On Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Summit in Temecula, California, MarvNation Promotions in association with Ringside Ticket Inc., will present a very special night of professional boxing, entitled “An Evening of Fights with Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns.”

In addition to two of the greatest fighters in boxing history, Leonard and Hearns, serving as honorary hosts for the night and meeting fans, a seven-fight card will be held, featuring Orlando, Florida’s undefeated Jonathan Lopez (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Mexicali, Mexico’s Eduardo Baez (21-4-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight battle.

A trio of undefeated California-based fighters will also appear, as Women’s WBC Interim World Super Flyweight Champion Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (13-0-1, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles will face Mexico City’s Lucia Hernandez Nunez (6-7) in a 10-round super flyweight non-title matchup; while the son of another legend, Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) of Oxnard, California, will meet Jesus Cruz Silva (6-2, 1 KO) of Monterey, Mexico.

San Diego’s own Mario “Matador” Ramos (10-0, 8 KOs) will go six super welterweight rounds against Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s also undefeated Alexander Centeno (8-0, 6 KOs).

Three more undercard bouts are also scheduled.

The all-time-great Leonard and Hearns first met in “The Showdown,” on September 16, 1981, a super fight for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles, won by Leonard by TKO 14. The classic fight would go on to win Ring Magazine’s 1981 Fight of the Year. The pair would meet again in 1989, this time ending in a controversial draw.

“This really is a very special night of boxing, where fans can see great fights and two living legends of the sweet science,” said Ringside Ticket Inc. President Patrick Ortiz. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sugar Ray Leonard for about 25 years and Thomas Hearns for about 15 and there is nothing more exciting than meeting two of the greatest fighters, pound-for-pound, in the history of combative sports. I’m still in awe every time I meet them. Don’t miss out on this rare occasion to see great fights and these Hall of Fame fighters together one more time!”

Tickets for this very special night of boxing are available at Ticketmaster.com and the Pechanga Box Office, located next to the Pechanga Theater entrance. The fabulous Pechanga Summit is Southern California’s newest event venue.

The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy in Temecula. For more information, call 877-711-2946 or visit their website. The Pechanga Summit entrance is located in the Hotel Atrium. On fight night, The Pechanga Summit doors open at 5:00 pm PT and the action starts at 6:00 pm PT. Guests 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

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Los Angeles – April 28, 2023–Undefeated super welterweight prospect Fernando “ElFeroz” Vargas Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to continue to make his mark on the division and keep his unblemished record alive as he headlines the MARVNATION card in association with Ringside Ticket Inc, on Friday June 2, 2023 live from the Pechanga Resort and Casino. The heavy-handed 26 year-old southpaw Vargas Jr. has quickly risen through the ranks, impressing boxing fans since turning professional two years ago, scoring knockout victories in each of his eight professional bouts, all of which have come in the first three rounds. In his last bout Vargas Jr. made quick work of Geronimo Sacco dropping him twice en route to a second-round knockout victory this past February at the Derby Room in Pomona.

In the Co-Main Event of the evening the WBC Interim WorldSuper Flyweight Champion, Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will also be back in action defending her title for the second time since capturing it last September with her victory over Sonia Osorio in Costa Rica. This past March, Ruiz came away with a quick first round knockout of Maria Diaz and will now have the opportunity not only to defend her title in Southern California but to get one step closer to becoming the full WBC Champion.

Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity the to enjoy an evening of fights with two “Living Legends” as the first ever five division world champion and two time Ring Magazine “Fighter of the Year” Tommy “The Hitman” Hearn along with the three division Lineal and five division world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard will be in attendance to meet the fans.

Doors for the event open at 5:00PM with the first fight starting at 6:00PM. The Pechanga Resort and Casino is Located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula California, 92592

Ticket prices start at $29 and can be purchased at www.marvnation.com or at www.pechanga.com 

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2023) – Fernando Vargas Jr. and Amado “El Malvado” Fernando Vargas, sons of former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, have signed promotional contracts with MarvNation Promotions. The two were on hand at the Derby Room in Pomona, Calif. today to announce their signing to the media.

The two rising prospects will return to the ring on Feb. 11 as part of MarvNation’s “BoxFest” series at the aforementioned venue. More details regarding the card will be announced soon. 

“I’m excited to be kicking the year off with this important announcement,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “Fernando Vargas Jr. is an exciting super welterweight who is coming off a spectacular knockout victory, while Amado Fernando Vargas is a rising featherweight who is coming off a dominant win as well. Both fought on MarvNation’s Prograis-Zepeda card and looked amazing. By signing these two warriors, we are demonstrating our commitment to continue making MarvNation the fastest growing promotional company in the sport.”

“It’s a beautiful moment,” said Fernando Vargas, Sr. “I’m happy, and I’m excited to be here with MarvNation. It’s a great fit. Marv is a great guy. He’s a good dude. I love the fact that he’s going to be busy. I need consistency for my boys. And I know that with MarvNation we’re going to get it.”

“We did the Prograis vs. Zepeda card with MarvNation. And they treated us like family,” said Fernando Vargas Jr. “From the hotels to anything that we needed, any questions. They were attentive. So, it made sense. They shot their proposal to our management. And it’s the best fit for our family.”

“I want to thank the whole MarvNation team for believing in the Dynasty,” said Amado Fernando Vargas. “I can’t wait. My father has the blueprint. We’re just continuing the legacy. I’m thankful to MarvNation. I’m thankful to Marvin for believing in us. We can’t wait to be able to show our boxing skills and advance in boxing.”

Fernando Vargas Jr. is a 26-year-old undefeated southpaw who made his professional debut in December of 2020. He spent his first four fights fighting outside of the United States, scoring three wins in Mexico and one in Puerto Rico. In February 2022, he made his debut in the United States with a devastating knockout win over Kody Koboski on the undercard of Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios. Since then, he has maintained an impeccable record, stopping each and every one of his opponents.

Amado “El Malvado” Fernando Vargas is a 22-year-old featherweight who burst onto the scene with a first-round knockout win over Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. Since then, he has remained undefeated and has impressed with performances on important cards such as the Sergey Kovalev vs. Tervel Pulev and Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda undercards. Both he and his older brother are ready to take their careers to the next level.

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About MarvNation Promotions

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 

For more information, visit www.MarvNation.com. Follow on Instagram and on Twitter @Marvnation_.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA– In an impressive performance, Regis Prograis claimed the vacant WBC light welterweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of longtime contender Jose Zepeda at the Dignity Sports Health Park. 

Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana proved to have too many dimensions for Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) of La Puente, California. When the flow of the bout called for him to box, Prograis boxed. When Zepeda drew him into an inside action fight, Prograis more than handled himself. 

Zepeda, 139.4, caught Prograis, 139, leaning to the left for the shot that got a rise out of the crowd in the first. Prograis landed well with his jab early in the second, but Zepeda came back late in the round. 

After boxing well at distance for much of the third, Prograis, who entered as the WBC #2 ranked contender, nearly came out of his shoes as he fired off a clean left late in the round. When Prograis went for another sweeping left, Zepeda, the WBC #1 ranked contender, threw his own in concert as the two landed simultaneous hard shots to close out the third.

After getting beaten to the jab, Zepeda drew Prograis into a firefight to close out the fourth, much to the delight of the crowd. The back-and-forth action resumed in the fifth, as neither fighter would let a clean blow go unanswered. 

Prograis controlled much of sixth, turning the fight into a boxing match with his pinpoint jab and movement. Prograis’ feints and ring generalship troubled Zepeda again for much of the seventh. Before the close of the round, an accidental clash of heads drew blood from the nose of Prograis. 

Prograis continued to outbox Zepeda through rounds eight and nine before Zepeda got him to stand-and-trade heading into the tenth. 

The tenth would feature thrilling two-way action throughout, briefly breathing new life into Zepeda’s standing in the bout as Prograis abandoned his jab first style. 

The momentum shift would be brief as Prograis rocked and dropped Zepeda along the ropes early in the eleventh. Referee Ray Corona waved off the contest at 59 seconds of round eleven. 

After the bout, Prograis refused to call out any of the other names at 140-pounds, considering he is now a champion that should be called out by them. 

For Zepeda, the third time did not end up being the charm as all three of his professional defeats have come in world title attempts. 

Valle Decisions Bermudez to Win Light Flyweight Titles

In the co-main event, IBF/WBO 105-pound champion Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica moved up in weight to claim the light flyweight version of the same two titles from previously undefeated champion Evelyn Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KOs) of Santa de la Vera Cruz, Santa Fe, Argentina via ten-round majority decision.

Valle, 107.4, was active and determined, but the naturally larger Argentine stood up well to the punches throughout the fight. After getting outworked at times early, Bermudez, 106, timed her right hand well in round four and caught the busier Valle clean. 

Valle kept a busy pace for all ten rounds, but it appeared Bermudez had the power edge and may have taken rounds with a well-placed right hand or two. 

In the end, two judges gave Bermudez very little credit, handing in scores of 99-91 and 97-93 for Valle. The third card was even, 95-95. 

After the win, Valle expressed her desire to meet fellow champion Seniesa Estrada at whatever weight class the fight can be made.

2016 and 2020 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan kept his knockout streak alive with a fourth-round stoppage of journeyman Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida. 

Jalolov, 247.6, controlled the bout from the early stages, keeping Harper, 260, on the end of his long punches from the southpaw stance. 

Harper grew frustrated to the point of intentionally headbutting and hitting on the break during the second round, which earned him a warning from the referee. 

In the third, a straight left from Jalolov dropped Harper hard, who got up seconds before the bell and the round would close just before they could touch again.

Jalolov ended the fight, dropping Harper with a combination near the blue corner in the fourth. Harper rose before the count of ten, but referee Thomas Taylor opted the call the one-sided bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of the fourth. 

IBF #4/WBC #5/WBO #8/WBA #12 ranked light middleweight Charles Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio took a hard-fought ten-round majority decision over veteran gatekeeper Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, 23 KOs) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Conwell, 153.8, found himself bleeding from his left eye early in the second after some inside fighting. Despite being bothered by the blood, Conwell pressed the action in the third, briefly stopping Abreu, 154, in his tracks with a clean combination upstairs. 

Conwell continued to force himself in rounds four and five, but some well-placed shots by Abreu worsened the 2016 U.S. Olympian’s cut, creating some drama as the fight moved to the middle rounds. 

Abreu, who entered as the WBC #15 ranked 154-pound contender, had one of his better rounds in round seven as he backed up Conwell with consistent combinations. However, Conwell would land the most telling blow late in the round, as a body shot forced Abreu to wince and drop his hands near the bell. 

As the fight wore on both fighters had their moments as they kept a busy junior middleweight pace in a bout that the three ringside judges would have a wide range of views. In the end, Conwell improved his ranking in what was billed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. One judge had it even, 95-95, while the other two scored it for Conwell, 98-92 and 96-94.

The son of the beloved former champion of the same name, Fernando Vargas Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada hammered overnmatched local Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, California en route to a second-round stoppage to open the pay-per-view telecast. 

Vargas, 150, utilized his natural size advantage to control the first round before opening up offensively to start the second. Martinez, 151.2, was outgunned and hit the canvas after a combination early in the round. Referee Ray Corona took a good look at Martinez, but allowed the bout to continue before another two-punch combination forced Martinez to slide to the canvas and forced the stoppage at 2:40 of round two. 

Super bantamweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, California turned back a game Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua to score a wide eight-round unanimous decision in a bout tougher than the scores would lead you to believe. 

Rodriguez, 123.4, scored a knockdown during an exchange early in the third. Ortiz, 123.8, opted for the offense is the best defense approach and was downed again midway through the round. 

Through three rounds a distance result looked unlikely, but Ortiz landed some windmill shots to some effect in the fourth before Rodriguez turned back the tide late in the round. The two would engage in two-way exchanges down the stretch of the fight, as Ortiz made a fight out of it after the bleak beginning. The judges could not be swayed to credit Ortiz much for his effort, as Rodriguez took the bout and the minor WBC FECARBOX title by scores of 80-70 and 79-71 twice.

In an upset, Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay spoiled the previously unblemished record Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KOs) of Santa Monica, California via a hard-fought eight-round split decision. 

Estela, 136, staggered Torres, 136.2, against the ropes midway through the first, scoring a knockdown and prompting a count from referee Thomas Taylor. Estela pressed for the remainder of the round, but Torres managed to regain his footing. 

Torres fared much better in rounds two and three before Estela closed out the fourth strong, knocking the Californian off balance late in the round. Estela continued as the aggressor through the late rounds, forcing the crowd favorite Torres to fight on the move or with his back to the ropes much of the time. Torres stood his ground and fought at a beneficial distance in the eighth to close out the bout, but in the end it was not enough to leave Carson with his unbeaten record intact. Two judges scored in favor of Estela, 78-73 and 76-75. Torres took the dissenting card 76-75. 

One of two sons of Fernando Vargas on the card, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas passed a tougher-than-expected test in the form of Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2) of Santa Clarita, California.

Vargas, 125.8, opened the four-round bout at a frantic pace, eventually downing Olmos Hernandez, 124.4, with an overhand right early in the first round. Two follow-up lefts would cost the young Vargas a point as referee Jerry Cantu ruled they had come after the knockdown was scored. 

Olmos Hernandez finished the first with renewed vigor and carried that energy into the second frame. The stanza would feature back-and-forth action as both Vargas and Olmos Hernandez swung for the fences with little regard for defense. 

As the fight wound down, Vargas settled into more of a boxer’s posture which enabled the offspring “El Feroz” to cruise to a unanimous decision by scores of 39-35 and 38-36 twice.

Slick southpaw Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) of La Mesa, California pounded away at sturdy Jesus Roman (8-6, 3 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage. 

Brooks,129, opted to fight at close range despite his size advantage and was just too quick and strong for the game Roman, 129.6. The Mexican native fought hard throughout but ultimately wilted to the mat after a barrage in third. Referee Jerry Cantu waved off the contest at 2:03 of the round.

Local middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles barely broke a sweat before scoring a three-knockdown KO of Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires.

Priest, 160, flurried Vera, 159.8, to the mat for two quick knockdowns in the opening round. Vera had no answer for anything Priest had to offer and was put down a third time by a stinging body shot moments later. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout immediately after Vera took to a knee for the third knockdown.

Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) of Union City, California remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of Terrance Jarmon (3-2, 1 KO) of Toledo, Ohio to open tonight’s card.

Macalolooy, 146.8, dropped Jarmon, 144, late in the first with an overhand left. The southpaw Jarmon fought in survival mode for the remainder of the first and survived to the bell. However it was just a matter of time before Macalolooy ended the bout, dropping Jarmon early in the second, prompting a stoppage from refereeJerry Cantu at the 1:02 mark of round two.

Los Angeles, CA (November 14, 2022) Can’t Miss, Undefeated Junior Middleweight Prospect and ‘Son of a Legend’ Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas Jr., (6-0, 6 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV will open the ‘Battle of the Best’ Pay-Per-View against Alejandro ‘Thunder’ Martinez, (3-2-1, 2 KOs), of Montebello, CA set for Saturday, November 26 from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park, just outside of Los Angeles.

Vargas Jr. vs. Martinez, scheduled for six rounds, is featured at ‘Battle of the Best’, headlined by the highly anticipated WBC 140lb. World Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis.

Presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with MarvNation Promotions, “Battle of the Best” can be seen live on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets on Saturday, November 26 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. including FITE and PPV.COM. Remaining tickets starting at $39 for the live event can be purchased online at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.

Said the fast-rising star, Vargas Jr. about the upcoming fight, “I feel blessed for this opportunity to be fighting on pay-per-view and I’m not taking it lightly. I’ve had a hard training camp and I’m excited to demonstrate my skills to the public.”

Vargas Jr. is trained by his father, three-time junior middleweight world champion, Fernando ‘Feroz’ Vargas Sr. “I’m excited, my boys got it. They’re my seeds so they have what it takes. I’m proud of Junior, he has a last name that carries history. He has the goods and I can’t wait to see him show his talent November 26th. We’re more than ready.” 

This past Saturday night, Vargas Jr’s younger brother, 18-year-old Emiliano ‘El General’ Vargas, again impressed the boxing world with his second knockout victory, fighting at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and live on ESPN+. The third boxing son of Vargas Sr., undefeated featherweight prospect Amado ‘El Malvado’ Vargas, (4-0, 2 KOs), will also be fighting on the off-TV undercard at ‘Battle of the Best’, with further details to be announced shortly.

The heavy-handed southpaw Vargas Jr. has quickly impressed boxing fans since hitting the paid ranks two years ago, scoring knockout victories in each of his six professional bouts, four of which have come in the first two rounds. In his last start on May 14, 2022, he stunned the huge crowd at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA with a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon.

The upset minded Martinez returns to battle after a shutout four-round decision victory over Rafael Herrera Amezcua on May 28, 2022. Prior to that he traveled to Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2021, losing a very hotly contested majority decision to undefeated prospect Pablo Valdez.

Los Angeles, CA (November 1, 2022) An outstanding Pay-Per-View undercard has been announced for ‘Battle of the Best’ headlined by the highly anticipated WBC Super Lightweight Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KO’s), set for Saturday, November 26 and emanating from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, CA.

Presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with Marv Nation, tickets for ‘Battle of the Best’, starting at $39 for the live event can be purchased online at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.

Zepeda vs. Prograis can be seen live on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets on Saturday, November 26 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. Fans can order the PPV stream on FITE TV at https://www.fite.tv/watch/zepeda-vs-prograis/2pc6z/ or on PPV.COM at https://www.ppv.com.

With the international boxing world witnessing extraordinary women’s world championship bouts throughout this year, the tremendous momentum continues as fast-rising female superstar Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle, (26-2, 9 KO’s), of San Jose, Costa Rica battles undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez, (17-0-1, 6 KOs), of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina for the WBC and WBO Super Flyweight World Titles over ten scheduled rounds.

Fighting in the junior middleweight division, undefeated contender, 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, who many experts believe will soon be the division’s upcoming king, faces his toughest opposition against upset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu, (25-6-1, 23 KOs) in a ten-round fight.

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov, (11-0, 11 KOs), standing 6’7”and considered the dominant heavyweight of the future, faces off against veteran Curtis Harper, (14-8, 9 KOs), of Jacksonville, FL over ten rounds.

In a special attraction super welterweight six rounder, boxing fans will see the ‘Son of a Legend’, sure-fire prospect Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), open the Pay-Per-View against an opponent to be announced. The heavy-handed southpaw makes his return following a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon on May 14, 2022 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

The charismatic Yokasta Valle first achieved championship level success with a victory over Ana Victoria Polo in 2016 earning the IBF Atomweight World Title. Most recently she triumphantly returned home to San Jose, Costa Rica, defeating Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen and adding the WBO Minimumweight World Title to her collection. Fighting for the fourth time in 2022, Evelin Bermudez defended her IBF and WBO Junior Flyweight Titles successfully against Yairineth Altuve on July 23, 2022 in San Lorenzo, Argentina.

The 24-year-old all-action Charles Conwell hits The War Grounds ring on November 26 following a third-round knockout of Abraham Juarez Ramirez on June 2, 2022. Battle-tested veteran Juan Carlos Abreu is back in action following a second-round knockout of Emilio Julio on August 12, 2022. On October 29, 2021, Abreu traveled to the United Kingdom knocking out highly touted and undefeated Kazak prospect Tursynbay Kulakhmet in the seventh round.

Bakhodir Jalolov’s reputation as a future heavyweight champion has been strongly validated through his first eleven professional bouts all ending in knockout fashion. In his last start on June 10, 2022, he stopped Jack Mulowayi in the eighth round. This followed up a fifth-round stoppage of Kamil Sokolowski on March 18, 2022 in Dubai. At the 2020 Olympic Games, Jalolov defeated Richard Torrez in the final round to earn the Gold Medal in the Super Heavyweight Division. The confident Curtis Harper enters the battle with Jalolov following a dominant victory over previously unbeaten Christian Thun on July 9, 2022.

Jurmain McDonald shocked Evan Holyfield by scoring a one-punch second round knockout in their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round two, McDonald placed a perfect right to the face that sent Holyfield face down, and the fight was stopped at 1:56.

McDonald, 153.5 lbs of Jefferson City, MO is now 7-5 with three knockouts. Holyfield, 153 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 9-1.

Fernando Vargas Jr. remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage over Terrance Jarmon in a battle of undefeated super welterweights.

In round one, Vargas dropped Jarmon with a straight left. Seconds later, it was another left that sent Jarmon down for a second time. The fight was ended with…you guessed it…another straight left that put Jarmon down for a third and final time and the fight was stopped at 2:25.

Vargas Jr., 151.5 lbs of Las Vegas is 6-0 with six knockouts. Jarmon, 148 lbs of Toledo, OH is 3-1.

Amado Vargas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Anel Dudo

In round four, Vargas was deducted a point for a low blow.

Vargas landed 77 of 389 punches; Dudo was 39 of 187.

Vargas, 130.5 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by 39-36 tallies on all cards and is now 4-0. Dudo, 128.5 lbs of Aurora, CO is now 1-4.

LAS VEGAS – Keith Thurman calls it the beginning of another campaign, a second fight in an attempt to reclaim the welterweight perch he once called home, But that old home is already occupied. It belongs to Terence Crawford. In the spring, maybe the winner of the projected

Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas will move in.

For now, at least, Thurman is just a guy in line hoping for a chance to get the keys to the top of the 147-pound division.

He put himself back in that line Saturday night with his first fight in more than 30 months. He won a unanimous decision over Mario Barrios in Fox pay-per-view telecast at Mandalay Bay.

He was good. But not great.

“I give myself a C-plus, B-minus,’’ Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) said after winning a 118-110, 117-111, 118-110 victory.

That’s a grade that puts him in class behind Crawford and perhaps a few others. But Thurman, who calls himself One Time, says he’s in no hurry.

In Barrios, he was just looking to get back in the hunt.

He calls himself One Time. But he hasn’t been seen in a long time, or at least not since he lost a decision to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019.

Thurman suggests he’s going to be seen often for at least the next 10 months.

“I’m looking forward to a better year in 2022,’’ he said. “I want the belts, I want all the champions, baby.’’

Only time will tell if in fact his one-sided victory over Barrios is the springboard to a showdown with Crawford or a fight with the Spence-Ugas winner.

Barrios was a fight that got him back in the ring. It also was his first real payday in more than two years.

Through the first five rounds, he looked a lot like the old Thurman. His feet moved relentlessly in a lateral dance that began to make Barrios look confused, if not downright dizzy.

Barrios, a former junior welterweight fighting at 147 pounds for the first time, left himself open. But some of Thurman’s power just wasn’t there. He missed the KO shots he would have landed five years ago.

It was kind of the fight I expected,’’ Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) said. “He’s a great fighter.’’

But Barrios tested that perceived greatness in the later rounds when some of the energy in Thurman’s legs seemed drain way. A well-placed punch from Thurman opened a nasty cut above Barrios’ left eye in the eighth.

Barrios was hurt, yet also re-energized. He went at Thurman, rocking him with a left hand.

Suddenly, Thurman looked all of his 33 years, a little bit like a guy looking more for a retirement home than his old residence near or at the top of the welterweight division.

Leo Santa Cruz was looking for a tune-up. He got a test, instead.

Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs) fighting for the first time since he was knocked out by Gervonta Davis in October 2020, was forced to work 10 rounds Saturday by Keenan Carbajal (23-3-1, 15 KOs), a Phoenix fighter who many thought was way over his head in challenging one of the great featherweights of his generation.

Santa Cruz, a 12-to-1 favorite at opening bell, looked rusty early. He looked rusty late. In part, he was bothered by a nasty cut across his left eyelid, caused by a headbutt with the bigger Carbajal in the second round.On the scorecards, at least, Santa Cruz was never in peril in what the last fight before the the Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios main event at Mandalay. He won by a shutout, 100-90 on all three cards. From round-to-round, he scoreed repeatedly with body shots and a relentless pursuit.

Carbajal, who was nearl;y three inches taller, never could use his height to to uncork a powerful uppercut.In the later rounds. He seemed to back as, is to say that. Santa Cruz’ body shots were having the intended effect.

Jesus Ramos wins sixth-round TKO

It was beginning to look like a long night for Arizona.

But that all changed, thanks to Jesus Ramos.

There would be no 0-for-AZ on a card that featured four Arizona fighters on the Fox pay-per-view telecast of a card featuring Keith-Thurman-Mario Barrios Saturday at Mandalay Bay.

Jesus Ramos (18-0, 15 KOs), of Casa Grande, stepped through the ropes after Phoenix junior-featherweight Carlos Castro lost a split decision to Luis Nery and brother Abel Ramos lost a unanimous decision to Luke Santamaria in a welterweight bout.

In what was an immediate slugest, Jesus Ramos’ power and poise prevailed. He stopped Vladimir Hernanadez (13-5, 6 KOs), of Mexico, with a big left followed by a beautifully-executed combination. It left Hernandez dazed and done, a TKO loser at 2:21 of the sixth round.

Luis Nery scores split decision over Carlos Castro

Carlos Castro entered the ring hoping to get his world-class credentials punched.

He left the ring without the credentials.

They didn’t get punched.

He did.

In a painful lesson Saturday night on the Fox pay-per-view telecast of the Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios fight at Mandalay Bay Saturday, Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) was dealt a loss that could force him to re-set his goals. Luis Nery (32-1, 24 KOs), a former champion at two weights, beat him.

The loss itself was controversial. It was a split decision. Judge Tim Cheatham scored it 95-94 for Castro. Max DeLuca had it 95-94 and Steve Weisfeld 96-93, both for Nery. On the 15 Rounds card, it was 96-93 for Nery, who floored the Phoenix fighter in the opening seconds of the junior-featherweight bout.

Nery’s early salvo, a jab followed by concussive left, sent an early message. It set the tone for the next nine rounds. Castro appeared tentative. For about three rounds, he tried to stay away. He fought behind a cautious jab. By the fifth he appeared to regain his footing and much of his poise. He began to land sporadic shots against Nery. It appeared as though the Tijuana fighter was coasting to what he thought was an easy win. That might explain Cheatham’s scorecard.

But there was never a moment in the mid-to-late rounds when it looked as if Castro had enough power to gain the momentum or even keep the aggressive Nery off him. In the eighth and again in ninth, Nery drove Castro into the ropes and unleashed a succession of deadly punches, all of which left Castro with a collection of more questions than credentials.

Abel Ramos loses unanimous decision

Abel Ramos started fast. Faded fast, too.

Ramos, the first of four Arizona fighters on the Thurman-Barrios-featured card Saturday,  couldn’t sustain his early pace and power, allowing Luke Santamaria to gain enough momentum to win a unanimous decision.at Mandalay Bay.

From A-to-Z, Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs), a welterweight from Casa Grande, looked to be the better fighter. In the opening moments, he landed a left that sent Santamaria (13-3-1, 7 KOs), of Garden Grove CA, backpedaling across the ring. Ramos pursued, but couldn’t finish the job.

Slowly and almost deliberately, Santamaria fought his way back into the fight. By the middle wounds, he was beating Ramos to the punch. By the ninth and 10th, he was in control .Of the ring. 

And the scorecards (96-94, 98-92, 96.94) 

Mexican welterweight Omar Juarez wins split-decision

It was close. Controversial, too. In the end, it belonged to Omar Juarez, a welterweight from Brownsville TX.

Juarez (13-1, 5 KOs) prevailed after about an hour-long intermission on the card featuring Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios at Mandalay Bay. Correction. Let’s say he survived, overcoming a point penalty for throwing an elbow and repeated power shots straight down the middle from fellow Texan Ryan Karl (19-4, 12 KOs), a cowboy from Milano. 

Karl got rocked repeatedly from looping counters. He also came back from a deep wound above his left. Blood, brighter than his red hair, poured down his face and across chest. In the end, two scorecards favored Juarez, 95-94 and 96-93. The third card went to Karl, 95-94 

Bloody cut forces quick end to junior-welterweight bout 

A bloody cut, ruled to be the result of a punch instead of a head butt, brought a quick end to a junior-welterweight bout between Keith Hunter (14-1, 9 KOs) and Jesus Silveyra (10-7-2, 4 KOs) in the fourth fight on the Thurman-Barrios card.

Hunter, of Las Vegas, got the victory at 1:42 of the first round. Blood poured from the wound and into Silveyra’s left eye. The ringside physician ruled that it would have affected the Mexican’s vision. Referee Russell Mora ruled that a punch caused the injury.

Junior-welterweights fight to debatable draw

Enriko Gogokhia (14-0-1, 8 KOs), a junior-welterweight from The Republic of Georgia, scored two knockdowns, but that wasn’t enough for the judges scoring the third bout on the Thurman-Barrios card.. Gogokhia wound up with a split draw after a back-and-forth eight rounds with elusive Kent Cruz (16-0-2, 10 KOs), a St. Louis fighter who was dropped twice in the fifth round by short right hands.

Fernando Vargas Jr. flashes dad’s old power for TKO win

Fernando Vargas was back in the Vegas arena where he lost to Oscar De Hoya nearly 20 years ago. The place hasn’t changed much.

But Vargas left it as a winner this time.

His son, junior-middleweight Fernando Vargas Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), dominated, flashing some of dad’s old power en-route to a third TKO victory. With his dad in his corner, Vargas Junior scored two knockdowns, flooring Kody Kobowski (2-1, 2 KOs, of Ventura CA, in the first and again in the third in the second bout on the Thurman-Barrios card at Mandalay Bay. That’s where De La Hoya knocked out Vargas Sr. in a memorable fight on Sept. 14, 2002.

First Bell: Welterweight Joba Rincon opens the show, wins unanimous decision 

It’s early. It’s empty. But it’s underway.

Joba Rincon (6-0, 2 KOs), a welterweight from Corpus Christi TX, fired the first salvos, landing most of them for a unanimous decision over Mexican Ramon Marquez (4-1, 4 KOs) in an afternoon matinee in front of empty seats in the first bout on a  card featuring Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios Saturday at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob-Ultra Arena 

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 24, 2021) – Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) and brother Amado “El Malvado” Vargas (3-0, 2 KO), the sons of former two-time light middleweight world champion, Fernando Vargas, returned to action last night, Friday July 23, 2021, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. The card titled, “Campeonata Nacional “Mosca” Cuentas Pendientes”, was presented by GRAND MEX-ENT, in association with the WBC.

Middleweight Fernando Vargas Jr., won his bout against Abel Luna by way of a third-round technical knockout in impressive fashion

“I wanted to put on a show, and give those who were here live as well as those who paid for the PPV a great show,” said Vargas Jr. “This is just the beginning, I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I am very focused and want to achieve my life-long goal of becoming a world champion.”

Featherweight Amado Vargas won his bout against Fernando De La Cruz by way of a first-round KO.

“It is a good feeling to know that all the hard work I put into training camp paid off and that the result I wanted occurred,” said Amado Vargas, after his first-round knockout. “Fighting is the family business, and I am glad to have been on the same card as my brother, as I continue to grow as a fighter, I will take it one step at a time with short-term goals that lead to bigger goals.”

“We’re really excited about the future of both Vargas brothers,” said Jose De La Cruz, who is the co-manager of the Vargas brothers with Egis Klimas. “A lot is asked of them because of their last name, and the expectations that come with it, but each and every time they step up they deliver. The future looks bright for both of them.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 21, 2021) – Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) and brother Amado “El Malvado” Vargas (2-0, 1 KO), the sons of former two-time light middleweight world champion, Fernando Vargas, will be action this Friday July 23, 2021, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. The show titled, “Campeonata Nacional “Mosca” Cuentas Pendientes”, a $12.99 PPV event, is presented by GRAND MEX-ENT, in association with the WBC.

Fernando Vargas Jr., age 24, stands 5? 11? and fights out of the southpaw stance. Campaigning at middleweight, Vargas Jr. aspires of becoming a world champion one day. He knows he has a long road ahead but has tremendous confidence in himself.

“I grew up in boxing having been around the numerous gyms my dad took me to as a kid,” said Vargas Jr., who will be facing Able Luna of Mexico. “I didn’t have an extensive amateur career, but I’ve been sparring top pros since I was a teenager. I believe in myself, and I know I have the drive to make it in boxing. I’m going to do everything possible to make my dreams of become a world champion come true. I’m grateful to my dad for always being in my corner and I can’t wait to fight this Friday in Mexico, where the fans are the greatest.”

Amado Vargas, age 21, stands 5? 8?, and fights out of the orthodox stance in the featherweight division. Known for his great footwork, Amado also has dreams and aspirations of become a world champion.

“I made my pro debut earlier this year and I was able to get the knockout, which was an incredible feeling,” stated Amado Vargas, who spares off against Fernando De La Cruz. “There is nothing like growing up in a boxing family with a dad who accomplished some tremendous feats in this sport, like becoming a world champion at age 21. I just want to follow in my dad’s footsteps but make my own path. This Friday I’ll be fighting alongside my brother for the first time as a pro, and it’s going to be fun. Fighting in Mexico is always fun because the fans are so passionate.”

Fernando Vargas Jr. and Amado are both co-managed by famed adviser Egis Klimas, who was voted 2016 Manager of the Year from the Boxing Writers Association of America, for guiding Vasyl Lomachenko and Sergey Kovalev to the pinnacle of the boxing world, and Jose De La Cruz, who is best known for making Jorge Linares a multiple world champion.

Former world title challenger and winner of The Contender, Brandon Adams scored a spectacular eighth-round stoppage to capture the WBC Continental America’s and WBO NABO Junior Middleweight titles over previously undefeated Serhii Bohachuk in the main event of a Ring City USA card at the Felix Pagan Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

The was televised on NBC Sports Network.

Adams came out strong in the early rounds as he took control by working on the inside. In round three, he was questionably deducted a point for low blows that landed on the high belt line of Bohachuck.

Adams continued pushing on as he not only battled Bohachuck, but a slippery ring surface. The Watts, California native showed his championship experience as he hung tough in the middle rounds and waited for and eventually got his moment in round eight.

In that round, Adams landed a big left hook that hurt Bohachuk along the ropes. Adams jumped on his prey and landed another booming left hook on the chin that sent Bohachuk to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 2:47.

With the win, Adams, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders is now 23-3 with 15 knockouts. Bohachuk, who came in perfect, is now 18-1 with 18 knockouts.

Chevalier stops Zambrano in 5

Bryan Chevalier scored a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Carlos Zambrano in a eight-round super featherweight contest.

In round one, Chevalier sent Zambrano to the canvas with a right to the side of the head.

In round five, Chevalier dropped Zambrano with a hard body shot that was followed by a hard right to the head. Chevalier finished with a hard combination that sent Zambrano down in the corner, and the bout was halted at 2:21.

Chevalier, 127.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 15-1 with 12 knockouts. Zambrano, 127 lbs of Peru is 26-2.

Zorrilla Defeats Madiyev by Technical Decision

Danielito Zorrilla won a technical split decision over Ruslan Madiyev when Zorilla could not continue after being hit behind the head.

In round five, Madiyev was docked a point for hitting behind the head. The same occurrence happened in round eight and the fight was halted at 1:!3.

Zorrilla, 139.6 lbs of Toa Baja, PR won by scores of 77-74 and 77-75, while Madiyev took a card 76-73.

Zorrilla is now 15-0. Madiyev, 139.6 lbs of Kazakhstan is 13-2.

Fernando Vargas Jr. remained undefeated with a opening round stoppage over Salome Flores Torres in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

In round one,, Vargas dropped Torres with a hard straight left. Torres was overmatched as Vargas rocked him with every punch and dropped him again with a hard combination and the fight was stopped at 2:13.

Vargas, 159.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA via Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Torres, 162 lbs of Santa Ana, El Salvador is 0-3.

Harold Laguna stopped Darwin Alvarez in the opening round of their four-round super lightweight bout.

In round one, Laguna dropped Alvarez with a left hook to the body that was followed up by a left hook to the chin and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Laguna, 135.2 lbs of Guaynabo, PR is 2-0 with two knockouts. Alvarez, 138.5 lbs of Toa Alta, PR is 0-1.

Jorge Diaz stopped Felipe Munoz in round two of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout featuring pro debuters.

Diaz landed a perfect left hook that sent Munoz down on his back, and the fight was stopped at 42 seconds.

Diaz, 146 lbs of Puerto Rico is 1-0 with one knockout. Munoz, 143 lbs is 0-1.