According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Miguel Corro was stripped of his WBC Middleweight title just days before his bug fight with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas.

“The World Boxing Council worked tirelessly through a process that began over two years ago to secure the celebration of the highly anticipated fight between Miguel Cotto and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The WBC is proud of that accomplishment that is giving boxing fans around the world a very important fight to see,” the WBC said in a statement. “After several weeks of communications, countless attempts and good faith time extensions trying to preserve the fight as a WBC world championship, Miguel Cotto and his promotion [Roc Nation Sports] did not agree to comply with the WBC rules and regulations, while Saul Alvarez has agreed to do so. Accordingly, the WBC must rule on the matter prior to the fight.

“The WBC hereby announces that effective immediately it has withdrawn recognition of Miguel Cotto as WBC world middleweight champion.”

The WBC also announced that if Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) wins Saturday’s fight, he will claim the vacant WBC belt. Alvarez would also displace Cotto as lineal champion. If Cotto wins he will remain lineal champion but WBC interim titleholder Gennady Golovkin will be elevated to full WBC titlist.

The WBC did not announce any details regarding what rules or regulations Cotto failed to comply with, but sources said Cotto’s title was withdrawn because he refused to pay a $300,000 sanctioning fee to the WBC.

“The WBC’s decision is premised on the fact that Miguel Cotto and his camp are not willing to abide by the governing WBC rules and regulations, and the specific conditions the WBC established to sanction the fight,” the WBC said. “Simply put: they are not willing to respect the very same rules and conditions which applied to Cotto becoming WBC champion. The WBC wishes Miguel Cotto the best of luck as we truly regret the course of action which led to them taking such decision. … The WBC wishes the promotion great success and we are satisfied that this great fight for boxing will be enjoyed by millions of fans around the world.”

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 17, 2015) – Buzz is building for the epic showdown set for this Saturday, November 21 when Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) will meet in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship.

Home to some of the greatest fighters to ever lace up the gloves, the middleweight division has long been a favorite of boxing fans because of the opportunity to watch fighters with unique skill sets and intangibles compete on the sport’s biggest stages.

As 20-time middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins has said of the division he ruled for more than a decade, “The middleweight division has the power of the heavyweights, and the speed of the flyweights. That’s why the middleweight division will always be one of the prestigious divisions of all-time.”

In 2015, a group of middleweights are in the midst of a quest to add their own names to the aforementioned list, and beginning with the November 21 mega fight between Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto and Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas; the era of the “New Kings of the Middleweight Division” is underway.

Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. Below is what celebrities, sports figures, media writers and other fighters had to say about their picks for the outcome of Cotto vs. Canelo on Nov. 21:

Sugar Ray Leonard, Six-Time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

“I like Cotto for sentimental reasons and for what he has meant to the sport and boxing fans! Canelo has developed and grown along the way and taken to school against one of the best in Mayweather. If Cotto becomes that Miguel Cotto I remember, he will win by a smart, technical and fearless decision.”

Lennox Lewis, Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

“I’m picking Cotto over Canelo because he has the most experience.”

George Foreman, Two-Time Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

“It will be a battle of wills as they are evenly matched. In my opinion, things will start to separate after that. Canelo Alvarez punches like a mule. Cotto just doesn’t have the heart to run; he will stand to fight after six rounds and by the ninth round he’ll most likely be KO’D by Canelo.”

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, Current Unified WBA, IBF, WBC and IBO Middleweight Champion:

“It should be a great fight between two champions and two proven warriors. The edge goes to Canelo as he is younger and physically bigger than Cotto, however you can’t count out Cotto with Freddie Roach in his corner. Tom sees it as Canelo by decision, and Gennady thinks Canelo will stop Cotto late.”

Sylvester Stallone, Academy Award Nominee Staring in “Creed”:

“One of those two guys will win for sure.”

Mario Lopez, Host of “Extra”:

“We are going for Canelo. My loyalty is to Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. This is a big Puerto Rico and Mexican rivalry.”

Rosie Perez, Acclaimed American Actress:

“I’m sticking with my fellow Boricua. Win lose or draw, Miguel Cotto all the way!”

Kate Del Castillo, Acclaimed Mexican Actress Staring in “The 33”:

“Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? Canelo, of course! Of course!”

John David Washington, Star of HBO series “Ballers”:

“We the fans are in for a dynamic action packed fight. Should be violent and dramatic. I love Cotto because he is all heart. Canelo is a beast and more experienced now. I can’t call it. What I can predict is this will truly be a fan friendly fight and one of the most entertaining fights this year no hype needed. We will get our money’s worth.”

Bruce Buffer, Official Octagon Announcer for UFC:

“Both Cotto and Canelo possess boxing skills and styles that will make a much-anticipated war in the square ring as they will bring the fight to each other. I give the edge to Miguel Cotto and may the best man that night win.”

Claudio Sanchez, Lead Singer and Guitarist for Coheed and Cambria:

“Miguel Cotto. His experience, his new trainer Freddie Roach and he left hook to the body will be the key to beating Canelo Alvarez. Viva Puerto Rico!”

Erick Aybar, Short Stop for the Atlanta Braves:

“I like Cotto because he is a more experienced boxer, a harder puncher and is always leading the attack.”

Angie Martinez, American Radio Personality and “The Voice of New York” on Power 105.1:

“Cotto, by decision.”

Rusney Castillo, Right Fielder for the Boston Red Sox:

“I have to support our Roc Nation family member, Miguel Cotto, in his fight against Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21. I may not be sure what round he will overcome Canelo, but I am confident that Cotto will take the night!”

Larry Merchant, Longtime Boxing Analyst and Commentator for HBO Sports:

“Old Sayings, ‘Youth must be served.’ Canelo, 25, by TKO in round 10.

Old Sayings also say, ‘Great fighters always have one great fight left in them.’ Cotto, 35, by decision.

Canelo was lulled, listless vs. Mayweather; true grit vs. Kirkland. Cotto re-dedicated and restored himself vs. so-so opposition. Therefore, I’ve got Canelo.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com:

“Cotto is a great fighter who will be in the Hall of Fame someday but Canelo might join him there eventually and he is 10 years younger and whole lot fresher. Boxing is usually a young man’s game so I am going with Canelo by a late knockout.”

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports:

“Canelo by decision. A lot of people lost faith in Canelo after he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather did that to a lot of fighters. Alvarez is a supremely gifted fighter who has learned a lot since that fight. He punches well with both hands and is increasingly putting his punches together well. He’s the naturally bigger man and has youth on his side. Cotto’s late-career resurgence has been fueled, in part, by less than stellar opposition. Sergio Martinez was at the end of the line when they fought. I greatly respect Cotto, and he’s going to make it a fight, but I think the bigger, younger and stronger man will win it.”

Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press:

“I think it will be a good fight early with both fighters taking some punishment. In the end, I think Alvarez will wear down Cotto and win by TKO in the 11th round.”

Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com:

“I can’t recall a recent high-profile fight that seems like so much a 50/50 proposition going in. Cotto has the resume and the skill set. Canelo has the youth and size. In the end, I think this will be the fight in which the youngster proves that he belongs among the elites, using an advantage in energy to carry him to a narrow win in a punishing fight. Canelo by decision.”

Lance Pugmire, The Los Angeles Times:

“Canelo Alvarez’s youth and power should decide this fight.

Even if Miguel Cotto is the smarter, more tactical fighter, he is likely to be drawn into a battle where Alvarez will punish him, and it will likely happen often enough to result in a late stoppage victory. I’ll say, 11th round.”

Jeff Powell, The Daily Mail:

“Canelo by decision.

Even though Freddie Roach’s training has clearly improved Cotto, youth and strength will prevail in what is likely to be a close fight through the first seven or eight rounds with Canelo pulling away in the later stages.”

Sergio Machado, NBCDeportes.com:

“Miguel Cotto has been and still is a great boxer, actually one of the best in history. However, boxing, like pretty much everything else in life, has generational changes and this may be the time for Canelo Álvarez to take the torch and establish himself as one of the most prominent faces of the sport. Canelo represents a big problem for Cotto because of his power. In his few losses and even in some wins, Cotto has shown problems when he gets hit with power. Cotto likes to engage as well and this is something very dangerous against an opponent with prominent heavy hands. I think Canelo has a slim chance to KO Cotto in the later rounds.”

Francisco Cuevas, NBC Deportes:

“When two boxers like Canelo and Cotto meet in the ring is a great event for boxing. Cotto should win because of his experience and dedication but Canelo should also win because of his youth and power. At the end of the day the fanatics around the world will win, witnessing a true classic match between two warriors.”

Brian Campbell, ESPN.com:

“Cotto by decision.

Canelo’s advantages in size and youth are hard to ignore. But Cotto’s edge in experience will ultimately be the deciding factor. The more Cotto can use his powerful left hook to dissuade Canelo from turning the fight into a brawl, the bigger the opening will be for the Puerto Rican icon to keep it a boxing match, which plays into his favor.”

Steve Kim, UCNLive.com:

“In what I believe is a very evenly matched fight, I think youth will eventually prevail and I’m picking Saul Alvarez to edge Miguel Cotto in what will be a hard-fought contest that will see pockets of great action and swings in momentum.”

Steve Springer, Author and Former Los Angeles Times Award-Winning Sports Writer:

“Canelo by split decision.

Canelo wasn’t ready for prime time when fought Mayweather, but this is his time.
At 35, Cotto still has some fight left in him, but his age will show Saturday night.
In a tough, competitive, often brutal match, the torch will be passed.”

Robert Littal, BlackSportsOnline.com:

“I think Miguel Cotto is going to surprise some people and put a boxing lesson on Canelo. Freddie Roach is one of the best of putting a game plan together and exploiting weaknesses, I think he has seen how Canelo has problem with movement and good boxers. You are going to see a combination of excellent boxing, defense and power punching from Cotto and he will cruise to a unanimous dominate decision.”

David Avila, TheSweetScience.com:

“Before Cotto began training with Freddie Roach, I would have picked Canelo by KO. But Cotto has become a more technical and strategic fighter under Roach. Now, I consider it a deadlocked even fight. I see it ending in a draw.”

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions; Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco in a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented in association with Caribe Promotions; and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight bout which will open the pay-per-view telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LONDON (17 Nov) – Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has refused to look too far ahead as he prepares for his ’50-50’ fight with WBC middleweight world champion Miguel Cotto.

The stacked 160-pound division is brimming with talent including WBA and IBF knockout king Gennady Golovkin, WBO champion Andy Lee who defends his title against the undefeated Billy Joe Saunders, with Daniel Jacobs set to take on former champion Peter Quillin.

The victors are expected to face each other to determine who is the undisputed number one at the weight but Mexican ace Canelo knows he has it all to do against the legendary Cotto in an edge-of-the-seat BoxNation thriller exclusively live this Saturday night.

“I am 100% focused on this fight. My focus is winning this fight – it’s very important. Whatever happens after this fight, will happen after this fight, but this is my primary focus,” said Canelo.

“The only thing that I am focused on is Saturday night. Once this fight is over, we will determine which direction we will go.

“This is a very difficult fight – it’s a 50/50 fight. I’m here, I’m ready to win, and I’m willing to win. All my fights are necessary to win,” he said.

The bout represents one of boxing’s most anticipated fights this year with both men renowned for their exciting all-action styles.

They have a common opponent in pound-for-pound hotshot Floyd Mayweather, with four-weight world champion Cotto having given the unbeaten star a tougher night when they met back in 2012, something which will have no bearing on this fight according to Canelo.

“You know what, that doesn’t affect me [people saying Cotto did better]. Styles make fights. He may have done better – Cotto might have done better against Mayweather. However, I did better against Austin Trout, and Cotto didn’t do that good against Austin Trout,” Canelo said.

“All fights are different, all styles are different, so that’s not going to affect me at all.

“All of my fights I learned something. There are some important fights, there are some difficult fights, but with all these combined fights you gain experience, and with that experience I’m going to display that on Saturday night,” he said.

Canelo goes into the fight with just that solitary loss on his record to Mayweather having accumulated 45 wins, including 32 knockouts, at just 25 years of age.

The former unified light-middleweight champion will have the chance to become a two-weight world champion against the Puerto Rican Cotto in what is his most significant fight since he shared the ring with Mayweather.

“I’m not worried about the pressure. I am more concerned with the motivation. I am training. I’ve had a lot of fights, and I’ve learned a lot,” said Canelo

“Both of the fights [Mayweather and Cotto] are important. They’re in a different division. The one with Mayweather was for the unification of pound-for-pound, and now this is at a different weight division, so it’s important also.

“Plus, this is Mexico versus Puerto Rico, and more importantly I’m motivated and inspired and looking forward to Saturday.

“It’s going to be a great fight. The styles will accommodate to ensure that. If the knockout comes, it comes, if it doesn’t, I’m prepared for whatever happens in the ring,” he said.

Cotto v Canelo is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
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By Bart Barry-

Saturday at Mandalay Bay, Puerto Rican middleweight champion Miguel Cotto will swap blows with Mexican junior middleweight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a main event that should mark 2015’s best pay-per-view match. The broadcast will happen on pay-HBO, a network whose commentators surely will invoke, in tones alternately awestruck and threatening, the name of the Kazakh fighter who holds the HBO middleweight title, reminding viewers Canelo-Cotto happens at a catchweight, 155 pounds, and that its unlucky winner will have fewer than two weeks to savor his victory before a Mexican sanctioning organization promises to strip that fighter of its belt and award the garish green tchotchke to HBO’s undisputed middleweight champion – as if the WBC ever would strip Canelo Alvarez.

The best outcome for aficionados is a Saturday match so even, violent, and robust, fans rise in a single, stentorian voice to demand a Cinco de Mayo rematch. The best outcome for HBO’s champion and at least one of his copromoters, of course, is that one man, probably Canelo, wins lopsidedly and then, in hotblood, gets goaded by Max to say he wants to fight the HBO middleweight champion next.

Among the many things about Latino prizefighters that should enchant aficionados, there’s this: An apparent obliviousness of American media manias. A man like Saul Alvarez lives in a selfsufficient country where, whatever his handlers might say when a contract gets signed, he doesn’t think about HBO or the opinions of its commentary crew or, best of all, its current exuberance for fighters from the former Soviet Union. However it gets broadcasted, the Saturday match between Alvarez and Cotto is not an elimination bout for a chance to face HBO’s middleweight champion; Canelo-Cotto is a prizefight in which each man will face an opponent many, many times better than anyone the HBO middleweight champion of the world has fought.

The winner of Canelo-Cotto, HBO tells us in a chorus with its champion’s official promoter, will have some arbitrarily chosen span of time before the winner has to declare he will face HBO’s middleweight champion or else risk ongoing banishment from HBO’s Gatti List and Fight Game List. Banishment from both lists ripples banishments across social media as a force multiplier, including possible banishments from the ESPN list, Pinterest, a number of influential Twitter polls, and a carefully chosen plethora of whatever apps teenage girls mindlessly refresh at Starbucks. The stakes aren’t merely high for the Mexican and the Puerto Rican, in other words: They’re nigh insurmountable.

Fortunately for both Canelo and Cotto, neither of them cares a jot for the subjective hierarchies that consume an everdwindling number of impoverished wouldbe aficionados who instead came of age in the List Era . . .

We now interrupt this hopeless column to hear from Saturday’s promoter and participants:

“Miguel, you have had an illustrious career, you are one of the marquee names in Puerto Rican fight history, you have fought a number of great fighters, you are one of my favorite fighters – one of the fighters I most enjoy hearing myself talk about, a fighter I can say dynamic, crushing, extraordinary, phenomenal things about – you are a Puerto Rican and a champion, Miguel, how do you feel about our certainty you will lose to the HBO middleweight champion, a man who began his career 20 pounds heavier than you began yours, if ever you find within yourself a fraction the courage required to fight him?”

“Miguel Cotto does not care about HBO middleweight champion.”

“Canelo, when people like me think about Mexican fighters, we think of names like Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Salvador Sanchez, Pancho Villa, Finito Lopez, the Aztec emperor Cuauhtémoc, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos – I can go on but I won’t because what I want to know, and what I think we’ve convinced others they want us to know, is this: Do you have trouble sleeping at night when you think about agreeing in principle to fight the HBO middleweight champion within 15 days of your possible victory over Miguel Cotto?”

“No, no, para nada. Lo que los comentaristas de HBO dicen sobre su campeón no me importa. Vivo en México, y ni sé quienes son – ni quien eres tú.”

. . . when mankind’s understandable if wholly absurd desire to impose order on an unpredictable and violent world married itself to a simplified form of written expression, the list, that required no transitional sentences, no spiraling thoughts, and considerably less craft than its predecessor forms.

Saturday’s match is not likely to disappoint. Canelo is best when his adversary attacks him, and Cotto knows he is best when attacking intelligently, stepping forward in an offensive flow. What both Cotto and Coach Freddie know is that if the match becomes a contest of offensive improvisation, where each man’s conditioning allows him to engage the other intelligently and at a comfortable pace, Cotto will have more depths from which to fetch, more opponent tricks he’s solved, more tricks he’s introduced to opponents, all of it, than Canelo will have. It’s not experience’s quantity so much as its quality – the fencer’s jab Cotto used against Shane Mosley in 2007, as an example, is an offensive adaptation of which Canelo, in 47 prizefights, has yet to prove himself capable. All other likely developments favor Canelo. He is younger, bigger, more physical, and most importantly, possessed of a right uppercut onto which Cotto will almost certainly drop himself.

This match will fulfill violent expectations – with Cotto lasting slightly longer than his detractors expect but considerably shorter than his supporters hope. I’ll take Canelo, TKO-10.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Nov. 16, 2015 – HBO Sports is the fight fan’s destination for Cotto vs. Canelo fight week news and information, providing viewers with an in-depth look across television, digital and social platforms at the blockbuster middleweight championship showdown set for Saturday, November 21 from The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Fans will have access to new programming, specials, updates from HBO Boxing Insiders and exclusive videos leading up to fight night. There will also be behind-the-scenes photos, videos, live streams and other customized content available.

The HBO Boxing Podcast will have daily episodes throughout fight week, including live episodes on the ground at The Mandalay Bay. You can listen to the HBO Boxing Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hbo-boxing/id847703257?mt=2, SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hboboxing and Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hbo-boxing-podcast

Among the new content premiering on the main HBO service during fight week will be 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 Thursday, Nov. 19 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Monday, Nov. 16

· Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo – 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO

· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Stat Chat”

Tuesday, Nov. 17

· Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo – 1:45 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO2

· The Fight Game With Jim Lampley – 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO

· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Official Fight Preview”

Wednesday, Nov. 18

· Final press conference – streamed live – 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT

o Link: https://youtu.be/wJwSCUG5Yv8
o Embed:
· Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo – 2:00 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO

· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Cotto-Canelo Mailbag”

Thursday, Nov. 19

· The Fight Game With Jim Lampley – 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO2

· Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo – 10:30 a.m. (ET/PT) HBO2

· 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 – premiere -11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) HBO

· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Live from Radio Row”

Friday, Nov. 20

· Official Weigh-In – streamed live – 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

o Link: https://youtu.be/xvPreSDMKdM
o Embed:
· Cotto/Canelo Programming Stacks on HBO2
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #1 – 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 – 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
o Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
o 2 Days: Canelo Alvarez – 7:45 p.m. (ET/PT)
· Gilberto Ramirez vs. Gevorg Khatchikian middleweight fight – 10:00 p.m. ET on truTV

· Cotto/Canelo Programming Stacks on HBO
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #1 – 12:00 a.m. (ET/PT)
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 – 12:30 a.m. (ET/PT)
o Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo 1:00 a.m. (ET/PT)
o 2 Days: Canelo Alvarez – 1:15 a.m. (ET/PT)
· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Post Weigh-In Discussion”

Saturday, Nov. 21

· Cotto/Canelo Programming Stacks on HBO
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #1 – 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT)
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 – 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT)
o Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
o 2 Days: Canelo Alvarez – 12:15 p.m. (ET/PT)
· Cotto/Canelo Programming Stacks on HBO2
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #1 – 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
o 24/7 Cotto/Canelo episode #2 – 4:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
o Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo 5:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
o 2 Days: Canelo Alvarez – 5:15 p.m. (ET/PT)
· Preliminary Undercards – streamed live on the web – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT

o Link: https://youtu.be/MrYu1LapSac
o Embed:
· Cotto vs. Canelo Presented Live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT
· HBO Boxing Podcast – “Live Post-Fight Discussion”

*Events and times subject to change*

Boxing fans can also view “Cotto vs. Geale 2015” and “Canelo vs. Kirkland 2015”. These classic fights are available on HBO On Demand, HBO GO, HBO NOW, HBO.com and YouTube.com/HBOBoxing.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter at @HBOBoxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; and visit on Instagram @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

Cotto vs. Canelo takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 14, 2015) – The night of Saturday, Nov. 21 is one for which many are predicting a showdown of epic proportions when Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) do battle at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. In addition to the already announced televised pay-per-view undercard bouts, warming fans up for the scintillating main event will be former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba against Filipino Drian Francisco (28-1-3, 22 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

The addition of Rigondeaux vs. Francisco, which is presented in association with Caribe Promotions, adds even more star power to the mega-event which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“We are thrilled to add Guillermo Rigondeaux, one of boxing’s best pound for pound fighters, to what we believe is the biggest night in boxing this year,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “On Nov. 21, fans at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and those watching at home on HBO Pay-Per-View are in store for an event that will bring them even more bang for their buck with the addition of Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco. It’s a rare treat when three of boxing’s top ten pound for pound best fighters appear on the same telecast.”

“I’d like to thank Roc Nation Sports, as well as Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions, Canelo Promotions, HBO, and Caribe Promotions for giving me the opportunity to be on one of the most anticipated Pay-Per-View cards of the year,” said Rigondeaux. “This is a great platform to take my career to the next level, and to showcase my talents on the big stage. While I’ve been sidelined for the past year, I am grateful for the opportunity to deliver a show to all the boxing fans that have supported me throughout this journey, and I look forward to delivering my best come fight night.”

“I’m elated to be able to fight in Las Vegas once more and against a great champion like Rigo,” said Francisco. “I want to make a statement and steal the show. I was prepared to fight this month and when the call came, I didn’t think twice about it. This is a great night to be part of on Nov. 21.”

Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux is widely considered to have been one the best amateur fighters of all time. His troph y case includes two Olympic Gold Medals (2000 and 2004 Olympics) and a seven Cuban National Championships. After amassing an astounding amateur record of nearly 475 fights with only 12 loses, Rigondeaux made his professional debut on May 22, 2009 against Juan Noriega in Miami scoring a third round technical knockout win. On Nov. 13, 2010, in just his seventh pro fight, Rigondeaux challenged Ricardo Cordoba for the vacant WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Championship and left the ring with the belt after scoring a split decision victory. Four successful title defenses followed which included three knockouts. On April 3, 2013, Rigondeaux took on WBO and Ring Magazine World Champion Nonito Donaire at Radio City Music Hall in New York in a unification fight. Rigondeaux came away with the victory by unanimous decision after out landing and out punching Donaire throughout the fight to unify titles. In his last bout on Dec. 31, 2014, Rigondeaux traveled to Japan to face Tokyo’s Hisashi Amagasa. After getting knocked down in the seventh round, Rigondeaux scored a knockdown of his own in the ninth before scoring a technical knockout victory in the eleventh round.

Born in the province of Mindoro in The Philippines, Drian Francisco is known for his powerful punches and aggressive style. After growing up in the shadow of his father Joe, a former professional boxer, the 33-year-old made his professional debut on April 29, 2005 against Jessie Caballes and came away with a second round technical knockout victory. On Dec. 30, 2006, Francisco won the WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight Title over Pichitchai Twins Gym via a seventh round technical knockout and went on to defend that title against Wanmeechok Singwancha on Aug. 4, 2007. Francisco won the vacant WBA International Super Flyweight title on Oct. 3, 2009 against Roberto Vasquez with a tenth round technical knockout. On Nov. 30, 2010 he faced Duangpetch Kokietgym in Thailand for the WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Championship and came away with an impressive tenth round knockout victory. Since that fight, Francisco has won eight of 11 bouts, including his last outing on September 6 in which he scored a first round knockout win over Jilo Merlin in General Santos City in The Philippines.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight bout which will open the pay-per-view telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 13, 2015) – IBF Bantamweight World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles media workout on Thursday, Nov. 12 at City of Angels Boxing Gym ahead of his Nov. 21 face off and first title defense against England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Caballero will headline the preliminary undercard preceding the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez event on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Caballero was joined by Ronny Rios (24-1, 10 KOs) who will also be featured on the Cotto vs. Canelo undercard as part of the pay-per-view telecast against Jayson “Star” Velez(23-0-1, 16 KOs) on Nov. 21. Fighters on the Boxeo Estelar broadcast on Estrella TV on Nov. 20 live from The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Diego De La Hoya (12-0, 7 KOs), Jason “El Animal” Quigley (8-0, 8 KOs), and Roy “Pit Bull” Tapia (11-0-2, 6 KOs) were also in attendance to discuss their upcoming fights.

Below is what the fighters had to say at the Los Angeles media workout:

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, IBF Bantamweight World Champion:

“The way I will win on November 21 will make everyone stop. I’m going to break Haskins down round by round. Even if it’s not televised, I know a lot of people are watching. I’m a Golden Boy Champion, and I’m ready to represent one of the best Promoters out there.

“My title is not going anywhere. I’ve fought so hard to keep it, and I’m hungry to get back in the ring. As people saw, after my surgery, I was in a wheelchair and I was still hitting the gym. I’m trying to make a statement, and let people know who I am, and what makes a champion. My body feels good, and I’m ready to get more titles.”

RONNY RIOS, Top Featherweight Contender:

“We are ready, and well prepared for the fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 21. This fight is perfect for me. The challenge it brings feeds into the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry. It’s also my first time on a Pay-Per-View fight under card, which makes it all the more exciting.

“My opponent likes to fight and dictate the pace but that will not happen this time. For this camp, we corrected a lot of my own mistakes, and tried to make improvements. I’m here to fight the best, and I want to win. Jason Velez is a great fighter and my focus is all on him.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“I’ve been training hard for this fight on November 20 against Delgado. I’m ready to make a name for myself, and create my own De La Hoya following. Oscar and everyone at Golden Boy Promotions have been great, but it is because of my own skill and talent that I’ve climbed the ranks.

“I know this is going to be another tough fight for me, but I know I will shine on Nov. 20. I am well prepared and ready to give fight fans the fight of the night.”

JASON “EL ANIMAL” QUIGLEY, Middleweight Prospect:

“I’m ready to be a part of the biggest fight weekend in Las Vegas, and make a statement on November 20 at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This will be my sixth fight in 2015, and I have been training hard to add another victory on to my record.

“I hope that one day I’ll be able to fight champions like David Lemieux or Canelo Alvarez because they are where I want to be. I know that it will take a lot of sacrifice, but I know that I can do it.”

ROY “PIT BULL” TAPIA, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight in Las Vegas on November 20, but I know if I give my 100 percent and create a game plan, I’ll win.

“I feel like I’m a better boxer now I switched to a different camp, I’ve learned a lot of boxing, and I’ve learned to create a plan A, B, and C. I don’t think I would be comfortable with a decision fight, so I’m planning to go all in and put a stop on Eric Ruiz as soon as I can.”
Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions, and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight bout. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, Nevada) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at (800) 557-4263 or by visiting www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

Diego De La Hoya vs. Giovanni Delgado is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:00 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 6:00 p.m and can be viewed on RingTVLive.com, YIPTV.com, Fightsports.tv, UCNLive.com, Facebook.com/RingTV, Livestream.com, and The Ring TV Channels on Roku and Amazon Fire.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

Nov. 13, 2015 – Fight fans eager for a revealing inside look at the eagerly anticipated November 21st HBO Pay-Per-View® middleweight championship superfight between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo” debuts Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks Alvarez’s first appearance on “Face Off,” and Cotto’s fourth appearance on the series. In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Freddie Roach and Eddy Reynoso will participate in the roundtable.

The Cotto/Canelo edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: November 15 (12:00 p.m. & 6:45 p.m.), 16 (4:00 p.m. & 5:50 a.m.), 17 (11:00 p.m.), 18 (2:00 p.m.), 20 (1:00 a.m.) and 21 (12:00 p.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: November 15 (3:15 a.m.), 17 (1:45 p.m.), 18 (9:45 p.m.), 19 (10:30 a.m.), 20 (7:30 p.m.) and 21 (5:00 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

“Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo” is part of the wide-ranging mix of original programming content being produced for the latest chapter in the storied Puerto Rico-Mexico boxing rivalry. It all culminates when Cotto vs. Canelo takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

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By Norm Frauenheim

Floyd Mayweather Jr. must love all the attention he’s getting this week. He’s retired – or so he says – and yet he’s still generating the kind of controversy that would inevitably erupt during the week before one of his fights. Oscar De La Hoya and Adrien Broner have gone Ronda Rousey on him.

It’s hard to figure, other than to say it’s just another chapter in social media’s voracious need for content. Say what you want about Mayweather, but he is TBE at using and maintaining his prominence in social-media.

His mastery of all the digital platforms propelled him to the GDP-like purse he collected for the pay-per-view blockbuster in a victory over Manny Pacquiao that will be remembered more for the number of tweets than the number of punches.

Broner’s profane rant on YouTube isn’t exactly a surprise. It’s also a redundancy to use profane and rant next to Broner’s name. Sorry for that. Still, it’s almost comical to see Broner — angry at Mayweather’s criticism of his October victory over Khabib Allakhverdiev — go off on his ex-hero. Broner did everything but flush TMT T-shirts and TBE caps down the same toilet that was a receptacle for some of his cash a few years ago. Maybe, that’s the sequel.

The surprise was De La Hoya’s letter in the latest issue of Playboy. It was honest. It was forthright. It was funny. De La Hoya summed up what so many are thinking: The business is better off without Mayweather. But why now? Why publish the dismissive farewell to Mayweather at the very time De La Hoya is promoting a Canelo Alvarez-Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21 at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.

De La Hoya has a fight that has the potential to say a lot more to Mayweather than any letter in Playboy could ever say. It’s a real chance for the business to get beyond the deflating hangover that still lingers from the public dismay over Mayweather-Pacquiao. Perhaps, the timing is just a result of the magazine’s publishing schedule. Deadlines can do things that writers don’t intend. It would have bee nice if De La Hoya had simply written: Mayweather? Who’s he? But that would not have been enough for Playboy, which is seeking a different kind of content these days. The magazine announced it wouldn’t publish nude photos anymore. About 10 days before Canelo-Cotto, however, I’d prefer a centerfold to De La Hoya’s letter.

Once the headlines subside, perhaps the business will be better for De La Hoya’s rhetorical swipe at his old rival. And, maybe, this is the opening salvo in a promotional rivalry that could evolve into the modern version of Bob Arum-versus-Don King. Arum-King was as entertaining and intense as anything that happened within the ring. It helped fuel the 1980s, one of the game’s best eras.

For now, however, I can only think that Mayweather has won another one. Inside and outside the ropes, he has always been able to dictate pace, style and timing. He’s doing it again. We’re talking about him when we should be talking about Canelo-Cotto.

On the heels of one of the most anticipated nights in boxing this year, Roc Nation Sports’ founder JAY Z and Golden Boy Promotions’ chairman and CEO Oscar De Lay Hoya have entered into a friendly wager with one another staking claim that their respective boxer will capture the win when Miguel Cotto faces Canelo Alvarez in a middleweight world championship mega-fight on Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View. The bet started taking shape when both co-promotors visited their boxers’ camps prior to fight week, boasting confidently about their fighters’ ability to come out victorious on Nov. 21. The terms were inevitably set – JAY Z and Oscar decided to place a $100,000 bet with the winner’s earnings going towards their philanthropic endeavors. If Cotto and JAY Z come out on top, Oscar will donate $100,000 to the Shawn Carter Foundation. In similar fashion, if Canelo beats Cotto, JAY Z will donate $100,000 to Oscar’s efforts at the White Memorial Medical Center’s cancer unit. Now all sights are set on Nov. 21, when the showdown between Cotto and Canelo will determine who will be the middleweight champion of the world and the outcome of JAY Z’s and Oscar’s bet.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 10, 2015) – Undefeated boxing legacy and fan-favorite Diego De La Hoya (12-0, 7 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will kick off an intense weekend of boxing on Friday, November 20, as he meets fellow countryman Giovanni “Lloviznas” Delgado (15-3, 9 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in what is sure to be an explosive eight-round super bantamweight main event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, airing live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.Friday night’s lineup will also feature a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle as the co-main event, when Caguas, Puerto Rico’s John Karl Sosa (13-0, 6 KOs) takes on Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Alan Sanchez (16-3-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round welterweight fight; which will serve as a prelude to the November 21 Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez mega-fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

De La Hoya vs. Delgado and Sosa vs. Sanchez join an impressive card of previously announced fighters that features a classic televised opening bout between Mexican brawlers Horacio “Violento” Garcia (29-1-0, 21 KOs) and Raul “Bule” Hidalgo (24-13, 18 KOs), in an eight-round featherweight televised co-main event. Opening the night and The RingTV Live Stream, Francisco Esparza (1-0) of Las Vegas and of Fernando Vargas’ Feroz Fight Factory, will face Miguel Angel Aranda of Hawthorne, Calif., who will be making his professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout. Also part of the Ring TV Live stream, Roy “Pit Bull” Tapia (11-0-2, 6 KOs) takes on Erik Ruiz (14-4, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout; Jason “El Animal” Quigley (8-0, 8 KOs) from Donegal, Ireland will participate in a six-round middleweight fight. Opponents will be announced shortly.

Diego De La Hoya vs. Giovanni Delgado is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:00 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 6:00 p.m and can be viewed on RingTVLive.com, YIPTV.com, Fightsports.tv, UCNLive.com, Facebook.com/RingTV, Livestream.com, and The Ring TV Channels on Roku and Amazon Fire.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

Diego De La Hoya has thrilled fans with his impressive boxing skills since making his professional debut in 2013. Fighting with power, the Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico native has stayed busy in 2015 with an impressive victory over world title contender Manuel “Suavecito” Roman at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in February, and defeating Ramiro Robles in his first appearance at LA FIGHT CLUB in May. The rising star followed up with quick victories over Jose “Hollywood” Estrella in July and Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz in September. De La Hoya will make his highly anticipated return to the ring as he defends his undefeated status on November 20.

Giovanni Delgado is looking for victory when he returns to the ring on Nov. 20 after suffering a difficult loss to Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. in his U.S. debut on the May 9 undercard of Canelo vs. Kirkland earlier this year. Delgado has impressed since making his debut in 2010, which led to a two-year winning streak. He suffered his first loss against Robert “Escorpión” Pucheta Amador after enduring cuts over both eyes, stopping him in the sixth round. Since then, Delgado has added three victories, all by knockout. Delgado will be eager Nov. 20 to prove to himself and the fans that he can added another win to his resume, even over an opponent as tough as De La Hoya.

Fighting out of Caguas, Puerto Rico, a city known for its boxing history, John Karl Sosa is hoping to one day become part of that legacy. The welterweight prospect has had a stellar record thus far staying active in 2014 and winning all four of his fights via decision. Most recently, Sosa faced Joaquin “Chico” Chavez in April and defeated the tough fighter via unanimous decision. Now, the undefeated star is looking to conquer a victory for his native land when he faces the Mexican Alan Sanchez, ahead of the mega fight between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez.

Hailing from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Fairfield, California, Alan Sanchez is looking to add another victory to his record. Undefeated since 2014, the 24-year-old has four straight victories and will be looking to continue the momentum on Nov. 20. Sanchez was last seen in the ring in June when he faced Carlos “Kalimba” Lozano and defeated him by unanimous decision. Now, the Mexican fighter will be looking for a victory over Puerto Rico when he faces Puerto Rico’s John Karla Sosa on Nov. 20.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, www.hardrockhotel.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, @HardRockHotelLV and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and @HardRockHotelLV and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Nov. 9, 2015 – Leading up to the highly anticipated world middleweight title showdown between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez – set for Saturday, November 21 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two hard-hitting encounters that highlight the remarkable skill and power of these ring warriors.

On Friday, Nov. 13 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:00 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Cotto vs. Geale 2015 and Canelo vs. Kirkland 2015 back-to-back. This past June, Miguel Cotto displayed his Hall of Famer caliber ring skills against Daniel Geale with a 4th round knockout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This past May, Canelo Alvarez stopped James Kirkland in the 3rd round in an all-out slugfest at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO On Demand®, HBO NOW® and HBO GO® subscribers.

Cotto vs. Canelo takes place Saturday, November 21 at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has received 18 Sports Emmy® Awards, returns for its 21st multi-part boxing series with 24/7 COTTO/CANELO, debuting SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (11:45 p.m.-12:15 a.m. ET/PT), immediately following the “World Championship Boxing” doubleheader that begins at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The behind-the-scenes series follows two elite fighters as they prepare for their blockbuster pay-per-view middleweight title showdown Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Episode #1

Debut: SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (11:45 p.m.-12:15 a.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 8 (11:45 a.m.) 9 (10:15 a.m., 2:00 a.m.), 10 (10:30 p.m.), 11 (11:00 a.m.), 13 (4:00 p.m., 3:40 a.m.), 20 (midnight) and 21 (11:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 9 (3:30 p.m.), 12 (11:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m.), 14 (11:05 a.m., 12:45 a.m.), 17 (3:00 a.m.), 20 (6:30 p.m.) and 21 (4:00 p.m.)

Reigning lineal titleholder Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) works with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Cal., while Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) trains in San Diego with the renowned family team of Chepo and Eddy Reynoso.

Episode two of 24/7 COTTO/CANELO debuts Thursday, Nov 19 (11:00-11:30 p.m.), two nights before the high-stakes bout.

24/7 COTTO/CANELO is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and HBO Latino.

The executive producer of 24/7 COTTO/CANELO is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producer, Abtin Motia; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

NEW YORK (November 4, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports regretfully announces that due to an injury sustained while training, Andre Ward will be unable to participate in his previously scheduled Saturday, Nov. 21 bout at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas. A replacement fight for the HBO Pay-Per-View produced and distributed event is currently being worked on.

Ward has been suffering from significant inflammation and constant pain in his right knee that is severely restricting his mobility. He has been advised by his physician to immediately rest and begin rehab on the knee to reduce the inflammation.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I’m missing this opportunity on November 21, but at the same time, I’m encouraged,” said Ward. “Anytime I have had a minor or major setback in my career, by the Grace of God, I’ve come back stronger and this will be no different. I’m looking forward to a big 2016. Thank you to all my fans for your support and patience.”

“Andre’s injury is a huge disappointment not only to him, but all of us involved with this promotion,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “We have no doubt that Andre will come back stronger than ever once his knee heals and that he will be a force in the light heavyweight division. We are working diligently to make an intriguing fight that will deliver a level of excitement commensurate with this great event.”

“While we feel terrible for Andre that he has encountered this setback, we have no doubt that Andre will return stronger than ever in 2016,” said James Prince and Josh Dubin, Ward’s management team.

Nov. 4, 2015 – Fight fans eager for a revealing inside look at the eagerly anticipated November 21st HBO Pay-Per-View® middleweight championship superfight between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo” debuts Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks Alvarez’s first appearance on “Face Off,” and Cotto’s fourth appearance on the series. In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Freddie Roach and Eddy Reynoso will participate in the roundtable.

The Cotto/Canelo edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: November 15 (12:00 p.m. & 6:45 p.m.), 16 (4:00 p.m. & 5:50 a.m.), 17 (11:00 p.m.), 18 (2:00 p.m.), 20 (1:00 a.m.) and 21 (12:00 p.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: November 15 (3:15 a.m.), 17 (1:45 p.m.), 18 (9:45 p.m.), 19 (10:30 a.m.), 20 (7:30 p.m.) and 21 (5:00 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

“Face Off With Max Kellerman: Cotto/Canelo” is part of the wide-ranging mix of original programming content being produced for the latest chapter in the storied Puerto Rico-Mexico boxing rivalry. It all culminates when Cotto vs. Canelo takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 21 in the co- feature to the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez middleweight world championship showdown that will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Ward has signed an exclusive multi-fight agreement with HBO that will commence with Ward’s Nov. 21 fight at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Ward, 31, will be making his debut in the 175-pound light heavyweight division against an opponent to be announced.

“HBO is the premier network in boxing and has been a great home to me both as a fighter and a commentator,” Ward said. “I made my professional debut on HBO nearly 11 years ago and I’m excited to move on to this next stage of my career at the light heavyweight division on HBO. My team and I have been hard at work preparing for Nov. 21 and the fans can expect another strong performance in Las Vegas.”

“All of us at Roc Nation Sports are thrilled to partner with HBO as we embark on the next chapter in the storied career of Andre Ward,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing Roc Nation Sports. “Starting this multi-fight agreement and Andre’s quest to conquer the light heavyweight division with a fight on the highly anticipated Nov. 21 pay-per-view event is a fitting way to kick things off. We are hopeful that Nov. 21 is the first step toward a 2016 showdown with Sergey Kovalev.”

“From Olympic gold medalist, to two-time world champion, to winning all 28 of his professional bouts and dominating the super middleweight division, Andre Ward has demonstrated that he is among the finest performers in the sport,” said Ken Hershman, President, HBO Sports. “We are delighted to have Andre as part of our family, fighting exclusively on the HBO platforms.”

“Andre is a man of high integrity and honor so we are thrilled to be able to help deliver a multi-fight deal for him on the premier network in boxing,” said James Prince and Josh Dubin, Ward’s management team. “In moving to light heavyweight, we have no doubt that Andre will pick up where he left off in the super middleweight division – as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. We are extremely thankful to HBO and Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity.”

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 27 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. The Bay Area product returned to the ring on June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California and scored a ninth-round knockout over Paul Smith, continuing his unbeaten streak which dates back to when he was a 13 year old amateur. Ward recently stepped in front of the camera for a completely different role, a part in the upcoming New Line/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros. feature “Creed,” hitting theaters on November 25, a few days following fight week. Fellow Bay Area natives, director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, reached out to Ward so that he could provide his expertise for the film. In addition to working in front of the camera with Ward, Jordan spent time at Ward’s home gym in preparation for his role as Apollo Creed’s son.

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About Roc Nation Sports
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports lead to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, helping athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been helping artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents world champions Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Frances Tiafoe, Justise Winslow and Willie Cauley-Stein.

LOS ANGELES (October 29, 2015) – Making the first defense of his IBF Bantamweight World Title, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) will headline the preliminary undercard preceding the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez event on Saturday, November 21 as he faces off against England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.The 12-round world championship bout will be available to view digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, TIDAL.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com, along with other websites and outlets to be announced shortly. Additional undercard fights will be announced separately.

“I am excited to be fighting in one of the biggest cards of the year,” said Caballero. “I have been out of the ring for about a year and it has been hard watching all the great shows, but I am ready to come out strong and defend my title. I know Lee is a tough guy, there is a reason why he is my mandatory, but his style will make me shine on fight night. This training camp has been wonderful, my body feels different, and we have been training very hard to make sure I remain the champion. I feel there is more to accomplish, and this is my big opportunity to shine and stand out on Nov. 21.”

“Randy has the charisma, athleticism, fan-friendly fighting style and now a world title to make him one of the future top stars in the sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Fans watching Randy’s fight live at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and at home on the preliminary undercard on Nov. 21 are in for a real treat when he makes his first title defense against Lee Haskins, who, like Randy, is one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division right now. This fight will be a clash between two warriors and a great precursor to the guaranteed action in the main event with Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez that night.”

“All my life I have dreamed about boxing in Las Vegas and now my dreams have come true,” said Haskins. “I have great respect for Randy Caballero, and I will be in the best shape of my life with all intentions of bringing the IBF World Bantamweight belt home. You best believe I am as fit as a butcher`s dog. I am counting the days for when I arrive in U.S.A. Let’s get it on!”

The fighting pride of the Coachella Valley in California, Randy “El Matador” Caballero is one of the sport’s most intriguing rising stars and as the IBF World Bantamweight Champion prepares for his Las Vegas debut, he is on the verge of taking his career to the next level in a big way. “El Matador” Caballero has gone from local hero to international standout over the course of a professional career that began in 2010, as his meteoric rise has seen him defeat the likes of Alexis “Beaver” Santiago, Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza, Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Luis “Titi” Maldonado. In 2014, the 25-year-old took his show on the road as he traveled to Kobe, Japan to defeat Kohei Oba via eighth-round technical knockout. The victory earned the 24-year-old Caballero a shot at a world championship, and on October 25, 2014 he packed his bags once again, as he traveled to the Salle des ‘Etoiles in Monte Carlo to defeat England’s Stuart Hall for the vacant IBF World Bantamweight Championship.

British southpaw Lee “Playboy” Haskins has had a big 2015 campaign thus far. The Bristol native regained the EBU Bantamweight Title in February with a decision win over Omar Lamiri and then took the interim IBF Bantamweight crown in June by stopping Ryosuke Iwasa in six rounds. This November, the 31-year-old will attempt to unify the title with the highly touted Caballero and is determined to go back to England with the belt.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins is a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 29, 2015) – Mariachis, cake, balloons, streamers and screaming fans were all on deck to greet Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs),former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, at his San Diego media workout today at House of Boxing Gym ahead of his Nov. 21 middleweight world championship showdown against WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs).

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, surprised Canelo at the workout with a special presentation to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mexican superstar fighter’s first professional fight, a fourth-round technical knockout that took place Oct. 29, 2005 in his hometown of Jalisco, Mexico.

Below is what Canelo, Oscar De La Hoya and his team had to say:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“We are very prepared for this fight. It has been a great training camp we have been working on technique to make sure we are not surprised on fight night.

“I have had great sparring partners for this fight, focusing on Cotto’s style of fighting. We also know he is a southpaw and that has been something we always work on.

“I am not afraid of any fighter, but right now I am focused on Cotto. Once this fight is over we can move on to the next big fight.

“Every fight at this level has been difficult and the best that we can do is, be prepared. You can’t predict the outcome of a fight, but we make sure to leave not doubts in the ring.

“I want to fight the big fights and am not afraid to take risks. I believe my fighting style and opponents over the years have shown that. I am here to prove I am the best and the best way to do that is fighting the best.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Canelo Álvarez is ready for November 21. I’ve visited his training camp many times and he is looking great, very strong, very powerful.

“Canelo has been fighting for 10 years now, but he’s still only 25-years-old. I think the best is yet to come with him. He has grown as a fighter every year, learning from victories and his losses. Legacy is important to him, and when all is said and done, I know he will be remembered as one of the best in the sport.

“November 21 will be a war in the ring. There will be fireworks, and Cotto vs. Canelo will be remembered as another great fight in the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

CHEPO REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“I have great respect for Freddie personally, but it is a different kind of respect when you’re in the ring. I am sure Cotto has preparing for this fight, but Canelo has the power, speed and youth to be the best fighter on Nov. 21.

“I have seen Canelo grow as a fighter his whole career and I believe he is ready to become the future of boxing and beating Cotto will prove it.

“Every fighter has learned from their experiences and Canelo and continues to progress as a fighter. He is only getting better and is a different, stronger, fighter compared to few years ago.

“Every day we are pushing Canelo and he does everything without question. He is a dedicated and hungry fighter who takes his career seriously. On Nov. 21 we will raise our arm in victory for Mexico.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“Canelo is a serious fighter who doesn’t take any opponent lightly. He is always ready and willing to fight the best fighters in the sport.

“This is one of the biggest fights in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. And we will prove on Nov. 21 that Mexico is the best.”

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins is a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

LOS ANGELES (October 26, 2015) – Boxing’s biggest weekend of 2015 will get off to a rousing start on Friday, November 20, as The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas hosts a hard-hitting card as the prelude to the November 21 Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez Super Fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Airing live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, Mexican slugger Horacio “Violento” Garcia (29-1-0, 21 KOs) takes on fellow countryman Raul “Bule” Hidalgo (24-13, 18 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout sure to start off the weekend on fire on the Las Vegas Strip.

Featured as part of the RingTV Live Stream, East LA’s undefeated Roy “Pit Bull” Tapia (11-0-2, 6 KOs) is scheduled to face Erik Ruiz (14-4, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif. in an eight-round super bantamweight bout; while fellow Golden Boy Promotions stablemates, Jason “El Animal” Quigley (8-0, 8 KOs) from Donegal, Ireland, and rising prospect Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (2-0, 1 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, are both scheduled for six-round middleweight and super featherweight fights, respectively. Plus, Francisco Esparza (1-0) of Las Vegas is set to fight in a four-round featherweight bout. Opponents will be announced shortly.

This event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Carmelita’s Chorizo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:00 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 6:00 p.m and can be viewed on RingTVLive.com, YIPTV.com, Fightsports.tv, UCNLive.com, Facebook.com/RingTV, Livestream.com, and The Ring TV Channels on Roku, Amazon Fire.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, will go on sale on Wednesday, October 28 12:00 p.m. PT and will be available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

Back in the ring for the first time since the lone loss of his professional career, via decision to former world champion Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan this past May, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Horacio “Violento” Garcia is hungrier than ever to get back into the title race and his journey starts on November 20. Before the defeat, the 25-year-old Garcia had won his previous six bouts by knockout and it’s a streak he expects to begin again in his Las Vegas debut.

Winner of two of his last three bouts, with knockouts over Jorge Luis Babuca and Antonio Gonzalez, Nuevas Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Raul “Bule” Hidalgo may not have the prettiest record in the fight game, but those 37 fights have prepared the 26-year-old for anything he may face in the ring. A professional since 2010, Hidalgo can make a bold statement to his fellow fighters should he hand Garcia his second straight defeat.

Unbeaten as a professional, East LA super bantamweight Roy Tapia is a popular fighter on the California fight scene and if the 24-year-old’s most recent win, a third-round knockout of Juan Luis Hernandez on August 6 is any indication, he may be ready to take the next step in his career very soon. But the “Pitbull” will get a fight in his next outing in the form of Oxnard’s Erik Ruiz a protégé of renowned trainer Robert Garcia who has never been stopped and who always shows up ready for battle.

Fighting professionally since 2011, 24-year-old Erik Ruiz is looking for the right opportunity to start another winning streak when he faces the undefeated Roy Tapia on November 20. Fighting out of Oxnard, the tough Ruiz has been seen in the ring most recently against Jessie Magdaleno, Manuel “Tino” Avila, Fernando Fuentes and Daniel “Danny” Roman. On November 20, the Oxnard native, will be looking for victory and prove he still has what it takes to stay in the fighting game.

Hailing from Balleybofey in County Donegal, Ireland, the 24-year-old Jason Quigley had an outstanding amateur career becoming the first Irish fighter to win a Silver medal at the AIBA World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2013. El Animal started his professional career in 2014 and has quickly garnered attention by ending each fight via knockout against Howard Reece, Fernando Najera, and Greg McCoy. Quigley has continued his wins-by-knockout streak by impressively taking down Lanny Dardar, Tolutomi Agunbiade, Joshua Snyder and most recently Michael Faulk.

An eight-time National champion as an amateur, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara (2-0, 1 KO) began his pro career in August and he’s already compiled wins over Thomas Deleon and Antonio Martinez while fighting in Los Angeles. On November 20, the 18-year-old San Antonio native takes his show on the road in a six-round super featherweight bout.

Las Vegas based Francisco Esparza, who trains with former World Champion and future Hall of Famer Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas, seeks his second professional win in a featherweight match scheduled for four rounds.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, www.hardrockhotel.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, @HardRockHotelLV and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and @HardRockHotelLV and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.