Las Vegas (February 24, 2026) – Two-division world champion José Luis Castillo has confirmed that he will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between David Benavidez vs Zurdo Ramirez, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Castillo will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs, Canelo vs. GGG III, Canelo vs Munguia and Canelo vs Crawford.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend.

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you! https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo 

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:

Castillo will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Castillo will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “El Temible”.

Castillo joins Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About José Luis Castillo

José Luis Castillo is a former two-division world champion. Castillo stands as one of Mexico’s most respected and fearless warriors in modern boxing history. Born in Empalme, Sonora, Castillo built a legendary professional career defined by relentless pressure, devastating body punching, and an indomitable fighting spirit. A two-time WBC Lightweight World Champion and WBC Light Welterweight World Champion, Castillo earned global recognition through unforgettable battles against elite champions including Floyd Mayweather Jr. a fiercely competitive rivalry in which many observers believed Castillo had done enough to win their first encounter. He also delivered an unforgettable 2005 classic against Diego Corrales; a bout widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Castillo further shared the ring with world-class talents such as Stevie Johnston, Joel Casamayor, and Ricky Hatton, underscoring his reputation as one of the most fearless and respected competitors of his generation. With 66 victories, including 57 knockouts, Castillo’s career reflects durability, heart, and championship excellence. Revered by fans and fighters alike, José Luis Castillo remains a proud ambassador of Mexican boxing and a symbol of courage, resilience, and elite-level competition on the world stage.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport. 

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Sugar Shane Mosley, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Juan Francisco Estrada Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on X and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2021)–There will be fireworks to kickoff Memorial Day weekend, tonight on Classic Fight Night at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network, as two memorable knockouts will be featured .

Junior welterweight Ricky Hatton defended his title against Jose Luis Castillo on June 23, 2007. That fight will be joined by the Daniel Jacobs – Dmitry Pirog WBO World Middleweight Title bout that happened on July 31, 2010.

Both fights featured stunning and emphatic endings, Tune in at 8 PM ET to watch these explosive results.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

March 5, 2021 – In what many consider to be the greatest fight of the last half-century, the WBC/WBO Lightweight world title bout between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo fight will air TONIGHT as part of Classic Fight Night on the fubo Sports Network beginning at 8 PM ET.

The fight, which took place on May 7, 2005 at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, saw Corrales miraculously climb off the deck two times to score an improbable come-from-behind 10th round knockout, will be replayed to boxing fans all over the world.

Watch this all-time great thrilling contest at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

December 2, 2020 – In what many consider to be the greatest fight of the last half-century, the WBC/WBO Lightweight world title bout between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo fight will air TONIGHT on the fubo Sports Network beginning at 8 PM ET.

The fight will kick off a series of classic fights that will be presented by Banner Promotions.

The fight, which saw Corrales miraculously climb off the deck two times to score an improbable come-from-behind 10th round knockout, will be replayed to boxing fans all over the world.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

NEW YORK – April 6, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports will continue to serve boxing fans during the current hiatus from live sports, announcing today SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS with regularly scheduled replays of legendary bouts from the network’s deep archive of world championship boxing. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will air on three consecutive Friday nights beginning April 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. The telecasts will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

The April slate of SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will be highlighted by three Fight of the Year winners, which include some of the most heart-pounding and unforgettable fights in boxing history.

• Friday, April 10:
  • Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I – 2005 Consensus Fight of the Year (also featuring the Round of the Year and later named Fight of the Decade)
  • Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo II
• Friday, April 17:
  • Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia I – 1999 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year (Ayala earned Fighter of the Year honors)
  • Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia II
• Friday, April 24:
  • Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina – 2014 Consensus Fight of the Year
  • Mickey Bey vs. John Molina

During each SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecast, Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, the network’s versatile combat sports analysts, will host a live companion episode of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel. Thomas and Campbell will watch the SHOWTIME replay and react to the fights in real time, feature special guest interviews with principal participants from the bouts (fighters, trainers, referees and promoters) and take questions from fans while the bouts replay on the network.

“The greatest fight I’ve ever covered,” said Al Bernstein, the International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst. In a career that spans more than 40 years, including calling Hagler-Hearns, Bowe-Holyfield I and the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy, Bernstein says the first Corrales-Castillo war was the best. “This was Hagler-Hearns times three because it lasted so much longer. It was fought at a such an extraordinary skill level and to me that is what made it so special.”

The fights scheduled to air in April include:

Corrales-Castillo I (May 7, 2005, Corrales TKO 10) – After nine intense, back-and-forth rounds in a WBC and WBO lightweight unification bout, Corrales accomplishes the unthinkable, miraculously regrouping from two knockdowns in the 10^th to stop Castillo and etch his name in boxing lore. After managing to beat the count (and losing a point for spitting the mouthpiece), Corrales got Castillo on the ropes and connected with a huge right hand. Corrales continued to unload on a defenseless Castillo, forcing referee Tony Weeks to halt the blazing action.

Corrales-Castillo II (October 8, 2005, Castillo KO 4) – Castillo, who did not make the 135-pound weight limit, making the contest a non-title bout, avenges an earlier loss to the WBC and WBO Lightweight World Champion Corrales with a one-punch, fourth-round knockout. Castillo consistently outworks Corrales and lands the harder punches in a more one-sided bout than their first affair. Castillo staggers his opponent with a right hand in the third round that sends him stumbling backward across the ring. He then scores a finishing knockdown with a left hook in the fourth that puts Corrales flat on his back.

Ayala-Tapia I(June 26, 1999, Ayala W 12) – In some of the fiercest two-way action in the history of Las Vegas boxing, southpaw Ayala hands Tapia his first professional loss in 49 fights and captures the WBA Bantamweight Title by the scores of 115-114 and 116-113 twice. As the boxers were being announced, Tapia walked across the ring and shoved Ayala, causing a momentary skirmish.

Ayala-Tapia II (October 7, 2000, Ayala W 12) – In a rematch of 1999’s Fight of the Year, the action between the heated rivals does not disappoint. However, the outcome is the same as their first meeting, with Ayala winning via controversial unanimous decision. Mayhem ensues as the decision is announced and an incensed Tapia is ushered from the ring by security.

Matthysse-Molina (April 26, 2014, Matthysse KO 11) – Fighting in the night’s co-main event, Matthysse steals the show with a spectacular 11^th-round knockout over Molina in 2014’s Fight of the Year. The Argentine, then ranked No. 1 in the world at 140 pounds, is hurt in the first and dropped in the second and fifth rounds. But Matthysse comes back with knockdowns in the eighth, 10^th and 11^th rounds to turn back a determined bid by Molina.

Bey-Molina (July 19, 2013, Molina KO 10) – In one of ShoBox: The New Generation’s most unforgettable rounds, Molina comes back from the brink of certain defeat to dramatically knockout then-unbeaten Mickey Bey. Heading into the 10^th and final round, Molina was trailing on the three judges’ scorecards by 90-81, 89-82 and 88-83.

New customers who sign up on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app before May 3 can take advantage of a recently announced 30-day free trial for the SHOWTIME streaming service, available on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app on all supported devices.

As part of the ongoing 30th Anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, relive the unforgettable 2005 Fight of the Year between world champions Diego “Chico” Castillo and Jose Luis Castillo tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

In anticipation of tonight’s “Throwback Thursday” airing, below are links to watch the 2005 Round of the Year (Corrales-Castillo 10th) and a reflection on the slugfest from Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein.

Corrales-Castillo Round 10:
YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/22S8ufr
DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/BhvsOrKQfN

Bernstein Reflects On Corrales-Castillo I:
YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/1MrXRso
DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/7x7G4agjXe

Corrales-Castillo, and all of the classic fights presented as part of the 30th Anniversary, are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.

NEW YORK (April 6, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports® presents its latest installment of a year-long salute commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® with “Fights of the Year” in April on SHO EXTREME®.

The fourth round of a 12-month tribute will be highlighted by four of the most rousing and unforgettable fights in boxing history:
Jorge Castro vs. John David Jackson I – 1994 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year (Round 9 earned Round of the Year honors)
Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia I – 1999 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year (Ayala earned Fighter of the Year honors)
Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I – 2005 Consensus Fight of the Year (Round 10 earned Round of the Year honors)
Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina Jr. – 2014 Boxing Writers Association of America Fight of the Year.

The four celebrated battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” all month at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Each fight will be wrapped with brief context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports ring announcer and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Lennon Jr.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of April:
Thursday, April 7: Jorge Castro vs. John David Jackson I
Thursday, April 14: Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina Jr.
Thursday, April 21: Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I
Thursday, April 28: Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia I

Castro-Jackson I (Dec. 10, 1994, Castro KO 9) –Castro, thoroughly battered, bloodied and losing by a wide margin, rallies from the absolute brink of defeat to score three knockdowns in the ninth round to overcome Jackson in one of the most dramatic turnarounds ever.

Ayala-Tapia I (June 26, 1999, Ayala W 12) – In some of the fiercest two-way action in the history of Las Vegas boxing, southpaw Ayala hands Tapia his first professional loss in 49 fights and captures the WBA bantamweight title by the scores of 115-114 and 116-113 twice. Game On: As the boxers were being announced, Tapia walked across the ring and shoved Ayala causing a momentary skirmish.

Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I (May 7, 2005, Corrales TKO 10) — After nine intense, back-and-forth rounds, Corrales accomplishes the unthinkable, miraculously regrouping from two knockdowns in the 10th to stop Castillo in the same round (2:06) and etch his spot in boxing lore. After managing to beat the count (and lose a point for excessive spitting out of the mouthpiece), Corrales got Castillo on the ropes and connected with a huge right hand. He continued to unload and Castillo got nailed with a bundle of vicious punches. Moments later, the ref stopped it.

Lucas Matthysse-John Molina Jr. (April 26, 2014, Matthysse KO 11) — A bloody slugfest, in which both fighters were knocked down multiple times, became an instant classic. Matthysse who went down in the second and fifth rounds, came back with a late-fight onslaught to wear down and drop Molina in the eighth, 10th and 11th rounds. The tremendous brawl was as brutal as it was exciting and more compelling to witness than anyone could have imagined.

# # #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 5, 2015) — Marvelous Marvin Hagler’s middleweight world championship belt; trunks, gloves and robes worn by Diego Corrales, Erik Morales, Jose Luis Castillo and Johnny Tapia, among others; Oscar De La Hoya’s 1992 Olympic gold medal and artifacts such as betting slips from a 1910 Jack Johnson bout and Jim Jeffries’ shoes, will be on display at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s exhibit/museum at Caesars Palace on Friday and Saturday.

The third annual NVBHOF induction gala will be held on Saturday at Caesars, and Hall CEO/Founder/President Rich Marotta wanted to provide a special treat for boxing fans in Las Vegas, so he came up with the idea for the exhibit.

It will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday outside the Palace Ballroom at Caesars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

“We hope the entire boxing community of Las Vegas will come out and enjoy this different special attraction,” Marotta said. “It will honor the rich history of boxing in Nevada, as well as the glamorous figures who made Nevada the boxing capitol of the world.”

There will be much more of Nevada’s boxing history on display in addition to the aforementioned items. Among the most unique are:

· Newspaper accounts from the James Corbett-Bob Fitzsimmons bout from 1897, the first held in Nevada.
· Fitzsimmons’ good-luck horseshoe.
· Three generations of WBC championship belts.
· Memorabilia from legendary trainer Eddie Futch’s 50-year career.
· The actual ring used for many of the most historic fights ever held at Caesars Palace, as well as much more.

As a special attraction, famed boxing artist Richard Slone, designer of memorable boxing posters and programs, will display some of his finest pieces and will be there to discuss them with fans.

There will also be in-person appearances by fighters and boxing personalities throughout both days. Television personality James “Smitty” Smith will host question-and-answer sessions with many of the stars.

Remaining tickets for Saturday night’s induction ceremony are $300, $175 and $75 and are fully tax deductible, as the NVBHOF is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity. They can be purchased online at the Hall’s website, nvbhof.com.

Confirmed attendees include inductees Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Marco Antonio Barrera, Felix Trinidad, Roger Mayweather and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, as well as Nevada Fighter of the Year Floyd Mayweather Jr., and presenters Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by Marotta, a noted boxing broadcaster.
For more information, phone 702-3-NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.

By Norm Frauenheim

It’s a fight that really doesn’t need much in the way of explanation or analysis. Strip away all of the subtlety and finesse, and you’re left with Ruslan Provodnikov-Lucas Matthysse, a collision waiting to happen. Maybe an accident, too.

But that’s the attraction. Power, the ability to deliver it and a willingness to risk it, exerts it own kind of drama.

It’s why we watch. An irresistible mix of fear, brinkmanship, inexhaustible persistence and even some foolish courage are among the intoxicating possibilities that will be there when the junior-welterweights clash on April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, N.Y., in an HBO-televised bout.

“I believe it’s going to be Corrales-Castillo I,’’ said Provodnikov promoter Artie Pelullo, who during a conference call Monday foresaw potential for a fight the equal of Diego Corrales’ wild 10th-round TKO of Jose Luis Castillo in 2005.

From this corner, Castillo-Corrales I still ranks as the best fight in this century and one of the best in any. But a price was paid.

Castillo was never quite the same, although his career continued with a loss to Ricky Hatton 2007 and even a TKO loss Provodnikov last November.

Corrales fought three more times, losing all three, including a fourth-round KO in a rematch with Castillo. Corrales died on a motorcycle on May 7, 2007, exactly two years to the day after that first Castillo fight nearly a decade ago.

I’m not convinced that either Provodnikov or Matthysse has the varied skill set that made Corrales and Castillo such dangerous lightweights.

They might surprise me. They might change my mind. If they do, however, Provodnikov-Matthysse won’t fulfill explosive expectations. The buzz isn’t there because they’re known for a defensive feint or the shoulder roll. It’s all about the power. Who has more of it? Who can land it? Who can withstand it?

Castillo was 0-2 against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., but Castillo challenged the pound-for-pound king as much as anybody, especially in the first fight, a 2002 decision.

Castillo and Corrales could do many things. In the end, however, they did what Provodnikov and Matthysse are expected to. They tested each other’s will with unadulterated power that made their confrontation more about surviving than winning.

There will be some new opportunities for the Provodnikov-Matthysse winner. Don’t be surprised if there’s talk about a fight with the Manny Pacquiao-Mayweather winner on May 2. Amend that: Be very surprised if there isn’t talk about that possibility.

But this one isn’t about talk. It isn’t even about victory. Not really. It’s about survival. It’s why we’ll watch.

Moscow, Russia / Philadelphia (November 12, 2014)–On Friday November 28, former world champions will collide when “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov squares off with Jose Luis Castillo in a 12-round Welterweight bout at the Luzhniki GCKZ “Russia” Arena in Moscow,

The fight is promoted by Artie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and World of Boxing LLC

“I’m happy to be fighting at home! It’s been three years, and I’m ready for war with Castillo! Hope to see all my fans in Moscow on Nov. 28th!” said Provodnikov

Provodnikov will be making a homecoming as it will be his first fight in his native Russia since December 5, 2011.

Provodnikov of Beryozovo, Russia has a record of 23-3 with 16 knockouts and is the former WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion.

He is considered the most exciting fighter in the sport due to his crowd-pleasing style.

Provodnikov won his first seventeen bouts as he defeated many quality opponents.
.
On March 16, 2013, Provodnikov took on undefeated WBO Welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Provodnikov beat and battered Bradley to the point where Bradley suffered a concussion and was sent to the canvas in the final seconds of the bout

The fight made Ruslan a one of boxing’s “Cant Miss” stars. Unfortunately, Bradley won a debated split decision in what was the 2013 Fight of the Year.

Since that bout, there has been a major push for the rematch, but Provodnikov has been turned down several times by Bradley. Bradley has stated on more then one occasion that he will never get into the ring with Provodnikov again.

Provodnikov would not be denied as in his very next bout he won the WBO Jr. Welterweight title with an emphatic 10th round stoppage over Mike Alvarado in Alvardo’s hometown of Broomfield, Colorado.

Provodnikov dropped Alvarado twice in round eight, which were the first two times in Alvarado’s career that he ever tasted the canvas. Provodnikov continued to batter Alvarado until he could no longer take any more punishment and he quit on the stool in the bout which took place on October 19, 2013.

Provodnikov is coming off a controversial split decision defeat to undefeated Chris Algieri, in a bout that saw Ruslan drop Algieri twice in round one and badly closed Algieri’s eye. Most ringside observers and the audience watching on HBO thought the verdict should have gone to Provodnikov.

Castillo of Mexicali, Mexico is a two-time WBC Lightweight world champion who has made five total defenses and has been in several memorable bouts.

He has a record of 66-12-1 with 57 knockouts,

He captured the WBC Lightweight title on June 17, 2000 with a 12-round majority decision over Stevie Johnston (30-1). He defended the title with a draw with Johnston and then he scored a 6-round stoppage over Cesar Bezan & Seung-Ho Yuh (13-1).

In April 20, 2002, Castillo was denied a victory that most believed he deserved when he pushed Floyd Mayweather to the limit before being on the wrong end of a unanimous decision. Eight months later, Castillo fought a rematch with Mayweather and lost another unanimous decision in a bout where the scores were even closer than their first encounter.

On June 5, 2004, Castillo regained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Lazcano. He defended the title with a 12-round split decision over Joel Casamayor and a 10th round stoppage over Julio Diaz.

On May 7, 2005, Castillo and Diego Corrales engaged in what most think is one of the greatest fights of all time. They fought an epic battle that saw Corrales and Castillo wage an inside battle for the ages. In the memorable 10th round, Castillo sent Corrales to the canvas twice. Only to see, Corrales, with his left eye closed, comeback and landed a barrage of punches on the ropes before referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight.

Castillo got even in the rematch by stopping Corrales in the 4th round of the rematch.

Castillo has continued to fight and defeat top opposition and is on a two-fight winning streak and in his last bout, he defeated Jose Luis Payan (12-1-1) via 5th round stoppage on May 30 in Nogales, Mexico.

“I am very excited to have Ruslan fight back in Moscow. Ruslan is one of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing. He will be fighting in front of his countrymen in a sold-out arena against a great former world champion in Jose Luis Castillo. I want to thank Andrey Rybinski for all his help and it has been a pleasure to work with him and his staff,”said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.

An American television outlet will be announced shortly.

Carlos Molina won a twelve round unanimous decision over former two division world champion Cory Spinks in an IBF Jr. Middleweight elimination bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Molina dominated the sction as he pressed and pushed Spinks with consistent punching while Spinks would only push with the jab and do alot of holding.

Molina became more dominant as the rounds progressed and big round’s seven and eight. In round nine Spinks was deducted a point for the excessive holding. In round eleven, Molina landed a little left hook that sent Spinks to the canvas. Spinks as was able to get out of the round but took alot of punches against the ropes and the referee ruled a eiht count for a second knockdown in round twelve. Dpinks made it to the final bell but was not even close as the scorecards read 120-105, 119-106 and 119-106 for Molina.

Molina, 153.4 lbs of Chicago will now await the winner of the February 23rd title bout between champion Cornelius Bundrage and Ishe Smith. Molina is now 21-5-2. Spinks, 153.2 lbs of Boca Raton, FL via St. Louis is now 39-8.

Antwone Smith scored a ten round unanimous decision over former two-time Lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

The fight did not have much sustained action with the difference of the fight being Smiths work rate over the 39 year old Castillo. Castillo had a decent round four but was docked a point in that round for excessive low blows.

Scores were 100-90, 98-92 and 99-91 for Smith, 155.6 lbs of Miami ans is now 23-4-1. Castillo, 151.8 lbs of Empaine, Sonora Mexico is now 64-12-1

Carlos Molina 153.4 vs. Cory Spinks 153.2
Antwone Smith 155.6 vs. Jose Luis Castillo 151.8
Artur Szpilka 230.8 vs. Mike Mollo 231.6
Don George 164.4 vs. James Cook 161.8
Mike Jimenez 167.8 vs. Jordan Brown 167.8
Jaime Herrera 146.8 vs. Marlon Smith 146.2
Jimmy Murphy 145.4 vs. Aloric Carson 150.2
Sergio Montes de Oca 126.2 vs. Antoine Knight 127
Junior Anthony Wright 197.6 vs. Tim Johnson 203.8

Venue: UIC Pavilion, Chicago

TV: ESPN Friday Night Fights

Promoters: 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions, Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Boxing in association with Don King Productions

Antwone “The Truth” Smith didn’t get his nickname because it rhymes with his last name – the 26-year-old Miami resident has a habit of telling the truth no matter what you ask him.

Smith (22-4-1, 12 KOs) will face two-time former world champion Jose Luis “EL Temible” Castillo (64-11-1, 55 KOs) in the 10-round welterweight co-main event for this Friday’s (February 1) ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised “King” Carlos Molina vs. Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks 12-round main event at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

“I feel like a lot of guys on TV try to be somebody different and I want to be myself and be the truth,” said Smith of his ring moniker. “What you see is what you get. I’m not one way on camera and one way off.”

So what does he think of his well-known and possible future hall-of-fame next opponent?

“He (Castillo) has the best name of anyone I fought; I guess you could say that. But to be honest, before he passed, my favorite fighter was Diego Corrales, so I’m definitely not a fan of his. He’s just a typical Mexican fighter and I’m prepared for the best version of him there has ever been, so if anything less than that shows up, he’s going to have a problem.”

Smith has no problem admitting he’s in an almost “no win” situation facing Castillo.

“A loss against him would be devastating, but I don’t think a win would do much for me because people will just say he’s old. I just want to stay busy and get this win and hope it propels me to something bigger and better. If you win fights like this it’s no big deal. If you lose, it’s bad.”

Not one to pre-plan much of anything that happens during his fights, Smith says he’s more of an ad-libber.

“I never really think about how a fight is going to go. I just deal with it when it comes. When I get in the ring, I go with the flow. When you have a plan, if things don’t go as planned, that’s when you have a problem. It depends on what Castillo does. Maybe he’ll come forward, maybe he won’t. If I’m anticipating him to come forward and he doesn’t, I’m already out of my game.”

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Presented by 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions, Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Boxing in association with Don King Productions, advance tickets are priced are $151, $101, $51 and $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices, 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office, 312-413-5740.

In a special attraction eight round clash, fast rising Polish heavyweight prospect Artur “The Pin” Szpilka will battle Chicago based heavyweight contender “Merciless” Mike Mollo.

Additionally featuring in separate bouts will be local favorites; middleweight contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George, 23-3-1 (20 KO’s), highly regarded and undefeated super middleweight prospect Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, 8-0-0 (5 KO’s) and popular welterweight newcomer Jimmy Murphy, 1-0-0 (1 KO).

Further details on this world-class evening of professional boxing will be announced shortly.

The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine on the campus of University of Illinois-Chicago. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7 pm with the first bell at 7:45 pm.

CHICAGO, IL (December 26, 2012) ESPN Friday Night Fights will return to the UIC Pavilion on FEBRUARY 1, 2013 headlined by an IBF Junior Middleweight Title Eliminator between Chicago fan favorite and perennial contender “King” Carlos Molina and two division and five-time world champion Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks.

Presented by 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions, Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Boxing in association with Don King Productions, advance tickets are priced are $151, $101, $51 and $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices, 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office, 312-413-5740.

Also featured at ESPN Friday Night Fights is a sensational ten round welterweight clash between Mexican boxing legend and two-time former world champion Jose Luis “EL Terrible” Castillo and upset minded Miami, Florida’s Antwone “The Truth” Smith.

In a special attraction eight round clash, fast rising Polish heavyweight prospect Artur “The Pin” Szpilka will battle Chicago based heavyweight contender “Merciless” Mike Mollo.

Additionally featuring in separate bouts will be local favorites; middleweight contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George, 23-3-1 (20KO’s), highly regarded and undefeated super middleweight prospect Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, 8-0-0 (5KO’s) and popular welterweight newcomer Jimmy Murphy, 1-0-0 (1KO).

“We’re very proud to work with the terrific team at ESPN on this Friday Night Fights presentation and we’ve got a sensational card to kick off the 2013 year in style for Chicago boxing fans.” said Dominic Pesoli. President of 8 Count Productions.

“This the first time in over four years that Carlos has fought at home in Chicago and it’s a huge opportunity for him to face a multiple time world champion in Cory Spinks.”

“In the co-main we’re bringing back former world champion Jose Luis Castillo who won a fantastic “blood and guts” war with Ivan Popoca in July at the UIC Pavilion and our special attraction between Szpilka and Mollo should be bombs away from the opening bell.”

“Complimenting these three fights Donovan George is returning to fight in Chicago for the first time in two years, ‘Hollywood’ is back at the UIC Pavilion where he won his first three pro fights by knockout and we’re excited to have Jimmy Murphy fight on our card for the first time.”

“We’ve had massive crowds at the UIC Pavilion for our last two events and we’re expected another tremendous crowd of Chicago boxing fans. For the best seats, I strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance for this event.”

The 29-year-old Molina, 20-5-2 (6KO’s), known for his sensational upset performances over his eight-year professional career, is coming off a ten round shutout unanimous decision win over Damian Frias on AUGUST 17 which was also broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Earlier this year, Molina was the victim of horrendous judgment as he was disqualified him after the tenth round enroute to a decisive victory over James Kirkland on MARCH 24 in Houston, Texas.

In a bout broadcast on HBO’s World Championship Boxing, Molina’s corner mistakenly entered the ring before the bell rang following the tenth round. At the time of the stoppage Molina was significantly ahead on two of the scorecards.

Born in Patzcuaro, Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico, Molina holds victories over former world champion Kermit Cintron, very highly controversial draws with former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Erislandy Lara and clear-cut victories over contenders Danny Perez, Allen Conyers, Ed Parades and Alexis Camacho.

Fighting out of St. Louis, Missouri and from the legacy of his father, heavyweight champion Leon Spinks and uncle, light heavyweight champion Michael Spinks, Cory Spinks has won world titles three times in the welterweight division and twice as a junior middleweight.

Spinks’ illustrious career included an up and down 2012 as he looked sensational defeating Sechew Powell in a twelve round unanimous decision on JANUARY 28 but getting stopped by Cornelius Bundrage in the seventh round on JUNE 30 as he challenged for the IBF Junior Middleweight Title.

Molina is currently world ranked #4 by the IBF and #7 by the WBC while Spinks is ranked #12 by the IBF.

The 23-year-old Szpilka, 12-0-0 (9KO’s), a native of Wieliczka, Poland, will be making his Chicago debut in front of the huge legion of Polish fight fans.

Sporting an undefeated record of 12-0-0 (9KO’s), the hard hitting southpaw is coming off his career best victory, a dominant ten round unanimous decision on JUNE 30 over two-time world title challenger Jameel McCline in Lodz, Poland.

Born and raised in nearby Oak Lawn, Illinois, the heavy handed Mollo, 20-3-1 (12KO’s), is best known in Chicago for two brutal second round knockouts; over Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride at the Allstate Arena in 2006 and contender Art Binkowki at the Sears Centre in 2007.

In his last start, Mollo battled to a hard fought eight round draw with Gary Gomez on AUGUST 6, 2010 at the UIC Pavilion.

Fighting in the ten round televised co-main event, former two-time world champion Jose Luis Castillo, 64-11-1 (55KO’s) will return to the UIC Pavilion against Antwone Smith following his eighth round stoppage of Chicagoan Ivan Popoca on JULY 13 which was broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

The 25-year-old Smith, 22-4-1 (12KO’s), heads back to the ring following a career highpoint with a ten round decision win over previously undefeated Ronald Cruz on SEPTEMBER 21, broadcast on NBC Sports Network from the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Further details on this world-class evening of professional boxing will be announced shortly.

The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine on the campus of University of Illinois-Chicago. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 7:45pm.

ABOUT 8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS/ROUND 3 PRODUCTIONS

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.

Joining forces with Frank Mugnolo’s Round 3 Productions in 2011, their partnership is currently among the premier boxing promotional firms in the United States.

Fighters currently under the 8 Count Productions/Round 3 Productions banner include; IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Andrzej Fonfara, super middleweight contender Donovan George, world class junior welterweight prospect Adrian Granados, former world title challenger Edner Cherry, super middleweight prospect Paul Littleton, middleweight prospect Viktor Polyakov and welterweight prospect Jaime Herrera.

For more information on 8 Count Productions/Round 3 Productions please visit their new website, www.8countproductions.com. Follow them on Twitter at 8_Count and Facebook at “8 Count Productions”.

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy—bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it’s credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibraginov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.