Last Saturday Marcos Nader (16-0, 2 KOs) won his tune-up fight in convincing
fashion. The Austrian came out on top against Damien Bertu from France with
a clear unanimous points decision at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg, Germany.
Along with the victory now come his first shot for a professional title.
Nader challenges the current EU Champion Roberto Santos (18-6-2, 10 KOa) in
front of his home crowd at the Multiversum Schwechat, Austria, close the
airport of Vienna

“I am very excited,” said the 22-year-old. “Since turning pro I have only
fought in Austria on a few occasions.” But against Santos the support of the
domestic fans could prove to be vital as the fight against Santos won’t be
an easy one. It seems as if the 30-year-old Spaniard is in the shape of his
life. After fighting out a draw against the German middleweight hope Dominik
Britsch back in February, the “Tiger of Benidorm” went one step further on
September 15 in Bamberg. Santos won the rematch against Britsch by TKO in
round 8 and destroying all hopes of the German middleweight of becoming the
EU Champion.

“I saw both fights,” said Nader. “I paid close attention to the fight in
Stuttgart before last weekend’s bout and I was present for the rematch last
Saturday, when Santos won the belt.”

The middleweight continues: “I am really looking forward to it. I know that
Santos is a tough guy but now after beating Britsch he is in the eye of the
public. The fans know that November 2 will be a great night of boxing.”

Tickets for the big fight at the Multiversum Schwechat can be purchased at
www.multiversum-schwechat.at and www.boxen.com at the beginning of next
week.

Is anybody surprised that Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., tested positive for marijuana?

Didn’t think so.

News of the test in the wake of Chavez’ loss by one-sided decision Saturday night to Sergio Martinez at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center is just more of the same in an exasperating pattern of behavior from a man-child who won’t grow up.

Already, Chavez’ enablers are trying to muddy up the issue by arguing that pot is as much a performance-enhancer as a bacon-cheeseburger. It should be legal, they say. It’s already legal in some places. Smoke it for therapy. Smoke it as a sleep aid. Soon, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will be tossed into all that smoke. The current president inhaled it and a former one said he didn’t. Blah-blah-blah

So what’s the problem?

It’s not the pot. It’s the irresponsibility.

If Chavez, Jr., smoked a joint after a fight that included an epic 12th round, that’s his choice. But the positive test indicates he was indulging when he wasn’t training throughout a haphazard camp, which included weird hours and sessions when apparently his road work was limited to a few laps around the couch in his Vegas’ living room.

Instead of fulfilling his obligations with some sweat equity, it looks as if the former middleweight champ was getting stoned. That was irresponsible to trainer Freddie Roach, who sometimes would be summoned to supervise a workout at midnight or 3 a.m. It was a breach of what Top Rank and fans expected him to do.

Chavez has been allowed to skate from accountability throughout his young life because of his name. He’s the son of Mexico’s beloved Julio Cesar Chavez, Father Legend. If there’s a burden in carrying on the name, it includes favors that have postponed maturity.

More troubling and perhaps ominous, he hasn’t learned from his father’s mistakes. In addition to a durable chin, there are signs that the 26-year-old Chavez inherited dangerous habits that led his dad into substance-abuse and rehab. Chavez Jr. talked about his dad’s problems a couple days before the Martinez bout. In a forthright manner, he talked about fears his dad would die. He called the experience “horrible.’’ But he didn’t call it a lesson.

It’s not as if Chavez Jr. didn’t know he would be tested. His history dictated that he, perhaps more than any fighter, would be. In 2009, he was suspended for seven months after testing positive for a diuretic. In January, he was arrested for DUI. In June, Andy Lee trainer Emanuel Steward questioned the legitimacy of a test that Chavez underwent before he beat Lee in El Paso.

By now, Chavez knows the rules. If he had trouble sleeping, he should have used something else other than pot to help him get his rest. Marijuana is still on the banned list. It’s fair to argue whether it should be. But that’s an argument for another day.

Today, the argument is only about Chavez Jr. In a Don’t Worry, Be Happy style, he’s likable. He has potential. But that’s all he’ll ever have if the people around him continue to postpone the battle to mature. For now, it’s the only fight that matters.

Highly touted Minneapolis product Jamal James (7-0) will take part in a crucial in-state grudge match on October 27, when He goes head to head with Corey “Collateral Damage” Rodriguez (6-2) at “Pound 4 Pound” at the famed Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, MN presented Fight Area 51 and Sterling Entertainment Group.

James, training out of Circle of Discipline gym in Minneapolis has compiled a 7-0 record with five wins by knockout since turning professional in 2010. Rodriguez, holds a record of 6-2, having only lost to undefeated opposition. The fight pits two of Minnesota’s top junior middleweights in a bout with no shortage opportunity on the line. James has a chance to establish himself as one of Minnesota’s elite fighters, while Rodriguez can put himself back into contention for a run nationally.

In the co-feature, lightning fast featherweights square off, as the explosive Ismail Muwendo (10-0 8 ko’s) takes on seasoned veteran Leon Bobo. Muwendo has made a name for himself amongst Minnesota boxing fans by racking up highlight reel knockouts since turning professional in 2009, While the well-versed Bobo makes his first trip back to Minnesota since going toe to toe with Wilton Hilario in 2009.

Fans will also catch a glimpse of the future when Robert Brant (3-0) takes the ring. Brant, out of Oakdale will make his fourth trip to the ring in the professional ranks following an amateur career rich with world class accolades.

The card is rounded out by a healthy preliminary lineup. James’ Circle of Discipline stable mate Johnothan Perez looks to remain unbeaten as he takes on Aaron Fernandez. Hard hitting cruiserweights Olanleraju Durodola and Sam Hill will meet in a six round matchup, while heavyweights John Moxey and John Schimon face off in a six round bout. The card also features the debut of Dan Moret.

Tickets are priced at 30, 65, 100, and 120 dollars and are available at Sterlingmn.com

Las Vegas, Nevada (Sept. 20, 2012) – Have you ever wondered what life was like in The Ultimate Fighter® house? Wondered what it’s like to be one of 16 guys, with no contact with the outside world, sleeping in twin beds, training twice daily and competing with your housemates to reach the same dream? Well, we followed up with the cast of The Ultimate Fighter® Fridays, which airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX, to get their thoughts on life in the TUF™ house after week one. Here’s what they had to say:

TEAM CARWIN

Sam Alvey (@Smilensam)

“Week one of the TUF house was a lot like when Luke first met Yoda; excited to learn but really looking past that to becoming the TUF Fridays champ.”

Bristol Marunde (@bristolmarunde)

“I went from owning my own business, a big house, a king size bed to a bunk-bed and a house full of crazy fighters. I’m back in college!!!!”

Mike Ricci (@MikeyRicci)

“The first week was ‘tuf’ adjusting to the new location and schedule but things got easier from then on.”

Neil Magny (@neilmagny)

“The first week living in the TUF house was great. I was so happy that I was able to make it this far, after being turned away so many times before. Making it into the house was the biggest accomplishment I had in my MMA career yet. I also thought the house was amazing. For the first time in my life I had a hot tub/pool in my backyard and everything I could possibly want in the kitchen.”

James Chaney (@jameschaneymma)

“When initially going into the TUF house everybody was overjoyed. Flying high on our fresh victories, it was a rush picking the beds and raiding the massive fridge and pantry, the reality setting in that we had really made it, we were really there! The house itself was so massive! I constantly found myself discovering bizarre new things: Greek statues, koi ponds, samurai statues, and all sorts of bizarre locked rooms. I’m reasonably sure somewhere within that property is a path to Narnia or Hogwarts or something. For most, the joy of victory and the luster of the house was dulled within the week as fight picks loomed and the seriousness of our circumstances was realized.”

Eddy Ellis (@fasteddyellis)

“My feelings about the first week of The Ultimate Fighter house were mixed, the first part of the week I was just excited to be there. By the end of the first week I thought WHAT DID I GET MYSELF IN TO? Five and half more weeks in that place was a LONG-time away!”

Igor Araujo (@igoraraujojj)

“The war has started, amazing room, amazing house, 15 more crazy guys who want to see my head on the ground. I am sleeping in the same room as James Chaney and Julian Lane, will I survive in this adventure?”

Matt Secor (@secormatthew)

“I figured I wasn’t going to make any friends in the house and stay to myself, until our first Team Carwin practice. Then I knew I was going to be on a team that would stick together throughout the whole season.”

TEAM NELSON

Dom Waters (@shonuff89)

“My first week in the TUF house I felt like I was on cloud nine it was just the highest of highs to be walking around that house, just wow.”

Michael Hill (@mmamike)

“I made it, I’m finally here, and now it’s time to get to work. Mooooortal Kooooombat!!! This house is huge, bed’s are very unpleasant, is this jail? I could get used to this grocery list thing, might start using this back home. Cameras are even in the washroom??? Holy shit this is going to be serious.”

Cameron Diffley (@camerondiffley)

“The first week was pretty tame in the house compared to the rest of the season. Everyone was getting to know each other, getting used to their teams training schedule and getting used to living in the TUF house.”

Colton Smith (@coltonsmithmma)

“Being Active Duty Army for the past seven years has ingrained my mind into a certain schedule and habit. That was all shook up when I was put in the TUF house and that was the first of many obstacles I had to overcome being in the house with 15 other warriors.”

Jon Manley (@jonmanleymma)

“The first week in the house seemed crazy. We had to win a fight to get in the house. Pick teams, train and then we were right back into fighting. It was a high stress situation, not knowing who or when you are going to fight. The house was sick and plenty of free food.”

Nic Herron-Webb (@NaptimeNic)

“It was such a crazy experience. I’m stuck in a house with 15 other guys that I don’t know, and we are all out for the same thing. There is bound to be heartbreak, and lots of trouble. Bring it on!!”

Joey Rivera (@joeyboomboom)

“The first week at the house was tough being away from my friends and family, but I had fun meeting the guys and ‘experiencing’ all the different personalities. I knew then it was going to be a wild six weeks.”

Julian Lane (@julianlanemma)

“I really didn’t know what to think, but just go with it. I was ecstatic by the mansion, and knowing I had to live there for six weeks with 15 other fighters made my adrenaline pumped. All I could think about was how crazy everyone will be after the first week when we all get comfortable.”

The series resumes Friday, September 21, on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings for Central and Mountain Time) with the second episode of its 12-week run.

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

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with over two million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, and a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

FX

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series Sons of Anarchy and Justified; the miniseries American Horror Story, which earned 17 primetime Emmy® Awards, tying for the most nominations of any program this year and the most nominations for a miniseries in basic cable history; the acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, Legit, BrandX with Russell Brand, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with UFC and NCAA football.

Not a lot of heavyweights have leaped to the top of the division in such a
short period of time. When current European and IBF International Champion
Kubrat Pulev steps into the ring at the Sporthalle Hamburg, Germany, he will
not only be fighting to defend his titles but also for the number one spot
in the IBF rankings – all that within in three years since turning pro. The
prodigy of coach Otto Ramin won the European Crown in Erfurt, Germany, in
May against Alexander Dimitrenko. Now he is aiming to beat Ustinov and
hoping to get a shot for the world championship.

Kubrat Pulev, your first title defence of the European Championship will be
on September 29. How is your preparation going?

Kubrat Pulev: It is pretty much business as usual. I took a short break
after the Dimitrenko fight. After that, I started with basic training in
Bulgaria. Then I flew out to Berlin for two weeks to work on my athleticism.
I went back to Sofia for a few days. At the end of this week, I will have
finished my four-week sparring phase in Berlin. I feel good and I am
prepared.

After Alexander Dimitrenko you have a new ‘Big’ guy waiting for you in
Alexander Ustinov. What are your thoughts on the man who will probably be
weighing in at around 300 lbs?

Kubrat Pulev: Alexander Ustinov is a mountain of a man. He is not only a few
inches taller than me but also weighs considerably more than I do. That will
tell in his punching power. I will have to be fully focused when I am inside
the ring with him. The saying that one punch can decide a heavyweight fight
is quite accurate for this fight.

What will your strategy look like against such a ‘heavy’-weight?

Kubrat Pulev: I will definitely have to win this fight through my
athleticism, speed and agility. He does not really have an amateur
background and therefore I will also have an advantage when it comes to
technical abilities.

This fight is not only about the European Title but also for the IBF top
spot. How close is a possible shot for a world title?

Kubrat Pulev: I fulfilled a dream of mine by winning the European crown
during my last fight. Now I will be defending my title for the first time.
Being right at the top of the division is just a bonus. But for now, my
priority is to establish myself as a top heavyweight in Europe when I face
Ustinov. My team will make the decision about what ever comes afterwards.
They know what is best for me.

How did the people in Bulgaria react to your successful title bid?

Kubrat Pulev: They were completely over the moon – I am the first Bulgarian
to win the European Heavyweight Title. Whenever I am walking around the town
people recognise me and thank me. Sometimes it actually makes me feel a bit
awkward. Nevertheless, I am really proud of what I have achieved in the name
of my country.

What outcome does the proud European Champion predict for the fight against
Ustinov?

Kubrat Pulev: Alexander Ustinov is not someone who you can beat on the go. I
am preparing as good as I can. That has worked so far against all my
opponents. Therefore I am hopeful, that I will still be able to call myself
European and IBF International Champion after the bout in Hamburg.

Tickets for the big event can be purchased online at www.eventim.de and
www.boxen.com.

LOS ANGELES, September 20 – The Woodland Community Center in Woodland, Calif. will host another night of world-class professional boxing this Saturday, September 22 when exciting 23-year-old Delano, Calif. native Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez takes on fellow prospect Donyil Livingston of Palmdale, Calif. in an eight-round middleweight fight to be featured on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate.”

In the evening’s co-main event, unbeaten hometown favorite Manuel “Tino” Avila of Fairfield, Calif. steps into the ring for the fourth time this year to meet seasoned Miami veteran Jhon Molina in an eight round featherweight matchup.

This hard-hitting doubleheader headlines a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don Chargin Productions in association with Paco Presents and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00 pm, the first bell rings at 7:00 pm and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 12:00am ET/11:00pm PT.

Tickets, priced at $35, $45, and $65, are available at Paco’s Mexican Resaurant at (669) 7946, Travis Credit Union at (530) 668-0573 or online at www.pacopresentsboxing.com.

Paul Mendez (9-2-1, 3 KO’s) has been on a hot streak of late, going 3-0-1 in his last four fights including an August stoppage of Loren Myers in his most recent outing. With the only two losses on his record coming by way of a controversial majority decision in August of 2009 and a split decision loss to James Parison in September of 2011. Now, Mendez will square off against Palmdale resident Donyil Livingston (8-1-1, 4 KO’s), a talented and versatile 28-year-old who is aiming to rebound from the first loss of his professional career in March, a six round split decision in a fight against Elie Augustama.

Former amateur star Manuel “Tino” Avila (9-0, 3 KO’s) was always touted for his professional style in the ring and he’s proven that praise well deserved since his professional debut in November of 2010, passing each of his tests with flying colors. Already 3-0 in 2012, the 20-year-old most recently stopped then once-beaten Vicente Alfaro in three rounds on August 25 and he expects to keep the momentum going this Saturday night against Jhon Molina (30-19-3, 19 KO’s). Molina, by far the most seasoned and dangerous opponent Avila has faced, has won three out of his last four bouts and the 35 year-old Colombia native will be out to see if Avila is ready for the next level.

In undercard action, Sacramento featherweight Guy Robb (8-1, 4 KO’s) continues his march upward in the 126-pound weight class when he battles Tijuana’s Leopoldo Gonzalez (12-7-1, 7 KO’s) in a six round featherweight bout, unbeaten junior welterweight Jonathan Chicas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of San Francisco meets up with Guadalajara’s Jorge Mendoza (7-6) in a six round battle and Sacramento featherweight Alberto Torres (1-0) opens the card in a four round fight against an opponent to be named.

NEW YORK (September 20, 2012) – Bay State boxers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Danny O’Connor have come almost full circle since their amateur days, training together in Houston and now fighting on DiBella Entertainment’s “Road To Glory” card, September 29 on a special HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader, live from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) defends his United States Boxing Association (USBA) title against unbeaten power-puncher Jason “Monstruo” Escalera (13-0-1, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event, while super lightweight prospect Danny O’Connor (18-1, 6 KOs) faces Josh “Nino Assasino” Sosa (10-3, 5 KOs), providing chief support for the three HBO-televised fights, in an eight-round bout.

Unbeaten Luis Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (16-0, 11 KOs) takes on former three-time, two-division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (37-5-1, 27 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on HBO for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super bantamweight title.

Completing the HBO tripleheader is a World Boxing Council (WBC) International welterweight title fight between champion Antonin Decarie and the undefeated Alex Perez (16-0, 9 KOs). Decarie-Perez replaced a Special Light Heavyweight Attraction bout between world-rated Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (19-1-1, 9 KOs) and former two-time, two-division world champion Zsolt Erdei, who was forced to withdraw due to suffering two broken ribs during training camp. Chilemba will still be fighting on the card.

The “Road To Glory” event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Gary Shaw Productions. All three bouts will be aired on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez moved to Worcester (MA) with his family 14 years ago when he was 13. O’Connor was born and raised in Framingham (MA), which is less than 30 miles from Worcester. O’Connor’s third amateur bout was at the old Boys & Girls Club in Worcester on a show in which hometown hero Rodriguez was in the main event. The now 27-year-olds first met then, both developed into national amateur champions, and turned pro in 2008.

Back when they were amateurs, Rodriguez, O’Connor and Providence’s Demetrius Andrade, a 2008 US Olympian, were roommates as members of USA traveling teams. “We dreamed of becoming world champions as professionals at the same time,” Rodriguez remembered. “And we’re getting close.”

Rodriguez is the closest of that trio to fighting for a world championship. He is rated No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC), as well as No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 9 by The Ring Magazine.

“I love fighting on the same cards as Edwin,” O’Connor said. “He’s headlining on HBO. We train and travel together; he’s my best friend in boxing. But it’s different for us right now. He’s fighting in front of the lights and I’m trying to get there. He has to perform well September 29 to keep fighting on HBO and I need to impress the people from HBO.”

The two took a circuitous route to Houston, joining trainer Ronnie Shields, in his new state-of-the-art boxing facility at Plex in Stafford, Texas. O’Connor quickly outgrew the Framingham PAL and started training at the Worcester Boys & Girls, rejoining Rodriguez there as young prizefighters. They traveled throughout New England, searching for sparring partners and a base, until they both landed at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI) but with different trainers.

Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, then made a critical change sending Edwin out of New England to Shields in Houston. After losing his first professional fight, O’Connor decided it was time for a change. His new manager, Ken Casey, founder and lead singer of the popular Boston-based band Dropkick Murphys, has opened up a new world, marketing-wise, for O’Connor, who did some research and came up with a list of potential trainers. His co-promoter, Leon Margules (DiBella Entertainment promotes Rodriguez and co-promotes O’Connor), has been friends with Shields for 20 years and a connection was made. O’Connor left Framingham without money or a place to live, nothing but the clothes on his back and his gym bag. “I hooked up with Edwin in Houston, where he let me stay with him,” O’Connor noted. “But that’s the type of person Edwin is, always helping.”

“Danny came down here and I love it,” Rodriguez added. “He pushes me. There are days I don’t like running and he pushes me. We push each other.”

Rodriguez originally was supposed to fight this summer and he will be in training camp for 14 weeks by September 29, missing his wedding anniversary with his wife, Stephanie, and being away from his twins of special needs who will turn six on the night of his fight against Escalera. The only time he was away from Shields was for a week on vacation back home, but Edwin pointed out that he trained daily and wasn’t really on a vacation.

Shields has been nothing short of a boxing professor for his two protégés from Massachusetts. They love working with the former “Trainer of the Year” and two-time world title challenger, who has been where the duo wants to get. Many may feel that Shields has changed Rodriguez from a brawler to boxer, O’Connor from boxer to puncher, but Coach Ronnie is turning both into complete fighters.

“Edwin always came forward, throwing punches, and when you hit him, he hit you back,” Ronnie explained. “There’s nothing wrong with that attitude, but you don’t want to trade shots with an opponent who hits harder. You don’t go head-to-head with an opponent like Donovan George who was stronger. Edwin boxed in the middle of the ring and won rounds, catching everything George threw on his gloves instead of his chin. Edwin agrees that he doesn’t have to punch it out. I’m not taking the fight out of a fighter like Edwin. I’m making him more of a complete fighter like I’m doing with Danny, too. Complete fighters are smart fighters. If Edwin is losing late in a fight and needs a round or two, he can still do that if he needs to, but he has perfected his defense.

“When Danny first came here, I watched tapes of his fights and all he did was box against everybody. I asked him if he thought there was any other way to fight. He didn’t know how to fight any differently. We worked on getting him to fight inside, not just to go in there throwing punches. He needed defense to create offense. He’s done that perfectly in his last few fights and I’ve been impressed by his defense. He’s knocking people out now. He’s never going to be a power puncher, but he’s punching harder and sitting down on his punches. He’s a tough kid who sacrifices whatever I take to do it. I love working with him and Edwin.

“It’s very important that there down here together. One feeds off of the other. If Edwin is having a down day, Danny picks him up, and vice-versa.”

The journey doesn’t end for Rodriguez or O’Connor until they reach their dreams of capturing a world title. Shields has both of them headed in the right direction and not too far away from achieving their goals. They’ve almost come full circle.

“Road to Glory” is the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader, featuring some of the brightest young fighters in all of boxing looking to continue on their paths toward their respective world championships. The card will take place on Saturday, September 29, at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Foxwoods box office by calling 1 (800) 200-2882. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $200.

Come September 29 all eyes will be on Hamburg, Germany, as three title
fights will top the bill at Alsterdorfer Sporthalle. Light Middleweight Jack
Culcay is going to defend his WBA Intercontinental Championship against Mark
Thompson and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin will be
trying to fend off the bid of mandatory challenger and former WBC and IBF
Champion Hasim Rahman. But another heavyweight bout could steal the show,
when Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Ustinov collide not only for the European
and the IBF International Championship but also the number one spot in the
IBF rankings. So the winner will come closer to challenge current World
Champion Wladimir Klitschko in the not too distant future. In the following
interview, the heavyweight colossus Ustinov talks about his chances of
beating Pulev and earning this coveted position.

Alexander Ustinov, On September 29, you will challenge Kubrat Pulev for the
European and IBF International Heavyweight Championship. How is your
preparation going?

Alexander Ustinov: Everything is going well. I am currently in the final
moments of my sparring, so on the day of the fight I will be in tip-top
shape and ready to win!

What do you expect from Pulev and how are you going to deal with it?

Alexander Ustinov: We are both experienced professionals and know the boxing
business pretty good. Kubrat will enter the ring to win just like me! It is
going to be a great fight!

You have won 21 of your 27 fights by knockout – Pulev 8 out of 16. Would you
say that you are the bigger puncher and that his power is not as much of a
concern to you?

Alexander Ustinov: I do not consider myself just as a big puncher. I just do
my job inside the ring. However, if there is a possibility to finish the
combat in the early rounds – then why not? I will take the chance!

You are currently fighting for K2, the banner of the Klitschko brothers.
Have you actually sparred with them and if so, what have you learned by
sparring them?

Alexander Ustinov: I have helped Vitali twice to prepare for a fight and it
was always a great experience for me. After that, I have realised one very
simple but very important thing: If you want to be the best, then you have
to deal with the best! I am proud of being able to help Vitali.

The fight against Pulev is not only for the European Championship but also
for the number one spot in the IBF world rankings. Therefore, if you should
be able to beat Pulev, your next opponent could be Wladimir Klitschko. Are
you thinking about that?

Alexander Ustinov: The Klitschko Brothers are currently the heavyweight
kings. Everybody wants to face them, but not everybody has the chance to get
into the ring with them. Well, if I should get that opportunity I will be
very happy.

Tickets for the big event can be purchased online at www.eventim.de and
www.boxen.com.

Zachary Wohlman 148.6 vs. Jesus Vallejo 148.4

Dinmukhamed Niyazov 144.2 vs. Alonso Loeza 143.8

Terrell Williams 145.2 vs. Lawrence Hughes 145.8

Neil Arellano 147.4 vs. Andre Ewell 146.6

Javier Albonica 148.2 vs. Willie Walton 148.2
Erik Ruiz 123.2 vs. Daniel Modad 122. 2
Vyacheslav Shabransky 194.2 vs. Brian McGlory 189.2
David Clark 121.6 vs. Shawn Nichol 119.8
Louis Rose 158.4 vs. Mike Alexander 159
Holly Lawson 145.6 vs. Sarah Kuhn 145.6

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has tested positive for Marijuana following his unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Sergio Martinez this past Saturday night in Las Vegas.

“The commission let (Top Rank’s Carl) Moretti know (Tuesday) night that he tested positive,” said Chavez promoter Bob Arum. “I can’t really get excited about it. There’s no promoter in boxing who could pass the marijuana test, including myself.

“Julio is going to have to explain to the commission what happened and the commission will be guided accordingly. If there was a trace of marijuana, to me, it’s not the same as using a performance-enhancing drug. That is cheating.”

“I will release the results from the event once I get them all back, but Top Rank’s statement is an accurate reflection of the conversation I had with them (Tuesday),” Kizer said. “We had a positive test, one from that card.”

“Of course, we’re disappointed in him,” Arum said. “Hopefully, he can learn a lesson here and next time get in top shape for the fight. But it shows you the immaturity here. He needs to grow up.”

“Of course, we’re disappointed in him,” Arum said. “Hopefully, he can learn a lesson here and next time get in top shape for the fight. But it shows you the immaturity here. He needs to grow up.”

Bethlehem, PA-The six main-event fighters on Friday’s big NBC Sports Network met at today’s (Wednesday) final press conference at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

Headlining the seven-bout card is a 12-round fight for the No. 1 slot in the IBF world junior middleweight rankings between Charles Whittaker, of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia, PA. The winner is guaranteed a shot at current champion Cornelius Bundrage, of Detroit, MI, within six months.

“It’s going to be a great fight,” said Whittaker, ranked No. 2 by the IBF. “Gabriel is young. I’ve seen a few of his fights. He comes hard and he comes in shape. He says he is going to be No. 1 and I know I’m going to be No. 1 after Friday. The fans are going to be the recipient of a great fight.”

Whittaker, 38, who has not lost a fight in eight years, is 36-12-2, 21 K0s.

Rosado, ranked No. 3 by the IBF, has had a big year so far, knocking out Jesus Soto-Karass, of Mexico, and Sechew Powell, of Brooklyn, NY.

“It’s a great opportunity again to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network,” said Rosado, who is 20-5, 12 K0s. “I’m excited to showcase my skills nationally again. I’ve trained extremely hard. We finished up our last couple of weeks in camp in Phoenix, AZ. Camp was great there and I feel strong. I am not taking Charles Whittaker lightly.

“I expect him to bring his A game and I’m ready for that. I want him to come with his A game because it will bring out the best in me. Russell (co-promoter Peltz) said I am ranked No. 3 but after Friday I will be ranked No. 1. I feel like mentally and physically I will break him down. I will set him up in the early rounds and I will take him out in the middle rounds. My plan is to get him out of there by the sixth round.”

Photo Credits to Chris Toney

In a 10-round light-heavyweight matchup, hard-hitting but soft-spoken Sergey Kovalev, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, says only he will “try to show you a great fight” when he opposes five-time New York State Golden Gloves champion Lionell Thompson, of Buffalo, NY.

Kovalev, 29, returns to the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem where he blew away Darnell Boone, of Atlanta, GA, in two rounds June 1.

Thompson, 27, who accepted this fight two weeks ago after world-rated Gabriel Campillo, of Madrid, Spain, pulled out, looks forward to a breakhrough win for himself.

“I stay in the gym and I stay ready,” said Thompson, who is 12-1, 8 K0s, with his only loss coming to a Canadian fighter by split decision in Canada. “I’ve been in camp with Chad Dawson and Isaac Chilemba and I stay ready for opportunities like this. I always knew this opportunity was going to come soon. I had the best preparation, the best training, the best sparring. Sergey is a good fighter and I am ready to go out there and show my skills and talent to the world.”

Photo Credits to Chris Toney

Hometown hero Ronald Cruz opens the televised card at 9 pm when he makes the first defense of his WBC Continental Americas welterweight title against rugged Antwone Smith, of Miami, FL.

“I’ve had a lot of time to get ready for this fight,” said Cruz, 25, who is 17-0, 12 K0s. “Smith has had a lot of time to get ready for this fight. There will be no excuses. Just expect a very tough and exciting fight.”

Smith, 25, of Miami, FL, said he has been training in California for this important match.

“I been training about six and one-half weeks for this fight,” said Smith, who is 21-4-1, 12 K0s. “I left home and I went away to prepare. The little that I do know about him (Cruz), I know he’s a steady guy. I can give him that but I suffered a lot looking past people. I didn’t think much of Lanardo Tyner and he beat me (in July, 2010). It was a lack of preparation. So I am taking Ronald Cruz seriously. I am not looking past him and I am not worried about what is next. I am totally focused on Ronald Cruz.”

Photo Credits to Chris Toney

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 21

The Smith-Cruz, Kovalev-Thompson and Whittaker-Rosado fights top a seven-bout card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. First fight is 7.15 pm (ET). Tickets priced at $80 and $55 can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) or at the box office at the Sands Event Center (610-297-7414). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com and www.Ticketmaster.com. Luxury suite tickets at $130 apiece also are available. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3rd Street (610-419-6790).

NBC Sports Network will televise the Cruz-Smith, Kovalev-Thompson and Rosado-Whittaker fights, beginning at 9 pm (ET).

The card is being promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE

(All times ET and subject to change)

Friday, September 21
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

Saturday, December 22
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
NBC

Saturday, January 19
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

Saturday, March 9
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN

Facebook:facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

September 19, 2012 – INDIO, CA -“Irish” Micky Ward, the beloved retired junior welterweight boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts will greet fans along with his half-brother and former trainer Dicky Eklund at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. prior to the September 29 edition of TeleFutura’s “Solo Boxeo Tecate.” The event co-features former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz of Coachella facing Puerto Rico’s Hector Sanchez and Andrew “Chango” Cancio squaring off against veteran contender Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez.

Ward, a blue collar athlete who overcame many obstacles in life and prevailed through determination and hard work, is regarded as a working class hero. He was a fan favorite known for his devastating left hook to the body and his ability to withstand punishment while waiting to land his trademark shot.

Ward and Eklund will bewill be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet and greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the September 29 event.

The brothers were the subject of the 2010 movie “The Fighter” which recounted Ward’s climb to fame. Ward was played by actor Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, who captured an Oscar for his portrayal, played Eklund.

Eklund is a former three-time golden gloves champion with over 190 victories as an amateur. He faced Sugar Ray Leonard in a professional bout televised by HBO in 1978.

Diaz vs. Sanchez and Cancio vs. Gonzalez are presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT. The TeleFutura broadcast begins at midnight ET/11:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing , www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

Main Event – Middleweights (10)
Demetrius Andrade (17-0, 12 KOs), Providence, RI 159 lbs.

vs.

Alexis Hlores (16-4-2, 12 KOs), Mount Clemens, MI 158 lbs.

Co-Feature – Welterweights (6)

Chris Gilbert (4-0, 3 KOs), Windsor, VT 147 lbs.

vs.

Antonio Chaves Fernandez (2-7-1), Quincy, MA 147 lbs.

AMATEURS

(weighing in tomorrow)

Light Welterweights (3 X 3)

Brandon Berry, West Forks, ME

vs.

Tevin Aleau (Providence, RI)

Middleweights (3 X 2)

Neiko Clow, Claremont, NH

vs.

Matty O’Donnell, Boston, MA

Super Welterweights (3 X 2)

Phil Kyser, Searsport, ME

vs.

Zack Morel, Somersworth, ME

Light Flyweights (3 X 1)

Wayne Stearns, Searsport, ME

vs.

Angel Tricoche, MA

FACT SHEET

(L-R) James “Buster” Douglas & Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade

(Picture by Full Court Press)

Fight To Educate, presented this year in part by Absolute Broadcasting WGAM, The Game, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be ‘down for the count.’ During the past 10 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefiting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations.

Proceeds from the 11th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire.

Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase by going online at www.ticketmaster.com, calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, or at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster location.

Table tickets for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner, as well as an auction and meet-and-greet with special boxing legends such as former world heavyweight champion James “Buster” Douglas as well as three of New England’s all-time greatest boxers: “Irish” Micky Ward, John “The Quietman” Ruiz and “Dangerous” Dana Rosenblatt. Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about this special opportunity.

The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 PM/ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Go online to www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (September 19, 2012) – The IBF Welterweight World Championship bout between Devon Alexander and Randall Bailey has been added to boxing’s debut event at Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on Saturday, October 20. An already star-studded fight card now features four compelling world championship bouts with titlists in the 140, 147 and 160-pound divisions defending their belts. An undercard featuring the most promising and talented New York fighters rounds out a historic night as world championship boxing returns to Brooklyn for the first time since 1931.

Alexander vs. Bailey, a 12-round bout for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with The Great Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will be part of an unprecedented four-title-fight telecast on SHOWTIME. The fight was originally slated for Saturday, Sept. 8 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, but was postponed when Bailey suffered a back injury.

“We are thrilled to not only be re-announcing this hard-hitting matchup, but also to be able to add it to the already powerful night of boxing planned for Barclays Center on October 20,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “With four world championship fights and a great undercard to kick off a new era of boxing in Brooklyn, this show is going to be like the Super Bowl of boxing and definitely will be a night to remember.”

“I really didn’t think the Barclays Center event could get any bigger, but that is exactly what has happened,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “It’s been our strategy at Showtime to increase the quality and the quantity of our boxing coverage. For this network to televise four title fights on one night, not on pay-per-view, demonstrates the commitment we’ve made to our subscribers and to boxing fans. Thanks to the promoters and to Devon and Randall for bringing this fourth fight to the table. What a special night this will be for these talented fighters, for Brooklyn and for the sport of boxing.”

“We are extremely excited to be apart of this boxing extravaganza,” said Kevin Cunningham, CEO of The Great Promotions. “Brooklyn has produced some of boxing’s biggest stars, so it’s an honor to get this opportunity.”

“Randall is the hardest puncher in boxing and he is a true champion,” said Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment. “If Devon Alexander wants his belt, he is going to have to take it and withstand the hardest right hand in the sport.”

“A night of this magnitude is made for Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “Barclays Center is launching its first boxing event with an unprecedented four-title-fights in one night. Brooklyn has raised some of the greatest world championship fighters and it deserves an event of this caliber.”

Devon Alexander “The Great” (23-1, 13 KO’s), no stranger to facing and beating powerful knockout artists as evidenced by his last two wins coming against current World Champion Lucas Matthysse and former World Champion Marcos Maidana, has the skill and will to baffle any opponent he faces. An eight-year professional who held both the WBC Super Lightweight and IBF Junior Welterweight World Titles before losing them via a controversial and close technical decision to Timothy Bradley in 2011, the proud 25-year-old St. Louis native has since reinvented himself at 147 pounds. After his big wins over two of Argentina’s best in Maidana (W10) and Matthysse (W 10), Alexander is looking forward to proving himself once again by beating Bailey and becoming a two-division world champion.

“The opportunity to be a part of this piece of boxing history means a lot to me,” said Alexander. “Randall Bailey and I have some unfinished business and I plan on starting the night off right for all of the fans watching at the new Barclays Center and at home on SHOWTIME. I am going to walk away as the IBF Welterweight World Champion on October 20.”

A veteran of more than 16 years in the professional game, Randall Bailey (43-7, 37 KO’s) has not slowed down a bit at age 37. In fact, if his recent one-punch knockout of previously unbeaten Mike Jones in June is any indication, he may be more powerful than ever. The Miami resident has always had a gift for blasting out anyone who stood in his line of fire. Bailey utilized his trademark power to claim his first world title in 1999 when he knocked out Carlos Gonzalez for the WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship in just 41 seconds. In 2002, Bailey won a second title by knocking out Demetrio Ceballos, but his victory over Jones earlier this year for the IBF Welterweight crown, which extended his unbeaten streak to five in a row, may have been the sweetest win yet. Now, he looks to defend that title for the first time on October 20, in Brooklyn.

“I am so happy to be able to get back in the gym and continue to train,” said Bailey. “At my age you can’t take anything for granted and injuries are harder to overcome, but I am totally healed and ready to shock the world again by beating another young fighter like Devon Alexander. I said I would knock Devon Alexander out before and I am going to say it again. It’s going to be a great fight.”

In the evening’s main event, unbeaten Danny “Swift” Garcia defends his WBA Super, WBC & Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Championships as he rematches with legendary Mexican warrior and future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales. In the evening’s other co-featured bouts, also to be televised live on SHOWTIME, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano and undefeated, number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam in a 12-round battle for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship.

The undercard is stacked with a bevy of New York’s best including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

The fights will mark the first event of the previously announced deal between Barclays Center and Golden Boy Promotions under which at least 12 boxing events per year will be hosted at the new sports and entertainment venue.

The inaugural night of fights at Barclays Center is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Box Latino and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T with N’Dam vs. Quillin being presented in association with Asventure Promotion and Alexander vs. Bailey being presented in association with The Great Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are on sale now and available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.barclayscenter.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @loudibella, @DannySwift, @terrible100, @PaulMalignaggi, @KIDCHOCOLATE, @DAlexandereal, @KOKING_Bailey, @DanielJacobsTKO, @Eddiegomez718, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

New York, NY (9/19/12) – Just hours before he was to step into the ring for the most important fight of his life against the now former WBC Middleweight Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., The Ring Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez took the time to make a dream come true for one special family.

Days before the fight, Martinez’ camp received a touching letter stating that a family of five was driving 550 miles from Albuquerque, NM, to attend the fight to see Sergio, their favorite fighter. The family’s two oldest sons are severely disabled, with the oldest suffering from Cerebral Palsy while his brother has Downs Syndrome. The oldest son’s birthday had just passed on September 14, and while they knew their request “would be a stretch,” they asked if Sergio could meet the boys.

“Even though I was deep in my preparation and focused on the fight later that night, my team told me about a special request from a fan who was traveling very far with his sons to see my fight. I learned about the hardships that both of his sons face and that it would be a birthday surprise if I met with them and posed for a photo. There was no way I was going to let them down.”

“I believe that Karma is powerful,” said Martinez’ promoter Lou DiBella. “Sergio met with these young men just hours before his fight, rearranging his schedule to do so. He invited no press or camera crews and it had nothing to do with last minute promotion. It had to do with a sense of compassion and social responsibility by a kind, good hearted man.”

After meeting the family, Sergio went on to reclaim the WBC Middleweight Championship–which had been stripped from him–and defend his The Ring Middleweight Championship with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Chavez Jr.

NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2012) – Four promising, talented super bantamweights with a combined record of 62-1-1 will share the spotlight in important fights this Friday, Sept. 21, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

One of the three unbeatens on the telecast, Colombia’s world-ranked Jonathan Romero (21-0, 12 KOs) will seek his 22nd consecutive victory when he meets Efrain Esquivias Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs), of Gardena, Calif., for the No. 2 ranking in the IBF and the WBC Latino championship in the 10-round main event.

The opening bout of the telecast will match Roman Morales (12-0, 6 KOs), of San Ardo, Calif., and Jonathan Arellano (13-0-1, 3 KOs), of Ontario, Calif., in an eight-round match.

ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood weighed-in on the event:

“This is a classic ShoBox card with two good matchups featuring fighters in the same division,”. “The 122-pound division is very strong overall, and it is also a very strong division for young prospects. Let’s see where these guys fit in.

“Romero scored an upset win over Chris Avalos last December on ShoBox and will be looking to continue to build off that. Romero is a boxer-puncher so it’ll be interesting to see how he does against Esquivias, who’ll be in his face all night.

“Morales is back on ShoBox after an impressive debut in July. He was a good amateur and seems to be progressing as a pro, but he’s matched against a very good boxer who’s also undefeated.”

Tickets for the Gary Shaw Productions event, priced at $35, $45, $55, $70 and $85, are on sale and can be purchased at Chumash Resort Casino Box office or online at www.startickets.com.

The 5-foot-9, 25-year-old Romero is making his third start in a row in the United States, and fourth overall. In 2008, he won the Colombian National Amateur Championship at 119 pounds and represented his country in the Olympics. He turned pro in May 2009.

In an action packed slugfest two outings ago, he rebounded from an opening-round knockdown to win a questionable 10-round split decision over former contender, Avalos, last Dec. 2 on ShoBox at Chumash. He got a narrow decision by the scores of 96-93, 95-94 and 94-95.

Romero earned a lopsided eight-round decision over Adolfo Landeros in his most recent effort, this past May 11, where he fractured his left thumb. This is the first fight back for a solid up-and comer ranked No. 5 in the IBF and WBO and No. 9 in the WBA.

Romero is expecting a rough go Friday. “I’ve seen Esquivias fight,” he said. “He’s a tough guy who’s going to be right in front of you, putting pressure on you. That’s what we’re preparing for, and we’re going to be ready for it. I’m going to have the same approach I had against Avalos. I’m going to box, not stand right in front of him. If we have to adjust, we’ll adjust.”

Regarding the spelling of his first name, he said, “My name is spelled j-o-n-a-t-h-a-n.”

Esquivias, who is ranked 12th in the IBF, has also fought Landeros and Ramos. Like Romero, he won an eight-round decision over Landeros. But unlike Romero, he came up on the wrong end of a close decision to Ramos, losing a split 10-round nod in a spirited and competitive affair on June 23, 2012.

He’ll be looking to rebound in this one. “I’m aggressive but at the same time, smart,” the 5-foot-4, 29-year-old, five-year-pro said. “I’m a boxer-puncher. I can switch up. I can box, I can brawl. It depends on the opponent. I like to keep a hard pace, though, and entertain the fans. We know this is a tough fight, but this is a fight that can get me a world ranking and back in contention.”

The ambidextrous Esquivias gets great sparring; he’s been in camps with WBC champs Abner Mares (Super Bantamweight) and Ponce De Leon (Featherweight), and former two-division world titleholder Jorge Linares.

After a mediocre amateur career, Esquivias went pro in September 2007. Although being at a height disadvantage in the division, he has stayed active and continues to make good progress despite the close loss to Ramos.

“I’ve had a little over 100 amateur fights,” Esquivias said. “I started off pretty bad and didn’t have many wins. But I took every fight as a learning experience, and I fought the best. I knew I could do better. I never gave up, and I kept learning something new off every loss. I won the National Golden Gloves in 2006 and I went pro, and I said, ‘I’ll never lose again.’

“As of right now, I’m fully focused on fighting full-time. I was going to college, but I couldn’t concentrate after I lost my father. All I was thinking about was making a promise that I made to him come true: to be a world champ. That’s all that was on my mind, to train and make it happen. So I dedicated myself full-time to boxing. I’ve got a lot of weight to carry, and I’m working hard to make this dream come true.”

The aggressive, switch-hitting Morales is making his second start on ShoBox at Chumash and seventh overall at Chumash since he went pro in February 2011. The good-looking youngster is fighting for the fifth time this year after fighting eight times in 2011.

Morales showed promise in his ShoBox debut, winning a crowd-pleasing, hard-fought but dominant eight-round decision over the Roger Mayweather-trained Alexis Santiago last July 20. Going eight rounds for the first time, Morales registered a knockdown in the third and combined a steady body attack with a big edge in power punching to outpoint Santiago by 80-71 on the three judges’ scorecards.

“I’ve been training really hard for this fight,” said the 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Morales, a former amateur standout and 2010 U.S. National Champion at 119 pounds who is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Alcantara on Aug 24.

“I just had a fight about two weeks ago and took maybe three or four days off. I still train at the San Ardo Boxing Gym at home, but I also trained in San Carlos, Calif. I was there sparring with Nonito Donaire. There are a couple local fighters in the Fresno area but mostly I travel. I go to Oxnard and Maywood (both destinations, one way, are several hours away).’

Morales is familiar with Arellano. “I know he’s kind of slick and moves around,” he said. “He’s a boxer – hit and move. I plan is to push ahead and put the pressure on him. I like to use good power and speed and move a lot. I keep my hands up and move forward – nothing sloppy.”

Arellano is trained by Henry Ramirez with an assist from Danny Zamora. A stablemate of Josesito Lopez and Chris Arreola, he’s won nine in a row since a four-round draw in March 2010, and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Beranza last June 22.

“I’ve had a good eight weeks to prepare,” he said. “I took a couple of weeks off after my last fight and just relaxed. I took some time off for my birthday, so I was able to enjoy that. It was the first time I wasn’t in training camp or preparing for a fight in a long time. I got back in the gym, and that’s when I found out we were on SHOWTIME.”

Regarding his style and goals, the 5-foot-6, 25-year-old Arellano said, “I’m more of a boxer-puncher. I’ve definitely gotten much smarter, just through experience in the ring. I’m being more calm and collected instead of being ruthless and reckless. In boxing, everyone has a reason why they do the sport. Growing up as an amateur, it’s fun. You have dreams and goals. But being a pro is a little different. I feel I’m fighting for completely different reasons now. I feel I’m not fighting just for myself. As much as those dreams and goals are still intact, now I’m fighting for my family. It’s more serious.

“At times when I’m in the ring, I feel like I have a complete advantage, I feel I fight for different reasons. If I’m in the ring and the guy is fighting for the same reason I am – he has a family and kids — the fights become brutal. Those are the fights that are tougher. I’m going to go in there on Friday and give it all I’ve got.”

This will be the toughest test for a slick boxer-puncher with good movement who has fought just 25 amateur fights.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with Farhood as analyst. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization returns to Toronto this Saturday with a stacked card featuring two world title fights.

At an open workout today, here’s what the top four fighters on the card told the Canadian and travelling press:

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones said: “Vitor Belfort is a UFC original, a real, true legend. He has so much experience at so many different weight classes and I cannot underestimate him. He will have something planned for me, and I’ve prepared to react to anything he does.

“He’s a very powerful striker, but in this situation, I feel I am the more versatile striker in the fight. I won’t shy away from a striking battle just because he has a punch. He’s got a unique style and I enjoy matching up against guys like that. There are so many styles in MMA and, being the champion, you have to face all of them.

“In no way have I ‘cleared out’ the division. Everyone’s style is a puzzle for me, and who knows which style I will have the most trouble with. I’m about to fight my fifth straight UFC champion – which I was told is a UFC record – and I’m very proud of fighting the best guy available in each of my fights. That’s how you build a legacy in a sport.”

Vitor Belfort, challenger, said: “Everyday, I have the chance to be the best of myself. Every day I have a day to improve. I know I can win this fight and shock the world. I can bring the old guys some pride back (laughs).

“I am so ready in my mind, it is hard for me to explain. I am so ready to be the champion again. My brain, my body, they are so ready. That’s how I live my life, with belief. I am a winner. I am ready to win. As you get older you learn about yourself. I have the same abilities as I had when I was younger, but now I have more sense of myself. I know how I respond and learn. Whenever someone says something like ‘Can you speak French?’ I don’t say “no” I say “Not yet”.

“Against Jon Jones people ask ‘how can you beat this guy?’ and I say ‘I will show you how on Saturday’.”

Moving to the second UFC world title fight at UFC 152, the clash for the newly created UFC flyweight title, Joseph Benavidez said:

“The main goal in my career is to be the UFC champion. I would take that however it comes – but to be the first UFC champion is extra special. If I wasn’t a fighter, and I was just a fan, I would be a fan of DJ. He’s got a great all-action style and I love watching him. My coaches have broken his style down and we got a plan to beat him. My eye is on the prize but I am planning a long reign.

“It was frustrating to wait since February for this fight because DJ had a draw against (Ian) McCall but it was just extra time to get better. Most fighters train when they are fighting, I train to get better all the time. You get better as a fighter when you don’t have a fight but you in the gym – and you’ll see the best version of me yet on Saturday.”

And Demetrious Johnson added: “I first walked into Matt Hume’s gym after seeing Rashad Evans on the Ultimate Fighter (season two, 2006) and I said ‘I saw this guy who is a wrestler, like me, doing well, and I think I want to try it’. I had no idea I was too small for the smallest UFC division back then, but as they kept adding more and more smaller classes I started to believe I would fight at 125lbs in the UFC.

“This is where I belong. This is where I can perform to the best of my abilities. I want to be remembered as the George Washington of the 125lbs division, the first, the guy who was first in line and everyone else followed. All the hard work is worth that piece of the history books.”

UFC® 152: JONES vs. BELFORT, presented by Assassin’s Creed III – Igniting the Revolution on October 30th – will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, and in Canada on Shaw Communications, Bell TV, Sasktel and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.

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

New York – Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez took to New York City as part of their three city tour to announce their upcoming showdown set for December 8th in Las Vegas. This would be their fourth time meeting each-other in the ring. All three of their bouts were closely contested and hotly debated, with two of the fights being fight of the year candidates.

To put things into perspective, combining all of the judges’ scorecards from all three fights, Pacquiao has a slight advantage on points over his rival by a margin on 1024-1017.

On Wednesday at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square, Pacquiao took to the podium and stated, “I’m looking forward to winning impressively and to make the fight as short as possible. We need to get back to the aggressiveness and hunger from when I was twenty-five years old.”

In his always improving English, Marquez stated, “December 8th I have a new challenge again. I don’t need to prove nothing, because I won the last three fights!.”

Kerry Davis took to the podium to briefly announce a the ongoing strategic alliance between HBO and ESPN, and to stay tuned for more in the future.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, tickets to Pacquiao-Márquez 4 will go on sale Friday, September 28 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, and $400 and are limited to 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Pacquiao vs. Márquez telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View

Photos by Ed Diller / Top Rank

MONTREAL (September 19, 2012) – In a few more weeks, Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) will begin its ninth year of operation. As previously announced, the GYM Boxing Series “Fast & Furious” is back with an improved version 3.0 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, presented by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron, supported by the Bell Centre and Evenko.

Stevenson vs. George

The main event of the evening is the long awaited International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight title eliminator showdown between Quebec favorite Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (18-1-0, 15 KO) and American invader Donovan “Da Bomb” George (23-2-1 , 20 KO). The winner between these two powerful hitters will become the mandatory challenger to IBF champion Carl Froch, from England. George is currently at training camp in Florida and Stevenson is in his Detroit hideout under the supervision of Derreck Colemon. Unfortunately, Stevenson’s trainer and manager Emanuel Steward is not involved in his preparation having recently been hospitalized. He will undergo surgery at a hospital in Chicago this week.

“Despite the problems that afflict my coach,” Stevenson said, “I have prepared with professionalism and conviction. I will win this fight on October 12th! Meanwhile, we are all behind Emanuel with all our heart and wish him well to overcome his disease.”

David Lemieux in the co-feature

The spectacular and powerful Laval boxer, 23-year-old middleweight David Lemieux (26-2, 25 KOs), will be showcased in the 10-round co-feature. His takes on Mexican slugger Alvaro “The Cobra” Gaona (15-1-0, 12 KO), the World Boxing Council Fecombox champion since 2010, who turned professional in 2005. Gaona is a hard-hitting, aggressive and courageous fighter, evident by his 12 knockouts in 15 victories. His only loss as a pro was to Esau Errera (17-5-1, 8 KOs) in 2011, which Gaona avenged last June by a 10th round technical knockout.

After a difficult, injury-plagued 2011 and early 2012, Lemieux intends to finish this year strong. “Last weekend I was excited watching boxers in my division like (Sergio) Martinez, (Julio) Chavez Jr. and (Mathew) Macklin,” Lemieux commented. “I thought that is the level I want to be fighting at and as soon as possible. I know I’m not there, yet, but I am neglecting nothing, personally or professionally to get there. I assure you that I am not so too far away.”

Alvarez Rivas, Bizier Bence and John O’Donnell

World contenders, light heavyweight Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (9-0-0, 5 KOs) and welterweight Kevin Bizier (17-0-0, 12 KOs), both return to the ring Oct. 12 in stay busy fights with very important battles on the horizon. NABO champion Alvarez will face Hungarian Daniel Regi (15-6, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout, while NABA champion Bizier will confront Polish Patrick Litkiewicz (6-0-0, 3KO) in a six-round match. Also fighting on the undercard are promising GYM heavyweights Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas 11-0, 6 KOs), who faces Joey Dawejko (7-1-1, 3 KOs), of Philadelphia, in an eight-round fight, and Didier “Big Daddy” Bence (5-0, 2 KOs) meets Joseph Harris (11-12, 9 KOs), of Tennessee, in a six rounder.

Former British junior middleweight champion John O’Donnell (25-2, 11 KOs) fighting out of a London and a British protégé of Hennessy Sports Canada’s Adam Harris, is in Montreal helping Antonin Decarie (26-1, 7 KOs) prepare for his extremely important fight September 29 against lefty Alex Perez (16-0, 9 KOs) on HBO. O’Donnell will battle Dominican Thomas Mendez (16-2, 9 KOs) on the Oct. 12 show in an eight-round contest.

Fighting charities

As announced at the launch of the series last month, GYM will be presenting a fight for a charitable cause between two people uninitiated to the sport of boxing in a clash of three, two-minute rounds, under the supervision of Boxing Quebec. At stake in this challenge is a $ 2,000 purse that will be given to the charitable organization chosen by the winner. In addition to serving a good cause, the purpose of this exercise is to the give an opportunity to two people who could never imagine a day of climbing in the ring and living the same emotions as real boxers. The inaugural “charity” fight will pit Gabriel Jauvin, sommelier from the Pullman, 3424Park Avenue, vs. Denis Lessard, a butler from Le Filet 219 rue Mont-Royal O, in the cruiserweight division. These two boxers for a day have chosen to award their winning purse, respectively, to the foundation of Père Sablon or foundation Ali and Princes Street.

President Yvon Michel of GYM is delighted to back the aforementioned action, saying, “This is our first event since June, after an absence of four months, which is very rare for our organization. We all know why! But that is now history and we are all very excited about getting back in action with our best boxers, especially in the main event that features our new national hero, the dynamic Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson. While the sports scene is quieter than usual, we will be presenting a spectacular evening full of emotions. It is a night not to be missed!”

The “Fast & Furious” 3.0 version series is also accessible to all in the comfort of their homes, airing on television through Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and in the US on WealthTV.

GYM wishes to thank its key partners, including Pierre Bibeau Loto Quebec, Robert Dépatie Videotron, Pierre Dion and Serge Fortin TVA Sports, Jacques Aubé of Evenko, Charles Benoit and Martin Spalding Astral Radio, Coors Light, Marc Roberge, Martin Trudel and Guy St-Pierre Tonikgroupimage, Marcel Savard BLlitho, Houston restaurants, Adidas and Rival. Almost all have been with GYM since the beginning of our adventure. Their participation and support is very important and greatly appreciated.

The public is invited on Oct. 12th to Bell Centre for the innovative and popular GYM Boxing Series, “Fast and Furious.” Tickets are on sale now at the Bell Centre, on evenko.ca, and by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666 at the following prices:

One Event Season

$40.50 $144 ($36 per ticket)

$70.50 $246 ($61.50 per ticket)

$110.50 $382 ($95.50 per a ticket)

Ringside $160.50 $552 ($138 per ticket)

Tables (8) $226.08 $774.96 ($193.74 per ticket)

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About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc:

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers, supported by coaching and management for competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has produced 105 events, including historical ticket sales and PPV viewership for Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television with Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the United States. A total of 6 different GYM’s boxers participated in 16 world championship fights in the world. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007 and Jean Pascal 2009 the WBC Light heavyweight crown in 2009.

ESPN3 will present live exclusive coverage in the U.S. of the Carl Frampton (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Steve Molitor (34-2, 12 KOs) Super Bantamweight title fight from Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. ET.

Canada’s Molitor, a former two-time Junior Featherweight world titleholder, said of Saturday’s fight, “He’s (Frampton) European level and I’m world level and come fight night everyone will realize that. This is too soon for Frampton. He has never been in the ring with someone on my level. He is a good boxer, very aggressive, but he makes a lot of mistakes that I plan on capitalizing on. The plan is to win convincingly here against a young undefeated prospect and that will put me in line for a world title.”

Belfast’s Frampton said, “He’s (Molitor) said a few things about me in the buildup and he obviously likes to talk a bit – that’s fine. All that matters to me is victory on Saturday night and doing it in the best possible way for the fans. He won’t have any friends in the arena on Saturday and his words won’t be able to help him then.”

ESPN3’s coverage of Saturday’s card from Belfast will also include the British and Commonwealth Featherweight title fight between Martin Lindsay (19-1, 7 KOs) and Lee Selby (13-1, 5 KOs), as well as an International Light Welterweight contest between Paul McCloskey (23-2, 12 KOs) and American Lightweight contender Manuel Perez (18-7, 4 KOs).

About ESPN3

ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of global sports events annually and accessible online via WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members. It is currently available to 73 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers connected to on-campus educational networks and on-base military networks.

DOVER, Del. — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, in association with Cage Fury Fighting Championships, is proud to present its first ever professional Mixed Martial Arts event on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Rollins Center®. There will be an estimated 15 fights on the card including eight professional and seven top prospect amateur bouts.

On the professional side of the card, Aung La N Sang, 13-8-0, of Md. is featured in the main event against Jason Louck, 16-9-0, of Iowa in three 5-minute rounds. Mike Wilcox, 2-1-0, of N.J. will fight Ray Elliot, 0-1-0, of Md. in three 5-minute rounds in the co-main event. Evan Chmielski, 3-4-0, of Pa. is pitted against Steve Baker, 3-7-0, of Del. Joe Stripling, 6-4-0, of Del. will go head to head with Fernando Rivera, 3-15-0, of Mass. Female fighters Cassie Crisano, 3-1-0, of Md. and Janice Meyer, 0-0, of N.Y. will go to blows in the cage. Myron Baker, 5-5-0, of Md. will fight Andre Shuler, 0-2-0, of N.Y.

Seven amateur fights are featured on the undercard: Lamar Dent vs. Josh Vann; Mike Shipman vs. Abe Toure; Peter Petties vs. TBD; Nate Rowand vs. Rodney Guignet; Arnold Nelson vs. TBD; Brian Kamara vs. Mike Roberts; and Andrew Hom vs. Mak Kelleher.

The first bout will begin at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Will call will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. Visit doverdowns.com for updates. Event, times and card are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Tickets are $55 – $125 and may be purchased by calling VIP Services at 800-711-5882 or visiting doverdowns.com. For event media credentials and interview or photo requests, please contact Lisa Rollins Butler at lbutler@doverdowns.com.

# # #

About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of approximately 2,500 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

Featured Bouts Include:

Philadelphia’s “King” Gabriel Rosado vs. Cayman Islands’ Charles Whittaker

Russia’s Sergey Kovalev vs. New York’s Lionell Thompson

Bethlehem’s Ronald Cruz vs. Miami’s Antoine Smith

NEW YORK – September 18, 2012 – NBC Sports Network continues its Fight Night series, Friday night at 9 p.m. ET with the main event featuring Philadelphia’s “King” Gabriel Rosado (20-5, 12 KO’s) and Charles “Killa” Whittaker (38-12-2, 21 KO’s) of the Cayman Islands at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.

Rosado, ranked third in the world among junior middleweights, takes on second-ranked Whittaker for the #1 position in the IBF Junior Middleweight division and the chance to fight for the IBF Middleweight Title.

Light Heavyweight Russian contender Sergey Kovalev (18-0-1, 15 KO’s) steps in to fight New York’s Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson (12-1, 8 KO’s) in the swing bout. Also, Bethlehem-native Ronald Cruz (17-0, 12 KO’s) faces Miami’s Antwone “The Truth” Smith (21-4-1, 12 KO’s)in a welterweight bout.

Kenny Rice will serve as the play-by-play commentator for the telecasts, and will be joined by Hall-of-Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach and cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores. Chris Mannix will serve as the ringside reporter for each telecast.

2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE

(All times ET and subject to change)

Friday, September 21
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

Saturday, December 22
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
NBC

Saturday, January 19
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

Saturday, March 9
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

About Fight Night: NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series is collaboration between NBC Sports, Main Events and J Russell Peltz. The series premiered on January 21, 2012 with Freddie Roach and BJ Flores on the call, and Kenny Rice serving as reporter.

The first Fight Night telecast featured heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings and Maurice Byarm and originated from Philadelphia’s historic Asylum Arena. In 2013-2014, the series will feature six original telecasts on the NBC Sports Network and up to two broadcasts on NBC.

– NBC Sports Group –

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 21

The Smith-Cruz, Kovalev-Thompson and Whittaker-Rosado fights top a seven-bout card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. First fight is 7.15 pm (ET). Tickets priced at $80 and $55 can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) or at the box office at the Sands Event Center (610-297-7414). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com and www.Ticketmaster.com. Luxury suite tickets at $130 apiece also are available. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3rd Street (610-419-6790).

NBC Sports Network will televise the Cruz-Smith, Kovalev-Thompson and Rosado-Whittaker fights, beginning at 9 pm (ET).

The card is being promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN

Facebook:facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Rafael Marquez has pulled out of his October 6 showdown with fellow former champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

“Rafael Marquez is facing health problems and working on some personal issues and will not fight against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.,” said Vazquez promoter Peter Rivera. “Now, we are going to make Vazquez Jr. against Oquendo, a fight long awaited by Puerto Rican fans.