MONTREAL, February 26, 2025 — A sprain of the deltoid ligament in his right ankle sustained during training will sideline Erik Bazinyan for the next few weeks, forcing him to postpone his bout against Steven Butler. As a result, Eye of the Tiger must postpone its March 14 event at Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal.
“Despite a strong undercard, including Mary Spencer’s world title defense, we found ourselves in a situation similar to what we experienced with Beterbiev-Smith. It’s a heartbreaking decision, but it would have been disrespectful and inconsiderate to our fans to move forward with the event despite the withdrawal of the main event, Bazinyan vs. Butler, when people had purchased their tickets specifically to see that fight,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.
Further details will follow regarding the rescheduled date for the clash between Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs) and Steven Butler (35-5-1, 29 KOs), as well as the full undercard lineup. Ticket refunds will be automatically processed by Ticketpro to the credit card used for the purchase within the next two weeks. If you have not received your refund by then, please contact [email protected].
Jaime Munguia opens second chapter to a promising career with KO of Bazinyan
GLENDALE, Ariz. —Knockout is the first word in the second chapter to Jamie Munguia’s career.
It sums up what he hopes to do.
It defines the promotional plans Top Rank has for him.
The KO was authored and patiently executed by Munguia in his first fight, post-Canelo, against an unknown, yet skilled Eric Bazinyan Friday in front of a roaring crowd of about 6,500 at Desert Diamond Arena.
In a super-middleweight fight full of twists and turns, ebbs and flows, a bigger and quicker Munguia finally delivered the final word with a succession of punches that left an exhausted Bazinyan on all fours, looking exhausted and beaten late in the 10th. He was finished, a loser by KO at 2:36 of the round.
“It was a great experience,’’ Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) said in a tone that suggested he anticipates even greater ones in a career that is just entering its prime.
It was also a victory that put him one fight beyond his last one, a scorecard loss to fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez. There were questions about how the 27-year-old Munguia would respond to the loss to boxing’s so-called Face of the Game.
Would he be tentative?
Would he be over-anxious?
No.
And no.
Munguia’s evident poise was very much intact against Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian living in Canada. Bazinyan tested Munguia repeatedly in the middle round.
“I felt like I was winning,’’ Bazinyan said. “I felt he was very frustrated with my jab, right hand, and counters. He was getting tired. All of a sudden, I got caught. I don’t know what happened there.”
Munguia rocked him in the sixth, seventh and eighth. Each time, it looked as if Munguia was about to take control. But the well-conditioned Bazinyan came charging back, repeatedly rocking him with a solid right hands that he threw behind a consistently accurate jab.
A tentative Munguia would not have known how to respond. An overanxious Munguia would have rushed in and perhaps walked right into knockout blow. But Munguia carefully measured his punches and perhaps his energy, all in an effort to score a KO he had to envision in a comeback from his lone loss.
What’s next? Predictably, Munguia, a quiet fighter from Tijuana, wouldn’t be specific. He was asked about about the Top Rank-promoted Christian M’billi. He was asked by Caleb Plant, who is coming off a bruising victory over Trevor McCumby.
Then, he was asked by Edgar Berlanga, who lost a one-sided decision to Canelo at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena last Saturday.
“If I had to pick, I’d pick Berlanga,’’ he said.
Sounds like that one could produce the second word in that second chapter.
ReplyForwardAdd reaction
Torrez stays unbeaten, Dawejko’s mouthpiece gets him DQed
Richard Torrez Jr. threw most of the punches in a fight dominated by his movement and Joey Dawejko’s mouthpiece.
In the end, it was the mouthpiece that proved to be decisive.
In a heavyweight fight with no knockdowns, Dawejko’s mouthpiece hit the canvas five times. The fifth time resulted in his disqualification in the fifth round of the final fight before the main event, a super-middleweight clash between Jaime Munguia and Eric Bazinyan Friday night in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arena.
The DQ will go down as a victory for Torrez, pushing the prospect’s unbeaten record to 11-0 with 10 knockouts.
“Joey was a vet, just like I said,” Torrez said. “He didn’t give up. That mouthpiece came out a little too much. That’s a veteran move, but at the end of the day, congratulations to him. He put up a good fight.
“I think we were able to show more boxing ability that I was telling you about.”
Torrez was clearly on his way to victory with quick hands and agile feet. On The Boxing Hour’s card, he won the first three rounds easily. He was winning the fourth, too, when Dawejko’s mouthpiece began to dominate the round. Referee Wes Melton picked it up once, twice and then a third time. That’s when he issued his first one-point penalty. A fourth time resulted in a second one-point penalty for Dawejko (28-12-4 16 KOs), a Philadelphia roofer when not in the ring.
In the fifth, Melton had seen enough of Dawejko’s mouthpiece and the fight. He waved off the fight at 2:02 of the round.
El General marches on to another battle won
In the opening bout of the ESPN+ telecast “El General” Emiliano Vargas 11-0(9Kos) of Las Vegas, NV faces “Lethal” Larry Fryers 13-6-1(5Kos) of Clones, Ireland. Coming in the fight Larry made a bold prediction stating he was going to knock out Vargas in the 5th round. Missing majority of the year Larry is making his 2024 debut looking to mirror 2023 were he went undefeated in his 2 matches. Fans made sure to be in their seats prior to the start of this one. As most AZ fight fans are very familiar with Vargas, this will make it his fourth time fighting in front of them at the Desert Diamond Arena. It also does not hurt that he comes to fight which make him a fan friendly fighter. In a town known for fighter such as the legend Micheal Carbajal, Jose Benavidez jr, and David Benavidez AZ loves to see in all out war. The El “General” has the perfect tactics to keep them happy and on the edge of their seats.
In the opening round emiliano came out with a combo of a left and right to the head of Fryers which caught him by surprise and stunned. Vargas did not let up from the punishment landing at will knocking back Fryers to ropes with a series of jabs. More importantly Vargas was showing off his defense with great footwork and head movement, making his opponent miss many of his punches.
Focusing on the body in round 2 Vargas landed some vicious body shots to the right of fryers ribs. As the round came to an end at the sound of the 10 second mark, Vargas lands a straight left hand wobbling fryers to the ropes with a few significant punches following. Best exchange of the fight to this point
Larry has no answer for Emiliano’s left hook to the head nor to the body. Just as you think Fryers is done he comes back with a punch of his own but no damage being done. As a repeat of the previous round Vargas came with a late rally hurting Larry to the point if there was more time the referee might had to save him.
In the mid point of the fifth round Vargas landed 2 perfect body shots to set up the furious knock out punch a over hand left hook ending the night for Lethal Larry Fryers. The stoppage come at 1:38 of the fifth round.
Emiliano stated that this is his best performance to date and will enjoy crumbl cookies for his hard work. Vargas is showing that he can knockout out his opponents but now adding that he can make them miss as well. The prediction of a 5th round KO was right just the fighter who said it was not. Emiliano “El General” Vargas improves to 12-0(10KOs).
Charly Suarez scores third-round stoppage
Speed is power and Filipino junior-lightweight Charly Suarez proved it repeatedly in overwhelming Jorge Castaneda in the final bout before the ESPN telecast Friday of the card featuring Jaimie Munguia-Erik Bazinyan Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.
Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) dropped Castaneda (17-4, 13 KOs), of Laredo TX, twice in the third round, finishing him at 2:23 of the third for a fringe World Boxing Organization belt.
Not in Kansas anymore
Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia 14-0(11KOs) from Ulysses, Kansas took on Ricardo Fernandez 15-13(1KO) from Santa Cruz de la sierra, Bolivia in a scheduled 8 round bout. Garcia is coming off a very short break just fighting a little over a month ago when he KOd his opponent in 3 rounds. Coming into this fight should not be nothing new to “Kid Kansas” this past year fighting on average every 2 months, each time taking care of business
Coming to the ring paying homage to Mexico wear the colors of the flag Green, white, and red during Hispanic heritage month. As the action started Garcia quickly Established the jab, connecting flush on his opponent’s face.
Picking up the activity in the 2nd utilizing more of his arsenal going to the body more often. Towards the end of the round Garcia briefing stunned Fernandez with a left hook to his right temple.
Settling down for the start of the 3rd Garcia again picked it up carrying all the action as his dance partner did not come out to tangle. Very solid round for Kid Kansas as he did a little of everything head shots, body shots and movement in the ring
Sensing he has nothing to lose Fernandez came out his Corner swinging, throwing as many punches as all of the previous rounds combine. That was short lived as Garcia took control of the fight once again simply out boxing Fernandez
Garcias body shots have been landing effectively throughout the fight so far. In a wild turn of event with 45 seconds left in the 5th round Garcia left his guard down and was caught with a powerful right over hand. Before even hitting the canvass Garcia was out, unfortunately his head bounced off the mat. Not being able to get up the referee stops the fight at 35 seconds left in the fifth round.
This is a huge upset for top prospect Alan Garcia, maybe all those miles he put on his body this year is what failed him tonight. There is still a very bright future for Kid Kansas. In his post fight interview Fernandez stated that he was not surprised of the knockout and he knew that he was not getting up. Fernandez improves to 16-13(2KOs) while Garcia suffered his first defeat now at 14-1(11KOs)—-By David Galaviz
DJ Zamora wins decision in tough junior-lightweight bout
DJ Zamora calls himself The War Machine.
He got the war.
Got the victory, too.
Zamora (14-0, 9 KOs), a junior-lightweight from Las Vegas, won a unanimous decision, yet was forced into an intense battle during the middle to late rounds of a scheduled eight-rounder by Argentine Gerenardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) Friday on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena Friday.
Zamora’s superior reach and hand speed controlled the early rounds. In the fourth, however, Perez adjusted, slipped under Zamora’s long punches and landed repeated uppercuts in a bout cheered by a small, yet lively crowd.
Unbeaten Steven Navarro scores third-round TKO
Steven Navarro, an unbeaten Super Flyweight from Los Angeles, combined power and speed for a two-fisted demolition of Oscar Arroyo in the third fight — all one-sided — Friday on the card featuring Jaime Munguia-Eric Bazinyan at Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena.
Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) overwhelmed Arroyo (3-3, 2 KOs), of Virginia, knocking him down twic , once in the first round and again in the second. Late in third, Navarro unleashed a succession of punches from countless angles, prompting the referee to step in and end it at 2:35 of the round.
Jorge Perez scores first-round KO
ia Essaoudi walked into the ring, answered an opening bell and had to be helped through ropes and into his dressing forty-six seconds later.
It was quick work, all delivered by Mexican middleweight Jorge Perez (31-4, 26 KOs) in the second fight on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb.
Perez, of Los Mochis, landed a lethal hook to Essaoudi’s left side. Essaoudi (22-3, 15 KOs), of Germany, reacted as if he had suffered a fractured rib. In evident pain, he dropped his hands. Then, Perez landed a head-rockincombo. At :46 of the first round, it was over — Perez, winner by knockout.
First Bell: Unbeaten Sebastian Hernandez forces aging foe to quit
It was a matinee surrender.
The ESPN show featuring Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan opened Friday at Desert Diamond Arena with junior-featherweight Sebastian Hernandez (17-0, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, landing punches at will against a retreating Yenfrez Parejo (24-7-1, 12 KOs) a middle-aged Venezuelan with a receding hair line.
Parejo’s age was listed at 37-years-old. By the third, he looked 50. After the fourth, he was finished, a senior citizen who couldn’t continue.
VIDEO: Jaime Munguia vs Erik Bazinyan | WEIGH-IN
Weigh-In Results: Jaime Munguia vs. Erik Bazinyan
• Jaime Munguia 167.7 lbs. vs. Erik Bazinyan 167.9 lbs (Vacant WBO International Super Middleweight Title – 12 Rounds)
• Richard Torrez Jr. 232.6 lbs vs. Joey Dawejko 244.1 lbs (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)
• Emiliano Fernando Vargas 139.2 lbs vs. Larry Fryers 138.2 lbs (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)
(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)
• Charly Suarez 129.4 lbs vs. Jorge Castaneda 129.1 lbs (Vacant WBO International Junior Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)
• Alan Garcia 137.3 lbs vs. Ricardo Fernandez 137.2 lbs (Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)
• DJ Zamora 130.7 lbs vs. Gerardo Antonio Perez 133.2 lbs (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Steven Navarro 115.2 lbs vs. Oscar Arroyo 114.4 lbs (Junior Bantamweight— 6 Rounds)
Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Munguia vs. Bazinyan, will be presented live this Friday, September 20, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
In the 12-round super middleweight main event, Jaime Munguia, the fighting pride of Tijuana, Mexico, will face unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan.
Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs), a former WBO junior middleweight world champion, began his active 2024 by knocking out John Ryder in January. Less than four months later, he faced countryman Canelo Alvarez in a Las Vegas super fight, rising from a fourth-round knockdown before losing a unanimous decision. Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an 11-year pro from Armenia, moved to Canada as a teenager and became a popular attraction in Quebec. Since 2018, he has been a regional champion, fighting his last seven bouts in Montreal, including last year’s sixth-round knockout over Ronald Ellis and January’s third-round stoppage over Billi Facundo Godoy.
The co-feature will be an eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born veteran Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs).
The eight-round televised opener sees undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs),the youngest fighting son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, step up in class against upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).
Calling the action will be Bernardo Osuna, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Mark Kriegel.
Original Programming
Before fight night, ESPN will offer fight fans two new original programs. In the 30-minute original production Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan, fans get access inside Jaime Munguia’s training camp as he prepares for his highly anticipated fight against Erik Bazinyan.
The Good Exchange is a new program where fighters interview fighters. The 30-minute premiere episode features middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh and Richard Torrez, Jr.
The programs will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on?ESPN.com, and?ESPN+.
Original Programming (All Times ET)
Date
Time (ET)
Program
Network
Wed., Sept. 18
10:00 p.m.
Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan
ESPNEWS
10:30 p.m.
The Good Exchange: Nico Ali Walsh & Richard Torrez Jr.
Thu., Sept 19
3:30 a.m.
One More Round: Taylor vs. Teofimo
ESPN2
4:00 a.m.
The Good Exchange: Nico Ali Walsh & Richard Torrez Jr.
4:30 a.m.
Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan
10:00 p.m.
Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan
ESPNEWS
10:30 p.m.
The Good Exchange: Nico Ali Walsh & Richard Torrez Jr.
Fri., Sept. 20
12:00 a.m.
Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan
ESPN2
12:30 a.m.
The Good Exchange: Nico Ali Walsh & Richard Torrez Jr.
2:00 a.m.
One More Round: Taylor vs. Teofimo
2:30 a.m.
One More Round: Hagler vs. Hearns
3:00 a.m.
One More Round: Fury vs. Wilder 3
5:00 a.m.
Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan
ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles
Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night.
Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars.
State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+.
September 20: Richard Torrez Jr.-Joey Dawejko Heavyweight Showdown Elevated to Munguia-Bazinyan Co-Feature at Desert Diamond Arena LIVE on ESPN
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Junior lightweight contender Andres “Savage” Cortes suffered a training injury and was forced to withdraw from his ESPN-televised co-feature against fellow unbeaten Charly Suarez underneath the Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan main event on Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The new co-feature will be the eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medal standout Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born veteran Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs).
In the eight-round televised opener, undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) steps up in class against upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).
Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs), a world-rated contender from San Isidro, Philippines, will now fight hard-charging Texan Jorge Castaneda (17-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior lightweight belt on the ESPN+-streamed undercard.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, Munguia-Bazinyan, Torrez-Dawejko, and Vargas-Fryers will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are ON SALE NOW via Ticketmaster.com.
Suarez-Castaneda headlines a loaded undercard that also features the following bouts:
Alan Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. TBA, 8 Rounds, Lightweights
DJ Zamora (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Gerardo Antonio Perez (12-5-1, 3 KOs), 8 Rounds, Jr. Lightweights
Steven Navarro (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Oscar Arroyo (3-2, 2 KOs), 6 Rounds, Jr. Bantamweights
Jorge Garcia Perez (30-4, 25 KOs) vs. Ilias Essaoudi (22-2, 15 KOs), 10 Rounds, Jr. Middleweights
Art Barrera Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) vs. Frank Brown (3-6-2, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Welterweights
Sebastian Hernandez (16-0, 15 KOs) vs. Yonfrez Parejo (24-6-1, 12 KOs), 8 Rounds, Jr. Featherweights
#
About Desert Diamond Arena Desert Diamond Arena, an ASM Global managed venue, is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports and entertainment facility situated on 13.5 acres in the city of Glendale, Arizona. The arena entertains over one million visitors annually through concerts, family shows and sporting events. The arena anchors the Westgate Entertainment District, Arizona’s Entertainment Destination, located on 223 acres for shopping, dining, entertainment and commercial offices.
Jaime Munguia: “We Need To Be Very Careful with Erik Bazinyan!”
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) —Jaime Munguia is once again ready to shine under the Arizona lights.
Munguia will return against unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan in the 12-round main event on Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Las Vegas-born standout Andres Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs) will take on Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs) in a battle of undefeated contenders.
The eight-round televised opener will see rising junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) step up in class versus upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Munguia-Bazinyan, Cortes-Suarez, and Vargas-Fryers will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m.
Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) began his busy 2024 in January with a stoppage victory over former title challenger John Ryder in Phoenix. Less than four months later, he faced Canelo Alvarez, getting up from a fourth-round knockdown before losing by unanimous decision in a bid for the undisputed crown. Following this two-fight stint with Freddie Roach, Munguia is back training under Mexican four-division world champion Erik Morales, with co-trainer Fernando Fernandez and former welterweight world champion Jose Luis Lopez also in his corner. Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian-born puncher with victories over Ronald Ellis and Alantez Fox, returns following May’s split draw against Shakeel Phinn in May.
Following a recent training session in Big Bear, California, this is what Munguia had to say:
“I believe I’m entering my prime. There’s still much to learn and many things to improve. But I feel like I’m entering a great time in my career.”
“I feel good at 168 pounds. I have adjusted very well. I feel very good making weight, and I have no problem. Making 160 and 154 took a lot of work for me. Right now, I’m doing well. The goal right now is to become world champion again but at 168 pounds.”
“I’m very excited to return to Arizona. When I fought there in January, the people gave me a warm welcome. We had a full house in Phoenix. So, I’m excited to go back.”
“Erik Bazyinan is a good fighter. He’s undefeated. He switches stances. We need to be careful with that. He’s taller and has a longer reach than me. He has a good jab. He can punch well on the inside. He’s a fighter who comes with all the desire to excel.”
PACHECO: I’D TAKE MBILLI, BERLANGA OR BAZINYAN NEXT
Diego Pacheco believes he is ready to take on the biggest names in the Super-Middleweight division – but knows he has to see off Maciej Sulecki in style first on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles, live worldwide on DAZN.
Pacheco (21-0 17 KOs) is knocking loudly at the door for World title action, sitting at #1 in the WBO and #4 with the WBC and IBF, and defeating Sulecki (32-2 12 KOs) will only bolster his credentials to land a marquee fight.
The 23 year old is fully focused on his toughest test to date, but identified three names that he would like to face next in Christian Mbilli, Edgar Berlanga and Erik Bazinyan – and facing them is the next step in Pacheco’s five-year plan to dominate the Super-Middleweight division.
“A win gets me that step closer,” said Pacheco. “If I can do that, it hopefully gets me a fight with someone that’s in the top ten with me, and then become mandatory for one of the titles and next year, get that World title shot. I don’t feel like I have to show anything in particular. People have already seen that I can knock people out, that I can hurt people to the body, I can drop guys with uppercuts, hurt them with jabs. It’s more just getting the win and looking good, that’s what I train for, there’s no added pressure.
“There’s Mbilli, Berlanga, Bazinyan; there’s a lot of good fighters out there that I would face and I’m ready for any of them. It’s hard for those guys to fight me because they think I’m just a young kid who hasn’t done much in the sport. But one fight at a time it’s getting to the point where they can’t deny me anymore and those fights will have to be made, and I have a promoter in Eddie Hearn and Matchroom who gets those fights lined up, so in due time I’ll be mixing it up with them all.
“I think in five years from now I’ll be ruling the 168lb division, unifying it and ultimately becoming undisputed, that’s my goal. I want to dominate, keep the momentum going, keep knocking guys out and keep entertaining the fans.”
Pacheco’s clash with Sulecki tops a stacked card in Los Angeles, where Super-Featherweight KO artist Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) faces former World title challenger Miguel Marriaga (31-7 26 KOs).
There’s an all-Mexican war as Arturo Cardenas (14-0-1 8 KOs) defends his Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Jesus Arechiga (21-1 15 KOs), Britain’s Chev ‘C4’ Clarke (9-0 7 KOs) makes his American debut against Efetobor Apochi (12-2 12 KOs) and the action on DAZN begins with an interim World title clash, as Adelaida Ruiz (16-0-1 8 KOs) defends her WBC Super-Flyweight title against Ginny Fuchs (3-0 1 KOs).
Recent Matchroom signing Fabian ‘Zurdo’ Rojo (9-0 7 KOs) meets Alejandro Frias (15-10-2 7 KOs) over six rounds at Welterweight, Criztec Bazaldua (5-0 1 KOs) faces Kyle Erwin (7-2 3 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight, and Alex Gueche (5-0 5 KOs) kicking off the night over six rounds at Bantamweight against David Vargas (8-4-2 5 KOs).
# # #
ABOUT PACHECO VS. SULECKI:
Super middleweight sensation Diego Pacheco is headlining for the second time in his hometown of Los Angeles and taking on Poland’s former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki in Matchroom Boxing first ever show at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Saturday August 31, live worldwide on DAZN.
Tickets for the event are still available for purchase at axs.com. For more information visit www.matchroomboxing.com and follow #PachecoSulecki and Matchroom Boxing on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Jaime Munguia vs. Erik Bazinyan Tickets ON SALE NOW
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 7, 2024)— Tickets for the 12-round super middleweight showdown between Mexican star Jaime Munguia and unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan — Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona—are ON SALE NOW via Ticketmaster.com.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, Munguia-Bazinyan and additional fight action will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.
Rising junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) and heavyweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) will see action in separate eight-rounders. More information on their bouts will be announced shortly.
Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) continues his active 2024 campaign, which began in January in Phoenix when he stopped British former world title challenger John Ryder in nine rounds. Less than four months later, he faced countryman Canelo Alvarez, rising from the canvas in the fourth before losing via unanimous decision in a bid for the undisputed crown. A former world champion, Munguia held the WBO junior middleweight world title for almost two years and made five defenses, including a dominant win over Liam Smith.
Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an 11-year pro from Armenia, moved to Canada as a teenager and has since developed into one of Quebec’s most popular attractions. A regional champion since 2018, he has fought his last seven bouts in Montreal, including a sixth-round stoppage of American veteran Ronald Ellis last October. In 2024, Bazinyan has also been active, knocking out Billi Facundo Godoy in three rounds in January and fighting to a 10-round draw versus Shakeel Phinn in May.
# # #
About Desert Diamond Arena Desert Diamond Arena, an ASM Global managed venue, is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports and entertainment facility situated on 13.5 acres in the city of Glendale, Arizona. The arena entertains over one million visitors annually through concerts, family shows and sporting events. The arena anchors the Westgate Entertainment District, Arizona’s Entertainment Destination, located on 223 acres for shopping, dining, entertainment and commercial offices.
THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Shakeel Phinn Super Middleweight Battle to Stream LIVE & Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
(April 29, 2024) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan returns in the 10-round main event against Shakeel Phinn this Thursday, May 2 at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada. Bazinynan, ranked in the top 10 by all four major sanctioning organizations, hopes to put himself in line for an eventual world title opportunity.
In the eight-round lightweight co-feature, unbeaten Canadian prospect Avery Martin Duval takes on Argentina’s Ezequiel Palaversic.
Promoted by Eye of The Tiger, Bazinyan-Phinn, Duval-Palaversic, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Bazinyan (32-0, 23 KOs) has spent the majority of his 10-year career competing in Canada after moving from Armenia when he was 16. He debuted in the U.S. in May 2019 with a points triumph over Alan Campa and knocked out Saul Roman in three that December. Last year, he scored decision wins against Alantez Fox in February and Jose de Jesus Macias in June before dispatching Ronald Ellis in six in October. Bazinyan initiated his 2024 campaign with a third-round stoppage against Billi Godoy in January. Phinn (26-3-1, 17 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak to six and returns after stopping Rafael Sosa Pintos in one round last October. The only blemishes on his record have come against unbeaten fighters.
Duval (10-0-1, 6 KOs), a 22-year-old prospect who turned pro in June 2019, went 4-0 with three knockouts before being held to a split draw against Esteban Hernandez Arroyo in December 2020. He avenged the draw by winning their rematch via four-round decision the following August. Duval has not fought since he stopped Andres Sanchez Ramirez via third-round TKO last June. Palaversic (8-2-1, 4 KOs) looks to bounce back from a split draw against Alexander Gustavo Dominguez in December.
In other streaming action from Montreal:
Thomas Chabot (9-0, 7 KOs) vs. Alfredo Espino (6-1-1, 2 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Lightweights
Jhon Orobio (7-0, 7 KOs) vs. Alexis Gabriel Camejo (8-2-2, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Lightweights
Moreno Fendero (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Nicolas Palacios (13-10-2, 2 KOs), 6 Rounds, Middleweights
Bazinyan Stops Godoy in Three
Highly ranked super middleweight Erik Bazinyan stopped Billi Godoy in round three of their 10-round bout at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.
In round three, Bazinyan dropped Godoy with a chopping right hand and the fight was stopped at 2:24.
Bazinyan, 169.9 lbs of Laval,QUE, CAN is 32-0 with 23 knockouts. Godoy, 166.3 lbs of Centaras, ARG is 41-8.
Albert Ramirez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Artur Ziyatdinov in a light heavyweight bout.
Ramirez, 174.8 lbs of El Vigna, VEN won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 18-0. Ziyatdinov, 174.3 lbs of Montreal is 15-2.
Steve Claggett stopped Marcos Gonzalez after two rounds of their eight-round junior welterweight fight.
Gonzalez could not answer the bell for round three.
Claggett, 142 lbs of Calgary, ALB, CAN is 38-7-2 with 26 knockouts. Gonzalez, 141.1 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 23-4.
Recent world title challenger Mary Spencer stopped Sonya Dreiling after the opening round of their eight-round junior middleweight fight.
Spencer had a good first round as she landed a couple of good combinations. Dreiling did not continue after the round.
Spencer, 153.8 lbs of Montreal is 8-2 with six knockouts. Dreiling, 153.2 lbs of Albertsville, AL is 6-4.
Jhon Orobio stopped Juan Carlos Garcia after round three of their six-round lightweight bout.
In round one, Orobio dropped Garcia with a hard flurry. Orobio battered Garcia and the fight was stopped at 3:00 in the corner.
Orobio, 133.5 lbs of Montreal is 6-0 with six knockouts. Garcia, 134.7 lbs of Mexico City is 5-5.
Wilkens Mathieu remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Oscar Soto Quintana in a scheduled six-round light heavywight bout.
In round four, Mathieu landed a hard right that was ruled a standing eight count and the fight was stopped at 31 seconds.
Mathieu, 173.1 lbs of Montreal is 7-0 with four knockouts. Quintana, 173.2 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 6-5.
Moreno Fendero remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Ricardo Lara in a scheduled four-round middleweight fight.
In round one, Fendrro dropped Lara with a left uppercut to the body. In round two, it was a left over the top that put Fendero down in the corner. Fenderp ended things when he landed a big right hook that put Lara down and the fight was stopped at 1:46.
Fendero, 163.9 lbs of Besancon, FRA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Lara, 163.6 lbs of El Grullo, MEX is 22-12-2.
THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Billi Facundo Godoy Super Middleweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
(Jan. 22, 2024) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan, ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning organizations, returns in the 10-round main event this Thursday, Jan. 25 against Argentine veteran Billi Facundo Godoy at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada.
In the 10-round light heavyweight co-feature, unbeaten Venezuelan Alberto Ramirez takes on hard-hitting Ukrainian Artur Ziyatdinov.
Promoted by Eye of The Tiger, Bazinyan-Godoy, Ramirez-Ziyatdinov, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Bazinyan (31-0, 22 KOs) is a 10-year pro who has spent the majority of his pro career in Canada after moving from Armenia at 16. He made his U.S. debut with a decision win over Alan Campa in May 2019 and followed up with a third-round stoppage victory against Saul Roman that December. Last year, Bazinyan scored decision wins over Alantez Fox in February and Jose de Jesus Macias in June before defeating Ronald Ellis via sixth-round TKO in October. Godoy (41-7, 20 KOs), who has fought world title challenger John Ryder and eventual world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri, looks to extend his winning streak to four.
Ramirez (17-0, 15 KOs) notched a first-round TKO win against Jacob Dickson to capture the WBO Global cruiserweight title last January. He returned to light heavyweight with wins over Ricardo Adrian Luna in May and Gilbert Castillo Rivera in September. Ziyatdinov (15-1, 12 KOs) has only one blemish on his record, a decision loss to Gasan Gasanov in 2020. The Uzbekistan-born standout has since tallied three TKO wins.
In other streaming action from Montreal:
Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 KOs) vs. Marcos Barraza (23-3, 11 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Welterweights
Mary Spencer (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Sonya Dreiling (6-3, 2 KOs), 10 Rounds, Junior Middleweights
Avery Martin Duval (10-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jesus Gomez Adorno (6-0, 2 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Lightweights
Jhon Orobio (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Juan Carlos Garcia (5-4, 3 KOs), 6 Rounds, Lightweights
Wilkens Mathieu (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Ivans Levickis (36-44, 22 KOs), 6 Rounds, Super Middleweights
DANGEROUS MEXICAN MACIAS STEPS IN TO FACE SIMPSON AT BOXXER: BREAKTHROUGH ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th
LONDON, ENGLAND – (September 21st, 2023) – A serious threat awaits Callum Simpson in London next weekend as dangerous Mexican Jose De Jesus Macias steps in to replace an injured Germaine Brown on the BOXXER: Breakthrough card at London’s York Hall on Saturday, September 30th, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.
In June this year, Macias faced Erik Bazinyan – ranked #3 in the world at super-middleweight by the WBC and #2 by the WBA – and gave him a scare, nearly spoiling Bazinyan’s undefeated record and the big-money Canelo Alvarez showdown that Bazinyan has been linked with.
Macias (28-12, 14 KO’s) has made a career of derailing contenders and spoiling the night for home fighters – such as his jaw-breaking 2021 TKO of recent WBO world title challenger Steve Butler in Canada – and he’s aiming to do the same to Simpson (12-0, 9 KO’s) next Saturday during his first-ever visit to the UK.
For Barnsley man Simpson – considered one of the best under-the-radar talents in the UK by boxing insiders before he signed with BOXXER earlier this year – it’s a chance to test his mettle against a fighter who has faced some of the division’s toughest talents and score a win which will put his name on the international radar.
“Callum Simpson already had a tough opponent for September 30th and now he has an even tougher one. Jose de Jesus Macias is an excellent boxer who has caused a string of upsets over the years and gave the world-ranked #3 super-middleweight Erik Bazinyan all sorts of problems in June,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO.
“This is a serious test for Simpson. There aren’t many fighters who would step up to this level of opposition so early in their careers, especially on short notice, and I think he deserves a lot of credit for accepting this fight with Macias.”
BOXXER presents Simpson vs Macias in association with bet365 as the event’s bet365 Wildcard contest.
BOXXER: Breakthrough at York Hall, London takes place Saturday, September 30 and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and Fastline Steel Services.
THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Jose de Jesus Macias Super Middleweight Battle to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
May 30, 2023) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan returns in a 10-round main event against Mexico’s Jose de Jesus Macias this Thursday, June 1 at Casino de Montreal in Montreal, Canada.
Bazinyan-Macias and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Bazinyan (29-0, 21 KOs) is a 28-year-old native of Yerevan, Armenia who moved to Canada when he was 16. Following an amateur career of more than 100 fights, he debuted as a pro in 2013, four months after his 18th birthday. Bazinyan rose the rankings by defeating a host of seasoned veterans, including Alan Campa, Saul Roman, Scott Sigmon, and Marcelo Esteban Coceres. Bazinyan returns to the ring after defeating Alantez Fox in February and plans to turn his attention toward the top dogs of the division if successful on Thursday. Macias (28-11-4, 14 KOs) is a 12-year veteran who holds a win over Bazinyan’s stablemate and two-time title challenger Steven Butler. The 31-year-old heads into this clash following a decision loss to Pavel Silyagin last July.
In other streaming action from Montreal:
Canada native Steve Claggett (34-7-2, 24 KOs) will face Puerto Rican former world champion Alberto Machado (23-3, 19 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight battle. Claggett has scored five consecutive knockout wins since losing to Mathieu Germain in 2021. In his last fight, he beat Rafael Guzman Lugo via seventh-round TKO in March. Machado is coming off an eighth-round stoppage win against Jose Angulo last December.
In an eight-round junior lightweight bout, Avery Martin Duval (9-0-1, 5 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Andres Sanchez Ramirez (6-6-3, 2 KOs). Duval looks to extend his winning streak to six, while Ramirez returns after two wins in his native land.
Southpaw prospect Thomas Chabot (8-0, 7 KOs) makes his 2023 debut in a six-rounder against Luis Bolanos Lopez (4-2-1).
Middleweight standout Alexandre Gaumont (7-0, 5 KOs) looks to earn his fourth straight knockout in a six-round fight against Poland’s Piotr Bis (6-2-1, 2 KOs).
# # #
About ESPN+ ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).
Bazinyan Decisions Fox
Erik Bazinyan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alantez Fox in a super middleweight clash at The Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.
Bazinyan, 167 lbs of Montreal, won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 29-0. Fox, 16.5 lbs of Upper Marlboro, MD is 28-4-1.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela destroyed Yves Ulysses Jr. in just 52 seconds of their 10-round junior welterweight bout.
With both guys throwing on the inside, Valenzuela uncorked a vicious uppercut to the jaw that froze Ulysses as he plummeted to the canvas. Ulysses got up, but his legs were shaky, and the bout was stopped.
Valenzuela, 139 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 26-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Ulysses, 140 lbs of Montreal is 22-3.
Alexander Gaumont remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Carlos Gallego Montijo in a middleweight bout.
In round one, Gaumont landed a big left hook that put Montijo down. With Montijo down, Gaumont landed some vicious punches, and the bout was stopped at 2:26.
Gaumont, 160 lbs of Buckingham, QUE is 7-0 with five knockouts. Montijo, 161.5 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 8-5.
Christopher Guerrero remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Edwin Villareal Flores in a six-round welterweight bout.
In round three, Guerrero dropped Flores with a body shot. Moments later, it was a left hook that put Flores down again. Guerrero ended the fight by putting Flores down with a prefect timed 1-2, and the fight was stopped at 2:49.
Guerrero, 149 1/2 lbs of Montreal is 6-0 with two knockouts. Flores, 147 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 3-1-1.
Avery Martin Duval stopped Eduardo Mota Garcia in round three of their six-round junior lightweight bout.
In round three, Duva landed a snapping left hook that sent Garcia to the canvas. Garcia got up but was stumbling around, and the fight was stopped at 1:51.
Duval, 132 lbs of Montreal is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Garcia, 129.5 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 7-2-1.
Wilkens Mathieu made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Zsolt Birkas in a four-round super middleweight fight.
In round one. Mathieu dropped Birkas with a short right. Mathieu dropped Birakas for a second time in the round with a left uppercut. Mathieu dropped Birkas for a third time in the round, and the fight was stopped at 2:49.
Matieu, 164 lbs of Quebec City, CAN is 1-0 with one knockouts. Birkas, 162 1/2 lbs of Budapest, HUN is 0-1-1.
THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Alantez Fox Super Middleweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
(Jan. 31, 2023) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan, ranked in the top 10 by all four major sanctioning organizations, returns in a 10-round main event this Thursday, Feb. 2, against American veteran Alantez Fox at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada.
Bazinyan, a 10-year-pro, hopes a victory over the 6-foot-4 Fox moves him closer to a world title opportunity.
Bazinyan-Fox and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Bazinyan (28-0, 21 KOs) has spent his entire pro career in Canada after moving from Armenia at 16. Promoted by Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger, Bazinyan returns to action following last June’s unanimous decision over former world title challenger Marcelo Esteban Coceres. Bazinyan rose the ranks by defeating a host of seasoned veterans, including Alan Campa, Saul Roman and Scott Sigmon. Fox (28-3-1, 13 KOs) has more experience fighting world-level talent, as he is coming off a fourth-round TKO defeat in December 2021 to David Morrell for a secondary world title. Before the Morrell loss, he had a three-bout unbeaten streak.
In other streaming action from Montreal:
In a battle of slick boxing versus unrelenting pressure, Yves Ulysse Jr. (22-2, 12 KOs) steps up against Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (25-3-1, 15 KOs). Ulysse, from Montreal, has won four bouts since a close loss to Ismael Barroso. Valenzuela impressed last May on the Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol undercard, trading knockdowns with then-unbeaten contender Montana Love before dropping a razor-thin decision.
Canadian middleweight prospect Alexandre Gaumont (6-0, 4 KOs) aims to extend his knockout streak to three against Carlos Gallego Montijo (8-4, 6 KOs).
Raphael Courchesne (9-1, 4 KOs) returns from a nearly 19-month layoff to fight Diego Garduno Reyes (10-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight tilt.
Welterweight prospect Christopher Guerrero (5-0, 1 KOs) makes his 2023 debut in a six-rounder against fellow unbeaten Edwin Villarreal Flores (3-0-1, 3 KOs).
In a six-round junior lightweight bout, Avery Martin Duval (8-0-1, 4 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak to five against Eduardo Mota Garcia (7-1-1, 2 KOs), who has defeated two undefeated prospects in his last three outings.
# # # About ESPN+ ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).
GOLDEN BOY AND EYE OF THE TIGER MANAGEMENT MAKE HUGE ADDITION TO THEIR YEARSLONG PARTNERSHIP
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (March 9, 2020): Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management are proud to introduce another exciting talent to American audiences as NABF Heavyweight Champion Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (10-0, 10 KOs) has joined their co-promotional stable. Makhamudov joins the likes of David Lemieux, Yves Ulysses, Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler in taking part in this historic co-promotional partnership.
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 30-year-old contender has ended all of his fights by knockout, including a first-round win against world champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to win the NABF Heavyweight Title. Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal, Quebec, Canada his home, aspires to conquer the talent-laden heavyweight division as soon as possible.
“I’m confident that with my team, Eye of the Tiger Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, I will reach my goal of becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov.
“I’m thrilled to bring the top heavyweight prospect in the world to the U.S. with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We plan to send a message to the heavyweight division with his performances. I’m partnering up with Oscar, Eric, Robert, Bernard and their team, and I believe we will have a heavyweight champion of the world together.”
“In recent years, we have had somewhat of a renaissance in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “The big fights, heated rivalries and constant media exposure that the heavyweights are getting these days is very good for the health of the sport. By signing fighters such as Arslan Makhmudov, we are doing our part in continuing this momentum into the future. Makhmudov is a knockout artist who is joining our ranks after compiling an impressive record of 10 wins with 10 knockouts with our friends at Eye of the Tiger Management. We look forward to working with Camille Estephan and the entire team as we develop Makhmudov into a world champion.”
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 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.
KNOCKOUT ARTIST VERGIL ORTIZ JR. TO DEFEND WBA GOLD WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST BRAD ‘KING’ SOLOMON
INDIO, CALIF. (Nov. 22, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr.(14-0, 14 KOs) will look to end the 2019 year with another spectacular knockout win when he defends his WBA Gold Welterweight Title against Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round fight. The event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live as part of fight season on DAZN.
“We’re absolutely proud of what Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been able to accomplish in his young career,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “That’s why we’re ending the year with him in an exciting main event fight on DAZN. The 147-pound division is one of the most competitive and popular divisions in boxing, so another knockout win will put this young talent on the path to very big fights in 2020.”
Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. knocked out every opponent in sight. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will return after passing the toughest test of his career with flying colors: a sixth-round stoppage victory against former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco earlier this year. This young man is excited to return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the place where he made his professional debut over three years ago.
“Fantasy Springs has a special place in my heart,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr.”I made my pro debut there in July 2016. Knowing I’m headlining there is motivating me to show my fans out there how much I have improved over the years. I’m also happy because an event like this shows that I’m on the right path. Everything is going as it should be. I’ve seen Brad Solomon’s record. I’ve seen that he’s beaten Adrian Granados and Ray Robinson, so you have to be pretty skilled to beat people like them. I don’t know how this fight ends, but you can all expect a great fight.”
Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Lousiana who was a standout amateur boxer before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves titles, Solomon also possess an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he as defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon will look to put is career back on track to a world title if he can get past Ortiz Jr.
“Vergil Ortiz Jr. is a great young prospect,” said Brad Solomon. “It’s going to be a good matchup. I’ve been out of the ring for about a year, so I have to come back and beat this young fighter. I have to show everyone in the welterweight division that I’m still here.”
Also, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, Golden Boy Business Partner and Hall of Famer, will be the special VIP guest for this event. Hopkins will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.
In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-2, 17 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make his highly anticipated return in a 10-round fight. Machado will officially make his debut at 135 pounds after losing his WBA Super Featherweight World Title against Andrew “El Chango” Cancio. Machado will look to make a campaign for a world title in this new division.
Erik Bazinyan (23-0, 17 KOs) of Quebec, Canada will defend his NABA Super Middleweight World Title in a 10-round clash. Bazinyan is inching closer to a world title with each battle, and he’ll look to maintain his top contender status with an impressive win to close out the year. Opponents for Machado and Bazinyan will be announced shortly.
Golden Boy is also proud to announce two high-level matchups that are sure to produce fistic fireworks.
Alexis “Lex” Rocha (14-0, 9 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round bout against Michael “The Artist” Perez (25-3-1, 11 KOs) of Newark, N.J.
Luis Feliciano (13-0, 8 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wis. will defend his NABF Super Lightweight Title against Herbert “Ace” Acevedo (16-2-1, 6 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas in a 10-round fight.
Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. will open the night in an eight-round lightweight clash.
Ortiz vs. Solomon is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m. PT are priced at $25, $35 and $45. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
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 @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizSolomon
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link http://bit.ly/OrtizSolomon into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
YAMAGUCHI FALCAO TO FACE FORMER AMATEUR RIVAL CHRISTOPHER PEARSON FOR WBC LATINO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN THE RETURN OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON FACEBOOK WATCH
LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2019): Brazilian 160-pound contender Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0 7 KOs) will seek to settle the score against former amateur rival Christopher Pearson (16-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of the May 2 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The event, taking place just two days before the highly anticipated unification fight between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.
Falcao, a native of Espirito Santo, Brazil who lives and fights out of Plant City, FL, is an undefeated contender who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas in July 2018. A bronze medalist at the 2012 Olympics, Falcao is more than ready to fight the very best of the division, but he has a tough test ahead of him as he faces a former foe in a fight that is very personal for him.
“Thanks to Golden Boy for making this fight against Christopher Pearson,” said Yamaguchi Falcao. “I know him from the Olympic trials, and this match is personal. I am focused and ready to deliver an explosive performance and show the world that I am ready and willing to compete for a world title! All we need is the opportunity, and we will fight any top-ranked boxer in the world!”
Pearson is a 28-year-old contender who is coming off two knockout victories. Like Falcao, Pearson was a decorated amateur before turning professional, and he even defeated Falcao by split decision when they met in the World Series of Boxing tournament in 2011. Though the native of Dayton, Ohio has spent the majority of his career at super welterweight, he’ll look to take advantage of more opportunities at middleweight if successful against Falcao.
“I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said Christopher Pearson. “I look forward to putting on an impressive performance May 2 and most importantly to getting my hand raised.”
The undercard of this event will feature two exciting fighters from Golden Boy’s new co-promotional agreement with Eye of the Tiger Management as Steven Butler (26-1-1, 23 KOs) of Montreal, Canada will fight for the WBC International Middleweight Title against a soon-to-be-announced opponent in the co-main event.
Erik Bazinyan (22-0, 17 KOs), a rising middleweight contender of Quebec, Canada who is also part of this co-promotional agreement, will defend his NABA & NABO Super Middleweight Titles against Alan Campa (17-4, 11 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in a 10-round battle.
Las Vegas native Francisco “El Alacran” Esparza (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight for the vacant WBC International Silver Featherweight Title against Aram Avagyan (8-0-1, 4 KOs) of Moscow, Russia in an eight-round bout.
Hard-hitting prospect Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (4-0, 4 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas will return in a four-round super welterweight fight against Mario Sosa (3-1, 3 KOs) of Tamaulipas, México.
Alexis Salazar (20-3, 8 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Mexico will participate in an eight-round middleweight fight against Abraham Cordero (13-3-2, 7 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Falcao vs. Pearson is a 10-round fight for the WBC Latino Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fight will take place Thursday, May 2 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.
Tickets for Falcao vs. Pearson are on sale now and are priced at $75, $50, $25, $10, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com
*Special Offer: Purchase a ticket for Falcao vs. Pearson and receive VIP seating to the Canelo vs. Jacobs weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena on Friday, May 3. The Canelo vs. Jacobs ticket stub must be presented at the Canelo vs. Jacobs weigh-in for VIP seating.
Media interested covering in Falcao vs. Pearsonmust be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, April 29 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 www.hardrockhotel.com.
Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook
at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/hardrockhotellv/.
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation
using #FalcaoPearson
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link:
http://bit.ly/FalcaoPearson into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for
photos and videos used.
About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit
www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
EYE OF THE TIGER PROMOTIONS JOINS FORCES WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO PROMOTE THE CAREERS OF ULYSSE, BUTLER AND BAZINYAN
Montreal, February 22 2019 – This is a new and exciting chapter for boxers Yves Ulysse Junior (17-1, 9 KOs), Steven Butler (26-1-1, 23 KOs) and Erik Bazinyan(22-0, 17 KOs) as Eye of the Tiger Promotions joins forces with Golden Boy Promotions by signing an exclusive long-term promotional agreement.
This is a major step forward for the Quebec pugilists who will make their names known in America, being involved in major fights that will allow them to obtain significant American and international visibility. EOTTP President Camille Estephan, however, adamantly insisted that his protégés have the opportunity to fight in Quebec, at least once a year.
“It was extremely important for us to be able to come back and fight at home, in Quebec, out of respect for our fans, who have been supporting our athletes and encouraging them since the start of their careers. Our partners at GBP agreed with us,” said Camille Estephan. “We have been working with the Golden Boy Promotions team for four years now as co-promoters of David Lemieux. We have developed a great relationship of respect and mutual trust. We firmly believe that this association is beneficial for our boxers and will help shine a light on the talent of our athletes on the international scene.”
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Eye of the Tiger Management,” said
Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We made big waves in the sport as we worked together to make David Lemieux a world champion and a recognized name in the boxing world. Now we will have the opportunity to do exactly the same with Ulysse, Butler and Bazinyan. I look forward to having these rising contenders on our Golden Boy cards as they inch closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming world champions.”
During his second visit to the United States on December 15, the charismatic Yves Ulysse Jr. faced Maximilliano Becerra (16-3-2, 8 KOs) at the Madison Square Garden in the undercard of the fight between Canelo Alvarez against Rocky Fielding. A convincing victory live on the DAZN network was added to the record of the Montrealer, who has so far accumulated significant performances against tough boxers in the super lightweight division, including the likes of Cletus Seldin, Zachary Ochoa and Ricky Sismundo.”All these sacrifices and efforts are paying off for my team and myself. A special thought goes out to my coach Rénald Boisvert, who has been with me from the beginning, has supported me in my ups and downs since the amateurs. It’s my opportunity to demonstrate that I’m part of the elite of my division and I intend to seize it,” said Ulysse, who is currently ranked 6th in the WBC, 8th in the WBO and 9th in the IBF.
Steven Butler, currently ranked 4thin the WBO division at middleweight, has said that he is ready to take the next step in his career: “First, I want to thank Camille Estephan for the work he does for us, to look after our interests so that we get the best of both worlds; both professionally and personally. I am proud to join the Golden Boy Promotions team and thank them for believing in me. I’m ready for this next big step in my career and ready to face all the challenges that are presented to me,” notes Bang Bang in reference to his reputation as a slugger. “This is a golden opportunity for us, not only to be able to shine in the United States but also to be able to bring back major boxing events at home in Quebec,” adds Butler.
Erik Bazinyan, one of the most promising super middleweights in the world, with an amateur record of 108-1 and undefeated in 22 professional fights with an impressive KO ratio, vies to be the cream of the crop of his division : “It’s a childhood dream that is coming true to go fight in the United States, and it motivates me a lot to work even harder to become world champion. With EOTTP and GBP, I have the best team behind me to reach my goals,” adds Bazinyan, current title holder of NABO and NABA titles at super middleweight.
More details will follow as to the dates of the next bouts of these three athletes. For more information, visit www.eottm.com or follow the organization on Facebook @Eye of the Management Tiger, on Twitter @ EOTMVD or on Instagram @eottm_boxing.