POMONA, California (July 25, 2022): MarvNation Promotions is delighted to announce that world title challenger Adelaida Ruiz and rising prospects Angel and Nathan Rodriguez have extended their promotional agreements with the company. All three boxers will return on upcoming cards in the very near future.

“It feels amazing to be extending these agreements with our fighters,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “I want to thank each of them for their trust, their loyalty and the hard work that they put in. Adelaida Ruiz will be fighting for a world title soon in September, while Angel and Nathan will continue working hard to achieve that goal as well. This is the beginning of a new era for MarvNation, and we are here to stay.” 

Adelaida Ruiz (11-0-1, 6 KOs) is a native of Los Angeles who debuted as a professional in 2017. Since then, she has remained undefeated in 12 fights. Her only setback is a technical draw against interim world champion Sonia Osorio. After that, Ruiz bounced back with stoppage wins over Nancy Franco and Edith Flores. The 33-year-old was initially slated to face Osorio in a rematch on July 29, but the fight was postponed after Osorio tested positive for COVID. Details for the new date will be announced shortly.

“I’m excited to be signing this extension,” said Adelaida Ruiz. “I like working with MarvNation Promotions. I’ve been given great opportunities with them, and I see more coming. As we’ve grown together within the sport, they have been able to fulfill my dream of fighting for a world title, and there will be more to come.”

Angel Rodriguez (11-1, 8 KOs) is a Mexican-American prospect from Pico Rivera, California. The 22-year-old made his pro debut in December 2018 and has developed an international resume by fighting in Mexico, Costa Rica and in his native country. Rodriguez suffered a small setback in January against Jose Marrufo in his first bid for a regional title, but he bounced back with a thunderous knockout win over Gabriel Gutierrez this past Saturday.

“It feels great signing with the best promotional company in boxing,” said Angel Rodriguez. “They are doing a lot of great things and are giving a lot of fighters an opportunity in this sport. You’ve got to respect that. By the end of this contract, I see myself becoming a world champion and fighting the best out there.”

Nathan Rodriguez (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 17-year-old prodigy who made his professional debut at only 16 years of age back in January of 2021. Since then, he has fought several times in Costa Rica and in Mexico. The 122-pound prospect, who turns 18 next month, will fight stateside for the first time on Aug. 27 at Smith Park in Pico Rivera, California on the next MarvNation Promotions card.  

“I want to thank MarvNation for the opportunity,” said Nathan Rodriguez. “I’m excited for what we have planned in the future. I did all my fights outside of the country because I’m not 18 yet, but I’ll finally be making my U.S. debut on August 27 and I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level.”

# # #

About MarvNation Promotions

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 

For more information, visit www.MarvNation.com. Follow on Instagram and on Twitter @Marvnation_.

POMONA, California (July 23, 2022): Angel “Moreno” Rodriguez (11-1, 8 KOs), the hard-hitting super lightweight prospect of Pico Rivera, California, made quick work of Gabriel Gutierrez (7-14, 5 KOs) of El Paso, Texas by stopping him via second-round knockout in a MarvNation Promotions main event on Saturday evening at the Derby Room in Pomona, California. The fight headlined a card that was streamed live on FITE TV Pay-Per-View.

Rodriguez’s power was evident from the start as he sent his foe to the canvas on two occasions in the first round. Gutierrez was saved by the bell, but only to be dropped again with a knockdown that forced referee Jack Reiss to end matters at :20 of the second round.

“It feels great to come back,” said Angel Rodriguez. “It was the perfect performance for my return, thanks to my new coach. I wasn’t looking for the knockout. I was just trying to look sharp, but the knockout came. We’ve got something big planned in September, and I can’t wait to announce it soon.”

In the co-main event, Raul Salomon (11-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, California defeated Geronimo Sacco (9-5-1, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires, Argentina via knockout at 1:35 of the second round. The fight was scheduled for eight rounds in the super middleweight division, but Salomon only needed two after breaking his opponent down early with vicious hooks to the body and uppercuts to the chin.

In other undercard action:

·      Undefeated flyweight Christian Robles (8-0, 3 KOs) of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico scored a six-round unanimous decision win against rugged challenger Dan Cormier (2-1) of Providence, Rhode Island. Robles won with three scores of 60-54.

·      Lightweight Nolan Ticman (1-0) of Palm Springs, California made a successful pro debut against Keith Carson (0-6-1) of Pomona, California with a four-round unanimous decision win. Ticman won with three scores of 40-36.

·      Avious Griffin (8-0, 7 KOs) of Chattanooga, Tennessee scored a knockout win over Daniel Perales (12-24-2, 6 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in a scheduled six-round welterweight fight. Griffin ended matters at :51 of the second round.

·      Rising welterweight Vlad Panin (14-1, 7 KOs) of Gomel, Belarus scored an impressive knockout win at 1:48 of the second round against Hevinson Herrera (27-21-1, 21 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in a bout originally slated for six.

·      Ruben Islas (6-0, 5 KOs) of Rialto, California scored a knockout win over Christian Renteria (9-13, 8 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a lightweight battle initially scheduled for four rounds. Islas scored two knockdowns before a third knockdown ended matters at 1:30 of the second round.

·      Francisco Rodriguez (6-0-1, 5 KOs) of Jurupa Valle, California and Daniel Olea (13-9-2) of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico fought to a four-round draw in a welterweight battle. One judge had it 58-56 for Rodriguez, while two others had it a 57-57 draw. 

·      Juan Sanchez (4-0, 4 KOs) of Buena Park, Mexico scored a third-round technical knockout win over Emmanuel Tennison (1-3) of Fort Worth, Texas in a scheduled four-rounder in the welterweight division. The fight was stopped at 2:47 of the aforementioned round.

# # #

Rodriguez vs. Gutierrez was a 10-round welterweight fight presented by MarvNation Promotions. The event took place on Saturday, July 23 at the Derby Room in Pomona, California and was streamed live on FITE TV Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

About MarvNation Promotions

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 

For more information, visit www.MarvNation.com. Follow on Instagram and on Twitter @Marvnation_.

Angel Rodriguez (145) vs. Gabriel Gutierrez (146), 8 rounds, welterweights

·      Raul Salomon (162) vs. Geronimo Sacco (159.6), 8 rounds, super middleweights

·      Hector Perez (145.6) vs. Justin Cole (139.8), 4 rounds, welterweights

·      Vlad Panin (149.4) vs. Hevinson Herrera (149.4), 6 rounds, super welterweights

·      Ruben Islas (134) vs. Christian Renteria (132.2), 4 rounds, lightweights

·      Christian Robles (111.2) vs. Dan Cormier (110.2), 6 rounds, flyweights

·      Avious Griffin (146.6) vs. Daniel Perales (146.8), 6 rounds, welterweights

·      Nolan Ticman (139.8) vs. Keith Carson (139), 4 rounds, lightweights

·      Francisco Rodriguez (125) vs. Daniel Olea (123.4), 4 rounds, welterweights

·      Juan Sanchez (146) vs. Emmanuel Tennison (145), 4 rounds, welterweights

# # #

About MarvNation Promotions

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 

For more information, visit www.MarvNation.com. Follow on Instagram and on Twitter @Marvnation_.

POMONA, California (July 18, 2022): Rising super lightweight prospect Angel Rodriguez (10-1, 7 KOs) will face Gabriel Gutierrez (7-13, 5 KOs) of El Paso, Texas in the eight-round main event of MarvNation Promotions’ BoxFest 6 this Saturday, July 23 at the Derby Room in Pomona, Calif.  The event will be streamed live on FITE TV Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

BoxFest 6 is the sixth installment of a year-round series of boxing events presented by MarvNation Promotions that focuses on putting its rising stars in tough, competitive fights. 

“Angel Rodriguez is back and is here to remind everyone why he is a top talent at 140 pounds,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “He wants to show how much he’s learned after his first loss, and I’m confident that everyone will be impressed with his improvement.”

“Fans can also expect a great undercard featuring Raul Salomon and many rising prospects. Don’t miss BoxFest 6 in person at the Derby Room or live via FITE TV Pay-Per-View.”

Rodriguez is a Mexican-American prospect from Pico Rivera, California. The 22-year-old made his pro debut in December 2018 and developed an international resume by fighting in Mexico, Costa Rica and in his native country. Rodriguez suffered a small setback in his last fight by losing against Jose Marrufo in his first bid for a regional title. Nevertheless, he intends to put the taste of defeat in his past for good.

“I’m excited and motivated to be returning on July 23,” said Angel Rodriguez. “I learned a lot from my last fight, and I can’t wait to show everyone a better version of myself. I will leave no doubt that I’m a talent to keep your eye on at 140 pounds. It’s a hot division, and I have a lot to show here, but it all starts with a dominant performance against Gabriel Gutierrez.” 

In the co-main event, Raul Salomon (10-1, 8 KOs) of Long Beach, California will take on Geronimo Sacco (9-4-1, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in an eight-round middleweight fight. 

The following undercard bouts are also scheduled to take place:

·      Hector Perez (0-1-1) of Los Angeles, California will take on Michael De La Cruz (1-1-1) of Jacksonville, Florida in a four-round welterweight bout.

·      Vlad Panin (13-1, 6 KOs) of Gomel, Belarus will fight Hevinson Herrera (27-20-1, 21 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in a six-rounder in the welterweight division. 

·      Ruben Islas (5-0, 4 KOs) of Rialto, California will face off against Christian Renteria (9-12, 8 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a lightweight battle scheduled for four rounds.

·      Christian Robles (7-0, 3 KOs) of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico will return in a six-round flyweight bout against Dan Cormier (2-0) of Providence, Rhode Island. 

·      Avious Griffin (7-0, 6 KOs) of Chattanooga, Tennessee will fight against Daniel Perales (12-23-2, 6 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

·      Nolan Ticman of Palm Springs, California will make his professional debut against Keith Carson (0-5-1) of Pomona, California in a four-round lightweight tilt. 

·      Francisco Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Jurupa Valle, California will put his undefeated record on the line against Daniel Olea (13-9-2) of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico in a four-round welterweight battle.

·      Juan Sanchez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Buena Park, Mexico will take on Emmanuel Tennison (1-2) of Fort Worth, Texas in a four-rounder in the welterweight division.

·      Kyle Erwin (5-0, 2 KOs) of Oceanside, California will kick off the night in a four-round 140-pound battle against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. 

# # #

About MarvNation Promotions

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 

For more information, visit www.MarvNation.com. Follow on Instagram and on Twitter @Marvnation_.

Ryan Garcia stopped former world champion Javier Fortuna in round six of a scheduled 12-round junior welterweight bout at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

In round four, Garcia dropped Fortuna with a left to the body. In round five, it was another hook to the body that put Fortuna down again. In round six, Garcia ended it with….you guessed it, another left hook but this was to the side of the head and the fight was stopped at 1:27.

Garcia, 140 lbs of Victorville, CA is now 24-0 with 19 knockouts. Fortuna, 139.8 lbs of Lo Romana, CA is 37-4-1.

“I want to thank God first and foremost,” said Ryan Garcia. “I know that I performed well for myself. I was crisp, sharp and I stayed in my truth. I didn’t do anything crazy. I know how good of a fighter I am, I just had to put it all together, just like tonight. Fortuna hit hard, he has a hard fist. Like I said when I fight stronger opponents, I box better. Yes, I caught him with a body shot. He thought I was going for the head but I switched it on him. I felt he was going to throw the Luke Campbell shot [the shot that dropped Ryan against Campbell]. I feel like everyone is going to try to hit me with that shot. I hit hard so it doesn’t take much to hurt someone.”

“It felt like [I made] a statement to come back to the timeline I was at. Mental health is a time to reflect on yourself and get better for the future. That’s not weakness, that’s strength! That’s courage! You saw me today when I stepped in the ring. That’s nothing but courage and skill.”

“I felt way better at this weight. I’m not going down to 135 for nothing. But I will fight Tank next if he wants it at 140. I’ll make sure to record all the negotiations so you can’t say I was ducking. I want that fight because it’s going to give me the respect I deserve. I’m never afraid. I have a spirit of competition in me and you’re going to see that come out when I fight Tank and whoop his ass.”

Rocha Decisions Veron

Alexis Rocha won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Veron in a welterweight bout.

Rocha landed 171 of 620 punches; Veron was 72 of 313.

Rocha, 146.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 20-1. Veron, 146 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 19-5-2.

“My strategy for this fight was to go in there and break him down,” said Alexis Rocha. “I knew he was going to be a durable fighter; he gets hit and stays there. Once that happened in the fight I knew he was just going to survive. Training is always great with my team, they’re always pushing me. I went there with a game plan and I followed it the best I could. It feels good fighting in front of a big crowd here at the Crypto Arena. Having my Santa Ana crowd behind me, it made me feel good. Onto the next level now.”

Roach Jr. Decisions Rodriguez

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Angel Rodriguez in a super featherweight bout.

Roach landed 241 of 580 punches; Rodriguez was 120 of 502.

Roach, 129.8 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice and is now 23-1-1. Rodriguez, 129.2 lbs o Barranquilla, COL is 20-2.

“My strategy was to stay tight and keep the pressure on him,” said Lamont Roach Jr.  “We knew it would break him down. He was a tall and lanky fighter so we were watching out for the looping shots. He had a nice 1-2, the ones that landed I let him. He was really good defensively, but if we would’ve kept the punch output higher I would have stopped him. He was very evasive.”

“He’s an amazing fighter, extremely intelligent,” said Angel Rodriguez. “He knows how to work his rival and always keep his composure even when getting hit. In these events it’s them who decide who wins and as an athlete I’d fight him again. We tried to win but he simply came with better preparation and strategy, that’s why he took the victory.”

Jimenez Decisions Sandoval

David Jimenez scored an upset by winning a 12-round majority decision over Ricardo Sandoval in a flyweight bout.

In round seven, Jimenez was deducted a point for holding. In round two, Jimenez dropped Sandoval with a short right hook.

Sandoval landed 249 of 712 punches; Jimenez was 163 off 599, but the knockdown seemed to be the difference in the outcome.

Jimenez, 111.2 lbs of Cartago, CRI won by scores of 114-112 twice and 113-113 is now 12-0. Sandoval, 111.8 lbs of Rosito, CA is 20-2.

“I’m happy and grateful for this new victory,” said David Jimenez.  “We executed our game plan perfectly. In the first 6 rounds it was a lot of movement and aiming. After the 6th round I started to take advantage. My rival was very tough and stubborn. He has a lot ahead of him. I’m going to go home after this victory and spend time with my family then get back into the gym.”

“I felt like I was boxing him correctly so I feel very good,” said Ricardo Sandoval.  “I was also countering him downstairs and upstairs. But you know these things happen. I felt like I won the fight. The people won tonight and got one hell of a fight.”

Omar Collazo won a 12-round unanimous decision over Victorio Saludar in a WBA Minimumweight Elimination bout.

In round seven, each scored knockdowns. Collazo dropped Saludar with a body shot. Saludar answered back by dropping Collazo with an uppercut.

Collazo, 105 lbs of Villalba, PR won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice and is now 5-0. Saludar, 104,2 lbs of Misamia, PHL is 21-6.

“It was a tough fight. I had to use my whole toolbox,” said Oscar Collazo. “My opponent was powerful and experienced; he’s a veteran in the sport. But, thanks to my corner, I got in the ring and fought round by round. A world championship is next. I want to be a champion.”

Diego De La Hoya stopped Enrique Bernache in round four of their 10-round featherweight fight.

De La Hoya dominated the action and in round four, landed a barrage of punches in the corner that forced a referee stoppage at 2:51.

De La Hoya, 126 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 23-1 with 11 knockouts. Bernahce, 125.2 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-14.

“I felt thrilled to be back, said Diego De La Hoya. “I haven’t fought in two years, so I felt great. My opponent was tough. I’ll probably fight again in September. Hopefully, I will fight for a championship soon.”

Miguel Gaona remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Abdiel Padilla in a super lightweight fight.

In round one, Gaona dropped Padilla with a body shot. Seconds later it was another body shot that put Padilla down again for the 10-count at 1:25.

Gaona, 138.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-0 with two knockouts. Padilla, 136 lbs of Caguas, PR is 1-3.

LOS ANGELES (July 13, 2022) – Undefeated boxing phenom Ryan Garcia (22-0, 18KOs) of Victorville, CA, and former two-time world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (37-3-1, 26 KOs) of La Romana, DR hosted their fight week media workout today at EC Young Boxing Gym in Los Angeles,CA. They anticipated 12-round lightweight showdown will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles and will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN. Also in attendance of today’s media activities, was co-main event fighter Alexis “Lex” Rocha (19-1, 13 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA, who will be facing Luis Veron (19-4-2, 9 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Arg. in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABO Welterweight Title. Also, in attendance was Lamont Roach Jr. (22-1-1, 9 KOs) of Washington, DC, who is scheduled for 12-rounds for the WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator against Angel “Humildad” Rodriguez (20-1, 10 KOs) of Barranquilla, COL. Finally, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Nino” Sandoval (20-1, 15 KOs) was onsite to perform for the media as he prepares to take on David “Medallita” Jimenez (11-0, 9 KOs) of Cartago, CRI, in a 12-round fight for the WBA Flyweight Title Eliminator. All fights will take place on Saturday, July 16, and will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN, starting at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.

Below are what the fighters had to say today at their media workouts:

RYAN GARCIA, Undefeated Lightweight Contender:

“I am having a great time. I am supreme confidence. I’ve worked my ass off.”

“This game is about adjustments, you can’t bank on the same thing every day. What matters most that you do the best that you can with the hand you are dealt with in that moment.”

“It doesn’t matter if you are not 100%. We are at the point where that doesn’t event matter. I am at the point that it wouldn’t matter if I am at 65%, I am destroying Fortuna. He cannot beat me. I am levels above him.”

JAVIER FORTUNA, Former Two-Time World Champion:

“I feel very good to be here, very honored, and am happy that I can move my career forward.”

“I feel in good physical condition and I promise I will give the fans a very good fight.”

“Ryan is a good fighter, but we hope that this time around he doesn’t have any excuses not to fight me. I see that he is very focused on another fight instead of focusing on the fight he has this Saturday. And we hope that after I beat him on Saturday he doesn’t have any excuses.”

“When you enter the ring you risk your life. I am risking my life, sacrificing for my children and I promise that I will give him everything I have. I am focused on what I can do to win.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, Welterweight Contender:

“Its been another great camp. They are always grueling, physically and mentally challenging, but it has been great. Shout out to my whole team, Hector Lopez, Cesar Campos, and Robert Villasenor.”

“My opponent is tough, he has never been stopped, and we know he has been in there with many tough opponents. I expect a game opponent on Saturday night.”

“I want to fight who ever has the belts. Errol Spence and Terrence Crawford will retire or move up in weight and those belts will be up for grabs.”

LAMONT ROACH JR., Super Featherweight Contender:

“In this game, the circle of opportunity for a world title shot closes, so for me to get another opportunity like this, it’s just in me to tackle it.”

“I have always been challenged in my career. They were always putting in some guys that come to fight, they weren’t just laying down. But it has built me into the man and fighter that I am now. And the new guys in front of me they aren’t lasting.”

“I feel I am the best and I just need an opportunity to show it. Every time I am in the ring I want to improve and put the division on notice. I’m here.”

RICARDO SANDOVAL, Flyweight Contender:

“Its very cool to fight in Los Angeles in a big stage like the Crypto.com Arena. That is where a lot of historic boxing events have happened, basketball games, so it’s a real privilege to be able to fight there.”

“I just want to thank all the people that supported me, that has been my motivation. I want this fight, I have been waiting for a year, we are fight for a title eliminator. This just gets me closer to a world title shot.”
Tickets for Garcia vs. Fortuna are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $75, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at AXS.com, CryptoArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Garcia vs. Fortuna is a 12-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts, Uncle Bud’s Hemp & CBD – Relax, Recover, Reset, Masculen “It’s a Mentality. Don’t be a man, be the man,” and Gym Shark. The fight will take place on Saturday, July 16 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 23, 2022): The undercard for Garcia vs. Fortuna promises a night full of action at the historic Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, July 16, as Orange County’s fan favorite, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (19-1, 13 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA takes on Baltimore’s Samuel “Unbelievable” Kotey (23-3, 16 KOs). The 10-round welterweight fight will serve as the co-main event for Garcia vs. Fortuna. Also, on the DAZN live stream, Lamont Roach Jr. (22-1-1, 9 KOs) of Washington, D.C., is scheduled for 12-rounds for the WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator against Angel “Humildad” Rodriguez (20-1, 10 KOs) of Barranquilla, COL. Opening up the live stream, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Nino” Sandoval (20-1, 15 KOs) will take on undefeated fighter David “Medallita” Jimenez (11-0, 9 KOs) of Cartago, CRI, in a 12-round fight for the WBA Flyweight Title Eliminator. All fights will take place on Saturday, July 16, and will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN, starting at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Ahead of that, The Golden Boy Fight Night: Garcia vs. Fortuna Prelims will stream on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page. The card will be headlined by Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10 KOs) of Mexicali, MX, in a 10-round featherweight fight against Enrique Bernache (24-13, 12 KOs) of Guadalajara, MX. Next, Los Angeles’ Miguel Gaona (2-0, 1 KOs) will look to add another victory to his record when he faces Jonathan Guzman (0-5) of Aguada, PR, in a 4-round lightweight fight. Finally, Lawrence King (11-1, 9 KOs) of San Bernardino, CA will fight in a scheduled 6-round super middleweight fight against an opponent yet to be confirmed. Additional fights and opponents will be announced shortly. 

“At this point in my career, it doesn’t matter who my opponent is, all that matters is continuing to knock opponents out and my personal growth as a fighter,” said Alexis Rocha. “No opponent can dictate how my career moves. I carry the power to control my own destiny and career. July 16th is another opportunity for me to take control of my destiny and to continue climbing to the top of the sport. I can’t wait to share a card with Ryan in a place so close to home — Los Angeles. I’m ready to put on a show. Thank you to Golden Boy and all of my fans for the continued support.”

“To be showcased as the co-main event in one of the biggest fight cards of the year in the biggest arena in Los Angeles, is a huge opportunity for me,” said Samuel Kotey. “I promise my fans I will not disappoint them and on July 16, everyone will know who Samuel Kotey is.” 

“Just in case the division forgot about me I’m putting them on notice on July 16,” said Lamont Roach Jr. “This is my opportunity to get closer to a world title shot and I am going to win and put on an impressive performance.”

“This is my chance to prove that I am an elite level fighter worthy of a world title shot,” said Angel Rodriguez. “Winning the WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator will prove I have what it takes to go the distance in this sport and one day call myself a world champion.” 

“I am excited for this fight because I will be fighting in the biggest arena in my hometown,” said Ricardo Sandoval. “This is a big opportunity for me to show my fans, friends, and family all the hard work I have put in to get here. This fight is for a title eliminator, I am ready to fight for a world title next and on July 16 I will prove it to the world.” 

“I am ready for a challenge on July 16,” said David Jimenez. “I will be fighting to keep my undefeated record, earn a place in the rankings, and be a step closer to a world title shot after I win the WBA Flyweight Title Eliminator. This is my chance and I will do everything in my power to be declared the winner on July 16.” 

Tickets for Garcia vs. Fortuna are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $75, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at AXS.com, CryptoArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Garcia vs. Fortuna is a 12-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, July 16 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

GLENDALE, Ariz. —David Benavidez was looking for a challenge. He didn’t get one. David Lemieux never had a chance.

Benavidez continued to show why he ranks as perhaps the most avoided fighter in boxing since Antonio Margarito.

He’s feared, more feared now than he was before he walked through a roaring crowd at Gila River Arena, up the steps and through the ropes. Fear came in combos, all more reasons to avoid the unbeaten super-middleweight.

The deadly delivery in a Showtime blowout Saturday night included early body punches. Then, there was a lethal uppercut, the first of what was an incoming storm.

One after another, he left Lemieux bloodied, dazed and defenseless. At the end of the first, Lemieux slumped along the ropes. In the second, Benavidez knocked the Canadian through the ropes with a blinding succession of punches.

Early in the third, it was over. At 1:31 of the round, it was stopped. Lemieux was led to his corner and placed on his stool, looking like an accident victim. He showed courage. But it was futile, if not foolish.

Above all, it was another reason to be wary of the Phoenix fighter, especially if you’re Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo. Nobody knows what Canelo Alvarez plans to do next. He plans to choose between a rematch with Dmitry Bivol or a third fight with Gennadiy Golovkin in September.

“I’m waiting for them to sign the contract,’’ Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) said in the immediate aftermath of the carnage. “Them bitches know what’s up.”

A beating is up, if Saturday night is a reliable guide. Lemieux (43-5, 36 KOs), a former middleweight champion, was overmatched in every way. He was just too small. Yet, his evident courage and world-class experience indicated he might have a chance.

But he didn’t, a warning sign to all the super-middleweight champions and contenders.

“I think we can make some of those fights — Plant or Charlo or David Morrell — happen, maybe by the end of the year,’’ Benavidez said during the post-fight news conference.

With the victory, Benavidez won the World Boxing Council’s so-called interim title. It could be significant, but that depends on Canelo. It’s supposed to lead to a mandatory shot at the WBC’s real title, which Canelo still holds.

But a mandatory shot at Canelo is an illusion, according to Benavidez promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.

“Forget Canelo,” Lewkowicz said. “Plant, Morrell and Charlo are the ones we’re talking about. Canelo isn’t going to fight Benavidez.

“He’s never going to fight the world’s real super-middleweight champion.’’

Yoelvis Gomez, Dominates, wins one-sided Decision

Yoelvis Gomez fled Havana and escaped to Guatemala on a raft. It was a perilous journey. Gomez had only his will, wits and fast hands.The wit and will are still there.