SHANE MOSLEY, JR. TO FACE D’MITRIUS BALLARD IN MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT AS CO-MAIN EVENT ON MUNGUIA VS. DEREVYANCHENKO CARD 

ONTARIO, CA (May 26, 2023): Returning the ring for the second time in 2023, Shane Mosley, Jr. (19-4, 10 KOs) will face a tough dance partner from Temple Hills, Massachusetts, D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight scrap. The fight is set as the co-main event for the highly anticipated Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko card scheduled for Saturday, June 10. The fight night, presented in association with Zanfer Boxing, will take place at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Doors to the Toyota Arena open at 3:00 p.m. PT and the DAZN broadcast begins at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Mosley, Jr. has had back-to-back victories, including a tough fight with “King” Gabriel Rosado in April 2022 and an unanimous decision win against Mario Alberto Lozano in February 2023. Ballard is looking for a strong comeback into the ring after a TKO defeat against Munguia in February 2022.

Also on the DAZN card, Mexico City’s Mariana “Barby” Juarez (55-12-4, 19 KOs) will battle her compatriot also of Mexico City, Mayeli Flores (9-1-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight fight. Juarez is a former two-division world champion who held the WBC female flyweight title and the WBC female bantamweight title. Juarez was last seen in the ring fighting Yamileth Mercado for the WBC World Super Bantamweight title in October 2022. Flores is a former world title contender and will be looking to move up in the rankings if successful against Juarez.

Opening the DAZN broadcast, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (21-2, 16 KOs) will participate in a 10-round flyweight fight against Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (22-1, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles. Sandoval is coming off of an impressive second-round win against Jerson Ortiz on the Nery vs. Hovhannisyan card. Santomauro is a dangerous fighter whose only blemish is a seventh-round TKO loss against Diego De La Hoya in 2016.

On the preliminary card, fan-favorite from San Diego, Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez (6-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight fight against Christian “El Niño” Lorenzo (3-4, 1 KO) of Los Angeles. Opening the Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko fight night with a four-round super welterweight fight, Anthony Saldivar (3-0, 1 KOs) of Ontario, California will face Jerome Clayton (2-1-1, 2 KOs) of Metairie, Louisiana.

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 10-round super middleweight fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by Monday, June 5.

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 #MunguiaDerevyanchenko




EARLY RESULTS FROM TIJUANA, MEXICO

Top-ranked middleweight contender Jaime Munguia stopped D’Mitrius Ballard in round three of a scheduled 12-round fight in front of over 15,000 in Tijuana, Mexico.

In round three, Munguia hurt Ballard with a left hook and a follow-up barrage sent Ballard to the canvas. Shortly after, Munguia was all over Ballard, and a big left hook to the head forced a referee stoppage at 1:47

Munguia, 159 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 39-0 with 31 knockouts. Ballard, 159 lbs of Prince George County, MD is 21-1-1-1-1.

William Zepeda hit the deck once, but dropped Luis Viedas three-times en-route to a third round stoppage in a scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Zepeda dropped Viedas with a straight left. Later in the round, Viedas was able to shockingly put Zepeda on the deck with an inside left hook. Seconds later, Zepeda was deducted a point for shoving Viedas to the deck. In round three, Zepeda sent Viedas down with a straight left. Seconds later, Viedas landed a straight left that put Viedas down. Zepeda got in a left to the body while Viedas was down, but the referee counted 10 at 1:51.

Zepeda, 135 lbs of Mexico is 25-0 with 23 knockouts. Viedas, 135 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 29-12-1.

Diego Torres won a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Escobedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round four, the left eye of Escobedo began to bleed.

In round nine, Torres was deducted a point when his mouthpiece came out for the third time.

Torres, 140 lbs of Zapopan, MEX won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 14-0. Escobedo, 140 lbs of Tonala, MEX is 8-3-1.

Rafael Espinoza stopped Alie Laurel in the opening round of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Espinoza was credited with a knockdown after sending Laurel to the canvas with a left. He scored another knockdown with a left hook and the fight was over at 1:37.

Espinoza, 125 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Laurel, 126 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-7-1.




VIDEO: Munguia vs. Ballard Weigh-In




VIDEO: Munguia vs. Ballard Final Press Conference




MEXICO’S UNDEFEATED RISING STAR, WILLIAM ZEPEDA TO FIGHT LUIS VIEDAS AS THE CO-MAIN EVENT FOR MUNGUIA VS. BALLARD 

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 11, 2022) – Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camaron” Zepeda (24-0, 22 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, returns to the ring on February 19 against Luis “Bofo” Viedas (29-11-1, 10 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. The 10-round lightweight fight will serve as the co-main event for Munguia vs. Ballard and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN from the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana.

Also on the fight card and part of the DAZN broadcast, undefeated Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (17-0, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, is set to face Alie “Demolition Man” Laurel (18-6-1, 11 KOs) of Manila, Philippines in a 10-round featherweight event. Opening the DAZN broadcasts, Diego “Azabache” Torres Nunez (13-0, 13 KOs) from Zapopan, Mexico, will be looking to continue his undefeated and perfect KO record when he faces fellow countryman Jonathan “Perita” Escobedo Martinez (8-2-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight fight.

“I feel very excited to fight on DAZN in Tijuana, the cradle of boxing! Fighting in front of the Mexican boxing fans that created big legends like Julio Cesar Chavez and Erik’ El Terrible’ Morales will elevate my profile in front of the boxing community,” said William Zepeda. “Very soon, everyone will know my name, ‘Camaron’ Zepeda. I am also proud to represent Golden Boy, my team, and my family. I have come a long way and will show off all the hard work to give all the boxing fans a great show on February 19.”

“I am putting everything on the line for this opportunity,” said Luis Viedas. “I have been training hard, and although Zepeda is a tough fighter, I am fully confident in my ability to be victorious on February 19.”

“William Zepeda is a very exciting fighter to watch; he comes forward, he has power, speed, he is the whole package,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Every time I see him, he gets better and better, and I know he will deliver a great night of boxing in Tijuana, Mexico on February 19.”

One of the most exciting lightweight fighters to come out of Mexico, William “Camaron” Zepeda, is an undefeated fighter known for his devastating punching power. With a 91% KO ratio, Zepeda has only gone the distance twice in his career, first in 2016 and the second in 2017. Since then, the fighter has defeated every fighter via knockout, including tough contenders Roberto “Rifle” Ramirez and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara. Zepeda was last seen in the ring in November 2021, defeating John Vicente Moralde via knockout in the fourth round.

Luis “Bofo” Viedas of Tijuana, Mexico, has been a local staple on the Tijuana boxing scene since his professional debut in 2006. After a slow 2020 due to the pandemic, Vedas stayed active in 2021 when he was able to fight four times, winning bouts against Jose Luis Araiza, Luis Gerard Perez Salas, and Francisco Coronado. Now, Viedas is looking for an opportunity to prove he is still in his prime when he faces William Zepeda on February 19.

Also, on the fight card and part of the non-broadcasted fight card Jorge “Chino” Garcia (22-3, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, will participate in a 10-round super welterweight fight against Jesus “Dengue” Nunez Rodriguez (19-8-2, 13 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Argi Cortes (21-2-2, 10 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico is set to face Rogelio Romero (14-5, 7 KOs) of Tlaxcala, Mexico in a 10-round super flyweight fight.

Monterrey’s Arely “Ametralladora” Mucino (30-3-2, 10 KOs) is scheduled to take on Marisol Sanchez (12-9, 5 KOs) of Chiapas, Mexico, in an 8-round flyweight fight.

Opening up the fight card at the Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana, the undefeated Evan Sanchez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California, will face Abraham “Pitbull” Juarez (19-8, 8 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 6-round super welterweight event.

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 at Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

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 #MunguiaBallard.




MUNGUIA VS. BALLARD MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2022) – Former world champion, and undefeated Mexican middleweight star, Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, and Prince George County, M.D.’s, D’Mitrus “Big Meech” Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs) will hosted a media conference call today to talk about their upcoming fight on February 19, live on DAZN worldwide excluding Mexico. The 12-round fight for Munguia’s WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title will be hosted at the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming event.

JAIME MUNGUIA, UNDEFEATED WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

“I am very happy to be coming back to Tijuana, the city that saw me grow up and has supported me throughout my career. And I am very motivated to work hard for the people of Tijuana.

“I have a big responsibility to my hometown after fighting far from home for a long time. I’m coming back being a world champion at 154lbs., have become a figure in the boxing world, it’s a big responsibility and I know it. I prepared everyday to make my hometown proud and have to really concentrate to not let in the distractions from home.

“I am very happy about the changes Erik Morales has made to my training. I have always been a defensive fighter, but I would always get stuck, it’s a mental thing. Erick has taught me to think more, breath, relax, take my time and control the timing of the fight. His training has influenced my style by throwing more combinations making sure I use my jab. Plus he has a lot of experience in the ring as well and I trust his judgment.

“I remember going by the Plaza Monumental de Playas De Tijuana when I was a kid and would dream of one day being able to fight there. I went to a fight there featuring Julio Cesar Chavez and Zorrita Soto and it was full of people. It was amazing. On February 19, I am going to be so proud to be there representing Mexico, representing Tijuana.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER

“I have seen Jaime fight on these big cards in DAZN for the last 2 years and there is plenty of footage on him. He is a great fighter, he comes forward and gets the job done. I am very confident in my skills and I feel like February 19 will be my time.

“My elbow injury was pretty serious at the time to keep me out of the ring. But right now, we have rehabbed it very well and my last fight in November, I had no issues with it and I feel very confident.

“It doesn’t bother me that we are fighting in Tijuana, as a fighter, generally speaking, it is expected to go into hostile environments, into enemy territory and take their belt, win the fight. Andre Ward did it, Errol Spence did it, Terence Crawford did it, Kambosas just did it, I can go on and on. It’s required of us, it’s required of boxers, it’s part of the journey. It’s just my time and my opportunity.

“I am extremely excited. I had a long layoff before the November 13th fight. To be 28 and 21-0 and a fight with Jaime, this is what I have dreamed of. When they told me it would be in Mexico I had no problem with it. This is a big opportunity for me, for my career.

“I know that I am a big underdog in this fight, mostly because people don’t know much about me. But I have a lot of experience, and have been in training camps with high profile champions like Canelo. I am just ready to take what I know is mine.”

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

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 #MunguiaBallard.




AUDIO: Jaime Munguia – D’Mitrius Ballard Media Conference Call






VIDEO: Jaime Munguia – D’Mitrius Ballard Media Conference Call




Carlos Adames wishes Munguia the best, hopes he honors his word and fights him after Ballard

Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames did his part and now he hopes Jaime Munguia does his.

Back in November, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said that he would order the winner of the Sergiy Derevyenchenko-Carlos Adames showdown to face Jaime Munguia to determine the mandatory challenger for the organization’s champion, Jermall Charlo.

Adames pulled off the upset victory on December 5th when he defeated Derevyenchenko via majority decision in Los Angeles on the Gervonta Davis-Isaac Cruz pay-per-view undercard.

Prior to the fight, Munguia and his team said they had no problem facing the Derevyencho-Adames winner and that they welcomed the challenge. 

Munguia reiterated his willingness to fight Adames last week when he told Un Round Mas co-hosts Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales (who is also his trainer) in an interview on their 18th episode that Caballo Bronco is on his hit list. 

Instead of heading directly to the elimination bout, Munguia left many boxing insiders shaking their head when it was announced that he would face the unheralded and largely unknown D’Mitrius Ballard on February 19th.

Adames would like to wish the unbeaten Mexican luck in his upcoming bout and hopes that he will honor his word and face him in his next fight.

“I want to wish nothing but the best to Jaime Munguia.  I know he is a very good fighter and I believe that my style and his style would produce fireworks with Mexico versus the Dominican Republic. Neither one of us takes a step backwards. Whenever you get two Latinos in the ring you know you will get a great fight,” said Adames.

“So Jaime, do what you have to do against Ballard then let’s face each other for the right to fight for the WBC title. You and your team already said that you would fight the winner so don’t back down now. I am here ready and willing to fight you anytime and any place.”




JAIME MUNGUIA TO FACE D’MITRIUS BALLARD IN HIS GRAND RETURN TO TIJUANA ON SATURDAY, FEB 19

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 12, 2022) – The pride of Tijuana, Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), will make a grand homecoming when he faces undefeated middleweight contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round fight for Munguia’s WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title. The fighters were originally slated to face each other in 2021, but the fight was postponed due to an injury Ballard sustained during training camp. Now the rescheduled fight will be a winner-takes-all event set to take place in the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico, on Saturday, February 19, and will stream live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

“Ballard is a good, hungry fighter who will try to keep his undefeated status,” said Jaime Munguia. “He is going to be a dangerous rival, but I won’t let him come take what’s mine. I respect him, just like all my rivals, but I will be prepared to protect my belt and my reputation.”

“I am blessed to have this opportunity to prove I have what it takes to be among the elite in the middleweight division,” said D’Mitrus Ballard. “I believe our styles will make for a great and entertaining night of boxing. Scared money, don’t make no money!!”

“This is a winner-takes-all, high-stakes fight for both Munguia and Ballard,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Ballard has been waiting for an opportunity like this to prove he has what it takes to become a serious contender in the middleweight division. He will come with everything he’s got to ensure a victory on February 19. Munguia will need to step up to ensure his title and undefeated record are not taken away from him. He will have to come in full defense mode to protect what is his. Both fighters have a lot to lose here, and this fight will prove to be an exciting, winner-takes-all event for fight fans.”

“We are very excited about the return of Jaime Munguia to the city where he was born,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO, Zanfer Boxing. “We believe that Ballard will not be easy at all, he is a complicated rival, but we are sure that Munguia will come out with his hand up in victory and give a great night of boxing to all his fans in Tijuana”

Having been away for more than four years, former world champion and undefeated fighter Jaime Munguia is eager to return to Tijuana and show off all he has accomplished in a grand homecoming event at the Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana. One of the most exciting fighters to come out of Tijuana, Mexico, and currently ranked fifth worldwide in the middleweight division, Munguia is a skilled fighter who most recently proved to be among the elites in the middleweight division in a fantastic outing against ‘King’ Gabriel Rosado in Nov. 2021. Already having claimed a world title at 154lbs., Munguia is ready to take on another challenge by facing D’Mitrius Ballard at 160lbs. to kick-off 2022.

After a minor setback in early 2021 due to an injury, D’Mitrus Ballard is ready to start 2022 in a major battle to prove he deserves a spot among the elite of the middleweight division. A native of Temple Hills, Maryland, the undefeated 28-year-old boasts a decorated amateur career and has faced tough competition like Victor “Sina” Fonseca, Alan “Amenaza” Campa, and Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao. Ballard was last seen in the ring fighting against Paul Valenzuela Jr. in November 2021, winning the fight unanimously.

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 at Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana, in Tijuana, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard go on sale Friday, January 14, at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

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 #MunguiaBallard.




Munguia Decisions Rosado

Jaime Munguia won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado in a middleweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Califormia.

It was an exciting fights with both fighters standing toe-to-toe for most of the fight, but Mungua won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111.

Munguia, 160 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 38-0. Rosado, 159.4 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 26-14-1.

Rocha stops Barraza in 9

Alexis Rocha beatdown Jeovannis Barraza and stopped him in round nine of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Rocha hit Barraza with everything and beat him up until the fight was stopped at 33 seconds.

Rocha, 146.2 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 18-1 with 12 knockouts. Barraza, 146.4 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 23-2.

Ballard Decisions Valenzuela

D’Mitrius Ballard remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Paul Valenzuela Jr. in a middleweight bout.

Ballard, 159.8 lbs of Temple Hills, MD won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 21-0-1. Valenzuela, 160 lbs of Mexico is 26-10,

Zepeda stops Moralde in 4

William Zepeda remained undefeated and notched his 14th straight knockout as he stopped John Moralde in round four of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Zepeda was the class in the fight as he dominated Moralde from the beginning. In round four, Zepeda landed a vicious flurry in the corner, and the fight was stopped at

Zepeda, 134.4 lbs of San Mateo, MEX us 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Moralde, 133.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 24-5.




JAIME MUNGUIA VS. GABRIEL ROSADO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ANAHEIM, CA (November 11, 2021) – Mexican super-star, Jaime Munguia (37-0, 30 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico and Philadelphia’s fierce warrior, “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) hosted their final press conference today in anticipation of their all-out-war at Anaheim’s Honda Center. The fighters were on hand to speak to Golden Boy Fight Night’s Beto Duran about their training and what they can expect from each other on Saturday, November 13. Fighters featured on the DAZN broadcast, including Orange county’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (17-1, 11KOs), Jeovanis Barraza (22-1, 15KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia, D’Mitrus Ballard (20-0-1, 11KOs) of Temple Hill, Maryland, Mexico’s Paul Valenzuela, Jr. (26-9, 17KOs), undefeated rising lightweight star, William Zepeda (23-0, 21KOs), and Miami’s John Moralde (24-4, 13KOs) were all in attendance to hype up their anticipated bouts live on DAZN, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

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

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO INTER-CONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION:

“I feel like this has been the best training camp I have had my whole career. I feel good, I feel strong and we are ready.

“I feel like moving up to 160lbs was good for me, my body feels stronger and I feel better. I think teaming up with Erik has improved my technique, we have made a great team, and I have learned a lot from him. And I think this Saturday we will show off everything we have worked for and have learned.”

GABRIEL ROSADO, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“Freddie and I are coming off of some good momentum. We had a great camp, great sparring and truthfully it was a camp where I was locked in from beginning to end.

“Experience is what is different, locking in and training with a Hall of Fame trainer who just guides me. I have never given up on myself, I have always worked hard and have always believed that I could be a better fighter. And I look forward to proving that on Saturday.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I want to thank Golden Boy and Roberto Diaz for pushing me to fight in my back yard. It’s a privilege.

“I took an ‘L’ but that is not going to define my career. I have build up my confidence and I believe in myself. You have to pick yourself back up.”

JEOVANIS BARRAZA, WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to show the world who I am. I am prepared, there are no excuses to give a bad fight. I am here to give it my all.

“When you are hungry and have the desire to reach the the top of the division, nothing seems difficult or dangerous. You have take those tough fights and 100% take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you.”

D’MITRUS BALLARD, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“My goals and aspirations for this division is to be middleweight champion, unified middleweight champion and undisputed champion. I feel like a the key guys in this division, the ones with the belts are not fighting each other. I want to be the one that unifies the division.”

PAUL VALENZULA, JR., MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I have the experience and I know what it takes to win. I will show what I am made of. They need to struggle with me and my style.

WILLIAM ZEPEDA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I feel good, I feel strong. I know I have prepared 100%, we have to, there are no easy fights in boxing.

“I am ready to show the world who William Zepeda is and November 13, the fans will see that I am a dangerous fighter in the lightweight division.”

JOHN MORALDE, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“We are ready for anything in the ring and we are here to win. I am want to thank my team for the opportunity, and I am ready to prove I have what it takes to keep advancing in this sport.”

Limited tickets for Munguia vs. Rosado are on sale and are priced at $250, $150, $100, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Please note that California Department of Health guidelines and other protocols relating to admission requirements may be in place for this event, which may include a requirement that all guests show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full vaccination status.

Munguia vs. Rosado is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, November 13, and live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

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 #MunguiaRosado.

ABOUT HONDA CENTER:
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. Owned by the City of Anaheim and managed by Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, the arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, and Foo Fighters. Since 2005, Anaheim Arena Management/Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, have invested millions of dollars into facility upgrades, continuously improving the guest experience at Honda Center.




ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA VS. JEOVANIS BARRAZA SET AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR MUNGUIA VS. ROSADO

ANAHEIM, CA (October 19, 2021) – Orange County will be represented on November 13th as Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (17-1, 11KOs) faces off against Jeovanis Barraza (22-1, 15KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia, in a 10-round welterweight co-main event for Munguia vs. Rosado at Anaheim’s Honda Center. The welterweight fight will be preceded by a 10-round middleweight bout between top contender D’Mitrus Ballard (20-0-1, 11KOs) of Temple Hill, Maryland, and Mexico’s Paul Valenzuela, Jr. (26-9, 17KOs). The DAZN show opener will feature Mexico’s undefeated, heavy-handed, lightweight rising star, William Zepeda (23-0, 21KOs), facing off against Miami’s John Moralde (24-4, 13KOs) in a 10-round fight for the WBA Continental America’s Lightweight title. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

“Saturday, November 13th will be a great night of boxing for Southern California fight fans,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are proud to highlight one of Orange County’s top contenders, Alexis Rocha, as he makes his return to the Honda Center in the co-main event of the night. I know he will make all his hometown fans proud as he takes on a tough contender in a 10-round welterweight war.”

After a stellar, knock-out performance on June 19, 2021, against James Bacon, Alexis “Lex” Rocha of Santa Ana, California, is determined to continue his winning streak when he faces off against Jeovanis Barraza on November 13. The Southern California native is returning to the Honda Center as a top-rising welterweight contender who has steadily climbed the rankings by successfully defeating tough competitors like Berlin Abreu, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and Brad Solomon.

“I expect a lot from myself. I expect to be a main event star in the sport. For now, I’m focused on stealing the show as the co-main event and bringing excitement to the crowd,” said Alexis Rocha. “I want to earn the respect and support of Orange County fans and I can do that by knocking opponents out. I was born and raised here. Sports in Orange County should be Angels, Ducks, and Alexis Rocha. That’s my goal.”

Making his second American appearance on November 13, Jeovanis Barraza of Barranquilla, Colombia, is looking to make a statement in the welterweight division. The 26-year-old dangerous contender has defeated tough competition in Colombia, including top prospects Carlos Saenz and Luis Guillermo Berrio. Now, he will be looking to impress American audiences as he seeks an upset victory against Santa Ana’s Alexis Rocha.

“I am at Reyes Boxing getting the best training I can to prepare for a fight that will change my life,” said Jeovanis Barraza. “I am going to bring my top game and show the world what I am made of.”

Headlining the Golden Boy Fight Night portion of the night, live on Facebook Watch, Arley Muncino (29-3-2, 10 KOs) of Monterey, Mexico will meet Jackie Calvo (14-6-2, 1KO) of Mexico City in a 10-round female flyweight battle.

The Pride of Mexicali, Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10KOs) will make his return to the ring facing off against Guadalajara’s Jose Gonzalez (23-9-1, 13KOs) in a 10-round featherweight event.

Alejandro Reyes (4-0, 3KOs) of Los Angeles will participate in a 4-round super lightweight fight against Osmel Mayorga (2-2, 1KO) of Miami, Fl.

Finally, San Diego’s rising prospect, Jorge Chavez, will make his pro debut in a 4-round super featherweight bout against Mexico City’s Gilberto Aguilar (0-3).

Tickets for Munguia vs. Rosado are on sale now and are priced at $250, $150, $100, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Please note that California Department of Health guidelines and other protocols relating to admission requirements may be in place for this event, which may include a requirement that all guests show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full vaccination status.

Munguia vs. Rosado is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, November 13, and live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

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 #MunguiaRosado.

ABOUT HONDA CENTER
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. Owned by the City of Anaheim and managed by Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, the arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, and Foo Fighters. Since 2005, Anaheim Arena Management/Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, have invested millions of dollars into facility upgrades, continuously improving the guest experience at Honda Center.




JAIME MUNGUIA TO NOW RETURN ON JUNE 19 LIVE ON DAZN

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2021) – Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) will now make his highly anticipated return to the ring on June 19 live on DAZN at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center. His initial return date of April 23 has been rescheduled following an elbow injury suffered by D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0-1, 13 KOs).

Additional details for the event, including his opponent, will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event will be honored for the rescheduled date. For more information, please call the UTEP Box Office at (915)-747-5234.




ARSLANBEK ‘LION’ MAKHMUDOV TO FACE NAGY ‘DOMINICAN DYNAMITE’ AGUILERA IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF MUNGUIA VS. BALLARD

EL PASO, TEXAS (April 9, 2021) – Heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut as he defends his NABF title against Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera(21-10, 14 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event of Munguia vs. Ballard. The bout will be presented in association with Eye of the Tiger Management.

The event will take place on Friday, April 23 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding
Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET.

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com.

“Arslanbek Makhmudov is perhaps the most dangerous fighter in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are very proud to be working with our partners at Eye of The Tiger Management as we enter a new phase in Makhmudov’s career, one which will see him become a world champion and dominate the biggest names of this weight class.”

Standing at six feet five and a half inches tall, Makhmudov is a Russian monster who weighs as much as 260 pounds when stepping into the ring. Before turning professional in 2017, he was an international amateur standout, where he competed in various tournaments, including the World Series of Boxing. As a professional, the 31-year-old contender has ended all of his fights by knockout, including a first-round win against former world champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to win the NABF Heavyweight Title. Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal, Quebec, Canada his home, has no doubts about what he wants do with his professional career.

“The ‘Lion’ is coming to destroy everyone in the heavyweight division,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“We are excited to show America the biggest threat to the heavyweight division,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “Arslanbek is a consummate professional. He is dedicated and skilled—the total package.”

Aguilera is a 34-year-old boxer who made his professional debut in August 2007. The native of Newburgh, New Jersey has faced the likes of Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola and Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale. Aguilera is coming off a unanimous decision win against Terrel Jamal Woods in November 2020.

”Training camp is going great,” said Nagy Aguilera. “The time off really helped me heal. People don’t know I had a lot of injuries in my career but no excuses. I always showed up to fight. I am coming to win. I’m not coming to lay down.”

Additionally, Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

“I am so excited for this world title defense against Marlen Esparza,” said Ibeth Zamora. “It will be my first fight in the United States, so this is a great chance to show everybody what I am capable of by fighting on a massive stage on a Golden Boy event live on DAZN. I´m proud to bring my title and defend it against a fighter with Esparza’s experience. I am fully confident that my skills will help me come out on top, and I will prove to everybody why I am the WBC reigning flyweight champion and the best in the division.”

“I’m excited,” said Marlen Esparza. “I want to offer my thanks and appreciation to the WBC and Golden Boy for the opportunity to fight the world title. It’s been a dream and vision of mine to fight representing the WBC. I want people to see another great fight. I’m proud to be on the stage again with a great fighter, and I know there are a limited amount of major women’s fights, so I’m honored to have this opportunity. I am training hard and I am bringing my best. I can’t wait for the opening bell!”

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will put his undefeated record on the line in the opening bout of the DAZN stream against James Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu City, Philippines in a 10-round welterweight clash.

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch, including a highly competitive 10-round welterweight showdown between Ferdinand Kerobyan (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. and Brad Solomon(29-3, 9 KOs) of Douglasville, Georgia.

Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (11-0, 7 KOs) will fight in an eight-round middleweight clash against Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico.

Evan Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California will return in a six-round bout in the 147-pound division.

Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois will participate in a six-round junior middleweight battle against Sanny Duversonne (11-3-2, 8 KOs) of Avon Park, Florida.

Yahu Blackwell (3-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland will initiate the night of action in a six-round heavyweight bout.

Opponents for Sanchez and Blackwell will be announced shortly.

#

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT/2:30 p.m. MDT/4:30 p.m. ET

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Ballard, your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Ticket buyers who purchased tickets for April 24 through Ticketmaster or the UTEP Box Office and would like a refund, you can go back to your original point of purchase and request a full refund. Refund requests will be honored up until Wednesday, April 14.

Fans who purchased tickets on StubHub, or any other secondary ticket provider, should contact the provider’s customer service staff regarding the impacted date change. The UTEP box office, nor Ticketmaster, are not able to facilitate any credits, exchanges or refunds for tickets not purchased directly through them.

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 #MunguiaBallard.

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




D’MITRIUS ‘BIG MEECH’ BALLARD STEPS IN TO FACE JAIME MUNGUIA FOR THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

EL PASO, TEXAS (April 8, 2021) – Middleweight contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0-1, 13 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship after Maciej Sulecki was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. The event will now take place on Friday, April 23 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively
on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET.

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com.

Updated ticket information is available at the bottom of this release.

“D’Mitrius Ballard has been deserving of an opportunity like this for a while now,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This is the chance to finally demonstrate to the world that he’s ready for the top guys in the division. We wish Maciej Sulecki a quick recovery, but we also we want to emphasize that Ballard is no mere replacement. He’s a real threat.”

Ballard is a 28-year-old contender who boasts a decorated amateur career in which he won several national championships. In 2013, the native of Temple Hills, Maryland began his professional career with a knockout victory against Kelly Henderson. Since then, Ballard has steadily moved up the rankings, taking on tough competitors such as Victor “Sina” Fonseca and Alan “Amenaza” Campa. Ballard, who is anxious to make his mark on the division on April 23, is coming off a majority draw against Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao.

“I feel very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to fight against Jaime Munguia,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I feel extremely blessed especially because of the condition the world is now in with COVID-19 and all the issues we are facing. This is the perfect opportunity to really showcase who D’Mitirus Ballard is and demonstrate my boxing abilities. I’m going to use this fight to re-introduce myself to the world.”

“These things happen in boxing, and I’ve always had the mentality that I have to be prepared for any opponent,” said Jaime Munguia. “I know that D’Mitrius Ballard is a great fighter with a lot of experience as an amateur and a professional, so I expect to deliver a great fight to get even closer to the world title opportunity.”

#

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Ballard, your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Ticket buyers who purchased tickets for April 24 through Ticketmaster or the UTEP Box Office and would like a refund, you can go back to your original point of purchase and request a full refund. Refund requests will be honored up until Wednesday, April 14.

Fans who purchased tickets on StubHub, or any other secondary ticket provider, should contact the provider’s customer service staff regarding the impacted date change. The UTEP box office, nor Ticketmaster, are not able to facilitate any credits, exchanges or refunds for tickets not purchased directly through them.

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 #MunguiaBallard.

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




Barroso decisions Ulysse

Ismael Barroso won a 12-round unanimous decision over Yves Ulysse Jr. in a junior welterweight bout at The Hanger in Orange County, California.

Barroso, 138.6 lbs of Miami, FL won by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice, and is now 22-3-2. Ulysse, 140 lbs of Montreal is 18-2.

“I want to thank God for this win,” said Ismael Barroso.”I didn’t just win on my strength; I won by the will of God. My trainer told me to push hard and so I won the championship rounds. I want to thank my whole team and everyone who stood by me.”

D’Mitrius Ballard and Yamaguchi Falcao battled to a 10-round majority draw in a middleweight bout.

Ballard won a card 97-93. Two cards were even at 95-95.

Ballard, 159 1/2 lbs is 20-0-1. Falcao, 160 lbs of Brazil is 16-1-1.

“I thought I came stronger in the later rounds,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I felt I won this fight. I controlled the pace, walked him down and finish strong. But this is boxing. What can you do?”

“I felt I did better,” said Yamaguchi Falcao. “I respect the judges’ decision. He is a very good fighter. I trained for several months, and this was not the result I expected. But now I want to train even harder for the next fight.”

Romanian amateur star Mihai Nistor stopped Christian Mariscal in round three of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Nistor dropped Mariscal with a hard combination. Mariscal got to his feet but had enough and the bout was waved off at 2:00.

Nistor, 243 lbs is 1-0 with one knockout. Mariscal, 247 lbs. is 13-5.

“It was my first time as a professional with all these people and on TV,” said Mihai Nistor. “I had to warm up for a bit, but then I was able to finish the fight.”




YVES ULYSSE JR. TO DEFEND WBA GOLD SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST ISMAEL BARROSO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

COSTA MESA, CALIF. (Nov. 7, 2019): Canadian 140-pound contender Yves Ulysse Jr. (18-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring against tough Venezuelan puncher Ismael Barroso (21-3-2, 20 KOs) to fight defend his WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title in the 12-round main event of Thursday Night Fights on Dec. 5 at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The fights will be streamed live DAZN, RingTV.com
and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation.

Ulysse Jr. is a 31-year-old contender of Montreal, Canada who has scored four spectacular victories since his controversial split decision loss against Steve Claggett in October 2017. Aside from avenging his loss to Claggett in their last fight, Ulysse Jr. has also defeated previously unbeaten fighters Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa, Esrnesto España and Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin. Ulysse Jr. will look to inch close to a world title at 140 pounds by defending his prestigious WBA Gold Title for the first time.

“I having the best training camp of my career,” said Yves Ulysse Jr. “My sparring partners have pushed me, and I feel in the best shape I’ve ever been. I’m convinced that I will offer a great performance and intend to dominate my opponent with my speed and precision.”

“I am thrilled to have Ulysse defend his WBA Gold title and getting us closer to our ultimate gold which is world titles and unification,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We want to dominate the division at 140.”

Barroso, a heavy-handed 36-year-old southpaw out of El Tigre, Venezuela, is a former interim lightweight champion who has scored knockouts in 20 of his 21 victories, including a fifth-round technical knockout over longtime contender Kevin “The Hammer” Mitchell and a dominant stoppage win against Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. Barroso is looking to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career against a dangerous fighter in Ulysse Jr.

“If people think that I’m coming here as a stepping stone, then they’re totally wrong because I’m coming prepared mentally and physically to knock out Yves Ulysse Jr,” said Ismael Barroso. “I have demonstrated in the past that when people try to bring me as an opponent, I have come out victorious. This fight will not be the exception.”

In the co-main event, D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) of Temple Hills, Maryland and Yamaguchi Falcao (16-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Middleweight. This will be a battle between two contenders who developed under the Golden Boy banner, but only one will move forward to a world title shot.

Mihai Nistor of Erbiceni, Romania will make his professional debut in a six-round heavyweight fight. Nistor is a former international amateur star who scored a third-round knockout win against Anthony Joshua in the 2011European Amateur Championship.Nisto ris ready to make his professional debut under the Golden Boy banner and plans to conquer the division.

Jason Quigley (16-1, 12 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return to the ring against Abraham Cordero (13-4-2, 7 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in an eight-round middleweight fight.

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles will fight Diuhl Olguin (14-12-3, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a six-round featherweight clash.

George Rincon (8-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will fight Antonio Flores (8-1, 2 KOs) of Northglenn, Colorado in a six-round super lightweight fight.

Rianna Rios of Colorado Springs, Colorado will make her professional debut in a four-round featherweight fight.

Opponents for Nistor and Rios will be announced shortly.

Ulysse Jr. vs. Barroso is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fight will take place Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area click here.

Tickets for Ulysse Jr. vs. Barrosoare on sale at www.socafights.com.

Media interested covering Ulysse Jr. vs. Barroso must be pre-approved for credentials.
Credential application are due Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

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




MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER D’MITRIUS ‘BIG MEECH’ BALLARD RE-SIGNS WITH GOLDEN BOY

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 7, 2019): Undefeated middleweight contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) has re-signed with Golden Boy as he inches closer to a world title opportunity. Ballard will return this December to challenge for a regional title. Details for this fight will be announced very soon.

“As you can see, we are continuing to strengthen our stable by re-signing some of our best talent,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “D’Mitrius Ballard is the next in an impressive list of young contenders who are strengthening their bond with the company before entering into the biggest challenges of their careers. This impressive list includes Vergil Ortiz Jr., Ryan Garcia, Alexis Rocha, Lamont Roach Jr., and now Ballard. Years of development are about to pay off for this hungry fighter as he enters the fast track to world title shot.”

Ballard is a 26-year-old middleweight contender who boasts a decorated amateur career, where he won several national championships. In 2013, the native of Temple Hills, Maryland began his professional career with a knockout victory against Kelly Henderson. Since then, Ballard has steadily moved up the middleweight rankings, taking on tough competitors such as Victor “Sina” Fonseca and Alan “Amenaza” Campa. Though his last fight ended in a controversial no contest against tough contender Elias Espadas in June, the undefeated talent is anxious to demonstrate that be belongs at the top of a very competitive division of 160 pounds.

“I’m so thankful to Golden Boy for believing in me enough to re-sign me,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I have worked hard to get to this level, and now it’s time to show the world that I am worthy of becoming a world champion. Let the bells ring. It’s time to rumble!”

About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for ESPN, RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.




Ballard and Espadas fight to a no-contest

ATLANTIC CITY– Middleweight’s D’Mitrus Ballard and Elias Espadas battled to a no-contest when Espadas was deemed not able to continue due to a cut over his left eye in round three of their scheduled 10-round bout at The Ocean Casino Resort,

In round three, Espadas was cut badly over the left eye from a headbutt.  There were was a furious exchange where both fighters seemed hurt in the 3rd.  Later in the round, the ringside doctor called a halt to the bout at

Ballard, 159.6 lbs of Temple Hills, MD is 20-0.  Espadas, 159.2 lbs of Merida, Mex is 18-4-1.

D’Mitrius Ballard

 “I felt like the fight could’ve went on. I’m not the judge, I’m not the doctor. He decided to stop the fight, so I just have to live with the decision and move forward.”

“If I don’t fight Espadas in the next fight, I want to do a rematch for a belt. This is my first time fighting at 160 and I feel good and strong. I’m confident in my abilities and there are a lot of great fighters at 160 and I’m here to take my claim in the ring.”

“I respect any man that comes into that ring. We are battling for our lives on that ring. Espada is a tough fighter, he is a good quality opponent and a real quality fighter. I’m sure he will be back after this and I have much respect for him.”

Elias Espadas

“I knew this was a hard and complicated fight, but my team did a great job. I think we are doing things correctly.”

“I would love to get better, continue to train hard and my team will decide if we do a rematch with Ballard.”

Eddie Gomez was explosive in scoring a 2nd round stoppage over Saul Corral in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout

In round two, Gomez dropped Corral with a hard right.  Seconds later, it was a crush double-left to the body that sent Corral to the canvas.  Corral was hurt and a clipping left sent him down for a 3rd time.  Gomez ended with a devastating flurry of punches that had the referee stop the bout as Corral was falling for a 4th and final time at 1:55.

Gomez, 146. lbs of Bronx, NY is now 23-3 with 13 knockouts.  Corral, 146.4 lbs of Douglas, AZ is 30-14.

“Great fight, great team. I worked hard and it showed tonight. My opponent was a tough fighter, and we knew he was tough coming in. I just knew I had to do my job,” Said Gomez

WBC Super Middleweight champion Franchon Crews Dezurn stopped Kayla Williams in the 5th Round of a scheduled eight-round non-title bout.

The fight featured some wild exchanges, but Crews Dezurn landed the harder shots, and the bout was halted at 1:40 after Crews Dezurn landed several more flush shots.

Crews Dezurn, 167.6 lbs of Norfolk, MD is 5-1 with two knockouts.  Williams, 164.2 lbs of New Iberia, LA is now 0-3-1.

“Thank you so much Golden Boy for letting me fight on this show. I hope the fans enjoyed it. Every time I come I’m going to bring action, and I’m just going to fight because I’m fighting for my dreams. My opponent definitely brought it to the ring and she is a tough cookie; I appreciate her for taking the fight.,” said Crews Dezurn

Gabriel Pham won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jab Khositashivili in a super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pham was credited with a knockdown when he landed a right hook that made Khositashvili’s knee hit the canvas.  In round four, Khositashvili was bleeding from his nostril.

Pham, 167.8 lbs of Atlantic City won by scores of 60-53 and 59-54 twice and is mow 11-1.  Khositashvili, 167 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-1.

“I boxed well. He was a tough guy and kept coming forward; I just had to use the angles and move around, just like my trainer told me to do. I followed the game plan and came out victorious, so I’m happy,” said Pham

Mike Reed won a eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Hernandez in a welterweight bout.

Reed, 141.4 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 twice and is now 25-2.  Hernandez, 141.8 lbs of McAllen, TX is 15-14-2.

“This was a very tough fight, exactly what I needed right now. I’m looking for the world title at 135 or 140. I feel really good,” said Reed.

George Rincon remained undefeated by stopping Greg Young Jr. in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Rincon dropped Young with a hard left to the body.  After continuously beating down Young, Rincon landed a flurry of shots that was finished with a body shot that sent Young down for the 10-count at 2:01.

Rincon, 139.8 lbs of Dallas, TX is 7-0 with four knockouts.  Young,  141.4 lbs of Hoover, AL is 4-2.

“I started strong and I thought I got him on the first round. I was a little anxious to finish, but it was a great fight. I learn with each fight and I’m ready for the next one,” said Rincon.

Dan Murray won a four-round unanimous decision over Leonardo Kenon in a super lightweight bout.

Murray, 140 lbs of Barnaget, NJ won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 5-2.  Kenon, 136.6 lbs of Quincy, FL is 3-6.

“It was a good fight. I was thinking too much in there, that’s why I hesitated a lot, but all around I had him a couple of times. It’s a learning experience, this is why we are here. I’m glad for my win, my team, my advisor, my manager. Thank you Golden Boy for this opportunity,” said Murray.




VIDEO: D’Mitrius Ballard vs Elias Espadas Weigh In June 19, 2019




D’MITRIUS ‘BIG MEECH’ BALLARD VS. ELIAS ‘LATIN KID’ ESPADAS TO KICK OFF ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (June 5, 2019): Golden Boy is proud to announce that the 10-round middleweight battle between D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) and Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (18-4, 13 KOs) will kick off the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The fights will take place on Thursday, June 20 at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The event will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Golden Boy is also excited to announce that Business Partner Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins will be inducted into the 2019 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. The ACBHOF is dedicated to preserving the rich boxing history of Atlantic City through live historical curation, exhibits, legendary boxing stars, and personality appearances. Hopkins is a legendary figure who fought in Atlantic City an astounding 19 times, and he will be in appearance for the entire weekend as the city honors his historic trajectory.

“I’m grateful for the honor of being inducted in the Hall of Fame in a city where I had my first professional fight,” said Bernard Hopkins. “I fought against a guy named Clinton Mitchell, who was an outstanding Golden Gloves prospect at the time. I lost by decision, but I learned a lesson that night. I learned something. If you look at my record, you’ll see that I left the sport for almost two years. Most people would not have come back from that. Most people don’t want to fail, so they don’t try. As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t have a choice. I told myself, ‘Either I make it in this boxing business, or I’m going to die.’ That night at Atlantic City, where I later fought many more times, changed everything. I am profoundly grateful to be in this position, to be inducted in the Hall of Fame of a city where this journey started.”

The Hall of Fame weekend will feature events on Friday and Saturday, culminating with the induction ceremony on Sunday. The list of inductees also includes legendary pugilists such as Roberto “Mano de Piedra” Duran, Tim “Terrible” Witherspoon, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill, John “Eastern Beast” Brown, and
“Irish” Micky Ward.For a full list of inductees, visit their official website here.

“Every year the Induction Weekend Celebration gets more exciting,” said
Ray McCLine, President and Founder of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. “Again, we have an excellent class of inductees who have made major contributions in making Atlantic City a top boxing destination around the world. I wish to thank Roxanne Passarella CEO of FantaSea and 2019 Honoree Bernard Hopkins who both played a major role in bringing this exciting event together with Golden Boy and Ocean Casino Resort.”

“The City of Atlantic City has a long and rich history with the sport of boxing,” said
Frank Gilliam Mayor of Atlantic City. “The 3rd annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will begin on June 20 with a Golden Boy Fight Night at Ocean Casino Resort and culminate with the induction of Bernard Hopkins into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. The City of Atlantic City is looking forward to an epic weekend of boxing and entertainment. I want to personally thank Ray McCline for his vision and for bringing boxing back to Atlantic City.”

The undercard of the June 20 show will feature some of Golden Boy’s best talent, along with local boxers from New Jersey.

In the co-main event, Eddie “Eboy” Gomez (22-3, 12 KOs) of the Bronx, N.Y. will return in a 10-round welterweight fight against Saul “Navajo” Corral (29-13, 19 KOs), who is originally from Sonora, Mexico but fights out of Douglas, Arizona.

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (24-2, 13 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will battle in an eight-round super lightweight clash.

Jaba Khositashvili (4-0, 2 KOs) of Akhalkalaki, Georgia will take on Gabriel Pham (10-1, 5 KOs) of Atlantic City, N.J. in a six-round super middleweight bout.

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

Dan Murray (4-2) of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. will fight in a four-round super lightweight clash against Leonardo Kenon (3-5, 1 KOs) of Quincy, Florida.

Rishard Muhammad of Atlantic City, N.J. will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight battle.

Ballard vs. Espadas is a 10-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place Thursday, June 20 at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Ballard vs. Espadas are priced at $100, $50, $25, and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Media interested covering in Ballard vs. Espadas must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Applying does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #BallardEspadas. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.

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

About Golden Boy:
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for ESPN, RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

About Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (akaACBHOF):
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame mission, vision and purpose are to offer fans and visitors alike, a highly interactive Sports and Entertainment Boxing Curation Experience. We are committed to preserving the rich boxing history of Atlantic City, through live historical curation, exhibits, legendary boxing stars, and personality appearances. We will also conduct our annual year-round events, well paired with multicultural entertainment. The excitement, victories and defeats–the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame wish to refuel the passion, and presence of the sport of gladiators in a city that needs no introduction. The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame purpose is to, remember, acknowledge and honor the great local, national and international boxers as well as the boxing community at large for their commitment to and accomplishments within the sweet science of boxing that has helped create the boxing mecca Atlantic City has become synonymous with. Through our annual induction ceremonies, boxing greats, as well as the boxing community, will have their names enshrined in immortality by being inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will ensure they are always remembered, appreciated and honored by Atlantic City and surrounding communities.




D’MITRIUS ‘BIG MEECH’ BALLARD TO FIGHT ELIAS ‘LATIN KID’ ESPADAS IN THE MAIN EVENT OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON FACEBOOK WATCH

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (May 21, 2019): Pugilistic fireworks will be on display at America’s playground as undefeated contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) will fight in a 10-round middleweight battle against experienced warrior Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (18-4, 13 KOs) in the main event of the June 20 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Ballard is a 26-year-old middleweight contender who boasts a decorated amateur career, where he won several national championships. In 2013, the native of Temple Hills, Maryland began his professional career with a knockout victory against Kelly Henderson. Since then, Ballard has steadily moved up the rankings, taking on tough competitors such as Victor “Sina” Fonseca and Alan “Amenaza” Campa.

“I conditioned my mind resiliently to become a world champion,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I then trained my body to catch up. Now I am ready to face anyone who dares to challenge my mind.”

Espadas is a 28-year-old who is coming off a stoppage victory against Gabriel Lopez to capture a regional title. Before that, Espadas fought to a controversial unanimous decision loss against then-undefeated contender and Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in July 2018. The native of Yucatan, Mexico is eager to enter world title contention, but he’ll have to use his experience if he wants to hand Ballard his first loss.

“I’m very happy for this opportunity to participate in yet another Golden Boy card,” said Elias Espadas. “It’s a good thing that my promoter [A & T Promotions] and Golden Boy were able to come to an agreement. I know that this will be a complicated fight against an undefeated fighter. But I was made for big fights, and I plan to take advantage of it. With all due respect to my opponent, I will do everything to win.”

In the co-main event, Eddie “Eboy” Gomez (22-3, 12 KOs) of the Bronx, N.Y. will return in a 10-round welterweight fight against Saul “Navajo” Corral (29-13, 19 KOs), who is originally from Sonora, Mexico but fights out of Douglas, Arizona.

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (24-2, 13 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will battle in an eight-round super lightweight clash.

Jaba Khositashvili (4-0, 2 KOs) of Akhalkalaki, Georgia will take on Gabriel Pham (10-1, 5 KOs) of Atlantic City, N.J. in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Dan Murray (4-2) of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. will fight in a four-round super lightweight clash.

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

Rishard Muhammad of Atlantic City, N.J. will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight battle.

Ballard vs. Espadas is a 10-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place Thursday, June 20 at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Ballard vs. Espadas are priced at $100, $50, $25, and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Media interested covering in Ballard vs. Espadas must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Applying does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #BallardEspadas. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.

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




Farmer Outpoints Carroll, Retains IBF World Super Featherweight Title

. Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).




Soto Karass outlasts Macias in record breaking fight


They threw a CompuBox record 3353 punches. they landed over 1100, but it was Jesus Soto Karass closed out his career with a 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated Neeco Macias in a junior middleweight bout at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

In round two, Macias was cu over his right eye. the two fighters threw non-stop punches with Soto Karass landing the more meaningful blows.

Soto Karass, 152.4 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and he finishes his career out at 29-13-4. Macias, 153.4 lbs of Palm Desert, CA is 17-1.

“I feel happy. I fought against a great warrior,” said Jesus Soto Karass. “I always say that whether it’s a win, a loss or a draw, the fans always win when they see one of my fights. I will speak with my team to see if this will be my last bout.”

“I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be in the ring with this great warrior,” said Neeco Macias. “I want to thank all of the fans for coming out tonight. We do this for you!”

Manny Robles III won a 10-round split decision over Jose Gonzalez in a featherweight fight.

Robles, 125.4 lbs of Paramount, CA won two cards 97-93 and 96-94. Gonzalez took a card 96-94.

Robles is 17-0. Gonzalez, 125.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 23-7.

“I could have done better tonight,” said Manny Robles III. “He was very awkward and hard to hit. I don’t agree with the decision. I felt I won by unanimous decision, but I’m happy we got the win.”

Emilio Sanchez won a 10-round technical unanimous decision over Enrique Bernache in a super featherweight bout.

Bernache was cut over his left eye and the bout was stopped in the final frame.

Sanchez, 127.2 lbs of Pacoima, CA won by scores of 100-91, 99-92 and 97-94, and is now 17-1. Bernanche, 127.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-12.

“It was tough fight and I could have done better,” said Emilio Sanchez. “When he came at me at the beginning of the fight, I decided to keep my composure and stick to the game plan.

D’Mitrius Ballard won an eight-round unanimous decision over Alan Campa in a super middleweight bout.

Ballard, 166.8 lbs of Temple Hills, MD won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 to remain perfect at 19-0. Campa, 166.8 lbs of Guaymas, MEX is 17-4.

“This was my first fight in 15 months,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I was off due to some outside issues, but I’m back. I was shaking off some ring rust, and after a layoff like that, I want to come back as soon as possible.”