LOS ANGELES, CA (April 13, 2021) – Rising lightweight star Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) will defend his interim WBC Lightweight Championship against experienced southpaw contender Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Information regarding the venue and the undercard will be announced shortly.

“Little by little, Ryan Garcia is silencing all of the skeptics,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “And the only way to keep doing that is by continually facing tougher challenges. Javier Fortuna is an experienced southpaw who can be very slippery when he wants to avoid punches. It’s a dangerous fight for Ryan, but I expect him to show newer elements in his arsenal before ending matters by knockout.”

Garcia is a 22-year-old contender who has become one of boxing’s most popular young athletes. Since joining the Golden Boy stable in 2016, he steadily made his case for a world title opportunity by defeating the likes of “Ruthless” Romero Duno, Francisco Fonseca, Carlos “The Solution” Morales and Jason “La Maravilla” Velez. Since joining forces with renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso, the native of Victorville, Calif. has looked better than ever, improving his technical abilities and scoring knockout wins in his last six fights, including one against “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell to capture the interim WBC Lightweight Championship. On July 9, he is once again taking a big step forward in his career by facing a tough challenge in Fortuna

“Fortuna is eager and will be ready, but so will I,” said Ryan Garcia. “No one can beat me in the lightweight division, period. I’m going to show the world who I am.”

Fortuna is a 31-year-old southpaw who is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC in the lightweight division. The native of the Dominican Republic is a proven veteran who captured the interim WBA Featherweight Title against then-undefeated Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland in 2012, while in 2015, he defeated once-beaten Bryan “El Tiquito” Vazquez to capture the WBA Super Featherweight Title. In his last shot at a world title, Fortuna lost via close split decision to Robert Easter Jr., and in his last outing, he dominated Antonio Lozada Torres in November 2020.

“Ryan Garcia should take this fight very seriously and train properly because he will be facing, by far, the best fighter of his career,” said Javier Fortuna. “Hopefully on fight night, there will be no excuses for his loss. I expect this fight to be a war while it lasts, but I have too much of everything for Ryan Garcia. His last fight showed how easy he is to hit. And his power won’t mean anything to me. But mine will put him to sleep.”

“I’ve had a good relationship with Golden Boy Promotions for 20 years and that made these negotiations very easy,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing. “I commend Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez for their professionalism and for letting one of their big names take such a huge risk against Javier Fortuna. Here is my prediction. Fortuna will win the fight against Garcia, and then he will become the full WBC world champion because Devin Haney’s team will vacate and run to 140 pounds to avoid fighting him.”

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Garcia vs. Fortuna is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFortuna

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GarciaFortunainto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Canelo Alvarez finished 2020, which ended amid relief and hope that business as usual will be there sometime in a new year. Then, Ryan Garcia started 2021 with a bang as loud as a firecracker and yet still haunted by concern that the new will be a lot like the old.

Canelo’s decision over an overmatched Callum Smith on Dec. 19 promised a resumption of some lost reliability. That was followed by some real momentum in Garcia’s powerful stoppage of Luke Campbell on Jan. 2.

But it gave way to a hiatus, which is a polite word describing the same void that descended on boxing like a curtain last year. There were more postponements, cancellations and quarantines than opening bells. For a haphazard 10 months, there was no way out of the bubble.

Are we there all over again? Hope not. But there’s no boxing for nearly two weeks, or at least until Jan. 20 when ShoBox is scheduled to begin a 20^th season with junior-welterweight “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) against Colombian Yeis Gabriel (15-0, 10 KOs) in a bout between unbeaten prospects at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

Scheduled is the operative word, of course. Maybe, maybe not. Tomorrow is as tentative now as it was a month ago. The calendar has changed, but not much else.  

Big fights are getting shut down for the same reason that everything else is. Only COVID is unbeaten. The killer pandemic rages on. Anybody remember when they had a sit-down meal inside a restaurant? Didn’t think so. I haven’t had one since about the last time I had a seat near ringside. The plate remains mostly empty for now.

No big fights are imminent, mostly because of the surging Pandemic, which has forced a shutdown in the usually busy UK until at least the end of the month.

On Jan. 23, junior-featherweight Angelo Leo is scheduled to defend a 122-pound title against Stephen Fulton, also at the Mohegan Sun, on Showtime.

A week later (Jan. 30), Caleb Plant is scheduled to stay in line for a shot at Canelo in a 168-pound title defense against Caleb Truax on Fox.

On the same day, shopworn ex-light-heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev is scheduled to re-appear for the first time since getting knocked out by Canelo (Nov. 2, 2019). Kovalev is scheduled to face Bektemir Melikuziev on DAZN in Moscow in a bout that presumably hinges on whether the Sputnik V vaccine really works or is just another piece of fictional garbage from some Russian hackers.

Meanwhile, there will be mostly talk:

·    Talk about how Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. should fight in perhaps the best welterweight bout in many years, but probably never will.

·    Talk that Teofimo Lopez is willing to fight anybody in the lightweight division. He just told The Athletic he wants to fight Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and Garcia.  ‘We’ve got to face one another’, he said. Hopefully, he also wants to fight Shakur Stevenson, currently a junior-lightweight champ. Lopez, Haney, Davis and Garcia are already being called Four Kings, a nod to the terrific George Kimball book on Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns. Guess here: The predicted Four Kings will become The Fab Five. Expect Stevenson, perhaps the best of them, to move up the scale to 135.

·    More talk from Tyson Fury about how he plans to knock out Anthony Joshua. And more talk from Joshua about how he’ll silence Fury. And more crazy talk from Deontay Wilder.

·    More talk from Canelo that, yeah, he’ll fight Gennadiy Golovkin in a decisive third bout. But, first, he plans to fight a mandatory super-middleweight defense against Turk Avni Yildirim and then pursue title unifications against Plant and Billy Joe Saunders. Check back in January, 2022. Canelo will still be talking about a third date with GGG.

A belated Happy 2021, a new year that defies plans and predictions. Just a prayer works. Pray that the vaccines work. Pray we can all meet at ringside and then at a restaurant to celebrate the fights, the fighters and lost friends.

Ryan Garcia scored the biggest win of his career as he survived a hard 2nd round knockdown and come back and stopped former world title challenger Luke Campbell and win the WBC Interim Lightweight championship at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

In round two, Campbell shockingly landed a perfect straight left to the jaw that sent Garcia to the canvas for the 1st time in his career. Garcia was able to steady himself and win the balance of the rounds.

In round seven, Garcia landed a vicious left to the body that sent Campbell down on all fours for the 10-count at 1:38.

Garcia, 135 lbs of Victorville, CA is now 21-0 with 18 knockouts. Campbell, 135 lbs of Hull, ENG is 20-4.

“My performance definitely showed a lot of people who I really am,” said Ryan Garcia. “Going into this fight I wanted to show people that you are not what people call you. You are what you choose to be. I chose to be a champion tonight. I didn’t let anything stop me from being a champion tonight. Even when he dropped me, I knew that couldn’t stop me from being champion.”

“I got too excited in the moment. I felt I could just walk him down, but he ended up cracking me. So, I had to adjust and calm down. I knew that I could beat him. I had to show that I was a warrior. I was a little dizzy with the knockdown, but I wasn’t worried. He’s not used to going forward, so I just knew I had to cover up.”

“He never fights coming forward, so I knew he would back up throughout the fight. I’m naturally a counterpuncher. But today I showed that I can be aggressive, go forward and take it to somebody. I showed I can take it to somebody and knock them out. God told me that it would end with a body shot, and that’s what happened. I want to thank God.”

On The Future:

“I want to be a man of my word. I want Gervonta “Tank” Davis. I am ready. People are worried about that one. I want Tank Davis. I would also fight Devin Haney, too.”

Luke:

“He’s very heavy handed. Even when I was blocking the shots, I could feel them. That was the hardest shot I was ever hit with. I tried and tried to get up, but I couldn’t. I felt him coming on, and I was moving back, and when you move back my body relaxed a little bit and that’s the exact time he hit me.”

He did so well to get up from the shot in the second round! I felt that through my arm and knew it was a beauty but all credit to him, he got up and show he’s got real heart. 

It was a great fight and I knew I was right in the fight and thought I was having a good round in the seventh, but that was just a fantastic body shot. I was ready to attack again and he just timed the punch perfectly, I wanted to beat the count but just couldn’t, you just have to hold your hands up and say it was a great shot from a very talented fighter who is going to go a long way.

OSCAR QUOTE:

“This is the kind of fight where superstars are made. Down on the mat early for the first time in his career, Ryan got up, rallied, broke down his man and got the knockout. Everyone in the lightweight division should consider themselves on notice. 2021 will be the year of Ryan García.”

Gutierrez drops Alvarado 3 times; Wins 130 lb. Title

Roger Gutierrez won the WBA Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Rene Alvarado

In round three, Gutierrez landed a hard uppercut that sent Alvarado to the canvas. Moments later, Gutierrez landed a big straight right that put Alvarado down a 2nd time. In round five, Gutierrez started to bleed over his left eyebrow.

Alvarado fought himself back in the fight, but Gutierrez may have sewed the fight up with a big left hook that sent Alvarado down for a 3rd time in the final round.

Alvarado landed 162 of 643 punches; Gutierrez landed 222 of 673.

Gutierrez, 129 lbs of Maricalbo, VEN won by scores of 114-113 on all cards, and is now 25-3-1. Alvarado, 129.4 lbs of Managua, NIC is 32-9.

The fight was a rematch of a fight that Alvarado stopped Gutierrez

Alvarado stops Kriel in 10; Retains Light Flyweight Title

Felix Alvarado defended his IBF Light Flyweight Title with a 10th round stoppage over former 105 pound champion Deejay Kriel.

In round two, Alvarado landed a big left hook that sent Kriel to the deck. In round four, it was almost the exact same scenario as Alvarado landed a hige left hook that put Kriel down again.

Kriel showed signs of coming back, but his punches were not enough to keep Kriel off of him. In round 10, Alvarado landed a series of punches that forced the referee stoppage at 1:39.

Alvarado, 107.4 lbs of Managua, NIC is 36-2 with 31 knockouts. Kriel, 107.4 lbs of Gautang, SA is 16-2-1.

“I knew this would be a tough fight,” said Felix Alvarado. “He was a mandatory challenger and a former world champion, so I knew it would be tough. I got a bit tired, but that was because of his experience. I also dropped him with a hook, and I didn’t even expect for a punch like that to land. But rather than keep looking for that punch, I kept pushing him to the ropes to wear him down. I’m very happy to obtain this win because it is a dream come true for the Alvarado brothers to fight on such a big card together. I want any of the other world champions so I can show who is the best in the division.”

Curiel stops Agaton in 2

Raul Curiel remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over late-replacement Ramses Agaton in a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Curiel landed a hard left hook to the body that sent Agaton to the canvas. Curiel continued the onslaught in the 2nd round as Curiel landed a huge right and hand, and the towel was thrown in from Agaton’s corner at

Curiel, 153.2 lbs of Tamauilpas, MEX is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Agaton, 156.4 lbs of Mexico is 22-13-3.

“I felt really good and strong,” said Raul Curiel. “I felt that my opponent was a bit heavy. But I’m happy that I was able to deliver a great performance. I’m ready for any opponent that they bring to me at welterweight.”

Sean Garcia Decisons Marquez

Ryan Garcia’s brother Sean Garcia remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Rene Marquez in a lightweight bout.

Garcia landed 48 of 161 punches; Marquez was 30 of 185.

Garcia, 134.2 lbs of Victorville, CA won by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38 and is now 6-0. Marquez, 134.4 lbs of Scottsbluff, NE is 5-6.

“There were so many things going as we went into this fight,” said Sean Garcia. “I was a bit nervous. I came off of a year-and-half layoff. I had to find my distance. It was also hard to land shots on him because of his unorthodox style.  Now, I just have to keep training hard and learn from my mistakes.”

Alex Rincon remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Sergio Gonzalez in a middleweight fight.

Rincon, 155.4 lbs of Dallas won by scores of 60-54 scores and is now 8-0. Gonzalez, 155.8 lbs of Mexico is 6-8-1.

WBC//WBO Super Middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn won a eight-round unanimous decision over Ashleigh Curry in a non-title cruiserweight bout.

Dezurn, 171,4 lbs of Baltimore MD won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-1. Curry, 176.2 bs of Saint Joseph, MO is 8-14-4.

Asa Stevens made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over veteran Fancisco Bonilla in a bantamweight bout.

Stevens, 118.6 lbs of Waianae, HI won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Bonilla, 118 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 6-9-3.

Tristan Kalkreuth stopped Jorge Martinez in the opening round of ther four round cruiserweight bout.

Kalkreuth landed a hard right that dropped Martinez and the fight was over 50 seconds.

Kalkreuth, 194.3 lbs of Duncanville, TX is 7-0 with five knockouts. Martinez, 198.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 4-6.

Follow all the action as Ryan Campbell and Luke Campbell battle for the WBC Interim Lightweight Title.  The action begins at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT / 8 PM in the UK with an undercard that will feature two world title bouts that will see the Alvarado brothers defending their titles.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Jab to body from Garcia..Left to body from Campbell..Straight right from Garcia..Right hand..Bidy shot from Campbell..Right hook

Round 2 Hard flurry from Garcia…HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES GARCIA..

Round 3 Left to body from Garcia…Flurry..

Round 4 Good body shot from Campbell..Left to body…Hard right from Garcia..Right hand..Left from Campbell..

Round 5 right on inside for Campbell..Straight left…Lead right from Garcia..Nice Flurry…Big left at the bell hurts Campbell

Round 6 Garcia landing big flurries…Right from Campbell..Uppercut from Garcia

Round 7 Nice right from Garcia…Right hook to the head…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES CAMPBELL FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Straight right from Alvarado.. Body shot…2 Huge rights from Gutierrez Buckles Alvarado

Round 2 Counter right from Alvarado…Uppercut and straight right from Gutierrez..Uppercut..

Round 3 HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES ALVARADO…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ALVARADO…Uppercut stuns Alvarado…Left and right from Alvarado..Right…

Round 4 

Round 5 Straight right from Alvarado and another..Blood from left eyebrow of Gutierrez…Body combo from Alvarado..Overhand right..

Round 6 Doctor looking at Gutierrez eye…Running jab from Alvarado..Seeping left hook…

Round 7 Uppercut from Alvarado…Nice counter left

Round 8 Right from Alvarado

Round 9 

Round 10 Jab from Alvarado…

Round 11 Combination from Gutierrez

Round 12 LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES ALVARADO

113-112 ON ALL CARDS FOR GUTIERREZ

Round 1: Alvarado being aggressive..2 uppercuts..Right uppercut

Round 2 BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES KRIEL…Big over hand right..Right..Huge right

Round 3 Right from Alvarado

Round 4 BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES KRIEL..Nice left hook from Kriel..3 uppercuts and left hook from Alvarado…Right from Kriel..Combination

Round 5 Left hook from Alvarado..

Round 6 Jab from Alvarado…Grazing right…Left hook…Shoeshine from Kriel…

Round 7 Left hook from Kriel…Nice uppercut…combination..

Round 8 Combination from Kriel…Right…Left hook from Alvarado…Uppercut..Body shot from Kriel…Nice jab

Round 9 Uppercut from Alvarado…Jab to body…Right Hand…Hard shots snaps Kriel’s head back

Round 10  Big overhand right from Alvarado…Body shot…COMBINATION ON THE ROPES, KRIEL TAKING PUNISHMENT  AND FIGHT IS STOPPED 

Round 1 LEFT HOOK BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES AGATON.
Round 2 Huge right from Curiel…TOWEL THROWN IN FROM AGATON’S CORNER

Round 1 Counter right from Garcia..Right hook
Round 2 Left to body and right from Garcia..Good right from Marquez..Garcia starting to turn up pace
Round 3 Flurry from Garcia…Body combination
Round 4 Right hook from Garcia..Nice right from Marquez…Good body shot from Marquez

39-37 TWICE AND 38-38 FOR GARCIA

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 1, 2021) – Undefeated 17-year-old rising star, DJ “War Machine” Zamora lll (3-0, 2 KOs) spent the past month in training camp with WBC Silver Lightweight Champion, Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs), as Garcia’s preps for his biggest test when he faces Olympic Gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs), on January 2, 2021.

“It was an honor to be in camp with Ryan Garcia,” said Zamora III. “Ryan is fast, explosive and his power is the real deal. Out of all the fighters I’ve sparred he ranks at the top when it comes to speed and power. Eddie Reynoso is doing a great job with Ryan. I learned a lot being in camp with them. Ryan was very helpful in and out the ring, teaching me tricks and trades of the fight game at the higher level.”

Zamora III gave his thoughts on what he expects Ryan Garcia will do to Luke Campbell when they meet this Saturday night, live on DAZN.

“In my opinion, I think Ryan Garcia is going to knockout Luke Campbell within eight rounds,” continued Zamora. “I believe Ryan will break him down in the early rounds, then he will stop Campbell with a body shot.”

Going into 2021, Zamora III will take a tremendous amount of confidence and momentum with him as he will be making his U.S.A. debut at some point during the year.

“After being in camp with Ryan García, I feel more confident with my skills going into 2021,” Zamora concluded. “I now know what it’s like to be in the ring with one of the best in the world, and have learned what I need to do, to be one of the very best myself. This type of experience is going to take my boxing to the next level. This is going to be my year, and I’ll looking to be extremely active once I turn eighteen and make my U.S.A. debut.”

By Norm Frauenheim–

A welcome chance to say goodbye to a lousy year begins amid reasons for skepticism about whether the new one will be any better.

The calendar changes.

The mood doesn’t.

Not with comments from Errol Spence and Terence Crawford that seem to eliminate any chance of them fighting in 2021 or any other year. Not with Canelo Alvarez headed for a mandatory title defense against Avni Yildirim, a super-middleweight with less name recognition and perhaps fewer skills than Callum Smith.

Yet, the year’s second day offers some promise, a glimpse perhaps at an emerging new face that can drag boxing out of a balkanized never-never land crisscrossed by rival promoters, networks and acronyms.

The promise is there, in Ryan Garcia’s unscarred face. There, too, in power augmented by hand speed. There, too, in charisma, the so-called “it” factor. It isn’t quite the intangible it once was. Garcia can put a number on it.  His social-media audience is reported to 7.8 million. That’s not a following. It’s an empire.

That it, and all of its expectations, will be watching Saturday when Garcia’s star potential undergoes its first substantive test against Luke Campbell on DAZN at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

News broke Thursday that no more tickets were available for seats allowed under the socially-distancing protocol mandated by Texas. It wasn’t exactly clear what the sellout means in terms of numbers. But there’s a sense that Garcia would generate a capacity crowd no matter how many seats.

It’s easy to dismiss the social-media aspect. It’s a target, an inevitable one for Campbell, a UK Olympic gold medalist who says Garcia’s popular appearances on video are a one-man show. In the ring’s reality, he’ll be facing – fighting — Campbell instead of just a stationary bag and a camera.  Yet in an unexpected twist for fans skeptical of social media, Garcia’s huge following is a reason to like him.

He was a fighter before he was a social-media star, unlike the new generation of YouTubers. They gained social-media fame before they ever stepped through the ropes. On a YouTubers’ tale of the tape only the social-media number counts.

To wit: Garcia is real, the Paul wannabes aren’t. I wouldn’t know Jake from Logan or Rand. I just know one of them is supposed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. some time in February in an exhibition that figures to make them money and a few fight fans exasperated.

The fear is that the YouTubers are poised to become the future face of the game. From this corner, that’s a future that won’t last long. But Garcia is the potential counter. He has a real chance at putting some reality back in the virtual. Can he? Will he?

A lot will be learned Saturday in a bout that is also another sign that the 135-pound division will be boxing’s best in 2021. There’s Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and Australian George Kambosos Jr. There’s still Vasiliy Lomachenko, who doesn’t figure to disappear after his loss to Lopez. The vanishing prospect of Spence-versus-Crawford makes the welterweights less interesting, even irrelevant. Crawford recently tweeted that, bleep it, he’d go back to lightweight. He, too, can see that things look a lot more interesting at 135 than 147.

On Saturday, the lightweight division’s many possibilities may continue to unfold. For Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs), it’s a risky step, mostly because Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) knows what he’s doing. In his only world-title shots, the Brit lost a unanimous decision to Lomachenko and a split decision to Jorge Linares.  He also lost a split decision to Yven Mendy nearly five years ago.

Campbell, 33, has been hit by punches from angles never seen by the unbeaten Garcia, who is coming off four straight stoppages, the last two in the first round. Campbell is a good body puncher. His pressure figures to back up Garcia, who has never shown he can fight off his back foot.

More important, perhaps, Campbell has never been stopped. He’s tough, a seasoned fighter against a young one who has never gone 12 rounds. The 22-year-old Garcia has gone 10 rounds twice, both in 2018.

For Campbell, the fight looks like A Last Chance. For Garcia, it’s A Beginning.

The pick: A Beginning.

Garcia’s punches travel at a rate never seen by Campbell. He still won’t see them, especially the left which will land more than once for Garcia, who will win a significant measure of proof along with untold numbers of additional social-media followers in a seventh-round TKO. 

DALLAS, TEXAS (Dec. 31, 2020): Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) hosted their final press conference today in Dallas, Texas ahead of their 12-round showdown for the interim WBC Lightweight Championship. They were joined by undercard fighters from the event including world champions Rene Alvarado (32-8, 21 KOs) and Felix Alvarado (35-2, 30 KOs) and many others.

The fight will take place on Jan. 2, 2021 at American Airlines Center in Dallas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico and the UK.

Below is what today’s main event participants had to say at the press conference:

RYAN GARCIA, WBC SILVER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION:

“I wanted this fight after Francisco Fonseca. When it was offered to me for the interim title, I thought that my dream was finally coming true. I’ve always said he is a good fighter. I never said he wasn’t a good fighter. But I just know that with my skills and my training, I will be victorious.”

“My fights haven’t gone long because I don’t let them. If it happens to go that way, then I’m ready for 12 rounds. If he’s tough and he can take a shot, then I’m ready for that. They can say all they want about me not being able to go 12 rounds. I’ve trained to go 1000 rounds. I expect this to be a great fight. I expect this to be a great war.”

LUKE CAMPBELL, FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER:

“I’m confident because I want to prove that I am the best in the division. From what I have seen, he is good. He is fast. He’s got good skills. But I believe in myself. My strategy is to win by any means possible, and I’m going to be the best version of myself.”

“Tune in Saturday night. I’ve come to fight. This is going to be a fantastic fight. We are two of the best lightweights in the world, and it will be a fantastic battle.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:

“I see what I’ve always seen in Ryan: an incredibly gifted, wildly charismatic fighter who never takes his foot of the gas in training or in the ring on fight night. I also see a fighter with an incredible appreciation of and admiration for the sport. When he’s not fighting or training, he’s watching film or going to other fights. The kid eats, sleeps and breaths boxing. At the same time, at a really young age, Ryan has an understanding of marketing that only a handful of fighters ever truly achieve.”

“We live in an era when fans can feel closer to their heroes than ever before through the development of social media. Ryan engages with those fans and has grown a following that is close to unrivaled in the sport. You put all these things in a package, and what you end up with is a fighter who is primed to crossover and become an international superstar.”

Garcia vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place on Jan. 2, 2021 at American Airlines Center in Dallas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico and the UK. Doors for the event open at 1:00 p.m. CST. The first streamed fight begins at 2:00 p.m. CST / 8:00 p.m. GMT. Main event: 5:00 p.m. CST / 11:00 p.m. GMT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaCampbell

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GarciaCampbell into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Dec. 22, 2020): Golden Boy, the leading media and entertainment brand, announced yesterday the launch of an interactive sweepstakes that will give fans the opportunity to play against Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) and Sean Garcia (5-0, 2 KOs) on Twitch, the live video game streaming service.

The Golden Game Sweepstakes is already underway and will close January 1 at 10:00 am PT. The contest invites fans from the United States and Mexico to enter at no cost by visiting https://www.goldengamessweeps.com. Winners will be chosen on New Year’s Day and announced live on DAZN during the Garcia vs. Campbell broadcast.

The first-place winner will get a chance to play a live video game with the Garcia brothers on a date to be determined. The interaction will be recorded and shared across Golden Boy and DAZN social media platforms.

In addition, five second-place winners will win a year-long subscription to DAZN, while five third-place winners will win a month-long subscription.

“With his massive online following, Ryan has the ability to bring in legions of new fans to the sport of boxing, and this is yet another way he connects with a largely untapped audience,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Given that Ryan is undefeated in the ring — and we fully expect he will remain so on January 2— this is also an opportunity for a lucky fan to do something no professional has done to date, which is to beat Ryan Garcia.”

In November, Golden Boy announced the ring return of Ryan Garcia, the quick-rising lightweight contender who will face Olympic Gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) for the interim WBC Lightweight Championship on Jan. 2 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Garcia’s younger brother, Sean, will also fight on the card. Both fights will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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Garcia vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place on Jan. 2, 2021 at American Airlines Center in Dallas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico and the UK.

Tickets for Garcia vs. Campbell are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.americanairlinescenter.com
or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaCampbell

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GarciaCampbell into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 20, 2020): The highly anticipated lightweight showdown between Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) will now take place on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. The fight, which will be for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship, will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Additional information regarding the venue and the undercard will be announced shortly.

“With this new year, a new era for Golden Boy begins, and we can’t wait to unleash our international stable of prospects, contenders and world champions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “And what better way to start this new chapter than with boxing’s newest crossover star? Despite being just 22 years old, Ryan Garcia has already built a huge fan base, and once he gets past Luke Campbell, the sky is the limit.

“2021 will be a tremendous year for our company, and we can’t wait for our stable of more than 70 fighters—including 9 world champions and 13 regional titleholders—to play a significant role in transforming the boxing landscape.”

“My mindset going into this fight hasn’t changed, and my training hasn’t stopped,” said Ryan Garcia. “I’m excited we have a new date and can finally bring this to the fans. I’m here, and I’m ready to ring in the new year with a victory…let’s go!”

“New date, new year, same result,” said Luke Campbell. “I’m fully back in training and have never felt better. What a way to start 2021 this is going to be with a clinical Luke Campbell win.”

Garcia vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place on Jan. 2, 2021 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico and the UK.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaCampbell

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GarciaCampbell into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 10, 2020) – The Garcia vs. Campbell boxing event presented by Golden Boy and DAZN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has been postponed following a positive COVID-19 test result from Luke Campbell.

Campbell is doing well, but the fight will need to be rescheduled. As we know, fans are really looking forward to this great fight. All parties involved are working to get a new date scheduled as soon as possible.

Details for the new date will be announced shortly.

The DAZN global platform will still launch on Dec. 1 as scheduled.

INDIO, CALIF. (Oct. 30, 2020): Golden Boy is proud to announce that the highly anticipated Garcia vs. Campbell matchup is headed to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will feature a stacked undercard of world class action, including a 12-round rematch between WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Rene Alvarado (32-8, 21 KOs) and Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (24-3-1, 20 KOs) in the co-main event.

The fights will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“More than three years after Rene began his own title run by derailing Roger’s highly touted American debut, the tables have been turned and ‘The Kid’ is now gunning for Gemelo’s world title,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy. “Both of these guys know what it’s like to come back from defeat, and fans will be treated to them leaving it all in the ring.”

Alvarado is a 31-year-old world champion who has earned everything the hard way, facing some of the toughest featherweights and super featherweight of the last few years. The native of Managua, Nicaragua has a resume that includes wins against Robinson “Robin Hood Castellanos, Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez, Danis “Djingis Khan” Shafikov, Carlos “The Solution” Morales and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, the man he beat to become a world champion. Alvarado hopes to retain his title in a rematch of his 2017 bout against Gutierrez.

“I’m ready to defend my title on December 5,” said Rene Alvarado. “I’ll be prepared to deliver a tremendous combat to all fans so they can enjoy a bit of distraction during these difficult times. And although the crisis we all currently face is something that will be different in this rematch, the end result will be the same. We will get the victory at any cost to retain the title.”

In 2017, Gutierrez was on the fast track to a world title challenge until running into Alvarado, who gave him his first defeat. Since then, the Venezuelan boxer has had to learn on the job in tough bouts against Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. and Oscar Duarte. However, 2019 changed everything for him when he stopped then-undefeated contender Rocky Hernandez. Now, after two additional wins, the 25-year-old is finally having his first world title shot and against the man who first derailed his efforts.

“I want to thank God above all else,” said Roger Gutierrez. “I also want to thank the World Boxing Association and Golden Boy Promotions. I will dedicate this fight to my mom who is currently battling cancer. This victory will be for her. I am ready to avenge my first loss in this world title challenge. From Maracaibo [Venezuela] to the world—let’s do it!”

Before the co-main event, Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (6-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Md. will defend her unified WBC and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles in a 10-round clash.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will defend his NABF Welterweight Title in a scheduled 10-round fight.

2016 Olympian Raul “Cougar” Curiel (8-0, 6 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand “Lucky Boy” Kerobyan (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. will clash in a 10-round battle between two Golden Boy welterweights.

Sean Garcia (5-0, 2 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will open the night in a six-round lightweight fight.

Opponents for Crews-Dezurn, Cobbs and Garcia will be announced shortly.

Garcia vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Dec. 5 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaCampbell

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link:http://bit.ly/GarciaCampbell into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 8, 2020): One of the most highly anticipated lightweight showdowns in recent years is set to finally take place as rising star Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) faces off against experienced contender and Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship. The fight will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in the U.S.

Information regarding the venue and the undercard will be announced shortly.

“For years, the world of boxing has been clamoring for a crossover star who can reach new audiences that have gone untapped for far too long,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Ryan Garcia stands at the precipice of doing the same thing at an incredibly young age when he takes on Luke Campbell. While transitioning Ryan’s enormous social media following to DAZN viewers is good business for Ryan, Golden Boy and DAZN, it’s more importantly good for the sport of boxing, which needs a shot in the arm right now more than ever. For the next months, we are going to work tirelessly with our partners to promote this fight — by far Ryan’s biggest test of his career —which can catapult Ryan’s career to an entire other level.”

Garcia is a 22-year-old contender who has quickly developed into one of boxing’s most popular young athletes. Since joining the Golden Boy stable in 2016, he has steadily made his case for a world title opportunity by defeating the likes of “Ruthless” Romero Duno, Francisco Fonseca, Carlos “The Solution” Morales and Jason “La Maravilla” Velez. Since joining forces with renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso, the native of Victorville, Calif. has looked better than ever, improving his technical abilities and scoring knockout wins in his last five fights. But now, the toughest test of his career lies before him in Campbell, a man with whom he can prove definitively that he is championship material.

“I’ve been eagerly waiting to get back in the ring and have been working harder than ever to get here,” said Ryan Garcia. “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but I’m excited to bring the fans an escape for the night… or based on my track record, a few minutes at most. Luke’s record speaks for itself, but I’m ready to prove the doubters wrong. This is my era now and December 5th just the start of it.”

Campbell, a former WBC Silver Lightweight champion who took home a gold medal in front of his English countrymen in the 2012 London Olympic Games, is an elite fighter. Along with wins against Darleys Perez and former world champion Argenis Mendez, 33-year-old southpaw has been in very competitive fights against former unified 135-pound champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares and current unified lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. Whether due to his experience or his skill, Campbell is confident he can break Garcia down.

“2020 has been an extremely tough year for everyone, so I’m really pleased we can finally get this fight officially on and give the fans something to look forward to,” said Luke Campbell. “There’s been a lot of talk and he’s clearly a very highly regarded fighter, but I’m going to prove that this is far too much, far too soon and that I’m on a completely different level. I’ve fought in America before, so this will be nothing new for myself and my team. Fans or no fans, the one thing I can guarantee is that I will be coming back to the UK with the victory. Training hasn’t stopped for me, and I’m going to be in peak condition to show something very special from Luke Campbell on December 5.”

“This is a great fight in what is probably the hottest division in boxing right now,” said Eddie Hearn,” Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Luke is fearless in the challenges he takes and is ready to score a major victory in December against Ryan Garcia. Luke has been operating at the elite end of the division for a long time, and although Ryan is an exceptional young talent, I truly believe Luke’s pedigree and experience will be too much for him.”

Garcia vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the interim WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Dec. 5, 2020 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in the U.S.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaCampbell

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link:http://bit.ly/GarciaCampbell into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

London, UK (5 September 2020) Red hot Irish prospect Stevie McKenna has come out all-guns-blazing at his American rival Ryan Garcia just hours before the KO King’s debut in a UK ring tonight. Watch in the UK and Ireland on free-to-air Channel 5 from 10pm or for free around the world on Seconds Out YouTube from 7pm (GMT) 2pm (ET).

The undefeated Monaghan super-lightweight takes on Gary McGuire at the LS Live TV studio in Wakefield, as he aims to take his record to 5-0. But it’s the simmering tensions that has reached boiling point between McKenna and Garcia that has captured the attentions of fans around the world.

In an exclusive interview with Hennessy Sports partner Seconds Out, McKenna and his father and co-trainer Fergal, explosively reveal exactly what really happened in that infamous sparring session; the real reason behind the Twitter spat; the vicious and nasty messages sent by Garcia and a future fight between them.

Here are some of the more hard-hitting comments in the interview:

Stevie on Garcia as a fighter…

He hasn’t fought anyone that puts it on him…once that day comes he will fall and he will get beat

Stevie on Garcia sending spiteful messages…

He’s the kind of guy that likes to HIDE behind a phone and send messages.

Stevie on ‘that’ sparring session…

He fights like a COWARD, cowards always get exposed

I was wearing 16oz gloves…and this pre-Madonna is wearing a pair of 14oz wee small little gloves

He was supposed to do six rounds but jumped out after four after taking beatdown and then never wanted to spar again

Fergal added…

He doesn’t like getting his hair tossed…He’s the type of fighter if you laid a glove on him and their all glazy, he’d almost start crying

Stevie on a future fight between him and Garcia…

It’s personal yes…I’d love to get him. I’d bash him up.

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 7pm.

New York, NY (06/08/20) – Fighting out of the talent-laden region of Accra, Ghana, world-ranked lightweight contender Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (31-1, 15 KOs), is poised to take part in a WBO elimination bout to move one step closer toward a world title opportunity. Tagoe is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by Peter Kahn.

Although Lee Selby is rated #1 by the WBO, he is locked into an IBF lightweight elimination contest against George Kambosos, scheduled for October 3. Earlier this week, the WBO ordered an eliminator between the next two leading available contenders, Ryan Garcia, rated #2, and Tagoe, rated #3, to become the mandatory challenger to face champion Vasyl Lomachenko. DiBella Entertainment and Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, have been in communication about the fight.

Tagoe has won 31 fights in a row since his lone defeat in his 2004 pro debut. Most recently, the heavy-handed Ghanaian knocked out Ishmael Aryeetey in the sixth round in Accra. He also holds victories against former world champions Moses Paulus and Mzonke Fana.

Coming from a boxing family, Tagoe’s maternal uncle, Nana Yaw Konadu, is a former two-division and three-time world champion, having held the WBC super flyweight title and the WBA bantamweight title twice. His other uncle, the late Emmanuel Teiko Tagoe, was a renowned trainer in Ghana, having worked with Joshua and Emmanuel Clottey, Osumanu Akaba and Ossie Duran.

“I welcome the challenge to fight Ryan Garcia to earn my world title shot for the WBO lightweight championship against Lomachenko,” said Tagoe. “I have been waiting my entire career for this opportunity and will make it count. I will be the next lightweight world champion and make Ghana proud.”

“Gameboy Tagoe has earned the right to fight in a title elimination bout,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We would love it to be against Ryan Garcia, one of the sport’s hottest up-and-coming stars, in what we think would be a highly competitive and exciting fight. If this isn’t possible, we’re happy to move down the rankings for another elimination bout and are also willing to entertain any big fight offer against one of the stars of the division.”

“Emmanuel Tagoe is a world class fighter deserving of the WBO eliminator for the mandatory position in the lightweight division,” said Tagoe’s manager Peter Kahn. “It’s up to Ryan Garcia to accept the fight and have his promoter Golden Boy Promotions negotiate for the fight. If they decline, we’re happy to move on to the next highest rated contender. Tagoe is one win away from a guaranteed shot at the world title.”

DETROIT, MI (May 12, 2020) – Golden Boy Promotions undefeated rising lightweight contender, 21-year old Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs), will be the featured guest on the second episode of “Stars and Champions”, airing this Friday, May 15, 2020, on the Impact Network. The 30-minute broadcast, hosted by Dan Rafael, begins at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT. Rafael gets confirmation on who Garcia wants next in the ring, and what he has been doing to keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ryan Garcia and I have a great relationship and the topics we covered during our conversation were amazing,” said Dan Rafael. “He talked about his close friendship with Saul “Canelo” Alverez, how he’s like a big brother to him, and the unbelievable coaching he’s getting from their trainer Eddy Reynoso. In addition, Garcia talks about potential mega fights with Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez, all of whom are in their early to mid-twenties. We also discuss his routine during the pandemic, how he got introduced to the sport of boxing, as well as his self built social media empire. This is a must see episode of “Stars and Champions” if you’re a fan of Ryan Garcia, and boxing in general.”

“We are thrilled to have Ryan Garcia as our next guest,” said Royal Jackson, Impact executive producer of Stars and Champions. “The kid is only twenty-one and has a charisma about him that is unprecedented for a young man his age. Furthermore, to his incredible talent in the ring, he’s a down to earth individual who brings a breath of fresh air to the sport of boxing.”

“Ryan Garcia is coming off two incredible knockouts and his 6.1 million followers on Instagram is proof that he’s well on his way to becoming the next superstar in the sport.” stated Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing. “We are booking the biggest names in boxing on “Stars and Champions”.

“The Impact Network is rapidly becoming a household name in boxing,” said Rick Torres, Head of Business and Legal Affairs for SMM Boxing. “Our first show with Leonard Ellerbe was incredible and now we get to feature the young phenom, Ryan Garcia in our second episode. Boxing fans will enjoy this interview, that I can guarantee.”

The Impact Network airs “Stars and Champions” across all major cable, satellite, and digital channels. Impact is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week, on DIRECTV’s Channel 380 or Channel 268, DISH Network’s Channel 268, Fios TV Channel 787, and Comcast’s Xfinity TV’s Channel 400. In addition, Impact Network can be viewed digitally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and Sling. “Stars and Champions” can also be viewed on the Impact Network website and mobile app. Please check local listings in your area for more information.

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About Impact Network: The Impact Network provides family friendly entertainment and educational themed inspirational content through its many distribution platforms. Broadcasting in over 88 million homes, Impact endeavors to be the foremost innovative inspirational network both locally and abroad. The Impact Network is the fastest growing and largest black owned faith-based TV network spanning across the united states, the Bahamian Islands and parts of Africa!

Devin Haney says he would love to renew his rivalry with amateur foe Ryan Garcia in the paid ranks, as Haney joins Matchroom Boxing’s new podcast, ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH DEVIN HANEY IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Haney is itching to get back into the ring and resume his reign as WBC Lightweight champion having been made champion in recess after suffering the shoulder injury in his first defense against Alfredo Santiago in Los Angeles in November that forced him to have surgery.

The 21 year old talent will be knocking on promoter Eddie Hearn’s door to headline once again when boxing returns from the hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and build up to the massive clashes he’s been craving.

One of those clashes would be with Garcia, whom he went toe-to-toe with following Garcia’s one-punch KO win in the first round of his clash with Francisco Fonseca in Anaheim in February. Haney also had a friendly but feisty exchange with former two-weight World champion and Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins backstage over the potential battle, and Haney told Chris Lloyd in the second episode of ‘The Lockdown Tapes’ that a future showdown with Garcia is inevitable.

“We boxed a lot in the amateurs, so we have a lot of history,” said Haney. Ryan and I have always been advanced for our ages since we were young. He’s always been my rival, it’s always been him and me going at it, I think I was nine in our first fight and he was my second to last amateur fight.

“Ryan’s good and he’s improved in the pros, training with Eddy Reynoso and the Canelo team. He’s getting better with every fight and his talent speaks for itself.

“I have a lot of respect for Bernard and he was just doing his job. When I get a little rowdy with him, I’m just messing because I know what they have set for Ryan and I don’t think they have any intentions of fighting me, at least Golden Boy don’t right now, but Ryan would fight me.

“I want to make the biggest fights happen and if it’s up at 140lbs I’ll gladly go up and take it. A fight with Mikey Garcia, Adrien Briner, those are the big fights there. But Lightweight is where I am campaigning and I’m looking to win more and more World titles.”

Along with his thoughts on Garcia, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, Haney gives updates on his rehab, a tribute to Roger Mayweather, how long he wants to be in the sport for and advice to fans on staying fit and healthy during the lockdown.

Fans can find Haney’s episode plus episode one with Joshua Buatsi here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (Feb. 12, 2020): Rising lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) and Nicaraguan contender Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the Honda Center ahead of their 12-round title fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Championship. Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the presser. The action-packed event place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

RYAN GARCIA, WBC Silver Lightweight Champion:
“2020 is the year to show everyone that I’ve got the skills and talent to take on bigger challenges. I’ve been working hard and training every day, and I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to become a better fighter. Francisco Fonseca is a tough fighter, and this gives everyone a chance to see how good I am. I’m ready, so let’s show everyone that boxing is here to stay.”

FRANCISCO FONSECA, Lightweight Contender:
“I’m going to come prepared to give a great show, and God willing I’m going to take the win. I’m ready for this.”

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:
“I’m so excited and happy to be here, this is my first time at the Honda Center. I’m ready to make an amazing show on this great card. Good luck to all the boxers!”

CARLOS MORALES, Lightweight Contender:
“I’m really thrilled to fight someone like Jorge. He’s probably the best lightweight of his era. I’m excited to test my skills against a hall of famer in boxing, and we’re going to give a good fight.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Champion:
“I’m very excited to fight in my hometown. I know I have a very tough competitor, but I’m ready to shine.”

BLAIR COBBS, NABF Welterweight Champion:
“It’s great to be in an undercard with talent as great as Ryan Garcia. The most exciting man is boxing is here to take over the welterweight division, and I’m here to stay.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:
“I’m excited to showcase a really phenomenal card that the fans deserve. Ryan Garcia is taking boxing to the next level at the Honda Center, the home of many big fights featuring the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez and Canelo Alvarez. This is a very important card for all participants. Garcia has developed into an athlete that is deserving of a world title.”

JOE MARKOWSKI, EVP, DAZN North America:
“The narrative around this fight is pretty straightforward. Is Ryan Garcia a social media sensation or a future world champion? Can Ryan Garcia put on a show on Valentine’s Day and raise a belt over his head? This will all be determined on Friday night. Even though, it’s pretty early in the year we are very excited about the fights DAZN has put out so far.”

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus
applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFonseca.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link https://bit.ly/GarciaFonseca into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (Feb. 11, 2020): Rising lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) and Nicaraguan contender Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Real Boxing MMA & Fitness ahead of their 12-round title fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Championship. Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the workout. This Valentine’s Day brawl takes place Saturday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the workout:

RYAN GARCIA, WBC Silver Lightweight Champion:
“Fonseca had okay fights with Farmer and Davis. It was nothing impressive though. I’m a whole different fighter. I’m taller, stronger and just better overall. I watched four rounds of his fight. This guy cannot beat me. He’s going to try to box me. He doesn’t have the power to brawl. He’s going to keep away from me. I’m going to press the fight like a Mexican fighter.”

FRANCISCO FONSECA, Lightweight Contender:
“We are prepared to win. If it’s by decision, they are not going to give it to me. So, I know what I have to do. He’s a great fighter, but I’ve had a lot of experience facing top opposition. I don’t want to underestimate Ryan Garcia. He’s a great prospect, but he doesn’t have the experience that Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer had. On that basis, I will walk away with the victory on Feb. 14.”

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:
“Carlos Linares is very tough and strong. I know him very well. Though I have a lot of experience, I have to be very careful and cautious when the bell rings. Right now, I’m focused on the opponent I will have in front of me this Friday. After that, we’ll see what opportunities we have. Who knows? Maybe I fight in May or June? Boxing is like that. You never know.”

CARLOS MORALES, Lightweight Contender:
“This is the most important fight of my career. Linares is a veteran fighter with a lot of experience. He has everything in his toolbox. He was a three-time division world champion and five-time world champion, so I know I have to come at my very best.”

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFonseca.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link https://bit.ly/GarciaFonseca into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 24, 2020): Welterweight prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (15-0, 10 KOs) will take an important step up in competition as he defends his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title against Brad “King” Solomon (28-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout on the undercard of Garcia vs. Fonseca. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Rocha is a 22-year-old southpaw of Santa Ana, California who is widely considered as one of the best rising prospects of the welterweight division. Since making his debut in 2016, Rocha has steadily climbed the rankings by fighting some of the biggest cards that Southern California has hosted in recent years. After defending his regional title against the likes of Berlin Abreu and Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Rocha will look to pass the toughest test of his career when he takes on tough contender Solomon.

“I’m excited and looking forward to fighting in my backyard at the Honda center,” said Alexis Rocha. “Brad Solomon is a big step up and will present a challenge, but I am more than ready. I’m looking to make a statement on February 14, and hope I get the recognition I deserve as one of the best fighters in the welterweight division”

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Lousiana who was a standout amateur boxer before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves titles, Solomon also possess an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he as defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez
and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon is coming off a loss against Vergil Ortiz Jr. in what was a valiant effort. He’ll now look to have better success against Rocha.

“I’m coming to make a statement in this fight,” said Brad Solomon. “I just fought on a Golden Boy card in December, but I’m coming right back to show what I’m made of. So, make sure you tune into my fight on Feb. 14 because I will demonstrate that I have a lot of unfinished business in the boxing game.”

As previously announced, Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will defend his WBC Silver Lightweight Title against Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in the 12-round main event.

In the co-main event, Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (46-5, 28 KOs) will take on Carlos Morales (19-4-4, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round lightweight battle.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas will defend his NABF Welterweight Crown against Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KOs) of Baltimore in a 10-round bout.

Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava (7-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles will face Anthony Casillas
(8-1, 4 KOs) of Southgate, Calif. in a six-round featherweight fight.

Bektemir Melikuiziev (4-0, 3 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship against Marco Antonio Periban (25-5-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round clash.

Newly signed prospect Evan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Parlier, Calif. will participate in a six-round welterweight bout.

Alejandro “PinPon” Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will return in a four-round lightweight battle.

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFonseca.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link https://bit.ly/GarciaFonseca into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.