NEW YORK – July 22, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions announced today a lineup of nine live boxing events featuring 18 undefeated fighters, nine world champions, and eight world championship fights including one world title unification bout. The schedule comprises 22 critical matchups from bantamweight to heavyweight and features some of the biggest stars in the sport today – Gervonta Davis, Leo Santa Cruz, Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and more. It is the largest collection of world championship boxing announced since the COVID-19 pandemic forced a stoppage of the sport.

The SHOWTIME boxing schedule begins on Saturday, August 1 and runs through the end of 2020. Initially, each live telecast will be presented without fans in attendance from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Included in the schedule are four world title eliminators, three interim title fights and 13 bouts in all pitting top-10 ranked fighters.

There are two SHOWTIME PPV^® events in the lineup presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The first in late September is a pay-per-view doubleheader featuring four world title bouts in back-to-back three-fight events on the same night all for one price. Doubleheaders are common in the NFL, NBA and MLB. There hasn’t ever been a boxing PPV doubleheader – until now. The second blockbuster PPV event in October is a unique clash with the winner earning world titles in two weight classes. 

“We are proud to announce the strongest and most comprehensive schedule of fights in all of boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Each bout on this schedule, our largest schedule announcement since 2018, carries high stakes and significant implications. From highly regarded prospects to emerging stars to established champions – all in tough matchups – this lineup delivers on our promise to provide boxing fans with the best talent, the most exciting fights and the highest quality presentation in the sport. We are thrilled to return to live boxing with this star-studded schedule of exciting, meaningful fights.”

Philadelphia’s 122-pound rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. will headline SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® on August 1 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) against talented, fellow undefeated contender Angelo Leo of the Mayweather stable in a marquee 12-round matchup for the vacant WBO junior featherweight world title. The Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions. This will mark the first live boxing event on SHOWTIME since ShoBox: The New Generation on March 13 when the network presented what was to be the last nationally televised professional sporting event in the U.S. for several weeks.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be finally getting back to boxing,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Everyone has been patiently waiting and the series of fights that we will collectively put on over the next few months will be great for boxing and the sports world in general. We’re kicking things off August 1 with a world title opportunity for our rising contender Angelo Leo who has been consistently grinding and taking care of business. He’s facing another young and focused undefeated fighter and only one of them can be crowned champion. Both guys are confident that the title belongs to them, which is going to make for a great fight from the first bell.”

“I have been really impressed with both Fulton and Leo,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fulton’s resume includes victories over eight undefeated fighters. Angelo Leo will be the third straight unbeaten fighter he’s faced. Leo has passed every test he’s had with victories against some of the toughest fighters in the division. The winner of this match will be soaring to new heights in the division.”

“This is my time. I’ve prepared for this my whole life,” said Fulton. “He will be a world champion one day, but not this time.”

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and to continue where I left off,” said Leo. “It’s an honor to be the main event on SHOWTIME and to be fighting for the WBO belt.”

The fight-by-fight schedule follows:

August 1

Main Event: Stephen Fulton Jr. (18-0, 8 KOs) vs. Angelo Leo (19-0, 9 KOs) – Vacant WBO Junior Featherweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Tramaine Williams (19-0, 6 KOs) vs. Ra’eese Aleem (16-0, 10 KOs) – Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator

Co-Feature: Joe George (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) II – Light Heavyweight Bout

About: Fellow Americans and undefeated fighters Fulton and Leo are legitimate top-10 junior featherweight contenders who will meet for the vacant WBO 122-pound world title. A southpaw from New Haven, Conn., Williams will clash with Las Vegas-based Aleem in an intriguing, 50-50 matchup between talented, undefeated prospects. Managed by All-Pro lineman Trent Williams, Houston’s George upset Escudero in an exciting ShoBox affair last November.

August 15

Main Event: David Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs) vs. Roamer Alexis Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) – WBC Super Middleweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Rolando Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) vs. Jackson Marinez (19-0, 7 KOs) – WBA Lightweight Interim Title

Co-Feature: Otto Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) vs. Travis Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) – Heavyweight Bout

About: Undefeated Benavidez, 23, kicks off his second reign as WBC Super Middleweight Champion. In 2017, he became the youngest 168-pound champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Angulo is coming off an upset win over heavily hyped and then unbeaten prospect Anthony Sims Jr. The power-punching “Rolly” Romero of the Mayweather stable, who has scored five first- or second-round stoppages in his last six fights, is an undefeated ShoBox alum ranked No. 10 by the WBA while Marinez is ranked No. 6. Wallin vs. Kauffman is an intriguing heavyweight matchup between the Swedish southpaw and the veteran Kauffman. Both fighters have survived bouts with the COVID-19 virus, made full recoveries and are anxious to get back in the ring. The winner will undoubtedly receive another big fight. The loser will go to the back of the line in the busy heavyweight division. This Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Romero vs. Marinez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

September 19

Main Event: Erickson Lubin (22-1, 16 KOs) vs. Terrell Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KOs) – WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator Bout

Co-Feature: Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-1, 9 KOs) vs. Eduardo Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) – WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator Bout

Co-Feature: Jaron Ennis (25-0, 23 KOs) vs. TBA – Welterweight Bout

About: Lubin, already a veteran at just 24 years old, has excelled since his shocking first-round loss to Jermell Charlo three years ago. Gausha is a former U.S. Olympian with just one loss. Both men are poised and hungry for a signature win and the opportunity to fight for a unified 154-pound title, which will be on the line the following week. Nyambayar and Ramirez are legitimate top-10 contenders. Nyambayar faced Gary Russell Jr. in February on SHOWTIME in the last SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast before the COVID-19 shutdown. Ramirez, of Mexico, is coming off a stoppage of previously unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy. A graduate of the popular ShoBox: The New Generation series, Philadelphia native Ennis has fought twice on ShoBox and twice on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition cards. Ennis is a former National Golden Gloves Champion ranked No. 12 by the WBO and No. 14 by the IBF. This Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by TGB Promotions and the Ennis bout is in association with D & D Boxing.

September 26 – SHOWTIME/Premier Boxing Champions PPV Doubleheader

In One of the Main Events: Jermall Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) – WBC Middleweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Brandon Figueroa (20-0-1, 15 KOs) vs. Damien Vasquez (15-1-1, 7 KOs) – WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Diego Magdaleno (32-3, 13 KOs) vs. Isaac Cruz (19-1-1, 14 KOs) – IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator Bout

About: Houston’s Charlo will defend his title against WBC No.-1 ranked Ukrainian Derevyanchenko in one of the main events of this pay-per-view twin bill that boasts four world title fights. Charlo has held the WBC middleweight title since 2019 and reigned as the IBF junior middleweight champion from 2015 to ‘17. Charlo holds wins at 154 pounds against championship-level fighters including Cornelius Bundrage, Austin Trout and Julian Williams. Derevyanchenko has twice challenged for the IBF middleweight title in 2018 and ‘19, losing only to top-level opponents Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin. The 23-year-old Figueroa claimed the interim WBA 122-pound title with an eighth-round stoppage of Yonfrez Parejo last April, before successfully defending the title with a homecoming KO of Javier Chacon in Edinburg, Texas. After being upgraded to the “regular” titlist, Figueroa retained his belt after a 12-round draw against Julio Ceja last November. The southpaw Vasquez is coming off a stoppage win over Alejandro Moreno in February of 2020. Magdaleno vs. Cruz is an IBF title eliminator matchup of ShoBox alums currently ranked 10^th and sixth, respectively.

The Other Main Event: Jermell Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) vs. Jeison Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) – WBC, WBA and IBF 154-Pound Unification Bout

Co-Feature: Mario Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) vs. Ryan Karl (18-2, 11 KOs) – WBA Super Lightweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Daniel Roman (26-3-1, 10 KOs) vs. TBA – Super Bantamweight Bout

About: In the other main event of this two-part, six-fight pay-per-view telecast, Jermell Charlo will take on Rosario in just the eighth world title unification fight in the 154-pound division’s history. It is also just the second fight with three super welterweight world title belts up for grabs. In January, Rosario upset Julian Williams to win the WBA and IBF titles. Last December, Charlo regained the title by stopping Tony Harrison. At stake is supremacy in a talent-rich division. The 25-year-old Barrios from San Antonio has held the WBA (regular) super lightweight title since September of 2019. His opponent Karl hails from Houston and is ranked No. 9 by the WBA. A regular sparring partner of Erislandy Lara and Jermell Charlo, Karl is trained by Ronnie Shields. Roman is a former unified super bantamweight champion, having held the WBA (Super) and IBF titles from 2019 to January 2020. Roman’s 19-bout winning streak was snapped in January in a split-decision loss to Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Ranked in the top five by all four sanctioning bodies, Roman previously held the WBA title from 2017 to 2019. This unique PPV doubleheader is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo-Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

October 10

Main Event: Sergey Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0, 8 KOs) – IBF Welterweight Interim Title

Co-Feature: Xavier Martinez (15-0, 11 KOs) vs. Claudio Marrero (24-4, 17 KOs) – Super Featherweight Bout

Co-Feature: Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. Subriel Matias (15-1, 15 KOs) – Super Lightweight Bout

About: The 31-year-old Lipinets has won three significant fights in a row since his lone loss to Mikey Garcia, including a dominant stoppage that sent former word titlist Lamont Peterson into retirement. Uzbekistan’s Abdukakhorov is coming off his biggest win to date over former world titlist Luis Collazo and is yet to taste defeat since turning professional in 2015. With Abdukakhorov ranked No. 1 by the IBF and Lipinets ranked No. 3, the winner will be in prime position to challenge the unified 147-pound world champion Errol Spence Jr. Sacramento’s Martinez of the Mayweather stable is an exciting prospect who thrilled ShoBox viewers when he scored one of the quickest knockouts in the history of the series last November, while Marrero is a grizzled veteran who held the WBA interim featherweight title in 2017. Hawkins of the Mayweather stable is trained by Calvin Ford and a teammate of two-division world champion Gervonta Davis. Every one of Matias’ 15 career victories as a pro has come by way of knockout, with his only setback a unanimous-decision loss to Petros Ananyan back in February. This Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions. 

October 24 – SHOWTIME/Premier Boxing Champions PPV

Main Event: Gervonta Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) vs. Leo Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) – WBA Super Featherweight World Championship/WBA Lightweight World Championship

About: This blockbuster main event will be contested at the super featherweight limit of 130 pounds. The winner of the match, however, will be in the unique position to earn world championships at 130 and 135 pounds on the same night.Two crowd favorites with massive followings will meet with Santa Cruz’s newly won WBA (Super) 130-pound world title on the line. The unbeaten “Tank” Davis is a two-division world champion and reigning WBA lightweight titlist at the age of 25. He emerged as a bona fide star in 2019 with sold-out main event bouts in Baltimore and Atlanta. “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz is a four-division world champion who avenged his only professional loss to Carl Frampton. The stage is set for one of the best matchups that can be made in all of boxing. Both men are all-action fighters. Davis boasts a knockout percentage of .957 while Santa Cruz is one of the busiest punchers in the sport. The winner of this fight will rightfully earn a top-10 spot on the coveted pound-for-pound list. This Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club.

November 28

Main Event: Chris Colbert (14-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jaime Arboleda (16-1, 13 KOs) – WBA Super Featherweight Interim Title

Co-Feature: Richardson Hitchins (11-0, 5 KOs) vs. Argenis Mendez (25-5-3, 12 KOs) – Super Lightweight Bout

Co-Feature: TBA

About: The WBA interim super featherweight champion Colbert has fought five times in the past 20 months. Arboleda of Panama earned a split-decision win over veteran Jayson Velez in a WBA junior lightweight eliminator in February. New York City’s Hitchins of the Mayweather stable represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and Mendez is a former IBF Super Featherweight champion from the Dominican Republic. This Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Hitchins vs. Mendez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

December 12

Main Event: Nordine Oubaali (17-0, 12 KOs) vs. Nonito Donaire (40-6, 26 KOs) – WBC Bantamweight World Championship

Co-Feature: TBA

Co-Feature: TBA

About: France’s Oubaali will be defending the WBC bantamweight world title for the third time. Donaire is the No. 1-ranked contender and fighting for his eighth world championship. A four-division titlist and former pound-for-pound mainstay, Donaire fought brilliantly in what many picked as 2019’s Fight of the Year, a decision loss to Naoya Inoue. At age 37, Donaire is attempting to defy the belief that the smaller the fighter, the earlier the prime. The Premier Boxing Champions event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

NEW YORK – April 28, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports will continue to present classic bouts from its vast archive of world championship fights every Friday night at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME throughout the month of May. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

The May SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS line-up highlights some of the biggest names in boxing in a slew of signature fights, including the 2017 blockbuster pay-per-view event Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. Every Friday night, viewers will be able to relive classic encounters from all-time greats such as Mayweather, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and more, as well as the stars of today including Premier Boxing Champions fighters Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Keith Thurman and more.

The scheduled is as follows.

• Friday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr.
  • Spence vs. Lamont Peterson

Friday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

• Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter
• Thurman vs. Danny Garcia
• Friday, May 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana I
  • Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor
• Friday, May 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kostya Tszyu vs. Ricky Hatton
  • Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy
• Friday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton II
  • Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares II

Combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host live companion episodes of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel for select SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecasts. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome.

A synopsis of the bouts featured on SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS is listed below.

Brook-Spence(May 27, 2017, Spence KO 11) – Spence goes into enemy territory and takes the IBF Welterweight Title away from Sheffield, England’s own Brook in an all-action affair at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Brook’s left eye is badly damaged from Spence’s powerful punches and that proves to be the deciding factor in the bout. By the end of round nine, Brook’s left eye is grotesquely swollen and in round 10, Spence drops Brook with a flurry of punches. The 27-year-old Spence pours on the pressure in round 11 and with Brook’s eye in serious condition, he takes a knee on his own accord. Brook gets up at the count of 9 but referee Howard Foster waves it off, much to the disappointment of the 27,000 fans in attendance.

Spence-Peterson (January 20, 2018, Spence TKO 7) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Spence retains his IBF title with an impressive stoppage of former two-division champion Peterson. In his first defense since dethroning Brook, Spence outboxes a tough Peterson from start to finish, showcasing a wide array of skills, speed and power. The fight is ends prior to the start of the eighth round after Peterson’s trainer, Barry Hunter, calls for the stoppage.

Thurman-Porter (June 25, 2016, Thurman W 12) – In an old-fashioned Fight of the Year candidate, undefeated welterweight world champion Thurman defends his title and edges out former world champion Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The two fighters throw over 1200 punches combined in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® on CBS event.

Thurman-Garcia (March 4, 2017, Thurman W 12) – Thurman unifies boxing’s glamour division with a split-decision victory over Garcia, defending his WBA belt and picking up the WBC crown on boxing’s biggest stage in primetime on CBS. The close affair, which was only the third time undefeated fighters met to unify the 147-pound division, is scored 116-112 Thurman, 115-113 Thurman and 115-113 Garcia. Thurman comes out swinging and is the busier and more accurate fighter in nine-of-the-12 rounds. Garcia picks up the pace in the final rounds, but it’s too little too late for the previously undefeated Philadelphia native.

Mayweather-Maidana I (May 3, 2014, Mayweather W 12) – Mayweather prevails with a hard-fought majority decision victory over Maidana to become the WBA and WBC Welterweight Champion in front of over 16,000 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For a moment, it seems like Maidana could do the unthinkable and hand pound-for-pound champion Mayweather the first loss of his brilliant career with his suffocating and blazing style. Instead, Mayweather’s defense and punching accuracy allow him to pick up his 46^th consecutive win with scores of 114-114, 117-111 and 116-112.

Mayweather-McGregor (August 26, 2017, Mayweather TKO 10) – Floyd Mayweather ends his historic career in style with a convincing technical knockout victory over UFC mega-star Conor McGregor in an unprecedented global sporting event that delivers 4.4 million domestic pay-per-view buys, second only to Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao in 2015. The 40-year-old Mayweather, fighting for the first time in 714 days, punishes McGregor with a series of blows to end the fight in the 10^th round. Mayweather goes out on top, becoming the first boxer to finish his career at 50-0, eclipsing the record he had previously shared with the legendary Rocky Marciano.

Tszyu-Hatton (June 4, 2005, Hatton TKO 11) – In front of 22,000 screaming fans, a largely unproven but hungry Ricky Hatton announces his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene by recording an 11^th-round TKO over one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World Title. After 11 rounds of boxing marked by Hatton’s signature stamina, aggression and heart, Tszyu’s corner decides to retire before answering the bell for the final stanza in one of the most memorable upsets British boxing has ever seen.

Calzaghe-Lacy (March 4, 2006, Calzaghe W 12) – In the most anticipated super middleweight match since Roy Jones defeated James Toney 12 years prior, Calzaghe produces a masterpiece win over the heavy pre-fight favorite Lacy to earn the WBO and IBF Super Middleweight titles. Calzaghe dominates throughout the fight, with the British fight fans chanting “Over-rated” at the American Lacy during the last three rounds. Calzaghe cuts Lacy over both eyes and causes blood to flow from Lacy’s nose midway through a fight that could have been stopped several times, and floors him in the 12^th. It is the 17^th time that Calzaghe defends his WBO 168-pound belt since outpointing Chris Eubank for the vacant title in October 1997.

Santa Cruz-Frampton II (January 28, 2017, Santa Cruz W 12) – Leo Santa Cruz executes his game plan brilliantly to reclaim the WBA Featherweight Championship in a rematch of his epic first fight with Frampton on July of 2016. Frampton is the more aggressive fighter in the second half of the encounter, but his aggression opens him up to effective counter shots from Santa Cruz, who wins with scores of 114-114 and 115-113 twice.

Santa Cruz-Mares II (June 9 2018, Santa Cruz W 12) – In an electrifying war that has the STAPLES Center crowd on its feet chanting for more, Santa Cruz defends his WBA Featherweight Championship by winning a unanimous decision in a rematch against four-division world champion Abner Mares. In a near statistical replica of the first fight that Santa Cruz won by majority decision in 2015, the three-division world champion Santa Cruz wins on all three of the judges’ scorecards by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.

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

Deontay Wilder retained the WBC Heavyweight title with a scintillating one-punch knockout in round seven over Luis Ortiz at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight did not have too much action as Ortiz was very effective landing his straight left hands. He just missed a couple of lefts that could have been fight-changing punches. Wilder started getting inhis right in round five.

In round seven, Wilder landed a perfect right to the head that crushed Ortiz down to the canvas. Ortiz got to his knees and tried to get to his feet, but could not beat referee Kenny Bayless’s 10-coungt and the fight was over at 2:51.

Wilder, 219.5 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL will now look at a February 22th bout with Tyson Fury and has a record of 42-0-1 with 41 knockouts. Ortiz, 236.5 lbs of Cuba is 31-2.

“With Ortiz, you can see why no other heavyweight wants to fight him,” said Wilder. “He’s very crafty, he moves strategically and his intellect is very high. I had to measure him in certain places.”

“I had to go in and out and finally I found my measurement,” said Wilder. “I saw the shot and I took it. My intellect is very high in the ring and no one gives me credit for me. I think I buzzed him with a left hook earlier in the round and I took it from there.”

“This is boxing,” said Ortiz. “I said that one of us was going to get knocked out and it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds. I was clear headed when I hit the canvas. When I heard the referee say seven I was trying to get up, but I guess the count went a little quicker than I thought.

“This was a great fight and I thought I was clearly winning,” continued Ortiz. “I got caught with a big shot and I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit. I knew my movement was giving him problems. I landed some big shots and I thought I had him hurt. I thought I was up by the count and could have continued.”

“Deontay showed great will and I’m not ashamed with my performance,” said Ortiz. “I know I can beat anyone in the heavyweight division. My career is not over. I’m going to work my way back into a big fight.”

“Next, we have Tyson Fury in the rematch,” said Wilder.” It’s scheduled for February, so we’ll see. Then, I want unification. I want one champion, one face and one heavyweight champion – Deontay Wilder. The heavyweight division is too small, there should be one champion and it’s Deontay Wilder.”

Leo Santa Cruz became a four-division champion as he won the WBA Super Featherweight with a 12-round unanimous decision over Miguel Flores.

The fight was non descript with Santa Cruz winning every round. Flores was deducted a point in round eight for holding.

Santa Cruz, 129.5 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 117-110 twice and 115-112 and is now 37-1-1. Flores, 130 lbs of Houston is 24-3.

“I’m glad I got the victory,” said Santa Cruz. “Miguel is a good fighter, he gave me a tough fight and he proved he’s not a pushover. We put on a great battle.”

“It was a good fight and I showed I belong at this level,” said Flores. “I just went 12 rounds with Leo Santa Cruz. It’s not an accomplishment in itself but I slowed down his pace. Like I said before, it’s not only about throwing punches, but it’s about ring IQ and I showed I have it.”

“It was a close fight and I didn’t think he was landing too much,” said Flores. “He was busy but he wasn’t landing too many shots. I landed cleaner harder shots but he was just busier.”

“I want to stay at 130,” said Santa Cruz. “We want the big fights in 2020. I want Gervonta Davis or Gary Russell Jr. I want to show the world I’m not scared of anybody.”

In a punchers delight, Brandon Figueroa kept his WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round split draw with Julio Ceja.

The two traded punches in the middle of the ring to the tune of nearly 2800 punches thrown with Figueroa outlanding Ceja 411-378.

The judges scored 115-113 for Figueroa; 116-112 for Ceja and 114-114.

Figueroa, 122 lbs of Welasco, TX is 20-0-1. Ceja, who weighed in 4.5 lbs over the the super bantamweight limit is now 32-4-1.

“I think I did win the fight,” said Figueroa. “He put on a lot of pressure, but I fought better in the early rounds and I finished strong.”

“This fight is for all of you fans who came here to see me,” said Ceja. “He was a man about it and he gave me the fight. I think I won, but I respect the judges’ decision. I’ll definitely run it back in a rematch.”

“I basically fought a person in a weight class above mine tonight,” said Figueroa. “I’m pretty sure if he weighed 122, it wouldn’t even be a close fight. We have to run the rematch back but he better make the weight.”

Eduardo Ramirez scored a 5th round stoppage over Leduan Barthelemy in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

Ramirez came on in the 4th and then in round five applied great pressure and dropped Barthelemy with a hard left hand. When Barthelemy got to his feet the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Ramirez, 126.5 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 23-2-3 with 10 knockouts. Barthelemy, 127 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 15-1-1.

“I said before the fight, I wasn’t going to let it go to the judges,” said Ramirez. “The first fight wasn’t a draw. I worked very hard for this and it turned out how I wanted today. I felt his punching power. He’s a good fighter. I came here to fight. Viva Mexico.

“I’ve got no excuses,” said Barthelemy. “The better man won tonight. I had a great camp and I was feeling good. But when I got out there I wasn’t really feeling my best. I turned around to try to walk around and get my feet under me after the knockdown. I wasn’t trying to stop the fight or anything and I thought I could continue. Now I just have to live with it and come back.”

Omar Juarez remained undefeated with a 6th and final round stoppage over Kevin Shacks in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Juarez dropped Shacks twice, first with a hard combination. The 2nd was from a ripping body shot.

In round six, Juarez landed an inside right that dropped Shacks for the 10-count at 1:59.

Juarez, 142.5 lbs of Brownsville, TX is now 6-0 with four knockouts. Shacks, 143.5 lbs of Lansing, MI is 3-5-3.

Good looking prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Marklin Bailey in round two of a scheduled four round welterweight bout.

In round two, Mielnicki hurt Bailey with a right hand, and then landed a left that rocked Bailey and the fight was stopped at 2:31.

Mielnicki of Roseland, NJ is 3-0 with three knockouts. Bailey of Durham, NC is 6-6.

Dustin Long knocked out Deontay’s brother, Marsellos Wilder with one perfect straight left in round of scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

Longm 198.5 lbs of Johnson City, TN is 3-1-2 with three knockouts. Wilder, 197 lbs Tuscaloosa, AL is 5-2.

Viktor Slavinskyi won a six-round unanimous decision over Rigoberto Hermosillo in a super featherweight bout.

Slavinskyi, 127.5 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 11-0-1. Hermosillo, 127.5 lbs of Guadalara, MX is 11-9-1.

Slavinskyi was cut over the right eye at the end of round four due to an accidental headbutt.

Angel Alejandro won a six-round unanimous decision over Mark John Yap in a super featherweight bout.

Alejandro, 130.5 of Dallas, TX is now 8-0. Yap of the Philippines is 30-15.

Jhon Gemino scored an shocking one-punch knockout over previously undefeated Arnold Alejandro in round five of a scheduled eight round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Gemino dropped Alejandro with a right hook.

In round five, Gemino landed a perfect right on the jaw that sent Alejandro crashing towards the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:45.

Gemino, 129.5 lbs of Lipo City, PHL is 21-12-1 with 11 knockouts. Alejandro, 129.5 lbs of Dallas, TX is 11-1.

Jose Manuel Gomez stopped Daniel Placeris after round three of a scheduled eight-round super featherweight bout.

Gomez scored a knockdown from a hard left hook in the early seconds of the bout. In round two, Gomez dropped Placeris from a left to the body. In round three, Gomez landed a hard left that sent Placeris down for a 3rd time in the bout. The bout was stopped in the corner following the 3rd round.

Gomez, 130 lbs of Hunting Park, CA is 12-0 with five knockouts. Placeris, 129.5 lbs of Miami is 8-3-1.

LAS VEGAS (November 20, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion, WBC titlist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder,and hard-hitting Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face to face at the final press conference Thursday before they rematch in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Thursday’s press conference also featured three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores as they previewed their showdown for the vacant WBA Super Featherweight title that serves as the co-main event of the pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m the best in the world and I say it with confidence. With that being said, I have to give the fans what they’re hungry for. That’s exciting fights. The heavyweight division was in a dark place, but now it’s on fire and I must keep it going. (Video HERE)

“Luis Ortiz is one of the best in the world and one of the most dangerous men in boxing. No one in the top 10 has given him an opportunity. They say he’s old, but if that’s the truth, then one of them should get in there with him.

“When I look at the landscape of the heavyweight division, this man still wasn’t getting an opportunity. It was an amazing fight the first time and I’m going to make adjustments this time. That’s what it’s all about. I will be at my best Saturday night.

“I’d rather go through difficulty in the ring than go through my whole career being perfect. What kind of legacy would I have? I want to give you something to remember me by.

“Luis Ortiz looks good, but I don’t think it’s going to matter against a fighter like me. I’m in shape 365 days a year. I come to camp in shape. The first day of camp, we were sparring. It’s always good to see my opponents in shape and prepared properly for a war. That’s all I can ask. Because they know what they’re in for when they go against me. (Video HERE)

“This is a great card with great champions and fighters up here. What more could you ask for? Nothing more needs to be said. Now it’s time for action. I’m looking forward to giving everyone the best of me.

“We train very hard to be prepared and go to war. You already know what to expect. The hard part is the waiting. This is what it’s all about. I can’t wait for Saturday night. My opponent has to be perfect for 12 rounds, and I only have to be perfect for one second.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I don’t like to lose. There were legitimate circumstances why I wasn’t at my best the first fight. It was a fatigue stoppage. I believe if I had continued, I would have gotten the knockout. It was only fatigue, but I’ve corrected that this time around, so the better man will win.”

“We will show you on Saturday night how we’re going to win. When the bell rings it will be on display. But we’re always ready to adapt. Everyone will see on Saturday night.

“This will be the second world war between us. I’ve had 500 fights including my amateur fights. At heavyweight, everyone has power. Sometimes it feels like a horse is kicking you. Wilder has a lot of strength, but I’m going to show what I know and what I can do.

“Like I said before, and Deontay said too, this is not going 12 rounds. One of us is getting knocked out. I wish there were no bells between rounds so we could just keep going. (Video HERE)

“This isn’t just Deontay fighting any other opponent. Obviously Deontay had his reasons for taking this fight. But on Saturday, I’m going to show why that was a mistake. I’m going to be the new heavyweight champion of the world.

“This is the holy grail, to be taking on the true heavyweight champion of the world. I want to be considered one of the greatest fighters ever from Cuba. I am very thankful to the trainers who I had as a child who taught me the sport.

“I definitely want to thank Deontay, and my whole team, for getting me this opportunity for a rematch. This is what life is all about. This is not going to be my last opportunity. I’m here to fight and that’s what you’ll see on Saturday night.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I think I’ll still throw a lot of punches at the new weight. I always train the same no matter what. My dad says that I need to be working for the whole three minutes of each round. (Video HERE)

“The only thing that is different for this fight is that we’re working on our power. We’re working on sitting down on our punches because we know the fighters in this division are bigger and stronger.

“My strength and conditioning coach has been having me do more weights than usual and I’m sparring with bigger guys than usual. The ones I’ve sparred before say that I’m hitting even hard than in the past.

“To all the fans, I’m really happy and excited to put on another great show for you. Miguel and I are going to give a great show for the fans and try to steal the show. It will be hard with this main event, but we’re going to try our best to make it the fight of the night.

“Once the fans see how great the fight is, they’re going to see how amazing a fighter Miguel Flores is. We know what he’s capable of and that’s why I trained so hard to get this win.

“To become a four-division world champion would be a huge accomplishment for me. I never dreamed of winning titles in four divisions. Not many fighters can say that and I’m happy and excited to get in the ring Saturday and make this new dream come true.

“I love fighting for Mexico and I think they’re going to be proud of my performance Saturday night. I fight for them and I hope they keep supporting me as my career goes on.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“Leo is a great champion but we’ve worked hard. In boxing people see the hands fly, but I’ve got ring knowledge. We’re going to offset what he does and get the victory Saturday night.

“There’s not much left to be said. We’re ready. Leo is a great fighter and I respect his family. But when we step in that ring. I’m trying to be like Wilder and knock him out. Leo and I are definitely going to steal the show with an action packed fight.

“I’m feeling great. We’ve had about a year of camps where Leo was the main focus on the radar. We’re calm, relaxed and ready to let it all go Saturday night. I know it’s going to be a tough fight, but we had a great camp to put on an exciting match.

“There’s going to be a little bit of everything. When you have two Mexican fighters, you just can’t help it. When you take a shot, you want to get it back. But I also know we have to remain smart and calm.

“I know his dad tells him to try to box so we know we have to be ready for that too. If he wants to box we’re ready for a technical fight. But if he wants to brawl, I’m ready to start hooking.

“Everything is going to work for me in there. You want to work and not get hit, but I know that I can take it and give it. On Saturday night, we’re going to give it.

“We have worked a lot on trying to slow down the pace of fighters who throw a lot of punches. I’ve been a volume puncher all my life as well. We’re both warriors and people are underestimating me. I love it because I’m going to give them a surprise Saturday night.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2019) – Three-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz showed off his skills at a media workout in Los Angeles Wednesday as he prepares to battle Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title on Saturday, November 23 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Pay-View co-main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Los Angeles’ Santa Cruz hosted media at City of Angels Boxing as he nears his opportunity to win a world title in a fourth weight class. Here is what Santa Cruz had to say Wednesday:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m only focused on my fight because I know that Miguel Flores is going to bring everything he has to try to win that title. There are a lot of great champions in this division but I can’t think of anything past Flores.

“I’m expecting a classic Mexico vs. Mexico brawl. Flores is from Michoacan and the people from there have a lot of heart and they leave everything in the ring. I’ve seen him do it. He throws to the body really well. He has a good uppercut too. So I know it’s going to be a tough fight.

“We always work hard in the gym so that we can throw a lot of punches in the fight. We want to put the pressure on and give the fans a great fight and take home the win.

“I train hard no matter who the opponent is. That’s the only thing I know how to do. So I don’t think about any let downs, only about winning the fight in front of me. I think this is a great opportunity to introduce myself to the division.

“I’m going to go in there and fight hard for 12 rounds or as long as it lasts. I’m going to be smart and make sure I get the win. But we also always want to give the fans a great show from start to finish.

“I feel really good right now. I think I’m going to be strong at that weight and have extra power in the ring on fight night. I don’t spend as much time in camp worrying about cutting weight so everything else will be better because of that. I’m going to be ready for everything Miguel Flores can bring.

“I want to win another title for my legacy and so I can continue to give fans great fights. This is a great opportunity so I’m going to go ahead and make the most of it.

“It’s great to be on this card with such an exciting main event. You know that Deontay Wilder can knock anyone out at any minute. The heavyweight division is really exciting right now and I know Wilder and Luis Ortiz are going to give everyone something to remember. I want to make an exciting fight too and steal the show. It’ll be hard to do, but I’m going to go out there and try to do it.”

#

ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Tom Brown
Thank you everyone for joining us today for this media conference call that will feature three division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, exciting contender Miguel Flores and WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa, as they discuss their upcoming FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdowns taking place Saturday, November 23rd from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Leo and Miguel will go toe to toe for the WBA Super Featherweight title in the co-main event as Leo looks to win a world title in a fourth weight class, while Flores looks to pull the upset in his first title opportunity. Brandon Figueroa will make the first defense of his 122-pound title against the tough former world champion Julio Ceja as part of the Pay-Per-View that begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

This event is of course headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder as he defends his title against the hard hitting Cuban slugger Luis Ortiz.

Tickets for this event which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are on sale now and can be purchased at the mgmgrand.com and access.com. I also wanted to say thank you Leonard Ellerbe and the Mayweather Promotions team. Leonard’s been out running around the country promoting this event. So thank you Leonard.

All right. Now to start off the call today we have one of boxing’s brightest young starts joining us in Brandon Figueroa. He’s the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion having recently been elevated from interim champion. His record is 20-0, 15 KOs. He fights out of Weslaco, Texas. Brandon, can you give us some opening comments about how training camp is going?

Brandon Figueroa
Training camp has been going really good. I’ve been working through a couple injuries but it isn’t bad. As a fighter you’ve got to keep moving forward. I don’t want to pull out of the fight. I’ve just got to make it work, work around the injuries and as of right now, I’m still continuing working hard and I can’t wait. I can’t wait for November 23. It’s going to be a big opportunity for me, but not only for me, but both for my team and to represent my city.

Being 22 and having the world title, being the youngest champion at 122 pounds, it’s a privilege. So I’m definitely working hard towards fight night.

Q
Have you really had any time at all throughout this entire process to look back and kind of be amazed at what you have been able to be accomplished in such a relatively short manner of time?

B. Figueroa
Yes of course. Actually for the last fight with Thurman and Pacquiao I went to go watch it because that’s the day my brother fought as well and I was sitting there ring side and I was like man, I can just imagine the day when I’m fighting here. I can’t wait and I thought it was going to be maybe to next year, along that line. Maybe like a couple more fights but, wow it was two more fights down and here I am fighting on pay-per-view.

Not only that but fighting a great fighter like Julio Ceja, it’s a blessing. Me climbing up the ranks and being elevated to the champion was amazing. I definitely do work hard. I’m grateful for everything that my team does. It’s amazing and I’m just blessed and I’m happy that I get to be in this position and that I get to fight, just the most important thing that a boxer loves to do is fight and showcase his skills and prove to everyone that they deserve to be in the ring. So definitely the blessings have been coming my way and I’m just grateful.

Q
Are you going to look at Rigondeaux’s performance against Ceja or are you just really kind of following your own game plan and seeing how that fairs against Ceja?

B. Figueroa
You have to take everything into consideration. How are you going to outfight him? With Julio Ceja’s style, everything comes into play and obviously you always got to have a plan and obviously yes, I know Julio Ceja is going to come and brawl. Either I can box him or I can fight him inside. I’m an excellent fighter. I can fight. So it’s going to be interesting but I know I have more skills. I have the power definitely and watching his fight against Rigondeaux, I don’t know if he has stamina. So I’ve got to work the body, something that I’m used to doing, and that chin.

He’s been dropped plenty of times with that left hook so that’s something I’ve got to make sure I get to land. I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight but I’m definitely working really hard to make it easy and make fight night easy and even though it’s not going to be easy but, you always got to believe in yourself and plan it as if it’s going to be easy but. I know I’ve been on a knockout streak but I don’t plan on knocking him out. I’m just going to go in there and make sure that my plan goes well and that I get the W however I can.

Q
Now that you’re at this title level, do you still want to maintain this rate of activity that you’ve been able to enjoy this year?

B. Figueroa
Yes sir, of course. The love that I have for the sport that, as soon as I fight, a week or two weeks later I’m back at the gym or I’m always running, always keeping in shape. Making sure my condition doesn’t get too poor. It’s just a lifestyle. At the end of the day it’s a lifestyle and I don’t go up too much on weight. I’m always making sure that I’m always say maybe 15 pounds on top of my weight class. So I think the difference is that, I’m always trying to be healthy. I’m always keeping healthy and making sure I’m not doing dangerous stuff outside of boxing and stuff like that where I can injure myself. So I’m always safe and keeping active in my career.

Q
How much do you take from your brother Omar’ journey in this sport and use it to better your own game?

B. Figueroa
I always take my brother’s mistakes into consideration. He’s always told me, you’ve got to learn from my mistakes, whatever I did wrong and don’t commit them again. I know his last loss was big. Not only how it affected him but also me, seeing my brother lose like that. At the end of the day when we were talking to each other I was like, “Hey, you lost, you got beat but hey, you got to bounce back. You’ve got to get back to work, stop making excuses for yourself.”

That’s just how we are. He’s really hard on me, so I’m going to be hard on him and I know he’s going to bounce back. Right now he’s taking care of personal things but I tell him, brother I’m always going to be here for you, whenever you need a running partner or stuff like that. I always want to be there every step of the way, just how he wants to be there every step of the way in my career. So definitely, I learned a lot of things. He’s my mentor and he’s probably one of my biggest role models in my career and in my life. So I definitely look up to him and I can’t wait for him to come back and do big things again.

Q
How big was it for you to be able to have your own homecoming fight in August, just to be able to carry on the family name?

B. Figueroa
I don’t really see it like that. It was just a little bump in the road for him, and this is my career, I can’t really pay too much into his career or get distracted – you have to push on. I never see it like that. I’m always focused. I always do what I got to do. Everything outside my career or my life, I push it to the side and I got to do what I got to do. That homecoming fight I had to take care of business and I never really cared about his loss or whatever. I know it’s just part of the boxing game and it’s just a way of life. So I just push it to the side. I did what I got to do and I take care of business homecoming night.

Q
How soon after that fight did you know that you were going to land on this card or a card like this?

B. Figueroa
It was when I was actually at my sister’s wedding in Cancun. That’s when my dad told me that I had another fight lined up and as soon as I heard the news I was running over there in Cancun. I was trying to eat healthy. I was already working out as soon as I heard the news. I couldn’t comfortably enjoy the vacation. I couldn’t comfortably enjoy being over there so I had to get back to work as soon as I heard the news. It’s just like I said, it’s a lifestyle and as soon as I heard I was going to fight I was pumped up and ready to go.

Q
Do you have a one year plan, two year plan, three plan? Do you have goals now that you’ll be fighting for the full title to eventually unify with the other champions?

B. Figueroa
Yes Sir of course. I will take all the champions into consideration into my choice especially after this fight, if everything goes well and I come out the W. I’m more than excited to fight the best fighters in my division and at the end of the day, it’s going to be up to my team. We never say no to any fight. My team makes a lot of things possible for us because we never say no. We always take the fight no matter what and I’m excited.

I’m excited for the future but I don’t just relax and think about the future. I just take it one fight at a time and whenever it’s time for me, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight these champions and I’m ready to really input my name into the boxing world and really showcase what I’m about.

Q
Are you taking it as a goal to potentially try to stop Ceja, potentially even stop him faster than Rigondeaux?

B. Figueroa
I think it is a matter of me implementing my style into the fight. I think once I get comfortable and once I study him and notice his little mistake, that’s where I’m really going to put the pressure on him. I know he’s going to come forward at all times so definitely we’re working on a lot of things. I’m the type of fighter that’s going to be on you all night. I’m going to be at the body, the head, the body, the head, throwing over 100 punches a round.

So definitely I trust in my style a lot. I believe in myself so much. I have so much confidence and I feel like my style works for any kind of fight. I can box, I can brawl, I can brawl on the inside. I can box on the outside. So I have a lot of skillsets that can add to any fight. So I’m excited for that and like I said, I can’t wait for fight night because it’s going to be my first time fighting in Vegas and not only that but at MGM Grand.

Q
What’s your threshold for pain and how do you know the difference between injuries and normal pain? How do you know when something’s going to be too much in the ring and how do you gauge that?

B. Figueroa
I definitely just have to see when I’m in training, if I can push through it. I’ve pushed through many injuries in my amateur career. I pushed through many injuries over my past fights and I fought with a messed up shoulder. I’ve trained with a messed up foot, messed up shoulder. Mostly it was my right shoulder but thank God I got that pain away and it doesn’t bother me anymore. But little minor injuries that happen here and there that kind of slow down the training that I can’t spar or I can’t hit the bag or I can’t run because sometimes my Achilles hurts, stuff like that. But I feel like, I just got to keep praying to God to give me health and make sure that I’m healthy for my training sessions so that I can be really well prepared when fight night comes.

It’s just a matter of me pushing through it and once I see that the injury doesn’t go away, once I see that the pain is too much, then we’re going to have to either fight through it or we pull out but I’ve never pulled out of a fight due to an injury. So I know I can pull through it.

Q
Is that something that’s happened with this fight where you’ve had to alter your training schedule?

B. Figueroa:
This is nothing new. I’ve trained without sparring for some of my fights. I’ve trained without running sometimes because of my foot and on fight night everything works out. I know that sometimes I’m not really well prepared because of the injuries but at the end of the day, I go out there and I fight my heart out and I get the W. I know some people may say it’s kind of stupid to fight like that or it’s kind of risky but I feel like, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and it’s the challenge of my career.

I know at the end of the day it’s going to make me stronger. I’m not underestimating Julio Ceja at all but this ain’t the first time that I’ve been training injured and I’ve just go to push through it mentally and I’ve got to be strong minded and I can’t let the injuries get the best of me.

Q
Is it your main goal to clean out the junior featherweight division and do you have a time span from when you’d like to jump up to featherweight and has that been a thought running through your mind at all?

B. Figueroa
Yes, of course. Me and my team talk about it. They believe in me so much. As of right now I know that my body’s maturing. Every fight I’m getting stronger. I feel faster. The power’s coming in as my body matures. At this weight now I’m gaining more muscle mass. I feel my body is different and I feel it getting stronger. I just feel good. I just feel good when I run as far as I feel stronger in general and I know that down the line that it’s going to be harder to make weight and I got to move up. But as of right now I think I can stay at 122 for a couple more fights.

T. Brown
Now we have on the call, the 27-year-old super featherweight contender Miguel Flores. Miguel’s got a record of 24-2 with 12 knockouts. Originally born in Mexico. He grew up and fights out of Houston, Texas. His quest for a world title has always been a two man journey. He lost his older brother Benjamin to a ring death only a few months before making his professional debut. But not only does he fight to pursue his own dreams but he also fights to continue his brother’s legacy.

He was originally scheduled to fight Santa Cruz back in February before an ankle injury forced him to withdrawal from the fight. He returned to the ring with a knockout win in June and is now ready to challenge for his first world title. Miguel, could you please make some opening comments about training and how you feel right now?

Miguel Flores
Hey. How you guys doing? Thank you for having me on. Training’s been great. I guess when you’re at this level there are no easy days. There are no easy fights. So training’s been great. We’ve been grinding. We know we have a tough, tough task in front of us in Santa Cruz but I think it’s all about timing and I think it’s my time now. I’m definitely going to do my best to take advantage of the opportunity. Like I said before, I know people think I don’t deserve this fight but I know what I deserve. I know I’ve been grinding hard since I was a kid at the gym and after we give a great, great fight, people are going to appreciate this fight.

Q
Your late brother Benjamin was a boxer and you promised him that you would become a world champion. Do you feel that this fight is destiny fighting for a world title now?

M. Flores
It definitely is. It’s about 10 years after his passing and the opportunity is finally here. It’s crazy because my brother once took a picture with the WBA title. At the time the fighter that had it was Chris John and he borrowed his belt and took a picture with it. Ten years later, I have the opportunity to fight for that belt and become world champion. So, like I said, it’s destiny. Obviously, this last fight, when we were scheduled to fight this last time, unfortunately, I had that injury, but it’s destiny. Some things are just meant to happen, and I know Leo is a great fighter, but we’re going to put up a great fight, two Mexicans, and it’s nothing but respect for him outside the ring, but once we get in the ring, I’m definitely going to try and knock him out.

Q
Did the time off from the injury help in any way? Were you able to study Leo a little more?

M. Flores
Obviously, I did. I’ve always said that that’s the beauty of boxing. Every day you go to the gym, every day that passes by, you’re adding knowledge. You’re getting better. You’re working on new things. So obviously I saw his fight with Rafael Rivera. It was a great fight, toe to toe, and obviously there’s things that I saw there that I can do.

I want to say I’m definitely more prepared than I was the first time. I can implement my game plan a little more. Obviously, there’s things he does great, but I think I can offset those things and use them to my advantage.

Q
Do you feel like maybe this time you’re at a much more comfortable weight than you would have fighting at featherweight?

M. Flores
Yes, a lot of people asked me, why this fight at 130? Well, I’m not gonna lie, he’s calling the shots right now. He wants it at 130, and there’s no reason why I wouldn’t go up to 130 to fight him. That just means I have four extra pounds. The just means I can eat steak all the way to the weigh in.

So it’s just going to be a little more comfortable. Making weight is never easy. That’s one thing people have to realize, but having those extra pounds of cushion, is going to give me, I think, an advantage.

Given that fact, we know he started off at 118, 122, 126, and obviously now 130, that’s four divisions. Some fighters they don’t adapt and their power doesn’t carry with them. So, like I said, it’s all about timing, and I think all those little things, the additional weight, him not being too active, and just him being over 30. They’re all going to play to my advantage.

Q
You fought in June, does that comeback fight from injury, did that kind of help maybe shake off the cobwebs a little bit and make you believe or get a little bit more confidence in getting this fight against Santa Cruz?

M. Flores
Yes, obviously it did. I remember right when I was going to walk out for that fight, I told myself if I wanted that fight again, I got to treat this fight like if it was a big fight at a big stage, and I did just that. I shook off some ring rust. I had a veteran opponent who could take a punch, but I ultimately got the six round knockout and like I said, it’s just experience. There’s little things I worked on in there that I want to implement in this fight, and I did them. So I’m more confident now. And obviously getting knockouts is always a little confidence booster, so I’m feeling great.

Even though people say we’re moving up in weight, that fight was at 128. So this being at 130 is not going to be a new thing to me.

Q
Is there anything that’s been different about this training camp as the last training camp that you had preparing for Leo Santa Cruz?

M. Flores
Obviously we try to pick up the intensity every training camp, but we’re not doing anything crazy. We’ve been training at the high level like this for years. I’ve been training. It’s not like I’m a lazy guy and, okay, I got to get up for this fight. No, I’m a fighter who was trained how you’re supposed to always be in shape.

So I’m not doing anything crazy like running 25 miles every day. Because I’ve always trained hard my entire life. Like I said, we do pick up the intensity. We do want to stay a little bit more focused because there’s a bigger opportunity, but everything remains the same, hard work and dedication is what we’re putting in in the gym.

Q
Does it feel more satisfying that you have the opportunity to disrupt Leo’s future plans for potential big fights including Gervonta Davis?

M. Flores
Every time I hear that they’re planning on Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz Pay-Per-View fight for next year, or Leo Santa Cruz trying to fight Gary Russell, I love hearing stuff.

I want him thinking about stuff like that. I hope he’s thinking about stuff like that. Because guess what? I wake up in the morning, I only got one person to think of. I look at my kids, give them a kiss, and then right away I think about Leo Santa Cruz and that’s the only fighter I’m thinking of.

If he’s thinking about other fights, that’s great for me. Like I said before, I know he’s a professional. So I hope he’s not looking past me. I know he’s doing his job. He has a great team with his dad and his brothers. So I know they’re doing their job but if they’re looking past me, they’re going to be in for a tough night.

Q
When you suffered the injury, what kind of assurances were in place that an opportunity like this was going to come along, whether rescheduling with Leo or just another title opportunity in general?

M. Flores
I’ve always said I have a great team and I feel right at home with them because even after the injury, my manager called me. He told me, recover, don’t rush anything, get well from that foot, and more opportunities will come.

I fought in June. Obviously, I knew I have to win this fight because if I lose, everything goes downhill. So I won the fight and right away I got a call and they’re, like, this fight may be out there, keep it to yourself, stay quiet, just keep training and we’re going to do our best to get you this fight.

So I already knew it could possibly still happen. So you could say I’ve had about a year of training camp for Leo Santa Cruz. Because ever since that first fight with him was announced, now he’s always been in my mind, and I’ve always been thinking and dreaming of that fight, of that ring walk against him.

Q
Back in 2017 you had two controversial, or two setbacks I would say, one against Chris Avalos, the other against Dat Nguyen. What have you learned from those two fights, and how was that prepared you for this moment today?

M. Flores
There’s a saying that you gain more from a loss than if you’re always winning, and I think with that Nguyen fight, and I’ve always said it, I never have any excuse. He beat me fair and square. There’s obviously things I rather not talk about that I know I won’t ever do again, if that happens in a match, or at weigh-in or something like that. I know there’s things that I won’t do, and I won’t accept, but at the end of the day I took the fight, and he beat me.

Do I think he’s a better fighter than me overall? No, I don’t think so. He was a better fighter that night, but I learned just to stay focused throughout the fight and never underestimate anyone. Not that I underestimated him, but just I got to stay focused throughout the whole 10, 12 rounds that I’m fighting.

Obviously with the Chris Avalos fight, I don’t even take that as a loss. A lot of people that are boxing fans or that really follow the sport know what happened in that fight. I felt like I was dominating the fight. I had dropped Avalos.

The type of grueling fight that it was, we unfortunately, had three cuts on us and, the ref made a bad call. That was his call. I can’t do anything about it, but I took that last more, like, you just got to live to fight another day. I felt like right when Avalos got the fight with Leo, I was like, man, that’s my fight, that’s my opportunity. So like I said, I’ve been thinking about Leo Santa Cruz for years now, and finally this moment is here, and I’m planning to take full advantage of it.

T. Brown
All right. Now on the line, we have one of boxing’s most accomplished and exciting stars today. The three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Originally born in Mexico, now representing Los Angeles, Leo has racked up a record of 36-1-1 with 19 knockouts, on his way to winning titles at 118 pounds, 122, and 126 pounds.

Now he looks to become a four-division champion on November 23 and steal the show with his fan friendly style in the co-main event on pay-per-view. Leo, can you please make some opening comments and tell everyone how you’re preparing for the Flores fights.

Leo Santa Cruz
Hello to everyone. My training has been going great. I just finished sparring10 rounds. I feel great, I feel strong and I’m training for this fight like I train for all my fights, really hard. I’m more focused because Miguel Flores is a tough fighter, and I know he’s going to come with everything because this is his opportunity for a world title and it’s going to be a tough fight.

I know people are saying I should win, but every fighter is strong. Miguel Flores is a strong fighter, and I know it’s going to be a great fight and whatever he wants to bring, that’s what we’re going to match.

Q
Can you talk about if you felt the need to move up because of your body, and if you think a Gervonta Davis fight is still on the horizon?

L. Santa Cruz
Yeah, I moved up some weight because I had the opportunity. I had been entertaining that maybe I wanted to unify it against. And I said if those fights can’t happen, I want more titles at new weight classes.

The opportunity came as Davis moved up in weight, and the title that’s right there was vacant. So I was offered to fight for the fight, and I said yes. The fans are going to be happy, and they’re going to realize that Miguel is a lot better than they think. He’s a good fighter that comes and fights. It’s going to be great fight.

At the end of the day it’s just who wants it more. If it’s Miguel’s turn, if it’s his opportunity, I’ll be more than happy, for him to win, but I’m training really hard, and I want that title more than anything. I want to be a four division world champion.

Q
You’re no stranger to moving up in weight, but what’s been different about maybe making the move from 126 to 130 as compared to your previous attempts to move up in other weight classes in the past?

L. Santa Cruz
So what made me change to 130 is that I have to work more on my power. I have to work for the power punches. Being at this weight will help me bring more power into sparring and into the fight, because I won’t be as focused on cutting weight.

I’ve been sparring with guys that weigh 140. That way when I go out there against the strongest 130-pound fighters, I’ll still win the same and there won’t be any surprises.

Q
Was the idea of moving up to 130 on the table for this year, or even early this year regardless of what Gervonta Davis was going to do? Or would you still have managed to just find a way to still fight at 126 pounds, despite maybe not necessarily getting those big fights that you wanted?

L. Santa Cruz
My dream was to be a four division world champion. I wanted to win the title so when I retire, I’m remembered as one of the only fighters that wins a fourth title, in four divisions. Not a lot of people do that. So, that was my dream. I have the opportunity. So I’m going to go for it and hopefully everything goes good.

People ask me, and I say, I don’t know what’s going to happen that day on November 23. But if I win, I want the big fights. I want to get Gervonta Davis, Gary Russell Jr and I want the big name that people will want me to fight.

Q
For the training for this fight, is there any difference other than training at a heavier weight, or do you just kind of pick-up from where you left off when you were previously training for the fight that was scheduled earlier this year?

L. Santa Cruz
Yeah, I’ve been training the same. I don’t think there’s going to be a big training shift. We always prepare to be at our very best and give the fans a fun show.

The only thing we can do more in is our power. That’s the only thing different that we have been doing. Focusing more on our power and strengthening everything.

Now I’m now sparring with bigger guys than me. So, we go up there and we don’t feel the difference. So that’s going to be a big help because I don’t need to adjust to fighting bigger opponents.

Q
Does it add any dynamics fighting on a flash pay-per-view?

L. Santa Cruz
I don’t care where I fight, as long as I fight. I don’t care if I’m the main event, I’m mainly here to go out and there and just give a great fight. No matter if I’m main event or co-main even, I’m still going to go out there and fight the same. I’m happy to be on the card with Dentay Wilder who is a great fighter.

I’m excited to go out there and fight against Miguel Flores. He’s a good fighter too, and I know he’s going to bring everything, and it’ll be a great fight. Hopefully it will be a great night from start to finish.

Q
How easy or how difficult has it been to keep your focus on Miguel Flores who you’re heavily favored to beat?

L. Santa Cruz
There’s a lot of pressure on me because I’m favored, but I never see myself like that. I never see myself as a favorite because anything could happen in a fight.

My only focus is on the fight I’m going to have on November 23. Every time I fight they’re asking me about other opponents. You never know what’s going to happen in this fight. And I could say, I want this fight next, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in this fight.

When I get the win, now we can talk about the other fights. Because Flores is a good fighter, and I think it’s going to be a great fight, so first we’re going to focus on this fight, and then we’ll talk about the other ones.

Q
What do you see in Miguel Flores? What are the things about him that impress you, or things that you need to prepare for?

L. Santa Cruz
He comes forward throwing a lot of punches and he work the body well. He’s throwing a lot of punches, combinations, and he likes to control the pace like I do. He tries to entertain the fans like I do, and we’re going to make a great fight. He’s going to just keep on coming forward and one of the punches could land and he could hurt me. I just know it’s going to be a good fight, and we are going to please the fans, and we’re gonna go out there and just give it our all.

Q
Did you feel any different at this weight when working on your power?

L. Santa Cruz
I feel better, a lot better at this weight. Some past fights, I was feeling a little bit more tired. So now I’m a lot stronger. Even my sparring partners, they say that I’m hitting a lot stronger and that I’ve been better than in the past. I’ve been working extremely hard and I’m not taking Miguel Flores lightly. I know he’s a complete opponent and that he could surprise us. So I’m going to focus on him and do everything right in camp. I’m doing everything right, and I’m doing everything that my team asks of me.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 7, 2019) – Undefeated Cuban contender Leduan Barthelemy will square off against former title challenger Eduardo Ramirez in a 10-round super featherweight rematch that headlines FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Barthelemy and Ramirez go toe-to-toe again after originally fighting to a split-draw in their 2017 duel.

Prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will also feature 17-year-old sensation Vito Mielnicki Jr. in a four-round welterweight bout against North Carolina’s Marklin Bailey and rising super lightweight prospect Omar “El Relámpago”Juarez battling Michigan’s Kevin Shacks in a six-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Prelims precede the pay-per-view event headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The younger brother of two-division champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy (15-0-1, 7 KOs) has won back-to-back unanimous decisions in 2019 since the split draw against Ramirez, most recently defeating Jose Cayetano in June. The 30-year-old from Guantanamo, Cuba now lives and trains in Las Vegas and won his first 13 fights after turning pro in 2011.

Ramirez (22-2-3, 9 KOs) followed up the draw against Barthelemy by challenging Lee Selby for the featherweight world title in a bout that he lost by decision in December 2017. The 26-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico bounced back from the loss with a stoppage victory over Carlos Jacobo in 2018 and a knockout of Bryan De Gracia in March 2019. He most recently lost a decision to former champion Claudio Marrero in June.

Fighting out of Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (2-0, 2 KOs) burst onto the professional scene in July with a first-round knockout in his debut. The 17-year-old had an exceptional amateur career, compiling a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves amongst many accolades before turning pro. He most recently delivered another first-round knockout while earning his second pro win in September and will look for his third win against the 25-year-old Bailey (6-5, 4 KOs), who fights out of Durham, North Carolina.

The 20-year-old Juarez (5-0, 3 KO) was a highly decorated amateur who turned pro in September 2018 and has been on an active pace thus far. Representing his hometown of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez scored a first round stoppage of Gino De La Paz last time he entered the ring, in action on FS1 in front of his hometown fans in August. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Shacks (3-4-3, 3 KOs) who fights out of Lansing, Michigan.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

HOUSTON (October 30, 2019) – Super featherweight contender Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores will complete his winding road to his first world title opportunity when he takes on three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz for the WBA Super Featherweight Title Saturday, November 23 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Flores (24-2, 12 KOs) will look for a career-defining victory in the co-main event leading up to Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in the headlining attraction of action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

The 27-year-old was born in Mexico and grew up in Houston, Texas, where he has been training for his showdown against Santa Cruz. Flores was originally scheduled to face Santa Cruz in February for the featherweight title but was forced to withdraw because of an ankle injury.

With a dominant stoppage victory over Luis May in June, the injury is behind Flores as he prepares to challenge a fellow Mexican-American warrior in Santa Cruz on pay-per-view from Las Vegas. Here is what Flores had to say about training camp, Santa Cruz and more:

On his recent training camp with coach Aaron Navarro:
“I’ve been with coach Aaron Navarro my entire career, even as an amateur, and together we’ve grown really tight. Edward Jackson, my strength and conditioning coach, and Bobby Benton my co-trainer and cutman, have been with us for a very long time as well. Together we took my training to the next level for this fight. Everyone will see the progress we’ve made during this camp when I step in the ring.”

On his matchup with Leo Santa Cruz:
“Leo Santa Cruz is an incredible fighter and he’s been fighting at the championship level for many years now. It will be my job to match him punch for punch, and that’s what we’ve been working on. We’ve made a couple of small changes to my style, but nothing major. Everyone will see what those changes are on fight night. People our doubting me, but it’s fueling my fire and I’m determined to prove everyone wrong.”

On fighting for his first world title:
“Fighting for a world title is something I’ve been striving for my whole career. This is a dream come true for me. I’ve worked extremely hard to get here and I’m not going to let the big moment affect me. My time has finally come and I’m going to leave everything I have in the ring. I’m going to shock the world.”

On fighting in Las Vegas on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View for the first time:
“I’ve been a professional fighter for over ten years and never gotten to experience what it’s like to fight in Las Vegas, the boxing capital of the world. So, to say I’m excited is an understatement. On top of that, I’ll be fighting on this FOX Sports platform, the new home for professional boxing. My fists will be flying and everyone watching is in for a big surprise. Like I said, I’m going to shock the world.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

LAS VEGAS (October 22, 2019) – Undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will make the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Titleagainst former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions on Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view event is headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Three-division champion “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of the pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“With these two all-action matchups added, the November 23 card is shaping up to deliver another memorable night of excitement on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In addition to the Wilder vs. Ortiz rematch and the Santa Cruz vs. Flores title fight, one of the 122-pound division’s hottest young stars Brandon Figueroa will make his first title defense against a very tough opponent in former champion Julio Ceja. Rounding out the night is Mexican knockout artist Luis Nery and tough former champion Emmanuel Rodríguez, who will be sure to kick off the pay-per-view in style with another classic in the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

The 22-year-old Figueroa (20-0, 15 KOs) will look to make the first defense of his super bantamweight championship in his fourth fight of 2019. He knocked out Moises Flores in January on FS1 and won an interim super bantamweight title in April on FOX by stopping Yonfrez Parejo. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Brandon, the younger brother of former world champion Omar, has a seven-fight knockout streak that he brings into the ring on November 23, having most recently stopped Javier Nicolas Chacon with an exciting fourth-round knockout in an FS1 main event in August. He was subsequently elevated to full champion by the WBA.

“This is probably going to be the biggest test of my career in the first defense of my title against a solid fighter like Ceja,” said Figueroa. “To be fighting on pay-per-view of the Wilder-Ortiz II undercard at MGM Grand is a dream come true. I’ve been working towards this moment my whole life. I attended Pacquiao vs. Thurman in July and the crowd was electric that night. I told myself while watching that fight ringside that I couldn’t wait to fight at MGM on a similar card, and now look at where we are. Ceja might have lost against Rigondeaux, but he put on a great fight and I know he’s going to come forward and brawl with me on November 23.”

Fighting out of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Ceja (32-4, 28 KOs) will look to rebound from a loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux on FOX in June, when he was stopped in round eight while leading on all three judges’ scorecards. The 26-year-old knocked out Hugo Ruiz in 2015 to win an interim title before eventually being elevated to the full champion. While he lost the rematch to Ruiz, Ceja put together wins in two of his next three fights heading into the Rigondeaux bout.

“This is a great opportunity and I plan to win the world title again on November 23,” said Ceja. “I know what it takes to win and I will have the best training of my career for this fight. I hope Brandon Figueroa is prepared for fireworks. This title is coming back to Mexico for my country, my pride and my people.”

Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) is a power puncher who has stopped his last 11 opponents and 15 of his last 16. The 24-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico will be making his third appearance on a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this year. He scored a dominant stoppage victory over McJoe Arroyo on the March event in Arlington, Texas and returned on the July 20 show to stop former champion Juan Carlos Payano. He scored a TKO victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka to win the bantamweight world title in 2018.

“I’m excited for another opportunity to perform on the biggest stage and show that I’m the best bantamweight in the world,” said Nery. “Rodríguez is a tough competitor and he will help bring out my best on November 23. Mexico and Puerto Rico have a storied rivalry in this sport and I intend to make my mark in history with a spectacular win.”

The 27-year-old Rodríguez (19-1, 12 KOs) will also look to put himself back in position to reclaim a 118-pound belt with a statement win on November 23. Fighting out of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and defended it successfully against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. He most recently was stopped by unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May title bout.

“Switching opponents is no problem for me since we always train for different fighting styles,” said Rodríguez, who had previously been scheduled to face former champion Rau’shee Warren before Warren withdrew due to injury. “My Puerto Rican and Mexican people want to see a great fight and that’s what they will have on November 23. I know what Nery brings to the table and I’m ready for that. We are confident in victory and that in 2020 I will be crowned world champion again.”

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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeporte

LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face to face on Saturday at a press conference to officially announce their highly anticipated rematch that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also squaring off at Saturday’s event in Los Angeles were three-division champion and current WBA Featherweight Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and exciting contender Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores, who meet for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event of pay-per-view action that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Click HERE to see Wilder’s breakdown of the rematch against Ortiz

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday from the Lexus Club at STAPLES Center:

DEONTAY WILDER

“Here we go again. The only way for there to be a rematch was for there to be an exciting first fight. When I first met this man in the ring, it was amazing and inspiring to go up against such a skillful fighter. It was such a great experience for me and an honor for me to face him.

“That first fight was a test for me to show me where my skill level was in the heavyweight division. He was the bogeyman in the heavyweight division for a reason. To this day, they still don’t fight him for a reason.

“I’m the best in the world. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I believe in that and I’ve proven that. I’ve proved so many people wrong and I still have to do it. That gives me the motivation and the will to keep going.

“I created a bond with Ortiz fighting the first time because of our daughters. We were two fathers in the ring who had to battle it out for our families. There’s no better feeling than going to war against another gladiator.

“There wasn’t really anything that I learned about myself in the first fight, but it was confirmation of something I had already known. I know what I can do and I believe in myself. I didn’t feel like I was proving anything to myself, it was just proving it to others.

“We’re passionate about this and we want to give the fans the best fight possible. We will do that again because I never leave you without having a great time and giving you excitement. If you’ve never seen a boxing match before, I’m the person to come see. If you want to see excitement, this is the fight to be at. This is the fight to order.

“I’m a true champion. A true champion can walk it like he talks it, and I walk it like I talk it every time. On November 23 I expect to see everyone there or ordering it on pay-per-view, because I can’t wait.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity at the rematch. Wilder had the courage to take the rematch and that’s a big part of why this is happening. I’m excited for this fight and I’m going to make the most of it.

“There are no excuses from me. The first fight is over. Now we’re on to this fight. I’m going to get the victory. There are things that are being done differently, but it will all be decided in the ring.

“I’m focused on this fight and only this fight. I’m not a man of many words, but the opportunity is here and it was destined to be. Here we go.

“A warrior doesn’t abandon his mission. My mission is to become world champion. I’ve trained very hard since my loss and it will all culminate on November 23.

“I won’t make the same mistake this time like I made in the last fight. I’m going to be more prepared, more aggressive and have more of everything. I’m taking it all up a level.

“There was no reason for me not winning the first fight, it just is what it is. We knew that one of us was going to get knocked out. I have that same sentiment for the rematch. This fight is not going 12 rounds.

“I want November 23 to get here sooner than later. I’m ready to step into the ring and do the job and become heavyweight world champion.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I work hard for every fight and it’s going to be the same for this fight. This opportunity came to fight for the 130-pound title and I’m excited to fight for it. I want to become a four-division world champion.

“I’m going to see how I feel at 130. If I’m strong I definitely feel like I will have more fights there. My goal right now is to win this world title. That’s what I’m focused on.

“I’m very happy and excited to have this opportunity to become a four-division world champion. My goal when I began boxing was just to become a world champion. To go for a fourth time is an even bigger dream.

“Miguel Flores is a tough fighter and I don’t underestimate him. I know it’s going to be a hard fight. He’s going to come with everything he has. It’s the opportunity of his lifetime.

“I’m really motivated like this is my first world title. This is something big for me. It will help me be remembered as one of the best Mexican fighters and that’s my goal.

“Most importantly, we’re going to give the fans a great show on fight night. To be the co-main event for Deontay Wilder is amazing. He always gives a great show, but my job is to give everyone even more excitement.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“They say you don’t get second chances in life, but I am getting that and I’m very grateful. Everything happens for a reason. This fight was meant to happen and I plan to take full advantage of it.

“Being at 130 or 126 doesn’t make a difference to me when fighting Leo, it’s still the same guy. He started his career at 118 anyway and I’ve had it in my brain for so long about how I’m going to beat him.

“The strategy is to outdo him in anything. Outsmart him, out hustle him and just be able to do it all. He does everything well and he’s a veteran. I know he has tricks under his sleeve, but we need to be ready for that and have something ready to go back at him.

“This is an even bigger stage being the co-main event to the heavyweight championship of the world in Las Vegas. Everything has worked out perfect for me. That wasn’t my mentality when the injury happened, but now it all makes sense.

“I want to be able to be the guy. By beating Leo, I become the guy. It’s both of our jobs to turn everyone into believers. After this fight, everyone is going to know this was a great fight.

“Our focus is on Leo Santa Cruz. November 23 is all that’s on my mind. A lot of people don’t know how good my boxing skills are and how crafty I can be in the ring. They’re going to be in for a surprise.”

LAS VEGAS (September 28, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will take on his most dangerous challenger to date when he defends his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in the main event of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, Nov. 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion and current WBA Featherweight Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of the pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Wilder and Ortiz will renew the rivalry they set in motion when they first engaged in an explosive showdown in Brooklyn that was one of 2018’s best fights. Wilder won that bout by 10th round TKO after Ortiz stunned him and almost had him out in the seventh round. The thrilling match featured plenty of twists and turns to necessitate a rematch.

With a combined 66 knockouts in 74 matches, Wilder vs. Ortiz II is a heavyweight duel that guarantees an awesome display of punching power. The first fight last year saw Wilder dropping Ortiz in the fifth round, Ortiz stunning and hurting Wilder in a seventh round that he won 10-8 on all the judges’ cards, and Wilder eventually dropping Ortiz again with a powerful right uppercut that forced the referee to stop the bout in the 10th round.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

“We are thrilled to add this phenomenal heavyweight rematch between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz to an exciting month of entertainment at MGM Grand,” Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports, said. “We can’t wait for fight fans to witness what is sure to be a ‘knockout’ of an evening at the Grand Garden Arena.”

Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs), a bronze medal winner for the U.S. boxing team at the 2008 Olympic Games, has more than lived up to the nickname “The Bronze Bomber.” The 33-year-old Wilder has knocked out all but one of the men that he has faced in the ring, making him one of the most feared single-punch knockout artist in boxing today.

The most active heavyweight champion in the sport, this will be Wilder’s third title defense in 11 months. He is coming off a highlight-reel first round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in Brooklyn on May 18. Before that had one of the most dramatic matches of 2018 when he dropped Tyson Fury twice, including a stunning knockdown in the 12th round, on the way to a split draw last December.

Born and still living and training in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wilder will return to fight at MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the first time since he won the heavyweight title with a dominant 12-round decision over Bermane Stiverne on January 17, 2015. The victory had even more significance for Wilder because it came on the birthday of his boxing idol, Muhammad Ali. The rematch against Ortiz will be his 10th title defense.

“When I fought Ortiz not only did he have the pedigree, but also he had the classification of being the boogeyman of the division,” said Wilder. “I agree with those who say that Luis Ortiz was my toughest fight to date. No one wanted to fight him and they still don’t. In the rematch there’s more confidence and more motivation to do what I have to do. I’ve already seen the style before. It’s going to make it more fun. I can’t wait to see how he tries to handle me when I’m at my best.

“This is the second big fight for me under my company, BombZquad Promotions, and I’m very happy about that. We still have a lot of work to do to build it into the kind of company that I know it’s going to be in the future, but it’s coming along. To be able to do a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at MGM Grand in Las Vegas under my own banner is fantastic.”

Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) has ripped off three-straight victories since suffering the only loss of his career in that first match with Wilder in 2018, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer on March 2. The southpaw, who was born in Camaguey, Cuba and now lives in Miami, is one of the most avoided heavyweight contenders in boxing because of his vicious knockout power and crafty southpaw boxing skills. In the first fight with Wilder, Ortiz hurt Wilder with a textbook counter right hook that nearly made him the first Cuban heavyweight world champion.

Outside of the ring, Wilder and Ortiz share a common bond-they’re both motivated to fight for their daughters. Wilder’s oldest daughter, Naieya, was born with spina bifida, motivating Wilder to take up boxing to pay for her medical expenses. Ortiz’s daughter, Lismercedes, has a painful skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa, which results in painful skin blistering and Ortiz has worked to raise awareness for.

“I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit for taking this fight because it shows he has the heart of a true champion,” said Ortiz. “He is not at all scared to take a dangerous fight, because let’s be honest, this is the most dangerous fight for him. In my opinion, he’s the best heavyweight in the world until someone beats him, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do on November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View. ‘King Kong’ is coming to Las Vegas!”

A three-division world champion fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (36-1-1, 19 KOs) holds the WBA featherweight title and will be making his debut at super featherweight and seeking a title in a fourth weight class. The 31-year-old has been a dominant force in the featherweight division since 2015, including two thrilling featherweight title duels against Abner Mares and Carl Frampton each. He lost the belt in his first match against Frampton in 2016, but reclaimed it in their rematch the following year. Santa Cruz has competed in title bouts in 16 of his last 18 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122 and 126-pounds and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Rivera in his last fight in February on FOX.

“When I first started boxing my dream was to be a world champion and I’ve been fortunate to win three different world championships in three different divisions,” said Santa Cruz. “I couldn’t imagine winning championships in four divisions. It’s something I never really dreamed of and I’m very happy about this opportunity.

“I know Flores is another tough Mexican boxer like me. He always comes forward, so it’s going to be a fun fight for the fans. I’m really looking forward to fighting again in Las Vegas at MGM Grand. It’s going to be a really exciting atmosphere because you have Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz in a heavyweight championship fight, and Deontay always knocks his opponents out, but we’re hoping that our fight will steal the night.”

Flores (24-2, 12 KOs) was originally scheduled to fight Santa Cruz for the featherweight title in February, but severely sprained his ankle in training and had to withdraw from the fight. Born in Mexico, but raised in and fighting out of Houston, Flores rose up the rankings with victories over Ryan Kielczweski, Ruben Tamayo and Mario Briones. After suffering a loss to Dat Nguyen and seeking to rebound, Flores was ahead on the scorecards against Chris Avalos in a fight on FS1 when the contest was stopped due to a cut on Flores’ eyebrow that was controversially ruled to have come from a punch. Flores bounced back from that loss to stop Raul Chirino in April 2018 and also scored a TKO victory against Luis May in his most recent fight on June 29 after the ankle injury.

“I’m extremely excited to be getting this opportunity once again to fight Leo Santa Cruz and win a world title,” said Flores. “Being the co-main event on this FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View card with Wilder vs. Ortiz headlining is incredible. This is a dream come true for me, and I’m going to take advantage of the situation. This moment in my life is something I’ve envisioned since I was a kid. On November 23, you will see the best version of myself as I plan to be in the best shape of my life, with the goal of becoming a world champion, and what better way to do it than in Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Leo and I are going to put on a great show, that you can guarantee.”

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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Philadelphia, PA (March 22, 2019) -Three-Time Olympian, Anvar Yunusov (6-0, 3 KOs) is is looking to go big game hunting as he prepares for his main event battle with Puerto Rico’s Carlos Colon (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will take place next Friday night at SugarHouse Casino.

Yunusov, who has been training at Philly’s Next Champ

“My training has been good. I have been sparring with (IBF Super Featherweight World Champion) Tevin Farmer. It was good and tough sparring. I feel that has been getting me stronger and stronger,” said Yunusov.

When it comes to Colon, Yunusov does not know much, but that doesn’t seem to faze the 32 year-old, who represented Tajikistan in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

“I just know he is from Puerto Rico. It has been tough to find information on him, but I know he has not fought in America.”

After fighting four times in 2018, Yunusov will be making his 2019 debut, and he feels that despite just having six fights, he is close to major fights due to his extensive amateur career.

“I feel everything has gone well. I have a great promoter in Marshall Kauffman and King’s Promotions. He is the best promoter around, and he has kept me busy.”

“This will be a great fight, and I will excite the fans. I love to fight, and am always in good shape. My goal is to fight Leo Santa Cruz for the world title.”

On the stacked undercard, Erik Spring (11-2-2, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Terrance Williams (5-2-1, 1 KO) of York, PA in a eight-round super welterweight bout.

Also in eight-round bouts:

Raeese Aleem (13-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas fights Ramiro Robles (15-8-2, 9 KOs) of Queretaro, Mexico in a super bantamweight bout.

Brandon Robinson (11-2, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA fights Lawrence Blakey (5-12-2, 2 KOs) of Pennsylvania in a super middleweight bout.

Anthony Mercardo (12-4, 10 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico battles Andres Navarro (11-7-1, 7 KOs) of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico in a junior welterweight clash.

In six-round bouts:

Mark Dawson (5-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on Jordn Morales (3-6, 2 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a welterweight bout.

Michael Coffie (5-0, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY takes on Eduardo Vitela (3-3, 2 KOs) of Durango, Mexico in a heavyweight tussle.

Colby Madison (7-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD fights Emilio Salas (5-2-1, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, NY in a Heavyweight match.

Javier Oquendo (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia boxes Weusi Johnson (3-10) of Wilmington, DE in a super featherweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Jordan Demko of Reading, PA will make his pro debut against fellow debuter LaQuan Evans of Philadelphia in a middleweight battle.

Ryan Humberger of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against fellow 1st-timer Brent Oren of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

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LOS ANGELES (February 13, 2019) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event took part in a media workout Wednesday as they near their respective showdowns this Saturday night at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Wednesday’s workout featured Mexican contender Rafael Rivera, who will battle WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in the main event.

Also working out Wednesday at City of Angels Boxing Club were unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr., who battle in super lightweight action, and unbeaten prospect Donnie Marshall, who faces fellow-unbeaten Sebastian Fundora in a super welterweight bout that kicks off televised coverage at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas was also in attendance, as he competes in a TV swing bout.

The fighters will go face-to-face at a press conference on Thursday that will feature former two-time world champion and Southern California favorite Fernando Vargas. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

RAFAEL RIVERA

“When I got this opportunity, I didn’t think twice. I was training and ready and I wanted this challenge. I’m here to make the most of it.

“Like I always say to my fans, be ready for a great fight. I’m looking to make this very exciting and interesting. The belt is coming back with me to Tijuana.

“I never look for the knockout, but I’ve still been able to get them. I’m ready, so I hope he’s also ready to give the fans a great fight.

“This is a big challenge for me. I’m coming for that world title. I want to prove how good I am and become a world champion for my fans in Tijuana.

“I love to face the best fighters out there. Leo is a fighter who throws a lot of punches. We’ve seen it and we’ve studied it. But I don’t think he’s very fast. I’m faster than he is and I have to take advantage of that. I have to counter him when he comes in and do my job.”

OMAR FIGUEROA

“I’m looking to come back strong against Molina. My style is always to go in there for the knockout and give the fans a great show. The sooner we get him out of there, the better.

“We know that John Molina is a tough fighter. He’s been in there with some of the best in the world and he’s given them problems. We expect him to bring a great fight.

“We’ve seen Molina box before and make things difficult for certain fighters. I’m going to try to make the fight my style of fight and we’ll see if he obliges. Once he feels the power, he might choose to box.

“I don’t think this goes past six rounds. I’m confident about that. We’re going to be ready for anything Molina brings.

“I’ve been doing a lot of healing physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m looking to show on Saturday that I’ve got everything together.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“I feel excited and confident. Maybe overconfident, but I am ready. We did our job in the gym and now we are ready for the fight.

“I have to expect the best version of Omar Figueroa. He is a smart kid. I don’t know if he is trying to entice me into a war right away. I don’t know what his game plan is, but we will find out on Saturday.

“Fans need to tune in on FOX and FOX Deportes February 16. This is going to be a war and I believe we’re going to steal the show.

“This isn’t my first go around against a Joel Diaz-trained fighter. I did it before with Ruslan Provodnikov and now it is my job to beat Figueroa.

“I am not affected by being considered the underdog. Every one of my fights, fans make money. I think Provodnikov I was 11-1. When you become a veteran in the sport, you stop worrying about stuff like that. Talk is cheap.

“There is a lot at stake for me. I don’t feel pressure, but there is a lot at stake. Every fight of my career I have something to prove and Saturday is no different.”

DONNIE MARSHALL

“This is my first big opportunity and I’m ready to take full advantage. I’m going to show everybody where I’m at.

“I’m going to take it as it comes in the ring. We have a game plan, but I’m a creator in the ring. I create on the go. I’ll fit in where I can and go with the flow of the fight.

“The only challenge I see is his height. He’s obviously very tall at six-foot seven-inches. We know what we have to do to break him down. I don’t even really see the height as a challenge, because I spar with heavyweights all the time.

“I’m 10-0, but I only started boxing when I was 20, about 10 years ago. I don’t have the time like young prospects who want to play around, I want to fight any and everybody I can right now.”

KARLOS BALDERAS

“I feel excited and anxious to get back in the ring. I’m ready physically and mentally. I know that my opponent won’t be ready for the heat I’m going to throw at him.

“This year I’m looking to be busy. I want to be back in the ring in April if everything goes well on Saturday. After this fight I’m going to move to Los Angeles and add trainer Roberto Alcazar to my team. He’s had a lot of experience in big fights and I think he’s going to be a great help. I can really understand clearly what he’s trying to teach me.

“I’m going to show everyone that I’m the real deal once again. I’m going to prove why these fighters can’t make it through a fight with me. This year is all business for me.”

# # #

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall. Rising prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will compete in a swing bout that will air live if time permits.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2019) – WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz, one of Los Angeles’ most popular boxing stars, hosted a media workout at Fortune Gym in Hollywood Tuesday as he nears his primetime showdown against Rafael Rivera that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Santa Cruz, who was joined by his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, showed off the skills that have made him a can’t-miss attraction. Santa Cruz was originally scheduled to face Miguel Flores, but he was replaced by Rivera after Flores suffered an injury in training.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday in Hollywood:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“We kept our training camp going despite the change of opponent. We always train the same no matter who the opponent is.

“We spar against fighters who have every different kind of style, because the opponent could always bring something new to the ring. My dad tells me to always be prepared for any kind of style. We are ready for whatever the opponent brings into the ring.

“I’m always staying in shape whether I’m in the gym training for a fight or not. When they call us and tell us what the fight is, we’re always ready.

“I know that Rivera has fought some good opponents like Joseph Diaz and Joet Gonzalez, and he’s gone the distance with them. He’s given them tough battles. He’s shown that he’s a tough fighter who will leave everything in the ring.

“This isn’t going to be an easy fight. Rivera is tougher than people have given him credit for in the past. It motivates me to try to be the first to knock him out. If I have the opportunity for it, I’m going for it. Most important though, is to come out of there with the victory.

“Sometimes when my dad is having tough days dealing with the cancer, I want to stay at home with him, but he tells me to go to the gym and train hard. So I tell him that we’re going to work hard for him. We both motivate each other.

“(WBC Featherweight Champion) Gary Russell Jr. is the fight that I want. He beat me in the amateurs, but in the pros I get 12 rounds. I think that I can beat him.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer

“We didn’t worry too much about the opponent change. I don’t think it makes too much of a difference. Leo is going to be at his best and ready for whoever steps into that ring.

“We didn’t let the change effect our routine. We continued the same preparations as always so Leo is ready to fight. We respect every opponent too much to ever fall behind in conditioning.

“I think this is going to be a good fight. Leo is always very competitive and any time he can win a fight he knows it will be big for his career.

“Leo is 30-years-old right now and I think that he will be retired by 35. He has a lot left to accomplish in this sport and our team is going to keep pushing him to be the best that he can.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Top to bottom this is just a great card. It’s going to be toe-to-toe action downtown at L.A. Live. It’s an affordable ticket at $30, and that gives you the chance to see one of the stars of the sport in a slugfest.

“Leo Santa Cruz always brings great action and drama when he enters the ring. You have to be on the edge of your seat during a Leo Santa Cruz fight and I expect nothing less next Saturday night. Rafael Rivera has nothing to lose in this fight, and that is the recipe for a tremendous showdown.

“Boxing at Microsoft Theater has caught on. That fight in January between Caleb Plant and Jose Uzcategui had a great atmosphere and it is just a beautiful place to watch the fights. Microsoft Theater is becoming the indoor ‘war grounds’ of boxing.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Rafael Rivera put up a great fight against Joseph Diaz Jr., and he came back against Joet Gonzalez and lost a split-decision, but he really won that fight. Rivera should only have one loss on his record.

“Rivera is going into this fight with the same granite chin that he showed everyone against Diaz. He was prepared and ready when the call came for this fight. He’s a great replacement. Leo better be ready and not take him lightly.”

# # #

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on
Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2019) – Mexico’s Cesar Juarez battles former champion Ryosuka Iwasa of Japan in a 12-round IBF Super Bantamweight title elimination match and undefeated IBF Junior Flyweight Champion Carlos Licona of Mexico clashes with South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel in non-televised action presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Action will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) in a special six-round lightweight attraction, former title challenger Hugo Centeno, Jr. (26-2, 14 KOs) meeting Oscar Cortez (27-3, 14 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout and Ivan Redkach (21-4-1, 16 KOs) dueling Tyrone Harris (26-13, 16 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight match. The Balderas fight is a swing bout for the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast that will air live if time permits.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Juarez (23-6, 17 KOs) has worked his way back into title contention since losing to Isaac Dogboe in a super bantamweight championship match last January. The 27-year-old from Mexico City fought three more times in 2018, scoring two stoppage victories and a unanimous decision over Jorge Sanchez most recently in September.

Iwasa (25-3, 16 KOs) won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a TKO victory over Yukinori Oguni in 2017 and successfully defended it with a unanimous decision over Ernesto Saulong last March. The 29-year-old from Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan most recently lost the title by unanimous decision to T.J. Doheny in August.

Mexico’s Licona (14-0, 2 KOs) was very busy in 2018, fighting four times and winning the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a split decision over Mark Anthony Barriga on December 1. The 23-year-old from Mexico City, Mexico will be making his first title defense against the 23-year-old Kriel (14-1-1, 6 KOs). Fighting out of Johannesburg, South Africa, he will compete for the first time in the U.S. and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Xolisa Magusha in March.

Non-televised undercard action also features unbeaten prospect Jose Gomez (11-0, 4 KOs) facing Jorge Luis Guzman (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout, undefeated super featherweight prospect Jerry Perez (10-0, 7 KOs) meeting Ivan Benitez (12-2, 4 KOs) in a four round match and a six-round super featherweight clash between Neri Ariel Romero (11-0, 7 KOs) and Roxberg Patrick Riley (13-1, 7 KOs).

Rounding out the card is undefeated super lightweight prospect Julian Rodarte (14-0-1, 6 KOs) competing against Miguel Mendoza (23-15-2, 22 KOs) in an eight-round match, Philippine featherweight and former world champion Marlon Tapales (31-2, 14 KOs) stepping in for a 10-round attraction and the pro debut of Shon Mondragon in a four-round super bantamweight fight.

# # #

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on
Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater
at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall.

LOS ANGELES (January 24, 2019) – Featherweight challenger Miguel Flores suffered an ankle injury in training and was forced to drop out of his match against WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Stepping up to replace Flores is Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera, a 24-year-old contender from Tijuana, Mexico.

The televised undercard will also feature a battle of unbeaten super welterweight prospects as sensational Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fondura takes on Donnie Marshall in an eight-round match that will kick off the television coverage at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The co-feature is an exciting 12-round junior welterweight clash between unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Rivera (26-2-2, 17 KOs) is no stranger to stepping into tough challenges on short notice. One of his losses came when he stepped in as a late replacement to take on Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in September 2017 and lost by decision. In his next fight he lost a split decision to unbeaten Joet Gonzalez on July 13. He rebounded with a knockout victory over Jose Ramos in his last fight on October 19 and will now step up to face the toughest challenge of his career on February 16.

At 6-foot-6, the unbeaten Fundora (11-0, 7 KOs) has made a name for himself with his stature and skills inside the ring. The 21-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California blazed through 2018 by stopping all three of his opponents by knockout, including previously unbeaten Ve Shawn Owens in April and most recently Jeremiah Wiggins in November.

The 30-year-old Marshall (10-0, 6 KOs) is from Raleigh, North Carolina and also had a busy 2018, fighting four times and scoring two stoppage wins. He earned unanimous decision over Javier Frazier in his last fight on November 30.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (January 3, 2019) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and exciting challenger Miguel Flores went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles ahead of their world title showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference was hard-hitting John Molina Jr., who faces unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa in a 12-round junior welterweight clash as part of televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Conga Room at L.A. Live:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“He may think I’m underestimating him, but I’ve never underestimated any fighter I’ve faced. Media and fans may think differently, but I don’t think I’m superior to anyone else, I just do my work.

“I get all of my confidence from my training. I learn everything in the gym. I work hard and train like I’m the challenger. I want to go and give the fans a great fight and continue to grow my name.

“When I retire I want to be known as a great Mexican fighter, so I’ve trained very hard with my dad. Even though he’s sick, he still is in the gym pushing me and telling me what to do. It’s a huge motivation to see him there supporting me. I know that if he sees me pushing myself, it’s going to motivate him too.

“When I say that I want to unify the featherweight division, I’m not looking past Miguel Flores. I have to be positive and always look toward the future. I’m not looking back. I’m just training hard to get that win and become the best at 126-pounds. First that means beating Miguel Flores.

“This is going to be a great fight. Miguel Flores is a tough fighter who throws a lot of punches and comes forward. He’s got a big right hand and he works the body well. He’s a fighter who leaves everything in the ring.

“I want to unify against any of the champions. I want any of the champions in 2019 and I want to become the featherweight king.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“It’s been a long road for me. I’m going to put on a good show on February 16. Leo and his father are professionals and they’ll work hard in the gym, but I have a feeling they’re overlooking me.

“I know all the hard work I’ve put in the gym and I know that I deserve this opportunity and I’m going to prove it by making the most of it.

“This is a great night of fights and I’m thankful to everyone that made it possible. My trainer, Aaron Navarro, has been with me and is really a father figure for me. The support from back home has been amazing.

“I’m excited to be starting off the year with this great opportunity. I’m going to give the writers an easy task, because on February 16 I’m going to give them the Upset of the Year and the Fight of the Year on the same night.

“People are going to be in for a treat on February 16. We have two Mexican fighters going toe-to-toe. You’re going to want to show up to see this one.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“February 16, there is going to be a war. It’s a great night of fighting. This is a fight that I specifically asked for. I believe stylistically it’s going to be all-action.

“I saw Figueroa say that he’s not going to see me get out of the fourth round. Well he’s not going to see that, because he’s going to be asleep.

“Talk is cheap, like I always say. I could talk until I’m blue in the face about how I’m going to hurt this kid. But it’ll sound naïve until I show you on February 16.

“I like Figueroa’s confidence. It’s going to make for a great fight. I don’t ever want to face a guy who’s going to come to lose. I know he’s coming to win. I’m glad to share the ring with great fighters like Leo, Miguel and Omar for this special night.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Premier Boxing Champions have made a major commitment to bringing some of the best and biggest fights to Southern California.

“L.A. has always been regarded as one of the best fight cities in the world and home to some of the greatest fights in boxing. We believe that Los Angeles, including right here downtown, can become a major hub for the sport of boxing.

“Southern California has long been a hotbed of slugfests between great Mexican-American fighters, and with Leo Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores, plus Omar Figueroa vs. John Molina Jr., we have the makings of another all-out war on February 16. This is going to be a great night.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Los Angeles is once again the fight capital of the world. There are some great matchups coming here for the passionate Southern California fight fans.

“The Microsoft Theatre is a fantastic venue for boxing and it hosts signature events throughout the year, and on February 16 it will host a great doubleheader. They say that styles make fights, and I don’t think there are better matchups than these two fights.

“These fighters are warriors. No one on this card is ever in a boring fight. It’s like throwing oil in the fire. This is going to be a night you don’t want to miss and a great crowd watching these fights.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (January 3, 2019) – Featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will defend his WBA title against Houston’s Miguel Flores in a showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features an exciting 12-round junior welterweight clash between unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the most dynamic boxers in a deep division that features outstanding boxers,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Santa Cruz is never in a boring fight. His high volume punching is highlighted by its accuracy and efficiency, making him a master ring tactician. Miguel Flores always comes to battle and has caught a couple tough breaks. But a victory over Santa Cruz could reverse his ring fortunes. Omar Figueroa vs. John Molina Jr. Enough said. You know what they do.”

“Leo Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores were both born in Michoacán and they have the blood of the proud Aztec warriors flowing through them,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Between them they have 61 fights and 58 wins! For them, February 16 is not just going to be another fight, for them it is about pride and country. The huge audience on FOX and FOX Deportes will be in for a treat and so will be the thousands in attendance at the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. What a way to start the New Year!”

A three-division world champion fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (35-1-1, 19 KOs) enters this fight after completing a second exciting duel against Abner Mares that again saw Santa Cruz edge his rival on the scorecards. The 30-year-old will make the third defense of his title after he claimed the 126-pound belt from Carl Frampton in 2017, avenging the defeat he suffered to Frampton the year before. Santa Cruz has competed in title bouts in 15 of his last 17 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122 and 126-pounds.

“I trained really hard for this fight like I do all my fights and I’m really focused and determined to get the win, because I know that after this one, I want to clean up the division,” said Santa Cruz. “I’m not overlooking my opponent at all. The main thing is I have to get this win and look great against Miguel Flores. I want to beat Flores and continue to show the world that I’m one of the best. After defeating Flores, I’ll be ready to clean up the division. I just have to be smart and not be too wild because I want to get the knockout and look spectacular. I know if I can be calm, I can do what I have to do.”

Flores (23-2, 11 KOs) was born in Mexico, but was raised and fights out of Houston. The 26-year-old rose up the rankings with victories over Ryan Kielczweski, Ruben Tamayo and Mario Briones. After suffering a setback defeat to Dat Nguyen, Flores was ahead on the scorecards against Chris Avalos in a fight on FS1 when the contest was stopped due to a cut on Flores’ eyebrow that was controversially ruled to have come from a punch. Flores bounced back in his last fight to stop Raul Chirino in April.

“We’re taking this fight very seriously and we understand that we’re going against the top featherweight in the division,” said Flores. “We know he’s looking to unify, but he has to first worry about me on February 16. We have to stay focused and smart. We know Leo likes to have brawls and he likes to throw a lot of punches. We have to be smart and box when we want to box and fight when we want to fight. We have to stick to our game plan.”

Figueroa (27-0-1, 19 KOs) made a name for himself with his relentless style that led to him capturing a lightweight title against Nihito Arakawa in a memorable 2013 clash. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa went on to defend his title twice before defeating former multiple-division champion Ricky Burns in 2015. The 29-year-old followed that up with a victory over Antonio DeMarco and after an injury layoff, came back in 2017 to drop Robert Guerrero five times on his way to a stoppage victory on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight as something huge, and as a catalyst to even bigger things,” said Figueroa. “This is like the last leg of my career considering I just turned 29 a few weeks ago. I know it’s cliché to say it’s a crossroads, career-defining fight, but it is. I’m using this as building my case to take over the boxing world. I don’t think there’s any secret to my strategy. We all know how I fight. I plan to steam roll over him and get him out of there as quickly as possible. The thing that kills my opponents is they know what’s coming and they can’t stop it.”

Molina (30-7, 24 KOs) has never backed down from a challenge and has been in the ring with some of the best boxers from lightweight to welterweight during his career. The 35-year-old from Covina, California beat a fierce Ruslan Provodnikov by unanimous decision in 2016. Another standout battle from Molina’s career saw him drop former welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse twice before losing on an 11th round knockout. In his last fight he scored a fourth round TKO victory over Ivan Redkach in a back-and-forth bout from last December on FS1.

“This fight has been a long time coming, I’ve personally asked for it for three or four years now and it’s finally here,” said Molina. “I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas day to open my gifts. I’m crazily excited to open this gift. I have to be myself and I believe it will be a victory for me. Omar is no slouch. It’s tough to beat a guy who doesn’t like to lose and doesn’t know how to lose. He’s got that zero on his record for a reason. It’s going to a very entertaining fight. I believe this is the fight of the night and we’re going to steal the show.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (December 20, 2018) – Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 22 for featherweight world champion and L.A. fan-favorite Leo Santa Cruz defending his title against Miguel Flores Saturday, February 16 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features an exciting junior welterweight clash between unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr.

Tickets for the show can be purchased at AXS.com.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

An encore presentation of last Saturday’s “scintillating” (ESPN) “slugfest” (Yahoo) between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will air tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and is available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME and SHOWTIME ON DEMAND platforms.

Santa Cruz and Mares combined to throw nearly 2,000 punches Saturday in a rematch of their 2015 thriller. After the 12th and final round of their “electrifying war” (Boxing Scene), fans at STAPLES Center, also site of their first meeting, were once again on their feet clamoring for more.

Tonight’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® replay also features WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo’s title defense against Austin Trout. VIDEO RECAP: https://youtu.be/SkaSBnE9VGE.

Saturday’s event was the 10th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event of 2018, an unrivaled schedule televising the brightest stars in boxing’s most meaningful events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING returns this Saturday (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) as consensus top-10 pound-for-pound champion Errol Spence Jr. defends his welterweight world title in a Dallas homecoming fight against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.

LOS ANGELES–Leo Santa Cruz gained his 2nd victory over crosstown rival Abner Mares with a 12-round unanimous decision to win the WBA Featherweight title in front of 12,505 fans at Staples Center.

The two stood toe to toe for much of the fight which thrilled the fans at Staples Center.  Santa Cruz was throwing and landing more, but Mares was having his moments.

Santa Cruz was cut around the left eyes in the 9th frame.

Santa Cruz, 125 lbs of Los Angles won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 to go to 35-1-1.  Mares, 125.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 31-3-1.

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“It was a great fight. Another war like we said. I had to be smarter. I had to do what I had to do to win the fight.

“I love the crowd. I love to make them happy. Whatever I can do to please them, I do it.

“A cut is a cut, it’s just blood. If anything, it brings more hunger out of me.

“It feels great to get this victory. Abner is a great fighter. He left his heart out there. It was a tough fight but thank God we got the victory.

“Hopefully I am (the best featherweight in the world). But I leave it to the fans to say who is the best. If they say I’m the best, then thank God they say that.

“I want Gary Russell. Let’s unify. I’m not scared of anybody. Whoever I get, let’s go. I’m ready.”

ABNER MARES

“ It was a ‘Fight of the Year’ like I told you guys. We come here, we pleased the crowd. Win or lose, I don’t care. I’m here to please the fans.

“It is what it is. The judges made their decision. I can’t overturn that. It was a close fight. Do you guys want to see a third fight? Let’s do this.

“It’s always a problem getting on the inside. I fought a hard, close fight. I fought my heart out, but at the end of the day I’m pleased with my performance.

“Without a doubt, Leo is the number one featherweight in the world. I say before the fight that the winner of this would be the best in the world. I take my hat off to him.

“This is our town. Leo Santa Cruz an Abner Mares, let’s do number three.”

Jermell Charlo defended the WBC Super Welterweight title with a 12-round majority decision over former champion Austin Trout.

Charlo scored a knockdown in round three, but Trout showed champions courage and was competitive during the fight.

In round nine, the pressure made Trout take a knee.  After the 2nd knock down for Charlo,  Charlo begins to give the pressure. Lands a hard right to the face and Trout tries to evade. Charlo gets Trout against the ropes and lands a left and right body shot.

Charlo, 154 lbs of Houston, TX won on two cards 118-108 and 115-111 while a 3rd card was event at 113-113.  Charlo is now 31-0.  Trout, 154 lbs of Las Cruces, NM is 31-5.

JERMELL CHARLO

“I went to fish, I tried to get some trout but I couldn’t catch him on the hook.  I know they’re used to seeing me knock boys out but at least they saw me take care of business.

“I already knew Trout was going to come in and try to survive.  Trout wasn’t going down like that.  He’s a veteran, he’s a real fighter, but I don’t know what the judges were looking at.  I won that fight.

“Sometimes you knock them out, sometimes you just beat them.”

On a potential unification with Jarret Hurd:

“Trout will tell you who will win that fight.  Trout moved, that’s why he survived 12.  If Hurd sat in front of me and took those shots he’s done.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“Take those knockdowns away I won the fight.  I can’t make any excuses, the better man won with those knockdowns.

“Both Jermall and Jermell are really good.  They are the future.  But I’m not done yet.  I’m not defined by my results.  I’m defined by the risks that I take.  I’ve taken the risks and I’ve stood my ground every time against giants and killers.  And I’m still here.

On a potential fight between Charlo and Hurd:

“That’s a damn good fight.  Charlo can crack and Hurd is resilient.  I know I’ll be tuned in.”

Lina Licona stopped Brittany Horton at 45 seconds of round three of their scheduled 4-round light flyweight bout.

Licona scored a knockdown in the 1st round and finished the fight in round three.

Licona, 108 lbs of Westminster, CA was making her pro debut.  Horton, 109.6 lbs of Belen, NM is 0-2.

Karlos Balderas dropped Alex Silva twice in the 1st frame en route to a stoppage in that opening frame of their lightweight bout.

The fight ended with a left hook to the body at 2:32 for Balderas, 134 lbs of Santa Maria, CA who is now 5-0 with 4 knockouts.  Silva, 133 lbs of Barstow, CA is 3-8.

Jose Balderas won a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Montellano in a super bantamweight bout.

Balderas, 118.8 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Montellano, 117.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 0-2-1.

Angel Alejandro won a four-round unanimous decision over Erik Rocha in a super bantamweight bout.

Alejandro, 123 lbs of Dallas, TX win by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Rocha, 122 lbs of Houston, TX is 1-4.

Ivan Redkach won an eight-round unanimous decision over Brian M Jones in a welterweight bout.

Redkach, 142 lbs of Bkovah, UKR is 21-4-1.  Jones, 140.4 lbs of Clarksville, TX is 14-9.

Jose Gomez won a split decision over Ryan Lee Allen in a six-round  junior lightweight bout.

Gomez, 128 lbs of Huntington Beach, CA wony by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 is 11-0.  Allen, 126 lbs of Jacksonville, MI took a card by a 59-55 score and is 4-2-1.

Jerry Perez stopped Josh Ross in round three of their scheduled four round junior lightweight bout.

Perez landed first punch for a knockdown to Ross at the beginning of the first round. Ross gets up after what appeared to be a long 9-count.. Ross knocked down for 2nd time of the match towards end of round 2 but gets back up. Perez lands hard body shot with a hook to bring down Ross for the 3rd time in round 3. Ross calls it quits at 2:02.

Perez, 131 lbs of Oak Hill, CA is 7-0 with 5 knockouts.  Ross, 136.4 lbs of West Monroe, LA is 3-8-4.

Antonio Santa Cruz won a four-round unanimous decision over Jordan B Reyes in a super bantamweight bout.

Santa Cruz, 121.4 lbs of San Gabriel, CA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is 7-4.  Reyes, 122 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 2-7.

WBA Featherweight World Championship

Leo Santa Cruz – 125 ¼ lbs.

Abner Mares – 125 ½ lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor (Newport Beach, Calif.); Judges: Reynante Danseco (California), Zachary Young (California), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey)

WBC Super Welterweight World Championship

Jermell Charlo – 154 lbs.

Austin Trout – 154 lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Oxnard, Calif.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Connecticut), Eddie Hernandez Sr. (California), Fernando Villarreal (California).

FLASH QUOTES:

LEO SANTA CRUZ: “I always fight for the fans. If I lose, I know I came and gave a great fight for the fans, because that’s what I care most about. I want them to go home happy.

“For me this is not personal. We’re both the best, and we want to prove who is the best and who is No. 1 and who is the best from L.A. There’s no disrespect. Mares is a great guy and a good person; it’s just business. We have to do this.

“I have to be smart. It’s not going to be easy, because I want to please the fans and I have to make it a war and go out there and trade punches. It’s going to be hard because I always try to please the fans. But I have to do it for myself too. We’ll see what happens.”

ABNER MARES: “I let the emotions get the best of me in the first fight, but I have more experience now than three years ago and I’m a more mature fighter, and I’m going to show that come tomorrow night.

“I have to give a good show; there’s no way I’m going to give a bad show. That’s the type of style I bring, and I’m ready for this. Leo’s ready, I’m ready, and it is now just time to show the world that we have reunited and we are both ready to go.”

JERMELL CHARLO: “He says I’m little, but you know I’ll be big tomorrow. My brother just told me, ‘Do what you do.’ Mell and Mall. That’s all.”

AUSTIN TROUT: “I just told him I was ready; he knows we’ve been working and it’s time to go. There’s really not that much talking going on. I’m going to go in there and put on the action.

“Size doesn’t matter. You know, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. We both hit 154 on the button. Head to head. Nose to nose. I’ll push around the bigger guys; I’m ready for this guy. I’m ready for this little guy.

“I’ve felt a sense of urgency my entire career, even when I was undefeated I felt like I can’t lose a fight so I’ve felt that urgency my whole career and that my back’s to the wall and this is what we have to do for every fight.”

Prediction? “My hand’s raised!”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and four-time world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday, two days before they enter the ring for their highly-anticipated rematch this Saturday, June 9 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also squaring-off at the final press conference were super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo and former world champion Austin Trout, who step into the ring on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed in the West Coast).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Chick Hearn Press Room at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“The first fight was a really good one, but I think this one will be even better. Mares is a great fighter with a great trainer in Robert Garcia, and that’s the kind of challenge I want. We both want to give the fans great fights.

“I’ve learned a lot from my last few fights. I’m not coming in here worried about losing, I just worry about giving the fans a great show. If Mares is better than me that night, then he will win. But I’ve worked too hard and I’m going to be at my peak on Saturday night.

“I think that Mares has gotten a lot better. Robert Garcia is a trainer who has brought him up to a different level. He’s made a lot of improvements. I learned from the Frampton fights and my dad is a good trainer too. It’s even all the way around and it’s going to be a great fight.

“I think the winner of this fight will be number one in this division. Gary Russell Jr. is a great fighter and I definitely want a rematch of our amateur fight. But me and Abner put a lot of pressure on our opponents and I don’t think Gary would like the pressure from either of us.

“My team motivates me every day in the gym. They’re right next to me running every day towards the same goal. That’s what I love about training camp because it makes me work even harder.”

ABNER MARES

“I could stand up here and tell you what I’m going to do Saturday, but you’ve seen the first fight. You know how exciting the first fight was. I have even more to prove and I’m going to leave it all on the line this time.

“This is going to be an exciting fight. I know Leo has matured as an athlete and fighter by fighting Frampton twice. But if you look at my last couple of performances, they speak for themselves. I think both of us are seasoned and better fighters right now.

“There’s no doubt that the winner of this fight is number one in this division. There’s some great fighters at featherweight, but we’re fighting for the top spot in this division.

“Our focus isn’t on looking for a stoppage. That was my mistake the first fight. I tried to destroy him. I’m going to follow instructions and show I’m the better fighter in there.

“If I win Saturday night, and the fight is just as exciting as the first one, I’m ready for a trilogy. Let’s make it happen.

“I’m going to fight my heart out and win this fight this time. May the best man win. We’re going to give the fans what they want to see. I’m calling this ‘Fight of the Year’ guaranteed.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“My brother and I have been doing this a long time. Austin Trout has done it a long time as well. I’m hoping everyone gets there early, because I’m bringing excitement to the table right from the start.

“Some critics say that me and my brother haven’t fought the people required to be on the pound-for-pound list. My race to the top continues Saturday night to prove all those people wrong.

“A knockout is possible. If he wants that to be the way it goes, then I’m capable. Derrick and I have a great plan that we’re ready to use. None of our experience in the past matters, we’re both 0-0. Anything can happen on Saturday night.

“I look to do what my brother did against Trout, but way better. If that’s with a knockout or just picking him apart, I’m ready. I’m fighting for a lot more than just a win on Saturday. We’re going to keep shining and do what we have to do.

“We want everyone to know that my brother and I come from the trenches. We made it this far, so we’re not stopping now. Nobody is standing in my way. I know Trout wants a belt, but this is the wrong belt to go after.

“I have to deal with Austin Trout. Jarrett Hurd is not my focus right now. I definitely want to unify titles soon and I hope he comes out ringside on Saturday night so I can look at him after this fight. Everyone knows what time it is.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“I’m very excited to be here and have another once in a lifetime opportunity. I believe this is destiny. I’m coming into the lion’s den and I’m going to come out unscathed.

“As great as my win against Miguel Cotto was, I don’t think it compares to this fight here. People complained about Cotto being old after I beat him, but with Jermell, there’s no excuse you can make up. He’s an undefeated world champion, so if I get the win, this is definitely bigger than Cotto.

“I don’t think he’s overlooking me because I bet his brother told him not to sleep on Trout. Everyone’s going to see what I’ve been saying on Saturday night.

“My training camp with Barry Hunter was fantastic. We got all the work in that I needed and Barry is someone who always pushes me to be better than I believe I’m capable of.

“I learned from my mistakes when I fought the bigger brother. I’m going to be even better on Saturday and it’s going to be a totally different result.

“For everyone sleeping on me, you better wake up. It’s going to be an awakening on Saturday night.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer

“Now all there is left to do is wait for fight night. The work up to this point has been done and it has been done well. We are ready to do what needs to be done when the time comes.

“Usually at this point ahead of a fight the biggest feat is to make weight but he had no problem there. Leo was on target weight about a month ago so it’s not something we’re worried about at this point. He’s eating good and maintaining weight well and feeling really strong for this fight.

“Leo is in incredible shape and I am confident he will win on Saturday. I’m sure Abner and his team are going to bring their best and we’re bringing our best too, but on fight night there will only be two who will clash. We’re ready for war.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“Just the fact that Abner is in my training camp and we communicate so well, it’s given me a lot of confidence. Everyone has done a great job doing their part in camp and I believe we’ve worked on all the tools we need to defeat Leo Santa Cruz.

“Leo is a great fighter but Abner knows he can win this fight. The confidence he’s gained, and how much more seasoned Abner looks since joining my camp, should translate to a strong performance Saturday.

“This has been a really smooth training camp and that’s exactly what Abner needed. We’re primed for a big victory.”

DERRICK JAMES, Charlo’s Trainer

“I think that Jermell has shown a great level of maturity while also being an aggressive fighter. He’s also very positive about what he wants to do every day in camp, and in the ring on Saturday.

“Being able to spar with Errol Spence Jr. every day in camp has definitely helped Jermell. They say it all the time, but iron sharpens iron and that’s the mentality we have to help both guys improve and get to where we know they can get to.

“Austin is a crafty fighter who has a lot of experience and a lot of tools. The most important thing though is that we’re focused on getting Jermell to be the best version of himself on Saturday night.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Finally the wait is over. We waited three years for this rematch. Everyone asked me when this fight was going to happen. Now there’s just two days to go.

“You know it’s a big fight when you have the fight here at the premier venue in Los Angeles, STAPLES Center. These fighters here deserve it, because they are the best fighters in the sport, regardless of division. They’re going to show everyone on Saturday night why we love boxing so much.

“Each of these fights could have been a main event in its own right. I’m glad that these fighters were okay all being together on an event that really elevates the sport of boxing.

“Jermell Charlo is a once-in-a-generation talent in this sport. He has all the skills you need, but also has that one thing that makes you a superstar. He has charisma, and you cannot learn that. However, anyone who is doubting Austin Trout, is making a big mistake. I have no doubt that he’ll be more than ready for this challenge.

“I’ve been fortunate to follow these main event fighters from their first fight, all the way to now, with them being multiple time world champions and fantastic men outside of the ring. Leo and Abner live the kind of lives that make this sport proud. But on Saturday night, may the best man win.

“SHOWTIME delivers week after week of the best fighting the best. This fight is no different and will be another treat for the fans watching on SHOWTIME who have come to expect these great matchups.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.

“These four guys up here have been on SHOWTIME a combined 41 times. That’s a lot and it doesn’t happen by accident. The reason it happens is because these fighters embody everything we want SHOWTIME Boxing to be about. They have some of the strongest resumes in the sport. None of these guys have ever shied away from taking a tough fight. They don’t come with excuses, they want the best and biggest fights. We’ ae proud to have all four of them on SHOWTIME.

“Right now we have a matchup between two of the biggest stars and faces of Southern California boxing. The featherweight division has seen top five fighters on SHOWTIME already this year-This is a rematch between two more of the top 5. In the first fight, they threw a combined 2,000 punches, which I would bet will be matched again on Saturday.

“Austin Trout has been in there with the biggest and best stars in the sport of boxing. But Jermell has quite a bit of momentum. He has four consecutive stoppages, which is very impressive at the championship level. As everyone has said this is another main event quality matchup and I look forward to seeing it on Saturday night.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – The first matchup between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares was an instant classic, with the fellow three-division champions combining to throw more than 2,000 total punches in one of the best fights of 2015.

Santa Cruz and Mares further solidified themselves as the most active and exciting fighters in boxing in their first showdown, combining to throw over 170 punches per round, more than 50 above the featherweight average at the time.

With the long-awaited rematch between set to take place this Saturday live on SHOWTIME® from STAPLES Center, they once again rank amongst the best fighters in boxing. According to CompuBox, Santa Cruz and Mares rank in the Top 10 in three key statistical categories amongst all active boxers across weight divisions – Average Total Punches Landed Per Round, Average Power Punches Thrown Per Round, and Average Power Punches Landed Per Round (See text box below for statistical overview).

Santa Cruz (No. 2 at 29.5 total punches landed per round) and Mares (No. 9 at 22.3 total punches landed per round) excel at landing shots on their opponent, placing in the top 10 in a category that includes pound-for-pound mainstays Gennady Golovkin (No. 2), Naoya Inoue (No.6), Errol Spence (No. 7) and Vasyl Lomachenko (No. 8).

When it comes to power shots, which is defined as anything that isn’t a jab, Santa Cruz and Mares rank No. 4 and No. 7 in power punches thrown per round and No. 2 and No. 6 in power shots landed per round, respectively.

Additionally, Santa Cruz ranks in the top-three in average total punches thrown per round, one of only three active fighters to average 80 or more punches, along with Roman Gonzalez and Francisco Vargas. Santa Cruz, with a stellar 13-1 record in world title fights, also excels at jabbing, ranking in the top 10 in average jabs thrown per round and average jabs landed per round.

While it seems Santa Cruz has the statistical edge in their rematch, the difference maker could be Mares’ rebirth since teaming up with trainer Robert Garcia. Since training under Garcia when he dethroned Jesus Cuellar in 2016, Mares is connecting at a higher percentage on his power shots (46.9 percent compared to 40 percent in his previous 12 fights) while simultaneously limiting the accuracy of his opponents.

The sample size is small, but Mares, who owns a 7-2-1 record in world title fights, is confident the addition of Garcia, along with his mental toughness, will be the difference maker.

“I can’t go in with the same exact mentality as last time and try to knock Leo’s head off,” Mares said recently. “I have power, but I’m not a one-punch knockout artist. The difference between our fight in 2015 and now is that I’m a more mature and seasoned fighter. I’ve been in this sport a long time, and now with having Robert Garcia in my corner, he’s really helped my mental game and given me great guidance.

“We knew last time, and we know going into this fight, that Leo is a volume puncher. He comes forward and tries to tire you out. But I know that he’s also a vulnerable fighter and I just have to take advantage of it this time.”

While the crowd-pleasing Santa Cruz and Mares may come to the ring with revised game plans for the rematch, Santa Cruz recognizes that everything can change when you get in the ring.

“He says he’s going to box me more this time, but it’s easier to say that than do it,” Santa Cruz said recently. “When you get in the ring and hear the fans, they make you want to brawl. Once you hear the crowd you want to entertain them. You love to hear the people scream.

“I’ve learned a lot since the first Mares fight. I’ve learned how to adjust during a fight better. I’m a more complete fighter and it’s going to help me look even better this time.”

In the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® at 10 p.m. ET/PT, unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlowill defend his WBC title against former world champion Austin Trout as part of an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

Rank Amongst All Active Boxers Across Weight Divisions

Avg. Total Punches Thrown Per Round
Avg. Total Punches Landed Per Round
Avg. Power Punches Thrown Per Round
Avg. Power Punches Landed Per Round
Avg. Jabs Thrown Per Round
Avg. Jabs Landed Per Round
Santa Cruz
3rd
2nd
4th
2nd
5th
7th
Mares
N/A
9th
7th
6th
N/A
N/A

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

By Bart Barry-

Three fights happen across nine timezones Saturday in a crescendo of sorts before boxing’s summer ritual ends much of our fun. Going least essential to most, Tyson Fury returns against someone named Sefer Seferi in England, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares finally rematch in Los Angeles, and Jeff Horn defends his fraction of the world’s welterweight championship against Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. If none of these events is great or particularly consequential, none is bad either, and all three should entertain.

This was going to be a piece about how much better than the rest of us a gay novelist can describe the movements of a man’s body – for glancing through a lens of avarice – then a glance at next week’s docket undid those plans. As we round the bend and race towards our seasonless sport’s annual doldrums wisdom advises against spending boxingless ideas the week before three compelling things happen. Fear not, though, an attempt to explore and celebrate a sexualized description of the male form will happen at least before GolovCanelo 2 does.

MGM Grand becomes Hornet’s Nest Northern Hemisphere this week as Aussie hoards ascend on Las Vegas, one hopes, to see their man defend his WBO title against one of today’s two best fighters. This marks Terence Crawford’s debut at 147 pounds, and it’s not a particularly easy one mainly for this reason: Horn’s first prizefight happened against a man who weighed 154 1/2 pounds, while Crawford’s first opponent weighed 138.

This three-weightclasses difference might mean less if Horn were a boxer or a slugger – since Crawford could slug his way through a long cutie or use defense and footwork to dissuade a onetrick puncher. But Horn’s a volume guy, a physical one, who expects to get hit often by men who likely punch harder than, if not accurately as, Crawford. The angles and stanceswitching tricks Crawford uses to disarm then attack smaller men mightn’t make much difference to Horn. So long as some part of Crawford is somewhere in front of Horn, regardless which part is in front of the other, expect Horn to hit that part. Horn cuts easily, and Crawford is very good at what he does, so there’s little chance Horn makes it to the closing bell, and even littler chance Vegas judges give him what doubtful benefits judges do in Brisbane, but the match should be fun.

The competing priorities of ESPN’s app launch and < $5.99 pay-per-view price (if you combine “Nature Boy”, noticeably better than “Andre the Giant”, for an adult anyway, with Horn-Crawford, you’re paying 95-percent less than you paid for Crawford-Postol) leave only one worry, which returns, as usual, to commentary. If ESPN plays it straight, tempering the crew’s admiration for Crawford with investigative stories about Horn’s having a father, all will be fine, regardless of outcome. But if ESPN has already decided Crawford must win because promoter Top Rank promised he would and having the world’s two best fighters on the network overwhelms every other consideration, things could go staggeringly sideways, the way they did when Horn narrowly upset Manny Pacquiao and widely upset Teddy Atlas.

Nothing so untoward will happen on Showtime when boxing’s best broadcast team covers Santa Cruz-Mares 2, a rematch no one considers anymore essential but everyone has a reasonable expectation will be safe and busy as their first match. Neither man has suffered an unavenged loss in the nearly three years since their first fight, but their promotional and managerial situation precludes either man from maintaining professional momentum. Santa Cruz now fights every eight months – a rate of activity at which Mares gazes lustfully. After PBC paid ESPN to televise the men’s first scrap, aficionados suspected the delay that followed was attributable to PBC’s having to save up to buy another broadcaster for the rematch, but evidently we were wrong. Santa Cruz would return six months later to beatdown Kiko Martinez and Mares would go underground for 16 months.

Much as both men rely on activity the more active fighter will win Saturday, and that should be Santa Cruz. The gloves will look too big and the rounds will meld together, but the match will have action enough for someone to mistake it for 2018’s fight of the year, until at least July.

That leaves only the return of boxing’s clown king, Tyson Fury, on a Saturday afternoon card illegally streaming from Manchester. It has been 2 1/2 years since England’s enormous lunatic decisioned Wladimir Klitschko and everything has changed about the heavyweight division except Fury. There have been suspensions and cancellations and rehabilitations and protestations, but Fury is unbowed, genuine and loony as he was ages ago when he became heavyweight champion of the world. He’s either out of shape or in the shape of his life for his return against an unknown man with whom he hopes to log rounds. He is publicly vulnerable in a way one does not expect a 6-foot-9 and 247-274-pound professional fighter to be, and so he wins fans’ forgiveness for being likable. He is capable of decisioning any man in the world, too, including Anthony Joshua, and likely as not to denude Deontay Wilder, 120-108, if ever PBC’s poverty forces such an encounter.

Frankly Wilder-Fury is the fight we deserve, whatever better match we happen to want, a reasonable man who fights crazy against a crazy man who fights reasonable, and both men grasp their division is about spectacle much as merit – while AJ’s dignity precludes his being less or more than a rolemodel, however little boxing fans honestly ever want such a thing.

Writing of which, let’s see if we can collect some clicks in this, our new, legalized-sports-betting country:

Crawford stops Horn on cuts in round 11.

Santa Cruz decisions Mares 115-113, 113-115, 115-113.

Fury TKOs Seferi with a somersault punch in round 7.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

By Norm Frauenheim-

Stalled negotiations for a Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin rematch are diverting attention and headlines away from two intriguing fights – Abner Mares-Leo Santa Cruz II in Los Angeles and Terence Crawford’s welterweight debut against Jeff Horn in Las Vegas, both on June 9.

It reminds me of an old line: The only thing killing boxing is boxing. It is the flaw, the proverbial glass jaw, that always seems to undercut a chaotic business that just can’t get out of its own way.

Television ratings have been promising this year, especially on ESPN. There’s an audience of young fans in America’s changing demographics. There’s looming interest in Crawford, Mikey Garcia, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Santa Cruz, Mares, Oscar Valdez Jr., Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

But today the business is being held hostage by talk that has been about percentages. According to various reports, GGG wants an equitable split, 50-50, since Canelo’s positive PED tests and subsequent withdrawal from a rematch that was supposed to happen on May 5. Canelo’s Golden Boy reps are reportedly standing by numbers they said were the terms of the initial deal, 65 percent for Canelo and 35 for GGG.

Those are numbers that are interesting only if you’re shopping for a new mortgage. Fans, I suspect, only want to know there’s a date and place for an opening bell.

In the here and now, who knows. There has only been a chilling silence for the last week. As I write this, there have been no reports talks have resumed.

I keep thinking back to GGG’s comment a couple of days before his swift, second-round stoppage of Vanes Martirosyan on May 5 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Then, he said there was only a 10 percent chance that a rematch of their controversial draw last September would happen.

Then, it sounded like an opening line in re-setting the table for a new deal in the controversial wake of the Canelo PED controversy, which includes an ongoing, Nevada Athletic Commission-imposed suspension that will end in mid-August. Now, it sounds like a prediction,

I can only hope he’s wrong. At the time, there appears to be some sympathy for his attempt to get more favorable terms. Fifty-fifty looks unlikely. Canelo still ranks as the bigger draw and becomes more of one because of the controversy that now surrounds him.

But a better deal for GGG only seems fair, especially after the cancellation of the May 5 bout. GGG had no hand in the cancellation and, in fact, fought for a reported $1 million guarantee against Martirosyan on the same day. GGG’s promotional rep, Tom Loeffler of K-2, suggested that the Nevada Commission should have levied a fine against Canelo in addition to the suspension. The Commission said a fine was not possible, because Canelo’s positive PED tests in February were not related to a fight that had already happened in the state.

Still, Loeffler said damage had been done to GGG. The only way to get some of it back is through negotiations. Thus far, however, Golden Boy has yet to buy any of it. Hard to know where it goes next, if anywhere.

No rematch is a loss for just about everybody. Hardcore fans will eventually move on to Crawford, Lomachenko, Garcia, Santa Cruz, Mares, Valdez, Joshua and Wilder. But causal fans will again have another reason to stay away.

Meanwhile, no deal for a sequel on September 15 is reason to wonder whether there will ever be a rematch. GGG has bigger global footprint than Canelo. The Kazak fighter, whose pro career started in Germany and includes stops in Monaco, could go to Tokyo for good money against Ryota Murata.

There are also opportunities for Canelo, although the rumored one is bound to get only boos. Spike O’Sullivan? Really? Arguments over a proposed purse split are more interesting.

Billy Joe Saunders also has been mentioned. But both GGG and Canelo need to be careful about the emerging UK middleweight. Saunders has a chance to beat both. GGG has begun to display some wear and tear. At 27, Canelo continues to fight in spurts. Fatigue just might be part of his genetic make-up.

But it’ll get him beat, just as surely as time will eventually beat GGG, who will be 37 next April.

A year or two from now, GGG and Canelo could come back to talk with a loss or two between them and a lot less on the table.

The time is now.

Richard Schaefer
Thank you so much for being on today’s call. Very excited to have all the fighters here. We only have ten days to go until the big Saturday, June 9 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING World Championship double header which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions. Tickets are still available. They begin at $50 here at STAPLES Center. We had a tremendous demand already. The gross gate already exceeds what those two guys did the first time around, so I do expect a sell out at the STAPLES Center.

I want to introduce to you first, Chris DeBlasio, the Senior Vice President of Sports Communications from SHOWTIME. I think Chris wants to make a few opening comments. And of course, I like to always thank my good friend, Stephen Espinoza, for his commitment to the sport as well. Chris, do you want to say a few words?

Chris DeBlasio
Thanks, Richard and thank you to the fighters for your patience. We’re really excited for this particular fight card. First off, we’re excited to be back in Los Angeles. The fight crowd in Southern California is knowledgeable, excitable, usually star-studded as well. It always makes for a great experience in the arena and that translates onto television and that’s what we’re about, putting on exciting fight cards on our network.

STAPLES Center is a world-class venue. We’re thrilled to be back there. It’s been more than five years since we’ve had an event there. The bottom line is that SHOWTIME continues to lead the boxing industry. We’re delivering the largest slate of live events week after week and month after month. These are the most pivotal match-ups, the most competitive match-ups in boxing’s deepest divisions. It’s just a fact for literally SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event after event.

On Saturday June 9, we have two world title fights with four men ranked in the top 10 of their respective divisions. The main event features two guys that are top five ranked champions. The four fighters on this card have a few things in common. First off, they’ve been amongst the most prolific fighters on our network in the recent era. Between Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Jermell Charlo, and Austin Trout, they fought a combined 41 times on SHOWTIME. That includes a few SHOWTIME pay-per-view events. That’s a pretty remarkable number.

Our audience is familiar with their exciting style and their aggressiveness. Secondly — and I think it’s as important or more important really — these guys have consistently sought the top opposition fight after fight. That’s all four of them. Over the past three years, our network has delivered many 154-pound world title fights, many featuring Austin Trout and Jermell Charlo and Saturday will be our 10th.

We continue to see the best fighters fight the best opposition fight after fight and we’re seeing a move closer and closer towards identifying one, true champion, the one man to beat, at super welterweight. And that’s a really exciting prospect in a deep division like that. Likewise, for the main event on Saturday, SHOWTIME has had four high-stakes featherweight bouts on our network in just the past two months. That’s another division that’s long on talent and the stars of the sport are continuing to battle for the top spot fight after fight.

So again, I thank you for your patience and letting me drop that in there. I think it’s important. We’re thrilled at SHOWTIME to be able to put on fights like this with incredible athletes like the four men we have on Saturday. So, Richard, back to you.

R. Schaefer
Thank you Chris. Our main event is the rematch of one of 2015’s most exciting battles, the Featherweight World Championship between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. And finally, we are here again where those two all-action warriors will meet, not only for the bragging rights here in Los Angeles, but really, who is gonna be the king of the 126 pound weight class, one of the deepest weight classes in the sport.

The co-main event pits the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo against the former world champion, Austin Trout. It’s a 12-round co-main event and with Charlo, we have certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, not only with how he performs inside the ring, but his charisma and the way he carries himself outside of the ring as well. So, it’s really a special treat to have Jermell here in Los Angeles defending his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

He’s going to be facing Austin Trout, a fighter who certainly is one of the craftiest in the sport, has a record of 31 wins with only 4 loses. He is trained now by one of the best trainers in the sport, Barry Hunter. He has been a world champion, former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. I know he wants to take this opportunity and become a world champion again.

We all remember how he turned back Miguel Cotto at the Madison Square Garden back in 2012 and he was also the last fighter to go the distance with Jermall Charlo, losing to him in May 2015. It’s a pleasure now to turn it over to Austin Trout to make a few opening comments and then open it up for questions. Austin?

Austin Trout
Yes, I’m happy to be here. I’m ready to get this going. Woken up from a nap and I’ve got training to go to. Let’s go.

R. Schaefer
Let me introduce to you the man, as I mentioned to you before, one of the toughest fighters in the sport, Jermell Charlo. He’s undefeated. He’s the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion. He has a tremendous personality and he’s just knocking out people. He is from Houston, Texas and trained by Derrick James in Dallas. He is now in Santa Monica this month to finish up camp. As a matter of fact, for those of you that are in around Los Angeles, make sure you stop by tomorrow for the open that media workout.

He won his world title with sensational knock-out of John Jackson in 2015. And of course, him and his twin brother, we all know them, became the first twins to hold world titles simultaneously in the same division in boxing which is boxing history in 2015. And it seems like every time he enters the ring, he outdoes his highlight reel knock-out over and over. And it’s a pleasure, it’s a treat, for all fight fans here and around Los Angeles and, those watching live on SHOWTIME to welcome Jermell Charlo to the STAPLES Center on June the 9th. Please, Jermell.

Jermell Charlo
Only thing I got to say is that Austin Trout is a phenomenal fighter. I’m pleased to be able to face off and square up with a former world champion and someone that has a heart, some one that comes with a dog mentality. We’re all looking to put on a 12-round fight for you guys and we both train our asses off in training camp. I’m ready to deliver whatever I have to deliver at the moment.

Q
Austin, what made you change trainers to Barry Hunter and can you tell us how it’s been going in training camp so far?

A. Trout
Yes, I was with Barry like two years. And then when I stayed home for the next few fights against Jarrett Hurd and then Juan DeAngel, the results were not what I needed or wasn’t what I liked. So I went back to what was working and the only reason why I stopped going to Barry was for the Hurd fight because Hurd trained in the same area and that’s where I actually met Hurd was in Barry’s gym, so, I tried to stay home for that.

Which was a big mistake in my opinion. But things are going good, we’re training good. We’re back and we picked up where we left off and I have to be at my best for a fighter like Jermell, so I had to go get to a place where I was able to get to my best.

In the Hurd fight I felt like, I don’t wanna say issues, but I gassed out. It was really dehydration. But at the same time, I think we would have prepared for the heat that Hurd was going to bring, because Barry does know him. The mistake was that he makes you give your best and accept nothing less than your best. I was able not necessarily able to do what I wanted. So we came back to what was working.

Q
Can you compare Hurd and Jermell maybe what they do differently and how they compare as fighters?

A. Trout
Jermell has a boatload more skills. In my opinion, Hurd’s not very skilled, he’s just a big, tough dude. And Jermell, he’s tough and he’s bigger than most junior middleweights, but he’s also skilled. So we gotta worry about definitely his skillset as opposed to just him taking punishment and making you wind out from beating him up, because that’s what happened with Hurd. I just beat him up until I ran out, till I couldn’t beat him up anymore.

I was just worn down. I had to go to the hospital for dehydration which I’ve never experienced. We were throwing some heat for those first six, seven rounds. And we bugged him a couple times and I felt like with just a little bit more and a little bit more each round until I had nothing left. And that’s when he came on.

Q
Jermell, just wondering if you could tell us what you thought of Austin’s performance against Jarrett Hurd?

J. Charlo
Every fight is different. I never like to worry about what they do and what they did different. Fighter’s styles make fights. Like Trout emphasized on earlier, he got worn out and dehydration does that. With Barry, someone who trains you the way you would fight and the way which you would go through the ring, I just believe that, Hurd was a much bigger guy and I’ve never been in there with Trout before, so there’s nothing I can say about his fighting style and what he actually brings to the table.

Q
Do you hope to beat Trout in a more convincing fashion or a more spectacular fashion than Jarrett Hurd did or do you not even think about that?

J. Charlo
I’m not in competition with those guys. Those guys are competition for me. Unfortunately, they just got the fight first before me. I don’t know what Trout going to bring out. So if he brings out the best in me, then who knows what the end result could be. I’m looking to go 12. I’m looking to fight all the way to the end. I’m in dog shape. I’ve been training for a long time and I do a pre-training. I do a pre-camp before I even get into camp and that’s while my brother was getting ready for his fight with Centeno.

I like myself the first day of camp in particular shape. So it’s all about sharpening my skills and doing what I got to do at my best. I’m growing. I’m turning 28 and I got to look at things a little bit differently. And I know Trout is a veteran himself and he knows what’s right and what fits him and what fits his body.

So it’s just almost like, nah, the only thing that’s on my mind is just getting there to see what this body does and what this mindset that I got now does and who knows the results of it. If it looks good, it’s better than Hurd or any other guys, as long as you all watching and you all kicking it with the Charlos and kicking it with Jermell Charlo, we on.

Q
Jermell, your last two fights were contenders for KO of the Year. Can we expect anything of the same in this one?

J. Charlo
I’m going to do what I got to do like I just answered earlier. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Anything can happen. We both two men putting our life on the line. I don’t know how he views this, but I view it a little bit different. I take this as deep to me. I don’t care about the last fights or what I’ve done before, just like I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Lubin fight. I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Hatley fight.

We in there to go 12. We were in there to fight, be smart, and be cautious and take care of ourselves. So at the end of the day, I don’t care. I don’t know. I’m not with the ruthless. I’m not trying to go in there try to destroy and kill, because I know that’s a mistake that a lot of boxers make.

I grew up watching boxing all my life, and I know for a fact that if you go in there looking for the knockout, it doesn’t come. So therefore, I’m going in there to box, be slick and smart, and be strong at the same time and make it 12 rounds, 36 minutes.

Q
Both Jarrett Hurd and Jaime Munguia, they seem to be heading for England. Where does that leave you as far as title unification goes?

J. Charlo
We could fight in South Africa, I don’t care. As long as they get their fight on and they do what they do, they make the money, they feed they family, we good. They know who the champ is, the know who really the champ is. They know who the guy to come to. They really want some competition and they want to fight, we study this boxing thing, we do this boxing thing. I’m up there, I be there almost every fight this year, if I could make it, I was there. If I was sitting ring side, I was there, you know what I’m saying? And I haven’t fought there so I’m anxious to be in there and I’m ready.

I don’t care about none of them other champions, they got the belts and what they got going on. A lot of these fights that they won was close. This new kid that came out that beat Sadam Ali. He’s nothing like the champions that are reigning now. Austin Trout will beat him and take his title.

However, I’m the best fighter at this weight division and I want to continue to be a champion. I got to continue to feed my family this way and I’m going to do it.

Q
Do you want to outdo your brother against Trout?

J. Charlo
It’s always been something like that growing up, knowing I wanted to be the best. And my brother considers himself the best, I consider myself the best. He fought Trout and I never fought anyone my brother has ever fought since we’ve become elite fighters. I can’t go by what my brother thinks, he might think Trout is strong, I might think he’s not strong.

I don’t feel that my brother feels that the ring. The only thing I do is I feel the emotion that he has and that’s it. So what my brother done to Trout is back in the day. We’ve grown now in 2018. A lot of things are changing, even technology in the gloves is changing. So there’s no way I could say why my brother didn’t get him out of there or why Trout didn’t do the same or vice versa. I look at Trout like a world champion himself and I’m coming to take his title.

Q
You’ve been sparring with Errol Spence for the last couple of years., Is it a coincidence that both your last opponent and Trout are southpaws as well?

J. Charlo
I sparred all kind of different south paws growing up and I believe that has a lot to do with why I’m able to handle it well. My poise in the ring and being comfortable and just being comfortable with what I do. We have 12 rounds to get this fight – to get this W. And I got to – whatever round I got to make adjustments, I will.

It’s just the name of the game and the thing that I got to go through in order to get to where I want. These guys are all diverse and if I ever have to face adversity, I’m ready for whatever it takes and I’m ready for whatever I got to do to continue the Charlo Show.

Q
Austin do you see similarities between the Charlos fighting styles given that they’ve grown up working with each other through the years?

A. Trout
I mean, there’s some similarities, but nah, they two different people. Jermall, he’s a middleweight, but they have – they both have good jabs and a strong right hand. I think Mell has the better skillset he’s been a bit faster. The thing about Mell is I see he takes different approaches to different fights whereas Mall, he kind of comes about each fight the same way.

I watch the fight of me and Mall all week to see what I can do better. Not necessarily to compare in any way. That’s what we watch tape on Mell for.

Dan Rafael: So having watched the videos and preparing to fight Jermell and having gone 12 round with Jermall, do you have an opinion of who you think is better?

A. Trout
I can’t tell you, man. They both undefeated. I’ll tell you June 9 after I have to fight both of them I can tell you who’s the better fighter. I’m looking more so as to be a better Austin. So, be the best Austin Trout I can be in order to take on the best Jermell Charlo. We not fighting Jermall Charlo/ He’s got his own things that he’s dealing with/

That’s not something that I’m concerning myself with. I just got to be the best me in order to deal with the best Mell.

Q
Do you feel like your career is a little bit on the line here?

A. Trout
Honestly, I felt that way when I was undefeated. Every fight my career was at stake. If I took a loss, I have to go back to the bottom. I feel like every fights my most important fight.

But I’m feeling good now. I’m looking forward to June 9. I have a feeling that we can steal the show. It’s going to be a great fight. I got this lion in his prime and I’m going in to tame the lion and become world champion again.

Q
You’ve had one round in now what will be, like, 14 months. Any sense of rust?

J. Charlo
I’m rusty as shit, yes. I think I’m rusty as shit, hell yes. Man, I put my life on the line every time I spar. That’s why we spar with world champions. So if the world thinking, like, yes, this kid, he just got one spectacular knock-out, yes, yes, yes, yes. Man, I’ll shut that shit out the way I was supposed to, and I barely touched the kid on the chin and he went to sleep so that mean I must be doing something right in training.

I’m a clean fighter. I eat clean, I train clean. They test me, I’m clean. Everything is right. I’m not a mistake and everybody got a different favorite. I’m promised for something that a lot of different people aren’t promised. My work ethic and abilities are different, and I watch everything that’s going on in the weight division. So with that being said, I have a big fight in front of me.

Austin Trout was talking about coming to steal the show like he just said. He wants to win another world title. That’s enough for me to get on my bike and know that I got to grind this shit out all the way until June 10. So I’m not focused on anything that I did before. I got 12 rounds, 36 minutes to be am animal every time I step in that ring and I’m going to do what I got to do.

We can go to the 10th round and I promise you I will be the same way I am from the first round. If he beat me, that means he’s better than me and I’ve always known that.

Q
How much longer do you think you can hold 154?

J. Charlo
I ain’t moving up. I’ll tell you all now. I’m making weight. I’m hydrated. Yes, I’m all the way good. Like, I’m right now, I’m waiting on the WBC to – I’m actually for me seven day weigh in and I’m going to surprise them with that. They actually for my 30-day weigh in and they were completely surprised from then. So I’m excited, I love this weight division, especially because I’m separated from my brother. I don’t want to be in the same weight division where it’s almost looking like who the better fighter? Who the better twin?

When it comes down to our careers and stuff, man, different oppositions make different fighters and I’ve always been in there with some of the best in the weight division. I’ve been in there with, to me, some top-tier guys, and so has Trout. You can’t take that away from him at all. He’s fought all of the top guys, everybody. This ain’t a rookie that I’m getting in the ring with. And so, my life is on the line just like his. So may the best win – may the best man win.

Q
Have you had a chance to just kind of reflect on what it says about the career that you’ve had that despite the layoffs and the losses to the top guys in recent fights, that you continue to get big fights and big opportunities like this?

A. Trout
In a sense, yes, but for real? Nah, not really, because I got to look forward. The past is the past and I’m trying to rewrite my story with the career defining win. Beating Jermell Charlo will be career defining. It will be bigger to me than beating Cotto in the Garden, straight up. People will make excuses for that, but looking back, it’s cool and all, but I ain’t looking towards the past. I’m always looking to the future. And the future, it really is going through Jermell.

Q
Are there pieces from other fighters that you’ve been in with that you can compare to him and what he does well?

A. Trout
All I can do is just learn the lessons that I need to learn from my past experiences and I’ve learned lessons from fighting Jermall. I’ve learned lessons fighting Hurd. And that’s just building to making a better me. Not necessarily then comparing to Jermell, because, again, he’s a separate man. He’s his own man and all I can focus on really is just being the best I can be.

Q
Is Louie Burke still involved in this camp and can you talk about his role?

A. Trout
Yes, he’s involved. He came out to help be another set of eyes and he knows me. He’s been with me my whole career and even though I am with Barry Hunter, he’s the head coach, I still have him around to keep me grounded and humble. And he was out here for two weeks of this camp and when I was home we’re in the gym working.

We were on the phone and helps with the game plan and then him and Barry are on the same page with the game plan. Everybody’s on the same page and there’s a lot of unity in this camp. So it’s all good.

R. Schaefer
Yes. All right, now it’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz. These are two guys which I’m very familiar with. I was fortunate to have promoted most of their fights since very early on in their career. In the case of Abner Mares, from his first fight when he came out of the Mexican Olympics. A lot of people leading up to this fight have asked me why did the rematch take that long? The first fight was in 2015. It was a Fight of the Year candidate, it was a toe to toe battle.

It’s sort of like the way those two guys fight. I don’t think Abner Mares or Leo Santa Cruz are capable even if they try and they try really hard to be in a boring fight. They’re there to entertain. They love to fight. And I think if somebody would ask me what is the perfect timing for the rematch, I would have to say it’s June 9, 2018.

Now why do I say that? Well, I think after the first fight, Abner Mares took some time off, he regrouped, he hired a new trainer with Robert Garcia, one of the best trainers in the world and I think Robert has instilled a lot of confidence in him. They mesh extremely well. (Robert) has come up with perfect game plans for Abner in his last two fights and the chemistry is just something which I really have seen very rarely in the sport.

I know as a fact, because I’ve been there with Abner Mares — that he is maybe the best Abner Mares we have seen. Maybe the best Abner Mares ever going back to the time when he was fighting in the super bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME as well.

With Leo Santa Cruz, last week was the open media day here in Los Angeles, and what I came away with is I was very impressed. I was of course impressed with Leo Santa Cruz. He looked spectacular. He looked fast. He looked strong. But what I was made even more so impressed with his father.

As we all know, his father suffered cancer; wasn’t really much of a factor in Leo’s last few camps and that clearly weighed on Leo’s shoulders. And now to see Leo’s father in full strength, making comments, “I defeated, I KO’d cancer.” You can just see how that weight has been lifted off Leo’s shoulders.

So I have no doubt that we will see the best Leo Santa Cruz we have seen in many years, and we will see the absolute best Abner Mares. I think the timing is perfect for June the 9th for those two guys meeting each other again at the famous STAPLES Center which always brings out the best in the fighters.

It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you first Abner Mares; doesn’t need much of an introduction. We all know a 2004 Mexican Olympian, pound-for-pound, one of the best and most exciting fighters in the world, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Los Angeles with a record of 32 wins, two losses. He is a multi-division world champion; always fighting the best, from 118 to 126 pounds. It’s a pleasure for me to turn it over now to Abner Mares to make some opening comments.

Abner Mares
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. Thank you to the media. Thank you to all you guys.

I am on my way home from a hard work day and I am ready for June 9. I cannot wait. It’s only less than two weeks, almost a week. And I’m just looking forward to another spectacular night where it would be the best, maybe another one for the books. Thank you.

R. Schaefer
The other man is the world champion, Leo Santa Cruz with the record of 34 wins and one loss and one draw. As I mentioned before, he’s the one who throws punches in bunches. He is in spectacular shape. He is a multi-division world champion as well; 118, 122 and 126 pounds. In a stellar victory over Carl Frampton where he regained the featherweight world title.

I think, given the fact that his father feels so much better, I think, I can see a different Leo Santa Cruz. And it’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you as well, my friend, Leo Santa Cruz.

Leo Santa Cruz
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. And thank you for the media and thank you for everyone who’s in here.

I’m ready for June 9. I know Mares is going to come with his best but he looks really good. He’s a great guy, great person. And he was the best, one of the best fighters out there. The best fights the best. It’s a guaranteed great fight on June 9. We’ll give a great fight for our fans and we’re ready to just go out there and entertain the fans.

Q
Does your experience with that Frampton rematch give you confidence going into this rematch with Abner Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m confident in every fight. I’m not going to go in there with the mindset that, “Oh no I’m going to lose”. I live by my confidence and my training. I train really hard. I give 100% in my training. And now with my dad in my corner, he’s been a lot better, I’ve been able to focus more in my training and everything.

I know Abner is a great fighter. He’s been training really hard. He’s at his best. He’s got a new trainer. So he’s going to come by his best, I know that so far. I like that when they give their best, it makes me work even harder and bring out my best too.

I’m confident in my training, what I’m doing, doing everything good. And June 9 we’ll see how it goes and hopefully my fight is still great and everything we worked in the gym and give a great fight.

Q
Have you seen any weakness in Leo that gives you more confidence going into this rematch?

A. Mares
I don’t look at tapes, to be honest. I let my coach do that. Obviously I do remember that fight because I did watch it. I was there live. And I mean all I could say from that fight is that you go in looking for certain things and I’ve seen what I need to execute and we’re going to put them to work come June 9.

It’s going to be a great fight, close fight. We’re both in our prime, in our moment like we were in the first fight. And I’m just ready to execute the perfect plan that we have.

Q
Leo what did you feel in your spirit, in your body, in your mind, was there anything missing that night you lost to Frampton as compared to your victory over Frampton in January of last year?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, you know, I think it was more I wanted to see my dad. In the first fight against Carl Frampton, my dad wasn’t really with me, he was mostly in the clinic or in the hospital. He had surgery. He has that experience to tell me what type of fight to fight in. So I think that was the missing key right there.

Then for the rematch my dad was mostly there in the gym. He told me what kind of fight to fight in. What punches to throw and stuff like that. And so I think it was my dad. My dad was the difference in that fight.

Q
I wonder because you’re fighting him in a rematch and you did get that victory in that fight, is there any part of you that says to yourself, “You know what, I beat this guy.” And it’s a little bit harder maybe to motivate yourself?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m more motivated. Like I said, I don’t want to underestimate Abner Mares. I know Mares is at his best. He’s in his prime. He looked a lot better now. And I am a lot better than the first fight so it makes me train even harder/ I have learned a lot too.

So I think you’re going to see a better fight because Mares is going to give his best. He looked the best he had looked. And I’m more motivated. I don’t want to underestimate him.

It’s going to be a hard fight but we have done everything in the gym to get the victory. We have to work hard and we have worked on things that we have seen that worked on him and that’s what we’re going to do. But I know it’s going to be a hard fight and it’s going to tough, but we’re going to go out there and do our best.

Q
What is it that makes you say that you believe that Abner is better now than he was when you fought him three years ago?

L Santa Cruz
He looks good. He fights differently. He has Robert Garcia as his trainer. Robert Garcia is a great trainer; very smart and driven. He knows how to send a fighter to fight. I have seen him and you could see in his training that he is working really hard and everything. But we like that. We like that because he’s going to come in his best and we’re going to give a better fight.

Q
Do you view Robert as that big of a difference and one of the reasons you believe that he is better today than he was three years ago?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I know Robert. Robert is a great trainer and I know he might make a difference. But I also have learned a lot. I got a lot of experience over these few years. And whatever he has learned, I have learned too. And I think it’s going to come down to who wants it the most and I think it’s going to be a great fight/

Q
Do you think about a unification fight after this fight, if you’re successful or do you think about maybe moving up in weight?

L Santa Cruz
I want a unification. Hopefully because of the win, I would like to unify with any other champion. There’s Josh Warrington, Gary Russell, Oscar Valdez and even a third fight against Carl Frampton.

So if the fight is going to make it, I’ll be right there. But for any reason or anything that we can’t make those unifications or any other fights, yes, I would like to move up to 130 and look for another title for 130. But mostly I want to make a fight against another one of the champions.

Q
Does the Gary Russell Jr fight interest you more than any other at featherweight after this fight is successful?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, it is. I fought Gary in an amateur. We both went to the finals. He beat me but I’m a lot better now. Hopefully it does happen and I can say that I could beat him.

Q
Do you go in there trying to pick up where you left off and thinking like round 13 against Santa Cruz?

A. Mares
I’m not going to focus on the first fight. It happened already. That’s in the past. It was a great fight and now we’re moving forward. I think Leo brought up a good point, a really awesome point I think that we’re both better fighters now. I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve learned so much with Robert and with the two Frampton fights he has too. I think he’s grown as an athlete.

So I think now you’re going to get in to some better fights because we just learned so much and then grown in boxing that we’re just going to give it to this fight. But at the end of the day I think where we’re both improved as fighters. We just like to please the crowd.

Q
Are we going to see fight number three after you win this one?

A. Mares
If the fight is that good, again, there’s no other way than to give them the rematch as he gave me a rematch. We like to fight the best and if it wasn’t clear enough, we would do it again and if not, we’ll move forward and take whatever champion is out there.

I think that everybody is a champion. Everybody is good. And just looking forward to June 9 to prove me once again that I am an elite fighter.

Q
Can you tell us where your dad is at in his recovery?

L. Santa Cruz
Thank you very much for asking for my dad. Right now my dad, he is in complete remission. His cancer is zero right now. So anything that he has is like he has back pain, like he’s always like feeling nauseous, he’s feeling sick, he’s throwing up. But even though, it doesn’t stop him to keep going to the gym every day. He’s right there observing me, telling me what to do in the gym and everything. He’s been there every day.

I’m glad to have him in there. And every time I do good in the gym and I do what he wants, it makes him happy and he forgets about all the pain and everything he’s feeling. So again thank you for that and, yes, my dad is, he’s in complete remission and he’s feeling a lot better than before.

Q
How much of a weight was that lifted off of you just to know that your dad was going to be okay moving forward?

L. Santa Cruz
I think my dad is the most important thing right now. And knowing that he has cancer and everything and before I really couldn’t concentrate in my training because I was thinking about if he’s going to be with me in the camp or if he’s going to be with me in the fight or if he’s going to wake up today or tomorrow.

But right now I’ve been dedicated to my gym. I’ve been focused in the gym. Now I can focus and I could relax and I don’t have to worry about dad. I haven’t really been thinking about that. I’m just been thinking about training and then going out there and giving a great fight.

My last fight he was there. He missed a couple of days but he was mostly almost every day in the camp.

Q
Abner what do you think that was like for Leo to go through as a son?

A. Mares
I know he’s going through a hard time and I respect him as an individual, as a person, a father, it’s just tough what they’re going through. And I’m always wishing them the best. And God be with them.

Will it be harder to stay disciplined when you’re facing each other because you guys are both Mexican and want to go at it?

A. Mares
I think it is going to be difficult because the atmosphere, the first was intense. It’s going to be double that. And it’s going to be super hard. So again that’s why we keep addressing that the fight is going to turn out to be a fan-fest type of fight because I just know we both compete like that.

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, I know, it’s tough because we’re going to be fighting on our home town. We’re both from here. Abner Mares is a great guy but I have to beat him. We have to fight for our family and we have to live for our future.

At the end of the day, whoever wins, I thank God and I hope that we both come out clean. We just want to go out there and give a great fight.

Q
What kind of improvements have you seen from Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
Mares has more speed. He has thrown more punches. He has better defense and everything. He has improved. He improved a lot since our first fight. But also I have improved. I have learned. I have experienced a lot. And I had a lot of life experiences.

So I think we’re both going to be on our best. We will both going to go out there and give everything in the ring. And we were going to go out there and give a great fight for the fans and that’s I think what the fans love and we’re just happy to entertain the fans and give them a great show.

Q
Can you tell us what your game plan is against Abner Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
Well my game plan for this is to be smart. I’m going to be a smart fighter. When the first bell rings, I’m going to go out there and see what type of fight Mares brings and it depends on the fight he brings, we’re going to adjust.

My dad he could tell me to box, he could tell me to brawl. We think we’re going to fight different fight. It depends on Mares how he comes to fight, that’s how we’re going to fight. But we’re going to be smart, bigger shots, intelligent and on June 9 when the first bell rings, that’s when we’re going to know how to fight him.

Q
What kind of adjustments are you – have you been making for this rematch? And is it a question of a balance between boxing and brawling?

A. Mares
I’m making every single adjustment I can that is in my power and that I can do physically. As an athlete, we started from the training methods, to everything. We just have to change it all. People ask me, Abner, are you going to fight differently this fight? “Yes, if I don’t fight this one, then I’m going to get a defeat.” So I think that’s the best way to answer them.

Abner, looking back on that first fight, how do you evaluate that strategy that you had and what did you learn from that experience for this fight?

A. Mares
I learned a lot in that fight. Going in that very first round, I got ahead of myself. I got just anxious. I honestly and I’ve been saying it pretty loud, I’ve been open about it. I just wanted to win this fight so bad all I thought about was tearing his head off.

It just got a little confusing there in the corner with directions. But nevertheless, it was a great fight. I think I fought a lot more with heart and desire than technique in that fight.

Q
In that first fight there was enormous amount of punches thrown. Are we going to expect to see something like that?

L. Santa Cruz
Well I think we could expect maybe not as much punches but almost the same punches, because we have learned, right there I throw a lot of punches and I miss a lot. But this time we’re going to try to throw more selective punches that more punches that land.

So whatever I throw, we want to make sure that they land. We don’t want to throw just to throw. So I think we’re going to be smarter and select our punches and just make them count. Make our punches count and we’re still going to throw a lot of punches, be active and Mares is at his best, I’ll be at my best. It’s going to be a great fight and we’ll both going to go and throw a lot of punches. You guys are going to see back and forth fireworks.

Q
Would you like to make a prediction, Leo, for the fight?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m most confident. You never know what’s going to happen. Mares is a great fighter and we’ll see what happens on June 9. We’re going to go out there and look for the victory.

We’ve been training for 12 rounds. If we go 12 rounds, we’re ready for the 12 rounds. If the opportunity comes, we’re going to go for a knockout. But I’ll be happy to come out with a victory.

Q
Abner, would you like to make a prediction also?

Abner Mares
My prediction is June 9, hell of a fight. Thank you so much.

R. Schaefer
Well I can echo that from Abner and from Leo, it’s going to be an amazing night here at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It’s going to be a loaded card as well. One of the most talked about blue chip Olympians from the Rio Olympics, Karlos Balderas from Santa Maria is going to be on the card as well.

So make sure fight fans come early to STPLES Center on June the 9th. As little as $50 you’re going to see these two world championship fights. I have no doubt that both of those fights are going to deliver and over deliver.

These guys are in their best shape I have ever seen them. Both want it and it’s going to come down to may the better man win on June the 9th.

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