VERGIL ORTIZ JR. VS. ANTONIO OROZCO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS (Aug. 8, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title. They were joined by many of the undercard fights for this event. The fights will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“I want to thank Golden Boy and Eric Gomez; he was the first guy to discover me when I was an amateur and gave me this opportunity, and I’m just really grateful for it. I think everything has been said already I’m not here to mess around. Golden Boy has given me some tough fights and I have passed them with flying colors, even though I’m color blind. Orozco is a very tough opponent, I’m not taking him lightly at all. He deserves all the respect in the world, especially on that ring. It’s sink or swim…good thing I’m a good swimmer. I’m just looking forward to seeing those familiar faces in the audience. Best of luck to Orozco. This isn’t personal, we are here to support our families.”

ANTONIO OROZCO, Welterweight Contender:

“First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be here. Texas is a big state and I know you guys are going to come strong, like that heat that’s outside. We know the tremendous fighter that Vergil Ortiz is, and everyone knows my style of fighting. This is going to be a fight you don’t want to miss. It’s a great opportunity, putting us both towards that world title shot again, and I’m looking for to that victory on Saturday.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, NABF & WBA International Bantamweight Champion:

“Thank you everyone for coming out today. Thank you, Golden Boy and God, for this opportunity to fight once again. I hope everyone makes it to see a very explosive card. I think I won the first one, I won the second one, and this time is even going to be worse for him.”

OSCAR NEGRETE, Bantamweight Contender:

“As you all saw, I fought two exciting fights in the past, those two fights were very good fights, emotional fights, where I felt like I won, and most people have told me that I won. I’m here to prove that I won and show that I am the true champion. This time I have prepared like never before, even better than the first two fights, and I hope Joshua Franco is prepared and I hope that this time, he comes to fight and not to run.”

MARCELINO LOPEZ, Super Lightweight Contender:

“I’m happy to be part of this event. It’s a great opportunity to be on this card. I’m prepared for what I came for, and I’m ready to show it on the ring. Anything I could say right now is irrelevant if I don’t show it on the ring. To be fighting alongside my ex-stablemate, Vergil Ortiz Jr., is great and I’m here to put on a great show and I’m proud to represent Argentina on Saturday.”

HECTOR TANAJARA JR., WBC USNBC Lightweight Champion:

“I want to thank Golden Boy, DAZN, everyone for coming out. I want to thank my team for getting me ready; without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m ready for Saturday and to put up a great show.”

TRAVELL MAZION, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m originally from Austin, Texas so it feels pretty good to actually be here, to be fighting in front of my old fight friends from the amateurs. Alex, George, Hector, we were always in the same locker room, getting ready for the fights together, it feels really awesome. I want to take this moment to dedicate this fight to the victims of El Paso and Dayton, I definitely want to dedicate my fight to them.”

ALEX RINCON, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I just want to thank Golden Boy and DAZN for having us here today. Thanks to everyone here who came to support all the fighters. It’s going to be a great, great show for all the fighters here on the card. As my brother said, we grew up with a lot of these fighters as amateurs, seeing each other in the tournaments, seeing each other on the bout list, but it’s going to be an even greater feeling being in the locker room, warming up next to each other and seeing each other rack up those wins. It feels great to be home. A great, great show is going to be put on Saturday night. Get your earplugs ready because the team Rincon brothers are going to bring a lot of noise on Saturday.”

GEORGE RINCON, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“To be on this stacked card with all these great fighters that I grew up with in the amateurs, it’s a great blessing to be here fighting on the same card. Vergil being the main event and a great fight, all these guys, and of course my brother, fighting with him on the same card is always a great experience, especially here at home. We’re always pushing each other to be greater every time. I’m excited to perform on Saturday night. Training camp went well, weight is good, and I feel great. We have a game plan for the fight and hopefully it won’t take too long to take my opponent down.”

TRISTAN KALKREUTH, Cruiserweight Prospect:

“Without the environment I grew up in with my family, I would be going in a different direction than where I am today. We finished training camp with a bang, we’ve been preparing for this fight with Ronnie, we’ve been working on staying tighter, working my jab more, step back and counter. It’s crazy because me and Vergil, we came from the same high school, so it’s awesome. I used to watch Vergil when he was an amateur TKO’ing people in Golden Gloves. I looked up to him at one point, and it’s just awesome seeing where he is today and for me to be able to fight on the undercard.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy:

“We are committed to bring these types of events and happy to be back in the great state of Texas. I want to take our sponsors Tecate and Henessy who are very instrumental in helping us put these types of events together. This is a very nice arena and is great for boxing. I think the fans and media are going to enjoy the setting because is an intimate setting. You all are going to be right in front of the action. Everyone here at the Theater at Grand Prairie has treated us well. This is the beginning of a long relationship and I think the fans are going to love it on Saturday.”

Ortiz vs. Orozco is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz vs. Orozco are on sale and are priced at $125, $75, $50, and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees, and service charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at The Theatre at Grand Prairie Box Office (Monday -Saturday 11:00 am CT – 3:00 pm CT or 972-854-5076).

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrtizOrozco into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. VS. ANTONIO OROZCO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS (August 7, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) hosted a media workout today at the Irving Police Athletic League in Irving, Texas ahead of their 12-round battle. Their battle will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Fighters from the undercard, including Joshua Franco (15-1-1, 7 KOs), Oscar Negrete
(18-2-1, 7 KOs), Hector Tanajara (17-0, 5 KOs), Travell Mazion (14-0, 12 KOs), Alex Rincon (6-0, 5 KOs), Marcelino Lopez (35-2-1, 7 KOs), George Rincon (7-0, 4 KOs) and Tristan Kalkrueth, also participated in the workout.

Below is what today’s participants had to say:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“This is going to be an explosive and very entertaining fight. This is my people and I don’t want them wasting their money on an average fight. This isn’t going to be an average fight, this is going to be a fight where two Mexicans warriors are going to go at it until the very end and give it all we got. I have a lot of respect for Orozco; he only has one loss and he is definitely still in his prime with 31-years-old. He is a great fighter.”

ANTONIO OROZCO, Welterweight Contender:

“We are looking for a fight to get people talking once again. This is the type of solid fights I like, and I don’t want to disappoint the fans. I want to win and I’m going to push myself to win. Vergil Ortiz has made a name for himself, he is a tremendous fighter, he has built a reputation and I’m here to prove that I still have it. This is going to be a great fight.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, NABF & WBA International Bantamweight Champion:

“I had a good training camp, I’m feeling really strong for the fight, so expect something big. I’m expecting a tough fight for as long as it lasts, and I feel like I’m going to knock him out this time.”

OSCAR NEGRETE, Bantamweight Contender:

“I feel very happy and anxious; I already want to hear the bell ringing. I’ve been preparing really hard and I’m happy to be given the opportunity to fight for what is mine. God put me here, and this is the opportunity to get my titles back, which is what I’m going to do this Saturday.”

HECTOR TANAJARA JR., WBC USNBC Lightweight Champion:

“I have a tough opponent, he has fought some tough boxers in the past, so I’m expecting a good fight on Saturday. I’ve been training really hard and the outcome has been great, so I’m looking to put up a good show for Texas and get the win.”

TRAVELL MAZION, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“It’s a natural thing for me to always be working out, so I feel amazing. The fight is going to be like another day in the gym and I’m going to perfect my craft in the ring and show everyone what I’m about. I expect to be given a tough fight.”

ALEX RINCON, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I feel great and I’m 110% ready for the fight. Me and my brother are going to put a great show at home. We are going for the win and the knockout.”

MARCELINO LOPEZ, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m very happy to be part of a Golden Boy event once again. I’m prepared to put up a good fight, so I’m ready to show all my preparation on the ring. I feel in great shape, as I just fought recently on June. I’m happy to be back in the ring so soon and I’m taking advantage of this opportunity.”

GEORGE RINCON, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“Training camp went well, weight is good, and I feel great. It’s exciting to be on the same card as my brother, especially here at home. I’m excited to be performing my talent in front of my family and friends. We have a game plan for the fight and hopefully it won’t take too long to take my opponent down.”

TRISTAN KALKREUTH, Cruiserweight Prospect:

“I’m going to use my athleticism for this fight, and hopefully a knockout will come. Me and my opponent have families to take care of and support, so this fight is for them.”

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

ANTONIO ‘RELENTLESS’ OROZCO DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE AS HE PREPARES TO INVADE ENEMY TERRITORY AGAINST YOUNG CONTENDER VERGIL ORTIZ JR

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (July 31, 2019): Former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. discussed the importance of experience as he prepares to invade enemy territory in his 12-round fight against hometown hero Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title. The event, which features a stacked undercard, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is Orozco had to say at a recent visit to the Maywood Boxing Club in Southern California, where he spent many days sparring during camp:

ANTONIO OROZCO, Former World Title Challenger:

“When the fight was presented, I thought it would be one hell of a fight because of the type of fighter that I am, and the type of fighter Vergil Ortiz is. This is a fight that pretty much sells itself. Going to a fighter’s hometown is a situation that I’ve been in before when I fought for a world title. I went in there determined to win. For this particular fight, I have the same determination, but I’m looking for a different outcome. I just want to win; I need a big win.”

“Because he is young, you can see that Vergil is a fighter that wants to put on a show. That’s a big danger in any fight, and it’s something you have to look out for. Vergil is just that type of fighter, very exciting, aggressive. We have to be ready for that. I know that he’s never been past the fourth or fifth round but can’t just rely on that. We have to make our fight. These are just statistics, facts that are put out there. Once we’re up in the ring, the scenarios can change.”

“From my defeat last year, I learned to be patient. Sometimes it won’t be an all-out brawl. We’re learning how to control the pace. This is a fight where we’re looking to control the distance and take it into the later rounds. Every fight is a learning experience, not just in my loss to Jose Ramirez, but from previous fights as well. There’s always something to learn, but obviously staying composed is very important.”

“On August 10, I’ll come with a lot of experience, but I’m just not counting on that. This is boxing, and anything can happen. Every fighter has his flaws and every fighter has his strengths. So, we’re just going to have to stay really focused on what corrections we may have to do during the fight. That’s how we’re going to approach the fight.”

“For this fight, I’ll be fighting in a new weight division. I think there’s a lot more opportunities at 147 pounds. We’re going to work for a victory, and we’re going to sit down and see what our options are after. With a big fight, plenty of doors can open, especially since it’s against a fighter of this caliber.”

“Going into somebody’s backyard is no easy task. We just have to be prepared to the best of our abilities and expect a very strong fighter that night. After the Ramirez fight, I think found out exactly what I’m about. I faced a champion like Ramirez, and I pushed myself until finished the fight. I think that speaks a lot about myself. We’re going to bring that same passion on August 10.”

“Come August 10, the fans can expect an explosive fight. Like I mentioned before this fight sold itself. The styles that myself and Ortiz have will give the fans what they want, which is fireworks.”

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

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., HECTOR ‘EL FINITO’ TANAJARA JR., AND JOSHUA ‘THE PROFESSOR’ FRANCO DISCUSS TRAINING CAMP UNDER ROBERT GARCIA

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (July 23, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs), Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (17-0, 5 KOs) and Joshua “The Professor” Franco (15-1-1, 7 KOs) discussed training camp under renowned trainer Robert Garcia ahead of their respective fights. All three fighters will return on the Ortiz vs. Orozco card, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Ortiz will headline in his hometown for the first time against Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) of San Diego, Calif., while Franco will defend his NABF and WBA International Bantamweight Titles in a trilogy fight against Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-2-1, 7 KOs) of Tierralta, Colombia. Tanajara will put his WBC USNBC Lightweight Title on the line against Ezequiel Aviles (16-3-3, 6 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico.

Below is what all three fighters had to say during a recent camp visit, along with some insight from renowned trainer Robert Garcia.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“I’m fighting for my hometown. I’m fighting for all the little kids that think they can’t make it because it’s a small town. Not many people make it out of Grand Prairie. I hope to set a good example for them. I felt all the love when I visited. I felt the atmosphere, and it was electric. We got a lot of people to show up to the press conference, so I know there’s going to be a lot of people who show to the fight.”

“I’m really excited to be fighting in the main event. I’ve only done that once before. For me being the main event is a test for me to show how many people want to see me and how excited they’re going to be to watch me fight. But I have a lot of people telling me they want to go and that they already bought tickets and even want some shirts.”

“Fighting alongside my childhood friends is really cool. I never thought that we would be on the same card fighting together. We’re all fighting for a title that night. I’m fighting for the WBA Gold [Welterweight Title], and Joshua [Franco] will defend his belts in the trilogy fight against Negrete. Tanajara is fighting for the belt he won in Tijuana. It’s great to see how far we’ve come.”

“Antonio Orozco believes that this fight will put him back on the map. He feels a win will make people believe in him again. Honestly, he only lost one time; I don’t see why they wouldn’t believe in him. This fight will definitely make his meter go up. People will start looking at him if he gets the win. That’s going to make him very dangerous. He’s hungry. But I’m coming up too. I want to be a world champion too. I have my dreams that I want to achieve. This fight is going to help me get there a lot faster than these other fights, so I’m very glad he took this fight. It’s a very good opportunity for both of us.”

“This is Orozco’s first fight in the welterweight division. He was having a hard time making weight at 140. We’re going to see how his power holds up and see what he can take because seven pounds is a big jump. Orozco’s body is going to be bigger. It’s a whole new story, and we’re going to find out on August 10.”

“On August 10, you can expect the same Vergil Ortiz you see in every other fight. I’m going to be at my absolute best. I’m not taking Antonio Orozco lightly at all. I’m not going to be looking for the knockout, but I’m not going to count it out either. I’m going to let it come by itself. That’s when you look the best.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, NABF & WBA International Bantamweight Champion:

“It’s very special fighting back in Texas, back in the Dallas area. With Vergil, Hector and everybody from Texas, it’s going to be a great show. I gained a lot of experience in my first two fights against Oscar Negrete. I won a lot of rounds against him, and he’s a top contender. I gained a lot of experience and a lot of confidence.”

“To me, Negrete did the same thing in the second fight. He put pressure, and he tried to throw a lot of punches. He tried to be more aggressive, but to me it was the same thing. I feel like that’s the only thing he knows how to do. Negrete didn’t really do anything to surprise me. What he did the first fight, he did the second fight.”

“For this third fight, you can expect the same fighter I always am. I’ll be smart, explosive, and I’ll be throwing a lot of combinations. I feel like I’m going to be stronger than the last two fights. The only thing that’s different is that it’s going to be in Texas. That’s going to give me more motivation. I’m always training hard like always. After this I want to go on to bigger things. I want to fight for a world title.”

HECTOR TANAJARA JR., WBC USNBC Lightweight Champion:

“It’s very special sharing this night with guys I grew up with. I know these guys since the amateurs. I saw when Joshua first walked into the gym, and I knew Vergil since we were young. I also knew the Rincon brothers [Alex and George]. We all came up together, so it feels good to be together on the same card to give fans an exciting night of boxing.”

“It doesn’t add pressure to see my stablemates getting knockouts. I’m already 17 fights deep. I just have to stick to my game plan and what my coaches tell me. That’s what works. My last fight was in Tijuana, and it was very special fighting in Mexico. I’ve always wanted to fight there, and I like the crowd. Mexican fans are always the best. They just want to see people go at it. I’m glad I was able to get a belt that night too, so it was very special for me.”

“It doesn’t bother me that I haven’t had a knockout since 2018. I know I have power. But trying to make 130 pounds was draining me a little bit. At 135 pounds, I feel much stronger. Even though I’ve been fighting better opposition, I’ve still been hurting them in there, and I feel that a lot of my knockouts are yet to come.”

“For this camp we’ve been working on all my little mistakes. I’m being busier with my jab. I’m working on putting smart pressure. I’m working on doing all the things needed to get the victory and to get try to get the guy out of there. On August 10, my fans can expect an exciting fight. I’m motivated more than ever because it’s in Texas, my hometown, and a lot of family and friends who usually can’t go are going to be there. I’m very excited, and I hope to put on a great show.”

ROBERT GARCIA, 2012 Trainer of the Year:

“It’s going to be a great event. It’s going to be awesome that we’re going to Vergil Ortiz’s hometown in Grand Prairie. I’m sure he’s very excited, along with his fans, his family, and his friends. We also have two kids from San Antonio that are going to bring a lot of friends and family.”

“We are going to be very busy, but I have a lot of help. With Vergil, his father Vergil Sr. and co-trainer Hector Beltran are always on top of Vergil and make sure he works hard. With Hector Tanajara, we have my son, Robert Garcia Jr. and Jose “Chepe” Contreras. With, Joshua Franco we have same thing. For both guys, their fathers are very involved. Hector Tanajara Sr. and Jessie Rodriguez [father of Franco] are involved and work the corner for their sons, so it won’t be as hard as it sounds that night.”

“This has been our fourth training camp with Vergil. It’s unbelievable to see him develop so fast. You hardly see that. You only see that with an Olympic Gold medalist like Oscar De La Hoya, who won his first world title in his 12th fight, or with Olympians like Fernando Vargas, who was 14-0 when he became a world champion. Vergil is one of those kids. He didn’t go to the Olympics, so he didn’t get the same recognition as the Olympians did, but he’s close to becoming a world champion.”

“Here in my gym, whoever you spar and whatever weight division you’re at, it’s going to be tough. You’re going to have to work hard to be able to compete. I have nothing but world class fighters. For example, Vergil is sparring fighters that are 160, 168. I don’t want to say dominating them because they’re also my fighters, but he’s able to compete with them and give them all they can handle, so that tells you what he is. He spars with Jose Ramirez, a world champion right now. He spars with Mikey Garcia, who is pound for pound one of the best fighters in the world, and he’s able to compete well against them.”

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

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. AND ANTONIO ‘RELENTLESS’ OROZCO LOS ANGELES MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2019): Rising knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) and former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles media roundtable at El Cholo Restaurant today to discuss their upcoming fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title. The fight will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the roundtable:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“This will be an action-packed fight. There is no way that this fight will be boring. We are two warriors of Mexican descent. It’s going to be an explosive fight. There will never be a dull moment in the ring. My opponent Antonio Orozco has a good record and he’s tough I’ve seen him fight before. He’s definitely a tough guy, a very explosive puncher and very strong. But so am I. It’s going to be a real good fight.”

“If I were to describe myself, it would be that I adjust. I use my head more than my muscles. There’s a lot of fighters who go in just throwing bombs, and it doesn’t look good. If you want to look good, you have to use your brain. You have to place your punches right, and that’s who I am.”

“It means a lot to fight in Grand Prairie. I’ve never fought in my hometown before. I fought in the Cowboys stadium, but that’s not the same as my hometown.”

“I believe that Antonio can handle my power because he’s coming up from 140 to 147, just like I did. We’ve never seen him fight at 147, so he might get bigger. When you’re bigger, you can handle more power than when you were smaller. This guy has been in the ring with some tough opponents, and I don’t see a reason he couldn’t handle my power. I feel like this very well might go the distance, and honestly I hope it does. I really need the experience because I’m getting close to that world title shot. I’m not looking too ahead, but if this title shot happens, then I need all the experience I can get.”

ANTONIO OROZCO, Welterweight Contender:

“It’s exciting. It’s going to give a lot to talk about. It’s going to be a fight that’s going to bring everything to the table. It’s been a great year for boxing, and it’s about to get better. “

“Vergil Ortiz is a tremendous fighter. Obviously he likes to fight. He likes to get in there and make himself known.”

“This fight is very big. This fight can open the door to bigger opportunities, perhaps another world title shot. It’s a very important fight, and I’m looking forward for whatever comes next.”

“I expect him to come. I expect him to come with everything that he has. I’ve seen his fights. That’s the way he likes to come in. He’s a heated fighter and we’re expecting that from Vergil.”

“It is a dangerous fight. Every fight is dangerous, and every fight can be your last one. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s see what happens.”

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrtizOrozco into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. TEXAS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS (June 27, 2019): Rising knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0,
13 KOs) hosted a press conference at The Epic Theater of The Epic Recreation Center in
his hometown of Grand Prairie, Texas to speak about his upcoming 10-round welterweight fight against former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs).
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and
will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“I want to acknowledge a great police officer who passed away in earlier in this month. I want to send my condolences to his family. I want to thank Golden Boy. I want to thank all of my friends for agreeing to be on this card. I want to thank my dad and Robert Garcia for training me hard. I want to thank Hector Beltran as well. I want to thank Hector as well for carrying me on Fortnite. This fight is going to be explosive. I can’t express the magnitude of this event and how awesome it is. It’s going to be great fight. I’m proud and excited to be fighting in Grand Prairie.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Trainer of Vergil Ortiz Jr.:

“Texas is like home to us. We always get nothing but support from all of you guys. I’m very excited to be back with your local hero and future star. He is great kid inside and outside out of the ring. When it comes to boxing in the ring, this kid is something special. He’ll be someone this city will be proud of for many years to come. The future for this kid is unbelievable, and this is the start of it. I’m sure one day he’ll be fighting in the big stadiums in the Dallas area.”

ALEX RINCON, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited to put on a show back home. We all have a lot of fans. We really want to show Golden Boy why Texas is the place when it comes to boxing. Thank you to Golden Boy and DAZN.”

GEORGE RINCON, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited to be on this card with fighters I grew up with. I’m really looking forward to August 10. A big shout out to Lamont Roach Sr., who is my manager, and the NoXcuse Boxing Gym. I’m really excited to showcase my skills on this card.”

TRISTAN KALKREUTH, Light Heavyweight Prospect:

“I want to thank Golden Boy, my team, Ronnie Shields and my manager. I also want to tell kids to stay dedicated to what you are doing. I’m 17 years old, and I’m signed to Golden Boy. I’ve been boxing for 8 years. It’s all about working and dedication.”

ROBERT GASPARRI, Chief Operating Officer of Golden Boy:

“We are happy to be returning to this great state of Texas for yet another exciting night of boxing action. Antonio Orozco could not make it today. But he has promised to ruin Vergil Ortiz’s homecoming party and derail his plans to become world champion.

But I spoke to people out here. They think otherwise. In fact, they have a saying out here.
They say, “Don’t Mess With Texas!” We expect an explosive fight between two of the best and most talented fighters from the Golden Boy stable.”

Ortiz vs. Orozco is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

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

LIVE VIDEO: Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Antonio Orozco – Grand Prairie Texas Press Conference

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. TO FACE ANTONIO ‘RELENTLESS’ OROZCO IN A HOMETOWN BATTLE IN GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS (June 26, 2019): Rising knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) will return to his hometown of Grand Prairie, Texas to face former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round main event in the welterweight division. The card will be utterly stacked with Golden Boy prospects and contenders, most of whom are from the Lone Star State.The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“In his fight against Mauricio Herrera, Vergil Ortiz Jr. went from being the very best prospect in boxing to a serious contender in just three rounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Ortiz has dynamite in both hands as shown by the way he easily handled Herrera, who had never been stopped before in his career. On the other hand, Antonio Orozco has the capabilities to ruin Ortiz’s homecoming party as he is one of the best contenders to come out of the 140-pound division. Fans can expect a crazy fight for as long as it lasts, so don’t miss it either in person or live on DAZN. We’ll also be presenting a full card of our prospects and contenders from the Texas area, so it will be a complete night of action!”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has never heard the final bell of a fight, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be hearing it anytime soon. Ortiz Jr., who has his roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will return after a stunning third-round knockout victory against Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera in the co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. Ortiz Jr. is excited to headline in his hometown for the very first time against a very tough challenge in Orozco.

“This will mean a lot to me,” said Ortiz Jr. “This is my first time fighting in my hometown, so this is very special to me. I know Antonio Orozco. Since I had about three professional fights, I kind of knew that we’d be facing each other at some point. He definitely is a tough fighter. He only has one loss, which was against Jose Carlos Ramirez, a world champion. It will be a tough fight. They don’t call him ‘Relentless’ for nothing. The fans are going to win in this fight. I have a lot of supporters in Texas, especially in my hometown, and they have been wanting to watch me fight. I know there will be a lot of people talking about it, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a full house.”

Orozco is a 31-year-old contender who has defeated the likes of KeAndre “The Truth”
Gibson, Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. The native of San Diego, Calif. participated in his first world title opportunity against WBC Super Lightweight Champion Jose Carlos Ramirez in September 2018. Though unsuccessful, Orozco demonstrated his toughness, and he promises to return to title contention if successful against Ortiz Jr.

“My manager called me and offered me this fight,” said Orozco. “As soon as I heard the name, I didn’t hesitate. This is a big opportunity to showcase my skills and my Mexican style. Honestly, I’m ready to derail the dreams of Vergil Ortiz Jr. On August 10, I will remind everyone why I deserve another shot at the title.”

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara (17-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will defend his USNBC Lightweight Title in a 10-round clash.

Joshua “The Professor” Franco (15-1-1, 7 KOs), the unified NABF and WBA International Bantamweight Champion of San Antonio, Texas, will defend his titles in a 10-round fight.

Alex Rincon (6-0, 5 KOs), the hard-hitting southpaw of Dallas, Texas, will fight in a six-round battle.

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (14-0, 12 KOs) of Austin, Texas will participate in an eight-round super welterweight clash.

George Rincon (6-0, 3 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in a six-round super lightweight battle.

Newly-signed Golden Boy prospect Tristan Kalkreuth of Duncanville, Texas will make his professional debut in a four-round light heavyweight fight.

Opponents for this card will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Ortiz vs. Orozco go on sale Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $125, $75, $50, and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees, and service charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at The Theatre at Grand Prairie Box Office (Monday -Saturday 11:00 am CT – 3:00 pm CT or 972-854-5076).

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

Weigh-In Results: Ramirez vs. Orozco / Herring vs. Moralde

• Jose Ramirez 138.4 lbs vs. Antonio Orozco139.4 lbs
(WBC Super Lightweight title – 12 Rounds)

• Jamel Herring 130 lbs vs. John Vincent Moralde 129.8 lbs
(Vacant USBA Junior Lightweight title – 10 Rounds)

• Gabriel Flores Jr. 132.2 lbs vs. Roger Gutierrez 132 lbs
(Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

• Bryan Vasquez 138.2 lbs vs. Carlos Cardenas 138.6 bs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

• Alexander Besputin 146.8 lbs vs. Alan Sanchez 146.4 lbs
(Vacant USBA Welterweight title- 10 Rounds)

• Hiroki Okada 139.8 lbs vs. Cristian Coria 140 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 10 Rounds)

• Isidro Ochoa 124 lbs vs. Elio De Jesus 124.6 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

• Santos Ortega 122.8 lbs vs. Sebastian Baltazar 122.4 lbs
(Super Bantamweight – 4 Rounds)

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Jose Ramirez: The Homecoming is Here

FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2018) – There was mutual respect rather than trash talk at the final press conference on Wednesday for Jose Ramirez’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Antonio Orozco, Friday at the Save Mart Center (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PST) in Fresno, Calif.

More than 14,000 fans are expected to watch Ramirez, from nearby Avenal, defend his world title for the first time against the unbeaten Orozco.

In the co-main event, United States Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring (17-2, 10 KOs) will take on John Vincent Moralde (20-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant USBA junior lightweight title. And, in a special televised attraction, 18-year-old sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) will face off against Roger Gutierrez in a six-round lightweight bout.

Herring, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, received the Battles Won Award at the press conference. The award, presented by Maj. Ted Driscoll, was given to Herring for his courage, commitment, and excellence on the battlefield and in the boxing ring.

Here is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Ramirez

“It’s definitely a dream come true to come home as a world champion, to be able to deliver world championship fights and be part of world championship fights here in Central California. I’m very happy to be able to bring this type of entertainment to this area, to the fans that deserve it.”

On new trainer Robert Garcia

“It’s been great. I’ve known Robert since my amateur career. He’s followed my career since the amateurs. He’s seen a lot of good things in me, a lot of positive things in me since the amateurs. Now that I’m able to train with him, he’s very excited and motivated to train me. I hope to continue to impress a world class trainer like Robert Garcia, to push ourselves to the limits.”

“Antonio is a very active fighter in the ring. He’s a pressure fighter like myself, and I’m more than excited to be facing fighters like him. I consider Antonio to be one of the very best in the division.”

Antonio Orozco

“I’m ready. That’s as clean as it can get. This is the opportunity that every fighter wants to get to, and mine came at the right moment. Things happen for a reason. I’m here in Fresno in front of a great champion. I’m ready. That’s all I can tell you.”

“Fresno is great. It’s hot. And I think it’s going to get hotter inside the ring. The person in front of me is going to be Jose Ramirez, and he’s the only objective at the moment.”

Jamel Herring

“It’s an honor to be out here in Fresno. Rick {Mirigian} and Top Rank have done a great job. We all know I’m from Long Island, New York, but my presence here makes me feel like I’m back home, especially with my Marine Corps family that I got to see yesterday. It was a great honor.”

“I’m just ready to go. I’m excited. I’ve had a great training camp. I’m in there with ‘Bud’ Crawford, one of the best fighters in the world. We’ve actually done a lot of sparring together.”

“Being a Marine, I feel like I have a lot to prove. I carry myself as a Marine, even though I haven’t been active duty since 2012. Once a Marine, always a Marine. ESPN and the people of Fresno are going to get a great show.”

John Vincent Moralde

“I would like to invite all Filipinos here in Fresno to come and watch and support the fight.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“I’m not a fully grown man, but I’m fighting fully grown men. I gotta look the part. Fighting on ESPN is going to be great, my first time. I’m going to make the best of the opportunity. There’s going to be a lot of kids back home watching me and seeing me on the big stage back in Stockton, California. I’m from Stockton. I had the odds against me, and now I’m here. They now know they can do something with their lives, just like I did with mine.”

“I expect hundreds of people {from Stockton} to come. It’s the big talk around town. I show up to local events back home. They talk to me, take pictures, and I appreciate the love they give me. Why should they tune in? They should tune in because, like they said, I’m the future. I’m going to do great Friday night. I feel good.”

ESPN, 10 p.m. ET
Jose Ramirez (champion) vs. Antonio Orozco (challenger), 12 rounds, WBC super lightweight title

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Roger Gutierrez, 6 rounds, lightweight

Jamel Herring vs. John Vincent Moralde, 10 rounds, vacant USBA junior lightweight title

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET
Bryan Vasquez. vs. Carlos Cardenas, 10/8 rounds, lightweight

Alexander Besputin. vs. Alan Sanchez, 10 rounds, vacant USBA welterweight title

Hiroki Okada vs. Cristian Coria, 10 rounds, super lightweight

Isidro Ochoa vs. Elio De Jesus, 6 rounds, featherweight

Santos Ortega vs. Sebastian Baltazar, 4 rounds, super bantamweigt

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, tickets to this world championship event, priced at $150 (floor), $90, $60, $35, and $25, plus applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Save Mart Center box office. For more information and box office hours, visit www.savemartcenter.com.

Fresno Media Workout Notes & Quotes: Jose Ramirez Set For Hometown Title Defense

FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2018) – The time is finally here for Jose Ramirez, who will make the first defense of his WBC super lightweight world title against top contender Antonio Orozco on Friday at the Save Mart Center. Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs) was supposed to defend his title at the Save Mart Center on July 7, but the bout was canceled when Danny O’Connor was hospitalized for dehydration before the weigh-in. Orozco (27-0, 17 KOs) represents his toughest test to date.

In the co-feature, United States Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring (17-2, 10 KOs) will take on John Vincent Moralde (20-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant USBA junior lightweight title. And, in a special feature, 18-year-old phenom Gabriel Flores Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) will face Roger Gutierrez (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.

In other action: Fresno native Isidro Ochoa (5-0, 1 KO) will fight Elio De Jesus in a six-round featherweight bout, top super bantamweight prospect Santos Ortega (2-0, 1 KO) returns in a four-rounder, 140-pound contender Hiroki Okada (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Cristian Coria (27-6-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder, Alexander Besputin (10-0, 8 KOs) will battle Alan Sanchez (20-3-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant USBA welterweight title, and former two-time interim world champion Bryan Vasquez (37-3, 20 KOs) makes his return against Carlos Cardenas (21-14-1, 13 KOs) in a lightweight bout.

Ramirez-Orozco, Herring-Moralde, and Flores-Gutierrez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, with the entire undercard to be streamed at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+— the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

On Tuesday at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Ramirez and many of the fighters from Friday’s card worked out for the media. This is what they had to say.

Jose Ramirez

On the fight

“This is going to be a great fight. We are both very hungry. He’s 27-0 and has been waiting for an opportunity like this, to fight for the WBC title. That pushes me even harder. This has been one of my longest camps, and the results will show in the ring.”

On working with new trainer Robert Garcia

“This camp gave me more room to know Robert Garcia and more time for him to get to know me as a fighter. Sparring {with} the fighters at the {Robert Garcia Boxing Academy} has made me a more prepared Jose Ramirez. I sparred all different types of styles, which helped get me ready for a tough guy in Orozco. I pushed myself more. I feel like I got my confidence at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. I feel like I’m at home now.”

On July 7 Danny O’Connor defense being canceled after O’Connor missed weight

“After that happened, I took my family out to Maui (Hawaii). In Maui, I was out there running and enjoying the fresh air, getting my frustrations out. It’s frustrating when you get ready for a fight and then it falls through. There was a lot of disappointment coming from my fans, but they understand that it wasn’t my fault, that it was more my opponent not doing things correctly. At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason. I have a much better opponent to make my first title defense. I think it’s going to be a good fight for the boxing fans, for the Hispanics and the Mexicans that really like action fights. Specifically for them, I think they are going to be pleased to watch it on a big boxing weekend.”

Antonio Orozco

On facing Ramirez

“He’s aggressive. I feel like he has a very fan-friendly style. He has a style that brings out fighters to fight. It’s what we like.”

On entering hostile territory in Fresno

“I’m fighting Jose Ramirez. I’m not fighting the fans or Fresno. That’s beside the point. I’m focused on Jose Ramirez and the fight. Everything else is just ambient noise.”

On his weight struggles

“Earlier in the year, I left for Guadalajara, Mexico, and I just have a different view of things. I met a nutritionist down there and made 140 in March. I’m on the same regimen. What happened before, there are things that people don’t know. Besides the point, I’m over that. It’s done and over with. But, hey, I’m not worried about it. I got bigger things to worry about, and that’s what my focus is on. I’ve had my downs and I’ve had my ups, and this is an opportunity I’m not going to let go.”

Jamel Herring

On fighting as ESPN co-feature

“I’m just excited to fight alongside Jose, who is my good friend and Olympic teammate. I’ll be fighting in front of 14,000 screaming fans on the ESPN flagship station. I’m honored. I’m excited. I can’t wait to get in there.”

On Moralde

“I respect him. He’s here for a reason. I have fought a stronger pedigree of fighters. I saw his last two fights. I see he has issues with stamina at times. He looked good in his last fight {against Ismail Muwendo}, but I’m not Muwendo.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“I’ve been waiting my turn to fight on ESPN, and my time is now. This is for the kids in Stockton who look up to me. I want to inspire the kids in my community.”

John Vincent Moralde

“This is a big opportunity for me. A win here will put my name in the conversation for bigger fights.”

“Herring is good and strong, but there is nothing extraordinary about him. It’s not like he’s Lomachenko.”

Isidro Ochoa

“It means a lot to fight at home. I’m a better fighter, and I am ready to perform for the hometown fans.”

On training with Robert Garcia

“I’ve picked up a lot of new strategies. It was a great six-week camp. I feel like we’re going to take this guy out early. No hesitation.”

Ramirez vs. Orozco:
FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
(ALL TIMES ARE PST)

• Wednesday, Sept. 12 2018

PRESS CONFERENCE (2 p.m.)

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
Firehouse Lounge
711 Lucky Ln, Coarsegold, CA 93614

• Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Report time: 2 p.m.
Fighters on the scales: 3 p.m.

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
Firehouse Lounge
711 Lucky Ln, Coarsegold, CA 93614

• FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018

FIGHT NIGHT
Save Mart Center
2650 E. Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710

– 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Media Check-In @ South East Clock Tower Entrance
– 3 p.m. – Doors Open
– 3:30 p.m. – First Fight (Streaming on ESPN+)
– 7 p.m. – ESPN telecast (Ramirez-Orozco, Herring-Moralde, and Flores-Gutierrez)

September 14: Gabriel Flores Jr. added to Ramirez-Orozco ESPN Telecast

FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2018) – Gabriel Flores Jr., the 18-year-old phenom and former U.S. amateur standout, will make his ESPN debut on Friday, Sept. 14 as part of the world championship card headlined by Jose Ramirez’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Antonio Orozco at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Flores (9-0, 5 KOs) will face Roger “El Puas” Gutierrez (7-1-1, 1 NC, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight bout. Ramirez-Orozco, Flores-Gutierrez and Jamel Herring versus John Vincent Moralde for the vacant USBA junior lightweight title will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET. The entire undercard will stream live at 7:30 p.m. ET in the United States on ESPN+— the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

“It’s going to feel good to fight on ESPN in California so close to home, to be on a big stage to inspire the kids in Stockton, my hometown,” Flores said. “I want to open their eyes for them to know they can accomplish their own dreams. This opportunity is a dream come true.”

“Flores has the whole package, and without question, he is going to be a major star,” said Rick Mirigian, Flores’ adviser. “With his ESPN TV debut on the sport’s biggest weekend in front of 14,000 people near his hometown, a star will be born.”

Flores won U.S. Junior National Championships in 2015 and 2016, concluding his stellar amateur career with a 91-7 record. In November 2016, at the age of 16, he became the youngest fighter ever to sign a promotional contract with Top Rank. He made his professional debut on May 5, 2017, only four days after his 17th birthday. Trained by his father, Gabriel Flores Sr., the recent high school graduate has kept a busy schedule as a pro fighting on high-profile undercards. He is 4-0 thus far in 2018, most recently scoring a six-round unanimous decision against James De Herrera on July 7 at the Save Mart Center. Flores also appeared on the Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn card June 9 in Las Vegas, notching a shutout four-round decision against Jorge Rojas Zacazontetl.

Gutierrez represents Flores’ toughest test to date, as he is 3-0 with a no contest since the lone defeat on his ledger. A 25-year-old who trains out of Pacoima, Calif., Gutierrez last fought on April 28 and took some time away from the sport because of a hand injury. Now fully recovered, he hopes to spoil Flores’ ESPN debut.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Top Rank News & Notes: Herring-Moralde Elevated to 9/14 ESPN Telecast, Jonathan Guzman Signs Promotional Contract

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 7, 2018) – Maxim “Mad Max” Dadashev suffered a torn bicep in training and has been forced to postpone his originally scheduled Sept. 14 NABF super lightweight title defense against Antonio DeMarco. Jamel Herring versus John Vincent Moralde for the vacant USBA junior lightweight title has been elevated to the ESPN-televised co-feature underneath Jose Ramirez’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Antonio Orozco at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Dadashev-DeMarco has been moved to the co-feature slot on Oct. 20 when Ryota Murata defends his WBA middleweight world title against Rob Brant at the Park Theater in Las Vegas.

“I just want to say I’m honored to fight on ESPN,” Herring said. “I was already excited to fight on the same card as my Olympic teammate, Jose Ramirez, but to be placed as the co-main event right before he steps in the ring is a big deal. A win here will land me in position for a world title, so I’m not losing any focus at the real task at hand.”

Ramirez-Orozco and Herring-Moralde will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET.

Murata-Brant and Dadashev-DeMarco will stream live in the United States beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

In other news, Top Rank is pleased to announce it has signed the following fighters to promotional agreements, all of whom will see action on Top Rank on ESPN cards in 2018.

Jonathan Guzman (22-1, 22 KOs) — Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Guzman is a former IBF junior featherweight world champion, having knocked out Shingo Wake in the 11th round in July 2016 to capture the title. In his first title defense, on Dec. 31, 2016, he dropped a competitive unanimous decision to Yukinori Oguni in Japan. Guzman has not fought since the Oguni defeat, but he is targeting a return to title contention at 122 pounds.

“I want to thank God for this opportunity. I am excited and fortunate to be given this opportunity by Top Rank,” Guzman said. “This will give me better opportunities in the boxing world. I want to get back to the championship level, and I know Top Rank can get me there.”

Tyler Howard (15-0, 10 KOs) — The 24-year-old from Crossville, Tenn., will fight as a middleweight after spending most of his career at super middleweight. A six-year pro, he last fought on July 14 in New Orleans, knocking out Javier Frazier in the second round.

“Signing with the premier promotional company in the sport of boxing is a huge accomplishment for my team and I,” Howard said. “I trust that my career is in great hands with my manager (Tim Van Newhouse) and Top Rank. I know my team will present me with many opportunities to catapult my career into world contention status.”

Michael Perez (25-2-2, 11 KOs) — A longtime contender at 135 and 140 pounds, Perez will campaign at 140 pounds as he seeks his first career title shot. A native of Newark, N.J., Perez last fought in April 2017 when he defeated Marcelino Lopez via split decision.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for this opportunity to become part of the Top Rank family,” Perez said. “I have always respected the way they treat their fighters. I look forward to adding value and excitement to their already amazing shows.”

Eric Puente (0-0) — A decorated U.S. amateur from Vista, Calif., Puente will make the leap to the professional ranks and campaign as a lightweight. He was a gold medalist at the 2016 USA Boxing Youth Championships (132 pounds).

“I’m extremely happy to be signing with Top Rank,” Puente said. “This is an exciting chapter in my life, and I want to make my family and fans happy and hopefully one day become world champion. I know I have the very best promotional company behind me!”

September 14: Dadashev-DeMarco and Herring-Moralde Headline Ramirez-Orozco Undercard

FRESNO, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2018) – Maxim “Mad Max” Dadashev will defend the NABF super lightweight title against former WBC lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco on Friday, Sept. 14 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The Dadashev-DeMarco bout will serve as the co-feature to Jose Ramirez’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Antonio Orozco.

Ramirez-Orozco and Dadashev-DeMarco will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, with the entire undercard to be streamed at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Headlining the ESPN+ broadcast will be 2012 U.S. Olympian and United States Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring (17-2, 10 KOs) against John Vincent Moralde (20-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant USBA junior lightweight title. Also appearing on ESPN+ will be Hiroki Okada (17-0, 12 KOs), a 140-pound contender who will make his Top Rank debut against Cristian Coria (27-6-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder. And, in a special attraction, Gabe Flores Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs), the 18-year-old phenom from Stockton, California, will see action in a six-round featherweight bout against Roger Gutierrez (7-1-1, 4 KOs).

Dadashev (11-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a 10th-round stoppage against former world champion Darleys Perez on June 9 in Las Vegas, while DeMarco (33-6-1, 24 KOs) most recently knocked out then-undefeated Eddie Ramirez in the first round in October of last year.

“This is going to be the biggest night in the history of Central Valley boxing, as more than 14,000 fans will pack the Save Mart Center to watch Jose Ramirez defend his world title,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “The undercard is a special one, and we can’t wait for the fans in attendance and watching on ESPN and ESPN+ to see what we have in store.”

“DeMarco is a skilled veteran and a former world champion who I have a lot of respect for,” Dadashev said. “I am ready to fight for a world title soon, and DeMarco is in my way. I will put on a spectacular performance for the great fans in Fresno and for everyone watching on ESPN.”

“I’m just honored and excited to be back for this card,” Herring said. “As some may know, Jose and I were Olympic teammates, but we haven’t fought on the same night since our amateur days. It’s great to reunite with a close friend again. I’m really motivated to fight for my first title as a professional. Though it isn’t for a world title, a big win here will catapult me higher in the rankings and a step closer to a world title. I’m also motivated for this fight because Moralde got a victory over one of my training partners {Ismail Muwendo} in his last outing, so I feel as if we must get that victory back. I look at every fight as a title fight, and let’s not forget I’m fighting in front of my Marine Corps family so it’s a must that I put on a great performance!”

“It feels great to be fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend,” Flores said. “This has been the best training camp of my career, so the fans can expect an explosive Gabe Flores Jr.!”

“I’m so excited about signing with Top Rank. I would like to thank Mr. Bob Arum, the greatest promoter in the world, for this amazing opportunity,” Okada said. “Ever since I signed, I’ve been training harder than ever. This is such a great chance, and I am going to do my best to make the most of it.”

In other undercard bouts:

Welterweight puncher Alexander Besputin (10-0, 8 KOs), coming off a third-round knockout at the Save Mart Center on May 26, will face Alan Sanchez (20-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Fresno native Isidro Ochoa (5-0, 1 KO) will face Victor Morales (9-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight contest.

Former two-time interim world champion Bryan Vasquez (37-3, 20 KOs) will take on Carlos Cardenas (21-14-1, 13 KOs) in a lightweight bout.

Top 122-pound prospect Santos Ortega (2-0, 1 KO), who last fought July 7 at the Save Mart Center, will fight Sebastian Baltazar (1-1, 0 KOs) in a four-rounder.

Ruben Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO), from Indio, California, will fight an opponent to be announced in a six-round super featherweight bout.
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

September 14: Jose Ramirez to Defend WBC 140-Pound Title Against Unbeaten Challenger Antonio Orozco

March 31,2017. Weight In 1…..
Photo by Gene Blevins/Hogan Photo

FRESNO, Calif. (July 26, 2018) — The wait is over. It took a little longer than expected, but Jose Ramirez will finally return home as a world champion.

Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, will make the first defense of his WBC super lightweight title against Antonio “Relentless” Orozco on Friday, Sept. 14 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Ramirez was originally scheduled to defend his title at the Save Mart Center on July 7 against Danny O’Connor, but the bout was canceled after O’Connor was hospitalized for severe dehydration before the weigh-in.

Ramirez-Orozco and a soon-to-be announced co-feature will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, with the entire undercard to be streamed at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+— the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, tickets to this world championship event, priced at $150 (floor), $90, $60, $35, and $25, plus applicable fees, go on sale Friday, Aug. 3 at 12 p.m. PST. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Save Mart Center box office. For more information and box office hours, visit www.savemartcenter.com.

“We have an undefeated fighter in front of us, and I will get myself prepared to put on a great show,” Ramirez said. “It’s an honor to fight in Fresno, and we owe it to the fans after what happened last time. We’re going to make this show bigger and better. The fans of Fresno and the Central Valley have supported me my entire career, and I am honored to return home to defend the WBC world championship.”

“This will be a signature fight for Jose,” said Bob Arum, Top Rank’s founder and CEO. “Orozco is a very good, undefeated fighter, and we’re looking forward to a spectacular show back in our favorite venue, the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.”

“My time is now,” Orozco said. “The time for me to become world champion is here, and I will do everything possible to take that world title away from Jose Ramirez. I want to thank my manager Frank Espinoza and Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity, which I will take full advantage of this September. I know that Ramirez is a tough fighter and that I’ll be fighting on enemy turf. But I’m not worried about that. I have all the experience and the skills to score a great victory and leave the ring with the world title around my waist.”

“Orozco has been a loyal Golden Boy Promotions fighter for years, and we always knew he would fight for a world title,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “There’s no better way to do it than against a tough champion in Jose Ramirez. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that he is the best in the division, and I’m confident he will walk away world champion when he invades enemy territory on Sept. 14.”

Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs), beloved in the Central Valley for his commitment to immigrant causes and water rights for area farmers, won the vacant WBC super lightweight title on March 17 in New York City with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Amir Imam. He earned the title shot with a stunning second-round knockout over the previously undefeated Mike Reed on Nov. 11, 2017 in front of 13,838 fans at the Save Mart Center, which broke the venue’s previous record for a boxing match. When Ramirez fought Issouf Kinda at the Save Mart Center on Dec. 2, 2016, 13,700 fans turned out for the event dubbed “Fight For Water 6.” A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez turned pro later that year and soon became one of North America’s top ticket-sellers. On Oct. 25, 2014, Ramirez knocked out David Rodela in 50 seconds to win the vacant NABF super lightweight title in front of 10,000 fans at the Selland Arena in Fresno.

Orozco (27-0, 17 KOs), ranked the WBC’s No. 3 super lightweight, is a 10-year pro with a résumé that includes standout wins over former world champions and longtime contenders. In 2014 alone, he defeated former junior lightweight world champion Steve “2 Pounds” Forbes, former title challenger Martin “El Brochas” Honorio, and tough-as-nails veteran Miguel “El Anestesista” Huerta. On Oct. 3, 2015, as the co-feature to the Viktor “The Iceman” Postol vs. Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse main event in Carson, California, Orozco won a 10-round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto. In his last bout, March 16 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Orozco weighed in at the super lightweight limit of 140 pounds and prevailed via eight-round unanimous decision over Honorio in a rematch.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing, www.goldenboypromotions.com; Facebook facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ Twitter twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, https://twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo.

Use the hashtag #RamirezOrozco to join the conversation on social media.

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ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks.

The ESPN+ lineup includes 18 exclusive, live Top Rank events per year, dozens of fights from other Top Rank undercards, an unmatched library of the greatest fights in boxing history, and two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly).

It also features hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App is the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App curates all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

Orozco misses weight by 7 lbs; fight with Ortiz off

Antonio Orozco missed by by 7 pounds; forcing his co-feature bout with Roberto Ortiz to be cancelled, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Absolutely sick to my stomach,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez said of the situation.

FIGHTERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE TAKE CENTER STAGE WHEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®: JORGE LINARES VS. LUKE CAMPBELL AND ANTONIO OROZCO VS. ROBERTO ORTIZ IS SEEN SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Fighters from around the globe do battle when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: JORGE LINARES VS. LUKE CAMPBELL AND ANTONIO OROZCO VS. ROBERTO ORTIZ is seen SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) from The Forum in Inglewood, Cal. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The fights will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

In the main event, Venezuela’s Jorge Linares (42-3, 27 KOs), who calls Tokyo home, puts his lightweight title on the line against 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and top contender Luke Campbell (17-1, 14 KOs) from the UK in a scheduled 12-round contest.

Linares, 32, is a three-division champion, having also won featherweight and super featherweight titles. Returning to the U.S. after a three-year stretch fighting abroad, he’s on an 11-bout win streak and making the second defense of his lightweight crown. With only one blemish on his professional record, Campbell, 29, has steadily risen in the rankings and is making his first bid for a title in his U.S. debut. Turning pro in 2013, Campbell has fought his entire career to date in Great Britain.

The opening bout pits San Diego’s undefeated Antonio Orozco (26-0, 17 KOs) against ring veteran Roberto Ortiz (35-1-2, 26 KOs) from Torreón, Mexico in a scheduled ten-round super lightweight contest. Orozco, 29, is a rising star in the 140-pound division thanks to speed and counter-punching. With one controversial loss, Ortiz, 31, will rely on his experience and punching power.

Leading off the telecast with the replay of the highly-charged middleweight championship fight from Sept. 16 when superstar Canelo Alvarez challenged the undefeated Gennady “GGG” Golovkin for his crown. The sport’s top matchup of 2017, produced a classic 12-round battle that had the capacity crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas buzzing throughout.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO TO PUT WBC USNBC TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST ROBERTO “MASSA” ORTIZ AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR LINARES VS. CAMPBELL

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 18, 2017) Super lightweight contender Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (26-0, 17 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC USNBC Super Lightweight title against veteran Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (35-1-2, 26 KOs) in the televised opener and co-feature for the lightweight showdown between Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (42-3, 27 KOs) and Luke Campbell (17-1, 14 KOs) for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championship on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Orozco is coming off a spectacular fourth-round knockout win against KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson, where a thunderous right hand gave Gibson the first loss of his career. Orozco’s resume also includes impressive wins against Steve “2POUND” Forbes, Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor and Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto. The 29-year-old of San Diego, California will look to continue his rise to the pinnacle of the 140-pound division in what promises to be an action-packed fight.

Ortiz, of Torreon, Mexico, is the former WBC Silver Super Lightweight champion whose only loss was via a controversial second-round knockout against Argentine knockout artist Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse in September of 2014. Since then, the 31-year-old Ortiz has scored four wins and will look to take advantage of his second opportunity to fight on a high-profile Golden Boy Promotions card.

“I’m happy to have an opportunity to fight at the Forum, where there have been many iconic fights,” said Antonio Orozco. “I’m looking to leave an imprint there on September 23.We know Roberto Ortiz is a tremendous fighter. He definitely comes to fight. He’s aggressive. He’s a very strong fighter, and this is one of those matchups where styles make fights.”

“I’m happy for the big opportunity that Golden Boy Promotions is giving me, being on such a big event as Linares-Campell,” said Roberto Ortiz. “The truth is that I feel motivated and strong for this fight. I know that Orozco is a great fighter, that it’s going to be a great fight, and that the people will walk away happy come fight night.”

“Antonio is a tremendous fighter and one of the top 10 super lightweights in the sport today,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “He is rugged fighter that pushes himself and his opponents in the ring. Fans can expect to see a great show in the ring when he challenges Ortiz in the co-feature to Linares vs. Campbell on Sept. 23.”

Linares vs. Campbell is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and
Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships, to be held Saturday, September 23 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, California. The championship event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, in association with Teiken Promotions.
Orozco vs. Ortiz is a 10-round fight for the WBC USNBC super lightweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/LinaresCampbell into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and @JorgeLinares; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; follow on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @JorgeLinares; and follow the conversation using #LinaresCampbell.

Orozco knckos out Gibson in 4

Antonio Orozco remained undefeated by scoring a one-punch knockout over KeAndre Gibson in round four if their scheduled ten round super lightweight bout at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Orozco landed a perfect right to the head that sent Gibson to the canvas in round four. Gibson got up, but the fight was waved off at 1:31.

Orozco, 139 1/2 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 26-0 with 17 knockouts. Gibson, 139 lbs of St. Louis is 16-1-1.

Mercito Gesta won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Gonzalez in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Gesta was dropped with a right hook.

Gesta, 133.6 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 96-93, and is now 30-1-2. Gonzalez, 134.2 lbs of Mexico City is 26-4.

Cesar Diaz won a six-round unanimous decision over Felipe Rivas in a bantamweight bout.

Diaz, 117 1/2 lbs of Palmdae, CA won by scores of 60-54 on al cards and is now 5-0. Rivas, 117 3/54 lbs of Nogales, MX is 17-19-4.

GOLDEN BOY SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO AND KEANDRE “THE TRUTH” GIBSON AHEAD OF THEIR HEADLINING BOUT ON GOLDEN BOY BOXING ON ESPN SATURDAY, APRIL 1

INDIO, CA – JULY 29: “Relentless” Antonio Orozco steps on the scale to weigh in for his July 30, 2016 fight against Abner Lopez (not shown) at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. MANDATORY CREDIT: Ed Mulholland/HBO

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2017) Golden Boy Promotions fighters Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) are just one day away from their 10-round main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship, which will prove to be a defining moment in each of their careers. Golden Boy Promotions sat down with Orozco and Gibson recently to get their thoughts on the importance of this match up and what it means to them.

Orozco vs. Gibson is Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN airing on ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The fight spotlight video on Orozco vs. Gibson is available for viewing here.

ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“There is a lot more excitement in a fight when you have two undefeated fighters going toe to toe.

“I’ve seen him fight a couple of times. I can’t overlook Keandre Gibson. I’ve been through some hard times but not all hard times are the same. I’m here, I’m ready, let’s fight and get this going.”

KEANDRE “THE TRUTH” GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“Boxing critics sleep on me; they don’t realize I’m one of the top prospects in boxing right now. I’ve sparred a lot of guys with experience; I’ve sparred Canelo and Pacquaio. I know what I’ve got to do.

“It’s time to step up, if I’m not ready now then I’ll never be ready.”

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round battle for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxing and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxeo. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

ANTONIO OROZCO AND KEANDRE GIBSON QUOTES, PHOTOS

INDIO, CA – JULY 29: Abner “Jaeger” Lopez steps on the scale to weigh in for his July 30, 2016 fight against Antonio Orozco (not shown) at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. MANDATORY CREDIT: Ed Mulholland/HBO

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2017) Before Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) square off in a 10-round super lightweight main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast live on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, the two fighters discussed their upcoming fight.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their showdown:

ANTONIO OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“For me, this fight is very important, I did not take it lightly as I know it is against KeAndre Gibson, a good fighter in this division. Gibson and I have fought on the same cards before. He’s a tremendous fighter, a quick guy and real good counterpuncher. Our styles are going to give fans a great fight.

“I have a sports nutritionist with me in this training camp, and I’m ready to come back better than ever. My focus at this point is April 1, from there we will see what is next. Right now, I want to give the fans an entertaining fight. Fans want to see a little bit of everything, and I want to give them what they want.”

KEANDRE GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“My goal is a WBC world championship title, but right now my focus is on defeating Antonio Orozco. Obviously the hope is to knockout him out in the first round and get it done early, but I’m fully prepared to go to war and put on a good fight.

“I’ve been studying Orozco for a while now because I knew he was one of the top guys in my division. I feel like I’m more prepared for him than he is for me. He hasn’t really fought slick, quick boxing guys like me, so I feel like I’m more prepared to fight a guy with his style than he is to fight a guy with my style.”

Living up to its promise to bring the best fights to the fans, Golden Boy Promotions has upped the ante once again in putting together an action packed undercard to support Orozco vs. Gibson.

Hoping to make air time before the co-main event between Mercito “No Mercy”Gesta (29-1-2, 16 KOs) and Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (27-3, 22 KOs), Los Angeles’ Edgar Valerio (9-0, 5 KOs) will participate in the televised swing bout of the night in a featherweight fight scheduled against a soon to be announced opponent. Valerio comes back off a spectacular knockout victory from last December over Guadalupe Leon at the Belasco Theater and is looking to do the same in this upcoming bout.

Up and coming Glendora native Joet Gonzalez (15-0, 7 KOs) will face his toughest challenge yet in highly touted Derrick Murray (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, MO in an eight round featherweight fight. Known for his power punching abilities and impressive reach, the 23-year-old Gonzalez was last seen defeating Jairo Ochoa via fourth round knockout on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ final fight last December.

One of Los Angeles’ rising prospects, Emilio Sanchez (14-0, 9 KOs) will appear on this undercard to take on rugged Mexican fighter Jose “Flash” Bustos (11-7-3, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez in a super bantamweight battle scheduled to go eight rounds. With famed trainer Manny Robles in his corner, Sanchez has been a force to be reckoned with since turning professional in 2013 and comes off a unanimous decision victory over Diuhl Olguin last November under the LA FIGHT CLUB banner.

Kicking off the fights, the pride of Palmdale, CA, Cesar Diaz (4-0, 4 KOs) is sure to begin fight night with a bang in a bantamweight bout scheduled for four rounds against Felipe “Panterita” Rivas (17-18-4, 11 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico. Fighting for the second time in 2017, none of Diaz’s opponent have lasted past the third round in the ring against this talented, young fighter and his fists.

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round super lightweight battle set for April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. The ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link:http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDERS ANTONIO OROZCO AND KEANDRE GIBSON TO TOP APRIL 1 GOLDEN BOY BOXING ON ESPN AT THE CHELSEA INSIDE THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2017): Someone’s “0” must go, as undefeated and WBC #1 ranked Super Lightweight Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) from San Diego, California faces one of his toughest tests to date on April 1 when he goes head-to-head with highly touted prospect KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) out of St. Louis, Missouri.

ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. EST.

“This 50/50 main event will help determine the future of the super lightweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “I expect the winner of this fight will be positioned for world championship titles in the near-future and the loser will find himself back in the pack of the division. Everything is on the line for both of these fighters.”

In the chief support to the April 1 show in Las Vegas, longtime lightweight contender Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (29-1-2, 16 KOs) fighting out of San Diego, California returns for the first time in more than a year where he’ll find Mexico City knockout specialist Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (26-3, 22 KOs) on the other side of the ring for a 10-round showdown.

Highly touted and undefeated Golden Boy prospects Joet Gonzalez (15-0, 7 KOs), Emilio Sanchez (13-0, 8 KOs) and Edgar Valerio (9-0, 5 KOs) are also scheduled to appear on the card.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson, which is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, start at $20 and go on sale Friday, February 24 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round super lightweight battle set for April 1 and presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.”

Media interested in attending Orozco vs. Gibson on April 1 must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Friday, March 24, 2017 at 5 p.m., and can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

Orozco falls ill; out of Maldonado bout

Antonio Orozco suffered an illness and will not be able to compete against Fidel Maldonado tonight in Indio, California, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Due to dehydration, Antonio was taken to the hospital as a precaution (Thursday) morning,” Golden Boy Promotions spokesman Stefan Friedman told ESPN. “He is doing well and we look forward to his returning to action in the near future.”

“His blood sugar was a little high at 240,” Frank Espinoza, Orozco’s manager, told ESPN. “His heart rate was amazing at 39 beats per minute, so he was released and (we were) told to monitor him with fluids.”

UNDEFEATED SENSATION ANTONIO OROZCO TO BATTLE FIDEL MALDONADO JR. FOR VACANT WBC INTERNATIONAL SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF STACKED DECEMBER 16 CARD AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN INDIO, CALIF.

LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2016) – Super lightweight standout and undefeated contender Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs)will face one of his toughest challenges to date, taking on the always-dangerous and exciting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (22-3-1, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBC International Super Lightweight Championship in the 10-round co-main event of the Dec. 16 HBO Latino® Boxing tripleheader at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Tickets are already on sale for the stacked card, which will feature a light heavyweight match-up of top contenders between WBC USNBC Champion Vyacheslav “Lionheart Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) and Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) in the main event and Bronx-born IBF North American welterweight titlist Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (19-1, 11 KOs) putting his title on the line in a 10-round fight against undefeated Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (16-0, 11 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Orozco has shot to the top of the rankings in the last two years with victories over solid opposition including three-division world champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto, Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor and Abner “Jaeger” Lopez. In Maldonado, Orozco will see an offensive-minded fighter who has scored knockouts in 19 of his 22 victories.

“My dream of becoming a world champion is getting closer and closer, and I am confident I will keep my undefeated streak alive against Fidel Maldonado, Jr.,” Orozco said. “Fidel doesn’t know how to take a step backwards, and anyone who knows my style know that I don’t, either. Fans should expect fireworks.”

“One guy is nicknamed ‘Relentless’ and the other has knocked out almost all of his opponents — this is a guaranteed slugfest,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whoever comes out on top in this fight will likely be looking at a world title shot in 2017, so they will both leave it all in the ring.”

Off HBO Latino, but on RingTV.com, WBC Silver featherweight titlist and Santa Ana-born Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs)will seek to grow his three-fight winning streak – including a solid victory against the then-undefeated Jason Velez to earn the belt – against prospect Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Another standout Golden Boy Promotions prospect, San Diego’s Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (3-0, 3 KO) will return for his fourth performance in a four-round super featherweight match against a soon to be announced opponent.

Can’t-miss super lightweight prospect Vergil Ortiz Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), hot off of two, thunderous first-round knockouts including one in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, will step in against Juarez, Mexico’s Nestor Garcia (0-1) for a four-round fight.

Super welterweight banger Alexis Rocha (5-0, 4 KOs) returns to Fantasy Springs two months after delivering a devastating knockout to take on a yet-to-be-determined opponent in a six-round scrap.

Opening the night, Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (15-0, 9 KOs) will look to keep his impressive undefeated record intact in an eight-round bout in the Lightweight division against an opponent to be named later.

Local fan favorite Javier Padilla (1-0, 1 KO) will look to build on his successful pro debut at the same venue two months ago when he takes on Christian Lorenzo (2-3, 1 KO) of Los Angeles in a four-round battle of Super Bantamweights.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy vs. Sullivan Barrera is a 10-round bout for the WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight championship, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” and Casa Mexico Tequila Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino® Boxing telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.mainevents.com and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @main_events, @HBOLatino, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @main_events. Follow the conversation using the hashtag #ShabranskyyBarrera

CARLOS “THE SOLUTON” MORALES DEFEATS LUIS “LA ESTRELLA” FRANCO TO CLAIM THE NABA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE

LOS ANGELES (August 5, 2016) – On this edition of LA FIGHT CLUB, the fans were treated to non-stop action from start to finish at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Special guests in attendance included NBA Superstar Metta World Peace, NABF Super Lightweight Champion Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, NABA Featherweight Champion Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez, Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia, Alexis Rocha, Niko “Baby Face” Valdes and David Mijares, who all sat ringside watching the action.

Fighting in the televised main event on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, Los Angeles local Carlos “The Solution” Morales (14-1-3, 6 KOs) went on an all-out rampage against Luis “La Estrella” Franco (14-2-1, 9 KOs) of Havana, Cuba in a featherweight bout for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight title. The evenly matched fighters exchanged blocks and jabs for all 10 rounds, with both fighters giving it their all. Eventually “The Solution” came out on top as the judges awarded the NABA crown to the LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite with scores of 98-92, 97-93, 96-94.

In the televised co-main event, Glendora, California’s Joet Gonzalez (14-0, 6 KOs) maintained his undefeated status when he took on Los Angeles native Sergio “Micky” Lopez (19-12-1, 12 KOs) in a featherweight bout that went the distance. Gonzalez showed off his impressive left hook throughout the fight, using it to slowly break down Lopez round by round. Lopez countered and went on the defensive, landing shots to the face and body and at times cornered Joet on the ropes. The ninth round was filled with intensity as Joet landed massive jabs to the face, stunning Lopez. The fighters’ fury carried over to the 10th round, with the judges ruling in favor of Gonzalez via unanimous decision.

“I was mad during the fight,” said Joet Gonzalez. “I felt the referee wasn’t doing his job correctly. There were various points during the fight in which my opponent would lean in, head butt and hold me. However, despite the referee not noticing, I am glad the judges took note of my boxing ability. This was my first 10-round fight, and I prepared for this fight a little differently, using strength and weight training. I was able to share the card with my brother, which means a lot to me. We got first round knockout and unanimous decision victories.”

“During the fight, I didn’t think we were that far away points wise. In the end, it was the fans who won tonight,” said Lopez on the fight. “I feel we put on a great show for everybody. After our 30 days, I am going to hit the gym again and look forward to when I’ll hit the mat again to please the crowd.”

In the swing bout of the night, LA’s Angel Bojado (1-0, 0 KO) made his professional debut with a bang by defeating Euris Silverio (0-4) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Knocked down in the second round, Bojado got right back up and went back to business with a vengeance and was awarded a victory by unanimous decision.

“This fight was a long time coming,” said Bojado. “This victory will be the foundation for the rest of my boxing career. It’s been about two years since I have been in the ring, and training hard in North Carolina has paid off. I knew my opponent was tough because all his fights went to the judges for the decision. I am excited to only go up from here.”

Los Angeles local and LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite Pablo “The Shark” Rubio, Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) fought opponent Michael Gaxiola (4-8), of Modesto, CA in a six-round super bantamweight fight. “The Shark” demonstrated his capacity to dominate the ring, throughout the fight by cornering Gaxiola during most rounds. It was during the third round in a series of heated punches that Rubio sustained a cut underneath his right eye from a head butt. Despite the setback, the judges all unanimously agreed that he was the stronger fighter, awarding him the victory of the fight.

“I agree with the judges’ decision and I am happy with my performance tonight,” said Rubio on his unanimous decision win. “I used my jabs and had a lot of movement, which is what I was working on in training camp for this fight. I noticed that I slowed down in the fifth round, however, I still kept my rhythm. My opponent was very technical and he didn’t throw any crazy punches, so I applaud him for a tough fight.”

Glendora, California’s Jousce Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KO) dazzled the crowd in a four-round super featherweight fight against David “Tito” Montes (0-4 KOs) of El Paso, TX, in which he landed a body shot at 1:26 in the first round, to add another knockout to his undefeated record.

“I prepared well for this fight and had great sparring partners in Alex Luna and my older brother Joet Gonzalez,” said Jousce Gonzalez. “I always train for double the amount of rounds and if the knock out comes during the fight, it comes. I’m ready for everything. I’m on fire and in the best shape of my life. I could fight tomorrow if needed.”

Kicking off this fight night with a four-round featherweight fight, Las Vegas’ Francisco “El Alacran” Esparza (3-0, 1 KO) faced Noe Munoz (2-2) of Ciudad Juarez. Ezparza wasted no time getting straight to business by landing a devastating right punch to Munoz’s face, effectively ending the bout by technical knockout in the first thirty seconds.

“I feel amazing,” said Esparza on his victory. “Going in to the fight, you never expect a knock out. I always prepare to go all four rounds. I hope to be back really quick, and I want to thank my team for the opportunity.”

Carlos Morales vs. Luis Franco was a 10-round bout for the NABA Super Featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, Casa Mexico Tequila, Carmelita Coconut Water, and Hands of Stone: The True Story of Robert Duran out in theatres this August. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card was also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected]. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining summer dates taking place August 19, September 2, October 7, November 4 and December 2.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Orozco decisions Lopez

Antonio Orozco won a ten round unanimous decision over Abener Lopez in a junior welterweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California.

Oroaco, 142 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 25-0. Lopez, 140 lbs is 23-6.

Joseph Diaz remained undefeated by stopping Victor Proa in round two of their featherweight bout.

Diaz dropped Proa in the 2nd round with a hard uppercut. He jumped on Proa and landed a huge barrage of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:07.

Diaz, 126 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 21-0 with 12 knockouts. Proa, 123 1/2 lbs of Monterrey, MX is 28-2-2.

FULL CARD SET FOR JULY 30 AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN INDIO, CALIF. TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO LATINO® BOXING

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2016) – Boxing fans are gearing up for a full card of action set to take place on Saturday, July 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino featuring number one rated contender by the WBC, “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) taking on Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a 10-round super lightweight main event on HBO Latino® Boxing beginning at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT). Tickets are moving fast for this event, with just a limited number of tickets left available for purchase.

In the televised co-main event of the night, undefeated featherweight sensation and NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) will put his title on the line in a 10-round fight against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Additionally, fans attending the event will get a chance to meet Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya. “The Golden Boy,” who is a 10-time world champion in six weight divisions and 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, will greet fans before the televised main event from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center to sign autographs and take photos.

“I love my fans and I’m looking forward to seeing many of them at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on July 30,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “Plus, this card on July 30 topped by Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz, Jr. promises to be thrilling with non-stop action. Orozco and Diaz, Jr. are among the best fighters in the Golden Boy stable right now, and they are both headed towards becoming world champions in the not-too-distant future.”

Rounding out the undercard on the non-televised portion of the evening, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (11-1-2, 6 KOs) of East Los Angeles will take on Jairo “Roca” Hernandez (17-9, 9 KOs) of Torreon, Coahulia, Mexico in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight. Los Angeles’ fan favorite Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight event against Jesus Aguinaga (4-4-1) of Phoenix. Additionally, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Virgil Ortiz of Dallas will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight against Julio Rodas (0-2) of Flagstaff, Ariz. Palmdale, California’s Cesar Diaz (1-0, 1 KOs) will open up the night in a four round featherweight fight against Nicholas Rodriguez (1-4-1) of Somerset, Ky.

All floor seats are sold out and a limited number of tickets at the $25 level are still available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Antonio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:10 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino® Boxing telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOLatino, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing.

NUMBER ONE WBC RANKED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT “RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO RE-SIGNS A MULTI-YEAR PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2016) – Having taken the 140-pound division by storm, the WBC’s number one-ranked super lightweight “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) will continue to pursue a world championship title as a Golden Boy Promotions fighter, retaining the Los Angeles-based company founded by Oscar De La Hoya as his promoter. Orozco’s multi-year agreement comes ahead of his July 30 fight where he will headline the HBO Latino card against Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs) at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

“Since I was a child I always dreamed to be part of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions,” said Antonio Orozco. “This is where I started my career and this is where I would like to finish. I am at my prime, and re-signing with Golden Boy represents the second chapter of my career of become a world champion.”

“Antonio Orozco is one of the best fighters in our stable at Golden Boy Promotions, and with his natural talent, skill and strong work ethic, he is poised to become a world champion in this sport, without a doubt,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “I’m proud Antonio chose to stay with the Golden Boy family, and I’m excited to see him conquer the division and rise to the top of the sport.”

“I look for great things for Antonio Orozco, we started with Golden Boy and this is where we want to finish,” said Frank “Derecho” Espinoza, manager of Antonio Orozco. “We enjoy being part of the Golden Boy family and with their help we know we will get to the next level and fight for a world title.”

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Rated as number one by the WBC, and rated in the top 10 by all sanctioning bodies in the super lightweight division, Orozco is ready for the next chapter of his career as a world champion. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. In his most recent bout on March 25, 2015, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @PuroBoxOrozco, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @ItsRelentless.

ANTONIO OROZCO TO FACE ABNER LOPEZ AND JOSEPH DIAZ JR. TO TAKE ON VICTOR PROA ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2016) – “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs), one of the most promising contenders in the division will be tested in the welterweight division as he takes on Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs), a tough fighter from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico known for his heavy punch and endurance in the ring. The 10-round main event will headline an exciting night of boxing from Golden Boy Promotions’ home in the Coachella Valley at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, July 30 and televised on HBO Latino® Boxing beginning at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Also, featured as the televised co-main event of the night, undefeated contender, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) will put his NABF Featherweight Title on the line in a 10-round featherweight fight against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Rounding out the undercard on the non-televised portion of the evening, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (11-1-2, 6 KOs) of East Los Angeles will take on Jairo “Roca” Hernandez (17-9, 9 KOs) of Torreon, Coahullia, Mexico in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight. Los Angeles’ fan favorite Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight event against Jesus Aguinaga (4-4-1) of Phoenix. Additionally, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Virgil Ortiz of Dallas will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight against Julio Rodas (0-2) of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Antonio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. In his most recent bout on March 25, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

A professional since 2011, Abner “Jaeger” Lopez has been steadily climbing the welterweight ranks. Known for his punching power and resilience in the ring, Lopez has taken on tough opposition defeating Humberto Mauro ” Cachorrito” Gutierrez, Ricardo “Pelon” Dominguez, Jose David Mosquera and Aik “The Humanoid” Shakhanazaryan. Lopez was last seen in the ring in 2015 when he fought four-times winning against Daniel Calzada via decision in July and receiving his first loss after a four win streak in November against Daniel Echeverria. Now, Lopez is looking to come back into the winners column when he faces Orozco on July 30.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win in his HBO debut over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage.

A tested fighter out of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Victor “Pitufo” Proa will be looking for his second victory of 2016 when he takes on the promising Joseph Diaz, Jr. on July 30. The 31-year-old last faced Oswaldo Oziel Delgado in February via first round technical knockout after a six-year fight hiatus. Before that, Proa was a six-year professional fighter that boasted a great record with only one loss, taking on some of the most experienced fighters in the game. Now with a victory under his belt, Proa will be making his first appearance in the U.S. looking to crash the featherweight division.

East LA super bantamweight Roy “Pitbull” Tapia is a popular fighter on the California fight scene. A promising fighter, Tapia maintained busy in 2014 and 2015 taking on tough fighters: Erik Ruiz, Juan Luis “Perla Negra” Hernandez, Ali Gonzalez, Luis “Titi” Maldonado and Omar “Chacalito” Aguilar. Now fighting for the first time in 2016, Tapia will be looking for redemption after his first career loss to face Jairo Hernandez in his return to Fantasy Spring Resort Casino on July 30.

A professional fighter for over 15 years, Jairo “Roca” Hernandez of Torreon, Coahuilla, Mexico has enough experience under his belt to be a dangerous fighter against any opponent. Currently maintaining a five-fight winning streak via knockout, the heavy-handed, Hernandez will be looking to impress in his U.S. debut when he takes on Roy Tapia on July 30.

A former amateur star, Nick “La Calavera” Arce became a professional with a victory over Adalbert Valenzuela and most believe that the sky is the limit for the hard-hitting featherweight of Honduran and Salvadoran descent. In his first fight of 2016, Arce took on seasoned fighter Luiz “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr., in February and went the distance for the first time in his career winning the fight via unanimous decision. In his second fight, Arce was part of the non-televised action on the undercard of Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido on June 4, at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., defeating Francisco Dominguez via unanimous decision with scores of 60-54 from all three judges.

A new fighter on the scene, Jesus Aguinaga of Phoenix, is coming off a decision loss against Justin Pauldo on June 2016. Earlier in the year, Aguinaga had a victory over Luis Bello in January and a draw against Adan Mares in April. Now, Aguinaga will be looking to be back on the winner’s column when he takes on Nick Arce on July 30.

Currently trained by the famed Joel Diaz, Virgil Ortiz of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion, winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with a record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father and began competing at eight-years old. The decorated amateur signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016 and is ready to begin his professional career on July 30.

In his fight of 2016 and after a four-year hiatus, Julio Rodas of Flagstaff, Ariz. will be looking to make another attempt at the fight game on July 30. With two fights already under his belt, pro-debuter, Vigril Ortiz will have a tough time going up against a more experienced fighter.

“RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO AND JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ HOST PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

“RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO AND JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ HOST PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES,

LOS ANGELES (July 6, 2016) – The heat was turned up a notch at Golden Boy Headquarters as undefeated welterweight “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) announced their upcoming televised fights on HBO Latino on July 30. Rising SoCal fan-favorite fighter, Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0-0, 6 KOs) fighting on the non-televised undercard portion of the night was also in attendance.

Below is what the fighters, their managers and promoter had to say at today’s press conference:

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President, Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are very proud to be partnered with Fantasy Springs for this fight, as they have been our host venues for many of Golden Boy’s events.

“Antonio Orozco reminds me of a young Julio Cesar Chavez, because he always puts on an exciting performance. He’s worked very hard to be here and this might be the fight before his shot at a world title. It’s clear he has obviously caught the eye of HBO, and this fight will be by far the toughest of his career.

“We are in an Olympic year, and our co-headliner will be ex-Olympian, Joseph Diaz, Jr. who also has a great record as a featherweight fighter. I believe the featherweight division will be the hottest division in the next few years because of all the talent we have following in the footsteps of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

“Nick Arce is beginning to have a huge following and his fans follow him out to Fantasy Springs. He sells a bunch of tickets, and will be the future of boxing.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President, HBO Sports and PPV:

“This fight on July 30 is another great night of boxing featuring up and coming talent with Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz Jr., who are sure to be future PPV stars.

“Remember even if you have HBO, you still have HBO Latino because boxing is a universal right.”

CHRIS LAVOIE Public Relations Manager at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

“Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud of its long relationship with Golden Boy Promotions. Visitors come from far and wide for a great night of boxing at Fantasy Springs, whenthey hear it is a Golden Boy Promotions card.

“We are very excited to announce that Oscar De La Hoya will be a VIP at this event, and we want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for another great card at our venue. We look forward to a great night.”

NICK “LA CALAVERA” ARCE, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank my team at Westside Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions for supporting me. I’m excited to be in the ring on July 30 and will give the fans a great show.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ. Jr. NABF Featherweight Title Contender:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for this opportunity to showcase my talents.

“I’m excited to give everyone a great performance. I’ve been training very hard, and I want to showcase that I am at the same level as all the champions in the featherweight division. Hopefully, I can go for a world title soon.”

FRANK ESPINOZA, Manager to “Relentless” Antonio Orozco:

“Muhammad Ali once said, ‘Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, and a vision.’

“On July 30, we will witness such a fighter who has a desire, a dream, and a vision. I’d like to say Antonio Orozco has the X factor, and it’s no wonder he’s ranked number one by the WBC. He’s unstoppable and we’re happy to be a part of this event. We will put on a fight we won’t forget.”

“RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO, Super Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank God for providing these opportunities. It’s a blessing to have the team I have around me. These are the moments that as a professional you look forward to. We’ve paid our dues and put in the hard work. This wouldn’t be possible without a team–even though as a fighter, you are alone in the ring, you don’t get ready without a team.”

“My opponent is a tremendous fighter from what I’ve seen, who can pull off an upset and has won against undefeated fighters before. We are putting together our relentless style of boxing and July 30 will be no exception. No one will be bored watching this fight.”

ANTONIO OROZCO AND JOSEPH DIAZ, JR. TO CO-HEADLINE HBO LATINO® BOXING EVENT ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

Antonio Orozco
LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2016) – As California battles through a sizzling heat wave, the Summer of 2016 will get even hotter on Saturday, July 30, as two of SoCal’s undefeated top rising stars return to the ring. Undefeated welterweight Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) of San Diego is set to participate in 10-round main event while Golden Boy Promotions stable mate and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs)of South El Monte, Calif. will be featured in the 10-round co-main event. Both fights will be televised on HBO Latino Boxing.

With Orozco ranked as number one by the WBC and in the top 10 by all major world sanctioning bodies and with Diaz crashing the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings, the stakes have never been higher as world-class boxing returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Opponents for Orozco and Diaz will be announced shortly.

“Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz, Jr. are two fighters quickly rising to the top in Golden Boy’s stable of talent, with both poised to become world champions in the near-future,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “This card will be action-packed, making for an exiting summer event that fans should not miss on July 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and HBO Latino Boxing.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 1, 2016 and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

The HBO Latino Boxing event headlined by Antonio Orozco is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor, and in his most recent bout on March 25, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage.

Video: ANTONIO OROZCO INTERVIEW AND SAN DIEGO WORKOUT B-ROLL

Video: GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS MATCHMAKER, ROBERTO DIAZ WEIGHS-IN ON ANOTNIO OROZCO VS. MIGUEL ACOSTA

TOP PROSPECTS FEATURED ON THE MARCH 25 AND APRIL 1 UNDERCARDS LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2016) – Undefeated top prospects featured on the undercards of Antonio Orozco vs. Miguel Acosta on March 25 and Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado on April 1, hosted Los Angeles media workout today ahead of their scheduled fights. Fighters, Jason “El Animal” Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs), Emilio Sanchez (11-0, 8 KOs), Oscar Torres (8-0, 4 KOs), Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (5-0, 3 KOs), Pablo “The Shark” Rubio Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) and newcomer Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava were all in attendance to show off some of their boxing skills in ring.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming fights:

Video of the workout is also available on Golden Boy Promotions’ YouTube page:

JASON “EL ANIMAL” QUIGLEY, Middleweight Prospect:

“It can be hard to be so far away from home, especially on this past St. Patrick’s Day holiday but I had a great day out celebrating with friends this year. My last fight was a learning experience, I know mistakes happen and I know not to lose control for next time.

“David Lemeuix is a great guy and boxer. We are both in this sport to be the best we can. To be honest, the Olympics first caught my attention but at the end of the day I’ve left that behind. I’m in professional boxing, and fighting as amateur is a completely different sport.”

EMILIO SANCHEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited for my upcoming fight in Fantasy Springs this week. I’ve been training really hard in the gym and I’m hoping to move up to 10-rounders this year.

“I know this will be a good fight and if the knock out comes, I’ll be ready to take it.”

EDGAR “KID NEZA” VALERIO, Featherweight Prospect:

“From the looks of my opponent’s record, it seems like it will be a very good fight.

“I’ve been going in hard and keeping it consistent in the gym. I’m hoping after this fight to move on up to eight-rounders.”

TENOCHTITLAN “T-DOG” NAVA, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s a great honor to be among stalemates like Nick Arce and Rafael Gramajo at the Westside Boxing Club. I had a really great amateur career of about 35 fights and couldn’t be more excited for my LA Fight Club professional debut next Friday.”

PABLO “THE SHARK” RUBIO JR., Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“It feels great to be out there and have so many supporters and fans cheering me on with Team Shark. My goal is to put on a great fight. I always go into the ring the best I can be and I’m always on the lookout for a huge knockout.”

OSCAR TORRES, Welterweight Prospect:

“I haven’t seen any video of my opponent, but I’m ready to take him on.

“I feel very happy and prepared for LA Fight Club next week. My opponent was changed, so I’ve had to switch up my workout routine in the gym to get the big knock out on fight night.

“Ultimately, my goal is to sign with Golden Boy Promotions and become a World Champion.”

Antonio Orozco vs. Miguel Acosta, is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold” and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $45, $35, $25 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale starting at $20 with new Flex Passes, Group Tickets and Bold Experience upgrades are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].