BAYAMON, P.R. (March 3, 2014) – Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, Top Lightweight Contender Mauricio Herrera, WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, heavyweight contender Malik “King” Scott, , WBO International Junior Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez and Former WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon are deep in training camp for their respective March 15 bouts in Puerto Rico live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT).

Here is what the fighters have to say about how their camps are going and how they feel about the night of action coming up on Saturday, March 15, at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez.

Where are you training and when did you start?

Danny Garcia: “I’ve been training in Philadelphia for about eight weeks.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I started training the day I signed for this fight. I’ve been training out of Riverside, Calif. at a gym called Capital Punishment Gym with my trainer Jose Torres.”

Deontay Wilder: “I’m training back home in Tuscaloosa, Ala.. I’ve been training non-stop since my last fight but officially started sparring on Feb. 17.”

Malik Scott: “I’ve been training at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym since about mid-January.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “I have been training at the Caimito Gym since the beginning of January. It is the same gym used by Tito Trinidad for many of his fights and also by Oscar De La Hoya while he was in Puerto Rico.”

Daniel Ponce de Leon: “I’ve been training for about a month at my gym in Montebello, Calif..”

If you had to pick the most challenging camp moment, what would that be and why?

Danny Garcia: “Losing weight and sparring is always the toughest challenge in training camp.”

Mauricio Herrera: “This camp has not only been the toughest, but it’s been the smartest. I have changed things that didn’t work for me in my past camps and implemented more things that work.”

Deontay Wilder: “I would have to say it’s working with the Wladimir Klitschko camp. A lot of great moments all around with that camp. I came with questions and left with answers.”

Malik Scott: “We’ve had a smooth training camp so we haven’t had one.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “The whole camp has been somewhat challenging because it is the first time I am training in a different gym that is far from the one I normally use.”

Daniel Ponce De Leon: “The most difficult situation for a fighter is to make weight. I recognize that I was struggling in my last two fights to make the junior featherweight division.”

What are your thoughts on your opponent now that you are deep in training?

Danny Garcia: “Mauricio is a tough fighter but I am 110 percent ready; come March 15 it will be another epic performance by me.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I don’t see Danny Garcia as any different than anyone else. I don’t want to hold him way up on a pedestal the way his dad does. Danny Garcia is just like me. We both bleed and we both feel pain.”

Deontay Wilder: “I think Malik will come to fight and make this heavyweight showdown one of the best to come this year. So many people are super excited about this matchup that they can’t stop talking about it and that’s what the heavyweight division needs. I love the excitement and I’m very happy to be a part of bringing the division back to where it once was.”

Malik Scott: “All my thoughts are on staying focused and getting ready for March 15.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: ” This will be a difficult fight for me. I am sure that it will be different than the first one.”

Daniel Ponce de Leon: “Juan Manuel Lopez is a tough fighter. He has power and I know he will never lose his power. I expect a tough fight.”

How do you feel about fighting in Puerto Rico?

Danny Garcia: “Fighting in Puerto Rico is a dream come true. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to give my fans in Puerto Rico a great show.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I feel great about fighting in Puerto Rico. There is a lot of love for the sport of boxing in Puerto Rico, so that gives me more incentive to bring everything I’ve got to the ring. In the end, I’ll fight anywhere. The ring can be in Puerto Rico, Riverside or Las Vegas. It’s a different crowd but the ring and my desire to win is the same.”

Deontay Wilder: “I’m super excited about fighting in Puerto Rico. I look at it like this beautiful island, beautiful weather and beautiful people. I love traveling and one day want a home there near the beach.”

Malik Scott: “All I know is, inside the ring it will be like home.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “I am super happy to be fighting in Puerto Rico and I see it asa great opportunity for my career.”

Daniel Ponce De Leon: “I feel fine about fighting in Puerto Rico. I don’t have any pressure. I know I am in his house but a lot of people will enjoy the fight.”

The fighters participating on the “Garcia vs. Herrera” televised fight cardhave also taken to social media, sending out updates and photos from their training in anticipation of their March 15 bouts:

Danny Garcia – @DannySwift, http://instagram.com/dannyswiftgarcia

Mauricio Herrera – @elmaestro1

Deontay Wilder – @BronzeBomber, http://instagram.com/bronzebomber

Malik Scott – @MalikKingScott, http://instagram.com/215king

Juan Manuel Lopez – @Juanma_Lopez, http://instagram.com/juanjuanmalopez

Daniel Ponce de Leon – @DanielPoncedeL1, http://instagram.com/danielponcedel1

“Garcia vs. Herrera,” a12-round WBC Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, March 15, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Swift Promotions in association with PR Best Boxing and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event, Deontay Wilder vs. Malik Scott, is a 12-round WBC Final Heavyweight eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). In the main event on the SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT) portion of the card, former world champions Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon square off in a 10-round rematch for the WBO International Junior Lightweight Title.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $150, $200 and $400 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now at www.tcpr.com and by calling 787-792-5000.

Philadelphia, PA (Feb. 26, 2014) – Undefeated Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia (27-0, 16 KOs), of Philadelphia, and his father/trainer, Angel Garcia, hosted an open media workout on Wednesday at the DSG Boxing Gym in Philadelphia. Garcia is winding down preparations for his long-awaited debut to his native homeland and his world title defense against Maurcio Herrera (20-3, 7 KOs), of Riverside, Calif., on Saturday, March 15, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the SHOWTIME co-feature from Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, unbeaten knockout artist and American heavyweight hopeful, Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (30-0, 30 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., faces veteran Malik Scott (36-1-1, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia.

Former world champions Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez (33-3, 30 KOs) of Caguas, P.R. and Daniel Ponce de Leon (45-5, 35 KOs), of Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, clash in the featured match on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Below is what Danny and Angel Garcia said Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“It’s an exciting feeling going to Puerto Rico. To go back where my dad was born, my bloodline, it means a lot to me to reach out to my fans in Puerto Rico. I just want to go out there and win on March 15.

“The Puerto Rican fans have supported me and it means a lot. I’m a Puerto Rican just like they are.

“My Spanish is coming along, I understand everything. I’ve been working on becoming more confident when speaking.

“It’s amazing to be a Puerto Rican fighter, we have a great history of fighters. I say this all the time, ‘I’m Puerto Rican, raised in Philadelphia so I got the best of both worlds. I got the Puerto Rican power and the Philly toughness. It comes a long way.

“I was ready to move up a weight class, but I can still make 140. If I’m back in the ring in the summertime I know I can make 140 with the heat. I’ve always been disciplined so it’s no problem for me.

“I said I deserved a home fight, either Philly or Puerto Rico, since I’m always going to someone else’s place to fight. Everyone thought it was a great idea to go back to Puerto Rico.

“My parents always talk about Puerto Rico. My dad’s whole family lives in Puerto Rico. My great grandma lives in Puerto Rico and I got to meet her a couple years ago.

“When I heard who I was going to fight, I already knew a lot about him, I’m a boxing fan. I knew who he fought, who he beat, what trunks he was wearing. He’s a tough fighter, not a big puncher, but he tries to outwork you. At the end of the day it’s a different story when you’re fighting a guy like me.

“The last couple of years have been a good learning experience for me and a good journey. My first world title fight I fought Erik Morales and how much experience do you think you can get from that? A lot of people thought he would beat me because of experience. I’ve faced a lot of experienced fighters.

“Even when people didn’t think I was the real champion, I got called out anyway. So now when you get a good win the first person people think of is me. I guess they thought it would be easy, but nothing comes easy.

“I’m a self motivated person, that’s what got me to the point I’m at today. I don’t take anybody lightly because this is what I do, this is my job. The day that I stop taking it seriously is the day I have to stop boxing. I would never put myself into a position where I go into the ring not prepared.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father and Trainer

“I have to let people know that Danny is 100 percent Puerto Rican. I’m trying to keep the attention on Danny so everyone knows he is Puerto Rican.

“Herrera has never fought a Puerto Rican in Puerto Rico. So you will see the difference between the Russian and the Puerto Rican.

“If one person comes or if a million people come, Danny is still the champion of the world.

“I want people to understand that Danny is Puerto Rican the same way I am.

“Puerto Rico does have a champion. Danny Garcia is right there, he is the champion.”

# # #

Garcia vs. Herrera, a 12-round WBC Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, March 15, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Swift Promotions in association with PR Best Boxing and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. The co-main event, Deontay Wilder vs. Malik Scott, is a 12-round WBC Final Heavyweight eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. In the main event on the SHOWTIME EXTREME portion of the card, Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon square off in a 10-round rematch for the WBO International Junior Lightweight Title.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $150, $200 and $400 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now at www.tcpr.com and by calling 787-792-5000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.prbestboxing.net and www.sports.sho.com follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/dannyswift, www.twitter.com/elmaestro1,www.twitter.com/bronzebomber, www.twitter.com/malikkingscott, www.twitter.com/danielponcedel1, ww.twitter.com/Juanma_lopez and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #GarciaHerrera or become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/PRBestBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LONDON (Feb. 12) –Canelo Alvarez will be looking to bounce back in the best way possible when he faces Alfredo Angulo for the pride and glory of Mexico on Saturday, March 8.

BoxNation has added the star-studded Golden Boy Promotions bill to its packed roster, which also includes three world title showdowns featuring Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz taking on Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares for the WBC Super Bantamweight title, newly installed WBC lightweight champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa facing the tricky Ricardo “Dinamita” Alvarez and Carlos “King” Molina will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight title against undefeated fast-rising star Jermall Charlo.

The spotlight will be on light-middleweight star Canelo, however, who makes his first return to the ring since his loss to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather last September.

The former light-middleweight unified world champion has refused to choose an easy comeback assignment instead facing another darling of the Mexican public in the ferocious Angulo at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

“Obviously, it’s very hard and it hurt my honour. It’s very tough. Nobody ever wants to lose,” said Canelo, when discussing his defeat against Mayweather. “Nobody ever wants to be on the losing side of a fight, but I don’t see it as a loss. I see it as a learning experience, and I’m just going to take the best out of it.

“I’m mentally strong. I’ve always been mentally strong and more than anything I think that that’s a fight that’s going to help me and it’s just going to make me better,” he added.

The 23-year-old knows he will be in a bout that will present some equally difficult challenges when he faces Angulo and is certain it will be a fan favourite affair.

“Without a doubt this is going to be a tough fight – without a doubt. Yes, you’re right, some of the things that Alfredo possesses, size, weight, power, yes, that’s correct, but I also have power and it’s going to be a tough fight,” he said.

“But it’s also going to be a very attractive fight, and that’s what the fans want. I think the fans deserve these kinds of fights. The fans don’t want to see a fight where one guy is just running the whole night. They want to see these kinds of battles,” Canelo stated.

Though Angulo is seen as the underdog in the fight, he is eager to seize a chance he has been waiting for his whole life.

“I think this is the right time. I think this is the perfect time. I think it’s good for me. He decided to give me the opportunity now in 2014 and it’s a great gift for my career at this time, for 2014,” Angulo said.

“I have a very good game plan with my trainer, Virgil Hunter. We’ve already started camp, we’ve been working hard and I feel that a lot of people are going to be very surprised, they’re going to be very, very surprised come fight time of what I’m capable of and what Virgil’s game plan has been,” he said.

Further good news for BoxNation subscribers is that the channel will also be brining WBC and WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia’s defense against Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera live and exclusive a week later on March 15.

Garcia, who has propelled himself to the top of the 140-pound division with victories over Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse, will take on Herrera in Puerto Rico, the birthplace of his parents.

“I am a Puerto Rican. I could have been born on the moon, but I’m still Puerto Rican,” he said. “It means a lot to me [to be fighting in Puerto Rico]. Everybody in the stands is going to be Puerto Rican. I’ve never had that before,” Garcia said.

“Even though I’m from Philly, that’s not my heritage. It’s important for me to reach out to my fans because I think Puerto Rican boxing needs this right now.

“I think that Puerto Rico is going to accept me as its own after I win on March 15. Philadelphia might be my birthplace, but Puerto Rico is my blood,” he said.

Herrera is no easy foe for the 25-year-old Garcia, though, having been only one of two men to beat the formidable WBO light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov.

“I know this is a huge opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Herrera.

“To have a shot at Danny’s belts has been a dream of mine for a long time. Danny Garcia is an intelligent and tough fighter, but so am I. I’m coming to Puerto Rico and I know there is a lot of pressure, but hopefully they will support me too,” he said.

The undercard is also stacked with top quality bouts with big-hitting Deontay Wilder facing the experienced Malik Scott and Juan Manuel Lopez back in action against featherweight star Daniel Ponce de Leon.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo & Danny Garcia vs Mauricio Herrera is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) next month. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
“TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,” a 12-round super welterweight fight taking place Saturday, March 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. This event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).
Garcia vs. Herrera, a 12-round WBC Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, March 15, ispresented by Golden Boy Promotions, Swift Promotions in association with PR Best Boxing and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event, Deontay Wilder vs. Malik Scott, is a 12-round WBC Final Heavyweight eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. In the main event on the SHOWTIME EXTREME portion of the card, Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon square off in a 10-round rematch for the WBO International Junior Lightweight Title.

LOS ANGELES (February 11) – With the New Year underway, Golden Boy Promotions is already bolstering the roster of the premier team in boxing, announcing today the official signings of junior welterweight contender Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and 140-pound prospect Zachary Ochoa to promotional contracts.

“We welcome these two exciting boxers to the Golden Boy Promotions team, and we have big plans for them in the coming years,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Mauricio Herrera is one of the most underrated fighters in the sport, but he will get his chance to shine in March when he challenges Danny Garcia for the junior welterweight title. We’ve been watching Zachary Ochoa during our east coast events, and he has a bright future in a talent-rich division.”

“Being from Southern California, Golden Boy Promotions has always had a big presence, and I’m happy to be on the company roster,” said Herrera. “I’ve paid my dues over the years, and now it’s time to get my world title and the big fights. Golden Boy Promotions will help me get those fights. The world title, that’s up to me.”

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of the best promotional company in boxing,” said Ochoa. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work and I’ve made plenty of sacrifices over the years, never giving up the dream that one day I would get my chance to shine. That day is here, and I’m going to make the most of it.”Fighting out of Riverside, Calif., Mauricio Herrera (20-3, 7 KO’s) was one of the sport’s most underrated competitors on his way up the 140-pound ladder, but when he defeated current world titlist Ruslan Provodnikov in January of 2011, the word was out on this super lightweight secret weapon. Mike Dallas, Ji-Hoon Kim and Miguel Angel Huerta have also fallen against the 33-year-old, and on March 15, he will get his long-awaited shot at a world championship when he faces Danny Garcia in Puerto Rico.

Carrying on Brooklyn’s tradition of excellence in the ring, Williamsburg’s Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (5-0, 3 KO’s) is a decorated amateur boxer now making his mark as a professional prizefighter. In the gym since the age of 13, Ochoa went on to win several amateur titles, including two New York State Junior Olympics titles and the New York State Metro championship. After graduating high school, Ochoa turned professional on September 10, 2011 with a fourth round technical knockout of William Ware, and he has remained unbeaten, most recently winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Valderrama on January 30, 2014.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/elmaestro1 and www.twitter.com/ZacharyOchoa or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @ZacharyOchoa.

DANNY “SWIFT” GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion
“I am a Puerto Rican. I could have been born on the moon, but I’m still Puerto Rican.

[On fighting in Puerto Rico] “It means a lot to me. Everybody in the stands is going to be Puerto Rican. I’ve never had that before.

“Even though I’m from Philly, that’s not my heritage. It’s important for me to reach out to my fans because I think Puerto Rican boxing needs this right now.

“I think that Puerto Rico is going to accept me as its own after I win on March 15. Philadelphia might be my birthplace, but Puerto Rico is my blood. ”

MAURICIO HERRERA, Super Lightweight Contender
“I know this is a huge opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“To have a shot at Danny’s belts has been a dream of mine for a long time.

“Danny Garcia is an intelligent and tough fighter, but so am I.

“I’m coming to Puerto Rico and I know there is a lot of pressure, but hopefully they will support me too.”

JUAN MANUEL “JUANMA” LOPEZ, WBO International Junior Lightweight Champion
“I’m excited about this great opportunity. I have the people of Puerto Rico confident in me and their support means everything to me.

“I’m prepared for this fight and I know that it’s going to be a tough one. I’m going to give it my all.”

DANIEL PONCE DE LEON, Former WBC Featherweight World Champion
“I’m happy to be here in Puerto Rico. I’ve been training hard and I’m ready for this rematch.

“It’s been five years [since our last fight] and I know that JuanMa is going to come in strong. He’s a great fighter, but I’m coming in fully prepared for this fight.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia’s Father and Trainer
“March 15 is going to be like no other. Herrera has never fought a Puerto Rican and my son Danny is 100 percent Puerto Rican.

“My wife and I are both Puerto Rican, and like it or not, Danny is Boricua. It’s always been a dream of his to fight in Puerto Rico, so we’re happy to see that coming to pass.”

ARMANDO GAYTAN, Deputy COO & Senior VP of Golden Boy Promotions
“Puerto Rico has long been one of the hotbeds for boxing, with great fighters like Felix Trinidad, Wilfred Benitez, Miguel Cotto and Wilfredo Gomez all hailing from the island. So when we found out we were bringing this event to Bayamon, we knew we had to make it something special, and we’ve got a spectacular lineup of fights for the fans on March 15.

“Danny Garcia is one of the top stars in boxing today, and as a young man of Puerto Rican descent, his fight against Mauricio Herrera is not just another title defense, but a night he said he knows he will never forget.”

GILLERMO SILVA, Herrera’s Trainer
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. It’s going to be a good and hard fight, but Mauricio will be prepared. The preparation and work he has put in will show on fight night. ”

HIRAM PADILLA, Sports Director of City of Bayamon, Puerto Rico
“Puerto Rico is glad to have such a big showcase. The Mayor wants to thank Danny for bringing a world-class fight to Bayamon.

“We know that Danny’s mom is from Bayamon, where the fight is going to take place, and we are proud he’ll be representing us on March 15.”

PETER RIVERA, Vice-President of Puerto Rico Best Boxing
“In all of these years as boxing promoters, we never saw an enthusiasm like today by the fans for this event. I’m sure that the Puerto Rican fans will support Danny Garcia as the new Puerto Rican boxing star.”

Unified 140 pound champion Danny Garcia will defend his crown against Mauricio Herrera on March 15th in Puerto Rico according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Danny has talked to me for the last year and a half, saying, ‘We have to look at doing one of my fights in Puerto Rico.’ This is something he really wanted so, finally, I felt that this was a great opportunity for Danny to go to Puerto Rico and defend his title,” said Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I am sure Puerto Rico will welcome him with open arms. He wants to represent the U.S. and Puerto Rico, given the heritage that he has. I am very happy to be able to fulfill his dream to bring him to the island and have him fight there.”

“Herrera is a good fighter and he beat Provodnikov,” said Schaefer, adding that Golden Boy signed him about 10 days ago. “Herrera is very excited about this fight. He sees it as a tremendous opportunity and is not worried at all about fighting Danny in Puerto Rico.”

“Danny has fought everybody the past few years,” Schaefer said. “He is clearly the man at 140 pounds and when you are the man you have a big target on your back. Whether Mauricio Herrera will be able to do something about it I don’t know. But I do know Mauricio Herrera comes to fight and will be ready.

“He knows what it means for him, his career and his family. He’s totally fired up for this opportunity. Herrera doesn’t have the same name recognition or the same credentials like Matthysse or Judah, but it is those kinds of fights that are sometimes most dangerous if Danny is looking past him.”

Schaefer said he also finalized two other bouts for the card:

• Top American heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder (30-0, 30 KOs), 28, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist from Tuscaloosa, Ala., will take a major step up in opposition against Malik Scott (36-1-1, 13 KOs), 33, of Philadelphia in the opening Showtime bout.

• In a fight that will be part of the Showtime Extreme coverage of preliminary fights, Juan Manuel Lopez (33-3, 30 KOs), 30, of Puerto Rico, and Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon (45-5, 35 KOs), 33, both former junior featherweight and featherweight titleholders, will meet in a rematch at junior lightweight. Lopez knocked out Ponce De Leon in the first round in 2008 in Atlantic City, N.J., to win a junior featherweight title.

Mauricio Herrera 140 – Ji-Hoon Kim 140
Miguel Acosta 135 – Miguel Gonzalez 135
Taras Shelestyuk 151 – Brandon Adams 151
Hector Serrano 144 – Michael Peralta 143
Richard Contreras 123 – Jose Iniguez 126 ½
Fernando Fuentes 117 ½ – Cristian Lorenzo 117 ½
Joshua Conley 156 – Eric Prado 153
Promoter: Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing
Venue: Omega Products Outdoor Events Center
1st Bell: 5:45 Pacific Time. ESPN 7pm Pacific Time / 10 pm Eastern

On Thursday May 2, former Lightweight world title challenger Ji-Hoon “Volcano” Kim (24-8, 18 KOs) will meet Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (18-3, 7 KOs) in the 10-round Junior Welterweight main event in an ESPN Boxing: Friday Night Fights Special Edition presented by Corona Extra. Thursday’s show from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif., will air live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN. The card is promoted by Banner and Thompson Promotions.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2 HD, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will provide the latest boxing news and highlights. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodriguez will call this week’s fights for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights). Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Starting this Thursday, versatile sports reporter Claudia Trejos returns to ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates, joining Leopoldo Gonzalez in the studio. Considered one of the most respected Spanish-language sportscasters with vast experience covering boxing, Claudia is slated to be part of the network’s boxing coverage including Viernes de Combates every week. She will also appear across different studio shows. Trejos served as ringside reporter for Viernes de Combates in 2011 and occasionally filled in as studio host.

Studio:
Thursday’s studio show will discuss Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather-Robert Guerrero Welterweight title fight in Las Vegas and look back at the best of Friday Night Fights for the month of April.

Main Event:

California’s Herrera enters Thursday’s fight with two big wins on his record–a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Ruslan Provodnikov and a 10-round majority decision over Mike Dallas. Herrera is looking to get back to his winning ways after a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Karim Mayfield in his last fight.

“I think Kim is a tough guy,” Herrera said. “He’s not really too much of a technician but he’s tough, he’s there to fight. He’s a people’s type of fighter – he’s an action fighter. I can give action, too. I’m coming out to prove something, and I plan to give one of the best performances of my career with Ji-Hoon Kim.”

South Korea’s Kim is looking to rebound from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Ray Beltran. Prior to that, Kim won three fights in a row, all by 10-round unanimous decisions.

“We know Herrera is a very good boxer,” Kim’s co-manager Paul Lee said. “He’s lost, but only against great fighters like Mike Alvarado and Karim Mayfield. Those fighters are very hard to beat. He has very good movement and he’s fast, but we have some tactics to beat him.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit former Lightweight titlist Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta (29-6-2, 23 KOs) against Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (20-3, 15 KOs).

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (APRIL 10, 2013)—On Thursday night May 2nd, Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions will present a special night of boxing that will originate from The Omega Products International, located at 1681 California Avenue in Corona, California and will be televised as a special edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

In the ten round main event, Mauricio Herrera will take on the exciting Ji-Hoon Kim in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Herrera of Riverside, California has a record of 18-3 with 7 knockouts and has some solid wins on his resume. The thirty-two year old won his first eleven bouts which included wins over Alan Velasco (8-1-2); Daniel Cervantes (10-0-1); Santiago Perez (10-1-2); Pavel Miranda (16-2) before winning the WBC USNBC Jr. Welterweight title with a 10 round unanimous decision over Luis Alfredo Lugo. He made one defense of that crown, as well as a win over current world ranked Cleotis Pendarvis before suffering his first loss to former world champion Mike Anchondo. Herrera went on to win five in a row which included a split decision over previously undefeated and world ranked Ruslan Provodnikov. Herrera is looking to get back in the win column after losing a ten round unanimous decision to undefeated Karim Mayfield on October 27th, 2012 on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Kim, of Goyang City, South Korea, has a record of 24-8 with 18 knockouts and is currently ranked 14th by the IBF at Lightweight. He began his career at the age of 17 in 2004 and had his first eighteen fights staged in South Korea. While in South Korea, Kim captured The South Korean and PABA Featherweight titles. Kim made a huge splash in his American debut as he stopped former world title challenger Kobo Gogaladze in one round on May 16th, 2008. Kim then split his time between South Korea and the United States before winning an IBF Lightweight elimination bout against Ameth Diaz. The win set up a world title opportunity, as he fought a terrific fight before dropping a unanimous decision to Miguel Vazquez for the vacant IBF Lightweight world title.

Kim has seen his popularity grow due to his all action style, has been featured on ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s and has appeared in many “Fight of the Year” candidates. Kim has picked quality wins over Yakubu Amidu (20-2-1) and previously undefeated Alisher Rahimov (23-0). Kim is coming off a ten round unanimous decision defeat to world ranked Ray Beltran on December 6th, 2012 in a bout where Kim knocked Beltran down in round one.

In the co-feature, former world Lightweight champion Miguel Acosta will take on Miguel Gonzalez in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Acosta of Caracas, Venezuela has a record of 29-6-2 with 23 knockouts. Acosta won the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated Urbano Antillon (26-0) on July 25th, 2009. He won the full title when he stopped Paulus Moses (25-0) in Moses’ home country of Namibia on May 29, 2010. Acosta performed well before being stopped in 10 rounds to eventual world champion Brandon Rios. Acosta got another crack at the WBA interim title but lost a twelve round unanimous decision to Richar Abril. Acosta is coming off a ten round split decision defeat to then undefeated Art Hovhannisyan (14-0-2) on July 20, 2012.

Gonzalez of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 20-3 with 15 knockouts. The twenty-seven year old Gonzalez is a rising prospect as he continues to step up the competition and has quality wins over the likes of Tyrone Harris (24-7) and Humberto Toledo (39-6). He is coming off a ten round unanimous decision defeat to highly regarded Mike Dallas Jr. on February 17th, 2012.

“This will be an exciting doubleheader on May 2nd”, said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“Herrera and Kim can get right back in the title mix with a win and the opening bout features Acosta who is a former world champion taking on Gonzalez, who with a win can throw his name in the middle of the Lightweight title picture”.

“We’re excited to host this special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights Boxing on a Thursday night. We’re especially enthused to feature our very own, Riverside’s junior welterweight slugger Mauricio Herrera in a tough competition against South Korea’s Ji-Hoon Kim. I have no doubt that these two warriors will leave it all in the ring and give the viewing fights fans everything they expect to see and even more! The entire fight card will be an exciting one so the local boxing aficionados that will be in attendance are in for a turbulent treat!” said Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing.

Other exciting fights featuring fighters from the local area and will complete the card, including Hector Serrano of Perris, California Xavier Montelongo Jr., Christian Navarro, Richard Contreras and Joshua Conley.

All bouts are subject to change without notice.

Doors open at 5:00 P.M. (Pacific Time)
First fight at 5:45 P.M.
First Bout on ESPN2 at 7:00 P.M.
Ticket prices: $100, $60, $40.
Tickets are available by calling 714-935-0900 or by visiting the website: www.thompsonboxing.com

Luis Carlos Abregu scored a mild upset when he stopped previously undefeated super prospect Thomas Dulorme by scoring a seventh round stoppage in a scheduled ten round Welterweight bout at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York

Dulorme came out showing superior speed with the jab. In round three, Abregu shocked everyone when he landed a big right hand that sent Dulorme to the canvas for the first time in his career. Abregu tried to close the show and landed a few more hard shots that staggered Dulorme but the Puerto Rican was able to make it through the round. Dulorme steadied himself a little bit in round four from the southpaw stance.

Abregu came back to have a solid round six as he featured a couple quality right hands. In round seven, Abregu landed a hug right that sent Dulorme back. Abregu chased Dulorme and landed a flurry of punches that was culminated by a right to the head that sent Dulorme to the deck for a second time. Dulorme got to his feet but his corner stopped the bout at 2:38 of round seven.

Abregu, 147 1/2 lbs of Salta, ARG is now 34-1 with twenty-eight knockouts. Dulorme, 147 lbs of Carolina, PA is now 16-1.

“He was too young and maybe with time he’ll become a better fighter,” said Abregu. “He couldn’t get away from my right hand and I knew at some point he was going to get caught with it. As you can see he did and his corner stopped the fight.”

“I didn’t want them to stop the fight but I respect their decision because they were looking out for me.” Dulorme stated. “I was controlling the fight but he caught me with a good punch but I came up and I was ok. I’ll take this experience and learn from it.”

Karim Mayfield scored a ten round unanimous decision over Mauricio Herrera in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

The fight was slow paced until round seven when Mayfield started getting through with some hard power shots. Herrera showed a good chin and walked through the punches. Mayfield landed some more power shots in the next frame which Herrera took well.

Even though Herrera was the busier fighter, it was the power shots of Mayfield that proved to be the difference as Mayfield won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.

Mayfield, 140 lbs is now 17-0-1. Herrera of Riverside, CA is now 18-3-1.

“My conditioning was good and I neutralized his punch output with my smothering,” said Mayfield. “I didn’t get hit with too many big shots and I’m happy with the win. Next time I step into the ring I’m going to pick up my punch count.”

“I felt I was landing the better shots on the inside,” Herrera said. “I felt I won the fight but the judges weren’t scoring the body shots I was landing in the trenches. I’ll be back

Miguel Vazquez made the fifth defense of the IBF Lightweight title with a split decision over Marvin Quintero.

It was a tactical bout with Quintero coming forward and Vazquez boxing and moving. Alot of the rounds were very close and neither man was able to seize any type of control.

Vazquez, 135 lbs of Guadalajara, MX won by scores of 118-110, 116-112 while Quintero won a card 115-113. Vazquez is now 32-3. Quintero, 133 3/4 lbs is now 25-4.

October 22, 2012 – San Francisco’s undefeated NABO Jr. Welterweight champion, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will defend his title against Southern California’s, Mauricio Herrera (18-2, 7 KOs) this Saturday October 27th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. The 10-round bout will be televised live on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT as the co-feature to a special tripleheader featuring Thomas Dulorme vs. Carlos Abregu and Miguel Vasquez vs. Marvin Quintero.

This past Saturday, Mayfield held a public workout for media members and fans at the Champ Nation Boxing Gym in Oakland Ca. He shared his thoughts on defending his title against Herrera and making his HBO debut.

Mayfield Quotes:

On making his HBO debut…

“I’ve worked my whole life for the opportunity to be fighting on HBO. This is my time to shine and I’m really excited to bring an action packed fight to all those in attendance at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino and the millions watching on TV. I’m a man on a mission to show the world I’m the best Jr. Welterweight in the world.”

On fighting Herrera…

“Herrera is a battle tested fighter who always brings an exciting fight to the table because he’s a come forward type guy. That makes for an explosive matchup between us because I throw hard punched from different angles and someone is sure to get knocked out. I think my fight with Herrera will steal the show. Both of us have never been knocked out so this makes for an intriguing bout. If I get him hurt, I definitely will be going for the KO.”

On defending his NABO title…

“After defeating Patrick Lopez to win the NABO title, I defended it once against Raymond Serrano where I had an incredible knockout on ESPN. I know that fight opened doors for my career and here I am defending it once again against Herrera. I plan to remain the NABO champion and will look for bigger fights in the future. After this fight I know I’ll be ready to fight for the world title.”

Totowa, New Jersey (October 4, 2012) – Gary Shaw Productions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Universal Promotions, Prize Fight, Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing, and Zanfer Promotions showcase an exciting triple-header boxing event on October 27, 2012, set to take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The three bouts will be televised live on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

“The Oneida Indian Nation is pleased to have HBO Boxing After Dark return to Turning Stone Resort Casino.” said Oneida Nation Spokesperson Dan Smith. “Our first-ever HBO boxing event in September drew rave reviews, and we expect this month’s card to highlight Turning Stone even further as a top venue in Central New York and across the country for elite-level sports and entertainment.”

The 10-round main-event features WBC No. 1, WBA No. 3 and WBO No. 13 ranked undefeated Puerto Rican sensation, Thomas Dulorme (16-0, 12 KOs), who will have his stiffest test to date, when he takes on the WBC No.11 ranked hard-hitting Argentine, Luis Carlos Abregu (33-1, 27KO’s).

Dulorme, has had a stellar start to his career with wins over the heavy-handed Venezuelan, Charlie Navarro (22-5, 17 KOs), and his most recognized victory comes against former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (39-19-1, 23 KOs).

“I am very grateful to Gary Shaw for giving me the opportunity to be fighting on HBO for the first time,” Dulorme said, a fighter represented promotionally by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. “This is what every fighter dreams and I am extremely excited to showcase my skills on an international platform.”

“Abregu is a good fighter and I know this is a tough fight, so I am preparing thoroughly to be in the best possible shape for fight night. My trainer Bonilla and I have been working hard in the gym and we want to dedicate this victory to the people of Puerto Rico. I will fight hard to not disappoint my fellow Puerto Ricans and the entire Latin community.”

“Thomas Dulorme is one the most exciting and promising young fighters in all of boxing and on October 27th he will prove it against Abregu live on HBO.” said Lou DiBella.

“We’re happy and excited for this opportunity.” said Universal promoter Javier Bustillo who promotes Dulorme with Shaw and DiBella. “Dulorme will show the world what he is made of and we are confident that Dulorme will beat Abreu and become a world champ soon.”

Abregu, is no stranger to the big stage as he lost a hard fought unanimous decision to current WBO Welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley Jr. (29-0, 12 KOs), who in his last fight defeated Manny Pacquiao. The Abregu vs. Bradley fight was televised live on HBO. Since the loss, Abregu is on a four-fight winning streak, all of which he won by KO.”

“Dulorme has never been in the ring with a hard puncher like me,” said Abregu. “I will break him down with power shots, something he’s never experience before. A win against Dulorme will put me back on track to fight for a world title. Nothing is going to stop me from coming out victorious.”

The co-feature will showcase San Francisco’s undefeated WBO/NABO Jr. Welterweight champion, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (16-0-1, 10 KOs), as he will defend his NABO title vs. Southern California’s, Mauricio Herrera (18-2, 7 KOs), in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds. Both fighters look to take advantage of their HBO debuts.

Earlier this year in the month of May, Mayfield ranked No. 6 in both the WBO and WBA, scored a devastating knockout against former undefeated prospect, Raymond Serrano (18-1, 8 KOs). Looking to capitalize on his most impressive win, Mayfield is ready to show the world why he belongs with the elite fighters in his loaded division.

“My golden opportunity has finally arrived and I’m not going to let it pass me bye.” Mayfield said, “I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity to fight on HBO and I earned everything the hard way, by winning in the ring. Come fight night, Herrera better be ready for a war, because I’m coming out guns blazing.”

Eager to get back in the win column, Herrera ranked No. 8 in the IBF, is looking to rebound from a loss to undefeated contender Mike Alvarado (33-0, 23 KOs), is .

“Mayfield is a good fighter, but I believe I have better boxing skills then he does,” stated Herrera. “I’ve faced the better competition and my experience will guide me to victory. I’ll be ready for anything Mayfield brings to the ring.”

Opening the HBO telecast will be a 12-round IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD title bout between champion, Miguel Vazquez (31-3, 13 KOs) and No. 1 contender, Marvin Quintero (25-3, 21 KOs). Both fighters hail from Mexico and look to bring an exciting bout to an already action packed card.

Vasquez is riding a 10-fight winning streak and has only tasted defeat against undefeated world champions, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0-1, 31 KOs) and Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs), both of which were above the lightweight division where he is the current IBF Champion. Feeling unbeatable at lightweight, Vasquez is determined to come out victorious when he steps in the ring with Quintero.

“I believe I’m the best lightweight champion in the world,” said Vasquez, “My only losses have come against the best fighters in the world in higher weight classes. I’m unstoppable at lightweight and Quintero will realize who the real champion is when we face each other on October 27th.”

Quintero is undefeated in his last five bouts, winning all of them by knockout. Being that this is his first world title opportunity, he wants to prove he’s an elite fighter and a win against Vasquez will do that.

“As a fighter you always dream of becoming a world champion and my time has come to show the world that I’m for real,” says Quintero. “Vasquez is a great champion, but come fight night, I’m going to take his title and end his reign as IBF Champion.”

Quintero is trained by Romulo Quirarte, who also trains Antonio Demarco, the current WBC Lightweight Champion.

“I want to thank HBO, the Turning Stone Resort Casino, and all the promoters who’ve united to make this event a reality,” stated lead promoter Gary Shaw. “The card is stacked from top to bottom as the undercard will showcase some of the best young prospects in boxing. We will announce those fights soon. Everyone should tune into HBO on October 27th, because this is going to be an explosive night of boxing.”

Tickets for the October 27, HBO Boxing After Dark event range from $25 to $75 and are on sale at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office. Call (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com. Doors open up at 6:30 p.m. and the undercard begins at 7:30 p.m EST with the HBO live national broadcast starting at 10:15 p.m. EST.

Former Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik will be back in action on July 7th against New Yorker Will Rosinsky in about that will be televised on HBO according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

The bout became feasible after Brandon Rios had to pullout of his Jr. Welterweight bout with Mauricio Herrera due to an arm injury.

The card will be headlined by Nonito Donaire’s Super Bantamweight unification bout with Jeffrey Mathebula.

“We talked about various fights, and it just occurred to me,” said Rosinsky’s promoter Lou DiBella. “(Top Rank’s) Carl (Moretti) knew Rosinsky and said, ‘Helluva fight, let’s do it.’ I think we have a great chance to win. Rosinsky is hungry and fresh and a tremendous action fighter. What I like about the fight is they are both action fighters.”

“He’s been aching for an opportunity and now he has this and he is thrilled,” DiBella said of Rosinsky. “He believes he will go out there and win. And if he doesn’t he will have given it everything he has trying.”

“I think because of Pavlik’s performance on ESPN, the rating that was generated, the interest in the super middleweight division and Kelly’s willingness to come right back combined with Rosinsky winning his second in a row since the decision to Edwin Rodriguez, it was just a natural step for everybody,” Moretti said. “I think Kelly gets tested.”

“We’re ready to go,” said Pavlik’s manager Cameron Dunkin, who also manages Rios. “Rosinsky is a tough guy, was great amateur and he’s a big guy who makes good fights. He and Kelly just fought, so they’re both in shape. I feel bad for Brandon, but I feel good for Kelly.

“It’s a fight we didn’t plan on but this gives us a bigger fight now instead of waiting for another fight until September. Kelly was very excited about it and jumped all over it. He said, ‘I’m ready to go.’

“Kelly said he would get a flight and go right back. Love the attitude,” Dunkin said. “Kelly and Mike [his father] were like, ‘Let’s go.’ I like that Kelly got home and was willing to go right back to Robert in Oxnard. This whole thing is very positive.”

Former Lightweight champion Brandon Rios had to withdraw from his July 7 Jr. Welterweight fight with Mauricio Herrera according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“He was sparring and he threw a right hand and it got blocked and he heard something pop in his elbow area,” said Rios’ manager Cameron Dunkin.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (March 17, 2012) – Méxican legend and three-division world champion JUAN MÁNUEL MÁRQUEZ and undefeated former World Lightweight Champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS will headline a world championship pay-per-view event that’s so big its main events are originating from two different countries!

Márquez will go for an historic fourth world title in as many different weight divisions when he takes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) European junior welterweight champion SERGEY FEDCHENKO for the vacant WBO interim 140-pound world title. Márquez-Fedchenko will take place in México City’s brand new Arena México. Rios will attempt to reclaim his old title when he rumbles with Cuban gladiator and World Boxing Association (WBA) interim lightweight champion RICHARD ABRIL in a battle for the vacant WBA lightweight title, Saturday, April 14, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The Márquez/Rios world championship event will be produced by Top Rank and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The live pay-per-view telecast (SRP $44.95) will also feature a 10-round junior welterweight collision of top-10 contenders — “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO and MAURICIO HERRERA — and open with undefeated Top-10 contender MERCITO GESTA of the Philippines, in a 10-round lightweight fight. Boxing fans at Mandalay Bay will also see the Márquez-Fedchenko world title fight live, via closed-circuit, on a jumbo screen.

These warriors boast a combined record of 173-9-4 (110 KOs) – a winning percentage of 94%.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Tecate and AT&T, remaining tickets priced at $250, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges, are available at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at (877) 632-7400 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

At a Miami, Fla. press conference earlier this month, the setting for this fight was set when Abril challenged Rios to fight him for the title. As the verbal exchange heated up, Abril slapped Rios across the face, screaming “You aren’t a real champion!”

“Rios won’t need a GPS to find me on April 14. All he’ll have do to is look up and see the referee holding my hand up in victory,” said Abril.

“He may not have thought I was a real champion when he slapped me but he’s going to know I’m a real champion on April 14 when I knock him on his South Beach,” said Rios. “I do give Abril credit for one thing. I know he’s going to show up for this fight. That will be his second mistake with me.”

“We have four great fights that will make for a very exciting event, including a legend from México in Juan Mánuel Márquez and undefeated knockout artist Brandon Rios who is trying to recapture his world title,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “The dual-site pay-per-view event will open at Mandalay Bay with Gesta, followed by Alvarado vs. Herrera and the Rios-Abril world title fight. The grand finale will send boxing fans to México City where they will get their first look at the brand new Arena México, and a projected full house, on hand to witness Márquez’s attempt at history. Top Rank owes a great deal to its sponsors, Mandalay Bay and HBO for its continued support of our event.”

“With Juan Mánuel Márquez, Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado all on the same fight card, boxing fans can look forward to a night of non-stop action”, said Mark Taffet, senior vice president, HBO Pay-Per-View. ”We’re delighted to provide the pay-per-view distribution for this event.”

Rios (29-0-1, 22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 11 fights by knockout. Highlight victories on his resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon and John Murray, none of whom went the distance. Abril (17-2-1, 8 KOs), a Cuban expatriate who now resides in Miami, Fla., returns to the ring having won seven of his previous eight fights. He captured the WBA interim lightweight title last October, knocking down former WBA lightweight champion Acosta three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Márquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs), of México City, is one of only a rare few from México to have won world titles in three different weight divisions. The only man to go the distance with pound for pound superstar Manny Pacquiao three times, Marquez boasts a Hall of Fame resume highlighted by victories over Marco Antonio Barrera, Manuel Medina, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis. Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KOs), from Kharkov, Ukraine, enters this fight riding a 28-month winning streak, which has included WBO European title victories over Willy Blain and Demarcus Corley. He is world-rated No. 5 by the WBO.

Alvarado (32-0, 23 KOs) of Denver, has won 10 of his last 12 bouts by stoppage en route to a career-high No. 3 world rating, in the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Notable knockout victims include Breidis Prescott, Ray Narh, Emmanuel Clottey and Cesar Bazan. Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs), from Lake Elsinore, Calif., enters this fight riding a two-year, five-bout winning streak, highlighted by victories over Ruslan Provodnikov (17-0) and Mike Dallas, Jr. (17-1-1). Herrera is currently world-rated No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Gesta (24-0-1, 12 KOs), a native of Cebu, Philippines, fights out of San Diego. He returns to the ring with seven of his last 10 victories coming inside the distance, earning career-high world ratings of No. 7 in the WBA and No. 8 in the WBO.