Felix Verdejo scored a 5th round stoppage over Marco Antonio Lopez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight bout at Coliseo Mario ‘Quijote’ Morales in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

In round five, Verdejo scored a knockdown from a flurry in the corner. Verdejo ended things by jumping on Lopez and landing a hard 8-punch combination that sent Lopez down and upon getting to his feet, the fight was stopped at 1:45 of round five.

Verdejo, 135 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Lopez, 139 lbs of Mexico is 24-6.

Christopher Diaz scored a stoppage after round five of his 6-round Super Featherweight bout over Jose Bustos.

Diaz dropped Bustos in round two from a big left hook. Diaz scored a 2nd knockdown in the round with a perfect uppercut. Diaz scored a 3rd knockdown in round three from a right hand. In round four, Diaz landed a left to the body and Bustos took a knee on a delayed reaction.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 10-0 with 6 knockouts. Bustos, 126 1/4 lbs of Mexico is now 7-4-3.

Hot Prospect Felix Verdejo will make his 2015 debut on April 25 in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico when he takes on Marco Antonio Lopez that will headline an Uni Mas card according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Thanks to God I feel fully recovered from the injury on my left hand,” Verdejo said Monday. “The rest came in handy, but the vacations are over. Despite the rest, I kept running in the mornings. I’m ready to return to the gym to prepare and get ready to bring that title to my people.”

Said Ricky Marquez, Verdejo’s manager and trainer, “I wanted to make sure that the injury that Felix suffered healed 100 percent for his first 10-round bout. I’m sure ‘El Diamante’ will be ready to shine and conquer that title on April 25.”

“For me there is nothing better than representing Puerto Rico, honoring my flag and bringing joy to my island,” Verdejo said. “I’m more than happy and thankful with Top Rank for the opportunity of fighting for a title in front of my people. I am very grateful [to] the fans on the island for the unconditional support they have always given me, and that’s why I wanted to give them my first title fight.”

PHILADELPHIA–Super prospect Felix Verdejo scored a 4th round stoppage over Karim El Ouazghari in a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout in front of a sold out crowd at the 2300 Arena.

Verdejo used a stiff jab early. In round three, Verdejo got his right hand going as he landed flusg to the head of El Ouazghari. He landed another hard overhand right that drove El Ouazghari into the ropes. and after left hook and a right, El Ouazghari went to the canvas. El Ouazghari was cut badley around the left eye. Verdejo ended things in the next round as he landed a perfect right to the face that was followed up by a hard flurry and Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout at 1:27 of round 4.

Verdeho, 134 1/2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. El Ouazghari, 134 1/2 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is now 16-6-2.

Super Middleweight Jesse Hart scored a 2nd round stoppage over Samuel Miller in a scheduled 8-round Super Middleweight bout

The fight started off with a ragid pace with both guys swinging for the fences. Hart scored a knockdown in round two. Hart jumped on Miller and floored him again and the bout was stopped at 2:07 round two.

Hart, 167.75 lbs of Philadelphia is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Miller, 167.3 lbs of Arboletes, Colombia is now 28-10.

Julian Rodriguez dropped Randy Fuentes four times in just under two rounds to score a stoppage in a 6-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Rodriguez, 141 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, Nj is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Fuentes, 145 lbs of McAllen, TX is 4-4-1.

Thomas LaManna stayed undefeated by pounding out an exciting 6-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Alex Sanchez in a Middleweight bout.

Sanchez came out early trying to land power shots in close. LaManna shook the shots off and began mixing it up from the outside with lead uppercuts and right hands. Round three saw him begin to lead with his jab and left hook. In round four, the two stood toe to toe, which thrilled the capacity crowd. After the big exchange, Lamanna landed three flush right hands to punctuate the round. Sanchez continued to press but LaManna had answers for just about every solid punch that Sanchez would throw. LaManna landed several hard uppercuts to the body in the final frame. The two waged war all the way up until the final draw.

LaManna, 158 lbs of Millville, NJ won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 16-0. Sanchez, 156 1/2 lbs of Camden NJ is now 4-6-1.

Toka Kahn Clary scored an 8-round unanimous decision over Camilo Perez in a Featherweight bout.

Clary pushed the action from his southpaw stance. Clark continued to chase Perez around the ring, who offered little resistance in return as he absorbed head and body blows.

Clary, 127 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 14-0. Perez, 126.5 lbs of Carolina, PR is now 9-5.

Juan Rodriguez scored a mild upset by stopping previously undefeated Nathaniel Rivas in round five of their scheduled 6 round welterweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Rivas in round one from a left hook. Rivas had spots of good offense but Rodriguez got the better of the action and sent Rivas down again in round five. Shortly after he finished off Rivas after a flurry the fight was stopped at 1:01 of round five.

Rodriguez, 144 1/2 lbs of Haymarket, VA is now 6-2-1 with 5 knockouts. Rivas, 147 lbs of Berlin, NJ is now 5-1.

Fred Jenkins Jr. scored a 6-round unanimous decision over James Robinson in a Jr. Middleweight bout

Jenkins dropped Robinson at the end of round one from a hard left hook. Robinson pressed the action throughout and won by scores of 60-53 and 59-54 twice.

Jenkins, 155.75 lbs of Philadelphia is mow 9-1. Robinson, 151 lbs of York, PA is now 3-2-2.

Chris Diaz remained perfect with a 6-round unanimous decision over Jazzma Hogue in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz dropped Hogue with a perfect left hook to the body in round five. Just before the end of the fight, Diaz landed a booing right that sent Hogue to the canvas. Hogue barely got to his feet just as referee Steve Smoger and the final bell rang.

Diaz, 126 lbs of Barranquitas, PR won by scores of 60-52 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hogue, 126 lbs of Farmington, NM is now 3-6-1.

Philadelphia, PA—Sensational lightweight Felix Verdejo, the latest in a long line of outstanding Puerto Rican boxers, makes his Philadelphia debut Saturday evening, Dec. 13, when he takes on Karim El Ouazghari, of Barcelona, Spain, in the scheduled eight-round main event at the 2300 Arena.

The Verdejo-Ouazghari fight, along with an eight-round super middleweight contest featuring Jesse Hart, of Philadelphia, will be televised as part of Top Rank’s Solo Boxeo Tecate series on UniMas. The delayed telecast will begin at 11pm (EST). First of seven prelims begins at 6.45pm.

The 21-year-old Verdejo (left), an outstanding amateur, represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics. He lost a 14-9 decision in the quarter-finals to eventual Gold Medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, of the Ukraine, who currently is the WBO featherweight champion. Verdejo’s overall amateur record was 106-17.

Verdejo turned pro late in 2012 and is 15-0, 11 K0s. He boxed eight times in 2013 and this will be his seventh fight in 2014.

In his last outing Oct. 4, Verdejo scored a spectacular one-punch third-round knockout over 32-fight veteran Sergio Villanueva, of Mexico, in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, FL.

Verdejo turned pro in Las Vegas and he has boxed in Puerto Rico, New York, Florida and China. This will be his first fight in Philadelphia, but his second in Pennsylvania. He won a six-round decision over Guillermo Delgadillo, of Walla Walla, WA, on Aug. 10, 2013, at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

“I want to be a role model for the kids, the same way Felix Trinidad was for me,” Verdejo said.

The 34-year-old Ouazghari is 16-5-2, 4 K0s. In his most ambitious start, he lost a 12-round decision to John Murray for the European lightweight title in London.

The 25-year-old Hart is 15-0, 12 K0s. His father, Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, was one of the hardest-hitting middleweights of his time, compiling a 30-9-1 record with 28 K0s from 1969 to1981.

“Top Rank looks forward to co-promoting this great event with our long-time friend and legendary Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz in the City of Brotherly Love, “ said Carl Moretti, Vice President of Boxing Operations at Top Rank. “Felix Verdejo and Jesse Hart are two of the best young prospects in the Top Rank stable and we are sure the fight fans of Philadelphia will feel the same after watching their performances.”

ABOUT DECEMBER 13

The Verdejo-Ouazghari tops an eight-bout card at the 2300 Arena. First fight is 6.45 pm. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and at Wanamaker’s Tickets (215-568-2400). They also can be purchased on line at www.peltzboxing.com and at www.wanatix.com. UniMas will televise the Verdejo-Ouazhari fight as part of Top Rank’s Solo Boxeo Tecate series. The delayed telecast begins at 11pm (EST). The card is being promoted by Top Rank, Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and BAM Boxing. The 2300 Arena, formerly known as the New Alhambra, has hosted consistent professional boxing from 2004 thru 2012 when it was later known as the Asylum Arena. Boxing cards there have been televised by ESPN 2, CN8, Univision and the NBC Sports Network. Fighters who have boxed there include Danny Garcia, Bronco McKart, Omar Sheika, Demetrius Hopkins, Mike Jones, Teon Kennedy, Bryant Jennings, Gabriel Rosado, Jesus Soto-Karass, Ronald Cruz, Israel “Pito” Cardona, Derek Ennis, Steve Cunningham and Edner Cherry.

The main event saw former Olympian and current Puerto Rican press sensation, Félix “El Diamante” Verdejo, 134.8 of San Juan, P.R. fight a seasoned but limited Sergio “El Cuate” Villanueva, 133.2. It was quickly evident who the fan favorite was as the Puerto Rican prospect drew cheers from the crowd as soon as he walked into the ring.
The first round was very technical with Villanueva, of Tepic, Mexico, trying to press the action and Verdejo controlling the distance while looking to counter rusbank.net. El Cuate was more effective in a similar second round and forced Verdejo to momentarily switch stance in the third. Verdejo landed a few body shots before a monstrous right counter to the head ended the fight. Villanueva fell face first against the first rope and referee Frank Santore stopped the fight at 1:57 of the third round. It is hard to tell if this is an improvement for Verdejo who has been dominating mostly subpar opposition with incredible ease but Villanueva was supposed to last a few round more. El Cuate now drops to 26-5-2 with 13 KOs and Verdejo improved to 14-0, 11 KOs.

The first fight of the night at the Bahía Shriners Event Center in Orlando, Florida, featured Esteban Villalba of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico against Anthony Mercado, Arecibo, P.R. Mercado, 141.6, probably won first round the fight but Villalba, 140.2, weathered the storm and had bloodied Mercado’s nose by the end of the second. The rest of the fight featured some good exchanges and both fighters were able to land their share of good punches. Mercado, (8-0,7 KOs) was the more active fighter and earned the victory with scores of 58-56 and 59-55 twice. Villalba drops to 5-10-2, with 1KO.

The co-main event of the evening featured Martin “Marciano” Cardona, (17-3, 12 Kos) Guadalajara, Mex and Gamalier Rodríguez, 129 (25-2-3, 17KOs) Bayamón, PR. Gamalier, 128.4, got off to a fast start and floored Cardona, 129, with an overhand right after hurting him with a body shot in the first round. Early in the second, Rodríguez landed enough heavy punches to halt the fight with Martín still on his feet but clearly outmatched. With the victory, Gamalier, ranked third by the WBO, stays in line to possibly challenge Vasyl Lomachencko for the featherweight title.

Nelsan Machado, 125, of Miami, FL overwhelmed Stephon McIntyre, 123.8 of Jonesboro, GA and needed only 2:47 to improve to 7-0, 6KOs. McIntyre, now 2-3-2 with no knockouts on his resume, went down early and was allowed to continue only to be taken to the ropes and into a crouching position before the referee waved it off.
The televised portion of the card pitted Austin Marcum, 158, Logan, WV against Esquiva Falcao, 158.2 of Viloria, Brazil. Marcum (6-6-1, 3 Kos) tried but Falcao was better in every sense and forced the stoppage at 1:24 of the second round after Marcum went down from a left hook to the head. Esquiva improved to 5-0 with 3 KOs.

The night’s swing bout matched Fransisco Camacho (2-4-1, 1 KO), Matamoros, Mex vs Christopher “Pitufo” Díaz, (6-0,4Kos) Barranquillas, PR. Both fighters agreed to exchange but it was Díaz, 125.8, who did the hurting. Pitufo (Spanish for Smurf) landed the cleaner shots and rattled Camacho, 126.6, during the first three rounds. A left hook to the body early in the fourth brought about the first knockdown of the fight and a second one ended the fight when Camacho, now 2-5-1 with 1 KO, couldn’t beat the count. Stoppage time was 0:55 of the fourth.

Gilberto Mendoza 112.8 (4-3, 1KO) and Jantony Ortíz, 114.2, fought to 4 rounds. Mendoza, from Modesto, CA surprised Ortíz, Humacao, P.R., with a nice counter that dropped the ex Olympian in the first round and gained enough confidence to last him two rounds. By the third, Ortíz (3-0, 2KOs) settled down and was countering Mendoza (4-4, 1 KO) effectively. Ortíz dominated the very entertaining fourth round to win by scores of 39-37 and 38-37 twice.
Locals Berthin Rousseau, 138, and Jovan Pérez, 139.6, (1-0, 1KO) fought well above what their record would suggest with Rousseau (1-9, 1KO) showing lots of heart and chin and Pérez showing the poise of a more seasoned fighter . Score cards of38-38, 39-37 and 40-36 gave a majority decision win to Pérez who improves to 2-0 and 2 KOs and showed how close and subjective were the rounds and the fight.

Sensational prospect Felix Verdejo scored a 3rd round stoppage over Sergio Villanueva in a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida.

Verdejo landed a perfect right hand that slumped Villanueva on the bottom rope. When he tried to get back up, Villanueva fell right back down and the fight was stopped at 1:57 of round three.

Verdejo, 134 3/4 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Villanueva, 133 1/4 lbs of Tepic, MX is now 26-5-2.

Gamalier Rodriguez scored a 2nd round stoppage over Martin Cardona in a scheduled 8-round Super Featherweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Cardona in the first round with a perfect counter overhand right to the jaw. Rodriguez ended things quickly in round two when he landed another overhand right that sent Cardona to the ropes and after a five punch combination the fight was stopped 49 seconds into the bout.

Rodriguez, 129 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 25-2-3 with 17 knockouts. Cardona, 128 1/2 lbs of Tucson, AZ is now 17-3.

Christopher Diaz scored a 4th round stoppage over Francisco Camacho in a scheduled 6-round Featherweight bout.

Diaz scored 2 knockdowns in the 4th round from body shots and the fight was stopped after the latter knockdown at 55 seconds of round four.

Diaz, 125 3/4 lbs of Barranquillas, PR is now 7-0 with 5 knockouts. Camacho, 126 1/2 lbs of Matamoross, MX is now 2-5-1.

Marvin Sonsona evened the score with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by scoring a 10 round Featherweight bout.

Sonsona dropped Vazquez early in round one from a straight left hand. The fight was filled with fouls and lacked action throughout the bout.

Sonsona won by scores of 96-92 twice while Vazquez took a card 96-92.

Sonsona, 125 3/4 lbs of the Philippines is now 19-1. Vazquez, 125 1/2 lbs is now 23-4-1.

Javier Maciel scored a 10-round majority decision over Jorge Melendez in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Maciel came out aggressive as advertised. Melendez got into the fight with solid round’s two and three. Round four proved to be a disaster ans Melendez was docked a point for low blows and then was put on the canvas from a hard right. Melendez had a nice bounce back round five as he landed some solid combinations. Melendez continued to get back into the fight with power shots.

Maciel started taking control again in round’s seven, eight and nine as he forced the action. The two battled with power punches being thrown by both.

Maciel, 154 lbs of Argentina won by scores of 97-91, 96-92 and 94-94 and is now 29-3. Melendez, 153 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 28-4-1.

Former world title challenger Andy Lee was down but not out and came back to score a stunning 5th round stoppage over John Jackson in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight.

Jackson floored Lee in round one from a powerful right hook. Jackson continued to beat Lee to the punch and landed three consecutive rights to the head in round five.

In the fifth round, the two exchanged on the ropes. Lee was buckled and then out of nowhere he landed a perfect right uppercut and Jackson was knocked cold and the fight was stopped immediately at 1:07.

Lee, 154 lbs of Ireland is now 33-2 with 23 knockouts. Jackson, 152 lbs of the Virgin Islands is now 18-2.

Superstar in the making, Felix Verdejo scored a 1st rouns stoppage over Engelberto Valenzuea in a scheduled six round Lightweight bout.

Verdejo scored one knock down and continued the assault until the bout was stopped at 1:17 of round one.

Verdejo, 134 1/2 lbs is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Valenzuela, 134 1/2 lbs is now 8-2.

Jose Lopez scored a 8-round unanimous decision over Raul Hidalgo in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Lopez, 121 1/4 lbs won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 14-0. Hidalgo, 122 1/4 lbs is now 21-11.

Jose Pedraza made quick work of Arturo Uruzquieta by scoring a 1st round stoppage in a scheduled 6-round Lightweight bout.

Pedraza landed hard effective punches throughout the short contest and eventually sent Uruzquieta to the deck. Upon getting to his feet, the fight was stopped at 2:19 of round one.

Pedraza, 132 1/2 lbs is now 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Uruzquieta, 131 3/4 lbs is now 15-6

Willie Nelson scored a 1st round stoppage over Darryl Cunningham in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Nelson dropped Cunningham with a hard right. He scored a 2nd knockdown with a barrage of punches. Cunningham goto to his feet but was very unsteady. The ringside doctor called a halt to the action at 2:43 of round.

Nelson, 157 lbs is now 22-1-1 with 13 knockouts. Cunningham, 156 1/2 lbs is now 29-7.

Jantony Ortiz made a successful pro debut by scoring a 1st round stoppage over Elio Ruiz in a scheduled 4-round Super Flyweight fight.

The time was was 2:45 of round one for Ortiz, 113 1/2 lbs of Puerto Rico. Ruiz, 114 1/2 lbs is now 1-5.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS FARINA / TOP RANK

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO (May 22, 2014) – As part of the historic showdown between MIGUEL COTTO and SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTÍNEZ. on Saturday, June 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank Inc., announced today that three top undercard fights will be televised live exclusively in WAPA 2 Deportes in Puerto Rico and Wapa America in the United States.

This historic telecast will emanate live from The Garden and will feature undefeated Puerto Rican prospects Félix “Diamante” Verdejo, Ricky “Wonder Boy” Lopez and the professional debut of Puerto Rican Olympian Jantony Ortiz.

Verdejo (12-0, 9 KOs) of San Juan will take on Engelberto Venezuela (9-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout, Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico the WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight champion will take on Raul Higaldo (21-10, 17 KOs) in an eight-round title bout and Ortiz will make his debut against Elio Ruiz in a four-round flyweight bout.

“We are very happy to present these bouts, which will feature some of the top prospects from Puerto Rico, on Boxeo Boricua on WAPA 2 Deportes in Puerto Rico and WAPA America in the United States. This historic telecast will be enjoyed by all Puerto Rican fans,” said three-division world champion Miguel Cotto.

“Top Rank is delighted that together with Cotto Promotions we can arrange for WAPA to televise the fights leading up to the Pay-Per-View telecast at 9 p.m. on June 7. The Puerto Rico audience for the first time will be able to see on WAPA the young stars of Puerto Rico,” said Bob Arum founder and CEO of Top Rank Inc.

“We are excited to be able to provide this historic telecast to all the great fans of Puerto Rican Boxing through WAPA 2 and WAPA America so they are able to follow the future stars of Puerto Rican boxing from a great venue like Madison Square Garden,” said Héctor Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions.

The three bouts will also feature the great Puerto Rican and Mexican Rivalry, adding even more heat to the telecast. The three Puerto Rican prospects will have their hands full as they battle strong opposition.

“I am very excited that everyone in Puerto Rico will be able to see these fights from New York live on the same night that our great champion Miguel Cotto will be looking to make history, and one day before my childhood idol Felix “Tito” Trinidad is be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I know we will have great support in the stands and I feel blessed that I will have the opportunity to show my talent in the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden,” said Verdejo.

“It’s a great honor to be part of this tremendous show from Madison Square Garden and I am very proud that my fight will be seen live in Puerto Rico on this historic telecast,” said Lopez.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I feel very grateful to be making my professional debut in such historic arena on a historic night of boxing. The fact that my first professional fight will be seen in Puerto Rico will also make June 7 a very special night,” said Ortiz, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

This special edition of “Boxeo Boriuca” will be televised live on WAPA 2 Deportes and Wapa America, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) from New York, with Rafael Bracero, Kefren Velazquez and world title challenger Orlando “Fenomeno” Cruz calling the action from ringside.

For more information please visit www.wapa.tv, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.toprank.com.

**************************************

Cotto (38-4, 31 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has sold more tickets to The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium, will attempt to become Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion while Martínez (51-2-2, 28 KOs), of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has never lost a world championship fight, defends the title he first won in 2010. Both gladiators boast a combined record of 89-6-2 (59 KOs) – a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.

Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, Top Rank®, DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Maravilla Box, PS4, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, the Cotto – Martínez World Middleweight 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.

“2 Days: Sergio Martínez” premieres This Saturday! May 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning series “24/7 Cotto/Martinez” premieres Saturday, May 31 at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

Face Off: Cotto/Martinez HBO Replay Schedule (All times ET/PT): May 23 (5:30 p.m.), 24 (10:45 a.m.), 27 (11:45 p.m.) 29 (4:45 p.m.), 30 (9:45 p.m.) and June 3 (12:45 p.m. & 3:45 a.m.), 5 (1:00 a.m.), 6 (8:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.) and 7 (10:30 a.m.)

Remaining tickets to the Cotto vs. Martínez world middleweight championship event, priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.dbe1.com, www.sampsonboxing.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.maravillabox.com, Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/DiBellaentertainment, facebook.com/TopRankMiguelCotto, facebook.com/maravillabox, and facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/SampsonBoxing, twitter.com/hboboxing, twitter.com/realmiguelcotto or twitter.com/maravillabox. Use the Hashtag #CottoMartinez to join the conversation on Twitter.

Gamalier Rodriguez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Orlando Cruz in a Featherweight bout at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida.

Rodriguez controlled the fight with the exception of being knocked down at the end of round five.

Rodriguez, 125 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93 is now 24-2-3. Cruz, 126 lbs of Maia Rey, PR is now 20-4-1.

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive one-punch knockout over Ivan Zavala in a Jr. Welterweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Verdejo landed a huge overhand right that Zavala down for the ten count at 1:14 of round one.

Verdejo, 134 1/2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 12-0 with 9 knockouts. Zavala, 139 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 6-6-1.

Antonio Ortiz scored a 3rd round stoppage over Alexis Pena in a scheduled 6-round Welterweight bout.

Ortiz dropped Pena in round three and he was counted out at 1:05 for round three.

Ortiz, 142 1/2 lbs of Humacao, PR is now 6-0 with 3 knockouts. Pena, 141 3/4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 7-6.

Jorge Melendez scored a 10 round unanimous decision over Richard Gutierrez in a Jr. Middleweight bout at the Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Melendez scored a knockdown in the opening frame from a barrage of punches in the corner. He then cruised the rest of the nine rounds and won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice.

Melendez, 154 lbs of Maniti, PR is now 28-3-1. Gutierrez, 153 lbs is now 27-1-3-1.

Lightweight Felix Verdejo scored a 3rd round knockout over Juan Santiago in a scheduled 6 round bout.

Verdejo connected on a perfect right to the chin that sent Santiago to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:26 of round three.

Verdejo, 134 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 11-o with 8 knockouts. Santiago, 133 lbs of Denver is now 14-12-1.

Antonio Ortiz scored a 4 round split decision over Julio Santos in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Ortiz won two cards 39-37 while Santos won every round (40-36) on the third card.

Ortiz, 142 lbs is 5-0. Santos, 140 lbs was making his pro debut.

Manny Pacquiao came back from the devastating knockout of a year ago to Juan Manuel Marquez to score an easy 12 round unanimous decision over former Lightweight champion Brandon Rios at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian in Macau, China.

Pacquiao came out in round one and showed blazing speed with his left hand. Pacquiao continued to pepper Rios with straight left hands and blazing four and five punch combinations that started bleeding around Rios’ left eye in round six.

Pacquiao continued to land ripping punches and rocked Rios several times with flush lead lefts. By the 11th round, Rios right eye was swelling from the effects of the offensive assault of Pacquiao. Pacquiao toed with Rios for much of the fight but Rios was tough as he tried to the very end. Pacquiao looked as good as could be and showed that rest did him well as he cruised to victory to the tune of 120-108, 119-109 and 118-108.

Pacquiao is now 55-5-2. Rios of Oxnard, CA is now 31-2.

Evgeny Gradovich retained the IBF Featherweight title with a 9th round stoppage from the man he won the title from in Billy Dib.

Gradovich dominated the bout as he landed some tremendous hard right hands and systematically beat Dib down. From about round six on, Gradovich started pounding Dib abd scored a knockdown in round six from an overhand right. With Dib’s left closing, Gradovich landed some hard right hands and mixed in uppercuts that lifted the head of Gradovich up to the point where Dib’s trainer Billy Huessein stopped the bout.

Gradovich of Russia is now 18-0 with 9 knockouts. Dib of Australia is now 36-3.

Andy Ruiz scored a stoppage over Tor Hamer after three round of their ten round Heavyweight bout after Hamer did not come out for the fourth round.

After a pretty good first two rounds for Hamer, Ruiz stated to take over as he started landing hard combinations and body shots. Hamer looked spent and decided after three rounds that he had enough.

Ruiz is now 21-0 with 15 knockouts. Hamer of New York is 21-3.

Chinese Olympic hero Zou Shiming scored a six round unanimous decision over Juan Tozcano in a Flyweight bout.

Shiming looked more polished then he did in either of his previous two bouts as he sat down on his punches and landed hard shots. Toscano was cut around the right in round three. Shiming continued to land hard combinations. The fight could have been stopped at any point as he was bloodied, battered and taking a beating but he lasted until the final bell.

Shiming, 111 1/2 lbs of China won by scores of 60-54, 60-54 and 60-52 and is now 3-0. Tozcano, 110 lbs of Esonada, MX is now 4-1.

Felix Verdejo scored a six round unanimous decision over Petchsamuthr Duanaaymukdahan in a six round Lightweight bout.

Verdejo showed early in round one that there was a clear class difference as he fired off shots with both hands. Verdejo landed a booming right hand that started round three and his opponent took it well and came back to fire some shots. Verdejo coasted down the stretch while Duanaaymukdahan had a point deducted a point in the final round for a low blow.

Verdejo of Puerto Rico won by scores of 60-53 on all cards ans is now 9-0. Duanaaymukdahan of Bankok, Thailand is 8-2..

Rex Tso scored a 1st round knockout over Susu Sithjadaeng in a scheduled 6 round Super Flyweight bout.

Rios dropped Sithjadaeng and then landed about 30 unanswered blows before the fight was stopped at 2:29.

Tso, 117 lbs of Hong Kong, CHN is now 11-0 with 7 knockouts. Sithjadaeng, 117 1/2 lbs of Thailand is now 7-4.

Kuok Kun Ng won a four round unanimous decision over You-Jie Zeng in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for NG, 151 1/2 lbs of Macau, China is now 2-0. Zeng, 147 1/2 lbs of Bangkok, THI is now 4-5.

Ik Zeng scored a six round majority decision over Hero Tito in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 6054, 60-54 and 57-57 for Zeng, 137 1/2 lbs of Dalina, China and is now 14-0. Tito, 138 lbs of Milan, Indonesia is now 7-3.

Hermanito De La Torre scored a 3rd round stoppage over Jason Butar Butar in a scheduled 6 round Light bout.

De La Torre landed a big uppercut that was followed by a push but was ruled a knockdown and Butar was down for the 10 count at 1:23 of round three.

De La Torre is now 11-0 with 6 knockouts. Butar Butar is now 15-12-1.

Follow all the action live from the Venetian Macao as global Icon Manny Pacquiao take on Brandon Rios in a 12 round Welterweight bout. The action starts at 9pm eastern / 6 pm pacific/ 10 am Sunday in Macoa with a 4 fight undercard that will feature a world championship Featherweight rematch between Evgeny Gradovich and Billy Dib. Also undefeated Heavyweight Andy Ruiz takes on Tor Hamer plus appearances from Zou Shiming and Felix Verdejo

12 ROUNDS–WELTERWEIGHTS-MANNY PACQUIAO (54-5-2, 38 KO’S) VS BRANDON RIOS (31-1, 23 KO’S)

Round 1 Pacquiao landing combination..Straight left..double left..Rios lands a left..Pacquiao lands a left..hard straight left…10-9 Pacquiao

Round 2 Rios working on inside..Pacquio lands a body shot that sets up a combination..Blistering left …20-18 Pacquiao

Round 3good trading…Rios lands a body shot…29-28 Pacquiao

Round 4 3 hard combinations from Pacquiao..Pacquiao landing quick hard combinations..Big left at the bell..39-37 Pacquiao

Round 5 Perfect hard left from Pacauiao..3 hard lefts..Ripping combinations..left to the body..49-46 Pacquiao

Round 6 Straight left from Pacquiao..Rios lands 2 body shots…Pacquiao lands a body..straight left..Big right hook..Rios bleeding from the left eye..Rios lands a left..59-55

Round 7 Right from Pacquiao..Pacquiao beginning to beat Rios up..straight left..Hard right from Rios…Right from Pacquiao..Right hook..69-64 Pacquiao

Round 8 Pacquiao lands a body shot..Left hook from Rios..1-2 from Pacquiao…hard right..79-73 Pacquiao

Round 9 Pacquial lands a straight left…Rios lands a body shout..Counter from Pacquiao..89-82 Pacquiao

Round 10 Rios swollen from both eyes..Pacquiao landing heavy shots..99-91 Pacquiao

Round 11 Good action round…Pacquiao landed quick hard combinations..Rios lands jabs and some good hooks of his own…109-100 Pacquiao

Round 12 Big hook/straight left..Pacquiao looks terrific..landing and moving..Rios face bloody..119-109 Pacquiao

120-108; 119-109; 118-110 FOR MANNY PACQUIAO

12 ROUNDS–IBF FREATHERWEIGHT TITLE–EVGENY GRADOVICH (17-0, 8 KO’S) VS BILLY DIB (36-2, 21 KO’S)

Round 1 Gradovich cut from forehead..Dib lands a right…10-9 Dib

Round 2 20-19

Round 3 Hard right by Gradovich..29-29

Round 4 Dib lands a right..Graovich lands 2 left hooks..Dib lands a left hook..39-39

Round 5 trading hooks..Dib’s mouthpiece comes out..2 good rights from Gradovich...49-48 Gradovich

Round 6 Gradovich LANDS A RIGHT AND DIB’S GLOVE HITS THE GROUND FOR A KNOCKODWN…59-56 Gradovich

Round 7 Gradovich lands a right that drives Dib back…69-65 Gradovich

Round 8 Gradovich opening up on Dib in the corner…79-74 Gradovich

Round 9 Gradovich CONTINUING TO LAND AND DIB’S CORNER STOPS THE FIGHT

10 ROUNDS–HEAVYWEIGHTS–ANDY RUIZ JR. (20-0, 14 KO’S) VS TOR HAMER (21-2, 14 KO’S)

Round 1 Ruiz lands a hard right..Hard right hurts Ruiz..10-10

Round 2..big shots from Hamer…20-19 Hamer

Round 3 Ruiz lands a right..Combinations..Hard body shots…29-29

Round 4 HAMER DOES NOT COME OUT FOR 4TH ROUND

6 ROUNDS–FLYWEIGHTS–ZOU SHIMING (2-0) VS JUAN TOZCANO (4-0, 1 KO)

Round 1 Shiming lands a hard right..10-9 Shiming

Round 2 Shimimg punching more in combinations...20-18 Shiming

Round 3 Toscano cut around right eye…Lands a right off the clinch..Toscano hurt..Doctor checking Tozcano’s cut…30-27 Shiming

Round 4 Shiming landing …40-36 Shiming

Round 5 Shiming lands 2 hard rights..50-45 Shiming…60-54, 60-54 and 60-52 for Shiming

6 ROUNDS–JR. WELTERWEIGHTS–FELIX VERDEJO (8-0, 6 KO’S) VS Petchsamuthr Duanaaymukdahan (8-1, 1 KO)

Round 1 Verdejo lands a left uppercut and combination..Right uppercut..right to the body..3 punch combination..hard left to the body..left uppercut..10-9 Verdejo

Round 2 Good right hand combo..uppercut...20-18 Verdejo

Round 3 Verdejo lands a booming right..4 punch combo…30-27 Verdejo

Round 4 Verdejo landed combination..40-36

Round 5 Hard left hook from Verdejo…Good uppercut…Hard uppercuts rocks Duanaaymukdahan..50-45 Verdejo

Round 6Duanaaymukdahan deducted a point for low blows..Hard combinations from Verdejo..60-53 Verdejo