SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 31, 2013) – WBA Welterweight Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and former WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana are no strangers to facing the most feared competitors in the sport of boxing. On Saturday, Dec. 14, in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® mega-bout to air live from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, the bold and brash Broner and the punching powerhouse Maidana will enter the DANGER ZONE like never before, with “The Problem” defending his title against the Argentine knockout artist determined to wrap championship gold around his waist once again.

Who will emerge from the DANGER ZONE unscathed? Will it be the fast and precise Broner or the aggressive and powerful Maidana? The world will find out on Dec. 14.

“Maidana is one-dimensional and not in my league,” said Broner. “I’m a Ferrari and he’s a go-kart and my fans will see that in my return to Texas. It’s been over four years since I’ve fought there and I’m going to put on a show. Watch me light Maidana up like a Christmas tree on Dec. 14.”

“Everyone knows that Broner has a big mouth, but that doesn’t bother me, because his mouth can’t fight for him,” said Maidana. “Whether he has the guts to stand in front of me or if he runs I’ll definitely go for the KO and either way, I’m leaving the ring with the belt.”

“On paper this is the classic boxer versus puncher matchup, but Broner is also willing to stand and trade and Maidana can box, so I’m expecting this to be a Fight of the Year candidate to end 2013,” said CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “There’s a lot on the line for both fighters and I can’t wait to see who comes out of the DANGER ZONE with the belt.”
“With five amazing fights and boxing’s top stars, I can’t think of anyplace better to have this event than in San Antonio,” said President of Leija*Battah Promotions Mike Battah. “As shown with the Canelo Alvarez-Austin Trout fight, this is a city that loves and supports the sport, and I can’t wait to see the Alamodome filled once again on Dec. 14.”

“This has been an outstanding year for boxing on SHOWTIME, and I can’t think of any better way to end 2013 than with a stacked card like this one. Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana is a dream matchup between two of the biggest names in the welterweight division. Keith Thurman and Jesus Soto Karass are two of the most aggressive, hard-hitting fighters in any division,” said Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports Stephen Espinoza. “We’ve also got one of the sport’s top young fighters in Leo Santa Cruz. Add in the return of Victor Ortiz, and it’s clear that this truly is a can’t-miss event. It’s a pay per view-quality event without the pay per view price tag.”

In the co-main event, one of boxing’s top young stars, Keith “One Time” Thurman, will meet his toughest challenge yet when he defends his interim WBA Welterweight Championship against Mexico’s Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass.

“Soto Karass is a tough guy, there’s no question about that, and I respect him a lot,” said Thurman. “But his style is tailor-made for me and I expect to defend my title and win by knockout.”

“Thurman is a young, talented fighter with good power,” said Soto Karass. “But as I proved in my fight with Andre Berto that when I’m on top of my game, no one can beat me. I will become a world champion on Dec. 14.”

Before Thurman and Soto Karass battle it out, the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship will be on the line when defending champion Leo “Teremoto” Santa Cruz battles Cesar Seda.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and making my debut in Texas against Cesar Seda,” said Santa Cruz. “Seda is a quality fighter and a top contender, but I’m not ready to give up my belt to him or anyone.”

“I admire Santa Cruz for his talent and his accomplishments, but styles make fights, and I have the style to beat him and bring the world championship back to Puerto Rico,” said Seda.

The stacked card’s opening world championship fight pits Kazakhstan’s Beibut Shumenov against unbeaten challenger Tamas “Tomi Kid” Kovacs in a 12-round bout for Shumenov’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title.

“I am excited to be back in the ring and to compete on such an amazing event,” said Shumenov. “It’s been a long time for me, and I’m hungry to beat Kovacs in impressive style and retain my title.”

“It has been my dream to fight in the United States against the best in the world, and on Dec. 14 I finally get my chance,” said Kovacs. “Shumenov is a great champion, but I am confident in my ability to take his title.”

Plus, in a special 10-round super welterweight attraction former Welterweight World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz makes his much anticipated return to the ring.

“It’s great to be back and I can’t wait for my return on Dec. 14,” said Ortiz. “I’m stronger and better than ever at 154 pounds, and the world will see that when the bell rings.”

Tickets priced at $250, $200, $150, $100, $75, $50, $25, $20 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at the Alamodome box office, or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com or online at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (800) 745-3000.

Cincinnati’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner (27-0, 22 KO’s) is boxing’s latest superstar, a charismatic and talented fighter who has made it clear with his performances that he’s here to stay. A five-year pro, the 24-year-old boxer-puncher won his first world title in 2011 when he knocked out Vicente Martin Rodriguez for the WBO Super Featherweight crown and he added the WBC Lightweight belt when he scored an eighth-round technical knockout over Antonio DeMarco in 2012. But Broner’s greatest feat came when he jumped from 135 to 147 pounds in June, defeating Paulie Malignaggi to win the WBA Welterweight Championship. On Dec.14, he makes his first defense against the biggest puncher he’s ever faced.

Thirty-year-old Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (34-3, 31 KO’s) isn’t just one of boxing’s biggest punchers; he’s also consistently amongst the most exciting fighters in the game today, one who has specialized in Fight of the Year-worthy battles against the best the sport has to offer. Hailing from Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana first emerged on the world scene in 2009, when he won the interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Championship with a stunning sixth-round technical knockout over Victor Ortiz. After three defenses of his title, Maidana lost a 2010 Fight of the Year candidate to Amir Khan, but he regained the belt with another classic against Erik Morales in 2011. Since then, Maidana – now competing at welterweight – has won four of his last five, all by knockout, most recently halting Josesito Lopez in six rounds on June 8.

A former amateur standout who compiled over 100 wins, Keith “One Time” Thurman (21-0, 19 KO’s) owns the kind of power that has made the boxing world take notice. On a tear since returning in 2012 from an injury-forced layoff, the 24-year-old from Clearwater, Fla. has made a statement with his trio of recent victories, as he’s scored a technical knockout over Carlos Quintana, shut out Jan Zaveck and won the interim WBA Welterweight Championship with a 10th-round knockout over Diego Chaves. On Dec. 14, he makes his first title defense.

One of the most respected veterans in the sport today, 30-year-old Los Mochis native Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-8-3, 18 KO’s) has been in some classic fights over the years, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Marcos Maidana and Andre Berto. The Berto fight in July was particularly important for him, as the 12-round technical knockout win (his fourth in his last five bouts) earned him the world title he has craved since turning pro in 2001. He promises that he won’t let this chance slip away.

Boxing’s breakout star, Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (25-0-1, 15 KO’s) has already earned world championships in two weight classes, despite being just 25-years-old. A native of Huetamo, Mexico now living in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz’s fan-friendly attack has garnered him followers from around the world, and after his 2013 knockouts of Alexander Munoz and Victor Terrazas, the latter victory earning him the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship, he shows no signs of slowing down in his quest for boxing greatness.

A native of the boxing-rich island of Puerto Rico, San Juan southpaw Cesar Seda (25-1, 17 KO’s) initially made his name in the fight game with a successful run at 115 pounds, where he won the WBA Fedecaribe and NABO titles before losing for the only time in his career against WBO Champion Omar Narvaez in April of 2011. Since that bout, the 27-year-old Seda has gone up in weight and won five straight fights, two by way of knockout, earning him a title shot on Dec. 14.

A true boxing phenon who won a world title in just his 10th pro fight, Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s Beibut Shumenov (13-1, 8 KO’s) has been one of the sport’s great success stories following an impressive amateur career that saw him represent his country in the 2004 Olympics. Now living in Las Vegas, Nev., the 30-year old WBA light heavyweight world champion has successfully defended his belt four times, most recently by decision against Enrique Ornelas in June of 2012. On Dec.14, he returns to the ring.

Unbeaten as a professional, 36-year-old Tamas Kovacs (23-0, 14 KO’s) is a seasoned veteran who’s finally getting his shot at world championship glory. A WBF and WBO European champion thus far in his five-year career, the Galanta, Slovakia native is coming off of two 2013 victories over Peter Vecsei and Said Mbelwa, and he would love to close out the year by bringing a world title belt back home to Europe.

One of boxing’s most charismatic young stars, 26-year-old “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO’s) has made headlines in and out of the ring, first as a former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles with Andre Berto, Floyd Mayweather, Marcos Maidana, Antonio Diaz, and Josesito Lopez; but also as a member of the cast of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With The Stars.” Now with his dancing shoes put away, Ortiz has the gloves back on and makes his highly anticipated return to the ring.

“DANGER ZONE: Broner vs. Maidana,” a 12-round fight for Broner’s WBA welterweight world championship taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is promoted byGolden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Grudge Match. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, Keith Thurman will defend his interim WBA welterweight Championship against Jesus Soto Karass. Leo Santa Cruz will put his WBC super bantamweight world title on the line against Cesar Seda in a 12-round bout and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz will make his much anticipated return to the ring. Plus, Beibut Shumenov faces Tamas Kovacs in a 12-round clash for Shumenov’s WBA light heavyweight title. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter at @AdrienBroner, @ChinoMaidana, @KeithThurmanJr, @LeoSantaCruz2, @VICIOUSortiz @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, and @SHOSports, follow the conversation using #DangerZone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

In round one, Soto Karass rocked Berto with a hard left hook that stunned him on the ropes.. Soto Karas continued to come forward. Berto looked goo offensively, especially with the uppercut but he looked shake defensively and at times it looked as if his legs would betray him. Berto looked like he hurt his shoulder in round four and took him a few rounds to try shake out the injury and gain use of that arm.

The two continued to their high contact bout. Berto started to get the upper hand and dropped Soto Karass with a shot the body in round eleven. Sensing the bout was very close, Soto Karass did not want the judges to figure in the fight and dropped Berto with a short left hook in round twelve. When Berto got to his feet, he stumbled and referee Jon Schorle stopped the bout at 48 seconds of the final round.

Soto Karass, 147 of North Hollywood, CA is now 28-8-3 with 18 knockouts. Berto, 147 lbs of Winter Haven, FL is now 28-3.

“My corner just told me to keep on working and I didn’t think at any moment about his shoulder,” Soto Karass said. “I’m dedicated 100 percent to boxing. I stopped clowning around. My corner told me to come out and start boxing, but I said, ‘no, I’m going to knock him down.'”

“I think I tore it out of the socket early, maybe the fourth round,” Berto said. “That’s why I kept using my left. I couldn’t really use it at all. At the end of the day I show that warrior spirit every time. I don’t care if I mess up my shoulder. I’m going to put it all on the line.”

Omar Figueroa scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Nihito Arakawa in one of the best fights of 2013 in a bout where Figueroa captured the WBC Interim Lightweight title.

The two went at it from the opening bell. Figueroa rocked Arakawa in the opening frame that buckled the visitor. In round two, a huge flurry caused Arakawa’s knee to touch the ground. When it seemed like Arakawa could be done, he came back and landed some good body punches. Arakawa continued to connect in round three but it did not have much affect on Figueroa. The two continued to land at a vicious rate with Arakawa landing a huge left on the ropes but Figueroa came back to land shots to the body and head. In round four, Figueroa was cut on the nose from an accidental headbutt. Arakawa continued to land in between taking hard shots. Figueroa came back later in the round with a big right and left hook. In round five, Figueroa rocked Arakawa with a big right hand and he followed that up with a jard combination/ Arakawa just kept on coming as if he had nothing to lose. the two continues to trad hellacious shots until Figueroa landed a huge body shot that had Arakawa reeling all over the roing and referee Laurence Cole ruled a knock down.

The seond half of the fight was more of the same as the the fighters would not give an inch with Figueroa getting the better of each frame. As great as this war was, you never got the sense the at Arakawa could or would hurt Figueroa but that does not take away from this fight of the year candidate.

Figueroa, 135 lbs of Weslaco, TX won bu scores of 119-107, 118-108 and 118-108 and is now 22-0-1. Arakawa, 135 lbs of Tokyo, JP is now 24-3-1

“It’s what I’ve looked forward to since the beginning,” said Figueroa, who complained to his corner that he injured both his hands in the fight. “My respect to this guy. He can take a beating. We both took a beating. The only things that didn’t hold up were my hands.”

“The only thing I can say is Figueroa was very strong,” Arakawa said. “I was thinking about all the people that supported me up to this point to get to this level and that’s what kept me going.

Keith Thurman won the WBA Interim Welterweight title with a thrilling tenth round stoppage over Diego Chaves.

It was an exciting fight with both guys throwing and landing hard shots to the head and body. Thurman’s impact ful shots caused blood from the nose of Chaves as early as round six. Chaves contiued to fight string but was caught with a hard left hook to the body in round nine that sent him to the canvas. Thurman ended things in the tenth after a double left hook was followed by a huge right that sent Chaves to the canvas and the fight was stopped at :28 of round ten.

Thurman, 146 lbs of Clearwater, FL is now 21-0 with 19 knockouts. Chaves, 146 1/2 lbs of Argentina is now 22-1.

Thurman was awarded a $10,000 bonus by Golden Boy Promotions for the knockout of the night.

“I came in this fight to have multiple game plans,” Thurman said. “I knew he would be my toughest opponent. I wanted to punch him, I wanted to box him and later on, I was able to hit him with that beautiful body shot.

“You save the tools that you want to use for the later rounds. I had a feeling he was going to die out.”

“He connected very well on my temple and I couldn’t recuperate,” Chaves said. “I don’t regret that the referee stopped the fight. I thought I was winning the fight when they stopped it. I hope I get a rematch and come back soon.”

Follow all the action from the AT & T Center in San Antonio as former world champion Andre Berto battles Jesus Soto Karass. There will be two world championship bouts as Omar Figueroa battles Nihito Arakawa for the Interim WBC Lightweight title and Keith Thurman takes on Diego Chaves for the Interim WBA Welterweight title. The action begins at 9pm est / 6 pm pac

12 rounds–Welterweights–Andre Berto (28-2, 22 KO’s) vs Jesus Soto Karass (27-8-3, 17 KO’s)

Round 1 Soto Karass landing to the body…Jab from Berto..Right from Soto Karass hurts Berto..right…Counter right from Berto..Soto Karass lands another hard right…10-9 Soto Karass

Round 2 Berto lands a counter right..Soto Karass lands a left to the body and head…20-18 Soto Karass

Round 3 Berto lands a combination…Soto Karass lands a left and right..Counter right from Berto..left and right..jab..right…jab..Soto Karas lands a left hook…Left and right to the body from Berto..Soto Karass lands a left…Counter right from Berto..SK lands a left uppercut..29-28 SK

Round 4 Crisp left hook from Berto..Jab/short left uppercut from SK…double jab from Berto…left/right to body from SK..Left hook from Berto..Counter jab from SK…Huge counter left and flurry…Berto hurt...39-37 SK

Round 5 Berto hurt and his shoulder is injured….Berto is wobbling all over the place..49-46 SK

Round 6 Berto lands a left uppercut/left hook..left hook to the body…SK lands a left hook to the body and an uppercut...58-56 SK

Round 7 Berto lands a good body shot…SK lands a left to the body..straight right hand…3 uppercuts from Berto..lead right..Swelling around thr right eye of SK…3 left hooks from Berto..67-66 SK

Round 8 Straight right from SK..uppercut on inside..combination…swelling around left eye of Berto..left hook..straight right..Berto lands an uppercut..left uppercut from SK..right..counter..77-75 SK

Round 9 SK lands a straight right..Berto lands a right Uppercut..left from Berto..86-85 SK

Round 10 Berto backing SK up..left hook…95-95

Round 11 Counter left from Berto…shoRT SHOT AND DOWN GOES SK…Berto lands a left…straight right from SK…right and left…left to body from Berto..Right from SK..upercut from Berto…big shot from SK..left hook from Berto..Body.right from SK…105-103 Berto

Round 12 Toe to toe in the center of the ring…Right from SK..LEFT HOOK DOWN GOES BERTO….THE FIGHT IS OVER

12 Rounds–WBC INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–OMAR FIGUEROA (21-0-1, 17 KO’S) VS NIHITO ARAKAWA (24-2-1, 16 KO’S)

Round 1 Arakawa landing…3 punching combo from Figueroa..Big right..Right to the head..Phone booth fight…10-9 Figueroa

Round 2 Arakawa lands a left to the body..counter let to body from Figueroa..HUGE RIGHT HURTS ARAKAWA…HE TAKES A KNEE..Rigt to the body and left to the head from Figueroa..Arakawa coming back…20-17 Figueroa

Round 3 Body and head from Figueroa..Body from Arakawa…right from Figueroa..Left uppercut..2 lefts from Arakawa…hard left..left uppercut from Figueroa..double right to the head..right…hellacuous shots…a war...30-26 Figueroa..

Round 4 Accidental head butt causes cut on Figueroa’s nose..Left hooks by both men…counter from Arakawa..Left hook from Figueroa..Left to head and body from Arakawa…3 hard shots from Figueroa..right and left to the body from Arakawa..39-36 Figueroa

Round 5 Left hurts Arakawa..49-45 Figueroa

Round 6 Right from Figueroa..Right uppercut and right..Right hands stuns Arakawa…right and left…on ROPES RULED A KNOCKDOWN...59-53 Figueroa

Round 7 Straight left from Arakawa..Double left and right from Figueroa..Arakawa works body…69-62 Figueroa

Round 8 Left from Figueroa…Right..Right..Right…double left hand…swelling around left eye of Arakawa…Figueroa batering and hurting Arakawa..left hook..79-71 Figueroa

Round 9 Right from Figueroa…great uppercut and left hook..counter from Arakawa..89-80 Figueroa

Round 10 Figueroa lands a left to the liver..flurry off the ropes..99-89 Figueroa

Round 11 Arakawa lands a combination on the ropes…Figueroa lands a straight right..Arakawa landing in the ropes..Right to body and left to the head by Figueroa..Right from Arakawa..left upper cut/right from Figueroa..108-99 Figueroa

Round 12 Figueroa lands power shots..Right…this is a bloody war…wow…great 118-108 Figueroa

118-108. 118-108 and 119-107

12 ROUNDS–WBA INTERIM WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–DIEGO CHAVES (22-0, 18 KOS) VS KEITH THURMAN (20-0, 18 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Chaves jabs to the body..Jab..Thurman lands a left hook..Right to the boy..Chaves lands a left to the body..Thurman lands a left to the body and head..Chaves lands with a combination..10-9 Chaves

Round 2 Right from Chaves..Thurman lands a double left hook…right…19-19

Round 3 Chaves lands a left..Good counter from Thurman…good left hook…Jab..Thurman lands a right lead…counter from Chaves…29-28 Thurman

Round 439-37 Thurman

Round 5 Double jab from Chaves…Right from Thurman…double jab…counter jab…49-46 Thurman

Round 6 Chaves lands a right to the body..Big right from Thurman..Good left uppercut..Chaves jabs to the body…another jab to the body..Chaves nose bleeding..58-56 Thurman

Round 7 Chaves lands to the body…Counter left from Thurman..nice left hook…3 punch combination..Chaves lands a body shot..Thurman lands a right…Combo from Thurman..1-2..Thurman lands a left..68-65 Thurman

Round 8 Chaves lands a left hook…Thurman lands a right..left combination…Chaves lands a combination…77-75 Thurman

Round 9 THURMAN LANDS A BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES CHAVES…87-83 Thurman

Round 10 THURMAN LANDS A BIG COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES CHAVES AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
ANDRE BERTO – 147 Pounds
JESUS SOTO KARASS – 147 Pounds

OMAR FIGUEROA JR. – 135 Pounds
NIHITO ARAKAWA – 135 Pounds

DIEGO CHAVES – 146 ¼ Pounds
KEITH THURMAN – 146 Pounds

SHOWTIME EXTREME:
ANTHONY DIRRELL – 172 Pounds
ANTHONY HANSHAW – 171 ½ Pounds

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ – 132 ¼ Pounds
JESSE ANGUIANO – 130 ¾ Pounds

(SHOWTIME EXTREME Swing Bout – Time Permitting)
ARMANDO CARDENAS – 140 ½ Pounds
STEPHEN SALAZAR – 138 ½ Pounds

ABOUT “KNOCKOUT KINGS II”
“KNOCKOUT KINGS II,” featuring former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto facing tough Mexican veteran contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round main event for the vacant NABF Welterweight Championship, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-featured attractions, Weslaco, Texas’ undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Japan’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions and undefeated power- puncher Diego Chaves faces fellow unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman for Chaves’ WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available for purchase at the AT&T Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com at www.ticketmaster.com and ATTCenter.com all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (800) 745-3000 or through Leija & Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

“I’m looking forward to this challenge on July 27. As you can see, it’s an exciting undercard with my man Keith Thurman and my man Omar Figueroa.

“I’ve been through some ups and downs. I feel that I have made some of the right changes that I needed to get focused.

“I have a new team and I’m dedicated to win another world title.

“I let the big show get away from me twice, once against Victor Ortiz and once against Robert Guerrero. I’m coming to San Antonio focused.

“It’s going to be a hell of a show. Make sure you buy your tickets or tune in on SHOWTIME because there’s nothing stopping me. I’m ready.

“You can have all the power in the world, but if you don’t know technique or don’t have a strategy, then you’ve got nothing. I’ve made changes in my game plan and I’m going to fight smarter.

“Soto Karass is a good fighter. I’ve seen his fights. There’s nothing too spectacular about him, but he does have that tough Mexican fighting style.”

JESUS SOTO KARASS, Veteran Welterweight Contender

“I have a great test ahead of me. I have followed Andre Berto’s career very closely. When he was a world champion, I was hoping I was going to get to fight him someday.

“I wasn’t ready for him then, but now that I got offered the fight, I know I’m ready.

“This is a very important fight for me and I know I’m ready. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got to prove all of the doubters wrong.

“I decided that this year is the year I’m going to become a world champion.

“San Antonio is one of the best places for boxing. With these ticket prices, I’m hoping the arena is going to be full of Mexicans and Mexican Americans.

“The name of this fight is ‘Knockout Kings II’ for a reason and I’m going to try to make sure it lives up to its name.”

OMAR FIGUEROA JR., Undefeated Texas Rising Star

“This fight is called ‘Knockout Kings II’ for a reason. I always go out there looking for the knockout. This is a great fight card for the fans. This is what boxing needs.

“It especially means a lot for my home state of Texas. This is perfect for me. All of my friends, family and fans can come up and see me fight.

“I’m at a loss for words when I think about fighting for my first world title here in Texas. I pictured myself being in this position because as a fighter, you have to see it in order to achieve it. This is what we’ve wanted and what we’ve been working so hard for.

“July 27, you’ll see fireworks in the ring.

“San Antonio is the perfect place for a card like this. I can’t describe what it was like being at the Canelo vs. Trout fight. Hearing 40,000 people cheer was incredible. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and proud to be a part of this fight card.”

KEITH THURMAN, Undefeated Top Rated Welterweight Contender

“The last time I was in Texas was when I was competing as an amateur in the 2008 Olympic Trials.

“I don’t know if there is another fighter out there that’s hungrier than me. They’ve been feeding me, but I’m still starving I have a long time left in this game and I don’t know when I’m going to get enough of it.

“I’m looking forward to this fight. My opponent is a young hungry fighter with a record of 22 and 0 with 18 knockouts and I am 20 and 0 with 18 knockouts. You know this is going to be a fight.

“If you’re a boxing fan and you’re from around here, then you have to be here unless you’ve got a family emergency.

“Come support the undercard that has a lot of local fighters and local talent.

“I don’t expect this fight to go more than two rounds. If the fight goes more than two rounds, find me and I will give you a refund.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Vice President and Matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions

“We’ve been around for a little over a decade and we’ve done great events and I don’t think we’ve had a partner like Leija and Battah Promotions. They’re committed to boxing and committed to Texas and they’re doing an amazing job.

“Don’t blink when Keith Thurman fights, because you might miss something big.

“Everyone has been looking for the next great fighter in Texas, the next great champion from the state and I think we’ve found him in Omar Figueroa.

“In boxing, there are great events and then there are great fights. Last month at the Alamodome, there was a great event. This main event is a great fight. Styles make fights and both of these guys really come to fight. They’re going to come to fight hard because that’s what they know how to do.

“This is little bit of a crossroads fight for both Berto and Soto Karass. The winner is going to go on to bigger and better things and whoever loses is going to have to take a hard look at their career.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Former Two-Time World Champion & Texas Boxing Legend

“We have a strong undercard with great local talent from San Antonio. We see great things happening for these guys in the future.

“We’re excited to have Omar Figueroa back again, but maybe he will give us two rounds this time.

“I’m a huge fan of Andre Berto and of Jesus Soto Karass. I’m also a huge fan of the sport of boxing and Mike [Battah] and I have worked really hard with Golden Boy Promotions to bring the best events to San Antonio.

“We want to fill the AT&T Center with 18,000 people and I think that’s doable.

“We’re bringing great fights, big names and we hope everyone comes out and supports boxing in San Antonio.”

MIKE BATTAH, President of Leija and Battah Promotions

“We are growing this fight business and it’s growing in a fast way. San Antonio is going to be the hub of boxing and we’re really excited about that.”

# # #

“KNOCKOUT KINGS II,” featuring Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto facing tough Mexican veteran contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round welterweight main event, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-featured attractions, Weslaco, Texas’ undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Tokyo’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions and unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman and fellow power-puncher Diego Gabriel Chaves battle for Chaves’ WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale and will be available for purchase at the AT&T Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and ATTCenter.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (800) 745-3000 or through Leija & Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comor www.ATTCenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AndreBerto, www.twitter.com/OmarFigueroaJr, www.twitter.com/attcenter and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #KnockoutKings2 and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing andwww.facebook.com/ATTCenter.

AN ANTONIO, May 15, 2013 – San Antonio, Texas will once again be the site of a major boxing event when SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® returns to the Lone Star State on Saturday, July 27 with “KNOCKOUT KINGS II,” a spectacular night of world-class fights at the AT&T Center featuring a tripleheader starring some of the sport’s brightest stars live on SHOWTIME.

In the 12-round main event, former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto is back in the ring to take on tough Mexican contender Jesus Soto Karass. Plus, unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman and fellow power-puncher Diego Gabriel Chaves battle for Chaves’ WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship and Weslaco, Texas’ undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Tokyo’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale Friday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m. CT and will be available for purchase at the AT&T Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ATTCenter.com, all Ticketmaster locations by calling (800) 745-3000 or through Leija & Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

The event marks the return of co-promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions to San Antonio where they recently promoted the April 20 blockbuster fight between Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout which had almost 40,000 fans in attendance.

“Texas is our new home away from home and it’s great to be returning so soon after the Alvarez-Trout mega event in April,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “That event proved that boxing is alive and well and on July 27, we’re going to have another stacked card that will pack the AT&T Center.”

“Leija-Battah Promotions is thrilled to be co-hosting another SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event in San Antonio in collaboration with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Mike Battah, President of Leija & Battah Promotions. “The people of San Antonio and Texas demonstrated their affinity for boxing on April 20 at the Canelo vs. Trout sell-out event and we look forward to hosting multiple mega-fights yearly.”

“We have always dedicated ourselves to providing the people of San Antonio and all of South Texas with a broad variety of first-class sports and entertainment events at the AT&T Center,” said Rick Pych, Spurs Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations. “San Antonio is a city that truly appreciates and supports boxing in a big way and this is a terrific opportunity for fight fans to witness three world-class bouts in an arena setting.”

A member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic team, Andre Berto (28-2, 22 KO’s) turned pro later that year and has never looked back. A throwback fighter willing to go into the trenches to put on exciting bouts for his fans, the 29-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida first struck professional gold in 2008 when he stopped Miguel Rodriguez in the seventh round to win the WBC Welterweight World Championship. Berto successfully defended the crown five times before losing it to Victor Ortiz in The Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year. He bounced back five months later to defeat Jan Zaveck for the IBF Welterweight World Championship. In his most recent bout, Berto engaged in a fight of the year candidate against Roberto Guerrero, losing a hard fought 12-round decision last November.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Texas and I’m happy to be back fighting in front of the great fans here,” said Berto. “I’m hungrier than ever to get my title back and the first step is taking out Soto Karass on July 27.”

One of the fight game’s most rugged competitors, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Jesus Soto Karass (27-8-3, 17 KO’s) always gives a supreme effort in the ring and, win or lose, his opponents never emerge from their fights with him unscathed. Fresh off of a January win over Selcuk Aydin, the 30-year-old Soto Karass hopes to add Berto’s name to a list of vanquished foes that includes Euri Gonzalez, Said El Harrak, Vince Phillips, David Estrada and Chris Smith.

“I respect what Andre Berto has done in his career and he’s a tough fighter, but a win over him would be the biggest of my career,” said Soto Karass. “If I want to get a world title shot, I have to go through him to get it.”

A crushing puncher with a 90% knockout rate, Clearwater, Florida’s Keith “One Time” Thurman (20-0, 18 KO’s) has raised his worldwide profile considerably since returning from a year-long injury induced layoff in 2012. Since then, Thurman has gone 5-0 with four knockouts, with wins over Brandon Hoskins, Orlando Lora and former World Champion Carlos Quintana. In his last fight in March, the 24-year-old scored a shutout win over former World Champion Jan Zaveck and on July 27, he challenges for his first world title.

“I’m looking forward to fighting for an interim title and doing it against someone like Chaves,” said Thurman. “I’m not going to have to chase him or get him to fight. We’re going to battle and I’m going to be the last man standing.”

The latest in the line of hard-hitting standouts from Argentina, Diego Gabriel “La Joya” Chaves (22-0, 18 KO’s) shares a similar fighting philosophy with his opponent, Thurman: to end matters as soon as possible. Currently sporting a five-fight knockout streak, the 27-year-old Chaves won the WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in July of last year with a second round knockout of Ismael El Massoudi and defended it two months later with an identical result against Jose Miranda. Now he’s back to fight in the United States for the first time since 2010.

“I appreciate the opportunity to fight in the United States and against someone with a great reputation like Keith Thurman,” said Chaves. “We’re proud people and proud fighters in Argentina and I’m going to show this to the world on July 27th.”

Adding to the knockout theme on July 27 is Texas’ own titan, Weslaco native Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. (21-0-1, 17 KO’s), who has ended four of his last five wins with first round knockouts. In April, the 23-year-old thrilled his home state fans with a first round knockout over then unbeaten top prospect Abner Cotto, winning the NABA and WBC Interim Silver Lightweight titles in the process. He will draw on the energy from a San Antonio crowd for his third consecutive fight when he fights for his first world title against Arakawa on July 27.

“For me there’s nothing like fighting at home in Texas and the fans of San Antonio have pushed me to new heights in my last two fights,” said Figueroa. “I’m looking forward to giving them another big knockout win.”

Fighting out of Tokyo, Japan, 31-year-old southpaw Nihito Arakawa (24-2-1, 16 KO’s) is a nine-year veteran guaranteed to give Figueroa some looks he has never seen in the ring before. A Japanese and OPBF lightweight champion, Arakawa has won 11 of his last 12 bouts, most recently dispatching Pakphum Tor Pornchai in two rounds on May 4. On July 27, he’ll enter hostile territory with the goal of pinning a “1” on Figueroa’s loss column.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in the United States for the first time against a tough opponent like Omar Figueroa,” said Arakawa. “I’m coming here to put on a great show and take the title back to Japan with me.”

“KNOCKOUT KINGS II,” featuring Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto vs. tough Mexican contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round welterweight main event, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-featured attractions, unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman and fellow power-puncher Diego Gabriel Chaves battle for Chaves’ WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International and Weslaco, Texas’ undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Tokyo’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP).

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.ATTCenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AndreBerto, www.twitter.com/OmarFigueroaJr, www.twitter.com/attcenter and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #KnockoutKings2 and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing andwww.facebook.com/ATTCenter.

# # #

Fresh off his 1st round destruction of Abner Cotto, undefeated Lightweight Omar Figueroa will return to action on July 27 as part of a Showtime televised tripleheader that will feature Andre Berto taking on Jesus Soto-Karass and Keith Thurman taking on Diego Chaves in San Antonio according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We’re going to price the tickets right, and I think we’re going to call the card ‘Bang for Your Buck’ because with Berto, Thurman and Figueroa, you have big bangers on the card,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.

“We are really looking forward to bringing another big card to San Antonio. It’s a great fight city, and we wanted Omar Figueroa to be part of this significant tripleheader,” Schaefer said. “He will be in a significant fight. He had a terrific performance against an undefeated guy [Abner Cotto], and he’s one of those exciting guys where you want to have your popcorn and drink in front of you because you don’t want to get up because you know he might knock his opponent out at any moment.

“After the fight [against Cotto], I got a lot of emails from people saying, ‘Who is this guy? He’s so exciting, so strong.’ These kind of comments. Saturday night was a big night for Canelo Alvarez but it was a big night for Omar Figueroa also to have almost 40,000 people going nuts for him. It was amazing. Omar Figueroa has arrived, and let’s see how far he can go.”

BROOKLYN, NY–At age 48, Bernard Hopkins won the IBF Light Heavyweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Tavoris Cloud at Barclays Center

After a first round of absolutely nothing, the action picked up in round two started trading good shots with Cloud focusing on the body and Hopkins landing some solid combinations. Cloud focued more on the bidy early because his shots upstairs were wild and Hopkins was able to avoid them with ease. Hopkins started to control the action with his patented combinations and slick defense. In round six, a butt caused a cut over the left eye of Cloud that was later checked out by the ringside doctor.

The fight went on, and the few and far between times that Cloud tried to mount any offense it either wasn’t sustained or extremely ineffective. Hopkins continued to land some terrific combinations that drew ooohs and ahhs from the assembled crowd inside Barclay Center.

Hopkins was never threatened down the stretch and won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 to raise his 1st ballot Hall of Fame mark to 53-6-2. Cloud is now 24-1.—–More to come

Welterweight prospect Keith Thurman scored a twelve round unanimous decision over former titlist Jan Zaveck.

Thurman came out boxing and landed a nice hook in round one. Thurman continued to land blistering power shots in the second frame. Thurman continue to mix up the power shots on the former champion and was dominant with the exception of a nice overhand right that Zaveck landed in round six.

The second half of the fight started as more of the same with Thurman controlling the rounds. Thurman had a big round ten as he rocked Zaveck several times with hard combinations. The two fought hard down the stretch but Thurman was never in any serious danger.

Thurman, 145 lbs of Clearwater, FL is won by scores of 1201-08 on all cards. Zaveck, 146.6 lbs of Slovenia is now 32-3.

Michael Perez and Lonnie Smith battled to a technical draw after a headbutt opened up a cut over Perez forehead and the bout had to be halted in the seventh round of a ten round Lightweight bout.

Perez dropped Smith with a perfect left uppercut in round two. Smith came back in the round to land solid left uppercut and and left hook. Perez was bleeding from the left eye while Smith was bleeding heavily from the mouth. In round four, Perez started bleeding from his forehead but then rocked Smith with an uppercut on the inside. Late in round six, a nasty cut formed on the right side of Perez’s head. That cut was ruled by a headbutt after originally being ruled by a punch. Scores were 67-65 Perez while two judges ruled 66-66

Perez, 136 lbs of Newark, NJ is 18-1-2. Smith, 135.6 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 14-4-3.

Eddie Gomez scored a sensational 1st round stoppage over Javier Gomez in a sheduled six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Eddie drilled Javier with a nasty left hook that rocked Javier. Eddie finished the fight with another vicious left hook that sent Javier down. When he got to his feet referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped the bout at 1:17

Eddie Gomez, 152 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 13-0 with 9 knockouts. Javiier Gomez, 153.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 14-11

2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne made quick work of Josh Thorpe as he scored a first round stoppage in a sxheduled four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Browne battered Thorpe all over the ring for the first round until a huge uppercut sent Thorpe down. Browne then landed eight straight hard blows that forced referee Pete Santiago to stop the bout at 2:42 of round one.

Browne, 175.6 lbs of Staten Island, NY is now 3-0 with all wins coming early. Thorpe, 175.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 1-3.

Exciting Jr, Middleweight prospect Frank Galarza scored an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Guillermo Ibarra in round two of a scheduled six round bout.

Galarza rocked Ibarra with hard shots in round one. He dropped Ibarra in round two from a hard right hand. Galarza sealed the deal with a thunderous combination that was punctuated with a hard left hook and referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped the bout at 2:19 of round two.

Galarza, 153.4 lbs of Brooklyn is now 9-0-1 with 5 knockouts. Ibarra, 153 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 7-2

Claude Staten Jr. made A successful pro debut with a four round unanimous decision over Mike Hill in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Staten dropped Hill in round one from a right hand and cruised home from there on out.

Staten, 122 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 40-35 on cards. Hill, 121 lbs of New Orleans is 0-2.

Stivens Bujaj hung on to score a four round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino in a Cruiserweight bout.

Bujaj controlled the bout bu landing the harder blows over the first three-plus rounds until Albino drilled Bujaj with a hard left hook the set off a furious exchange in the corner.

Bujaj, 201 lbs of New York won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 9-0. Albino, 201 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-16-3

BROOKLYN (February 12) – The co-main event to the Bernard Hopkins vs. Tavoris Cloud IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship on Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is set as undefeated Florida knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman and former World Champion Jan “Mr. Sympathicus” Zaveck will do battle in a 12-round bout for Zaveck’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Championship, which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

“I’ve been patiently waiting for my time,” said Thurman. “That time is March 9 and I’m going to go through Zaveck and then get my title shot. This is my year, no question about it and I’m going to let the world know it.”

“I miss having a championship belt around my waist and this is the next step to getting it back,” said Zaveck, who held the IBF welterweight title for nearly two years from 2009 to 2011. “Thurman is a talented young fighter, but my experience will be my ticket to victory on March 9. Nobody can stop me on my way back to the world title.”

“Keith Thurman is the definition of an exciting fighter,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “He is on the fast track to a world championship, but first he has to get past a very tough customer in Jan Zaveck on March 9 which will be no easy task.”

With a 95 percent knockout ratio, Clearwater, Florida’s Keith “One Time” Thurman (19-0, 18 KO’s) has become a wildly popular fighter over the last few years. A former amateur star with over 100 wins to his name, Thurman turned pro in 2007 and he has been knocking opponents out ever since. The owner of nine first round knockouts, the 24-year-old dispatched all of his foes in 2012 including then-unbeaten Brandon Hoskins, respected contender Orlando Lora, and former World Champion Carlos Quintana. Now he looks forward to imposing his knockout will on Zaveck and setting himself up for a world title shot later in the year.

A native of Slovenia, now fighting out of Magdeburg, Germany, 36-year-old Jan Zaveck (32-2, 18 KO’s) has long been a top welterweight, winning several regional titles in Europe before stopping Isaac Hlatshwayo in three rounds in December of 2009 to win the IBF Welterweight World Championship. Zaveck successfully defended his crown three times before losing it to Andre Berto in September of 2011 in a pitched battle, but a March 2012 win over Bethuel Ushona, putting Zaveck right back in title contention. He will stop at nothing to secure a victory on March 9 to earn a shot at becoming a world champion once again.

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Ford. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $85, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/TavorisCloud, www.twitter.com/BarclaysCenter and www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #HopkinsCloud and #BrooklynBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

About Barclays Center

Barclays Center opened on September 28, 2012, and is a major sports and entertainment venue in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Developed by Brooklyn-based real estate developer Forest City Ratner Companies, and designed by the award-winning architectural firms AECOM (www.aecom.com/architecture) and SHoP Architects (www.shoparc.com), Barclays Center has one of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, with unparalleled sightlines and first-class amenities. Barclays Center offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 14,500 seats for hockey and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

In addition to Barclays, the naming rights partner, Founding Partners for Barclays Center include American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; American Express; Calvin Klein; Cushman & Wakefield; EmblemHealth; Foxwoods Resort Casino; GEICO; MetroPCS; Stolichnaya; and Ticketmaster. Other sponsors include: adidas, Anheuser-Busch, The Coca-Cola Company, Haier America, High Point Solutions, JetBlue, LIU Brooklyn, New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, SONY, and Willis.

Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines.

MIAMI (December 5, 2012) – Despite being 38 and coming off the loss of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight title belt by decision to Devon Alexander (24-1, 13 KOs), three-time, two division world champion Randall “KO King” Bailey (43-8, 37 KOs) isn’t ready just yet to hang-up his gloves for good. To the contrary, the Floridian is looking for, as he calls it, a few real fights against the likes of fellow sluggers Marcos Rene Maidana or Keith Thurman.

Bailey is open to fighting past and present world champions, top contenders, or leading prospects but, what this feared one-punch threat would really like is a fan-friendly showdown against a straight forward, power puncher.

“World title fights aren’t always the best fights,” he explained. “I want to be in entertaining fights, the ones TV networks want to pay for, and fans love to watch. If I had my choice, right now, it would be against Maidana or Thurman, even (Vyacheslav) Senchenko. They come forward and fight, rather than run around in a boring fight. I don’t really like fighting 12 rounds, so I’d rather not fight guys moving around to just win on points.

“In the Alexander fight, nothing really happened to me, other than a head-butt. He just caught me on a bad night. Some things are meant to be and other things aren’t meant to be. I watched that fight and I never, ever came that close to hitting somebody on the button, barely missing, over and over again. There will be other nights for me, I promise.”

“I know that we will see the real Randall Bailey in his next fight,” Bailey’s longtime manager Si Stern added. “I can’t wait.”

Bailey turned pro in 1996 and he won his first 21 pro fights, all by knockout, including his first world title in 1999, the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) light welterweight championship against Carlos Gonzalez. Two successful title defenses followed for Randall against Hector Lopez and Rocky Martinez. In 2000, Bailey stopped Demetrio Ceballos in the third round to become the Interim World Boxing Association (“WBA”) light welterweight champion. Bailey has also knocked out top fighters such as Jackson Osei Bonsu, Juan Polo Perez, Harrison Cuello, Frankie Figueroa, Santos Pakau, Anthony Mora, and Mike Jones. His devastating knockout of Jones last June, which was for the IBF welterweight crown, should be nominated as a strong candidate for the 2012 KO of the Year award.

Bailey hasn’t thought about retiring. His 16-year professional career hasn’t produced real wars, physically speaking, and that, along with today’s advanced athletic training techniques and nutritional knowledge, allow him to be world-class competitor at what used to be an advanced age for boxers.

“I know what my limit is, what I’m still capable of doing,” Bailey said about retirement. “I’ve kept care of my body and live a good lifestyle. I’ll know when it’s time; nobody is in my shoes. I need to regroup with my team, straighten a few things out, and I’ll be back stronger than ever.”

Robert Guerrero may have parlayed himself into a mega payday with a twelve round unanimous decision over Andre Berto in a WBC Interim Title bout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

In round one, Guerrero jumped on top of Berto and landed a left to the body and another left the wobbled Berto. One more left while being held up and Berto fell to the canvas for the first time in the fight. It was repeated in round two as Berto’s eye was swelling another left dropped Berto yet again. The fight then turned into phone booth fight with both fighters being warned for roughhousing on the inside. The two would stand inches from each other for most of the fight as Guerrero would not let Berto use his speed advantage at distance.

Berto started gettung it going in the middle rounds as he landed some nice double lefts that culminated with some powerful uppercuts. In round eight, both showed the effects of the hard fought contest as there was blood from both noses and the right eye of Guerrero began to swell shut. Berto made a great effort with his power punching but was too far down on the cards and needed something special down the stretch.

The two went at it tooth and nail in the twelfth but it was Guerrero who closed the show with flying colors as he landed about eight hard shots with at least half of them coming after the final bell rang.

Guerrero of Gilroy. CA won by scores of 116-111 on all cards and now looks for a possible bout with Floyd Mayweather with a record of 31-1-1. Berto of Winter Haven, FL is now 28-2.

Upstart Jr. Middleweight prospect Keith Thurman scored the most impressive win of his career as he stopped former Welterweight titlist Carlos Quintana at 2:19 of round four of their scheduled ten round bout.

Thurman was able to land a little left to the body in round one that sent Quintana to his knees for a knockdown. Thurman continued to dominate when in round four he landed a crunching left hook that buckled Quintana that set off a plethora of nasty punches that was culminated with a hard right to the head and referee Jack Reiss stopped the contest.

Thurman of Clearwater, FL is now 19-0 with eighteen knockouts. Quintana of Moca, PR is now 29-4.

Follow all the action LIVE from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California as WBC Interim Welterweight champion Robert Guerrero defends his crown against former two-time Welterweight champion Andre Berto. The action begins at 10pm est / 7 pm Pacific with an intriguing ten round Jr. Middleweight clash between undefeated fKeith Thurman and former world champion Carlos Quintana.

REFRESH TO GET UPDATES

12 ROUNDS–WBC INTERIM WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–ROBERT GUERRERO (30-1-1, 18 KO’S) VS ANDRE BERTO (28-1, 22 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Clubbing left by Berto..Right to the body..good right..Guerrero lands a body shot..left…BERTO IS HURT AND DOWN HE GOES…Straight left..10-8 Guerrero

Round 2 Straiht left…his eye is swelling…LEFT AND DOWN GOES BERTO…Good left…body shots..Right from Berto…20-16 Guerrero

Round 3 Guerrero working the body..lots of mugging on the ropes..Hard right from Berto…Guerrero lands a left over the top..30-25 Guerrero

Round 4 Berto lands a uppercut..39-35 Guerrero

Round 5 Good left from Berto..Good left to the body from Guerrero…Good body shot and uppercut from Berto..48-45 Guerrero

Round 6 Sharp right from Berto…another right…good body shot…Hard right from Berto…another right..57-55 Guerrero

Round 7 Good uppercut hurt Berto..3 good shots…Berto lands a good shot inside..2 right uppercuts..Guerrero lands a combo at the bell…Berto wobbles back to the corner..67-64 Guerrero

Round 8 Berto lands a good jab..good body shot..Both bleeding from the nose..Good body shot from Berto..76-74 Guerrero

Round 9 2 rights from Berto…left to the body and uppercut..big uppercut buckles Guerrero..85-84 Guerrero

Round 10 Guerrero’s right eye is swollen shut…Both of Berto’s eyes are swollen..Guys trading shots in close…95-94 Guerrero

Round 11 Berto lands a big right..Good body shot…hard left from Guerrero…104-104

Round 12 They are going at it in the ropes..3 hard lefts from Guerrero and 4 or 5 more after the bell…114-113 Guerrero

116-110 on all 3 cards for Robert Guerrero

10 Rounds–Jr. Middleweights–Keith Thurman (18-0, 17 KO’s) vs Carlos Quintana (29-3, 23 KO’s)

Round 1 Quintana lands a right hook…THURMAN LANDS A LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES QUINTANA…UP AT 9…10-8 Thurman

Round 2 Thurman lands 2 hard body shots..2 straight rights20-17 Thurman

Round 3 Thurman lands a left to the body and a sharp hook inside..30-26 Thurman

Round 4Thurman lands a hard right..Vicious left hook sets off an awesome display of power punches and A CRUSHING RIGHT HAND TO THE HEAD FORCES REFEREE JACK REISS TO STOP THE FIGHT

ROBERT “THE GHOST GUERRERO, Four Division and Six Time World Champion
“There is nothing left to say. It’s time to fight. I’m ready to fight and take care of business on November 24.”

ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

“This has been a long time coming. I’ve had a hell of a year, going through a lot of trials and tribulations. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I’ve learned a lot about myself and how strong I am to get through what I’ve been through. I’m in a whole other mind frame and have a whole new motivation.

“I had a tremendous training camp and I’m in the best shape that I’ve been in in a long time. I’m focused and I think that’s the most important thing.

“I want to thank Team Guerrero for taking the fight. He’s a tough opponent and you definitely have to respect him for going through what he’s been through with his wife. There’s nothing to do but respect a man like that.

“I know he’s coming to fight, so that’s going to make it more exciting.

“I’m in shape and I’m ready to get back out there under the lights and have fun like I used to.”

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN, Rising Junior Middleweight Star

“I’m living the dream right now. I’ve been fighting since I was seven years old and this is what I want, to be in a big fight on a big stage on HBO.

“We both want to be champions and one of us already has been and I’m up and coming. I plan on taking out many people during my career and being champion at 154 or 147.

“I have a lot of confidence going into this fight. I’m strong and ready. I’m going to do my thing ‘One Time.’

“This fight is what I’m talking about..I don’t want no chumps. He’s already looking forward and talking about fighting Canelo Alvarez, but I like that. I like the confidence he has, because I want to be in a good fight.

“I have plenty of confidence as well. So don’t blink, as I have a lot of early knockouts and I have the abilities and skills to make that happen again on Saturday night.”

CARLOS QUINTANA, Former World Champion

“I’m very excited to fight on this card on HBO, especially at 154 pounds.

“At 147 pounds, I had a very difficult time making weight, but I’m never looking back, I’m only looking forward to my future. At 154, I’m a new fighter and I’m undefeated.

“I expect a difficult fight from my opponent. He is young, strong and knows how to box, but come November 24, I’ll be victorious.

“I was once his age and know what it’s like to be hungry, but this is my time.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“November 24 is a special Thanksgiving treat for fight fans. In both fights, you have two warriors wiling to face each other to prove they are the best in their weight classes. It will be electrifying night of boxing.

“The co-featured fight is going to be a great fight. It’s a 50-50 fight, where it will be a toss of the coin type of fight. On one side you have a fighter who has the experience, confidence, speed, power and intelligence of a veteran [in Carlos Quintana], but on the other side, you have a future world champion who doesn’t have as much experience, but has youth, confidence and is an unbeaten rising star that brings excitement to the game.”

“With the main event, we are expecting record breaking numbers on HBO because of the magnitude of this fight. The winner of this fight is in line to face the best, the Mayweather’s and guys like that. Guerrero is a tough guy in the welterweight division and not scared to fight anybody. He is fighting one of the best and that’s why we respect him.

“I don’t care when you [Andre Berto] lose or how you lose, but when you come back and knockout your next opponent in the fifth round, that’s a man on a mission.”

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Guerrero vs. Berto, a 12-round world title fight between Four-Division and Six-Time World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto for Guerrero’s WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship, will take place on November 24 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Also featured will be a junior middleweight fight between rising star Keith “One Time” Thurman and former World Champion Carlos Quintana. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable service charges and taxes, are available for purchase by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or AXS at (888) 9AXS- TIX (888-929-7849), at the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.cbbankarena.com or www.axs.com.

LOS ANGELES (October 23) – One of the biggest fights of 2012 is coming to Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., on Saturday, November 24 when former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto faces Four-Division and Six-Time World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

This 12-round matchup, a surefire “Fight of the Year” candidate, will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing. The event will also feature two compelling co-featured bouts with unbeaten rising star Keith “One Time” Thurman facing his toughest test to date when he takes on former World Champion Carlos Quintana in a junior middleweight showdown and WBA Interim Lightweight World Champion Richar Abril taking unbeaten WBA #3 rated lightweight contender Sharif “The Lion” Bogere for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship.

“I’m happy to be back and to be fighting someone as talented as Robert Guerrero,” said Berto. “It’s a great challenge for me to face one of the best coming off of my layoff. I know I have the ability to be the best in my division and in the sport, and proving that to everyone starts with this fight.”

“I am looking forward to this opportunity and it will be a nice way to spend the holiday weekend doing what I love to do which is to fight,” said Guerrero. “Berto has proven himself over the years as one of the best, but I am confident that I will come out on top and close out 2012 with a big win. I have a lot to be thankful for in my life and a win over Berto over Thanksgiving weekend will be one more thing to add to that list.”

“There are a lot of fighters saying they are the best, but not everyone is willing to prove it in the ring,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Andre Berto and Robert Guerrero put on a show every time they step through the ropes and I’m excited that they’ll be putting on a show against each other on November 24. On Thanksgiving weekend, I’ll be giving thanks that we have a great fight between two of the best young fighters in the world and I know they’ll be giving everything they have to walk out of that ring victorious.”

“Fight fans can add to the enjoyment of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with this action-packed World Championship Boxing tripleheader,” said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports. “Andre Berto and Robert Guerrero will be primed for the main event showdown and we think boxing fans are in for a real treat.”

“Citizens Business Bank Arena, managed by AEG Facilities and the City of Ontario, is extremely pleased to have been selected by Golden Boy Promotions to be the host venue for this exciting boxing event,” said Steve Eckerson, General Manager of Citizens Business Bank Arena. “The Inland Empire is a great market and will certainly support this great night of boxing.”

Berto vs. Guerrero, a 12-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Also featured will be a junior middleweight bout between rising star Keith Thurman and former World Champion Carlos Quintana and a 12-round battle between WBA Interim Lightweight World Champion Richar Abril and number 3 rated WBA lightweight contender Sharif Bogere for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship. The event will take place at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale and available for purchase by calling (888) 9AXS TIX (888-929-7849), at Citizens Business Bank Arena box office or online at www.cbbankarena.com or www.axs.com.

A 2004 Olympian for Haiti, Winter Haven, Florida’s Andre Berto (28-1, 22 KO’s) has been among the top welterweights in the world for years, starting in 2008, when he won the WBC 147-pound title with a seventh round technical knockout win over Miguel Angel Rodriguez. After five successful defenses, Berto lost the title in his 2011 “Fight of the Year” battle against Victor Ortiz, but the 29-year-old bounced back with a fifth round stoppage over Jan Zaveck in his next bout to capture the IBF Welterweight World Championship, proving that he was still amongst the elite at 147 lbs. On November 24, he’ll look to continue to make that fact evident against a Four Division and Six-Time World Champion in Guerrero.

The pride of Gilroy, California, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (30-1-1, 18 KO’s) is a Four-Division World Champion who may prove to be more dangerous than ever now that he can concentrate one hundred percent on his boxing career. With his wife Casey healthy after a battle with leukemia and Guerrero’s shoulder surgery a thing of the past, the 29-year-old southpaw got back to work in July with a hard-fought 12 round win over previously unbeaten Selcuk Aydin that earned him the WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship. Now he’s looking forward to closing out the year with another big win over former World Champion Berto.

A one-punch knockout artist who has ended 12 fights in two rounds or less, Clearwater, Florida’s Keith “One Time” Thurman (18-0, 17 KO’s) brings excitement every time he steps through the ropes. Fully healed from injuries that kept him sidelined in 2011, the 23-year-old returned with a fury in 2012, stopping Christopher Fernandez, Brandon Hoskins and Orlando Lora in succession to extend his knockout streak to seven. On November 24, he faces his toughest opponent yet in former World Champion Carlos Quintana.

Still dangerous at age 35, Moca, Puerto Rico’s Carlos “El Indio” Quintana (29-3, 23 KO’s) has found new life in the junior middleweight division, where he has scored technical knockout victories over Yoryi Estrella and Deandre Latimore in his last two fights. The owner of wins over Paul Williams and Joel Julio and having faced Miguel Cotto and Andre Berto, former WBO Welterweight World Champion Quintana has the skills and experience to find out whether Thurman is the real deal on November 24.

Thirty-year-old Richar Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s) was fairly unknown outside of diehard fight circles heading into 2012, but when the Cuban-born resident of Miami, Florida took on highly-touted Brandon Rios for the WBA Lightweight Title in April of this year, he quickly became better known. Although Abril lost a split decision to Rios that night, the boxing media and fans around the world voiced their displeasure, calling it one of the worst decisions ever. On November 24, Abril rightfully gets another shot at the title, this time against Sharif Bogere.

Uganda native Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s) was a five-time African champion in his amateur days, and he’s eager to add some professional gold to his trophy case on November 24. An aggressive contender with impressive power, the 24-year-old who now makes his home in Las Vegas has impressed fight fans with wins over Ray Beltran, Francisco Contreras, Sergio Rivera and Manuel Leyva, putting him in prime position for a shot at the world title.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.twitter.com/AndreBerto, www.twitt.ercom/GHOSTBOXING, www.twitter.com/KeithThurmanJr, www.twitter.com/SharifBogere, www.twitter.com/Richard_Abril www.twitter.com/CBBankArena, www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BertoGuerrero or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/cbbankarena, or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

PHILADELPHIA (August 2, 2012)—Once beaten Welterweight contender Steve Upsher Chambers Is seeking an opportunity to take on undefeated Welterweight Keith Thurman for a potential fight on October 6th in Atlantic City.

Chambers, 24-1-1 with six knockouts of Philadelphia was offered a fight with Thurman just two weeks before the July 21st scheduled fight.

Chambers would love to get an opportunity at the Florida native but would like the same full training camp as Thurman.

“I have too much pride in my career to take the biggest opportunity on short notice” said Chambers.

“I understand that he is being positioned to fight on October 6th in Atlantic City. Well Keith let’s make this happen. It makes even more sense now because I live just an hour from Atlantic City and I will have a full camp to prepare to beat you”

“Keith and I have been going back and forth on Twitter and now it’s time to settle this in the ring. I deserve this opportunity. A year ago Josesito Lopez pulled out of ESPN fight with me and now he is one of the hottest names in the sport. The world knows I would have won that fight and I should be the one getting the opportunities he has received and now it is my time and Thurman will be MY Victor Ortiz”, Finished Chambers

Chambers, like his brother former Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers is trained by James Ali Bashir.

Steve Upsher Chambers is a promotional Free Agent