LOS ANGELES — (March 10, 2025) — International superstar and welterweight world championship contender “King” Ryan Garcia, former undisputed lightweight champion and WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney, two-division world champion and current WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez, and their respective opponents met at The Mayan in Los Angeles, Calif., to wrap up their coast-to-coast press tour ahead of their historic three-fight card in Times Square. These bouts headline the star-studded “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves” card, marking the first-ever event in the United States presented by Ring Magazine. The event is additionally brought to you by SNK Corporation in association with Oscar De La Hoya for Golden Boy Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

New York’s iconic Times Square will be turned into a world-class boxing venue for one night on Friday, May 2,  to provide the backdrop for Ring Magazine’s first American event, playing host to some of the biggest stars of the game.

Garcia, (24-1, 20 KOs), is set to clash with former WBA Super Lightweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) for the WBA “World” Welterweight Championship, while Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) will face former Unified Super Lightweight Champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs). WBO Super Lightweight Champion Lopez will battle against undefeated interim WBO titleholder Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs).

This is what the fighters and their teams had to say today:

RYAN GARCIA:

Q: What are your thoughts on Rolly Romero as an opponent?

“As far as Rolly as an opponent, he was not my first choice. It was (Isaac) Pitbull Cruz, but things played out a different way. I’m really focused on whooping Devin Haney’s ass again. That’s all I’m really worried about—not even to redeem myself, just to cement that Ostarine BS which you probably set up.”

Q: How long will Rolly last in the ring with you?

“He’s going to come to fight. I’m not taking him lightly or anything like that. I’m still going to train my best, but everybody wants to see the rematch (with Haney), and that’s where my heart is at. So, I’ve just got to prepare well. I know I’m the better fighter, and I’m going to knock him out.”

Q: Do you think it’s important for you to make a statement in this fight?

“All of my fights are a statement. Every fight is important. I can’t go in there without trying to do my best, so of course.”

Q: Who is on your radar after Rolly Romero and Devin Haney?

“Teo, right there. I want that. You know I want that.”

Q: What’s your prediction for May 2?

“I put Rolly to sleep with a left hook. That’s it. That’s what you’re going to see. Period.”

ROLANDO “ROLLY” ROMERO:

Q: How concerned are you about Ryan Garcia’s patented left hook?

“Not very concerned at all. You move out of the way.”

Q: What did you mean when you said that Ryan Garcia doesn’t care about titles—that he just wants to be a model?

“Well, he didn’t make weight for his last world title fight, and he didn’t even try to make weight with Tank (Gervonta Davis), so he’s not chasing a belt. But we’ll see May 2.”

Q: What’s the game plan to beat Ryan Garcia?

“I don’t really have a game plan. I didn’t have one when I whooped his ass (in a sparring session eight years ago). 

Q: Are you concerned that Ryan says he is looking past you?

“He can think whatever he wants. He knows me too well.”

DEVIN HANEY:

Q: Why have you seemed quiet and reserved in recent appearances?

“I’m just excited to be back in boxing, under the lights. I’m really just focused right now. I’ve got tunnel vision.”

Q: Are you happy with the matchup against Jose Ramirez, or did you prefer to fight Ryan Garcia straight away?

“Of course the big fight is Ryan Garcia, but I cannot look past Jose Ramirez. I know that he is a tough competitor. I know that he is coming to win. To get to the Ryan fight, first we’ve got to beat Jose Ramirez, and that’s what I’m here to do.” 

Q: Are you going to be a different version of Devin Haney in the ring on May 2nd?

“Yes, a better version. I’ve been in the gym, working quietly behind the scenes ever since the Ryan fight. Just getting better, perfecting my craft. You guys are going to see an even better, new and improved version of Devin Haney.”

Q: Do you think Ryan Garcia’s punishment from the commission was enough?

“That’s not for me to determine right now. My main focus is Jose Ramirez and then lining it back up with Ryna Garcia. Whatever his punishment, that’s what it was, and I’m going to look to punish him in the ring.”

Q: What are we going to be saying about you after May 2?

“Like I said, even better than I was before. Like I said, I’m a new and improved version of myself.”

JOSE CARLOS RAMIREZ:

Q: What has to happen for you to have your arm raised after fighting Devin Haney?

“People forget I’m a 2012 Olympian… I’m gonna go out there on May 2 and do what I have to do. I know how much this fight means to me, to the team, and to my family. I know when I make my way to 147, I’m going to be a lot stronger and a lot faster. I’m healthier, and I’m feeling rejuvenated. I’m looking forward to making a statement on May 2nd.”

Q: Is Devin Haney going to be a more difficult fight for you than Arnold Barboza was?
“We’ll see. He’s a different opponent, so you can’t really ask that. Going back to old times, a fighter used to lose to one fighter, then beat the other fighter. You can’t say that about boxing. It’s a different division with a different Jose Ramirez.

Q: A lot of people are going to wonder about the state of Devin Haney’s chin after his fight with Ryan Garcia. Are you going to be able to test that chin?

“Of course I’m going to test the chin. That’s my job. Even if he was 31-0 with 31 knockouts, it’s still my job to test his chin.”

Q: What is your prediction for the fight?
“I just can’t wait for May 2. I’m going to make a statement, and that’s all I’m going to do. I’m focused on the fight, that’s it.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ:

Q: How much do you make of Arnold Barboza’s confidence that he can beat you?

“To be honest, I’m focused on myself. That’s all it is. My biggest competition is myself. I could care less what Arnold has to say on that side. We’re here to take over.” 

Q: Who is the most talented fighter on the card besides yourself? Who do you have the most respect for?

“Most respectfully, my son, Teofimo Liam Lopez. All of you suck, man.”

Q: Who is going to steal the show on May 2?

“The fans are going to steal the show that night. That’s what it’s all about. We want everybody to tune in, pull up—it’s open to the public, right? All of you guys are going to win that night. You get three of the hottest commodities in the sport of boxing. But there’s six of us, really. I think that’s what’s really going to matter to everyone. We’re the face of the next generation of boxing that’s coming in. That’s the most important part. I want everybody to win, outside of Arnold Barboza, that’s about it.”

Q: What will we see from you on May 2?

“Listen, guys, I’m 27. I haven’t even hit my prime. You guys have seen a version of me, and I did everything so quick. So tune in May 2.”

ARNOLD BARBOZA:

Q: What’s it going to take to beat Teofimo Lopez?

“This is going to be my easiest fight in my last four fights. Slap that clown around is what I’m going to do. He thinks he’s something special, but he’s been taken care of by Top Rank. But now Top Rank has pulled that cord, and they’re letting him play.” 

Q: What is your prediction for May 2?

“May 2, I’m coming out victorious. Doesn’t matter how it happens, it happens. Teo sucks, and I’m going to beat him up, that’s it. He is not going to be the same after this, trust me.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA:

Q: What do you expect from your three fighters on this card?

“Ryan Garcia is back, baby. Badder than ever, fresher than ever. I like what I see, man. On May 2, in Times Square, this event could not take place without Ryan Garcia. That’s the bottom line. Times Square, half a million people watching, closing down the street. It’s going to be incredible. I’m proud to be a part of it…. We have three fighters on the Golden Boy roster (participating). This is the opportunity that fighters deserve. This is what boxing is all about, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

FRANK SMITH:

Q: You’ve been in some unique environments with Matchroom, but Times Square is a different animal altogether. What is this night going to look like?

“Yeah, we’ve done some events in amazing places, and when we first heard about the plan to do Times Square, I thought that it wouldn’t be possible. But, seeing some of the things that have been put together recently, it just shows the level that this sport can go to. Boxing is in a great place, and what The Ring Magazine is doing with boxing is unbelievable, and I’m excited for it. This is going to be a great night. These fighters are also very fortunate in many ways, to experience an event in a location like Times Square. Who would have thought that this would be possible several years ago?”

BRAD JACOBS:

Q: Have you ever seen anything like what we’re going to see on May 2 in Times Square?

“It’s a testament to these fighters, His Excellency, and The Ring Magazine crew for even thinking of a venue like Times Square. We’ve done events all over the world, in every imaginable place in the world, but not Times Square. The center of the sports and entertainment worlds will have their eyes on Times Square that night.” 

RICK REENO:

Q: What impact will this card have on boxing?

“I think it’s going to have a big impact on the boxing landscape given the fighters that are involved. It’s no secret that if Ryan and Devin win their respective fights, they will meet in the fall. There are also some plans for Teo. You’ve got three hungry guys that are looking to derail that. It’s also an iconic setting that’s never been done before. I think we’re setting the stage at Ring Magazine to think outside the box and do something different. Other sports, they change, they innovate, they do different things. I think boxing should do the same, and it’s what we’re looking to do. Innovate and switch things up.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“A huge night of boxing at the wonderful Co-op Live here in Manchester on Saturday – live on DAZN around the world. For me one of the best fights in the world at 140 lbs. It’s the interim WBO Super-Lightweight World Title between England’s Jack Catterall and America’s Arnold Barboza. Jack Catterall, the man that should be undisputed. The man that has gone through Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor, Regis Prograis and now this man awaits – 31-0 Arnold Barboza that sat at the top of the pecking order for a long long time. One of Golden Boy’s top charges. Straight off a fantastic victory over Ramirez in Saudi Arabia. Ready now to put himself in a golden position for huge fights within the division.”

Jack Catterall:

“What a card we’ve got on Saturday night, three other lads from my gym fighting, some great live fights but on my fight, it’s a huge opportunity for me on Saturday.

“I think we’re both taking confidence from the preparations we’ve had, I don’t want easy fights, Arnold has been in the position that I’ve been in waiting for that opportunity and I don’t think that you can sit back now the way that boxing is on the sidelines, you’ve got to take your chance. I’ve got good momentum, I feel better with every camp, this camp has been great, we’ve bettered it from the last time, and I do believe I’m a better fighter and I get him out of there on Saturday.

“I’ve been very active and the confidence comes from the time spent in the gym  and all the hard work has been done and it’s time to relax, recover and perform. I’ve got better and better through the momentum and activity and that’s where the confidence has come from.

“I’m in a great division at 140 lbs with a lot of tremendous fighters, but nothing matters until after Saturday night, I have to remain focused on Arnold. That being said, we understand the business, there’s so many great fights to be made. Teofimo Lopez has the WBO Title, hopefully that’s a fight that can be made down the line, but I’ve got to beat him and beat him well on Saturday.

“This is the final hurdle on Saturday, it’s a big fight, it’s high risk, high reward like he said, I’m ready and we’re bringing that belt back to Charley on Sunday morning.”
Jamie Moore:

“Jack’s on a fantastic run, he’s in the form of his life, and he needs to be as these types of fight and the challenges that he wants to put himself in front of, you need to be on top form. Activity was always an issue two or three years ago when he wasn’t getting the fight that he wanted. When you look back to 2018, I know Barboza’s team say they have been waiting a long time, but Jack was mandatory for the WBO Title then and for some reason or the other it kept dragging on, different fights were getting made in front of him. He eventually got his chance and the decision didn’t go our way, and it brings us to the point we’re at now, and it’s going to take some fighter to beat him, and that time is not yet.

“I’ve said for years that Jack is the best 140 lbs fighter in the world, he’s just needed the chance to prove it. He’s been doing that for the last couple of years, I’ve no doubt that Barboza is going to come with everything he’s got, he’s a solid fighter, but Jack has the kryptonite for everyone, he’s always a step ahead, and he’ll show that on Saturday.”Arnold Barboza Jr:

“We had another offer to fight the main event at home, but I just want to fight the best. I believe Jack is a really good fighter at the top of the division, and I think we’re the best, I don’t think the champions are better than us to be honest. We’re always ready for challenges, we’re ready to go.

“I believe I’m the best in the division, I don’t think anyone can fuck with me. I’m just confident in myself, at the end of the day we can do all he talking, I know he’s not a trash talker and I’m not a trash talker, Saturday is going to determine everything and that’s all the matters. 

“I’ve watched a lot of fights where people have gone to enemy territory and they are getting booed – I hope it’s sold out and I hope I get booed, that’s just going to turn me on. I’m excited and it’s a dream, a big fight with high risk and high reward, no more of those low risk, low reward fights, I’m excited to get in there and dance with him.

“I really believe I stop him. The way camp has gone, we isolated ourselves with 8,000ft elevation, running in the snow, everything we did and the the way I’ve been feeling in sparring and my sparring partners can attest, I feel stronger and better than ever. He’s coming with everything, I’m coming with everything, so let’s go.

“This fight means everything to me. There’s fans in the UK, expect a great fight and an exciting fight, and I hope to bring some of those fans back with me to the US.”
Arnold Barboza Sr:

“We’re ready and we’ve been ready for this opportunity. We’re traveling but we don’t care where it’s at, we’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and it’s here and we’re here. Traveling is fun, it’s a little bit cold, but it’s fun. There’s no fear at all, we had the opportunity to fight at home in a main event on the same day for the same pay, but we’re looking to fight the best and i think Jack is one of the best, so that’s why we’re here and made that decision. 

“It’s number one against number two and that’s what it’s supposed to be. The best against the best, give the fans what they deserve, and this fight is going to be worth every penny.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight. We wouldn’t make the trip over here if we weren’t confident, we’re going to stop Jack.”Alfie Sharman:

“We’re back in this incredible arena in Manchester and what a fight we have ahead of us on Saturday. From top to bottom it’s a stacked card, and Jack Catterall, a local favorite around here, has been on a remarkable run recently, but he has a tough fight on Saturday in the very talented and undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr, and the winner takes it all with a potential World Title fight later in the year. I wish everyone on the card and the two main guys the very best of luck on Saturday. We’re looking at two powerhouses of the promotional world here with Eddie and Matchroom and Golden Boy led by Oscar de la Hoya, earlier this week at DAZN we announced the first slate of fights with another powerhouse in the world of boxing with Frank Warren and Queensberry, and we look forward to welcoming Frank and his talented roster from April 1. We at DAZN are the global home of boxing and have a commitment to our subscribers and boxing fans all over the world to deliver the biggest and best fights in 2025 and beyond.”

Reece Bellotti:

“No one saw you all day, from your team? You should sack them. My boys woke me up that day. Why wouldn’t your team check on you in the morning? Why would they not, if they know you’re not feeling right? You just said you didn’t fall ill in the changing room. You just said you didn’t fall ill in the changing room. So you haven’t been right all week. So why make weight, why waste my time and everyone’s time when that was going to happen? Your team should know that. Your story has holes in it. That’s all I’m saying. Who got in the cab with you to the arena, were you on your own? Your team should be getting in there with you. Everyone does that. Everyone goes with their team to the arena. Everybody. So they would have known way before. I’m not denying the fact you was ill. But you knew you was ill way before it came out. Why did you let someone pull you out in the changing room. There isn’t a fighter on this table that would do that. The doctor wouldn’t have come into my changing room. There’s holes in your story but I’m not denying that you were ill. At least you had your excuse that night. What’s your excuse this time? That fire burns inside me and it always has done. My Christmas weren’t as good as it could have been, and I blame Michael Gomez for that.”

Michael Gomez Jr:

“Can I just correct you Eddie? I didn’t fall ill in the dressing room. Obviously on fight week I came in here the last time and I was all hooded up. I wasn’t feeling great, but as a fighter you keep your mouth shut and you get on with it. I met my team at the arena on fight night. I had a back and forth with my manager – he wasn’t happy with the way I was. He took it upon himself to get the doctor involved. The doctor came in, did an observation and took me to the room. On my behalf, I should have made it come to light earlier, but as a fighter, at the end of the day I wanted to fight. Why would I tell someone earlier? Either way the fight would have been pulled. If my manager goes and gets the doctor and brings the doctor in what do you want me to do? Do you think that you’re that good to make me pull out? Do you honestly believe you’re that good? You’re a f****ing idiot mate. Absolute idiot. Until my team took it upon themselves to pull me out, I was wanting to fight. You’d have gone in there that night and you’d have beat me up but I’d have taken it like a man and gone home. That’s how it goes. My team did the job that they’re supposed to do. I’m going to beat you. I don’t need any excuses. I’m going to win and I’m going to win horribly. On Saturday night everything gets put to bed.”

Pat McCormack:

“I’m buzzing for the fight. Obviously I’ve been boxing all my life, won medals all over the world, got all the experience I need. I’m just ready to step up and start winning belts in the pro ranks. I’ve got two belts and I’m looking to push on this year and get some more. With the things I’m working on in the gym, if my opponents aren’t coming to win then it doesn’t work. I think Robbie is a good fighter. He’s been around for years. I saw him fight against Lewis Ritson in Newcastle in a good fight. Every dog has its day, and my days are coming. This is a good fight. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait. My full focus is on getting the job done on Saturday night.”

Robbie Davies Jr:

“I think normally if it was just any 6-bout opponent, I’d just say, ‘leave it’. But obviously with his extensive amateur career, everything that he’s achieved. Everyone knows he’s a good fighter. He’s already built himself a platform from the amateurs. I know with this sort of win moving up in weight, which I’ve been dying to for years, I’ve just needed the right opportunity. I think it’s just as big a scalp for me as it is for him. I said straight away, take their hand off, I’ll have that fight. The xxxxxx fight, you’ve got to remember, it was 15/16 months out of the ring. I took the fight on seven weeks’ notice. Even though I’m always in the gym, you’re not in camp are you. There was a lot of things that I would have done differently. But take nothing away from him, it was a great fight. I was over there in their backyard. And then going onto another former World Champion. That’s the sort of calibre I want to be in with. I’m right up for this fight. Everyone knows what you get when you watch me fight. I’m going to bring it. Hopefully it’s a great fight on Saturday night.”

Zelfa Barrett:

“Jazza is a good fighter. When you’re at this level, you fight whoever they put in front of you. I can’t really be picking, if I believe I’m one of the best in the weight division. I’ve just got to beat who you put in front of me. He’s a good fighter but I’ve got goals and aspirations. I need to be a World Champion. Every fight is important. Every fight is a must-win fight. It brings that extra something inside of me to be focused every round, to try and get the knockout. To keep doing what I’m doing.”

Jazza Dickens:

“I’m in really good form. Training has been going well and it’s good to be back on a Matchroom show. I’m feeling really strong. Every fight is a must-win isn’t it Ed and I will win. Being around this Manchester scene here is good because it’s normally Liverpool or Manchester or London. It comes back around doesn’t it. Manchester is flying at the minute. It’s good to be on one of these cards. It’s not too far from home. A lot of people will be coming up for it. Like you say, it is a must-win.”

William Crolla:

“Like you say, on paper it’s a tough fight. He’s boxed over ten rounds. I think he holds a win over a lad who’s just boxed for the English Title at my weight. The lads who have beat him are all international amateurs. They’re not me. I’m going to set about him on Saturday night and I think it will be a massive statement when I am the first to stop him. I’m fully focused on Saturday night but the activity is key and I said Manchester boxing is going to be in again. I’m privileged to be a part of it and there’s going to be some great fights back here.”

Aqib Fiaz:

“Thank you for having us on this amazing show. It’s practically the VIP Gym show. There’s four of us on. The gym is flying, Manchester boxing is flying. Our gym will be at the forefront in the coming years. I’m excited to be back and I’m excited for a big performance on Saturday. Thank you to all my supporters that are coming out. I’ll have my eyes on the Bellotti vs. Gomez Jr fight and hopefully we get the winner.”

Conner Tudsbury:

“I’m really excited to get out on Saturday night. I’ve been training for this for a long time. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. I’m going to really show you all what I’m made out of on Saturday night. As I said the other day, I couldn’t have a better start to my professional boxing career. Boxing at the Co-op Live, it’s an amazing place. It’s a great atmosphere when the boxing is on. It’s great to be making my debut on the undercard of my stablemate Jack Catterall.I think I’m more suited to the professional game. Smaller gloves and the style and everything like that. I think it’ll be really good. I’ll show you all what a talented boxer I am.”

Alfie Middlemiss:

“I’m just excited. I’d like to say a big thanks to Matchroom for the opportunity to be on this card. It’s the stuff you dream about as a youngster when you’re first getting into boxing. To perform at the Co-op Live is such a massive opportunity for me and I’m bringing massive support from Manchester. I’m excited and I’m ready to go. The gym is thriving at the moment. I’m one of the youngest in the gym so I’m just learning and improving all of the time from all of the main fighters. Manchester boxing is the place to be at the moment. It’s a hotbed of young talented fighters. It’s a great place to be.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Welcome everybody to Manchester ahead of what is a brilliant night of boxing next Saturday, the 15th of February, at the Co-op Live in Manchester – live and exclusive around the world on DAZN. For me, one of the best match-ups at 140 lbs.

“The man that should be undisputed – Jack Catterall. No question, one of Britain’s pound-for-pound top fighters right now. Coming off four huge headline events and victories. Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor, Regis Prograis to name a few, and now into potentially the most important fight of his career for this – the WBO interim World Championship.

“Against the man to my left, 31-0, Arnold Barboza Jr. It’s the number one and number two in the world rankings. The man that could be king after this fight. We wanted to do something a little bit different for you tonight.

“Next week will be electric, not just with this fight but an unbelievable undercard in Manchester. The bad blood fight between Reece Bellotti and Michael Gomez Jr for the British and Commonwealth Championships. The step-up for Pat McCormack against Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr. Zelfa Barrett from Manchester will fight Jazza Dickens, and so much more. 

“This is the fight that they are talking about as potentially one of the best in the division. Not just a great run of form for Jack Catterall, but this man (Barboza Jr) coming off victory in Saudi Arabia against Jose Ramirez. He believes he has the tools to beat Jack Catterall – one of the most in-form fighters at 140 lbs.”

Jack Catterall:

“Of course I respect his ability. Again, he’s said it before, he’s been working hard to get to this position. I’ll stand on what I said – I don’t think he’s a great fighter. I think he’s average, a B class fighter. I can only think of two opponents that he’s boxed. Sean McComb, who beat him, and Ramirez – who I didn’t think was in the best form that night. None the less, give him his credit, he turned up and did what he had to do. It’s a whole different ball game next weekend.

“We’ve watched tape of him and we’ve been studying. We’ve been working hard in the gym and every fight now I feel like we’ve been getting better, with the activity of these big headline fights. I’ll see what happens on fight night. Until the first bell goes, and I see his response, this is a big opportunity, not just for me but for both of us. I’m not leaving it to the judges next Saturday. I believe I stop him, 100%.

“You’ve never seen 12 rounds and you’re not going to see the 12 round distance next Saturday. I think he knows what he’s up against. Listen, we don’t get to this stage in these big fights by overlooking the opponents. I think he’s in for a shock next Saturday. I’m in good form. We got straight back in the gym after the Prograis fight and we’ve been grafting. Things have gone great this camp and I’m going to show it next Saturday. I respect what you’ve done in your journey to get here but it all ends next Saturday.”

Arnold Barboza Jr:

“I’ve been calling for this fight since 2022 when I met him at the Ramirez and Taylor fight. That’s where we met. This is a great opportunity. All of his home support booing me is going to turn me on. It’s something that I’ve dreamed about. This is a fight that I’ve been waiting for my whole career. I worked hard to get here – just like him. Let’s get it on.

“I feel like my whole career I’ve been the underdog. Even when I’m the favourite, I feel like I’ve been overlooked my whole career. People are finally starting to see who Barboza really is. Come February 15th my hand will be raised and that belt will be coming home with me.

“I’m an overall better fighter than him. He calls me a B level fighter but the only thing special about him is that he’s hefty. That’s it. We’ll find out. We can talk and do all that but February 15th is when we will find out. It’s around the corner. 

“He can say Ramirez is past his best and I can say the same thing about the last three victories he just had. Linares retired after their fight, Regis was going to retire after their fight. Josh Taylor had a messed up knee. He can say all he wants, I don’t think he’s ever faced anyone like me. He’s going to find out February 15th. 

“He doesn’t win this fight inside the distance. He doesn’t win this fight; it’s that simple. If there’s going to be a stoppage it’s going to be me stopping him. We’re going to see. I’m overall better than him at everything. The only thing that makes you different is you’re a lefty, that’s it, you’re average bro. My condition is top notch. You’ll see. 

“People don’t know what they’re going to get when it comes to me because I can do it all. He’s going to find out. I can stay, I can brawl and I can box. You’re going to see what a hype job you are, you’re average bro. I’m going to make you look average.”

Catterall vs. Barboza Jr tops a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Watford’s ReeceBellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles against Manchester’s Michael GomezJr (21-1, 6 KOs) in a highly-anticipated grudge match, PatMcCormack (6-0, 4 KOs) steps up as he defends his WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Title against Liverpool’s former British, Commonwealth and European Champion Robbie Davies Jr (24-5, 15 KOs), it’s a Manchester vs. Liverpool showdown as former World Title challengers Zelfa Barrett (31-2, 17 KOs) and Jazza Dickens (34-5, 14 KOs) clash for the WBA International Super-Featherweight Title, Manchester Light-Heavyweight Conner Tudsbury makes his professional debut against Belgium’s Sadaam Moamed Da Silva Caetano, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) returns at Lightweight against Malta’s Lydon Chircop (7-2, 4 KOs) over six rounds, Manchester Super-Welterweight powerhouse William Crolla (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Spain’s Ayoub Zakari (5-7-1) over six rounds and Manchester Featherweight AlfieMiddlemiss (1-0) kicks off the Before The Bell action in a four round fight with Middlesborough’s Caine Singh (1-5-2).

Jack Catterall will face unbeaten American Arnold Barboza Jr in a Final Eliminator for the WBO Super-Lightweight World Title, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday February 15, live worldwide on DAZN.

Chorley’s Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) floored Regis Prograis twice in the ninth round of their highly anticipated showdown in October on route to decisioning the former two-time Super-Lightweight World Champion to claim the WBO International crown.

That win capped a memorable 2024 for ‘El Gato’, who earlier in the year avenged the sole loss of his career against bitter rival Josh Taylor in Leeds, and a win over Barboza Jr in February will see the 31-year-old southpaw secure another shot at world honours.

California’s Barboza Jr (31-0, 11 KOs), a former WBO International and Intercontinental 140lbs Champion, outpointed Jose Carlos Ramirez over ten rounds last time out on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez’s Unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Title triumph over Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 33-year-old, currently ranked at number one with the WBO, is yet to sample defeat since joining the professional ranks back in June 2013, and the Los Angeles resident is highly motivated to set up an all-American World Title clash with his compatriot Teofimo Lopez.

“I’m looking forward to fighting back in Manchester,” said Jack Catterall. “It was an unbelievable experience opening big time boxing at Co-op Live back in October. I’m looking to do it bigger and better on February 15. I’ve got a great fight in Barboza Jr. I’m glad he finally found his pen. I’m not overlooking him, but I’m ready to smash him to pieces to cement my spot for the WBO World Title. I’m geared up for this one.”

Arnold Barboza Jr said: “I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to take my skills overseas and contribute to my team’s success. I’m truly excited to do what I do best and make it a meaningful win. To the fans, thank you for your trust and support—I’m looking forward for this!”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn believes this will be a defining night in Jack Catterall’s career. He said: “This is absolutely huge. It is a final eliminator for the WBO World Title – and, hopefully, it could even be for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez gets out of the way. Jack should already be an undisputed World Champion. And there is no better way than to prove that he has earned his place at the very top by beating Arnold Barboza Jr in what is a fantastic fight in 140lb division.

Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Chairman and CEO, said: “Arnold Barboza Jr has been the gatekeeper for so long and I feel so happy for him that he is finally getting a shot that he deserves – and, hopefully, for the World Title if Teofimo Lopez moves up a weight. It will be a great fight. I think Jack Catterall is a terrific fighter. It’s a pick-‘em fight and let’s see who wins.”

Alfie Sharman, DAZN VP Marketing, added: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing this fight night exclusively to DAZN subscribers for what is a huge premium event in the UK. Jack Catterall enjoyed a stellar 2024 with memorable wins against Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis. Now he must come through this final eliminator in his quest to land a world title shot – and it doesn’t get any bigger, or any more difficult, against the brilliant and dangerous Arnold Barboza Jr, who will be out to cause a huge upset away from home and climb up the ladder himself.”

Tickets go on sale for Fight Pass and Co-op pre-sale members at 10am on December 27, with Matchroom Priority on sale between 12-3pm on December 28. Fans can purchase tickets on December 28 from 3pm UK time.

BROOKLYN, NY–Ryan Garcia scored the biggest win of his career as he sent Devin Haney to the canvas three times en-route to a 12-round split decision at Barclays Center.

Round one saw Garcia get off to a fast start as he landed some hard left hooks and backed Haney up. One particular left hook buckled Haney. Haney had a solid round three as he was good with the jab and landed a left hook that sent Garcia back.

The fight turned in round seven when Garcia landed a left hook that deposited Haney on the canvas. Garcia was deduced a point for hitting on the break. Garcia was relentless and hurt Haney several more times in what was a tumultuous round for Haney. In round 10, Garcia dropped Haney for a second time when he lanced a perfect three punch combination in the corner. Later in the round, Garcia hurt Haney again with a perfect left hook to the head. Garcia dropped Haney for a third time with another perfect left hook to the chin.

Garcia landed 106 of 285 punches. Haney was 87 of 214.

Garcia, 143.4 lbs of Victorville, CA won by scores of 115-109 and 114-110. Once card was even at 112-112.

Garcia is now 25-1. Haney, 140 lbs of Las Vegas is 31-1.

“I shouldn’t have put too much pressure on myself to stop him, because every time I hurt him, I went crazy and I couldn’t stop him,” said Ryan Garcia. “I think the ref should’ve stopped the fight. He (Haney) was really hurt. I felt bad, I even looked at Bill to stop the fight. [Regarding the point being deducted in seventh round] The guy was holding me for dear life, and I felt the opportunity to keep swinging while my hands were free. I should’ve knocked him out that seventh round. They stole that from me. I’m surprised he has so much heart and recovery. He got wobbled bad in the first round. I thought it was over. He even hurt me with a hook. At the end of the day, I’m going to fight him, win or lose.” 

“Ryan just shocked the world and proved once and for all that he is the face of boxing and a pound-for-pound athlete in our sport,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “Despite all of the talk from armchair psychologists and so-called boxing pundits, Ryan clearly had a plan and executed it.” 

Barboza Decisions McComb

Arnold Barboza Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round split decision over Sean McComb in a super lightweight bout.

Barboza landed 99 of 443 punches. McComb was 107 of 488.

Barboza, 139.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 96-94 and 97-93 while McComb took a card 98-92.

Barboza is now 30-0. McComb, 139.4 lbs of Belfast, IRE is 19-2.

“I felt good. It was a very tricky fight,” said Arnold Barboza Jr., “He was a lefty, tall and he moved a lot. He gave me a lot of trouble, but it was a learning experience. I’ll be back better. We’re going to talk to Oscar and see what’s next.” 

Melikuziev wins Technical Decision over Dibombe

Bektemir Melikuziev won a technical decision over previously undefeated Pierre Dimbombe when cuts from both fighters forced a stoppage.

In round two, Dibombe was cut badly over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. In round five, Melikuziev dropped Dibombe with a straight left. Later in the round , another headbutt caused a nasty cut on Melikeziev’s left eyelid.

The bout was stopped in round eight due to the cut on Dibombe’s right eye.

Melikuziev was 80 of 276 punches. Dibombe was 58 if 237.

Melikuziev, 167.8 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 14-1. Dibombe, 166.6 lbs of Nantes, FRA is 22-1-1.

“He was a good opponent. Unfortunately, the fight was stopped,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “During the fight he kept coming forward with his head. There was nothing I could do. I just needed another minute or two in the ring to finish the fight. I slowed down a bit because I felt that my opponent was getting tired.” 

Daniel Jimenez Decisions John Ramirez

Daniel Jimenez upset John Ramirez via 12-round unanimous decision in a super flyweight bout.

In round 12, Ramirez was bleeding over his right eye.

Jimenez landed 191 of 722 pages. Ramirez was 142 of 531.

Jimenez, 114.8 lbs of Catagro, CR won by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 and is now 16-1. Ramirez, 114.2 lbs was ranked number-one by the WBA and had a title shot lined up for later in the summer, but that seems to have gone by the wayside and is now 13-1.

“I am very happy to become a champion again. I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said David Jimenez. “I am ready to plan for what’s next. I felt great in the ring, and I felt like I was controlling the fight from the second round. Scrappy has a good punch and is a good boxer. Like all fighters, I want to become undisputed.”

Conwell Stops Gallimore in 6

World-Ranked Charles Conwell stopped Nathaniel Gallimore in round six of scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round five, Conwell opened up a huge flurry that backed Gallimore up. Conwell continued to batter Gallimore until the fight was stopped at 56 seconds.

Conwell, 153 lbs of Cleveland is 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Gallimore, 153 lbs of Des Plaines, IL is 22-8-1.

“I feel good,” said Charles Conwell. “It was the coming back party. I thought he was a tough-game fighter. He came with a lot of experience, but I did what no other fighter has done. I stopped him in the sixth round. I don’t think any other fighter has beat him as bad as I did. He was a tough fighter and I appreciate him for taking the fight. We’re looking to get back in the ring asap, sometime in July or August. I’m back in the gym getting better. The ring rust is off. We’re ready for what’s next.” 

Former three-time world title challenger Sergiy Dereyvyanchenko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

Derevyancenko dropped Alexander with a body shot in round eight.

Derevyanchenko, 167.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 100-89 on all cards and is now 15-5. Alexander, 167.4 lbs of Saint Louis is 18-11-1.

Darius Fulgham stopped Cristian Olivas in round four of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight fight.

The time of the stoppage was 50 seconds of round four for Fulgham, 167.4 lbs of Houston, TX is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Olivas,

Jonathan Canas won a four-round unanimous decision over Markus Bowes in a super lightweight bout.

Canas, 137.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by 40-36 sores on all cards and is now 4-0. Bowes, 140 lbs of Roxboro, NC is 2-6.

Amari Jones stopped Armei Mbumba-Yassa om round six of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Jones dropped Mbumna-Yassa in rounds one and six. Jones ended the fight with a flurry and the bout was stopped at 39 seconds.

Jones, 159.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Mbumba-Yassa, 160.4 lbs Remscheild, GER is 10-2.

Kevin Newman II scored a fourth round stoppage over Eric Robles in a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout.

Newman dropped Robles in round four and the bout was stopped at 1:53.

Newman, 173.4 lbs of Las Vegas is now 16-3-1. Robles, 177.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 9-4.

Pedro Bogarro drooped Shamar Canal in the second round en-route to a six-round unanimous decision in a super lightweight bout.

Bogaro, 135.8 lbs of Sonora, MEX won by scores of 60-53 on all cards ans is now 8-1. Canal. 135 lbs of Albany, NY is 7-1.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 3, 2023) – Golden Boy has assembled a loaded lineup for the televised Haney vs. Garcia PPV undercard with boxing’s rising world title contenders. The main event features a bad-blood rivalry between undefeated, former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) who will defend his title against international PPV star and world title contender “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs). The 12-round fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN PPV.

In chief support undefeated, top 8 super lightweight world title contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (29-0, 11 KOs) of El Monte, Calif. will fight for the WBO Intercontinental Title against Belfast, Ireland’s Sean “The Public Nuisance” McComb (18-1, 5 KOs). Barboza Jr. is coming off of an eighth-round knockout victory last January 2024 against Xolisani Ndongeni. The 10-round super lightweight fight will be the U.S. debut of the “Public Nuisance” who was last seen securing his WBO European Super Lightweight Title.

“Every training session and every trial and tribulation has paved the path for this moment,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. “I train like the challenger that I am but I fight like the Champion that I will become. Tune in April 20th on DAZN.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and now it’s here, I plan to grab it with both hands.” said Sean McComb. “Arnold is a great fighter – but so am I. It’s going to be a great fight. Thanks to Golden boy and my manager Lee Eaton for making it happen. April 20th I promise you’ll see the upset!”

Also on the DAZN PPV telecast, Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev (13-1, 10 KOs) of Sholmbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight against Pierre Dibombe (22-0-1, 12 KOs) of Nantes, France. Melikuziev destroyed Alantez Fox via stoppage last October, and is ranked the No.10 super middleweight in the world on ESPN’s divisional rankings.

In a fight for the WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Championship, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) will challenge Cartago, Costa Rica’s David “Medallita” Jimenez (15-1, 11 KOs). Ramirez is walking into the 12-round combat with confidence after demolishing Ronal Batista last October 2023. Despite an unconventional start in boxing, the undefeated Scrappy Ramirez has had a successful cruise to the top of the rankings defeating top title contenders.

Opening the DAZN PPV, former Team USA member and No.1-WBC ranked Charles “Bad News” Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut after being formally signed this past February. He will battle it out against Nathaniel Gallimore (22-7-1, 17 KOs) of Des Plaines, Illinois in a 10-round super welterweight contest. The undefeated “Bad News” has held several regional titles since his debut in professional boxing in 2017, including the IBF USBA title and the WBC USNBC title.

This blockbuster night of boxing will be available worldwide on DAZN PPV. For more info please visit www.dazn.com.

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Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

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

Vergil Ortiz Jr. came back after a 17 month layoff to score a dubious first round stoppage over Fredrick Lawson in a 10-round middleweight bout at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

In the opening round, Ortiz drove Lawson back with a jab, and followed up with a flurry of punches that Lawson took. The punches were getting through but not enough for Tony Weeks to stop the bout, but the veteran referee did in fact stop the contest at 2:33.

Ortiz, 157 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX had several fights cancelled due to illness, but got back on this night to raise his perfect mark to 20-0 with all wins coming early. Lawson, 152.4 lbs of Accra, GHA is 30-4.

“I’m ready for anyone. It felt like I’m back to doing what I usually do,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “This is my calling; this is what I was made to do and I want to continue doing this. There’s a lot of fighters that I want to fight, but Tim Tszyu, with all due respect, I want him next. He’s a hell of a fighter and it would be an honor to take him next.”

Barroso Shocks Davies in 1; Wins Interim Super Lightweight Title

Ismael Barroso won the WBA Interim Super Lightweight title with a stunning first round stoppage over Ohara Davies.

Barroso landed the first hard left of the fight that hurt and eventually put Davies on the canvas. Davies was hurt badly and ate more power shots and was sent to the canvas for a second time. Upon getting to his feet, referee Celestino Ruiz stopped the bout at 1:53.

Barroso, 139.6 lbs of El Tigre, VEN is 25-4-2 with 23 knockouts. Davies, 140 lbs of Hackney, ENG is 25-3.

“When I started boxing, they told me that I have a lot of power, and with God on my side I have that power.” said Ismael Barroso. “When I threw the first punch, I knew I had hurt him, I knew that I had him. The public has been calling for the fight with Romero, and I just want to say, I’m right here!”

Arnold Barboza Jr. stops Ndongeni After 8

Arnold Barboza Jr. was dominant in stopping Xolisani Ndongeni after round eight of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

Barboza slowly broke Ndongeni down and tuned up the in round eight as he battered Ndongeni all over the ring. referee Raul Caiz Jr. stopped the bout in between rounds eight and nine.

Barboza, 139.4 lbs of El Monte, CA is 29-0 with 11 knockouts. Ndongeni, 139.2 lbs of Eastern Cape, SA is 31-4.

Curiel Stops Diaz in 8

Raul Curiel remained undefeated with an eight-round stoppage over Elias Diaz in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round five, Diaz began to bleed around the left eye. Later in the round, Curiel landed a right hand around that eye that put Diaz on the canvas. Curiel continued to bear up Diaz and the fight was stopped at 1:06 of round eight-eight

Curiel, 146.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is now 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Diaz, 146.2 lbs of National City, FL is 12-2.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (December 8, 2023): With less than a month away for the highly anticipated return of undefeated, knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas, who will participate in a 12-round super welterweight fight against Accra, Ghana’s Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (30-3, 22 KOs), Golden Boy has finalized a stacked undercard. The event is scheduled to take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on January 6, 2024 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

As the co-main event, the U.K. ‘s Ohara “Two Tanks” Davies (25-2, 18 KOs) will fight against El Tigre, Venezuela’s Ismael Barroso (24-4-2, 22 KOs). The fight, which was rescheduled from the original Dec. 2 fight date, is a 12-round match for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Championship and is presented in association with TGB Promotions.

Making a splash as a newly-signed Golden Boy fighter, El Monte’s Arnold Barbosa Jr. (28-0, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super lightweight clash. Also on the DAZN undercard, Ukraine’s Sergiy Derevyanchenko (14-5, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round fight. Opponents for both will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Lawson are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

On the Golden Boy Boxing Prelims: Ortiz vs. Lawson card streamed live on YouTube and Facebook Watch, undefeated NABF Welterweight title holder Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (13-0, 11 KOs) will participate in a 10-round fight against Elias Diaz (12-1, 7 KOs) of National City, California. In an eight-round cruiserweight fight, Tristan Kalkreuth (12-1, 9 KOs) will return to fight after a vicious fifth-round knockout victory last October 2023. He will face Tacoma, Washington’s Marquise Weston (15-2-1, 8 KOs).

Also in the prelims, Santa Ana’s Johnny “Sugar Cane” Cañas (2-0, 1 KO) will participate in a four-round super lightweight fight. Opening the fight night and making their professional debut, Emiliano Gandara of Dallas, Texas will participate in a four-round super welterweight fight. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

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Ortiz Jr. vs. Lawson is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, January 6 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Davies vs. Barroso is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions.

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by EOD, January 3, 2024.

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

About AEG Presents
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Rock En Seine and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Blackpink, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion, Elton John, Karol G, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

About The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Exclusively booked and managed by AEG Presents, The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a premier live entertainment venue featuring the most highly-regarded talents in music and comedy. Formerly The Joint, the venue has hosted some of the top names in entertainment across countless genres since its inception, including iconic acts such as Paul McCartney, Bert Kreischer, Blink-182, Drake, Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons, Journey, Karol G, Kenny Chesney, The Killers, Machine Gun Kelly, Nine Inch Nails, Prince, Rex Orange County, Santana, The 1975, and countless others.

The Theater provides an immersive setting for guests to experience both legendary and groundbreaking artists on a variety of levels, from intimate performances with 1,800 guests to large-scale, full-capacity experiences with 4,600 guests. Setting the bar for the most luxury in-venue concert experience, The Theater offers exclusive VIP offerings, including luxury private suites tended by dedicated VIP hosts, top-shelf spirits, a private expedited entry, in-venue merchandise delivery, custom swag, VIP social lounges and more, guaranteed to give guests an unparalleled live entertainment and VIP experience at every touchpoint. To learn more about the venue’s VIP service or to book, please email [email protected]. For tickets or more information on The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, visit virginhotelslv.com/venue/the-theater.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (November 14, 2023): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of the undefeated and current WBO Intercontinental Super Lightweight Champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (28-10 KOs). Barboza Jr. will participate on the DAZN broadcast of the Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte card in Houston, Texas at Toyota Center on Saturday, December 2.

“I’m ready for the big fights,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. “ I’m ready for the big events, I’m ready to fight in LA where I was born and raised. I feel that Golden Boy and Oscar will deliver this for me and they stepped up and gave me what I asked for.”

“The mold of a Golden Boy fighter is talent and hunger to become a world champion, which are all the qualities that Arnold Barboza Jr. possesses,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “We will position him to fight for a World Title Belt in the very near future. We’re the best in the business at building the next generation of stars and Arnold Barboza Jr. will put the 140 pound division on notice.”

“Value is not determined by those who set the price, value is determined by those who choose to pay it,” said Rick Mirigian, Manager to Barboza Jr. “Golden Boy has placed a high value on Barboza and wasted no time to show it.”
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A Los Angeles native, 31-year-old Arnold Barboza Jr. made his professional debut as a welterweight on June 14, 2013, scoring a six-round unanimous decision victory against Gustavo Lopez. Since then, he has quickly dispatched a number of tough rivals and has climbed the ladder to become ranked No. 1 by the WBO, No.6 by Ring Magazine and No. 4 by the WBC. In his decade-long career, Barboza held various regional titles including the WBO International Super Lightweight Title (2020-2021) and the NABF Super Lightweight Title (2018-2019). His most notable wins include an unanimous decision victory against former World Champion Jose Pedraza, a unanimous decision victory against Danielito Zorrilla, a dramatic unanimous decision win against World Title Contender Alex Saucedo, and a fight that went the distance against Antonio Moran.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

GLENDALE, AZ – Some Mexican history was the plan. The plan survived.

So did Emanuel  Navarrete.

Navarrete was forced to come back from the edge of losing Friday night to an unlikely Australian, LIam Wilson, a determined young fighter from Brisbane who was given no chance on either side of the equator.

Wilson arrived in Arizona after a training camp that included stops in Washington DC and London. He had punched his passport, all in an attempt to punch out the favored and feared Navarette. Wilson promised to win. He wasn’t kidding, but he couldn’t hold off Navarette, who regained his focus and ferocity just in time to win a vacant junior-lightweight title.

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) did it in a wild ninth round. He moved forward, threw punches as if he was motivated  by a mix of desperation and determination. For Wilson, a big right hand from Navarrete was the beginning of the end. It dropped Wilson, who collapsed onto the canvas in a thud that echoed throughout Desert Diamond Arena.

Wilson got to his feet. But his eyes were dazed and his defenses were down. Referee Chris Flores stopped it at 1:57 of the ninth. Flores ended it just as Wilson’s corner man was climbing up the steps. He was about to throw in the towel.

The crowd went wild. It was a celebration. It was also an expression of relief. Five rounds earlier, it looked as if Navarrete was about to lose. He was on the canvas in the fourth looking tired and beaten.

“But it was that Mexican spirit that never lets me down,” said Navarrete, who stormed back and fulfilled his goal of putting his name in Mexican history as the country’s 10th boxer to win a world title at a third weight.  “The satisfaction of winning like this is enormous. I think that I needed this test in order to be able to say my career is more complete. 

“Now that I know that I can hit the canvas and get back up and keep fighting, I’m more than happy because I know that I can continue forward.”

 The crowd went silent in the fourth when the long-armed Navarette fell to the canvas and tumbled, head over heels, like a bowl full of cooked spaghetti. He was clearly hurt after Wilson (11-2, 7 KOs) landed two rights and a huge left.

“I just wanted to be [patient,” said Wilson, who also thanked Arizona after his gutsy performance.

Navarrete could also thank his good fortune. He was lucky. Had Wilson’s punches landed earlier the round, he might have been finished, then and there. He also was helped by Flores, who took several seconds to pick his mouth piece off the canvas and put it back in his mouth. Navarrete’s trip to the canvas happened with about 42 seconds left in the fourth. There wasn’t enough time left for Wilson to finish the job. Thanks in part to Flores, there also was just enough time for Navarrete to escape

To survive. 

Arnold Barboza moves closer to title shot with solid decision

Arnold Barboza Jr. has been searching for a fight that would finally secure him a shot at a world title.

The search has been frustrating. Often futile.

But Barboza )28-0, 10 KOs) appeared to take a significant step toward completing the mission. The junior-welterweight from Southern California scored a solid victory over the decorated Jose Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs), a former two-time champ, in the final fight before ESPN’s main event between Emanuel Navarrete and Liam Wilson Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

The win — by unanimous decision – allowed Barboza to state his case.  He was asked  if he was closer to a world title.

“Of course,” he said, after winning 96-94, 97-93, 96-94 on the cards. 

A possibility is Regis Prograis, the WBC champion.

“We’ll see what happens,” Barboza said. “But I feel like I’ve paid my dues.”

In beating Pedraza, the unbeaten Barboza becomes a lot harder to ignore. Or duck. Barboza controlled most of the 10 rounds against the skilled Pedraza, a Puerto Rican who returned to an arena where he upset Raymundo Beltran in August 2018. Pedraza had his moments, but he never could completely elude a sharp right hand that landed again. And again. 

Punching Power: Richard Torrez Jr. delvers it for quick stoppage

He reads Plato. He punches with power.

The puncher-philosopher, Richrd Torrez Jr., delivered the power suddenly and definitively on the Navarrete-Wilson undercard Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ.

Torrez (5-0 5KOs), a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, flashed heavyweight credentials, driving James Bryant (6-3, 4 KOs) into the ropes with an uppercut-right hand combo in the closing seconds of the first round

“From the knuckles through the hand, it was a solid shot,” said Torrez, who reads the great philosophers when he isn’t in the gym.

Bryant, of Reading PA, never recovered. He walked to his corner on unsteady feet. His trainer took one look at him and ended it before the bell for the second round ever sounded

Unbeaten Andre Cortes wins shutout

There were boos from restless fans. They wanted more.

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes heard them. And delivered.

Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs) injected some energy into an otherwise dull bout with aggressiveness that woke up the crowd and stunned Luis Melendez (17-3, 13 KOs) in the last fight before the main ESPN telecast of Navarrete-Wilson featured card at Desert Diamond Arena.

The sudden intensity from Cortes was enough for him to score a runaway decision over the Puerto Rican. He won it in a shutout, 100-90 on all three scorecards

Unknown Phoenix fighter gets up from knockdown, tests Ali Walsh late in loss 

It’s one of boxing’s majestic names. It comes with crushing expectations. It can intimidate, both the man who has it and the man who faces it. But it didn’t scare or stop Eduardo Ayala, an unknown Phoenix middleweight who got up from a knockdown and went on to engage in a hard-fought battle with Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson.

Ayala told a couple of Phoenix sportswriters before the bout Friday that he wasn’t fighting a name. He was just another guy, another fighter, Ayala said. Ali Walsh looked as if he might have been a little bit more than just that in the second round. A thundering left hook put Ayala flat on the canvas.. 

But he recovered, then endured a succession of shots from the Las Vegas middleweight who inherited the greatest expectations. Ayala would not go away. He wouldn’t win either. Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) won a unanimous decision (59-54, 60-53, 59-54), one that was all but assured with the early knockdown.

But Ayala (9-3-1, 3 KOs) won over the crowd in the third fight on the Navarrete-Wilson card at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ. As both fighters hugged after the sixth and final round, fans who had chanted the familiar “Ali.Ali” were chanting “Ayala, Ayala.”  

Lindolfo Delgado stays unbeaten, dominates in decision win

Mexican junior-welterweight Lindolfo Delgado employed defense, careful footwork and power in the second bout on an an ESPN-televised card featuring Emanuel Navarrete-Liam Wilson Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz.,

 It was a triple-edged attack that proved to be  too much for Clarence Booth of Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Delgado (17-0, 13 KOs), who had trainer Robert Garcia in his corner, repeatedly landed crisp counters that echoed through the arena and backed Booth (21-7, 13 KOs) into the ropes, onto the canvas for an eighth-round knockdown and – in the end — into defeat. Delgado won on all three cards, a decision, one-sided and unanimous.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone:Navarrete vs. Wilson will be live this Friday, February 3 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The main event features Mexican star Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Australian contender Liam Wilson fighting for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) is one of the sport’s premier offensive fighters and is looking to become a three-division world champion as he battles Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs) the No. 3 junior lightweight contender. Wilson has never fought outside his home country but is coming to the U.S. in hopes of a major upset.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, Arnold Barboza, Jr.  (27-0, 10 KOs) hopes to earn a career-best victory against Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs), a former two-weight world champion.

In a six-round heavyweight special feature, Richard Torrez Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs), who captured a silver medal for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, will battle James Bryant (6-2, 4 KOs).

The undercard action includes many of Top Rank’s burgeoning talents such as Andres “Savage” Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) taking on Puerto Rican knockout puncher Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs) in a junior lightweight tilt, and undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, taking on Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. In a four-round lightweight attraction, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs), son of former junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, will face Francisco Duque (1-1).

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action ringside with Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley, Jr. as analysts; Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters.

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Saturday, February 3 (All Times ET)

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GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 20, 2022) — A new junior lightweight king will be crowned in the desert.

Mexican star Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Australian contender Liam Wilson will fight for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title Friday, Feb. 3, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, the reigning WBO featherweight world champion, hopes to become the 10th Mexican-born boxer to win world titles in three weight divisions.

Junior welterweight contenders collide in the 10-round co-feature as Arnold Barboza Jr. hopes to earn a career-best victory against Jose “Sniper” Pedraza, a former two-weight world champion from Cidra, Puerto Rico. 

Navarrete-Wilson, Pedraza-Barboza, and the return of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in a six-round heavyweight special feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. PST / 12 p.m. MST and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.

Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs), from San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico, won the WBO junior featherweight crown from Isaac Dogboe in December 2018 and made five defenses of that title in a nine-month span. He out-hustled Ruben Villa to win the vacant WBO featherweight strap in October 2020 and has since defended that title three times. Navarrete is one of the sport’s premier offensive fighters, an aggressor who wings punches from all angles. In his October 2021 title defense over Joet Gonzalez, he threw 979 punches over 12 rounds, including 104 in the 12th round. He returned to the ring in August, rebounding from a slow start to knock out countryman Eduardo Baez with a body shot in the sixth round. The Baez victory marked Navarrete’s 31st consecutive victory dating back to 2012.

“This is my opportunity to become a three-division world champion. I am going for that crown,” Navarrete said. “Liam Wilson is a good fighter, but this is my moment, and everyone will see a much more complete ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete that has a lot of thirst for victory. My ideal weight is 130 pounds, and that will be demonstrated on February 3rd when I become world champion for Mexico and San Juan Zitlaltepec. Wilson will not get in the way of my dream.”

Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs), from Caboolture, Australia, is the WBO No. 3 junior contender. He has never fought away from his home country, but he will take the nearly 8,000-mile journey hoping to spring a major upset. Wilson stepped up to fight Navarrete after Oscar Valdez suffered a training injury and enters the fight with momentum on his side. After a stunning fifth-round TKO loss to Filipino contender Joe Noynay in July 2021, Wilson gained revenge in March with a second-round knockout courtesy of his “left hook from hell.” He kept the momentum going in June with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Matias Rueda.

Wilson said, “He’s a champion, a warrior, and a household name around the world, but now it’s my time. I’m coming to upset the parade. I’ve waited my entire life for this moment, and I won’t let it slip because it means more to me. I swore an oath to my father on his deathbed that I would one day win a world title for him. I’m looking forward to fulfilling this promise on February 3^rd.”

Barboza (27-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is ranked in the top 10 by the WBC and WBO. The longtime contender turned pro in 2013 and has steadily climbed up the rankings with victories over Mike Alvarado, Alex Saucedo, and Antonio Moran. In July, Barboza returned from an 11-month layoff to snatch the ‘0’ from Danielito Zorrilla in a crowd-pleasing 10-round main event.

Barboza said, “It’s a big card, and there will be a lot of eyes on us. Pedraza is a formidable opponent. He’s my toughest to date and has only lost to the very best. I’m looking forward to the challenge. At this point, anyone I face is standing in the way of my goal, which is to win a world title. I am going to make a big statement on February 3rd.”

Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) ruled the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions before moving up to the junior welterweight ranks in 2019. He is 3-2-1 as a junior welterweight, having shared the ring with many of the division’s most notable names. In March, he pushed former unified champion Jose Ramirez 12 rounds before dropping a tight unanimous decision. Less than six months later, he battled former lightweight champion Richard Commey to a draw in a fight most observers believe Pedraza did enough to edge out. Pedraza had a Madison Square Garden main event against Teofimo Lopez scheduled for December 10th, but Pedraza withdrew with a non-COVID viral infection. The 33-year-old understands a victory over Barboza moves him closer to a world title opportunity.

Pedraza said, “I have recovered completely from the illness that obligated me to pull out of my fight with Teofimo Lopez. Right now, I feel 100 percent, and I know Arnold Barboza Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I’m sure this will be a great fight where I will reaffirm my level as an elite fighter at 140 pounds.”

Torrez (4-0, 4 KOs), from Tulare, California, captured an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo and turned pro under the Top Rank banner in March. A 6’2, 230-pound southpaw, Torrez has never been extended past the third round in his young career. In October, he shined at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, thrilling the New York City fans with a third-round stoppage over Ahmed Hefny. 

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — include many of Top Rank’s burgeoning young talents.

Las Vegas product Andres “Savage” Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) takes on Puerto Rican knockout puncher Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs) in a crossroads junior lightweight tilt scheduled for 10 rounds. Cortes, a former U.S. amateur standout, notched a near-shutout over Abraham Montoya in his last outing.

Middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs), grandson of “The Greatest,” looks to make it 8-0 against Phoenix-based spoiler Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. This is the 2023 debut for Ali Walsh, who went 4-0 with three knockouts in 2022.

Lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs), son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, returns in a four-rounder against an opponent to be named. Vargas made his Top Rank debut in November and knocked out Julio Martinez in the second round with a highlight-reel left hook.

Sacramento native Xavier Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs) seeks his second straight ‘W’ in a 10-rounder at junior lightweight against an opponent to be named.

Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (16-0, 13 KOs), a 2016 Mexican Olympian, steps up against Clarence Booth (21-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-rounder. In August, Delgado authored a career-best victory over then-unbeaten prospect Omar Aguilar. The eight-round shootout ranked among the year’s best action fights.

Arnold Barboza Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Danielito Zorrilla in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights at The Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.

It was an exciting fight that saw Barboza box well over the balance of the fight. Zorrilla was dangerous by landing some solid power shots. With Barboza well ahead in the final round, Zorrilla was able to land several big power shots which gave Barboza a few anxious moments down the stretch. He was able to get out of the round and win by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice.

Barboza landed 171 of 600 punches; Zorrilla 66 of 352.

Barboza, 139.6 lbs of South El Monte, California is 27-0. Zorrilla, 139.6 lbs of Toa Baja, PR is 16-1.

Barboza said, “I was a little rusty. It’s been a while. I’m not going to be inactive like that no more, man. I’m going to be fighting constantly.
 
“I was more off balance {in the 10^th round}. I was right there. Once you saw me off balance, I was right back to my thing. Shout out to my conditioning. My conditioning was on point.
 
“My manager knows, if we can’t get a title shot, you know who it is. We want Teofimo. It’s either a title shot or him.”

Muratalla Decisions Valtierra

Raymond Muratalla remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Jair Valtierra in a lightweight contest.

In round four, Muratalla dropped Valtierra with a left hook to the Temple.

Muratalla landed 246 of 519 punches; Valtierra was just 33 of 355.

Muratalla, 136 lbs of Fontana, CA won by scores of 80-71 on all cards, and is now 15-0. Valtierra, 137 lbs of Leon, MEX is 16-2.

“I did OK. I felt like I was a little bit sloppy. I could’ve done a lot better. There are better days to come,” Muratalla said. “I just want to stay active, keep fighting, and whatever opponents they bring to me, they bring to me. I just want to get to the top, and I’m going to keep fighting and fighting.”

Torrez stops Zavala in one

Richard Torrez Jr. stopped Roberto Zavala Jr. in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In the first round, Torrez landed several swift combinations that snapped Zavala’s head back, and the fight was stopped at 58 seconds

Torrez Jr., 224 lbs of Tulare, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Zavala, 255.2 lbs of Del Rio, TX is 2-2-1.

Torrez Jr. said, “I want to thank Top Rank for keeping me active and giving me the platform to showcase my talents. Every fight is a learning experience, and I can’t wait until August 27 in Tulsa.”

Austin Brooks remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Victor Saravia in a featherweight bout.

Brooks, 125.2 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 7-0. Saravia, 125.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 1-3.

Stephan Shaw made short work of Bernardo Marquez by scoring a first round stoppage of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In the opening minute, Shaw dropped Marquez with a wicked combination that was punctuated by a left hook. Shaw dropped Marquez in with a heavy combination. Shaw ended things with another crunching combination that saw four hard rights and a body shot that sent Marquez down and out at 2:35.

Shaw, 236.6 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Marquez, 231.2 lbs of Imperial Valley, CA is 14-5-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round junior featherweight fight.

In round three, Diaz decked Salome with a big right hand. Moments later, Diaz landed a big one-two combination and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Diaz, 121.6 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 6-0 with two knockouts. Salome, 121.4 lbs of Anaheim, CA is 3-1-1.

Adrian Yung and Jorge Marron Jr. battled to a six-round majority decision in a six-round welterweight fight.

Yung, 142.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX won a card 59-57, but that was overruled by two scorecards at 57-57. Yung is now 28-7-3. Marron, 143.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 20-3-2.

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

    •      Arnold Barboza Jr. 139.6 vs. Danielito Zorrilla 139.6
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Raymond Muratalla 136 lbs vs. Jair Valtierra 137 lbs 
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Richard Torrez Jr. 224 lbs vs. Roberto Zavala Jr. 255.2 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •    Austin Brooks 125.2  lbs vs. Victor Saravia 125.2 lbs
 (Featherweight— 4 Rounds)

   •    Stephan Shaw 236.6 lbs vs. Bernardo Marquez 231.2 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 121.6 lbs vs. Pedro Salome 121.4 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Jorge Marron Jr. 143.2 lbs vs. Adrian Yung 142.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

Temecula, Calif. (July 13, 2022) — Two undefeated junior welterweight contenders look to take a giant step forward Friday evening at Pechanga Resort Casino. Arnold Barboza Jr. (26-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, will battle Puerto Rican standout Danielito Zorrilla (16-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant WBO Intercontinental belt.

In the eight-round lightweight co-feature, Southern California’s Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs) steps up in class against Mexican veteran Jair Valtierra (16-1, 8 KOs). The televised opener will see the return of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) against Roberto Zavala Jr. (2-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at heavyweight.

Barboza Jr.-Zorrilla, Muratalla-Valtierra and Torrez Jr.-Zavala Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m PT) and includes junior featherweight prospect Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (5-0, 1 KO) and rising heavyweight Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (16-0, 12 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ringside Ticket Inc., tickets starting at $29 are on sale now and can be purchased at Pechanga.com.

At Wednesday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say. 

Arnold Barboza Jr.

“I think this fight has all the makings of being another great war between Mexico and Puerto Rico. I’m Mexican American and he is Puerto Rican. This one will be a great battle. Everyone knows my style, and he also likes to come forward. I can’t wait for Friday night.”

“All the hard work is paying off. I began my career fighting on the small UniMás shows and now I’m the main event on ESPN, but we are not satisfied. We want more!” 

“It’s exciting to fight in front of friends and family in California. It has been a while since I fought in Cali, but now we are here, and we have a great matchup. We have a tough and hungry fighter in front of us.” 

Danielito Zorrilla

“I feel happy and thankful for this opportunity. I’m well-prepared physically and mentally. Everyone will see on Friday night. I expect a lot from Barboza. He is a great fighter and one of the best in the division. This will be a very competitive fight. This will be a war!” 

“Now I have former world champion, Rocky Martinez, in my corner. He is a man that has a lot of experience. He is a three-time world champion and knows what it takes to become a champion. He has added a lot to my team. I think this combination will benefit my career.” 

“We are working hard to represent Puerto Rico. If the opportunity presents itself for me to become the next big Puerto Rican star, we will be ready for that and will take it. That is what we are working for.” 

Raymond Muratalla

“I love opportunities like this. I’m ready and can’t wait for Friday night. Working at Robert Garcia’s Boxing Academy is great. All the talent there is crazy. We have great sparring sessions, and because of that, I know I’m ready. I feel like I’m ready for the next step. I know I’m ready!” 

Jair Valtierra

“I had a great training camp, and I know I’m ready to come out victorious. I know he is a strong fighter, but we have a great strategy, and we are going to follow the game plan.” 

“I feel very excited about this opportunity. This is my first fight in the United States. Now people around the world will know about me. I hope to put on a great show for all the fans.”  

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I think that my professional debut put me through a lot of things that I needed to learn as a pro. I had a cut and there was also a mix-up with the referee. There were a lot of different things going on that will help me in my future fights.”

“For this training camp, my team and I added a nutritionist. We felt like that was missing. We added them to the team and now I look and feel great. Right now, I’m here! I’m ready! We are prepared for this fight! I’m ready for Friday night!”

Friday, July 15

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

 
Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Danielito Zorrilla, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title
 
Raymond Muratalla vs. Jair Valtierra, 8 rounds, lightweight

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Roberto Zavala Jr., 6 rounds, heavyweight

 ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Austin Brooks vs. Victor Saravia, 4 rounds, featherweight
 
Stephan Shaw vs. Bernardo Marquez, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Jorge Marron Jr. vs. Adrian Yung, 6 rounds, welterweight

(July 8, 2022) — Undefeated lightweight Keyshawn Davis has been forced to withdraw from his July 15 co-feature against Jair Valtierra due to an illness that interrupted his training camp. Davis (5-0, 4 KOs), a U.S. Olympic silver medalist, will return this fall.
 
The new eight-round co-feature will see Valtierra fight unbeaten Southern California native Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs), who was scheduled to fight on the undercard.
 
Arnold Barboza Jr.-Danielito Zorrilla, Muratalla-Valtierra and Richard Torrez Jr.-Roberto Zavala Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ringside Ticket Inc., tickets starting at $29 are on sale now and can be purchased at Pechanga.com.

TEMECULA, Calif. (May 26, 2022) — Southern California 140-pound standout Arnold Barboza Jr. wanted the main event spotlight. He’ll get his opportunity to shine when he takes on Puerto Rican contender Danielito “El Zorro” Zorrilla in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown Friday, July 15, at the Pechanga Summit at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. 
 
Tokyo 2020 U.S. Olympic silver medalists Keyshawn Davis and Richard Torrez Jr. will return on the card, with Davis battling Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra in the eight-round lightweight co-feature. Torrez will open the televised broadcast in a six-round heavyweight special attraction versus Roberto Zavala Jr.
 
Barboza-Zorrilla, Davis-Valtierra and Torrez-Zavala will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ringside Ticket Inc., tickets starting at $29 are on sale now and can be purchased at Pechanga.com.
 
Barboza (26-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is a nine-year pro who is closing in on a world title shot following a series of headline-grabbing victories. In April 2019, he knocked out former world champion Mike Alvarado in three rounds, a resounding Los Angeles homecoming that solidified him as a top contender. Barboza has won five bouts since, securing one-sided verdicts over Ricky Sismundo, William Silva, Tony Luis, Alex Saucedo, and Antonio Moran. He comes back following an 11-month layoff, the second-longest of his career. Ranked No. 8 by the WBO and No. 11 by the WBC, Barboza hopes a dominating win over his unbeaten foe will earn him that long-awaited title opportunity.
 
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. This fight will put the other fighters at 140 pounds on notice. We’re going to take full advantage of it,” Barboza said. “Zorrilla is undefeated, ranked, and coming off a great win. We’re going to make a statement on July 15. I want a world title shot soon, and I’m going to keep pushing forward and fighting whoever they put in front of me.”
 
Zorrilla (16-0, 12 KOs) is a native of a Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, who had more than 100 victories before turning pro with a second-round knockout in November 2016. The 28-year-old, ranked No. 10 by the WBO at 140 pounds, has diced through his opposition in the paid ranks with 11 knockouts in three rounds or less. He went 2-0 in 2021, edging past Ruslan Madiyev in March and knocking out former interim world champion Pablo Cesar Cano in two rounds in September. A renaissance man who has an associate degree in banking and cuts hair out of his home-based barbershop, Zorrilla can cut past the line of contenders with a victory over Barboza.
 
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank,” Zorrilla said. “We have been waiting for an opportunity of this magnitude. Arnold Barboza Jr. is a quality opponent, and I’ve always wanted an at-bat against a top contender. I am working very hard, and I will be at 100 percent on July 15 to continue my journey to a junior welterweight world championship.”
 
Davis (5-0, 4 KOs), the fighting prodigy from Norfolk, Virginia, has been on a whirlwind ride to stardom over the past year-plus. In February 2021, he turned pro on a Canelo Alvarez undercard in Miami, fought on another Canelo card at AT&T Stadium in Texas, earned his Olympic silver medal, signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank, and made his Top Rank debut in December with a second-round knockout at Madison Square Garden. He fought April 30 on the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson card at MGM Grand Garden Arena, knocking out Mexican veteran Esteban Sanchez in six rounds. Valtierra (16-1, 8 KOs), from Leon, Mexico, is a four-year pro who previously held the WBC Latino lightweight title. Last August, he suffered an upset knockout loss to Alberto Ruiz Ibarra. Three months later, Valtierra got back on the winning track with a convincing 10-round decision over Argentina’s Javier Jose Clavero.
 
“Every time I fight, I try to give the fans something to remember, and I’m excited to make my Southern California debut. I will put on a show for everyone watching on ESPN, that much I can guarantee,” Davis said. “We know Valtierra is coming to fight, and I’ll be ready to match whatever he brings.”
 
Torrez (1-0, 1 KO), from Tulare, California, is a 22-year-old southpaw who became the first U.S. Olympic super heavyweight medalist since 1988. He made his pro debut on March 4 in Fresno, California, knocking out Allen Melson in the second round. Torrez sustained a cut along his right eyebrow in the first round, which delayed his second outing by a couple of months. Zavala (2-1-1, 2 KOs), from Del Rio, Texas, has never fought outside Texas. He has never been stopped in the paid ranks and is coming off a four-round draw against the 2-0 Rudy Silvas. The 34-year-old has never weighed under 255 pounds as a pro and should have a significant size advantage over Torrez, who tipped the scales at 228¼ pounds for his debut.
 
Torrez said, “Ever since that cut in my pro debut, I’ve been counting down the days until my next fight. I’m thankful to be fighting on ESPN and back in my home state. If you don’t know why you should watch me, you will soon.”
 
Undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, includes SoCal lightweight sensation Raymond “Danger” Muratalla in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named. Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs), a 25-year-old from Fontana, California, has knocked out nine consecutive opponents. He last fought April 30 on the Valdez-Stevenson card in Las Vegas, knocking out the usually durable Jeremy Hill in three rounds.
 
The undercard will also see heavyweight contender Stephan Shaw (16-0, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and Las Vegas-born junior featherweight prospect Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-rounder against Pedro Salome (3-0-1, 1 KO).

Joshua Franco retained the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Andrew Moloney in their trilogy fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Franco landed 168 of 772 punches; Moloney was 107 of 730.

Franco of San Antonio, Texas won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 18-1-2. Moloney of Melbourne, Australia is 21-2.

Franco said, “I had to switch it up on him. He thought I was going to put pressure on him the whole time. That wasn’t working, so I had to switch it up and go to my boxing skills. 

“I had fun with my rhythm, with my jab, my feet. I’m comfortable in there, and that’s what I did.

“We just told each other, all that talking is part of the game, part of building the fight up. He’ll be world champion again. He’s a strong fighter. Nothing but respect to him. I wish him the best in his career.”

Moloney said, “I’ll have to use this as motivation to come back stronger. It’s going to be a long road back.” 

Muhammad Ali’s Grandson; Nico Ali Walsh scores 1st round KO in Debut

The Grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jordan Weeks in a scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Walsh dropped Weeks with a nice counter right hand. Walsh finished off Weeks with a flurry of punches, and the bout was stopped.

Walsh of Las Vegas is 1-0 with one knockout. Weeks of Lexington, SC is 4-2.

Ali Walsh said, “This lived up completely to my expectations. It’s been an emotional journey this whole ride these last couple of months.
 
“Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him. It’s just an emotional journey, and thank you to Jordan Weeks and his people. Tough, tough kid. I think me and him made a little bit of history tonight.
 
“Honestly, it seems like a lot of pressure, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. To everyone else, to you guys and the crowd, he’s the greatest fighter who ever lived, maybe the greatest person. But to me, he’s the greatest grandfather.
 
“To hear those Ali chants was something that I’ll never forget. I didn’t expect that, to be honest, but it was special.”

Barboza Decisions Moran

Arnold Barboza Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in a junior welterweight bout.

Barboza landed 278 of 702 punches; Moran was 82 of 823.

Barboza of South El Monte, California won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 to go to 26-0. Moran of Mexico City is 26-5-1.

Barboza said, “Moran is a true Mexican warrior. I thought I’d get the knockout, but he ate a lot of punches. My goal is to get that world title shot, but I am going to keep going until I make that a reality. I want any of the big names at 140 pounds.”

Jason Moloney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joshua Greer in a bantamweight bout.

Moloney of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-2. Greer of Chicago, IL is 22-3-2.

Trey Lippe-Morrison went the distance for the first time in his career, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Don Haynesworth in a heavyweight bout.

Morrison of Tulsa, Oklahoma won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 18-0. Haynesworth is 16-7-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Fidel Cervantes in round two of a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a booming left hook that he followed up with three vicious shots that sent Cervantes to the deck. The assault continued in round two as Balderas continues to land blistering combinations that forced the stoppage at 2:03

Balderas, 131.6 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is now 10-1 with nine knockouts. Cervantes, 131.6 lbs of Kansas City, KS is 9-2-1.

Balderas said, “I’m back and better than ever. Even with this victory, I have things to work on. I’m going straight back to the gym to get ready for the next one. Thanks to Top Rank for the opportunity and my manager, Sam Katkovski, for making this happen. I’m only getting started.”

Andres Cortes knocked out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

In the opening frame, Cortes landed a perfect right that hurt Servania. Cortes followed with a perfect left hook that sent Servania to the deck and the fight was stopped at 3:00.

Cortes, 133 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-0 with eight knockouts. Servania, 132.8 lbs of the Philippines is 34-3.

World-Ranked Albert Bell remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Julio Cortez in a lightweight bout.

In round four, the right eye of Cortez began to close.

Bell, 132.8 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Cirtez, 132.4 lbs of Ecuador is 15-3.

Bell said, “I knew he was a tough, aggressive fighter who was going to come forward all night. I’m happy with my performance, and I look forward to fighting my way to a title shot.” 

Abraham Nova remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout.

Nova, 127.2 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 is now 20-0. Pumicpic, 127.1 lbs of Manila, PHL is 22-12-2.

TULSA, OK (July 9, 2021) — Nine months after boxing’s most controversial conclusion of 2020, WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco and Australia’s former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney will settle the score in the third chapter of their rivalry Saturday, Aug. 14 at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated WBO International junior welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. will take on Antonio “Tono” Moran. 
 
The four-round middleweight special attraction will see the highly anticipated professional debut of Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, against an opponent to be named.
 
This titanic Tulsa tripleheader will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Andrew’s twin brother, bantamweight contender Jason “Mayhem” Moloney, will fight Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. in a 10-rounder that will be among the undercard fights streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ before the televised tripleheader. Tulsa fan-favorite Trey Lippe Morrison (17-0, 17 KOs) and emerging junior lightweight prospect Karlos Balderas (9-1, 8 KOs) will fight on the undercard in six-round bouts, while Tulsa-born heavyweight prospect Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a four-rounder.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets starting at $49.50 go on sale Tuesday, July 13 at 10 a.m. CST and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).
 
“The Hard Rock and the fight fans of Tulsa are in for a treat with a grudge match between Franco and Moloney, an all-action fight between Barboza and Moran, and the professional debut of a special young man in Nico Ali Walsh,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs), from San Antonio, Texas, upset Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision last June to win the world title. In their November 2020 rematch, Moloney dominated Franco over the first two rounds before swelling under Franco’s right eye prompted the fight to be stopped. Many ringside observers believed a punch caused the damage, which would’ve resulted in a TKO victory for Moloney. The referee in Nevada determined the swelling came from a headbutt, and following a nearly 30-minute replay review, a no contest meant Franco retained his title. The controversy did not subside, and less than one month after the disputed conclusion, the WBA mandated a third fight.
 
“I’m very excited for this third fight with Moloney. I’ve been preparing very well for this fight, and I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Franco said. “I hope everybody tunes in come fight night because it’s going to be one to remember. I will remind Moloney why I’m the champ. And still!”
 
Moloney said, “I’ve had to wait nine months to once again fight for what should have been mine back in November. There is no way I’ll be leaving that ring without my world title this time. I’m sure when he looks at himself in the mirror, he knows deep down he’s not the real champion. He knows there was no head clash. I’ve stayed in the gym and used this time to improve as a fighter. He is up against an even better fighter than he was the last time around. He’s in trouble.”
 
Barboza (25-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is the WBO No. 3 contender, a 29-year-old who has steadily risen the ranks since turning pro more than eight years ago. After a 3-0 2019 campaign that saw him knock out former world champion Mike Alvarado, he notched a pair of significant wins in 2020 with decisions over Tony Luis and Alex Saucedo. Barboza now readies for Moran (26-4-1, 19 KOs), a native of Mexico City who is 2-0-1 since a 2019 defeat to Devin Haney.
 
Barboza said, “I’ve been in the gym since the Saucedo fight, and I’m looking forward to this one. He’s a tough, experienced fighter, and we’re looking to put on a good show. I don’t pay too much attention to the rankings. I always train like it’s a world title fight, and I expect Moran to give a great effort.”
 
Jason Moloney (21-2, 18 KOs) is a two-time bantamweight world title challenger who attempted to take down pound-for-pound great Naoya “Monster” Inoue last October. Inoue prevailed by seventh-round knockout, but Moloney returns to action intent on etching his name among the division’s top contenders. Chicago native Greer (22-2-2, 12 KOs), who climbed the world rankings following a string of dramatic knockouts, is 0-1-1 in his last two bouts and eager to recapture the form that saw him knock out seven straight foes from 2017-2019.
 
Jason Moloney said, “I’m excited to finally be back after what will be nearly 10 months out of the ring. After the disappointment with Inoue, I went straight back into the gym, and I’ve been working extremely hard. I learned a lot from that fight, and it has pushed me and motivated me to improve and reach another level. This is a must-win fight for both myself and Greer, but this is my road back to a world title, and no one will stop me from achieving my dream of becoming champion of the world.”
 
Greer said, “I’m dialed in and having a great camp in Las Vegas. My trainer, Kay Koroma, has added a lot to my game. No stone will be left unturned. Jason Moloney is another top contender, and at this level, you need other good fighters to bring the best out of you. I’m ready to mix it up with him on August 14. I’m thankful to Top Rank, James Prince and Antonio Leonard for this opportunity.”

Teofimo Lopez won the undisputed Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Lopez dominated the first seven rounds as he boxed well and kept Lomachenko from the outside. Lopez featured some solid body work and landed some quick combinations that forced Lomachenko to do next to nothing.

Lomachenko came alive in the middle to late rounds and landed some quick shots that edged him closer in the fight. Lopez bit down and had a big final frame that solidified the victory by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116–112/

Lopez landed 183 of 659 punches. Lomachenko was 141 of 329.

Lopez is now 16-0. Lomachenko is 14-2.

Said Lopez, “I had to dig deep, man. I’m thankful. I’m grateful. And each and every day, I take that in. I thank God first because I couldn’t do it without him.
 
“I’m a fighter. I gotta dig in deep. I knew he was coming. I didn’t know if they had him up on the scorecards or not, and I love to fight. I can bang, too. I don’t care, man. I’ll take one to give one. That’s what a true champion does. I find a way to win.
 
“You just gotta keep pressuring him, press the gas, stick the jab and don’t really give him that opportunity to set up. Every time he did want to throw, I had something ready for him.”

Barboza Decisions Saucedo

Arnold Barboza Jr. scored the biggest win of his career as he remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Alex Saucedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Saucedo began to bleed from the nose that was caused by a headbutt.

In round seven, Barboza slipped, but it was correctly ruled a knockdown when officials went to the instant replay.

That was the only blip for Barboza, as he won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93.

Barboza landed 218 of 941 punches. Saucedo was 183 of 691.

Barboza, 140 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 25-0. Saucedo, 140 lbs of Oklahoma City is 30-2.

Barboza said, “This was like a championship fight to me. It’s all because of my father {head trainer Arnold Barboza Sr.}, not me. I did this for kids and my father. My dream is to get a house for my kids. I came that much closer today.
 
“I want a championship fight. No more messing around. No more tune-up fights.”

Berlanga stops Bellows in 1st; Keeps KO streak alive

Edgar Berlanga made it 15-for-15 in opening round stoppage as he took out Lanell Bellows in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Berlanga cut Bellows with a hard left hook. Bellows was hurt, and Berlanga smelled blood and landed some more heavy shots and the fight was stopped in 79 seconds.

Berlanga, 169 lbs of Brooklyn is 15-0 with all 15 knockouts in the 1st round. Bellows, 169 lbs of Las Vegas is 20-6-3.

Berlanga said, “I saw with the first shot that I cut him open and the look in his eyes, he didn’t want to be in there. From the beginning, once I got in the ring, I looked in his eyes… he didn’t want to be in there. So I had to get him out.”

Vargas Decisions Casteneda

Josue Vargas won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Casteneda in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Vargas dropped Casteneda with a straight left. Later in round three, Castenda began to bleed from his nose.

In round six, Casteneda started bleeding from his mouth.

Vargas outlanded Casteneda 226-112

Vargas, 142 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 to raise his mark to 18-1. Casteneda, 142 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 17-3.

Vargas said,“He was a tough customer, tougher than I thought he was going to be, but my father told me to stay composed, stay calm. I dropped him, but that doesn’t mean nothing, just stay relaxed because that’s how I got disqualified when I was 18 years old.
 
“I’m very close to fighting these guys, like Zepeda, Pedraza, any of these guys. You name it, I’ll get in there with them.”

Enrique Vivas stopped John Vincent Moralde in a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In the opening seconds, Vivas dropped Moralde with a body shot. Vivas then landed a huge right that drove Moralde back to the ropes. Two hard body shots later sent Mralde down and the fight was stopped at 1:16.

Vivas, 128 lbs of Motebello, CA is 20-1 with 11 knockouts. Moralde, 127 lbs of the Philippines is 23-4.

Quinton Randall won a six-round unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera in a fight featuring undefeated welterweights.

Randall, 147 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-0. Vivas, 146 lbs of Puerto Rico is 4-1.

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, 17 year-old Jahi Tucker won a four-round unanimous decision over Charles Garner.

In round two, Garner started bleeding from the nose.

Tucker, 145 lbs of Deer Park, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Garner, 142 lbs of Buffalo, NY is 1-1.

LAS VEGAS (October 13, 2020) —Fighters competing on Saturday’s undercard headlined by the lightweight unification bout featuring WBC Franchise/WBO/WBA champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and IBF kingpin Teofimo Lopez met the media Tuesday for a Zoom press conference. The MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center will play host to the closed-door event, and in the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, former world title challenger Alex Saucedo will take on the unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr. 

In an eight-round super middleweight special feature, Edgar Berlanga (14-0, 14 first-round KOs) will fight the durable Lanell Bellows.The undercard also includes rising junior welterweight Josue Vargas against Kendo Castaneda and 17-year-old Top Rank-signed welterweight phenom Jahi Tucker (1-0, 1 KO).

The entire card will air LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes AND ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The main card (Lomacheko-Lopez, Saucedo-Barboza and Berlanga-Bellows) will begin at 10 p.m ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes AND ESPN+.

Note: Clay Collard tested positive for COVID-19, so his fight against Quincy LaVallais is off. LaVallais will now fight Quatavious Cash in an eight-round middleweight contest.

Here is what the fighters had to say four days away from the biggest fight card of the fall.

Alex Saucedo

“I feel like my last fight with {Sonny} Fredrickson, it was kind of like my first fight with my new team. We had the Rod Salka fight, but that was a one-round knockout. I don’t think that counts. This last fight with Fredrickson, we were able to see a lot of things that we needed to work on and actually know each other more as a team. It was a good performance, but we learned a lot from that fight that we brought into this camp.”

“I have to show myself and I have to show my fans what I’m really about. {The Hooker fight} brought a lot of things down and getting a big performance, a big win, this Saturday night will put me back up there.”

“Barboza is an undefeated guy. It’s going to be a tough fight, but I gotta go out there and get an impressive win for myself.” 

“I want to fight the champions, but hopefully {the Jose Ramirez fight} does happen if they unify or don’t unify. The fight between me and Ramirez will happen, and if it doesn’t happen now, it’s going to happen some time. We’re both young, we both wanna fight each other, so that fight’s gonna happen either after this fight, or later on, it’s gonna happen.”

Arnold Barboza Jr.

“Of course he’s my toughest opponent yet, but I’ve got everything I need to beat him. I feel like I’m finally gonna get respect in this division.”

“We took a week off {after the Tony Luis win}, and we got right back into it. The weight’s never an issue, but it was way easier. It was a great camp. Conditioning is perfect. I just can’t wait. After this fight, there’s bigger things to come, but I don’t really look in the future. I look at now because if I don’t take of Saucedo, then there are no bigger plans. I don’t care about bigger plans or what people say about bigger plans. I have to take care of business Saturday.”

“I feel like my style and his style will bring out the best in both of us. I feel like we both need each other in some sense. He’s trying to get back to where he was, and I’m trying to get where he was at when he fought for the belt.”

Edgar Berlanga

“I worked hard in the gym and that’s what every fighter should be doing. It’s just putting the hard work in the gym, so that way I know going into the fight, my mind is 100 percent prepared to go those rounds, which will eventually happen. I’ve just been working extremely hard.”

“{Bellows} is going to come right at me. He’s that type of fighter. He’s smaller than me. He’s a smaller guy, so I know he’s going to bring the pressure. He’s going to bring the fight to me. I don’t see him trying to box me because I’m the bigger man. That’d be real stupid of him and a crazy game plan if they try to do that.”

“I’m 23 years old. I’m still developing as a fighter. I know I’m a killer, but I also know there are killers at 168. I just want to get 150 percent prepared for when the time comes. I have the world in my hands right now. I’m a hot young prospect. I have Puerto Rico behind me. I’m knocking everyone out, and I just want to {advance} my career. Eventually, we’re going to step up to those big fights because that’s what I want. I want the big paydays. I want the big fights.”

“I’ve been talking about the Canelo fight for a couple months already. I know it’s going to happen. It’s gotta happen. If I continue to win in beautiful fashion and keep doing what I do best, I know that fight is going to happen. He’s Mexico, I’m Puerto Rico. He has a big country behind him, I have a big country behind me. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in boxing today. {David} Benavidez is another guy that I’m looking forward to stepping in the ring with in the future. It’s boxing. These fights gotta happen. It’s good for the sport. It’s good for the culture.”

“I have to prove myself in order to step in the ring with those guys. I know I gotta prove myself in order to step in the ring with them because they had to pay their dues. They had to fight the best to get to where they’re at. And that goes for me, too. I have to fight the best to get to where they’re at, and eventually, the fight is going to happen.” 

Use the hashtag #LomaLopez to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN+
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Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (September 23, 2020) —The most anticipated fight of the fall — the Oct. 17 lightweight unification showdown between WBC Franchise/WBA/WBO world champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko and IBF kingpin Teofimo Lopez from the MGM Grand Las Vegas “Bubble”— now has a two-course televised appetizer befitting the occasion.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, former world title challenger Alex Saucedo will fight unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr.
 
The televised opener will see super middleweight knockout sensation Edgar Berlanga test his perfect record against veteran Lanell Bellows in an eight-rounder. Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) has won all 14 of his professional fights by first-round stoppage.
 
Lomachenko-Lopez, Saucedo-Barboza and Berlanga-Bellows will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
“Lomachenko-Lopez promises to be a classic, and the rest of the ESPN-televised card will set the table,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Barboza and Saucedo are players in the deep junior welterweight division, and both men are ferocious competitors. The winner is ready to challenge for a world title. As for Edgar Berlanga, every time he steps in the ring, he impresses me more and more. I haven’t seen a young puncher like him in quite some time.”
 
Saucedo (30-1, 19 KOs), the thunderous slugger from Oklahoma City, has won a pair of fights since falling short to Maurice Hooker in a November 2018 bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. He is entering his third bout with head trainer Pedro Neme, a union that has paid dividends thus far. Saucedo knocked out Rod Salka in the first round last November and made his “Bubble” debut June 30 with a one-sided decision over Sonny Fredrickson.
 
Barboza (24-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, Calif., is a seven-year pro who is ranked in the top 10 by the WBO and WBC at 140 pounds. He graduated from prospect to contender with victories over the likes of Mike Reed, Mike Alvarado and William Silva. He last fought Aug. 29 as the co-feature to the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol junior welterweight world title bout and cruised to a one-sided decision over Canadian veteran Tony Luis.
 
“Arnold is a very versatile fighter, so we are preparing for everything,” Saucedo said. “I know it will be hard to steal the show from Lomachenko-Lopez, but I’m coming in to put on a memorable fight for the fans. I feel like people still doubt me from the Maurice Hooker fight, and I can’t wait to show everyone all of my tools.”
 
“This fight, and fighting on such a significant card, means the world to me,” Barboza said. “It’s time to put the 140-pound division on notice. I respect Saucedo, but he’s in my way as I strive to earn a world title opportunity.”
 
Berlanga has combined flash with unique power to earn headlines despite not having seen the second round as a pro. The record for consecutive first-round knockouts to begin a career is 21, held by the late Ali Raymi. Berlanga made his “Bubble” debut on July 21 and stopped Eric Moon in 62 seconds, which equaled the fifth-shortest outing of his career. Bellows (20-5-3, 13 KOs) has never been stopped as a pro and has made his bones testing young prospects. He is coming off a fourth-round stoppage over Malcolm Jones, who entered the fight with a 15-1 record.
 
“I’m dedicating this fight to my family and Puerto Rico. I want to continue to shine like a bright star and carry the flag on my back,” Berlanga said. “Bellows has never been stopped, but I intend to be the first man to stop him. He’s a strong fighter, and I hope to get some rounds in. I want to show that I’m a versatile boxer and not just a puncher. One thing I will guarantee is another explosive performance.”
 
Use the hashtag #LomaLopez to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2020) — The Dominican Republic’s most feared southpaw slugger since David Ortiz, Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez, returns on the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol/Arnold Barboza Jr.-Tony Luis undercard Saturday, Aug. 29 for his third appearance inside the MGM Grand “Bubble.” Rodriguez will fight Cody Wilson in a six-round welterweight bout as part of the exclusive undercard stream on ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET).
 
“I like staying active and putting on a show for the fans,” said Rodriguez, who is trained by the legendary Freddie Roach. “You’ve seen two big knockouts from me inside the ‘Bubble,’ and I don’t see my third fight being any different.”
 
Rodriguez (8-0-1, 8 KOs), like many of his nation’s sporting heroes, started on the baseball diamond. He soon found out he enjoyed fighting more than pitching and hitting, and thus began his ring journey. Following a successful amateur career in his homeland, he turned pro in November 2018 and signed with Top Rank early the following year. Apart from a headbutt-induced technical draw, Rodriguez has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. He made his “Bubble” debut July 2 and knocked out Danny Murray with a power jab in the opening round. Nineteen days later, he stopped Dennis Okoth with a left cross in the second round. Wilson (9-2, 6 KOs), from Fairmont, W.V., has won four fights in a row and has yet to be knocked out as a pro.
 
The Ramirez-Postol undercard also features:

• Unbeaten 20-year-old junior lightweight prospect Chris Zavala (6-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since last September and will fight Anthony Chavez (8-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Zavala, from Long Beach, Calif., turned pro under the Top Rank banner in June 2018 after going 136-9 as an amateur.
   
• Bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla (4-0, 3 KOs), the fighting preschool teacher who is 2-0 inside the “Bubble,” will face fellow unbeaten Justice Bland (2-0) in a four-rounder. Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (9-0, 7 KOs), Gabriel’s younger brother, will fight the battle-tested Cesar Valenzuela (15-6-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder at lightweight.
   
• Milwaukee-born southpaw Javier Martinez (1-0), who now trains with Robert Garcia, will fight Rance Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight bout. Martinez made his pro debut inside the “Bubble” July 14.
   
• Ernesto Mercardo, an amateur standout who was recently the lightweight runner-up at the U.S. Olympic Trials, will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.
   

Use the hashtag #RamirezPostol to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside

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LAS VEGAS (August 6, 2020) — Ramirez-Postol, Take 3! The long-awaited showdown between WBC/WBO junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez and former world champion and WBC mandatory challenger Viktor “The Iceman” Postol will take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 29.
 
Ramirez and Postol were set to fight February 2 in China and May 9 in Fresno, Calif., but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both were subsequently canceled. This time, they will enter the “Bubble.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr., from South El Monte, Calif., will fight Canadian veteran Tony “Lightning” Luis in his toughest test to date. Ramirez-Postol and Barboza-Luis will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m ET, with undercard action to stream live at 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
“Jose has stayed in the gym with his great trainer, Robert Garcia, throughout the pandemic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have no doubt we will see the best version of Jose Ramirez, a wonderful young man and one of the world’s best fighters. He will need to be on his game because Postol is a worthy contender who has proven himself at the world-class level.”
 
Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) enters the fight coming off a career-high 13-month layoff. Last July, he knocked out Maurice Hooker to unify the WBC and WBO titles and stake his claim as the world’s best 140-pounder. Since winning the vacant WBC title against Amir Imam in March 2018, Ramirez defeated the previously undefeated Antonio Orozco, top contender Jose Zepeda and Hooker. The Orozco and Zepeda title defenses took place in front of more than 10,000 fans at Fresno’s Save Mart Center, a short drive from his hometown of Avenal.
 
During the early stages of the pandemic, Ramirez teamed up with Central Valley community leaders to assist the region’s agricultural workers. With Ramirez leading the way, they donated essential supplies and more than 1,000 wellness boxes, which included N95 masks, paper towels, toilet paper, rice, masa, beans and hand sanitizer. Ramirez now turns his focus to Postol (31-2, 12 KOs), a former WBC world champion whose only two losses have come against current IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford. Postol has won two bouts since the Taylor defeat, most recently topping Mohamed Mimoune via decision last April in Las Vegas.
 
“I’m excited to finally be back. It’s always an honor stepping into the ring, fighting a guy like Postol and defending my belts,” Ramirez said. “God knows that my goal is to become the undisputed champion, and this gets me one step closer to my goal.”
 
Postol said, “I’m just looking forward to fighting. I’m coming to win those world titles. I have been training since this fight was first announced, so I’m focused and ready to go.”
 
Barboza Jr. (23-0, 10 KOs) makes his 2020 debut following a 2019 campaign that saw him climb the world rankings with three statement-making wins. He knocked out former world champion Mike Alvarado on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Anthony Crolla undercard at Staples Center, stopped veteran Ricky Sismundo in four rounds at Banc of California Stadium, and scored a body shot knockout over William Silva last November in Las Vegas. Barboza is currently ranked eighth by the WBC and 10th by the WBO at 140 pounds. 
 
“Tony Luis is as tough as they come. He won’t lay down for me. He sees this as a big opportunity, and I can’t let him take it,” Barboza said. “To be honest, the whole no fans thing, I’m more curious than anything. I’ve fought in front of limited fans deep on undercards before. Once you’re in the ring, there’s no difference. I am happy to be part of this ‘Bubble’ experience because it will go down in history.”
 
Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), from Cornwall, Canada, is a volume puncher with a knack for upsetting undefeated fighters. Since 2014, he has taken the ‘0’ from three then-unbeaten prospects, including a nationally televised decision over Karl Dargan in January 2015. Luis has won 10 consecutive fights since an April 2015 decision loss to Derry Matthews for an interim lightweight world title in Matthews’ hometown of Liverpool, England.
 
Luis said, “I want to thank Top Rank and my promoter, Liveco Boxing, for this amazing opportunity. I’m proud of myself for not giving up throughout all the uncertainty over the past several months. I knew this pandemic would be a test of character, and I forced myself to stay dedicated, knowing that if an opportunity arose, I’d be ready to strike. I have not lost in over five years, I’m in the best shape in my life, and I feel that Arnold Barboza Jr. is the perfect opponent to showcase my skills and take my career to the next level. Everyone dreams of fighting in Las Vegas. On August 29, my dream will come true, and I plan to make the most of this opportunity. For a small-town kid, we proved a lot of people wrong. Let’s get it on.”
 
Use the hashtag #RamirezPostol to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Oscar Valdez survived a hard knockdown to comeback and stop late-replacement Adam Lopez in round seven of their scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round two, Lopez landed a perfect left hook that dropped Valdez.

In round seven, Valdez turned the tide when he landed a left hook that sent Lopez to the canvas. Lopez began to bleed from his nose. Valdez landed a hard right that sent Lopez back, and that gave Valdez the confidence to land a left and right that forced referee Russell Mora to stop the fight at 2:53.

Lopez took the fight on about 30 hours notice after original opponent Andres Gutierrez checked in at 11 pounds over the mandated 130-pound weight limit

Valdez, 129.8 lbs of Nogales, MX is 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Lopez, 126 lbs of Glendale, CA is 13-2.

The win sets Berchelt up for a spring battle with WBC champion Miguel Berchelt.

Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton introduced himself to a new weight class by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tyler McCreary in a junior lightweight contest.

Frampton used his experience and made the fight an inside battle and started beating the body of McCreary.

In round six, Frampton sent McCreary to a knee from a left to the body. In round nine, it was a double left hook to the body that sent McCreary down.

While McCreary had some moments in the fight, Frampton was mostly dominant and won by scores of 100-88 on all cards.

Frampton, 128 lbs of Belfast, Northern Ireland is 27-2. McCreary, 127.5 lbs of Toledo, OH is 16-1-1.

Frampton will now look towards a showdown with WBO champion Jamel Herring.

Frampton landed 141-461 punches. McCreary was 77-412

Patrick Teixeira dug own deep and although bloodied, came back to win the Interim WBO Jr. Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Adames

Texieira started to bleed over his right eye in round five. Adames controlled the action through the first half of the fight.

In round seven, Adames came on and had Teixeira hurt on the ropes and bloodied both of his eyes. Somehow Teixeira was able to stage a huge comeback at the end of the round with some straight lefts and then a right hook put Adames down on the canvas. Teixeira continued on the momentum and won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113 twice.

Teixeira, 153 1/4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 31-1. Adames, 153 1/2 lbs of Santiago, DR is 18-1.

“I am very happy to bring a world title back to Brazil,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I want to make boxing bigger in Brazil. Soccer is our biggest sport, and this is a great moment for boxing in my country. It was tough with the cuts, but I was able to get through it because of my experience. It was a little harder, but my corner did an excellent job on the cuts. I felt like I needed to win the last round. It was a close fight. Every point was crucial, and I won the final round to win the fight.” 

“We are so proud of Patrick Teixeira for capturing the interim WBO World Title at 154 pounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “It was a brutal and bloody war, but Teixeira really dug deep to earn himself the most important win of his career against a very dangerous fighter. We look forward to starting the new year with yet another champion in our stable.”

Arnold Barboza Jr. stopped William Silva in round five of a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Barboza dropped Silva with a left hand. In round five, Barboza landed a hard right hand to the body that made Silva crumple to the canvas for the 10-count at 2:59.

Barboza, 140 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 23-0 with 10 knockouts. Silva, 139 1/2 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 27-3.

Larry Gomez won an eight-round split decision over Brian Mendoza in a welterweight contest

Mendoza started to swell around his left eye in round three.

Gomez, 146 lbs of West Jordan, UT won by scores of 77-75 on two cards. Mendoza took a card 77-75.

Gomez is 10-1. Mendoza, 146 1/2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 18-1.

Guido Vianello remained undefeated with a one=punch stoppage over Colby Madison in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Vianello landed a hard right that sent Madison down for the 10-count at 45 seconds.

Vianello, 237 lbs of Rome, ITA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Madison, 239 lbs of Owings Mills, MD is 8-2-2.

Andy Hiraoka stopped Rogilio Casarez in round two of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Hiraoka dropped Casarez with a right hook, and then finished him off with a big flurry of punches at

Hiraoka, 140 lbs of Yokahama, JAP is now 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Casarez, 139 1/2 lbs of Batesville, AK is 13-9.

Xander Zayas stopped Virgil Windfield in round one of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Zayas landed an overhand right that put Windfield on the canvas. It was another overhand right that sent Windfield down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:48,

Zayas, 146 1/2 lbs of Plantation, FL is 2-0 with two knockouts. Windfield, 148 lbs of Concord, NC is 2-3-1.