Los Angeles (Oct. 10) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin put on a clinic today for media members at his gym in Santa Monica, Calif. as he prepares for his title bout against top contender “King” Gabriel Rosado taking place Saturday, Oct. 26 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Quillin vs. Rosado will precede the title fight between future IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins and top-rated contender Karo Murat.

The undefeated rising star worked out for well over an hour on the speed bag and heavy bag as well as several 12-minute rounds hitting the mitts with trainer Eric Brown.

Below please find quotes from today’s workout.

Peter Quillin, WBO Middleweight World Champion

“[Gabriel] Rosado presents his own challenges. He’s coming to win my world title. I have something that he wants, so I have to respect him for that. We have to put our friendship aside.

“Going into the fight, I have to take myself to a whole another level as far as my work ethic. I’m doing a lot more than I ever have. I’ve had tremendous training [camp]. Now I have to prove what my hard work does, like I always have, by just going in there and trying my best.

“I don’t feel that I’m underrated. I know I have my share of supporters. But I also know that I’m still looking for that clear, career-defining performance against the kinds of guys I can get the credit for fighting.

“So, until then, until I’m in with those kinds of guys, I can’t really say I’ve accomplished anything that would make me feel like I’m the guy that gets all the credit.

“Yeah, I beat Winky Wright, and, yeah, I beat some guys with good records, but beating another world champion is something I really want to do. I feel that once that superstar fight comes along and is on the line, then that’s when the credit will come my way.

“I would love to fight any of the top guys.

“I didn’t come in here picking and choosing who I want to fight. I have a good team behind me. They make sure when it comes to me proving myself with, that I do my part and they do their part by making the best fights out there for me.

“When there is something unexplainable, like what I am doing, people are going to talk about it.

“I have had 11 knockdowns in my last three fights. I only had 15 amateur fights. People see or hear about those knockdowns and they have a lot to say about it. ‘If you hit so hard and have so much power, why don’t they just stay down?’ But that is not up to them to tell us why they got back up from a punch and fought on. It is up to the guy that I am fighting. The more times you get up, the more times I am going to try to knock you down.

“This will be my fourth fight on SHOWTIME. I really appreciate having them behind me. Exposure-wise, it has obviously been a big boost for me. When I walk the streets in New York City I get recognized.

“SHOWTIME is the network where all of the great fights are being made. The biggest fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather fights on SHOWTIME. To be connected to someone that is from my hometown of Grand Rapids just like me, is fantastic.

“The most important thing for me is to go out there and inspire people to do things that they never imagined. Whether it is a boxer, a writer or an architect. I didn’t have a lot of role models growing up, but it’s what’s in yourself that counts. And that is what I am trying to get across.”

Eric Brown, Quillin’s Trainer

“Peter has really grown up a lot since winning the title, having the title and defending it successfully. It has really boosted his confidence. He’s a much more composed fighter. He’s true to himself.

“Since becoming champion he’s really begun to believe in himself more than ever.

“He’s always had the confidence that he could win, but winning the title has confirmed it. It has made the job harder for him but it has also made him work harder.

“He’s matured into a real professional. I have had him for about three years and he has always been a great young man to work with. He pretty much does everything I ask. The more I ask the more he gives. There is no limit to how far he can go. It’s all on him. I would love to see him get the opportunity to unify the division and then up to 168 pounds and unify the division there too.”

# # #

Hopkins vs. Murat is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ IBF Light
Heavyweight World Championship, presented by Golden Boy Promotions
and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event WBO Middleweight Champion Peter Quillin will put his title on the line against Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout. Plus, opening the tripleheader, WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder will face Nicolai Firtha in a 10-round showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable
service charges, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-736-1420 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter at @goldenboyboxing, @THEREALBHOP, @MURATKARO, @TeamSauerland, @KidChocolate @KingGabRosado, @BronzeBomber and #HopkinsMurat; or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Boxing Facebook Page
or Bernard Hopkins Facebook Page. Follow SHOWTIME Sports at www.sports.sho.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and on Twitter @shosports. Follow Caesars Atlantic City on Facebook a www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity and on Twitter @CaesarsAC.

NEW YORK (October 8, 2013) – Much has changed in the life of undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (29-0, 21 KOs) since his last fight on April 27, when Quillin dropped challenger Fernando Guerrero four times en route to an impressive victory by seventh-round technical knockout.

Quillin will make his second world title defense Oct. 26 against challenger Gabriel “King” Rosado (21-6, 13 KOs), airing on Showtime Championship Boxing, live from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. WBO No. 11-rated Rosado, fighting out of nearby Philadelphia, was stopped in the seventh round of his only world title fight to World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title-holder Gennady Golvkin last January.

In the past five-plus months, Quillin has turned 30, married Allison Berger, and started a few businesses (T-shirts and headphones).

“I’m in the best shape of my life and preparing to elevate myself to another level for this fight,” Quillin said. “Since my last fight I’ve set myself up in a lot of good ways, financially-speaking, so I’ll be able to pay bills for years. I have a family now with a wife who is my inspiration. My wife has a good career. She’s the producer of NBC’s Today Show. She supports me 100-percent and has helped me a lot with some creative ideas.

“I learn more about myself every fight. I know what my purpose in life is and who I really am. I’ve got past any insecurities I may have had – not insecure feelings about fighting my opponent – about letting people down. I’ve learned in life that you can’t make everybody happy. I’ve elevated myself as a fighter and person.”

Rosado is coming off a fight with J’Leon Love last May, in which Rosado lost a disputed split decision that was overturned and ruled a no-contest, when Love failed a post-fight test. The 27-year-old Rosado had won seven fights in a row prior to his loss to Golovkin.

“We’re both looking for definitive performances,” Quillin remarked. “I’m putting in the work at training camp to continue improving, physically and mentally. Rosado is coming ready to fight. He may have six losses, including one to a guy I bet (Guerrero), but I’m expecting to fight the best Gabriel Rosado.

“If all the talking he’s been doing is good for him, well, that’s fine with me. I don’t come up short. He knows how to lose, I don’t. I know some of the guys I fought aren’t the same. If the punches he’s taken in the past have hurt him, it’ll just make my job easier. I don’t have a problem with him. This fight isn’t personal; it’s business. We’ve both signed a contract to fight. We’ll shake hands before and after our fight, when I walk out of the ring the winner once again.”

For more information about Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin go online to www.TheKidChocolate.com (new Team Kid Chocolate T-shirts on sale here) or follow him on Twitter @KidChocolate and Instagram@KidChocolate

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (October 1, 2013) – After scoring 10 knockdowns in his last two fights and soaring to the top of the 160-pound weight class, WBO Middleweight Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will make his second title defense on Saturday, Oct. 26 when he meets Philadelphia contender “King” Gabriel Rosado in the Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat co-main event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT).

Additionally, knockout artist WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, will open the telecast when he takes on Nicolai “Stone Man” Firtha in a 10-round showdown. In the main event, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins will become the oldest fighter in history to make his initial title defense when he faces highest-rated light heavyweight challenger Karo Murat in a 12-round matchup.

“It’s great to be on the East Coast and back on SHOWTIME for my second world title defense,” said Quillin. “Rosado is a quality challenger who always comes to fight, and because of our competitive styles, the fans are going to get a great show on October 26.”

“I’ve never lost in New Jersey and I don’t plan on starting now,” said Rosado. “I’ve chased a world title for a long time and while I respect Quillin for giving me this new opportunity, but I’m going to have to take that belt and bring it back home to Philly.”

“Nicolai Firtha is a veteran who has gone the distance with a lot of tough fighters,” said Wilder. “But I’m more confidant and more ready than ever, so I’m expecting another knockout win, I want to make a statement with this fight.”

“Wilder hits hard, there’s no question about that, but we’ve never see what happens when he gets hit back,” said Firtha. “I’m going to hit him on Oct. 26 and I plan on taking his ‘0’ away.”

“We’ve returned to the East Coast with not just another history-making title defense by Bernard Hopkins against a hungry challenger in Karo Murat, but we have a guaranteed action with the undercard,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. The co-main event between the top American middleweight in the world, Peter Quillin and the always tough Gabriel Rosado as well as one of the most exciting young heavyweights out there, Deontay Wilder, against someone coming to score the upset in Nicolai Firtha. It’s going to be a great night for boxing once again.”

New York City’s Peter Quillin (29-0, 21 KO’s) was considered by many as one of the top rising stars in the sport, but when he beat Winky Wright in 2012, the stakes got higher for “Kid Chocolate,” who fulfilled his potential in October of last year with a six-knockdown win over Hassan N’Dam that earned him the WBO Middleweight Championship. In April of 2013, Quillin successfully defended his title for the first time, dropping Fernando Guerrero four times en route to a seventh-round technical knockout victory. On Oct. 26, the 30-year-old will look to showcase his championship skills against “King” Rosado.

A Philadelphia fighter through and through, 27-year-old Gabriel Rosado (21-6, 13 KO’s) is a fearless warrior willing to do whatever it takes in search of victory. Holder of wins over Jesus Soto Karass, Sechew Powell, Kassim Ouma and Charles Whittaker, Rosado has also been in the ring with Gennady Golovkin, Alfredo Angulo, and J’Leon Love and when the bell rings on Oct. 26, this “King” will do whatever it takes to win the middleweight crown.

With 29 wins, 29 knockouts and no defeats, 2008 U.S. Olympic Bronze medalist and WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder has the boxing world abuzz with his devastating power and championship potential. Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the 27-year-old is coming off of first round knockouts of former gold medalist Audley Harrison and former heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich, making it clear that no one is safe from the wrath of the “Bronze Bomber.”

Akron, Ohio’s Nicolai “Stone Man” Firtha (21-10-1, 8 KO’s) was a decorated amateur who fought his way to the 2004 Olympic trials, but his true home was in the professional game, where he has won the USA Ohio State and NABA USA titles. He has also faced quality opposition like Alexander Povetkin, Tony Grano, Tyson Fury and Johnathan Banks, knocking out Grano and going the distance with Povetkin and Banks. Coming off a win over Robert Hawkins in July, the 34-year-old will leave it all in the ring in search of victory on Oct. 26.

Hopkins vs. Murat is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event WBO Middleweight Champion Peter Quillin put his title on the line against Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout. Plus, opening the tripleheader, WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder will face Nicolai Firtha in a 10-round showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-736-1420 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter at @goldenboyboxing, @THEREALBHOP, @MURATKARO, @TeamSauerland, @KingGabRosado, @KidChocolate @BronzeBomber and #HopkinsMurat; or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Boxing Facebook Page
or Bernard Hopkins Facebook Page. Follow SHOWTIME Sports at www.sports.sho.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and on Twitter @shosports. Follow Caesars Atlantic City on Facebook a www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity and on Twitter @CaesarsAC.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, undefeated WBO M iddleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will defend his title against Gabriel Rosado on October 26th as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Karo Murat card in Atlantic City.

“We got it done,” said Quillin’s promoter Richard Schaefer. “I think the fight is in the perfect spot. Peter is from New York, Rosado is from Philadelphia. I try to put fights where they belong and this fight belongs in that location. I’m very happy for the fans from the East Coast that they can see another world title fight on this card.

“Rosado always comes to fight and he’s getting another world title opportunity. For Quillin, it’s another opportunity to showcase his talents against a good opponent.”

“I’m glad the fight is made, two Americans fighting each other on a channel where all the fights are being made, explosive fights, good fights,” Quillin said. “There’s so much activity on Showtime and I’m just glad to have my place. I wanted to get in three fights this year, but I’ll get in two and I feel good about setting up my 2014. As for Gabe, I got nothing bad to say about him. I got respect for all fighters, but my numbers speak for themself – 29-0 with 21 knockouts in nine years pro. Gabe and I are both fighters and we both have the will, but I’ll go in there and win every round.”

Rosado returned in May to face unbeaten prospect J’Leon Love on the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Robert Guerrero undercard. Love, who got knocked down, was awarded a split decision win in a fight many thought Rosado won. However, after the fight the result was changed to a no contest because Love tested positive for a banned diuretic he used to help him make 160 pounds.

“I thought he won that fight,” Quillin said.

“I know people will view it as a measuring stick, but I’m not going to try to match (Golovkin) or outdo him,” Quillin said. “I’m gonna do me. I will stay true to myself. I will work hard to win, that’s my main focus. I’m glad to be in there with a guy with a good name.

“I’m gonna go in with the mentality to try to get him out of there. I’m not playing. I signed the contract, we agreed to fight. He will try to beat me, try to knock me out, so I don’t have any more respect. My job is to treat him as a stranger or like he stole something from me or he’s a little brother and I’m trying to teach him something.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, undefeated Middleweight J’Leon love failed a post fight drug test when he tested positive for a banned diuretic following his split decision victory over Gabriel Rosado on May 4th.

“Floyd Mayweather nor myself condone this behavior and whatever the Nevada commission sees necessary as punishment we fully support it,” Mayweather Promotions chief executive Leonard Ellerbe told ESPN.com. “In addition, there will be repercussions behind this as it relates to Mayweather Promotions and our fighter. This news is disgusting.”

Rosado tweeted, “I just got news that J’Leon Love tested positive for (an) illegal substance. So not only did the judges cheat me but so did Love.”

Love was two hours late for the weigh-in and then was 161½ pounds on his first attempt to make weight. He returned to the scale nearly an hour later — almost maxing out the time allotted to make weight — and was 160 pounds.

“My guess is that’s when he took it, allegedly. He may have taken it then or right before the weigh-in, because he was two hours late,” said Nevad boxing Czar Keith Kizer

“The usual suspension for a diuretic is seven to eight months, but the commission can go up to a year, depending on the circumstances,” Kizer said..

LAS VEGAS (May 3, 2013) – The six fighters who will compete on the pay-per-view undercard portion of “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” this Saturday, May 4 on SHOWTIME PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. participated in their final press conference on Thursday in front of a packed media center at MGM Grand.

Undefeated Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (43-0, 26 KO’s), of Grand Rapids, Mich., defends his WBC Welterweight World Championship against Six-Time and Four-Division Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KO’s), of Gilroy, Calif., in a 12-round bout that will also be for the vacant RING Magazine World Championship in the eagerly awaited main event.

On a stacked undercard preceding Mayweather vs. Guerrero on pay-per-view, Daniel “Ponce” De Leon (44-4, 35 KO’s), of Cuauhtemoc, Mex., risks his WBC World Featherweight World Championship against Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico; Leo Santa Cruz (23-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Los Angeles, opposes Alexander Munoz (36-4, 28 KOs), of Caracas, Ven., in a 10-round bout for the vacant USBA Junior Featherweight Championship; and J’Leon Love (15-0, 8 KOs), of Las Vegas, faces Gabriel Rosado (21-6, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Middleweight Championship.

See below what the fighters and executives said Thursday:

PONCE DE LEON, WBC Featherweight Champion

“First of all I want to thank God, Frank Espinoza, my manager, Golden Boy, Mayweather Promotions, MGM, SHOWTIME, my team and everyone involved for making this fight possible.

“This is going to be a great fight. I’m very prepared. I’ve fought many times at MGM. Everyone wants to see a battle and that’s what I’m ready for. Don’t miss it.”

ABNER MARES

“I want to thank Golden Boy, Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME. My last five or six fights have been on SHOWTIME. People know me because of SHOWTIME. What can I tell you; this fight alone is a main event so, really, you have two main events on one card. It’s going to be a tremendous fight.

“I want to thank Ponce for this opportunity. You guys know me. I’m ready. I’ll fight anyone as long as we give fans a good fight, I’m with it.

“I’ve dedicated this fight to my dad, who suffered a stroke a month ago.

“I’ve trained hard and I’m ready. I actually added something to my training; I call it Mexican judo: ‘ju’ don’t know if I’m going to box and ‘ju’ don’t know if I’m going slug, but ‘ju’ know I’m going to win.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“First of all I want to give thanks to Golden Boy, Richard (Schaefer), Mayweather Promotions and especially Al Haymon, my manager. Ever since I signed with him, everything changed for me. He has helped me a lot and is always there for me.

“Thanks to him, I was able to get my mom her first house. I owe it all to him and I’m going to repay him by giving him my best. I’m going to show the world who Leo Santa Cruz is.

“I’m very excited to be on this undercard. I know Munoz is an extremely strong fighter who comes forward. I’ve trained hard and worked hard. It’s going to be a war and I’m going to try and finish him before the 10th round.”

ALEXANDER MUNOZ

“I’d like to thank all of you for being here. They’ve put together a very good fight. We know Santa Cruz is tough. I’m prepared for this and I want to make all the fans in Venezuela proud.

“I’m excited about this fight and this opportunity.”

J’LEON LOVE

“I want to thank everyone involved for this opportunity…Al Haymon, my fight team and Mayweather Promotions. This will be a good fight. We have much love for Team Rosado. There is no bad blood.

“Both of us have a lot to prove. He came up a little short in his last fight, but he’s a tough guy. A lot of people are also saying this is a big step up for me, but I’m a fighter and this is what I do.

“It’s going to be a very good fight. We’re going to both put it on the line, but I will be victorious.”

GABRIEL ROSADO

“I want to thank God, Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions for making this fight happen. I’m excited for this opportunity. I fell a little short in my shot at a world title, but I got a taste of the big stage.

“I don’t think he has the experience I have and I’m hungry and determined. I had a great camp and I’m prepared to leave it all in the ring.

“I expect to have a lot of Philadelphia fans on hand here. I can’t wait to open the show and give the fans a great fight.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“On behalf of Mayweather Promotions, we would like to thank you all for coming out. We have a great main event and a great undercard. Ponce De Leon-Mares is a main event in itself. We have what fans want to see…a strong lineup of fights.

“In the first fight on pay-per-view we have two guys who will put it all on the line. J’Leon Love told me he wanted this fight, that he wanted to fight Rosado and then asked if I could go out and make it. I said ‘sure.’ Personally, I think this is a tremendous fight to open the show.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“What’s better on Cinco de Mayo weekend than ‘MAY DAY?’ This is the week for boxing. Mayweather is back with a vengeance, facing a very difficult, tough, young, hungry Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. The main event is a highlight but the undercard is just as important.

“Match Mares against Ponce and you’ve got a real fight, a war. Mares is a smart guy, intelligent with great boxing skills and a big heart who goes forward with a passion. He’s fighting a guy, Ponce, the champion, who is known for his punching power and is ready for the fight of his life. Neither guy wants to hear this, but I can see a trilogy.

“We have a tremendous fight with Leo Santa Cruz, who when we think of him, we instantly think about action, excitement and fighting with passion against Munoz, who a lot of people don’t know, but who’s here to win. I’m really looking forward to this one. There’ll be guaranteed action and fireworks.

“In my eyes, the first fight on pay-per-view is another interesting match, one you don’t want to miss, between Love and Rosado. Both have an opportunity to seize. It’s there for both of them.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“When we, Richard, Oscar, Floyd, Al and Leonard, first started talking about this event, we immediately came to the conclusion that a world-class main event deserved a world-class undercard, and that’s what we put together. These aren’t filler fights. These aren’t no-name fighters. These are ‘name’ fighters in tough, meaningful fights. Top to bottom, this is the highest-quality undercard for any event I can remember.

“I’m extremely excited and extremely proud to be involved with these three fights. I’m especially proud because several of the fighters have been groomed and developed on SHOWTIME. J’Leon Love was featured twice on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Leo Santa Cruz actually hit the trifecta last year: he fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME and CBS and Abner Mares has fought on SHOWTIME his whole career and is a staple of the network.

“The weigh-in on Friday will be televised live on CBS Sports Network and SHOWTIME. Also, for the first time in recent history there will be a live post-fight show, thanks to CBS Sports Network, on Saturday night. We are pulling out all the stops with the newest technology. There will be 16 cameras, the most ever used in the history of network.

“As you can tell, I’m very excited. See you on Saturday.”
# # #
ABOUT “MAYDAY: MAYWEATHER VS. GUERRERO”:
“MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero,” a 12-round fight for Mayweather’s WBC Welterweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight World Championship, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Also featured will be WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon taking on Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round fight for the vacant USBA Junior Featherweight Championship and rising star J’Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round middleweight battle for the vacant NABF Middleweight Championship.

Remaining tickets for “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” are still available for purchase with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

General admission tickets for the “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” closed circuit telecasts are priced at $50, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and will also be available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 2, 2012) – The Saturday, May 4 “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” SHOWTIME PPV telecast fight line-up is complete with the addition of former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round junior featherweight fight and rising middleweight star J’Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round battle. These bouts, in addition to the already announced Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Abner Mares 12-round title fight for Ponce de Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship, will set the stage for the world title clash between Eight-Time and Five Division World Champion Floyd Mayweather and Six-Time and Four-Division World Champion Robert Guerrero at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

“I’m so excited to be fighting on this card on such the big Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend,” said Santa Cruz. “I have been very fortunate to have fought on great events so far in my career, but this is the biggest stage yet. I plan to make my fans happy on May 4 and show the world that I am here to stay.”

“I am so looking forward to getting back in the ring on May 4 and taking the young Leo Santa Cruz to school,” said Munoz. “My experience is going to trump his youth and I plan on handing him his first loss in front of the world on SHOWTIME PPV.”

“This is what every fighter dreams of,” said Love. “Thanks to Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe and Mayweather Promotions I have been blessed with the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME PPV in front of the whole world and on the undercard of one of the greatest fighters to ever lace up a pair of gloves [Floyd Mayweather]. Gabriel Rosado is a big name in the sport and a very good fighter, but on May 4, I plan on making a big statement by beating him and letting the entire world know my name. This is it and I can’t wait.”

“I have had my ups and downs, but I am confident that May 4 is going to be my time to shine,” said Rosado. “J’Leon Love is a tough, good fighter who has learned from some of the best, but I know what I am capable of. I am going to come out on top and show boxing fans across the country and around the world what I am made of.”

“Both of these fights are excellent additions to ‘MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero’ and we are especially excited to see J’Leon Love make his SHOWTIME PPV debut,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Fighting on a Floyd Mayweather undercard presents a platform unlike any other in the sport of boxing and we know that these rising stars will take full advantage of the opportunity.”

“Santa Cruz vs. Munoz and Love vs. Rosado add even more incentive for fans to buy this SHOWTIME PPV extravaganza,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We could not be more impressed or happy with the path that Leo Santa Cruz is on and can’t wait for his skills to be tested further against Munoz in front of a worldwide audience on May 4. J’Leon Love has his toughest test to date when he faces Gabriel Rosado. I can’t think of a better way to kick-off this exciting night.”

Boxing’s latest action hero, 24-year-old Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (23-0-1, 13 KO’s) broke onto the international boxing scene in 2012 when he won the IBF Bantamweight World Champion with a 12 round decision win over Vusi Malinga last June. Following that, the punch-a-second native of Huetamo, Mexico went on to defend his belt three times in 2012 with exciting victories over Eric Morel (TKO 5) in September, Victor Zaleta (TKO 9) in November and Alberto Guevara (W 12) in December, establishing himself as a future star. Now making his home in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz returns to the site of his big win over Morel in the hopes of keeping his unbeaten record intact.

Venezuelan veteran Alexander Munoz (36-4, 28 KO’s) lives up to his nickname of “El Explosivo” with each outing thanks to the devastating punching power that has garnered 19 knockout wins in three rounds or less. A rugged competitor who has never been stopped, the 34-year-old from San Felix has won eight of his last 10 bouts, with his only losses coming against World Champions Cristian Mijares and Koki Kameda. On May 4, Munoz will look hand Santa Cruz his first defeat with the entire world watching.

With the talent he exhibits each time he steps between the ropes, Detroit, Michigan’s J’Leon Love (15-0, 8 KO’s) may very well be the future of the middleweight division. Just 25-years-old, Love has been very impressive in the 160-pound division, most recently stepping up to the test against 28-fight veteran Derrick Findley with a near shutout decision on February 23 in front of his hometown crowd in Detroit. On May 4, he hopes to take another step forward on his trek toward a world title shot by defeating the very tough Gabriel Rosado.

No nonsense Gabriel “King” Rosado (21-6, 13 KO’s) epitomizes the relentless attitude of a Philadelphia fighter and, after a rocky start to his pro career, the 27-year-old has run off wins in seven of his last eight bouts, including knockout victories over Jesus Soto Karass, Sechew Powell and Charles Whittaker. In January, he gave a courageous effort in a WBA Middleweight World title bout against Gennady Golovkin before being stopped in the seventh round. Now, his comeback begins in Las Vegas on May 4.

“MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero,” a 12-round fight for Mayweather’s WBC Welterweight World Championship, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Also featured will be WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon defending his title against former Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round junior featherweight bout and rising star J’Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round middleweight battle.

Remaining tickets for “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” priced at $1,500, $1,250, $800 and $600, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

General admission tickets for the “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” closed circuit telecasts at ARIA, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York, are priced at $50, not including handling fees, and go on sale Wednesday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT at each individual property’s box office outlets and will also be available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.floydmayweather.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @FloydMayweather, @GHOSTBOXING, @DanielPonceDel1, @abnermares00, @leosantacruz2, @jleonlove, @KingGabRosado, @MayweatherPromo, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @mgmgrand and @SHOSports, follow the conversation using #MayDay or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GhostFans and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

An encore of a year loaded with explosive signs of renewal might be a tall order, but chances of one in 2013 are there on the calendar’s opening page with the New Year’s first marquee card featuring Gennady Golovkin in a Home Box Office bout against tough Gabriel Rosado on Jan. 19 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Last year will be remembered for the Juan Manuel Marquez punch that knocked out Manny Pacquiao in early December. There’s a lot of talk about Marquez-Pacquiao V. No surprise there. Who wouldn’t want to see another one? But it’s a fight that figures to stand alone. It’s already a classic, probably because no encore is possible. That right hand from Marquez might represent goodbye to a rich era memorable more for what happened than what didn’t in all the futile speculation about Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. Time to move on, or at least take a closer look at those who might carry the business into the next era.

Golovkin has the look of somebody who can.

Golovkin’s 2012 was a season of introducing himself to the U.S. market after years of learning and refining his craft in Europe. In Germany, the Kazakhstani middleweight was a name. In 2012, he became a marketable face. In 2013, the guess is that he will take another step in a process. If last year was an introduction, the New Year promises to be one in which he becomes the fighter everybody avoids. By everybody, we mean Sergio Martinez, Andre Ward and anybody else who would have much to lose against Golovkin. On the risk-and-reward scale, Golovkin is still too much of a gamble. But that scale can change with fights and media.

Golovkin isn’t wasting any time. His potential signature on 2013 begins in the New Year’s first month and on the network that looks for stars and creates them. If Golovkin remains unbeaten and HBO’s interest stays in place, it won’t be long before the reward outweighs the risk enough to attract Ward or Martinez into one of the biggest fights since, say, Marquez-Pacquiao IV.

For Golovkin, the immediate task is Rosado, who also has much to gain on Jan. 19. The guess here is that Rosado will challenge Golovkin for a few rounds. But Golovkin’s overall skill set will prove to be too much for Rosado, who has campaigned mostly at 154 pounds. Golovkin was prepared to fight at a catch weight, 158. Rosado said no. The contract was subsequently amended. They’ll fight at the traditional 160. I’m not sure two pounds make much difference, but they were worth their weight in terms of publicity and what they said about both fighters.

Golovkin has always said he’s willing to fight at almost any weight. Two pounds were a concession to Rosado and a confirmation of Golovkin’s willingness to move up and down scale. Rosado’s demand for 160 indicates an old-school determination to do things without gamesmanship as tired as it is annoying.

“I don’t want any excuses,’’ Rosado said Wednesday in a news release.

That’s as good a resolution as any for a new generation that in a New Year has a chance to pick up where last year ended.

ANECDOTES FROM OUTSIDE THE ROPES
· In a sure sign that Jose Canseco has fallen off the financial cliff and can’t get up, the former baseball slugger and steroid accuser/user says he wants to fight Shaquille O’Neal in an MMA bout sometime in 2013.

· By most accounts, the Latin vote was a key to President Barack Obama’s re-election in November. Can’t help but think that the emerging American demographic was also a reason for last year’s rebound in the boxing business, which included a return to NBC and CBS.

· Ray Lewis is retiring after 17 years as a Baltimore Ravens linebacker. Lewis was often mentioned as an example of what’s happened to the heavyweight division. To wit: America’s best heavyweights are all playing in the NFL these days. Lewis might have been a great American heavyweight. But we’re hoping that means he doesn’t announce a comeback in a few months.

AZ NOTES
Michelle Rosado of Phoenix returns to the promotional ring on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Arizona Event Center in Mesa with a card scheduled to include popular super-bantamweight Emilio Colon-Garcia. First bell is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 2, 2013) World ranked challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado was incredulous when he discovered that his world championship bout against WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin set for JANUARY 19 at Madison Square Garden in New York City would be fought at a catch weight of 158.

“The first I heard about the catch weight was at the media lunch on December 1, I never asked for it, that was my advisor Russell Peltz’s idea” said Rosado. “I’m happy Russell is looking out for my best interests but we’re fighting at 160.”

“Golovkin is the champion and out of respect to him and towards the sport of boxing we will fight at the middleweight limit of 160 pounds. When I beat him, I don’t want any excuses about the extra two pounds he had to lose. I will beat him at his best, fair and square.” Even though Rosado looks physically much bigger than Golovkin, he has fought the majority of his professional bouts at the junior middleweight limit of 154 pounds.

“The old-timers didn’t need any catch weights, they were real men. Middleweight champions fight at 160 and that’s what I want.”

In accordance with Rosado’s wishes the contract for the world championship bout will be amended to the middleweight limit of 160.

Said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions; “I was surprised when I got the call to increase the weight to 160. I have to give Rosado a lot of credit, he is very confident and that is what makes this such a great fight. It should be the fight of the night on a great show and tickets have been selling very well.”

“GOLOVKIN VS. ROSADO” which will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, is a 12-round battle between WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady Golovkin and world ranked challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado set for Saturday, January 19 at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, ‘The Mecca of Boxing” in New York City.

Promoted by Top Rank Incorporated and K2 Promotions, the World Championship Tripleheader also features Orlando “SIRI” Salido defending his WBO Featherweight Title against undefeated No. 1 contender Mikey Garcia and two-time WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez clashing with No. 1 contender Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos.

Remaining tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, are currently available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Sources have confirmed that Gennady Golovkin will defend the WBA Middleweight title against Philadelphia’s Gabriel Rosado on January 19th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden as part of an HBO televised Tripleheader.

Golovkin, 24-0 with twenty-one knockouts will be making his second appearance on HBO after his scintillating fifth round destruction of Grzgorz Proksa on September 1st in Verona, NY.

Rosado has a record of 21-5 with thirteen knockouts will be moving up in weight from Jr. Middleweight is riding a seven fight win streak.

Also rumored for the bill will be a Featherweight title bout between Orlando Salido and Mikey Garcia as well as the WBO Super Featherweight championship bout between Roman Martinez and Juan Carlos Burgos