is still in his physical prime at 33 and he has shown that he has plenty left in the tank as he looks to win a second divisional title. A native of Jiquilpan, Michoacan Mexico who now fights out of Coachella, California, Diaz has impressed fans in his return from a year-long layoff, knocking out Henry Aurad and Hector Sanchez and battling unbeaten, highly touted prospect Shawn Porter to a draw in a fight many believe Diaz won in his last fight in December. On April 27, Diaz is hoping to take matters out of the judges’ hands.

A talented soccer player who played for Norwich City FC when he was younger, Lowestoft, England’s Anthony Ogogo found his true love in the ring where he has been competing since the age of 12. After winning a Junior Olympic Gold medal and Silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, Ogogo earned a place on Great Britain’s 2012 Olympic team. In London this past summer, Ogogo beat representatives from the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and Germany to win a Bronze Medal, thrilling his fans from throughout the United Kingdom. Outside the ring, the 24-year-old Ogogo is a former model and was also a cast member of the 2008 hit reality show, “Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack.” On April 27, the charismatic middleweight will begin his journey as a professional.

The event’s broadcasters and a full undercard will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.amirkhanworld.com and www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhan and www.twitter.com/AnthonyOgogo, follow the conversation using #KhanDiaz or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/AmirKhanTheOfficialPage and www.facebook.com/AnthonyOgogo.

Tacoma, WA (February 28th, 2013) – After a brief layoff, Zahir Raheem will make his way into the ring when Halquist Productions brings Battle at the Boat back to the Emerald Queen Casino for the 91st time. In the main event, Raheem (31-3-0) is scheduled to fight Spokane’s Santos Pakau (28-7-2) in a 10 round thriller that will have fans excited to see Raheem once again take a run at a world title fight.

Tickets for Battle at the Boat 91, scheduled for March 23rd, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Emerald Queen Casino box office or online via Ticketmaster.

Raheem recently signed a long term promotional agreement with Halquist Productions and fans can look forward to seeing him fight in Battle at the Boat main events at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA throughout 2013. “I’m very excited for one and I’m proud to be a part of such a good team in Halquist Productions,” said Raheem when asked about how he’s feeling about getting back in the ring.

King Raheem shook the boxing world in 2005 when he earned Ring Magazine’s “Upset of the Year” after defeating a prime Erik Morales who was coming off a victory over Manny Pacquiao. After Raheem defeated Morales, he and his management team found it difficult to find a big name opponent as Raheem was ready for his title shot, but no worthy opportunities were coming his way.

After a 2 year layoff from his last professional boxing match, Raheem his ready to start his title run fresh with Halquist Productions. The first step in the process will be taking on Santos Pakau on March 23rd

“We’re very excited to bring Raheem back to boxing. He’s had some huge victories throughout his career. We’ll fight him at the Emerald Queen Casino a couple of times and see what happens after that,” said promoter, Brian Halquist, about the signing of Zahir Raheem.

In the semi-main event, local up and comer Marcelino Pineda (3-0-0, 3 KO’s), fighting out of the Round 3 Boxing Club in Toppenish, WA will step into the ring with British Columbia’s, Dave Petryk (3-3-1). This will be Pineda’s 4th appearance at the Emerald Queen Casino. Pineda is coming off a 1st round TKO victory at Battle at the Boat 90. Petryk will be making his 2nd appearance on Battle at the Boat card after coming off a close decision loss in early 2012.

Along with the two headliners, four other action packed bouts will take place throughout the night. The Battle at the Boat has turned into the longest running boxing series at any tribal casino in the United States and has become the premier boxing promotion in the Northwest. Halquist Productions has promoted numerous title fights that have been showcased on every major sports network in the nation including: ESPN, ESPN 2, HBO, and SHOWTIME. For more information about Battle at the Boat 91 and all other Halquist Production events, please visit www.halquistproductions.com

Valley Forge, PA (February 27, 2013)—On Friday night, March 15th Professional Boxing will make its maiden appearance at The Valley Forge Casino Resort as King’s Promotions presents a terrific night of action that will be headlined with an eight round Lightweight bout between Naim Nelson and Georgi Kevlishvilli.

Nelson, 22 years old of Philadelphia has a record of 9-0 with 1 knockout.

Nelson turned pro on June 3rd, 2011 with a unanimous decision over Kywayne Hill. The win set off seven victories which included wins over Korey Sloane (1-0) and Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1). Nelson then won the Pennsylvania Lightweight championship as he had to get off the deck and fight through a bad cut to score a unanimous decision over Victor Vasquez. In his last bout, Nelson scored eight round unanimous decision over Osnel Charles on December 28th as part of the Tomasz Adamek – Steve Cunningham II card in Bethlehem, Pa.

Kevlishvilli, 31 years old of Philadelphia via Gori, (Republic of) Georgia has a record of 12-4 with 3 knockouts.

Kevlishvilli turned pro in 2004 and won his first eleven fights in Europe which included a win over undefeated Saichon Sotornpitak (10-0) before losing to Ayup Arsaev (8-0) for the WBC Baltic Featherweight title. Kevlishvilli then came to America and scored a split decision victory over Anthony Flores (9-2-1). He has continued to face top competition such as Ronny Rios (13-0); Casey Ramos (13-0) and in his most recent bout, Kevlishvilli dropped a split decision to Frankie Trader (8-1) on October 10, 2012.

In the eight round co-feature, Harry Joe Yorgey will take on Julius Kennedy in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA has a record of 25-2-1 with 12 knockouts and has been one of the most popular fighters in Pennsylvania for the better part of a decade.

Yorgey was undefeated In his first twenty three bouts (22-0-1) with big wins over Ronnie Warrior Jr. (11-0-1); Jason LeHoullier (21-0-1) & Ronald Hearns (21-0) before losing to heralded Alfredo Angulo. Yorgey got back with three consecutive victories before being stopped in eight to undefeated Jermell Charlo on January 26th in Las Vegas.

Kennedy of Windsor Mill, Maryland has a record of 7-3-1 with three knockouts.

The thirty-three year old has quality wins over Inka Laley (3-0-1) & Aaron Pryor Jr. (12-1) as well as a draw with Jesse Nicklow (20-2-2). In his last bout, Kennedy dropped a six round unanimous decision to undefeated Alantez Fox on January 12th

In a six round Welterweight bout, Jerome Rodriguez (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA takes on Rafael Montalvo (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Pottsville, PA

Esteban Rodriguez (6-5-1, 1 KO) of Lebanon, PA battles Tevin Farmer (8-4-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a six round Light affair.

Jeremy Stauffer (7-2-2, 6 KO’s) of Reading, PA squares off with Zeferino Albino (4-15-3, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA in a four round Cruiserweight tussle.

Travis Thompson (4-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Pottstown, PA will fight Joshua Arocho (3-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ in a four round Lightweight bout.

Sultahn Staton of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Kenneth Brown of Philadelphia in a four round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Anthony Burgin (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Featherweight bout.

Sammy Quinones (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Pennsylvania battles Korey Sloane (2-5-2) of Philadelphia in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Tickets for this historic evening cost $125 (VIP); $75 (Ringside); $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the following locations:

Kings Promotions
440 Elm Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-587-5950

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 1st Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-768-3288
www.vfboxing.eventbrite.com

Empire Surplus Home Center
2741 Bernville, RD
Leesport, PA 19533
610-926-0500

Dominican super lightweight Victor “Mermelada” Cayo (31-3, 22 KOs) knows the dire consequences on his boxing career another loss will have and is training like his future as a top contender depends on it.

Cayo is in the final stretch of his preparations to meet once-beaten Emmanuel “The Tranzforma” Taylor (16-1, 11 KOs) on Friday, March 8, 2013, in the 10-round main event of promoter Sampson Lewkowicz’s “Friday Night Fights” boxing in the Superstar Theater at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Cayo vs. Taylor will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights (10 PM Eastern on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, online through WatchESPN.com, and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.) along with the night’s 10-round, co-featured televised bout between a couple of very promising heavyweights: undefeated Russian powerhouse Magomed “Mago” Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) defending his WBC United States (USNBC) heavyweight title against once-beaten former Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs).

Once rated as high as #3 in the world, 28-year-old Cayo stumbled badly of late, losing by KO to Lamont Peterson in July 2011 and then dropping a shock TKO to shopworn former champion Nate Campbell in March 2012.

Since then, Cayo has righted the ship somewhat with four straight victories over solid, but lesser-known opposition. Taylor, however, represents his first real test at a higher level since the double disasters.

“I know what’s at stake,” said Cayo through an interpreter. “I have to beat this guy and look good if I’m going to fight for a world title. I have trained like everything I worked for is on the line in this fight and in many ways it is.”

Cayo, who started boxing at the age of 11, has spent his entire adult life dreaming of one day wearing a championship belt.

“I have worked my whole life for a shot at a title. I have been very close a couple times and things went wrong. I cannot let Taylor take away my chance for another try. Every fight I fight from now on, I will treat as though it is my world championship fight because if I lose I may never get one. I’m not coming to Atlantic City to do anything but show the world Victor Cayo is one of the world’s best.”

###

Headlining the undercard will be Virgin Islands-based “The Hawk Flock”, the sons and nephew of former world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, each of whom is an up-and-coming contender in the respective divisions.

WBC Super Welterweight Youth World Champion John “Dah Rock” Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs), super middleweight contender Julius “The Chef” Jackson (14-0, 10 KOs) and junior middleweight contender Samuel “Rock City Cobra” Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) will each make appearances.

Also scheduled to appear in separate bouts are local favorites such as Millville, New Jersey, light middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna (10-0, 6 KOs), Brooklyn lightweight Scott “Bang Bang” Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) and a special showcase featuring the son of former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, undefeated super middleweight Isiah Seldon (6-0, 3 KOs).

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing. The main event is presented in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Tickets start at $40 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Resorts Casino Hotel box office on fight night.

The Resorts Casino Hotel is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout is at 7:00. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com or resortsac.com.

About Resorts Casino Hotel

Resorts Casino Hotel is a full destination resort located on the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City featuring more than 900 hotel rooms, six restaurants, nightlife, spa, health club and more. This spring, Resorts will debut the iconic Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville bringing a Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Casino Bar, new themed gaming area, LandShark Bar & Grill – a year-round beach bar and more to Atlantic City. For more information follow us on Twitter, Facebook and visit our official Web site at www.resortsac.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA –February 27- WealthTV is set to air Prizefighter: Heavyweights III on Thursday February 28th at 10PM ET. The event features a unique eight fighter, three round single elimination tournament format. It will be the third edition of the box-off to air on WealthTV.

This installment of the series will showcase many familiar faces. Americans Travis Walker (39-9, 31 KO) and Derric Rossy (28-6, 14 KO) are in the tournament field. The United Kingdom is represented by three fighters, Audley Harrison (31-6, 23 KO) Martin Rogan (16-4, 8 KO) and Ian Lewison (7-2, 4 KO.) Claus Bertino (15-5, 8 KO), Albert Sosnowski (47-6, 28 KO), and TimoHoffmann (40-8, 23 KO) fill out the rest of the bracket and hail from Denmark, Poland, and Germany respectively.

“This Prizefighter has the best competition of any edition before.” Said WealthTV director of live events Tommy Morris. “There are world title challengers in action; Harrison & Sosnowski. We will also see regional title winners Walker, Rossy, Hoffmann and Rogan. Rogan has won the Prizefighter event in the past. The three round format creates high action fights which is somethingboxing fans always look forward to.”

All of WealthTV’s fights can be seen on WealthTV nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country as well as on line viewing on numerous connected devices via www.wealthtv.com.

About WealthTV

WealthTV is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network —the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. WealthTV delivers to informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective. For more information, please visit www.wealthtv.com

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com the much talked about Super Welterweight unification bout between WBC champ Saul Alvarez and WBA champ Austin Trout is just about finalized to take place on April 20 in San Antonio at The Alamo Dome and will be broadcasted on Showtime.

“It’s the biggest fight for Canelo, a big step up for him and a world title-unification bout,” said Richatd Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, who promotes Alvarez. “It’s two undefeated fighters against each other, two of the best in their weight class.

“Austin Trout is coming off the big win against Miguel Cotto and can get another big win. Canelo wants to shut up all of the doubters. He wants to show he is the best at 154 pounds.”

“I was trying not to get too excited about the possibility of the fight,” Trout said when a reporter broke the news to him that the fight had been set. “Not Canelo personally, but his handlers were 100 percent against a fight with Austin Trout. Canelo would go out there and say this was the fight he wanted, but [Golden Boy promoter Oscar] De La Hoya would shoot the fight down.

“Canelo put his foot down and said this was the fight he wanted. He said he was ready. God bless him. I’m here to show the world he’s not. But he made the people who work for him make it happen, and boxing and the fans thank him.”

“I’m not worried about what he will do,” Trout said. “If I beat his brother or not, it doesn’t matter to me, but it was something I was using to entice him to fight me. But I am after his name and legacy. I got my own legacy to push out.”

“Canelo’s not making it to a Mayweather fight,” Trout said. “Our fight is a great matchup not just for me, personally, but for boxing. I know it won’t be easy, but we’re not here for easy. We’re here to be the best. The harder the challenge, the greater the victory. This is the ‘Cinnamon’ test.”

“I would have fought on the Floyd undercard because I’m happy for the opportunity, but I’m also happy that we have our own card and venue,” Trout said.

“I kept saying all along that I would work on it and see if it can be done,” he said. “People were saying it was done, but I never said that. But I’m not disappointed. I am happy for the sport of boxing to have Floyd Mayweather back against Guerrero, a guy I consider the most dangerous guy out there. I’m happy for Robert to get this opportunity against Floyd and I am happy for Canelo and Trout, as well.

“Canelo will have his own date and fight in Texas, which he has wanted to do for a long time because he has so many fans there, and he’s in a huge fight. So I have Floyd Mayweather fighting a Mexican-American on Cinco De Mayo and I got Canelo-Trout done. Hallelujah for fight fans. So the two fights will be spread out a little bit. The [Mayweather-Alvarez] fight eventually is going to happen, but right now, let’s enjoy two unbelievable fights.”

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 27, 2013) – When Cuba’s Richar Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., steps into the ring to face undefeated Ugandan Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Las Vegas, this Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, he will be making the first defense of his WBA Lightweight World Championship.

The WBA recently announced that it had elevated Abril from interim champion to regular champion, a decision fully supported by both Abril and Bogere.

“I had no idea it was happening and it was definitely a surprise,” said Abril during Tuesday’s media workout at Long Life Fit Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. “But it was a great surprise. Every fighter has aspirations of becoming a world champion. Anybody who watched absolutely knows I beat Brandon Rios (in a bout on April 14, 2012) and that I deserved the decision. Ever since then, in my heart, I always considered myself the WBA champion. The WBA only made it official.

“This motivates me even more to put on a good fight for the fans and show them that I’m the real deal.”

Said Bogere after his workout, “I don’t think anybody is satisfied fighting for an interim title. We want a full title, a world title. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this chance. Uganda is one of the poorest countries on the planet. Most people don’t know how hard it’s been to get from where I started to where I’m at now. Fighting for the WBA title is an opportunity of a lifetime.

“People talk about my ring entrance, and that’s really good. It’s gotten me a lot of attention. They may not know my name, but they’ve maybe heard of the kid and his lion. I’m confident that after Saturday, people will know my name and know who I am.”

In Saturday’s co-feature, talented, undefeated southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Russell is coming off of one of 2012’s most devastating knockout victories, a brutal one-punch, third-round stoppage over Roberto Castaneda last Nov. 9 on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“I’m satisfied with the way my career is going and at the pace it’s going,” said the classy, world-rated Russell, who may possess the fastest hands in boxing. “I refuse to listen to anybody who says anything negative about it. I think in a couple more fights I’ll be ready to challenge for a world title.

“I’m not overlooking anybody. I’ve seen tapes of Gusev and he seems to have that classic European style, although he does try and box. He certainly has the potential to be a spoiler. He’s the type that if you allow him to set the pace, he’ll run up the points on you. I expect a good fight on Saturday.”

Said Gusev, who’ll be making his second start in the United States: “I’m very relaxed, calm and confident. I’ve seen some of Russell’s fights and know he is a very good fighter.

“I’m excited about this fight and looking forward to it. It’s not going to be easy, but I am here to win. I didn’t come all this way to lose.”

ABOUT “ABRIL VS BOGERE”:

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Fresh off a brilliant submission victory over Ivan Menjivar at UFC 157, “The California Kid” Urijah Faber returns to the Octagon® Saturday, April 13 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas to meet Scott Jorgensen in a can’t-miss bantamweight showdown.

Faber, the former WEC featherweight champion ranked second in the bantamweight division, is known for his explosive athleticism and finishing ability, and the 33-year-old Sacramento native owns wins over the likes of Jens Pulver (twice), Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki, Eddie Wineland and Brian Bowles.

A three-time Pac-10 wrestling champion at Boise State University, the 30-year-old Jorgensen defeated John Albert in a performance that earned him Fight and Submission of the Night honors in his most recent bout this past December. “Young Guns” also holds notable victories over Jeff Curran and Brad Pickett and has developed a reputation as one of the division’s most exciting fighters.

“Urijah Faber is one of the best bantamweights in the world and he proved it at UFC 157 by submitting Ivan Menjivar in the first round,” UFC President Dana White said. “He’s ready to jump right back in the Octagon on April 13 with Scott Jorgensen, who’s ranked seventh in the world at 135 pounds. Both of these guys like to finish fights. This is a really exciting main event for the TUF Finale!”

In addition to the Faber-Jorgensen main event, this season’s The Ultimate Fighter® winner will be crowned when the Octagon® makes its way back to the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The Ultimate Fighter® Finale card also includes:

· Former Strikeforce bantamweight women’s champion Miesha Tate vs. highly touted, undefeated contender Cat Zingano in the second women’s bout in UFC history.

· A heavyweight showdown between Travis Browne and Gabriel Gonzaga.

· A featherweight collision between Bart Palaszewski and Cole Miller.

· A featherweight bout between TUF veteran Justin Lawrence and Houston’s Daniel Pineda.

Tickets for The Ultimate Fighter® Finale go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $200, $125, $75 and $50. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. PT via www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 7, starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

The main card will also air live on FX at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Catch all new episodes of this season of The Ultimate Fighter Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT!

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.4 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

NEW YORK, NY (February 27, 2013) – Co-promoters Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment, and 50 Cent, of SMS Promotions, hosted the final press conference today at the Strand Hotel in New York City for this week’s (Mar. 1) ESPN Friday Night Fights at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

In the 12-round main event, SMS Promotions’ IBF Featherweight Champion Billy “The Kid” Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21KO’s) puts his world title on the line against Russia’s undefeated IBF #11 rated Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8KO’s). In the televised co-feature, former amateur standout and now top-ten rated junior middleweight contender Willie Nelson (19-1-1, 11KO’s) squares off against Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19KO’s) in a 10-round showdown for Nelson’s NABF super welterweight title. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions. The event is sponsored by SMS Audio. Both bouts will air on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET.

***50 Cent will be performing live on fight night***

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75 and $40 may be purchased online at foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOU DIBELLA – “First and foremost, I want to thank everyone here for coming out and also everyone that is involved in this event, particularly 50 cent, Foxwoods and our great sponsor, SMS Audio.

“We have an outstanding event coming up this Friday and I think it is important for everyone to know that we are not doing this event to make a ton of money. We are doing this to give the public an opportunity to see a great event and also to give this great champion, Billy Dib, the exposure that he truly deserves here in the US.

“We have a terrific card from top to bottom, including a dynamite co-feature with NABF Junior Middleweight Champion Willie Nelson defending his title against Michael Medina. It is a co-feature that easily could have been a main event on its own, in fact, it was originally, but then we had this great opportunity to put Billy Dib in the main event, defending his world championship live on ESPN and we just couldn’t pass that up. I want to thank Doug Loughrey from ESPN for giving us this opportunity and for working so hard on making this a reality.

“There are an awful lot of haters when you start a new business, especially in the boxing world. No one has laid out a red carpet for Curtis “50 Cent’ Jackson. Everything that he has achieved thus far he has worked to get. I am totally impressed by working with him to see his intellect and how hard he actually works. I only see great things for him in this sport moving forward and just wanted to say it really is an absolute pleasure to work with you and your company.”

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON – “I am excited about Friday night. This has been a great partnership I have formed with Lou (DiBella) and it has just been an amazing process for me. This is the first boxing event that I have been involved with for the entire process, from beginning to end, and it really is going to be a special night for me on Friday night.

“To actually be in Billy’s camp and to see the sacrifices that he makes day in and day out is really something special. It makes you realize really what these fighters go through. It gives you a whole new appreciation for them and for this great sport.

“The level of the actual talent involved in this promotion is exciting for me and excites me for what the future has to hold for me in this sport. I believe by combining the right elements we can bring back that younger demographic to this sport, and that is something we are going to be working on constantly.”

BILLY “THE KID” DIB – “I want to thank everyone who was involved with this promotion. March 1st is going to be a great event. The whole team has worked very hard. This is my second coming. I am coming back here to America to showcase my ability. I am a completely different animal right now and you will see that Friday night. I know Gradovich is going to fight out of his skin, being this is his first world championship opportunity, so I can promise you that this is going to make for fireworks in this fight. We respect Gradovich; we know that he is ready, and these are the type of fights we want.”

EVGENY GRADOVICH – “Thank you for this opportunity, I am very excited. I know that this is going to be a great fight. We trained very hard for this fight, and I know it is going to be a very good fight for everyone involved, especially the fans in attendance and those watching at home on ESPN.”