LOS ANGELES (Sept. 11, 2015) – Golden Boy Promotions today announced that Mexican superstar and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has re-signed with the company, agreeing to a multi-fight, multi-year contract extension.

“I am loyal, it’s part of my character and that’s why I am extending my contract with Golden Boy Promotions,”said Álvarez. “Golden Boy Promotions knows how to build a fighter and elevate him to a world stage as they have done with me and continue to do with many others. I look forward to working with Golden Boy throughout my career.”

Álvarez, a super welterweight knockout artist known for his tremendous punching power, made his pro debut in 2005 at 15-years-old and quickly became one of the most popular prizefighters in the world. His exciting fighting style and reputation for taking on all comers has captured the attention of fans all around the globe.

“Canelo Álvarez is no longer the future of the boxing – he is the present, and with a win on Nov. 21 against Miguel Cotto, he will solidify his status as the best in the business,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “It has been a privilege to promote him during his meteoric rise, and we now look forward to many more highlights in a career already filled with many of them.”

A former world champion, Canelo is eager to once again hold a title belt and will get his chance when he battles Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21 for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships. His record includes victories over some of the best fighters in the junior middleweight division including Austin “No Doubt” Trout, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, Sugar Shane Mosley, dangerous southpaw Erislandy Lara and most recently James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland. Canelo’s lone blemish in 45 fights came in September 2013 against Floyd “Money” Mayweather in one of the highest grossing fights of all time, further cementing Canelo’s stature as boxing’s next superstar fighter.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Showtime, Showtime Extreme, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. In its 13-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing pay-per-view events in the history of the sport. In 2007, the company broke all boxing records with more than four million pay-per-view buys in a single year. Golden Boy Promotions also promoted the fight that formerly held the record for the highest grossing and most pay-per-view buys of all time: De La Hoya vs. Mayweather which generated 2.5 million buys and grossed over $120 million and Mayweather vs. Canelo which generated 2.2 million pay-per-view buys and grossed over $150 million in revenue. On May 9, 2015 before a crowd of more than 31,000 fans at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Canelo vs. Kirkland registered the highest viewership for an HBO World Championship Boxing event since 2006 generating an average of 2.1 million views for the live airing of the event. The company has also promoted other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

LONDON (11 Sept) – One of this year’s most anticipated showdowns will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation when middleweight titans Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez clash in a world title superfight not to be missed on November 21.

The Puerto Rican legend Cotto will put his WBC middleweight title on the line at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with ‘The Channel of Champions’ BoxNation once again proving its punching power by adding yet another colossal contest to its action-packed schedule.

These two icons are set to meet in the height of winter but no matchup will be as sizzling hot as this one when old feuds are renewed as another Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry takes shape.

Both nations have slipped on the gloves and settled their arguments a number of times in the ring, including historic brawls such as Salvador Sanchez’s knockout of Wilfredo Vasquez and Felix Trinidad’s ferocious meeting with Oscar De La Hoya.

Now, a new chapter is ready to be written with Cotto and Canelo set to author their own version and unleash some more fistic fury for a fabled boxing tale.

The world’s number one boxing channel, BoxNation, will be the only place for British fans to tune in and see how it all unfolds, in what is one of boxing’s most eye-catching divisions.

Four-weight world champion Cotto, with a record of 40-4 with 33 KOs, and former WBC and WBA super-welterweight world champion Canelo, 45-1-1 and 32 KOs, have guaranteed fireworks when they do battle.

“I will give the fans the fight they want to see,” said Cotto. “As I have always said, during my whole career, I am here to fight the best names and the best fighters. This will be another chapter in my career and I will be ready for him. Fans will enjoy a real fight, another classic battle in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“Historically, mega-fights are made because fans demand them,” said Canelo. “In this case, the fans have spoken out, longing for this fight and it is my pleasure to say that it is finally happening. All fights at this level are very important, but this fight in particular has something more. It will hold a special place in history as part of the big rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, and I promise all the fans that this is going to be an event that will not disappoint.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “This is a very special fight, it has ‘fight of the year’ written all over it, and BoxNation is delighted to deliver it live and exclusive for our customers. It will be an incredible, all-action, matchup to round off a fantastic year for BoxNation. Our subscribers demand the very best fights so we are pleased to add yet another leading contest to our outstanding, value-for-money, schedule. Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez are two fighters who hold nothing back and this fight will no doubt go down as an instant classic.”

Cotto-Canelo joins an unbelievable schedule on BoxNation which is stacked from top to bottom.

This weekend the channel will air Floyd Mayweather’s final bout live and exclusive when he defends his WBC and WBA welterweight world titles against Andre Berto, with Britain’s George Groves on the card challenging for Badou Jack’s WBC super-middleweight crown.

BoxNation will also show a host of other top fights including Frank Buglioni v Fedor Chudinov on Sept 26, Lucas Matthysse v Viktor Postol on Oct 3, Terry Flanagan v Diego Magdaleno on Oct 10, Gennady Golovkin v David Lemieux on Oct 17, Terence Crawford v Dierry Jean on Oct 24 and Mitchell Smith v George Jupp on Oct 30.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

NEW YORK CITY (August 27, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) were greeted by hundreds of chanting fans as they hosted a press conference in New York City on Wednesday, August 26 as part of their international four-city press tour ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown in November.

The next mega-fight in the storied Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At the New York City press conference held at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and trainers to discuss what promises to be this year’s most epic battle.

Tickets for the mega fight are on sale now and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“I have just one thing in mind and that is a victory on November 21.

“I’m going to get this victory for all Puerto Ricans around the world.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

“The boxing world needs a fight like this. I’m planning to be well prepared to give the fans that fight.

“For me, it’s a big honor to fight someone like Miguel Cotto who has done it all.

“To make history, you have to fight and beat fighters like Miguel Cotto and I want to make history. I’m going to prepare like never before so that I can win this fight. ”

MICHAEL YORMARK: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation

“Today we move one step closer on our journey toward an historic night.

“This is a match-up of epic proportions, can’t-miss action styles and passionate fans bases, as is evident by the crowd here today.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

“This is the most anticipated fight of the last few years. With this level of passion and excitement, Cotto vs. Canelo will live up to the expectations.

“When you have a Mexican and Puerto Rican inside the ring, you are going to get an explosion. The fans are going to get a real fight.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

“I’m proud of everything Miguel has done. Don’t miss this fight. It’s going to be the biggest one of all.”

EDDY REYNOSO: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“When you talk about Mexico and Puerto Rico, they have produced more than 200 champion fighters each. Miguel Cotto is a great champion and one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Canelo is quickly headed down that road. Thank you to all the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans for your support today.”

HECTOR SOTO: Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

“This is a great fight, the fight of the year-Mexico versus Puerto Rico. There will be no dancing, no hugging and no playing. This will be a real fight, the fight, on November 21st.”

CHEPO REYNOSO: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez

“There are three months until the fight. With all these fans here, you can feel the heat and the passion. It gives me goose-bumps.

“It’s great to see all these different people from different nations rooting for their fighters.

“To all my Mexican brothers, on November 21st we will be victorious and we will celebrate.”

BERNARD HOPKINS: Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

“Out of all titles in boxing, the WBC is the godfather of titles to win.

“This is the middleweight fight. They agreed to rumble and that’s what matters. The winner of this will go on to a different level in his career and that is important for your legacy.”

MARK TAFFET: Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

“Cotto vs. Canelo is that rare mega-fight that is as exciting as it is anticipated.

“This is truly a pay-per-view fight. It is a true fight that is worth your time and your money.”

MAURICIO SULAIMAN: President of the World Boxing Council

“Mexico and Puerto Rico will give us one of the greatest fights on November 21st. May the best fighter win.”

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

MEXICO CITY (August 26, 2015) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former Two-Time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) hosted a Mexico City press conference today in front of more than 100 media members that was broadcast live in Mexico on TV Azteca. The event drew hundreds of excited, screaming fans that cheered for both fighters during the press conference.

With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.

Below are quotes and photos from the Mexico City press conference stop for Cotto vs. Canelo:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“Freddie (Roach) has brought something great to my career. I trust him completely and he trusts me.

“We are both great fighters and are coming to give a great fight on November 21st.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight
World Champion

“I am a complete fighter, I am more mature. I am very excited because this fight is coming at a great time for me and my career.

“I am very grateful that I am always welcomed here in Mexico and shown great respect. The support of Mexicans is unmatched. It is an honor to fight Miguel Cotto.”

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) pose on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce their world title fight on November 21, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce his world title defense against former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21, 2015.

ABOVE: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce Cotto vs. Canelo, which will take place on Nov. 21, 2015 in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LOS ANGELES (August 25, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, Miguel Cotto, and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez, launched their four-city press tour yesterday in Los Angeles, at the Hollywood and Highland Center ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown. The fight will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 atthe Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At yesterday’s event, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes and Mexican Superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and hundreds of pumped-up, chanting fans.

Tickets for the mega fightwill go on sale today, at 10:00 a.m. PT, it was announced onsite, and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say.

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion:

“I don’t really care what the critics say. I am prepared to give Canelo a fight on November 21st and that’s all that matters.

“I’m not here asking for any sympathy. I know who I am and I’m here to be Miguel Cotto on November 21st and give the fans a good fight.

“I have my eye on my career and this is the best fight for my career right now, so I’m ready to do what needs to be done to be on top.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“I want this to be an historic fight. I’m honored to be fighting a true warrior.

“It’s an honor and I’m going to prepare very well because I want to win this fight.

“There’s a great history between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this is going to be an historic fight, another one for the storybooks. I have a lot of pride to be fighting for my country. It’s going to be a great fight.

“I’m a disciplined fighter and a disciplined person and I think with that kind of drive I’ll be able to achieve a lot.

“I don’t like to predict knockouts, but I’m going to be ready for this fight. I will be well prepared.

“I’m a stronger, more mature fighter. For me, the time is right for this.”

Michael YormaRk: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation:

“This is the fight that the fans want. On November 21st we will have the ‘fight of the year.’

“Roc Nation and Golden Boy share a passion for creating the biggest fights in history. We want to give boxing fans what they deserve: a show of epic proportions.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Boxing fans across the globe are waiting for a fight. It’s no secret that people were disappointed by May 2nd. The global fight community will be reignited by this fight.

“This will be one of the most exciting match ups. If I had to link this to one of my own fights, I would say that it is like my fight with [Fernando] Vargas. The same energy and passion will be evident here.

“Canelo doesn’t want to prove anything here. He just wants to knock Cotto out.

“The world is talking about this fight. The rich history between Mexico and Puerto Rico makes this truly exciting.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto:

“We have hard preparation ahead of us, but we will be ready and Cotto will win by knockout.”

Eddy REyNoso: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“When you talk about history, this fight will be mentioned as one of the great fights and these two fighters will be mentioned as two of the greats.

“Canelo is a fighter with a lot of discipline and a lot of heart.”

Hector Soto: Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“It’s not a super fight anymore, it’s a super event!

“This is a true classic fight. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and on November 21st, Cotto will take Canelo to school!”

Chepo Reynoso: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alavrez:

“Two warriors will be in the ring on November 21st and the crowd will get a war. The winner will be Mexico.”

Mark Taffett: Senior Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“This is a fight that we will all be talking about for years to come.”

Mauricio SulamaN, President of the World Boxing Council:

“When there is a Puerto Rican in the ring it’s guaranteed to be something exciting.It will be no different here.

“I believe Canelo has worked hard to get where he is. He’s very popular. He signs autographs. He’s very good looking, but when he gets in the ring, he’s a machine.

“When its Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you know the blood is going to be boiling both in the ring and in the crowd.”

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LOS ANGELES (August 24, 2015) – Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown between WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

The fight promises crowd-pleasing, high-intensity action between two powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers, both of whom are coming off impressive, dominating performances in their most recent fights. With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

MICHAEL YORKMAN, President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Roc Nation:
Good afternoon. It is a great day in boxing. As the fight of the year, which every boxing fan throughout the world has wanted to hear about and see, has finally become a reality: Cotto versus Canelo Alvarez, a 12 round fight for the total WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship will take place on Saturday, November 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The event will be produced and distributed live by our friends at HBO, Pay Per View, beginning at 9:00 PM Eastern, 6:00 PM Pacific time. The fight is presented by ROC Nation sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions. The event will be sponsored by Corona Extra, México, Live It to Believe It! and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

All information regarding ticket availability and our upcoming press tour for this fight will be announced very shortly. I’d like to acknowledge obviously some very important people on the line today, starting with Miguel Cotto, Gaby Penagaricano, Brian Perez, Hector Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez, Canelo Alvarez, Chepo Reynoso, Eddy Reynoso, Ken Herschman, Mark Taffet, and Richard Stern of MGM and Sid Greenfeid (ph) of MGM, as well as ROC Nation boxing chief operating officer, David Itskowitch, as well as Dino Duva.

Without a doubt, this is the biggest fight that can be made in the sport. And without a doubt, this is the one fight that again fans throughout the world have been anticipating for months and months and months. This fight is the fan’s fight. It will have guaranteed action and is Puerto Rico versus México.

It’s a proud moment for ROC Nation sports and our boxing division. Almost one year ago to the day, after the formation of our boxing division, we are announcing the biggest fight in the sport.

Now, to say a few words about the event and to introduce Eddy Reynoso and Canelo Alvarez, I’d like to turn it over to my good friend, to the man that was so professional and exhibited so much class during our negotiations, the Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Mr. Oscar De La Hoya.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

Thank you, Michael. I’m pleased to be on this call this afternoon to talk about the exciting upcoming fight between two champions.

This fight, both Cotto and Canelo want it, and the fans have been asking for. We are pleased to be working with Roc Nation to make this fight a reality for the fans. It will have everything that the fans want to see in boxing, and that’s action and intensity.

Thank you, once again, to Michael, to David, all the folks at ROC Nation. It really was a pleasure to be working with you on making this fight happen.

Obviously everyone at the HBO family, this is Canelo’s second fight on the network since signing the exclusive agreement with HBO last September, and as you know, HBO wants to show the best fights and fights that pit the best against the best. So I’m pleased Cotto v. Canelo will be televised live on HBO Pay Per View.

Also I want to thank our sponsors for their tremendous, tremendous support: Corona Extra, México, Live It to Believe It! and O’Reilly Auto Parts. We are pleased to always announce that the activations and the marketing that will be done for this event will be like no other.

And today, I am extremely proud to be introducing team Canelo. Canelo keeps on impressing us with every single fight. He has an impressive record of 45 1 with 32 knockouts. He just turned 25 years old. He hails out of Guadalajara Jalisco, México, and he has conquered the boxing world. He has captivated fans around the world with his action packed fighting style, with his charisma, and most importantly, his willingness to take on the toughest challenges.

Coming off the fight against James Kirkland in front of 31,000 screaming fans at Minute Maid Park in Houston where he had an incredible, incredible impressive knockout in the third round over James Kirkland, and they say, this could be the ‘Knockout of The Year.’
So for this fight against Miguel Cotto, Canelo has already started training camp. He is training hard and he will be ready for this war; and a war it will be on November 21. Mark my words, Cotto versus Canelo will be without a doubt the fight of the year. Boxing is alive and well in 2015.

Let’s talk a little bit about the rivalry. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than this. Puerto Rico versus México, boxing’s best rivalry, without a doubt, this fight will be the most exciting, the most action packed and the most intense in recent years. You go back to the Julio César Chávez days and you go back to Salvador Sánchez and you go back to Benítez, Gomez, the list goes on and on and on.

And now Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will write their own history, one that people will remember for a very long time as being one of the best fights in the history of the sport. Both fighters are willing, are hungry, are ready, and we cannot wait for this action packed fight that’s guaranteed because of the style.

So let me introduce to you Team Canelo. First up, Eddy Reynoso.

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

Good afternoon, thank you to everybody that’s on the conference call. We are just very excited, very happy that the fight was made, and rest assured, this is going to be one of the biggest fights in this great rivalry between México and Puerto Rico.

DE LA HOYA: At this moment, I would like to present to you, my good friend from Team Canelo and that is Chepo Reynoso.

CHEPO REYNOSO, Manager to Canelo Alvarez:

Good afternoon to everybody. Like my son said, I’m very excited, I’m very happy the fight has been made, and very confident that this is just going to add to that chapter of great rivalries between México and Puerto Rico. We have the ingredients in these two fighters of warriors, warriors, tremendous fighters, that will be in the center of the ring and fight their hearts out. Neither of them will take a step back, and that’s what’s going to give the fans one of the best fights, one of the fights the fans have been waiting for, and you, the media, as well.

Thank you once again, and we are excited to be working and working hard to get this victory.

DE LA HOYA: Gracias, Eddy, Chepo. Now it is my pleasure before I introduce the champ, I want to say one thing.

In regards to the Pay Per View, we are discussing the fight which we will announce later on shortly. But mark my words, it will be a lot less than a hundred dollars, that’s for sure. So people are going to get a bang for their buck, and people are going to get guaranteed action, so we are just thrilled and happy that the fans are going to be the winners in this fight.
It is now my pleasure to introduce to you, the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, he’s the Mexican superstar, Saul Alvarez.

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight Champion:

Good afternoon to everybody. I just want to say thank you. I’m very excited. I’m very happy. I’m honored to be fighting a fighter like Miguel Ángel Cotto who has achieved everything, and I assure everybody, I’m going to train hard like I always do, prepare. I want to thank everybody who made this fight possible, and I’m excited. I’m going to train very hard as always.

Q. Canelo, I’m wondering if you can answer: The fight has sort of been in the process of being made for a while. I know there’s a lot of people that look at this, like it dragged out for quite some time. Was there a point during all this, where you felt like this wasn’t going to get done for whatever reason, and how were you dealing with the emotions of getting to the point where the fight would finally be finalized? I know it’s a big one for you.

CANELO: It was a little long, the process, like you said. But that’s usual or common when there’s fights of this level, of this magnitude. I never lost faith that it was going to happen, whether it was here or the next fight.

I was sure that this was the fight obviously that everybody wanted to see and that it was going to happen. I’m just very happy it happened now and we are going to get ready for it.

Q. When you look at the kind of resumé that Miguel has put together in his career, he’s won a lot of world titles, and he’s been involved in some of the biggest fights in boxing for the better part of 15 years or so. What is Canelo’s thought of Miguel as a fighter, and just as a fan of boxing; did you like watching him fight when you were younger?

CANELO: Oh, definitely. He’s had an illustrious career. I’ve always liked watching him fight; his style, his boxing. It’s a great honor for me to be fighting a fighter like Miguel Ángel Cotto, and I’m thankful to God that this fight is happening and I’m just very excited.

Q. Everybody has been talking about this is another one of those fights in that great México versus Puerto Rico rivalry. From your point of view, even though you’ve had a lot of big fights already in your young career, did you think about the fact that at some point you wanted to have that kind of big fight, but one that was going to be remembered or that was highly anticipated in the pantheon of those great matchups between the Puerto Rican fighters and the Mexican fighters, and it seems that this is the one for you; that this is the kind of fight that fans of that rivalry will remember for a long time.

CANELO: Yes, definitely. This is a fight that I’ve been craving, I’ve been wanting. Obviously it’s a fight with a lot of responsibility, and I’m up for it. Like I do for all my fights, I train very hard and I prepare myself.

But yes, I’m looking forward to it because I know it can go down in history as one of the great fights between México and Puerto Rico and that’s what I’m looking forward to. My career is still far from over. I have many more fights to come, but this is one of the one that is I’ve been craving and wanting so bad.

Q. Did it bother you with the negotiations, the color of the ring, who comes in first, who comes in second?

CANELO: No, not at all. You know what, I’m very happy that the fight has just been done. I’m going to prepare. It’s an honor for me to be fighting someone like Miguel Angel Cotto, and we are going to prepare to win. We are going to train very hard like always and go out there and get the win.

Q. Will this fight with the win put you at the pinnacle of your career, put you at the top and put you in another dimension in boxing?

CANELO: Yes, exactly, these are the type of fights that I’ve always wanted, the big fights. It’s an honor to be fighting someone like Miguel Angel Cotto because of the illustrious career he’s had and we are going to train very hard. We are very motivated, very inspired to go out there and get the win, and keep advancing in my career.

Q. The people will not leave upset like they did with the Mayweather Pacquiao fight.

CANELO: No, not at all. This is a guarantee. Without a doubt, this is a fight. We are both coming to win. We are both going to fight. We are both going to lay it on, and without a doubt, this is a fight for reals.

Q. Was it a victory to have the fight in Vegas over New York?

CANELO: No, not at all. New York, Vegas, wherever, it’s the same thing. I think Vegas is just a neutral for both of us.

Q. Are we looking at it like a mirage, or just a rejuvenated Miguel Cotto who is having his best moment with Freddie Roach?

EDDY REYNOSO: No, he’s a tremendous fighter with tremendous experience. We know what he’s brings and he’s a great fighter and we respect that, and we are going to prepare very hard for it. And right now, just adding Freddie Roach, he’s looked tremendous.

Q. Do you have added pressure? Do you feel like you have to lift the fans’ expectations because of the fiasco recently between Mayweather and Pacquiao?

CANELO: No, I don’t base myself on other fights or other fighters. I focus on my fight and what I have to do, and that’s what I’m prepared to do. I’m going to train for that.

Q. The expectation of this being another chapter to the México/Puerto Rico rivalry?

CANELO: Yes, of course, it’s already started. You can sense it and that’s what we are going to prepare. Like I said it before, the styles will mix in well. We are going to clash well and it’s going to be added to the record books. It’s going to make history. We are going to put on a great fight.

Q. When did you first think about fighting Cotto and when do you think you were ready to challenge Miguel Cotto?

CANELO: It’s been about three years that we’ve been my group, my team, we’ve been thinking about this fight. And obviously from three years on, as it moved closer with every fight, the fans started clamoring it and talking about it. So it’s been on my mind for about three years.

Q. You really felt that you were ready to face and potentially beat Cotto; when did you know that you were ready for Cotto?

CANELO: Three years ago. Three years ago when it first came in mind, because I knew I could win. That’s why it came to my mind. It didn’t happen for whatever reasons back then. But now the fight’s here and we’re very happy and anxious and grateful and thank God.

Q. Who needs who more: Do you need him more or do you need him more?

CANELO: It’s mutual. I think the fans wanted it. We wanted to give it to the fans. We want to give them a great fight so it can go down in history and it’s a mutual. We got together and decided, let’s give it to the fans.

Q. How much easier were negotiations this time than the first time, I guess whatever went on that the fight didn’t happen? How much easier was it to secure the deal this time?

DE LA HOYA: For some reason it didn’t happen the first time around. But both times were fairly easy. When you have a partner like ROC Nation who understand the importance of this mega event, it takes time. It takes patience. It takes a lot of hard work.
But I would have to say it was fairly easy working with ROC Nation in putting this fight together. It was a long process, and like I said, it didn’t happen for a reason the first time around. But we’re extremely happy and proud that it is taking place November 21.

Q. I know obviously you wanted the fight to happen in May to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but do you think it’s a blessing in disguise, the performances they both gave in May and June, makes the fight that much bigger.

DE LA HOYA: The fight is huge now. Obviously we recognize that in May, Mayweather Pacquiao was taking place, and now that that fiasco is all over with, we can focus on promoting the biggest fight in the history of the sport in November.

So we have no obstacles in front of us. We have our engines revved up ready to go and we’re going to promote this event to the world, and it’s going to be one of those events that the world is going to talk about for many years to come.

Q. Do you feel like this is going to be your introduction to a full time career at middleweight, or is the weight more so to weigh your options as to whether or not you could retire as a Super Welterweight?

CANELO: Right now the importance is this fight. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future. Anything can happen after this fight but right now my focus is just totally on this fight. I feel very comfortable in my current division, Super Welterweight, but who knows, who knows what happens after. Only God knows.

Q. This fight is going to be fought at a test weight of 155 pounds, but still for the total middleweight title. The fighting at 155, is that going to be a tough sell, or does it not matter because the match-up is such a good match-up?

DE LA HOYA: Well, this is a fight that’s going to be for the middleweight title that Miguel Cotto holds. I mean, both Canelo and Cotto are obviously going to sell this fight alone. Whether it’s for no title or for a title, this fight is going to be a guaranteed sell with the fans because the fans know that this is going to be an exciting fight.

Q. Michael, there was talk about Andre Ward possibly fighting is that a done deal or is that still be worked out?

YORKMAN: It’s something that we are discussing but we are not we have not focused quite frankly on the undercard. That’s something that now after today’s announcement, Oscar and his team, David and his team will discuss further. But it is a consideration.

Q. Obviously in the Hispanic community, there’s always the rivalry, the fights. What one or two fights do you recall, because we know you like watching boxing and the history of boxing. Do you recall between México and Puerto Rico, which stand out or which couple fights stand out?

CANELO: Salvador Sánchez against Gomez; Julio César Chávez against Macho Camacho; and Oscar De La Hoya against Trinidad.

Right now I’m just very excited and motivated that I’ll be going into the history to add to that rivalry. That brings all the excitement.

Q. Are you ready to take that torch? Obviously in the Pay Per View, we’ve seen what you’ve done in your last few fights with the attendance, the fans, the numbers. Are you ready to carry on that torch as the leader in the Pay Per View with the fans and the fan favorites?

CANELO: All I do is train hard. I work hard. I fight to win. Obviously I win, and the rest is extra. The rest is a bonus. It just comes with the territory; it comes with the wins. But I’m not worried about that. It will come in I’m sure.

Q. Obviously there’s talks that he is past high and not young anymore, but we see that he’s having his best moment. Eddy, how do you prepare Saul? How do you prepare for a fight against a fighter like Miguel Angel Cotto?

EDDY REYNOSO: We prepare like we always do. We have plenty of time. We have three months to get ready. We train hard. We know when we’re having fun. We have to see all his virtues and his strengths. But we also have a great fighter that knows that to do up in the ring and has a lot of talent. We have plenty of time to get ready and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to train hard.

Q. Best of luck in the fight. In your career, the times you’ve had trouble in fights against guys who are slick boxers, Trout, Mayweather, guys who stick on the outside and box and Cotto is not that kind of a guy generally speaking. Do you think that plays into your strengths; that if this fight becomes a war, that your physical advantages and your youth will help you pull out the win?

CANELO: No, this is a 50/50 fight. I’ve said it, with his experience and everything, it’s 50/50. The winner of this fight is the one that’s going to train better, that’s going to work harder and that’s going to be able to lay out that plan inside the ring, and that’s what I’m going to work for. I’m going to prepare myself to win.

DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much to everyone, and like Michael said, we will be announcing everything else shortly. The undercard will be announced, the great, exciting cards that we will be putting together. Thank you to all the media across the globe. We cannot wait. Both fighters will be in tremendous shape and this fight will be guaranteed fireworks come November 21.

CANELO: I just want to thank everybody and let’s all enjoy this moment, everybody that made this happen. I’m just very grateful and looking forward to it. Thank you so much to everybody for making it happen.

YORKMAN: Let me go back for a moment. I’d like to thank, once again, Oscar De La Hoya, our partner at Golden Boy for his support in making this fight.
I’d like to thank HBO Pay Per View, as well as the Mandalay Bay. We look forward to working with both organizations over the next couple of months. As Oscar said previously, this is the fight of the year, without a doubt. It’s going to be action packed. Boxing fans throughout the world will be treated with an incredible value and a fight that will be filled with nonstop entertainment.

I once again want to acknowledge Team Cotto: Miguel Cotto, Gaby Penagaricano, Brian Perez and Hector Cotto.

I’d like to introduce the face of ROC Nation boxing, the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion, the first native of Puerto Rico to become World Champion in four different weight classes, the future Hall of Famer who has had 23 World Championship fights, and one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing, and one of the largest Pay Per View draws among active fighters around the world: I am proud to introduce the champion, Miguel Cotto.

MIGUEL COTTO, WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

Hi, everybody. Welcome to our press call, and I’m happy to be here and looking forward to the fight on November 21.

Q. This is such a big fight, but you’ve had a lot of these big fights before in your career, most of your career, had one big one after another. Is there any way that you can sum up in your mind where this rates in your anticipation or what you believe the fans’s anticipation is for this fight compared to all of the other big ones that you’ve had?

COTTO: Mine, I just can say that this fight is just another fight. I’m going to go to L.A. when we decide to go there, do my best as always, and go for Vegas to beat Canelo the night of the 21st.

Q. So you don’t think this is even your own personal excitement level or determination level on this is not a little bit bigger than other fights just based on the magnitude of interest from the public, from the media, the things that Canelo has accomplished, his fan base; you don’t think it’s bigger than another fight?

COTTO: I’d say Mayweather plays Martinez, he plays Pacquiao, he plays everybody. In my era, Canelo is just another name. Bring another big name to my record, and that’s what I see Canelo for my fight.

Q. So let me ask you this, then. He was very complimentary I to you. He said he called your career illustrious and he had all the respect for all of the things that you accomplished. Curious on your opinion on what you have seen from Canelo. He has not seen the accomplishments and has not fought nearly as long as you. How do you look at him? Are you a fan of his? Do you like watching? Have you met him? What are your thoughts about the young man?

COTTO: I’m not a real big fan of boxing. I’m just enjoy boxing when I’m boxing. But I know Canelo is a great fighter. I know he is a strong boxer. But I’m going to prepare enough to beat him the night of the 21st.

Q. A lot has been made already about the magnitude of the fight because of the fact that it putts yourself on one of the top Puerto Rican fighters in boxing history against Canelo Alvarez, probably one of the most popular Mexican fighters in boxing today and we know that’s a tremendous rivalry. You’ve had some of those fights, particularly against Antonio Margarito. What’s your view of that rivalry? Do you take it very seriously?

COTTO: Every fight is different. Canelo is a different boxer than than that if it was the day of the fight. But I know it’s going to be a great fight, a huge fight for all the fans, and I’m going to do my best to make a real nice fight for all the fans.

Q. Does the rivalry mean anything to you between the countries and their fans?

COTTO: Everybody knows what a fight between a Mexican and Puerto Rican means for boxing. People can expect the same from us.

Q. I asked Canelo the same question. Do you see 155 as your natural weight for however long? With the fight taking place at 155, do you see that as close to your natural weight for the rest of your career, your fight weight?

COTTO: With Geale was weight of 157 pounds, and Mayweather (ph) 153. The one with Martinez was for 159; I was 155. I’m a real middleweight. I look myself more than a Super Welterweight.

Q. Freddie, you’ve won three times with Cotto and he has looked better each time that you have had him. But Canelo is ten years younger and is physically stronger. How do you prepare a game plan for that?

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer & Trainer of Miguel Cotto:

We have a big game plan for Miguel and we are going to work on that together. He’ll be in great shape of course. I don’t think he’s stronger than us to be honest with you, and I don’t think that’s a factor in the fight. I think we’re stronger than him. I think we’re the better puncher, and we will show on fight night.

But we will come up with a big game plan like we did in the last three fights. Miguel is a really hard worker and he’s very dedicated. Me and him, we do work very well together and I expect this to be one of the greatest fights of all time.

Q. Do you have the strength in your hands to put down a fighter that never has been down?

COTTO: I only have to be smart not strong enough to put him down. I have to be smart enough to do the job.

Q. This fight can be the very fight of the year, and could be a record selling on Pay Per View.

COTTO: Definitely that’s why we looked at Roach and we sat down as a teammate and we began working with Freddie

Q. Just wondering, looking at Canelo’s style, he’s such a fighter that during his career, he’s struggled against guys, Trout, Mayweather, guys who could box him and who could neutralize his advantages, his physical advantages in the ring. Do you see any weaknesses in his game, anything that you think that you can exploit in there or anything that you can do similar to what those guys have obviously done? Obviously your preferred style, Miguel, but anything you can take from the fights that he struggled that you can use against him on the 21st?

COTTO: When you have more than one tool in your bag, the opponent can bring whatever style he wants to bring, and you have something in your bag for it. We’ll do the same for this fight.

Q. Do you see anything stylistically in Canelo that works to Miguel’s advantage?

ROACH: He’s a good fighter. He’s a young guy. He’s a good puncher. He’s been in there with everybody. I think his last fight, it wasn’t a very high calibre opponent; and then someone told me, ours wasn’t either. And I said, no, ours was; our was a former two time world champion.

So I think better fighters I think this is a big step up for him and I think that we’re going to, Miguel will take him to school. I think we’re just too smart. We’re going to come out with a really good, great game plan. Me and Miguel worked really hard on that, we work really hard together and we are going to be at our best for this one. Again, this is a big, big fight for us.

Q. Do you think he’s going to come in there a little bit reckless like he did against Kirkland, being more of a puncher and not being much of a technician?

COTTO: I don’t think too aggressive or too reckless. He knows Miguel is a smart fighter and good counter puncher. But the thing is we’ll be coming like (inaudible) did it to him. We’ll see. But the thing is, as we work the game plan out and as we go with the sparring partners, I have some really good ones for this fight in my gym, and it’s going to be exciting, I’m sure.

Q. Two part question for you. I wanted to know, how badly you wanted the fight to take place in New York, since that’s where most of your biggest ones have been held, and do you feel like you’re actually due for a huge win in Las Vegas?

COTTO: I don’t care what is the place or the fight, no matter where, I’m going to do my best with Freddie. I’m going to do my best in the fight. And regarding the first part of the question, what was it?

Q. How badly did you want the fight to take place in most of your big wins take place in New York.

COTTO: That was a real big negotiation for this fight, but it’s already happened. It’s already made for us, for everybody, for the fans all over the world. I’m just going to be ready for him.

YORKMAN: Now that all the questions have been asked, I’ll just make a couple of closing comments.

I do want to say that again recording ticket availability and the press tour, as well as the undercard, that information will be available hopefully within the next week to ten days. We are planning a press tour, and we should have those dates actually confirmed by the beginning of next week.

I want to thank Miguel for joining us today. I want to thank Freddie for your time. Again, this is a very exciting moment for ROC Nation. You know, this is our one year anniversary almost to the day and to have the opportunity to promote this type of fight on this type of stage is truly an honor.

We look forward to promoting along with Golden Boy the absolute fight of the year, no question about it, a fight that obviously fans around the world have been anticipating, a fight that will be action packed and will absolutely live up to expectations in every which way.

We look forward to seeing you all on November 21. Thank you for your time today, and have a great afternoon.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it! and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com,
www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

NEW YORK (August 13, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions are pleased to announce the highly anticipated clash of two titans in a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. On Saturday, Nov. 21, Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), the reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), a former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion will finally meet in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The fight promises crowd-pleasing, high-intensity action between two powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers who are both coming off of impressive, dominating performances in their most recent respective fights. With seven world titles between them, their impressive resumes and their levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. The rivalry, which dates back to the 1930s, has seen epic clashes including those between Salvador “Sal” Sanchez and Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, Julio Cesar “J.C.” Chavez and Hector “Macho” Camacho as well as the last super-fight of the 20th century between “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad.

Information regarding ticket availability and a press tour for the fight will be announced soon.

“I will give the fans the fight they want to see,” said Cotto. “As I have always said, during my whole career, I am here to fight the best names and the best fighters. This will be another chapter in my career and I will be ready for him. Fans will enjoy a real fight, another classic battle in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“Historically, mega-fights are made because fans demand them,” said Alvarez. “In this case, the fans have spoken out, longing for this fight and it is my pleasure to say that it is finally happening. All fights at this level are very important, but this fight in particular has something more. It will hold a special place in history as part of the big rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, and I promise all the fans that this is going to be an event that will not disappoint.”

“Cotto vs. Canelo is the biggest fight in boxing, period,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “Given the fighters’ styles, it has all the makings of a can’t-miss, all-action fight. Couple that with the popularity of both Miguel and Canelo, and you have a true mega-fight that fans have been clamoring for and one that no sports fan should miss. November 21 has all the makings of a fight that will go down in boxing history as one of the greats.”

“This is the ‘Fight of the Year’ that true boxing fans have been waiting for between two of the biggest stars in the sport today, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Cotto vs. Canelo will be an epic showdown, full of non-stop action from the moment the first bell rings. This fight is an example of exactly what Golden Boy Promotions does: puts on the best fights between top fighters in the primes of their careers.”

“We are excited to bring the fight that the fans of boxing deserve,” said Hector Soto, Miguel Cotto Promotions vice president. “This will be a real fight. On November 21, the world will witness the biggest fight in the history of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“The great rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico has a rich history in the sport of boxing,” said Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Manager to Canelo Alvarez. “Classic fights like Julio Cesar ‘J.C.’ Chavez vs. Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho and Wilfredo Gomez vs. Salvador Sanchez are prime examples of the history of that great rivalry. Cotto-Canelo will become part of that history, a fight that most likely will be the biggest fight to date due to the great popularity of both of the warriors. Fans demanded this fight and now have it!”

“Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez have earned the adulation and respect of fans the world over for both stepping into the ring against the most formidable opposition as well as giving everything in their arsenal to try and win their fights,” said Mark Taffet, Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Uniquely, Cotto-Canelo is a can’t-miss fan-friendly mega-fight and the most highly anticipated event of the second half of the year. We are delighted to serve as the television partner for this red-hot PPV showdown on November 21 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.”

“The Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez championship event will be one of the most entertaining, action-packed fights of 2015,” said Richard Sturm, president of sports and entertainment for MGM Resorts International. “We look forward to hosting these two great warriors in November as they deliver boxing fans worldwide a thrilling night from inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center.”

Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) is the reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. He is the former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, the former WBA Welterweight World Champion, the former WBO Welterweight World Champion and the former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has competed in 23 world championship fights, compiling a record of 19-4 with 16 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. In June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KOs). He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights. On June 6, 2015, almost one year to the day since his last appearance in the ring, Cotto defended his WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships against former two-time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cotto scored a thunderous knockdown early in the fourth round before finishing matters with a second knockdown midway through the round, which left Geale unable to continue. He now looks to further cement his Hall of Fame resume with a win over Canelo.

At the age of 25, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has conquered the boxing world, captivating fans both in Mexico and around the globe with his action-packed fighting style, charisma and willingness to take on the toughest challenges. Alvarez’s road to stardom began in 2011 with a win over Matthew “Magic” Hatton for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World title in March, his first title defense against Ryan Rhodes in June and stoppage victories over Alfonso Gomez and former World Champion Kermit Cintron in September and November respectively. On May 5, 2012, Alvarez defended his belt for the fourth time when he faced future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley as part of the “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” pay-per-view telecast. Even though the fight lasted 12 rounds, the popular Mexican showed the 40 year-old veteran the road to retirement, winning via unanimous decision. The victory over Mosley set up a September 15 showdown with breakout star Josesito Lopez in which he knocked Lopez down three times before ending the bout with a fifth round technical knockout. Next, boxing’s most popular phenom continued on the path to superstardom with a 12-round unanimous decision over WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout on May 4, 2013 in front of over 39,000 fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas which made him a unified world champion. The win proved Alvarez’s supremacy at 154 pounds and also made it clear that he was a bona fide ticket seller wherever he decided to fight. On September 14, 2013, Alvarez faced the man on top of the pound-for-pound list, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. He put forth a stellar effort before falling short of victory for the first time as a professional via a 12-round majority decision. The fight ended up being not just the biggest of 2013, but also the second highest grossing bout of all time and the second most watched boxing event ever on Mexican television (only behind this year’s Mayweather-Pacquiao). Since then, Alvarez has won three straight fights, defeating top stars Alfredo “Perro” Angulo on March 8, 2014 via technical knockout in the 10th round and Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara via split decision on July 12, 2014. On May 9, 2015, Alvarez dazzled with a victory over the fierce James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland at Minute Maid Park in Houston in front of more than 31,000 fans that featured what many have already deemed the “Knockout of the Year.” Now, Alvarez is on a mission to position himself as the most popular boxer of his generation and break into the top pound-for-pound list when he faces the feared Miguel Cotto on November 21.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it! and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

By Bart Barry–

“It is a laborious madness and an impoverishing one, the madness of composing vast books – setting out in five hundred pages an idea that can be perfectly related orally in five minutes. The better way to go about it is to pretend those books already exist, and offer a summary, a commentary on them.” – Jorge Luis Borges

SAN ANTONIO – The Alamodome, just east of this downtown area’s center, has hosted prizefights both great and consequential since its grand opening in 1993. Unfortunately its most recent event will be remembered only in the latter tally.

Saturday, before a partisan-Mexican crowd of 63,392, one which publicists insist smashed seven unique attendance records, Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez laid ruin to Puerto Rican middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, thrashing Cotto, who weighed in on the contracted dot of 154 1/4 pounds, for 9 1/2 of their 11 rounds together before Texas referee Laurence Cole, in an uncharacteristic and unappreciated (by Alamodome attendees), act of insight and empathy, waved a stop to the match at 1:00 of round 11, making Alvarez the first man to contest and win both the WBC’s world junior middleweight and middleweight championships in the same match. Stubbornly scheduled to coincide with Cinco De Mayo weekend, even if the calendar rendered it impossible, Saturday’s Siete De Mayo fiesta was more a cynical ethnic cashout than a party.

“I fight for the people,” Alvarez said immediately afterwards. “Because without the people, there are no people.”

“Miguel Cotto tried to win,” said Cotto.

The miracle was not so much in the fight’s happening, although that was unusual in a year already bad enough to divide two into prizefighting’s committed fanbase yet again, but that it was competitive for long as it lasted. Cotto, effectively retired since battering marvelously the crippled Argentine formally known as Maravilla almost two years ago – and the ‘almost’ is essential, we know, since Cotto employed his now infamous “Point Per Day from Puerto Rican Parade” clause, insisting Alvarez pay a significant penalty for scheduling the superfight in Mayo, not Junio – made a better showing than many forecasters feared when the fight’s contract finally was published during the weighin.

Cotto promoter Roc Nation, a still-novice outfit captained by Big Daddy Kane’s longtime hypeman, has brought none of the innovation promised its semifull Barclay’s Center houses, proving with rapper Jay-Z’s tepid success th’t rapper 50 Cent’s abject failure in the very same gambit was not an anomaly but a trendsetter: Hip-hop artists, evidently, are multiples better at selling hustler epics to suburban teens than combative mismatches to urban adults. Or perhaps that’s a touch unfair to Roc Nation: It did, after all, invent for its Canelo-Cotto weighin a contract-unveiling gamechanger in which the terms of a fight – weightclass, purse, trunk colors, trim, glove size, referee, drugtesting policy, and even permitted punch combinations – remained variables unknown to ticketbuyers until DJ Truth 1 revealed them Friday while Alvarez and Cotto loitered near the scale.

Oddsmakers, themselves doubleblinded as ticketbuyers till Friday’s afternoon announcement, quickly installed Alvarez a 4-1 favorite, upon learning last-minute negotiations by promoter Oscar De La Hoya and cable broadcaster HBO restored Canelo’s left hook to the permitted-use column from which it was struck deliberately by Miguel Cotto’s own pink pen Thursday evening. Writing of HBO, the network’s palpable relief was felt from New York to Lone Star State when the match’s opening line came in well below the unwritten threshold (5-1) determining a match’s fitness for pay-per-view.

“It’s not complicated,” explained an HBO programmer who requested anonymity: “If there’s less than five times the chance our favorite will beat his opponent, take out your wallet. ‘Championship Boxing,’ our flagship program, is for less-competitive matches, obviously, though our 10-1 sweetspot is considerably lower, still, than Showtime’s. Once a fight goes off at 15- or 20-1, we’re going to lean ‘Boxing After Dark’ unless it’s (Gennady) Golovkin.”

Cotto trainer Freddie Roach, ubiquitous as a popup ad since the fight was signed, whenever it was signed, prepared his charge for a seemingly slower version of Alvarez, as Alvarez had little issue finding the Puerto Rican from about the second round to the match’s merciful end in the 11th. Alvarez, the naturally larger man, succeeded where others failed before him, successfully hooking with the hooker in a way 2015 Cotto victim Daniel Geale did not, starting a left hook to the head each time Cotto started a left hook to the body, and twice topspinning Cotto in a way not seen since Manny Pacquiao cleaned the Puerto Rican’s clock in 2009.

There are no sixth chapters in prizefighting, and Cotto’s inability to imperil Canelo even once in their 34 minutes together Saturday portended the end of a career marked by popularity more than greatness. Had Cotto retired immediately after Pacquiao stopped him, or Floyd Mayweather or Austin Trout outclassed him, his legacy might have included as much goodwill as it lacked decisive victories over great fighters in their primes, but the rapacity of Cotto’s cashgrab since 2012 – excepting only his match with Sergio Martinez, since Martinez and his handlers and New York’s athletic commission and HBO are more culpable for a one-legged man’s assault than its perpetrator – has cooled what warm feelings aficionados long reserved for the Puerto Rican.

Cotto’s surly disposition and spartan interview style conclusively wore better on a doomed warrior than a finicky diva.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

LONDON (5 June) – Middleweight world champion Miguel Cotto believes he would have too much for either Canelo Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin if they were to share the ring.

The WBC champion makes the first defence of his title this weekend against Australian Geale from the Barclays Center in New York, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Much talk prior to the Geale showdown has circled around potential clashes with Mexican idol Canelo and rising pound-for-pound star Golovkin, but four-weight world champion Cotto believes he would be at an advantage if he was to face either man.

“Canelo had his moment to shine against [Floyd] Mayweather and everyone knows what happened there,” he said.

“Golovkin is a guy who never faced in my opinion ‘Class A’ opponents and people are still asking for those kinds of fights. Miguel Cotto has been here for 14 years facing everybody. After Saturday, we’ll see what happens in my career,” Cotto said.

The Puerto Rican star hasn’t fought in a year since capturing the 160-pound title from slick Argentine Sergio Martinez at Madison Square Garden last June.

Cotto, however, says he is refreshed and ready to go following his layoff and is unfazed at the prospect of having to look as spectacular as Kazakh assassin Golovkin who stopped Geale inside three rounds.

“All I did was rest every part of my body. It’s healed. I’m fresh, I’m new, and everybody is going to see it this Saturday. I feel better. I feel rejuvenated. I feel I can beat anyone in boxing,” said Cotto.

“I don’t have any pressure on me. It doesn’t matter to me how Golovkin did with Geale and how I do – it’s two different fights. Golovkin has his own style and I have my own,” he said.

The 34-year-old Geale thinks that Cotto is overlooking him ahead of their 157-pound catchweight bout, with the former champion looking to cause a major upset.

“I definitely believe Miguel and his camp are looking past me. I think they’ve chosen me because they think I’m not one of the super strong middleweights at the moment and by bringing me down a few pounds they think they’re going to weaken me even more,” he said.

“They’re definitely looking past me and looking at big money fights which is exciting for me,” said Geale.

The number four ranked middleweight in the world by Ring Magazine doesn’t think the fact Cotto has been out of action for a year will play any significant role in the fight and will be looking to use his physical advantages to gain a foothold in the clash.

“I’m not taking too much into the fact he’s been out of the ring for a while. Miguel is a seasoned professional and whether he’s been out of the ring 2 months, 12 months or 18 months he’s still going to be in good condition.

“Rather, I’m just going to look to make use of my height and reach advantage and it’s important I use them right,” said Geale.

Cotto vs Geale is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

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LOS ANGELES (May 12) – After an electrifying night at Minute Maid Park in Houston where more than 31,000 fans gathered to watch live on May 9, Canelo vs. Kirkland brought in a stunning number of viewers on HBO World Championship Boxing (WCB) with an average viewership of 2,146,000 for the live, first-time airing on HBO and peaked at 2,296,000 viewers. Canelo vs. Kirkland is the top-performing bout on HBO’s flagship boxing platform since the Antonio Tarver-Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight title battle delivered 2,460,000 viewers in 2006. This also marked the Mexican superstar’s first appearance as a headliner on the HBO WCB platform.

“With more than 31,000 people coming to Minute Maid Park and more than 2.1 million tuning in to watch on HBO, Canelo Alvarez is quickly making the leap from the biggest boxing star of the future, to the biggest boxing star of the present,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given his sizzling, fan-friendly performance in knocking out James Kirkland, attendance and viewership will only continue to soar. Boxing’s future is now.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland was a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight took place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas and was sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Alvarez vs. Kirkland is available on the HBO ON DEMAND®, HBO GO® and HBO NOW® platforms.

By Bart Barry

HOUSTON – Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, made a fine fight venue, even, or perhaps especially, when its retractable roof winked at its anxious media section, water dropping from the sky, papers rising from the table, before shutting once more just before the main event. Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez then knocked Texan James Kirkland stiff in the last minute of round 3. And fans who’d been fed, by that late hour, 10 hours of inedible slop, left overjoyed by the spectacle because, whatever Floyd and Manny may opine, positively nothing beats a knockout.

The end came in slow motion at ringside, the better for savoring it. Alvarez set his eyes and head exaggeratedly low, fixing them on Kirkland’s chest – because, as the old timers know, it’s one head’s length from the breastbone to the chin – and then he took his time cocking the righthand. Kirkland, reflexes impaired, already nigh drunk from blows to his skull, picked-up the punch an instant late, exactly as Alvarez intended. Kirkland dropped his hands to the very spot Alvarez’s eyes set. Then Kirkland realized he’d fallen for a feint and hoped without hope he might chasten Alvarez’s aggression with a lunatic lefthook counter. But Kirkland had time only to get the punch started and complement the aesthetics of Alvarez’s perfectly structured right by flailspinning over Alvarez’s properly lowered head, winning for Alvarez Knockout of the Year even if we’re not yet to the ides of May.

It was a right remedy for the disaster of May 2, and it was right th’t a Mexican brought it to us. It was a right remedy, too, for Alvarez’s own terrible showing against Mayweather some time ago.

It brightens the spirit to think Mexicans might have a genuine article, finally, in Alvarez, a man who, if he’s never quite the world’s best prizefighter, is now Mexico’s best prizefighter, not merely its most popular. Popularity, as Edward Norton’s accomplished character in “Birdman” so aptly puts it, is the slutty little cousin of prestige, and while Alvarez has never wanted for popularity, a debt owed more to Mexican daytime television and haircolor than fistic accomplishments, he now has prestige, an order of merit greater because it’s how the meritocracy of boxing would order it.

Alvarez may not yet deserve 30,000 fans in Houston or 40,000 in San Antonio, not when Mayweather and Pacquiao gather half that many at MGM Grand, but the Mexicans gathered in Houston on Saturday absolutely deserved the fight, and ending, Alvarez gave them. Beleaguered as they have been with Son of the Legend, the Legend’s disaster of a son – and the Legend, self-oblivious a sporting legend as you’ll find, was in lock-Tio-Julio-in-the-basement broadcaster mode from ringside Saturday – the Mexicans, boxing’s one reliable demographic in sickness and in health, finally can embrace Alvarez with a clean collective conscience, setting aside Juan Manuel Marquez’s enduring and caustic criticism of Alvarez: one more resentful riff from Mexico’s best prizefighter of the last generation, and best resenter too.

Alvarez does not yet show a spot of resentment, nor should he, and that is a fine thing. Son of the Legend, setter of an entitlement-to-accomplishment ratio that may never be surpassed, came into the sport already resenting every interview his duties caused him to suffer ungladly. In this respect, Alvarez, when compared to Son of the Legend, is a consummate professional. But again, that phrase, “when compared to Son of the Legend, is a consummate professional”, is now elastic enough to accommodate everything from the housekeeping staff at Sheraton Four Points to the waistband of Junior’s next pair of raspberry-pink cotton briefs.

I have interviewed Canelo on the phone twice, and both times were marked by their courtesy and professionalism. Of a culture that values time differently than ours does, Alvarez was the exception to Mexican prizefighters: He called at the appointed time, to the minute, and was entirely cheerful and unassuming. His answers were unremarkable, since child stars in any culture come deprived of what challenging experiences make many adults at least initially captivating, but as that is a thing he cannot control, and as it is ungracious, after all, to blame dullards for their condition, I recall him fondly for his punctuality. And for one other reason: Asked in Spanish if he sees nostalgia, a cognate that works equally well in both languages, in the eyes of his expatriated countrymen when he attends publicity events in, say, Texas, Canelo’s voice rose, and his sincerity gleamed off the edges of a rare, unrehearsed answer:

“Those men, to see them after they work, those men, those . . . If solely you knew how hard they work. Those men are heroic to me.”

Dullard or otherwise, Alvarez has character, and he fights with character. Every other Money Team retread misuses the word “fearless” – attrition hunters who gambol away from opponents till they’ve reduced them, via boredom or exhaustion, to targets, and then roar their imitation of bravery – but Canelo’s selection of opponents has shown no fear whatever. Glance through the rankings of his division and find someone you think could beat him whom he’s avoided.

Austin’s James Kirkland may not have been in top condition, and may not have sold a fraction the tickets in Houston he’d have sold in San Antonio, either, but he brought real violence from a real junior middleweight, Saturday, and Alvarez did not wilt even slightly. Alvarez treated Kirkland like a heavybag for practicing creative combinations on, even while Kirkland bulled and leaned and whacked, in rounds 1 and 2, and Alvarez had the balls to throw a dozen right-uppercut counters, too, exposing his head fully to Kirkland’s left hand.

Alvarez gave a fitting performance to our sport’s fittest fans.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Saul “Canelo” ALvarez thrilled over 30,000 people at Houston’s Minute Maid Park by turning on a sensational performance by stopping James Kirkland in round three of a scheduled 12-round Super Welterweight bout.

ALvarez came out throwing bombs and landing just about all of them as he landed some good head shots but started to break Kirkland’s body down until he landed a big right hand that sent Kirkland to deck in the first frame. Alvarez was all over Kirkland and landed some thudding shots that had Kirjland barely making it out of the round. In round two, Kirkland showed tremendous resolve as he kept Alvarez on the ropes for a good portion of the round. Alvarez was able to take the round with power shots.

In round three, Alvarez landed some solid shots to the head and then he landed a huge uppercut that dumped Kirkland on the canvas. Kirkland showed heart by getting up but then ate a vicious right hand that sprawled a bleeding Kirkland on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

Alvarez, 154 1/2 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is now 45-1-1 with 32 knockouts. Kirkland, 154 1/2 lbs of Austin, TX is now 32-2.

“This was one of the best knockouts of my career,” Canelo Alvarez said following the fight. “He came out with a little bit of a different style than I was expecting, but I was able to adjust and get the knockout. I knew he was strong fighter but he surprised me with his aggressiveness in the first and second round. I fight for the fans, and I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.” Alvarez connected on an astounding 60 percent of his power shots, landing 79 of them inside of three rounds.

“I didn’t know I was knocked out,” said James Kirkland. “I had him trapped and hurt in the corner in the first round but he escaped, I had him hurt in the second also. He’s a great champion, I’m proud that I was able to compete in such a terrific event, and I hope to fight him again someday. I’m a warrior, I’ll be back.

“I’m proud of him, he’s a true warrior and I’m going to get him back with Ann Wolfe,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions, said of Kirkland after the fight.

“I am very happy about the fight, it was intense from round one. We want to thank Kirkland for taking this fight and for giving the fans an exciting night,” said Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, manager and trainer for Canelo Alvarez. “This fight showed the result of 17 intense weeks of training and we are very satisfied with the result.”

“I’m happy we won the fight,” said Eddy Reynoso, head trainer for Canelo Alvarez. “This is the result of a successful camp. Kirkland did surprise us in the beginning, but Canelo was able to find him and adjust to his rhythm and overpower him. I want to thank the team that made this fight happen and all the fans that continue to support us.”

With official attendance of 31,588, Minute Maid Park was rocking from the opening bell, and Alvarez delivered for them not only with a huge knockout, but with a pledge to fight in Texas once a year.

Follow all the action live as Canelo Alvarez takes on James Kirkland in what figures to be a Jr. Middleweight slugfest scheduled for 12 rounds. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

12 ROUNDS–SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS–SAUL ALVAREZ (44-1-1, 31 KO’S) VS JAMES KIRKLAND (32-1, 28 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Right from Alvarez..Good right from Kirkland…Hard right from Alvarez..lef hook..another..hard right..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND…Hard left…Huge bidy shot rocks Karkland…huge barrage…Kirkland hurt and barely makes it out of the round…10-8 Alvarez

Round 2 Great round that saw Alvarez land some hard shots early…kirkland came back to land on the ropes…Alvarez landed sone hard uppercuts late in the round….20-17 Alvarez

Round 3 Kirklands lands a body shot..2 hard head shots from Alvarez…body shots…..HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND…INCREDIBLE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

HOUSTON (May 8) – Media experts are making their predictions for how the showdown between heavy hitters Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) will end on May 9 at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Given the power of both fighters, all agree that this fight will be explosive in the ring and action-packed from start to finish. The experts we polled overwhelmingly agree: this fight will end when someone gets knocked out.

Here’s what they had to say:

EDUARDO BECERRIL, HOY Los Angeles:

“Canelo for the knockout.”

ALEX BURGOS, RoundbyRoundBoxing.com:

“Sometimes, the best fights are the most predictable ones. In regards to Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland, we know who they are, and we know what they will bring to the table, that’s why this fight promises to be so exciting. While I expect some grueling and tough early-round exchanges, Canelo will be happy that he doesn’t have to go searching for Kirkland. Canelo’s punching accuracy and his ability to move in and out of range quickly will help him overwhelm Kirkland and earn a late-round stoppage.”

DAMIAN CALHOUN, Orange County Register:

“I would be extremely surprised if this fight goes the distance. This has explosive written all over it and fans should enjoy it for as long as it lasts. I think Kirkland will present some problems for Alvarez. I think the absence of trainer Ann Wolfe will play a large role in the fight. She always knew what buttons to push to get Kirkland motivated. I expect Alvarez to mix up his attack, working the body constantly, and leading to a late-round stoppage.”

BRIAN CAMPBELL, ESPN.com:

“I think it ends in a knockout. This one has early stoppage written all over it. In fact, Kirkland’s reckless, fan-friendly style will make sure of it. Canelo will be forced to stand and fight, where his stronger technique will win out. But not before having his chin and backbone tested.”

ANTHONY COCKS, Ringside Report:

“I just can’t see Canelo-Kirkland being a distance fight regardless of who wins. Kirkland’s best chance is to jump on Canelo early and rattle him before he settles into his rhythm. But the most likely scenario is Canelo surviving the early firefight to break down Kirkland in the mid-rounds, stopping him in the seventh or eighth round.”

TIM DAHLBERG, Associated Press:

“I like Canelo by TKO, probably around the seventh round. Both are strong punchers, but Canelo has the edge in ring generalship.”

RICHARD DEAN, Houston Chronicle:

“Kirkland’s been wanting this fight for a long time. The long layoff won’t affect Kirkland in the ring. A refined slugger, I predict Kirkland in a knockout that will catapult his career to new heights.”

ED DE LA VEGA, PhilBoxing.com:

“In my opinion, in spite of the power of both Canelo and James, I believe the fight will go the full length because the fight will be a tactical one. Each fighter knows the power of they both have and a KO will occur if they take unnecessary risks and go for a knockout. Therefore, they will both fight a tactical fight in an attempt to win via the judges’ decision.”

GUY DOCETONI, Heavy.com:

“A fistic delight when hard-hitting Canelo Alvarez defends his reputation against Texan tough guy James Kirkland. While I expect plenty of good quality brawling from these two grinders, I believe Canelo knows better than to indulge in any risky, long-term shootouts with a slugger like Kirkland, and I predict that the redhead from Guadalajara will box, and definitely punch, his way to a unanimous decision.”

KEVIN IOLE, YAHOO! Sports:

“Kirkland is dangerous because he’s aggressive and hits hard, but Canelo is a better boxer by a long shot and hits very hard. I think he’ll systematically break Kirland down and stop him midway through the fight.”

STEVE KIM, UCNLive.com:

“In what will be an entertaining back-and-forth affair, I think the steadiness and consistency of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will eventually tame and subdue Kirkland. Kirkland’s aggression and mentality always make him a dangerous foe, but I worry about his protracted layoff. I like Canelo via KO in the 10th round.”

KELSEY McCARSON, Bleacher Report:

“Canelo-Kirkland is the kind of matchup that screams knockout. Both fighters come ready and willing to engage. Both are excellent offensively and solid punchers. And both men need the win. It will be an all-action slugfest between two outstanding junior middleweights, and I believe it will end in someone being concussed put down for the count. Kirkland is exactly the kind of fighter who brings out the best in Alvarez. He’ll come forward, land thudding punches and make Alvarez respond in kind. But Alvarez is one of the best in the biz. He’ll use his better footwork and faster hands to land a higher volume on punches as the fight wears on and by Round 10 the fight will be over. Alvarez will be the winner by TKO.”

JEFF POWELL, The Daily Mail:

“Canelo by TKO, probably around the tenth round.”

BOB VELIN, USA Today:

“I think Canelo will knock Kirkland out in the ninth round after they engage in a slugfest for most of the fight. Kirkland has an edge in power, but Canelo also has power and he’s a much better technical boxer. Eventually he will pick Kirkland apart and then drop him.”

MARK WHICKER, Los Angeles Daily News:

“I’m picking Canelo in a seventh-round knockout, provided he can get through Kirkland’s power in the early rounds.”

MICHAEL WOODS, The Sweet Science:

“Someone is hitting the deck, and staying there, on Saturday in Texas. Bombs will explode, and I think will damage Kirkland, sans Ann Wolfe, more than the Mexican.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

May 8, 2015…Bronx, NY

Former IBF Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey will take on tough Mexican brawler Jorge Silva on the undercard of the Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez-James Kirkland fight this coming Saturday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.

Promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Clottey, 38-4 22KO’S, hailing from Accra, Ghana, returns to the ring for the first time since last April when he traveled to the land down under, Australia, and totally dominated hometown hero and former world champion Anthony Mundine over the 12 round distance. Silva, 20-8-2 16KO’S has battled many top fighters in his career including Pablo Cesar Cano, Alfredo Angulo and Yoshihiro Kamegai.
Clottey was scheduled to face Alvarez last November but the bout was postponed and Canelo elected to fight Kirkland. Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about this upcoming fight, “I’m happy to see Joshua back in action and I am hoping for an impressive win on such a big fight card. We expect that after an exciting performance we will target the rescheduling of Joshua’s fight with Canelo”.

The fighters have just weighed in. Official weights:
Joshua Clottey: 153.8 lbs
Jorge Silva: 154.8 lbs

LONDON (May 8) – Mexican ace Canelo Alvarez says he is ready to claim the mantle of boxing’s pay-per-view star after Floyd Mayweather hangs up his gloves.

The 24-year-old light-middleweight takes on big-hitting James Kirkland this weekend, live and exclusive on BoxNation, in an edge-of-the-seat thriller in front of 35,000 at the Minute Maid Park in Texas.

Despite refusing to overlook the dangerous Kirkland, the flame-haired superstar is prepared to fill the gap once Mayweather calls it a day following his last fight in September and has even opened the door to a rematch with the money man after his 2013 points loss.

“I’m ready. I’m ready for whatever comes to my career. I work hard, I train hard, I fight the best, and if that’s the role [next PPV star] that I have to take once they’re [Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao] gone, then yes, I’m ready for it,” said Canelo.

“I would love it [a rematch with Mayweather]. It would interest me. I’ve learned more things, there’s more experience, but right now, this fight is what’s more important to me, and that’s James Kirkland on Saturday,” he said.

Canelo is well aware of the threat knockout artist Kirkland possesses having stopped 28 opponents in his 32 wins, with just a single loss on his record.

The former WBC and WBA light-middleweight champion knows that this is a fight that has captivated the boxing public and says he will fight any fighter as long as it appeals to the fans.

“I’ll fight any style. I’ll be clear – I’ll fight any style. I’m ready and willing to fight anybody, but the fans like this style because that’s the fans, what they go to see. They want to go and see action, and these are the kind of fights where the people will leave happy,” said Canelo.

“Kirkland’s a very dangerous fighter because of his punch. His power is extreme. He can finish the fight with one punch, and then he also throws out of different angles, so it makes it even more complicated, more difficult, but more than anything, it’s that power that he can finish a fight with one punch.

“My goal is always to fight the best in the world, so that the fans get what they want: to see the best fights possible. As long as they’re at the top, I want to fight the best,” he said.

31-year-old Kirkland, who hasn’t fought since his electrifying win over Glen Tapia in 2013, is undaunted at the prospect of facing Canelo and says he is prepared to go toe-to-toe with the ferocious Mexican.

“I can just tell people this when they ask about boxing and what can I bring to the sport or how I picture myself: I am a force of nature that overrides a lot of the people that I fight. When they come with heart, I believe my heart is bigger than that,” said Kirkland.

“When they come with determination, I don’t feel no one has the will power and the drive that I possess. When it comes to speed, I don’t feel as if the opponent is going to be able to adapt, and if they do, I always got a step above my opponent.

“It’s going to be a fight [against Canelo] that you don’t have to worry about if they’re going to run, if this person’s going to be dodging and ducking and looking for somewhere to run and hide.

“Me and Canelo will meet in the middle of the ring and that’s where the fight will take place. We may stay there the whole entire fight if he’s going to come to fight like I’m coming to fight, then that will be the particular fight that the fans want to see,” he said.

Also, live and exclusive on BoxNation at 7pm this Saturday night from The SSE Arena in London, will be a stacked Queensberry Promotions card featuring rising star Frank Buglioni who defends his WBO European super-middleweight title against Lee Markham.

The 26-year-old known as ‘The Wise Guy’ is one of the country’s top emerging talents and is looking to make it an easy night’s work against the tough Markham.

“Camp has been spot on,” says Buglioni. “My spar mates Luke Keeler and Spike O’Sullivan have very similar styles to Markham, only they’re a lot better! Gary Boulden beat Markham yet Luke knocked Boulden out inside a round which puts it all in context. And Spike’s mixed at world level.

“They’ve been preparing me for a gruelling 12 round war. My strength and fitness are at an all time high. I’d never felt better than I did in my last fight and there’s been further improvement since. I’m really looking forward to showing everybody what I’ve added on May 9th – if the fight goes long enough!”

WBO European welterweight champion Bradley Skeete is also back in action as he takes on Brunet Zamora, with the exciting prospect Mitchell Smith up against Cristian Palma for the vacant WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt.

That’s not all from BoxNation who will air a third show on Saturday night when German star Felix Sturm looks to bounce back onto the world stage as he stakes on the hard-hitting Russian and current interim WBA super-middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov.

Canelo v Kirkland is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546 and TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night at 2am. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

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

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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HOUSTON (May 7) – Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland hosted the final press conference in Houston on Thursday, May 7 ahead of their showdown on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya, SMS Promotions Chairman and CEO Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner Bernard Hopkins were also in attendance to support their fighters ahead of Saturday’s bout. Also in attendance were promoters Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions and Jesse James Leija, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions.

Other fighters on the Canelo vs. Kirkland undercard in attendance at Thursday’s press conference included co-main event fighter Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs),2012 Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs), Chinese heavyweight sensation, Taishan (3-0, 2 KOs), KeAndre Gibson (12-0-1, 5 KOs), Joshua Clottey (38-4, 22 KOs), Ryan Martin (12-0, 7 KOs), and James Leija Jr.

Here is what the fighters and the promoters had to say at the press conference:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“Thank you all for being here. I want to say thank you for all of the support you have been giving me. We have worked very hard to come out with this victory.

“It’s very easy to say words, but once we are in the ring, let’s let the fists do the talking.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are excited to be once again partnering with the champion network, HBO, where everyone is guaranteed to watch the best that boxing has to offer.

“Some people weren’t too content with the May 2 performances but one thing is for sure: people are very excited to watch some action with Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland on May 9.

“As a promoter, you want to work with fighters that want to go against the very best. That is what is so exciting for me about promoting this event because that’s what we’ll have on May 9. The best fighting the best.

“James is one of the most decorated punchers and fighters. He brings power, and he brings excitement to ring.”

JAMES KIRKLAND, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. We had this fight set up once before but it was canceled due to an injury.

“My training camp has been outstanding. Canelo brings a lot to the game; he has a great team backing him. I would like to thank the fans, HBO, and everyone who will be at the fight. Thank you. Team Kirkland!”

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions:

“This is excitement. Originally, I was just passionate about boxing, I was just a fan, but now, to be a part of what could possibly be the biggest fight of the year, that is really exciting.

“I want to thank everyone, Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, HBO, and everyone working behind the scenes to make this fight happen.

“One of my up and coming fighters for SMS Promotions, Ryan Martin, will also be fighting on May 9.

“We will definitely get a chance to see some action on May 9 at Minute Maid Park. It’s the perfect place for this fight.”

HUMBERTO SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I want to thank the promoters for bringing back this level of fighting.

“It’s going to be another great fight. We have youth versus experience, and the fans are going to win. Don’t miss this fight, thank you so much.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“Thank you everyone that participated in putting this event together. Right now, these fighters have a chance to be the ‘next big thing.’

“This will be the shortest comment I’ve ever made: Canelo, you’re healthy, right? (nod) Kirkland, you’re healthy, right? (nod) Then, we’re going to fight, ya’ll.”

Mike Battah, President of Lieja*Battah Promotions:

“When we started Leija*Battah Promotions three years ago our goal was to bring the best, fan friendly fights to Texas and years later we have proven it.

“Where else can you get a megastar like Canelo and a dangerous fighter like Kirkland fighting two or three hours from your home? We have fighters from Houston, and San Antonio, and other parts of Texas that will be on a mega-fight undercard like they have never experienced. It is important to showcase these Texas fighters on this big stage.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions:

“Houston, we want you to come and bring out the best boxing fans in the world. It is the best atmosphere to be boxing in a baseball stadium.

“On May 9 at Minute Maid Park my son is making his professional boxing debut. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University. Come out and support this great event.

“I want to thank these two amazing fighters, Canelo and Kirkland in advance, because we are going to have a great night.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“On Saturday night we are going to see two tremendous warriors go toe to toe.

“At the end of the night Canelo will be shouting Viva Mexico with his fists.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“At training camp we worked very hard, very dedicated. And, once again, thanks to all the press for the coverage you’ve given us.”

PETER NELSON, HBO Sports Vice President of Programing:

“This is exactly the kind of caliber event that makes stars.

“More people are going to see this event than anything since Muhammad Ali fought here in Texas.

“I think that this is one of the signature events HBO will have this year. These are the stars of today, Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland.

“This presents a great opportunity for Humberto Soto to bring his career back to a big stage. We are going to see fighters fulfill their potential on Saturday night.”

REID RYAN, President of Business Operations for Houston:

“The fight is definitely being talked about in the City of Houston. We are very excited about this event.

“There is a buzz surrounding this event. The phone has been ringing all day at the stadium. People are excited for this event. It will be the first boxing event at Minute Maid Park.”

BAY BAY McCLINTON, Strength and Conditioning Trainer to James Kirkland:

“I only train greatness. On Saturday night, you will see greatness. You are going to see a different James Kirkland.

“The last time Mexico came to Texas, remember this: remember the Alamo.

“I always ask my fighters, ‘You want to be good, or you want to be great?’ Tomorrow, he’s [Kirkland] going to be great.”

GREG ALVAREZ, Combative Sports Manager of the Texas Department of License & Regulation:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions, Leija*Battah Promotions and all the people that are putting this show on.

“This is the biggest single day event Texas is going to have.

“I’m real excited for this big fight, the real fight.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

HOUSTON (May 7) – Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland hosted an open-to-the-public media workout in Houston on Wednesday, May 6 at Minute Maid Park in advance of their highly anticipated clash on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. Hundreds of fans came out to the stadium to watch their favorites get in the ring ahead of Saturday’s mega-fight. Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya and SMS Promotions Chairman and CEO Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson also attended the workout to show their support for their respective fighters Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland ahead of Saturday’s bout. Also in attendance were promoters Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions and Jesse James Leija, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions.

Other fighters on the Canelo vs. Kirkland undercard in attendance at Wednesday’s workout included co-main event fighter Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs),2012 Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs), Chinese heavyweight sensation, Taishan (3-0, 2 KOs), Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (23-3, 18 KOs), Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill (31-1, 21 KOs), KeAndre Gibson (12-0-1, 5 KOs), Ryan Martin (12-0, 7 KOs), James Leija Jr., and Antonio Capulin (14-0, 6 KOs).

Here is what the fighters and the promoters had to say at the workout:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“I am ready to fight tomorrow if needed. I feel excited that the fight is nearly here.

“Kirkland is a strong puncher so I have been sparring with southpaws to be prepared for May 9. I am strong too and I will also look to fight intelligently on Saturday.

“I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I want them to enjoy the fight, and get to see the action in the ring they’ve been waiting for.”

JAMES KIRKLAND, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I know that I come with excitement, with what fight fans want to see. Knowing that my fans and supporters that are spending their hard earned money to come to this fight motivates me. I work just as hard as them when they are out there pushing that clock to make the money to come see the fight.

“My first meal after the fight? That’s classified information! [laughs] That’s going to be one hell of a good meal that I am going to eat after the fight. I’m a seafood guy, but I love it all, including the sweets. I’m definitely going to have my choice of meal after the fight.”

HUMBERTO SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“For my training camp, I’m at a high altitude in Temoaya, Mexico, near Centro Ceremonial Otomi. The altitude is almost 5,000 meters. The oxygen is excellent; my routine starts with a run on the morning, then I take a bath before breakfast. At 2:00 p.m., I go to the gym for a couple of hours, then back to the camp, bath, rest, eat, by the evening, sometimes, we watch some movies, play cards or just talk. Sometimes it can be tedious or monotonous but I know that’s the sacrifice that we all have to make to get big rewards.

“For my bout against Gomez on May 9, I know that will be a tough fight, a difficult one. We’re working hard to get the win. I know Gomez is dangerous, but I think that my experience and the fact that I also want to be a champion again will make the difference.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR, 2012 U.S. Olympian and Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s a dream come true to be on the Canelo-Kirkland undercard. This is probably the biggest stage in my life to be fighting in front of a big crowd at this point.

“I’m not scared to fight in front of a big crowd at Minute Maid Park on May 9. I fought on a stage kind of similar in the 2012 Olympics. There where tens of thousands of people there and millions of people watching me in the United States and all around the world. I just have to zone out and focus on my opponent.

“After the weigh in, I’m probably going to eat some Italian food, maybe have a lot of carbs and some protein to replenish my muscles and make sure I am hydrated to be strong for the fight.”

TAISHAN, Heavyweight Prospect:

“Right now, I am focused on getting better in each fight, becoming victorious of course. Whether knockout or decision doesn’t matter. I feel better after each fight, and I’m staying focused and keeping my eye on the prize.

“My strategy for May 9 in the ring is to use my jab. The jab is the most important part of boxing; it’s everything.

“I’m not thinking about how big the crowd will be on May 9. It’s another stage, another fight, so I will go in and do what I need to do.”

RYAN MARTIN, Lightweight Prospect:

“Training camp has been an ongoing thing. I had a fight four weeks ago so I went right back into camp that Monday. Training camp has been very consistent; it’s going according to schedule, and I am ready to put on a show.

“I am not worrying about what my opponent brings to the ring. He is going to be worried about what I bring.

“It means a lot to me to be on the Canelo-Kirkland undercard. It’s very humbling to be a part of an event like this, and I am ready for it.”

JAMES LEIJA, Jr., Welterweight Prospect:

“My dad [Jesse James Leija] is behind me 100 percent. He’s my trainer and the best advice he has given me is to just relax and remain calm. No matter how big the crowd is, you tell yourself that you are just back in the gym.

“This is one of the biggest cards of the year, and I am very happy to be a part of it.

“Fans watching on May 9 can expect very skilled technical fighting from me. I am a student to the game first of all, having seen my father go through it as a professional boxer; seeing what works and what doesn’t. He’s telling me how to approach to game more scientifically rather than just going and being a brut.”

ALFONSO “EL TIGRE” LOPEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m really excited and overwhelmed. I want to put on a good performance for the fans. It’s a great opportunity for every fighter on this card because it’s such a huge event.

“I’ve been jabbing in the gym with the absolute best to prepare; he’s a Cuban southpaw. I’m ready to make this a smart fight, an intelligent one.”

EUGENE “MEAN GENE” HILL, Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m excited to fight on the undercard for Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland.

“I’ve been training at a high pace so my opponent will have to fight me at a fast pace.

“This training camp, I’ve been training three times a day and eating right. I’m going to get the knockout.”

KEANDRE GIBSON, Welterweight Prospect:

“I’ve had a good training camp. Earlier in my camp, I got two to three weeks of sparring in with Manny Pacquiao for his fight with Floyd Mayweather and it was a great experience. I picked up a lot from him. Letting your hands go and throwing more punches, switching off from fast punches to power punches and tricks in the ring.

“Fans can expect action from me on May 9. They can expect a lot of speed, a lot of power, and a lot of punches. For me and my guy, we will be going toe to toe.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Canelo Alvarez is ready for this fight on May 9 against the ‘Mandingo Warrior’ James Kirkland. This fight is what the fans have been waiting for: action in the ring, top fighters going for it, not afraid to fight.

“There will be no running in the ring on May 9, that’s for sure. Once that first bell rings, fans watching the action live from Minute Maid Park and on HBO World Championship Boxing won’t be able to look away until it’s over, whether by knockout or decision.”

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions:

“Outside of the Manny-Floyd fight, this really is one of the biggest fights in boxing this year. Watching it at Minute Maid Park live is a must.

“Some of that same energy that Mike Tyson had, James has. That same killer instinct is there. You have some fighters that have fighter blood for real. That’s James. That leaves it to me to find the right for him because all he wants to do is fight. James is a guy that goes headfirst at the biggest opportunity.

“I like Ann Wolfe as a trainer. But, I did see James get down in weight faster this training camp with Rick Morones and Bay Bay McClinton.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions:

“He has so many different styles; he is almost like a chameleon. We trained so he could do a little bit of everything in that way so when he fights in the ring, the opponent will have to try figure out how to fight five different styles.

“It’s mind-blowing to think that my son is doing something that I did for so long. It’s one of the toughest sports in the world and it’s one of the scariest things to do for a parent to see one of their kids step into. It takes a lot of guts and a lot of courage for anyone to step into those four corners.”

MIKE BATTAH, President of Lieja*Battah Promotions:

“James Leija Jr. will be making his professional debut on Saturday’s mega-fight he will have a platform to showcase his skills.

“Capulin, Lopez, and Hill , who were out here today, have a great fan base in Texas and are here to represent. Fans will get to see some of their favorite fighters in the ring on Saturday.

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

In one of the most-anticipated events on the action-packed HBO Boxing calendar, the brightest, fastest-rising star in the sport meets one of his toughest challenges to date when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: CANELO ALVAREZ VS. JAMES KIRKLAND AND HUMBERTO SOTO VS. FRANKIE GOMEZ is seen SATURDAY, MAY 9 at 9:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Minute Maid Park in Houston, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside to call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: May 10 (10:30 a.m.) and 11 (11:45 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: May 10 (3:00 p.m.) and 12 (11:30 p.m.)

Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico and James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) of Austin, Tex. will compete in a scheduled 12-round super welterweight fight. Both men are known for an aggressive, come-forward style, which should produce an all-action affair.

Following an impressive 2014 campaign that included victories over fierce brawler Alfredo Angulo and crafty southpaw Erislandy Lara, Alvarez, 24, makes his 2015 debut looking for another dominant performance in his return to Texas, where a fervent fan base will provide a hometown feel for the Mexican slugger.

With just two fights over the last three years, including a stunning knockout of Glen Tapia in 2013, Kirkland, 31, returns rested and primed for battle. The Texas native boasts remarkable knockout power, having not allowed any opponent to reach the final bell since 2007. The winner will be in line for a super welterweight title fight later this year.

A scheduled ten-round super lightweight fight opens the evening, with seasoned veteran Humberto Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) squaring off against undefeated Frankie Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs). Soto, 34, is a former three-division champion coming off a decisive victory last September over John Molina, Jr., while unbeaten prospect Gomez, 23, continues to rise in the ranks.

Leading off the telecast will be the replay of the May 2nd blockbuster pay-per-view event from Las Vegas in which Floyd Mayweather met Manny Pacquiao in a much anticipated welterweight unification title bout.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

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LOS ANGELES (May 6) – Former three-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, and super lightweight top contender Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs) hosted a media conference call on Tuesday, May 5 to discuss their upcoming super lightweight 10-round bout on May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Soto vs. Gomez will be the televised co-main event for Canelo vs. Kirkland live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Soto and Gomez were joined by Freddie Roach, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer and trainer to Frankie Gomez and Eric Gomez, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions. Below is what they had to say:

HUMBERTO “LA ZORRITA” SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“Everything is really good and I am ready to go. I am relaxing right now. I am focusing on making weight.

“Every fight is an opportunity and I want to keep moving up the ladder to get to a world title fight.

“It is a matter of sitting with my team, but if there is a world champion out there willing to give me the opportunity, then I would like to fight for the title.

“The important thing is your mind and mentality and to condition your mind to win. We will both have that – physically and mentality. But the real winners will be the fans. This will be a good fight.

“Talk is cheap. What really matters is the hard work and effort you put in the gym. I have worked really hard for this fight and I think that will be what makes the difference.

“I can adjust against anything that Frankie throws at me. I think I will be victorious.

“I want to let the fans know that I appreciate them and thank you for the support. It will be a great fight and a great night of boxing. It is an important fight and I am just appreciative of all the support.”

FRANKIE “PITBULL” GOMEZ, Super Lightweight Top Contender:

“Thank you Golden Boy Promotions, HBO, my manager, and everyone for this opportunity.

“On May 9, there is going to be some good fights. I have been training hard and on Saturday we will se seeing good results.

“Soto has a lot of experience. He has been through a lot of fights. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I am not concerned and I am ready for this fight.

“Freddie has been there every day for training. It was a very good training camp and I am ready to show fans what I can do.

“I will fight anybody. It is up to my promoters, matchmakers, and team. I am not afraid of anybody.

“Fight against someone with more experience is a lot of pressure but I like working under it. It motivates me more to do better in the fight.

“I will fight anybody. They gave me Soto. I know he has more experience but I think I am ready and I have trained hard. I think I can win.

“I am planning to go all 10 rounds. I am not going to look for the knock out. He has a lot of experience with combinations, but I think I can handle him. I think my youth and power will help me overcome him.

“Don’t miss Saturday. It will be a good fight. Make sure to tune in.”

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer and Trainer to Frankie Gomez:

“Frankie Gomez is one of the best fighters in the world today. He has potential to be a world champion. He is really going to shine here and it will open a lot of doors for him.

“Gomez is one of the best fighters in the world and spars at the best in our gym, like Manny Pacquiao and all of those guys.

“There are a lot of names of future opponents for Frankie and we want them all. He is ready for Amir Khan now. We will go against anybody. He is one of my top guys and people should be afraid. If you go against Frankie Gomez, you will get beat. I promise.

“It will be a great fight for Frankie and good step up in the right direction. He will be champion really soon. I guarantee that.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“This is a big opportunity for Frankie Gomez to shine. He is developed, and with such a developed prospect, there is no one better than Freddie Roach to train him. A victory over Soto will put him in a great place. This is his coming-out party.

“Frankie has the speed and the power. You can’t help but see him go to another level when he teamed up with Freddie. Freddie has really brought the best out of him, helping him get stronger and stronger. Every fight is a step in the next direction. He needs these kinds of fights to define himself and he is definitely becoming his own person.

“Soto is a dangerous fighter with lots of experience.. It will be a great fight. It is one of those fights will that could be a main event at any other show. With Canelo and Kirkland, it will be a huge night.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

An all-new edition of 24/7 Alvarez/Kirkland debuts Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

HOUSTON (May 6) – Cinco De Mayo unleashed “Canelomania” as Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland arrived in Houston on the celebrated holiday to kickoff fight week for their highly anticipated clash on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. The fighters greeted Houston fans at a special Cinco De Mayo Fan Fiesta hosted by Corona and HEB and then sped off to attend the ceremonial coin toss for the Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes game along with Oscar De La Hoya, President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

LOS ANGELES (May 4) – Super lightweight top contender Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs), 2012 Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs) and Chinese heavyweight sensation, Taishan (3-0, 2 KOs) today hosted a media workout at Teamsters Gym in South El Monte, Calif. in advance of their match ups on Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston on the undercard for Canelo vs. Kirkland. Gomez is scheduled for a 10-round super lightweight bout against former three-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs)in the co-main event for Canelo vs. Kirkland which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Diaz Jr. will face Giovani Delgado (15-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout and Taishan will fight Karrin Davis (2-4, 2 KOs) in a four-round heavyweight bout, both fights will be featured in the non-televised undercard.

Also in attendance at the workout was a group of undefeated Los Angeles based fighters, Oscar “El Jagura” Negrete (8-0, 3 KOs), Jesus Delgado (4-0-1, 1 KO) and Nick Arce (2-0, 1 KO), who are featured on the upcoming May 7 edition of LA FIGHT CLUBat The Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The May 7event will be the third installment of the monthly fight series on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts at today’s media workout:

FRANKIE “PITBULL” GOMEZ, Super Lightweight Top Contender:

“I’ve been training two to three times a day. I go to Wild Card Gym in the morning, strength train in the afternoon and sometimes do another workout in the nighttime. I’m ready.

“It’s going to be a good fight against Soto. He has a lot of experience, but I think I have the youth and I’m stronger. Soto also has good combinations and is a veteran with more than 60 fights, so he’ll be ready too.

“In training camp, I’ve been working hard on my stamina. I want to be able to last all 10 rounds. I’m not just about going for the knock-down.”

“I’ve had a lot of good sparring at training camp. I sparred against fighters like Ruslan Provodnikov and Jose Ramirez.

“Fans can expect to see an explosive, very exciting fight on May 9. Don’t miss it!”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ JR., 2012 U.S. Olympian and Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m so grateful to Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this opportunity. I’m very well prepared and very motivated.

“This is going to be the biggest stage that I’ve ever fought in. I’m very excited to be a part of this event.

“I know Giovani Delgado will be a tough warrior, but I’m going to be ready for whatever he brings. I’m going to try and make Giovani’s size an advantage but I’m going to feel him out first and see if he has decent power.

“I was always taught to go for the body first by my father. Once you go to the body and break down your opponent then they drop their hands and then you can take them down up top. Timing is everything. My father and I always work on timing. I’m a great counter-puncher and I don’t like to waste my shots. I try to land effective shots consistently.

“I really want a title shot this year. I feel like I’m well prepared and ready for it, but patience is the key.”

TAISHAN, Heavyweight Prospect:

“I’ve been longing and preparing for this fight and it’s finally becoming a reality. I’m ready and am going to have a good fight.

“I believe that the strongest move for me is to KO the opponent as soon as possible in order to give the fans something exciting to see, so I plan to try my best to deliver that.

“From a very young age, I felt that boxing was fascinating but didn’t have the opportunity to get any training where I lived. But now, I’m excited to have full exposure to the sport and to have the chance to train and do my best in the ring.”

OSCAR “EL JAGURA” NEGRETE, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“We are just finishing up our preparations, but are ready to give the fans a good fight.

“I have trained really hard and have sparred with people like current World Champion Leo Santa Cruz. Training with a champion helps me get better as a fighter that is something I will take with me into the ring.

“It was always my dream to sign with Golden Boy Promotions; it’s the best promoters in the world.

“Being here has been a dream of mine, a dream of my fathers and a dream of my first trainer back in Columbia.”

JESUS DELGADO, Lightweight Prospect:

“I fought at the opening of LA Fight Club on March 6 and a lot of my fans weren’t able to get tickets because it sold out so quickly, but I’m really excited for this one because my fans were ready and will be there to cheer me on.

“I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’ve been working hard and I’ll be ready for whatever style comes my way.

“In training camp, I’ve been more focused on my conditioning and being consistent with my punches and not going for that knockout right away. If the knockout comes, then I’ll go get it!

“The first LA Fight Club was a great experience because it was my hometown. I grew up five minutes away from The Belasco Theater. Having the LA crowd and fans supporting me was a big thing for me.

“Fans can expect the best from me on May 7. I’m going in well prepared for this fight. I’m just ready to put on a good show!”

NICK ARCE, Featherweight Prospect:

“I don’t worry too much about my opponents. I let my team do that and prepare me for whatever style our opponent brings to the table.

“I’m not sure why LA fans have embraced me so much, but I’m really thankful to have a lot people behind me and supporting me, because that’s what I need to become a great fighter. We’re going to have quite a few fans there on May 7, and I’m excited to put on a good show for the crowd.

“I’m moving up slowly but surely. Trying to concentrate on my career and make smart moves on the right path.

“As soon as I hear the sound of that bell go off, its time to go to work, and I have a job to do. I just go in there and do what I do best.

“Come May 7I hope a lot of people come out to support us young fighters.”

# # #

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

An all-new edition of 24/7 Alvarez/Kirkland debuts Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

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

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