LAS VEGAS – April 4, 2019 – Three undefeated prospects making their ShoBox: The New Generation debut all made weight, as did their opponents, at the official weigh-in for Friday night’s Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Top 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo (16-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout in the ShoBox main event, while super featherweight Xavier Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round co-featured attraction. In the telecast opener, Las Vegas prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Baltimore’s Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Super Bantamweight 10-Round Bout

Angelo Leo – 123 lbs.

Neil John Tabanao – 122 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas); Judges: Glenn Trowbridge (Las Vegas), Patricia Morse Jarman (Las Vegas), Lisa Giampa (Las Vegas)

Super Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Xavier Martinez – 131 ¾ * lbs.

John Moralde – 131 ½ * lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks (Las Vegas); Judges: Adalaide Byrd (Las Vegas), Tim Cheatham (Las Vegas), Ricardo Ocasio (Las Vegas)

Contracted weight is 131 pounds.

Super Featherweight 8-Round Bout

Andre Cortes – 132 ¼ * lbs.

Jahmal Dyer – 130 ½ * lbs.

Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas); Judges: Kermit Bayless (Las Vegas), Patricia Morse Jarman (Las Vegas), Glenn Trowbridge (Las Vegas)

Contracted weight is 132 pounds.

FINAL QUOTES:

ANGELO LEO:

“I’ve been in Vegas for about two years and training at Mayweather’s gym. I’m from Albuquerque and it’s a good fight town. We have some champions there, including Austin Trout and others.

“My style is a unique style – it’s a boxer-puncher style. I would say my style is really versatile. I can also punch if I need to – it depends on how my opponent fights.

“In my 122-pound division I have a good height advantage and I’m one of the taller guys. I’m best at 122. It’s tough to make weight, but this is the best weight for me.

“This is my national TV debut but there’s no pressure. I’ve been visualizing this moment since I was a kid.

“My opponent is no pushover. He’s got some power in his punch, so I have to be careful with that. I do watch a little video of my opponents. I think Tabanao is a good fighter, he’s a smart fighter. He’s a counterpuncher, he comes to fight, he comes to win. I’m ready for whatever he brings.”

NEIL JOHN TABANAO:

“My style is come-forward and aggressive. My style always depends on my opponent and what he shows me.

“I’m excited to be in America to continue my career but this is a Mayweather Promotions fight and a lot of people will be watching. So overall it’s great for my career.

“I know [Leo] is good because he knocked out my teammate, Glenn Porras.

“My mother passed away in December at age 48 from stage 5 kidney disease. I am dedicating this fight to her.

“The first time I was ever knocked down it was a double knockdown, but I got up and the other guy [Charlie Pucdol] didn’t. At least I won the fight.”

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“I’m an action-packed fighter. I’m a very slick, skilled boxer and improving with each step. It’s a great fight for me and I can’t wait to get in there.

“It’s more than a fight, you have to sell yourself out there. I’m from a good fight town in Sacramento, but I knew I would have to move to Vegas to step up against the best.

“I’ve watched a lot of Floyd and Diego Corrales. I was born in 1997 so I was 3 or 4 years old when I started watching those guys.

“With this game, it’s patience. And one thing I’ve learned from Floyd is to be patient. He says get it done the right way, and don’t rush. Because that’s when you mess it up.

“I’m an exciting fighter and I like to throw and mix it up in there.

“I want to make this a statement fight. If I don’t get him out early, because he’s tough, then I’m going to beat him down.

“I’ve fought on TV before so this is my third TV fight. So the lights won’t distract me. This is my job and it’s all part of the territory. So I can’t worry about all the lights and hoopla.”

JOHN MORALDE

“I’m a southpaw with a lot of experience and had more than 300 amateur fights with 270 wins.

“It’s a great step-up fight for me. I respect my opponent and know he’s going to bring it.

“Boxing has always been a big part of my family’s life and I’ve been boxing since I was six years old. Four of my siblings are boxers and one is a professional.

“The guys who I have sparred with are bigger than me so I’m fully prepared to go in there and take care of business.

“I was impressed with Xavier Martinez. He’s a good fighter, as all fighters at this level are skilled. He puts nice combinations together. We have formulated our game plan and I am very confident of my outcome on fight night and that I will be leaving Las Vegas victorious!”

ANDRE CORTES

“I’m mean and I’m aggressive. I’m an animal. I’m here to mess things up and destroy people.

“I’ve taken care of myself through this training camp and I’m motivated to continue climbing and making a name for myself.

“I’m a quiet guy outside the ring. I’m smart and intelligent outside the ring, but also inside the ring. Growing up all we knew was how to bang. But I’ve matured a lot.

“I’ve sparred some tough guys, including Gervonta Davis. That’s when Floyd [Mayweather] saw me and wanted to sign me so we did it.

“I’m an aggressive counter-puncher and I can take a shot. I’ve been especially working on my defense. My brother Luis is in my corner and he was a decorated amateur and won the Gold and Silver Gloves. Now he’s focused on helping me. He never turned pro, but I’ve seen the things he’s done and learned from them.

“I think people will remember me after I knock this guy out in my backyard. It’s gonna be something you don’t want to miss!

“Fighting in Vegas has been a dream come true for me. When I fought for the first time at the Mandalay Bay I almost cried.”

JAHMAL DYER

“He’s just another guy I’m stepping into the ring with. He’s nothing special.

“I’m a boxer with a strong right; look it up and you’ll see the video.

“I took some time off of my full-time job to get ready for this.

“With my last loss, I lost focus. My opponent did what he was supposed to do. But I rebounded and learned from my mistakes. It will only make me better in the future.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LAS VEGAS – April 1, 2019 – Unbeaten 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo and Filipino Neil Tabanao talk training camp just days away from their ShoBox: The New Generation main event showdown Friday, April 5 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox tripleheader co-feature will see unbeaten super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against experienced Filipino John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout and undefeated Mayweather Promotions’ 130-pound prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) facing Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Leo, (16-0, 8 KOs), who started boxing at the age of eight, has dreams of emulating his biggest boxing inspiration, Roberto Duran, by one day becoming a world champion. He draws inspiration not only from Duran’s aggressiveness in the ring, but also from his tactical fighting style. The 24-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M. has sparred with elite boxers such as Leo Santa Cruz, Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire, and Tomoki Kameda and assures he is more than prepared to withstand Tabanao on April 5.

Tabanao, 25, made his pro debut in 2012 in his home country of the Philippines. He will make his television debut this week as he looks to move up the super bantamweight ranks. Tabanao won the WBO Oriental Featherweight Title in 2016 with a third-round technical knockout of Ibrahim Balla to then lose it to former 122-pound world champion Issac Dogboe. He suffered two consecutive defeats after losing to Dogboe but has admirably rebounded by winning his last four bouts.

Here is what the fighters had to share ahead of their matchup:

On what they know about their opponent:

Leo: “Tabanao is definitely not a pushover. He has 17 wins and 11 of those by knockout, so we definitely know that he can punch. I’ve seen a video of him, he likes to counter off the high guard. He’s fought a former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, and went the distance with him. So, he is a tough competitor for sure, but I think with my boxing and ring IQ, I can get the victory.”

Tabanao: “Angelo Leo is a good fighter. We need to use a good strategy to win this fight—and we have it. We trained very hard targeting his weaknesses. He’s in for a surprise this Friday.”

On what a win from this fight will do for their career:

Leo: “A win over Neil Tabanao will probably set me up for another 10-round fight and after that I will hopefully be competing on a world title eliminator. I think in the next two or three fights I’ll get a world title shot.”

Tabanao: “I want to be recognized in the world of boxing. Leo is a step towards that goal. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.”

On training camp:

Leo: “I had a very good training camp. I have a very good team. My dad, is my head trainer, he is the one in charge. Luis Chavez is my other trainer. He lives in New Mexico trainer and comes down when I fight. Steve Cartledge and John Sinclair are helping me with my strength and conditioning. We started increasing the rounds in my sparring and we are trying to get the conditioning up as well. I have been training super hard for this fight. I feel that I’m in tip-top shape.”

Tabanao: “I had a good training camp. I trained with my coach Sonny Dollente at Mabuhay Boxing Camp at Dujali Davao del Norte in The Philippines. We worked hard on perfecting our strategy; we are ready to counter whatever Leo may do on Friday night.”

How does it feel to fight on national television?

Leo: “It feels like a dream come true to fight on national television. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. Finally, I get to show everybody who I am and what better way to do it than as the main event on TV. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. Everyone will see what I’m all about.”

Tabanao: “It means a lot to me to be able to fight on national television. I hope this is the first of many televised fights. I want to become a renowned and successful boxer to be able help my family. I’m determined to do it.”

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For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

LAS VEGAS – March 12, 2019 – Three undefeated prospects will make their ShoBox: The New Generation debut as super bantamweight Angelo Leo and super featherweights Xavier Martinez and Andres Cortes compete in separate bouts on a Mayweather Promotions card live on SHOWTIME Friday, April 5 (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Top 122-pound prospect Leo (16-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Filipino Neil Tabanao (17-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout in the ShoBox main event, while super featherweight Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round co-featured attraction. In the telecast opener, Las Vegas prospect Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Baltimore’s Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

“Mayweather Promotions is excited to bring the Sin City Showdown back this year, as it is home to a roster of talented prospects,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The card features three of our young talented undefeated prospects Angelo Leo, Xavier Martinez, and Andres Cortes making their television debuts. It’s exciting to see these guys climb the ranks, as they look to take their careers to the next level. Each one of them will be facing tough competition on fight night. I expect nothing but fireworks.”

“We have three unbeaten and untested prospects ready for the next step of their careers in Angelo Leo, Xavier Martinez and Andres Cortes,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer, Senior Vice President, Production, Showtime Networks Inc. “ShoBox is all about introducing and developing new talent. It’s about pushing young prospects outside of their comfort zone, matching them tough and discovering the next generation of champions in the process. I look forward to see whether or not Leo, Martinez and Cortes will rise to the occasion.”

Originally from New Mexico and currently residing in Las Vegas, Leo, 24, recorded a unanimous decision over Alberto Torres in his 2019 debut on the non-televised undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz. Leo, who started boxing when he was eight, amassed a notable amateur resume, winning the state Golden Gloves and Jr. Golden Gloves Championships before turning pro at 18. Leo debuted under the Mayweather Promotions banner in November of 2017 with a fourth-round knockout of Dominican Republic’s Yasmaly Basilio Peguero-Nieves.

“This fight came to me at the perfect time,” said Leo, who has fought four of his last six bouts at Sam’s Town Live. “I’m in great condition coming off my recent fight last month. I think Tabanao is good fighter and a good counter-puncher. He fought good competition and he went the distance with a former world champion, so I know I have a tough fight ahead. He is a dangerous fighter but I have a solid plan. I have a unique style and I think I bring a lot to the table with my speed, angles and body shots. Fans should expect an exciting fight on April 5.”

Tabanao, 24, made his pro debut in 2012 in his home country of the Philippines. He will make his United States debut next month as he looks to move up the super bantamweight ranks. Tabanao won the WBO Oriental Featherweight Title in 2016 with a third-round technical knockout of Ibrahim Balla. In his next fight, Tabanao lost the belt when he dropped a unanimous decision to Isaac Dogboe, who would go on to become the WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion. Tabanao suffered two consecutive defeats after losing to Dogboe but has admirably rebounded by winning his last four bouts.

“My trainer Sonny Dollente is working hard to prepare me for this fight,” said Tabanao. “We know this is our first fight in the States and TV debut, so we are working especially hard to put on a great performance and we thank Mayweather Promotions for this opportunity. Angelo Leo is a good fighter but we have a good strategy. It has always been my dream to represent The Philippines and to be known as a great boxer. This fight will bring me one step closer to my dream.”

Martinez, of Sacramento, Calif., is best known for his crafty and powerful fighting style and is regarded by many as a prospect to watch. After losing his first two amateur fights, he amassed a record of 88-10. He won the Jr. Golden Gloves in 2010, competed in the 2012 and 2013 Nationals Championships and was ranked No. 3 amateur in the country in 2013. He turned pro in Mexico at 17 and joined the Mayweather Promotions team in late 2016 with a unanimous decision win over Wilfredo Garriga at Sam’s Town Live. He’s coming off five straight knockout victories, with his most recent being an impressive fifth-round knockout against Deivi Julio Bassa on February 9. Martinez is looking for a statement victory over Moralde to assert his pedigree in the 130-pound division.

“It feels great to get back in the ring,” said Martinez. “I’m happy Mayweather Promotions found another great matchup for me, and on national television. Now it’s time for me to do my part as a fighter by training hard and getting the win. I came in to training camp with a fresh mindset and ready to go to war. I’m ready for whatever Moralde brings to the table. I don’t know much about him other than he has the guts to fight me. I heard two opponents said, ’No,’ to this fight because they didn’t want to face me.”

Moralde, who made his pro debut in 2011 as a 17-year-old, will see his toughest test to date when he meets rising star Martinez. Hailing from Davao del Sur in the Philippines, Moralde, who is 2-2 in his last four fights, is looking to redeem himself in this pivotal matchup. His U.S. debut in 2017 didn’t go as planned as he was handed the first loss of his career at the hands of Toka Khan Clary. He rebounded quickly against Ismail Muwendo but lost by decision against Jamel Herring in his next fight. He scored a second-round knockout victory over Elmer Colve in his last outing.

“It feels great to have another opportunity to put my skills on display for the world to see on national TV,” said Moralde. “I’m up against a tough fighter; we both have a tough fight ahead. I have to make a statement. This is the fight that will get me where I want to go. I want to fight the toughest and I’m ready to face anyone they put in front of me.”

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Cortes, 22, fell in love with the sweet science at an early age as he watched his brother Luis at the gym. He started training at Elite Boxing Gym when he was six, alongside Juan Heraldez and Andrew Tabiti, who would later become his Mayweather Promotions stablemates. He had a reported record of 130-20 as an amateur and turned pro in 2016. He caught the attention of Floyd Mayweather while sparring with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. Cortes joined Mayweather Promotions soon after. He has won four of his last six fights by knockout including his last outing against Eder Amaro Fajardo on January 17. With a win, Cortes will be one step closer to becoming a legitimate contender.

“I’ve only taken off one week from the gym since my last fight in January,” said Cortes. “I feel great. I’m 100 percent prepared for whatever my opponent brings my way. I’ve been working on my power and my strength with my conditioning coach and overall development as a fighter. I’m ready for my next challenge.”

Baltimore’s Dyer, 27, picked up boxing at 19 and after a brief amateur career turned pro in March of 2017. He scored an impressive 22-second first-round knockout of Dwayne Martin in just his third professional bout. He was named 2017 Rookie of the Year by Boxing Along the Beltway, a Washington, D.C. boxing publication, and has won five fights in a row, most recently against promising undefeated prospect Carlos Dixon.

“I’m coming fresh off a fight so I’m still in great shape,” said Dyer. “Andres Cortes is a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter. I’m training to go a full eight rounds, but if I find an opportunity before then, I’m going to take it. I’ve been waiting for a chance to show the world how good of a fighter I am, and this is it. This is my time to show the world who I am.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.