Former three-division world champion Jorge Linares stopped Abner Cotto in round three of a scheduled 12-round super lightweight bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

In round two, Linares put Cotto down with a hard right hand. I round three, Liares landed another perfect that sent Cotto hard down to the canvas. Cotto continued, and ate a big body punch for which he complained that it was a low blow. Linares jumped on Cotto and they both fell to ground. Cotto got up but wobbled into the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:31.

Linares, 137.4 lbs of Barinas, VEN is 45-4 with 28 knockouts. Cotto, 137.8 lbs of Aguas Buenas, PR is 23-4.

Romero Duno scored three-knockdowns en-route to an eight-round unanimous decision over Ezequiel Avilez in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Dino dropped Avilez with a perfect short right uppercut.

In round six, Duno landed a big right that made Avilez gove hot the mat for a knockdown. Moments later it was a perfect left hook that put Avilez on the seat of his pants.

Duno, 134.4 lbs of General Santos City, PHL won by scores of 78-71 on all cards, and is now 18-1. Avilez, 134.6 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 16-3-3.

Travell Mazion annihilated Alan Zavala in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round super welterweight bout.

Mazion dominated and then landed a huge left hook that sent Zavala on his back for the 10-count at 2:39

Mazion 153.2 lbs of Autsin, TX is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Zavala, 152.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 15-3.

Oscar Duarte stopped Roger Gutierrez after round four of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round four, Gutierrez was docked two points for an intentional headbutt. Gutierrez seemed to do that out of desperation and after the round, he could not continue.

Duarte, 134 lbs of Parra, MEX is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Gutierrez, 134.4 lbs of Maricaibo, MEX is 19-4-1.

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/472665549897635/

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/317433788837362/

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25, 2018): Former three-division world champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (44-4, 27 KOs) hosted a media workout at Westside Boxing Club today ahead of his 12-round bout against Abner “Pin” Cotto (23-3, 12 KOs) in the main event of the Sept. 29 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. “Ruthless” Romero Duno (17-1, 14 KOs), who will fight in the co-main event, also attended.

Here is what fighters from the Sept. 29 card had to say at the workout:

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I’ve prepared very well for this fight. I’m training with Jorge Zerpa for this fight. He isn’t a new trainer. In fact, we were together 11 years ago when I fought for my first world title against Oscar “El Chololo” Larios in Las Vegas. We’re working on a lot of things, but mostly we’ve been reviewing and going back to an old school style of training. I’m not changing my style, just adding some things. I had been thinking about moving to 140 pound for some time. When the opportunity to fight Lomachenko came, I took the fight at 135 pounds even though it was already difficult to do so. If I were to get the opportunity to fight him again, I would drop to 135 pounds, but for now I’ll look for more opportunities at 140 pounds. A fight with Mikey Garcia or Jose Ramirez would be excellent, but I need to get stay focused on the opponent in front of me. I know Abner Cotto is tough. He knows how to fight on the inside and the outside. I know he will work hard to give a great fight this Saturday.”

ROMERO DUNO, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m happy to comeback and make my way to a title fight. I’ve been working very hard and I’m very prepared for the victory. I’m excited to come back to Fantasy Springs again to score a great victory.”

OSCAR ‘EL JAGUAR’ NEGRETE AND JOSHUA ‘THE PROFESSOR’ FRANCO
LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES, PHOTOS AND VIDEO

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 FROM THE HANGAR AT THE OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER

(ABOVE, L-R: Oscar Negrete and Joshua Franco face-off ahead of their Oct. 4 showdown on the
Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photo Credit: Gene Blevins-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

NABF Bantamweight Champion Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-1, 7 KOs) and Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1, 7 KOs), who will headline the Oct. 4 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in a 10-round fight at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., also participated in today’s workout, along with Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (8-0, 8 KOs), who will face Ivan “Striker” Delgado (12-1-1, 5 KOs) in the night’s TV opener.

Here is what fighters from the Oct. 4 card had to say at the workout:

OSCAR NEGRETE, NABF Bantamweight Champion:

“It’s great to come back to defend my NABF Title for the first time. It’s the first title I have won as a professional, so I have to defend it. Franco is a tough opponent. I’ve seen him fight and have followed him through his career. However, I have the experience to beat him, especially after fighting some of the best in the world, including Rey Vargas. I like to give great shows and I like to win, so this fight will not be an exception.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, Bantamweight Prospect:

“I’m thankful to Golden Boy for the opportunity. It’s great because it shows that they have the confidence in me to face a good fighter like Negrete and they know I will do good. I know who Negrete is. I’ve seen him fight before, and he’s seen me fight before too. It’s a fight I knew would happen some day. He’s a dangerous fighter. He’s hungry and he doesn’t stop coming forward, so it will be a tough fight.”

JOUSCE GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s been a dream to fight for Golden Boy Promotions. I always felt it was the pinnacle of boxing, so it’s been a dream. Now that I’m signed with them, I’m taking advantage of this. I want to make sure I make Golden Boy proud and show them that they made the right choice in trusting me. I know about my opponent, Ivan Delgado. I know that he was with Golden Boy. He’s on the outside looking in for a reason. He’s trying to get back in, but I won’t let him.”

Linares vs. Cotto is a 12-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden
Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Negrete vs. Franco is a 10-round fight for the NABF Bantamweight Title
presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at The Hangar at The OC Fair and Event Center. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:30 ET/7:30 p.m. PT. ESPN 3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 PT.

Tickets for Linares vs. Cotto are on sale and start at $35. Tickets will be
available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Tickets for Negrete vs. Franco are on sale and start at $25. Tickets are available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, Vendini or the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

Sept. 29 Golden Boy Fight Night
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #LinaresCotto

Oct. 4 GBP on ESPN
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Sept. 29 Golden Boy Fight Night
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/LinaresCotto into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Oct. 4 GBP on ESPN
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/NegreteFranco into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

INDIO, CALIF. (Sept. 10, 2018): Former four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto will be the special VIP guest for the Sept. 29 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will be headlined by the 12-round super lightweight fight between former 135-pound king Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (44-4, 27 KOs) and hard-hitting contender Abner “Pin” Cotto (23-3, 12KOs). The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Cotto is a veritable legend who became the first Puerto Rican to capture world titles in four divisions. Cotto earned belts in the super lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions. The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico has faced a who’s who of elite world champions in a historic career, including fights against Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and current Lineal Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez.

Cotto will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the night’s co-main event, Filipino knockout artist “Ruthless” Romero Duno (17-1, 14 KOs) will return in an eight-round lightweight clash against Ezekiel Aviles (16-2-3, 6 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico.

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (13-0, 11 KOs) will return in an eight-round super welterweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

The rest of this entire card will be announced shortly.

Linares vs. Cotto is a 12-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $35. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Linares vs. Cotto must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 21.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #LinaresCotto

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/LinaresCotto into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

INDIO, CALIF. (Aug. 29, 2018): Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (44-4, 27 KOs), the former king of the 135-pound division and one of boxing’s top fighters, will return to the ring in a new division as he faces Abner “Pin” Cotto (23-3, 12KOs) in a 12-round, 140-pound battle that promises fireworks. The clash will be the main event of the Sept. 29 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live on Facebook Watch in the U.S. and globally on the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Linares, a 32-year-old Venezuelan considered one of the top fighters in the world, will make his highly anticipated return after his spectacular battle against Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenkoin May. Though losing his WBA and Ring Magazine Lightweight Titles in the process, Linares delivered a great performance and dropped his challenger for the first time in his career. Linares will look to place himself in a position to once again become a world champion, but this time as a super lightweight against Abner Cotto.

“I am coming back hungrier than ever to demonstrate to the world that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” said Jorge Linares.”I want those big fights and the world has not seen the best of me. With my new trainer and my team, we will demonstrate that I am more than capable in taking over this new super lightweight division against a notable opponent in Abner Cotto. This September 29, fans will see a determined Jorge Linares.”

Cotto,of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has deep roots in boxing as one of the faces of the legendary boxing family. The hungry fighter became enamored with the sport at 10-years old, receiving training from Efraín Román in Aguas Buenas’ municipal gymnasium. With a rich amateur background where he participated in national championships and represented Puerto Rico in the Pan-American Games, the accolades he received translated into an impressive professional career where he triumphed over notable contenders. Cotto has been on a five-win streak since his devastating loss against Javier Fortunaand will be looking to reestablish himself as a worthy contender with a victory against Linares in the super lightweight division.

“I feel very excited for this new opportunity that this sport offers me,” said Abner Cotto. “I’m immensely grateful to my team and my promoters for bringing my career back to the highest. This is a sport where I have fallen, but with the support of my family, my people and the commitment of my team, I have returned with much more desire to achieve the goal I have always dreamed of since I was 10 years old, which is to challenge for a world title. My promoter has placed all its trust in me, and I will work tirelessly to achieve the goals set. Thanks to all who made this great fight possible. Expect one full of emotion.”

“Jorge Linares is recognized as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters and demonstrated that in his long reign as lightweight champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “So, it’s perfect that he’s joining an illustrious list of headliners for this new Facebook partnership. Linares is a world-class fighter who has never been in a boring fight, and I know Abner Cotto will deliver a tough challenge in as he showcases his Puerto Rican boxing pedigree and relentless heart in the ring.”

Times for the event, along with a full undercard, will be announced shortly.

Linaresvs. Cotto is a 12-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live on Facebook Watch in the U.S. and globally on the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for the event go on sale Aug. 31 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $35. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Linares vs. Cotto must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 21.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #LinaresCotto

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/LinaresCotto into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara won a 10-round unanimous decision over Doudou Nugumbu in a Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

Fonfara, 176 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice ans is now 26-3. Ngumbu, 175 1/2 lbs of Congo is 33-6

Tomoki Kameda retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Alejandro Hernandez.

Kameda, 117 1/2 of Mexico City, MX won by scores of 115-113 twice while Hernandez won a card 115-113.

Kameda is now 31-0. Hernandez, 118 lbs of Mexico City is now 28-11-2.

Javier Fortuna scored a 5th round stoppage over Abner Cotto in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Fortuna was all over couple in the first couple rounds when Cotto landed a shot behind the head that put Fortuna on the canvas. The knockdown should not have counted but it and to add more confusion, Cotto was rightly docked a point. In round four, Cotto was docked another point for a low blow. The craziness continued in the round when Fortuna was deducted a point after he took a swing at Cotto and apparently missed him but Cotto went down like he was hit. Fortuna hurt Cotto for real in the next round as he landed a hard left that sent Cotto down on his stomach for the 10 count at 1:32 of round five.

Fortina, 129 1/2 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 26-0-1-1 with 19 knockouts. Cotto, 130 1/4 lbs of Agua Beunos, PR is now 18-3.

Final Punch stats: Fortuna 105-302. Cotto: 46-144

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds
Andrzej Fonfara: 176 Pounds
Doudou Ngumbu: 175 ½ Pounds

WBO BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds
Tomoki Kameda: 117 ½ Pounds
Alejandro Hernandez: 118 Pounds

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS – 10 Rounds
Javier Fortuna: 129 ½ Pounds
Abner Cotto: 130 ¼ Pounds

Caleb Truax 166.5 vs. Scott Sigmon 160
Koki Kameda 115.2 vs. Omar Salado 116
Jamal James 145.5 vs. Cameron Kreal 147
Demond Nicholson 160.5 vs. Lekan Byfield 159.5
Eddie Ramirez 142.5 vs. Manny Brown 141.5
Semajay Thomas 144 vs. Paul Pindroh 143
Jose Felix Quezada 137.5 vs. Alfred Hall 142.5
Alex Martin 145.5 vs. Travis Hartman 148.5
Adam Kownacki 250 vs. Jamal Woods TBA

###

Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.

For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.

CHICAGO (Oct. 30, 2014) – Virtually all corners of the world were represented at Thursday’s final press conference at the W Hotel in Chicago for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition tripleheader from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Warsaw, Poland native and Chicago favorite Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-3, 15 KOs) will square off with Doudou Ngumbu (33-5, 12 KOs), of Toulouse, France by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the 10-round light heavyweight main event, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda will make the third defense of his 118-pound title against interim titlist and mandatory challenger Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez. Hernandez (28-10-2, 15 KOs) is a native of Mexico City, Mexico, while Kameda (30-0, 19 KOs) is Japanese but has been training in Mexico since he was 15 years old. “El Mexicanito” translates to the “The Little Mexican” while “Payasito” translates to “Little Clown.”

The opening bout of the telecast pits the Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico. Undefeated contender, former interim WBA Featherweight World Champion and Dominican Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (25-0-1, 18 KOs), will take on Puerto Rican Abner “Pin” Cotto (18-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s final press conference:

FONFARA:
“I’m happy to be back here in Chicago. [Ngumbu] is a good fighter who should give me a tough fight, but I’m going to walk out the champion.

“I can’t wait to go in there and give the fans what they want to see – a good, tough fight.

“I’m going to box him a bit and use my jab, but if the knockout comes then I’m going to take it.

“I want another shot at a world title, but I have to beat this guy first and keep winning until I get another chance. I feel that I’m ready for another shot, but this guy stands in my way on Saturday.”

NGUMBU:
“This is a great opportunity for me and a great honor to fight on American soil. I trained hard to be perfectly fit for this fight and my opponent.

“It’s not a secret that Fonfara is a powerful puncher, but I’m not worried it. What happens in the ring on Saturday is the only thing that really matters. I’m not worried and I’m certainly not scared. I’m confident I have what it takes to defeat him.

“I did everything that I had to do while in training camp. I’ve trained very hard. And now I’m here to show the world that working hard pays off.

“I came all the way here to do one thing: win.”

KAMEDA:
“It’s my second time fighting here in the U.S. and I’m very excited to defend my belt again here.

“I’m Japanese, but I live in Mexico. I fight like a Mexican. Boxing fans better be ready, because Saturday night is going to be a true all-Mexican brawl.

“This is a fight for Japan, a fight for Mexico, a fight for all the Latinos. I respect my opponent a lot, but there is a reason I’m undefeated, there is a reason I’m the champion and I’m going to win the fight.

“We’re going to scream ‘Viva Japan,’ we’re going to scream ‘Viva Mexico’ and ‘Viva los Latinos’ for all the fans in the U.S.

“On Nov. 1, you are going to seem me eat up ‘The Little Clown.’

“No question, I’ll be looking for a knockout. There’s no other way to go.”

HERNANDEZ:
“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to become a world champion. I’m ready to show that I’m the champion, not him.

“Tomoki is a good fighter. He’s fast and slick, but I am, too. I know his style, he’s predictable, and I’m ready to fight and take that belt away from him.

“He’s not a real Mexican. He wants to be a Mexican, but he’s Japanese. I’m the real Mexican here. I’m so Mexican that even the dirt under my fingernails is Mexican. Tomoki is Japanese, and he came to my country to learn from us, the Mexicans. But let’s not forget who the real Mexican is here.

“He comes here saying he represents Mexico and he’s not even Mexican. I don’t have to pretend. I’m 100 percent pure Mexican blood.

“I have my game plan ready. I’ve trained hard and I know exactly what I’m going to do in the ring — how I’m going to move, what type of punches I’m going to throw. I’m ready. This is my chance to shine and I’m not about to let it go.

“On Saturday night, I will win. I’ll be a world champion, a true Mexican champion.”

FORTUNA:
“I’m not really worried about him. I prepared very well and I hope he trained well, too. I don’t want any excuses when he lands on the floor this Saturday.

“He’s a good fighter and he has a good trainer, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

“He may have faced Dominicans before, but that was in the amateurs. It will be a lot different now that he’s a professional, and it will be a lot different when he gets in the ring with me.

“I have faced better fighters in my career than he has, no question.

“I’m not looking for the knockout, but if I connect a few punches and I see he’s hurt, I’ll just go for it. I’m going to work him. This is going to be the end of Abner Cotto.

“I studied Abner Cotto very well. Day after day and night after night, I studied him throughout training camp with my trainer, Hector Bermudez. I studied his strengths and his weaknesses. I’ve learned his ways, I learned everything about him and I’m ready to defeat him.

“At 130 or 135 pounds, wherever I see the opportunity to get a world championship, I’m going to seize it.”

COTTO:
“It won’t be an easy fight, but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t go the distance.

“I’ve faced Dominican fighters before so I’m not worried about him or his power. Beating Fortuna is an opportunity to put myself in the top three in the division.

“I hope he comes ready and we can give the fans a good fight. I know I’m ready.

“I have faced some of the best fighters in the world in this division. Fortuna doesn’t intimidate me, he doesn’t bring anything that I haven’t seen before.

“Some people say that Fortuna is very powerful and I that should be very careful, but I’m not thinking about that. I’m only focused on the power in my punches. I’m not going to let them get into my head.

“My Puerto Rican fans better be ready. I’m going to deliver on Nov. 1 and I’m going to make them very proud. I’ll put up a great show. I’ve had plenty of hard fights, tests and challenges and I’ve overcome them. On Saturday, my fans are going to see a different Abner Cotto.

“The key for my victory lies on being smart, patient and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I plan on exploiting every little mistake that Fortuna makes.”

###

Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.

For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.

After a slow start, Abner Cotto came on strong to take a split decision over former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes in a 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout at the American Bank Center in Belmontes’ hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Belmontes controlled the early round but Cotto started to force the action over the 2nd half of the fight and won most of the inside battles and was able to get the decision by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 while Belmontes took a card at 95-94.

Cotto, 130 lbs of Aguas Buenas, PR is the cousin of current Middleweight champion Miguel Cotto and is now 18-2. Belmontes, 130 lbs of Corpus Christi, TX is now 19-5.

KeAndre Gibson scored a hard fought split decision over rugged Jose Hernandez in an 8-round Welterweight bout bout.

Gibson boxed well but had some rough moments as he was banged around in the 5th round.

Gibson, 145 1/4 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 while Hernandez took a card at 77-75.

Gibson is now 11-0-1. Hernandez, 145 1/4 lbs of Ft. Worth, TX is 14-8-1.

Oscar Cantu remained undefeated with a 6-round unanimous decision over Joseph Rios in a Bantamweight bout.

Cantu boxed efficiently and buckled Rios in the 6th round.

Canty, 116 1/4 lbs of Kingsville, TX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55. Joseph Rios, 116.75 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 13-10-2.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another stacked edition of Golden Boy Live! tonight, Thursday, August 7, at 10 p.m. ET, as “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 from American Bank Center.

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

In the co-main event, rising junior welterweight star KeAndre Gibson, fighting out of Austin, Texas, will take a trip to Corpus Christi to square off with Fort Worth’s Jose Hernandez.

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.

Coming fresh off of a spectacular fourth round knockout over John Nater in May, 24-year-old KeAndre Gibson (10-0-1, 3 KOs) will be fighting in front of his Texas fans once again when he battles Jose Hernandez. 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 former WBC Youth Champion, 27-year-old Jose “Loco” Hernandez (14-7-1, 6 KOs) is on a mission to deliver a memorable fight on August 7 and get back in the win column after a 2013 loss to highly-regarded Rustam Nugaev. Winner of four of his last six bouts, the popular Hernandez has never shied away from a challenge, and he’s not about to start now.

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 Auto Parts. Fight Network’s broadcast airs live at 10 p.m. ET.

CORPUS CHRISTI (August 6) – The homecoming of the sensational contender Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes against Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto headlines this week’s edition of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! on Thursday, August 7 and the rest of the card at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi is just as stacked, with several national and local stars ready to prove that things are bigger and better in Texas.

In the co-main event, unbeaten KeAndre Gibson (10-0-1, 3 KOs) of Austin faces off against Fort Worth’s Jose “Loco” Hernandez (14-7-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout and opening the televised portion of the card will be a six-round bantamweight matchup between Kingsville’s Oscar Cantu (7-0, 1 KO) and San Antonio’s Joseph Rios (13-9-2, 4 KOs).

In a swing bout scheduled for six rounds in the junior lightweight division, Robstown’s Robert “Boom Boom” Vela (9-0-1, 5 KOs) meets San Antonio’s Jesse Anguiano (2-3-2, 1 KO). Vela has scored four knockouts in two rounds or less thus far in his professional career, but two-time Texas Games Champion Anguiano is coming off of a big win over Martin Solis and he is prepared to keep the momentum going this Thursday.

Also representing the great city of Corpus Christi will be a pair of junior lightweights in separate four round fights, Julian Gilden (6-0, 5 KOs) battles Nuevo Laredo’s Manuel Rubalcava (1-9) and Jeremy Longoria (5-4, 1 KO) who collides with Kingsville’s Alberto Navarro (3-7-1, 1 KO). Plus, the brother of headliner Jerry Belmontes, junior welterweight Steve Belmontes, will make his professional debut in a four-round fight against Fort Worth’s James Burns (1-3-1, 1 KO).

But that’s not all, San Antonio welterweight Jairo Castaneda (5-0, 2 KOs) meets El Paso’s Josue Garcia (1-1) and Round Rock lightweight Cesar Martinez (0-1) faces Alice’s Roy Garcia (2-11, 1 KO) in four-round contests.

Highly-touted middleweight Justin DeLoach (8-0, 4 KOs) of Houston returns to the ring for his third consecutive fight in his home state, as he takes on the Bronx, New York’s Thomas Allen (2-5, 2 KOs) in a four-round matchup. It will be the third bout of 2014 for the 20-year-old DeLoach.

Already 2-0 with two knockouts in a professional career that began in May, former amateur standout Ryan “Cowboy” Karl of Houston looks for three straight wins when he takes on Monroe, La. veteran David Green (2-20-1, 1 KO) in a four-round welterweight bout.

Individual tickets priced at $25, $17 and $12 as well as group table packages priced at $1,000, $800 and $600, plus applicable fees and service charges are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, the American Bank Center at (361) 826-4100, Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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 5:30 p.m. CT and the first bell rings at 6:00 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.

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.

Fresh off his 1st round destruction of Abner Cotto, undefeated Lightweight Omar Figueroa will return to action on July 27 as part of a Showtime televised tripleheader that will feature Andre Berto taking on Jesus Soto-Karass and Keith Thurman taking on Diego Chaves in San Antonio according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We’re going to price the tickets right, and I think we’re going to call the card ‘Bang for Your Buck’ because with Berto, Thurman and Figueroa, you have big bangers on the card,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.

“We are really looking forward to bringing another big card to San Antonio. It’s a great fight city, and we wanted Omar Figueroa to be part of this significant tripleheader,” Schaefer said. “He will be in a significant fight. He had a terrific performance against an undefeated guy [Abner Cotto], and he’s one of those exciting guys where you want to have your popcorn and drink in front of you because you don’t want to get up because you know he might knock his opponent out at any moment.

“After the fight [against Cotto], I got a lot of emails from people saying, ‘Who is this guy? He’s so exciting, so strong.’ These kind of comments. Saturday night was a big night for Canelo Alvarez but it was a big night for Omar Figueroa also to have almost 40,000 people going nuts for him. It was amazing. Omar Figueroa has arrived, and let’s see how far he can go.”

SAN ANTONIO, April 19 – The 38,000 fans in the sold out Alamodome tomorrow night are in for non-stop action as the undercard for the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and WBA Super Welterweight Austin “No Doubt” Trout showdown is now complete. Unbeaten prospects Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams will be joined by 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the SHOWTIME EXTREME bouts that will lead into the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast featuring undefeated lightweights Omar Figueroa Jr. and Abner Cotto followed by the highly anticipated Canelo vs. Trout 12-round Super Welterweight Title Unification bout.

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME headliner, Houston’s Charlo, twin brother of top contender Jermell, puts his perfect 12-0 (8 KO’s) record on the line when he battles veteran Mexican contender Orlando Lora (29-3-2, 19 KO’s) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Plus, an eight-round middleweight contest between Philadelphia phenom Williams (11-0-1, 6 KO’s) and Escondido, California’s Dashon Johnson (14-10-3, 5 KO’s) and in a four round middleweight swing bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Cleveland meets up with Valley, Alabama’s William Waters (2-3, 2 KO’s).

In an eight-round flyweight contest, unbeaten Ivan Morales (20-0, 13 KO’s), the brother of legendary Erik Morales, will continue to make a name for himself when he faces Chihuahua, Mexico’s Raul Hidalgo (17-7, 13 KO’s).

The vacant WBC Silver Super Bantamweight title will be up for grabs as well when Queretaro, Mexico’s Andres Gutierrez (25-0-1, 21 KO’s) faces countryman Salvador “Sal II” Sanchez (30-5-3, 18 KO’s), the nephew of the late Salvador Sanchez.

Local San Antonio hero Raul Martinez (29-2, 17 KOs) continues his comeback in bantamweight action, as he takes on Omar Gonzales (5-8, 1 KO) in a four-round battle. In the four-round junior lightweight opener, unbeaten Houstonite Miguel Flores (10-0, 6 KO’s) meets Weslaco’s Guadalupe De Leon (8-13, 4 KO’s).

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo’s WBC title, Trout’s WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

San Antonio (April 3) Over 30,000 fans packing the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, April 20 for the Super Welterweight World Championship Unification showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout will have another reason to cheer, as the evening’s co-main event will feature a clash of unbeaten lightweights when Weslaco, Texas’ Omar Figueroa Jr. and Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto square off in an explosive 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo’s WBC title, Trout’s WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona andAT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

Remaining tickets priced at $100, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available for purchase at the Alamodome box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

A proud Texan who always shows his best for his home state fans, Weslaco’s Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. (20-0-1, 16 KO’s) is a top lightweight prospect on the verge of moving into the top ten at 135 pounds. The owner of wins over top prospects Michael Perez, Ramon Ayala and Dominic Salcido during a 2012 campaign that saw him go 6-0, the 23-year-old kept the momentum going into this year, when he knocked out Henry Aurad in just 47 seconds in March in San Antonio. On April 20, he’s back and looking to match or surpass that performance against Cotto.

The second cousin of Miguel and Jose Cotto, 25-year-old Abner Cotto (16-0, 7 KO’s) has gotten off to an impressive start in the family business. A former amateur standout, Caguas’ Cotto turned professional in 2009 and has since won each of his 16 bouts. A Puerto Rican and WBC FECARBOX lightweight champion thus far, Cotto has bigger titles in his sights in the future and after an impressive seventh round technical knockout over Sergio Perez last December, Cotto knows that a victory over the undefeated Figueroa will make a statement to the boxing world that he’s ready for anything.

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/leijabattahPR, www.twitter.com/CaneloOficial, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/Alamodome and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CaneloTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.