LAS VEGAS (June 10, 2021) —Shakur Stevenson doesn’t know much about Saturday’s opponent, Namibian puncher Jeremiah Nakathila, but don’t expect him to step off the gas. Stevenson (15-0, 8 KOs), a former WBO featherweight world champion, will battle Nakathila (21-1, 17 KOs) for the vacant WBO interim junior lightweight world title at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This will be Stevenson’s third bout at 130 pounds, and a big step towards a potential showdown with WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring or WBC king Oscar Valdez. Nakathila has won 10 straight fights, all by knockout, since the lone loss of his career.

In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs) will fight Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs). The winner will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

Two days before the fight, at the final press conference, this is what the fighters and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Bob Arum

“A year ago, when we started the ‘Bubble,’, you know who was the first main event? It was Shakur Stevenson. And now, thank God the Bubble is behind us. Shakur is the first main event we’ve done here in Nevada {at 100 percent capacity}. I’m very pleased that I’ve been able to do it. Shakur knows that as his body of work increases, the fights get more difficult and the opponents are looking to knock him off. That’s the way boxing has been, and Shakur Stevenson, a lot of experts say he in the coming years will be the face of boxing. We’ll see how he does against a tremendous puncher that he’ll face on Saturday. Every fight at this level is a tough fight. Nobody is a walk in the park.”

“Nakathila will give it a go, and I think it will be a very, very exciting fight.”

Shakur Stevenson

“It feels good knowing that Bob thinks I’m the next superstar of the sport, and I have to live up to the hype.”

“I just feel like, when I’m at my best, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. It’s been like that my whole career, since I’ve been an amateur. You don’t know who you’re going to fight in the amateurs. You come up and you just gotta fight people.” 

“At the end of the day, I listen {to the hype}, but you can’t get too hot. You still gotta complete the task. I try to stay in between. I don’t try to listen to everything I hear and go off that. I try to make sure I do what I’m supposed to do. My preparation was good. My weight is good. I’m ready to fight Saturday.”

Jeremiah Nakathila

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Top Rank for the opportunity. I’m coming here for the big one. I never prepared like this for a fight. Come Saturday, I will show it.”

“Whoever underestimates me will be surprised come Saturday night.”

“All I know is I can knock anybody out in this 130-pound division. I can destroy anybody at 130 pounds. Come Saturday night, Shakur will see how I’m going to destroy him.”

Jose Pedraza

“Julian is a great fighter. He has a lot of power {and is} a young, strong fighter. But as you mentioned, I have the experience and am well prepared for Saturday.”

“It would mean a lot to join all the Puerto Rican greats to have won world titles in three weight classes.”

“After the loss to Zepeda, I focused a lot more on training and training styles that I’m going to show on Saturday, everything that I’ve been working on.”

Julian Rodriguez

“It’s a pleasure to be here once again. I’m grateful to have fought twice during the pandemic here, thanks to Bob Arum and Top Rank. It’s just another fight for me. It’s a big step up.I had a tremendous camp. Everything went well. No injuries, no nothing. I’m ready to go Saturday.”

“I had a lot of great sparring partners throughout camp, but when I was in Vegas, I sparred Yordenis Ugas, a big 147. I trained with Ismael Salas and all those Cuban Olympians, those southpaws. I’ve had hundreds of fights in my life. I’ve been fighting since I was 7 years old, so I doubt he’s going to come out with a style I haven’t seen before. And if he does, I’ll be ready for it.”

“There were a few hiccups with the injury that I had a few years ago, but I believe I’m on that top-tier level. A lot of people that were in my class growing up , the same age group, they’re world champions now. I feel like that’s where I belong, and that’s what I am going to prove on Saturday.”

SATURDAY, June 12, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Shakur Stevenson vs. Jeremiah Nakathila, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title

Jose Pedraza vs. Julian Rodriguez, 10 rounds, junior welterweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Tyler McCreary vs. Manuel Rey Rojas, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

John Bauza vs. Christon Edwards, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Bryan Lua vs. Frevian Gonzalez, 6 rounds, junior lightweight

Troy Isley vs. LaQuan Evans, 4 rounds, middleweight

Jahi Tucker vs. Ysrael Barboza, 4 rounds, welterweight

By Kyle Kinder-

Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez was just eight years old when he started boxing competitively.  As an amateur he racked up a laundry list of honors, including a 2013 National Golden Gloves Title.  As a professional, he has compiled a perfect record to date; 21-0, 14 kayos.  His 18-plus year journey between the ropes now leads him to Las Vegas on June 12 where he’ll face the toughest challenge of his career against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza (28-3, 13KO).

“This is a big stepping stone for me,” Rodgriguez, a New Jersey-native, acknowledged.  “If I get through Pedraza…I’ll be at the top of 140, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

While Scotland’s Josh Taylor just claimed King of the Junior Welterweight Castle with his convincing victory over Jose Ramirez, a win against Pedraza would put Rodriguez right in the mix in a deep 140 pound division.

Perhaps adding a bit of pressure on Rodriguez for his next bout is the fact his contract with Top Rank expires in July.  With that in the back of his mind, he knows the Pedraza fight is an opportunity for him to gain leverage for upcoming contract negotiations, whether those be with Top Rank or another promotional outfit.

To date, Rodriguez, a New Jersey native, has fought his entire pro career under the Top Rank banner.  After turning pro in 2013, he overpowered early opposition, mowing down eight of his first nine rivals.  But in 2015 he started to experience shoulder pain, something he initially thought was normal boxing wear and tear.  It was a tolerable soreness, but he eventually found out the source of his pain was abnormal, and there were actual tears.  For over a year, Rodriguez opted to fight through his injuries, but in 2017 he underwent surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Ever the optimist, Rodriguez thinks the times he fought with his shoulder injury actually helped mature him into a more well-rounded boxer.

“Once I had the injury I didn’t know for a long time, I just felt like my arm was injured and I just had to change my style up,” Rodriguez said.  “So I was actually fighting with tears in my shoulder which caused me to change my style up and box more and use more of my footwork and utilize different tools in my arsenal.  In a way, I always look at the positive in everything so I took the time to focus on other things, sharpening my other tools.”

The shoulder surgery and subsequent rehab ultimately kept Rodriguez out of the ring for 22 months.  Since returning to the ring in July 2019, Rodriguez has stopped four of his five opponents before the final bell. 

“Once I was all healed up I felt like my footwork was better, my jab was better, and of course my power came back,” said Rodriguez.

Now, just weeks away from squaring off against Pedraza, Rodriguez is confident all the sacrifices made in the name of boxing since he was an eight year old kid have prepared him to pass his most difficult test with flying colors.  While conscious that Pedraza poses a grave threat to his career progression, Rodriguez can’t find anything about his opponent’s skillset that concerns him.

“I have respect for the fact that he’s been world champion and that he has experience, but I feel like everything that he has, I do it better,” Rodriguez said.  “In terms of hand speed, in terms of power, in terms of foot-movement, head-movement, I don’t think in terms of skill that he surpasses me in anything.”

He added, “We see a lot of holes [in Pedraza’s game].  It’s pretty much whatever fight we want to fight, I think we’ll be good.”

As fighters often do, Rodriguez has played out his upcoming fight in his head multiple times.  He says he has visualized various scenarios and is prepared to adapt with the ebb and flow of the fight to achieve victory.  Deep down however, Rodriguez thinks he becomes just the second boxer to stop Pedraza inside the distance. 

“Based on how this camp is going, I don’t see how this guy is going to pass 6 rounds, I don’t,” Rodriguez said.  “The pressure, the output volume of punches, the bodywork, I feel like I’m the naturally bigger guy too.  I just don’t feel like he’s going to be able to take these punches for that long…We’re right where we want to be.  We’ve had great sparring, and this guy’s going to go through hell on the 12th.”

LAS VEGAS (May 13, 2021) — Former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza has set his aim on another title. Pedraza, from Cidra, Puerto Rico, will take on the undefeated Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez in a 10-round junior welterweight tilt Saturday, June 12 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
Pedraza-Rodriguez will serve as the co-feature to the WBO interim junior lightweight title bout between Shakur Stevenson and Jeremiah Nakathila. Both bouts will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
The undercard will showcase the return of undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prodigy Xander Zayas (8-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout. Zayas is coming off a first-round knockout on April 24 in Kissimmee, Florida.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50 go on sale Friday, May 14 at 12 p.m. PT, and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.

“This is a classic matchup featuring a former world champion in Pedraza against a young kid in Rodriguez, who is eager to prove he belongs at the world level,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am also excited to see Xander Zayas, who has grown so much as a young man and a fighter since Top Rank signed him as a 16-year-old.”
 
Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs) is 2-1 since moving up from lightweight, where he won the WBO world title over Ray Beltran before falling short in a unification matchup against Vasiliy Lomachenko. He had an inauspicious junior welterweight debut when he lost a one-sided decision to Jose “Chon” Zepeda, but he has since notched unanimous decisions over Mikkel LesPierre and Javier Molina. Ranked No. 6 by the WBO, Pedraza hopes a win over Rodriguez leads to another crack at world title glory.
 
“It has been almost a year without fighting.  I can’t wait to get back in the ring, to bring home another win that will bring happiness to my people,” Pedraza said. “I like that this fight is against a hungry contender like Julian Rodriguez. I always like the idea of facing the best opponents because they bring the best out of me. I know that with a big win on June 12, I will get closer to a world title shot. That’s what we are fighting for.”
 
Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs), from Bergen County, New Jersey, turned pro in 2013 following a storied amateur career that included a 2013 National Golden Gloves title and victories over the likes of former world champion Robert Easter Jr. He is 5-0 with four knockouts since returning from a nearly two-year layoff in July 2019, including a first-round knockout last August over the previously undefeated Anthony Laureano. Rodriguez has long called for a step-up bout, and if he beats Pedraza, he’ll immediately enter the ranks of the top 140-pound contenders.
 
Rodriguez said, “I know what I bring to the table. There’s not one thing in his arsenal that’s sharper than mine. He brings the experience, but he’s been broken a few times. This opportunity is a long time coming. I’m focused. It’s hard to look at my two children and not be determined to go in there and break that guy’s ribs.”
 
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.
 
About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. Virgin Hotels Chicago – named the “#1 Hotel in the United States” in 2016 and “#1 Hotel in Chicago” in 2016, 2017, and 2020 by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards – Virgin Hotels Dallas – named the “#16 Hotel in Texas” – Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are now open. Locations in New York, New Orleans, Miami, Edinburgh and Glasgow to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, and London.
 
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Curio Collection properties offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Read the latest brand and hotel stories at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and connect with Curio Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

Former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza won a 10-round unanimous decision over former U.S. Olympian Javier Molina in a junior welterweight at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Molina suffered a cut under his left eye in round three from a punch.

Pedraza outlanded Molina 164-49.

Pedraza, 141.6 lbs of Cidro, PR won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 28-3. Molina, 141.7 lbs of Norwalk, CA is 22-3.

Pedraza said, “They do name me the ‘Sniper,’ and that means I have to be patient, and when my moment comes, I have to take advantage of it. That’s what I did tonight because I was able to wear him down, break him down and make him fight my fight. It was the experience that I’ve had at the top level that helped me finally put it together. I’ve had the experience, I’ve had the talent, and it’s just on a night like this that I’m happy I could put it all together.
 
“I do believe I’m ready for a world title opportunity. Whoever it happens to be between Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez, I want the winner of that fight. If for some reason I can’t get a world title shot against them, I do want to respectfully ask Jose Zepeda for the rematch.”

Ajagba decsions Rice

Efe Ajagba won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jonnie Rice in a heavyweight bout.

Ajagba outlanded Rice 131-39 over the 10-rounds and won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92.

Ajagba, 242.3 lbs of Nigeria is 14-0. Rice, 265.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 13-6-1.

Ramirez decisions Caraballo

Former Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Felix Caraballo in a featherweight fight.

Ramirez outlanded Caraballo 225-71.

Ramirez, 125.9 lbs of Cuba won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 5-1. Caraballo, 125.7 lbs of Marguez, PR is 13-3-2.

Ruiz decisions Solis

Leo Ruiz won a six-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Solis in a junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Ruiz lost a point for a low blow. Later in the round, Solis was deduced a point for spitting out his mouthpiece.

Ruiz outlanded Solis 125-47.

Ruiz, 151.4 lbs of San Bernadino, CA won by scores of 59-53 twice and 58-54 and is now 8-0. Solis, 151.4 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 4-5-1.

Christian Montano remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Ryan Adams in a super middleweight fight.

Montano, 167.3 lbs of Huston, TX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 to raise his mark to 10-0. Adams, 165.5 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 7-3-1.

Bryan Lua stopped Luis Norambuena in round two fo their scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Lua landed a perfect left hook to the chin that put Norambuena on his back and the fight was stopped at 2:27.

Lua, 134.5 lbs of Madera, CA is 6-0 with three knockouts. Noarambuena, 134 lbs of Talca, CHL is 4-7-1.

Jahi Tucker turned professional with a 1st round stoppage over DeAndre Anderson in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Tucker swarmed Anderson with volume punches, and the fight was stopped at 2:56.

Tucker, 143.6 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 1-0 with one knockouts. Anderson, 147.1 lbs of Birmingham, AL is 1-2.

Kasir Goldston made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Iasiah Varmell in a welterweight fight.

Goldston, 142.8 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0. Varnell, 142.8 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 3-3.

•     José Pedraza 141.5 lbs vs. Javier Molina 141.7 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Efe Ajagba 242.3 lbs vs. Jonnie Rice 265.4 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 10 Rounds)

•        Robeisy Ramírez 125.9 lbs vs. Félix Caraballo 125.7 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•      Leo Ruiz 151.4 lbs vs. Rodrigo Solis 151.4 lbs 
(Jr. Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•     Christian Montano167.3 lbs vs. Ryan Adams 165.5 lbs 
(Super Middleweight— 6 Rounds)

•    Bryan Lua 134.5 lbs vs. Luis Norambuena 134 lbs 
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Jahi Tucker 143.6 lbs vs. Deandre Anderson 147.1 lbs 
(Welterweight— 4 Rounds)

•   Kasir Goldston 142.8 lbs vs. Isaiah Varnell 142.8 lbs 
(Welterweight— 4 Rounds)

•   Frevian Gonzalez 131.8 lbs vs. Carlos Marrero 131.1 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight— 4 Rounds)About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (September 17, 2020) — Junior welterweight contenders Jose Pedraza and Javier Molina have shared history. Both were 2008 Olympians in Beijing, with Molina representing the United States and Pedraza fighting for Puerto Rico. As professionals, Pedraza has won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, while Molina has taken a more circuitous route to a main event.

Pedraza and Molina will square off in the 10-round headliner Saturday evening from the MGM Grand “Bubble” (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET), with the winner positioned for a potential world title opportunity.

Pedraza is a little more than two months removed from a lopsided decision win over Mikkel LesPierre, while Molina has won four fights since signing with Top Rank in early 2019. Molina, following a pair of defeats, took more than two years off from the ring and worked the overnight shift at a Southern California warehouse to pay the bills. Following an upset win over Amir Imam on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard, he now faces the most accomplished fighter of his 11-year pro career.

Two days before their “Bubble” main event, Pedraza and Molina met the media for a Zoom press conference. This is what they had to say.

Javier Molina

“I’m cool with being the underdog. There is a reason I’m seen that way, and it’s because I haven’t shown my full potential. Fans haven’t seen all I can do in the ring. Like I said, I’m alright with being the underdog. I’m going to surprise a lot of people on Saturday.

“There were some tough times where I thought about not fighting anymore, but I have so much to give in the sport. That’s why I decided to turn my career around. I have dedicated myself to the sport, and that’s why I’m this position right now.

“By beating Pedraza, I put myself in a good position to challenge for a world title. I know that a victory against a great name like Pedraza will bring me closer to that opportunity to become a champion.

“We have answers for anything he brings. I can adapt to whatever he does the ring. If he wants to brawl, we’re going to brawl, and if I have to box and move around, that’s what I will do to win the fight.

“Pedraza looked good against LesPierre, but I’m not LesPierre. He is flatfooted and I’m not. We have been studying all his recent fights and my game plan is similar to what Lomachenko and Zepeda did against him. If they think I’m going to be outgunned this Saturday, they are in for a big surprise.” 

Jose Pedraza

“I have my sights set on a world championship at 140. My goal is to join the select club of three-division world champions from Puerto Rico. That’s why this fight against Molina is so important. I know that a big win on Saturday will put me a step closer to that opportunity of challenging for a world title in the junior welterweight division. It’s a must-win for me.

“I know that I’m very close to a world title opportunity, but my total focus is on the fight I have in front of me. I know Molina is a good fighter. I have never overlooked him. I have prepared with that in mind and that’s why I have trained very hard for this fight. I’m ready to send a message to the two champions and all the contenders in the division.

“He says he’s “El Intocable'”(The Untouchable), but I’m the ‘Sniper’ and I come with great precision to erase the nickname “El Intocable” that Javier Molina has. This will be another chapter in the historic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. It will be a great fight.

“From my end, I have never overlooked him. He is a great fighter. With that in mind, I have prepared myself for a tough opponent. I know he believes he’s the underdog, but I know he’s a great fighter.”

Use the hashtag #PedrazaMolina to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (September 14, 2020) — Heavyweight knockout artist Efe Ajagba will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut Saturday, Sept. 19 against veteran Jonnie Rice in a 10-rounder as the co-feature to the Jose Pedraza-Javier Molina junior welterweight main event from the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
 
On the undercard, a pair of newly signed 17-year-old Top Rank prospects who are co-promoted by Antonio Leonard Promotions, welterweights Jahi Tucker and Kasir “Mazzi” Goldston, will see action in separate four-round contests. Goldston, from Deer Park, N.Y., will fight Isaiah Varnell (3-2, 2 KOs), while Tucker will face Deandre Anderson (1-1). 
 
The undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the co-feature scheduled to begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET.
 
“I am delighted that Efe Ajagba will make his Top Rank debut as he continues his march to the top of the heavyweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Kasir Goldston and Jahi Tucker are two major talents, and we are excited to see their professional journeys begin here in Las Vegas.”
 
Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) resumes his heavyweight world title quest with a new promoter, manager (James Prince) and head trainer (Kay Koroma). Now living in Houston, Ajagba last fought in March, knocking out former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in nine rounds. At 6’6 and 240-plus pounds, the 26-year-old former Nigerian Olympian is one of the division’s youngest contenders. Rice (13-5-1, 9 KOs) measures 6’5 and often tips the scales at more than 260 pounds. He is known for his durability, as his only two knockout defeats have come against previously unbeaten foes in the seventh and 10^th rounds, respectively.
 
“To all my fans, the wait is finally over. I am ready to get back in the ring and do what I do best,” Ajagba said. “I haven’t fought since March 7, and I’ve been looking for someone to devour. On September 19, I finally get to do it. Tune in to ESPN+. You don’t want to miss it.”
 
Goldston, from Albany, N.Y., won three consecutive National Junior Olympic titles from 2015-2017 and back-to-back Junior Open Championships in 2017 and 2018. Last year, at the prestigious Bornemissza Tournament in Eger, Hungary, he took home a silver medal after a split decision loss to a Hungarian boxer.
 
Tucker, from Deer Park, N.Y., was ranked first in the nation at 138 pounds after winning the 2018 USA National Boxing Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. A high school sophomore at the time, Tucker aimed to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics. He picked up his first international gold medal last June at the Bornemissza Tournament and elected to turn pro rather than wait for the Olympics.
 
In other undercard contests:

• Two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (4-1, 3 KOs), who avenged his lone pro defeat via shutout decision over Adan Gonzales on July 2, will fight Felix Caraballo (13-2-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder at featherweight. Caraballo last fought June 9, losing via sixth-round knockout to former featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, the man Ramirez edged in the 2016 Olympic gold medal match.
   
• Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Leo Ruiz (7-0, 5 KOs), winner of four straight by knockout in three rounds or less, will fight an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
   
• Bryan Lua (5-0, 2 KOs), from California’s Central Valley, will fight for the first time in more than two years against an opponent to be named in a six-rounder at lightweight.
   
• Puerto Rican junior lightweight prospect Frevian Gonzalez (3-0, 1 KO), who won a decision inside the “Bubble” on June 18, returns to fight Carlos Marrero (2-3-1) in a four-rounder.

Use the hashtag #PedrazaMolina to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside. 

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (September 2, 2020) — Former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza continues his quest for another world title against 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina in a 10-round junior welterweight main event Saturday, Sept. 19 from the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Pedraza-Molina will headline a night of fights live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the co-feature set to begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET.

“Pedraza and Molina asked us for a meaningful fight, and we believe the winner is in excellent position for a world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pedraza (27-3, 13 KOs), a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion, returns to the MGM Grand “Bubble” a little more than two months after he dominated former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre over 10 rounds. Pedraza had an inauspicious junior welterweight debut when he lost a decision to Jose Zepeda last September, but the LesPierre performance established his place among the division’s top contenders. Molina (22-2, 9 KOs) is 4-0 since signing with Top Rank in early 2019, reviving a career that stalled following a pair of decision defeats. Last November, he knocked out the normally durable Hiroki Okada in 65 seconds. He followed up the Okada KO with an upset victory over Amir Imam in February on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard.

Pedraza and Molina were scheduled to fight on the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol undercard on May 9, but the event was scrapped due to COVID-19. The Ramirez-Postol bout finally happened August 29, and now Pedraza and Molina will headline a show of their own.

Pedraza said, “I’ve been looking for a fight against Javier Molina for a long time. I also had him on my radar because we were supposed to fight earlier this year, but the whole situation with the pandemic changed those plans and the fight was postponed. I kept training hard to keep improving and I ended up fighting against another opponent and had a great performance.

“This fight will bring me even closer to a world title opportunity. My goal is to become a three-division world champion, and Javier Molina will not stop me from achieving my dream.”

Molina said, “Going into this year, I had big expectations for myself. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m here to make a statement against Pedraza. I haven’t received the respect or recognition I feel I deserve but getting a win over Pedraza will put my name out there. It’s a huge opportunity, and I plan on taking advantage of it.”

Use the hashtag #PedrazaMolina to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

Former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challnger Mikkel Lespierre in a junior welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,

In round one, LesPierre began to bleed from his nose. Pedraza was dominant early. In round five, LesPierre was credited with a knockdown when a left hit an off-balanced Pedraza. Seconds later, Pedraza landed a big right that was followed by a left that sent LesPierre to the deck. After the round, referee Kenny Bayless went to the replay, and ruled that the knockdown by LesPierre was ruled a slip as the feet got tangled.

In round nine, LesPierre was bleeding over the right eye. In round 10, Pedraza knocked LesPierre with a jab.

Pedraza outlanded LesPierre 168-69.

Pedraza, 143.9 lbs of Cidra, PR won by scores of 100-88 and 99-89 twice and is now 27-3. LesPierre, 143.5 lbs of Brooklyn is 22-2-1.

“Mikkel was a tough opponent, but I stuck to my game plan. I wanted the knockout, but he stayed strong in there. I give him a lot of credit,” Pedraza said. “I would like to fight any of the world champions, but we have to see what happens next. I proved I belong with the top guys in the 140-pound division.”

Albert Bell remained perfect by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Mark Bernaldez in a junior lightweight fight.

Bell outlanded Bernaldez 125-46.

Bell, 133 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 17-0. Bernaldez, 132 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 20-4.

Elvis Rodriguez remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Danny Murray in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

Rodriguez landed a jab right on the eye that sent Murray through the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:13.

Rodriguez, 140.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 7-0-1 with all wins coming by knockout. Murray, 139.2 lbs of Lanoka Harbor, NJ is 5-4.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez avenged his disappointing pro debut by winning a six-round unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

Ramirez was quicker and landed more blows. Gonzalez had swelling over his right eye in round five.

Ramirez outlanded Gonzales 62-55.

Ramirez, 125.1 lbs of Cienfuehos, CUB won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 4-1. Gonzales, 125.4 lbs of Denver is 5-3-2.

In round three, Ibeh began to bleed from the nose

Kingsley Ibeh won his 2nd fight in seven days as he won a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Patrick Mailata in a heavyweight fight.

Ibeh outlanded Francis 86-75

Ibeh, 284.1 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 and is now 5-1. Mailata, 284 lbs of South Auckland, NZ is 4-1.

Jose Enrique Vivas won a ten-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Carlos Jackson in a featherweight fight.

Vivas, 125.9 lbs of Montebello, CA won by scores of 97-93 and is now 19-1. Jackson, 125.1 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 16-1.

•  Jose Pedraza 143.9 lbs vs. Mikkel LesPierre 143.5 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

    •   Albert Bell 133 lbs vs. Mark Bernaldez 132 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

 •   Elvis Rodriguez 140.2 lbs vs. Dan Murray 139.2 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Patrick Mailata 284 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 284.1 lbs 
(Heavyweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Robeisy Ramirez 125.1 lbs vs. Adan Gonzales 125.4 lbs 
(Featherweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Carlos Jackson 125.1 lbs vs. Jose Enrique Vivas 125.9 lbs 
(Featherweight  — 10 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2020) —Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre will give it another shot. The junior welterweights will face off in the 10-round main event Thursday, July 2 from the MGM Grand Conference Center—Grand Ballroom. Pedraza-LesPierre was originally scheduled for June 18, but the bout was postponed after LesPierre’s manager tested positive for COVID-19.

Week 4 of the Top Rank on ESPN summer series begins Tuesday, June 30 at the MGM Grand, when top junior welterweight contender Alex Saucedo faces Sonny Fredrickson in a 10-round showdown.

The Pedraza-LesPierre and Saucedo-Fredrickson cards will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. 

“Mikkel and Jose deserve this opportunity, and I commend both camps for agreeing to reschedule this fight on short notice,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Alex Saucedo is destined to be a world champion, but he has an incredibly tall task in Sonny Fredrickson. We have another great week in store at MGM Grand.”

June 30
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Alex Saucedo (29-1, 19 KOs) vs. Sonny Fredrickson (21-2, 14 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Saucedo has fought only once — a first-round knockout over Rod Salka — since he was knocked out by Maurice Hooker in November 2018 in a bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. The Oklahoma City product is entering his second fight with head trainer Pedro Neme and will move closer to a second world title opportunity with a victory over the 6-foot-1 Fredrickson. From Toledo, Ohio, Fredrickson is a former U.S. amateur standout who is hoping to re-establish his momentum following a majority decision defeat to Samuel Teah last November.

“I have gotten a lot of quality sparring during the last few months, and I believe that’s going to show on June 30,” Saucedo said. “We have done 130 rounds in this camp sparring three times a week. We were able to get some taller guys to prepare for what Sonny brings to the table. I’ve worked on the things I need to win this fight. I’m still the same aggressive fighter, but we put a lot more movement in there. I’ve gone back to basics.”

Undercard

Junior welterweight prospect Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs) will seek to increase his winning streak to 11 when he faces the battle-hardened Salvador Briceno (17-5, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Vargas fought four times in 2019, including a win over Noel Murphy that earned him the IBF North American junior welterweight strap. Briceno is 4-2 in his last six fights, including competitive showings in decision losses to unbeaten prospects Gabriel Flores Jr. and Yomar Alamo.

Former U.S. amateur superstar Javier Martinez, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will make his professional debut against an opponent to be named in a six-rounder at middleweight. Martinez won the U.S. Olympic Trials at 165 pounds and was ranked number one in the nation at that weight, but after being named an alternate for the Olympic squad, he turned pro with Top Rank and noted manager Tim VanNewhouse.

Junior welterweight rising star John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5 KOs) will return from a nearly one-year layoff against the Irish-born, New York-based Larry Fryers (11-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. 

Unbeaten Cleveland native Fred Wilson Jr. (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will face Rance Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.

In a six-round junior welterweight bout, Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Gerardo Alvarez (2-2-2, 0 KOs).

July 2
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Pedraza, who won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, is taking another run at the super lightweight division following last September’s decision loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda. His opponent LesPierre challenged Maurice Hooker for a world title last year, dropping a unanimous decision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn resident received deliveries and assisted doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.

“I didn’t want to wait around for this fight, so I’m glad we got the deal done,” Pedraza said. “My march toward a junior welterweight world title continues July 2 in Las Vegas.”

“I want to thank Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment for making this fight happen through the trials and tribulations,” LesPierre said. “I’m honored to be the main event on July 2, and I am ready to showcase my talent to the world and prove my world championship caliber.”

Undercard

Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KOs) is out for revenge. The two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba will fight Adan Gonzales (5-2-2, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight. It was Gonzales who shocked the boxing world last August when he spoiled Ramirez’s pro debut with a four-round split decision victory. Ramirez has scored three knockout wins since then, including June 9 at MGM Grand. Gonzales has not fought since the Ramirez fight.

Top junior lightweight contender Albert Bell (16-0, 5 KOs), from Toledo Ohio, will face Filipino puncher Mark Bernaldez (20-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Bell graduated from prospect to contender last June on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard, defeating Andy Vences (22-0-1 at the time) over 10 rounds. He returned in October and shut out Frank De Alba. 

Featherweight prospect Carlos Jackson (16-0, 11 KOs), who has knocked out five of his last six opponents, will face Jose Enrique Vivas (18-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder. 

Elvis Rodriguez (6-0-1, 6 KOs), the southpaw sensation from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will seek to register his fifth consecutive knockout in a six-round junior welterweight tilt against Daniel Murray (5-3, 0 KOs). The only blemish on Rodriguez’s record came in this third pro fight, a technical draw following an accidental clash of heads.

Featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout. 

Tonight’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre has been canceled after LesPierre’s manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this morning. The Gabriel Flores Jr.-Josec Ruiz lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 8 p.m. ET).
 
Said LesPierre: “My manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, I will be unable to fight tonight as scheduled against Jose Pedraza. I understand the severity of COVID-19 because I have been working on the front lines of helping treat this virus at Mount Sinai Beth Israel—Petrie Division in Manhattan.
 
“I am devastated. This was my opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, but everything happens for a reason. This is just another roadblock in my story.
 
“I apologize to Jose and his team for any inconvenience this caused. He is a great boxer, and I hope we can reschedule the fight as soon as possible.”
 
Said Taveras: “I apologize for the inconvenience this caused. I am not exhibiting any symptoms. I am looking forward to hopefully rescheduling this fight as soon as possible. I am devastated for Mikkel.”

 Jose Pedraza 140.4 lbs vs. Mikkel LesPierre141 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
              Adrian Servin 118 lbs vs. Robert Rodriguez 120.3 lbs(Bantamweight — 6 Rounds)       Victor Rodriguez 140.2 lbs vs. Justin Horsley 140.7 lbs(Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)
    Frevian Gonzalez 129.4 lbs vs. Jose Martinez 127.8 lbs(Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
David Kaminsky 164.3 lbs vs.  Clay Collard 163.6 lbs
(Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

    Gabriel Flores Jr 132.4 lbs vs.  Josec Ruiz 132.4 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (June 9, 2020) — Don’t blink. Top Rank on ESPN’s summer schedule resumes with a trio of shows, commencing Tuesday, June 16, with the return of bantamweight contender Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. in a 10-rounder against 23-year-old Filipino upstart Mike Plania at the MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas. 
 
The action continues from MGM Grand Thursday, June 18, when former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza will face former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.
 
Week 2 concludes Saturday, June 20, at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, when WBO junior featherweight world champion Navarrete will fight Uriel “Yuca” Lopez in a 10-round featherweight bout. Navarrete-Lopez will headline one of two June cards from TV Azteca Studios, which will be promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions.
 
All three Week 2 events will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (in Spanish), with start times to be announced shortly.
 
“It is exciting to see these great fighters back in action and in fights that promise to be action-packed,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Greer and Pedraza have tough opponents in front of them, but if they are victorious, we could see them in world title fights before the end of the year. Navarrete is the king of the 122-pounders, a throwback fighter who wants to stay as active as possible.”
 
June 16
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom
 
Main Event
Joshua Greer Jr. (22-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Mike Plania (23-1, 12 KOs)
10 rounds, Bantamweight
 
Greer, the Chicago product who taunts potential KO victims with custom-made pillows, is knocking on the doorstep of a world title shot. He has won 19 fights in a row and is currently the WBO No. 1 contender at bantamweight. Plania, meanwhile, has won eight straight bouts since a March 2018 decision loss to Juan Carlos Payano, a fight that propelled Payano to a world title shot against pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue.
 
“Whoever the opponent is, it doesn’t matter. I prepare the same,” Greer said. “Every fight is a world title fight for me. I’m ranked number one in the world, so I have to take advantage of this opportunity. ‘Mr. ESPN’ is back!”
 
Co-Feature
Antonio DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs) vs. Giovani Santillan (25-0, 15 KOs)
10 rounds, Welterweight
 
Former lightweight world champion DeMarco, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to top contender Jamal James, represents a quantum leap in class for the 28-year-old Santillan. A native of San Diego who has stopped his last four opponents, Santillan hopes to become the first man to knock out DeMarco in nearly eight years. In his last bout, he overcame a nearly 19-month layoff to knock out Wilfrido Buelvas in two rounds.
 
Undercard
 
Nikoloz Sekhniashvili (5-0, 4 KOs), a 26-year-old who hails from the nation of Georgia, will make his 2020 debut against Detroit native Isiah Jones (8-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder at super middleweight. Sekhniashvili, trained by Javiel Centeno, is part of a deep stable of fighters that includes Puerto Rican phenom Xander Zayas and lightweight contender George Kambosos Jr.
 
Super featherweight prospect Edward Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO), from Fort Worth, Texas, will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Puerto Rican-born heavyweight Hector Perez (6-2, 3 KOs) will fight southpaw spoiler Juan Torres (5-2-1, 2 KOs), from Cypress, Texas, in a six-round bout. Torres has won two straight and has never been knocked out in a professional match.
 
June 18
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom
 
Main Event
Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Lightweight
 
Pedraza, who won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, is taking another run at the super lightweight division following last September’s decision loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda. His opponent LesPierre challenged Maurice Hooker for a world title last year, dropping a unanimous decision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn resident received deliveries and assisted doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.
 
“I am very excited to finally return to the ring after this long break. During quarantine, I made adjustments and trained hard from home, Pedraza said. “Despite everything that is happening in the world, my team and I have had a great training camp. I have done many runs up the mountains in Cidra, Puerto Rico. I am now focused on giving the fans a great show on June 18 against Mikkel LesPierre. We know he is a world-class fighter, but I am, too, and I am determined to return to the top once again.”
 
“I’m excited and blessed to be a part of the first round of televised sports as we navigate through this pandemic,” LesPierre said. “Jose Pedraza is a good fighter and a former world champion, but I feel that I have the tools to beat him. It will be a great fight and an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level. The Maurice Hooker fight was just a taste of what the elite level is all about. I’m determined to get back to title contention. This fight is the first step toward that goal. I’m ready to go.” 
 
Co-Feature
Gabriel Flores Jr. (17-0, 6 KOs) vs. Josec Ruiz (21-2-3, 14 KOs)
10 rounds, Lightweight
 
The 20-year-old Flores, fresh off a win on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury 2 undercard, returns in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Flores, the Stockton, California native who signed with Top Rank when he was 16 years old, packed more than 10,000 spectators into the Stockton Arena last May to establish himself as one of the sport’s top regional ticket-sellers. Ruiz is unbeaten in his last 16 bouts.
 
Undercard
 
David “The Lion of Zion” Kaminsky (6-0, 3 KOs) will face noted spoiler Clay Collard (6-2-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at super middleweight. Collard, who also is a veteran MMA pro, has defeated unbeaten prospects in his last two fights.
 
In four-round bouts each, Puerto Rican super featherweight Frevian Gonzalez (2-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named, while super lightweight Victor Rodriguez (2-0, 1 KO) will face Justin Horsley (0-1).
 
June 20
TV Azteca Studios
 
Main Event
Emanuel Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs) vs. Uriel Lopez (13-13-1, 6 KOs)
10 rounds, Featherweight
 
Boxing’s most active world champion, Navarrete defended his title five times (all by KO) in nine months, most recently knocking out Jeo Santisima on the Wilder-Fury 2 Pay-Per-View undercard. Navarrete is fighting as a featherweight for the first time in nearly three years in what will be his sixth bout in 13 months. Lopez has a 2016 knockout victory over longtime Japanese contender Ryo Matsumoto.
 
Undercard action will feature Carlos “Chinito” Ornelas (25-2, 14 KOs), who will take on Edwin “Pupo” Palomares (12-3-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder at featherweight. Featherweight prospect Sergio Chirino Sanchez (14-1, 8 KOs) will look to extend his winning streak to six against Gustavo Alan Pina (8-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
 
Former interim world champion Silvia Torres (20-2-2, 7 KOs) will face 21-bout veteran Edith de Jesus Flores in an eight-rounder at light flyweight.
 
Mexico City-based flyweight prospect Ivan Armando Garcia (5-0, 3 KOs) will fight Roberto Palomares (5-4-1, 1 KO) in his first scheduled six-rounder.
 

According to Dan Rafael of boxingscene.com, bouts featuring former world champions Jessie Magdaleno and Jose Pedraza are in the works.

Magdaleno is due to face Yenifel Vicente in a 10-round bout contracted at 128 pounds on June 11 and Pedraza, who has won belts at junior lightweight and lightweight, is slated to meet Mikkel LesPierre in a 10-rounder at 141 pounds on June 18.

Both cards, like all of Top Ranks events, will air on an ESPN platform. It is unclear if the bouts are due to be main events or undercard bouts

When Jessie was going to fight in New York his weight was good and he was excited to fight, so he was very disappointed when the card was called off,” Frank Espinoza, Magdaleno’s manager, told BoxingScene. “Jessie is very anxious to get back in the ring. He wants to start making some noise this year. He’s excited about the fight coming up and hopefully he can fight for a title. He is (ranked) No. 1 (at featherweight) by the WBC.”

“Everyone wants to fight in front of crowds, but crowds or no crowds, my guys are ready to go back to work and ready fight,” Espinoza said. “I think the viewership will be huge because people have been missing boxing.”

FRESNO, Calif. (March. 9, 2020) — It took a little longer than expected, but WBC/WBO super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, is set to return. Ramirez will defend his titles against mandatory challenger and former world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol Saturday, May 9 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, a short drive from Ramirez’s hometown of Avenal. Ramirez and Postol were set to fight Feb. 1 in China, but the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ramirez-Postol and a 10-round super lightweight battle between former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza and surging 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with the undercard bouts scheduled to stream in English and Spanish on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, tickets priced at $206, $131, $96, $66 and $31 go on sale Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“We are pleased that Ramirez and Postol will finally fight May 9 from the great city of Fresno,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Viktor is a worthy mandatory challenger who earned his title shot, and Jose will be fully prepared to make a statement. And for Jose, this could be his last fight in Fresno for a long time, so I expect the Central Valley faithful to fill up the Save Mart Center for a special evening.”

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) is one of two unified junior welterweight champions. He won the WBC world title in March 2018, prevailing via 12-round shootout against Amir Imam in New York City. He defended that belt twice before stepping up to fight Maurice Hooker in a highly anticipated title unification bout. In one of the best fights of 2019, Ramirez knocked out Hooker in six rounds. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez has headlined at Save Mart Center five times previously and has drawn a total of 65,794 fans through the arena’s turnstiles. Last time he fought at Save Mart Center — February 2019 against Jose Zepeda — he drew a career-high turnout of 14,034.

“It is always a blessing to fight at Save Mart Center in front of my loyal fans,” Ramirez said. “I prepared for Postol once, and I will be in top form May 9. My trainer, Robert Garcia, will have me ready for whatever he brings to the table. He is a former world champion who I cannot underestimate.” 

Postol (31-2, 12 KOs) has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a super lightweight and nearly a decade at, or near, the top of the division. He stunned the boxing world in October 2015 when he dethroned Lucas Matthysse via 10th-round KO to win the WBC world title. In his next fight, he was blunted over 12 rounds by Terence Crawford in a unification bout. He is 3-1 since the Crawford defeat, dropping a 2018 decision to Josh Taylor, who is now the division’s other unified champion. He earned the WBC’s mandatory shot at Ramirez in April with a unanimous decision over Mohamed Mimoune.

“I am glad the new fight date is set. I’m already in gym, and camp is going really well,” Postol said. “I was ready to fight on Feb. 1 and now I’m focused on May 9. The fight is taking place in his hometown, but that does not bother me because I have the experience to fight on away soil. I am looking forward to become a champion again.”

Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, held the IBF junior lightweight world title from 2015-2017 and then upset Ray Beltran in August 2018 to capture the WBO lightweight world title. He came up short in a valiant effort against Vasiliy Lomachenko in a toe-to-toe unification bout in December 2018 before knocking out Antonio Lozada Jr. in nine rounds the following May. Pedraza then moved up to 140 pounds last September and was outboxed by southpaw spoiler Jose Zepeda. He’s taking another shot as a super lightweight, this time against Molina (22-2, 9 KOs), a native of Norwalk, Calif. Molina, winner of five in a row, is coming off a pair of signature victories.

Last November, he knocked out Japanese veteran Hiroki Okada in just 65 seconds in an ESPN-televised co-feature. He followed that up with gritty eight-round decision over Imam on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder II undercard.

“This May 9 fight against Javier Molina will be crucial for my career. This is a crossroads fight, and I will do everything in my power to return to the winning route against a world-class opponent,” Pedraza said. “I know Molina very well. I saw him fight while we were at the 2008 Olympics in China. He is coming off a couple of big wins and is looking for a world title shot at 140. I’m also looking for a world title shot at super lightweight, and that makes this fight a significant and interesting one. I’m working extremely hard because I know that to get a world title opportunity, I can’t have another loss on my record. I will get a big win against Javier Molina on May 9, and after that, the ‘Sniper’ will aim for a world title at 140.”

“I’m happy to get right back in the ring with another tough opponent. With a win over Pedraza, I feel like it should definitely set me up for a title shot next,” Molina said. “I’m excited to be on ESPN once again and continue to get that exposure. I’m just ready to go. 2020 will be my year.”

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury had to fight through a horrible cut, but still was able to retain his undefeated record and title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Otto Wallin at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In round three, Fury was cut over his right eye. The cut was caused by a left hand in the corner. In round six, the doctor took a look at the cut, which was worsening by the round and seriously put the perfect record of Fury in jeopardy. Fury showed his mettle as he was able to win a mjority of the rounds with his punch out put.

Wallin made a last stand in the final frame as he may have slightly hurt Fury, but it was too little-too late as Fury, 254.4 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 to raise his mark to 29-0-1. Wallin, 236 of New York vis Sweden is 20-1-1.

The win for Fury sets up an early 2020 Showdown rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Junior Featherweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Jose Miguel Elorde.

In round three, Navarrete landed a left that wobbled Elorde on the ropes that was ruled a knockdown. In round for, Elorde tried to make a stand as he landed a right hand, nut ate a vicious left, and the bout was stopped at 26 seconds.

Navarrete, 121.8 lbs of Mexico City is 29-1 with 25 knockouts. Elorde, 121.2 lbs of Philippines is 28-2.

Jose Zepeda scored the biggest win of his career by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight fight.

Zepeda, 139.4 lbs of La Puente, CA won by scores of 97-93 on all cards, and is now 31-2-2. Pedraza, 139.5 lbs of Cidra, PR os 26-3.

Former world champion Carlos Cuadras had a tough outing, but won a 10-round majority decision over Jose Maria Cardenas in a super flyweight battle.

Cuadras, 115 lbs of Guamuami, MX won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 to raise his mark to 39-3-1. Cardenas, 115 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-5.

Isaac Lowe remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Garcia Hernandez.

Lowe, 127 lbs of Morecombe, UK won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice to raise his mark to 19-0-3. Hernandez, 127 1/2 lbs of Cancun, MX is 25-5-2.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained perfect by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Aispuro in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores, 132 lbs of Stockton, CA won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 15-0. Aispuro, 132 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 12-9-2.

Iskander Kharson stopped Isidro Ochoa after round five of their scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout featuring undefeated fighter.

Kharson dropped Ochoa with a hard right in the 5th frame, and after the round, Ochoa’s trainer Robert Garcia pulled the plug on the fight.

Kharson, 122 1/2 lbs of Henderson, NV is 7-0 with six knockouts. Ochoa, 122 lbs of Fresno, CA is 7-1.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 26, 2019) — WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will become the latest Mexican superstar to carry his nation’s flag proudly on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. Navarrete will make the third defense of his title versus Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde on Saturday, Sept. 14 at T-Mobile Arena as the co-feature to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s title defense against Otto Wallin.

In a 10-round super lightweight special attraction, former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza will fight two-time world title challenger Jose “Chon” Zepeda.

Fury-Wallin and Navarrete-Elorde will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 11 p.m. ET. The undercard, headlined by Pedraza-Zepeda, will stream on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available via the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices, on ESPN.com and at ESPNplus.com.

“I am very excited and proud to be part of the big card in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena and to defend my title in front of my people on such a special date for my beloved Mexico,” Navarrete said. “We will represent the Mexican flag on the biggest stage in boxing.”

“When I was offered the opportunity to fight for the world title on such a momentous card, I didn’t hesitate,” Elorde said. “I’ve dreamed of becoming a world champion, and this is my chance. Trust me, I will bring my special brand of Pinoy Power to Las Vegas. The title will come home to the Philippines.”

Navarrete (28-1, 24 KOs) is wasting no time getting back to action, as he knocked out Francisco “Panchito” De Vaca in three rounds August 17 at Banc of California Stadium. One of boxing’s most active world champions, Navarrete shocked the boxing world last December in New York City with an upset decision win over Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe to win the title. Five months later, he repeated the feat, this time stopping Dogboe in the 12th round in Tucson, Arizona. The De Vaca victory was Navarrete’s 23rd in a row dating back to 2012, a four-round decision defeat in the final round of the Cinturón de Oro XVIII tournament.

Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs) has championship pedigree in his blood, as he is the grandson of the late Filipino boxing icon Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. He has won 18 bouts in a row since a four-round decision loss in November 2011, most recently scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over Japanese contender Shohei Kawashima to retain his WBO Asia Pacific belt. Elorde is attempting to become the first junior featherweight world champion from the Philippines since Nonito Donaire.

Pedraza (26-2, 13 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, has captured world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight and is beginning his quest to become the seventh male fighter from Puerto Rico to win world titles in three weight classes. His WBO lightweight title reign was brief, as he lost a competitive unanimous decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko last December in a highly anticipated unification bout. Pedraza rebounded in impressive fashion in May, knocking out the big-hitting Antonio Lozada Jr. in nine rounds. 

Zepeda (30-2, 25 KOs), who lived in Guerrero Negro, Mexico, until the age of 10, is two fights removed from a majority decision defeat to Jose Ramirez for the WBC super lightweight world title. A southpaw who began boxing after moving to Southern California, Zepeda is seeking a third world title opportunity. In 2015, he challenged Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO lightweight world title and was forced to retire on his stool with a separated shoulder following the second round.

“I’m thrilled about fighting on such a big card that will be headlined by heavyweight great, Tyson Fury,” Pedraza said. “I’m also very excited about fighting on such a big stage like the T-Mobile Arena, where so many big events have taken place. One of my goals is to headline a card at the T-Mobile Arena one day.

“This fight will be a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fight! I know that a big win will take me a step closer to capturing another world title. I want to become a champion in every weight class that I fight. After the fight, I will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with my Mexican brothers.”

“I feel like this fight will give me the opportunity to really showcase my skills and put me in a position to challenge for a world title,” Zepeda said. “I’m glad that it is versus a former world champion like Pedraza. I am excited that we will add another chapter to the great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

In other action on the ESPN+ undercard stream:

• Former longtime WBC super flyweight world champion Carlos Cuadras (38-3-1, 27 KOs) will take on Jose Maria Cardenas (17-4, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight clash. Cardenas is coming off a stunning first-round knockout over then-unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas. Cuadras has won two in a row since a majority decision defeat to McWilliams Arroyo.
   
• Light heavyweight contender Felix “Mangu” Valera (18-2, 15 KOs) will face former world title challenger Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (20-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout that will propel the winner into the world title picture.
   
• Tyson Fury stablemate Isaac Lowe (18-0-3, 6 KOs) will face veteran Luis Coria (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder at super featherweight. Lowe last fought on the Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard in Las Vegas, where he bested Duarn Vue via unanimous decision.
   
• Gabriel Flores Jr. (14-0, 6 KOs), the 19-year-old sensation from Stockton, California, will face Mexican veteran Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-8-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest. 
   
• Isidro Ochoa (7-0, 3 KOs) will clash with fellow unbeaten Iskander Kharsan (6-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight fight.
   
• Heavyweight prospect Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (4-0, 4 KOs), who represented his native Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will face Cassius Anderson (7-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Vianello’s four pro fights have lasted a total of six rounds.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Salita Promotions, tickets for Fury vs. Wallin priced at $606, $456, $306, $206 and $106 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #FuryWallin, #NavarreteElorde and #PedrazaZepeda to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.

Jamel Herring won the WBA Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Masayuki Ito at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Herring, 129.6 lbs of Coram, NY won by scores of 118-110 twice and 116-112 and is now 20-2. Ito, 129.4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 25-2-1.

Former world champion Jose Pedraza stopped Antonio Lozada Jr. in round nine of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round nine, Pedraza dropped Lozada with a heavy combination, and seconds later, Pedraza finished off Lozada with a hard combination.

The time was 2:34 for Pedraza, 134.8 lbs of Cidra, PR who is now 26-2 with 13 knockouts. Lozada, 134.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-3-1.

ESPN & ESPN Deportes (10 p.m. ET)

• Masayuki Ito 129.4 lbs vs. Jamel Herring 129.6 lbs
(Ito’s WBO Junior Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: Lisa Giampa, Alex Levin and Thomas Nardone/Frank Gentile

• Jose Pedraza 134.8 lbs vs. Antonio Lozada Jr. 134.4 lbs
(Vacant WBO Latino lightweight title  – 10 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: Michael Ross, Rodolfo Aguilar and Fred Fluty/Telis Assimenios  

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)
 
• Jeyvier Cintron 114.6 lbs vs. Koki Eto 114.6 lbs
(Cintron’s WBO International junior bantamweight title – 10 Rounds)

• Jean Carlos Rivera 126 lbs vs. Adam Lopez 125.4 lbs
(Vacant Jr. NABF featherweight title – 10 Rounds)
 
• Henry Lebron 130.2 lbs vs. Luis Ruiz Lizarraga Jr. 129.2 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

•  Orlando Gonzalez 125.6 lbs vs. Roxberg Riley 124.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

• Marco Diaz 126.4 lbs vs. Edgard Figueroa 126.2 lbs
(Featherweight – 4 Rounds)

Swing Bouts
• Edgar Berlanga 161.6 lbs vs. Gyorgy Varju 157.4 lbs
(Middleweight – 8/6 Rounds)

• Antonio Vargas 117.4 lbs vs. Jose Cardenas 117.6 lbs
(Bantamweight – 8 Rounds)

OFF TV (5:30 p.m. ET)
• Steve Nelson 172 lbs vs. Victor Darocha 171.8 lbs
(Light Heavyweight – 8 Rounds)

• Carlos Cuadras 117.8 lbs vs. Daniel Lozano 117.8 lbs
(Bantamweight – 8 Rounds)
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100 (ringside) and $50 (general admission), including all taxes and facility fees, tickets may be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or in person at Osceola Heritage Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. and on event days). For more information: www.ohpark.com.

 Use the hashtag #ItoHerring to join the conversation on social media.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico (May 16, 2019)— It is personal for former two-division world champion and current lightweight contender Jose “Sniper” Pedraza. His opponent May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, is Antonio Lozada Jr., who in March of last year knocked out then-undefeated Felix Verdejo in the 10th round. Verdejo and Pedraza both hail from Puerto Rico, and Pedraza, who is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, hopes to avenge his countryman’s defeat.

Pedraza-Lozada will serve as the co-feature to Masayuki Ito’s WBO junior lightweight title defense against Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET).

The undercard (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET) is chock full of Puerto Rico’s best young talent, including 130-pound puncher Henry Lebron (8-0, 6 KOs) and super flyweight contender Jeyvier Cintron (10-0, 5 KOs). Lebron will face Luis Lizarraga Jr. (6-12-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, while Cintron, a two-time Puerto Rican Olympian, will battle former interim flyweight world champion Koki Eto (24-4-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Pedraza, Cintron, and Lebron worked out for the media Wednesday at Felix Pagan Pintor Boxing Gym. This is what they had to say.

José Pedraza

“I am very motivated for this fight. Lozada is a very dangerous fighter, and the sport of boxing is very unpredictable. He is the typical Mexican warrior who always comes forward and applies pressure at all times, but we have worked very hard, and I am sure that I will come out victorious for all of Puerto Rico on May 25.”

“I want to get rid of that thorn (avenging Verdejo’s loss against Lozada), but I have to modify my words. I’m not going for revenge necessarily because only Felix can take revenge on Lozada. As the good Puerto Rican brothers that we are, I’m coming to take that thorn out because he beat one of my longtime friends. I’m coming to win this fight!”

“After this fight, I would like to return to the world title scene at 135 pounds, and I would like to be able to have a championship opportunity by the end of this year. But if I do not get that chance, I will examine my options at 140 pounds. I would like to become a three-division world champion.”

Jeyvier Cintron

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. I’ve been working hard with my coach, Iván Calderón, and I’m ready for big fights. It’s my time to shine, and on May 25, I’m going to show that I’m ready to face the great fighters at 115 pounds.”

“I’m going to face an experienced fighter who has already been an interim world champion, but I’m coming with everything. I’m going to give everything in the ring, and I assure my people that I will come out with the victory.”

Henry Lebrón

“I feel super happy to be representing the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters in front of the fans in Kissimmee. Many Boricua fighters will see action on May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park, and we are coming to give an excellent show to our people. Kissimmee is like our house.”

“My opponent is a Mexican fighter that endures a lot of punishment. He takes punches very well, and I think that this will be a long fight. I am prepared to go the distance, but I also have punching power. If I hurt him, I’m going for the knockout.”

“I am a young fighter. I am in the process of continuing to grow and learn, but in 2019, I would like to fight for a youth world title. If I get the opportunity to become a youth world champion, I will take full advantage of the opportunity.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets are on sale now. Priced at $100 (ringside) and $50 (general admission), including all taxes and facility fees, tickets may be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or in person at Osceola Heritage Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. and on event days). For more information: www.ohpark.com.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #ItoHerring and PedrazaLozada to join the conversation on social media.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (April 25, 2019)— Masayuki Ito won the WBO junior lightweight title last July in Kissimmee, Florida. For title defense number two, he’s returning to the city of his greatest triumph.

Ito, who recently signed a long-term co-promotional contract with Top Rank, will defend his title against 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team captain and U.S Marine Corps veteran Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring Saturday, May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park. Ito-Herring will headline a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Top Rank on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza looks to get back in the win column against Antonio Lozada Jr.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship event go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. ET. Priced at $100 (ringside) and $50 (general admission), including all taxes and facility fees, tickets may be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or in person Osceola Heritage Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. and on event days). For more information: www.ohpark.com.

“I am excited to return to the United States to defend my world title,” Ito said. “I will be at my best, as I know Herring is a tough and experienced fighter. While I ultimately want to unify the 130-pound division, Herring is the task at hand. There is no sense in talking about the future until I take care of business on May 25.”

“I need to thank my management team and Top Rank for this opportunity,” Herring said. “Not only is this fight landing on Memorial Day weekend, but May 25 would’ve been my daughter Ariyanah’s 10th birthday. She passed away from sudden infant death syndrome, and I am dedicating this fight to her.

“I have tremendous respect for Ito, but I plan on being his most difficult challenge. I don’t want to release too much of the game plan, but I won’t be bullied like his last two opponents once the bell rings.”

Ito (25-1-1, 13 KOs) claimed the vacant WBO junior lightweight title with an upset decision win over Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz at the Kissimmee Civic Center. The Diaz fight marked Ito’s United States debut and the first time he’d fought away from his native Japan. He returned home for his first title defense on Dec. 30, scoring a seventh-round TKO over Evgeny Chuprakov.

Herring (19-2, 10 KOs), who served two tours of duty in Iraq as a field electrician, turned pro in December 2012 and won the first 15 bouts of his career. He lost a pair of fights as a lightweight, including a razor-thin decision to Ladarius Miler in August 2017. Following the Miller defeat, Herring signed on with Top Rank, hired trainer/manager Brian McIntyre and moved down to 130 pounds. Since then, he is 3-0, including an ESPN-televised decision victory over John Vincent Moralde last September on the Jose Ramirez-Antonio Orozco card in Fresno, California. In his last bout, Dec. 14 in Corpus Christi, Texas, he notched a clear points decision over Adeilson Dos Santos.

Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs) won the IBF junior lightweight title in 2015 and made a pair of title defenses. Following a 2017 TKO loss to Gervonta Davis, he moved up to the lightweight division. In his third bout at lightweight, he won a unanimous decision over Ray Beltran to claim the WBO title. Less than four months later, he faced off against WBA champion Vasiliy Lomachenko to unify world titles. He was competitive, but Lomachenko scored a pair of 11th-round knockdowns to secure the unanimous decision. Lozada (40-2-1, 34 KOs) burst onto the world stage last March, knocking out highly touted prospect Felix Verdejo in the 10th and final round. Since then, he is 1-0-1, including a disputed draw versus Hector Ambriz.

“I feel very happy because on May 25 I will be fighting in a big world championship event where I will be facing a great Mexican warrior like Antonio ‘Cañitas’ Lozada in front of my people in Kissimmee,” Pedraza said. “I know I will get all that affection and support of all the Puerto Rican fans. They can’t miss this great card. I want them to enjoy it and leave the venue happy.

“I’m more than ready to get back in the picture for a world championship opportunity.”
The entire undercard will stream live in the United States exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and will showcase a host of prospects in competitive matchups.

In a 10-round crossroads bout featuring a pair of one-loss featherweight prospects, Adam Lopez (12-1, 5 KOs) will face off against Puerto Rican puncher Jean Carlos Rivera (15-1, 10 KOs). Lopez has won four in a row, while Rivera is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss last October to the unbeaten Jason Sanchez.

Jeyvier Cintron (10-0, 5 KOs), one of the sport’s fastest-rising 115-pound prospects, will face his toughest test to date against former interim flyweight world champion and one-time super flyweight world title challenger Koki Eto (24-4-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Cintron represented his native Puerto Rico at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming the first two-time boxing Olympian in his nation’s history.

Steve “So Cold” Nelson (13-0, 10 KOs), a stablemate of pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford, will take on Victor “The Spartan” Darocha (8-4-1, 6 KOs) in an eight- round super middleweight bout.

NABO junior welterweight champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (16-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt in a 10-rounder against an opponent to be determined.

Antonio Vargas (10-0, 4 KOs), who represented the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will fight Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

Middleweight dynamo Edgar “Pachanga” Berlanga (10-0, 10 KOs) will look to make it 11 first-round KOs in as many fights against Hungarian veteran Gyorgy Varju (7-4, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Super featherweight prospect Henry “Moncho” LeBron (8-0, 6 KOs) will seek to extend his knockout streak to three versus Luis Ruiz Lizarraga Jr. (6-12-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #ItoHerring to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN scored several major victories aside from Vasily Lomachenko (12-1, 9 KOs) defeating Jose Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs), with the overall Top Rank telecast across ESPN and ESPN Deportes averaging 1,980,000 viewers, up six percent from the same window last year. On ESPN only, the telecast averaged 1,865,000 viewers, making it the second most-viewed boxing telecast across broadcast and cable in 2018, behind ESPN’s Crawford vs. Benavidez Jr. telecast in October. Overall, Top Rank on ESPN has aired the top two and three of the top five boxing telecasts of 2018.

Top Things to Know

· All three fights averaged at least 1.8 million viewers and rank as three of the five most-viewed fights of the year on broadcast and cable. Top Rank on ESPN has aired the top 5 fights of the year overall (two fights from the Crawford/Benavidez Jr. event and three fights on Saturday).

· The Lomachenko vs. Pedraza fight from approximately 11:39 p.m. to 12:26 a.m. ET averaged 2,013,000 viewers, making it the third most-viewed fight of the year behind both fights on the Crawford card.

· Saturday’s telecast, including the co-main of Emanuel Navarrete vs Isaac Dogboe was the second most-viewed telecast of the day on cable among males 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, and people 18-34 (behind ESPN’s Heisman Trophy Ceremony).

· Top local market viewership included Norfolk, Tulsa, Birmingham, Columbus (OH), New Orleans and Oklahoma City.

Next up on Top Rank on ESPN is WBO super middleweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (38-0, 25 KOs) defending his title against Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (25-1, 21 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch Friday, December 14, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The entire event, including the undercard, will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, will stream on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

By Bart Barry-

More historic happenings, Saturday, more unforgettable things you’ve already forgotten, more unbelievable events you believe completely. At New York’s Hulu Theater Ukrainian lightweight Vasiliy Lomachenko unified titles by decisioning Puerto Rico’s Jose Pedraza after Mexican super bantamweight Emanuel Navarrete beat up charismatic Ghanaian Isaac Dogboe and took his title. All the while a oncegreat broadcaster bid itself a weteyed goodbye in a very private ceremony.

It was a night of good prizefighting that acted, in collaboration with the calendar, a fine contrast with a night of great prizefighting six years past. With Dogboe’s selfbelief and Lomachenko’s craft came a reminder of a man, Juan Manuel Marquez, who epitomized both qualities and emerged from a much hotter crucible more heroic than both men, in 2012.

“Ohhhhhh!” went Roy Jones’ call on that HBO pay-per-view broadcast – writing of contrasts.

And let us use this as a proper contrast. When a broadcaster has the time and wherewithal to roll out of his prescripted, canned and shelved tagline during a knockout, trust little what hyperbole follows. “All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling,” quipped Oscar Wilde, and so it be with ageful boxing commentary; the commentator’s desire to make the soundtrack of something historic is sincere as can be but what often comes out are sounds of unseemly striving. Moments are not memorable because someone tells you they’ll be memorable, and no matter how hard he tells you how unforgettable this moment is won’t make it so either. Moments are memorable when they make you fully present, which is impossible while someone fills your ears with his loud forecast about the unknowable future.

In its dotage HBO fell prey to this much as any broadcaster, fell prey to what straining happens when the importance of the platform and its presenters surpasses the importance of what events they present. The amplification, the absurd analogies, the vending. Now that it ends whimpering we get told what a loss we suffer, but that’s neither appropriate nor accurate either. Inappropriate because the departed don’t get a vote in the matter. Inaccurate because boxing has recrudesced during (if not because of) HBO’s demise. The montages and incessant lookingsback to come will play on our vanity, telling us it’s only narcissism if our lives aren’t fully historic happenings, which of course they are, else we’d not have been chosen to witness such historic happenings – and so on in a loop of lugging, effortful prepositional phrases mostly intended to prime us to consume the next historic product.

Salesmen in one aisle, amplifiers the other. One side shepherding and bullying for consensus, the other side adding eight exclamation marks for every witticism.

We return briefly to RJJ’s Marquez-Pacquiao 4 call. The moment was perfect because it was unscripted and Jones’ reaction to it pure. No context needed. Marquez, bloodied and buzzed, planted and threw, consequences be damned. What followed for Marquez was perfect a moment of vindication as sport can afford a man. Hours later on the way out MGM Grand’s main entrance the promotional ring had a guard dissuading Mexicans from climbing on the apron and posing for pics on their faces, hands tucked behind them, Pacquiao style.

Saturday had none of this. It had a charismatic titlist in the comain gutting out an ugly loss and a prodigy – we’re now told ceaselessly – looking less than prodigious in victory. Pedraza proved of Lomachenko what Marquez proved of Pacquiao: They don’t like fighting in mirrors. They are best when their opponents try to react conventionally to their unorthodox attacks, and they are much less when their opponents move symmetrically away from them. If Pedraza is obviously not Marquez he proved Lomachenko is not so much Pacquiao as a standardbearer for our collective desire to find another Pacquiao.

The best part of Saturday’s broadcast came when Tim Bradley asked his cocommentator a direct question about his opinion of Lomachenko’s performance. With that Bradley yanked the broadcast out of the thirdperson past – where experts have said and noted authorities have shared and highly regarded trainers have assured and pundits have never before seen – into the firstperson present. Hey, pal, tell me what you think right this moment.

Firstperson present, like RJJ yelling ohhhhhh. Nobody yelled ohhhhh Saturday. Dogboe barked NeHo a few too many times. We saw very good prizefighters wellmatched. We got told we’d see footwork that was sublime and teaching that was genius. But nobody yelled ohhhhhh at home or in the theater because nothing in the main or comain merited it.

While that happened, the former heart and soul of boxing paid a final tribute to itself in a stadium populated and passionate as a television studio.

If we let the matter be, if we let our sport enjoy its new stature and riches, we will surprise ourselves with how quickly we forget HBO Boxing, with how unstoppably our beloved sport marches on. If there’s an argument it’s ungracious to interrupt a eulogy this way, there’s a counterargument against eulogies in general. We burden ourselves with others’ pasts that we may soon burden others with our pasts. To hell with all that.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry