LAS VEGAS–Tyson Fury was spectacular in wearing down, beating down and eventually stopping Deontay Wilder to win the WBC Heavyweight title at the MGM Grand.

Fury was the aggressor and used his 42 pound size advantage to dictate the entire bout that had Wilder showing little resistance.

Fury sent Wilder to the canvas in round three when he landed a cuffing right to the ear. After that, Wilder seemed to lose his energy as the Fury continued to wear Wilder down. The punch the that sent Wilder down also caused bleeding out the right ear of Wilder. In round five, Fury dropped Wilder again, this time it was a body shot. Fury continued to land thudding shots and Wilder kept looking worse with each landed Fury punch.

After looking bad in the corner in between round’s six and seven, Fury came and landed two booming right hand that had referee Kenny Bayless and the corner of Wilder throwing in the towel simultaneously at 1:39.

Fury, 273 lbs of Winslow, UK is now 30-0-1 with 21 knockouts. Wilder, 231 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 42-1-1.

TYSON FURY:

“A big shout out to Deontay Wilder. He came here tonight and he manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion.

“I hit him with a clean right that dropped him and he got back up. He is a warrior. He will be back. He will be champion again.

“But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!”

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m doing good. Things like this happen. The best man won tonight, but my corner threw in the towel and I was ready to go out on my shield. I had a lot of things going on heading into this fight. It is what it is, but I make no excuses tonight. I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield. I’m a warrior. He had a great performance and we will be back stronger.”

“Even the greatest have lost and came back, that is just part of it. You just take it for what it is. I can make no excuses tonight. I had a lot of complications. But we’ll come back stronger next time around. This is what big-time boxing is all about, the best must fight the best. I appreciate all the fans that came out and supported the show, and I hope that everyone gets home safely.”

Former Heavyweight champion Charles Martin scored a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger challenger in round six of their scheduled 12-round elimination bout.

The bout was void of action until Martin landed a booming left that sent Washington to the canvas. Washington got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Martin, 254 lbs of Carson, CA is 28-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Washington, 236 1/2 lbs of Vallejo, CA is 20-4-1.

CHARLES MARTIN

“I knew that I had him hurt a few times in the fight. Every round I think I hurt him, but I just couldn’t finish him. I knew that I had to take my time in there. It took me some rounds to catch up with him, because he’s very quick on the retreat.

“This win means a lot. It shows that I’ve been working hard. The people can see it. I was never hurt at any point. This has just given me more confidence in myself. I can take the punches and give the punches.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“The referee did what he thought was right. He’s a top notch ref so I won’t complain about the stoppage. He put me down and I got up, so I definitely wanted to get back to it.”

Emanuel Navarrete stopped Jeo Santisima in round 11 to retain the WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Navarrete dominated the action and finally was able to get Santisima out there with a brutal 11 punch flurry at 2:20 of round 11.

Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City is 31-1 with 27 knockouts. Santisima, 122 lbs of the Philippines is 19-3.

Sebastian Fundora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniel Lewis in a junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora began to bleed from the nose

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94 and is now 14-0-1. Lewis, 153 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 6-1.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I think it was a fair decision and a good fight. There were a lot of hard punches. I knew he would be tough. When they told me I was fighting an Olympian, I knew it would be a tough fight. He probably had more experience than me, but we prepared the right way and got the win.

“I always want to use my height and my physical gifts, but it just depends on the fight. If the situation changes, we have to be ready to adapt.

“Whether we’re fighting on the inside or the outside, I always want to be the busier fighter. The more punches you throw, the more you’re going to land. It’s the way I like to fight.

“I’ll have to talk to my team, but I want to keep facing the best competition possible and continue to grow in the sport.”

Javier Molina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Amir Imam in a junior welterweight bout.

Molina, 141 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 22-2. Imam, 141 1/2 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-3.

Petros Ananyan won an upset 10-round unanimous decision over previosuly undefeated knockout artist Subriel Matias in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Ananyan landed some booming shots that hurt Matias and drove him back to the ropes. Matias seemed out on his feet and for some reason referee Robert Byrd administered an eight-count.

That was the difference in the fight as Matias won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 twice for Ananyan, 142 lbs of Brooklyn, NY and is now 15-2-2. Matias, 142, Fajardo, PR is 15-1.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous over Matt Conway in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Flores dropped Conway with an overhand right. In round two, Conway started to swell around his right eye.

Flores, 132 1/2 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72, and is now 16-0. Conway, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 17-2.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Corey Champion in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Champion with a flush counter right. In round four, Champion was bleeding from his nose.

Mielnicki, 147 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 5-0. Champion, 147 lbs of Louisa, VA is 1-3.

In a foul fest 10 featherweight fight, Isaac Lowe won a unanimous decision over Alberto Guevara.

In round four, Guevara was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Low was deducted apoint for hitting on the break and then another one for throwing Guevara down.

In round five, Lowe was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Guevara was deducted for hitting on the break. Lowe was deducted another point in the round for hitting on the break. In round eight, Lowe dropped Guevara with a left hook.

Lowe, 125 1/2 lbs of Morecambe, UK won by scores of 96-87 twice and 95-88 and is now 20-0-3. Guevara, 126 lbs of Mazatlan, MEX is 27-6.

Rolando Romero stopped Arturs Ahmetovs in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Romero dropped Ahmetovs twice and the fight was stopped at 1:22 of round two.

Romero, 137 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Ahmetovs, 136 lbs of Delray Beach, FL is 5-1

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 6, 2020) —An exciting lineup of rising stars will enter the ring in undercard action leading up to the highly anticipated rematch between unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury headlining a historic, mega PPV event Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Wilder vs. Fury II Prelims will feature hard-hitting undefeated contender Subriel Matias in a super lightweight showdown against Petros Ananyan, plus super lightweight contender Amir Imam taking on Javier Molina.

Prelims will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT on FS1, ESPNEWS and in Spanish on FOX Deportes and ESPN3. ESPNEWS’ coverage will switch to ESPN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington for a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator in the co-main event. WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” will defend his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima in the PPV featured bout. Plus in the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

A pro since 2015, Matias (15-0, 15 KOs) has stopped every opponent he’s faced in the professional ranks, including three more knockout victories in 2019. The 27-year-old will be fighting in the U.S for the third time on February 22, and the first time in Las Vegas, as he looks for a big 2020 debut. The Fajardo, Puerto Rico native will take on the 31-year-old, Ananyan (14-2-2, 7 KOs), who made his U.S. debut in December 2019, losing a narrow majority decision against Kareem Martin after defeating Arkadi Harutyunyan in April 2019. Born in Abovyan, Armenia and training in Houston, Texas, Ananyan was unbeaten in his first 15 fights after turning pro in 2015.

“I’m very excited for this fight and thankful to my team for giving me this great opportunity,” said Matias. “Just like all of my other fights, I’m going to train to my maximum level, because no matter who the opponent is, we’re all chasing the same dream. I want to thank him for taking this fight, but I won’t let him stand in my way. We’re going to give the fans great action and on February 22, we will know who is the most prepared to win.”

“This is a moment that every boxer dreams about and I can’t wait to demonstrate my skills on a big show,” said Ananyan. “I’m training hard, learning my opponent’s style, his weaknesses and putting together a strategy for fight night. This is a very important fight for me, because with a win I will be able to make my dreams come true. It’s been a long road to achieve my dreams and I’m ready to take another big step on February 22.”

The fighting pride of Albany, N.Y., Imam (22-2, 19 KOs) has resumed his quest for a super lightweight world title. After promotional issues kept him out of the ring for nearly two years following his competitive March 2018 decision loss to Jose Ramirez for the vacant WBC super lightweight title, Imam came back in grand style last November, knocking out Marcos Mojica in four rounds. The Mojica fight was his first under the Top Rank banner, and he’ll return against promotional stablemate Molina (21-2, 9 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympian. Molina went 3-0 in 2019, most recently knocking out Hiroki Okada at 1:05 of the opening round in their ESPN-televised showdown.

“I feel blessed to be fighting on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year,” said Imam. “I am prepared to shine and take full advantage of the opportunity and the exposure. I’ve had a great camp in preparation for this fight. I’m excited to get in the ring and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. Defeating Javier Molina will put myself back in the conversation as one of the top super lightweights in the world.”

“I’m looking forward to fighting in an event as big as this one,” said Molina. “I know I’m facing a tough fighter in Amir Imam, but these are the type of fights that I need to earn a world title shot. I’m excited and ready to make a statement on February 22.”

The action-packed non-televised lineup includes unbeaten prospect Rolando Romero battling fellow unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in an eight-round lightweight fight, plus rising prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. in an eight-round lightweight affair against Matt Conway.

Rounding out the card is sensational 17-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. in a four-round welterweight attraction against Corey Champion, and unbeaten featherweight Isaac Lowe squaring off against Mexico’s Alberto Guevara.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019, including a highlight-reel knockout win on FS1 in April when he stopped Andres Figueroa. A fast-rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, the 24-year-old will look to extend his five-fight knockout streak on February 22. He will take on the 30-year-old Ahmetovs (5-0, 2 KOs), who turned pro in March 2019 and picked up five victories throughout the year. Ahmetovs was born in Riga, Latvia and fights out of Delray Beach, Florida.

The 19-year-old Flores (16-0, 6 KOs) is one of the sport’s rising stars, an amateur prodigy who signed with Top Rank at the age of 16. Already a proven ticket-seller in his hometown of Stockton, California, he will be making his fourth Las Vegas appearance. Last September, he shut out Miguel Angel Aispuro over six rounds on the Fury vs. Otto Wallin undercard at T-Mobile Arena. Conway (17-1, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro whose only defeat came via split decision to Francisco Esparza last October.

Still a senior in high school, the 17-year-old Mielnicki (4-0, 3 KOs) fights out of his hometown of Roseland, New Jersey and turned pro in July 2019 after a stellar amateur career. Mielnicki has shown his immense skill in back-to-back performances on FOX PBC Prelims, stopping Marklin Bailey on the Wilder vs. Ortiz II prelims show on FS2 in November, then defeating Preston Wilson in his 2020 debut in January on FS1. He will take on the 21-year-old Champion, who fights out of Charlottesville, Virginia and has fought three times since turning pro in July 2019.

Lowe (19-0-3, 6 KOs), Fury’s close friend and training partner, is a former Commonwealth featherweight champion who has won five in a row since a 2018 draw against Ryan Walsh for the British featherweight title. A fan-friendly pressure fighter, Lowe was victorious on the undercards of Fury’s last two bouts and hopes to move closer to a world title shot with another win. Guevara (27-5, 12 KOs), a native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, is a two-time bantamweight world title challenger who pushed then-champion Leo Santa Cruz the distance in December 2012. He fought Shakur Stevenson last July on short notice and gave a valiant effort before being stopped in the third round.

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Jamel Herring retained the WBO Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Lamont Roach Jr. at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California.

Herring, 129.8 lbs of Coram, NY won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113 to raise his mark to 21-2. Roach, 129 lbs of Washington, DC is 19-1-1.

“I won {the title} on Memorial Day Weekend and I defended it on Veterans Day Weekend, so it definitely means a lot to all of our troops out there defending our country and still in harm’s way,” Herring said. “This is for ya’ll. I couldn’t lose it on our weekend. It means a lot to still be a world champion.

“Like I said, Miguel Berchelt is considered number one, the best super featherweight in the world. In order to be the best, you have to keep testing yourself.”

Said Roach: “We knew we had to dig down. When I hurt him, all that was on my mind was finishing him. I’m coming into unchartered territory.”

IBF number-one ranked heavyweight Kubrat Pulev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Rydell Booker.

Pulev, 248.4 lbs of Sofia, BUL won by scores of 98-92 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-1. Booker, 248.2 lbs of Detroit is 26-4.

“It’s been eight months from my last fight. I think my opponent was not bad,” Pulev said. “I respect him. It was a very nice fight.

“I controlled the whole fight, and I was the much better boxer. I showed everyone I’m at the world level, and I must fight the winner of Joshua and Ruiz.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. won an eight-round unaimous decision over Aelio Mesquita in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores 133.5 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 16-0. Mesquita of Brazil is 19-5.

Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped Albert Onolunose in round six of a 10-round middleweight bout.

Alimkhanuly dropped Onolunose with a flurry of punches in round six. Onolunose continued by took a pounding and the bout was stopped at 2:31.

Alimkhanuly, 159 3/4 lbs of Almaty, KAZ is 8-0 with four knockouts. Onolunose, 158 1/4 lbs of Calgary, CAN is 24-3-1.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez stopped Fernando Ibarra in the 6th and final round of their featherweight bout.

Ramirez pounded Ibarra, especially to the body until he dropped him in the final round and the bout was stopped at 1:37.

Ramirez, 124 3/4 lbs of Cuba is 1-1 with one knockout. Ibarra, 122.5 lbs of Fairfield, CA is 2-2.

“I have a new trainer, Ismael Salas, and we worked hard in the gym together,” Ramirez said. “What happened in my pro debut is in the past. I am looking forward to a bright future.”

Esquiva Falcao stopped Manny Woods in round three of their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Woods began to bleed from his nose. Falcao continued to beat and batter Woods until the towel was thrown in by Woods’ corner at 2:18 of round three.

Falcao, 160.5 lbs of Votoria, BRA is now 25-0 with 17 knockouts. Woods, 161.5 lbs of St. Petersburg, FL is 16-9-1.

Former world title challenger Amir Imam stopped Marcos Mojica in round four of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Imam dropped Mojica with a left hook to the body.. Seconds later, Imam landed a combination that sent Mojica down in the corner and the bout was stopped at 56 seconds.

Imam, 144 lbs of Albany, NY is 22-2 with 19 knockouts. Mojica, 143 lbs of Managua, NIC is 16-5-2.

“I just have to be consistent at this point in my career. I’m coming back in January, and I need to take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me,” Imam said.

David Kaminsky stopped Travis Jerrig in round two of a scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 26 seconds after a series of unanswered blows

Kaminsky, 162 1/4 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-0 with three knockouts. Jerrig, 162 lbs of Zanesville, OH is 3-4-1.

(Aug. 15, 2019) — Amir Imam, a former super lightweight world challenger known for his explosive knockouts, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

Imam (21-2, 18 KOs) has been out of the ring since March 17, 2018, the evening he challenged Jose Ramirez for the vacant WBC super lightweight world title. He lost via unanimous decision in a brutal toe-to-toe battle to Ramirez, who is currently the unified WBC/WBO 140-pound world champion.

Imam will campaign at either super lightweight or welterweight, and he recently enlisted the services of South Florida-based manager Peter Kahn. He is expected to make his long-awaited ring return later this year.

“I am grateful to have joined the best promotional company in boxing. I have learned a lot from my past fights and have made positive changes that will allow me to succeed as I move forward to my goal of becoming a world champion,” Imam said. “I’m eager to get back into the ring before the end of the year and showcase my skills as part of the Top Rank team. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”

“Amir Imam is a naturally gifted fighter who can best be defined as potential unrealized to this point in his career,” Kahn said. “He has the physical and mental tools to be a world champion. He’s a perfect fit for Top Rank. Whether Amir continues to campaign at super lightweight or welterweight remains to be seen, but the fans will see a rejuvenated, well-prepared Amir who is on a mission to be a world champion.”

Imam, from Albany, New York, knocked out 12 out of his first 13 opponents in the paid ranks, and won an eight-round unanimous decision in 2014 over Yordenis Ugas, who is currently one of the welterweight division’s top contenders. He scored highlight-reel knockouts over Jason Robinson and Fidel Maldonado before being stopped in shocking fashion by Adrian Granados in 2015. Imam rebounded with three consecutive knockout wins before locking horns with Ramirez in a memorable clash at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

New York, NY (April 20, 2019) Former world title challenger Amir Imam, (21-2-0, (18 KOs), has filed a lawsuit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for the immediate release from his promotional agreement with Don King Productions, Inc.

The suit alleges a pattern and practice of unfair and deceptive trade practices that DKP has employed against his fighters over the years. The suit defines “[a]n unfair practice [as] “one that ‘offends established public policy’ and one that is ‘immoral, unethical, oppressive, unscrupulous or substantially injurious to consumers.’” Imam is also suing his former manager Roosevelt “Stacey” McKinley and alleges that McKinley, who was taking 43% from Imam, allegiance was to DKP’s behalf rather than Imam. Also alleged in the complaint is fraud, several violations of the Muhammad Ali Reform Act by DKP including the failure to disclose purse information to Imam while also holding a management agreement with Imam. Imam is seeking over $500,000 in damages and if punitive damages are awarded damages could well exceed $1.5 million dollars.

The 28-year-old Imam has been inactive and not been presented with opportunities to fight since his WBC Super Lightweight World Championship bout against Jose Ramirez on March 17, 2018 in New York, NY. Due to his lack of activity Imam has been dropped from the world rankings not only by the World Boxing Council but also by ESPN.com and Ring Magazine.

The lawsuit is being handled by Boca Raton, FL attorney Carl D. Berry, Esq., “Amir Imam has not fought for over a year. Amir is a world class fighter who is currently not in the rankings for any sanctioning organization due to his inactivity. Considering he has been ready willing and able to fight, and DKP asserts it’s his promoter, this is preposterous. Unfortunately, our lawsuit stems from the same set of circumstances which have resulted in so many other previous lawsuits against DKP.”

“It is our understanding the DKP received $300,000 for Amir’s participation in the championship fight with Jose Carlos Ramirez. Despite the legal requirement that DKP show Amir in writing how much DKP received for Amir’s participation in the bout, as our suit alleges, this was not done. This has been a component of other lawsuits against DKP. Amir walked away from this bout with a check for $29,000 after DKP and his purported managers took their cut of his purse (none of whom held a manager’s license at the time of the bout). Amir walked away with less than 10% of the cut to DKP. You will see this and other allegations in our lawsuit which I personally find to be reprehensible.”

“Fighters put it all on the line in the ring and they deserve, no, justice demands they be treated better than this. The Bible tells us that wages are not credited as a gift but an obligation. We believe fair payment for his services were and are due. Putting everything else aside, this lawsuit is about a 28-year-old man and his right to work, the most fundamental right of any man, that is to earn a living. Yes, there are allegations of fraud and malfeasance within the complaint, and we believe we be able to prove or allegations in a court of law. But a man has the right to work and to receive fair market wages for his craft. We filed this lawsuit, so we can get Amir back to work and he can earn fair market wages for his trade.”

Imam has brought on board veteran boxing manager Peter Kahn to help resume his career.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (June 20, 2018) — The next chapter of Jose Ramirez’s career — this one as a world champion — will occur with a new voice in his corner. After a long and successful partnership with Freddie Roach, Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs) hired Robert Garcia as his head trainer following his unanimous decision victory over Amir Imam on March 17 to win the vacant WBC super lightweight championship.

Ramirez, from Avenal, California, will make his first title defense on July 7 at the Save Mart Center in nearby Fresno against Danny O’Connor (30-3, 11 KOs).

Ramirez worked out for the media Wednesday at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.

This is what Ramirez and Garcia had to say.

Jose Ramirez

On fighting in Fresno as a champion

“I believe the excitement of the people to see me return home as a world champion is going to be huge. Everybody in the Central Valley watched my fight March 17 at Madison Square Garden when I beat Amir Imam to become world champion. I think the excitement and the pride that they’re going to come into the Save Mart Center with is going to make the atmosphere so much better.”

“My goal was to fight in Fresno, to showcase my skills in front of my fans, family, and friends. Once that happened, I was able to headline a show in Fresno, and everything started to fall into place. I’m honored that we’re able to defend the title in Fresno, thanks to Top Rank and the team that worked hard to get this fight done. I’m living a dream.”

On being a big favorite against Danny O’Connor.

“I feel like I have a responsibility as a world champion, so that responsibility helps me stay focused and grounded. This fight will only lead to bigger fights. It’s another step to fighting the big fights.”

On the 140-pound division

“I want to fight all of the champions, but I have to take care of business July 7 against Danny O’Connor first. I am excited to come home and defend my title. It’s going to be a great night for the Central Valley of California.”

Robert Garcia

On working with Ramirez

“I’d met him before. In the amateurs, everyone knew about Jose. I saw him fight in Fresno, and he would come to my gym in Oxnard, spar a few rounds. I’ve known him for a long time, and it’s great to be working with him.”

Ramirez vs. O’Connor will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET. Undercard bouts, including appearances by Central Valley prospect Bryan Lua and heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr., will stream on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Also appearing on ESPN+ in a six-round special attraction will be blue-chip prospect Gabe Flores Jr. of Stockton, California, who signed with Top Rank as a 16-year-old in November 2016, becoming the youngest fighter ever signed by the promotional company.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing and Murphys Boxing, tickets to this world championship event, priced at $150 (floor), 90, $60, $35, $20, and $10, plus applicable fees, are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Save Mart Center box office. For more information and box office hours, visit www.savemartcenter.com

LONDON (14 March, 2018) – Boxing fans have more reason to celebrate this St Patrick’s Day with BoxNation to air Michael Conlan’s ring return on the Jose Ramirez v Amir Imam world title card exclusively live this Saturday night.

26-year-old Conlan enjoyed a successful debut year as a professional in 2017, raking up five wins from five fights, and will now return to the place where it all started on St Patrick’s Day last year, New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist will take on the heavy handed Hungarian David Berna, who has knocked out 14 opponents in his 15 wins, and will be looking to push on again in 2018.

Conlan’s last fight came in December when he beat Argentina’s Luis Fernando Molina via a unanimous points decision over six rounds.

The rising featherweight star is aiming to continue his impressive form and put on a great fight for his fans tuning in live on BoxNation this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to another fantastic night of boxing in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. It will be exactly one year to the day since my professional debut in the Mecca of Boxing. I’m excited and ready to put on a great show for my amazing fans,” said Conlan. “I know, like last year, thousands are travelling over from Ireland to support me for which I’m hugely grateful. There is only one place to be on St. Patrick’s Day this year, and that is The Garden!”

Conlan fights on a card headlined by light-welterweight contenders Ramirez, with a record of 25-0, 16 KOs, and Don King’s fighter Imam, 21-1, 18 KOs, who will compete for the vacant WBC world title.

Both men are renowned for the dynamite in their hands, with 25-year-old Ramirez from Avenal, California, an amateur standout and a 2012 U.S. Olympian, having stopped 76% of his opponents.

He is highly thought of by promoters Top Rank, and since pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford made the decision to move up to welterweight that has opened the gateway for a new generation of fighters to fill the gap at 140-pounds.

“I’m honoured for the opportunity to be able to fight for a world title. Since I was only eight years old, with a few amateur victories under my belt, I started dreaming of becoming a world champion. To have that green and gold belt like all the best fighters in history have. I’m living my dream,” said Ramirez. “I’m ready to work as hard as it takes, to overcome any obstacle and adversity that comes my way. I’ve sacrificed, worked, and challenged myself in a way most can’t imagine. Physically and mentally I’ll be more than ready come Saturday. I started drawing this picture 17 years ago, and I almost have it completed.”

Ramirez might be hoping he is the man for the job but New Yorker Imam, who has an even more impressive knockout percentage of 86%, including his last three fights, will be out to paint his own picture and enters this fight world-rated No. 1 by the WBC.

“I’ll have a really good opponent in front of me, and it’s going to be a good fight,” said Imam. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden, where I come from is a big thing, and it is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m working hard. I was ringside in Fresno for Jose’s last fight, so I know what he brings to the table. I know what I’ve got to do to win this belt. This fight will be a clash of two fighters with a lot of knockouts, and it will come down to who can stand up to that leather. If he does come straight forward, I will box and break him down and stop him. I’m not going to call for a knockout, but if it comes within itself, I am going to take advantage of it. Either way, I will leave that ring with the W.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “It will be a fantastic sporting weekend for the Irish starting with the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday, a possible Grand Slam in the Six Nations on Saturday, all rounded off with one of their own “Fighting Irish”, Michael Conlan, as he steps into the ring at the legendary Madison Square Garden supported by Irish America on St Patrick’s Day. This is a brilliant card with some serious talent on display. Headlined by two ferocious punchers in Jose Ramirez against Amir Imam for the vacant WBC light-welterweight world title, it will be a bill that promises edge-of-the-seat action from start to finish.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) and TV Player for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

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POMPANO BEACH, FLA., March 12, 4:15 pm ET – Amir Imam (21-1, 18 KOs) is in Pompano Beach, Florida, under the auspices of head trainer Stacy McKinley, in final preparations for his March 17 showdown against Jose Ramirez (21-0, 16 KOs) from Avenal, California for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight belt Saturday, March 17, at the The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Imam, 27, rated No. 1 by the WBC, boasts a victory by knockout ratio of 86%, including his last three and five of his last seven. Ramirez, 25, WBC No. 3 ranked super lightweight, has stopped 76% of the opponents he has faced, including four consecutive and eight in his last 10 bouts

“Amir Imam is coming to Madison Square Garden, The Mecca of Boxing, in New York City, to take down not only Jose Ramirez but Bob Arum too!” boasted Imam’s promoter Don King. “I can hardly wait for Saturday night. Start the clock. Tick-tock, tick-tock.” T-minus 124 hours 45 minutes till Ramirez-Imam enter the ring, Saturday night . . .

“Yes sir, March 17 is a big day for me and the stakes are real high for both me and him. It’s the first time I get to fight in the Garden and that’s exciting, knowing that greatness has fought there. It’s the first time I am fighting in a main event and first time fighting for a world title,” said Imam. “It’s what I have been working for my whole life and it’s finally here and I’ve got to take advantage of it.

“He’s kind of tall and long just like me, so it’s like seeing each other in the mirror so it is going to be real interesting and it’s going to be an electrifying fight.”

“Ramirez is a tough fighter – a real tough fighter and we know what we’ve got to do to win this fight. If a knockout comes I will take advantage of it but I am not going in there looking for a straight knockout. I have to fight real hard and get the rounds under my belt just in case. He’s been aggressive but he may not come out aggressive – you never know. I just have to be smart in the ring and adjust to things he will be doing.”

“I can definitely match his power, I can box when I have to, and I can fight. I can do a lot of things. I can do whatever it takes to get the W. A lot of fighters these days can’t do that – they are one-dimensional fighters. If I have to box or if I have to slug I can do it. I think I am the toughest guy in the 140-pund division.

“I can just hear them saying “The New.”

Ramírez vs. Imam will headline a spectacular St. Patrick’s Day boxing extravaganza, The Ramírez – Imam world championship fight will be televised live and exclusively at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN and stream live on the ESPN App at 6 p.m. EDT. It will mark the first time Arum and King have battled each other promotionally on the same card since Miguel Cotto defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight world title on March 12, 2011.

Promoted by Top Rank®, and Don King Productions, in association with Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Ramírez – Imam world championship event are priced at $206, $156, $106, $81, $56 and $31, and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com

For more information visit: www.toprank.com,www.espn.com/boxing;
Facebook facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo,
Twitter twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo
Use the hashtags #RamirezImam to join the conversation on Twitter.

It was a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, but Jose Ramirez showed he was a cut above Mike Reed as he scored a 2nd round stoppage in round 2 of their scheduled 12-round bout in front of over 13,000 fans at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

Ramirez came out firing as he landed hard shots to the body in round one. In round two, he continued his assault and dropped Reed after a barrage of punches. Reed was hurt, and Ramirez jumped on him by continuing to land hard shots and referee Jack Reiss jumped in at stopped the fight.

Ramirez of Avenal, CA is 21-0 with 16 knockouts. Reed of Waldorf, MD is 23-1.

Artur Beterbiev won the IBF Light Heavyweight title with a 12th round stoppage of Enrico Kolling.

Beterbiev dominated the action and won every round as he systematically beat down Kolling. Beterbiev scored a knockdown in round 12 with a hard flurry on the ropes. Beaten and battered, Kolling then took some more vicious shots that was capped off with a right to the head that sent Kolling down again, and the fught was stopped at 2:33 of round 12.

The dominance was shown in the punch stats as Beterbiev landed 322-1111 punches while Kolling was 64-252.

Beterbiev, 174.6 lbs of Montreal is 12-0 with 12 knockouts. Kolling of Germany is 19-2.

Alex Saucedo blitzed Gustavo Vittori in round three of his scheduled ten round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Saucedo was cut over the right eye from a headbutt. In round three, a left hook put Vittori to the canvas. Seconds later a right hand put Vittori on his knees. Saucedo finished the night with a perfect left hook to the jaw and Vittori dropped on his back and the bout was stopped at 1:16.

Saucedo of Oklahoma City, OK is now 26-0 with 16 knockouts. Vittori of Concordia, ARG is 20-3-1.

Maxim Dadashev stopped Clarence Booth in round four of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round four, Booth was deducted a point for spitting out his mouthpiece. Later in the round, Dadashev landed a hard combination of punches and the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Dadashev, 141 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Booth, 140 lbs of Auburndale, FL is 15-4.

Even Torres scored an upset as he won a four-round split decision over previously undefeated Quilisto Madera in a middleweight bout.

Torres took took cards 39-37. Madera took a card 39-37.

Torres, 162 lbs of El Paso, TX is 7-5. Madera, 161.5 lbs of Stockton, CA is 7-1.

Amir Imam tuned up for his Junior Welterweight title bout with a stoppage over Johnny Garcia after round five of their scheduled ten-round bout.

Imam, 144 lbs of Davie, Florida is now 20-1 with 17 knockouts. Garcia, 144.5 lbs of Holland. MI is 19-6-1.

Fernando Fuentes won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Vislan Dalkhaev in a featherweight bout.

In round five, Fuentes dropped Dalkhaev with a right hand.

Fuentes, 124 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 60-53, 59-54 and 58-55, and is now 14-7-1. Dalkhaev, 123.5 lbs of Montreal, CAN is 9-1.

Brian Lua remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Eric Rodriguez in a lightweight bout.

Lua scored a knockdown in the last minute of the fight.

Lua won by scores of 40-35 on all cards.

Lua of Madera, CA is 2-0. Rodriguez of Los Angeles was making his pro debut

James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship in a thriller over hometown favorite and former champion Lucian Bute on Saturday in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

It was the first title defense for DeGale, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist from Britain who went on the road to Boston to win the title earlier this year and chose to defend in hostile territory.

Bute, who was attempting to win back the IBF belt he defended nine times between 2007 and 2012, put on an inspired and gutsy performance in an electric atmosphere to open the new Videotron Centre in Quebec City.  But the unbelievable pace, as well as an arsenal of overhand rights, body shots and combos from the younger DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) proved to be the difference as DeGale prevailed 116-112, 117-111 (twice).

“I’m young and I’m fresh. I’m peaking right now,” DeGale said.  “I’m ready for the best in the world. Credit to Bute – he’s a great champion and believe me, he will be back.”

“Like I’ve said in the past, he is a world-class fighter. I’ve still got things to work on in the next three or four years and I’m going to be my best.”

Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) didn’t look anything like the fighter that lost to Carl Froch in 2012.  But while the 35-year-old stalked the switch-hitting DeGale with a relentless attack, he couldn’t do enough to overpower the supremely active Brit, who threw 524 power punches compared to 278 for Bute.

“I think it was a great fight.  I did my best tonight,” Bute said.  “I think it was a close fight.  He’s an Olympic champion, he’s a world champion.  If the judges give him the decision I respect that. I’ll be back in the gym to work hard and continue to fight.  I think it was a very close fight.  I’m happy with my performance and I’ll be back in the gym to get back in the ring one more time.

“The last three years were difficult for me.  After I lost to Carl Froch that was a very difficult period for me.  I took a break, and now I’m back.  I feel great, I feel healthy and now I have one more chance to be back on the top.

“Maybe a few rounds I waited too much and didn’t put the punches together and I let James fight me.  When I pushed pressure and pushed back I won the round.”

Eleider Alvarez earned a title shot at Adonis Stevenson by winning a 12-round majority decision over Isaac Chilemba in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Alvarez of Montreal won by scores of 118-110, 115-113 and 114-14 and is now 19-0.  Chilemba is 24-3-2.

“I knew I had to finish the later rounds strong, but I believe I did enough to win the fight,” Alvarez said.  “I’m ready to accept the challenge and face Stevenson. To be the world champion, you have to beat the champion. So that’s what I aim to do.”

“I thought I did enough to win it,” Chilemba said.  “But it is what it is. I guess you can call it a hometown decision.”

After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer sat down with Stevenson to get his thoughts on Alvarez-Chilemba and his future.

“It was a close physical fight,” Stevenson said.  “He (Alvarez) won this fight but it was very close.”

“We talk about Kovalev because the WBC still ranks him the No. 1 contender.  I want this fight to happen.  The fans want it to happen.  I said June is perfect for me.  He said ‘OK, June,’ Kathy Duva said ‘No problem, June.’  Then she said on HBO.  I said, ‘Forget about the TVs, let them talk.’  We want the fight to happen.  Let the TVs work together and make it happen.

“I want to fight Kovalev.  That’s the best opportunity for me because I want his titles.  For sure, this fight will happen in June.  I don’t have a problem; my team doesn’t have a problem.  I want this fight in June.

Kovalev is scared.  I talked to him, saw it in his eyes that he’s scared of me.  It will happen, but I know Kovalev is scared.  I want Kovalev.  I’m very hungry to get his titles.”

Adrian Granados foiled the title hopes of previously undefeated Amir Imam by shaking off a 1st round knockdown to come back to win an 8th rounds stoppage in a scheduled 10-round Super Lightweight bout.

Imam dropped Granados with a powerful left hook in round one.  Granados didn’t seemed to fazed after that as he started to land sharp hard combinations and started to push Imam back.  In round seven, Imam was bleeding from his nose and seemed to be wearing down.  That seemed to be true as in round eight, Granados landed a hard combination that rocked his head back and the fight was stopped at 2:34 of round eight.

Granados of Cicero, IL is now 17-4-1 with 12 knockouts.  Imam, who had a mandatory title shot with Viktor Postol is now 18-1.

“It feels great. Once I had him wobbled I was like, ‘you’ve got to get him now. This time you’re not taking it from me.’  It was a flash knockdown. He caught with the right hand, but I was alright. I just popped right up and I knew he was going to try and finish me. We got out of it and went right back to work.”

“I know people might say I shouldn’t have taken this fight, but I needed this fight in between as a tune-up for my next fight because I didn’t want to wait for the six to eight months for the world title shot.

“The key to the fight was my jab, I just didn’t use it enough,” Imam said.  “But that’s the way it goes and I’m going to definitely come back stronger. I wasn’t thinking anything after that first-round knockdown.  I’ve done that many times and didn’t think the fight was over.  I wasn’t surprised at all by the way he came out. I know how he fights. He’s a good fighter and that’s all there is to it.”

Former Colombian Olympian Oscar Rivas scored a 2nd round stoppage over Joey Abell in a 10-round Heavyweight bout.

In round two, Rivas landed a combination on the ropes that set up two flush lefts that slumped Abell on the ropes and a follow up right drilled a prone Abell at 46 seconds of round two.

Rivas of Montreal is 18-0 with 13 knockouts.  Abell of Coon Rapids, MN is 31-9.

Follow all the action from Quebec City, Canada when James DeGale defends the IBF Super Middleweight title against former world champion Lucian Bute.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT  that will feature a Light Heavyweight elimination bout between Isaac Chilemba and Eleider Alvarez-AUTOMATIC BROWSER REFRESH

Round 1 DeGale lands an over hand left

Round 2 Bute lands a body shot..body shot..DeGale counters..Good body shot..left..body shot..shot to head

Round 3 Nice jab from DeGale..Bute lands an uppercut…Good exchange in the middle of the ring

Round 4 Right from Bute..Counter left from DeGale..Cuffing left and uppercut..Left from Bute..left..

Round 5 DeGale cut around his right eye..Bute lands a right hook…Right uppercut from DeGale..

Round 6 Cut caused by accidental headbutt..Jab from Bute..left from DeGale..left uppercut..3 rights..right hook..

Round 7 Right uppercut from DeGale..hard right..right..Left to body from Bute..Jab from DeGale..Body work..jab..Bute lands a left..

Round 8 Trading jabs…Right hook from DeGale..Nice left-right..right…

Round 9 Bute trying to work the body..right to body from DeGale..short right..nice body work..body ..counter right from Bute..

Round 10 Degale lands a combination..Right uppercut…good body work..up-jab..Left From Bute..Good Counter from deGale

Round 11 Nice Jab from DeGale..Straight left from Bute..Left from DeGale..Left from Bute…

Round 12 Trading jabs..body work from DeGale..big over hand left from DeGale..right..

116-112, 117-111, 117-111 JAMES DEGALE

Round 1 Good right from Alvarez…2 nice jabs

Round 2 Alvarez lands a right..Jab from Chilemba..Trading right hands

Round 3

Round 4 Left from Alvarez..Left..Jab..Combination

Round 5 Alvarez working the body..Chilemba lands a counter left hook..Flurry from Alvarez

Round 6 Right from Alvarez..Jab..Right..Chilemba lands a jab…Combination to body

ROUND 7 Right from Chilemba..Counter right from Alvarez…Jab from Chilemba..Jab..left hook..Alvarez wokding the body..Exchnage jabs…Counter right from Chilemba

Round 8

118-110, 115-113 Alvarex…114-114

Round 1 Granados lands a left and left to body…Imam lands a left and a jab…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES GRANADOS…Big right..Right to head..left to body..left and right…Granados in trouble..Counter right from Imam..Right from Granados

Round 2 Right from Granados…4 punch combination..4 jabs from Imam..Good right

Round 3 Uppercut from Imam..2 rights from Granados…Good body shot with the left from Imam..Sharp right..Chopping right

Round 4 Right and left from Granados. Combination from Imam…4 punch combination from Granados..3 punch combination..2 rights from Imam…

Round 5 4 Punch combination from Imam..2 punch combination..Granados working..Body from Imam..Head shot from Granados..right from Imam..Granados lands a right that backs Imam up..left from Granados..

Round 6 Combination from Granados..6 punch combination and a uppercut…Hard 1-2…Good left..Good counter right from Imam..combination…5 punch combination from Granados

Round 7 3 rights from Granados…Left to body from Imam..Left from Granados..Good combination..Blood on the face of Imam..Left from Granados..

Round 8 Granados lands a right…Imam looks tired….BIG COMBINATION ON THE ROPES…AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Abell lands a left to the head..Right to body from Rivas..Counter left from Abell

Round 2 Left and right from Rivas…Hard combination AND A RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ABELL AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Nov. 26, 2015) – Undefeated WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (18-0, 15 KOs) and Adrian Granados (16-4-2, 11 KOs) faced off on Thursday ahead of their 10-round bout on Saturday, Nov. 28, on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME.

The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City prior to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast. In the SHO EXTREME opener, undefeated heavyweight and former international amateur star Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Joey Abell (31-8, 29 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) will defend his belt against former 168-pound champ Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT). In the co-feature, the WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighter Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) will square off with No. 2-ranked Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight world title eliminator for the right to face WBC Champion Adonis Stevenson.

Here is what the SHO EXTREME participants had to say on Thursday:

AMIR IMAM

“I know I’m taking a risk by taking this fight but I’m going to take advantage of this. I really don’t need rest because I’m in the gym anyway. So let’s just get this fight out of the way and I’ll just wait for the world title fight.

“I don’t feel pressure. I know what I jumped into when I got into this professional boxing game, and I have a good team around me. We’re a tight circle and very strong, and when the opportunities come, I’ll be ready to take advantage of it.

“People are talking about me wanting to fight Errol Spence and getting revenge (on a past U.S. Olympic boxing trials loss). I don’t have revenge on my mind. I mean, we could definitely do it when I move up a weight class, but right now I’m focused on a 140-pound title shot. I want that title shot in early 2016 against (current WBC world champion) Viktor Postol.

“(Postol) is a good fighter and he got the title for a reason, but you can’t hide and run for too long and my time is coming next year. You get one defense and then it’s all me. It’s all Young Master.”

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“I would say this is the biggest fight of my career. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m looking forward to a great night.

“(Imam’s) got a lot of tools and he’s very talented. We’ll take it round by round and make adjustments as the fight goes.

“I’ve rebounded well. I’m not satisfied with the way my career has gone and had a lot of bad decisions and management problems. I wasn’t brought along like my opponent was. But it’s helped me grow some thick skin and attributes to why I’m here today.

“I’ve faced tough fighters before and it’s not the first time I’ve been the underdog. I will pull off this upset.

“I’m looking to shock the boxing world on Saturday night.”

OSCAR RIVAS

“My strength is my speed and the way I put pressure on my opponent. So I’m going after (Abell) and will put a lot of pressure on him until he falls.

“I’m so thrilled and elated to fight again on a big stage. I fought on ShoBox in my last fight and it was amazing. It’s so important for me to get seen so I can fulfill my dream and get into the top 10 in my division.

“This is the biggest fight of my career and the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had. I just want to make sure I grab it and look spectacular.”

STACY McKINLEY, Imam’s manager and trainer

“I can’t find anything we need to work on. Amir is strong and technically sound and he’s getting more experienced every time he fights. He’s a devastating puncher. He’s the full package and that’s very tough to find. They don’t come around too often.

“I’d like him to fight Adrien Broner next year. I’d like to fight all the guys and unify all the titles next year. Boxing is going to need a new superstar now that Floyd Mayweather is gone, and we’re not going to wait 15 years to make another one. I think Amir unifies all the titles at 140 and 147, then we’d have our new superstar within 36 months.

“He has to use his jab to win on Saturday. He’s got a beautiful jab, the best jab in boxing. And everything has to come right behind it.”

# # #

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu. Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca, @stormalvarez, @SHOsports,

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2015) –WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (18-0, 15 KOs) returns to face Adrian Granados (14-4-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Saturday, Nov. 28 on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME.

The undefeated Imam is the mandatory challenger to WBC 140-pound champion Viktor Postol, who won the vacant title with a 10th round TKO of Lucas Matthysse in October.

The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City prior to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast. In the SHO EXTREME opener, undefeated heavyweight and former international star Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) will defend his belt against former 168-pound champ Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT).

In the co-feature, the WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighter Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) will square off with No. 2-ranked Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight world title eliminator. The winner earns the right to become the mandatory challenger for WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson.

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu.

One of boxing’s fastest-rising contenders, the 25-year-old Imam has knocked out 15 of his 18 professional opponents since turning pro in 2011. The Albany, N.Y., native is coming off a fourth-round knockout of former world title challenger Fernando Angulo on July 18 on SHOWTIME.

The 26-year-old Granados, of Chicago, has won three fights in a row since a close, split decision loss to undefeated welterweight prospect Brad Solomon on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao PPV last May 2 in Las Vegas. Granados’ only other defeat since 2011 was a majority decision loss to then-undefeated Felix Diaz in 2014. Granados, who holds a draw against former welterweight world champion Kermit Cintron, will move back down to 140 pounds for his bout with Imam.

The Montreal-based Rivas represented Colombia in the 2008 Olympic Games. The 28-year-old is coming off a three-knockdown, first-round TKO of Jason Pettaway on July 26 in his U.S. debut on ShoBox: The New Generation. Rivas returns to the province of Quebec, site of 16 of his 17 bouts, against the 27-year-old Harper, who is 5-1 in his last six fights.

Harper, of Jacksonville, Fla., is coming off a close decision loss to long-time heavyweight contender Chris Arreola on March 13. Harper was knocked down in the first round against Arreola but rallied in an entertaining slugfest.

Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca, @stormalvarez, @SHOsports,

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marcos Reyes in a Super Middleweight bout at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Before the fight there was controversy as usual for a Chavez fight as he weighed in 2 3/4 lbs over the 168 lb limit.

Chavez was outlanded and out thrown but he landed the more telling blows and despite getting cut over his left eye in round nine, he won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93 and is now 49-2-1. Reyes of Mexico falls to 33-3.

McJoe Arroyo won the IBF Jr Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous technical decision over Arthur Villanueva.

Villanueva was cut over his right eye in round six from an accidental headbutt. Villanueva was deducted a point earlier in the fight for an intentional headbutt. The bout was stopped at 2:05 of round ten.

The scores were 97-92 and 98-91 twice for Arroyo, 114 3/4 lbs of Fajardo, PR and is now 17-0. Villanueva, 114 3/4 lbs of Bago City, PHL is 27-1.

Amir Imam scored a crushing 4th round stoppage over Fernando Angulo in a scheduled 10-round Super Lightweight fight.

Imam dropped Angulo with a perfect 1-2 combination that dropped him flat on his face and the fight was over.

Imam, 140 lbs of Pompono Beach, FL is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Angulo, 140 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 28-10.

EL PASO, TEXAS (July 10, 2015) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Amir “Young Master” Imam (17-0, 14 KOs) will take on veteran former world title challenger Fernando “”La Fiera” Angulo (29-9, 16 KOs) in a 10-round WBC super lightweight title eliminator in the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Saturday, July 18, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

The winner of the Imam vs. Angulo scrap will be the WBC’s No. 1 mandatory challenger to the winner of the recently ordered Lucas Matthysse vs. Viktor Postol bout for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title.

One of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects, the 24-year-old Imam has knocked out 14 of his 17 professional opponents since turning pro in 2011. The Albany, N.Y., native is coming off a lopsided 10-round victory over Walter Castillo on April 18 in a bout televised on SHOWTIME.

“I’m excited for the fight. My dream is finally coming true,” Imam said. “This is basically my title shot right here. This is the biggest fight of my career and I know I can’t mess it up. Not everyone gets to make it here, but I get to show the world my talents once again.”

A professional since 1999, Angulo is currently riding a five-fight win streak, with his most recent victory coming in November 2014 via a 10-round decision over Pedro Verdu. The native of Caracas, Venezuela via Ecuador made his U.S. debut in 2006 in a fight televised on SHOWTIME, losing a 12-round decision for the WBA Lightweight Title against Juan Diaz in Arizona.

“I’m excited to face Amir Imam on July 18,” Angulo said. “This is a great opportunity for me to get a huge win on SHOWTIME and in front of the great boxing fans in El Paso. I’m not going to waste this chance.”

Imam vs. Angulo joins a rare afternoon-evening doubleheader as CBS Sports and SHOWTIME combine to televise no less than five fights from the Don Haskins Center in West Texas.

Premier Boxing Champions on CBS will kick-off the action with a doubleheader featuring the U.S. debut of Irish champion Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs), who will defend his Junior Featherweight World Championship against Mexican contender Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event. In the PBC on CBS co-main event, heavyweight contender Chris Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) will return to the ring against Cameroonian heavyweight Frederic Kassi (18-3, 10 KOs).

Later that evening, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING takes center stage as Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) aims for redemption against fellow Mexican brawler Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in his first fight with renowned trainer Robert Garcia in a 10-round super middleweight bout. In the evening’s co-feature, a pair of top bantamweights will put their undefeated records on the line as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

# # #

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezReyes become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

Andrzej Fonfara stopped Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after Chavez could not continue after round nine of a scheduled 12-round Light Heavyweight bout at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Fonfara dominated the action and dropped Chavez for the first time in his career from a perfect left hook in round nine. Chavez tried to fight back but he quit on the stool following the round.

Fonfara, 171 1/2 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 27-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Chavez, 172 1/2 lbs of Culican, Mexico is now 48-2-1-1.

Amir Imam won a 10-round unanimous decision over Walter Castillo in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Castillo was cut around the left eye in round five.

Imam, 140 lbs of Pompono Beach, FL won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 17-0. Castillo, 138 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 25-3.

LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2015) – Popular Mexican superstar and former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and dangerous brawler Andrzej Fonfara participated in the final the final press conference Thursday at Crowne Plaza Hotel LAX, just two days before Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader.
Chavez (48-1-1, 32 KOs) of Culiacan, Mexico, and Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) of Chicago by way of Radon, Poland, will meet in the 12-round light heavyweight main event live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chavez will make his eagerly awaited return to the ring and first start for new trainer Joe Goossen.

Also participating in today’s press conference was undefeated top 10-ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (16-0, 14 KOs), of Davie, Fla., by way of Albany, N.Y. who will put his unblemished record on the line against fellow power-puncher Walter Castillo (25-2, 18 KOs) (25-2, 18 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua, in the 10-round co-feature on SHOWTIME.
On SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT) this Saturday, WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion Oscar Escandon (24-1, 16 KOs), of Tolima, Colombia, will make the first defense of his 122-pound title when he faces undefeated Moises “El Chucky” Flores (22-0, 1 NC, 16 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico.
In the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, Omar “El Businessman” Chavez (32-3-1, 22 KOs), of Culiacan, the younger brother of Chavez, Jr. and son of legendary Julio Cesar Sr., will face Richard Gutierrez (28-15-1, 17 KOs), of Arjona, Colombia, in an eight-round middleweight fight. Also featured on the telecast, time permitting, will be a six-round match between unbeaten Argentine welterweight Fabian “TNT” Maidana, of Santa Fe, Argentina, the brother of former world champion Marcos Maidana, who’ll be opposed by Cory Vom Baur (2-2, 0 KOs), of Vancouver, Wash.
Tickets for the event co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale online at AXS.com.
What the fighters, trainers and executives said Thursday:
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., Former World Champion
“I had a great training camp. I feel better than ever. I am ready for the fight.

“I know that this is a new weight class for me. I realize that Fonfara is very tough and bigger than me, but I am up for the challenge.

“I have worked on my boxing during my one year off, and I am very excited and motivated to get back in the ring.

“I have worked so hard for this fight because I am fighting in a new weight class. I must punch harder, so I have focused on getting stronger during this training camp.

“I have a great chin, I know how to take punches and my conditioning is great. A lot of fighters can take a punch, but I can take multiple punches and not be hurt.

“I think that Andrzej Fonfara is one of the best fighters in the light heavyweight division. Inside of boxing, everyone knows who Fonfara is. He knocked down one of the best boxers in the world in Adonis Stevenson.

“Fonfara is disciplined in the ring, but he doesn’t vary his punches.

“I understand that my dad didn’t want me to take this fight. I had bigger names I could’ve fought, but I think that Fonfara is a great challenge for me and I like the challenge.

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for making this fight happen.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA, World Title Challenger
“I’m prepared very well and I’m ready for this fight. It’s been a great camp like always. I train hard for each fight. I’m a tough boxer who is feeling great. The weight is good and everything is perfect.

“I must put everything into Saturday night and I will win the fight.

“I must look even better than I did against Stevenson. Everyone said I looked good, but I lost the fight. I didn’t want congratulations because I did not win the fight. But this time I will win the fight. I’m ready for a decision or for a knockout.

“I’m ready with a couple of plans. I don’t want to run around the ring, I want to fight tough. I’m going to use my jab and my right hand, which is my best punch.

“I’m not worried about what his father said about not fighting me. Chavez Jr. wants to fight and I will show him that his father was right.

“It doesn’t matter how I win, I want to win this fight and get my rematch with Adonis Stevenson.

“Chavez Jr. is a great fighter. He uses a lot of combinations and has a powerful punch that I must be ready for. I want to show the whole world how good I am when I win this fight on Saturday.

“If I get the chance, I’m going to knock him out. It’s boxing so you never know what will happen. I want to box round-by-round and win this fight.

“I lost the fight with Stevenson but I showed that I was a good boxer. I’m a much smarter fighter now because of that experience. That was a fight at the top championship level.

“It doesn’t matter what Chavez Jr. says at a press conference, we’ll be in the ring Saturday and everything will happen there.

“Fan’s can expect heavy punches, knockdowns and a great fight.”

AMIR IMAM, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m confident going into this fight because of how I train. I have put my heart and soul into this sport since I moved to Florida three years ago. I left everything behind to better myself.

“I’m going to stay smart and composed in there and do everything I can to get the win.

“I don’t feel like I need the knockout to come away with a successful fight. But, you better believe that if there is an opportunity to knock him out, then I will take advantage of it.

“In 2015, I want to become a world champion. This is my breakout year. A lot of people have been buzzing about me. I want to become the WBC world champion, that’s what I’m heading for.

“I know he’s [Castillo] a good opponent, he’s got a great resume, and he’s coming to fight. He has a great record, so that alone shows what he’s capable of. Come Saturday night may the better man win.

“I’ve boxed styles like [his] plenty of times, but you never know, he could come out different Saturday night.

“I’m ready to put on a great show for the SHOWTIME audience.”

WALTER CASTILLO, Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m coming here to fight. I can tell you one thing, Amir Imam made a big mistake by taking this fight.

“I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters; my two losses were by decisions where I feel I was robbed. I’ve fought better fighters than Amir has.

“Come Saturday, I’m going to announce to the whole world that Walter Castillo is here to stay and he’s going to be a world champion.”

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ SR.
“Being in Los Angeles is like being in Mexico for me; I have had many great memories. I became the world champion for this first time here and my son also became the world champion for the first time here, too.

“Julio definitely has a very difficult fight ahead of him.

“If I was Julio’s manager, I wouldn’t have taken this fight. Fonfara is a difficult and tough fighter.

“My son wants to fight fighters of quality and wants credibility in boxing.

“Julio has worked and trained very hard for this fight .He has the capability to win and we expect that it will go very well.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Chavez’ Trainer
“Julio has a window here the next five, six, seven years that he can capitalize on.

“I think he’s left the childish stuff behind, and we’re all guilty of being childish.

“I think that Julio has surprised his father with his determination heading into this fight.
He’s got a left hook to the liver that just sends a shock through your body.

“He’s not soft. He’s a real fighter. I have been around enough fighters to know that he’s a real fighter. Number one, he has the never-say- die attitude in there.

“We’re up against a very well-schooled, blue collar, workmanlike fighter in Fonfara.

“He is an athletic, improvisational fighter, in that you don’t know where everything’s coming from.

“I’ve watched a lot of Fonfara tape, and he pretty much repeats what he does, but he repeats it well.

“This is going to be a battle. You’ve got two contrasting styles and personalities.

“Julio has 51 fights under his belt. He’s no rookie and he comes from a great bloodline. (In the short time I’ve been with him, it has been) more of an association than a dictatorial effort between the two of us.

“Based on former camps, he’s never really extracted himself from comfortable surroundings and put himself in a position where he is completely isolated like he was in Lake Tahoe.”

SAM COLONNA, Fonfara’s Trainer
“Fonfara could turn it up whenever. He could be down on the scorecards and one punch he throws could change someone’s world. He’s proven in the past that he has power in both hands.

“The styles in this fight are perfect for each other. When people ask about the fight I say it could go either way, it depends on who catches the other first.

“I’m looking for Fonfara to dominate, but Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a warrior, he comes to fight, he knows how to go to the body like his father used to, so we’ve been working on all of these strategies.

“A knockout win would be a dream come true to me. That’s what I’ve been looking for all these years. Winning this huge fight would change everything for Fonfara and myself.

“This camp that Andrzej had was the best we’ve ever had. He worked hard, he had time to train and there’s no excuses.

“We’re coming to fight a war. Don’t forget that wars are won by strategy.

“People say to listen to your father. His father told him not to take this fight, but he took it anyway and that was a mistake.

“I see this fight not going past 10 rounds, with us getting the knockout.”

STACY MCKINLEY, Imam’s Trainer
“Amir has always trained very hard, but I did see a change in him in this training camp after the last fight. He has stepped up his training by two levels.

“He learned a lot about his fight against [Fidel Maldonado] under the bright SHOWTIME lights at the MGM Grand.

“Amir is always confident going into each fight, but he made a mistake in the Maldonado fight. He rolled his right hand and forgot about the left hand and was knocked down. He had to pay for his mistakes but it’s all a learning experience, he still has only 16 professional fights under his belt.

“Castillo has a great jab and good combinations. A guy like that throws a lot of punches, but there is a technique to breaking down a fighter like that.

“We can’t spend a lot of time on the ropes, and we must go after his body because his body is weak. Castillo is going to get knocked out on Saturday.

“I think that Amir is going to open up a lot of eyes on Saturday.”

# # #

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara” is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

NEW YORK (April 8, 2015) – Top 10 ranked super lightweight contender Amir Imam (16-0, 14 KOs) will aim to move one step closer to a world title opportunity when he makes his second start of 2015 against fellow power-puncher Walter Castillo (25-2, 18 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, April 18, LIVE on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

In the main event from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez (48-1-1, 32 KOs) faces exciting brawler Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Poland, in a 12-round light heavyweight bout.

One of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects, the 24-year-old Imam has knocked out 14 of his 16 professional opponents since turning pro in 2011. The Albany, N.Y., native is coming off a fifth-round TKO of Fidel Maldonado Jr., in a brawl on Jan. 17 on SHOWTIME that featured five total knockdowns. Imam, currently ranked No. 4 in the WBA and No. 7 in the WBC, touched the canvas for the first time in his career but bounced back and relied on his power to floor Maldonado a total of four times.

“I know Walter is a tough fighter, he comes forward and throws a lot of punches,” Imam said. “But I will figure him out quickly once I get inside the ring. I’m working on a lot of different things for this training camp, lots of tricky moves that are going to excite the fans. It’s great to fight outdoors at StubHub Center and to showcase my talents on SHOWTIME. I’m here to entertain and prove I’m ready for that title shot.”

Castillo (25-2, 18 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua, has won nine straight and KO’d six of his last seven opponents. The 26-year-old has fought mostly in Nicaragua and the only blemishes on his record are a split-decision loss in his pro debut and a controversial 2008 split decision on the road against former world champ Vicente Mosquera in Panama. Castillo, who has knocked out his last four opponents inside of four rounds, will make his second start in the U.S. after winning his American debut via first round TKO last October.

“I’m very excited for this fight. I’ve been training hard for months now and can’t wait for the bell to ring,” Castillo said. “Where I’m from we have a history of great warriors like Alexis Arguello and ?Rosendo Alvarez and on April 18 I’m looking to moving one step closer to adding my name to that list. Imam may be undefeated but I’m ready for a war.”

# # #

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara, is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

Follow all the action LIVE from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as Bermane Stiverne defends the WBC Heavyweight title against undefeated knockout artist Deontay Wilder. The action kicks off at 10 PM ET with a Jr. Welterweight bout between undefeated Amir Imam and Fidel Maldonado Jr. The co-feature will pit undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz and Jesus Ruiz.

12 ROUNDS–WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE–BERMANE STIVERNE (24-1-1, 21 KO’S) VS DEONTAY WILDER (32-0, 32 KO’S)

Round 1 Right from Wilder..1-2..1-2..Left and right from Stiverne..right from Wilder..10-9 Wilder

Round 2 Uppercut from Wilder..Body shot from Stiverne..right from Wilder..right..left hook from Stiverne..left hook from Wilder..left hook from Stiverne ..hard 1-2 from Wilder…Stiverne is hurt…Stiverne falls after the bell and tackles wilder…Stiverne wobbled walking back to the corner.20-18 Wilder

Round 3 Right from Wilder..Good body shots from Stiverne..right from Wilder..30-28 Wilder

Round 4 Body shot from Stiverne..right from Wilder..Stiverne lands a hard left hook..2 hard shts…Body shot from Wilder..good right from Stiverne..jab from Wilder..right from Stiverne…39-38 Wilder

Round 5 1-2 from Wilder..Stiverne lands combo…big right from Wilder…hard 1-2…49-47 Wilder

Round 6 Hard combo from Stiverne..Big left hook.Jab to the body..58-57 Wilder

Round 7 Left right..from Stiverne..right..Jab from Wilder..Big right from Wilder hurts Stiverne..Big uppercut..right from Stiverme…68-66 Wilder

Round 8 Big left and right from Stiverne..right to the bodu…right uppercut..77-76 Wilder

Round 9 Jab from Stiverne…double jab…Jab from Wilder…lead left hook from Stiverne…1-2 from Wilder..jab to the body..jab…87-85 Wilder

Round 10 lead right …left and right from Wilder..left hook..right uppercut from Stiverne…97-94 Wilder

Round 11 jab from Wilder..Stiverne lands a left and right to the body..right to body..left to head…lead right from Wilder..106-104 Wilder

Round 12 2 rights to the body for Stiverne…right to body…uppercut..115-114 Wilder

118-109, 119-108 120-107 for the winner and NEW CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER

Pucnh stats

Stiverne 110-327 Wilder 227-621

12 ROUNDS–WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE–LEO SANTA CRUZ (28-0-1, 16 KO’S) VS JESUS RUIZ (32-5-5, 21 KO’S)

Round 1 2 rights from Ruiz..left from Santa Cruz..Right from Ruiz..Jab from Santa Cruz..right uppercut to the jaw..left hook to the body..Ruiz landing body shots…left hook to live from Santa Cruz..right cross..Jab to body from Ruiz..10-9 Santa Cruz

Round 2 Body shot from Ruiz..Goood oody work from both guys..Nice right from Ruiz..Santa Cruz working the body..left hook..uppercut from Ruiz..Santa Cruz lands an uppercut..body from Ruiz..head shot from Santa Cruz..20-19 Santa Cruz

Round 3 Cut over right eye and nostril of Santa Cruz..Right from Santa Cruz..left hook..right uppercut..right..1-2 from Ruiz…Jab from Santa Cruz..right from Ruiz and body shot..Hard combo from Santa Cruz…30-28 Santa Cruz

Round 4 Santa Cruz getting better..2 jabs from Ruiz..Right from Santa Cruz,,,40-37 Santa Cruz

Round 5 Santa Cruz lands a jab..2 left hooks from Ruiz..Santa Cruz lands a right cross..Clubbing left from Ruiz..2 jabs and a right from Santa Cruz..Nice combination (2 head/2 body)..50-46 Santa Cruz

Round 6 Ruiz lands a counter left hook..59-56 Santa Cruz

Round 7 Santa Cruz lands a left hook to the head..left hook to liver…2 left hooks from Ruiz..sweeping right from Santa Cruz..Hard flurry..Shirt right from Ruiz..Stiff left hook from Santa Cruz…69-65 Santa Cruz

Round 8 Big right rocks Ruiz…Santa Cruz landed relentless…Ruiz trying to fight back but Santa CRUZ CONTINUES TO LAND AND REFEREE KENNY BAYLESS STOPS THE FIGHT…

LEO SANTA CRUZ WINS VIA TKO 8

Punch Stats

Santa Cruz 277-641 Ruiz 120-554

10 ROUNDS–SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS–AMIR IMAM (15-0, 13 KO’S) VS FIDEL MALDONADO JR (19-2, 16 KO’S)

Round 1 Counter left from Maldonado…left to the body..Imam lands a jab…3 lefts…2 good lefts from Maldonado..counter left hook…exchanging body shots..10-9 Maldonado

Round 2 Maldonado lands a jab..good right hook..sweeping right from Imam..Straight left from Maldonado..Jab and right from Imam..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MALDONADO AT THE BELL…19-18 Imam

Round 3 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES IMAM..2 hard rights from Imam…counter left hook..left from Maldonado..left to body…big left buckles Iamm..right hook…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MALDONADO..2 big LEFTS AND MALDONADO GLOVE HITS THE CANVAS…29-26 IMAM

ROUND 4 Body shot from Imam..straight right..Left hook from Imam…39-35 Imam

Round 5 Left from Maldonado…HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES MALDONADO…FIGHT OVER

Punch Stats Imam 87-254 Maldonado 76-242

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 12, 2015) – The fight this Saturday, Jan. 17, between undefeated super lightweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (15-0, 13 KOs) and hard-hitting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (19-2, 16 KOs) will now be for the WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight Championship, it was announced today.

The 10-rounder, which will open the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, will precede two world title bouts on a fight card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions

In Saturday’s highly anticipated main event, hard-hitting WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B.Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, will defend against unbeaten knockout specialist and mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Crowd-pleasing unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs), of Los Angeles, will risk his belt against Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (32-5-5, 22 KOs) in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 3 p.m. PT.

Imam (pronounced “EE-mom”), of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., by way of Albany, N.Y., was an amateur standout and silver medalist at the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials. As a professional, the talented Imam, 24, has mostly had his way; 11 of his fights have ended in the first or second round.

The always-willing Maldonado Jr., 23, had won six straight bouts, five by knockout, before his last outing ended in a third round no contest on Dec. 20, 2014, in Cancun, Mexico.
***

“RETURN TO GLORY”: STIVERNE VS. WILDER, a 12-round fight for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight Championship taking place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated Amir Imam meets Fidel Maldonado Jr. in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight Title. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME® (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

For more information visit www.donking.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BStiverne, @BronzeBomber, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 2, 2015) – Crowd-pleasing WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs) puts his title and unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round bout against Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (33-5-5, 22 KOs). Plus promising world-ranked undefeated junior welterweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (15-0, 13 KOs) will face hard-hitting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (19-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round fight, promising an undercard full of action on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

The Jan. 17 “Return To Glory” fight card co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions is highlighted by a heavy-duty main-event matchup that has stirred the interest of even the most casual sports fan — dangerous defending WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Haiti, against unbeaten mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Tickets for the event are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“2015 is going to be a huge year for boxing and Golden Boy’s opening act in Las Vegas will get things started with a bang,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.

“In addition to Deontay Wilder looking to bring a heavyweight title back to America for the first time in a decade, longtime favorite Leo Santa Cruz and rising star Fidel Maldonado Jr. — electric fighters with significant power — will both appear in separate fights on the undercard, giving boxing fans a chance to see three top stars in action on a single card.”

All-action and two-division world champion Santa Cruz, of Los Angeles, Calif., will be making his fourth defense of the 122-pound title he won with a third-round knockout over Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (37-3-1, 21 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2013. Santa Cruz, 26, is coming off of a second-round technical knockout over Manuel “Suavecito” Roman (17-3-3, 17 KOs) on Sept. 13 at MGM Grand.

Before stepping up a notch in weight, Santa Cruz was the IBF Bantamweight World Champion, winning that belt in June 2012 and making three defenses. An excellent body puncher who is at his best when he keeps up a relentless pace, pressures his opponents and wears them down, Santa Cruz is 7-0 with three knockouts in world title fights.

Santa Cruz, who’s as personable and courteous outside the ring as he is ferocious and determined inside, said, “I feel great about my upcoming fight with Ruiz. He is a strong fighter, undefeated in the past two years and the kind of opponent I want to fight.”

“I want to put on a great show on Jan. 17,” Santa Cruz continued. “And show boxing fans that I am a strong fighter ready to go to the next level and take on the top, tough fighters in the division: Guillermo Rigondeaux, Scott Quigg, Carl Frampton and Abner Mares.”

Jesus Ruiz of, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, retired his amateur status at the tender age of 16. He has won five in a row, including a clear 10-round decision in perhaps a career-best performance over Leonilo “Veneno” Miranda (36-7, 33 KOs) in his most recent start on Nov. 7, 2014.

A professional since November of 2006, the 25-year-old Ruiz will be getting the opportunity of a lifetime in just his third start in the United States (and third outside of Mexico). He won a lopsided eight-round decision over Enrique “Cuate” Quevedo (16-7-1, 10 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2013, in Cabazon, Calif., after losing his U.S. debut on an upset split decision in Tucson, Ariz., in July of 2008.

“I want thank Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME for this great opportunity to fight for the world title,” said Ruiz. “I know many believe I have no chance, but I am well prepared and ready to give my all. I am ready for war and ready to leave it all in the ring like a true Mexican warrior.”

Like the heavyweights in the main event, Albany, New York native, Amir Imam (pronounced “EE-mom”) and Fidel Maldonado Jr., of Albuquerque, New Mexico, are not accustomed to putting in a full night’s work. Between them they have gone the distance only six times in a combined 37 fights.

“Amir Imam is a great kid and a very exciting fighter, and this is going to be a very exciting fight,” said Hall of Fame promoter Don King. “I think Amir is going to be the next Tito Trinidad. He can both box and punch and he is going to be a bad man. I want a title for Amir and this fight with Maldonado is en route to that.”

“This is by far the biggest fight of my career and I’ve got to show the world what I’ve got,” Imam said. “I know that Maldonado is a southpaw and he comes forward and throws a lot of punches. I plan on boxing the kid for 10 rounds, but if the opportunity for a KO comes then I will go get it. I’m not letting anyone take this opportunity away from me. I have worked too hard for it.”

“Maldonado had a great amateur background, he’s very smart and he’s a very good fighter. It’s going to be a great fight,” said Imam’s head trainer Stacey McKinley. “Maldonado’s fought a better class of fighters than Amir but never fought a fighter like Amir and most have not. He’s not strong enough for Amir and Amir will walk straight through him. Amir will be Don King’s next superstar.”

Imam, an amateur standout and silver medalist at the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials, “doesn’t get paid for overtime” in the professional ranks as 11 of his fights ended in rounds one or two.
The 24-year-old has steadily improved as his professional career has progressed and is 2-0 on ShoBox: The New Generation. In what was expected to be his toughest test, Imam knocked out Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan (17-5, 7 KOs) in the second round of his ShoBox debut on April 12, 2013.

Since the Bryan blowout, Imam’s taken a big step up in competition, most notably in his last three fights, beginning with a fourth-round stoppage of then-undefeated Jared “The Quiet Storm” Robinson (14-0) on Feb. 21, 2014, in Cleveland on ShoBox; the following May 10 on a unanimous eight-round decision over Yordenis Ugas (15-3, 7 KOs) (it was Imam’s first fight to go the distance since his pro debut in November 2011); and most recently, last Dec. 13 when he stopped Santos “El Toro” Benavides (23-6-2, 17 KOs) in the sixth round.

Maldonado Jr., 23, is a tough, hard-nosed, aggressive-minded left-hander who’d won six straight, five by knockout, before his last outing ended in a third round no contest against Fernando “Picapiedra” Silva on Dec. 20, 2014, in Cancun, Mexico.

“I have been training hard since my last fight against Fernando Silva, and have had no time off,” said Maldonado Jr. “I am ready to get the job done, and I hope he is ready. My goal is to show fans that I can put on a great show, step up the competition and get ready for a title match one fight at a time.”

The NC stopped some of the momentum Maldonado Jr. had regained in the previous 18 months, since suffering his second pro loss on a disputed 10-round split decision to fellow prospect Michael “The Artist” Perez (21-1-2, 10 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2012, on ShoBox in Indio, Calif. Maldonado Jr. was out-boxed and clearly behind on points early but rallied to floor and hurt Perez badly with the last punch of the hotly contested fight in which Maldonado Jr. felt he was robbed.

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SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER on Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Stiverne vs. Wilder, a 12-round world championship bout for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight World Title, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. Unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated junior welterweight Amir Imam meets Fidel Maldonado Jr. in the co-featured bouts. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

For more information visit www.donking.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BStiverne, @BronzeBomber, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.