MEXICO CITY – January 27, 2025 – Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will look to begin his 2025 in emphatic fashion, as he prepares to take on hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican showdown this Saturday, February 1 as part of a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“Our bags are packed and we’re ready to see everyone in Vegas this week,” said Cruz. “People are eager to see us back in the ring once again and there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than with an all-out Mexican battle!”

The 26-year-old will fight in Las Vegas for the third time as a pro on February 1, including his March 2024 triumph at T-Mobile Arena that saw him knock out the reigning champion ‘Rolly’ Romero in front of legions of Cruz’s passionate fanbase.

“I remember my first time fighting in Las Vegas because it was the culmination of years of hard work,” said Cruz. “Every Mexican fighter wants to fight in Las Vegas and I’m thankful to be coming back. This doesn’t feel much different than that first time and that’s because of all the fans who have shown me love. I’m thankful for them and I want to make them proud.”

In his first fight since losing the title by decision last August, Cruz will begin his run to reclaim the title and hopes that with a win on February 1 he can catapult back to the top of the 140 pound division.

“Saturday, February 1 is a new beginning,” said Cruz. “Fans love these types of fights and that’s who I fight for. We had a strong training camp to be at our best when the bell rings. The goal is to retake our spot at the top and get into more big fights. We’re going to go into that ring in great shape.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LOS ANGELES – November 19, 2024 – Undefeated light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. went face-to-face Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they meet for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference also featured WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., as they meet in a much-anticipated rematch in the co-main event.

Also at Tuesday’s press conference was fan-favorite and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who meets hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican pay-per-view undercard attraction, and rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, who square off in the pay-per-view opener.

**Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on-sale is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come. The two undefeated titans had a heated stare down and engaged in frequent verbal back-and-forths during the event, promising to end their February 1 clash with a knockout.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from The NOVO at L.A. Live:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“Here we are again. I told you that I was going to give you the fights you want to see, and now we’re here. Morrell has been talking about me for a while and disrespecting me. He wanted to make it personal with me, so I’m personally going to break his mouth. That’ll give him something to remember me by.

“These are the type of fighters I want to fight. I want to face guys who think that they’re going to go in there and knock me out. He’s never fought anyone like me and I’m going to show everyone there’s levels to this.

“I want the props that I deserve when I beat the crap out of him. I love that he’s confident. I love facing guys like this.

“He knows what he said and that’s exactly what I needed to get me going for this fight. He thinks he’s big and bad, but he’s nothing. I’m gonna show him who’s the best on February 1.

“It’s not time to play anymore. It’s really time to see who the best David is. I want to show everyone where I stand. I want to take over and show everyone I’m the most ferocious fighter out there.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I’m getting the knockout. 100%. He’s all talk and no bite. He can’t do what he thinks he’s gonna do.

“For a long time I’ve waited for this opportunity to fight Benavidez. On Saturday, February 1

I promise Benavidez and I promise everyone watching, it’s going to be a great fight.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy fight, but nothing is easy in life. I promise that I’m ready to fight.

“Everybody says that Benavidez is the bogeyman and that no one wants to fight him, and I want to face the best. That’s why I went straight for him.

“He has no idea what he’s talking about, but he’s provoking me and now I want to go out there and beat the crap out of him. I’m here now and none of that talk matters.

“This is a huge moment for me. I’m putting everything into this fight on February 1.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I want to fight the best, so shoutout to Fulton for stepping up to the plate. I’m here to fight the best and I’m not overlooking anyone. This is the fight that I’ve been waiting for the last three years and I don’t plan to leave it to the judges this time.

“I learned a lot from the loss. It lit a fire in me that hasn’t been unlit. We both come to fight and I’m excited that the rematch is even bigger and better now on one of the best cards of the year.

“This means everything. I get to get my lick back and give fans another exciting show. It was fun the first time with a controversial decision, but I don’t plan to leave it to the judges. He had trouble with Carlos Castro and I got him out of there in six rounds.

“I’m growing and evolving as a fighter. My fire is burning bigger and bigger. I just want to prove that I’m the best 126-pounder and one of the best fighters in the world period.

“I’m gonna fight my fight. I come forward and I’m aggressive. I have a unique style. This time around I’m just hungry to make a statement. I want to challenge Naoya Inoue, that’s the goal.

“On February 1 he’s gonna see that I hurt him at 122 pounds and at 126 pounds I’m gonna put him away. I’m making a statement and it won’t go 12 rounds.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Round 13 coming soon. I’m thankful that he took the fight again and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“I know how he fights. We’re familiar with each other, and when you are, you know what to expect from your opponent. I expect it to be action-packed again.

“I’m gonna get the job done on February 1 and make any adjustments I have to. I have the power to hurt him. Whoever steps foot in the ring with me going forward will see that.

“People forget who I am. I can do whatever I want in that ring. I have to remind everyone at this point. Can I knock him out? Yes, because he runs into things. There are many ways I know I can beat this guy. On February 1 I will be a two-division world champion. I’m going to make this one look more clear.

“I felt cool in my last fight. Even when I got dropped, I wasn’t hurt. Being at the bigger weight class gave me the extra strength and energy that I need.

“I won the fight, so I don’t really care what anyone says about my last fight. I know that I’m gonna be victorious. I’m bigger and stronger and I’ve learned a lot now. He’s gonna find out.

“I’m here to become world champion again. Trust me.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“This fight means everything to me because it’s Mexico vs. Mexico, and everyone knows what happens when two Mexicans collide. It’s gonna be a war for sure.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity. It’s going to be a great showcase and I can’t wait for February 1.

“I don’t want to be too eager in the ring, I just want to achieve my goal on February 1 and get my hand raised. I’m sharpening my tools so I can be at my best when that bell rings.

“I learn from every fight, so I don’t ever consider a fight a loss. It’s given me the opportunity to look at things from another perspective. I promise that I’m coming back even stronger.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“Rosario is a veteran who’s been champion and knows what it feels like at the top, and that’s what I want. I’m grateful to have a tough opponent and I’m ready to put on a show like always.

“I’m expecting the best version of Jeison Rosario, because he knows his back is against the wall. This fight is going to define his career, and that makes him dangerous. I’m going to prepare for the best Jeison Rosario there could possibly be.

“I’m coming to knock him out. I’ve learned not to leave things up to the judges, so I’m preparing myself for the knockout. I respect him as a fighter and I thank him for the opportunity, but I have to do my job. That’s the way this business goes.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“This fight is even bigger for me than when I won the world titles against Julian Williams. This is going to be a war and a showcase of my best abilities. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“Ramos is a hungry fighter and I took this fight happily because I know it will be exciting. I’ve fixed my mistakes and I’m ready to show Ramos that there’s nowhere to hide in that ring.

“This is the most important fight of my life and the most significant fight of my career. This will catapult me to fight for the world championship again. My story is not over, not yet.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – November 19, 2024 – Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. will meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on sale is scheduled for TOMORROW, Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

“I’m very proud to help deliver this fantastic super fight to the fans,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “The boxing world has been anticipating the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. showdown between these two heated rivals who don’t like each other at all, and now it is here on February 1. The stakes will be high and both fighters will be in great shape, as the winner will be an interim unified light heavyweight champion, as well as the final mandatory for the WBC and WBA titles. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be packed for this Mexico vs. Cuba matchup for the ages.”

“These are two great fighters going against each other in their primes, what could be better?” said Luis DeCubas Sr. of Warriors Boxing. “This is a fight Morrell has wanted for years and we’re very happy that these two great young guys are fighting each other now. It’s gonna be the aggressive boxer in Benavidez against the boxer-puncher in Morrell. It could very easily turn into a Hagler vs. Hearns type of fight, because both guys can punch and aren’t afraid to trade.”

**DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. DAVID MORRELL JR.**

The two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez will step in to face the toughest opponent of his career in the undefeated Cuban sensation David Morrell Jr. in the 12-round main event that will be contested for both Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Championship belt.

The 27-year-old undefeated Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) followed up a standout 2023 campaign by moving up to light heavyweight in 2024 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June that earned him his interim title. Benavidez’s 2023 began with him besting longtime rival Caleb Plant via unanimous decision in a March slugfest before stopping the previously unbeaten two-division champion Demetrius Andrade in six rounds in November. A Phoenix-native who now trains in Miami, Benavidez became the youngest-ever 168-pound world champion at just 20-years-old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the vacant WBC title in 2017. When he was 15 years old, Benavidez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin as a teenager. Benavidez rode a string of six straight knockout victories heading into the bout against Plant, including KOs of former world champions Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux.

“I can’t wait for this challenge on February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,” said Benavidez. “David Morrell Jr. is a great boxer, but come fight night, I will be the better man and show the world why I’m an elite fighter. I always take on the toughest opponents that are willing to step into the ring with me, because I know that I have to prove myself each and every time. When that bell rings, everyone will see that I’m the best fighter in the world.”

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 26-year-old also debuted in the light heavyweight division this year after an extended and successful run at super middleweight, defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision in August to capture his WBA title. Morrell had scored seven-straight knockouts before that fight, including a violent first-round stoppage of Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in April 2023 and a second-round destruction of Sena Agbeko in December of that same year. During his super middleweight run, Morrell won an interim title by dominating the then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Now trained in Stafford, Texas by the legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, Morrell will finally get the opportunity to face a top-flight opponent after calling for the opportunity against Benavidez ever since he arrived stateside and began his professional boxing journey.

“This is the fight the fans have been waiting for, and I’m ready to give them a show they’ll never forget,” said Morrell. “This is two undefeated fighters in their prime, stepping into the ring and giving everything we’ve got. That’s what boxing is all about. Everyone should be getting this pay-per-view, because you’re going to see something special. I believe this will go down as one of the most memorable fights in boxing history and I’m excited to make it happen. I’m knocking David Benavidez out!.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. STEPHEN FULTON JR.**

The 12-round co-main event will see the much-anticipated rematch of a memorable 2021 clash as WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon Figueroa takes on former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. Their first showdown was a super bantamweight world title unification that pitted the relentless forward attack of Figueroa against the slick skills of Fulton, with the bout ending in a majority decision for Fulton (116-112 twice and 114-114).

The 27-year-old Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) was recently elevated to world champion after former champion Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned this May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak to three straight since the first Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“Training is going great and I’m very excited to return on another big fight card against a championship caliber opponent,” said Figueroa. “I expect Fulton to be at his best, but I will go into that ring very prepared to convince everyone who really won the first time. I don’t plan on letting it go to the judges this time around.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) made a successful featherweight debut in September, rising from an early knockdown to defeat all-action contender Carlos Castro by decision. It was Fulton’s first fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m feeling strong and ready to return to the ring on a wonderful pay-per-view card to win my third world title in my second division,” said Fulton. “I expect Figueroa to make it a rough fight, just like he did in the first fight. But everyone saw what happened the first time, so I predict I’ll become three-time world champion and a two-division champion come fight night. Whatever I have to do to get my hand raised, I’ll be ready.”

**ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO**

One of the most popular active fighters from Mexico, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will return to action to face the hard-charging Angel Fierro in a super lightweight duel that marks Cruz’s first appearance in the ring since he lost his WBA Super Lightweight World Championship to Jose Valenzuela via split-decision in August.

Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March as he hurt Rolando Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring on February 1 and in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “I’m facing a real Mexican warrior like myself and I’m excited to give fans the type of fight that they love. It will be a lot more entertaining than my last fight, when my opponent ran all night long and the judges made a terrible decision. This time, I will not leave it up to the judges, because I’m going for the knockout. Fierro and myself are going to show what Mexican style is all about and go toe-to-toe until someone gets knocked out.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Most recently, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. February 1 will mark Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.

“Ever since I turned professional, my dream was to fight in Las Vegas,” said Fierro. “Spending time training with my mentor and idol Erik Morales really taught me how to fight under pressure and now I have the perfect opponent to display those skills against in ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m from Tijuana and we love facing fighters from Mexico City, it’s a tremendous rivalry. On February 1, the fans will be the winners, because I won’t take a step back. I’m coming to knock out ‘Pitbull’ and prove who is the best 140-pounder in Mexico.”

**JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. JEISON ROSARIO**

Rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. will look to make it back-to-back victories when he faces his most accomplished opponent to date in the former unified world champion Jeison Rosario, as they meet in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view action.

After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) returned to the ring in style this May, stopping Johan Gonzalez in round nine to reaffirm his status as a world championship contender. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 23-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m grateful to be back in the ring on February 1,” said Ramos. “I’m facing an experienced opponent in Jeison Rosario who’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. He wants to get back in the mix and I’m preparing to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s exciting to have this platform to display my talent and show how much I’ve grown since my last fight. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and I can’t wait to take my place on that big stage.”

Having faced a who’s-who of top contenders throughout his career, Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) will once again go toe-to-toe with a highly touted foe when he takes on Ramos on February 1. Born in the Dominican Republic and fighting out of Miami, Rosario captured the WBA and IBF 154-pound belts by stopping Julian Williams in his hometown in one of 2020’s biggest upsets, earning the title opportunity by defeating a litany of contenders including Jamontay Clark, Marcos Hernandez and Jorge Cota. After beating Williams, Rosario would go on to lose a three-belt unification against Jermell Charlo in 2020 before also challenging top contenders Erickson Lubin and Brian Mendoza. Most recently, Rosario squared off against former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in August as the two fought to a split-draw.

“I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and I feel blessed to be in this position,” said Rosario. “With Bob Santos in my corner, I’m extremely motivated to get back on top. Ramos is a good fighter, but I’ve faced the best in this sport and I’m going to use all that experience to get my hand raised on February 1.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

A classic boxing rivalry will shape the undercard on June 15 with three Mexico vs. Puerto Rico title fights as Angel Fierro faces Alfredo Santiago for the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title and Yankiel Rivera meets Victor Sandoval for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles – and new Puerto Rico signings Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz continue their pro journeys at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico live worldwide on DAZN – a night topped by the homecoming World title defense of IBF World Jr Welterweight king Subriel Matias taking on Liam Paro.

Fierro (22-1-2 17 KOs) tests the waters up at 140lbs and looks to land a belt in his first fight at the weight. The 25 year old has good memories of fighting in Puerto Rico, where he won his first title with an incredible turnaround KO win over former World champion Alberto Machado – climbing off canvas in the first and second rounds to detonate a left hand in the sixth to win the WBO NABO 135lb belt in a fight he took at late notice. ‘Tashiro’ successfully defended that title four times, most recently in Tijuana in September with a split decision win over Brayan Zamarripa, but now looks to make an impression at 140lbs and aims to do so in impressive fashion.

“I feel very excited to return to the ring and even more so in Puerto Rico, where three years ago I was crowned WBO NABO champion, and what better way than to return against a great rival in Alfredo for another title at 140lbs,” said Fierro. “It will be a great fight, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, where I come to repeat the same story from three years ago but this time much better.”

Santiago (14-2 6 KOs) fights at 140lbs for the second time and returns to action for the first time since landing a first round TKO win over Karl Dargan in Minneapolis in June 2022. The Dominican born, Puerto Rican based 29 year old previously challenged Devin Haney for the WBC World Lightweight title, and that’s the level he wants to reach at 140lbs, starting with a big fight with Fierro on June 15.

“Angel is an excellent Mexican opponent,” said Santiago. “I was born in Moca, a small town in the Dominican Republic, but I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for many years. I have made all my professional boxing career here in Puerto Rico. I am not letting Mr. Fierro come to my second home and beat me. That simply will not happen. Not in front of my people. I see you all on June 15. We are so ready!!”

Rivera (5-0 2 KOs) landed his first titles in his last outing, dominating Andy Dominguez in Orlando to pick up the WBA and WBC Continental Americas Flyweight titles, and on June 15, the Puerto Rican Olympian can add another belt with the WBO Intercontinental also on the line.

“Every time two fighters from Mexico and Puerto Rico step into the ring, great things happen,” said Rivera. “Mexico and Puerto Rico have a long-standing boxing rivalry that has acquired legendary status over the years. I am proud to say that I already belong to that tradition. On June 15, I will have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the Mexico v. Puerto Rico rivalry.

“I face a tough and complicated opponent in Victor Sandoval, who has all my respect and for who I am training accordingly. Most of all, I will have the opportunity to face this great challenge in front of my people. I already can feel the energy that’s going to fill that sold out arena. It will be a true honor to represent Puerto Rico in a fight against a Mexican warrior in front of my people. I feel truly blessed for this opportunity. I would like to thank Matchroom, Mr. Eddie Hearn, DAZN and my manager Mr. Peter Kahn for making this fight possible and for bringing this stellar boxing card to Puerto Rico. We are a country of Boxing. We are going to show it come June 15. Vamos Arriba, Boricua!”

Sandoval (37-4 23 KOs) is entering his 42nd fight just shy of his 27th birthday, and the Mexican fights in his third title fight having previously won the WBC Youth Silver Bantamweight and the WBC International Super-Flyweight titles.

“I would like to thank Matchroom and my team for this great opportunity,” said Sandoval. “Mexico Vs Puerto Rico have always produced great fights and this one is not going to be an exception. Camp for this fight is going great, on June 15, there will be only one winner and that winner will be me. Viva Mexico!”

Unbeaten Puerto Ricans Piñeiro (6-0 2 KOs) and Ortiz (5-0 4 KOs) announced co-promotional deals with Matchroom yesterday, and today they are confirmed for the June 15 card. Piñeiro fights for her first pro titles on the night, taking on Mexico’s Diana Tapia (7-1 2 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas and WBO International Welterweight titles. Ortiz fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks, and does so over six rounds at Super-Lightweight against fellow Puerto Rican Luis Gonzalez (5-2 4 KOs)

“I feel honored to be part of such an important match on June 15 in Manati,” said Piñeiro. “Tapia is a great fighter, and we are training hard to face the best version of her. We’re going to put on a great show. It will be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. One step closer to a World championship match”.

“I am so thankful to my promoter Daniel Otter and the team at Three Lions Promotions and everyone at Matchroom for giving me this title shot,” said Tapia. “I have trained very hard to get where I am and come June 15, I will be taking the belts back home to Mexico with me.”

“We would like to thank Eddie Hearn and everyone at Matchroom for this opportunity, along with the WBA and WBO,” said Tapia’s promoter, Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions. “Diana looks amazing in training, and we are confident she will make short work of Stephanie and become the new WBA Continental Americas and WBO International champion.”

“I am very happy to be fighting in front of my people of Puerto Rico once again, especially this time since I’m fighting on a world stage level event!” said Ortiz.

“June 15 in Puerto Rico promises to be a brilliant night of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event is going to be a war, and with three Puerto Rico vs. Mexico title battles added to the card, this is going to be non-stop action from first bell to last.”

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest 
 
Federico Pacheco Jr. (262lbs)        vs.     Carlos Cardenas (224lbs)
(Los Angeles, California)                          Guadalajara, Mexico             
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins Interim WBC World Featherweight title
 
Sabrina Maribel Perez (125.7lbs)  vs.     Skye Nicolson (125.7lbs)
(Buenos Aires, Argentina)                        (Queensland, Australia)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Featherweight contest
 
Kevin Barron Crespo (125.7lbs)     vs.     Christian Olivi Barreda (125.7lbs)
(Tijuana, Mexico)                                     (Hermosillo, Mexico)   
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBA Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title
 
Erika Cruz (122lbs)       vs.     Melissa Oddessa Parker (122lbs)
(Mexico City, Mexico)  (Spring, Texas)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBO NABO Lightweight title 
 
Angel Fierro (134.5lbs)         vs.     Brayan Zamarripa (134.5lbs)
(Tijuana, Mexico)                            (Baja California, Mexico)

Angel Fierro is hunting down the Lightweight World champions, and wants to showcase his credentials to take on the title holders as he defends his WBO NABO title against Brayan Zamarripa on Friday night (September 15) at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing on Mexican Independence weekend as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.
 
‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.
 
“We’re focused on winning this fight on Friday, and then we’re looking for a World title,” said Fierro. “I’ve been chasing this dream since I was a kid and it’s something that I promised my parents and my daughter. 
 
“I’m excited to be back in Tijuana. It’s been four years since I fought here at home. I’m very excited to have the fifth defense of my title with all my people. 
 
“I’m thrilled to be stepping in the ring, it’s a very big commitment having all my people there. I want to give a good show. I feel very excited and content, I’ve handled pressure well. I’ve been practicing mindfulness and I think we’re heading to a big night. 
 
“I know he’s a brave fighter. When two Mexicans step into the ring it is all-out war, especially on a Mexican holiday. Now he wants to take my title, he must be as hungry as any other boxer fighting for a dream. I think this time the fans will win. It’s motivating to me that another Mexican wants my title, and more motivating knowing that I am now the one being hunted.
 
“It’s all-out war, of that I am sure. I will just get in the ring and do my work; show all the hard work we have done as a team. I can imagine a hard fight but getting my hand raised, and then having another victory and heading to bigger stages in America.” 
 
“I’ve been in with knockout artists before, and it doesn’t scare me one bit,” said Zamarripa. “I’ve been training hard, harder than I ever have in my life. I know he’s a big hitter, brings good things to the table, but I am ready, I’ve been doing this my whole life. I will just go out there and show what I am capable of. 
 
“I’m proud that we’re fighting on Mexican Independence, I’m ready for it and we’ll put on a great show for Tijuana. I don’t know how I will beat him, but I know I am going to come out victorious. After this, we’re going after the best, we want to be ranked in the top ten and that’s what we’re looking for.”
 
Fierro’s clash with Zamarripa is part of a stacked night of action in Tijuana, as Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) returns to action following her epic battle with Amanda Serrano in February and tackles Melissa Odessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title, Rising Mexican talent Kevin Barron Crespo (12-0 9 KOs) tastes ten round action for the first time as he faces Christian Olivo Barreda (20-1-1 7 KOs), Skye Nicolson (7-0) aims to get one step closer to becoming a World champion as she takes on Sabrina Maribel Perez (18-1-1 2 KOs) for the interim WBC World Featherweight title and young Heavyweight Federico Pacheco (4-0 3 KOs) kicks the card off live on DAZN against Carlos Cardenas (4-0 3 KOs).

Matchroom tonight announce four events in the USA and Mexico as part of a stacked second half of 2023 live worldwide on DAZN.

Headline amongst those is the confirmation of the date and venue for the hotly-anticipated Flyweight unification clash between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, which lands at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16.

The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 

Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) will return to the state that he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on hometurf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez, and the 23 year old is excited to be meeting Edwards in the winter.

“I want to thank Matchroom, Teiken and my whole team for making this fight happen,” said Rodriguez. “This fight will allow me to showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I am not only the best Flyweight in the world but one of the best fighters in the world period. 

“I am excited to be back in Arizona where I first became a World champion, and I will be 100 per cent ready to put on a show on December 16 and become unified World champion.”

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adaopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado. 

The 27 year old had a successful debut under the Matchroom banner in June when he saw off spirited Chilean challenger Andres Campos in London, and Edwards is looking forward to proving he is the best in the division on his first fight in America.

“I’m looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest Flyweight World title fights in boxing history,” said Edwards. “It’s the real #1 versus the real #2. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing and my team for getting me in this position, and I’d also like to thank Bam and his team for accepting the fight, and I am really looking forward to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world on December 16 in Arizona.”

One month before that, one of the hottest young fighters in the sport will headline at home for the first time in his blossoming career as Diego Pacheco takes on Marcelo Coceres for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on November 18.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark bodyshot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

That was a second headline turn for the rangy South LA man having previously pummeled Jack Cullen into submission again in four rounds in Liverpool, England in April, and now the 23 year old earns a shorter trip to top the bill, doing so in the shadow of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where he grew up.

“I cannot wait to be headlining at home November 18 at the YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “I am looking forward to making a statement and delivering another great performance for all my hometown fans.”

Standing in Pacheco’s way of another impressive showing at Super-Middleweight is former World title challenger Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs). The Argentine returns to the city of his biggest night, where he met WBO ruler Billy Joe Saunders for the World title in November 2019, and the 32 year old is set to provide Pacheco with the biggest test of his career to date.

“November 18, in his backyard, this is what warriors do,” said Coceres. “I have a lot of respect for Pacheco, he’s a good fighter, but he’s still young and he has time. This is my time now.
I’ve been here before. I’ve been to war. Let’s see how the young boy does when his back is against the wall. 

“I’m bringing everything into this fight. I can’t afford another loss at this point in my career. This is make or break and I’m leaving everything I have in the ring come November 18.”

Back-to-back weekends in September provide plenty of excitement in Tijuana and Orlando.

Angel Fierro continues to hammer on the door for a World title shot, and he’ll look to add more weight to those claims when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zammaripa on Friday September 15 at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico. 

Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.

‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.

“I am very happy to return to my home Tijuana,” said Fierro. “But I am even more excited because I am very close to a World Title fight. I’m very focused on giving a great show to my people.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, for a long time,” said Zammaripa. “I respect Tashiro, but this is my moment. I’m coming to his neighborhood, but this is my territory. Civil War is coming September 15 and I’m leaving with Tashiro’s belt. Viva Mexico.

Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) will return to action on the card following her thrilling battle with Amanda Serrano for the undisputed Featherweight crown in New York in February, and ‘Dinamita’ will look to get back on the path to regaining her World champion status over ten rounds against Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs)

“I am 100 per cent prepared,” said Cruz. “That night the national guard and I will be celebrating our Independence Day with one more victory for the Dinamita!”

The following weekend, a stacked bill takes Matchroom back to Florida and sees World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins takes on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday September 23.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.

“I’m excited to finally be back in action and prove I’m the top dog of the 140lb division,” said Hitchins. “I promise to put on a master class performance on Zepada. This was the guy they were calling one of the top guys in the division, so after this performance this will show I’m ready for anyone.

“We tried waiting for Montana Love, but he found his way out of the fight like I expected his bitch ass would, so it’s on to bigger and better!”

“This is it for me, my last opportunity and a big one,” said Zepeda. “I need to win to stay on track and soon fight for another World title, it’s now or never. I want to thank Matchroom very much for this opportunity, my brother Renee and my manager Rick Mirigian for getting this multi-fight deal worked out. I’ll be ready come fight night.”

The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts. 

WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.

WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.

“Glad to finally get back in the ring, it’s been too long,” said McCaskill. “I’m not going to lie it’s been a bit frustrating but now we are finally here. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for. See you soon Sandy.”

“This fight is everything to me the level of it the best vs. the best in the Welterweight division,” said Ryan. “I respect Jessica massively as a fighter and what she has done in the sport but it’s definitely time for a new era and I believe I am that. 

“It’s my biggest fight and it’s going to be in America, a place I’ve wanted to fight in since I turned pro. It’s been a dream of mine so I can’t wait to make my America debut and fight Jessica. AND THE NEW!”

A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.

Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.

Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line. 

“I’ve learned the significance of rest and patience since my April victory,” said Williams. “This period of down time has allowed my mind and body the proper space to process all of the many lessons I’ve received in my previous 6 bouts. Tremendous advancement has occurred in all areas of my life. September 23 will be a display of brilliance, dedication, and laser focus. Don’t miss it!

“I’m looking forward to fighting on September 23,” said Rolls. “I know that Ammo is coming to fight, but I’m going to do whatever is necessary to get my hand raised at the end of the night. He has never fought anyone as a pro with my experience, and I think that experience will play a big role in me winning this fight.”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and further undercard news for these events will be released soon.

These events are added to a stacked offering from Matchroom on DAZN, with more to come including:

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, Saturday October 7, Sheffield

Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, Saturday October 21, Manchester

Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II, Saturday November 25, Dublin

Angel Fierro stopped Eduardo Estela in round seven of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout in Culiacan, Mexico

In round two, Fierro was deducted a point. In round four, Fierro dropped Estela with a hard right hand. At the end of the round, Fierro dropped Estela again with another right that rolled Estela under the bottom rope.

In round seven, Fierro landed a big flurry that was finished up by a couple of hard left hooks that put Estela down and out at 2:59

Fierro, 134 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 21-1-2 with 17 knockouts. Estela, 134.2 lbs of Montevideo, URU is 14-2.

Eduardo Nunez scored a vicious second round stoppage over Martin Ceyca in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round two, Nunez landed a booming right hand that drilled the jaw of Ceyca and put him flat on his back and the fight was over at 2:14.

Nunez, 130.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 24-1 with all 24 by knockout. Ceyca, 128.8 lbs of Culiacan, MEX is 17-1.

Misael Lopez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Aaron Guerrero in a middleweight fight.

Rodriguez, 162.6 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX won by scores of 78-76 and 77-76 twice and is now 13-0. Guerrero, 161.2 lbs of Culiacan, MEX is 16-2-1.

Francisco Pina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Young in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

Pina, 125.8 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 78-75, 77-75 and 77-76 and is now 6-0. Young, 127.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 9-1.

Criztec Bazaldua made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Bustamante in a lightweight contest.

Bazaldua, 136.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 1-0. Bustamante, 135.4 lbs of Mexico City is 1-1.

Eddie Hearn 
 
“We have a huge card here in Culiacan, live on DAZN around the world. This Mexican adventure has been incredible for Matchroom, some of the best cards we’ve seen from top to bottom and Saturday is no exception. We have a fantastic main event and a deep card with some exciting young fighters. 
 
“What a night in Nottingham when Mauricio Lara beat Leigh Wood to become World champion and he’s a great example of the young talent here that needs to be unearthed and given an opportunity, and all we do as promoters is make great fights and deliver value for fight fans, and these cards see hot prospects and World rated fighters continuously step up and fight the very best in the business.”
 
Angel Fierro – defends WBO NABO Lightweight title against Eduardo Estela
 
“I am delighted to be here in Culiacan. All my fights are guaranteed to be wars. God willing, we come through Saturday, it will out me in a wonderful position to fight for a World title, so I am extremely motivated.
 
“I have fought in many different places in Mexico and it’s nice to become known and to be a favorite with people. I boxed in Mexico City in front of my home fans and that was special, I feel the fans like me and that makes me very happy.
 
“I’m calm, I’m motivated, I’m close to that shot of getting a World title fight. He is confident and I respect him, but it will be a complete war in the ring, and I will be ready to give what I need to give.”
 
Eduardo Estela – challenges Angel Fierro for the WBO NABO Lightweight title
 
“We’re totally prepared for Saturday; it’s a big fight and it’s going to be a war. I hope all the Latin fans enjoy it as when you get two Latin fighters in the ring together you are guaranteed a war and that’s what’s going to happen. 
 
“We’re confident because we’ve trained so well and we’ve put the work in, day in, day out. We have clear objectives, we understand that victory would catapult us to get the big fights, those are what all boxers want so we are so ready.
 
“We’ve studied him, we know he hits hard but can also take a shot, we’re completely ready for it.”
 
Eduardo Nunez – takes on Martin Ceyca over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“It’s a great opportunity and an important one, and I won’t let it pass me by. I’ve prepared really well; I have a great opponent in front of me and I have put the work in and everything is on the table to do what I need to do.
 
“I have no issues with weight, I control it well and I can fight at 126 and 130. I would love the chance in the short term to fight for a World title and I think it’s something I will do very soon. 
 
“I’m just excited to be on such a fantastic card, it’s a small step in my career but I want to show that I am ready and for people to know my name on Saturday.”
 
Martin Ceyca – takes on Eduardo Nunez over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“I want to thank Matchroom and BXSTRS for putting on a show in Culiacan, we could never imagine a show of this magnitude happening here. For Saturday, I feel I belong on this card, and I am ready to perform.
 
“Every show that’s happened here, we’ve always had a great atmosphere and that’s down to the fights being 50-50, and I expect something similar on Saturday, and the fans will be happy.”
 
Criztec Bazaldua – Matchroom’s latest signing making his professional debut
 
It’s an honor to be part of such a great company with Matchroom, it’s the best and it’s truly a blessing. 
 
I have the best trainer in the world in Manny Robles, the best teammates and I think I have the best team around me, I have shared the ring with great pros and amateurs already and I can’t wait for Saturday.
 
Misael Rodriguez – unbeaten (12-0 7 KOs) Middleweight facing Aaron Rocha
 
“It’s a big challenge in front of me but we’re ready for big things. I am taking this year as one to grow and I am hoping to put on a show in Culiacan. 
 
“We have plans and I am looking to do great things with Matchroom, I am proud to be fighting on this card and will give the fans the fight they deserve.”

Angel Fierro has promised to take his headline chance with both hands on Saturday night and launch himself into the World title picture when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Eduardo Estela at Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN.
 
Fierro (20-1-2 16 KOs) defends his belt for the third time and the 24 year old is sitting pretty at #5 in the WBO rankings at 135lbs – no more motivation is needed for Fierro to keep hold of his title and put pressure on the big names at Lightweight to face him next.
 
‘Tashiro’ last defended the strap in October in Mexico City on a card topped by Mauricio Lara in ‘Bronco’s’ last fight before he defeated Leigh Wood in Nottingham to become WBA World Featherweight champion in Nottingham, England last weekend – and Fierro is using his friend’s victory as fuel to land his own dream title shot.
 
“I will show the world that I am a fighter at 135lbs who is ready for them,” said Fierro. “I am looking for my World title shot and ready to hunt the best down. Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Isaac Cruz; they are all on my list to fight next.
 
“I am focused on Eduardo, but once I win, I will have my hand up asking for my opportunity. I’ve been on the same card as Mauricio Lara and he motivates me a lot, knowing that a fellow Mexican friend got his shot and became World champion, and I know my chance will come soon. 
 
“Being another World champion that’s crowned from Mexico would make you a legend like so many of the great fighters from Mexico, and it would motivate the next generation looking to achieve their dreams, by showing that with sacrifice and discipline, your dreams can come true. 
 
“It’s my third defense, I know he is a strong and brave fighter, with a lot of character in the ring. I think he is one of the best fighters I have faced so far, and it’s one of the most important fights of my career so far. 
 
“The moment I knew I would be fighting him, I’ve been watching and analyzing him, because I know it’s a tough test. I think it will be a fight where we trade, we will see in the middle of the ring, looking for our chance. Neither of us want the fight to go to the judges. 
 
“It motivates me even more to fight at home, to be able to put on a great show for the people of Mexico. Everyone knows that Mexican fighters are brave and give everything in the ring, and I think that is what Mexican people and everyone likes to see, that a Mexican fighter goes to the ring and is not afraid of a tear-up.”
  
Eduardo Nunez will provide the co-main event action as he meets unbeaten Jesus Ceyca over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight. KO merchant ‘Sugar’ Nunez (23-1 23 KOs) has won all of his bouts inside the distance, and the 25 year old comes into the bout on the back of a tenth round stoppage win in Culiacan in September, his only fight of 2022. The Los Mochis man will be eager to keep his streak going on March 4, but will need to take the ‘0’ of local man Ceyca (17-0 8 KOs) to do so, who will be on home turf for his first action in 2023 and in his first ten round contest.
 
Elsewhere on the stacked card, 2016 Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez (12-0, 7KO’s) who will take on Aaron Guerrero (10-1-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight, and teenage sensation Yair Gallardo (2-0 2 KOs) is looking for a third straight first round KO and takes on KO artist Bernardo Jimenez (9-1 9 KOs) over six at Light-Heavyweight and the second pro fight for Uzbek Olympian Dilshodbek Ruzmetov (1-0) who meets Jesus Palomares (7-1-1 4 KOs) over eight at Super-Middleweight and there’s a pro debut for Eddie Hearn’s latest signing, Critic Bazaldua. 

Matchroom Boxing returns to Mexico for the latest installment of their popular fight night series on Saturday March 4 at the Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN – headlined by Angel Fierro facing Eduardo Estela.
 
Fierro (20-1-2, 16KOs) defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Uruguay’s once-beaten Estela (14-1, 9KO’s) in what promises to be an explosive main event. The WBO #5 rated Fierro is closing in on a coveted World title shot in 2023, but he must first get by the very dangerous Estela, who is coming off a career best win in November over previously undefeated Ruben Torres. Estela, who is promoted by former great Marcos Maidana who will be attendance on fight night, has a lone loss as a pro against rising Mexican powerhouse Mauricio Lara back in 2019. 
 
“I am very happy to fight again in Mexico with my people,” said Fierro. “I am going to show them that I am ready for a World title, I am preparing for that, and I am excited to return to the ring on March 4.
 
“March 4 is my time to shine,” said Estela. “I’m coming off the biggest victory of my life and I’m ready to deliver another spectacular performance. A win over Fierro puts me right in line amongst the top tier of the 135lb division and there is no way he’s going to stop me from achieving that. 
 
“I know that I am coming into hostile territory, but it’s only going to motivate me more. Fierro better be ready because I’m bringing everything I have.”
 
Eduardo Nunez will provide the co-main event action as he meets Rodolfo Bustamante over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight. KO merchant ‘Sugar’ Nunez (23-1 23 KOs) has one all of his bouts inside the distance, and the 25 year old comes into the bout on the back of a tenth round stoppage win in Culiacan in September, his only fight of 2022. The Los Mochis man will be eager to keep his streak going on March 4, but faces stiff opposition in Bustamante (18-1-1 11 KOs), who will be on home turf for his first action in 2023.
 
“I’m anxious and we’ll prepared,” said Nunez. “I have been working very hard with my team and I’m just waiting for March 4 to arrive.”
 
“I am very happy for this opportunity,” said Bustamante. “I’m going to train really hard, I and won’t let my people from Culiacan down – I’m coming with everything I got.”
 
Rounding out the feature portion of the card will be 2016 Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez (12-0, 7KO’s) who will take on Rafael Ortiz over eight rounds at Middleweight and the much anticipated pro debut of US #1-rated amateur, Criztec Balzaldua, taking on Alejandro Castillo over four at Lightweight.
 
“I feel happy and excited to fight in this great Matchroom card,” said Rodriguez. “It’s great to be fighting in Culiacan, a place I fought twice before and a place where people know boxing and have made me feel right at home.”
 
 2022 was a breakout year for Matchroom south of the border, producing three unforgettable nights of boxing throughout the boxing rich country. 
 
In June, Japanese WBA Super Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi, defended his title against Mexico’s WBA Regular Champion Esteban Bermudez, in an absolute barn burner of a fight. Also on that card, was Rocky Hernandez who became a breakout star, with his savage first round highlight reel knockout over top-rated contender Jorge Castaneda. Reigning WBA 122lb champion Mayerlin Rivas, made her long-awaited return also on the card, defending her title in spectacular fashion over Karina Fernandez.
 
In September, pound-for-pound great, and the reigning Super-Flyweight King, El Gallo, Juan Francisco Estrada, returned home to Hermosillo for the first time since 2019, and won a highly entertaining decision over fellow Mexican Argi Cortes. The win over Cortes set up the long-awaited trilogy with Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez for Estrada, which he won in December. Also on the card, Mexico’s reigning WBA champion Erika Cruz, defended her title over Jelena Mrdjevonich, in a rematch of their title contest from 2021. In an instant classic, and nominee and winner of the 2022 Fight of The Year by numerous boxing publications, South African Sivenathi Nontshinga won the vacant IBF 108lb title over Mexico’s Hector Flores in a contest widely considered one of the greatest in Light-Flyweight history. 
 
Matchroom’s year in Mexico finished off in October, with the much-anticipated homecoming of Mauricio Lara to Mexico City. It was the first time in over two-years the top-rated Featherweight contender saw action in his home city, and he did not disappoint, ferociously stopping former title challenger Jose Sanmartin within three rounds. It was a savage beat down from arguably the sport’s most entertaining fighter and set him up for his first World title shot against Leigh Wood, set to take place February 18 in Nottingham, England live on DAZN.
 
“I cannot wait to get back to Mexico for another great night,” said Eddie Hearn. “We had a fantastic year south of the border in 2022; all our fight nights were thrilling, and I expect to pick up where we left off in March. Fierro is knocking on the door for World title action at Lightweight, and if he can deal with Estela in style, he’ll smash through that door and join the big guns.”
 
Ticket details will follow soon.

Mauricio Lara stopped Jose Sanmartin in round three of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout in Mexico City.

In round three, Lara dropped Sanmartin with a left to the body. Moments later, it was a right hand that sent Sanmartin down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:36.

Lara, 127.4 lbs of Mexico City is 25-2-1 with 18 knockouts. Sanmartin, 126.6 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 33-6-1.

Angel Fierro stopped Jeremy Cuevas in round seven of a scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

It was an action fight and in round two, Cuevas started to swell under his right eye.

In round seven, Fierro began to beatdown Cuevas and he battered Cuevas with about 20 unanswered shots in the middle of the ring, and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Fierro, 135 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 20-1-2 with 16 knockouts. Cuevas, 137.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 14-2.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Leonel Rodriguez in a super lightweight fight.

In round two, Rodriguez was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

Mati, 139.2 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 13-0. Rodriguez, 142 lbs of Aguascalientes, MEX is 11-3-1.

Alberto Mora remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Diego Andrade in a super featherweight1 bout.

In round two, Andrade was bleeding from the nose.

In round eight, Mora landed a left to the body that was followed by a small right hand that sent Andrade to a knee.

Mora, 130.8 lbs of Mexico City won by score of 80-71, 79-72 and 78-73 and is now 4-0. Andrade, 131.8 lbs of Durango. MEX is 14-8-2.

Mauricio Lara makes his return to action against Jose Sanmartin in Mexico City, Mexico on Saturday October 22, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Lara (24-2-1 17 KOs) is back in the ring following a trademark show of heavy artillery in March when he landed the 17^th KO of his career against Emilio Sanchez in San Diego, and ‘Bronco’ is circling the World champions at Featherweight following his stunning upset win over Josh Warrington in February 2021. The 24 year old is itching to pursue a third clash with the IBF king from Leeds after their rematch ended in a disappointing technical draw in September 2021, and Lara knows another big KO win would put his name on everyone’s lips as a ‘must-see’ challenger to Warrington and his fellow belt-holders at 126lbs.
 
Those fights are what Sanmartin (33-5-1 21 KOs) is looking to gain for himself, and the Colombian believes he’s already tested himself against the best in the division when he met Emanuel Navarrete back in June 2018. That was the last time the 25 year old tasted defeat and his seven fight winning streak includes victory in Mexico City where he outpointed David Carmona to pick up the WBA Fedecentro Super-Bantamweight title in August 2021.
 
“I still wish to become world champion, none of what has happened has stopped me from it,” said Lara. “It’s been two years since I last fought in Mexico City, and I am so excited to be back with my people. I want to give them an overwhelming win and to hope I get the promised World title opportunity.
 
“I am more than excited for this opportunity to face a great fighter like Mauricio Lara,” said Sanmartin. “I believe that I have fought the best fighter already at 126lbs which is Navarrete, so I have the experience to beat Lara come October 22. I want to thank my promoter Shane Shapiro and Sean Gibbons for this life changing opportunity. Viva Colombia!”
 
Angel Fierro leads the co-main event as he faces Jeremy Cuevas for the WBO NABO Lightweight title. Fierro (19-1-2 15 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 in the WBO rankings and is looking to cement his place on the cusp of World title action against the Philly fighter. Fierro was held to a split draw in his last outing against Juan Carlos Burgos in San Diego, and the 24 year old will want to get back onto the three-fight KO streak where he picked up and defended the title he puts on the line for the second time.
 
For Cuevas (14-1 10 KOs), this is the chance he’s been waiting for in his career, and the 26 year old returned from a two year absence from the ring with a six round shutout victory in Philly in July, and the southpaw is ready to capitalize on his ‘dream’ shot.
 
“I feel very good, I am happy to return, very motivated, I have done a very good preparation,” said Fierro. “I have not stopped training since my last fight and I want to leave people with a good taste in their mouths after my last fight against Burgos, I was not very happy with the decision and I want to make it clear that I am a great fighter, that I am ready for the big leagues, for a championship, to be World champion and I am very happy to return.
 
“I feel a great commitment to myself to show after the Matchroom fight that I am ready for other things. I am very grateful to life for giving me another opportunity here and to return to the ring this year and I think I feel very confident because of the preparation that I have with Fernando Fernández, with David, with Erik ‘Terrible’ Morales, I am very happy about that, and I am just waiting the day to get back in the ring and put on a great show for the people”.
 
“And I also want to show that I am ready for a Gervonta Davis, a Ryan Garcia, a Lomachenko, a Pitbull Cruz, I am ready for whoever they say, and I want to show in this fight that I am ready for the great fighters. I bring another mentality, after sparring with Devin Haney, the 135-pound absolute champion for the fight against Kambosos, after that I realized that I am a great fighter, that I am ready for the big leagues, and I bring a different mentality.”
 
“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Cuevas. “I have a great team behind me, and I’ve been working extremely hard, waiting for this kind of moment. This is a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to show the world who I am.”
 
Reshat Mati is gunning for his first title as a pro and must see off Mexican opposition in Diego Sanchez Santiago to claim the WBC Silver Youth Super-Lightweight belt.
 
Mati (12-0 7 KOs) has impressed in his dozen dances in the paid ranks, ending seven of them inside the distance, and takes a big step up in Mexico as his first title fight also marks his first over the ten-round distance. ‘The Albanian Bear’ adds a fourth country to his list having boxed in the States, England, and Italy, and he’ll have to fight both the passionate Mexican fans and their man Santiago (19-2 16 KOs) will want the home support to roar him on to make it second time lucky in title fights, having fallen short for the WBC Youth strap in April 2019. 
 
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to fight for my first title as a professional, and I’m going into hostile territory to do it,” said Mati. “Fighting a Mexican fighter in Mexico, I know the crowd will be against me and I know he’s going to be extra motivated fighting on his home turf, but these types of moments motivate me. 
 
“I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid, it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’m ready for a tough fight, to represent my country and bring this title home. It’s Albanian Bear time.”
 
An announcement on the venue and ticket sales will be made soon.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

Angel Fierro shrugged off two early round knockdowns to come back and stop former junior lightweight beltholder Alberto Machado in round six of their 10-round lightweight bout in Salinas, Puerto Rico

In round one, Machado dropped Fierro with a perfect counter right. In round two, it was another right that put Fierro on the deck.

Fierro started turning momentum in round four by working the body, and in round six, he landed a vicious left-right combination hat sent Machado crashing to the canvas. Machado could not beat the count and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Fierro of Tijuana, MX is now 18-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Machado, 136 lbs of Rio Piedras, PR is 22-3.

“I’m happy, I faced a top-notch fighter tonight in Alberto Machado,” said Fierro, who was a three-to-one underdog. “He is world class and dropped me twice. But I am ecstatic that I was able to come back and beat a fighter of his caliber.”

“He dropped me twice in the beginning of the fight,” added Fierro. “When I got back to my corner, I told them, ‘remind me of my daughter.’ Because with this fight I can change her life and that’s exactly what they did after the third round. They motivated me and that’s exactly what I did.”

“We found a lot of gaps in Machado’s game in the sixth round,” stated Fierro. “I took advantage of them and I turned it around. I told you in the interview (before the fight), I didn’t come here to be a tourist in Puerto Rico. I came here to win.”

Ibarra Decisions Cornejo

Alma Ibarra won a eight-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo in a middleweight bout.

Ibarra, 156 lbs of Monterrey, MEX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 8-1. Cornejo, 158 1/2 lbs of Los Angles is 13-5.

“Now the world knows who Alma Ibarra is and what she is made of,” said the victor. “To everyone, I was a stranger. And to fight against someone who is very recognized worldwide in Maricela Cornejo and beat her, this opened many doors for us.”

“I felt very good, very strong, as this is a division that I am not used to,” said Ibarra. “I always fight in lower divisions, we had to go up two divisions to take this great opportunity, and well, I think we were not wrong to take this risk.”

Martinez and Gonzalez fight to Draw

Jose Martinez and Israel Gonzalez fought to a 10-round draw in a super flyweight bout.

Gonzalez took a card 96-94 while two cards read even at 95-95.

Martinez, 117 3/4 of Las Marias, PR is now 21-1-3. Gonzalez, 117 lbs of Las Cabos, MEX is 26-4-1.

“I felt his punches, but I was the superior fighter tonight,” said Gonzalez. “He might have won three rounds but it’s OK. I’m thankful to Puerto Rico and all of the people that gave me an opportunity to be here.”

“I feel happy, satisfied with the work I did,” said Martinez. “I understand that I was fighting against a strong opponent and that I won. I pushed more. I was on top of him, but these things happen in boxing. Now it’s a matter of continuing to train, maintain myself and seek that title opportunity.”

Former world champion Angel Acosta won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight contest.

In Round seven, Acosta dropped Mendoza with a left hook.

Acosta, 114 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 79-72 on all cards and is now 22-2. Mendoza, 113 lbs of Modesto, CA is 17-10-3.

Edwin Valentin stopped Hector Marengo at the start of round five of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Marengo did not answer the bell to start the fifth round, but the official time was 11 seconds.

Valentin, 135 lbs of Salinas, PR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Marengo, 135 1/4 lbs of Arecibo, PR is 7-15-4.

Jose Roman remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Roque Junco.

Roman, 146 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice and is now 11-0. Junco, 146 lbs of Cordobo, ARG is 10-8-1.

Joe Ward avenged his lone professional setback by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Delgado in a light heavyweight fight.

Ward, 173.8 lbs of Moate, IRL won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 3-1. Delgado, 173.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-2.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 17, 2021 – Former world champion Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) of Puerto Rico and rising prospect Angel Fierro (17-1-1, 13 KOs) of Mexico both made weight successfully ahead of their 10-round lightweight fight, the main event of a three-fight card tomorrow, Thursday, March 18 on NBC Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), live from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, P.R.,

In tomorrow’s co-main event, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout. A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. In an eight-round super flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif. Also on the Twitch undercard is an eight-round welterweight fight between Jose “Cheito” Roman (10-0, 5 KOs) and Roque Junco (10-7-1, 6 KOs) and a six-round lightweight battle featuring top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) fighting in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Official weights and officials from Puerto Rico:

Lightweight Fight – 10 Rounds

Alberto Machado – 135.0 lbs.

Angel Fierro – 134.8 lbs.

Referee: Jose Hiram Rivera

Judges: Robin Taylor, Donald Trella, Hernando Steidel

Bantamweight Fight – 10 Rounds

Jose Martinez – 117.8 lbs.

Israel Gonzalez – 117.0 lbs.

Referee: Melba Santos

Judges: Charlie Ruiz, Gerardo Martinez, Hernando Steidel

Light Heavyweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Joe Ward – 173.8 lbs.

Marcos Delgado – 173.6 lbs.

Referee: Jose Hiram Rivera

Judges: Jose Roberto Torres, Charlie Ruiz, Gerardo Martinez

Middlweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Maricela Cornejo – 158.2 lbs.

Alma Ibarra – 156 lbs.

Referee: Melba Santos

Judges: Charlie Ruiz, Gerardo Martinez, Hernando Steidel

Super Flyweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Angel Acosta – 114.0 lbs.

Gilberto Mendoza – 113.0 lbs.

Referee: Jose Hiram Rivera

Judges: Jose Roberto Torres, Gerardo Martinez, Charlie Ruiz

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Jose Roman – 146.6 lbs.

Roque Junco – 146.0 lbs.

Referee: Melba Santos

Judges: Hernando Steidel, Gerardo Martinez, Charlie Ruiz

Lightweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Edwin Valentin – 135.0 lbs.

Hector Marengo – 135.2 lbs.

Referee: Billy Rosario

Judges: Jose Roberto Torres, Hernando Steidel, Charlie Ruiz

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico on NBC Sports Network will be former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell serves as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside.

Catch up on fight week in Puerto Rico ahead of tomorrow’s stacked card, including a look at the Boxing Rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, “The Story of Alberto Machado” with Curran Bhatia and “The Story of Angel Fierro” with Curran Bhatia.

Subscribe to Ring City USA on Twitch for undercard action and an exclusive post-fight presentation following the evening’s main event. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in Puerto Rico or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information. 

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 16, 2021 – Four-division world champion and legendary Mexican boxer Erik Morales, who is the trainer of Tijuana’s Angel Fierro, previewed his fighter’s matchup against Puerto Rico’s Alberto Machado ahead of Thursday night’s Ring City USA main event. On Tuesday afternoon, Morales emphatically told reporters that Fierro will be looking for a knockout when he climbs inside the ropes to write the next chapter of the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry, live from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, P.R., and live on NBC Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The full card, which features six matchups and fighters at different levels in their professional careers, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

In the evening’s co-main event from Puerto Rico, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout. A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. In an eight-round flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif. Also on the Twitch undercard is a six-round junior lightweight battle featuring top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) fighting in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Morales was unable to make the trip to Puerto Rico to be in his fighter’s corner, but he spoke with the media on Tuesday just days before the biggest fight of Fierro’s professional career. Below are highlights from his conversation with the media: 

ERIK MORALES

His assessment of Fierro: “Fierro is always working, always training. He was training to fight a guy very similar to Alberto Machado. Fierro is a fighter worth watching. He’s clean, young and strong. He’s going to give the fans a great fight on Thursday. He is a fighter who fights very well at a distance. He also throws very hard and when he’s throwing punches in bunches, you will see why we took this fight.”

On not being in Angel’s corner on Thursday: “We have been working together for 3 or 4 fights. Sometimes we rotate fighters in our gym because we can’t train them all. It’s been about a year. Fernando Fernandez has been training with me and other fighters with me since 1998 so he is in good hands.”

On Angel’s development: “He has learned a lot with us. When we got him, he used to jump a lot. But now he is better in his offense. He is a great fighter who is very tough. He is very strong.”

On Angel seizing this opportunity: “There are opportunities that don’t come very often. We lost a fight last time that we weren’t supposed to. But in this fight, he has an opportunity that he has to take advantage of, and he will. You’ll see him make the most of it on Thursday.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “We know we are in Puerto Rico so it’s complicated. It’s going to be a tough fight. That’s the tradition because it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. But he is going to come here and beat Machado in his hometown. We trust that the judges will do their job but there’s no doubt about it, we are going for the knockout.”

On Angel’s Mexican style: “We will work based on our ability. Remember that we are Mexican, and we have a different way of boxing. Mexicans fight with more heart and more perseverance.”

On Estrada vs. Chocolatito 2: “It was an interesting fight. Both fighters were active. The 117-111 card was off but the other two were good. It’s been a while since we’ve seen such a great, phenomenal fight.”

On a possible fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mikey Garcia: “Mikey Garcia is a great fighter. Manny Pacquiao is very, very strong though. Pacquiao shows that there are levels to this game. I think that experience will win out and Pacquiao wins.”

On whether he will fight again: “Yes, it’s very possible that you will see me. Maybe Morales vs. Barrera 4.”

Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in Puerto Rico or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 16, 2021 – Ring City USA continues its three-event residency in Puerto Rico this week as it heads to Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas this Thursday to present a stacked evening of boxing action headlined by the next chapter in the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry as Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) of Rio Piedras, P.R., battles Angel ‘Tashiro’ Fierro (17-1-1, 13 KOs) of Tijuana.

The full card, which features six matchups and fighters at different levels in their professional careers, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.  The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S.

In the evening’s co-main event from Puerto Rico, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout. A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. In an eight-round flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif. Also on the Twitch undercard is a six-round junior lightweight battle featuring top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) fighting in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

All fighters have arrived in Puerto Rico ahead of Thursday’s event and below are quotes from the Monday’s media availability:

ALBERTO MACHADO

On the opponent change: “We had a plan for Hector Tanajara. Fierro is a good fighter, he is young. He has a style a little similar to Tanajara but more aggressive. I’ve only watched one of Angel Fierro’s fights and don’t know much about him other than he is a tough Mexican fighter. The truth is that the last-minute change does affect me a little, but this happens in boxing. I am the main event of this big card and I have to do whatever it is for the show to continue even though Tanajara is sick. I have made the commitment to NBC Sports Network, my family, my promoter, and all boxing fans. I have a great team and I am a professional; I have to make adjustments and move on.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “It is very special to fight here and to fight at home in Puerto Rico. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight on NBC Sports Network. I want to demonstrate that I can be a world champion again.”

On the pandemic: “I have been boxing since I was 11 years old so it was good to get time off to rest my body and spend time with my kids.”

On his goal: “Many boxing fans know who I am, now I want to remind them why I was world champion. Those who do not know me will now through NBC Sports and the Twitch app. I also hope to win some new fans. Every boxer wants to be a world champion and then we want to defend the title. Some things are also important – entertain, make weight, be healthy.”

On fighting at 135 vs. 130 pounds: “I think I had great performances at 130 pounds but right now at the lightweight division my weight is good, and my body feels more comfortable. I was Alberto ‘Explosivo’ Machado in the past and I feel that back now at 135. I feel great right now.”

His prediction for Thursday night: “I predict victory, hopefully by knockout.”

On what’s next: “I have an excellent team around me, and they will dictate the next step. I always want to fight the best and hopefully I will have the opportunity to fight for a world title in the near future.”

ANGEL FIERRO

On training camp: “I was preparing for a fight on March 12 and this fight came so I said, ‘let’s go!’”

On taking the fight on short notice: “I had no reservations whatsoever, I am always dieting and watching my weight. I am always training so I jumped at the opportunity to take this fight.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “We know we are in enemy territory being in his hometown. But I have no worries, it’s going to be a war. This fight is going to be a war.”

On facing Machado: “Alberto Machado is an elite fighter. But I have stayed prepared for this opportunity. I am ready to fight.  I have seen him fight before. He has been on my radar because I knew that there was a possibility I would fight him. We studied the (Andrew) Cancio fights. We have been analyzing his strengths and weaknesses, his chin, everything. We are well prepared for whatever he can do.”

On facing southpaws: “I fought six southpaws in the past. They have all been different styles though. I know how to control southpaws. I know how to fight them. My original opponent for my next fight was a southpaw.”

On how a win would change his life: “I can’t think about how my life is going to change beforehand. I am 100% focused and I am sure 100% that I am going to win. Then we can talk about how my life is going to change with my team.”

On whether he’s looking for a knockout: “100%. I can’t promise the knockout, but I can assure you that it’s going to be a war. I am going to look for the knockout like all Mexicans do.”

MARICELA CORNEJO

On training with Buddy McGirt: “It’s been great. I have learned so much from working with him since May. It’s simple and basic things but they are so effective. He has truly brought the best out of me. I understand the game so much more now. I am in there extremely confident with my boxing IQ now and what each punch and movement is really there for.”

On what she learned from fighting Franchon Crews Dezurn: “During the (first) fight, her weight was on me and I could hear my back get injured. I felt paralyzed. I could only jab. I was very green when it came to rules and whatnot. It could’ve been a no-contest because I couldn’t continue but I didn’t know that. The second fight, I was on vacation three days before and I got the call for the fight. I took that fight because I wanted to show everybody and show myself that, ‘dude, I can fight.’ I have heart. I only have four amateur fights, but I can stand toe-to-toe and show them hell, too. Learning the game though, that’s where Buddy McGirt has helped me so much. That last fight showed me that I do belong here. I know what I have, and I know I am worthy to be here.”

On her strategy: “Fighting smart. If she wants to bring it, my right hand will be there to welcome it.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “They will see two women put on a good show. I am super excited to be here in Puerto Rico to win some fans and then eat some mofongo after the fight!”

On women’s boxing: “I am excited to be a part of this movement and what’s to come for these little girls out there. I want to see what impact this has for them – the youth – and then to see what they can do with it.”

On what’s next: “To get this win on Thursday night. This fight is my main focus right now. I think this will be the bloodiest and toughest war of my career. I am getting myself ready for that. Every time I step in the ring, it’s to be a better me. I am not focused on anyone else. I just want to step in there better than the last time.”

JOE WARD

On coming back from his knee injury: “It was tough not knowing where I’d be when I got back on my feet and how long it would take me to get back in the ring, in addition to what long term damage it was going to cause. I was lucky enough that everything went well, and I got back on my feet. I had a good strong mindset that if I put the work in, I would be back fighting soon. It’s been a long, difficult time but I am looking forward to getting back in the ring to showcase my skills.”

On the time away from the ring: “I feel that I am probably a better fighter now. I got to work on things that were my weaknesses over that period of time. I feel more determined and focused to put a show on and be ruthless.”

On a rematch with Delgado: “This was the opponent I wanted from day one. I wanted to put it right. I am 100% focused like I would be for any opponent. He has a number of wins and a bit of confidence. I know my level of fighting is higher than his and that will show on Thursday night. It’s just about me turning up. I told my team I wanted this rematch because I wanted to put this right. I want to go on to bigger and better things in the near future. I take one fight at a time, but I hope it’s a busy year. I’ll keep stepping up.”

On his two fights in Mexico: “It was great to get back in the ring after the injury. The two guys I fought weren’t up to the standard of where I am at, but I went in there ruthless and got them out of there as quickly as possible.”

On what he has to prove: “It’s not so much about what I have to prove but it’s getting opportunities to fight in these big events that are very special to me. I just want to show the people why I was such a good amateur and how it transfers to a professional.”

Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in Puerto Rico or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom.