For more information on ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas visit ESPN Mediazone.
For behind-the-scenes stories and content, visit ESPNFrontRow.com
For photos of ESPN in Las Vegas visit ESPN Images.

#MayPac Predictions from ESPNers

With one day remaining until the biggest fight of a generation, ESPN on-air personalities offered their fight predictions for tomorrow’s welterweight unification title matchup between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Of the 30 picks, 20 selected Mayweather to win, while six picked Pacquiao to win. Four were undecided or felt the fight would end in a draw.

Reminder: ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas continues tonight with live coverage of the weigh-in on a SportsCenter Special (5 p.m. ET, ESPN2). SportsCenter will have live coverage throughout the day tomorrow leading up to a SportsCenter Red Carpet Special (8 p.m., ESPN). Following the fight, a SportsCenter Special will provide fans with analysis, interviews and post-fight reactions (approx. 12 a.m. ESPN).

Picking Mayweather:

Paul Azinger, ESPN golf analyst:
Mayweather goes the distance to win.

Max Bretos, ESPN studio anchor:
Mayweather by unanimous decision. Based on everything I have seen and heard, Mayweather has never been more focused for a fight. After losing to Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, Pac Man has won his last three fights. None of those opponents are anywhere near the quality of “Money.”

Chris Broussard, ESPN NBA Insider:
Mayweather by unanimous decision.

Jonathan Coachman, ESPN Radio host/studio anchor:
There is a reason Floyd Mayweather is undefeated despite all of the out of the ring troubles. My heart is very different than my head here. I believe this fight will go the distance and Mayweather will win a unanimous decision. Floyd just doesn’t knock people out.

Kevin Connors, ESPN anchor:
My heart says Pacquiao – my head says Mayweather. Floyd wins a unanimous decision, as usual, in a fight that fails to live up to the hype. Sorry to be a Grinch, but they’re about five years too late.

Colin Cowherd, ESPN Radio host:
Styles create fights and I think these fighters come together and I fear it could be a pretty pedestrian fight with Mayweather taking the decision.

Robert Flores, SportsCenter co-host:
Mayweather by split decision. Neither one of these fighters have knocked anyone out recently. Mayweather would prefer to use defense and just enough offense to get things done. Pacquiao is fast, and will hit Floyd occasionally, but it won’t be enough to get a decision, much less a knockout.

Brad Gilbert, ESPN Tennis analyst:
Money Mayweather will win easy. Might even be a knockout or like 10-2 in rounds by decision.

Todd Grisham, ESPN Friday Night Fights studio host/anchor:
Anyone expecting an exciting, toe-to-toe thriller on Saturday night is delusional. Yes, Pacquiao can certainly deliver that type of fight but Mayweather has never, and will never. Look back at his 47 wins. They mostly look the same. He pretty much just picks his spots, employs incredible defense and wins on points in less than spine-tingling performance. Same thing happens here. Mayweather by decision.

Chris Hassel, ESPN studio anchor:
Mayweather. Final round KO. With Pacquiao pounding on Mayweather, Justin Bieber distracts the ref when he breaks out into song from his ringside seat while 50 Cent enters the ring and hits Pacquiao, from behind, with a folding chair.

Darren Haynes, ESPN studio anchor:
Mayweather by unanimous decision. Floyd Mayweather is known for his defense. There’s an old saying “Defense Wins Championships” for Floyd Mayweather, his defense is going to win him…A BOAT LOAD OF MONEY!

Doug Kezirian, ESPN studio anchor:
Mayweather by decision. Pacquiao is easier to root for, but he is several years past even having a puncher’s chance in a fight I expect Mayweather to dominate.

Bob Ley, Outside the Lines host, SportsCenter anchor:
Domestic violence consciousness. Unanimous decision.

Juan Manuel Marquez, ESPN Deportes boxing analyst:
My prediction is that Mayweather will win the fight on points.

Patrick McEnroe, ESPN tennis commentator:
Floyd. Unanimous decision.

Bernardo Osuna, ESPN boxing reporter/ESPN Deportes commentator:
My feeling is that this is the fight that Manny Pacquiao can win based on his punching power, hand speed and footwork. The thing is, he’s facing the smartest fighter of his generation who in 47 fights, has proven that he can make in fight adjustments that neutralize his opponents’ strengths. I expect some rocky moments early for Floyd, but anticipate a split decision win for a 48-0 record.

Dr. Jerry Punch, ESPN play-by-play announcer/reporter:
Mayweather in four by KO.

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com senior boxing writer/analyst:
Mayweather wins in 12.

Jorge Eduardo Sánchez, ESPN Deportes commentator:
In my opinion, Floyd Mayweather wins on points.

Marcellus Wiley, SportsNation co-Host, ESPN Radio co-host:
Mayweather wins this fight in an exciting and dominating display of size, savvy, and IQ!

Picking Pacquiao:

Teddy Atlas, ESPN boxing analyst:
Pacquiao by controversial decision.

Allen Bestwick, ESPN play-by-play announcer:
Pacquiao goes the distance, by decision.

John Buccigross, SportsCenter anchor:
Pacquiao. First round. Because it’s my dream and I’ll dream what I want to.

Brian Campbell, ESPN.com boxing writer/analyst:
Pacquiao by split decision.

Dari Nowkhah, SEC Network host:
Pacquiao in a decision. If I were able to choose an outcome, I would choose Manny in a KO 15 seconds into the fight, but I will settle for this.

Reese Waters, SportsCenter fan correspondent:
Pacquiao KO win in the 10th round. Because all the world’s a boxing ring and we are merely betters.

Undecided or Draw:

John Anderson, SportsCenter anchor:
My prediction for the fight – pain. Stolen directly from Clubber Lange (Mr. T) in Rocky III. As for the actually fight…I am one of the few disinterested.

Nigel Collins, ESPN.com boxing and ESPN Friday Night Fights contributor:
I’ve never bought into the opinion that Mayweather would easily outbox Pacquiao. I thought it was a 50-50 fight when the match was first talked about years ago and I still think it’s a 50-50 fight today. If, however, Pacquiao is as aggressive as Marcos Maidana was in his first fight with Mayweather, I can see Manny prevailing a competitive contest. He’s much faster than Maidana and significantly more accurate with his punches, which would allow him to outwork Floyd and win a close decision.

Darren Rovell, ESPN sports business reporter:
My prediction? Three million pay-per-view buys: Even though it’s at a record breaking price of $99.95, $20 more than the previous high, this is a fight that people just have to see. They’ll get to this number despite bars and illegal streams. This will double the previous pay-per-view revenue record of $150 million (Mayweather-Canelo, 2013).

Joe Tessitore, ESPN Friday Night Fights blow-by-blow commentator, in Las Vegas anchoring coverage for SportsCenter:
I am predicting a “majority draw.” If Manny fights his best fight I think this will be a very difficult fight for the judges to score. I can see some judges giving rounds to Manny based on being more the aggressor and his volume of punches against Floyd. Then others will favor Floyd’s effective counter punching and controlled moments. I predict scores of — 115-113 Mayweather, 114-114, 114-114.

ESPN The Magazine’s “Fight for Perfection” issue hits newsstands today, featuring Floyd Mayweather on the cover, with a profile written by senior writer Tim Keown. This third installment of the Keown on Mayweather series in The Mag [following the Money Issue in 2012 and the Fight Issue in 2013], examines Mayweather as he prepares for the pinnacle of his career, and its end.

The feature includes an overall preview of tomorrow night’s bout versus Manny Pacquiao. In addition, there’s an all-access photo story of Pacquiao written by The Mag’s Pablo Torre. Keown provided insight to ESPN FrontRow.com on his latest story with Mayweather. Read Full Q&A

ESPN All-in from Las Vegas for Mayweather Pacquiao

· For more information on ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas visit ESPN Mediazone.

· For behind-the-scenes stories and content, visit ESPNFrontRow.com

· For photos of ESPN in Las Vegas visit ESPN Images.

Klara Svenson (15-0, 5 KOs) and her opponent Erica Anabella Farias (21-1, 10 KOs) both made weight today ahead of their WBC Female World Light Welterweight Championship fight tomorrow night at the Frederiksberg Hallerne in Copenhagen.

WBC Female World Light Welterweight Championship:
Klara Svensson: 62.8 kg
Erica Anabella Farias: 62.4 kg

In a co-featured main event Danish boxing star Patrick Nielsen (24-1, 12 KOs) faces former world title challenger Ruben Eduardo Acosta (30-11-5, 10 KOs) in a ten-round super middleweight contest.

Super Middleweight – 10 Rounds:
Patrick Nielsen: 79 kg
Ruben Eduardo Acosta: 79 kg

A further seven undercard fights are scheduled for an action-packed Nordic Fight Night show in the Danish capital. A full list of weights can be found below:

Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Abdul Khattab: 72.6 kg
Howard Cospolite: 72 kg

Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Oscar Ahlin: 75,5 kg
Bernard Donfack: 75.5 kg

Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:
Otto Wallin: 106 kg
Beka Lobjanidze: 102.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 10 Rounds:
Tim-Robin Lihaug: 76.3 kg
Istvan Zeller: 75.4 kg

Light Heavyweight – 6 Rounds:
Alexander Hagen: 79.3 kg
Olegs Fedotovs: 77.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Simen Smaadal: 75.8 kg
Volodymyr Borovskyy: 74 kg

Lightweight – 6 Rounds:
Rashid Kassem: 63kg
Anto Nakic: 61kg

Team Sauerland in association with Betsafe presents the ‘Nordic Fight Night – Going For Gold’ on May 2 at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne in Copenhagen. The event will be broadcast live on Viasat channels across Scandinavia. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk. Visit betsafe.com for the latest betting odds.

Growing up in the 1970s, young Evander Holyfield fell in love with boxing – in part – by watching ABC’s telecasts of professional and Olympic bouts.

Even as Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas gives boxing its biggest showcase in years, “The Real Deal” believes television remains crucial to the sport’s future.

Holyfield appreciates not only ESPN’s links to ABC’s boxing coverage legacy but also the network’s franchise series Friday Night Fights – “it’s good for the boxing game” – and ESPN Classic. Many of Holyfield’s bouts from his 1990s heyday have been Classic staples, including his 1991 fight with George Foreman. Read full story on ESPNFrontRow.com.

ESPN All-in from Las Vegas for Mayweather Pacquiao

· For more information on ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas visit ESPN Mediazone.

· For behind-the-scenes stories and content, visit ESPNFrontRow.com

· For photos of ESPN in Las Vegas visit ESPN Images.

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko, their opponents and non-televised fighters participated Thursday in the undercard final press conference before their respective fights taking place this Saturday, May 2, live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

In pay-per-view fights before Floyd “Money” Mayweather meets Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in their epic welterweight championship unificiation showdown, the Mexican star Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) will take on fellow Mexican countryman Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight contest and Ukraine’s Lomachenko (3-1, 1 KO) will defend against Puerto Rico’s Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).

The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

Also appearing at the press conference were boxers fighting on the non-televised portion of the card: Promising unbeaten Chris “Young King” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs), who meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout; hard-hitting Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs), who’ll face fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles, power-punching Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs), who will be opposed by Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in a cruiserweight eight-rounder and undefeated super middleweight Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who meets Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round scrap.

Here is what the fighters and executives said Thursday at the Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand:

LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m more than excited to be on this undercard. This is the biggest card I could have been on. I want to show the whole world who I am.

“I prepared very hard for this fight, like I always do. It’s going to be a historic night and I’m happy to be a part of that history.

“I know that everybody is here for Mayweather and Pacquiao but there will still be millions seeing me fight and I want to show them who Leo Santa Cruz is so that I can get a lot more fans.

“”I’m still young and there are many more fights to come. The fights the fans want, we’re going to give it to them. I know those fights are going to happen.

“I want to look spectacular and I want to get Cayetano out of there really fast. Sometimes these kind of fighters are the ones who give you the hardest fights because they come hungrier and have nothing to lose.

“Seeing my family here and having them in the arena on fight night is a huge motivation for me. I feel happier and more relaxed and I’m ready.

“I never underestimate a fighter. Any fighter in the ring is dangerous. I hope that Cayetano is ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”

JOSE CAYETANO
“I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a strong, difficult fighter but he also has weaknesses and that is what we prepared for, to give him a surprise.

“I’m a man that takes challenges and I’ve been preparing very hard, I’m always prepared for these types of fights. I’m very prepared and I feel very strongly that I will win.

“I came here for the opportunity to beat Leo Santa Cruz and for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event that is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.

“I’m very happy and very grateful and very excited to get into the ring. It’s a huge commitment, the entire world will be watching me but that is why I accepted the fight, I know that if I beat him, bigger and better opportunities will come my way.

“I’m not nervous because it’s not the first time that I’ve faced a tough opponent. I’ve never faced a world champion but I’ve faced opponents that throw hard punches, so I’m not nervous, I’m excited.”

VASYL LOMACHENKO
“This is an opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and for millions of viewers to see that I can do it.

“The best fighters get the best opportunities in the ring, there are a lot of great fighters getting those opportunities including myself.

“It’s always a good feeling when people are saying good things about you.

“I’m very excited to be involved in a bout such as this one, May 2 will be a big show shown around the world. I’m very happy to be in the opening bout for this huge fight.”

GAMALIER RODRIGUEZ
“I’m looking forward to this big fight on Saturday. It’s a blessing to participate in this type of press conference and come Saturday, I will win! I’m sure of it. I will be champion.

“All of the attention toward Vasyl Lomachenko gives me motivation. I’ve been a fighter and a boxer since I was young and it’s added motivation to come out on top this weekend.

“I know that Lomachenko is a good and technical fighter but it doesn’t compare to my hunger and drive to be world champion.

“I wanted to take the opportunity during my speech at the press conference to let everyone know that I can here to fight. It’s going to be a hard fought battle and I’m very confident that I’ll win and become the champion this Saturday.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“I am so excited to be here today to discuss the great undercard which will be the lead-in to our long awaited, history making event taking place this Saturday night.

“The lead-in fight for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a very exciting fight featuring Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Cayetano.

“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the classiest gentleman in the sport. He’s a very fan-friendly fighter and a Mexican warrior. He represents Mexico very well.”

BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank
“I know that every fighter deems it a tremendous honor to be part of this great event. We hope and believe that we will be presenting to the public through Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, the best of boxing and the best fighters.

“Vasyl Lomachenko is considered to be the greatest amateur fighter of all time. Now, he looks for the same type of success he had as an amateur in the professional ranks. But this will be a very competitive fight, because Gamalier Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican who comes to fight and believes that he can upset Vasyl.

“A lot of the young men up here believe they are the next big thing in boxing, and many will be. But I know that Vasyl Lomachenko will be a big superstar in the sport of boxing.”
* * *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions –Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it.

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

LOS ANGELES (April 30) – Kicking off the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Philadelphia’s Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter will return to the ring on Friday, May 22 to headline Golden Boy Live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. Hunter is scheduled to fight in a 10-round super welterweight bout against an opponent to be announced shortly. In the televised co-main event, Southern California native and unbeaten featherweight Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez will face a yet to be named opponent in a 10-round bout. Tickets for the May 22 event will go on sale today, Thursday, April 30.

In addition, former IBA and WBC World Champion Mia “The Knockout” St. John will host special meet and greet at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center prior to the bouts from 6:00 pm to 7:00 p.m.

“Golden Boy Promotions returns to its home at Fantasy Springs May 22 for another stellar night showcasing some of the best talent in boxing today,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Hunter is a seasoned fighter in the ring with 23 fights under his belt while Lopez is going to thirst for the win after a draw in his last fight, which was also at Fantasy Springs in March. This match up will be one the fans won’t want to miss.”

Finally on track to fulfilling the potential so many saw in him, 28-year-old Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter (20-3, 10 KOs) was an alternate on the 2004 United States Olympic team who fought through the ups and downs of the fight game and is now looking to get in the title picture in 2015. Winner of five of his last six bouts, including three straight, the Philadelphia native defeated highly-regarded Rene Alvarado in January and he wants to keep the momentum going on May 22.

La Puente, California’s Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (17-0-1, 12 KOs) may have suffered a draw against Juan Carlos Martinez in his last appearance at Fantasy Springs in March, but the talented 27-year-old promises to take matters into his own hands this May. To do so, he plans on showing off the knockout power that has led him to 10 knockout wins in three rounds or less once more in front of his Southern California fans.

The May 22 memorial weekend kickoff event features Eric Hunter in a 10-round featherweight bout and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! 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 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale today, Thursday, April 30 and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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

LOS ANGELES (April 30) – Golden Boy Promotions will bring another night of electrifying fights back to the beautiful Belasco Theater on Thursday, May 7 in the highly anticipated third installment of its monthly hit series LA FIGHT CLUB, live on FOX Sports 1 and airing on May 8 on FOX Deportes. In the main event of the night, Manuel “Tino” Avlia (16-0, 7 KOs) will take on Mexican-American fighter Erik Ruiz (13-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout. Ruiz will replace previously announced main event fighter Rolly Lunas, who had to withdraw from the fight due to a severe injury.

Set to make his LA FIGHT CLUB debut, promising undefeated fighter Diego De La Hoya (9-0, 6 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico will take on fellow Mexican Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles (12-2-1, 6 KOs) of Guanajuato, in what is sure to be a high intensity eight-round featherweight co-main event. Colombian native and current Angeleno Oscar “El Jagura” Negrete (8-0, 3 KOs) will look to defend his current undefeated status against seasoned fighter Luis “Titi” Maldonado Jr. (38-13-1, 29 KOs) from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico in a televised six-round super bantamweight match up.

Hailing from the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, fan favorite and rising star Nick Arce (2-0, 1 KO) and Texan Marco Alcaraz (0-5) will fight for airtime in a four-round featherweight swing bout. Returning to LA FIGHT CLUB after a victory in the premiere edition, Los Angeles’ own Jesus Delgado (4-0-1, 1 KOs) will face Benjamin Vinson (1-2, 1 KO) of Nogales, Arizona in a non-televised four-round lightweight battle.

The undefeated Emilio Sanchez (7-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles will take on a yet-to-be announced opponent in a six-round super bantamweight bout, and making his professional debut, 18-year old amateur standout Miguel Alcantara of East Los Angeles will facea yet-to-be announced opponentin a four-round bantamweight fight. Newcomer Zachary Cooper (2-0-2, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will take on Diego Padilla of Los Angeles, also making his professional debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

The undefeated Manuel “Tino” Avila has taken the local boxing scene by storm since his professional debut at Fight Night Club at Club Nokia in Los Angeles in 2010. Avila’s last bout in Los Angeles was decision win against David Reyes on the undercard for Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson at Staples Center in October 2011. 2014 was a busy year for Avila, as he took on and defeated Enrique Quevedo, David De La Mora, and Sergio Frias.

Erik Ruiz made an impressive professional debut on June 3, 2011 knocking out veteran Shaun Solomon in Woodland Hills. Hailing from Oxnard, the 24-year-old has racked up wins over Jonathan Alcantara, Brandon Gushiken, and Victor Raul Capaceta in 2014. Ruiz will make his second appearance of 2015 fighting against the undefeated Manuel Avila.

Fighting out of the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, 18-year-old featherweight Nick Arce is a former amateur standout who entered the professional boxing world in style in November of 2014 with a fourth round knockout of Adalbert Valenzuela. Since then the Los Angeles favorite has fought Lyonell Kelly on Feb. 27 winning by second round knockout.

Marco Alcaraz, of Greenville, Texas, made his professional boxing debut taking on Francisco Cruz in Fort Worth Texas on September 20, 2014. Facing such tough opponents as Edgar Alarcon and Frankie Agnew in 2014 and Luis Guevara and Fernando Garcia in 2015, the 39-year old will take on undefeated Nick Arce on May 7 at LA FIGHT CLUB.

Diego De La Hoya has kept fans thrilled with his impressive skills in the ring since making his professional debut in 2013. Fighting with power, the Mexicali, Mexico native has stayed busy in 2015 with an impressive victory over title contender Manuel Roman at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in February. The 20-year-old fighter is looking to excite fans once again and keep his undefeated status when he makes his LA FIGHT CLUB debut at The Belasco Theater.

Hailing for Guanajuato, Mexico, the hard-hitting Ramiro Robles made his professional debut at the young age of 17, triumphing over Carlos Hernandez Mejia in Queretaro, Mexico. Robles worked to establish an impressive record of 12 wins since his debut. On July 9, 2014, Robles made his U.S. debut against undefeated Joseph Diaz Jr., ultimately losing after a grueling ten rounds. Robles will make his LA FIGHT CLUB debut in his first fight of 2015 against Diego De La Hoya.

Undefeated super bantamweight star Oscar Negrete of Los Angeles will get in the ring eager to continue his winning streak and maintain his undefeated status on May 7. 2014 was a good year for Negrete as he secured wins over Carlos Medina, Gabriel Braxton and Salvador Perez. Negrete has stayed active thus far in 2015 winning via decision against Fernando Fuentes at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in this past February.

LA FIGHT CLUB will mark the first fight of 2015 for seasoned boxer Luis Maldonado Jr. Maldonado Jr. made his professional debut against Daniel Navarete on April 17, 1998 in his hometown of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The veteran has been fighting consistently since his debut. He most recently took on Joseph Diaz Jr. on April 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and Roy Tapia on November 13 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. in 2014.

Jesus Delgado made a stand-out appearance at premiere event of LA FIGHT CLUB on March 6, dominating Rocco Espinozain all four-rounds, releasing relentless powerful punches to win the bout by unanimous decision. Since his professional debut in January 2014, Delgado has stayed local, building up his name and reputation on the Southern California boxing circuit and will continue this quest on May 7.

Benjamin Vinson of Tugard, Oregon, takes on Jesus Delgado in his fourth professional fight at LA FIGHT CLUB. Previously, the 28-year old has faced Andres Reyes in 2015 and Jeff Hatton and Jeremy McCleary in 2014 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Making his professional debut in 2013, Los Angeles undefeated featherweight Emilio Sanchez can do it all in the ring. Sanchez won his first three bouts via first-round knockouts and has continued to impress with 2014 victories over Jonathan Ramos and Juan Alvarado. The young but experienced fighter triumphed over Luis Cosme at the March 6 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB at The Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

18-year old, Miguel Alcantara of East Los Angeles will be making his professional debut at The Belasco Theater. With an amateur record of 68-12, the Desert Showdown and Silver Gloves winner is ready to give fan a great show on May 7.

Undefeated 29-year old, Zachary Cooper, hailing from Seattle, Washington and fighting out of Las Vegas is set to make his LA Fight Club debut. The up-and-coming boxer defeated his first two opponents, Rafael Umarov and John Solis, at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma in 2013. His appearance on May 7 will mark his first bout of 2015 when he faces Diego Padilla of Los Angeles who will be making his professional debut.

Tickets for the May 7 LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale now and start at $20. Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.goldenboypromotions.com or by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page. For ticket information, email us at LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.

The Knockout Experience VIP package is also available for an additional $25 upgrade and includes VIP entrance, access to an exclusive lounge offering food and beverages for purchase; a meet and greet opportunity with fighters and celebrities attending the event; an automatic entry into the LA FIGHT CLUB grand prize drawing, which can include but is not limited to: autograph gloves, picture in the ring, backstage access, tour of locker rooms, fighter ring walk, tickets to upcoming boxing events and additional merchandise and prizes.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Avila vs. Ruiz is a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 broadcast will air live, Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT and the FOX Deportes broadcast airs on Friday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

The LA FIGHT CLUB is a monthly boxingseries that takes place on the first Thursday of each month with the next installment set to air on June 4. It will showcase the brightest stars in the sport and present these exciting matchups in a nightclub atmosphere with an original setup. The boxing ring will be set on the main floor of the Belasco Theater with on-camera standing room for fans in front of the ring similar to a concert pit, as well as reserved balcony and floor seats. Los Angeles’ own DJ Ray of Big Boy’s Neighborhood will spin music during the fights and fans will be able to dance and mingle with the fighters when the venue converts into a night club, in a VIP experience not matched by any promoter in the industry.

Media interested in attending the May 7 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@goldenboypromotions.com by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @FoxSports, @FoxSports1, @FoxDeportes, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @belascola and follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB.

It was bitter sweet for Ray Beltran as he scored a 2nd round stoppage over former two-time world champion Takahiro Ao in a Lightweight bout at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In round two, Beltran landed a crushing right that sent Ao to the canvas. Beltran jumped on Ao and landed vicious power shots with both hands and referee Tony Weeks stopped the bout at 1:29 of round two.

The bout was for the vacant WBO Lightweight title but Beltran weighed in over the 135 pound limit at Thursday’s weigh in therefore Ao was only eligible to win the title.

Beltran, 135.4 lbs of Los Moschis, MX is now 30-7-1 with 18 knockouts. AO, 134 3/4 lbs of Tokyo, Japan is now 27-4-1.

Konstantin Ponomarev scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Mikael Zewski and in the process won the NABF Welterweight title in a battle of undefeated Welterweights.

Zewski’s left eye started to swell in round four.

Ponomarev, 146.6 lbs of Russia won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 28-0. Zewski, 146.8 lbs of Quebec, Canada is 26-1.

Vic Pasillas remained undefeated by scoring a 4-round unanimous decision over Marcello Gallardo in a Featherweight bout

Pasillas, 122.8 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 10-0. Gallardo, 123.8 lbs of Renton, WA is now 5-2-2.

Alfonso Olivera spoiled the pro debut of Abraham Lopez by winning a 4-round majority decision in a Super Lightweight bout.

Olivera, 139 lbs won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 and is now 3-1.

2012 Olympic Gold medal winner Egor Mekhontsev won an 8-round unanimous decision over Kakim Zoulikha in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Mekhontsvsev, 174 1/2 lbs of Russia fough through a cut under his left eye that he suffered but still won by scores of 80-72 on all cards to raise his perfect mark to 9-0. Zoukikha, 174 lbs is now 21-6.

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2015) – Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Freddie Roach, trainers for Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, respectively, met with the media this morning to discuss Saturday’s welterweight championship showdown between Mayweather and Pacquiao live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

In a boxing matchup that has stirred the interest and emotions of sports fans around the world, the undefeated and universally recognized No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs), an 11-time world champion in five weight classes, will take on Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the fighting pride of the Philippines and only boxer to capture world titles in eight weight classes, in a 12-round welterweight world championship unification fight.

The “MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO” three-fight pay-per-view telecast is co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

Catch “Weigh In Live: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao”, tomorrow at 6 pm ET/3 p.m. PT on both SHOWTIME and HBO.

Flash quotes from Floyd Sr. and Roach on Thursday at the MGM Grand:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR.
“To be honest with you, it’s not going to be much of a fight.

“This fight has already been won. We can beat Manny any day, any time, any year, any moment.

“Manny’s best performance was when he got knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez.

“I think it’s best for Floyd to choose what he wants to do at the end of the year. I think he should retire, because if he sticks around, somebody is going to get you sooner or later.”

FREDDIE ROACH
“We’ve have trained so hard for this fight. This fight has two of the best fighters fighting each other.

“I’ve been training Manny for this fight for five years. We know all about him, we have covered all the bases. I think we have the winning formula to win this fight.

“If we were to lose to an undefeated fighter like this, there’s no shame in that.

“Floyd’s a good fighter, but he has picked his opponents. I don’t think he picked Manny. I think he was forced to take this fight.

“Manny was down to 143 pounds yesterday, so I told him to eat a good meal and then we will do a light workout later today. Tomorrow he will have breakfast in the morning and then get on the scale.”

* * *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions –Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it.

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Ray Beltran missed weight by .4 pounds for his Friday showdown against Takahiro Ao in Las Vegas.

Beltran can not win WBO Lightweight title.

Lightweights Mercito Gesta and Carlos Molina battled to A split draw in a 10-round bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Scores were 98-92 Molina, 96-94 Gesta and 95-95.

Molina, 139 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA is now 17-2-2. Gesta, 136 1/2 lbs of San Diego is now 28-1-2.

Jeffrey Fontanez scored a 1st round destruction over Jose Hernandez in a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout.

Fontanez dropped Hernandez hard in round one from a crushing left, Fontanez jumped all over Hernandez and dropped Hernandez for a 2nd time and the fight was stopped at 1:43 of round one.

Fontanez, 135.5 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 15-1 with 12 knockouts. Hernandez, 135.75 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is now 15-10-1.

Jason Quigkey kept his perfect knockout streak in tact as he scored a 2nd round stoppage over Joshua Snyder in a scheduled 4-round Super Middleweight bout.

Quigley landed a left hook and straight combination hat put Snyder down and out at 44 seconds of round two.

Quigley, 161.5 lbs of Donegal, Ireland is 6-0 with 6 knockouts. Snyder, 160.5 lbs of York, PA is now 9-12-1.

Rafael Gramajo scored a 1st round stoppage over Luis Cosme in a scheduled 4-round Super Bantamweight bout.

Gramajo landed a thirteen unanswered punches that put Cosme down and the fight was stopped at 1:07 of round one.

Gramajo, 121.75 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 3-1 with 2 knockouts. Cosme, 121.5 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 8-7-1.

Yamaguchi Falcao won a 8-round unanimous decision over Gerardo Ibarra in a Middleweight bout.

Scores were 78-74 on all cards for Falcao, 161 1/4 lbs of Brazil and is now 6-0. Ibarra, 161 1/2 lbs is now 14-3.

Former world champion Ishe Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision in a Jr. Middleweight bout over Cecil McCalla at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas.

In round two, Smith Rocked McCalla with a hard right. Smith opened up but the bell rang to end the round.

Smith, 155.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 27-7. McCalla, 154.6 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 20-2.

Ashley Theophane hung on to win a 10-round split decision over Mahonri Montes in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

In round eight, Montes showed the effects of Theophane’s jab as he was bruised on the right side of his face. In the last thirty seconds of the fight, Montes landed a perfect right hand that sent Theophane to the canvas.

Theophane, 143 lbs of Las Vegas won on two cards 96-93 and is now 38-4-1. Montes, 142.8 lbs of Los Mochis, MX took a card 96-93 but he falls to 29-5-1.

New York, NY / Hartford, CT (4/30/15) – On Friday, May 15th, 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal Promotions, will present that week’s exciting addition of ESPN Friday Night Fights.Headlining the card will be undefeated Puerto Rican lightweight Reynaldo Ojeda (16-0, 9KO’s) taking on longtime contender Monty Meza Clay (36-4, 22KO’s) in the 10-round main event.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, Connecticut’s own fast-rising and world-rated contender Luis Rosa (19-0, 9KO’s) will put his undefeated record and world rating on the line an eight-round super bantamweight matchup. An opponent for Rosa will be announced very shortly.

“I’m excited to once again bring another fantastic night of boxing to Connecticut. Lou DiBella and I have put on some great events and I’m looking forward to co-promoting with him again,” said 50.

“In what promises to be a tremendous action-packed main event, Meza Clay will certainly provide a stern test for the up-and-coming undefeated Puerto Rican star Reynaldo Ojeda,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We will also have a stacked undercard to highlight the evening, and I look forward to promoting this event along with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s SMS Promotions, in association with Universal Promotions.”

“This is our final Friday Night Fights that required matchmaking-given that our last fight is the Boxcino Final on May 22-so we wanted to send it off by doing what we’ve done countless times before,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “ESPN has a long history of identifying future stars with this series and Rey Ojeda certainly fits that bill. Conversely, Friday Night Fights has also had its share of delivering future stars their first losses and Monty Meza Clay is just the guy to do it in what promises to be an action fight.”

The college graduate Ojeda, co-promoted by Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, was a two-time national champion as an amateur before turning pro in 2009. Ojeda took some time away from the sport at the end of 2009 to pursue his degree, before returning in 2011. The bout on May 15th will be the talented 26-year-old’s first time under the bright lights of national TV, and he is looking to impress against the very dangerous and much more experienced Meza Clay.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to fight on ESPN,” said Ojeda. “I appreciate the work of my promoters Javier Bustillo, Lou DiBella, my manager Margaro Cruz and my adviser Al Haymon. I know I’ll have a tough test, but I’m ready to show the world that my name is on the list of the top fighters in my division. On Friday, May 15, on ESPN, the boxing world will witness that the grade is given by the teacher.”

The bout against Ojeda is a must-win for Meza Clay. Unlike his opponent, the 34-year-old Philadelphian has been featured a number of times throughout his near 13-year career in the national spotlight. Clay is coming off a decision loss to the world-rated Rod Salka in his most recent outing, but had won eight consecutive bouts before that. Meza Clay knows that if he is going to make another run at competing for a world title, he has to get by Ojeda.

“It’s game time,” said Meza Clay. “I’ve been working hard in training camp and I’m already on weight. This is the best I’ve been prepared for a fight in a long time. I’m coming to make a statement. I know Ojeda’s an undefeated fighter, but I’m focused and fully confident in my game plan. A win here will help get me closer to a title shot.”

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $100, $65 and $35 (plus applicable taxes). Tickets can be purchased by by calling 1 (860) 728-2624 or 1 (203) 627-7472 or by visiting www.ctconventions.com Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

PHOENIX, AZ (April 30, 2015) — Phoenix’s favorite son is coming home — to defend his world title. Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super lightweight world champion JOSE BENAVIDEZ, JR. will be making his first title defense, against Mexican buzz saw JORGE “Maromerito” PAEZ, JR., Saturday, May 15 at US Airways Center. The world championship battle will be televised live on “The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV” at 10:00 p.m. ET. The live telecast will open with undefeated Top-10 contender ANTONIO “Relentless” OROZCO in a 10-round super lightweight rumble with power-punching EMMANUEL “The Tranzforma” TAYLOR.

The four warriors boast a combined record of 98-8-2 (65 KOs) — a winning ratio of 91% with two-thirds of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, tickets to the Benavidez vs. Paez / Orozco vs. Taylor world championship event, priced at $100, $75, $60, $40 and $20, may be purchased online at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.USAirwaysCenter.com. To charge by phone call 1-800-745-3000.

“The Valley of the Sun will play host to one of its favorite sons as Jose Benavidez returns as World Champion to his hometown to face the son of a legend, and world-ranked contender, Jorge Paez, Jr., where his father made a great name for himself on so many occasions,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “All fans at US Airways Center or watching on truTV will be in for an exciting evening of boxing.”

Benavidez (22-0, 15 KOs), from Phoenix, will be making his 2015 debut as a world champion. He won the title in his last fight, which took place on December 13 in Las Vegas, winning a unanimous decision over defending champion Mauricio Herrera. A sensational amateur prospect, winning a Gold Medal at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Championships at the age of 16, the youngest fighter to ever win the National Golden Gloves Championships. He turned professional one year later, at age 17, where he became the youngest professional boxer to be licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He was granted an exception (the minimum age requirement was 18) because of his exceptional talent. After spending most of 2013 sidelined with a broken hand he came back to win all four of his 2014 fights decisively, including a first-round TKO of Henry Auraad on July 26 and his world title victory over Herrera in December.

Paez (38-5-2, 23 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is the son and namesake of “The Clown Prince of Boxing” Jorge “Maromero” Paez, one of the most popular Mexican world champions. He is 11-1-1 in his last 13 fights, which includes impressive victories against Charlie Navarro and two against Omar Chávez, son of International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Julio César Chávez. He returns to the ring fresh from a February 21 fourth round knockout victory of once-beaten Ronald Montes and world-rated No. 10 by the WBA.

Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs), a native of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico who fights out of San Diego, has won seven of his last nine bouts by knockout. Impressive victories over former world champion Stevie Forbes and seasoned veterans Martin Honorio, Ivan Hernandez and Miguel Huerta have propelled Orozco to No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) junior welterweight world ratings.

Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs), of Edgewood Arsenal, MD, returns to the ring with two of his last three victories coming by way of knockout, including No. 4-wold-rated contender Victor Cayo, once-defeated Raymond Serrano and highly-touted Karim Mayfield. Carrying dangerous power in both fists, Taylor has also recently gone the distance against former world champions Adrien Broner and Chris Algieri in nationally-televised bouts.

About US Airways Center
US Airways Center, home to the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and Arizona Rattlers (AFL), hosts nearly 200 events annually. The 19,000 seat venue treats more than two million guests each year to sporting events, concerts, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice shows, other family shows, and conventions. More information about US Airways Center can be found by logging on to www.usairwayscenter.com

Klara Svensson (15-0, 5 KOs) feels she is in optimum condition ahead of her WBC Female World Light Welterweight title challenge against Erica Anabella Farias (21-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne in Copenhagen.

The Swedish boxing star, who has compared herself to an Italian supercar, believes the additional work she has done in the gym will make all the difference once she enters the ring.

‘’At this stage in my training, I’m feeling better than ever,’’ announces Svensson. “Last year, I was in great shape for my fights, but in between I often felt like a broken car. Now, I feel like a Ferrari, and I can’t wait to cross the finish line as a world champion.”

The 27 year-old has credited a focus on alternative training methods for the upturn in her physical condition. ‘’I’ve been doing a lot of different work – stretching, pilates and even Tai Chi,’’ said Svensson. ‘’My balance and fitness has improved, and my energy levels have gone through the roof!’’

Coach Joey Gamache has witnessed these improvements first hand in the Malmo-boxer’s training sessions. “Klara has always entered the gym with an incredible hunger and ambition, but I’ve never seen her bring so much power and energy,’’ said the renowned America coach. ‘’It’s really inspiring to watch her!’’

Now only days away from her first world title challenge, ‘The Swedish Princess’ is leaving nothing to chance. “I don’t take anything for granted,’’ said Svenssson. ‘’I’m going over every little detail. I’ve never been so focused.’’

Team Sauerland in association with Betsafe presents the ‘Nordic Fight Night – Going For Gold’ on May 2 at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne in Copenhagen. The event will be broadcast live in Sweden on TV10 and Viaplay.se. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk. Visit betsafe.com for the latest betting odds.