LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2014) – Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions hosted the final press conference at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles Thursday for Saturday’s stacked 10-fight card at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The first live bout is at 2 p.m. PT.

In the main event of a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., returns from a 13-month layoff to face offensive-minded, hard-hitting Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Sapporo, Japan, in a 12-round welterweight bout.

The co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a clash of exciting southpaws, undefeated yet untested Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., against perhaps the most prolific amateur boxer of all-time, Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), of Ukraine, in a 12-rounder for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Championship. The telecast will open with former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, facing the always-dangerous Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight match.

Former light heavyweight world champion, “Bad Chad” Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., makes his first start in 12 months when he takes on George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-5, 16 KOs), of Indianapolis, Ind., in the featured bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a battle of U.S. Olympians in the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (10-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, makes his 10-round debut when he takes on 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin “Devastatin'” Vargas (18-3, 7 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio.

In non-televised fights: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (8-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, makes his debut for GBP against Michael Grenga (15-14, 15 KOs), Lagos, Nigeria, 6 rounds, light heavyweights; Sharif Bogere (24-1, 16 KOs), Las Vegas, Nev., faces a foe to be announced, 8 rounds, lightweights; Michael Hunter (4-0, 3 KOs), Van Nuys, Calif., takes on Jerry Forrest (7-1, 6 KOs), Lafayette, La., 8 rounds, heavyweights; the brother of Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Fabian Maidana (pro debut), Santa Fe, Arg., clashes with Alejandro Arteaga (3-8, 1 KO), Bakersfield, Calif., 4 rounds, welterweights; and Marcos Hernandez (1-0), Fresno, Calif., vs. Dante Spinks (0-4), San Diego, Calif., 4 rounds, super welterweights.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available
online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office
(Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-
8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

Below is what the fighters and Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, said at Thursday’s press conference:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I want to thank God for the blessings he’s blessed me with and my entire management team. It’s been a year and it’s time to get back in the ring. Since teaming with CrossFit, I’ve been doing so many different types of exercise and I feel great.

“I want to thank Kamegai for coming out here from Japan. I’ve seen film on him and he likes to brawl and bang it out and I am the same type of fighter so it will be a very exciting match for both me and the fans who will be watching. I can’t wait for Saturday.”

YOSHIHRO KAMEGAI

“My weight is no problem and I’m ready to go. I’m here to make a name for myself. I know that people have problems pronouncing my name (“kah may guy”) so I want to make a great impact in this fight so they will learn to say it.

“Outside the ring I have the utmost respect for Guerrero. But inside, it’s all business. This is will be a good fight, a hard fight and my opportunity to become a mainstay in the fight game.

“I plan on putting on a very exciting show on Saturday.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“It’s actually a little funny standing here getting ready to compete for a world title based on the fact that I was never a fighter that said I wanted to be a world champion until I was on the U.S. Olympic team.

“I was one of the favorites to medal (in the Olympics) and to not be able to compete was devastating. The only way that I could make it up to my fans and family was to become a world champion, plain and simple.

“In this situation I get the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. My competitor fought in the Olympics and I can also become a world champion on this card. I can become a world champion on Saturday as well as beating an Olympian. It’s the best of both worlds.”

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“I want to thank everyone in my training camp and everyone who helped prepare me for the fight and my friends and family who are in Ukraine supporting me.

“I think it will be a very good fight on Saturday and I am looking forward to proving that I can win the featherweight title.”

DEVON ALEXANDER

“I want to thank my creator, without him I wouldn’t be here. I would also like to thank Golden Boy, Oscar, everyone involved.

“This is a statement fight for me. I belong on top and I want to be on top. I have beaten some tough guys out there and on Saturday night I want to prove to you that I am the best. I plan on making a statement in the welterweight division and I look forward to the opportunity to show the world what I am capable of.”

JESUS SOTO KARASS

“Los Angeles is my second home. Coming off a loss against (interim WBA welterweight world champion) Keith Thurman, I want to come back and be impressive against Devon Alexander. He is fast, strong and has good foot speed, but I am ready to go.

“I am already at the contracted weight and I want to show the fans that I can come back and win. I have a mentality that I don’t care and that I just want to win and show that I am capable of getting the victory.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I definitely feel that I am improving and prepared to fight my first 10-round fight. In camp, we picked up the cardio and conditioning, but we really haven’t changed a whole lot.

“My last fight went eight rounds and it was the first time I’d gone the distance. But I always prepare to go the distance and for this fight I’m ready to go 10 hard rounds. But I’m really determined and always looking for the knockout.

“It’s an honor fighting a fellow U.S. Olympian, but at the end there is only one winner and I want the referee to raise my hand. I look forward to exposing him and proving no doubt that I am better.”

DEVIN VARGAS

“I’m looking forward to this fight and want to thank all those involved for making it happen. This is a big fight for me, for both of us. He may be undefeated but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

“We’ll find out who is best on Saturday. But I’m confident and ready to go all-out to win.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY

“I don’t change for my opponents so I will keep my same style. I was able to get into the gym right after my last fight because it only lasted for 23 seconds.

“I was able to watch a few videos on my opponent but I don’t know much about him. I won’t give anything away on my style of fighting, but I will fight to the best of my abilities.

“I am ready for all six rounds for this fight if it goes that long, but at this time I won’t know what the outcome will be. All I can do is prepare to the best of my ability.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“Our SHOWTIME EXTREME fights have always been highly competitive. It is one thing we at Golden Boy and SHOWTIME pride ourselves on. We want to consistently present the most competitive fights in the boxing business today.

“Chad Dawson is a great fighter who is back with a vengeance, looking to make a statement against a tough fighter in George Blades. For us, we look at this fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME as a great appetizer to the main course, which will also be very exciting.

“Guerrero is back, he’s stronger, he’s faster. The new team that he is working with at CrossFit will make a huge difference coming off the biggest fight of his career against Floyd Mayweather.

“That type of fight will elevate your game to a new level. We are looking forward to Saturday and witnessing a very much new and improved Robert Guerrero.

“All our matchups Saturday are exciting from top to bottom. We have an unbelievable history of staging fight-of-the-year candidates at StubHub. If you’re a boxing fan and you love action-packed, competitive fights, the StubHub Center on Saturday will be a good place to be.”

# # #

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is a 12-round fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by
Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a
12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and in the opener Devon Alexander
will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up. It will take place at
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air as the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main
event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio
programming (SAP).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/StubHubCenter, www.twitter.com/GhostBoxing, www.twitter.com/MrGaryRussellJr, www.twitter.com/VasylLomachenko and www.twitter.com/TheRealDevonA, follow the conversation using #GuerreroKamegai or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/StubHubCenter.

Chicago, IL (June 19, 2014) A stacked card of action packed professional boxing is planned this Friday Night, June 20 for Chicago fight fans as the latest installment of the acclaimed “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE HAMMOND” is presented by the Windy City’s longtime leading promoter Hitz Boxing in association with Round 3 Productions.

Headlining “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE HAMMOND” is an outstanding eight round cruiserweight clash between undefeated Chicago fan favorite DIMAR “Strongman” ORTUZ and hard-hitting Ghanaian DANIEL ADOTEY ALLOTEY.

Compiling a record of 9-0-1 with six knockouts, Ortuz will be making a quick return to action following his action packed six round war with Mitch Williams on April 18 at the Horseshoe Casino.

The southpaw Allotey, 15-6-0 (8KO’s), will be making his Chicago debut having fought three previous times in the United States.

Co-featured at “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE HAMMOND” on June 20 is the highly anticipated return to battle of popular lightweight attraction FRANKIE “Time Bomb” SCALISE in a scheduled four round tilt against newcomer JUSTIN GAUTHIER of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Returning to the ring following his two sensational stoppages in 2013, Scalise, 7-1-0 (7KO’s), will look to continue his four-bout knockout streak.

If Scalise and Russell Fiore, also appearing at “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE HAMMOND”, are both victorious look for a cross-town showdown on August 23rd’s “Boxing at the Ballpark” event at U.S. Cellular Field, reminiscent of the Tony “The Rock” LaRosa vs. Lenny “The Rage” LaPaglia epic Chicago clash promoted by Bobby Hitz in 1994.

Headlining the undercard heavyweight prospects NICK ASBERRY of Waukegan, Illinois and “Gentleman” JAMES SHORTER of Elkhart, Indiana will clash in a scheduled four rounder.

The 23-year-old Asberry has quickly impressed Chicago area fight fans since turning professional last year with four dominant wins, two by stoppage. Asberry has fought twice in 2014, scoring four round shutout decisions each time, most recently dominating Raymundo Lopez on March 7th in Elk Grove, Illinois.

Shorter will be making his first start of 2014, having lost a very close majority decision to undefeated, hometown prospect Paul Barker April 27, 2013 in Toledo, Ohio.

Popular Chicago based amateur SAM HOROWITZ will make his highly anticipated pro debut in a scheduled four round light heavyweight clash with Mukwonago, Wisconsin native MIKE REITER.

Local welterweight newcomer WILL COIX will make a quick return to action following his second round knockout of Justin Gauthier in his pro debut on April 18 at the Horseshoe Hammond. Coix will face THOMAS AMARO, 2-5-0, of Holland, Michigan in a four round bout.

Popular lightweight RUSSELL “Rocky” FIORE, 11-2-1 (7KO’s), will look to continue his hot streak against TIM CARRIZALES, 4-11-1 (3KO’s) of Waukesha, Wisconsin in a scheduled six rounder.

Fiore is currently riding a six bout-winning streak dating back to March 2012.

Undefeated bantamweight prospect ADAN ORTIZ, 6-0-0 (5KO’s), of Sterling, Illinois, returns to action following a year long absence battling Merrillville, Indiana’s ANTOINE KNIGHT, 3-7-0 (1KO) in a four round bout.

Light heavyweights will also see action at “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE CASINO” with Carpentersville’s SIMON “The Punisher” BUETTNER, 5-1-0 (3KO’s) scheduled in a four round bout with Chicago’s WILLIAM CHOULOUTE, 1-3-0 (1KO).

Buettner will look to return to the win column following a very close four round decision loss to Greg Sykes on January 31.

Undefeated bantamweight prospect ADAN ORTIZ, 6-0-0 (5KO’s), of Sterling, Illinois, returns to action following a year long absence battling Merrillville, Indiana’s ANTOINE KNIGHT, 3-7-0 (1KO) in a four round bout.

Advance tickets starting at $25.00 for “FIGHT NIGHT at the HORSESHOE HAMMOND” are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, The Venue/Horseshoe Box Office and HitzBoxing.com. Doors open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. CT with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Horseshoe Casino is located at 777 Casino Dr. in Hammond, IN 46320.

ABOUT HITZ BOXING
Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of the actuality show “Hitz Boxing,” a web series that has amassed over 5 million internet views. Over the year’s the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast” Fres Oquendo.

For more information, please visit: www.hitzboxing.com.

ABOUT ROUND 3 PRODUCTIONS
Round 3 Productions was formed in 2011 by lifelong Chicago resident Frank Mugnolo and has quickly become one of the premier boxing promotional firms in the United States.

Making their mark quickly, Round 3 Productions guided current #1 ranked light heavyweight contender Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara to his first world title (International Boxing Organization) in November 2012.

While continuing to retain a substantial financial interest in Fonfara, Round 3 Productions has teamed with Chicago’s Hitz Boxing to sign perennial super middleweight contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George to an exclusive promotional contract with more signings of Chicago’s finest to come.

From the packed houses at the UIC Pavilion to the unprecedented pro boxing event at U.S. Cellular Field, Home of the Chicago White Sox, on August 16, 2013, Round 3 Productions has become a proven leader in the sport of boxing

ABOUT THE HORSESHOE CASINO
The $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Caesars Entertainment Corporation property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gambling destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and winner of the 2009, 2010, 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the May 2012 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery.

For more information, please visit: www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

Must be 21 years or older to gamble or attend events at The Venue. Know When To Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9WITH-IT © 2012 Caesars License Company, LLC

Bronx, NY, (June 18, 2014) Newly minted World Boxing Organization (‘WBO’) Junior Welterweight Champion Chris Algieri was presented with his championship engraved belt this afternoon by his longtime promoter Joe DeGuardia at the Star Boxing offices in Bronx, New York.

Algieri won the world title by defeating feared champion Ruslan Provodnikov this past Saturday, June 14 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York in sensational fashion after being knocked down twice in the first round and fighting with his eye shut. The bout, which was telecast live on HBO in the United States and to millions around the world, was the highest Boxing After Dark telecast of the year for HBO.

This week Algieri has been in high demand with numerous national TV and radio appearances in addition to interviews with many newspaper outlets, locally and nationally.

“Saturday night was among my finest as a promoter and it was truly an honor to present Chris with his world championship belt this afternoon,” said DeGuardia.

ABOUT STAR BOXING ®
Star Boxing Inc. celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2012. The company has produced some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star Boxing continues to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star Boxing is proud that is has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook at Star Boxing.

Las Vegas –Fans of the fastest growing sport in the world have another can’t-miss item to add to their UFC International Fight Week™ bucket list: the UFC Fan Expo® 2014. The two-day UFC Fan Expo is on Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. PT at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Single and two-day event tickets are available at UFCFanExpo.com.

The UFC Fan Expo provides the ultimate fan experience with something for everyone! This interactive, family-friendly event affords fans the opportunity to interact with UFC stars past and present through training sessions, interactive Q&A’s, autograph signings, shopping, and more!

A complete list of activities and times are listed on UFCFanExpo.com. To help enhance your experience, we’ve compiled the “Top 10 Reasons to Attend the UFC Fan Expo”:

1) Train with a UFC Hall of Famer: The UFC Fan Expo will host training and development sessions with UFC legends Stephan Bonner, Forrest Griffin, Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell, Fitness Kickboxing Canada and MMA Draft Combine. The sessions are interactive and allow fans to meet their favorite fighters, learn their techniques and showcase their talent. World-renowned Jiu-Jitsu instructor Rener Grace will also host four special mastery seminars.

2) Come face-to-face with some of the greatest athletes in sports today: Fans will meet UFC title holders Demetrious Johnson (flyweight), TJ Dillashaw (bantamweight), Anthony Pettis (lightweight), Johny Hendricks (welterweight) and Cain Velasquez (heavyweight) at the UFC Fan Expo during photograph, autograph and Q&A sessions. Later, at UFC 175 on July 5 at Mandalay Bay Events Center, fans will witness middleweight champion Chris Weidman take on former light heavyweight titleholder Lyoto Machida in the main event, and women’s bantamweight champion and Hollywood superstar Ronda Rousey battling Alexis Davis in the co-headliner.

3) Take a photo inside the Octagon® with a championship belt: Fans will be able to experience what it feels like to be a champion as they step inside a full-sized Octagon and take a photo wearing an official championship belt.

4) An incredible lineup of talent and speakers: More than 50 UFC fighters, industry icons, Octagon Girls® and talent will participate in interactive Q&A sessions, sign autographs, take photos and meet fans.

5) Be a part of a live taping of UFC Tonight®: Live from the main stage at the UFC Fan Expo on Sun., July 6 will be a special edition of UFC Tonight, the official weekly news and information show of the UFC that airs on FOX Sports 1.

6) Nearly 2,000 athletes from 30 nations will compete in live amateur tournaments: Exceptional youth and adult wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and grappling talent will be showcased during The Ultimates® tournament at the UFC Fan Expo. Additionally, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) will present the first ever World Championship in amateur MMA.

7) Watch THEULTIMATE FIGHTER® FINALE: TEAM EDGAR vs. TEAM PENN weigh-ins: The Ultimate Fighter Finale coaches and finalists will step on the scale on the main stage of the UFC Fan Expo for the official weigh-ins. The finale will take place on Sunday, July 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center as coaches Frankie Edgar and B.J. Penn settle their score once and for all in the main event. Plus, four exciting finalists compete for a chance at a UFC contract. Along with UFC 175, this is the first-time ever that the UFC will host two huge fight cards in one weekend in the Fight Capital of the World, Las Vegas.

8) Enjoy main stage activities including Q&A sessions, special presentations, keynote addresses and more: Guest speakers will take the main stage at the UFC Fan Expo, including a keynote from UFC President Dana White. Other main stage events include award presentations, special partner announcements, exclusive first looks and, new this year, performances by Las Vegas show talent.

9) UFC Store will give fans a first look at new products, exclusive offers and contests: UFC Store will offer fans an exclusive first look at new UFC apparel, merchandise and featured collections including The Ultimate Fighter® season 20 and Latin America outfits. There will be interactive displays for fans to Tweet their favorite outfits, win prizes and fans will have their choice of limited-time-only, unique product exclusives, making the UFC Store display a must-see stop. In addition to UFC Store, nearly 100 vendors will be on the exhibit floor for fans to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today.

10) Experience all things UFC: From UFC GYM® to UFC FIT®, fans will have the opportunity to experience and interact with all things UFC. Fans will be able to play the newly launched EA SPORTS UFC® videogame against fighters, get advice from UFC FIT Coach Mike Dolce, watch exclusive UFC FIGHT PASS™ videos, check out new features on the UFC Fan App, powered by MetroPCS, enjoy special Fight Club® member offers, purchase UFC merchandise, and more!

To receive the latest news and updates on UFC Fan Expo, exclusive deals and discounts, training & development sessions and more, sign up for the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter (www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter) or follow @UFCFanExpo on Twitter.

Tickets for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale now at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Tickets for Saturday, July 5 are priced at $45, while tickets for Sunday, July 6 are priced at $40. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door.

About UFC International Fight Week™

UFC International Fight Week™ returns to the Fight Capital of the World July 1-6, 2014. The weeklong celebration includes something for everyone from entertainment and arts to charitable events, and, of course, all things UFC. The event will also feature for the first-time ever, two huge fight cards in one weekend in the UFC’s hometown – UFC® 175 and The Ultimate Fighter® 19 Finale. Other fan favorite activities will return including UFC Fan Expo, a pool party with Octagon Girls®, training sessions with fighters, a free concert, weigh-ins and more! Tickets and event details are available at www.UFCFightWeek.com. Stay connected with UFC International Fight Week news on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/UFCFightWeek), Twitter and Instagram (@UFCFightWeek).

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S. which includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

Las Vegas, Nevada – A decade removed from one of the most chaotic endings to any championship fight, UFC FIGHT PASS, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s digital streaming service, re-examines the June 19, 2004, Frank Mir vs Tim Sylvia bout in the premiere of the new Fightography series.

Available immediately at UFCFIGHTPASS.com, Fightography: Frank Mir gives subscribers the opportunity to watch all of the two-time champion’s 23 fights in the UFC, from Mir’s submission of the night debut vs Roberto Traven at UFC 34 way back in November 2001, right the way through to his UFC 169 loss to Alistair Overeem four months ago.

There is also a newly-created first-person retrospective from Mir himself, reflecting the infamous Sylvia fight where he won the UFC heavyweight title in confused circumstances (preview available here).

Long-time fans will remember that, in the opening minute of the Las Vegas fight, Mir locked in a deep armbar which broke defending champ Sylvia’s right forearm, but the only person in the Mandalay Bay Events Center to realize what had happened was referee Herb Dean.

In the video retrospective, Mir, now 35, said: “You go out there and win the UFC heavyweight belt, and you do something in life that should be a great moment, and everyone is booing. Even (MC) Bruce Buffer was thrown off and announced me as the just winner, and not the new champion. I didn’t get any recognition. It was just a bad moment.”

And worse was to come for Mir. Just months after winning the title, and with a long reign predicted, Mir’s career was almost ended in a motorcycle accident.

Mir recalled: “It took two years before I was seen in the Octagon again, and it wasn’t until my fourth fight back that I could let go (psychologically) and fight like myself. I had a lot of self-doubt for a long time, that’s why winning the title back (at UFC 92) against Minotauro Nogueira was such an emotional moment for me.”

UFC chief content officer Marshall Zelaznik said: “With Fightography, we will take our fans deeper into the DNA of a key fighter or turning point in mixed martial arts history. The Mir vs Sylvia fight remains a talking point amongst fans a decade later, and Frank Mir’s incredible 13-year career in the UFC makes for a perfect premiere of our new Fightography series.”

Zelaznik added: “In addition to providing insightful first-person retrospectives from our fighters, we are also responding to the requests of our subscribers. Our “Ultimate” collections – which feature all the biggest wins of legendary fighters all in one place – remain extremely popular on FIGHT PASS but our subscribers let us know they also wanted to have their favorite fighters entire careers – wins, losses and draws – curated into a single collection. The Fightography series allows us to put all the fights we have in FIGHT PASS’s vast library in career order. In Frank Mir’s case that’s 23 fights, 14 wins, 9 losses and two world title wins.”

And Zelaznik revealed there would be a new Fightography every month and added: “We are developing Fightographies on historic and legendary fighters like Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin and Kazushi Sakuraba. Plus, in the coming months we will have Fightographies focusing on some of the key turning points in the history of mixed martial arts.”

UFC FIGHT PASS also recently announced it has acquired the rights to stream, live and on-demand, Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premiere all-female MMA events. Subscriptions to FIGHT PASS, which includes exclusively live UFC events, exclusively live prelim bouts, access the world’s largest MMA library are available on a month-to-month basis for $9.99, $8.99 for a six-month commitment or just $7.99 for a one-year commitment.

For more information go to UFC.com and UFCFIGHTPASS.com.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and on Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva – Welcome to the beautiful Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. This is our first fight here. This spectacular destination has everything you could want: gaming, shopping and entertainment. We are blessed to be able to come here for the first of hopefully many, many great events.

Last weekend, Chris Algieri became the second Fight Night veteran, after Sergey Kovalev, to win a world title in the two and a half years we have been on the air.

Many fighters either were introduced to the US public for the first time or renewed their careers on Fight Night. World title challengers: Curtis Stevens, Gabriel Rosado, Jesus Soto Karass, Zab Judah and Jerry Belmontes. Top ten heavyweight contenders: Czar Glazkov, Steve Cunningham, Tomasz Adamek, Tyson Fury, Amir Mansour, Bryant Jennings and Eddie Chambers. Top two cruiserweight contender Thabiso Mchunu was introduced. Top two light heavyweight contender Isaac Chilemba and former light heavyweight world champion Gabriel Campillo have appeared. That’s 17 shows and I just read 17 names.

Dudchenko & Mohammedi
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Some were introduced here. Some were built here. Some had their careers revived here. Some, like Fury and Algieri, fought in many other places, but appeared one time on Fight Night because our matchmaking team of Jolene Mizzone and J. Russell Peltz have a great eye for the type of fighters our fans want to see. And so we reached out to their promoters. We promised a mix of developing talent, veteran “names” and simply great fights. On the last edition of Fight Night, Steve Cunningham and Amir Mansour took part in one of the best heavyweight fights I have ever seen, while Curtis Stevens came up with a heart stopping 12th round KO to defeat another terrific young prospect, Tureano Johnson.

And so, continuing in that tradition, number 18.

Flores & Dargan
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

I will give you four more names and on Saturday night, one of them will become the IBF’s #1 light heavyweight contender: Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi are both top ten light heavyweights battling for the #1 position in the world. The winner will get a shot at Bernard Hopkins’ IBF World Title within the coming months.

And lightweight prospect Karl “Dynamite” Dargan will defend his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title vs. Anthony “Flawless” Flores in a fight to determine who moves up into the lightweight top ten rankings.

Sullivan Barrera is another fellow who is going to end up on that list of hot light heavyweight prospects. Wellington Romero is undefeated and his intention is to move up and be a world challenger. We are going to follow Romero’s career with great interest. Barrera is going to fight Lee Campbell who scored a big upset win on April 4 over Roberto Jose Acevedo. Wellington Romero is fighting Mack Babb of Brooklyn, NY.

Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko – Thank you for this opportunity. I am not a real talking guy. I will make my statements in the ring on Saturday.

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Nadjib Mohammedi – First I would like to thank Main Events for this opportunity. We promise a good show and a great fight. One of the best maybe. We are going to win and take the belt.

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan – I just had a great camp. We prepared very well. Anthony Flores is a great fighter. I am not looking passed him. I am ready and come Saturday I will show it.

Anthony “Flawless”
Flores
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/
Main Events

Anthony “Flawless” Flores – I feel very happy for the opportunity. This is surreal and I would love to take advantage of it.

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events

Sullivan Barrera – We are ready. The camp prepared very well. We are going to come out Saturday and get a “W” and put on a show for everyone. Thank you all for coming out. It is going to be Sullivan Barrera for a long, long time.

Wellington Romero
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Wellington Romero – I am happy to be here. I am feeling real good and am going to put on a good show for everyone.

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The card is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

About Mohegan Sun At Pocono Downs:

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 87 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware.

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Atlantic City, NJ: Tickets go on sale at tomorrow at noon for The Russian Wrecking Ball, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev’s (24-0-1, 22 KOs), return to Atlantic City, NJ to face undefeated Australian challenger, Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (19-0-1, 6 KOs) for his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at Revel Casino Hotel on Aug. 2. Visit ticketmaster.com (key word: Main Events) or 800-745-3000 for tickets. Tickets prices are: $55, $80, $160 and a special number of limited VIP tickets for $250 which include waitress service.

About Kovalev vs. Caparello:

The WBO Light Heavyweight World Championship between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, (24-0-1, 22 KOs) and Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (19-0-1, 6 KOs) is on Saturday, August 2nd at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic, City, NJ. The fight will be telecast as part of a split-site triple-header on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 PM ET/PT. The event is presented by Main Events in association with DiBella Entertainment. Tickets prices are $55, $80, $160 and $250. They are available at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the HBO Boxing After Dark special triple header split site telecast begins at 9:45 PM.

About Revel

Revel Casino Hotel is Atlantic City’s newest and most spacious casino resort and convention destination. Located on Atlantic City’s world-famous boardwalk, the ocean front hotel is designed to offer endless views of the Atlantic at every turn. The casino resort offers 130,000 square feet of world class gaming, with 2,400 slots, 130 table games, electronic tables and players’ lounges, along with the high-limit table game Ultra Lounge. A member of the American Express Gold Hotel Collection, Revel features 1,399 ocean view rooms. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, cabanas, gardens, lounges, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 13 restaurants that offer a range of fine dining to deliciously affordable menu options, a collection of boutiques, nightclubs, a dayclub, and live entertainment at The Social and showroom headliners at Ovation Hall. While taking in all the casino has to offer, guests can earn points as they play, dine, shop and relax with the Revel Card loyalty program. For additional information and updates, and for complete details and rules of all promotions, customers can visit the Revel Card desk or visit www.revelcasino.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revel and follow @revelresorts on Twitter and @revelcasino on Instagram.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another special “Thursday Night Fights” edition of Golden Boy Live! from Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico tonight, June 19, at 8 p.m. ET.
In the main event, Puerto Rican rising star McWilliams Arroyo takes on unbeaten Filipino sensation Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar in a 12-round IBF flyweight eliminator. Plus, in the 10-round super bantamweight co-headliner, another Puerto Rico favorite, Cesar Seda of Juana Diaz, will face rugged Mexican banger Alex Rangel.

Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and PR Best Boxing, Fight Nework’s live broadcast of Golden Boy Live! airs at 8 p.m. ET.

A boxer since the age of 12, 28-year-old McWilliams Arroyo (14-1, 12 KOs) compiled one of the most impressive amateur boxing resumes Puerto Rico has ever seen, representing the island in the 2008 Olympic Games (along with his twin brother McJoe who fought on the last Golden Boy Live! card in Puerto Rico) and winning a 2009 world title. Arroyo became a professional in 2010, defeating standouts like Lorenzo Trejo and Luis Maldonado and earning the WBO Latino title. In his most recent bout, Arroyo knocked out Miguel Tamayo in four rounds.

Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar (19-0-1, 12 KOs) a 25-year-old highly decorated boxer from Digos, The Philippines who turned pro in 2009 and compiled an undefeated record while winning several regional titles. On June 19, he’ll be fighting for the first time outside of the Philippines and he’s eager to show fight fans in Puerto Rico why he’s nicknamed “The Sniper.”

Back in action for the first time since his courageous 12-round showdown with Two-Division World Champion Leo Santa Cruz last December, Puerto Rican slick southpaw Cesar Seda (25-2, 17 KOs) is looking forward to returning to the ring and kicking off a new winning streak like the five-fight stretch of excellence that earned him his shot against Santa Cruz. With the added incentive of fighting at home in Puerto Rico for the first time since 2012, the 28-year-old Seda will be fired up to deliver another impressive performance for boxing fans.

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

LONDON (June 19) – Four-weight world champion Robert Guerrero says he has learned from his defeat to Floyd Mayweather as he eyes a rematch with the pound-for-pound star.

The 31-year-old ace returns to the ring this weekend following a 13-month hiatus, when he takes on Japanese hitter Yoshihiro Kamegai at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

‘The Ghost’ has lived up to his moniker in more ways than one in recent times having not fought since his May 2013 unanimous points loss to Mayweather.

Having had the time to dwell over and analyse his defeat to boxing’s best, Guerrero insists that overcoming it has not been an issue and he will be a better fighter for it.

“To bounce back wasn’t tough at all,” said Guerrero. “You have got to learn from experiences like that. I lost to the best fighter in the world. You just want to get better, you want to get faster, you want to get stronger. Seeing the type of foot speed and hand speed he had in front of me makes me want to step my game up,” he said.

“It lit a fire under me to become a better fighter and to use every tool I have and to not just get caught into one dimension where I start walking guys down like I did with Berto or try to be that same man [all the time] and outmuscle guys.

“When you fight a quick guy like Floyd he’s tough to outmuscle because he uses those legs and quick feet,” said Guerrero.

The Californian goes in against the big punching Kamegai, who has 21 knockouts from his 24 wins with only one defeat.

The welterweight ace, however, is looking to outdo the Tokyo resident and get himself back into a position that will allow him to get a rematch with the much coveted Mayweather.

“I know Mayweather has three more fights lined up for him and I’ll try and get back in that position and give it another shot,” said Guerrero.

“I felt that it wasn’t the best of me in there and you tend to fall into certain styles trying to be the guy who walks him down but I’ve got a lot more God-given ability that I’ve got to put in use.

“So there’s a lot more I can bring to the table when I fight. I wasn’t really satisfied with my performance and I want to get out there again and make it happen,” he said.

The six-time and four-division world champion believes that his long-layoff will be to his benefit but admits there may be a bit of ring rust going into Saturday night’s showdown.

“Having a little time off let’s your body and joints recuperate but don’t get me wrong there’s always ring rust. Everyone always says they feel great and the best and there is no ring rust but everyone has a little ring rust,” admitted Guerrero.

“I’m in great shape ready to go though. I’m excited and always game to fight, whether that’s inside or outside, however it’s going to go. I’m looking forward to coming back.

“When you’ve had a layoff for over a year you get hungry, you starve. You’re excited, you’re refreshed and you want to get back in the ring and you need to do so with a hundred percent confidence,” he said.

The relentless Guerrero is expecting a thrilling spectacle for fight fans when the two men, who are renowned for their all-action style, enter the ring.

“Kamegai’s a tough guy. I’ve been watching films on him and he just keeps coming and never backs down – he comes to fight. I’ve seen him a couple of times in the ring, when he gets hit with a shot it just fires him up and he wants to go for it,” said Guerrero.

“I can’t wait to go. I’m excited to be back,” he said.

Also on the Golden Boy Promotions card rising stars Gary Russell Jr and Vasyl Lomachenko battle it out for the vacant WBO featherweight world title, with Devon Alexander taking on Jesus Soto Karass in a ten-round welterweight contest.

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (June 19, 2014) – Former IBF featherweight champion Billy “The Kid” Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) returns Wednesday, July 2 to the scene of arguably the most disappointing night of his professional career for a 10-round co-feature bout against former WBA featherweight title challenger Alberto “Kichis” Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs). Dib’s promoter, 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, will present a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

In 2013, Dib lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title belt at Foxwoods by way of a 12-round split decision (114-112, 112-114, 112-114) to undefeated Evgeny Gradovich. Dib also lost a rematch to Gradovich last November and the Australian has moved up one weight class to junior lightweight for his fight with Garza.

“I’m grateful for fighting again at a beautiful venue like Foxwoods,” Dib said. “I have no demons (fighting there). I am blessed for what I already achieved and hungry to achieve more. I am also grateful for the opportunity ESPN and my promoter have given me. 50 creates opportunities. I have had all four of my fights shown on U.S. television and also shown live in my home country, Australia. 50 is a really smart guy that surrounds himself with really good people that help run his business. Some really fine examples of that is Monique Mayers, Angel Martinez and Sean Gibbons who make sure I’m always looked after. I am very grateful to them and the whole SMS team.”

Moving up in weight at the age of 28 is typical for fighters. “I have been making featherweight for the past 10 years and felt that I was losing some power due to slight struggles making weight,” Dib explained. “I feel stronger now and I am excited about attempting to win another world time in different division. That’s definitely my goal. I have done it before and know what it takes. I can’t put a time frame on it. I will be patient and work hard to achieve another world title, God willing.”

Garza is a 28-year-old Mexican boxer who lost his only world title shot to World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Nicholas Walters by fourth-round technical knockout in 2013. Garza has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Silver Continental Americas titles, as well as the IBF Latino championship during his 11-year pro career.

“I know Garza has the Mexican heart that you can never underestimate,” Dib added. “He is very experienced, fought and won titles, and is dangerous. But I will be ready!”

In the 12-round main event, undefeated 50 Cent-promoted junior lightweight Mark “Too Sharp” Davis (18-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, faces Filipino knockout specialist Michael “Hammer Fist” Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KOs) in an IBF (IBF) title eliminator. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for the winner of the July 10 title match between IBF junior lightweight champion Argenis Mendez and challenger Rances Barthelemy.

Undefeated SMS Promotions lightweight prospect Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (6-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, takes on Albuquerque’s Matthew “Champ” Baca (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in the four-round ESPN opener.

Former S. Connecticut State University football player and current Connecticut State junior middleweight champion, New Haven’s unbeaten Jimmy Williams (6-0, 3 KOs), faces Bronx veteran Stephen Owusu (8-6, 4 KOs) in a six-round fight of local interest.

Undefeated WIBA International super bantamweight champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (11-0, 1 KO), of Providence, and former IWBF bantamweight titlist Nadia “Da Phenomenal” Feliciano (7-5-3, 0 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, square off a six-round, non-title bout.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is undefeated Nick DeLomba (3-0), of Cranston, RI versus New Haven (CT) welterweight Edwin Soto (9-1-2, 4 KOs) in a four-round match.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 and are on sale online at www.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods’ box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods’ box office. Tickets will also be available to purchase through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Doors at Grand Theater in Fox Tower will open at 6 p.m. ET. The first bout will start at 7 p.m. ET with ESPN FNF between 9-11 p.m. ET.

Doors to the after party will open at 10:00 p.m. ET. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods’ box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods’ box office.

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2014) – In preparation for what will be a match-up of the two best junior middleweights in the world Canelo Alvarez and slick Cuban star Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, Golden Boy Promotions and Leigh Simons Productions will present “Countdown to Canelo vs. Lara.” This primetime special 30-minute preview show will air on various FOX Sports platforms beginning next Wednesday, July. 2 and will feature never-before-seen footage of Canelo, Lara and the SHOWTIME PPV-televised undercard fighters including Abner Mares, Jonathon Oquendo, Juan Manuel Lopez, Francisco Vargas, Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera.

Tune into any of the FOX Sports Network channels: FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes (check your local listings) for a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of this highly anticipated pay-per-view event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The countdown show, brought to life by Producer and Creative Director of Golden Boy Promotions Leigh Simons, will provide audiences with exclusive analysis and commentary leading up to the PPV-event.

“They both knocked down and decisioned Austin Trout and they both stopped Alfredo Angulo in round 10, which makes for an unbelievable match-up,” said Simons. “This show explores how their recent successes against common opponents could play out against each other on July 12.”

Below is a collection of links, which preview various parts of the special and fight highlights:

– Canelo vs. Lara press tour recap and Trout and Angulo fight recaps – http://youtu.be/r2tMYj1LMak

– Oscar De La Hoya and boxing experts talk about how Canelo vs. Lara came to be – http://youtu.be/EJSzI5eamPo

– Inside Canelo and Lara’s camps – http://youtu.be/INP8UnHTMvo

– Canelo, Lara and boxing experts talk about each fighters’ style – http://youtu.be/gIbq21HS2fw

– Dramatic profile of the three exciting fights on Canelo-Lara undercard: Abner Mares vs. Jonathon “Polvo” Oquendo, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez vs. Francisco “El Bandido”Vargas, and Johan “El Terrible” Perez vs. Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera. -http://youtu.be/5neyd-mr_Do

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In theco-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Marylyn Aceves
Hello and thank you for joining today’s call. On the line we have Robert Guerrero and Yoshihiro Kamegai, two exciting fighters who will engage in a 12-round welterweight fight this Saturday, June 21st from the StubHub Center in Carson and live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®. Let’s get started with the call now and I will turn it over to Oscar De La Hoya, the Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Marylyn. It’s exciting to be on the call with two exciting fighters. You have Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero going against Yoshihiro Kamegai. Everybody is really thrilled to have Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero back. We all know he’s motivated and excited to once again show his skills and his talents with a vengeance.

He’s fighting a kid in Yoshihiro Kamegai who is a hard puncher, a tough kid, but this is what the StubHub and Golden Boy Promotions are all about, giving the fans exciting fights and the best names in boxing.

We have the featured bouts, which will be Devon Alexander vs. Jesus Soto Karass and that will be a 10-round super welterweight bout. The co-main event, which a lot of people are very excited about, you have two young amateur stars, Gary Russell, Jr. vs. Vasyl Lomachenko. That will be a 12-rounder for the vacant WBO World title and, obviously, the main event, which everybody is ecstatic about.

We still have tickets available. They are moving fast. As you all know, StubHub Center, for the last three or four fights, is always close in selling out so you want to make sure you get your tickets as soon as possible or just go up there and walk up to the StubHub Center box office and get your tickets. They are priced at $25 and, as you know, every seat is a great seat, and you can sit ringside for $150.

I would like now to take this time to thank the sponsors. I want to thank Corona, thank you very much for all your support and what you do for boxing and for Golden Boy. Also AT&T, they’re marketing and making sure the fans across the country know that SHOWTIME is staging another one of their terrific fights along with Golden Boy Promotions.

Let me take this opportunity now to introduce to you the participant who will be facing Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. He’s back in Carson, California for the second time following one of his hard-fought battles against Johan Perez in June of 2013. He has since then won two of his fights against Tim Hunt and Jung-Hoon Yang. His reputation, obviously, has been as a puncher and a fighter that never backs down.

Obviously, a victory over a fighter like Guerrero, he’s thinking of going up against the best of the best here in Guerrero on Saturday and he knows this fight is very important against Guerrero, so let me introduce to you, with a record of 24-1 (21 KOs) out of Tokyo, Japan, Yoshihiro Kamegai. If you want to say a few words, Yoshihiro.

Yoshihiro Kamegai
First of all, I’m very pleased that I am able to come back and be promoted back in California. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, SHOWTIME and Teiken Promotions. I’m very excited to be back. Once I got here my conditioning is improving and camp-wise, I’ve sparred a little and I’m feeling very, very good.

O. De La Hoya
Okay, thank you very much. Now let me introduce to you one of our elite fighters for many years in this sport. He is a southpaw boxer/puncher. He’s won four world titles in four different weight classes, from 130 pounds all the way to 147 pounds, beating the likes of Joel Casamayor, Andre Berto, Michael Katsidis, Selcuk Aydin, which was an amazing, amazing fight and he’s one of only four fighters, in the history of boxing to win a world championship in his first fight after jumping a weight class.

He’s among the elite in this sport. He captured his world title defeating two-time World Champion Andre Berto in November of 2012 in a thrilling fashion and how he’s stepping back into the ring for the first time since he fought Mayweather in May of 2013. Let me introduce to you with a record of 31-2 (18 KOs) out of Gilroy, California, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

Robert Guerrero
Thank you, Oscar. I just want to thank everybody for putting this together and Golden Boy and Showtime for having me on. I’m excited. I’m back and I can’t wait. It’s been a year already, so it’s way overdue. I had a good rest and through that downtime, while I was resting, I was keeping in shape. Now I’ve joined up with CrossFit and my condition is incredible right now. I’m feeling great. I’m feeling strong and I’m excited to be back in the ring.

Q
It’s been 13 months since the fight with Floyd. Why such a long layoff?

R. Guerrero
I had three fights back-to-back-to-back. The Aydin fight was a tough 12-round fight with him, hard puncher. Then I had the tough fight with Berto, too. We went at it for 12 rounds and then also the Mayweather fight. Those training camps are brutal and they were real close together. So, I took a little bit of time to recover and recoup and I’m back. January 1st I was back in the gym training and I’m excited to be back in.
Q
Putting the loss to Mayweather behind you as you look forward, what other things do you want to do?

R. Guerrero
The first thing is putting that loss behind me and learning from it and growing from it, becoming a better fighter. The main focus is Saturday night. Like I said, I was out for a year, there’s always that ring rust, so you want to focus on the guy that’s in front of you and then worry about everything after. So, there’s a long road and I know Mayweather has three more fights lined up for him, and I’ll try to get back into that position and give it another shot.

I felt it wasn’t the best of me in there and you tend to follow to certain styles, trying to be the guy just walking guys down where you’ve got a lot more God-given abilities that you’ve got to put to use. So, there’s a lot more that I can bring to the table when I fight, I wasn’t really satisfied with my performance then and I want to get back up and make it happen.

Q
For you or any other fighter who is out 13 months, what is the biggest concern?

R. Guerrero
The biggest concern just being out that long, putting those little gloves on, no head gear. But I’m in great shape. I’m ready to go. I’m excited. I’m always game to fight all the time, whether it’s inside, outside, however it’s going to go, I’m always game and I’m excited to be coming back.

When you have that type of layoff, a year, you get hungry. You’re starved, you want to get out there and you’re excited, you’re refreshed and you want to be back in that ring. You’ve got to go in there with 100 percent confidence and do your job. Kamegai is a tough guy. I’ve been watching film on him and he comes to fight. He’s one of those guys, like Oscar mentioned, that doesn’t back down. He just keeps coming. He wants to get it on with you. I’ve seen a couple of times in the ring where he does get hit with a good shot, it just fires him up and he wants to go for it.

Q
So, actually, missing being in the ring, is that part of it?

R. Guerrero
Yeah. When you’ve done something pretty much your whole life, there’s like an empty spot there and you want to be in that ring all the time, especially always being in the gym and you get that urge to fight and it’s been a year, so I have that urge right now.

Q
How tough was it mentally to bounce back from the loss with Floyd?

R. Guerrero
The bounceback, it wasn’t tough at all. You’ve got to learn from experiences like that. I lost to the best fighter in the world. You want to get better, you want to get stronger, you want to get faster. Seeing the type of foot speed he had and hand speed in front of me, it makes you want to step your game up more, so it really lit a fire under me to become a better fighter, to start using every tool that I have and not just get put into one dimension, where I started walking guys down, like I did with Berto, and trying to be that big man and trying to have muscles, where when you get a quick guy like Floyd, it’s tough to muscle because he used those legs and those quick feet.

Q
Have you tried anything new in your training camp this time, have you tried some new ways of working out?

R. Guerrero
Oh yeah, I teamed up with CrossFit. They’re doing a project on me right now and it’s just been amazing, just everything I’ve been working on, being stronger, being faster. My endurance is through the roof. I’m excited to go out there and put everything together, my boxing skills and then the strength and conditioning done through CrossFit. I think it’s a great match. I can’t wait to get out there and fight.

Q
Given the fact that you’ve had a layoff, is it good that you’re fighting a guy that you expect to be right in front of you or do you expect him to be right in front of you and for it to be more like the Berto fight and the previous fight?

R. Guerrero
I’m expecting him to come and fight. By watching film, this type of guy, he’s a fighter. He comes to fight. He doesn’t mess around. He wants to win and he wants to win with good fashion. He’ll come and bang you up if he has to and if he has to move he’ll move a little bit. But you’ve got to come ready for everything.

That’s one of the things I learned fighting Floyd, you’ve got to be ready for everything. You’ve got to be ready to move, you’ve got to be ready to bang it out, you’ve got to be ready to change things up, change direction, do what you’ve got to do, change your game plan. It makes you grow as a fighter, so that’s one of the things that having the lay off helps with, it gives you a fresh start when you start training again.

You take that layoff and then you go back and assess everything and you start fresh and you start from the beginning. When you’re in training camps and you train and train and train and train, you tend to develop bad habits and habits that stay with you and you start falling into a certain type of a style or a one dimensional style where you and start forgetting about the rest of the stuff you can do.

Q
What memories doe you have of being in that fight at StubHub Center and how do you hope to shore up some of the defensive flaws that were exposed in the loss?

Y. Kamegai
What I remember from the last fight is the arena, it was a very large arena and I do recall that I had some challenges communication-wise because my team and I did not speak the same language. So, coming back this time I have a different team. We speak the same language and we’re in a better position than we were before.

Q
Do you think that Robert’s style is conducive to your style? Do you feel like you want to dictate an active pace to see what the layoff has taken away from Robert?

Y. Kamegai
First of all, in terms of styles I think we have a very interactive style. Any time, to get into the ring with a top-level fighter like Robert Guerrero, to me I’m looking at it as a challenge. I have not gone in with someone with that high of a level, so I’m looking at it as going into a challenge and I have trained myself to go into a challenge. As far as his ring rust, he’s had a long layoff before and I saw his fight after that and he came in in very good condition. So, I expect him to be in the best condition that he’s been in, so I’ve trained and conditioned myself to fight the best Robert Guerrero that’s out there.

Q
Oscar, Gary Russell Jr. said on the conference call that his fight could represent a breakthrough between Top Rank fighters, Al Haymon’s fighters and Golden Boy’s fighters given that both camps have great fighters and there are some potential match-ups. Your thoughts on what he said.

O. De La Hoya
Well, I think it’s wonderful to hear from a fighter like Gary Russell that he wants to engage in these big major fights, regardless of promoters. That’s what it’s really all about. It’s not about promoters and egos. It’s about the fighters and the fans. So, I’m optimistic that in the near future the fight fans will get what they deserve.

Q
I recall a few years ago it didn’t end so great when you fought another Asian fighter in San Jose, Daud Yordan. Does this guy resemble him at all?

R. Guerrero
No. Yordan was a tough fighter who fought kind of scared like a cat backed into a corner. So, it was like he was scratching his way out throwing headbutts and elbows, whatever. With Kamegai, he comes to fight. He comes to fight, he comes to do his thing, he comes in great shape. He doesn’t back down. He’s one of those guys that you have to respect and you’ve got to come out and put out your best performance because if you don’t, you come up short.

So, he’s that type of guy where he’s coming to fight and he’s not going to be one of those guys where he’s going to really get dirty or use his head or scratch his way out. Just look at his record. Twenty-one knockouts, he comes to put you out.

Q
What prompted you to get into the CrossFit, Robert? Did you feel your strength wasn’t at the level you need it to be?

R. Guerrero
Just something new. You’re always looking to better yourself as a fighter, your conditioning, your endurance, your strength, your speed. One of the guys that runs the CrossFit Games is a good friend of mine, Dave Castro, and he approached me on if I wanted to try it out. I was a skeptical at first with the weight and stuff like that. You never want to get bulked up and tight.

I tried it out and it just blew my mind, all the stuff I could be doing to better my game, how much it elevated my game in the last couple of months. I’m excited, I’m excited and it fits just right.

Q
Would you say that the speed and power doesn’t necessarily translate into a better physique?

R. Guerrero
Well, definitely the power is there. Power is God-given, it’s natural. My quick feet are God-given, it’s natural. But building everything around it, connecting that little bit more of building your body up, certain muscles that the average person doesn’t know how to touch to work out you’re working on.

So, it builds the package up and it adds to everything, it’s incredible some of the stuff I’ve been doing and I can’t wait, I can’t wait to get out there and go out there and perform and do what I do best.

Q
Is it distracting at all to have your dad, Ruben, involved in the reality show business?

R. Guerrero
No, it doesn’t affect anything. He’s like that on a daily basis, so pretty much they’re just following him around now, just getting it on footage where everybody can see. He does his thing, but I’m focused on what I’ve got to do, he’s focused on what I’ve got to do, so he knows when to turn it on and when to turn it off. I’m happy the way camp went, everything went good and he’s doing his thing. I take my hat off to him. He’s a good guy, he’s out there making it happen.

Q
You’re up against a slugger and you’re a boxer/puncher. Do you plan to avoid getting into a punching contest or are you willing to slug with this guy?

R. Guerrero
I’m going to go out there and stick to my game plan. You’ve got to be smart in the ring. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. If it comes to a boxing match, it will be a boxing match. If it becomes a slug match, I’m always game for a slug match. So, we’ll see how it plays out. I’m going to go out there and execute my game plan to the best ability that I can and get the job done.

Like I said, Kamegai, he’s game and you know he’s not backing down. He’s going to come and give it his all. Like he said himself, he’s prepared for a world class fighter, prepared just for me, so you know when guys prepare like that for a world class fighter, the caliber of my stature makes him 10% better and they come and fight hard because they know this is the opportunity to do big things and move themselves along in the boxing world.

Q
Yoshihiro, how do you intend to deal with Robert’s speed and his jab?

Y. Kamegai
He is very fast, obviously, and he throws a lot of jabs and in the training camp I’ve basically tried to keep a good distance and have a good defense against his jabs and not get hit.

Q
Oscar, will you be willing to have, if he’s still in your camp, to have Robert fight a Top Rank fighter after if he wins on Saturday?

O. De La Hoya
Well, Golden Boy just wants to make the biggest and the best fights and if it means making the most money, making the best fights happen that the fight fans want to watch, that’s what’s going to happen. We’re all about the fans, giving them the best fights that we have to offer and, obviously, we know Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is one of the few elite fighters that boxing has today, so whether Golden Boy has an opponent or whether any other promoter has an opponent where we can make the biggest fight happen, that’s what must happen for the fans.

# # #

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is a 12-round fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a 12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and in the opener Devon Alexander will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up. It will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air as the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, and are available online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/StubHubCenter, www.twitter.com/GhostBoxing, www.twitter.com/MrGaryRussellJr, www.twitter.com/VasylLomachenko and www.twitter.com/TheRealDevonA, follow the conversation using #GuerreroKamegai or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/StubHubCenter.

LOS ANGELES (June 18, 2014) – Seven of the talented boxers who will fight Saturday on SHOWTIME® and SHOWTIME EXTREME® and one promising fighter making his Golden Boy Promotions debut participated in an open media workout Wednesday at Westside Boxing Club.

In 12-rounders on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., returns from a 13-month layoff to face Japan’s hard-hitting Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs) in a welterweight scrap and unbeaten, yet untested Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets perhaps the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), of Ukraine, for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Championship. Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, battles hard-hitting Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight match that will kickoff the telecast.

Former light heavyweight world champion, “Bad Chad” Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., makes his first start in 12 months when he takes on George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-5, 16 KOs), of Indianapolis, Ind., in the featured bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a battle of U.S. Olympians in the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (10-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, makes his 10-round debut when he takes on 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin “Devastatin'” Vargas (18-3, 7 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio.

In non-televised fights that begin at 2 p.m. PT: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (8-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, makes his debut for GBP against Michael Gbenga (15-14, 15 KOs), Lagos, Nigeria, six-rounds, light heavyweights; Sharif Bogere (24-1, 16 KOs), Las Vegas, Nev., faces a foe to be announced, eight-rounds, lightweights; Michael Hunter (4-0, 3 KOs), Van Nuys, Calif., takes on Jerry Forrest (7-1, 6 KOs), Lafayette, La., eight-rounds, heavyweights; the brother of Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Fabian Maidana (pro debut), Santa Fe, Arg., clashes with Alejandro Arteaga (3-8, 1 KO), Bakersfield, Calif., four-rounds, welterweights; and Marcos Hernandez (1-0), Fresno, Calif., vs. Dante Spinks (0-4), San Diego, Calif., four-rounds, super welterweights.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available on AXS.com, by phone at
888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office
(Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call
877-234-8425.

Below is what the fighters and Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, said at Wednesday’s workout:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“Training camp went great. I feel fresh and I can’t wait to get out there. The time off felt good, I was able to recuperate my body and spend time with my family. There were a couple of things going on that kept me out of the ring but it’s now time to take care of business.

“I was able to incorporate CrossFit into my training regime and it made me able to get up to my optimal 147-pound weight. Before that I had trouble even trying to make weight.

“If I take care of business I would of course like to fight Floyd Mayweather; everyone would like that fight. I felt like I could give a lot more and I am excited to showcase everything that I have been doing to prove that I can hang with a fighter like Mayweather. Floyd is a pretty smart fighter but I can stay on my boxing game now, be a smarter fighter and walk guys down.

“I plan on providing an action-packed fight. Kamegai comes to fight and you know I always come to fight, so it should be very exciting. I look forward to showcasing a lot of stuff that I’ve been working on and put on a great show for the fans.”

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI

“I’m from Japan, and we respect everybody outside the ring. There is no trash-talk. In Japan, we think of Robert Guerrero as a multi-division world champion who fought Floyd Mayweather. That said, I didn’t fly all the way across the ocean to lose. I came here to not just win the fight but to have a decisive victory.

“I’m very confident and I feel I’m acclimated. I’ve been in America about 10 days. What I’ve worked on most since arriving is a way to avoid all his holding tactics and a way to keep him from being able to fight from long range.

“This is a very important fight and a tremendous opportunity for me. Not a lot of people know me now, but they will after the fight.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“You always have to be careful no matter who you are competing against, I never overlook anybody. You must have a level of defensive discipline. As far as him in general, we’re ready; I don’t believe he has what it takes to win this fight. He’s not a volume puncher; he tries to be more accurate. Even if he tries to outbox me he doesn’t have the hand speed and boxing ability to make it a tough fight. I am overall physically bigger and stronger and it won’t be a good thing for him. He is most definitely a stepping stone for me. The objective is to get out of the ring with a victory; we never look at the venue or anything where my focus shouldn’t be on. I will look good and expose this guy.

“It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting, I come to win. Everything is in my favor in this fight in terms of the speed, power and general fight charisma and we will exploit that on Saturday. This guy is just not on my level.

“Every fighter I fight is a learning experience, you look at my fights now and you can see the maturity level from when I was 8-0, 10-0.

“A lot of these fighters are one-dimensional. There are good boxers with no inside game. When it comes to me, what makes me a lot better than the other fighters is how versatile I am in the ring. You can see me walk these guys down or turn the fight into a brawl. With each style that we adapt to, we have the same level of creativity and that is what sets us apart.”

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“I’m excited and looking forward to Saturday but, for me, I go into the ring thinking the same thing before every fight, and that’s I want to win.

“Gary Russell is much faster than me. He’s a very quick, speedy fighter, and I won’t know until we get into the ring how I plan to deal with it. But we’ll find out soon enough.

“I fought really fast guys in the amateurs but those were only three-round fights so I didn’t have time to try and figure out the style of who I was fighting.

“It’s not easy to talk about myself. I’m not sure how I would describe my style. I would much rather practice then talk, I’ll let the experts describe how I fight.

“I got good experience from my two professional fights. I came on the last half of my first fight so I think my stamina and conditioning is good. But every fight is different so we’ll have to see how it goes on Saturday.

“I expect a good fight on Saturday and I expect to win.”

DEVON ALEXANDER

“Nobody likes to lose, but you have to take some licks across the head to get to where you need to be. I hope that this will be the last lick I will take across the head.

“I would love a rematch with Shawn Porter. I know my skills and technique are way better than his, but we will see what happens. I don’t want to talk past this fight.

“I want to fight all the elite fighters; I never want to duck anyone. I am looking to make a statement in this fight; you are only as good as your last fight, so I plan on making a statement.

“On the night of the fight you will see a mix of everything — power, speed, legs and I will show everyone why I am the former world champion.

“When you are a competitor you want to win all the time and be at the top. When I see these fights on TV, I get anxious because I know my skills are good and that I can compete with the best.

“I love St. Louis and they love me back and are always behind me. They know fighters stumble but they always support me and I am ready to get back in the ring and show them that they have a real good champion from their city and that’s what I plan to show them.”

JESUS SOTO KARASS

“My mindset is, I have to put a beating on him. This is it for me; it’s do or die. I’m very confident in the work I put in and with my conditioning, but I know I have to win this.

“Alexander is a good fighter. But he’s not going to change his style. I know I have to go in and take it to him. I can box, too, but to make this fight exciting I have to pressure him and make him fight my fight.

“My total concentration has been on this Saturday and Devon Alexander. I’ve had some hard fights, but win this and then I can take a rest.”

CHAD DAWSON

“I had the privilege of becoming a world champion early. I’ve been a professional for almost 13 years. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t come back. I needed to take time to be a family man and come back when I felt like I could come back.

“I’m looking to get back to being the old Chad Dawson, the smart boxer who has height and reach. Once I get back to that, back to the top. I’m happy to be back in the game. I have to thank Al Haymon for giving me the opportunity; my division is hot right now.

“I’ve seen tapes of Blades from 2007. He looks like a durable guy. He is coming to win, it’s a big opportunity on TV.

“I don’t have anything to prove except for myself and my family. I know what I am capable of.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY

“I’m extremely happy and blessed to have signed a contract with Golden Boy. They have given me the opportunity to go on to bigger and better things in my career. This will be my ninth pro fight and ninth in Los Angeles.

“In the amateurs I was considered a pure brawler, but since turning going pro and hooking up with trainer Manny Robles, he has changed me up a little and now I have learned to think and show patience in the ring.

“My career is just starting and I’m starting from the bottom up. I have to take it one step at a time. It’s like building a big brick hose. You do it one brick at a time, and that’s how it is with my career. Saturday is just another step for me”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“I’m very excited about Saturday’s fights. It’s great to have Robert Guerrero back and fighting again, but he’s got a tough opponent in Yoshihiro Kamegai. Devon Alexander and Jesus Soto Karass is another excellent, tough fight, a 50-50 fight that you know that both fighters are coming to win.

“The world title fight is another 50-50 fight, Gary Russell Jr. vs. Vasyl Lomachenko. I’m very proud of this event, from top to bottom. I truly believe the fans are in for a great night of fights.

“This is the kind of event that Golden Boy Promotions is all about: great fighters, crowd-pleasing fights.”

Bayamon, Puerto Rico — Undefeated 17 year-old Phenom Milton Santiago Jr. weighed in for his scheduled 4-round Jr. Welterweight bout with Carlos Lopez (4-4) that will take place Thursday night at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Santiago (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Warmisnter, PA weighed in at 139 lbs. while Lopez checked in a 140 lbs.

The bout is part of a Golden Boy Promotions card that will broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 8 PM EST.

Las Vegas (JUNE18th, 2014) – Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein has confirmed that he will appear at the inauguralBox Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Al Bernstein is best known to a national audience as the voice of boxing, first for ESPN, and now as the analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing. This Hall of Fame broadcaster is considered by many as the most recognizable and respected boxing commentator and is in his 34th year in television.

Al has now moved into the internet on www.BoxingChannel.tv ,a boxing video website with a large worldwide audience that features Al as host and executive producer. He also hosts an online show, Al Bernstein’s Boxing Hangouts, giving Al a chance to talk boxing and provide programming for boxing fans around the globe.

Quote from Al Bernstein:
“This is just the event that boxing has needed to energize its fan base and add new fans. I am so happy to be able to participate. The Box Fan Expo gives the whole boxing community a place to gather together and celebrate the sport.”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email: info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to: www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

BROOKLYN (June 18, 2014)– Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is a certified two sport threat. A world-class kick boxer who will headline a SPIKE TV main event this weekend, as well as a blue-chip heavyweight prospect who wants to restore excitement to the region in the same manner as fellow Brooklyn natives Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson.

Along the way, however, the 25-year-old Miller, who is backed by Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions, knows the importance of giving back, and keeping proper perspective. That’s why he has signed on to be a spokesman for The NephCure Foundation, a non-profit organization which seeks to work on helping develop treatments and potential cures for kidney disease, specifically targeting Nephrotic Syndrome and focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a cause of Nephrotic syndrome.

The 6-4, 255-pound Miller took time out for kickboxing training for his Glory 17 feature bout against legend Mirk Cro Cop, on Saturday, June 21(9 PM ET, SPIKE TV; from Los Angeles) to speak up about why he’s aligned with NephCure.

“As a professional athlete I feel blessed to fight on television, and I feel responsible to bring awareness to such important issues as kidney disease, as well as to make people aware and to find a cure,” Miller said. “I feel this is my responsibility, and more so since Nephrotic Syndrome is five times more likely to strike African-Americans.”

As a boxing pro, Miller’s primary aim is to build his 9-0-1 (9 KOs) record to the point where he can secure a title shot, and win a world title, which will help restore the reputation of the division which has long lacked American star power. Promoter Salita believes “Big Baby” has all the traits needed to step up to the biggest stages. “I see in him the hand speed, the power, the mobility, the ring smarts…all the traits needed to bring the heavyweight championship to Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller,” Salita said. “He is taking it step by step, and Star of David is proud to be associated with this young superstar to be.”

Miller wants to take care of some unfinished kickboxing business on Saturday, when he brings his 22-1 mark in with the Croatian sensation Cro Cop, who boasts a 22-8 record. They clashed last March, with the Croatian taking a disputed decision. Miller vows to obtain revenge.

Miller has been impressed with the focus and determination of the people affiliated with The NephCure Foundation, the Philly-based non-profit which is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS. He’s asking his rooters to learn more about NephCure, which is comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, and their aim to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.

For more information about The Nephcure Foundation, please click here. http://www.nephcure.org/home.

For up to date information on Jarrell MIllers’ next boxing match, please log on to http://www.dsalita.com/

Monte Carlo, June 18 – The boxers at the “KO at the Casino” bill in Monte Carlo came face to face for the first time this afternoon at the glittering casino venue ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

All eight fighters were on hand for what promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves called “a historic event”.

The tournament is headlined by Martin Murray’s WBC silver middleweight bout against Max Bursak of Ukraine.

It is Murray’s first fight in the principality and Bursak’s third, having previously both own and lost in Monaco.

“I’ve had some good days here, some bad,” said a philosophical Bursak, who remarked that he had done tremendous work in the gym and in the mountains in preparation for Saturday.

Refusing to dwell on past ill fortune in fights against world champions Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez, Murray said that he wanted to produce a fight that reflected what excellent condition he is in.

“We are both in great shape, but I’m a level above Bursak and I will show that.”

The temperature was turned up when Berman said that this fight was essentially an eliminator for the world title, not least because, he says, WBC champion Miguel Cotto is said to be contemplating a return to junior-middleweight. He has also reached out to IBF champion Sam Soliman.

If the Murray-Bursak fight offers a fair degree of intrigue, the WBA/IBO minimumweight title fight between South Africa’s Hekkie Budler and Thailand’s Pygmy Kokietgym pits two of the best little men of boxing against one another.

Budler has grown in stature in the past 12 months and enjoys international recognition as the best fighter at the weight, a status he hopes to underscore on Saturday.

Said manager-trainer Colin Nathan: “Hekkie almost has an angelic face, but wait until Saturday. You will see an awesome, devastating performance from the number one in the world.”

Meanwhile, the cruiserweight fight between Mateusz Masternak of Poland and Youri Kalenga of the DRC via France could well be the most explosive of the night. Both look in terrific condition and bring high KO percentages to the match-up.

Their mutual respect was evident with the Pole crediting Kalenga with good power.

“He’s really strong, a tough puncher with a big left hook. But Saturday will be my day.”

Speaking on behalf of his boxer, manager Gary Hyde said that the value of Kalenga’s first ever training camp would be well evident at the weekend.

“He’s never had the benefit of a proper camp before – and he’s still been winning. He’s been devastating in sparring. He broke one Irish guy’s jaw and damaged another’s ear drum. I expect he’ll do some serious damage come Saturday.”

Berman enthused about the quality of talent on show and praised Monte Carlo for endorsing big-time boxing. The venue, built in 1910, is more used to attracting the high rollers, but casino bosses said they wanted to open it up to a wider audience with boxing the perfect vehicle to do so.

The tournament will be opened by South African Johnny Muller against Doudou Ngumbu, of the DRC, in a light-heavyweight clash

Known as one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the world and situated on the Mediterranean Sea in South West Europe, Monaco attracts millions of visitors each year. The Monte Carlo Casino, owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, it is the premiere casino destination in Europe. The Monte Carlo Casino continues to attract some of the wealthiest and most well-known celebrities and aristocrats throughout the world.

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Philadelphia (June 18) – Down but far from out. A term that has been used many times in many aspects of life but for 21 year-old Flyweight contender Miguel Cartagena of Philadelphia, it couldn’t be more true.

Back on April 24, Cartagena entered the ring for his bout with Timur Shailezov with a perfect record of 12-0. Cartagena had been improving with each performance and it was thought his bout with Shailezov would have been another solid victory.

Unfortunately Cartagena was hurt and dropped in the 1st round. He was never able to recover and was stopped in round three.

For many young fighters, that loss could have been a confidence and career killer. But Cartagena went back to the drawing board and is looking to resume what many have predicted for him and that is a path to the world championship.

Young Miguel will be back in action in July when he looks to get back on the pursuit of a world title.

“It’s a part of boxing, no excuses he was the better man tonight. I’ll be back stronger than ever. This is just a minor set back for a major comeback,” were Cartagena’s words after the TKO defeat.

Cartagena is set to make is return to the ring within 6 weeks. “I’ve had plenty of time to rest, recover and spend time with my family and friends, but I was back in the gym a week after my last fight,” Continued Cartagena.

His manager Mark Cipparone of Club 1957 Management see’s big things for Miguel’s future despite having a loss on his record, “We will take one fight at a time and build Miguel back up mentally to where he was before his last fight. When I see Miguel Cartagena, I see a future world champion. We have a great team, great trainers and a great support group for Miguel and all of my other boxers”.

Corpus Christi, TX (June 18) – “The Corpus Christi Kid” Jerry Belmontes will return to his Texas hometown to face Puerto Rico’s Abner “Pin” Cotto in the 10-round junior lightweight main event of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! on Thursday, August 7 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Also featured on the card will be a stacked lineup of Texas’ finest that will be looking to put on a show for their local fans including Austin’s KeAndre Gibson who will face an opponent to be named in the eight-round junior welterweight co-main event. Also taking to the ring will be Kingsville’s unbeaten Oscar Cantu who meets San Antonio’s Joseph Rios in an eight-round bantamweight bout that will open the televised portion of the card.

Also featured at the American Bank Center will be San Antonio’s Jairo Castaneda (5-0, 2 KOs) and Robstown’s Greg Gutierrez (9-2, 2 KOs) and Robert Vela (8-0-1, 5 KOs). The evening will also showcase some of Corpus Christi’s finest with Ernest Reyna (4-1), Julian Gilden (4-0, 4 KOs) and Jeremy Longoria (4-3, 1 KO) looking to shine in front of their hometown fans.

Unbeaten in four fights in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Jerry Belmontes (19-4, 5 KOs) will fight in front of his home fans for the first time since April of 2013 when he steps into the ring on August 7. The bout against Cotto will also be the 25-year-old’s first since his April 26 showdown with amateur rival and WBC Lightweight World Champion Omar Figueroa Jr. where Belmontes gave a supreme effort, only to lose a disputed 12-round split decision. Vowing to get back into the title hunt and earn a shot at a rematch w Figueroa Jr., “The Corpus Christi Kid” wants to make a statement against Cotto.

Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto (17-2, 8 KOs) has the style to trouble any fighter at 130 pounds, including Belmontes. Cotto is looking to get back in the win column after a hard-fought loss to highly touted Francisco Vargas in March but he knows he is coming into enemy territory to prove he has what it takes. The cousin of recently crowned WBC Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto, 26-year-old Abner is determined to one day bring another title to the family and his first step is defeating Belmontes on August 7.

Fresh from a spectacular fourth round knockout over John Nater in May, 24-year-old KeAndre Gibson (10-0-1, 5 KOs) will be fighting in front of his Texas fans once again when he battles an opponent to be named. A versatile prospect that many believe will be ruling the junior welterweight division one day, Gibson has won three of his last five fights by knockout and he’ll be bringing the thunder again in Corpus Christi.

A multi-talented boxer who is making a name for himself on the Texas scene, 23-year-old Oscar Cantu (7-0, 1 KO) will seek his eighth straight win when he meets 32-year-old Joseph Rios (13-9-2, 4 KOs) on August 7. The current WBC USNBC Super Flyweight Champion, Cantu is coming off of an eight-round win over Felipe Castaneda in March. Rios is no stranger to fighting unbeaten opposition, as five of his last six foes were undefeated and he put losses on three of those five opponents’ records, making him a dangerous test for Cantu.

Belmontes vs. Cotto, a 10-round junior lightweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly AutoParts. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. CT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.

Individual tickets priced at $12, $17 and $25 as well as group table packages priced at $600, $800 and $1000, plus applicable fees and service charges will go on sale Friday, June 20 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Tickets will be available for purchase by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, the American Bank Center at (361) 826-3000 by Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @Swanson_Comm, @Jerry_Belmontes, @pincotto, and @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LONDON (June 18) – World title challenger Gary Russell Jr believes experience will prove pivotal when he faces the talented Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO featherweight crown this weekend.

The pair are two of the hottest talents in the 126-pound division, having enjoyed glittering amateur careers, with both men now competing to capture their first world title when they do battle this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko has not taken the easy option since turning professional, with his first fight a victory over the skilled Jose Ramirez before a split decision loss in an historic bid for the world title against the hardened Orlando Salido.

With only two professional bouts under his belt, Russell Jr, who has built up a record of 24 fights with 24 wins before taking his first stab at a world title, believes that Lomachenko isn’t prepared for what is coming his way at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

“I feel like this is something I’ve worked for for so long. I think that it is destiny, and I believe that some people who haven’t, they’re about ready to find out,” said Russell Jr.

“My team and I had a game plan when turning professional. You see these guys before that have been stellar amateurs and can’t make the necessary adjustments as professionals.

“We wanted to get the rounds in; we wanted to learn the ins and outs as a professional before we competed for a world title. We had a minor hiccup here and there, but other than that we stayed on course and we’re right on track.

“This is an occupation, this is what we do, and it’s something that I excel at. You know I can’t wait,” he said.

The Washington DC born star has taken some flak in recent times about the level of competition he has faced but he insists those fights will be to his benefit as he challenges for the world title.

“There’s going to be criticism [no matter what]. My dad told me you could never please everybody. You know we wanted to get to maybe 23-0, you know 22, 23-0 before we competed for a world title,” said Russell Jr.

“One of the reasons why is based on the fact that you can be an elite amateur, but when you become a professional it’s a completely different world.

“You’re not going the full rounds, you know you’re going 10, 12 hard rounds with guys that are putting in that extra work, and this is the only way that you can gain experience by getting these rounds in. We don’t want to take things like that for granted by not getting the rounds in,” he said.

The 26-year-old southpaw was named the 2011 Ring Magazine ‘Prospect of the Year’ but will now go in against a fighter in Lomachenko who is being fast tracked to the top.

However, Russell Jr is adamant that despite the buzz around the Ukrainian his is a style that cannot be imitated, which will prove to the detriment of Lomachenko when they share the ring.

“I think my hand speed will definitely be a big factor. I understand you could probably bring guys in to kind of mimic my style, but if they have the hand speed they don’t have the punching ability, and if they have my punching ability they don’t have my hand speed.

“There’s no way possible for them to duplicate what it is that I’m going to bring to the table on June 21,” said Russell Jr.

The gifted Lomachenko though has questioned the level of competition Russell Jr has stepped in with so far, believing that the men he has gone up against in his two professional bouts have been of a higher calibre than anyone the American has faced so far.

“I haven’t see all the fights, and I didn’t see all his opponents, but as far as I saw I can probably compare a few guys who were close to Jose Ramirez, but I’ve never seen any of them being as far as Salido,” said Lomachenko.

The 26-year-old ace is grateful for his second shot at a world title and believes he has learned from his initial challenge earlier this year with the Mexican Salido, who was stripped of his chance of winning the vacant WBO title at the time after failing to make weight.

“I learned how to adjust to professional boxing, because I’ve never been in the ring so much. But I think just fighting the 12 rounds with Orlando Salido I got to experience more than if I would be fighting just regular level guys for two years,” Lomachenko stated.

“I’m not looking at it like a ladder, like I’m stepping up or stepping down. I just have another chance to fight for the title, and you know this is my dream and desire is to get one and I have a chance and I’m going to take it.

“After the Salido fight I didn’t know who it was going to be, Gary Russell or somebody else. I didn’t care, I just said make me the fight for the title,” said Lomachenko.

This Saturday night’s card also sees the return of Robert Guerrero who headlines against Yoshihiro Kamegai, with the tricky Devon Alexander back in action against Jesus Soto Karass.

Earlier that evening on BoxNation Martin Murray challenges for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title when he takes on Max Bursak in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Russell Jr. vs Lomachenko is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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LAS VEGAS, NV (June 18, 2014) – Former world lightweight champion and pound-for-pound all-action fighter BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS of Oxnard, Calif. makes his eagerly-anticipated 2014 debut when he takes on one-time interim world champion DIEGO “La Joya” CHAVES of Buenos Aires, in a 10-round welterweight battle, Saturday, August 2, in The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109). The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®. The telecast will also include the first title defense of World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion “The Pride of Las Vegas” JESSIE VARGAS against undefeated contender ANTON “The Pick Hammer” NOVIKOV, of Kopeysk, Russia. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. PT with the first bout beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT. The HBO telecast, a split-site tripleheader, will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 107-3-1 (60 KOs) — a winning ratio of 96 percent with over half of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, tickets to the Rios vs. Chaves / Vargas vs. Novikov world championship event go on sale This Friday! June 20 at 10:00 a.m. PDT and will be available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100, $150 and $200. Room / ticket packages will also be available.

“This is a do or die fight for me. I know this fight is very important for my career. I am training extremely hard,” said Rios from his Oxnard-based training camp where he has been ensconced for the past six weeks.

“I cannot wait to be in the ring and perform in front of my hometown crowd,” said Vargas. “I am very happy that my first world title defense will be in my hometown and that my friends, family and fans will all be part of it.”

“The entire boxing world always eagerly anticipates Brandon Rios’ return to the ring. His in-your-face style of fighting keeps fans glued to the action,” said Top Rank president, Todd duBoef. “The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be hosting boxing at the highest level on August 2 as HBO will open the telecast with local hero Jessie Vargas in his first world title defense.”

Rios (31-2-1 (22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. Thirteen of his last 16 victories have come by way of knockout. One of boxing’s most exciting fighters, Rios is known for his all-action fan-friendly fighting style. His trainer, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, calls it a “throwback” style with a warrior’s mentality that screams excitement. Highlight knockout victories on Rios’ resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon, John Murray and Mike Alvarado. Alvarado, the natural 140-pounder, entered that fight as the undefeated WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender. Many consider it 2012’s Fight of the Year. In their exciting rematch, which took place on March 30, 2013, Rios lost a close decision for the vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. It was considered a finalist for the 2013 Fight of the Year award. In his last fight, on November 24, 2013, he lost a unanimous decision to Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao, headlining a pay-per-view event that emanated from Macau, China.

Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs), of Buenos Aires, is a power puncher who stalks his opponent with only one goal — THE KNOCKOUT! His victory by knockout ratio of 83% proves it is usually “mission accomplished” for him. Chaves will be making his Las Vegas debut on this card in only his second fight outside his native Argentina. He captured the WBA interim welterweight title in 2012, knocking out defending champion Ismael El Massoudi in the second round. Chaves’ one-year title reign included a successful title defense against José Miranda, where he scored another second-round stoppage. He lost the title to Keith Thurman last July. Chaves’ last fight was a third-round TKO of Juan Godoy on February 15. He is currently world-rated No. 7 by the WBA and No. 10 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Vargas (24-0, Nine KOs), of Las Vegas, Nevada, will be making his world champion debut a homecoming. He captured the WBA super lightweight title on April 19 in Las Vegas, winning a unanimous decision over undefeated defending champion Khabib Allakhverdiev. It was a close and competitive fight that proved Vardas’ grit as he bit down hard during the championship rounds to pull away with the victory and the world championship belt. Vargas has proved himself a very popular ring performer in his hometown with nearly half of his fights taking place in Las Vegas. His impressive resume includes victories over former world champions Stevie Forbes and Vivian Harris and top contenders Josesito Lopez, Lucky Boy Omotoso, Ray Narh and Lanardo Tyner.

Novikov (29-0, 10 KOs), of Kopeysk, Russia, is a southpaw with good skills and movement. After a strong amateur career he seamlessly made the transition into the professional ranks in 2006. He captured the World Boxing Council Silver welterweight title in 2012, winning a unanimous decision over Karlo Tabaghua. He returns to the ring fresh from a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Javier Castro on May 17 in Fresno, California, where he blitzed him winning every round on the three judges’ scorecards.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/trboxeo.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

Fight week is here, and featherweight champion Georgi Karakhanyan (23-3-1) defends his title for the first time agains Rick Glenn (14-2) in the co-main event of “World Series of Fighting 10: Branch vs. Taylor.” The event takes place at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, June 21 and will be televised live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT local time).

The championship tripleheader topped by a main event of David Branch (13-3) vs. Jesse Taylor (27-9) for World Series of Fighting’s inaugural middleweight title, as well as the world’s no. 1 ranked women’s strawweight and current World Series of Fighting champion Jessica “Jag” Aguilar (17-4), who will defend her belt against Japanese contender Emi “The Kamikaze Angel” Fujino (13-7).??

Additionally, the main card will include intense matchups of lightweights Tyson Griffin (16-7) vs. Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (17-6) and featherweights Nick Lobosco (7-0) vs. Lance Palmer (7-1).

In the headlining bout of the WSOF.com-streamed preliminary fights, heavyweight sluggers Dave Huckaba and Derrick Mehmen will go toe-to-toe in an fight that is sure to produce fireworks.

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Georgi Karakhanyan

What are your thoughts and impressions of your next opponent, Rick Glenn?

“He deserves the title shot. He’s 2-0 in the World Series of Fighting. He’s long and lanky with a style like Erik Koch and Anthony Pettis. He has a great coach – Duke Roufus, whom I respect. My last two World Series of Fighting opponents, Waylon Lowe and Lance Palmer, were very tough and so is Rick Glenn. I don’t underestimate him but I’m coming into this fight with lots of confidence.”

Are you making any special preparations for Rick Glenn?

?”I’m just sparring with a lot of tall southpaws. This will be my fourth southpaw opponent and I think I’m a very bad match-up for southpaws because of my roundhouse kicks. I’m unbeaten versus southpaws (3-0).

“I’m going to stay on my game and come up with new things. You know, I don’t want to be a boring fighter; I want to put on an exciting show for the fans. I’ve put an extreme amount of time in this sport and I haven’t fought the way that I expect myself to fight. I keep going to the gym every day to become the fighter I’ve always visualized. I haven’t fought the way I want to fight.”

Where would you rank yourself among the world’s best featherweights?

“For sure Top 10, even Top 5. I’ve faced tougher opponents during my first two fights in World Series of Fighting than some guys in other organizations. I’m willing to take chances and I’m willing to fight all of the top guys to climb up the ladder.”

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Derrick Mehmen quotes & tweets:

“I’ve said it before, you can’t fix stupid,” Mehmen said in one of his tweets. “@Badmanhuckaba the 21st the world will see (how) delusional your really are.”

“After I whoop @BadmanHuckaba a**, who’s next? Might as well set that s*** up @MMAWorldSeries”

“He’s got some power in his hands and he’s a brawler,” said Mehmen, who has never been knocked out. “He doesn’t have a whole lot of technique or anything … but I’m impressed that he’s a tough guy. … He’s got a punchers chance. I’ve got the power, technique and I’m more well-rounded. I can take it to the ground if I want, but I don’t have to take it to the ground. He’s not taking me down. If I do take him down I’m going to dominate him. He’s got nothing for me on the ground, for sure. The only chance he has to win this fight is one lucky punch.”

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Dave Huckaba quotes:

“He’s got a big mouth really,” Huckaba said. “He’s badmouthed my family and me. He’s disrespectful to the sport. MMA is a sport of respect, man. It’s a sport of two men doing battle, it’s not about trash talking. He’s just a young kid that doesn’t know any better.

“He’s not even that good of a fighter, man. He’s got an overhand right and grappling and that’s about it.… I’m going to knock him out.”

Huckaba started training at 31 (no BJJ, wrestling, martial arts training prior)

“I mostly train in my garage and I still beat up top-level fighters. I still beat up people from the world’s biggest MMA gyms. There’s no other way to explain my success other than ‘heart’ and putting in the work. I’m just a gifted athlete.”

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

About NBC Sports Network

NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space featuring Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $4 million in rare music memorabilia; Body English Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary, Spa & Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise housing world-famous pool parties REHAB Sunday and RELAX Monday; live music/entertainment venues The Joint and Vinyl; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants Culinary Dropout, Nobu, The Ainsworth, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s Café and ?Fú; a state-of-the-art fitness center and trendsetting retailers John Varvatos, Affliction, Love Jones, Rocks The Jewelers and Rock Paper Photo. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit hardrockhotel.com. Follow Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Atlantic City, NJ—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, ends his 26-month layoff Saturday evening, Aug. 23, when he boxes Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, in the scheduled 10-round welterweight main event in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The Jones-Herrera contest tops a seven-fight card which will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv First fight is 7.30 p.m.
Jones (left), 31, has not boxed since June 9, 2012, when he was stopped late in the 11th round by Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in their contest for the vacant IBF welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, NV. At the time of the knockout, Jones was far ahead on all three scorecards.
Since that loss, Jones has relocated to Henderson, NV, and has been training in various gyms in Las Vegas, working with different trainers: Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Miguel Diaz.
A pro since 2005, Jones has a 26-1 record with 19 knockouts. He has beaten Sebastian Lujan, Jesus Soto-Karass (twice), Henry Bruseles, Irving Garcia and Juliano Ramos.
“Two years late for work but it’s better late than never,” Jones said. “I’m excited to be back in actionclip_image006 at Bally’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 23. I can’t wait to show the fans something special.
“I’ve always stayed in shape. I’ve been ready to fight for some time, but I didn’t like the terms. I cannot wait forever. If I can get one solid win under my belt, I’ll be back in the mix and ready for the best at 147 pounds.”
Herrera (right), 25, comes into this off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, on March 29 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
A pro since 2009, Herrera is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He has a straight-ahead aggressive style and it should mesh well with Jones’ boxer-puncher attack.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me,” Herrera said. “It’s a big step up but I’m excited to test myself at the next level. Mike Jones is one of the best in the world at 147 pounds and I need to prove to myself and to others out there that I can compete at that level.
“We’ve been asking for this fight ever since we heard Mike was fighting again and now it’s here. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Herrera has won four in a row since losing a close, but unanimous eight-round decision to Adrian Granados, of Cicero, IL, early in 2012 in Chicago, IL.
Six additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera fight tops a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Wilkes-Barre, PA: NBCSN Fight Night will showcase the IBF Eliminator between Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi for the #1 position in the IBF light heavyweight ratings this Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m. ET. The winner will be awarded the chance to challenge IBF and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins for his IBF title.

NBC Sports Group’s Fight Night broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Kenny Rice, analyst B.J. Flores and reporter Chris Mannix call the action.

Leading off the Fight Night telecast, will be an all-Philly showdown between Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title.

Anatoliy Dudchenko
Photo Credits: Zhanna Popova

Originally from the Ukraine, Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko now resides in Los Angeles, CA and has reunited with legendary trainer Jesse Reid for his first fight since signing with Main Events. Dudchenko, 35, has an impressive 68% (13 of 19) knockout-to-win ratio. He has also won 16 straight decisions, 10 by stoppage, dating to 2008. Anatoliy is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Robert Woge in Germany on October 26, 2013 for the IBF Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Title. “The Gladiator” is excited to make his NBCSN Fight Night debut, “Fighting on television in America is everything I’ve wanted when I started boxing. I watched Roy Jones on TV and that is what I wanted to be. I was in TV in Europe, but this is a bigger audience in America and I am excited to be fighting on Fight Night.”

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Courtesy of:
Christel Boxing

Nadjib Mohammedi, 29, is from Gardanne, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, and makes his U.S. Fight Night debut on June 21. Mohammedi has an impressive knockout-to-win ratio at 58% (20 of 34). He has registered 10 consecutive victories dating to 2011, with eight by knockout. Nadjib’s most recent victory was a sixth round KO of Oleksandr Cherviak on November 30, 2013 for the WBA Continental Light Heavyweight Title. Mohammedi said only one thing about this fight, “Only one trajectory, the victory.”

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

In the co-feature, Karl “Dynamite” Dargan will defend his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title against Anthony Flores. The undefeated Dargan won his title on November 16, 2013 against Mike Brooks in a 10-round unanimous decision victory on the Special Edition of Fight Night broadcast on NBC live from Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. After that, he defeated Chazz McDowell on the undercard of the sold-out Adamek-Glazkov Fight Night show at the Sands Casino Resort on March 15. “This is bigger than a fight for Philly bragging rights,” Dargan said. “I am not looking passed him but I am playing passed him. I respect anyone who has the heart to step into that ring with me and all I can do is look forward to the future.”

Anthony Flores
Photo Courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions

Dargan’s opponent will also be making his Fight Night debut on June 21. Anthony Flores is coming off a stunning upset victory over then-undefeated Mike Faragon on April 4 in a six-round unanimous decision win in Parsippany, NJ. Flores has two consecutive wins this year but this will be the first 10-round fight of his career. Flores is excited to make his Fight Night debut, “It’s exciting to fight on NBCSN. People are always saying they want to see me fight. They have no excuses now, they just have to turn on the TV and watch me. I am really grateful for this opportunity.”

“We are excited to have more top boxers making their debuts in big bouts on Fight Night,” said Gary Quinn, vice president of programming & planning for the NBC Sports Group.

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “Both of these Fight Night bouts are important and will be all-action. Three out of four of these fighters are making their Fight Night debut and also their debut on national television in the US, so it’s a great chance to see them in action before the winners move onto bigger fights.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The card is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing is proud to announce the signing of 2013 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion and undefeated welterweight professional Eddie “The Barber” Ramirez (4-0, 3 KOs) to a promotional contract.

22-year-old Ramirez, from Aurora, Illinois, will make his debut under the Warriors banner on their Friday, July 25, show entitled “Conquerors”, which will be presented in association with 8 Count Productions, Seconds Out Promotions and Marines Promotions and be broadcast live worldwide on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

In the night’s 10-round welterweight main event, red-hot rejuvenated contender Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (35-3, 23 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas, will look to continue his hot streak by taking on hard-hitting and dangerous Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (27-5, 20 KOs) of Miami, via Barranquilla, Colombia.

In the 10-round middleweight co-feature USBA Middleweight Champion and WBA #15, IBF #13, and WBO #11-rated Caleb “Golden” Truax (23-1-2, 14 KOs) of Osseo, Minnesota, will face Sonora, Mexico’s Rogelio “Porky” Medina (32-6, 26 KOs) in a non-title fight.

Opening the telecast will be the return of wildly popular Chicago native Mike Lee (12-0, 7 KOs). Having graduated at the top of his class with a Finance degree from The University of Notre Dame, Lee, a Subway spokesperson and philanthropist, faces an opponent to be announced in a six-round light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for “Conquerors” are priced at VIP $151, VIP Ringside $101, Mezzanine $51 and General Admission $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740. More information will be available shortly at 8CountProductions.com.

Ramirez had an outstanding amateur career, he not only won the Chicago Golden Gloves last year, but was voted Best Boxer for the entire tournament. He was also a 2013 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions finalist.

“Eddie will make an outstanding addition to our stable,” said Leon Margules. “He enjoys tremendous popularity in one of our home bases of Chicago and is a highly skilled welterweight with all the tools to become a force in the division. We’re happy he chose Warriors Boxing as his Promoter.”

The opponent for Ramirez’s six-round fight will be announced shortly.

###

About Warriors Boxing

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

About 8 Count Productions

Founded in 1997 by Dominic Pesoli, 8 Count Productions is the Home Of The Best In Chicago Boxing. 8 Count Productions has consistently presented the highest-quality professional boxing events in greater Chicago and is the home of top-10, world-rated light heavyweight Andrzej Fonfara.

For more information on 8 Count Productions, please visit 8CountProductions.com, Facebook.com/8CountWarriors,
Twitter.com/8CountBoxing and Instagram.com/8CountBoxing.

About Seconds Out Promotions

When retired professional boxer Tony Grygelko found himself unable to stay out of the gym, he realized that his passion for the sport was something he couldn’t deny. At age 29, Grygelko formed Seconds Out Promotions.

By utilizing the vast boxing knowledge of world-class trainer Ron Lyke, Grygelko and Seconds Out Promotions found instant success.

Through determination, integrity and hard work, Seconds Out Promotions strives to become a leading fight promotional company in the world, by giving young fighters the ability to showcase their talents to a worldwide audience, along with offering our fans the highest quality programming available.

Seconds Out Promotions was created to bring the very best fights to all fans and participants worldwide. Seconds Out Promotions is committed to the recruitment and development of the best and brightest young fighters to help achieve our mission. Seconds Out Promotions continues to expand its web and television presence, and is establishing itself as one of the fastest-rising fight promotions in the world.

For more information on Seconds Out Promotions, visit their website at: www.SoBoxing.comor their Twitter: @soboxing.

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Anthony “Flawless” Flores (11-4-1, 6 KOs) is coming off a major upset victory over then-undefeated Mike Faragon. On June 21, he’ll face undefeated Karl “Dynamite” Dargan in a challenge for Dargan’s USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Flores is looking to take down another undefeated opponent but will he be able to match Dargan’s speed? The scouting report for this fight is below:

Category
Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Anthony Flores
Age
28
26
Record
15-0 (7 KOs)
11-4-1 (6 KOs)
Strength
Dargan is a boxer with great speed. He is elusive, making him tough to hit. He has great amateur experience as well.
Flores has experience in the ring against top competition. He is coming off a huge upset win over then-undefeated Mike Faragon, so he may have a better mental outlook coming into this fight.
Weakness
Dargan is not very busy and has not yet been tested against the top competition.
Flores has four losses. He has been stopped once so his chin is questionable.
Experience
Dargan’s amateur experience is better than Flores. He has sparred with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
Even though Flores lost, he went the distance with Arash Usmanee, a former contender. He has fought better opposition than Dargan.
Power
When Dargan puts his punches together he is very powerful.
Flores’ power is fairly comparable to Dargan’s. Neither fighter is a one-punch knockout artist.
Speed
Dargan gets the edge with regards to speed. “His speed has the ability to take away his opponent’s offense,” according to Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone.
Flores has average speed.
Endurance
This will be the second ten-rounder of Dargan’s career (the other was unanimous decision victory over Michael Brooks when he won his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title) and he has only had one eight-rounder. His endurance has not been tested.
Flores has never fought in a ten-rounder before. He fought in one eight-rounder which he lost via split decision (Arash Usmanee, October 8, 2010).
Defense
Dargan’s best asset is his defense. He has never been stopped although he has been down. He has a tendency, however, to lose focus at times.
Flores’s offense is his best defense.
Chin
The undefeated Dargan has been down before and has always managed to get back up.
The only time Flores was stopped he was fighting at a lower weight. He has not been stopped since moving up to lightweight.
Style
Dargan is a boxer with quick hands and quick feet.
Flores is an ‘in your face’ offensive fighter. He is a crowd pleaser.
Intangibles
Rather than sit around waiting for the big fight, Dargan would rather stay busy. He has legendary trainer Naazim Richardson in his corner. Richardson is a top trainer and also Dargan’s uncle.
After Flores’ fourth loss he took almost three years off to redefine himself. After upsetting Faragon, he wants to stay in the mix with top level competition.
Crowd Support
Dargan is from Philadelphia so expect a decent crowd of his supporters at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Also with his highly publicized relationship with R&B singer Lil’ Mo, expect there to be a lot of her fans hoping to catch a glimpse of “Dynamo” together.
Flores is also from Philadelphia so he should have a significant number of supporters in the crowd in Wilkes-Barre as well.
The Match-Up
Dargan is looking to prove he is ready to take on the next level and is facing a fighter who is coming off of a major upset victory. Flores will be looking to take down another undefeated opponent as the underdog.
Will Flores be able to capitalize on the confidence he built up from his last fight?
Will Flores be able to handle Dargan’s speed and how will that effect Flores’ offense?
Will Dargan seize the opportunity to make a statement on national television?
Is Dargan looking past Flores to bigger and better things and not concentrating on the opponent in front of him?

“Flores dominated Ramesis Gil whereas Dargan struggled against him and only defeated him by two points, so it is hard to say how this fight will play out,” said Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone. “Flores is also coming off a major victory against an undefeated opponent. That kind of ego boost can make a fighter dangerous.”

Anthony “Flawless” Flores
Photo Courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “We are really looking for Dynamite to make a statement. Flores is an opponent who will make Dargan fight and try everything he can to go home with the win. It should be a very interesting bout.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The card is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

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New York, NY – FOX Sports teams with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions for the first time on Thursday, July 10 (10:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes creating an impressive week of boxing, as Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Live! delivers a pair of bouts on Wednesday, July 9 (10:00 PM ET).

“Our commitment to the sweet science is stronger than ever and we’re excited to deliver boxing fans back-to-back nights of fights,” said FOX Sports SVP, Programming, Research & Content Strategy Patrick Crakes.

Golden Boy’s Wednesday night fights, live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, feature former world title contender Alfonso Gomez (23-6-2, 12 KOs) battling Ed Paredes (35-3-1, 23 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight main event. Additionally, Oscar De La Hoya’s cousin competes, as 19-year-old phenom Diego De La Hoya (5-0, 4 KOs) brings his boxing pedigree to the ring against U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (10-0, 7 KOs).

On Thursday night, Iron Mike Productions makes its FOX Sports debut with three thrilling matchups, including a main-event IBF Junior Lightweight Championship bout. Argenis Mendez (21-2-1, 11 KOs) makes his third title defense and looks to redeem himself following a lackluster performance in his first fight with Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 13 KOs). In that fight, Barthelemy knocked Mendez out in a controversial finish to end the 2nd round. The Minnesota Combat Sports Commission later ruled that the knockout took place after the bell, overturning the original ruling that Barthelemy won by knockout.

In the co-main event, No. 3 ranked light heavyweight fighter Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs) takes on a top contender to be named at a later date. Additionally, FOX Sports 1 showcases one of the sport’s most popular young fighters in Erickson Lubin (5-0, 5 KOs), who fights in his first 8-round bout in the welterweight division.

Hall of Fame boxing commentator Colonel Bob Sheridan calls the action from Miami on FOX Sports 1 alongside former IBF light middleweight champion and Raul Marquez. Tyson appears on the broadcast prior to the Thursday bouts. Meanwhile, former WBC featherweight champion and WBO World Super Bantamweight champion, Daniel Ponce de Leon joins Mauricio Cardenas to call the action for FOX Deportes.

Las Vegas, Nev. – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced that EA SPORTS UFC® is now available at retail stores throughout North America and will be in stores June 20 in Europe for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system. Heralded by USA Today as a “must buy” and credited for “setting the standard for next generation fighting games” by Sports Illustrated, EA SPORTS UFC is built from the ground up exclusively for the new consoles and captures the human athleticism, physiology and emotion of the athlete like nothing before it. To make sure the game stays connected to the sport, post-launch, players will receive free roster updates, which include the addition of new and upcoming fighters.

EA SPORTS UFC re-writes history by making Bruce Lee, the “Father of Mixed Martial Arts,” an unlockable fighter in the game. When fans beat career mode on pro difficulty or higher, they will unlock the legend and can test his legacy against the best of the best in the UFC across four different weight classes.

“The UFC is the first new major sports league partnership for EA SPORTS in over a decade and from day one, our team was committed to creating the first next generation sports game,” Dean Richards, General Manager, EA SPORTS UFC. “We aimed to capture almost every detail of the sport, from the way the fighters look to how they move to how they fight in the Octagon. I couldn’t be more proud of the final product and can’t wait for our fans to get their hands on it.”

“It was a huge day for the UFC and for fight fans when we signed our partnership with Electronic Arts two years ago,” Dana White, President, UFC. “Now people all around the world will be able to experience our sport through a whole new generation of videogames. EA SPORTS UFC looks incredible and we are extremely excited for people to see and play the game.”

Powered by EA SPORTS IGNITE technology, EA SPORTS UFC brings to life the action, emotion and intensity inside the Octagon®. The next-generation of True Player Motion not only showcases the diverse, powerful and fluid of attacks of elite mixed martial artists through Precision Movement, Dynamic Striking and Strategic Submission Battles, but also brings the combatants to life with Full Body Deformation and Real-Time Exertion. The simulation of Human Intelligence takes leaps forward with the strategic and adaptive MMAi system and is expressed through the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game.

Assets:
To download the updated EA SPORTS UFC fact sheet and assets, please visit the EA press site at http://info.ea.com.

EA SPORTS UFC is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver. The game is rated T by the ESRB and PEGI 16; visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.info for more information. Become a fan of EA SPORTS UFC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/easportsufc and follow us on Twitter via http://www.twitter.com/easportsufc.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and SPORTS UFC®. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S. which includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world. In fiscal year 2014, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news. EA SPORTS, SSX, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

FRESNO, CA (June 17, 2014) – Fresno California’s welterweight boxer, Marcos Antonio Hernandez (1-0) has recently signed with world renowned advisor, Al Haymon. With the addition of Haymon on his team, Hernandez will now fight on the undercard of Robert Guerrero vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai this Saturday, June 21 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

At age 21, Hernandez stands 6’2 and was born and raised in Fresno California. He had a successful armature career where he won numerous tournaments before turning pro at age 20. Trained by his father Joey Hernandez, Marcos is excited about signing with Al Haymon and fighting on the Guerrero vs. Kamegai undercard.

“My father and I have been working very hard to make a name for ourselves,” said Marcos Hernandez. “My mentor and good friend coach Peter Lopes is the person responsible for getting me seen by Luis Decubas Jr. and opened the doors to be with Al Haymon. I know with hard work, I can become something special in this sport. I’m looking forward to fighting on Robert Guerrero’s undercard this Saturday.”

“Marcos is a very good kid with a ton of athletic ability.” said mentor Peter Lopes. “I’ve seen him dunk a basketball, he really moves well for a kid that stands 6’2. He’s tough and he’s hungry as hell. He was sparring with Robert Guerrero for the last few weeks so I know he can hang with the best of them. He learned a lot sparring with Robert and I know he’s going to shine this Saturday.”

Sherman Oaks, CA (June 17 2014) Looking to continue his march through the division, world ranked and undefeated light heavyweight contender Thomas “Top Dog” Williams, Jr. takes on his toughest challenge to date when he faces former WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo in the 12-round main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra™ on Friday, August 1 from the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington it was announced today by Goossen Promotions.

The Williams-Campillo battle, promoted in association with Sampson Boxing, will be televised live on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.

Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions, said, “Thomas Williams, Jr. has been impressive on Friday Night Fights this season and Gabriel Campillo was part of what may have been our best card last year at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, so we are expecting a dogfight.”

“Little Creek Casino Resort and the Squaxin Island Tribe are very excited to be bringing the ring back to the Skookum Creek Event Center for the latest in our ESPN Friday Night Fight series,” said Little Creek CEO Michael Starr.

Advance tickets priced at $40 can be purchased by calling (800) 667-7711 or online at www.Little-Creek.com. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 4:30 p.m. The Little Creek Casino Resort is located at 91 W. State Route 108, Shelton, Washington 98584 (one hour southwest of Seattle).

Said Dan Goossen of the clash of world contenders, “These are the type of fights that make or break a young upcoming fighter like Williams. Three of Campillo’s losses have been more than controversial, they have been outright travesties, and with a potential world title opportunity at stake, he knows this is his chance to right all the wrongs. This is why our matchmaker Tom Brown believes this is a terrific matchup for the fans and ESPN viewers and why it will tell us everything we need to know about Williams.”

“We’ve brought some outstanding events to Little Creek Casino Resort and to their supportive fans in Washington State and I believe this one has the makings of being a real war involving world class boxers,” continued Goossen.

Currently ranked #6 by the WBO, #8 IBF and #9 WBC, Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland has compiled a record of 17 victories, 12 of them by knockout with no losses.

With two explosive knockouts under his belt this year, Williams will be looking to land the big one on Campillo.

In his first visit to the Little Creek Casino Resort on January 24, Williams had to climb off the canvas, and return the favor in scoring an exciting first round stoppage of world ranked contender Cornelius White earning an ESPN Sports Center Top Ten Highlight.

In his next bout from Rancho Mirage, California, Williams knocked out former world title challenger Enrique Ornelas in the third round on April 24 in a bout also telecast on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fighting out of Madrid, Spain, the former World Champion Campillo, having held the title in 2009-2010, has built a record of 23-6-1 (10 KO’s) in a 12-year career, which has been marked by numerous questionable decisions against world-class competition. Campillo, currently ranked #14 by the IBF, also holds the distinction of being managed by Sergio Martinez, the former Middleweight World Champion.

In his most recent notable bout in Chicago on August 16, 2013 and televised by ESPN Friday Night Fights, Campillo battled recent world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara, who on May 24, 2014 found himself on the wrong end of a close decision loss against hot-shot Light Heavyweight World Champion, Adonis Stevenson.

In his fight against Fonfara, Campillo gave the hard hitting Polish native all he could handle through the first seven rounds, using an excellent jab, and a tight defense; but in the eighth round Campillo was rocked hard by the hometown favorite and in the ninth stopped from a barrage of punches. At the time of the stoppage Campillo was ahead on the scorecards.

Within his other losses are three highly controversial decisions, a split decision to World Champion Tavoris Cloud in February 2012, a January 2010 split decision to Beibut Shumenov (losing his World Championship) and a majority decision draw to Karo Murat in September 2008, who went on to be the mandatory bout against the ageless Bernard Hopkins.

The semi-main event and undercard will feature some promising Washington-state prospects for the “Little Creek Brawl V” event, which will be announced shortly.

For more information on WILLIAMS vs. CAMPILLO, follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter at @GoossenBoxing, Dan Goossen at @DanGoossen, Thomas Williams Jr. at @TopDoggJr and the Little Creek Casino Resort at @Little_Creek. Use hashtag #WilliamsCampillo.

ABOUT LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT
Named in 2013 as “Boxing’s Venue Of The Year” by Northwest Fight Scene Magazine, The 190-room Little Creek Casino Resort is also known for it’s world class amenities, casual and fine dining options, and offering the latest in both electronic and table gaming, concerts and entertainment, truly making it an unmatched destination for the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.little-creek.com or call 800-667-7711.