NEW YORK (June 18, 2013) - News spread like wildfire last week when details of the upcoming 11-city, two-country media tour to officially announce the September 14 mega-fight between Eight-Time, Five-Division World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Unified Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez were made public. 

Exact locations in each city as well as press conference start times are set and fans are encouraged to arrive early as entry into each event is available on a first come, first served basis.

**PLEASE NOTE: Media arrival times and locations are forthcoming.

Monday, June 24

New York, NY
Location: Times Square
Pedestrian Walk on Broadway Between 46^th & 47^th Streets
New York, NY 10036
Fan Arrival Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 3:00 p.m. ET

Tuesday, June 25

Washington, DC
Location: The Howard Theatre
620 T Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Fan Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 1:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, June 26

Grand Rapids, MI
Location: Houseman Field
2055 Rosewood Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Fan Arrival Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 12:00 p.m. ET

Chicago, IL
Location: Chicago Theatre
175 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Fan Arrival Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
Press Conference Begins: 6:00 p.m. CT

Thursday, June 27

Atlanta, GA
Location: Atlantic Station
1380 Atlantic Drive (Central Park between Rosa Mexicano and Strip)
Atlanta, GA 30363 
Fan Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 1:00 p.m. ET

Friday, June 28

Miami, FL
Location: Bayfront Park
100 Chopin Plaza (In front of InterContinental Miami hotel)
Miami, FL 33131
Fan Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 1:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, June 30

Mexico City, Mexico
Location information to be announced separately.

Monday, July 1

Houston, TX
Location: Union Station at Minute Maid Stadium (Main entrance of stadium)
501 Crawford Street
Houston, TX 77002
Fan Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. CT
Press Conference Begins: 1:00 p.m. CT

San Antonio, TX
Location: The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
Fan Arrival Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
Press Conference Begins: 6:00 p.m. CT

Tuesday, July 2

Phoenix, AZ
Location: Herberger Theater
222 East Monroe Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Fan Arrival Time: 11:00 a.m. MT
Press Conference Begins: 12:00 a.m. MT

Los Angeles
Location: Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE
777 Chick Hearn Court
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Fan Arrival Time: 6:30 p.m. PT
Press Conference Begins: 7:30 p.m PT

Mayweather vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Mayweather's WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship and Canelo's WBA, WBC and The Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships taking place Saturday, September 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O'Reilly Auto Parts, Valvoline. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV^® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event will be available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SA

Nelson Dedicating HBO Debut Debut Fight June 29 To 3 Kidnapped Cleveland Women

NEW YORK (June 18, 2013) - NABF super welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (20-1-1, 12 KOs) is dedicating his HBO^® debut fight on June 29, against Argentinian-invader Luciano Leonel "El Principito" Cuello (32-2, 16 KOs), to the three Cleveland women - Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight - who were kidnapped, abused and held hostage for a decade until they were recently freed.

"I'm from Cleveland and this terrible thing hit too close to home," Nelson explained.  "I wanted to do something so people don't forget what these brave women and their families went through.  They are the toughest fighters in Cleveland."

The 10-round fight between Nelson and Cuello will be the HBO opener (9:45 p.m. ET/PT start) on an explosive triple-header, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and K2 Promotions, headlined by WBA/IBO champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (26-0, 23 KOs) defending against Ireland's top-rated former world title challenger Matthew "Mack The Knife" Macklin (29-4, 20 KOs), live from MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  IBO super middleweight titlist Thomas "Tommy Gun" Oosthuizen (21-0-1, 13 KOs) takes on Brandon "Flawless" Gonzales (17-0, 10 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on HBO.

"Willie Nelson is a very special kid," said Steve Smith (Rumble Time Promotions), who co-promotes Nelson with Lou DiBella. "Right after these poor women were freed, I had a long conversation with Willie, and I could tell how moved he was by what had happened to them.  He wanted to honor them in some manner and Willie decided to dedicate the fight to them.  What better way to do that than on HBO?  He's just a caring young man who will make a statement on June 29^th."

"I'm so happy that they're free, but they've all missed out on their teenage years and part of their young adult lives.  They've each lost part of their life that they'll never get back.  I don't want people to ever forget what they went through.  I hope to get that message across to America by honoring them on HBO."

Nelson also plans to wear a "Cleveland 3" patch on his trunks, a symbolic gesture that will also be displayed on the jackets of his corner-men.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $300, $200, $90 and $45.  Tickets may be purchased online at foxwoods.com by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at Ticketmaster.com.

For updates and additional information, please visit www.K2Promos.com, www.dbe1.com or www.HBO.com/boxing.

NEW YORK (June 18, 2013) - Future Hall of Famer and current IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins will be a guest commentator on this Saturday's live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Boxing's ageless wonder, Hopkins will serve as an expert analyst joining host Brian Kenny, announcers Mauro Ranallo (blow-by-blow) and Al Bernstein (expert analyst) and ringside reporter Jim Gray.

The legendary, 48-year-old Hopkins will add his insight from the SHOWTIME seat usually occupied by Paulie Malignaggi, who will relocate from the ring apron to the inside of the ring on Saturday evening as he defends his WBA Welterweight World Championship against undefeated current WBC Lightweight and Two-Division World Champion Adrien Broner in what will be a heated, highly-charged 12-round main event.

ABOUT "MALIGNAGGI VS BRONER": 

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  In the co-featured bouts, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions and number one rated WBC sup er middleweight contender Sakio Bika faces number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middle weight World Championship.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale now at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office.  For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Results From Dallas

Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Mikey Garcia TKO(4) Juan Manuel Lopez
Terence Crawford KO(6) Alejandro Sanabria
Vanes Martirosyan TKO(2) Ryan Davis
Mikael Zewski UD(8) Damian Frias
Matt Korobov TKO(3) Ossie Duran
John Sosa KO(2) Alexis Pena
Oscar Valdez KO(2) Gil Garcia
Kurtiss Colvin TKO(5) Angel Sigala

Results From Pennsylvania

Harry Joe Yorgey MD(10) Julius Kennedy
Tevin Farmer TKO(8) Victor Vasquez
Javontae Starks UD(6) George Sosa
Damon Allen UD(4) Travis Thompson

Results From Germany

Manuel Charr TKO(3) Oleksiy Mazikin
Denis Boytsov KO(3) Oleksandr Nesterenko
Enad Licina KO(3) Marcel Zeller
Klara Svensson TKO(5) Irene Gambrah

Garcia Loses Title On Scales

In what was supposed to be his first title defense, WBO featherweight champion Mikey Garcia lost his title at the weigh-in on Friday after he failed to make weight for Saturday night's contest against Juan Manuel Lopez, which is to headline HBO's telecast.

Garcia came in two pounds over the weight limit and is not eligible to reclaim the title should he win as a result of failing to make weight. In addition, Garcia will also have to pay a portion of his purse (reportedly in the six figure range) to Lopez as part of an agreement made between the two camps in order to keep Lopez from withdrawing from the bout.

Proksa-Mora Headlines FNF June 28

On Friday, June 28 Banner Promotions will present ESPN's Friday Night Fights at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.

In the main event, former middleweight world title challenger Grzegorz Proksa will take on former WBC super welterweight champ Sergio Mora in a middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds

Tickets are available at the arena box office or by visiting www.jaxevents.com.

Champions of Tomorrow Date Moved To June 27

Due to a scheduling conflict with the venue, this Thursday night's (June 20) inaugural Champions of Tomorrow boxing event has been pushed back one week to June 27 at the Deck in Essington, PA. All tickets for June 20th will be honored.

Hopkins vs Murat Off Due To Murat Visa Denial

Due to number two rated IBF light heavyweight contender Karo Murat being declared ineligible to receive a visa by the United States Department of State, and his subsequent inability to enter the United States, his scheduled July 13 fight against IBF champ Bernard Hopkins at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY has been cancelled along with the entire event.

"This is an extremely disappointing development as we were anticipating Bernard making history once again on July 13 at Barclays Center, said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "Since the administrative process that would have to be undertaken in order for Murat's visa petition to be reconsidered takes longer than six months, we're exploring several options with respect to Bernard's next fight."

Cleveland Boxer Willie Nelson Set For HBO Debut

WBC No. 3-rated Willie "The Great" Nelson will make his HBO debut on June 29 against Argentinian veteran Luciano Leonel "El Principito" Cuello at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The 10-round fight between Nelson and Cuello will be the HBO opener (9:45pm ET) on a special triple-header, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and K2 Promotions, headlined by Gennady Golovkin vs Matthew Macklin.

Banks-Mitchell Quotes From Media Workouts

JOHNATHON BANKS, NABO & WBC International Heavyweight Champion

"I'm very excited to get back in the ring against Seth on June 22. Boxing is my life and you can see by my smile how I feel.

"The thumb is fine. No problems at all with it for this camp.

"It's been an easy transition back to boxing from my role as a trainer of Wladimir Klitschko.

"I expect a smarter and very well prepared Seth Mitchell for this rematch.

"[On his birthday falling on June 22] I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than in the ring on June 22.

"[On the fan turnout at his open workout at Ecorse High School in Detroit] I'm very active here in a mentoring role at the school and they've been very supportive of me. It's great to see so many members of the community, family and friends turn out."

"I'm excited. It's the first time I'm going up to Barclays Center. It's a rematch. It's a good fight for me. It's pressure, but I've got to channel it and I'm not letting it overwhelm me. I'm excited to put the loss against Banks behind me and get this chapter of my life over with.

"I'm not even looking at it like revenge. I look at it as I took a hit and I learned from it. I came to the gym, I worked extremely hard to try to get my prep, to work on my things and to learn from my mistakes.

"I want to win, so if you want to call that revenge, then that's revenge.

"I'm still going to bring some heat. I tell people I don't see myself in a boring fight, I'm just going to be smarter and have a smarter approach.

"God blessed me with size, speed and power, so I just have to go out there and be more defensively responsible. That's my motto.

"When I watch the first fight, I realize that I made so many mistakes, but they aren't things I'm going to repeat.

"I've been fighting for only six and a half years. It's not long, but I consider myself a quick learner.

"If Johnathon Banks would've out-boxed me for six or seven rounds or outclassed me, of course the fighter in me would've wanted a rematch, but I wouldn't have taken the rematch right away. I believe that I'm a better fighter than him and I didn't show everything that I'm capable of. That's why I want a rematch.

"I went to my team and I said I wanted a rematch. I've got a smart group of people around me and if they felt that I couldn't beat him, they'd have talked among themselves and come out with a different game plan.

"I truly believe I'm better than Johnathon Banks and I will show it on the 22^nd."

Frias Ready For War Against Zewski 

Cuban-born welterweight Damian "Devo" Frias (19-7-1, 10 KOs) will be back in his customary role as a potential spoiler Saturday night in Dallas as he takes on undefeated welterweight prospect Mikael Zewski (19-0, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout at American Airlines Center. Zewski-Frias is on the Mikey Garcia-Juan Manuel Lopez undercard.

Frias already has one major upset on his resume having defeated 21-1-1 Henry Crawford (TKO9) in 2011. In his last three fights, after his upset of Crawford, Frias went the distance in losses to, in order, Ionut Dan Ion (30-2), Vitaliy Demyenanko (25-0) and Carlos Molina (19-5-2).

"After beating Crawford," Frias said, "my career didn't take off like I had expected. Maybe that will happen after this fight? My last three fights have been against top fighters. I wasn't prepared for the Molina fight but the other two fights I thought I should have won. I felt I beat the Russian fighter in Seattle. I lost to Ion by two points. I dropped him but they called it a slip. I don't have a promoter to protect me like these guys."

Zewski, a Canadian, is promoted by Top Rank, which is also promoting the show. "I fight for me and that's the way it's been," Frias added. "My manager, Si Stern, gets me fights, and I don't care who it's against or where. I just deal with it. I'm not intimidated by anybody and don't mind fighting in front of my opponent's fans.

"I don't know too much about Zewski and don't really care about him or what he brings into the ring. I've heard that he's supposed to be a strong fighter. We'll see. He's in for a big surprise if he's taking me lightly. I'm ready to go to war."

Summer Sizzlers Headline Televisa/Fox Deportes Card In Villahermosa, Mexico

Two of Mexico's top super lightweights will collide at the Tabasco Park Nave 1 in Villahermosa, Mexico on Saturday, June 15 when undefeated WBC Super Lightweight Silver Champion Roberto "Massa" Ortiz of Torreon faces Culiacan's Jorge "Koki" Romero in a 12-round WBC Silver Championship bout that will be televised live on FOX Deportes in the United States and on Televisa in Mexico on a delayed basis.

A 10-round welterweight co-featured bout will see Tijuana's Jorge "Pantera" Silva in action against Colombia's Francisco "Volcan" Cordero.

Also featured in separate, non-televised fights will be former world title challenger Librado Andrade and highly touted prospect Fidel Maldonado Jr.

Ortiz vs. Romero is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Cancun Boxing and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui and Villahermosa Centro Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:00 p.m. CT. The FOX Deportes broadcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. and the Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 beginning at 10:30 p.m. CT.

50 Cent Announces July 5 ESPN FNF In Hartford

Famed rapper and new boxing promoter, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, held a press conference this week in Hartford to announce that his company, SMS Promotions, will present the "50 Cent's Birthday Bash" professional boxing event, July 5 live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Headlining the stacked ESPN Friday Night Fights show, the first solo promotion by SMS Promotions, is an exciting 10-round clash between undefeated North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (12-0, 8 KOs) and former world super middleweight title challenger Allan "Ghost Dog" Green (32-4, 22 KOs).

The 10-round ESPN co-feature showcases former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Hartford favorite "Machine Gun" Mike Oliver (25-3, 8 KOs).  A native of Australia, Dib is coming off a highly-competitive, fan-friendly fight on March 1, also shown on ESPN Friday Night Fights, in which he lost a 12-round split decision and his IBF belt to undefeated Russian Evgeny Gradovich (18-0).

Tickets are priced at $150.00, $100.00, $60.00 and $35.00 (SOLD OUT) and available to purchase at Connecticut Convention Center (860-728-2625) or by calling Mike Criscio (203-627-7472).  There is a 10-percent surcharge on all sold tickets.  A $150.00 ticket entitles the bearer to free admission to 50 Cent's post-fight party at the Connecticut Convention Center.  Admission to the post fight party is $30.00 per person at the door for those without a fight ticket, or $20.00 for all tickets excluding $150.00.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

Mikey Garcia & Juanma Lopez Final Presser Tomorrow! Thursday, June 13-2 P.M. CT AAC-West Concourse, Open To The Public!

DALLAS (June 12, 2013) -- Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion MIKEY GARCIA (31-0, 26 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and former WBO junior featherweight and WBO featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ (33-2, 30 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, will host their Final Press Conference, at the West Concourse of the American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX. 75219), Tomorrow! Thursday, June 13, beginning at 2:00 p.m. CT. Garcia and Lopez are in the last three days of training for their upcoming world championship rumble in Dallas. Joining Garcia and Lopez will be the featured undercard fighters, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman. Foreman is celebrating the 40th anniversary year of his winning his first heavyweight title. He knocked out undefeated defending champion Joe Frazier in the second round of their January 22, 1973 rumble which took place in Jamaica.

Fans are invited to attend.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with PR Best Boxing, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets to Garcia vs. Lopez, priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, plus additional service fees, can be purchased at the American Airlines Center box office (Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT), online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet (Fiesta Foods, Macy's Wal-Mart and The Shops at Willowbend.)

The Garcia - Lopez world featherweight championship event will take place This Saturday! June 15, and will be televised live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX, on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. The HBO telecast will open with Top-10 contenders TERENCE CRAWFORD and ALEJANDRO SANABRIA, JR. battling for the vacant NABO lightweight title. This will be the first time HBO has televised a boxing event from the American Airlines Center.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Top Young Talent Rounds Out June 22 Fight Card At Barclays Center In Brooklyn



BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 12, 2013) - Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Julian Williams is the latest in the line of Philadelphia fighters to make an impact in the boxing world beyond the City of Brotherly Love. On Saturday, June 22 Williams will headline a star-studded undercard at Brooklyn's Barclays Center against former World Champion Joachim Alcine in the featured eight-round fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®. Also on the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast will be a six-round light heavyweight clash between 2012 United States Olympian Marcus Browne of Staten Island and Mexico's Ricardo Campillo. Both bouts will lead up to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader headlined by the world championship showdown between Brooklyn hero and WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi and current WBC Lightweight and Two-Time World Champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner, live on SHOWTIME^® at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT

Also featured on the undercard will be Browne's Olympic teammates Rau'Shee Warren and Jamel Herring, undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr. and Brooklyn's Juan Dominguez and Frank Galarza.

Julian Williams (12-0-1, 7 KO's) has shown the talent and savvy of those with much more experience. In just 13 professional bouts, the 23-year-old has proven that he is on his way to joining the long line of Philadelphia fighters to win a world title. He will face by far his toughest challenge to date when he faces former World Champion Alcine on June 22.

Gonaive, Haiti native Alcine (33-4-1, 19 KO's) is unlike any fighter Williams has seen in his professional his career. The former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion who now resides in the boxing hotbed of Montreal holds wins over Travis Simms, Carl Daniels and David Lemieux and is looking to bounce back from a gritty 12-round loss to Brian Rose in April.

Living just over the Verrazano Bridge in Staten Island, New York, "Sir" Marcus Browne (4-0, 4 KO's) will have a short commute to work on June 22. The 2012 United States Olympian has been making short work of his opponents, too, showing off his punching power by finishing all four of his foes by knockout. Obregon, Mexico's Ricardo Campillo (7-6-1, 5 KO's) will be aiming to end that streak and score the upset. Having faced four undefeated opponents in his last four bouts, he's no stranger to taking on up-and-coming prospects.

Three-time United States Olympian Rau'Shee Warren (12-0, 2 KO's) and 2012 United States Olympian Jamel Herring (3-0, 2 KO's) have both compiled impressive pro records and will look to keep the momentum going in their Brooklyn debuts. Cincinnati's Warren meets Pueblo, Colorado's Ernest Marquez (9-12, 3 KO's) in a four/six round bantamweight match which will be included on SHOWTIME EXTREME (time permitting) and Coram, New York's Herring takes on Prichard, Alabama's Calvin Smith (2-3) in a four-round lightweight fight.

Brooklyn will be well represented at Barclays Center on June 22 by undefeated junior featherweight Juan Dominguez (14-0, 10 KO's) who squares off against St. Paul, Minnesota's Bradley Patraw (9-5, 5 KO's) in an eight-round bout. Brooklyn's popular junior middleweight Frank Galarza (9-0-2, 5 KO's) will also look to once again wow the hometown fans when he takes on Arecibo, Puerto Rico's Edgar Perez (5-5, 3 KO's) in a six-round junior middleweight fight.

A lightweight bout scheduled for six rounds completes the card, as Toledo, Ohio's Robert Easter Jr. (4-0, 4 KO's) searches for his fifth pro win against Merrillville, Indiana's Antoine Knight (2-3, 1 KO).

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. In the co-featured bouts, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions and number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika faces number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell To Take On Paul Vasquez This Friday In West Orange, NJ On ESPN FNF's Undercard

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (June 12, 2013)—This Friday night at the South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, undefeated Light Heavyweight prospect Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell will put his perfect record on the line when he takes on battle tested Paul Vasquez in a bout scheduled for six rounds that will be one of the featured undercard bouts of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions with the Harvell – Vasquez bout being in association with Gabe LaConte’s First Round Promotions.

Harvell, 25 years old from Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts and is getting back in the ring for the first time since last July 7^th when he knocked out Mojeed Okedara in one round in Atlantic City.

“This training camp has gone well.  My punches are strong and I have doing strength and condition”, said Harvell.

“I don’t know much about Vasquez but we prepare for anything”

Like many in New Jersey and the Jersey Shore area, Harvell was affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“The layoff was caused because my gym (The Atlantic City PAL) being damaged by Hurricane Sandy but everything is good now and we are ready to go.”

Said Harvell’s trainer Abdur Muhammad, “Lavarn is excited to get back in the ring.  He has been looking excellent in camp and we do not know much about Vasquez but he is ready”

One man who has very high praise is longtime New Jersey fight promoter Gabe LaConte of First Round Promotions.

LaConte co-promotes Harvell and he sees a big future.

“I think Harvell is a born fighter”, said the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer.

“I have run across a lot of fighters such as Shannon Briggs, Charles Murray and Tracy Patterson and Lavarn is a natural born fighter.  He doesn’t beat people, he annihilates them.  He is one of those guys where you don’t get up and get your popcorn because you will probably miss an explosive knockout and we feel in the next eighteen months he will be fighting for a major title.”

Harvell is riding a four fight knockout streak.

Vasquez of Martinez, California has a record of 9-3-1 with 3 knockouts and has fought most of his career as a Cruiserweight.

In his last bout, he was on the wrong end of a close majority decision when he lost to former world title challenger Elvir Muriqi on March 15^th in Whippany, New Jersey.

In the main event, it will be a battle for the WBA Interim Bantamweight championship as undefeated fighters Jundy Maroan takes on Juan Carlos Payano.

In the televised co-feature, Jorge Diaz squares off with Yenifel Vicente in an eight round Featherweight bout.

Tickets are priced at $35, $50, $75, and $100 Ringside (Rows 1-2). VIP Tables for 10 are also available that include dinner. To purchase, please call 888.612.4191.

On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30. The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey.


Showtime Championship Boxing Feture Video: Adrien Broner



Adrien “The Problem” Broner is brash, bold and undefeated. He’s a confident, smack-talking showman, always aiming to entertain. So far, the talented 23-year-old Cincinnati native has backed up his tough talk with breathtaking knockouts virtually every time he enters the ring. He is 26 and 0 with 22 knockouts.

Check out this feature video on Broner as he prepares to make his anticipated SHOWTIME debut on Saturday, June 22 (live at 9 p.m. / 6 p.m. PT) Broner moves up two weight classes to challenge shrewd veteran and heated rival Paulie Malignaggi, the WBA welterweight champion, in the main event from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.



Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi’s WBA Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at BarclaysCenter in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions’ sponsors Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-featured bouts, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions and number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika faces number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Bradley vs. Marquez Tickets Go On Sale June 21 At Noon PT/ 3P.M. ET

Tickets to the exciting and historic battle between undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY Jr. and four-division world champion and Méxican icon JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ go on sale Friday, June 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET / Noon PT. The Bradley vs. Márquez welterweight championship event will take place Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, tickets to Bradley vs. Márquez, will be priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200 , $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

While both Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., and Márquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), of México City, enter this World Welterweight Championship battle fresh from Fight of the Year caliber performances, Márquez will also be attempting to become the first Méxican fighter to win world titles in five different weight divisions.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Official Statement Of Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo

Los Angeles, CA (June 12) – “I want to thank all of my fans for their support in the wake of my eye injury this past weekend. I have undergone various medical examinations which I am glad to report revealed no broken bones. California State Athletic Commission physician Dr. Pearlman Hicks has informed me that I only suffered a contusion and my eye specialist thankfully sees no permanent injury to my eye.

I want to thank all of you for the love and support you have given me the past few days. I would also like to congratulate Erislandy Lara on a great fight. I’m sad that I disappointed all my fans by not giving them an “El Perro” victory as I truly believe I was on the verge of knocking Lara down for the third time and winning the fight. The sharp pain of his thumb in my eye caused me to turn my back out of reflex and I could not see out of my left eye.

I accept the decision made by the referee to stop the fight and look forward to getting back in the ring in the future. I will be back to give you a better show in my next fight.”

Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez 11-City, Two-Country Media Tour Kicking Off Monday, June 24 In NYC

New York City (June 11, 2013) – Boxing’s biggest star, undefeated Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and undefeated Mexican superstar and Unified Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez are taking their larger-than-life star status on the road and coming to a city near you. Their 11-city, two-country press tour will undoubtedly rival any before it and set the stage for big things to come when the two face off on Saturday, September 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV.

Below please find the schedule of press tour stops. Additional information about each event is forthcoming, but please note that all 11 events are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Press Tour Dates and Cities:

Monday, June 24 – New York City

Tuesday, June 25 – Washington, DC

Wednesday, June 26 – Grand Rapids (AM)/Chicago (PM)

Thursday, June 27 – Atlanta

Friday, June 28 – Miami

Sunday, June 30 – Mexico City

Monday, July 1 – San Antonio (AM)/Houston (PM)

Tuesday, July 2 – Phoenix (AM)/Los Angeles (PM)


Boxing Returns To The Chumash Resort Casino This Friday June 14

This Friday June 14, Gary Shaw Productions is scheduled to promote another addition of the boxing series titled “Central Coast Championship Night” at the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. In the main event, popular undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna (13-0, 9 KOs), will go up against Tijuana Mexico’s Sergio Rivera (14-11, 10 KOs). The 8-round lightweight bout will be for the “Central Coast Championship”.

“I’m excited to be fighting at the Chumash Casino again,” said Luna. “This time there will be a regional title on the line. I can’t wait to go out there and give the fans a great night of boxing. I want to thank Gary Shaw for keeping me busy and giving me an opportunity to fight for the “Central Coast Championship”.

Russian native, Rustum Nagaev (23-6-1, 13 KOs) vs. Daniel Attah (28-14-1, 11 KOs) of Nigeria will serve as the co-main event. The 8-round bout will take place in the lightweight division. Nagaev is coming of an impressive performance where he upset previously unbeaten Peruvian standout, Jonathan Maicelo (19-1, 11 KOs) by way of an eighth round knockout, a match which took place at the Chumash Casino.

“I was very pleased with my performance last time I fought at the Chumash Casino,” said Nagaev. “Gary Shaw is a man of his word and he’s brought me back so I’m very grateful to him for that. I love the fans at the Chumash and I’ll be gunning for a knockout on fight night.

Maria Suarez of Santa María, CA (4-0-1- 0 KOs) vs. Elizabeth Cervantez of Lakeside, CA (3-10-0, 1 KOs) will battle for the “Central Coast Championship”. The 6-round female attraction will be in the super-flyweight division.

Local fan favorite Francisco Santana of Santa Barbara, CA (15-3-1, 8 KOs) will battle Javier Gomez (14-11-0, 10 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a six round super welterweight bout.

Los Angeles natives, Arnold Barboza Jr. and Gustavo Lopez will face each other in their pro debuts.

New York’s Donte Strayhorn (1-0) will challenge Kevin Watts (Pro Debut) in a 4-round Jr. Welterweight contest.

Luis Olivares (3-0, 2 KOs) of Glendale CA and Juan Zuniga (2-8-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles CA, will battle each other in a 4-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be undefeated super bantamweight sensation, Roman Morales (15-0, 8 KOs) vs. an opponent TBA.

“I want to thank everyone at the Chumash Casino for their continued support in hosting great boxing events for the fans in that area,” said Gary Shaw. “This Friday will be another great show with exciting fights. Everyone attending will be happy with the fights we’ve put together.”

Tickets priced $35, $45, $55, $65, and $75 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at www.startickets.com. Doors open at 5 P.M, first fight starts at 6 P.M.


Bradley vs. Marquez Media Tour Begins In LA On Thursday, June 20


Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY Jr., four-division world champion and Méxican icon JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and Zanfer Promotions’ Fernando Beltran will formally announce their world championship event with a two-country media tour. The tour will kick-off with a news conference luncheon on Thursday, June 20. The tour will conclude the following day, Friday, June 21, with a news conference in México City.

Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., and Márquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), of México City, enter this World Junior Welterweight Championship fight fresh from Fight of the Year caliber performances.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, Bradley vs. Márquez will take place Saturday, October 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Lopez vs. Garcia Officials Announced

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- World Boxing Organization (WBO), by president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referee and judges who will work this Saturday, June 15, in the featherweight world title fight between the champion Miguel Angel “Mikey” Garcia and former two time world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, to be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, USA, in a Top Rank presentation and broadcast on HBO.

For this fight when Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs), from California, will defend for the first time his WBO featherweight belt against the Puerto Rican Juanma Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs), the #4 ranked by the WBO in the 126 pounds division, the referee will be Rafael Ramos, from United States.

Meanwhile, the judges for the Garcia-Lopez bout are Levi Martinez, from New Mexico, Javier Alvarez, from Texas, and Oren Shellenberger, from Texas.

The WBO supervisor for this fight will be Rafael López Santos.

"TAPIA" To Premiere At LA Film Festival On Saturday

Entertainment mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Lou DiBella have acquired the rights to TAPIA, the gripping documentary based on the life of five-time world champion boxer, Johnny Tapia. DiBella’s new production company, BK Blu Productions, and 50 Cent’s G-Unit Film and Television have joined to present the film, also produced by filmmaker Eddie Alcazar and Andrea Monier.

The world premiere of the documentary will take place at the Los Angeles Film Festival on Saturday, June 15 at the Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE with an additional screening on Wednesday June 19.

TAPIA chronicles the personal and professional life of the boxer, beginning with his poor childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The film explores the glory of his punishing ring prowess and five world titles in three weight classes, forever mired by personal demons: his mother’s brutal kidnapping and murder when he was 8 years old, and his drug addiction, mental illness and near death experiences. Using first person narration from Tapia himself, archival footage, and personal photos, director Eddie Alcazar paints an intimate picture of the fighter and the man.

TAPIA follows the champ’s winding road through victories, downfalls and redemption. Director Alcazar spent many hours with Tapia filming the biopic, just weeks before the fighter’s tragic death at age 45. Tapia’s last interviews now serve as the heartbeat of Alcazar’s revealing documentary. In it, the soft-spoken champ opens up about his ‘vida loca’ and the unending pain of his mother’s murder, which led to glory in the ring and struggle throughout his life.

Jackson, who has served as a producer and acted in a number of films including Righteous Kill, Twelve and Things Fall Apart states: “I was drawn to the intensity of this project. His story resonated with me because like Tapia, I too lost my mother to violence and grew up with limited means. It’s a heartfelt story and it was important for me to get involved with bringing this to a broader audience.”

“I’m thrilled to join 50 in acquiring this riveting documentary. This is not a boxing film, but a film about tragedy, triumph, demons and redemption,” said sports promoter and entertainment entrepreneur DiBella, who has produced films such as Viva Baseball!, Love Ranch and was associate producer of The Fighter. “Johnny gives us an honest assessment of his strengths and frailties; he reminds us of the power and resiliency of the human spirit.”

The unique style in which the film was structured and directed distinguishes it from most documentaries. Including the use of landscape cinematography covering the majestic Albuquerque terrain, shots of Tapia’s own son feverishly running across a field at dusk, and dramatic use of light and music during the interviews with Tapia.

“Every day Johnny and I spent together, he was so excited to be telling his story and helping others.” said Alcazar. “Just as quickly as he entered my life, a year later he was gone. He lived his life fast and with a sense of urgency, yet I always had a feeling that he would outlive us all. Filming the last interviews of his life was a special gift and I feel very fortunate to have 50 Cent and Lou DiBella share the same vision in bringing Johnny’s life to the bright screen.”

The film features Tapia in his own words and exclusive interviews with Mike Tyson, trainer Freddie Roach and Tapia’s wife Teresa.

TAPIA is set to world premiere as part of the Documentary Competition at the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival on June 15 at Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE 12. The Festival, presented by the nonprofit arts organization Film Independent, takes place in downtown Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. The June 15th screening is already sold-out. A second screening at the Festival will take place Wednesday, June 19 in Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE 14. Tickets are still available for the second screening. For more information visit www.lafilmfest.com and access documentary competition.

TAPIA, presented by G-Unit Film and Television and BK Blu Productions, is a Synthetic Creatures Production directed by Eddie Alcazar. The film is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Lou DiBella, along with producers Andrea Monier and Eddie Alcazar, in association with Eric Drath’s Live Star Entertainment.

Juan Carlos Payano On Weight For ESPN Friday Night Fights Showdown vs. Jundy Maraon

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2013) -- Undefeated Dominican bantamweight Juan Carlos Payano (13-0, 7 KOs) and his coach, German Caicedo, report that the slick southpaw is on weight at 118 pounds for this weekend's ESPN Friday Night Fights showdown against unbeaten Philippine invader Jundy "Pretty Boy" Maraon (15-0-1, 12 KOs).

"We got down to weight ahead of schedule," Caicedo said.  "Payano will work to stay on weight for Thursday's official weigh in and be strong Friday night for his fight."

Payano, ranked No. 5 in the World Boxing Association (WBA), faces Maraon in a 12-round main event and WBA title eliminator, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Acquinity Sports, at South Mountain Arena in South Orange, New Jersey.  The winner will be positioned for a world title shot against WBA bantamweight champion Koki Kamda.

In the co-feature, Caicedo-trained featherweight Yenifiel Vicente (24-1-2, 16 KOs) faces Jorge Diaz (17-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round match.  

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in six-round bouts are Antoine Ibahiem vs. Douglas King and Vazquez Paul vs. Harvel Lvarn, as well as Anthony Young vs. TBA, Marshall Moses vs. Rickey Edwards, Anthony Prescott vs. Anthony Gangemi, and Shakur Jackson vs. Michael Pickett in four-round matches.

Payano and Vicente leave tomorrow for New Jersey along with their head coaches, Caicedo and "Irish" Micky Ward, and assistant Claudio Lamont.

Payano is the reigning NABA and WBA Fedelatin bantamweight, while Maraon is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific bantamweight champion.

Go online to www.AcquinitySports.com for additional information about Payano or any of his Acquinity Sports stable-mates. Follow Acquinity Sports on Twitter @AcquinitySports, or friend us at Facebook.com/AcquinitySports.

Boston Strong: Danny O'Connor On Golovkin-Macklin Undercard

NEW YORK (June 11, 2013) - Born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, light welterweight prospect Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (20-1, 7 KOs) has always been a proud Bostonian and avid sports fan of local clubs like the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and New England Revolution.


Photo: DiBella Entertainment / Ed Diller

On June 29^th, the 28-year-old Irish-American boxer will take things a step further when he gets into the ring to fight veteran Hector Munoz (21-10-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round fight on the non-televised portion of an HBO^® triple-header card at Foxwoods^® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. 

O'Connor will shed his traditional Clan O'Connor outfit for one specially designed by Rival Boxing Gear to honor victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombing.  "I'm really excited to be Boston Strong," O'Connor said about dedicating his fight.  "I'm honored and privileged to wear what Rival has made for me.  The names of the Boston Marathon bombing victims will be on my trunks.  I'll also be wearing the Boston Marathon logo and colors on my trunks, shoes, gloves....everything.  This means a lot to me. 

"It's not like I'm on a team playing 100 games, so, after this one fight, we're going to auction everything with all proceeds going to The One Fund.  It's just my way of showing my appreciation for what these families have been through.  We'll never forget.  I'm from Boston and I've probably been at that spot (of the bombing at the finish line) a million times.  Boston is tight-knit and this affected me and all Bostonians a lot. We're Boston Strong!"

The DiBella Entertainment and K2 Promotions-presented HBO triple-header, starting at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, is headlined by WBA/IBO champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (26-0, 23 KOs) champion defending against Ireland's top-rated former world title challenger Matthew "Mack The Knife" Macklin (29-4, 20 KOs), live from MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  Also airing on HBO is a 10-round co-feature pitting IBO super middleweight titlist Thomas "Tommy Gun" Oosthuizen (21-0-1, 13 KOs) against Brandon "Flawless" Gonzales (17-0, 10 KOs), while NABF super welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (20-1-1, 12 KOs) defends his title against Argentinian-invader Luciano Leonel "El Principito" Cuello (32-2, 16 KOs) in the 10-round HBO opener. 

O'Connor has gone through a metamorphism, in and out of the ring, since suffering his lone professional loss on April 8, 2011, by eight-round decision to Gabriel Bracero.  The popular O'Connor has won six in a row, four by knockout, after he started being trained by two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields and managed by Kenny Casey, founder/front-man for the wildly popular Dropkick Murphys band out of Boston.

"I am a different person," O'Connor explained, regarding what's happened since his only loss.  "I have a family now - my wife Diane and our two-year-old son Liam - and I've been sober for one and a half years and will remain this way.  I have a completely different lifestyle now.  They inspire me and today I appreciate even the smallest things.  I'm blessed to be in the position I am in with Kenny, Coach Ronnie, and all of the others who've helped me.  I strive to be great in boxing and as a person. 

"I'm not fighting on HBO, but I hope to impress the people there on June 29. Maybe my next fight will be on television?  I'm coming off an injury and itching to get back in the ring.  I'm fighting a tough veteran in Munoz, who keeps coming forward with his in-your-face style. I'm ready for anybody after what I've been through.  I feel so good now."  

Echostar Technologies and 1208 Reality are sponsoring a free bus trip to and from Foxwoods for O'Connor fans.  Go to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com to sign up.  Tickets may also be purchased at that site.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $300, $200, $90 and $45.  Tickets may be purchased online at foxwoods.com by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at Ticketmaster.com.

For updates and additional information, please visit www.K2Promos.com, www.dbe1.com or www.HBO.com/boxing.

Mickey Garcia-Juan Manuel Lopez Dallas Fight Week Schedule, Public Invited To Everything

Fight week begins Tuesday in Dallas as undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Mikey Garcia (31-0, 26 KOs) and former WBO junior featherweight and WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs) make final preparations for their world title rumble at American Airlines Center. Joining them at various events will be Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, who are co-promoting this championship card.

The fight week schedule is as follows:

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 – FIGHTERS WORKOUTS: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
American Airlines Center – Outdoors at the AT&T Plaza (south side of AAC)
2:00 p.m. Juanma Lopez
2:30 p.m. Mikey Garcia

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 – GARCIA & LOPEZ PUBLIC APPEARANCE/AUTOGRAPH SESSION
La Gran Plaza Mall (4200 South Freeway, Fort Worth)
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 – FINAL NEWS CONFERENCE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
American Airlines Center – Arena Floor, North Concourse Area
1:30 p.m. Doors Open
2:00 p.m. News Conference Begins, followed by one-on-one interviews

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
American Airlines Center – Arena Floor, North Concourse
Noon Doors Open
1:00 p.m. Fighters on the scale

Sergio Martinez Hits NYC

New York, NY (6/6/2013) – Middleweight kingpin Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (51-2-2, 28KO’s) touched down in NYC early yesterday, and will spend the week here, attending a number of business meetings before heading to Canastota for this weekend’s annual International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.



“I am honored to be invited again to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and I am looking forward to participating in the weekend’s festivities and meeting all of the boxing fans that will be in attendance,” said the WBC champion and one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters in the world Martinez. Martinez will attend the weekend festivities with promoter Lou DiBella and longtime advisors Sampson Lewkowicz and Nathan Lewkowicz.

On April 27, Argentine-native Martinez successfully defended his championship for the sixth time in a glorious homecoming televised live on HBO, in front of 50,000 rabid Argentineans at the country’s famed Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield, in Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina, against England’s Martin Murray. Last night, Martinez met with HBO executives last night, to begin discussions for his next title defense. Likely to take place in early 2014, Sergio’s next bout will be his 11th straight on HBO, since first appearing on the network in2008. Martinez hasn’t lost since 2009 when he dropped a highly disputed majority decision to Paul Williams in what was named the 2009 “Fight of the Year”. Martinez avenged that defeat one year later with a scintillating second-round KO over Williams. The one-punch KO was hailed as 2010′s “Knockout of the Year”. Martinez’ last seven opponents (in order: Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Serhiy Dzinziruk, Darren Barker, Matthew Macklin, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Murray) have had an astonishing combined record of 234-5-2, with Dzinziruk, Barker, Chavez Jr. and Murray all coming in undefeated.

In addition to meeting with HBO and attending to other business, Martinez plans on dropping by Macklin’s training camp to wish his former foe, and now friend, luck for his upcoming title challenge against Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on June 29, live on HBO at the MGM Grand Theaterat Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Macklin, who recently opened his brand new state-of-the-art training facility in Martinez’ adopted country of Spain, is now preparing for the world championship matchup in NYC with head trainer Buddy McGirt.

Hopkins/Murat Quotes & Photos

BERNARD HOPKINS, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I just found out a month ago, the doctor will be here before the [fight week] press conference hopefully to explain this, but I must confess that I am not human. I am an alien. No, seriously. I realize that Pluto is no longer a planet now, so I’m from Mars. I’ve definitely retired the ‘Executioner.’ You will not hear me mention the Executioner.

“Now, I’m in this world but I’m not of this world. There is no aging process for me.

“The breaking news is that I am an alien.

“I reflect a little bit in my mind about not only defending my title, but also defending my historic career.

“I’m a Philly guy. I get a lot of love in Philly, but, to be able to be a part of Brooklyn and to be fighting in a new facility that in 15 or 20 years from now, people will be talking about the great events that happened there and I will be mentioned for what I did on March 9.

“When Murat’s name came up and it was agreed upon, I was like ‘let’s do this.’ I see bigger things in my future believe it or not and he’s in the way of that.

“I feel like I’m in my mid to early 30′s instead of my 40′s.

“If you don’t know Karo Murat, then you’ll know him after July 13.

“I think you should pay attention, because I know when I was a number one contender, I was hungry for a title.

“There’s a reason why a fight between Cloud and Murat didn’t happen. I got the opportunity to fight with Cloud, and here we are.

“I look at it as ‘look what’s on my plate.’ The burden is on me, not Karo Murat. The burden is on me to be who I am and to show the world that when it comes to age, you know don’t count Bernard Hopkins out.

“This guy [Murat] and anybody I fight is a danger at this stage of my career.

“I have to look past him to the future. That means I’m motivated to make a profound statement and outdo the last fight. That’s one of my whole objectives is to outdo what people thought was a historic moment March 9. To me, other than the push-ups, I outdid myself in both Jean Pascal fights. This is my motivation. I want a super fight before I retire. If I want that super fight, I have to get past this. This is more of a political, do or die fight for me. I’m good under pressure.

“Karo Murat, to me, is that super fight for now as far as on paper, because there’s no reason to talk about anything else if July 13 becomes a disaster for my plans. It’s counterproductive to talk about anyone else past July 13.

“Karo Murat has been thirsty, he’s been waiting and he has a mentality of, ‘I’m in a win win situation because there are a lot of other people who have lost to me. So that’s not an embarrassment to him. It’s almost like a badge of honor. Can you imagine getting a black eye from someone you loved and watched growing up? This guy was 10 years old when I had a title. That’s a shiner that you don’t want to heal.

“I’m in a unique situation being 48 and being a guy that you don’t want to take a risk with your fighters because I have a history of ruining a lot of young fighters’ careers.

“This isn’t an off day for me. I’m not taking him lightly because I know what’s on the table for my future. This year there is a possible chance that you will see a 48-year-old athlete fighting at a top level three times. Who does that?”

KARO MURAT, Number One Rated IBF Light Heavyweight Contender

“I respect what Bernard’s achieved so far in his career, but at the end of the day, I’m traveling to America for the fight of my life. I’m prepared for a battle and I’m going to show you a real battle once we get into the ring.

“Of course I’m taking Bernard seriously. Who wouldn’t? Like I said, I’ve been following his career since I was 10, so I pretty much know all of his moves; everything he does, I know already.

“The deciding factor will be who is mentally stronger and I believe that’s me because I don’t have the same pressure that Bernard does, so that gives me an advantage.

“I believe there’s a big Armenian community in New York, so ever since I found out that I was coming to New York, I’ve been hoping all of the Armenians will come out and support me.

“I’m happy that he accepted the fight. It’s by far the biggest fight of my career.

“It’s a joy listening to Bernard. He’s a smart guy and it’s been quite fun listening to him. In my opinion, the roles have reversed from his fight against Cloud. A lot of people were writing him off because he’s old. He was the dark horse in that fight, and I think the roles are switched now. I think right now I’m the underdog. I’m the dark horse. I’m caught in the crosshairs and I’ll turn up in the best shape possible. I’ll turn up with the right mind set and Bernard Hopkins is going to feel that on July 13.”

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Karo Murat. It’s his first time fighting in the United States. He’s fighting a living legend and a win over Bernard certainly puts him on the boxing map.

“Bernard is a guy that doesn’t need much of an introduction, but I feel his accolades are worth mentioning.

“He’s the oldest fighter ever to win a world title and one of the greatest moments in sports history was when Jean Pascal was slow getting off of his stool between rounds, Bernard decided to do pushups in the middle of the ring.

“He continued to make history with his record-setting unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Tavoris Cloud in March at Barclays Center and that showed he’s far from finished. I think we’re going to be doing these press conferences for a few years to come.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

“We’re thrilled to be hosting Bernard Hopkins and Karo Murat on July 13. On March 9, it was so dramatic at Barclays Center when we witnessed an incredible moment when Bernard won the title.

“He said to me after the fight that he wanted to make Barclays Center his home away from home, and here we go…he returns in July.

“We had a vision three years ago. Our goal was to bring dramatic moments to Barclays Center. To have a big time return of boxing back to a borough like Brooklyn where there is so much history and I think it’s unfolded just the way we’ve wanted it to.

“We’re building a brand and a business in Brooklyn. We’re very excited about it.

“We’re thrilled that Showtime continues to deliver us to a national audience.

“Thank you Bernard for defending your title at Barclays Center.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re very happy to be working with Barclays Center again. Brett and his team have been extremely creative in marketing and producing these events. Each event has had a larger crowd than the one prior, and that’s a sign of building a very solid business and building a solid venue in Brooklyn.

“We’re also very proud to be back in business again with Bernard Hopkins. The words ‘living legend’ get thrown around quite a bit but he literally is a living legend, a medical marvel and every time he fights it is truly an event.

“That’s not to ignore Karo Murat by any means. He’s, for those in the U.S. that might not know him as well, a fighter that has been highly avoided by many, many different fighters at different skill levels. I’m not surprised Bernard would take the challenge. It’s going to be a very competitive fight.”

# # #

Hopkins vs. Murat, a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship taking place Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The event can also be heard in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and may be purchased at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Jimmy Lennon Jr. To Be Inducted Into International Boxing Hall of Fame On Sunday

IT’S SHOWTIME” for Jimmy Lennon, Jr., the world renowned and universally respected ring announcer who’ll be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday, June 9, in Canastota, N.Y.

Lennon, son of the late legendary ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr., started as a back-up to his famous father at the Olympic Auditorium and Forum in Los Angeles before coming to SHOWTIME in 1991. In a 25-year career, he has introduced fights in more than 32 countries, and is closing in on his 900th world championship fight.

Widely hailed for his smooth delivery, finesse and flawless pronunciation of difficult names, “The Classy” Jimmy Lennon Jr., always introduces foreign fighters in their native tongue. “Wherever I go, whether it is France, Germany, Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, I like to welcome the fans and the fighters in their language.”

Among many of Lennon’s memorable career highlights was working the Julio Cesar Chavez–Greg Haugen fight card in Mexico City with 135,000 excitable fans.

Lennon announced Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield to the ring for the infamous “Bite Fight” and for Buster Douglas’ shocking upset KO of Tyson in Tokyo. He’s worked “close to 20 Tyson fights, which is more than anyone else,” Lennon said

Lennon was raised in Santa Monica, Calif., not too far from The Home Depot Center in Carson where Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will take place. With Hall of Fame induction festivities in Canastota, New York, some 3,000 miles away, Lennon will work Friday night’s ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Along with Lennon, other luminaries being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame include longtime SHOWTIME boxing blow-by-blow announcer Steve Albert, and famed fighters Arturo Gatti, who died in 2009, and former light heavyweight champions Virgil Hill and Henry Maske, referee Mills Lane and affable British writer Colin Hart.

Lennon will be accompanied to Canastota by his wife of 20 years, Christine, and their teenage sons, James III, 16, and Alex, 13.

50 Cent Boxing Presser June 12th In Hartford, CT-Open To Public

WHAT: SMS Promotions Press Conference - Open To Public

WHO:  50 CENT

Promoter, SMS Promotions 

Plus.....

JAVIER "El Chino" FLORES (9-0, 8 KOs), Hartford, CT by way of Puerto Rico

JIMMY WILLIAMS (3-0, 2 KOs), New Haven, CT

JOSE ANGEL ORTIZ (4-12-1, 1 KO), Springfield, MA  

DUSTIN REINHOLD (5-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA

NATE GREEN (3-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT

DAVID WILSON (pro debut), New Haven, CT

RODRIGO ALMEIDA (pro debut), Woburn, MA

OSCAR DIAZ (0-1), Hartford, CT

(all fighters subject to change)

WHEN:      Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - 4 p.m. ET

WHERE:    Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Blvd., #400
Hartford, CT

WHY:       To formally announce the July 5^th ESPN Friday Night Fights show.

Payano Prepared To Take On Maraon June 14 On ESPN FNF

"We are working with southpaws to get familiar with Maraon's style," Payano said. "We know that he is a strong puncher who has an acceptable record.  He represents a great challenge. I'll step into the ring, as always, in excellent condition because of our strong training camp. I'm focused on taking away his power."

Payano held an intense sparring session this past Tuesday, going four, five-minute rounds  each against Jessy Cruz and Idiel Torriente, totaling eight rounds and 40 minutes of intense work at German Caicedo's Gym.

"This fight is a big challenge for Payano," Acquinity Sports promoter Henry Rivalta commented. "He will be facing Jundy Maraon at 118 pounds, which is a great risk due to the power Maraon has shown in his fights. However, we know about the Payano's courage and determination, and that's why we call him 'Baby Pacquiao.' We're confident of getting a great victory for Payano."

Payano is the reigning NABA and WBA Fedelatin bantamweight, while Maraon is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific bantamweight champion.

"This fight is another step towards me attaining our goals," Payano concluded. "I've had five fights since arriving in the United States and have maintained my unbeaten record. We will assert our place in the WBA rankings, proving that I have the ability to face the best in this weight class."

Go online to www.AcquinitySports.com for additional information about Payano or any of his Acquinity Sports stable-mates. Follow Acquinity Sports on Twitter @AcquinitySports, or friend us at Facebook.com/AcquinitySports.

Paulie Malignaggi vs. Jose Miguel Cotto & Adrien Broner vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon To Air June 9 Golden Boy Classics On FOX Deportes

LOS ANGELES, June 5 - Before WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi and Two Division World Champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner kick off the summer boxing season with an explosive showdown at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 22, Golden Boy Classics will preview the match-up on June 9 with a special Sunday edition of the hit series featuring two of these stars' finest bouts which will air on FOX Deportes at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT.

In the main event, it's a trip back to April 9, 2011 when former Junior Welterweight World Champion Malignaggi made his first major statement at 147 pounds against Jose Miguel Cotto.  In the opener, we revisit March 5, 2011 when Broner stepped into the ring against his toughest foe to that point in his career, Mexico's former World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon.

A popular New Yorker on the comeback trail after a tough loss to Amir Khan in 2010, Malignaggi moved up to the welterweight division after the bout and following a win over Michael Lozada in December 2010, he dazzled against Puerto Rico's Jose Miguel Cotto, pounding out a 10 round decision victory that announced his arrival among the 147-pound elite.

After tearing through his first 19 opponents, Cincinnati's Broner got the fight of his life against the always-tough former World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon who pushed the rising star to the limit until Broner emerged with a 10-round decision win.  Two fights later, "The Problem" was a World Champion.

# # #

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  In the co-featured bouts, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions and number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika faces number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middle weight World Championship.  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com,  www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office.  For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXDeportes.com and follow on Twitter  at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.                                                                                                 

August 3rd NBSCN Fight Night: Stevens vs. Roman, Chambers vs. Mchunu and Adamek vs. TBA

Curtis “Showtime” Stevens and “Fast” Eddie Chambers have launched a campaign to dominate their weight divisions. By this time next year, each has plans to become the “Man to Beat” at in his respective class. On August 3rd NBC Sports Network will feature these two warriors in highly competitive bouts on their Fight Night series. Tomasz “Goral” Adamek has also been added to the card. He opponent will be announced next week. The telecast will begin at 10:30 PM EDT.

Stevens and Chambers are doing something unusual in the sport of boxing as of late: Coming down in weight. Both have fought in divisions where they were always the small guy. Now, each has chosen to move down into weight classes where they will be the big dog in the ring.

At the start of his career, Stevens, 24-3, 17 KO’s, a former amateur standout, was one of the hardest punchers in the super middleweight division. At middleweight, he plans to dominate a weight class where he may be the hardest puncher of all. On a campaign to become the middleweight champion in 2014, Stevens knows he needs to be matched in dangerous fights to get ready to take on the big names at 160.

And so enters his next opponent: Saul Roman, 37-9, 31 KO’s of Tijuana, Mexico. Roman is coming off three straight wins. He has big punching power. NBC Sports Network alumni, Gabriel Rosado can attest to that. Roman lost a split decision to Rosado which many people questioned. Roman is very active and highly competitive, he accepted the fight within 24 hours of the offer.

The former USBA Heavyweight Champion, Chambers may already be the best cruiserweight in the world. A small heavyweight who always punched above his weight, Chambers will begin to demonstrate that in in his first fight at the cruiserweight limit on August 3rd. A big puncher who specifically asked to come to the US to take on Chambers, his opponent, Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu, 12-1, 9 KO’s, of South Africa, is a serious threat in this 10-round match. The muscular 24-year old southpaw is also world class trash talker who has already taken to Twitter to call out the former #1 heavyweight contender.

“Mchunu is going to make this a very interesting fight. But I do not believe that there is a cruiserweight in the world who can beat Eddie Chambers,” promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events, said. “It is to Eddie’s advantage that, with so much world class experience, he is still only 31 years old. He has been fighting people who are twice his size for many years and beating them with his speed and smarts. At Cruiserweight he will still be the fastest man in the ring and, perhaps, the biggest puncher.

“By early next year both Stevens and Chambers should be in title fights,” Duva added.

Last seen on NBC Sports Network in December, Adamek 48-2, 29 KO’s, returns rested and ready to, once again, entertain his legion of fans. His opponent will be named shortly.

Huck and Afolabi Don't Hold Back At Final Presser

WBO World Champion Marco Huck (35-2-1, 25 KOs) and his challenger Ola Afolabi (19-2-4, 9 KOs) have already entered fight mode. During Wednesday´s press conference, three days before the top-notch cruiserweights square off inside the ring, they got involved into a verbal altercation.

28-year-old Huck accused his opponent of provoking him on purpose. “He is just trying to rattle my cage and is hoping that it will cause me to make mistakes,” said the prodigy of coach Ulli Wegner. “But he is fighting a losing battle. I am the champion and I will still be the champion after the fight. I will give him my answers inside the ring.” And the German was not done yet. “I proved before that I can beat him. But he cannot beat me. I know that I am better than he is. I also have a better fan base behind me, who will be celebrating another victory with me after I am done with that guy.”

However, Afolabi who resides in Los Angeles seems to have taken on some of the Hollywood-attitude surrounding him. After being asked if he really is as confident as he makes himself out to be or if he is just an actor, he replied: “I am an actor! Marco wants to give his fans a great show and so do I. All these theatrics ahead of the fight only increase the attention. We definitely enjoyed ourselves. It got a bit heated, but that is the way it’s supposed to be.”

Afolabi could not resist another attempt to unnerve the champion. “If you are a Huck fan you might say that he won our last fight. If you are an Afolabi fan, you might give it to me. However, after Marco Huck’s last fight against Firat Arslan, Stevie Wonder looked at me and said: Arslan definitely won no doubt about it.”

Huck immediately replied to the laughing Brit: “You are smiling now. But you won’t be after Saturday.”

Lightweight Darley Perez Arrives In Canada For His Battle Against Yuriorkis Gamboa!

Thompson Boxing Promotions Play Their Hand In The Best Match Ups This Saturday, June 8

Orange, CA (June 3, 2013) - It's going to be a very busy day for Thompson Boxing Promotions who have two of its premier boxers in major fights in separate parts of North America on Saturday, June 8.

Photos: Mpsportimages.com

While Colombia's Darley Perez (28-0, 19 KOs) fights Cuba's Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) for the interim WBA lightweight title in Canada on HBO Boxing After Dark, Thompson Boxing's other elite boxer Josesito Lopez (30-5, 18 KOs) fights Marcos Maidana (33-3, 30 KOs) in Southern California in a welterweight clash on Showtime Championship Boxing.

Fight fans will be watching both outcomes.

Perez, 29, has been yearning for an opportunity to showcase his boxing skills on a world-class level. The native of San Pedro de Uraba, Colombia, knows that Gamboa has been trained under the reknowned Cuban boxing system and expects a precision fighter with world-class experience to back it up.

"I have been sparring against many Cuban fighters because of their style of fighting is very similar to Gamboa's fight style. They are great for sparring purposes," said Perez, who has fought numerous times in North America but never Canada. "I have learned a lot by sparring with them. I feel comfortable going into the ring to battle it out against Gamboa."

Gamboa, 31, is promoted by rap star 50 Cent and has proven over the years as a professional to be equally adept at all-out war, or engaging in a battle of intelligent scientific mayhem. Though he has only 22 pro fights he fought several hundred times as an amateur star for Cuba.

"I have been training very hard for this fight. I had to step up my regiment and train harder because I am taking on Yuriorkis Gamboa who is a higher caliber fighter," says Perez.

The battle for WBA lightweight supremacy between Perez and Gamboa will be televised on HBO's Boxing After Dark on Saturday, June 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The accompanying bout will be Chad Dawson vs. Adonis Stevenson vying for the light heavyweight belt. Perez aims to steal the show.

 "Everyone watching the fight should know that it is going to be a great fight and that I am prepared to go toe-to-toe with Gamboa," Perez says. "The most important thing for me would be to win big against a fighter as skilled as him."

HBO Boxing After Dark will televise both Perez-Gamboa and Dawson-Stevenson.

Showtime Championship Boxing will televise Lopez-Maidana this Saturday, June 8 at 10 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT.

 Fight fans will be able to experience a complete night of boxing!

Quotes: Felix Sturm vs. Predrag Radoservic-Kickoff Presser

Felix Sturm: “I’m glad to be back in Dortmund. I changed a lot of things in preparation for this fight and will be way more professional than I have been in the past. I thought my talent would get me through. Make no mistake, I always trained hard but I did some wrong things in between my camps. I enjoyed life a bit too much, even though I don’t drink or smoke. That has changed. You haven’t seen the true Felix Sturm recently but I promise you will on July 6 against an motivated and unbeaten opponent in Predrag Radosevic. If you want, you could say you are in for Felix Sturm 2.0.”

Fritz Sdunek, Trainer Felix Sturm: “We will work hard to get a big win against Radosevic. I have no doubt in my mind that Felix will show a master performance in Dortmund.”

Predrag Radosevic: “He is a big name but that does not scare me at all. I will use this opportunity to prove myself as an elite fighter. I’m unbeaten and I’ll stay so in July.”

Hartmut Schröder, Trainer Predrag Radosevic: “We are the underdog in Dortmund, there is no doubt about that. But we will use the little chance we have. You can’t guarantee a thing in boxing but I’m absolutely convinced that Predrag will stay unbeaten and defeat Felix Sturm in July.”

Chad Dawson: "I Can Say With Absolute Confidence My Power Is back"

NEW YORK, June 3, 2013 – Light Heavyweight kingpin Chad Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) is ready to go on the road once again and defend his WBC title against top contender and dangerous power puncher Adonis Stevenson (20-1, 17 KOs) in Stevenson’s backyard of Canada at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The 12-round championship showdown is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 8th on HBO Boxing After Dark as part of a doubleheader featuring Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Darley Perez as the co-main event. The HBO telecast will begin at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Dawson is a throwback fighter who is willing to give advantages to his opponents in order to make the best fights possible. This will be his third time going to Canada to meet an opponent on his home turf, the first time was back in August of 2010 against Jean Pascal and then again in May of 2011 against Adrian Diaconu. Now Dawson will fight Stevenson, who’s originally from Haiti, and makes no excuses for traveling to hostile territory.

“I expect the crowd to be against me, but I’m not worried about that because I know that I can win them over with my performance,” said Dawson. “Stevenson is a worthy opponent but he’s not on my level. I’ve fought and won over there before so I hope he’s not banking on home field advantage because it’s going to take a whole lot more to beat me. Once again I’m going to fight in someone’s backyard and I’m fully confident I’ll come out victorious.”

“I’m grateful to my promoter Gary Shaw and HBO for giving me this opportunity. Now that I’m back at Light Heavyweight I’m going to get back to dominating the division.” Dawson continued.

The Andre Ward fight in Oakland was Dawson’s last outing and he not only fought in Ward’s home town, but he also came down in weight. He fought Ward at Ward’s weight class of 168 lbs, a move that proved to be Dawson’s downfall. However, Dawson is back at his natural weight of 175 lbs, the weight class in which Dawson reigns as the lineal champion.

With Dawson back at his real weight, he insists that he feels stronger and his training camp is operating on a much higher efficiency level.

“No excuses in my last fight, we’ll just say that I’m a different fighter when I’m at 175 lbs. I can say with absolute confidence that my power is back, and not just my power but my strength as well. It’s like I’m stronger in every aspect and it is playing a huge roll in training camp. I’m strong enough to push myself more miles, strong enough to go more rounds, and I’m stronger at the end of my workouts.” Dawson said.

Gary Shaw Productions knows Dawson-Stevenson is a top quality main event and the fans will be witnessing a great night of boxing.

“This is Chad’s return to his rightful thrown at 175 lbs and he is fighting the most dangerous opponent available. Stevenson has been avoided by all the top guys and he is more dangerous with one punch than most guys throwing ten. On top of it all, he’s going to Canada because he is a true warrior willing to prove time and time again why he is top dog at light heavyweight. HBO has been doing a great job televising meaningful fights in boxing, of course the lineal light heavyweight title falls under that umbrella. Everyone watching will get to see two warriors giving it their all to come out on top. This makes for a great night of boxing.” Shaw said.

Joe Pedraza Added To Dawson-Stevenson Card

NEW YORK, June 3, 2013 – Highly touted Puerto Rican boxer Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (12-0, 8 KO’s) is ready to return to the ring after defeating veteran Mexican Gerardo Zayas by TKO in the first round last February in Puerto Rico.

Pedraza is fighting Mexico’s Sergio Villanueva (25-2-2, 13 KOs) on Saturday, June 8, as part of an HBO Latino special broadcast starting at 12:15am ET (Sunday) at the Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

“This is another great opportunity to showcase my God-given talent to those watching on HBO,” said Pedraza. “My goal is to come out victorious and use superior boxing skills to defeat my opponent. I’m looking forward to giving the fans a fan-friendly fight.”

“Pedraza is a special fighter who can bring excitement to all Puerto Rican fans around the world,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s gaining great experience each time he steps in the ring. He’s got a bright future.”

“We are very pleased that Pedraza is having great exposure on June 8, in Canada. He will impress the fans in attendance and those watching on TV because Pedraza is one of the best technically pure professional boxer you’ll ever see, and he’s also getting stronger with each fight,” said Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions.

“It’s great that Jose Pedraza has an opportunity to showcase his talents on HBO Latino in a tough matchup against Sergio Villanueva. We expect big things from Jose,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

In 2011, Pedraza captured the WBC Youth super featherweight champion over African Herbert Quartey by way of technical knockout in the fifth round.

During his amateur boxing career, Pedraza represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and won a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010. He won silver medals at the 2009 World Championships in Milan and at the 2010 Pan American Games in Ecuador, among other achievements.

Pedraza is a member of “Team Puerto Rico”, which is a collaboration between Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions, made with the goal of gathering the best of Puerto Rico’s boxing talents.

This boxing event will be headlined by WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson facing Adonis Stevenson and co-featured by Yuriorkis Gamboa against Darley Perez in a 12-round lightweight bout. Both fights will be televised live on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Champions Of Tomorrow Press Conference Thursday June 6th At The Deck In Essington, PA

ESSINGTON, PA (June 3, 2013)—On Thursday night June 6^th, Marty Feldman and Meldrick Taylor’s  Champions of Tomorrow boxing series will hold a press conference in conjunction with the inaugural boxing event set to take place at the Deck in Essington, PA on Thursday June 20^th.

The press conference will be held at the same venue and all the fighters scheduled to appear on the card will be present to for interviews and Photo-Opportunities.

Scheduled to attend will be Welterweight Tim Witherspoon Jr.; Middleweight Isiah Seldon; Jr. Welterweight David Gonzales; Heavyweight’s John Mecurio and Zeferino Albino; Lighwteight Tyrone Crawley Jr.; and Super Bantamweight Alex Barbosa.

Also at the press conference will former two-division world champion Meldrick Taylor.

The press conference will begin at 7:30 pm eastern

Tickets are priced at $75 for VIP; $50 for Ringside and $35 for General Admission and can be purchased at www.webtix.net or by calling 484 318 6133

The VIP Tickets will consist of a Meet and Greet with former and current world champions plus a buffet.

1^st bout 7:30 PM and doors open at 6:30 pm

The event is sponsored by Concordville Nissan and Subaru, Bennys Barbershop in Springfield, Anthony’s Italian Restaurant in Drexel Hill, AC Cipolloni and Sons Construction & Cheerleaders Gentleman’s Club of Philadelphia

Public Invited To Mikey Garcia Sparring & Open Workout On June 1st At 11 A.M. PT

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2013) — Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion MIKEY GARCIA (31-0, 26 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif., will host his first public sparring session and open workout as world champion, Tomorrow! Saturday, June 1, beginning at 11:00 a.m. PT, at the UFC Gym (23701 La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda, Calif. 92887-5538). Garcia is in his last two weeks of training for his first title defense, against former WBO junior featherweight and WBO featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ (33-2, 30 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Joining Mikey at his open workout will be his brother, Robert, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year, and his father Eduardo, who co-train Mikey.

The Garcia – Lopez world featherweight title fight will take place on Saturday, June 15 and will be televised live from the American Airlines Center® in Dallas, Texas, on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. This will be the first time HBO has televised a boxing event from the American Airlines Center. The Garcia – Lopez world championship event will be promoted by Top Rank®, in association with PR Best Boxing, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate.

Guzman-Mosquera WBA Interim World Title Fight June 28 In Florida

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (May 31, 2013) -- Acquinity Sports CEO Gary Jonas and Henry Rivalta, Vice President of Boxing Operations, have confirmed that Dominican Republic star and two-time, two-division world champion, Joan "Little Tyson" Guzman (33-1-1, 20 KOs), will face Panamanian Vicente "El Loco" Mosquera (32-2-1, 17 KOs)  for the interim World Boxing Association  (WBA) junior  welterweight  title on Friday, June 28,  in Kissimmee, Florida.

"We are excited about this fight, not only because our fighter Guzman has the opportunity to reach another title for our team, but, because we have the pleasure of working together with one of the companies that has consistently presented boxing in Florida, All Star Boxing, which is owned by my friend, Tutico Zabala, Jr. "Rivalta said.

The 12-round WBA interim world title fight between the Guzman and Mosquera will be broadcast throughout America through TELEMUNDO Network's series, "Boxeo Telemundo Ford," as the main event of the night.

"I express my gratitude to Tutico Zabala, Jr. and hope this June 28^th event is the beginning of a lasting partnership," Rivalta added. "We are sure that the real winners of this fight will be Florida boxing fans. In addition, we are pleased to work with his boxing director, Ruben de Jesus, and Ricardo Rizzo, our advisor, who made every effort to make this fight a reality."

"We are focused on this fight," Guzman       said from his Miami gym, where he is trained by German Caicedo.  "We know and respect Panamanian boxers. I understand that they (Team Mosquera) know me and I'm sure they will do everything possible to defeat us. But we are working hard and hope to get this title, which will put us closer to our goals.

"My short term goal is (WBA junior welterweight champion Khabib) Allakhverdiev. He has to win fair and square and that wasn't the case in our fight last November. We are convinced that, by beating Mosquera on June 28^th, we will be closer to fighting a rematch with Khabib to settle our outstanding accounts. First, though, we must beat Mosquera, and that's exactly what we will do on Friday, June 28 in Kissimmee."

Also fighting on the June 28^th card is Puerto Rican featherweight Orlando "El Fenomeno" Cruz, who is preparing to defend his World Boxing Organization Latino title against an opponent to soon be determined. Five more exciting boxing fights are scheduled and the major fights will be broadcast by TELEMUNDO, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Guzman-Mosquera is being presented in association with Henry Rivalta of Acquinity Sports.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ET, first bell at 8:30 p.m. ET.  Tickets are available for sale, starting at a very affordable $20.00, at the Kissimmee Civic Center, 201 Dakin Ave. in downtown Kissimmee, or by calling 407-935-1412.

Go online to www.AquinitySports.com for additional information about Guzman or any of his Acquinity Sports stable-mates. Follow Acquinity Sports on Twitter @AcquinitySports, or friend is at Facebook.com/AcquinitySports.

ABOUT ACQUINITY SPORTS: Founded in 2011 by CEO Gary Jonas and Henry Rivalta, Vice President of Boxing Operations, Acquinity Sports is a full-service promotional company based in south Florida.  

Acquinity Sports is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion as an advocate of its fighters, supporting them to succeed in and out of the ring throughout their professional careers and into retirement. Fully dedicated to providing a structured environment, Acquinity Sports develops each individual fighter to maximize their potential, ensuring maximum exposure to audiences across a diverse range of channels, as well as encouraging team spirit and sense of family so crucial for success in the highly-competitive sport and business of boxing.

Acquinity Sports continues to sign incredible talent in various weight divisions to provide fans the highest level of year-round entertainment in professional boxing. Seasons may change but Acquinity Sports' commitment remains to bring the heat.

East LA's Frankie Gomez Gets Biggest Test To Date Against Demarcus Corley On July 20 At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino In Indio, CA- Tickets On Sale Today!

INDIO, CALIF., May 31 - Two of the hottest fighters in the junior welterweight division will meet at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, July 20 when unbeaten 21-year-old phenom Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez challenges former World Champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley in a 10 round main event which will be televised live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes and on FUEL TV on delayed basis.

Featured in the televised co-main event will be the return of local hero Randy Caballero to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the site of 11 of his 18 professional fights, when he faces Puerto Rico's Miguel Robles in a 10-round junior featherweight matchup.

Gomez vs. Corley and Caballero vs. Robles are presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night with the first bell ringing at 6:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes bilingual simulcast will air live at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the doubleheader on a date to be announced.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45 will go on sale on Friday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. PT at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

A former national amateur champion, East Los Angeles' Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez (15-0, 11 KO's) has been a rising star since he began his professional career. The winner of three bouts in 2012 including knockouts over Manuel Leyva and Pavel Miranda and a decision win over Lanard Lane, the 21-year-old is ready for his next step up in competition against former World Champion Corley.

38-year-old southpaw DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (39-20-1, 23 KO's) is perhaps the most battle-tested fighter in the junior welterweight division today, having shared the ring with the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Devon Alexander, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah and Marcos Maidana and just to name a few. However, the former 140-pound World Champion isn't living off of past glory, as in 2012 he issued defeats to previously unbeaten Gabriel Bracero and European contender Paul McCloskey, proving that he has plenty left to offer in the ring.

A true fan favorite who packs the seats at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino every time he fights, Coachella native Randy Caballero (18-0, 10 KO's) has a support system second to none and has rewarded his followers with spectacular wins over the likes of Luis Maldonado, Manuel Roman, Alexis Santiago and Sergio Cristobal. On July 20, he's back on his home turf and will look to make a statement to the boxing world once again.

Fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico Miguel Robles (12-2-2, 5 KO's) hopes to spoil Caballero's homecoming by scoring an upset this summer. The winner of nine of his last 10 bouts, the 31-year-old Robles is a former WBC FECARBOX super flyweight champion ready to go to battle and give Caballero the surprise of his young career.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com andwww.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes on Facebook.

King'S Boxing Press Conference This Monday At Skeeters Pub In Blackwood, NJ

VALLEY FORGE, PA (May 30, 2013)—This Monday at Skeeters Pub in Blackwood, New Jersey, Kings Boxing Promotions will host a press conference in conjunction with the big boxing event that will take place on Saturday June 15^th at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

The main event will be a ten round rematch of Jr. Middleweights between Harry Joe Yorgey and Julius Kennedy for the vacant WBF North American Middleweight title.

In the co-feature, it will be an all-Philadelphia showdown between Lightweights Tevin Farmer and Victor Vasquez for the Vacant UBC North American Lightweight title.

Many of the fighters on the card will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.

WHO:  Tevin Farmer (10-4-1, 1 KO)—Lightweight from Philadelphia
            Victor Vasquez (16-7-1, 7 KO’s)—Lightweight from Philadelphia
            Naazim Richardson—Future Hall of Fame Trainer
            Marshall Kauffman—Promoter Kings Promotions
            Fighters from a packed undercard

WHAT:            Press Conference in conjunction of championship boxing event that will take place on Saturday June 15^th at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

WHEN:            Monday June 3^rd at 6pm

WHERE: Skeeters Pub
              7 Coles Road
              Blackwood, NJ 08012
              856 227 2314
              www.skeeterspub.com

Tickets for this great evening cost $125 (VIP); $75 (Ringside); $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the following locations:

Kings Promotions
440 Elm Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-587-5950

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 1^st Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-768-3288
www.vfboxing.eventbrite.com

Empire Surplus Home Center
2741 Bernville, RD
Leesport, PA 19533
610-926-0500

Mayweather Tweet's: I Chose My Opponent For Sept 14th & It's Canelo Alvarez

Floyd Mayweather will take on Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on September 14th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather tweeted this out through his official twitter page @floydmayweather. The bout will take place at a catch-weight of 152lbs. Mayweather's Tweet: I chose my opponent for September 14th and it's Canelo Alvarez. I'm giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand.
Golovkin & Macklin Training Camp Notes

NEW YORK (May 28, 2013) -- Defending WBA/IBO champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (26-0, 23KO's) and Ireland's top-rated former world title challenger Matthew "Mack The Knife" Macklin (29-4, 20KO's) both took time out of their busy training schedules to talk about their eagerly anticipated upcoming middleweight championship showdown on June 29^th at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  The championship matchup will be the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark® triple-header, which will be televised live on HBO® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Golovkin is training at The Summit High Altitude Training Facility in Big Bear with head trainer Abel Sanchez, while Macklin has been preparing at his brand new state-of-the-art facility, Macklin's Gym Marbella (MGM) in beautiful Marbella, Spain. Macklin left his camp in Spain this past Sunday to travel to New York City for his final preparations with head trainer Buddy McGirt.

Below are camp notes from both fighters. 

GOLOVKIN: "Training has been going very well, we have a very good atmosphere up in Big Bear.  This is where I have trained for my last seven fights and I am very comfortable here.  I have been getting great sparring, training with WBO junior middleweight champion Zaurbek Baysangurov.

"Every morning I wake up at 6:30 and do my morning run, which is anywhere between 4-5 miles.  We go to the gym in the afternoon and, depending on the day, I will either spar or work on strategy with Abel.  Every night, we all have dinner together as a team and then we spend the latter part of the evening socializing, relaxing and watching movies.

"We respect Macklin, but I don't believe that the strengths that he has shown in the past against previous opponents will have any effect on me.  I expect him to be a complete different fighter with a completely different game plan against me. Whatever he brings though, we will be more than ready to come away successful, and as always I plan on putting on a very strong, and entertaining performance on June 29^th."

MACKLIN:"I have had an excellent camp so far here in Spain, and I am looking forward to coming over to NYC to join Buddy and get acclimated to the time difference.  It is great having my own gym when I am preparing for a fight, but I also cherish the fact that the facility is home to a number of world-class athletes from all types of sports, as well as for the local kids here to come in and learn the sport of boxing. 

"We start our day with an early morning run.  I divide my running sessions up between hill runs, through the beautiful mountains, and sprints.  After my run, I go home and have a good breakfast and relax until the afternoon.  In the afternoon, I head to the gym for my main session of the day.  I switch things around to keep things fresh; depending on the day, the main focus of the session will either be pad-work or sparring. On alternate days, I'll go back to the gym in the evening and work with my strength and conditioning coach.  At night, I will either watch a movie to relax, or go for a long walk around the beautiful harbor in Marbella.

"I have been a pro since 2001, but I am always learning and trying new things in training.  There is no substitute for experience and through that, you find out what works for you and what doesn't.  It is important to listen to your body and not be afraid to adapt your training routine based on what your body is telling you.

"I am very excited about this fight, because Golovkin is there to be hit.  With someone like Sergio Martinez, because of his style and movement, it can be very hard to land cleanly on him and get your combinations off, and that is frustrating.  With Golovkin, obviously he is very dangerous, but he is right there in front of you.  Everyone talks about his power, and believe me, I am well aware of it, but just like I am going to have to deal with his, he is going to have to deal with mine.

"I've always had a lot of confidence in my own ability.  I think the nature of my career and the ups and downs that I've had to get to this point have made me a very mentally strong person. To become World Champion and finally lift that world title belt is a goal that has driven me since the first day I put on a pair of boxing gloves. I've won everything else in terms of Irish, British and European titles and I should have had the world title after I got ripped off in the Sturm fight. Each setback though has just made me more determined to become World Champion so that's really the driving force behind me at this point in my career. 

"As much as I am looking forward to June 29^th, the the fans are the real winners in this fight.  This is a real old fashioned, middleweight 'fight' and a throwback to the great middleweight heyday of the 40's and 50's where the best fought the best. I don't think there are going to be too many tactical surprises in there from either of us.  You have two physically strong punchers who love to come forward, so it's no surprise that people are predicting a real war.

"Gennady's a great fighter and he will go on to achieve a lot in this sport, but every great fighter hits a bump in the road at some point, and for Gennady, that will come on June 29^th."

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $300, $200, $90 and $45.  Tickets may be purchased online at foxwoods.com by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at Ticketmaster.com.

The event is promoted by K2 Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.  The bouts will take place on June 29^th at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  The HBO Boxing After Dark® triple-header will be televised live beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

For fight updates, please visit www.K2Promos.com, www.dbe1.com or www.hbo.com/boxing.   


John Molina vs. Andrey Kilmov June 7th

Sherman Oaks, CA (May 28) - Expectations are bordering at a fever pitch for the Goossen Tutor Promotions main event televised live on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" series on Friday, June 7, 2013 that features Lightweight world contenders John Molina and Andrey Klimov with the winner in line for the next step toward a world championship fight.

The always dangerous NABO champion Molina (25-2, 20 KOs) collides with Russia's equally perilous Klimov (15-0, 8 KOs) at the Little Creek Casino Resort in the town of Shelton, Washington. Also, Super-Middleweights Farrah Ennis (20-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia meets North Carolina's Anthony Hanshaw (23-2-2, 14 KOs) in another bout catapulting the winner to world contender status.

Doors open at 6 PM with the first bout starting at 6:30 PM and the live ESPN2 broadcast beginning 7 PM Pacific Time (10 PM Eastern).

All four fighters have the ESPN stage to prove their point in earning a world title opportunity. With so much at stake for the fighters, it doesn't get better than this for the fans, having it all on the line for the two main bouts.  Molina knows a victory over Klimov leads directly to a showdown with one of he world champions. 

Molina has even more at risk in providing a good performance, and that is regaining the respect from his previous world title bid and realizes he needs to be focused on regaining his top world-class status against Klimov - but he certainly chose a tough nut to demonstrate it. 

"As of right now everything in camp is the mindset that is purely on Klimov.  I know him and I know sometimes fighters like Klimov go under the radar with the fans and television executives because he's from Russia and not seen here in America often.  But in beating him it will take a great performance from me, and I'm prepared to do just that," said Molina, 30, who lives in Covina, California.

Klimov has studied Molina and though the Russian fighter has knockout power, he plans to use all of his weapons.  "I will box and stay out of a straight line, and try to move in and out on him," said Klimov, who had an extensive and very successful amateur career. "I will not look for a knockout. I'm ready to go at the same pace for all 10 rounds, if it goes the distance.  My ultimate goal would be to fight for the championship of the world. I never duck anybody and fight whoever is put in front of me and now it's in my hands to beat Molina impressively so everyone knows who I am."

Molina doesn't care how the fight ends as long as his hand is raised.  "The fight plan is to go out there and look impressive. Control the fight," exclaims Molina. "If it goes the distance, we're ready. If a knock out comes, we'll jump all over it."

Also ready to jump to the next level are Ennis and Hanshaw.

"I'm a smart boxer puncher. I also can be a blood in guts type of fighter. I love to entertain," said Ennis, 30. "I'm here and ready and willing to fight the best in the division to get a world title and Hanshaw has some impressive credentials for me to utilize to my advantage."

The one-time 'can't miss' prospect Hanshaw has come ever so close to winning a world title with a decision loss to future Hall of Famer, Roy Jones Jr. and a draw against former #1 world contender, Jean-Paul Mendy. But time is running out on the former top American amateur.

"I've worked very hard to get back to this point and failure is not an option," said Hanshaw, 35. "After I put the final nail in Farah's casket, I'll look for a shot at Andre Ward to concrete my name in boxing history."

Little Creek Casino

Crossroads Fight Saturday In Florida For Derrick Wilson

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 27, 2013) - The once promising career of former amateur standout Derrick Wilson (9-4-2, 3 KOs) is at the crossroads for his 10-round main event fight this Saturday night against undefeated featherweight Braulio Santos (10-0, 9 KOs) in Sunrise, Florida.  

Wilson, fighting out of Fort Myers (FL), was a 2004 National Silver Gloves champion. He won 50 of 57 amateur bouts, all losses coming in national competition, but he's been relegated to the "B" side as an opponent throughout most of his professional career.

"I took a different route than usual because I didn't have the right backing," Wilson explained. "I come from a small town, Fort Myers, and after my first pro fight I signed with a manager who brought me to Miami. I left my trainer, Larry Wills, who taught me everything, and went from trainer to trainer. I was young and living by myself in Miami. I've been through a lot but I'm back working with Coach Larry.

The 24-year-old won his first four pro fights, drew on the road with unbeaten (6-0-1) Kermit Gonzalez, and then registered his most significant victory thus far against 11-0 Charles Huerta in Los Angeles. Wilson showed his promise by stopping Huerta in the opening round, after which he signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

"I was supposed to lose to Huerta," Wilson said. "All the hype was about him but I won that fight in his hometown. I took it on short notice but knew that I was going to win. I just didn't give him a chance. I missed an overhand right, blocked a punch as I pulled back, and then I hit him with a left hook that made his whole body shake."

Unaware of same-day weigh-ins in Pennsylvania versus Philadelphia, Wilson was weak when he entered the ring in Philadelphia versus Guadalupe De Leon (7-9), and he proceeded to lose a four-round split decision. Wilson then fought another draw on the road, to Adam Ocha, followed with a win by four-round decision over Samuel Sanchez.

Next up was a fight in Denver against 7-0 Ricky Lopez, who was decked in the opening round, en route to a loss by six-round decision. Four months later, Wilson avenged his loss to DeLeon, taking one-sided eight round decision in Florida, which set-up a World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental title fight against future Puerto Rican world champion, Javier Fortuna. Fortuna (13-0, 10 KOs) knocked out a game Wilson in the eighth round. 

"I had no business being in that fight with Fortuna," Wilson admitted. "I had trained only two weeks, not knowing he was left-handed and sparring right-handers. It was a close fight until it stopped."

Wilson bounced back with a first-round technical knockout of Mario Lacey, but Derrick has lost his last two fights against Alejandro Perez (15-3-1) and Luis Rosa (11-0), respectively, by eighth-round knockout and eight-round decision. 

"This is a great fight for him," Wilson's manager Si Stern noted about Saturday's match-up versus Santos. "I give Golden Boy credit. Things didn't work out when they signed Derrick but they still think enough of him to put him in the main event against their undefeated prospect. When Derrick has his mind straight, he's one helluva fighter who is very tough. If he wins this fight, the sky's the limit."

Four of upset-minded Wilson's nine victories have come against undefeated opponents. He's determined to turn his career around by defeating another unbeaten opponent, hard-hitting Santos, this Saturday evening.

"People haven't seen the real me, yet, but they will in this fight," Wilson concluded. "This is my first fight back with my coach. I'm sharp with speed and quickness; my speed will confuse him. I won't be loading up like I have in the past. A win will boost me up. I'm going in as the opponent but I'm not going to be used as a stepping-stone anymore.

"I never had people picking the right opponents for me like some fighters. I wasn't in a position to turn down fights. I took some on late notice and fought in everybody's backyard. Now, I have Si as my manager. I need to prove myself to get on the 'A' side and this fight could do that for me."

Froch-Kessler Weights

Photo: Thomas Sjoerup


Carl Froch 167.75 vs. Mikkel Kessler 166.5
(WBA/IBF super middleweight championship)

Tony Bellew 174.75 vs. Isaac Chilemba 174.25
(WBC light heavyweight eliminator)

George Groves 167.5 vs. Noe Gonzalez 167

Venue: O2 Arena, London, England
Promoter: Matchroom Sport/Sauerland Event
TV: HBO

Felix Sturm Returns To The Ring On July 6th

Cologne, May 24th 2013. He is back! Felix Sturm (34), the long-time Middleweight Champion of the World (WBA Super-Champion, twelve successful title defense), is eager to get back to the top of the boxing world and July 6th, 2013 will mark the first step towards that goal, when Sturm returns to the ring at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany. His world-rated opponent will presumably be announced during the next week. The bout will be broadcasted live in Germany by SAT.1.

After a close loss via split decision to current IBF world champion Daniel Geale and the scandal-ridden fight with Sam Soliman, who was disqualified by the Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer after failing a doping test following the bout, Sturm is out to silence his critics:

“My loss to Geale was unlucky. I know I can do better than I did back in September. I’m sure there will be a rematch down the road. But the fans will already see the return of the real Felix Sturm in my next fight. I don’t want to say much about the Sam Soliman dopingscandal anymore. I stated numerous times that there is no room for cheaters in sports and I stand by that.”

“I can promise my fans that I’ll be middleweight champion for a fourth time pretty soon. I’m a hundredth percent sure that I have that in me.”

The boxing event at the Westfalenhalle will feature spectacular action on the undercard as well. German top prospect Konni Konrad (27) will make his debut under the Sturm Box- Promotion banner against the well-known and dangerous Edison Miranda (32). The Columbian made a name for himself when he broke the jaw of former world champion Arthur Abraham in a grueling battle in 2006. But Felix Sturm is confident about the new talent of his stable: “I truly believe that Konni could be fighting for the light heavyweight title soon.”

Another highlight will be the title defense of WBA interim flyweight Susi Kentikian (25). “I’m
excited about July 6th”, Kentikian said. “No one will stop me, I can guarantee my fans a
victory.” Light middleweight hopeful Maurice Weber (31) will also be on the card. Felix
Sturm: “This is by far the best event Sturm Box-Promotion has done so far. I can’t wait for
July 6th.”

Kamegai vs. Perez On June 8th On Showtime

LOS ANGELES, May 24 – A full undercard of action is expected on Saturday, June 8 when a roster of top local talent and international contenders step into the ring at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. to lead up to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader headlined by the WBA Intercontinental Welterweight title bout between Marcos “El Chino” Maidana and “The Riverside Rocky” Josesito Lopez.

A clash between welterweight contenders and a showdown of heavyweight power hitters will be on tap for SHOWTIME EXTREME® viewers when unbeaten Japanese standout Yoshihiro Kamegai faces Venezuela’s former World Champion Johan Perez in a ten-round bout. Also on SHOWTIME EXTREME, undefeated heavyweight prospect Gerald Washington meets Sherman “Tank” Williams in an eight round battle. With time permitting, 2012 United States Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. will see action on SHOWTIME EXTREME® against an opponent to be determined. Also in action on the undercard will be some of California’s top pugilists including Luis Ramos, Ronny Rios, Jamie Kavanagh, Manuel Avila and Edgar Valero.

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana’s WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and top rated super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight between veteran Demetrius Hopkins and unbeaten phenom Jermell Charlo for Hopkins’ USBA Junior Middleweight Championship and Charlo’s WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are available at AXS.com or by phone at 1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

After engaging in a hard fought draw against Jorge Silva in Sacramento last October that impressed stateside fight fans, Sapporo, Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (22-0-1, 19 KO’s) will return to the United States to battle Venezuelan Johan Perez. A punishing puncher with both hands, Kamegai most recently knocked out Jose Alberto Leal in two rounds on February 2. With 19 of his 22 wins coming by way of knockouts, it’s a safe bet that he’ll look to end his fight on June 8 early as well.

A former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion from Caracas, Venezuela, Johan “El Terrible” Perez (16-1-1, 12 KO’s) bounced back from the lone loss of his career against Pablo Cesar Cano last July with a gritty 10 round win over former World Champion Steve Forbes on January 12. With his sites set on a title shot at 147 pounds, he hopes to make his case with a big win over Kamegai.

With the search for boxing’s next great American heavyweight always ongoing, fans may not need to look any further than Los Angeles, home to highly touted prospect Gerald Washington (7-0, 5 KO’s). Squaring off again Williams in his toughest test to date , the United States Navy veteran and former USC football player Washington hopes to keep his perfect record intact on June 8.

Unbeaten in 11 of his last 13 bouts dating back to 2005, Sherman “Tank” Williams (35-12-2, 19 KO’s) is a vet of the sweet science who shows opponents that life begins at 40. A native of the Bahamas, who now makes his home in Florida, the latest chapter in Williams’ 16-year career lands him in Carson, California for a pivotal bout against the unbeaten Washington.

In a fight that will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME time permitting, 2012 United States Olympian Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (4-0, 2 KO’s) of South El Monte, California will face an opponent to be named in a four or six-round junior featherweight contest. Diaz, who impressed fans and boxing insiders for years as an amateur, turned pro in December of last year and has shown no growing pains while transitioning to the pro game. Fresh off of a third round technical knockout win over Eric Gotay on May 3, Diaz is ready for battle once again.

Unbeaten in 20 pro bouts, 23-year-old Ronny Rios (20-0, 9 KO’s) has been steadily climbing up the world ratings, most recently defeating former World Champion Rico Ramos for the NABF featherweight title. On June 8, Santa Ana’s Rios collides with Sonora, Mexico southpaw Leonilo “Veneno” Miranda (32-5, 30 KO’s) in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) has become a popular attraction in his adopted hometown of Hollywood, California. He will risk his undefeated record on June 8 against Tijuana veteran Sergio “Sirenito” Perez (27-14, 18 KO’s) in an eight-round lightweight match.

Also in action will be Fairfield, California’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (11-0, 4 KO’s) facing off against St. Louis’ Jamal Parram (6-7-1, 4 KO’s) an eight-round junior featherweight contest and Edgar Valero (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Los Angeles who will meet fellow Angelino David Reyes (2-3-1) in a four-round bantamweight bout.

Frankie Gavin vs. Denton Vassell Headline Liverpool Show On 28th June

Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell’s British and Commonwealth Welterweight showdown will headline promoter Frank Warren’s show at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday 28th June. The highly-anticipated domestic dust-up between the unbeaten champions – with combined records of 35-0 and 21 KO’s – is one of the hottest fights in British boxing and will be televised live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Unfortunately the Paul Smith v Tony Dodson British Super-Middleweight title fight will now not take place on the show as a further request to extend the purse offer deadline could not be agreed upon.

The action-packed show will feature the exciting, hard-hitting, Ellesmere Port ace Paul Butler in a challenge for the WBO International Super-Flyweight Championship as he looks to secure a third title alongside his British and Commonwealth belts.

Also showcasing their talent will be Merseyside stars Liam Smith, Joe Selkirk, Stephen Smith and Matthew Fagan, plus Manchester’s Joe Murray and Rhys Roberts.

Tickets priced at £30 and £60 are available from Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk or the Liverpool Olympia Box Office at www.liverpoololympia.com

Gary Russell Jr., Returns To Full Training Following Left Hand Fracture

(CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD.) – Top featherweight prospect Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.) has enjoyed a full recovery from a left hand injury, which he suffered in a March 2 victory over Vyacheslav Gusev. Doctors recommended six to eight weeks of rest and the 24-year-old heeded his physician’s advice, refraining from making any contact with his left hand during that time. A well-known gym rat, Russell didn’t stop training, only altering his daily workouts to allow his hand the necessary healing time.

“I’m always in the gym with my dad and my brothers, and the hand injury didn’t change that,” Russell said. “I focused a lot of my training on strength and conditioning work over the past two months, but I was definitely ready to start punching again and we are back 100% now.”

Russell and his father and trainer, Gary Russell, Sr., have developed multiple techniques to protect his hands during their daily training sessions. The 24-year-old often trains in larger gloves to not only provide cushioning for his hands, but also maintain and improve upon his patented hand speed.

He took his expertise outside the ropes this past week at the 2013 National Golden Gloves tournament. A 2005 Golden Gloves champion, Russell, Jr., joined his father in the corner of his younger brother, Gary Antonio Russell’s bouts. The younger Russell represented the family name well, winning the bantamweight title and the Golden Boy award for Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. Gary Antonio is the third Russell brother to win the event with Gary, Jr., and Gary Allan Russell III (2010 Champion) having also claimed Golden Gloves titles. They became only the third trio of brothers and the first since 1977 to win the event.

Russell is currently preparing for a July 13 return to the ring and looks forward to his Big Apple debut, which will allow many of his friends and family to attend the fight. He will begin his second barbershop tour in the Washington DC/Maryland area on June 15 to meet some of local fans while he undergoes training camp at his local gym in Capitol Heights, Md.

WBC Statement On Andre Ward

Andre Ward recently communicated to the WBC through his advisors, and to the public via a press release, his decision to relinquish his WBC Super Middleweight Emeritus World Championship. The WBC has vested the Emeritus World Champion honor only to a few elite, great champions. Legendary WBC champions like Vitali Klitschko, Floyd Mayweather and Erik Morales have received the Emeritus status when extreme circumstances temporarily interrupted their distinguished careers. In every instance the outcome has been fair and just for all involved , proving that this rule is a great provision.

Andre Ward perceived the WBC Emeritus Champion designation as being stripped of his world title belt. With all due respect to Andre’s opinions and feelings, it is imperative that the WBC clarifies to the public the chain of events that led to Ward’s designation as WBC Emeritus World Champion.

THE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPER 6 TOURNAMENT
From 2009 through the end of 2011, the WBC fully supported the super middleweight Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament. The WBC’s support was conditioned on the organizers allowing the full participation of the WBC Champion clearly stating on all communications that when the tournament was over, the WBC Champion was required to make a mandatory defense. On December 17, 2011, Ward won the Super Six tournament and the WBC Super Middleweight World Championship.

THE FIRST ORDER FOR MANDATORY DEFENSE
In the spring of 2012, the WBC ordered Ward to make a mandatory defense of his WBC title against Anthony Dirrell. Soon thereafter, Dirrell was involved in a motorcycle accident, which freed the mandatory commitment at that time. In an effort to keep the division active, the WBC agreed to sanction Ward’s fight against WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Chad Dawson as a voluntary defense of Ward’s title with the condition that the winner would make the mandatory defense in his next fight.

WBC ORDERED FINAL ELIMINATION TO DETERMINE THE MANDATORY CONTENDER
In October of 2012, the WBC ordered that the highest rated available boxers in the super middleweight division participate in a final elimination match. In December of 2012, during the WBC annual convention, the final elimination fight between Sakio Bika and Nikola Sjekloca was ratified, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for the world title.

WBC ACCEPTED TO SANCTION WARD VS PAVLIK VOLUNTARY DEFENSE
During the convention, the WBC approved the Ward versus Pavlik fight as a voluntary defense of Ward’s title. The winner of that fight would then face the mandatory contender without any intervening defenses.

WARD SUSTAINED AN INJURY WHICH LEADS TO SURGERY
In January of 2013, Ward underwent surgery to repair his injured shoulder and issued a press release announcing he would be unable to fight for an indefinite period of time.

BIKA BECAME MANDATORY CONTENDER
Bika became the mandatory challenger by beating Sjekloca on February 16 2013.

WBC ORDERED WARD VS BIKA FOR THE MANDATORY DEFENSE
On February 21, the WBC ordered free negotiations for the mandatory defense between Ward vs Bika. A reminder letter was sent on March 5.

WBC VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO DESIGNATE WARD CHAMPION EMERITUS
In light of his indefinite incapacity, and the fact that the WBC has never received Ward’s medical clearance or a definite availability date, on March 23, 2013, the WBC designated Ward as the Emeritus World Champion by sending him a letter. The WBC announced that designation via a press release on April 9, 2013.

As the WBC Rules & Regulations clearly recognize, all World Champions enjoy many benefits, but also have obligations. Even the greatest WBC World Champions are called to honor their commitments to the WBC and to the fans by facing their mandatory challengers in a timely fashion. Floyd Mayweather just fulfilled his mandatory obligation facing Robert Guerrero, Klitschko will fight Bermane Stiverne, who is the mandatory challenger, just to give a couple of current examples.

The WBC granted the Emeritus Championship designation as a way to honor Andre Ward, and to give him sufficient time to recover from his injury while keeping the division active. The facts are clear: he boxed once in 2012, his last fight was nine months ago, and he has not been able to indicate when will he be ready to return to the ring .

The WBC continues to support Andre Ward and considers him a great champion. The WBC wishes Andre a prompt recovery and much success in his return to boxing and in his work as a boxing analyst.

Thompson Boxing Promotions & Banner Promotions Re-Ink WBO #1-Rate Super Featherweight Juan Carlos Burgos

Photos: Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions

Orange, CA (May 22) - Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions are re-signing Tijuana's crackerjack super featherweight contender Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KOs) to a second promotional contract.

After coming extremely close to winning a world title why stop now?

Co-Promoters Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions and Burgos held a press conference luncheon earlier today in East Los Angeles to celebrate the re-connection at the world famous Tamayo Restaurant.       

pounder out there. He has done a great job in every facet of his young career and today we will solidify his future and we will make sure he gets what he so eagerly deserves, a belt around his waist. Although he is 25 years old, he is a veteran of the sport as he started his professional career at the age of 16 and we know one day he will be considered as one of the greats. This is a happy day for our company."   

Burgos, who is the nephew of former mini flyweight world champion Victor Burgos, has rattled off some impressive wins while fighting under the promotional banner of Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions. Wins over undefeated Luis Cruz and Cesar Vazquez established Burgos as a force in the 130-pound division. Other notable wins came against Ricardo "Piolin" Castillo and former world champion Cristobal Cruz.

There's little doubt that Burgos will follow in the footsteps of other Thompson Boxing fighters who achieved world championship status such as Yonnhy Perez and Timothy Bradley. More than a few think it's just a matter of time.

“Carl has put himself under a lot of pressure. That can make you do stupid things and mistakes. I am in great shape, I couldn´t be more ready, I feel very comfortable. Froch will definitely not get his revenge.”

June 29th Golovkin-Macklin HBO Undercard Announced

NEW YORK, NY (May 21, 2013) - Ever since it was first announced, boxing insiders and fans alike have been buzzing about the much-anticipated upcoming middleweight championship showdown between defending WBA/IBO champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (26-0, 23KO's) and Ireland's top-rated former world title challenger Matthew "Mack The Knife" Macklin (29-4, 20KO's).  Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, promoter of Macklin, has made references to the fight as "Gatti/Ward-like" and even hall-of-fame promoter-arguably the greatest promoter in boxing history-Bob Arum was quoted as saying that it is a fight that he would pay to see.

Adding to the excitement of what promises to already be a can't-miss main event are the two HBO-televised undercard bouts.  In the co-feature bout, red-hot super middleweight contender and IBO Champion Thomas "Tommy Gun" Oosthuizen (21-0-1, 13KO's) puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow undefeated contender Brandon "Flawless" Gonzales (17-0, 10KO's) while top-rated junior middleweight NABF champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (20-1-1, 12KO's) squares off against Luciano Cuello (32-2, 16KO's) in the televised opener. Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds. 

The stacked card will take place on June 29^th at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  The HBO Boxing After Dark® triple-header will be televised live beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT

"Both of these bouts have huge implications for each fighter's respective divisions," said DiBella, promoter of Oosthuizen, Nelson and Cuello.

"Tommy is not only one of the best 168lb. fighters in the division, but, in my eyes, one of the top prospects pound-for-pound in the entire world. He is taking on another undefeated, highly regarded fighter in Gonzales, and the winner of the bout truly emerges as not only a force in the 168lb. division, but as a potential star."

"Willie is coming off back-to-back-to-back tremendous performances and is one of the hottest and most feared fighters in the junior middleweight division right now.  Cuello is a proven contender, riding a six-fight winning streak and whose only two career losses have come against Canelo and Chavez Jr.  This is a real fight and it will provide a true litmus test to see exactly where Willie is at."

"June 29^th is a big-time opportunity for all four of these fighters on the undercard to step into the HBO spotlight and establish themselves on a national level," said Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming, HBO Sports.

With a combined record of 90-3-2, a nearly 95% win-to-loss ratio, and the bouts being the HBO debut for all four fighters, each fighter is chomping at the bit to get in the ring and prove their worth on June 29^th.

"I am extremely excited about this opportunity," said the IBF #5, WBC #6 and WBO #14-rated super middleweight Oosthuizen.  "There is no bigger stage than fighting on HBO.  This is what I have dreamt about since I was a young child.  I respect Gonzales as a fighter.  He had a great amateur pedigree and he has yet to lose as a professional, but he never faced a fighter like me, and come June 29^th, he is going to find that out very quickly."

"Tommy gets his long-awaited opportunity on HBO. Fight fans around the world will have the chance to witness the most gifted super middleweight on the planet," stated Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, LTD., Oosthuizen's co-promoter and the premier promoter in South Africa.

"I want to thank my team and HBO for this great opportunity," said the IBF #12-rated Gonzales, promoted by Goossen-Tutor Promotions.  "Fighting on HBO has always been one of my dreams.  Winning this fight will put me in a great position for a world championship and I look forward to putting on a great performance on June 29^th."

"Fighting a guy like Cuello on HBO will give me a chance to make a big splash in the junior middleweight division," said the WBC #3 and IBF #14-rated Nelson. "He's a high quality fighter whose only two losses have been to world champions (Canelo and Chavez Jr.). I want to beat him in a better fashion than they did to prove that I belong at the top of the 154-pound division.  I need to win and win impressively.  My ultimate goal is to become world champion and this fight puts me in line for that." 

"This fight is a major step toward Willie becoming world champion," echoed Steve Smith of Rumble Time Promotions, Nelson's co-promoter.  Fans all over watching him in his first HBO fight will see what a tremendous talent he really is."

"I am very excited about this opportunity to fight Wille Nelson on HBO and to have the chance to showcase my skills in the USA," said the WBC #13-rated Cuello.  "I am confident that we will achieve a major victory on June 29^th. I would like to thank my manager Pedro Garcia and my advisor Elvis Grant Phillips for putting this fight together and of course my new promoter Lou Dibella and HBO."

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $300, $200, $90 and $45.  Tickets may be purchased online at foxwoods.com by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at Ticketmaster.com.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and K2 Promotions, in association with Golden Gloves, LTD., Goossen-Tutor Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions.  The bouts will take place on June 29^th at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods ® Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.  The HBO Boxing After Dark® triple-header will be televised live beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT

For fight updates, please visit www.K2Promos.com, www.dbe1.com or www.hbo.com/boxing.  

By Andre Ward

After careful thought and consideration with my family and team, I have decided to relinquish my WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Emeritus Title. As has been recently reported, the WBC elected to strip me of my world title belt, making the upcoming bout between Sakio Bika and Marco Antonio Periban for the vacant super middleweight title. After consultation with my manager James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin, it is my belief that the WBC did not have the right to strip me of my world title and name me champion emeritus. We voiced our position to the WBC, and after several discussions, have agreed to disagree with their interpretation of the facts and rules. In our opinion, we feel strongly that I did not violate the rules in any manner whatsoever.

When I fought Chad Dawson, there was no mandatory contender. Subsequent to my victory, I injured my shoulder but have remained ready, willing and able to defend my title within the period specified by the WBC’s rules. Nonetheless, without what we feel was appropriate due process, the WBC elected to strip me of my world title. I think my track record in fighting the best opponents available speaks for itself. I worked extremely hard and dedicated my entire career to win and defend my WBC belt. As a matter of principle, I have chosen to stand up for what I believe is right. I think the fans know and appreciate that I am the super middleweight champion of the world, and I trust that I will continue to be recognized assuch. I am back in training again, feeling great, and excited about my return to the ring.

Undefeated Rising Star Miguel Flores Signs Managerial Contract With DeCubas Jr. and Santos

May 17, 2013 – Houston’s undefeated featherweight sensation, Miguel “El Michoacano” Flores (11-0, 6 KOs) has signed with world renowned managers, Luis DeCubas Jr. and Bob Santos, who plan to have the 20-year old phenom fighting in the very near future. The duo has signed Flores with promotional powerhouse Golden Boy Promotions, who will promote Miguel’s bouts moving forward.

Flores, who was born in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico is excited about his career being guided by two of boxing’s brightest young minds. Fluent in Spanish and English, Flores sees a bright future transpiring.

“Bob and Luis are great guys with a lot of experience managing fighters at the elite level.” said Flores. “I knew right away when I met them that they were the right fit for me. When they told me Golden Boy was going to be my promoter I was very pleased. Now that I’ve signed with DeCubas Jr. and Santos, I feel very confident that my career is going to take off.”

“Miguel is a great kid with a charismatic personality.” DeCubas said. “Bob Santos and I feel Flores has all the tools to become a star in this sport. We have a great relationship with Golden Boy Promotions and felt that was the right fit for Miguel. Right now the plan is to get him in the ring and move him up the rankings.”

“Flores is a well spoken kid who knows how to fight.” said Santos. “He’s transitioned very well from the amateurs. With each fight he’ll gain the knowledge and experience to become a great professional prize fighter. Luis and I have big plans for this kid.

2012 Olympic Bronze Medal Winner Taras Shelestyuk Scores 2nd Round Stoppage In Ontario, CA

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 20, 2013)—This past Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Taras Shelestyuk scored his 3^rd stoppage victory in as many fights when he took out Mario Angeles of Mexico.

At 7:00 pm ET, it's a trip back to September of 2010, when Mosley squared off against Sergio Mora in a 12-round battle of former champions fighting their way back to the top. Then at 8:00 pm ET, it's the Classics premiere of Mosley's February 2006 win over "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas.

All of this action leads up to the live FOX Sports Networks (9:30 p.m. ET) and FOX Deportes (9:00 p.m. ET) telecasts from Cancun headlined by the welterweight battle between Mosley and Cano.

Fighting at 154 pounds, Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley battled reality series "The Contender" winner and former Super Welterweight World Champion Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora on September 18, 2010 at STAPLES Center in 2010. After 12 rounds, a draw verdict was rendered in the bout.

Two of the most popular fighters of this era, Mosley and Vargas battled it out for Southern California bragging rights at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on February 25, 2006. In the end, it was Mosley who emerged victorious via a tenth round technical knockout in the exciting contest, but the two would meet once again five months later with Mosley emerging victorious again.

Mosley vs. Cano is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Pepe Gomez Promotor Deportivo and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand OasisCancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. CT.  The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes broadcast will air live at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT respectively and the Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 beginning at 10:30 p.m. CT.

Tickets, priced at 200 pesos, 300 pesos, 500 pesos, 1000 pesos and 1500 pesos are available for purchase at Periodico Quequi by calling +52 (998) 193 2100, Hotel GranOasis, Farmacias Paris, sucursal Yaxchilan and Crucero, Presidencia Municipal de Benito Juarez.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,  www.quequi.com.mx, www.FOXDeportes.com and www.televisadeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/PeriodicoQuequi,www.twitter.com/SugarShaneM, www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes andwww.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/periodicoquequi and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

May 18 Sugar Shane Mosley vs. Pablo Cesar Cano Event So Big, It Had To Be Split In Two-Fox Sports Network To Televise May 18 Doubleheader Live In The US

CANCUN, MEXICO, May 17 - Saturday's card featuring the return of Sugar Shane Mosley against Mexican star Pablo Cesar "El Demoledor" Cano at The Grand Oasis in Cancun, Mexico has added even more fistic firepower with the addition of a stellar co-main event pitting Sergio "Yeyo" Thompson against Gustavo Sandoval, as well as undercard bouts starring Golden Boy Promotions' newest signing, Adan "Speedy" Mares, along with Roberto "Massa" Manzanarez, Miguel Angel Gonzalez and Ivan "Macanón" Cano.

Mosley vs. Cano and Thompson vs. Sandoval will be telecast live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes in the United States and on Televisa in Mexico on a delayed basis.

Plus, three fights originally scheduled for Saturday have been moved to Friday afternoon creating a special free admission event at The Grand Oasis featuring Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas, Jorge "Pantera" Silva and Enrique Ornelas.

Mosley vs. Cano is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and "Cancún Boxing" de Pepe Gómez and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand OasisCancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:00 p.m. CT.  The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes broadcast will air live at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT respectively and the Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 beginning at 10:30 p.m. CT.

Tickets, priced at 200 pesos, 300 pesos, 500 pesos, 1000 pesos and 1500 pesos are available for purchase at Periodico Quequi by calling +52 (998) 193 2100, Hotel Gran Oasis, Farmacias Paris, sucursal Yaxchilan and Crucero, Presidencia Municipal de Benito Juarez.

A native of Chetumal now making his home in Cancun, 29-year-old Sergio "Yeyo" Thompson (26-2, 24 KO's) has been crushing the competition at 130 pounds for years and on May 18 he will attempt to stop Gustavo Sandoval. Currently sporting a 12-fight win streak that includes 10 straight knockouts, Thompson has dispatched Jorge Linares, Moises Castro and Juan Ramon Solis during the streak, establishing himself as perhaps the division's most feared puncher.

Barranquilla, Colombia's Gustavo "Huracan" Sandoval (13-4-1, 11 KO's) is a talented up and comer ready to make his move on the world elite on Saturday. The winner of three of his last four fights, the 21-year-old power hitter is eager to go punch for punch with Thompson in his Yeyo's hometown.

In a 10 round battle for the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight title, 18-year-old Los Mochis phenom Roberto Manzanarez (22-1, 18 KO's) meets 21-year-old Oscar Arenas (24-5, 21 KO's) of Coahuila in a fight many feel has the potential to steal the show from the headliners

Before his older brother Pablo Cesar Cano steps into the ring with Mosley in Saturday's main event, Mexico City's Ivan Cano (21-5, 14 KO's) will meet Los Mochis' Daniel Ruiz (27-6-1, 20 KO's) in eight-round lightweight action.

The younger brother of Three-Division World Champion Abner Mares, Adan "Speedy" Mares (8-0, 3 KO's) was a solid amateur prospect, compiling a 45-5 record, but his true calling was in the professional game and in February of 2012 he made his debut with a first round body shot knockout over Francisco Cervantes. Since then, he has lit up the Mexican fight scene, showing off speed, power and ring generalship while putting together his perfect pro slate. In his most recent bout on February 16, Mares won a shutout four-round decision over Antonio Chuc and on Saturday he faces Chetumal's Alberto Cupido (7-8-2, 6 KO's) in a six-round junior featherweight battle.

Also featured will be junior lightweight prospect Miguel Angel Gonzalez (8-0, 7 KO's) of Los Mochis who squares off against Queretaro's Luis Becerra (9-5-1, 8 KO's) in a six-round junior lightweight bout

In fights now to be featured on Friday afternoon which presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Pepe Gomez Promotor Deportivo and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand OasisCancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. CT and the first fight beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Now fighting out of Los Angeles, 28-year-old Francisco Vargas (15-0-1, 12 KO's) represented his native Mexico in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, going 1-1 in the prestigious competition. Turning pro in 2010, Vargas has built a strong reputation for his versatile skill set and ring savvy. Last year, he turned up the heat, fighting and winning six times with five of those wins coming by way of knockout. On January 26, Vargas kept his hot streak going with a second round knockout win over Ira Terry and, following the cancellation of his scheduled May 3 bout when his opponent passed out trying to make weight, he will be back in the ring this weekend to take on Chiapas' Cristian Arrazola (7-7-1, 4 KO's) in a lightweight contest scheduled for eight rounds.

Plus, Tijuana's Jorge Silva (18-3-2, 14 KO's) will take on Guasave's Cesar Chavez (21-3, KO's) in a 10-round welterweight fight, while veteran fan favorite Enrique Ornelas (33-8, 21 KO's) of Guanajuato is back in action in an eight-round super middleweight clash against Chihuahua's Isaac Mendez (16-9, 14 KO's).

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.quequi.com.mx, www.FOXDeportes.com and www.televisadeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/PeriodicoQuequi, www.twitter.com/SugarShaneM, www.twitter.com/canochampion, www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes and www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/periodicoquequi and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

2012 Olympic Bronze Medal Winner Taras Shelestyuk Back In Action Tonight In Ontario, CA

The show is promoted by Thompson Boxing.

Shelestyuk, who is promoted by Banner Promotions, is 2-0 with both wins coming by knockout.

The Ukrainian, who captured the Bronze Medal in the 2012 Olympic Games, has been impressive in his first two outings.

“We have liked what we have seen so far in Taras”, said Arthur Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions.

“We are keeping him active and we know he will continue to improve.  We see a big future in Taras.  I also want to thank our partners Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo for having Taras on their show tonight”.

Said Shelestyuk’s manager Vadim Kornilov, “Taras has had great preparation for this fight.  He will show the same results as his first two outings”.

Shelestyuk is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Brandon Adams on May 2^nd in Corona, California.

Maduma-Carreon; Degale-Demers Weigh In Plus Interviews

GATINEAU, QUEBEC, CANADA (MAY 17, 2013) –TONIGHT on WealthTV and www.wealthtv.com a terrific night of boxing will take place beginning at 7pm est / 4pm pac at the Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau.   In the main event, Undefeated WBC Continental America’s Lightweight champion Ghislain Maduma takes on Saul Carreon.  In the co-feature, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner and currant European and WBC Silver Super Middleweight champion James DeGale makes his North American Debut when he takes on former world title challenger Sebastien Demers.   Those two fights will be part of a nine bout card that will feature undefeated Baha Laham and Andy Gardiner in separate bouts.  Below are exclusive weigh in videos plus interviews with DeGale, Maduma, Laham, Tony Luis and a full preview from Wealth TV broadcasters Marc Abrams and Corey Erdman

interviews with DeGale, Maduma, Laham, Tony Luis and a full preview from Wealth TV broadcasters Marc Abrams and Corey Erdman

Weigh in Video           

                   
James DeGale 

Baha Laham              

Tony Luis                   

Ghislain Maduma

Full card Preview

Video Footage From Today's "Path To Glory" Weigh In!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW FOR VIDEO FOOTAGE!
 

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (May 16, 2013) - World-rated welterweight Eddie "The Lion" Paredes (32-3-1, 21 KOs) is prepared to go from being considered one of the most avoided welterweights to world champion.

The team is supported by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions and is coached by Charles Johnson, Bernard Hackett and Muhammad Salaam

Lamont Peterson and Undercard Fighter's Workout Quotes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 9) – International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson held an open workout in Washington, D.C. in preparation for his May 18 fight against WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®. Lightweight contender and Lamont’s brother Anthony Peterson as well as Three-Time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren and lightweight prospects Robert Easter and Jamel Herring joined Lamont at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center as they finalize preparations for their non-televised undercard bouts.

Here’s what the fighters and Lamont and Anthony’s trainer Barry Hunter had to say on Wednesday. LAMONT PETERSON, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

Go on line to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com for more information about "Mayhem."

Mikey Garcia vs. Juan Manuel Lopez Set, Tickets On Sale This Saturday!

DALLAS (May 9, 2013) — Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion MIKEY GARCIA will make his first title defense, against former two-division world champion JUAN MANUEL “Juanma” LOPEZ, Saturday, June 15, at the American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219). The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. This will be the first time HBO has televised a boxing event from the American Airlines Center.

Making their Dallas debut, Garcia and Lopez boast a combined record of 64-2 (56 KOs) — a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 87.5%.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with PR Best Boxing, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, plus additional service fees, will go on sale This Saturday! May 11 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased at the American Airlines Center box office (Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT), online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet (Fiesta Foods, Macy’s Wal-Mart and The Shops at Willowbend.)

“Mikey proved in his last fight that he is a world champion. Now he has to prove he can remain a world champion when he faces one of the toughest men in the division in two-time world champion Juanma,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “This caps off an incredible run for boxing during the first half of 2013.”

“Mikey Garcia versus Juan Manuel Lopez is a can’t miss attraction,” says Kery Davis, senior vice president, HBO Sports. “Dallas is a first-class sports destination and we’re thrilled to be going to the American Airlines Center. June 15 is a date fight fans need to circle on their boxing calendar.”

For more information about Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin go online to www.TheKidChocolate.com (new Team Kid Chocolate T-shirts on sale here) or follow him on Twitter @KidChocolate and Instagram@KidChocolate.

Harry's Dugout Presents Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe This Saturday, April 20th In Whittier, CA



Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin "No Doubt" Trout And Undercard San Antonio Workout Quotes



CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

"If I want to win this fight, I have to move fast. I have to watch out for Trout's left. I've been studying his style and I can definitely adapt to it. It's going to be tough, but I know I can beat him. I trust I have what it takes to beat him

"On Saturday, after defeating Trout, I will raise my hand and my belt and will be thinking of my brother. That belt is his.

"I'm 100 percent ready for Trout. He's a world-class boxer and an undefeated world champion.

"I'm thankful to the people of San Antonio. They give me great motivation and they have an amazing energy.

Venue: Harrahs Philadelphia
Promoter : Joey Eye Boxing & David Feldman
1^st bell: 7:30 pm est
Broadcast: www.gfl.tv (Delayed)

Bizier Not Fighting Alexander On May 18 For IBF Welterweight Title

MONTREAL (April 18, 2013) - Yesterday at noon, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) issued a statement about Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM)-promoted Kevin Bizier being appointed as the new mandatory challenger to IBF world welterweight champion Devon Alexander.

Alexander was scheduled to face his mandatory challenger, Kell Brook, of England, May 18 in Atlantic City on Showtime, but Brook was injured during training and had to withdraw. To ensure Bizier's presence in Atlantic City to fight Alexander, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaeffer also contacted the president of GYM, Yvon Michel, offering a very attractive proposition.All members of Team Bizier - Kevin, Michel, Marc Ramsay, and Remi Bizier -- met yesterday to analyze the entire situation.The unanimous conclusion of this meeting was to refuse the IBF and Golden Boy's proposal. The current circumstances do not allow Kevin Bizier sufficient training and preparation required to participate in a fight of this magnitude against the established IBF champion. A letter was also sent thMr. Lindsey Tucker, for this purpose. "We believe that Kevin Bizier has the talent to become World welterweight champion this year," Michel said. "We thank the IBF and Golden Boy for the opportunity offered but, unfortunately, we had to decline because Kevin would not have been able to offer a performance, given the current context, at the height of his talent. This is only a postponement."

Meanwhile, Bizier is currently ranked No. 3 by the IBF and No. 6 by the Woris morning to the Chairman of the IBF Championships Committee, ld Boxing Association (WBA). He is still developing and expected to rise even higher in world rankings. His next fight will take place May 25, as planned, on the Pascal vs. Bute super event in Montreal.

Providence Prospect Toka Kahn-Clary's Star Shining After Big Win