Double-action comes exclusively live on BoxNation from both sides of the Atlantic tomorrow night when cruiserweight warriors Marco Huck and Ola Afolabi clash for a fourth time followed by pound-for pound great Terence Crawford’s collision with Hank Lundy.

Huck and Afolabi get the night underway when they meet for an incredible fourth time at the Gerry Weber Stadium, Halle, Germany, in a crucial crossroads fight for both men with the winner going on to a possible world title shot.

Serbian born, German resident, Huck is 2-0-1 going into the fight against London born Afolabi with the previous encounters being close and exciting affairs and although Huck’s WBO World title was previously on the line this time Afolabi’s IBO World title is up for contention.

“Käpt’n” Huck lost his WBO crown in a shock defeat to Krzysztof Glowacki last August in his American debut, but it was a thrilling fight that saw Glowacki floored in the sixth round and then rally back to stop Huck in the eleventh.

The 31-year-old will be looking to prove that he is not finished and has one more shot at glory with a strong performance against Afolabi. Although his preparations could have taken a hit when he revealed last week that he had split with trainer Conni Mittermeier and joined up with Varol Vekiloglu just 10 days before the fight.

For Afolabi, he’ll be looking to continue his hot form on the back of his stunning fifth round knockout of hard Russian Rakhim Chakhkiev last November when he went into the fight as the underdog. In the fight prior, Afolabi extended Interim IBF World Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez the distance in Argentina and lost on the scorecards.

At 35, the man known as Kryptonite, knows that a victory over his rival – which would be his first – is crucial if he is to get a fourth world title opportunity.

Once the dust settles in Germany, the action switches to the Mecca of Boxing at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden where American star Crawford defends his WBO World Super-Lightweight Championship against Hammerin’ Hank in a potential thriller.

“Bud” Crawford is on the cusp of becoming boxing’s next big crossover star following Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s retirement and the soon to be retired Manny Pacquiao and many believe the all-action and exciting Omaha man could be the one.

Unbeaten in 27 fights with 19 KO’s and with fast switch-hitting hands and power, Crawford shot to prominence when he totally outclassed Ricky Burns in his Glasgow backyard to take the WBO World Lightweight title in March 2014. He immediately made a hero’s return to his hometown in Nebraska and inflicted the first loss to former Unified World Featherweight Champion and 2004 Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa with a sensational ninth round knockout in June 2014 in the first defence of the title. Defences against Raymundo and Thomas Dulorme followed and last time out he smashed Dierry Jean in nine rounds on BoxNation.

The 28-year-old faces a hard test in his MSG debut against the trash-talking Philadelphian Lundy, who took the challenge after top super-lightweights Ruslan Provodnikov, current WBC World Champion Viktor Postol, and former Interim World Champions Lucas Matthysse and Mauricio Herrera all turned down the fight and Lundy is supremely confident with his chances.

At the press conference this week the pair clashed when Crawford nearly pushed Lundy off the stage following their head-to-head stare down after getting annoyed with Lundy’s trash-talking.

Crawford said, “That’s his main objective — to get in my head. But he doesn’t understand that just makes me fight harder, makes me be better, makes me be sharper. I’m not just going to go in there and try to just knock him out. I’m going to go in there and do what I do. That’s what he doesn’t understand.”

Lundy fired back, “I’ve been watching him ever since he came on the scene at 135, and nothing impressed me. Now, he’s going to have a guy in front of him that can do all the things he can do. It’s going to be a big mistake on his part.”

Also on the card will be fast the rising and undefeated Puerto Rican lightweight sensation Felix Verdejo who defends his WBO Latino Lightweight title against Brazilian William Silva. Britain’s WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan will be keeping a close eye on Verdejo who if he emerges victorious could be a future potential opponent after his clash with Derry Mathews next month.

Live coverage for Huck v Afolabi starts at 7pm on Saturday night with live of Crawford v Lundy beginning at 2am on Sunday morning. To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com or to watch online subscribe at watch.boxnation.com

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

By Norm Frauenheim-

A pound-for-pound debate without a mention of Terence Crawford isn’t much of a conversation. At least, he doesn’t think so. Does Crawford belong?

“Of course,’’ he said. “I feel like I’m already in that conversation.’’

Maybe.

Hank Lundy has some of his own ideas. Turns out, Crawford wouldn’t even make the top three on Lundy’s list.

“No, he’s not the best guy I’ve fight,’’ Lundy said.

Lundy went on to say a lot of things. On the Lundy list, Crawford would rank behind Viktor Postol, Ajose Olusegun, and maybe Dannie Williams.

Lundy might have found a few other names to rank ahead of Crawford if only he had had more time to hold court on his portion of a conference call this week

If he’s as good a fighter as he is a talker, Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs) is in trouble Saturday night (10 p.m. ET/PT) in an HBO-televised junior-welterweight bout in The Theater at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

But the guess in this corner is that Lundy has only managed to talk himself into trouble while also giving Crawford a big chance on a very big stage. An impressive victory over Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) would get Crawford off the fringes of a debate currently dominated by flyweight Roman Gonzalez, middleweight Gennady Golovkin and light-heavyweight Sergey Kovalev.

“It’s hard to rank myself against guys who are in different weight classes,’’ Crawford said. “They would never be my opponent. They are either too big or too small. They do good in their weight division and I do good in mine.’’

So good, in fact, that you can make a pretty good argument that Manny Pacquiao bypassed him for Timothy Bradley for the same reasons that middleweight belt-holders have ducked Golovkin for so long. The risk is too big.

If true, the unbeaten Crawford is left with the motivation to be as impressive as possible. Wittingly or not, Lundy’s talk might have sparked some emotional flint not yet seen in the somewhat stoic fighter from the Midwest.

“I don’t know what’s going on in that boy’s head,’’ Crawford said. “Come Saturday there’s not going to be much talking to do.’’

Crawford conceded that there was some disappointment at not getting the chance to face Pacquiao, who says he’s retiring after the Bradley bout on April 9.

“I wouldn’t say it was a letdown but I wouldn’t say it was exciting,’’ Crawford said the Pacquiao decision. “When they told me the names, they then told me Lundy. He and I had been going back and forth on Twitter for a long time. Now I just want to shut him up.

“He has said a couple of things that upset me, but nothing that has made me change my game plan or fight different than I would normally fight. I am going to go in there and fight my fight. Do what I have to do to get the job done.’’

Then, maybe, Crawford can say thanks to Lundy and hello to a more accepted place in an ever-evolving argument.

NEW YORK (Feb. 25th, 2016) — The playful ribbing between Hank Lundy and Terence Crawford that began in mid-January continued at Thursday’s final press conference when Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre — a former fighter himself — walked to the podium at Chase Square with a T-shirt that read, “I went to the Madison Square Garden and all I got was knocked out by Terrence Crawford,” an obvious jab at Lundy.

“These will be available for Hank and his team following the fight,” McIntyre deadpanned.

Team Lundy, led by CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., Lundy’s promoter, enjoyed a quick laugh at its own expense, with Burchfield taking the shirt, folding it carefully and placing it on his lap while McIntyre continued his monologue, merely an extension of the month-long social media war between the two sides.

Though the verbal back-and-forth has helped turned Saturday’s event into a near sellout — Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti reported only 23 tickets remain at the box office — Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) is leaning on a more powerful source of motivation heading into the biggest fight of his life Saturday night in New York City.

“My babies are going to be right there,” Lundy said, referencing his daughters, Amiriah, 7; Adriana, 8; Amari, 10 and Aniyah, 12.

“This is the first time I’m going to battle in front of my four little queens and God knows the electricity, every punch I hit you with, you’re going to feel Philadelphia, you’re going to feel my pain, my struggle. You’re going to feel ‘Hammerin” Hank and you can guarantee come the 27th of February I’m going to be the new champion of the world.

Saturday’s 12-round showdown against the unbeaten Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Organization [WBO] Junior Welterweight Champion, is the main event of HBO’s World Championship Boxing doubleheader, promoted by Top Rank and CES Boxing.

Written off by the press as the third or fourth choice for this fight by Crawford’s camp, Lundy’s quick wit and boastful pride have turned many fans onto what Burchfield says could be the “fight of the year” against the heavily-favored Omaha, Neb., native, who’s defended his world title four times since winning it in 2014.

“This is a great event,” Burchfield said. “You’re going to see a great fight Saturday night. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Lundy has taken fights on short notice in the past with mixed results, but he’s had two and a half months to prepare for Saturday’s world title bout and was ready the moment he got the call — “I was already on weight,” he said — a rare luxury for a fighter who’s climbed the ladder in two separate weight classes as a self-proclaimed “B-sider.”

“What’s the difference with this fight and the previous fights Hank has had? The difference is he’s had since December to train and get ready for this battle,” Burchfield said. “He’s had one of the best camps he’s ever had, so I think — I know — you’re going to see a great fight and you’re going to see the real Hank Lundy because he’s had time to get ready.

“Hank has never turned away from a fight. Never,” Burchfield continued. “When he signs a contract, he’s going to show up and he’s going to give it everything he’s got. He’s taken some fights on very short notice. His last 17 fights, he’s been in 13 different states and two different countries, but that hasn’t stopped him at all.”

Unlike most interviews or press gatherings, where Lundy tends to steal the spotlight, the Philadelphia native was unusually subdued Thursday, simply referencing his family and hard work leading up to this fight while eschewing the desire to “go on and on” or “talk your head off.” Lundy even refrained from barking back at McIntyre, whom he already went to war with several weeks ago via social media when he publically drudged up McIntyre’s less-than-stellar 7-14 record as a pro.

McIntyre, meanwhile, continued to pile on; five weeks after declaring he’d bet $10,000 on his own fighter during Top Rank’s introductory press conference in January, Crawford’s head trainer draped the anti-Lundy shirt over the front of the podium Thursday, suggesting, “I just want to give everyone a chance to read the gift we got for Team Lundy.

“I was going to take the low road and come to talk smack about Hank about how he wants to blast me on Facebook with him and his people,” McIntyre continued, “but I’m going to take the high road and seize this opportunity to say that I’m so excited to where I’m in tears for Terence, his sisters, his mom, his grandma. I’m also excited for the city [of Omaha] because they’re about to experience the good whooping Hank’s about to take.”

The typically reserved Crawford offered another backhanded compliment for Lundy, applauding him Thursday for giving “the best speech you gave the whole time you’ve opened your mouth.

“I respect that,” Crawford said, “because deep down in his heart he knows what he’s up against. I just take that as a sign of respect. If he doesn’t respect me now, he’ll respect me Saturday.

“It’s been a great camp. I feel good. I’m excited. The whole camp, I kept saying, ‘I can’t wait for this fight!’ It’s like a countdown. This dude doesn’t’ know what he’s gotten himself into. Everyone says, ‘I’m going to do this,’ or, ‘I’m going to do that to him,’ or, ‘I see a flaw in him,’ but when you get in front of me you see a different thing. Come Saturday, don’t blink, because it might be a quick one.”

Both sides have had ample opportunities to speak their piece and take shots at one another through the press and on social media. The real fight begins in 48 hours and Lundy is prepared to bring the world title back to Philadelphia, a fitting tribute to a consummate road warrior who’s paid his dues and taken the long road to the top.

“This fight is going to be electrifying,” Lundy said. “I just can’t wait until Saturday night. This is what I’ve been fighting for, to make my family, my kids, take them and give them a different lifestyle. It’s going to be war. I’m coming to win this world title.”

The Feb. 27th HBO doubleheader, which begins 10 p.m. ET, also features a 10-round WBO Latino lightweight title bout between reigning champion Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and unbeaten challenger William Silva (23-0, 14 KOs) of San Paolo, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.toprank.com, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.twitter.com/trboxing using the hashtag #CrawfordLundy to join the conversation. Updates are also available on www.facebook.com/cesboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxing or www.facebook.com/trboxeo.

HBO Boxing presents an action-packed doubleheader when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: TERENCE CRAWFORD VS. HANK LUNDY AND FELIX VERDEJO VS. WILLIAM SILVA is seen SATURDAY, FEB. 27 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/ tape-delayed PT) from The Theater at Madison Square Garden, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports broadcasting team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 28 (10:30 a.m.) and 29 (11:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdate: Feb. 28 (3:00 p.m.)

Terence Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), 2014’s Fighter of the Year, defends his junior welterweight title and unblemished record against veteran Hank Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest. Hailing from Omaha, Neb., the 28-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2015 with knockout victories against top 140-pound contenders Thomas Dulorme and Dierry Jean. Known for his speed, precision, defense and power, Crawford will be making his pro debut in New York.

Philadelphia native Lundy, 32, suffered a technical decision loss to Mauricio Herrera on HBO Latino in July 2015, but rebounded in October with an impressive stoppage win against Carlos Velasquez. He’ll look to deploy his ring savvy against the younger Crawford.

In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated lightweights square off as Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, takes on William Silva (22-0, 13 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in a scheduled ten-round affair. Just 22 years old, Verdejo will be making his fifth appearance at the Garden. The rangy Silva, 28, will seek to halt the young star’s rise.

HBO’s flagship “World Championship Boxing” series marks its 44th year in 2016, while HBO Boxing presented its 1,000th fight last year.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Monday, Feb. 22, 2016) – Uprising Promotions featherweight Angel Luna (11-1-1, 6 KOs) looks to knock off another undefeated prospect this Saturday night, facing Puerto Rico native Christopher Diaz (14-0, 9 KOs) at the Theater in Madison Square Garden. The bout will be featured on the undercard to a WBO Super Lightweight Championship bout between Terence Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs) and Hank Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs).

“Luna has been working hard for this fight, and I am fully confident that he is going to perform well,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “I watched him spar another undefeated fighter for 10 rounds recently, and he is in great shape. As far as conditioning and his mental approach are concerned, he is 100% ready. We have been working on strategy together as a team, and I believe that we have the right strategy to beat this guy. I just can’t wait for the fight.”

Luna returns to the ring on Saturday night for his first appearance in 2016. Trained by Mateo De La Cruz and Frank, Luna fought his first nine professional bouts in his native country of the Dominican Republic before signing to Uprising Promotions. The Brooklyn transplant joined the promotion in 2014 and will fight under its banner for the sixth time when he faces Diaz.

In his last outing, Luna handed Jose Lopez (15-1-1, 11 KOs) his first professional loss at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the undercard to Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale. In that contest, he dropped Lopez twice to secure an eventual unanimous decision. Luna was slated for a return to the ring last October as part of a televised quadrupleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation, meeting another undefeated prospect in Filipino lightweight Harmonito Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs). However, Typhoon Koppu ravaged Dela Torre’s home country of the Philippines the week of the fight and forced a cancellation of that bout due to travel restrictions.

Diaz enters this contest with nine knockouts over 14 victories, with the majority of his fights taking place in his native Puerto Rico. The Barranquitas resident had a busy 2015, recording six wins and most recently competing this past December when he scored a knockout of Jerry Guevara in San Juan.

For more information on Uprising Promotions and to keep up with all of our latest news, make sure to check out www.UprisingPromotions.com and follow us on social media: @UprisingNYC

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 28, 2016) — Before they enter the ring for their super brawls, MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY JR., TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO, who are headlining upcoming world championship events, took time out to make predictions on Super Bowl 50, which will pit the Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers on February 7. Also adding their two cents were trainers World-Famous FREDDIE ROACH and TEDDY ATLAS, who will be facing each other from opposing corners for the first time, with Pacquiao and Bradley, respectively, Top-10 contender “Hammerin'” HANK LUNDY and undefeated Brazilian buzz saw WILLIAM “Baby Face” SILVA, the respective opponents of Crawford and Verdejo.

THE PREDICTIONS

MANNY PACQUIAO
“Peyton Manning is a great competitor and with the possibility that this could be his last game I think he will be an inspiration to the Broncos to win and to end Peyton’s career as a world champion. He is certainly an inspiration to me.”

TIM BRADLEY
“It’s very clear to me — Carolina Panthers 31-27.”

FREDDIE ROACH
“I’m going with the Broncos because Peyton Manning, like Manny Pacquiao, has racked up all the records and the victories against superior opposition. Champions like Manning and Pacquiao know only one way to go out in their last rodeo and that’s on top. It’s Manningfest Destiny.”

TEDDY ATLAS
“It is Cam Newton’s time as I believe it is Tim Bradley’s and that is why Newton will win a Super Bowl and Bradley, a super championship, while Peyton Manning and Manny Pacquiao both retire after great careers.”

TERENCE CRAWFORD
“I don’t know what the score will be but the Carolina Panthers are the better team. One big reason is that they have Cam Newton as quarterback.”

HANK LUNDY
“I’m not really into it that much because I’ve got my own Super Bowl to worry about on February 27th and I’m coming to win the championship. I like Peyton Manning a lot, but I think Cam Newton is going to take care of business. Panthers 21-14.”

FELIX VERDEJO
“I’m going to pick the Carolina Panthers to win the Super Bowl this year. They are the better team”

WILLIAM SILVA
“I’m from Brasil so I do not get to see a lot of American football, but I think the Panthers will be the better team on Super Bowl day based upon their performances in past games. As far as the score, I think it will be the Panthers with three touchdowns to the Broncos’ one touchdown.”

********************

Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, collides with five-time world champion Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., in a 12-round world welterweight championship battle. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Bradley will take place Saturday, April, 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), of Omaha, the 2014 Fighter of the Year and a two-division world champion, will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world title against Top-10 contender Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA. Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be risking his WBO Latino lightweight title, Top-Five world ranking and his impending world title shot when he takes on Silva (23-0, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, in a battle of undefeated contenders. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tecate, Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), Diamante Promotions and Madison Square Garden, the Crawford/Verdejo championship doubleheader will take place on Saturday, February 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For fight updates go to toprank.com, hbo.com/boxing or mgmgrand.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing,, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtags #PacBradley, #CrawfordLundy or #VerdejoSilva to join the conversation on Twitter.

London (14 January) – The next super-star of boxing Terence Crawford’s WBO World Super-Lightweight title defence against Hank Lundy on Saturday 27th February at the iconic Madison Square Garden, will be televised exclusively live on BoxNation.

Crawford, a two-time and two-weight World Champion, a big favourite with UK fans’ on The Channel of Champions, returns to action as he looks to elevate into the position of boxing’s main man with Floyd Mayweather retired and Manny Pacquiao soon to be, many experts believe the exciting 28-year-old from Omaha can be that man.

A hero in his hometown, Crawford, who sits inside the top ten of boxing’s Pound-for-Pound best rankings, now looks to make that transition when he makes his debut at MSG, known as the “Mecca of Boxing”, where the immortals of the sport have all plied there trade.

Undefeated in 27 fights with 19 knockouts, 12 coming inside three rounds, the big-hitting and dangerous Crawford, 28, could have been a potential final opponent for Pacquaio, who instead wisely opted to go for a third fight against rival Timothy Bradley.

Crawford, began his title reign when he totally out-classed Scotland’s Ricky Burns in his own backyard in March 2014 to win the WBO World Lightweight title. He then saw off undefeated Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former Olympic Gold medallist, in nine rounds in the first title defence in June before outpointing tough Mexican and former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran in November in his second title defence.

“Bud” started 2015 by stepping up to super-lightweight and destroying number two ranked contender Thomas Dulorme to capture the Vacant WBO Crown with a sixth round stoppage in April, followed by a first title defence against the tough Puerto Rican based Frenchman and number two ranked challenger Dierry Jean in ten rounds last November.

His challenger, Lundy, hails from the mean streets of Philadelphia and brings the old school fight mentality of the greats who have come out of the fighting city like Bernard Hopkins and Joe Frazier, into his showdown against Crawford.

Never to shy away from a fight, his challenger “Hammerin” Lundy has defeated former world champions including David Diaz and Richar Abril as well as contenders Olusegan Ajose, Patrick Williams, Dannie Williams and Angelo Santana in his 32-fight career with 26 wins, five losses, one draw and 13 knockouts. In his last fight he captured the WBC Continental Lightweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Carlos Velasquez and is rated number eight in the world by the organisation.

At the recent fight announcement Crawford and Lundy clashed and both are promising an exciting fight.

“I will show the world I am the best fighter at 140 pounds,” Said Crawford.

He added, “Lundy runs his mouth too much. He’s about to get hurt real bad. But Lundy can fight. He will battle.”

Lunday retaliated, “This is the type of fight I have been waiting for. The last couple of fights I have beaten guys but didn’t get the fair shake. If you’re a true fan of boxing, you know I belong in the ring with the best fighters in the world. I’m the type of guy that no one wants to fight, because I am the real deal. On February 27th, I am coming to Madison Square Garden to fight Terence Crawford, and on the 28th I’ll be leaving with his belt.”

Also on the exciting card another potential boxing super-star Felix Verdejo aims to break through into the mainstream when he defends his WBO Latino Lightweight title against big-hitting Brazilian Williams Silva in his return to MSG.

The red-hot undefeated talent known as “El Diamante” fights out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and aims to become the next big name fighter from the famous fighting island that has produced countless greats like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, Wilfredos Gomez and Vasquez, Hector Camacho and many more.

Fire-fisted Verjdejo has stopped eight of his last ten opponents inside the distance and this will be the third defence of his title. He won the belt with a fifth round knockout of Marco Lopez in April 2014 and then outpointed undefeated contender Ivan Najera in his first defence. Last time out in December he smashed Josenilson Dos Santos inside two rounds.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

NEW YORK (January 12, 2016) — No one needed to ask, “Where’s the beef?” at today’s press conference at Madison Square Garden, where undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world champion and 2014 Fighter of the Year TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and his opponent, Top-10 contender “Hammerin'” HANK LUNDY, announced their world title rumble. Each fighter had his own beef and they weren’t afraid to serve it up. Here are their quotes.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (27-0, 19 KOs), of Omaha, Neb.

“I’ve always wanted to fight in New York — at The Garden — even as a small boy. Fighting in New York tells me where my career is really at and where we are going. I can get a big fan base here. It’s very exciting

“Lundy runs his mouth too much. He’s about to get hurt real bad. But Lundy can fight. He will battle.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with this dude. He better be for real about it. [Mauricio] Herrera? Lundy lost. Doesn’t matter what people think. He lost.

“I used to watch a lot of old fights Uuntil I got older then I wanted to develop my own style, like, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones, Marco Antonio Barrera.

“I wouldn’t be in this sport if I didn’t think I was the best. If you don’t think lthat you are the best then you are in the wrong sport. I feel like I am one of the guys that will put boxing on my back and carry the sport. I want to do that.

“Best thing about boxing? I get to hit people in the mouth. And I get paid to do it. Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to fight — so why not get paid for it?

“All my kids watch me fight. They see me on HBO and say, “Dad, that’s you – you won that round.

“If I won Powerball would I would still fight? Boxing is my life. You bet I would.”

HANK LUNDY (26-5-1, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA.,

“I am going to break you down, Crawford. This is East Coast fighting, you homie. I’ve been a better, tougher fighter since I reunited with my first trainer, the great Charles Ramey.

“I will be the big ticket seller in this fight not Crawford. We will have fans coming to see me, not Crawford — from Philadelphia, Boston and Providence. I ‘ve always fought on the road. I have fans everywhere.

This is Madison Square Garden. They want to fill the place they know who to get — Hank Lundy. I’m not the ‘B’ side I’m the ‘A’ side

Herrera? I was getting ready to knock him out and Golden Boy knew it. I told them I would fight him again, no purse bid. Nothing.

“I’m Hank Lundy. At the end of the day. I’m one of these fighters that can fight anyone. I fought a whole fight with a damn broken jaw. I put the guy down and he kept coming. But I had a broken jaw. The next day I woke up and it looked like I had grapefruit on the side of my face.

“I’ve got five kids. When I was 18 I was taking them to the gym with me, one on my arm and one in the stroller. Nothing stopped me. They’ve been with me my whole career. They know what it takes to work hard.

“You already know what’s going down. It’s my time. Crawford’s going to be going down early and often. I’ve been in there with the best. Nobody flat out beat my ass and nobody will. That’s why I keep getting these fights. That’s Philly fighting –.Broad Street Bullies.

“I’ve known Crawford since the amateurs. He’s a tough guy. If he’s the best I’m about to show you something. It’s about to be Hank Lundy night at Madison Square Garden.

“This guy is scared to fight me. I’ve been moving all over to try to get him.
I’ve got him now. If I’m under his skin now wait till fight time. One thing about it, I back it up. If you want to talk stuff you’ve got to back it up. You’ve got to have tough skin in this game.

“My kids said, “Dad you’re going to fight Crawford. You’ve been waiting for that.”

*****************************

The Crawford vs. Lundy world title fight will take place on Saturday, February 27, at the “Mecca of Boxing” — The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The co-main event will feature undefeated Top-Five contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO (19-0, 14 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, defending his WBO Latino lightweight title against undefeated Brazilian buzz saw WILLIAM “Baby Face” SILVA (23-0, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 95-5-1 (60 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with close to 2/3 of their victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), Diamante Promotions and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Crawford vs. Lundy / Verdejo vs. Silva championship doubleheader will go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtags #CrawfordLundy or #VerdejoSilva to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK (Jan. 12th, 2016) — Brimming with confidence during Tuesday’s press conference at Madison Square Garden, Hank Lundy made it abundantly clear he’s more than just a backup plan for his upcoming opponent, Terence Crawford, boldly predicting the coronation of a new 140-pound king on Feb. 27th.

While the mainstream media has painted Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) as the second or third choice among the Crawford camp for their fighter’s first title defense of 2016 (contenders Mauricio Herrera, Viktor Postol, etc., reportedly turned down the fight), Lundy promises to steal the show when the two square off for Crawford’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight Title in the main event of HBO’s World Championship Boxing doubleheader at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, promoted by Top Rank and CES Boxing.

“I guarantee fight night I’m going to break you. I’m going to break your will,” said Lundy during an animated, sometimes heated, exchange Tuesday with Crawford, who mostly chuckled during Lundy’s delivery. “I already got you out of your comfort zone.

“I want you to get this in your head. You can be funny all you want. I’m going to beat your ass. It’s going to be bad.”

Though he’s the clear underdog on paper against the undefeated Crawford, Lundy expects to have “homefield advantage” on Feb. 27th considering he grew up in Philadelphia, less than 100 miles from New York City.

“Philly, Jersey, Boston, they’re all going to be here,” Lundy said. “One thing and one thing’s for sure, the Garden knew what they were doing by picking ‘Hammerin” Hank because they know this bum can’t sell the place out!”

“When we come to New York and we come to Madison Square Garden, we are going to have homefield advantage,” added CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “If you study homefield advantage, it means a lot. Not only will Philadelphia and New York be here, but Boston and Providence and Connecticut will be here. We will fill that theater with Hank Lundy’s fans.

“Everybody is looking at Hank Lundy as an underdog, or this is your second and third choice. We’re not coming here to be the underdog. Don’t underestimate that. We’re coming here to take the belt back to Philadelphia.

“I think you made a mistake. I really do,” Burchfield said to Crawford, “but we appreciate the opportunity. We’re going to be up for the challenge.”

Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), the reigning WBO champ, is considered one of the sport’s breakthrough stars, perhaps a top five pound-for-pound fighter by the end of the year if he survives Lundy on Feb. 27th.

Since winning the title from Ricky Burns in England in 2014, Crawford has defended his title four times with knockout wins over Yuriorkis Gamboa, Thomas Dulorme and Dierry Jean.

“Everybody knows you, Hank. You’re like the boy who cried wolf,” Crawford said. “You talk a good game, but when you lose it’s always something. ‘I’m going to do this … I’m going to do that.’ You ain’t gonna do shit. You talk about how street you are. That’s talking, boy.

“We know about you. We’ve heard about you getting socked up in the gym and not doing anything. You can smile all you want. You can talk all you want. For real, though, when you look at me in the eyes, I’m about that lifestyle. You’ve heard my background. We ain’t heard nothing about Hank. We just hear you talking.

“I’m going to put on a spectacular show come Feb. 27th. I’m gonna hit him in his mouth and he’s going to end up like [Dierry] Jean and get what he’s looking for.”

The 27th will be Lundy’s first shot at a world title, a long overdue opportunity after nearly a decade of working his way to the top by facing the toughest opposition in the sport. Lundy’s last 17 fights have covered 13 different states and two countries and the combined record of his opponents during that stretch is a remarkable 276-44.

“He’s fought real fights,” Burchfield said. “He’s never backed down from anyone. He stays in the gym. He’s done nothing to harm his body. He’s a warrior. Terence is a warrior. This is why this fight has the ingredients to be the top fight of 2016.”

No stranger to controversy, Lundy suffered a split-decision loss to Dulorme in December of 2014 after battling back from an early knockdown before his highly-publicized 2015 showdown in Los Angeles against Herrera, which ended in a technical decision loss for Lundy when the fight was stopped toward the end of the fifth round due to a pair of cuts over each of Herrera’s eyes caused by accidental head-butts.

“Another round and it would’ve been a knockout victory for Hank,” Burchfield said. “We’ve told Herrera we’d fight him. We’d fight him for nothing. They won’t fight us.”

Crawford went on to stop Dulorme in six rounds in April in a blistering performance by the reigning champ in Texas, but, Burchfield said, Dulorme was “damaged goods” by that point courtesy of the test he faced from Lundy in his previous bout.

“I beat the brakes off him,” Lundy said of Dulorme. “Had the man running around the ring.”

Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre, had a different perspective from watching the fight.

“He said he was beating up Dulorme. No you weren’t,” McIntyre countered. “You were losing, dog. You did come back, though, but you needed help. You needed someone to coach you in the corner, to get you up. ‘Come on, man. You got dog in you! You got dog in you!’

“I don’t have to do with that Terence, because the dog’s already in him when he comes out. I know that for sure. You don’t have confidence in yourself. Another thing I noticed about you, you’ve switched coaches time and time again. That’s inconsistency, bro, along with your chin. Your chin is inconsistent!

“I respect you. I’m just stating the obvious and the obvious is you’re going to get your ass kicked. I bet you that. I bet $10,000 on that.”

The Feb. 27th HBO doubleheader, which begins 10 p.m. ET, also features a 10-round WBO Latino lightweight title bout between reigning champion Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and unbeaten challenger William Silva (23-0, 14 KOs) of San Paolo, Brazil. On sale beginning tomorrow, tickets are priced at $25, $50, $100, $200 and $300 and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone at (866) 858-0008 or online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

“[Crawford-Lundy] reminds me of a fight a long time ago, Floyd Mayweather and Emanuel Burton,” said Top Rank president Todd DuBoef. “People said, ‘Burton’s got nine losses. How can you put Mayweather in with him?’ and what a fight it was. Floyd had to earn every bit of that, probably his most difficult fight to date and someone that gave him an enormous amount of difficulty and challenges in the ring. Don’t ever judge a fighter by their record. Hank Lundy has been in there with everybody. People thought he was beating Dulorme and Herrera. He is a top quality fighter.

“What Terence Crawford represents in the sport right now is one of the most excellent fighters in the sport,” added HBO Sports executive vice president Peter Nelson. “In front of him in Hank Lundy is one of the best tests that can be found, a fighter that will step up and take the challenge.”

For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.toprank.com, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.twitter.com/trboxing using the hashtag #CrawfordLundy to join the conversation. Updates are also available on www.facebook.com/cesboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxing or www.facebook.com/trboxeo.

NEW YORK (January 12, 2015) — Undefeated superstar champions TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO will make their 2016 debuts in title defenses, Saturday, February 27, at the “Mecca of Boxing” — The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Crawford, the two-division world champion and 2014 Fighter of the Year will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world championship belt against Top-10 contender “Hammerin'” HANK LUNDY. Verdejo, the boxing gem of Puerto Rico, will be risking his WBO Latino lightweight title crown and his march to a world title shot when he rumbles with undefeated Brazilian buzz saw WILLIAM “Baby Face” SILVA. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 95-5-1 (60 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with close to 2/3 of their victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), Diamante Promotions and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Crawford vs. Lundy / Verdejo vs. Silva championship doubleheader will go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

“I will show the world I am the best fighter at 140 pounds,” said Crawford

“We can’t wait to shut up this dude, once and for all,” said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s chief trainer and co-manager.

“This is an excellent matchup,” said Cameron Dunkin, Crawford’s co-manager. “Terence, the best in the world, against Lundy, a world-class fighter. Fans at The Garden and at home watching on HBO will be on their feet for as long as it lasts.”

“This is the type of fight I have been waiting for,” said Lundy. “The last couple of fights I have beaten guys but didn’t get the fair shake. If you’re a true fan of boxing, you know I belong in the ring with the best fighters in the world. I’m the type of guy that no one wants to fight, because I am the real deal. On February 27th, I am coming to Madison Square Garden to fight Terence Crawford, and on the 28th I’ll be leaving with his belt.”

“I feel happy to be going back to New York where last time I didn’t have one of my best performances because of the injury I suffered on my left hand, but I hope that this time I can give all my fans in ‘The Big Apple’ the spectacle that they deserve,” said Verdejo. “I’m coming ready to demonstrate to the world that in Puerto Rico there is a hungry fighter that wants to continue the tradition of champions that our Island has a rich history of producing.”

“We are going to New York to face William Silva, who on paper looks like the toughest fighter Felix has ever faced, but we are confident we will do the right preparation to pass this test,” said Ricky Marquez, Verdejo’s trainer and manager. “We know that we can count on the support of all the boricuas and we dedicate this fight to them, because they inspire us to wake up every morning at dawn to keep working harder and harder.”

“This is the fight I’ve wanted for a long time. At last, we get Verdejo in the ring,” said Silva.

“All of us at Top Rank are thrilled to return to the Theater at Madison Square Garden,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “We are particularly delighted that America superstar Terence Crawford will defend his world junior welterweight title against an ever dangerous Hank Lundy. The big boxing program will also showcase rising superstar prospect and the pride of Puerto Rico Felix Verdejo who will take on undefeated contender William Silva of Brazil.”

“It is great to be working with Top Rank and HBO Boxing on this event. This is the type of fight that is great for the sport of boxing, said Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., president of CES, Lundy’s promoter. “Fans will see two true warriors who will leave it all in the center of the ring, and it should go down as one of the best fights of the year. Hank Lundy has been waiting for a well-deserved opportunity like this his whole life, and he is hungry and ready for this bout. “Hammerin'” Hank has never turned down an opportunity, and in his past 17 bouts he has fought in 13 different states against opponents with a combined record of 276-44-4. On February 28th the world will see the best Hank Lundy yet.”

“Making his Manhattan debut, Terence Crawford stands today among boxing’s fastest rising stars” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “His opponent Hank Lundy, Crawford’s toughest to date, seeks to usurp that star power for himself on fight night with an upset at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater. This will be a memorable night that will catapult the winner to new heights.”

Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), of Omaha, Neb., who has won three of his last four bouts by stoppage, will be making his debut at the “Mecca of Boxing” in his second title defense as WBO junior welterweight world champion. The consensus Top-10 pound-for-pound fighter will be looking to build on his star-making 2014 which featured three world championship victories as well as Fighter of the Year honors from the BWAA and major media alike. Crawford, 28, captured the vacant WBO junior welterweight crown on April 18, 2015, via a devastating sixth-round knockout of once-beaten No. 2 world-rated contender Thomas Dulorme. He successfully defended the title on October 24, stopping No.2 world-rated contender Dierry Jean in front of a packed house at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. Crawford began his career-best year on March 1, 2014, just 13 days short of the sixth anniversary of his professional debut. He captured the WBO lightweight title, dethroning defending champion Ricky Burns on Burns’ home turf of Glasgow, Scotland. Scoring a powerful and unanimous decision, Crawford put the boxing world on notice with his virtuoso performance as he pulled out all stops in dismantling Burns, rocking the defending champion throughout the fight, while switching back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances. He followed that with a dramatic and critically-acclaimed knockout victory of undefeated former world champion and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28, 2014, in a Fight of the Year nominee. It was one of the most-watched fights of the year with over 1.2 million viewers catching the live, first-time airing of the fight, according to Nielsen Media Research. He concluded 2014 on November 29 with a thorough shellacking of one-time world title challenger and No. 1 contender Ray Beltran, winning 11 of the 12 rounds. Crawford is only the second Nebraska native to be recognized as a boxing world champion. Perry “Kid” Graves, from Rock Bluff, captured the welterweight crown, knocking out Johnny Alberts in Brooklyn, in 1914, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA., will be bringing anything but brotherly love when he battles Crawford. The nine-year pro has a refreshing “old school” attitude about competition which can be boiled down to three words, “Bring It On!” Boasting a professional resume that doesn’t shy away from any tough fights, Lundy, 32, has several impressive victories, including former world champions David Diaz and Richar Abril as well as contenders Olusegun Ajose, Patrick Lopez, Dannie Williams and Angelo Santana. Lopez and Williams were both NABF lightweight title fights. In his last fight, on October 17, Lundy captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight title via a fifth-round knockout of Carlos Velasquez. Like Crawford, he can switch effectively and seamlessly to the southpaw stance. He is currently world-rated No. 8 by the WBC.

Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who earned “Prospect of the Year” honors in 2014 and 2015, is looking to begin this year as a bona fide world title contender. He returns to the ring having won eight of his last 10 fights inside the distance, including his first and last fights of 2015 — a fifth-round knockout of Marco Lopez, on April 25, for the vacant WBO Latino lightweight title and a second-round pasting of Josenilson Dos Santos on December 11, which was Verdejo’s second defense of the title. In between those two fights, Verdejo successfully defended his title on June 13 at Madison Square Garden during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated contender Ivan Najera of San Antonio, TX. Already world-rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 6 by the WBO and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Verdejo, 22, continues to develop into a major gate attraction, producing standing room only crowds every time he fights. A former amateur standout who represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics, Verdejo has been mentored by Puerto Rican boxing icon and Hall of Fame inductee Felix Trinidad.

Silva (23-0, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, who will be making his HBO debut, has only gone the distance three times over the past five years. He began to separate himself from the pack in 2013, when he captured the WBO Latino welterweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision over Hector Santana. In his 2014 debut, he captured the WBO Latino lightweight title, again by a 12-round decision, over Pablo Barboza. Santana and Barboza had a combined record of 40-5 when Silva fought them. Silva, 28, won all his 2015 fights by knockout, including a third-round stoppage of Bayanmunkh Bayaanjargal on the undercard of the December 11 Verdejo-Santos fight. Silva was licking his chops at the prospect of fighting Verdejo and made no secret of his desire at the post-fight press conference. World-rated No. 15 by the WBO, Silva will be one of the biggest and most dangerous opponents Verdejo has ever faced.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtags #CrawfordLundy or #VerdejoSilva to join the conversation on Twitter.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 11th, 2016) — When it came time for undefeated junior welterweight world champion Terence Crawford to find a suitable opponent for his first title defense of 2016, only one of the so-called top 140-pounders in the world answered the challenge.

Philadelphia’s “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, boxing’s most feared road warrior, will get his long-overdue title shot Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2016 against the unbeaten Crawford in the 12-round main event of HBO’s World Championship Boxing doubleheader at The Theater at Madison Square Garden for Crawford’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) title.

Top Rank and CES Boxing, Lundy’s promoter, will host a press conference Tuesday at Madison Square Garden beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET to officially announce the fight.

“I’m running with a dream,” said Lundy, ranked No. 8 in the world. “This is what I’ve been fighting for my whole career.

“I’m telling Crawford: ‘You’re coming to the east coast. You’re coming into my backyard. I’m coming here to knock you out. I’m going to give you everything you’re looking for.'”

Ten years since his debut, Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) has finally reached the pinnacle of his profession, a well-deserved opportunity for a fighter who’s always been willing to fight anyone, anywhere at any given time, traveling from Quebec to the Ukraine to earn his respect in a sport where such persistence and dedication sometimes goes unrewarded.

“We’ve waited for this opportunity for a long time. No one deserves this more than Hank,” said CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “We’ve fought everywhere. We’ve taken last-minute fights overseas. We’ve been the underdog. No one works harder than Hank and no one is hungrier for a shot at a world title. On Feb. 27th the whole world will see why he is the best 140-pounder in the world.”

According to Crawford’s promoter, Top Rank founder and CEO Bob Arum, no one else would step to the plate against Crawford, not even Mauricio Herrera, who beat Lundy in July in a controversial technical decision; reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Viktor Postol, whom Lundy faced in 2013; or former champ Ruslan Provodnikov.

“That’s what I tell you about these fighters. They want to pick and choose,” Lundy said. “One thing I tell you about me and in my career, you never see ‘Hammerin” Hank pick and choose. I don’t care who I’m in the ring with. I’m an old-school, throwback fighter. You put them in front of me, let’s get it. I don’t have time for picking and choosing. The opportunity came for a world title and I’m ready. I’ve been ready.”

Facing Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs) is a unique challenge, but not the first time Lundy has stood toe-to-toe with an unbeaten vet. A 5-foot-8 right-hander from Omaha, Neb., Crawford rose to prominence in 2013 with a dominant, unanimous decision win over Breidis Prescott, followed by back-to-back wins over former WBC Silver Lightweight champ Alejandro Sanabria and unbeaten Russian Andrey Klimov before earning his shot at 140-pound title-holder Ricky Burns in 2014.

Crawford has defended his WBO title four times since beating Burns, including wins over contenders Raymundo Beltran and Thomas Dulorme, both of whom Lundy lost to in close, controversial decisions (a majority decision loss to Beltran in July of 2012 and a split decision loss to Dulorme in December of 2014 on HBO). Three of those aforementioned title defenses took place at the CenturyLink Center in Crawford’s hometown. He hasn’t fought on the east coast since beating Angel Rios in New Jersey in 2011.

“I’m not going to downplay it. [Crawford] does what he’s supposed to do when he gets those guys in front of him, but at the end of the day I haven’t seen any improvement,” Lundy said. “If you look at my resume, I’ve fought the tougher opposition than Crawford.

“He fought a couple of guys I already fought and I’ll you like this, after you fight me you’re never the same. Those guys are never the same after fighting Hank Lundy. Dulorme? I gave you the blueprint on how to beat him. Beltran? I beat him but didn’t get a fair shake. At the end of the day, think about it, if I didn’t get robbed on those fights, ‘Hammerin” Hank Lundy would be undefeated and would’ve already had a world title.

“I can really say no one has flat-out beat me. I’ve suffered controversial losses. I consider myself undefeated. That’s how I go into my fights. This fight, fighting for the word title, I’m looking at it as if I’m undefeated and he’s trying to take my pride.”

Lundy’s bold claims aren’t without merit. The Philadelphia native has faced an undefeated opponent with at least eight pro fights on his record five times in his career and is 3-1-1 in those bouts, including a win over Tyrese Hendrix on ESPN in 2010 and a knockout victory against Jason Cintron, the younger brother of former world champ Kermit Cintron, in 2009. Lundy also owns a split decision win over current World Boxing Association (WBA) Lightweight Champion Richar Abril.

Win or lose, Lundy’s fights never lack in excitement or drama. After reviving his career with wins over Ajose Olusegun and Angelo Santana, the latter in his Showtime debut, Lundy lost a controversial technical decision to Herrera when the fight was stopped toward the end of the fifth round due to a pair of cuts over each of Herrera’s eyes caused by accidental head-butts. The fifth round turned out to be the difference-maker; the fight was even after four, but judges Eddie Hernandez and Fernando Villareal awarded the partial fifth round to Herrera while Zac Young ruled it an even 10-10 round. Herrera won, 48-47, 48-47, 48-48.

Feb. 27th will be Lundy’s third fight since reuniting with his original trainer, Charles Ramey, who coached Lundy as an amateur and helped guide him to wins in each of his first 16 pro fights. The difference is noticeable in Lundy’s defense, which appeared impenetrable in Lundy’s recent knockout win over Carlos Winston Velasquez in October.

“I’m back to the fighting ‘Hammerin” Hank that everybody loves,” Lundy said. “Before, in previous fights, you saw a lot of brawling, but I’m back to my boxing and punching, slickness, going to the body — I’m back, man. Listen, I can’t wait until the world sees me February 27th. I’ve got something to show you.

“Everybody knows ‘Hammerin” Hank is an elusive guy. I make guys miss, I make them pay, but with my boxing ability there’s going to be more damage done now. After I make you miss, I’m going to make you pay.”

Those who’ve followed his career know Lundy’s been clamoring for a title shot as far back as 2012 when he called out 135-pound title contender Antonio DeMarco. Even though it’s taken longer than anticipated for that opportunity to come, the 32-year-old Lundy is grateful for the experiences in between, both good and bad.

“I grew into a hell of a fighter — smart, I know what I’m doing in there,” he said. “When I first jumped onto the scene, I started boxing at the age of 18, turned pro at 23, so in professional fights I was still learning the game. Now I’m actually the complete package. I don’t have any wear and tear on me.

“Most of these guys I’m fighting, because they had long amateur careers, have a lot of wear and tear on their bodies. Sometimes they don’t last that long in the pro game. I’m fresh and I’m going to show the world on Feb. 27th on HBO at Madison Square Garden that ‘Hammerin” Hank is bringing that world title to Philadelphia.”

The Feb. 27th HBO doubleheader, which begins 10 p.m. ET, also features a 10-round WBO Latino lightweight title bout between reigning champion Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and unbeaten challenger William Silva (23-0, 14 KOs) of San Paolo, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.toprank.com, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.twitter.com/trboxing using the hashtag #CrawfordLundy to join the conversation. Updates are also available on www.facebook.com/cesboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxing or www.facebook.com/trboxeo.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 17th, 2015) – With two more impressive highlight-reel knockouts on their resumes, Demetrius Andrade and Hank Lundy are ready for whoever’s willing to accept the challenge in their respective weight classes.

Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) stopped Argentinian Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-3) at the 50-second mark of the second round Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Junior Middleweight Title in the main event while Lundy disposed of Carlos Winston Velasquez (23-22-1) 23 seconds into the fifth round of the co-main event to bring home the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Lightweight Crown.

The dual main event headlined CES Boxing’s “Gold Standard” card, promoted in association with Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

Fighting for the first time in 16 months, Andrade – the former world title-holder in the WBO – made quick work of Pucheta, sending him to the canvas twice in the opening round, the first time courtesy of a straight left hand and again just seconds later with a right uppercut. Already on wobbly legs, Pucheta gave it a go in the second round, but Andrade laid him out flat with another right, sending the pro-Andrade crowd into an uproar.

Andrade will now vault back into the WBO rankings, where he says he’s ready for the “big boys” at 154 pounds, whether that’s World Boxing Association (WBA) junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, WBC middleweight champ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, or anybody else in that weight class.

“Everybody else can get the big fights. Why can’t I get the big fights?” Andrade said. “Lara calls out Delvin Rodriguez and he gets that fight, but I can’t get Lara. He can go in and barge in on Canelo’s press conference and get that fight. Why can’t I get the same thing? I called him a bitch, nationally!

“No disrespect to any fighter because anyone who gets in that ring, I have high respect for, but it’s time for me to showcase what I really have against the guys everyone thinks is No. 1.”

Showing no signs of ring rust, Andrade came out firing Saturday and could get his shot real soon.

“This layoff, I just took the time to get better physically, spiritually, mentally, just all around, to be better myself,” he said. “Once I found out I was fighting September 17th, I always keep the synthetic oil in, but I had to get the motors running again. Here we go, man.”

For Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), this is familiar territory. The former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion and former No. 1 contender in the WBC, Lundy has settled back into the 135-pound weight class following a brief stint at 140 and also hopes to contend for a world title by the end of 2015.

He, too, came out fast Saturday, dropping the scrappy, tough Velasquez in the second round and again at the bell in the fourth, but Velasquez refused to quit. He continued to eat lefts and rights and even jawed with Lundy during exchanges, practically charging at his opponent after picking himself up off the canvas at the end of the fourth.

Seeking his first win in three fights, Lundy finally ended it in the fifth with another trademark flurry, backing Velasquez into the corner before the referee stopped the fight.

What’s next for “Hammerin’” Hank?

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring in December,” Lundy said. “Our mission this year is to stay busy, stay active, get that world title, and that’s what I’m going to do.

“Now I’m back at 135 and you see the punching power, you see the hand speed. No one is going to stop us.”

Lundy suffered back-to-back losses to Thomas Dulorme and Mauricio Herrera at 140 and also had a bout with Petr Petrov scrapped when he failed to make this 135-pound weight limit taking the fight on eight days’ notice. On Friday, he clocked in at a lean 134, removing any doubt as to whether or not he can still fight at lightweight.

“I’m still a lightweight,” he said. “They threw me under the bus. They didn’t give me credit for taking a fight on short notice, but I showed you today. I came in at 134. I think I was a little lower than that, but the commission didn’t want to show that off!

“What it is, before I was going up and down in weight, but now, as a veteran, we’re eating and living right. I have a mentor, Bernard Hopkins. When you have an icon around like that who lectures to you, you have no choice but to take it and feed off it. I’m living proof.”

Unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (10-0, 7 KOs) kept his perfect record and his knockout streak intact, stopping South Carolina’s Kevin Cooper at the 1:33 mark of the second round.

Cooper succeeded where Gray’s last six opponents failed by making it past the opening round, but not without hitting the canvas courtesy of a left hook in the closing seconds. Cooper made it through the first, but didn’t last much longer in the second. Gray finished the bout with a left uppercut, sending Cooper to his knees. He made it to his feet before the 10 count, but referee Danny Schiavone wisely waved it off. Gray has now won his last seven bouts by knockout, six in the first round.

New Haven, Conn., featherweight Josh Crespo (5-2-3) won for the second time in as many fights, out-working the game Greg Coverson of Detroit to earn a 58-55, 60-53, 60-53 unanimous decision.

Crespo benefitted from a first round knockdown, catching Coverson lunging and countering with a clean left hook. Coverson survived and gained some momentum in the later rounds, but Crespo proved too quick and too elusive.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Nate Millier (7-0-1, 5 KOs) impressed in his United States debut, stopping Queens veteran Borngod Washington 40 seconds into the second round. Millier opened the round with a flurry, backing Washington into a corner and unloaded with wide left and right hooks, forcing Schiavone to give Washington a standing eight count. Washington began complaining of a shoulder during the break in the action and could no longer continue.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 13th, 2015) — He’s a veteran of the game, nearly a decade into his professional career, but with experience and wisdom also comes age, and Philadelphia’s Hank Lundy, who turned 31 in January, knows it’s “now or never” as he continues to chase that elusive world title.

“This year, I’m going to shock the world and get what I’ve been chasing after,” Lundy said. “No more playing around.”

Three months removed from his last bout, a controversial loss to Mauricio Herrera on HBO Deportes, Lundy (25-5-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring Saturday, Oct. 17th, 2015 to face Nicaraguan vet Carlos Winston Velasquez (23-21-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant Word Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Lightweight Title in the 10-round co-main event of CES Boxing’s “Gold Standard” card at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Lundy is currently ranked 15th among 135-pounders in the WBC. Winning another regional title moves him closer to the top, and perhaps closer to a shot at reigning champion Jorge Linares, who’s defended the title twice since winning it in December.

“The one thing I noticed about him is he can’t deal with pressure,” Lundy said of Linares. “He’s weak. He’s slow. I’ve been dying — as a matter of fact, I can’t wait to get in the ring with him — to destroy him and bring that world title back to Philadelphia.”

First thing’s first, Lundy must get through Oct. 17th. Having been down this road before, he’s well aware that looking too far ahead can be hazardous to his career. Case in point, Lundy was ranked No. 1 in the world at 135 pounds before facing then-unknown journeyman Raymundo Beltran in July of 2012 in what was supposed to be a tune-up for a title shot. Instead, Lundy lost and spent the next year and a half rebranding his image and fighting his way back into the championship picture at 135.

Three consecutive wins, including a dominant victory on ShoBox against hometown favorite Angelo Santana, earned him a shot at 140-pound prospect Thomas Dulorme on HBO in December for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown. Lundy absorbed a first-round knockdown and lost a narrow split decision. He planned to jump right back a month later against Petr Petrov on less than two week’s notice, but the fight was cancelled when Lundy failed to make weight.

Six months later, Lundy earned another shot at the 140-pound NABF title against Herrera, but lost on the scorecards via technical decision when the fight was stopped toward the end of the fifth round due to a pair of cuts over each of Herrera’s eyes caused by accidental head-butts. That fifth round turned out to be the difference-maker; the fight was even after four, but judges Eddie Hernandez and Fernando Villareal awarded the partial fifth round to Herrera while Zac Young ruled it an even 10-10 round. Herrera won, 48-47, 48-47, 48-48.

“As the fight went on, I was going to hurt Herrera and stop Herrera, and Golden Boy didn’t realize that,” Lundy said. “You could tell the fix was in.

“I think [Herrera] knows better than to give me [a rematch]. At the end of the day, he knows I’m a more explosive fighter than most of those guys he’s been fighting. He found out in the first couple of rounds I could punch. I guess he didn’t know I was that fast. He didn’t believe the hype about ‘Hammerin” Hank and he found out the hard way.”

With so many highs and lows the past three years, it’d be understandable if Lundy grew jaded or felt snake-bitten by a sport that has done the same to so many promising fighters, but “‘Hammerin'” Hank continues to press forward, refusing to quit this journey despite the setbacks.

“Like I tell everybody, I don’t let a loss define my career or who I am. At the end of the day, I’m still ‘Hammerin” Hank,” Lundy said. “I’m going to work hard, I’m going to fight my ass off and, like I know, nothing’s given in this fight game. Everything I’ve got, I earned by working hard and Jimmy Burchfield, my promoter, we’ve been pushing it and we’re going to keep on doing it.

“Most of these fights, we’ve had to go in as the opponent. We’re not on the upside, so there’s always a possibility in the background where you know you’re not going to get a fair shake. The only thing you can do is go out there and give your all and all and put your heart into everything and that’s what I do when I fight. The world sees that these guys aren’t beating me. I’m getting beat by the judges or getting robbed.”

Not only does he plan on capturing a world title at 135 pounds, perhaps by the end of the year, he’s made it clear he still wants to take another shot at 140, where he faced Dulorme, Santana and current WBC light welterweight world champ Viktor Postol, among others.

“I have unfinished business there, just like when I started at 135,” he said.

Lundy won seven times at 140 between 2006 and 2010, often fighting at catch weights during the early stage of his career, but he’s just 3-3 in that weight class since then, including his 2013 loss to Postol in the Ukraine.

“None of these guys have beaten me where I can say, ‘OK, he really whooped my ass.’ None of these guys really beat me. The judges robbed me,” Lundy said. “I might go on a mission and unify those titles. That’s what I’ve been thinking about. Reigning at 135, unify those titles, then move up to 140 and do the same.

No matter the mission, it’s now or never as Lundy closes in on his 32nd birthday in January. The quest continues Oct. 17th.

“I’m dying to get back in that ring,” he said. “This next year or two is definitely going to be a big run for Hank Lundy and Team Hammer.”

Tickets are priced at $25.00, $50.00, $125.00 and $200.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254, or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The 10-round main event, promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Artie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions, features Providence, R.I., native and former junior middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) against Argentinian Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) International Titles, Andrade’s first fight in 16 months.

Next Saturday’s event will also be a showcase for New England boxing with undefeated Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (9-0, 7 KOs); New Haven, Conn., featherweight Josh Crespo (4-2-3, 2 KOs); and super middleweight Vladine Biosse (15-7-2, 7 KOs) of Providence featured on the undercard.

Gray will face Denver’s Marcus Dawkins (4-2, 1 KO) in a six-round bout and Biosse returns in a six-round bout against Nathan Miller (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of New Brunswick, Canada. Crespo battles Albany, N.Y., vet Rigoberto Miranda and cruiserweight Mike Marshall (1-0, 1 KO) of the Bronx faces newcomer Hampton Miller of New Haven, both four-round bouts.

For more information on “Gold Standard” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

Mauricio Herrera got a disputed 5-round technical decision over Hank Lundy in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Welterweight bout at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.

Herrera was cut over his right eye in round one and cut over his left eye in round two that were the result of accidental headbutts. It seemed that Lundy landed the more effective blows but Herrera won by tallies of 48-47 on two cards and 48-48.

Herrera, 139 1/2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 22-5. Lundy, 139 lbs of Philadelphia is 25-5-1.

Michael Perez scored a 6th round stoppage over late replacement Luis Sanchez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight bout.

Perez was cut from headbutts on his head in round’s two and five but was able to drop Sanchez in round six and the bout was stopped at 1:20 of round six.

Perez, 134 1/2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 23-1-2 with 11 knockouts. Sanchez, 133 1/2 lbs of Mexico is 17-4-1.

Former U.S. Olympian, Joseph Diaz Jr. had to work hard to get a 10-round unanimous decision over Rene Alvarado in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz scored a knockdown in round one when a straight left caught Alvarado around the top of the ahead. It could have been ruled a slip.

Diaz, 125 1/2 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 to raise his perfect mark to 17-0. Alvarado, 125 3/4 lbs of Managua, NIC is 25-5.

LOS ANGELES (July 9) – Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) and top title contender “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia hosted their final press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 9 at the City Althetix Gym in The Golden Boy Building to discuss their upcoming 10-round showdown on Saturday, July 11 for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Championship. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing, Herrera vs. Lundy will possibly be the last boxing match held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it is demolished early 2016.

Also in attendance were the co-main event fighters Michael “The Artist” Perez and Luis Sanchez who will face off in 10-round lightweight battle for the vacant NABO title. Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz, Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) and Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) were also present to discuss their televised 10-round featherweight weight bout on HBO Latino ® Boxing.

Los Angeles based fan-favorite fighters, featured on the non- televised undercard, Nick Arce (3-0, 3 KOs), Jesus Ivan Delgado (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and Jason Quigley (6-0, 6 KOs) were also onsite joined by fellow Golden Boy Promotions fighter from Brooklyn, New York, Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (11-0-, 5 KOs).

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (10-0, 9 KOs), who attended the press conference and was set to face Jose Esquivel in a six-round super featherweight fight, had to cancel today due to illness, “due to unforeseen circumstances on my behalf I will not be fighting on Saturday. Unfortunately, I’ve had a fever for 3 days now. I tried very hard to save the fight, but I’m not at 100%. I’m bummed out, but my health comes first,” said Christian Gonzalez.

Here is what the fighters, their promoters, and others had to say at the press conference in Los Angeles on July 9:

MAURICIO “EL MAESTRO” HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion:

“I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity on July 11.

“I have been training very hard for this camp. We have been running hills, running in the sand, we did it all.

“Lundy is a tough fighter, we have both had tough careers. We have had it rough and this is the perfect fight for us. This fight will show who is hungrier, who has more heart.

“In Philly they know who I am, they know I beat the champion and they will know that I beat Hank Lundy.

“On July 11, Lundy will know who is the real monster is. Provodnikov couldn’t drop me, Garcia couldn’t drop me, Benavides couldn’t drop me and Lundy will not take me down.

“I am going to come out as a champion on July 11.”

“HAMMERING'” HANK LUNDY, Top Super Lightweight Title Contender:

“Thanks Golden Boy Promotions, CES and my manager for making this fight happen. This is going to be a good fight. This is what boxing needs, two hungry warriors ready to get in there to put on a show.

“This is the fight that everyone will want to tune into and watch the fourth of the July all over again. There will be fireworks on July 11.

“I live the life of a fighter: sacrifice, determination, it’s all fair in the game of boxing.

“There is going to be hell to pay for, I’m coming for you [Herrera].

“Everywhere I go is my hometown, I always steal the show. Hammerin’ Hank coming to a city or town near you. It’s hammer time baby!”

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

“Thanks for all the support, we have a special card for all the Angelenos. The fighters featured on this card are all talented, explosive fighters. This is a can’t-miss event.

“We will kick off the celebration with a great Fan Fiesta for all the local fans. We will have autographs signings, a special Corona Sponsored beer garden, food trucks and much more.

“This event might be the last event at the arena, if you haven’t witnessed a boxing event at the Los Angeles Sports Arena you should get your tickets now. The sports arena’s first event was a boxing event and on July 11, we are paying homage to that great event.

“That is why they call him [Herrera] the People’s Champion, the uncrowned champion, but that doesn’t stop him from working hard. He is a professional and is prepared for war, to give fight fans a show on Saturday night.

“This card features some of the brightest stars in the sport, Joseph Diaz, Jr., Nick Arce, Christian Gonzalez. All of these fighters are Los Angeles based fighters with a lot of pride for their hometown.”

JIMMY BURCHFIELD SR., President of CES Boxing:

“I wanted to thank everyone for giving us a big welcome; we have had a beautiful welcome. We work with a lot of promoters but no one is better than Golden Boy, the whole team is so great to work with and we want to continue to work together.

“HBO is a great network, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for the continual support to the sport.

“This is one of the best fight cards that I have seen, from top to bottom.

“Hank has fought everywhere, but the one thing about LA is that Hank had enough time to get ready for this fight. He is coming with two hammers, he is in the best shape ever and tomorrow he will get on that scale and be ready.

“Hank has been ready for this fight since June, Hank Lundy is a Philadelphia fighter, everyone knows what a Philadelphia fighter is.

“The Hammer Man is coming with two hammers to take the title home to Philadelphia.”

MICHAEL “THE ARTIST” PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting this card. There is a lot of prospects, a lot of talent in this card.

“This card is going to bring fireworks to the Sports Arena on July 11, this will be our Fourth of July.

“Training camp has been going well, preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight. I promise to make a statement.”

JOSEPH “JO JO” DIAZ JR., Featherweight Contender:

“I have had a great training camp and I am ready to fight Rene Alvarado, I know he is a very skilled fighter and he will bring out the best in me.

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya for giving me this opportunity. I am excited to be fighting in Los Angeles, in front of my friends and family.”

RENE “GEMELO” ALVARADO, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

“I want to thank everyone for being here and showing their support, would like to thank God for the opportunity, Golden Boy Promotions who is my promoter for this fight. This victory is for Managua, Nicaragua.”

TONY WALKER, Director, HBO Sports:

“Thank you for coming out. This is an exciting match up that will be well received by our subscribers.

“We’re happy to work with GBP (Golden Boy Promotions) to bring this show to HBO Latino. It is going to be an exciting night of boxing and the fighters deserve attention.”

The Corona Fan Fiesta is open to the public and fans planning to attend the fights are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000 or onsite at The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Box Office.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing. Perez vs. Sanchez is a 10-round lightweight fight for the vacant NABO title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing de Pepe Gomez. The July 11 event is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:30 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (July 8) – Fighters on the July 11 HBO Latino ® card held a final media workout today at Westside Boxing Club in anticipation of their respective bouts at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. In attendance, the main event fighters, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, not only showed off for the cameras but also exchanged a few heated words ahead of their anticipated bout.

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. and Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, who are scheduled to open up the HBO Latino telecast, attended the event and were joined by fighters featured in the non-televised undercard including Nick Arce, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez and Jesus Ivan Delgado.

Below are the fighters’ finals thought about their upcoming bouts on July 11.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion:

“I feel great. I feel prepared and ready to beat Lundy and if he wants to brawl, box or do whatever, I’m ready. I feel there is a big possibility that I can stop him.”

“Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, Super Lightweight Title Contender:

“He [Herrera] may have beaten another Philly fighter, Danny Garcia, but he’s got to realize I’m another type of animal. I’m a throwback fighter and on Saturday, Herrera is going to see what Hammerin’ Hank is all about.”

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr, Featherweight Prospect:

“My dad and I have had a great training camp and I feel great. Working on sitting down on my shots and my power in general has been a huge focus for us. This fight is really important because I feel it will set up the future of where I stand in the division. My goal is to be fighting for a title a year from now and that will all come down to Saturday night.”

Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve worked hard to prepare for this matchup. He [Diaz Jr.] is a good fighter, but I feel comfortable and calm. I have been working on my speed and focusing on fighting intelligently and I think that will be the difference in the fight.”

Nick Arce, Featherweight Prospect:

“I feel stronger. The physical training and conditioning during camp has been great and I feel comfortable with our game plan. Training has been great and I cannot wait to put on a show for all the fans. If I can keep my knockout streak that would be great but fighting smart is a huge part of our game plan.”

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. We took a short break after my last fight and then went right back to work, working on a lot of the things that helped me win. Obviously my goal is to win but also in a way that makes it exciting for the fans.”

Jesus Ivan Delgado, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m excited. I’ve been sparring a lot working my speed and power and I feel great. I’m ready to make a big impression on my fans in my hometown and show my skills. I think my style and versatility gives me a great advantage in this fight.”

Tickets for Herrera vs. Lundy are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:30 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Fight night credentials will be available for pick-up on July 11 beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the first window at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Box Office located off of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Proper personal photo identification (Driver’s license or passport) is required for wristband pick-up. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, and @nick_arce and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, and @realnickarce.

LOS ANGELES (July 2) – Golden Boy Promotions! is excited to announce a special Fan Fiesta at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on Saturday, July 11 that will kick off an electrifying night of boxing before Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy. The daytime public celebration invites fans to come out and partake in pre-event festivities featuring meet-and greets with Golden Boy fighters and autograph signings, live music, food trucks, a special Corona-sponsored beer garden, and much more, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the front entrance of the arena facing Figueroa St. in downtown Los Angeles.

The pre-celebration will kick off a highly anticipated night of fights featuring a main event 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title between Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) and “Hammerin” Hank Lundy” (25-4-1, 12 KOs), as well as exhilarating bouts matching up some of the fastest-rising talent in the sport today.

As a special added bonus, fans will be able to meet boxing legends and Olympic Gold Medalists Paul Gonzales and Henry Tillman, both returning to the same arena where they won their gold medals at the 1984 Olympics, who will be on hand to sign autographs.

The pre-celebration is open to the public and fans planning to attend the fights are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Joining the updated card, previously announced fighter Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) will now face new opponent Luis Sanchez (17-3-1, 5 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico, replacing Sharif Bogere who withdrew due to injury during training camp, in a 10-round co-main event to battle for the vacant NABO Lightweight title. Also, new to the undercard, Irish power puncher and Los Angeles transplant Jason Quigley (6-0, 6 KOs) will now face Tom “Hitman” Howard (8-3, 4 KOs) of Trenton, MI in a non-televised six-round super middleweight bout; and undefeated boxer Zachary Ochoa (11-0, 5 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, will kickoff the night facing a yet-to-be-announced opponent in a non-televised six-round super lightweight fight.

Hailing from Cancun, Mexico, Luis Sanchez made a strong professional debut in July 2011, winning his first bout against Alejandro Rodriguez in Yucatan, Mexico. He continued to keep an undefeated status while accumulating eight more wins before facing tough opponent Winston Campos who beat him with a technical knock out in April 2012. Sanchez has racked up an impressive record boasting recent wins over Adan Mares and Alfonso Torres in 2015, and in 2014, over Miguel Beltran Jr., Adrian Padron, Jesus Cruz Bibiano, and Luis Gonzalez.

Born in Trenton Michigan, but now residing in Biloxi, Mississippi, Tom Howard rose through the amateur ranks winning the Alabama Golden Gloves tournament. Howard made his professional debut in September 2012 defeating Philip Soriano. After experiencing his first pro loss in his second fight against Donald Ward, Howard won his next seven fights. His most recent two fights against Todd Manuel and Eric Bossler resulted in losses, and on July 11, Howard will return to the ring eager to claim his first victory in 2015.

Zachary Ochoa, the 23-year-old fighter hailing from Brooklyn, New York, has already accrued an impressive record staying undefeated since his professional debut at the age of 19 in 2011. One of the most promising prospects in the sweet science today, Ochoa has continuously triumphed over formidable opponents, boasting recent wins over Moises Rios, Engelberto Valenzuela, Jose Miguel Castro, and Luis Alberto Cervantes.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (June 26) – Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera will participate in the ceremonial coin toss at the first semi-final game of the 2015 SocioMX Cup between two of the most well-known Mexican soccer teams Cruz Azul F.C. and Pumas UNAM on Tuesday, June 30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ahead of his fight on July 11 against “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy at The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The ceremonial coin toss will be featured at the start of the broadcast of the semi-match through Socio MX’s cup national partner, Estrella TV and international partner ESPN.

The SocioMX Cup is promoted by Sports Marketing Monterrey and presented by Coors Light. Tickets for the event start at $25 available at Ticketmaster.com and the L.A. Coliseum box office. The match starts at 7:30 p.m. PT. The winners of the semi-final matches will advance to the Final of the SocioMX Cup in Dallas, TX at the Cotton Bowl on July 5. For more information please visit www.socio.mx.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera is set to face Philadelphia’s “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Championship live on HBO Latino ® beginning at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (June 18) – Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and Michael “The Artist” Perez hosted a Los Angeles media work out on Wednesday, June 17 at the famed Westside Boxing Club ahead of their respective bouts on Saturday, July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and televised live on HBO Latino Boxing. They were joined by 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr., who will be opening up the HBO Latino telecast and Los Angeles based fighters on the non-televised undercard: Irish sensation Jason Quigley, Los Angeles fan favorites Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Ivan Jesus Delgado, Nick Arce and newcomer Angel Bojado.

Herrera is set to face former titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Title, and Perez will face Sharif “The Lion” Bogere in the co-main event for the vacant NABO Lightweight Title in a 10-round match presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing. Opening up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast on July 11, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. will face former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Below is what the fighters had to say at the June 17 Los Angeles media workout:

MAURICIO HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion:

“It’s been a long camp so I’m excited to make a statement and finally let loose.

“I will fight anyone in the division, and welcome the most competitive fights. On July 11, it’s about who is the smarter and hungrier fighter.”

MICHAEL PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to take advantage of the great opportunity to fight on a big stage on July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. It should be a great fight!”

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR., Featherweight Prospect:

“I feel great! It has been a great camp working with my father and I feel very prepared. I’ve been working on my punches, sitting down on my power shots and I feel good!

“My opponent has a lot of experience so I know I have to be cautious and fight smart but feel confident in my power. It’s going to be a great fight July 11.”

JASON QUIGLEY, Super Middleweight Prospect:

“Fighting in the L. A. Memorial Sports Arena is a great opportunity and I’m hoping to get the crowd behind me! I’m looking to put on a great fight for all the fans.”

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“After fighting on June 4 at LA Fight Club, I got some rest and now I’m ready to get back to work.

“My goal is to be a world champ by 21 like my brother was so I’m extremely motivated to put on a great fight July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.”

JESUS DELGADO, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“This fight is so important to me. My trainer who I’ve had since I was a kid passed away recently after a three-month coma, so I’m dedicating this fight to him.

“I feel strong coming down in weight from 135-130 lbs. and come July 11, it will show.”

NICK ARCE, Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s great to be fighting at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena July 11, and I’m excited to put on a show. It feels great to have all the local support behind me.”

ANGEL BOJADO, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m excited to finally get the gloves on. My brother (pro fighter as well) has been so helpful and supportive as I go through this experience. He motivates me to work as hard as I do, and on July 11,I’m excited to show my skill and all the hard work.”

Tickets for Herrera vs. Lundy are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@mercuryllc.com by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (June 17) – Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing will present an explosive summer tripleheader on Saturday, July 11 featuring a battle between West Coast vs. East Coast with Southern California’s Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) set to battle titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the NABF Super Lightweight Championship. Herrera vs. Lundy will be the final event at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it closes permanently andwill be televised on HBO Latino beginning at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

The co-main event features an exciting 10-round lightweight match-up for the NABO Lightweight Title between Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey and Las Vegas transplant Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs). Opening up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (16-0,10 KOs) will return to the ring to face former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@mercuryllc.com by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (June 11) – After a standout performance on the May 9 Canelo-Kirkland undercard, former 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. returns to the ring on July 11 in a 10-round featherweight on the undercard of Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

In the main event of the televised doubleheader Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera of Southern California takes on “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy in a 10-round bout for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Championship. The co-main event, Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey will take on Las Vegas transplant Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs) in an exciting 10-round lightweight match-up for the vacant NABO Lightweight Title, televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Featured in the non-televised undercard, female fighters Melinda Cooper (23-2, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Carolina Arias of San Jose, Costa Rica in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBO Bantamweight Title. Los Angeles-based fighter, but hailing from Ireland, Jason Quigley (6-0, 6 KOs) is scheduled to fight in a six-round middleweight bout, and Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (10-0, 9 KOs) and Jesus Delgado (5-0-1, 2 KOs) will fight in respective six-round super featherweight matches. Los Angeles fan favorite Nick Arce (3-0, 3 KOs) is set to fight in a four-round fight and making his highly anticipated professional debut, top amateur prospect, Angel Bojado, who recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, will participate in a four-round super welterweight fight.

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, South El Monte, California’s Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr., is unbeaten as a professional and has earned impressive victories each step of the way. At just 22, the southpaw sensation was 6-0 in 2014, and he got 2015 off to an equally strong start on March 6 with a third-round stoppage of Juan Luis Hernandez and on May 9, he made his third appearance in the Lone Star State in a 10-round featherweight unanimous decision victory against Giovanni Delgado.

A professional boxer since 2002, Melinda “La Maravilla” Cooper has built an impressive career cumulating with the Women’s International Boxing Association World Flyweight title and a shot at the IBF World Female Super Bantamweight title. Now the 30-year old who is now fighting out of Las Vegas, will get another shot at a title when she faces Carolina Arias for the vacant WBO Bantamweight Title on July 11.

A motivated fighter from, Leon, Nicaragua, Carolina “Princesa” Arias from San Jose, Costa Rica is eager to show fight fans that she has what it takes to become the next champion. A relative newcomer, the 27-year-old maintained an undefeated status since her professional debut in 2012 until 2014 when she fought for the WBC Latino Female Bantamweight title. Looking for another shot at stardom, the Nicaraguan native will not come down easy on July 11 when she gets another opportunity at a title.

Hailing from Balleybofey in County Donegal, Ireland, the 22-year-old Jason Quigley had an outstanding amateur career becoming the first Irish fighter to win a Silver medal at the AIBA World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2013. He started his professional career in 2014 and has quickly garnered attention by ending each fight via knockout against Howard Reece, Fernando Najera, and Greg McCoy. Quigley has continued his wins-by-knockout streak by taking down Lanny Dardar, Tolutomi Agunbiade and Joshua Snyder. Now the busy fighter is looking to impress in his fourth fight of 2015.

One of the most exciting prospects in the sport, 19-year-old super featherweight Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez has thrilled fans by winning each of his professional bouts by knockout, seven in the first round. Fresh from a sixth-round stoppage of Julio Sarinana at the inaugural LA FIGHT CLUB at The Belasco Theater on March 6, forced him to rise from the canvas for the first time to win. Most recently, Gonzalez pleased fans in an all action fight in his second appearance at LA FIGHT CLUB winning against Darryl Hayes via unanimous decision.

Jesus Delgado made a stand-out appearance at premiere event of LA FIGHT CLUB on March 6, dominating Rocco Espinozain all four-rounds, releasing relentless powerful punches to win the bout by unanimous decision. Since his professional debut in January 2014, Delgado has stayed local, building up his name and reputation on the Southern California boxing circuit most recently defeating Benjamin Vinson by technical knockout in the third round on May 7. On July 11, Delgado will go to the next level in his career fighting in his first six-round match.

Fighting out of the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, 18-year-old featherweight Nick Arce is a former amateur standout who entered the professional boxing world in style in November of 2014 with a fourth round knockout of Adalbert Valenzuela. Since then the Los Angeles favorite has fought Lyonell Kelly and Marco Alcaraz winning both bouts by second round knockout.

Hailing from Boyle Heights, the 21-year-old began his career in the sport at the young age of four, following in the footsteps of his brother former Mexican Olympian and youth champion Francisco “Panchito” Bojado. Since then, Bojado has been on a path to success competing in numerous amateur tournaments like the Desert Showdowns, Blue and Gold’s, National PAL Championships, National Silver Gloves Championships, the National Junior Olympic and many more, accumulating more than 130 bouts. In his professional debut, Bojado is eager to cement his own legacy in the sport.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@mercuryllc.com by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (May 29) – Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) and titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia hosted a press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 28 to discuss their upcoming 10-round showdown on Saturday, July 11 for the NABF Super Lightweight Championship live on HBO Latino ® Boxing. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing, Herrera vs. Lundy will possibly be the last boxing match held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it is demolished later this year.

Also joining Herrera and Lundy at today’s press conference were co-main event fighters Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey and Las Vegas transplant Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs), who will open up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast to battle in 10-round lightweight match.

Here is what the fighters, their promoters, and others had to say at the press conference in Los Angeles on May 28:

MAURICIO HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions for taking a chance on me for my career. Last year was a tough year. Two of the fights I was robbed in. This fight on July 11 will be justice for Herrera.

“Who better than to fight this tough man, Hank Lundy. We are both hungry and not scared of anybody.

“Lundy says he’s coming to fight and box. This is going to be the last fight, and we are going to shut it down. I’m going to take him to school.

“I hope everyone enjoys the fight and can make it out July 11 to the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.”

HANK LUNDY, Top Super Lightweight Contender:

“Every time I touch Mauricio with that glove it will bring pain. You are going to think about retiring after this fight. I’m ready to go to war.

“I hope Mauricio is in shape. But listen, I’m always in shape and always ready to go.

“That belt, I had it, and I’m bringing it home. This is a championship fight, and once I beat you, they will know who the real champion is: ‘Hammerin” Hank Lundy.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“These guys, Herrera, Lundy, Perez and Bogere, all have big hearts and will give it their all. These are going to be toe-to-toe wars on July 11. They will be fun to watch.

“We put a lot of time and effort in these fights. There is a lot of boxing on TV right now, and, how do you standout? You make great fights. We sit down with Oscar and our matchmaker Robert Diaz to make these great fights. Sometimes we spend hours debating the match ups.

“This kid they call ‘The Lion,’ Sharif Bogere has a great record. He is ranked by all the organizations as one of the top lightweights in the world.

“If you have never seen Michael Perez, you don’t want to miss this. He is an exciting fighter to watch. He is a hard fighter to handle.

“The best fighters have to fight the best. The only way you can do that is work with others. We have a great partner with CES Promotions for this fight July 11.

“Bernard Hopkins has always told us at Golden Boy Promotions, ‘you have to check out that hammer kid, that ‘Hammerin” Hank Lundy.’ He always talked about how dedicated he is, how serious he is about boxing. He comes from a tough town and they take their sports very seriously in Philadelphia.

“Herrera and Lundy are both top contenders knocking on the door for a world title. All that makes for a good fight. They are going to bring all that emotion in to the ring.”

Patrick Sullivan, Director of Operations at CES Boxing:

“I want to compliment the staff at Golden Boy. They are the best in boxing to work with.

“I urge everyone to come out and support the fight. Keep boxing alive out here.

“I called Hank and in typical Hank Lundy style, he said yes before I finished my sentence. This has been his MO from the beginning, he always says yes.

“He has had a lot of time to prepare for a fight, with two months, we will see the best hammering Hank we have ever seen. Hank has taken on all challenges, and he will take fights on short notice.

“With $10 tickets, that is a steal. You are going to get a great fight. Come out and support it. We are confident that Hank will be bringing the title back to Philly.”

MICHAEL PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

“Me, as a fighter, I’m growing year by year. I’m young but I have a lot of experience to bring to this fight. I’m coming out to make a name.

“I am growing year by year. I am young but I think have a lot of experience to bring to this fight. I know the opportunity that is in hand.”

SHARIF BOGERE, Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank you for being here. We are going to put on a great show, and I am ready. July 11, it’s going down baby. Don’t miss out.”

TONY WALKER, Director, HBO Sports:

“Thank you for coming out. It’s a great day in LA. This is an exciting match up that will be well received by our subscribers.

“We’re happy to work with GBP (Golden Boy Promotions) to bring this show to our HBO Latino channel. It deserves exposure, and the fighters deserve attention.”

ANASTASIA PALMER JOHNSON, Director of Booking, Business Development and Marketing, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena

“We’re excited to have this historic and exciting event on July 11 as what could be the last boxing match at the LA Sports Arena.”

BILL CAPLAN, Publicist for Golden Boy Promotions:

“Outside of Madison Square Garden and the Olympic Auditorium, I think the LA sports arena has the greatest history of a boxing arena in the US if not the world.

“The LA Sports Arena is scheduled to be torn down, this may be the last boxing show and possibly the last event at the arena ever. Closing with an important boxing show is as important as anything.

“You don’t want to miss this great show at the LA Sports Arena on July 11.”

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:10p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30 and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy.

LOS ANGELES (May 28) – Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing will present a summer showdown between West Coast vs. East Coast on Saturday, July 11 as Southern California’s Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) battles titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia for the NABF Super Lightweight Championship. The 10-round super lightweight bout from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

In the co-main event and opening up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast is an exciting 10-round lightweight match-up between Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey and Las Vegas transplant Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs).

“I am glad to be fighting in Southern California,” said Mauricio Herrera. “I feel it will make me stronger having all the support from my hometown, my family and my promoter. This fight will prove that I am a real threat in the division and Lundy is not going to have an easy fight with me. I am more comfortable in the ring and if Lundy wants a war well then bombs away. Let there be blood!”

“I’m eager to show the world that they haven’t seen the best of me yet,” said Hank Lundy. “Mauricio Herrera, I like him, because he reminds me of me, but on fight night I am not going to do him any favors. I know he gave Danny Garcia problems but I have full confidence in my abilities. He’s going to see what it’s like when you have a guy in front of you that can do the same thing and do it even better.”

“Herrera vs. Lundy at the LA Sports Arena will be thrilling fight for fans to witness on July 11,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Lundy is fearless, willing to fight anyone at anytime, and he will give Herrera a challenge in the ring. But, Herrera is bold and relentless with his pursuit of victory in the ring, having fought (and won) against a dangerous fighter like Ruslan Provodnikov. Both fighters are thirsty for the win on July 11 as former world champions looking to reclaim a title.”

“We’re very happy to be working with a great group of people and a first rate promotion like Golden Boy Promotions, as well as everyone at HBO Boxing,” said Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing President. “We’d like to thank Mauricio Herrera and his camp for taking the fight. Lundy has absolutely no fear and no problem going into somebody’s backyard and giving them the fight of their life. This July, he is going to put on an amazing show and have a huge victory on HBO Latino, and let the world know that ‘Hammerin” Hank Lundy is ready to be a World Champion.”

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:10p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Currently ranked as one of the top ten super lightweight fighters in the world by the WBA and the WBO, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera has made a name for himself in boxing, taking on some of the toughest opponents and earning the interim WBA World Super Lightweight, the IBF North American Super Lightweight and the USNBC Super Lightweight and Welterweight titles along the way. 2014 was a busy year for Herrera as he faced off against undefeated unified super lightweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia on March 15 for the WBA and WBC Super Lightweight World Championship only to lose via a controversial majority decision that many critics thought Herrera had won. Later on July 12, Herrera earned the interim WBA Super Lightweight title when he dethroned Johan Perez via a majority decision. Fresh off a contested decision against Jose Benavidez on Dec. 13 in Las Vegas, Herrera lost the interim WBA World Super Lightweight title and is now determined to take the NABF title on July 11. Herrera’s professional resume includes impressive victories over former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion Ruslan Provodnikov and former standout Mike Dallas.

Former NABO and NABF Lightweight titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy of Philadelphia, is a relentless fighter eager to get back into the title game after coming off a split-decision loss to Thomas Dulorme on Dec. 6, 2014 for the NABF Super Lightweight Title and the vacant WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title. A professional since 2006, Lundy has had a successful career acquiring and defending the WBO NABO Lightweight and the NABF Lightweight titles. Ranked by the WBC as one of the top contenders in the super lightweight division, Lundy has also faced some of the toughest fighters in the sport, going up against John Molina, former world champion David Diaz, and Raymundo Beltran. During a stretch between 2010 and 2014, Lundy fought nine of 11 bouts on national television (8 on ESPN and 1 on ShoBox) against opponents with a combined record of 232-18-3. Now, reunited with top trainer, Charles Ramey, who coached him during his undefeated streak, Lundy is ready to reclaim his place as a titleholder and will give the equally eager Herrera a tough fight at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena on July 11.

Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Michael “The Artist” Perezis ready to make his debut on HBO Latino on July 11. 7-0-1 in his last eight bouts, the 25-year-old is coming off two successful defenses of his WBA Fedelatin Super Lightweight title in 2014, as he defeated Jorge Romero and Jared Robinson. Currently ranked sixth in the world by the WBA, Perez wants to made a statement in his first fight of 2015 when he defeated the seasoned and former world titlist Miguel Acosta via unanimous decision in January. Now, Perez is ready to prove that he is the running for a world title shot when he faces the equally matched Sharif Borege.

From Kampala, Uganda and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sharif “The Lion” Bogere is an exciting lightweight fighter ready for a second shot at a world title. An active fighter since 2008, He has defeated experienced fighters like, Illido Julio, Raymundo Beltran, Sergio Rivera, Fernando Garcias and most recently Joksan Hernandez. Bogere got his first opportunity at the WBA Lightweight World Champion title in 2013, but lost out to Richar Abril via unanimous decision. Now, undefeated in his last four bouts, three of which were won via knockout, Bogere knows that a win against Michael Perez can put him back on the path to world championship stardom.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30 and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 14th, 2015) – From shopping for rings to stepping inside of one, 2015 figures to be a prominent chapter in the story of Philadelphia’s “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy.

Six days after he walks down the aisle to tie the knot with his longtime fiancée, Valerie, Lundy will step back into the ring to face super lightweight contender Mauricio Herrera in the 10-round main event of Golden Boy Promotions’ July 11th show in Los Angeles live on HBO Latino.

As his life outside of the ring changes, Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) hopes his current career path can take a similar turn for the better. Eight years into a career that has featured its share of ups and down, the 31-year-old Lundy is at crossroads coming off a narrow loss to Thomas Dulorme in his HBO debut in December.

Still ranked No. 9 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) among 140-pounders, Lundy knows a big win on national television puts him right back in the championship mix, a prime spot for a fighter who’s no stranger to the big stage.

“I’m eager to show the world they haven’t seen the best of me yet,” Lundy said.

On the surface, Lundy is the same brash, outspoken, take-on-all-comers boxer cut from the same cloth as almost every other fighter out of Philadelphia, but he’s matured in recent years. Before he and his fiancée decided to get married, they bought their first home together. Lundy admits he’s now a “homebody” who doesn’t get out much, instead focusing on family and fighting.

In addition to the not-so-subtle domestic changes, he’s gone back to his roots, reuniting with longtime trainer Charles Ramey, who guided Lundy through his amateur career and his first 16 fights as a professional before the two parted ways.

“I had to dig down deep and go back to where it all started,” Lundy said. “Most fighters, they like to go around and work with different trainers. When I had Charles, he brought out the best in me.

“He was hard on me, but he knows what I’m capable of and that’s what I like. He’s one hell of a boxing coach. I’m just ready to get in the ring and show the world the real ‘Hammerin’’ Hank.”

Asked why he and Ramey split up in the first place, Lundy admits success got to his head – the knockout wins, the accolades, the numberous appearances on ESPN.

“When you’re coming up in the boxing game and you get a little fame, everyone in is in your ear,” he said. “You get a little arrogant. I got big-headed. I’m not going to lie, Charles and I are both stubborn. Neither one of us wanted to come to the table and talk, so I put my little bundle on the stick and left.

“But I’ll say it like this: At the end of the day, the person who started you off knows what makes you tick. They know how hard to drive you, what buttons to push. Sometimes another coach might change things and you think it’s for the better, but they never learn you.”

With Ramey back in his corner, familiarity – or lack thereof – won’t be an issue when Lundy squares off with Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs), a tough, battle-tested veteran and former world champion in the lightweight division with wins over Ruslan Provodnikov and Johan Perez in addition to a 12-round battle with current WBC and World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champ Danny Garcia on his resume. He’s also ranked No. 7 among 140-pounders in the WBA.

But don’t mistake Lundy’s mature, family-man exterior as a subsequent lack of hunger, or taming of the beast, so to speak.

“I’m still ‘Mr. Excitement,’” he says matter-of-factly. “I’m ‘Mr. ESPN.’ Every time ‘Hammerin’’ Hank is in the ring you know he’s going to put on a show, so there’s no pressure.

“Before you had Adrien Broner, it was ‘Hammerin’’ Hank,” he continued. “It was me first before you saw those guys. Ricky Hatton. It was me doing all of that.

“Mauricio Herrera, I like him, because he reminds me of me, ‘Hammerin’’ Hank, but on fight night it’s search and destroy. I’m going to have to show him once again y’all messed up fighting ‘Hammerin’’ Hank! I know he gave Danny Garcia problems, but y’all forgot ‘Hammerin’’ Hank can box his ass off. And not only that, I can punch.

“You’re going to see some great boxing skills. He’s going to see what it’s like when you have a guy in front of you that can do the same thing and do it even better.”

Lundy promises “fireworks” in July with Ramey back in his camp, and he typically delivers when the pressure’s on. The fight against Dulorme was all action from the opening bell, with Lundy picking himself up off the canvas following a first-round knockdown and eventually hurting Dulorme in the later rounds before losing a split decision. More importantly, it was a learning experience he hopes will serve as a reference point when he steps back into the HBO spotlight in July.

“In that fight, I felt I got away from my game plan,” Lundy said. “I wanted to show the world the real ‘Hammerin’’ Hank, but everybody knows I’m a boxer and a puncher. I won a lot of fans, but that wasn’t the real me. I’m back to the old ‘Hammerin’’ Hank.”

in anticipation of this year’s Boxcino 2015 tournament, the January 16 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature Boxcino 2014 middleweight champion Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. (18-1, 6 KOs) and Boxcino 2014 lightweight champion Petr “El Zar” Petrov (35-4-2, 16 KOs) in co-main events. Monroe will square off in a 10-round bout against veteran Bryan “The Warrior” Vera (23-8, 14 KOs), while Petrov will meet lightweight contender “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round match. Friday’s show from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will air the fights on Saturday, January 17, at 8 p.m. The card is promoted by Banner Promotions.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore will be ringside with analyst Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will provide the latest boxing news and information. Delvin Rodríguez and Pablo Viruega will call the fights for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Boxcino 2015 Fighters and Matchups to be Announced on Telecast:
Fighters and matchups for this year’s Boxcino 2015 tournament — featuring fighters in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions — will be announced during this week’s Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates telecasts (boxers are paired and the brackets created by random drawing).

Co-Main Events:
Rochester, N.Y.’s Monroe Jr., the son of former middleweight contender Willie Monroe, has won his last eight fights, including his last—a 10-round unanimous decision win over Brandon Adams to win the Boxcino 2014 middleweight belt. Vera, who hails from Texas, enters Friday’s fight with wins over former junior middleweight titlists Sergio Mora and Sergey Dzinziruk.

Pertov, who scored an eighth-round TKO victory over Fernando Carcamo in his last fight to win the Boxcino 2014 lightweight belt, is looking to score another victory when he faces Philadelphia’s Lundy, who has wins over lightweight titlist Richar Abril and former lightweight titlist David Diaz.

Opening Fight:
Fridays show will open with a four-round matchup between Welterweights Greg Jackson (3-1-1, 1 KO) of N.J. and Maryland’s Cornelius Whitlock (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

Upcoming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Fri, Jan 16

9 p.m.

Willie Monroe Jr. (18-1, 6 KOs) vs. Brian Vera (23-8, 14 KOs) — 10 rounds, Middleweights; Petr Petrov (35-4-2, 7 KOs) vs. Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) – 10 rounds, Lightweights

Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Verona N.Y.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Jan 30

9 p.m.

Karl Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) vs. Tony Luis (18-2, 7 KOs) —10 rounds, Lightweights

Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Mashantucket, Conn.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Feb 6

9 p.m.

Jermain Taylor (33-4-1, 20 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (27-3-2, 9 KOs) — 12 rounds, IBF World Middleweight Title

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Miss.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Feb 13

9 p.m.

Boxcino 2015 Quarterfinals- Junior Middleweight

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Feb 20

9 p.m.

Boxcino 2015 Quarterfinals- Heavyweight

Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Verona N.Y.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates Social Media:

· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook.

· Score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

· Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo.

· For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

Philadelphia, PA (January 7, 2015)–On Friday night, January 16, a mouthwatering title fight has been added as the second co-main event of a championship night of boxing at the Turning Stone Resort Casino and live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

Petr Petrov will defend his NABA & NABO Lightweight titles against the popular Hank Lundy in a 10-round bout.

The fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) Boxing.

The fight will join the previously announced co-main event that will pit NABA & NABO Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. defending his belts against Bryan Vera.

Petrov of Madrid, Spain has a record of 35-4-2 with 17 knockouts. He is the Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion as he won fights over Fedor Papzov (14-0), Chris Rudd (13-1) and a title winning 8th round stoppage over Fernando Carcamo in the finals that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Lundy of Philadelphia, PA has become a fan favorite of television viewers as many of his bouts have been televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

He has a record of 25-4-1 with 12 knockouts and he has big wins over current WBA Lightweight champion Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3-1), Dannie Williams (21-1), Ajose Olusegun (31-1) & Angelo Santana (14-1).

In his last bout, Lundy put up a valiant effort but came up just short in losing a decision to Thomas Dulorme on December 6 in Brooklyn, NY.

Said Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES Boxing, “This is a great opportunity for Hank Lundy to get back in the ring and back on track following a hard-fought bout against Thomas Dulorme in December. What the whole world saw last month is that Hammerin’ Hank won’t back down from a challenge. Most fighters would want a tune-up coming off a loss. Not Hank. He’s right back at it in another tough bout against a worthy opponent. This is what defines his legacy. No fighter puts it all on the line more than Hammerin’ Hank and we’re grateful for this opportunity to work with Banner Promotions and ESPN, two of the best in the business. Petr Petrov is as good as it gets in this weight class, but ESPN has been the home for some of Hank’s finest performances and we don’t expect Jan. 16th to be any different.”

“This will be a tremendous night of boxing. “This fight along with Monroe and Vera will not only be great fights in the ring but these fights have huge implications as both winners will likely fight for world titles by the end of the year. We are excited to put on two of the most television friendly fights you can make in both the Lightweight and Middleweight divisions.”, Said Banner Promotions CEo Artie Pelullo

Host of the January 16th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. The January 16th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 13th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the January 16th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

PUERTO RICO (December 19, 2014) – Since coming home to Puerto Rico after his spirited HBO Boxing After Dark victory against Hank Lundy, world title contender Thomas Dulorme (22-1, 14 KO’s), has been very active in his community, participating in charity events with the World Boxing Organization (WBO). On this afternoon, the NABF Jr. Welterweight champion made his own charity event dedicated to the Community institution of “La Perla de Gran Precio”, a needy neighborhood in the barrio of Obrero, Santurce.

“Since I’m training in California, I’m always thinking on how to help my people from Puerto Rico,” said an excited Thomas Dulorme, who is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, and managed by Cameron Dunkin. “Today I provided food to those in need and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Soon I’ll be visiting more institutions. I don’t want this to be a part time Christmas gesture as I want to continue helping those that are less fortunate.”

Since 1986 ‘La Perla de Gran Precio’ has been serving the needy and homeless men and women in San Juan, Puerto Rico, those with mental disorders, substance abuse, homeless pregnant women, and HIV-infected patients among others.

“Thomas Dulorme is a very giving young man who is always looking to help others,” said promoter Gary Shaw. “He’s educated with a college degree and a great role model to children of all ages. Every young man in boxing should aspire to be like Dulorme. He’s a gentleman in every aspect of his life, inside and outside the ring. I’m very proud to say he’s one of my fighters.”

Dulorme is rated #2 in the World Boxing Association (WBA), #4 World Boxing Council (WBC), #4 International Boxing Federation (IBF ) and #4 World Boxing Organization (WBO).

NEW YORK (December 5, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions top rated contender Thomas Dulorme (21-1, 14 KOs, and his opponent Hank Lundy (25-3-1, 12 KOs) both made weight for their upcoming bout taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the two combatants will fight each other as part of a special triple-header edition of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®. The 10-round bout will go down this Saturday, December 6, 2014 headlined by Lemieux vs. Rosado.

“There is a lot riding on this bout as my promoter Gary Shaw has made this fight for the NABF and NABA championships” said Dulorme. “I’m fully prepared to give the fans a great fight and bring home a victory to my people in Puerto Rico.”

“Dulorme is in a great position to take his career to the next level.” said Gary Shaw. “With both belts on the line, Dulorme can really position himself for a world title opportunity. I have confidence in his ability to come out on top because I feel he’s the superior fighter.”

# # #

Lemieux vs. Rosado is a 12 round NABF middleweight bout which is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye Of The Tiger Management and sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. Dulorme vs. Lundy is a 10-round junior welterweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions and CES Boxing. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET with the first bout at 6 p.m. ET. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $150, $80, $50, $25 and $15, plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.