LAS VEGAS – March 14, 2024 – WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and all-action Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz previewed their 12-round co-main event showdown and traded verbal jabs during a virtual press conference Thursday before they square off on a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Toward the end of the virtual presser, Romero and Cruz went back and forth in Spanish and declared that their matchup would be “the most exciting fight of the year.”

Training out of Las Vegas, Romero will make the first defense of his world title after capturing the belt last May with a ninth-round TKO of Ismael Barroso. He’ll be opposed by the Mexico City-native Cruz, who rides a three-fight winning streak into his 140-pound debut.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ROLANDO ROMERO

“If you want to come right at me and get cracked, go for it. He can do all that stuff with the small guys he fights, but I’m a big fighter and I hit harder than anyone at the weight class.

“I’m always here to go for the knockout and to go for the kill. I’m not here to just touch you, I want to pop you.

“He’s not that unique. I fight guys like him all the time. This has probably been the easiest time I’ve ever had finding sparring in my life. He can be replicated, I can’t. My style goes hand in hand with my personality, it’s unique.

“We’ll see who the coward is on March 30. Once he gets cracked by me a few times, he’s not gonna come forward like that anymore.

“I’m gonna knock him out. He’s gonna come forward and I’m gonna stop him. He gets hit with everything, so it could be any kind of punch.

“I used to train with Ismael Salas before I turned pro, so it felt good to go back to basics for this training camp with him and get back to being me. Salas has had so many champions and I feel very comfortable being back with him.

“I know the Mexican fans are gonna be riding with him, but no matter what, it’s gonna be a spectacular fight and fireworks for sure.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“First thing’s first, I want to shut Rolly’s loud mouth up and take the belt away from him. Then I’m going after all the best fighters in the division.

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity on March 30. Training camp has been very intense because we don’t want anything to get in our way of becoming world champion.

“I’m not about to underestimate or overlook anybody. He’s had his success for a reason. I’m just getting ready to shut his mouth punch by punch and make him talk a little less. I hope he fights the way he talks on March 30.

“I’m not worried about Rolly, I just worry about my game. He’s never fought anyone as aggressive as me or who pressures like I do.

“We waited for the opportunity at 135 to fight for the world title again, but now we’re glad to have it come at 140 pounds. We’ve had a great plan to add the extra weight and use it in our strategy to win on March 30.

“This fight is everything for me. Winning this fight is the key to opening the door to all of the big fights in the sport.

“I haven’t had any trouble finding people like him in sparring. I can find cowards who don’t really like to fight anywhere.”

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ABOUT THURMAN VS. TSZYU & ROLLY VS. PITBULL

The stacked inaugural four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video is topped by two-time world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman dueling rising star and reigning world champion Tim Tszyu in the main event plus 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meeting in the co-main event on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will also see Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defend his belt against No. 1 rated mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, plus all-action super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will meet fast-charging contender Serhii Bohachuk for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship in the pay-per-view opener.

The card marks the debut event for PBC Pay-Per-View available through Prime Video since the parties announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement in December. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #ThurmanTszyu and #RollyPitbull, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

 

HOUSTON (May 12, 2021) – Undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo will enter the ring for a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown when he takes on hard-hitting Juan Macías Montiel on Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature rising lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former world champion Francisco Vargas in the 10-round co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Angelo Leo returns to take on Mexican contender Aaron Alameda in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Charlo will fight in Houston for the fourth time as a pro and look to keep his undefeated record intact against the upset-minded Montiel.

The event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, May 13 at 12 p.m. CT and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. Leo vs. Alameda is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) will return to fight in his hometown for the first time since a June 2019 unanimous decision victory over Brandon Adams on SHOWTIME. The 30-year-old most recently scored an impressive victory over top middleweight contender Sergey Derevyanchenko in their September 2020 showdown. Charlo has held the WBC middleweight belt since 2019, after a championship reign at 154-pounds that lasted from 2015 through 2017. He has compiled a perfect 6-0 record since moving up to middleweight and owns victories over former champions Julian Williams, Austin Trout and Cornelius Bundrage at super welterweight.

“It’s great to be back in the ring, headlining on SHOWTIME and defending my title in front of my hometown fans in Houston,” said Charlo. “Fighting on Juneteenth means a lot to me because there is a battle going on far greater than this. That said, I have to handle my business on June 19. Montiel is a tough, young, power puncher. I know he wants my crown, but I’m hungrier than ever and ready to put on a show for my fans. Get ready for a special, explosive night.”

Representing his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs) has earned knockouts in all 22 of his pro victories, as the heavy-handed brawler established himself as a hard-hitting force. The 27-year-old has put together an unbeaten streak since moving up to middleweight, first competing at the weight in September 2017, and most recently scoring a first-round knockout victory over longtime contender James Kirkland in December 2020. He owns stoppages of Marco Reyes and Gustavo Castro, and a draw against Hugo Centeno, Jr. at middleweight. Montiel had previously campaigned at welterweight and super welterweight, dropping a February 2017 bout to former champion Jaime Munguia in a 147-pound fight.

“I know that I am fighting the best middleweight in the world, but he has never faced someone who can punch like I can,” said Montiel. “All my losses in the past are from not training properly and trying to win by one-punch knockout. I’ve grown up and become a man since then. I proved that I was different when I beat Marco Reyes in 2019, and I haven’t left the gym since then. I’ve worked hard every day to become world champion and I will display everything I’ve learned on June 19.”

The 22-year-old Cruz (21-1-1, 15 KOs) shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in September. Cruz followed that up this March, when he won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matias Romero. Since making his U.S. debut on the undercard of Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan in December 2019, the Mexico City-native has been unbeaten in his four ring appearances. This will mark his fifth fight in 20 months, the last four of which will have come on SHOWTIME, including headlining ShoBox: The Next Generation in February 2020.

“Me and Vargas are going to show the fans true Mexican-style boxing on June 19,” said Cruz. “He is also from Mexico City, so I know this fight will be toe-to-toe. It’s my time to show the fans that I’m the best Mexican lightweight in the world. In with the new, and out with the old. I want to thank my promoter, Senator Manny Pacquiao, for his support and belief that I will become world champion very soon.”

Also a native of Mexico City, Vargas (27-2-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 36-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas went on to defeat Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories with a technical decision over Ezequiel Aviles in October 2019 and a TKO over Otto Gamez in November 2020.

“I only know how to fight wars and the fans should expect nothing less on June 19,” said Vargas. “I am a warrior, and people are going to remember the reasons why I was in two Fight of the Year battles when they see me in the ring with Isaac Cruz. I want to thank my whole team for putting together this fight that I know the fans will enjoy.”

Leo (20-1, 9 KOs), who fights out of the Mayweather Promotions stable, became the first world champion from his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M., since legendary three-division champion Johnny Tapia, when he defeated Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 26-year-old dropped the belt when he lost a decision to unbeaten Stephen Fulton Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. Leo, who trains in Las Vegas, will look to re-establish his position in the stacked 122-pound division on June 19.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring for this fight,” said Leo. “I wasn’t the same fighter in my last fight, as I was when I won the title. That’s given me a big chip on my shoulder. I figured out my mistakes and learned a lot about myself. I’m here to show people that I’m still a top contender and a threat in this division. Alameda is a real contender and he’s not an opponent I’m taking lightly. Whoever comes out on top in this fight will be right there for another title shot and I plan on that being me.”

The 27-year-old Aaron Alameda (25-1, 13 KOs) was able to stop Luis Nery’s knockout streak but came up on the short end of the decision in their super bantamweight title fight last September. Prior to the Nery fight, the Sonora, Mexico native had back-to-back knockouts over Jordan Escobar and Breilor Teran. A pro since 2014, his previous action in the U.S. saw him earn a sixth-round knockout over Andre Wilson in 2016.

“I can’t wait for another big fight on June 19,” said Alameda. “I showed that I belong with the best in my last fight against Luis Nery, and I will be even better against Leo. My goal is to become world champion and I plan on displaying everything I’ve worked on in this fight. I’m excited to battle Leo and give the fans a great show.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @MayweatherPromo on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LionsOnlyPromotions, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Former two-time world champion David Benavidez stopped Ronald Ellis in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Benavidez dominated the action against Ellis, who hung in there and tried to mount some offense, but Benavidez just had more weapons at his disposal and slowly broke down Ellis. Ellis was never knocked down in the fight, took a huge barrage of punches in the 11th frame, and the bout was stopped at 2:03.

Benavidez of Phoenix is now 24-0 with 21 knockouts. Ellis of Lynn, MA is 18-2-2.

Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

David Benavidez

“I rate my performance pretty good but I know I could have done better. Ronald Ellis is a tough competitor. I just hope the fans like what they saw. I threw a lot of combinations, punches in bunches. There were a lot of times I thought Ellis was going to quit but he didn’t. Hats off to him, he’s a tough guy. It was a little later than I wanted but a stoppage is still a stoppage. I hope the fans got a good show tonight.

“I was just head hunting in the beginning. My game plan wasn’t going to the body until I kinda figured out he wasn’t really blocking those punches. I should have gone to the body earlier, I would have stopped him earlier.

“I wasn’t really tired at all. I think that’s what working in Big Bear does. Working in that high altitude makes your stamina crazy. This was the first time I’ve been on weight the whole week. So I just relaxed. With the diet I had and going back to Big Bear, I could stay at 168 for three more years. At the end of the day, I deserve to give my fans 110% of myself every time I step into training camp and Big Bear is that sweet spot for me.

“I want all the big guys. Speaking for the fans too, they would love to see me against all the big guys because as you can see, I love throwing punches. I love stopping people so me versus any big name would be an amazing fight. I want [Jermall] Charlo, Canelo Alvarez, Caleb Plant, all of them.

“I’m willing to fight in August or September, whoever they want me to fight against. I just turned 24, I like to get paid so I would like to fight two more times this year. Whatever my company says, I’m down for whatever they want me to do.

“Jermall Charlo was talking about me, saying he was going to knock me out. If it’s that easy, come do it. I feel like it makes sense for the company, for me and him – we both need that big step up to move on to bigger things. I think that would be a great fight. He said he wants to move up to 168. Now he’s back-peddling.

“I definitely feel like I would beat Canelo Alvarez and I feel like it would be a great fight for the fans too. At the end of the day, people want to see great fights and fireworks and that’s what I give. There are still some things I need to work on in the gym but I feel like I still beat Canelo at the end of the day. I’m getting more experience.

“I’m the youngest guy on this roster and I’ll knock everybody out if that’s what it takes to get some of you in the ring. Come see me.”

Ronald Ellis

“Hell yeah I wanted to finish. I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I could have moved a little bit more and not taken so many shots to the head. Hats off to him. He did what he had to do. He never hurt me, that’s the funny thing. I took a lot of shots but he didn’t damage me or have me super hurt. I never thought about quitting. I’m pissed.

“I could have popped the jab and controlled things a little bit more and not let him smother me. I thought that I was in shape enough to absorb all those shots. I just kept telling them to let me go one more round. You can’t cry over spilled milk. We’ll be back here and get a crack at it next time.”

Cruz Decisions Romero

Isaac Cruz won a 12-round unanimous decision over Matias Romero in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Cruz was deducted a point for low blows.

Cruz landed 156 of 552 punches; Romero was 196 of 616.

Cruz won by scores of 118-109, 115-112 and 114-113 and is now 21-1-1. Romero is now 24-1.

Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Isaac Cruz

“He was a fighter who didn’t want to exchange punches. We initiated the fight. He didn’t give any show at all.

“I was very fed up with the clinches – there was never a warning toward him. I did my best out there. Not the best way I wanted to do it but thank God we won the fight and we’re taking the victory home.

“He didn’t come to win. He was a very, very dirty fighter who had no interest in fighting with me. He was desperate. I’m not happy about the style of the fight but I am satisfied I took the victory home and we’ve come to the number-one spot in the WBA.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen [as far as the judges]. We forced the fight at all times and it would have been very impossible for the judges to do something to me when I was the one pushing the fight.”

Matias Romero:

“Obviously, I’m not happy with the decision. I thought maybe it was a draw. But I’m not going to argue. I did what I could. I think I could have worked a little more to the body and maybe grabbed a little less.

“Overall I’m happy with my performance. He’s supposed to the be the ‘Pitbull’ and I went the distance. You have to take the opportunities when they are presented and I wish I would have had more time to get ready for this fight.”

Gausha stops Clark in 2

Terrell Gausha stopped Jamontay Clark in round two of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

Gausha dropped Clark with a hard counter right in the 2nd frame. Gausha was all over Clark and landed a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 2:44.

Gausha, 154 1/2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 22-2-1 with 11 knockouts. Clar, 154 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 15-2-1.

Terrell Gausha

“I knew Jamontay was a tough kid. I’ve been watching him since Cleveland so I knew about him already. I felt like I had a chance to knock him out but I didn’t know how the fight would play out. But I feel I did good, executed the game plan. My coaches had been studying film and we executed.

“I just took my time. I was setting traps. I knew he would be open eventually, but I had to be cautious too because he’s a rangy guy, has a good left hand. But I knew there were holes in his game and we executed. When the opportunity presented itself, we landed that big right hand.

“I didn’t know how early it would be. I felt like I could knock him out, but I thought it would take a few more rounds. I knew if I had him hurt that I would get him out of there. I noticed he was throwing a left hand but he was bringing it low. I couldn’t capitalize on it just then but I knew eventually I would get to him.

“I’m looking to fight in maybe June. I want the names out there. Obviously, all the belts are over here. I want to be a world champion so I’m looking to fight whoever I need to fight to get to the belts.

“I would definitely love a [Erickson Lubin] rematch. It’s all up in the air right now, but I’m one of those guys who loves a challenge. I’ve never said no to a fight if it makes sense. Erickson Lubin obviously he won that last fight. I would definitely like to avenge that loss. You’ve got [Erislandy] Lara out there, you’ve got a lot of people out there so I’m open to any fight. I’m going to be right back in the gym and stay ready.

“I know I made a statement tonight. I put the division on notice. I’m locked and loaded and I’m ready. I’m here.”

NEW YORK – March 2, 2021 – Two-time world champion David Benavídez faces dangerous veteran Ronald Ellis in a 12-round WBC super-middleweight title eliminator Saturday, March 13 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast also features two under-25 lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero in a 12-round co-main event bout. A 10-round super welterweight affair between Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark will open the telecast on SHOWTIME. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

“The super middleweight division has quickly become red hot with so much talent bubbling to the top. David Benavídez is one of the most talented boxers at 168 pounds, which is proven by the fact that he’s an undefeated two-time 168-pound world champion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Benavídez is fighting to reclaim his world championship and Ronald Ellis is fighting to claim his spot among the elite at 168 pounds. With that kind of motivation on both sides, this promises to be an explosive match. Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero are fighting to get to the top of the lightweight division and Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark are fighting to remain at the top of the super welterweight division. The entire show has intrigue that ripples through some of the best divisions in the sport.”

“On March 13, David Benavídez will move another step closer to regaining his beloved green and gold belt and remind the world he is the best super middleweight in all of boxing,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind after another spectacular performance by David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez.”

David Benavídez (23-0, 20 KOs), a boxing prodigy from Phoenix, Arizona, returns to the ring following a stoppage victory over Alexis Angulo at the “Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun last August. Benavídez turned pro at 16 and captured his first world title at age 20, becoming the youngest 168-pound world champion in history. An undefeated two-time super middleweight champion, Benavídez looks to earn another title opportunity at super middleweight. He was stripped of his WBC crown due to missing weight against Angulo. With nine of his 20 knockouts coming in the first round, the 24-year-old possesses one of the most devastating arsenals in all of boxing. It was on full display when he captured the super middleweight title for the second time via ninth-round TKO over fellow two-time champion Anthony Dirrell.

“I’ve had an amazing camp in Big Bear and this is the strongest I have ever felt so I’m looking to get an early stoppage against Ellis,” said Benavidez. “I’m glad this is a title eliminator and it’s going to be another step to being a world champion once again.”

The 31-year-old Ellis (18-1-2, 12 KOs) has been calling for the biggest fights at 160 and 168 pounds, and he has landed the toughest challenge of his professional career against Benavidez. Ellis, a native of Lynn, Mass., is fresh off a win over three-time world title challenger Matt Korobov who was forced to retire due to an injury during their December fight on SHOWTIME. Ellis has exhibited his slick boxing ability in recent outings but also possesses ferocious power, as evidenced by eight first round knockout victories in his career.

“It’s a fight but not just any fight,” said Ellis. “This is the type of fight I have trained for and wanted since I turned pro. He’s going to bring his best on March 13 and that will bring out the best in me.”

Cruz (20-1-1, 15 KOs) returns to the ring following the most impressive performance of his career – an emphatic first-round knockout against former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno in October. Fighting out of his hometown of Mexico City, the 22-year-old is quickly climbing the ladder in the lightweight division in pursuit of a world title. Cruz turned pro in 2015 at the age of 16 and suffered his lone defeat a year later, but his aggressive ring generalship has kept him unbeaten over the past five years.  

“I’m very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME on March 13,” said Cruz. “The lightweight division is the hottest in boxing right now. This fight puts me one step closer to my dream of winning a world title for my Dad, Isaac Cruz, Sr. and my country, Mexico.”

Romero (24-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line as he attempts to rise from prospect to contender with a win over Cruz. In his most recent fight this past November, Romero of Cordoba, Argentina defeated Javier José Clavero via unanimous decision in a fight at 130 pounds. The 24-year-old Romero’s most recent knockout came in March 2020 over Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero when he scored a fifth-round TKO in his last fight at lightweight. This fight will mark Romero’s U.S. debut and first appearance on SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions.

“I’ve come so far from Argentina to bring myself one step closer to reaching my goal of being a world champion,” said Romero. “I know that Isaac Cruz is a big puncher but he’s never fought anyone with my speed and heart.” 

A decorated amateur who represented the United States at the 2012 London Games, Gausha (21-2-1, 10 KOs) continues his quest to win a world title. Following a sensational first round knockout against Joey Hernández in 2018, Gausha fought former world champion Austin Trout to a split draw and lost a decision against world title challenger Erickson Lubin in back-to-back bouts. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the 33-year-old now lives and trains out of Encino, Calif., under the tutelage of accomplished trainer Manny Robles.

“I’m just blessed to be able to do what I love to do,” said Gausha. “I’m excited to be back on PBC and SHOWTIME thanks to Al Haymon. On March 13, I’m ready to go out there and show everybody what Terrell Gausha is made of and put on a show.”

Clark (15-1-1, 7 KOs) comes into this fight off a unanimous decision victory against Anthony Lenk last February. Fighting out of his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, the 26-year-old has only lost one professional fight, which came against former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario in 2018. This will mark the southpaw’s first fight during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a while since I was in the ring and I’m just excited to be back taking on someone like Terrell Gausha, who will bring a good challenge and let me display all of my talents,” Clark said. “This is the first step in getting back to regular action and I’m not going to waste this opportunity. I’m going on a big run after I beat Gausha. As McFadden and Whitehead said, ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.’”

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosts the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

In his 1st Pay-Per-View Headline appearance, Geronta Davis did not disappoint as he scored a sensational 6th round stoppage over Leo Santa Cruz and is now the the WBA Super Featherweight and Lightweight champion in a bout that was in front over 9,000 fans at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The fight started out at a blistering pace with both guys throwing and landing lots of shots in the opening frame. The fight was on pretty much even terms over the next four-plus rounds with each guy taking turns being the boss in the contest.

Santa Cruz was effect with his combination punching, while Davis waiting on his left uppercut. He was not disappointed as he landed a head turnimg shot in round six that knocked Santa Cruz completely out as he plummeted into the bottom of the ring post and the fight was stopped at 2:40 of round six.

Davis, 129.8 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 24-0 with 23 knockouts. Santa Cruz, 129.5 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 37-2-1.

GERVONTA DAVIS

“The uppercut wasn’t the key coming into the fight, but I adapted to what he was bringing. I knew he was taller and crouching down and moving forward. Once he moved forward, I tried to jab and make him run into the shot.

“In the first couple of rounds I wasn’t really warmed up. I could tell that he was trying to counter off of me, so I just adapted to what he was doing.

“He was right there for it. He punches, but he doesn’t try to get out of the way. There was nowhere for him to go on that knockout because I got him into the corner.

“Leo is a tough warrior and a strong Mexican fighter. He came ready for me. I was just the better fighter tonight.

“I want to maintain both belts. Whatever decision me and my team comes up with, we’ll go with it. I’m not ducking or dodging anybody.

“I’m a pay-per-view star. Everybody knows I’m number one and I showed it tonight. I’m going to continue to show people all over the world that I’m the best. I don’t have to call anybody else out. I’m the top dog. Just line them up and I’ll knock them out.”

“I was just breaking him down. He’s tough and was trying to play it off, but I could tell that he was breaking down. He wanted to keep fighting back.

“He touched me with shots early that I wasn’t supposed to get touched with. I started settling down and listening to my coach and Floyd. There’s a lot of pressure early in the fight. Floyd was just telling me to stay calm. I always want to go out and get at them, but Floyd always says, I’m a 12-round fighter.

“Everyone has their opinion, but I always felt like I’m the biggest star in the sport. I don’t need to go talk about other fighters.

“This is an amazing feeling. This is just the start. I have to thank everyone who helped me get to this point.

“I saw in round one that he was countering my jab. I knew he was coming with more than one punch. I started getting out of the way after I got my shots off. Once I started going to his body, I started to break him down. He had a lot of heart, and his mind told him to keep pushing through it.

“We worked on the uppercut, but it was really me adapting to the timing of the fight. He was blocking the uppercut at first. So I started switching it up and throwing hooks when he thought the uppercut was coming.

“I didn’t get tired at any point in the fight. If he kept the pace up, I was going to box around him. I have to thank my whole team for getting me into top shape.

“I didn’t take too much punishment so I’m just going to take a week or a week and a half off and get back to Las Vegas. At this point it’s best for me to stay in the gym so I’m going to keep that up.

“It’s not up to me to say who’s on the pound-for-pound list. Me and my team believe that I’m on it. The people see what’s going on and they see what’s happening tonight.

“I knew I had the speed and power advantage coming into the fight. But he caught me a couple times. So it was more about timing than speed.

“I feel strong at 130 pounds. It’s just up to me to stay in the gym. I feel good at the weight. But if there’s a good opportunity at 135 I’m ready to make it happen.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“It was an amazing performance. I’m just happy for him. I know how he feels. I used to be that same kid sitting right here. It feels great to be on this side and able to give back knowledge to help him grow. If anybody can become a household name, it’s this kid right here.

“’Tank’ had a long training camp and we’re going to enjoy this victory. ‘Tank’ is the top dog. He’s on pay-per-view for a reason. We don’t want to start calling out names. We want to let him go home and enjoy himself with his family and team. He’s going to keep proving to the world that he’s the best.”

CALVIN FORD

“I thought Leo was going to box more. But that’s what makes Leo a great champion. He comes to fight. He did some things to ‘Tank’ that I didn’t like to see.

“That uppercut is a shot we’ve been working on for a while. If you listen you can hear me telling him to shoot the uppercut. Leo was pressing the issue and coming to him. He was hitting ‘Tank’ to the body a lot, but ‘Tank’ found a place to land the shot. At the end of the day, ‘Tank’ closed the show.”

Barrios Stops Karl in 6 to Retain 140 lb. Title

Mario Barrios stopped a bloody and battered Ryan Karl in round six to retain the WBA Super Lightweight title.

In round six, Barrios dropped Karl with a hard right hand. Later in the round a clash of heads opened up a nasty gash on the forehead of Karl. Karl fought with all of heart but then ate another left hand that dropped him face-first and the fight was stopped at 2:23.

Barrios, 139.5 lbs of San Antonio is now 26-0 with 17 knockouts. Karl, 140 lbs of Milanon, TX is 18-3.

Tonight’s Alamodome attendance is: 9,024

MARIO BARRIOS

“It took a minute to get used to his pressure, he was very awkward. I eventually found my rhythm as the rounds started progressing.

“I’d give myself a B. I had a little trouble finding my jab because of his pressure. I thought I was slipping his shots well and finding my shots up the middle.

“He was throwing with bad intentions. He landed some punches. But there wasn’t anything that hurt me or that threw me off.

“I’m very excited by the outcome of this fight. It’s an honor to be the first fighter from San Antonio to defend his world title.

“I’m in the sport to give fans exciting fights. A fight with Regis Prograis would be huge. That’s a fight that’s very likely to happen.

“I didn’t feel any ring rust tonight. I was just being patient and I was ready for a 12 round fight. I was just taking my time, picking my spots and avoiding his wild shots.

“I’m one of the stronger fighters at 140. I showed I carried my power for 12 rounds against Batyr Akhemdov. I think the rest of the division should take notice of that.  

“Part of my style is attacking the body. I’ve always been a fan of body shots. They really pay off in the 12 round fights in the middle and late rounds. I knew Ryan’s style and I knew I had to slow him down so he wouldn’t be so rough for 12 rounds.

“This fight is for everybody who came out here in San Antonio tonight. I told them we’d get this first title defense, and I hope everyone enjoyed it.  

“I’ve known Ryan a long time. I knew he was going to come hard at me, but I also knew that it was his only chance. I was just being patient and picking my shots. I started to really land them and got him out of there.

“I was ready to go a hard 12 rounds, but my patience helped me get him out of there. I listened to what Virgil was telling me in the corner. It was great to get the job done here at home

“Virgil has meant so much to me. He’s more than a coach to me. He’s a mentor and like a part of my family.”

Ryan Karl:

“I feel fine. Hard hit that I got hit with. It was a tough fight, good fight, close fight I felt like. Good headbutt, bleeding pretty good but overall I feel fine. I’m not a sore loser. I come to fight, that’s what I expected was a fight. And so congrats to Mario on the win. We’ll move on from here.

“I wish the referee never would’ve stopped it. That’s how I feel about fights. I felt like I wanted to fight, I wanted a chance to get up and continue. But it is what it is. That’s his job, he has his and I have mine. And we obviously have different mindsets, because I’m the one fighting. But of course, like I said I would always like to continue if I have a chance.

“He’s a good fighter. He beat me. I felt like if I would’ve had more rounds it could’ve been different, but he’s a very good fighter and I take nothing from him.

“Hopefully another shot is next. That’s really all I want. I’m game and I’m here to fight.”

Prograis Stops Heraldez in 3

Regis Prograis stopped previously undefeated Juan Heraldez in round three of a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight fight.

In round three, Prograis dropped Heraldez with a blistering left. Herladez never was able to get back into the fight as Prograis pounded Herladez with more left hands until the fight was stopped at 1:23.

Prograis, 141.6 lbs of Houston, TX is 25-1 with 21 knockouts. Heraldez, 139.5 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-1-1.

Photo Credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

FLASH QUOTES:

Regis Prograis

“I’ve been out of the ring for a year so I think that had some effect on me not making weight. There’s no excuses, but the bubble also had some effect. Mainly it was the layoff though. My body wasn’t adjusted to making the weight again.

“My wife just told me to get this over with because she’s due to give birth any minute now. I’m living two hours away from here so I’m going home right after this.

“I still feel like I’m the best at 140. I’m going to keep proving it every time I fight. Me and Josh Taylor had a close fight, and I think if it had happened in the U.S. U would have won. We know that one day we’ll have to rematch at 140 or 147.

“It went pretty well. I congratulate Juan because he was a tough opponent for me to get back against. I’m just glad to be back. My grandpa died on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and this win is dedicated to him.  

“If the Barrios thing is on the table in the future, then we’ll do that.”

Juan Heraldez

“I thought it was an early stoppage. I was just getting warm, loose. He stunned me, but I don’t think they should’ve stopped the fight. I just thought it was an early stoppage.”

Cruz Destroys Magdaleno in 53 seconds

Isaac Cruz destroyed former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno in 53 seconds of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Cruz came out and landed a heavy barrage of punches that sent Magdaleno down in the opening 30 seconds. Upon getting up, Magdaleno ate a even heavier barrage that culminated by a devastating uppercut that sent Magdaleno down and the fight was stopped.

Cruz, 132 lbs of Mexico City is 20-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Magdaleno, 134.75 lbs of Las Vegas is 32-4.

Isaac Cruz

“The new Mike Tyson from Mexico was born tonight.

“I thought it would go longer tonight, but my natural instinct is always to go for it in the first round. I have confidence that I could win the world title right now. I thought it was a statement win. From now, on hopefully everyone will know my name and I’ll get the big fights.

“I would love a Teofimo Lopez fight. I’m very motivated right now. If he’s tough enough to take it, bring it on. I’m happy to be in this position in the division.

“My team did a great job getting me ready and I knew that I had to be prepared for a big fight no matter what else is going on. I trained for three months for this fight and was happy to be able to perform in front of an audience. If I get another fight right now, I’ll take it right away and do the same thing.”

Diego Magdaleno

“I don’t want to make any excuses but I’ve been fighting some heartburn. But he came out swinging and I was trying to adjust in there. I guess I was just fighting two different things in there. You know, stung cold, and got hit. That’s it.”

Follow All the action as Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Junior Lightweight and Lightweight World Titles.  The card begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a three fight undercard featuring Mario Barrios defending the WBA Super Lightweight title against Ryan Karl.  Regis Prograis takes on Juan Heraldez; Isaac Cruz fights Diego Magdaleno.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Counter uppercut from Davis..Body shot from Santa Cruz..Uppercut from Davis…Blood from the bridge of Santa Cruz nose..Trading rights..Counter right from Santa Cruz..Davis Pushed down..Right to body y Santa Cruz

Round 2 Right from Santa Cruz..Davis Throws Santa Cruz down on purpose..Santa Cruz lands a flurry on the ropes..Good counter uppercut from Davis

Round 3 Counter left from Davis..Left from Santa Cruz..Left hook..Left..2 Lefts from Davis…Body..

Round 4 Left uppercut and right hook from Davis..Left hook from Santa Cruz..Lead right hook from Davis..Jab from Santa Cruz..Double jab;eft from Davis..Left..Jab to the body

Round 5 Counter left from Davis and another…Right from Santa Cruz..Right hook from Davis

Round 6 Right t o body from Santa Cruz..Nice Right..Mouse under the right eye of Davis..Combination from Santa Cruz..Low Blow from Davis..Left from Davis…Davis landing shots…Combination back from Santa Cruz….HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES SANTA CRUZ AND HE IS KNOCKED OUT COLD

Round 1 Left to body from Barrios..Hard left hook

Round 2 Left hook to body from Barrios…Right from Karl  and another right..Chopping right from Barrios…Counter left hook to the body..Bllod from Nose of Karl..Counter right and counter left

Round 3 Lead Left drives Karl back..Right and left from Karl..Body shot from Barrios…Check hook

Round 4 Nice left hook to the body from Barrios..2 left hooks..Right Uppercut..Jab staggers Karl

Round 5 Body shot from Barrios…Jab..Right from Karl

Round 6 Thudding Punches from Barrios…BIG RIGHT AND KARL DROPS TO A KNEE….Straight from Karl..Karl cut on his forehead (Clash of Heads)..Right from Karl…Blood very bad…Doctor checks Karl..Says he can go on..Big uppercut from Karl….BIG RLEFT AND DOWN GOES KARL…FIGHT OVER

Round 1:  Heraldez trying to counter…Overhand left from Prograis..Straight left..Hard left
Round 2 Combination from Conceicao..Prograis lands a left
Round 3 2 left from Heraldez..COUNTER LEFT AND DOWN GOES HERALDEZ.. 4 Lefts from Prograis AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Cruz going right at Magdaleno AND DOWN GOES MAGDALENO..HARD BARRAGE AND HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES MAGDALENO AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

SAN ANTONIO, TX – October 28, 2020 – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) undercard previewed their respective matchups at a final press conference Wednesday before they square off this Saturday, October 31 from Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conference featured unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl, who meet in the co-main event, plus former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez, who square off in in a 10-round showdown, and lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno, who battle in an IBF title eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

Davis vs. Santa Cruz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m super excited to be back home for my first title defense. Come Saturday night, it’s going to be an explosive night of boxing throughout this whole card. I’m trying to steal the show in the co-main event.

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m fighting at home and defending my title, so it’s just a dream come true. You have an Aztec warrior and a Texas cowboy going at it. I couldn’t imagine a better co-main event.

“We had another great camp with Virgil Hunter in California. I’m excited to continue to show everyone why I’m the best in my division.

“Ryan definitely comes to fight. He’s known for being a pressure fighter. I’ve always considered myself a boxer-puncher. I’ll try to use my jab and fight from the outside as much as I can. But I’ve been known to brawl on the inside as well. It’s going to end up being a fan-friendly fight.

“I’m a complete fighter. I have the speed and power. I also have height and length. I carry my power throughout twelve rounds. I’m a dangerous fighter from the opening bell until the very end.

“You’re going to see a completely different fighter on Saturday night. My last fight I showed the warrior that I am, and during the championship rounds, I made big things happen. Saturday night, I’m going to show everyone how I’ve improved.”

RYAN KARL

“You’re going to see a great fight on Saturday. We are going to steal the show, because I’ve come prepared. I’m at my very best and it’s going to make me victorious. We put the work in. I’m going to seize this opportunity now that I have it.

“I’m not worried about getting a knockout. I just have to be victorious and become champion. Nothing else matters.

“I’m healthy and injury free now. It’s been over two years since I could say that. It’s a new start in a way. I’m listening better and my corner is the best it’s ever been. I expect it to be a very explosive and exciting fight.

“I’ve known Barrios since the amateurs, but it never crossed my mind that we’d fight because he was much smaller than me then. He’s matured and gotten a lot bigger now, so I’m anticipating he’ll bring the fight to me on Saturday.

“I come to fight, I’m rough and ready and I’m coming to win any way possible. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve never been in a boring fight. Win, lose or draw, you’ll always get your money’s worth.”

REGIS PROGRAIS

“I’m excited to be here. Training has been amazing. I just want to go out there and prove that I’m still the best at 140 pounds. I was number one for a long time. This is the first step toward getting my belts back. I’ve been training differently than ever before. I’m really living like a fighter right now. I just have to go out and do what I know I have to do.

“I need a stoppage or a shutout. That’s what I’m looking for. He’s an okay fighter. I don’t want to degrade him too much, because I just feel like I’m the better fighter.

“This is my first step toward proving I’m still the best. You sit and go over the fight a million times in your head and it usually never goes that way. I’m just going to do me and show the world that I’m still here. I train too hard not to be number one. I don’t want to be behind anybody.

“We’re all going to do our thing Saturday night. It’s a huge stacked card. Order SHOWTIME PPV and watch me mess Heraldez up.

“I’m just taking it one fight at a time right now. The landscape in boxing changes all the time. I’m not worried about anything else other than Juan Heraldez.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“I’m going to go out there and show everyone what the sweet science is all about. It’s about hitting and not getting hit. That’s my game plan.

“I believe that my style is exactly what boxing is all about. I have more advantages in my game than he does. I’m going to make sure that everyone sees it on Saturday night.

“Prograis had his chance to be elite, now it’s my time. He fought Taylor and lost. I didn’t really even watch more than a couple of rounds of that fight though, because I’m a completely different fighter than him.

“Prograis is a step up on paper, but all that goes out the window once we’re in the ring. It’s about boxing skills and toughness. I’ve been boxing all my life, so I don’t think I’m stepping up to him.

“I can box and I can punch. There’s not going to be anything else that needs to be said or done. This fight is going to prove to everyone that I have great boxing skills. It’s going to put me in a position to earn respect, win belts and make more money.

“I don’t think he’s going to be able to land clean shots on me because of my defense. You’ll have to ask him afterwards how hard I punch. I know his eye was really swollen after his last fight. Plan on seeing him look the same on Saturday.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m very happy to be here in San Antonio. I’ve been doing a lot of sparring for this fight, especially against southpaws. I’ve sparred over 200 rounds so I will be at my very best on Saturday night.

“I came to fight, I came to steal the show, and I came for the victory. I don’t need to talk too much. I can talk with my fists on Saturday.

“I’m very prepared to give Diego Magdaleno a great fight. I’m a classic Mexican fighter who keeps coming forward. I throw a lot of punches and I don’t break down after the early rounds. I love to give a good show.

“I’m facing a good fighter with a lot of experience. He’s had a lot of tough fights, but we came very well prepared to take the victory with us.

“After this fight, people will not be able to forget my name. I’m ready to keep giving more and more in the future.”

DIEGO MAGDALENO

“I’ve fought in Texas so many times and I love fighting in front of these real fight fans. This started back in February when I kicked off 2020 with a roar. I was one of the last fights with a crowd, and now I’m back here with a crowd again. I’m relishing in the energy of this event.

“It’s my birthday and I’ve never felt this great. The whole world is right in front of me and I just have to go out and grab it.

“I’m bringing something huge on Saturday. You’ve never seen Diego on this much ‘fuego’ before. I never stopped believing in myself and that’s why I’m here today.

“I know I have to stay focused and stick to the game plan. I’m going to be true to myself. I have to be smart and everything else will be taken care of.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Since we first started Mayweather Promotions we’ve promoted over 20 pay-per-view fights, and I have to say that from top to bottom, this is one of the most stacked undercards we’ve had. That will bring nothing but excitement for the fans come Saturday.

“The opening fight is an outstanding lightweight fight with Isaac Cruz taking on the always exciting Diego Magdaleno in a title eliminator in one of boxing’s hottest divisions.

“Then we roll into former world champion Regis Prograis, who is always in entertaining bouts, taking on Mayweather Promotions’ own unbeaten Juan Heraldez. These guys have gone back and forth during the promotion. Heraldez has told me he thinks Regis is an average fighter, and Regis has talked his trash too. They get to settle it on Saturday night. This has the potential to steal the show.

“The co-main event is an all-Texas showdown with Mario Barrios against Ryan Karl. This will definitely be an exciting bout. They both have highly respected trainers in Virgil Hunter and Ronnie Shields. So you know they will be extremely well prepared. From top to bottom we have a very entertaining undercard, so make sure to tune-in Saturday night.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heráldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

NEW YORK – October 13, 2020 – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) undercard previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they meet in the ring on Saturday, October 31 from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The event featured unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl, who meet in the co-main event, plus former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez, who square off in in a 10-round showdown, and lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno, who battle in an IBF title eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m super amped for this type of fight. Ryan and I have known each other forever and we know the style that the other person will bring to the ring. For the fans at Alamodome and watching on pay-per-view, they’re in for a great fight.

“I couldn’t be happier to be in one of the first fights with a crowd since the pandemic. Having my first defense be in my hometown of San Antonio is huge. The feedback I’ve been getting so far from my fans has been incredible. Onfight night that we’ll both have our fan bases there for an exceptional night of boxing.

“I know that come fight night I’ll be facing the best version of Ryan Karl that we’ve seen. He’s training the same way and expecting that from me. So it’s going to be an action-packed fight and the fans will not be disappointed.

“I don’t feel any pressure fighting at home. Every time I fight at home, the energy has been unreal. If anything, it’s more motivating.

“We’ve watched my fight against Batyr Akhmedov a couple times. I’m a warrior and I showed that in the fight. We made all the changes we needed to in this camp and I’m going to show them on October 31.

“I’m very proud of the Akhmedov fight. Every great fighter has had close fights like that. It was a learning experience.

“I know the route that Karl has had throughout his career and I know he’s taking this opportunity and coming 100% ready. I’m planning to keep the world title in San Antonio, so it’s going to be a great battle.”

RYAN KARL

“This fight is going to be a big deal. It’s really surreal, to an extent. We’re very excited and working really hard and putting in the work. It couldn’t be better that it is taking place in Texas with fans. It’s going to be a big Texas showdown.

“I’ve definitely evolved as a fighter. I’ve trained harder than I ever have before. Ronnie [Shields] has talked to me about staying calm and getting ready for the moment and what it means to be in a world title fight. It’s about just staying focused and handling business. We have to remember we are there for business and nothing else. This is no pleasure but all work, no play. And he’s keeping me focused on those things and getting me in the best shape of my life.

“I’ve known Mario forever so as far as knowing each other and styles, we’re familiar. But we’ve never been in the ring with each other so we are really just guessing what we are going to do in there. As far as how we’ll come out and fight, we really won’t know until we are in there with each other.

“I expect it to be a fan-friendly fight. A true Texas fight. As far as how it’s going to play out, I really don’t know. People make adjustments in the ring. I expect us both to come to win and do so at all costs and just make it a very, very fan-friendly fight.

“I don’t really feel any pressure for this fight at all. It really doesn’t make any difference to me that we are fighting in San Antonio, or not. It’s nice to be fighting in Texas because I’m a Texan and I’d like to fight here and never have to leave. But I don’t feel any pressure at all. I’ll fight anybody, anywhere. There’s nobody else in the ring but me and him so it doesn’t really matter in the end.”

REGIS PROGRAIS

“I’m very excited for my first fight as part of the PBC stable. I’ve been wanting to come over to this side for a long time and it’s finally happening. When something bad happens, something good usually happens off of that so this is perfect. I’m in Katy, Texas, which is a two-hour drive from San Antonio, is a big fight town. Plus, this is the first fight back where we’re having fans. Everything is working out perfectly and I’m so excited to be on such a big card and to get back in the ring.

“I still feel like I’m the best in the world at 140 pounds. In the Josh Taylor fight, I went over there to England, fought in front of over 20,000 people who were all against me and I still feel like I won the fight. I won’t say they robbed me because that’s not what happened, but I still feel like I won the fight. I feel like I’m the best in the division and I need to keep proving it. This is another step for me.

“My next move depends on what’s offered to me. But first off, I have a tough fight in front of me. I’m focused on Juan Heraldez. There are a lot of things on the table for me after this, but I have to get past him first. I do yearn to be a champion at 140 pounds again before I move up to welterweight. That is the plan. But the landscape of boxing changes so much that it’s so hard to predict. You never know what’s going to happen.

“There are a lot of people out there right now for me to fight. Adrien Broner, Josh Taylor, Jose Ramirez. Me and Josh Taylor are definitely going to fight each other again. No matter what, we have to fight. The fight was too close and it was too much of a big deal out there in the U.K. for that not to happen again. I definitely want to fight Ramirez. I feel like he’s ducked me for a little while. And the Broner fight could definitely be a huge fight. All of those names are who I’m looking for. But it’s one step at a time and it’s Juan Heraldez next.

“The Taylor fight definitely showed me that there are things I need to improve on. Going into that fight, I questioned myself if I could fight 12 hard rounds. I had only gone 12 rounds against Terry Flanagan but that was a boxing lesson, not 12 hard rounds. I fought 12 hard, hard rounds against Taylor so it was kind of a question in my head before that. Now I know that I can do it. Josh Taylor is a very big puncher and I took his punches like it was nothing. As far as things I need to work on, I guess we’ll see. But I’ve been working really hard and I’ve been in training camp since before the pandemic started. I had a lot of fights that didn’t happen so I’ve been working that whole time, working on different things and busting my ass. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get to the top spot at 140 pounds.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“In my last fight against Argenis Mendez I learned that I have to really control of the fight. I can’t let there be 50-50 rounds and leave it in the judges’ hands. I have to take as much control as I can over the fight.

“On paper Prograis has a good resume, but when it comes to skills in the ring, it’s a totally different thing. People can say what they want, but skills pay the bills.

“I’ve only watched a couple of rounds against Josh Taylor because that was a fight against a southpaw. I don’t think I can take much from that. I’m a totally different fighter.

“I just believe in my skills and ability. Whether it’s my footwork, speed or overall ability, I don’t believe that he does anything better than me. He had his time at the top of the division, but now it’s my time. It’s my time to shine.

“After this fight I think the whole division is going to fear me. I think it’s going to be hard to find me a fight after I’m through with Regis.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“[Magdaleno] is definitely a good fighter and has a lot of experience, but me and my team are ready to take advantage of the experience we have and to use it for our purposes to be able to prevail in this fight.

“The fact that this will be the first big fight with fans in the stands in the United States just fills me with happiness. It motivates me even more to do my best at the Alamodome on October 31.

“The Mexican fans know what I’m all about. We will now head over to the United States and show the American fans what Isaac Cruz is capable of. I know I can be a contender with the likes of Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and [Vasiliy] Lomachenko and show people that there is another Mexican fighter that can be a contender and make noise in this division.

“I’m prepared for his experience. It’s going to be a great fight from the start, but as the rounds go on, he will start to realize the fighter I am and the power that I’m capable of.”

DIEGO MAGDALENO

“This is my second fight with my trainer, Bones Adams. It’s a family affair. Boxing is family to me. Going into every fight, being a mature old man that they are calling me nowadays, it feels good because I know where my priorities are. My last win over Austin Dulay was huge because my last team that I had was pretty much saying that I was old, that I was washed up and done. I didn’t like that idea. I went back and rejuvenated my whole team. Rejuvenation over here is Bones Adams.

“You’re never too old to get better and we’re here to serve beatdowns to the young guys. My last opponent was 24 years old coming over to face an old man, and I proved the world wrong. Now everybody is believing again in ‘2FUEGO’. I’m going to start this show off with some fire. They have me opening the show on a stacked card and I’m going to get in there and give it my all.

“I’m surrounded by people who want me to progress. If I believe in myself, I want my team to believe in me and I felt that my old team didn’t believe in me. That’s why you saw what happened in that Teofimo Lopez fight. I’ve learned from my mistakes and moving forward I have positive gym vibes. I have a great coach who has been in the ring with me and knows me personally. I definitely made a huge change and look what I did against Dulay, a guy with vicious knockout power. Numbers and strategies can say one thing, but at the end of the day, when we get in the ring, it’s up to me to prove everyone wrong like I did in my last fight.

“I will be the first fight back with a crowd and I think that favors me. I fight off other people’s energy and you guys will all see that on October 31.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

NEW YORK – October 9, 2020 – Former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno shared insights into his training camp as he nears an IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator bout against Isaac Cruz that kicks off SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) action on Saturday, October 31 from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“This is my second fight working with ‘Bones’ Adams out of his gym in Las Vegas,” said Magdaleno. “I’ve actually known him since I was nine-years-old, so I consider him like my best friend. I trust him with my life. I’ve spent some time training for this fight in Scipio, Utah too, pulling hay bales and doing all sorts of interesting drills. I’ve gotten in some good sparring here in Vegas, and I even went out to California for some sparring, too.

“I was on one of the last fight cards pre-pandemic, and I’m honored to be on the first fight card with a live crowd since the pandemic began. It’s been a hectic year, but I’m happy with where things are for me heading into this fight. Coach Adams has been doing a great job with training, but he also handles my strength and conditioning. He’s got a huge gym with a lot of motivated fighters and it’s great to be around that kind of atmosphere. And my fiancé has been handling my nutrition for my last four fights. So, it’s great to have her involved also.”

Magdaleno returns to action after upsetting Austin Dulay in Dulay’s hometown of Nashville, Tenn. in February, dropping him in round seven on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision. He credits his team in training camp for the impressive performance against Dulay.

“I’ve always taken pride in being a professional, but I learned that I can be very dangerous with the right team around me,” said Magdaleno. “I went into that fight kind of being considered a steppingstone for Dulay, but I showed that I’m still a strong fighter. People counted me out and they made a mistake. I’m just super happy that I found Coach Adams and got a proper team organized around me. I was able to change people’s minds with just one fight. Now I’m in a title eliminator, and with a win on October 31, I’ll have my third shot at a world title.”

The 33-year-old has come up short in his most high-profile fights to date, dropping title bouts to Terry Flanagan and Roman Martinez, in addition to a 2019 loss against current lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. With those experiences and an improved training structure around him, Magdaleno believes the lessons he’s taken from those fights will be instrumental going forward.

“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is to stay calm,” said Magdaleno. “When I start thinking too far ahead, that’s when things go wrong. Coach Adams has a great way of keeping me grounded and composed. He knows how to simplify things for me and communicate exactly what I need to do, which makes it less stressful for me. And we’ve done some other things, like correcting my footwork and the angles that I use.”

In the 22-year-old Cruz, Magdaleno will be opposed by a fast-rising and exciting Mexican fighter looking to make a mark in his biggest fight to date. With an 11-year age gap, Magdaleno plans to use his extensive experience to his advantage on October 31.

“Cruz is something I’ve seen before,” said Magdaleno. “I’ve fought lots of Mexican-style fighters like him who don’t have a lot of technical skill but possess a come-forward style. So, I think I’ll be able to go back to what I know. I’ll just have to stay fluid and pick Cruz apart. He’s a guy who likes to fight on the inside and throw lots of overhand punches and hooks. I’ll break him down like I did my last opponent.”

Magdaleno will look to continue his career renaissance against Cruz and put himself back on track for another world title opportunity. With all that he’s been through during his career, Magdaleno remains highly motivated to prove critics wrong and achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.

“What I know is that when everyone counts you out, you just have to believe in yourself,” said Magdaleno. “When I decide to hang up the gloves, it’ll be because I want to, not because others say I should. I have my confidence back now and I’m very happy with where I’m going

. Being one shot away from the title that I dreamed of as a child is a huge motivating factor for me. And I fight for my family, too. I’m a different person now. I’m more mature and I think I’ll be able to prove that to people in this fight.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ

Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

NEW YORK – October 2, 2020 – Three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will square off in a Halloween thriller for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships live on SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The four-fight pay-per-view card will be the first major boxing event with fans in attendance since COVID-19 forced a halt to U.S. sports in March.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

The highly anticipated main event will be contested at 130-pounds and will be fought for both Santa Cruz’s 130-pound title and Davis’ 135-pound title, which they each won in their previous fight. Two crowd favorites with massive followings, Davis vs. Santa Cruz is an all-action style matchup, with Davis owning a .957 knockout rate, while Santa Cruz is long established as one of the busiest punchers and best pressure fighters in the sport.

Davis vs. Santa Cruz will be a rare clash in boxing history in which world titles in two weight classes will be at stake. Other notable instances in recent boxing history are the 1988 Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Donny Lalonde fight for the light heavyweight and super middleweight titles, and the 2014 Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana rematch for the super welterweight and welterweight championships.

“I’m looking forward to showing the world how hard I’ve been working in camp,” said Davis. “We are just a few weeks away, and I’m already in great shape. Headlining on pay-per-view has always been a dream of mine since I started boxing. I can’t wait to put on a spectacular performance against multiple division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Thank you to my team, SHOWTIME, Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions, and all my fans worldwide. Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you.”

“October 31 is going to be the biggest fight of my career,” said Santa Cruz. “I’m going to fight a very tough opponent, maybe the toughest opponent of my career. Two titles are going to be on the line, and this will be my first time headlining a pay-per-view. So I’m going to do everything that I can to put on a good show. Davis is known for his power. But I think with my experience and ring IQ I can break him down. He’s probably going to be very aggressive in the early rounds. But if I do what I’m supposed to, and execute our game plan, I will win.’’

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club.

“This fight between Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz is such a great fight that we had to have it with fans, which will be a first for a major boxing event since COVID-19 started,” said Floyd Mayweather, President of Mayweather Promotions and a 12-time, five-division world champion. “Tank’ Davis is a special talent, a super skilled fighter and I have been in the gym regularly to watch and help him prepare for a tough opponent in Santa Cruz, who we all know always comes in shape and ready to fight. It’s going to be a great night for Mayweather Promotions, for boxing and for sports. The best fighting the best is all we can ask for.” 

“We continue with the tradition of offering boxing fans the best matchups in the hottest divisions, pitting the best versus the best,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Tank Davis facing Leo Santa Cruz is one of the most exciting matchups of the year. You have a young, hungry star with devastating power in Davis and an experienced and absolutely relentless four-division champ looking to conquer a title in a fifth division. This is the type of matchup boxing fans have waited the entire year to watch. Two superstars in their toughest matchup to date battling for titles in two weight divisions at the same time.”

“Gervonta Davis is the most exciting fighter in the sport, and he’s set to headline his first pay-per-view card and set the world on fire,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He’s up against an experienced, four-division world champion in Leo Santa Cruz, who is looking to take him down and hand him his first L on October 31.”

“Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz is one of the best matchups that can be made in boxing, with each fighter in position to score a career-defining victory,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’re excited to bring a historic showdown with world titles in two weight classes on the line to fans at the Alamodome. Davis vs. Santa Cruz presents a fascinating clash of styles, with Santa Cruz’s relentless pressure against Davis’ fight-changing power. Adding in three high-stakes undercard attractions, this pay-per-view is lined up to present drama in the ring from start to finish.” 

Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. This is the first major boxing event with fans in attendance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in March. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the virus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask, as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com.

“The Alamodome is excited to host the Davis vs. Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV event and to bring these athletes to San Antonio,” said Steve Zito, General Manager, Alamodome. “Not only is this a great platform for these athletes and their fans, but the event will also spotlight San Antonio through nationally televised matches and generate economic impact for our community during these challenging times.”

Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME^® in January 2017. At the time, he became the youngest world champion in boxing at age 22. In the ring, Davis blends controlled aggression with blazing hand and foot speed, eye-catching power and sublime boxing skills. The dynamic combination of skills has made Davis a fan-favorite who filled arenas in Atlanta, Ga., and his hometown of Baltimore, Md., last year. 

The 25-year-old began his 2019 with a knockout of Hugo Ruiz in February, before scoring a second-round stoppage of Ricardo Núñez in his homecoming fight in July. Davis closed out the year by capturing his lightweight title via 12^th round TKO of former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in December. Davis also owns a title-winning performance in which he dominated former champion Jesus Cuellar to capture the WBA 130-pound belt in 2018. Under the guidance of Mayweather Promotions, Davis will look to further improve his impressive portfolio with another title-winning performance in his first pay-per-view main event.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) made his debut at super featherweight last November by defeating Miguel Flores to capture the WBA title. Santa Cruz has made his name in the sport by engaging in numerous Fight of the Year contenders, including two thrilling featherweight title duels against four-time champion Abner Mares and two-division champion Carl Frampton each. He lost his featherweight title in his first match against Frampton in 2016, but reclaimed it in their rematch the following year.

The 32-year-old has competed in title bouts in 17 of his last 19 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122, 126 and 130-pounds. The 130-pound title made Santa Cruz just the fifth fighter of Mexican descent to win titles in four weight classes, joining Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Jorge Arce and Mikey Garcia. Santa Cruz was introduced to the sport and trained throughout his career by his father Jose, along with his brothers Jose Armando, a former lightweight contender, and Antonio. Santa Cruz will look to become a five-division champion in his first pay-per-view headliner.

The 25-year-old Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) will be making the first defense of his world title in his hometown of San Antonio. Barrios captured his 140-pound title in his last fight in September 2019, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision over then-unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov, dropping him twice and fighting through a cut suffered on a head butt. Barrios trains in Oakland, Calif. under the guidance of renowned coach Virgil Hunter. The five-foot ten-inch Barrios debuted as a super bantamweight in 2013, eventually moving up to 140-pounds full time in 2017 where he is 8-0 with seven knockouts.

“The long layoff is finally over and fans can expect to see me go to war with Ryan Karl, who I know is coming to bring an aggressive fight to the table,” said Barrios. “I’ve stayed in great shape during this past year, so now it’s time for me to keep giving boxing fans exciting fights. I’ll be representing my city of San Antonio and as always, everyone can expect to see me as explosive as ever. On October 31, all the fans watching on pay-per-view will watch me make a statement as I defend my title.”

Born in Milano, Texas and now trained in Houston under the tutelage of top trainer Ronnie Shields, Karl (18-2, 11 KOs) will step in for his first title opportunity on October 31. The 28-year-old enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, with all three wins coming in 2019, including a knockout of Kevin Watts to avenge one of his losses in an immediate rematch. Karl also owns victories over Kareem Martin and then-unbeaten Jose Felix Quezada during his pro career that dates back to 2014.

“I’ve been training for this my whole life and I’m not going to let it slip away,” said Karl. “We’re working hard in training camp to put on the best performance of my career. We know what we’re up against in Mario Barrios, but I’ve come too far not to take full advantage of this opportunity on October 31.”

A staple of the 140-pound elite, Prograis (24-1, 20 KOs) returns to the ring after losing his title in an exciting unification clash via majority decision last October against Josh Taylor. The 31-year-old won his title by defeating Kiryl Relikh by TKO in April 2019 and has also earned stoppage victories over former unified champion Julius Indongo, and then-unbeaten contenders Joel Diaz Jr. and Juan Jose Velasco. Prograis was born in New Orleans but lives and fights out of Houston.

“This is a huge fight and I’m very thankful to PBC for giving me this opportunity,” said Prograis. “I haven’t fought in a year and since then I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and moved from L.A. back to Texas. I’m more focused than I’ve ever been and I can’t wait to get back to my number one spot in the super lightweight division. I have to be a world champion again and I won’t stop until that happens.”

The 30-year-old Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) can vault himself into the top tier of 140-pound contenders with a career-best victory over Prograis on October 31. Born in Northridge, Cal. and training out of the Mayweather Promotions gym in Las Vegas, Heraldez most recently fought to a majority draw last May against former champion Argenis Mendez. Heraldez’s pro career has also seen him score victories over previously unbeaten Jose Miguel Borrego and tough contender Eddie Ramirez.

“It’s been a crazy year, but I took this opportunity to spend time with my family and sharpen my skills inside the ring,” said Heraldez. “There’s been a lot of great sparring happening at the Mayweather Boxing Club that I’ve taken advantage of. I have a tough opponent in front of me, and that’s my only focus right now. I trust in my ability as a fighter and I trust my team to get me over the finish line with a victory on October 31. I’m thankful to Mayweather Promotions for putting me on such a large platform for this fight.”

Fighting out of his native Mexico City, Mexico, Cruz (19-1-1, 14 KOs) is unbeaten in his last 15 fights since dropping his sixth pro fight by decision. The 22-year-old knocked out 10-of-13 opponents between 2016 and 2018, before making his U.S. debut in December 2019. That contest saw Cruz earn a unanimous decision over Miguel Perez, which he followed up in February of this year by defeating Thomas Mattice by decision on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“Since I started boxing, it has been my dream to fight on this stage in the United States,” said Cruz. “I know that Diego Magdaleno is a very tough and experienced fighter, but it’s my time on October 31. The fans will see that I have what it takes to be world champion when I beat Magdaleno and announce myself as one of the best lightweights in the world.”

Magdaleno (32-3, 13 KOs) enters this fight coming off of an impressive victory over contender Austin Dulay in February that saw him drop Dulay on his way to a unanimous decision. The 33-year-old has challenged Roman Martinez for a 130-pound title and Terry Flanagan for a lightweight crown, while also battling lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez in February 2019. A Las Vegas native, Magdaleno has won four-of-five fights entering October 31, including a 10-round decision over Artyom Hovhannisyan.

“I’ve been super eager to get back into the ring since my last performance,” said Magdaleno. “That win sparked a fire in me and got me as motivated as I’ve ever been. Now that I’m in a title eliminator, I’m even more excited to return to action. I’m facing another young lion, but he’s lacking the experience that I have. Training with Bones Adams has made a world of difference in my career. I’ve made a transition to being more composed and smarter in the ring. I’m here to make a statement and claim what’s mine. I’m never going to back down until I get that world title.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

PHILADELPHIA – February 13, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect and ShoBox: The New Generation veteran Thomas Mattice and hard-hitting Isaac Cruz both made weight a day before their ShoBox main event on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) will be making his sixth appearance on the prospect developmental series and is coming off his most significant win to date, an eighth-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The 21-year-old Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs), currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering the only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight.

In the co-featured bout, undefeated super bantamweight Ra’eese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Muskegon, Mich., will take on ShoBox veteran and San Antonio resident Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated super lightweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super welterweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased at www.2300arena.com

The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Lightweight 10-Round Bout
Thomas Mattice – 133 ½ lbs.
Isaac Cruz – 134 ¾ lbs.

Super Bantamweight 8-Round Bout
Ra’eese Aleem – 122 ¾ lbs.
Adam Lopez – 123 lbs.

Super Lightweight 8-Round Bout
Montana Love – 139 ¾ lbs.
Jerrico Walton – 140 lbs.

Super Welterweight 8-Round Bout
Derrick Colemon Jr. – 154 ¾ lbs.
Joseph Jackson – 153 ¼ lbs.

Non-Televised Bouts weights:
Norman Neely 235.7 – Nicoly Clarke 213.1
Rasheed Johnson 146.5 – Omar Garcia 143.1
Eduardo Diogo 115.8 – Jerrod Miner 114.2
James Martin 148.6 – Vincent Floyd 148.7

FINAL QUOTES:

Thomas Mattice

“I had a great camp. I’m excited to have a big ring in this fight. We’re going to be all over that ring. You’re going to see some beautiful combinations. All night long. I have a great game plan. I hope I can end the fight in spectacular fashion, but I’m not going to rush anything. I will just see how he comes out, and adjust and fight my fight.

“I feel like a whole different person. I feel motivated. I feel great. I’m right on weight and I had no problems making it. We worked on a lot in this camp. I don’t want to say too much, I just want to go out there and show it. But you will definitely see a different Thomas Mattice. My skills are a lot better than what you guys have seen on ShoBox.

“A win in this fight would mean a lot. What it could do for my career, I’m not sure. I hear he’s ranked No. 7 by the IBF, so a win should put me in a really nice position. I think I should be really close to some big money fights. I’m 29 years old, but I’m a young 29. I’m not rushing.

“I really don’t know much about my opponent. I just know that he is a really tough fighter. I know that he likes to come forward. But I am used to that because that’s the type of guys I’ve been fighting a lot. I just will fight my style and I’m confident in the outcome.”

Isaac Cruz

“Fighting in Brooklyn was very different from fighting in Mexico. Everything from the hand wrapping, to the commission to the medicals. But the guy I faced [Miguel Perez] talked a lot, he was dirty. But I’m happy I have that experience of fighting in the U.S., it will help me both physically and emotionally for this fight.

“I don’t know anything about my opponent. I fight the same fight no matter who I’m facing. I really like to attack. I’m a pitbull. I’m used to facing guys that are taller than me. This is nothing new for me. My grandfather was a fighter and my father was a fighter. We all fight the same way, on the inside.

“I come to put on a show. I always come forward and the fans will enjoy my style. I really need to connect on my punches, either on the body or the head. I need to alternate my angles and throw a lot of punches.”

Ra’eese Aleem

“I’m an aggressive fighter. I’m exciting. I have fast hands. I have good boxing IQ. I’m naturally southpaw, but I box orthodox. Sometimes it’s just instinct, sometimes it’s to give my opponent a different look. I think I’m more fluent orthodox.

“I actually haven’t seen footage of my opponent. I’m just focused on myself. It feels like just another fight for me. I’ve been in this arena before and each time I’m here, I put on a great show. I stopped [Marcus] Bates here and I fought [Ramiro] Robles here and I stopped him in the first round. I think I just have good luck here.

“I moved from Michigan to Vegas, and that really helped turn my career around. I used to travel around a lot to train, and when I came to Vegas to train with Nonito Donaire, I realized that this was what I wanted to do. It was a great decision and has put me on the path I want to be on.

“I was in the karate gym at the age of three. I got my black belt by the age of 13, and started boxing at 14. It’s hard going fight to fight, paycheck to paycheck. But I really think I’m close to better days ahead.

“The ultimate goal is to win a world title and to defend my title. I want to do that and everything that comes along with that. The pay days, the other doors that will open, the sponsorships. I want to be the best I can be. I don’t think I’m too far away. I feel like I’m knocking on the door. I just have to stay consistent and this is a great opportunity for me. I want to win, and I want to look good doing it.”

Adam Lopez

“I think both physically and mentally, having three wins in a row is a huge help. In the past, I’ve been inconsistent. But I’m feeling really good right now. I feel like I’ve gotten over that hump and I have my confidence back. They offered me this fight and I think it’s a fight that I can definitely win. Aleem is an overall good fighter, but he’s nothing that I haven’t seen before.

“If I’m going to test myself, I need to get in there against a guy that’s good. How am I going to know that I’m back to where I need to be if I don’t test myself? I feel like a different fighter than the last time I was on ShoBox. I had a great camp, sparring against young fighters. There was no slacking off. I made a few subtle changes during this camp and I feel great.

“I have a sense of urgency with this fight. This is my eighth time on ShoBox. There was a sense of urgency the seventh time I was on ShoBox. I just have to go out there and stop this guy. I want to get on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. I want to get on bigger cards with world title fights.

“I think that I’ve been through more than Aleem in the ring. He is a good, fast fighter but I have a little bit more experience than him. He’s fought a lot of journeymen, so I think I’m a big step-up for him.”

Montana Love

“I took some time off after my last fight because I was fighting back-to-back. Then we just had some management issues, but everything worked out and I’m ready to go. I’ve been busy in the gym. I don’t feel right if I don’t go to the gym. I need to be around that atmosphere. It’s my second home. Boxing is my priority and when the time comes, I put my all into it.

“This fight means a lot. I’m facing another undefeated guy. He’s 16-0 so we’re not taking him lightly. This fight is a hump. If I can get over this, it will bring me to a whole different level. I think I have a major advantage with my hand speed. During camp, I prepared for both an inside fight and an outside fight. I’ve always worked on that, since my amateur days. The fight is won in the preparation.

“I’m not happy with my performance my last time on ShoBox against [Kenneth] Sims. I just felt off. I wasn’t myself. I’m usually more elusive in there. It was an off night. I think I over-trained. For this fight, I’m facing a guy with not much of an amateur background. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’ve put everything into boxing.

“My name is Montana ‘Too Pretty’ Love and I’m fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out tomorrow night. I’ve got something special planned.”

Jerrico Walton

“I sparred with one of the best southpaws around for this fight, O’Shaquie Foster. He gave me great work and really prepared me well for Montana.

“My best friend was murdered in front of me before the [Dedrick] Bell fight, which is why I think my performance wasn’t great. That wasn’t the real me in the ring that night, but I fought because I think my friend would have wanted me to.

“I never thought I’d be at this point in my life. Through all my trials and tribulations, it’s surreal. I don’t think it’s even hit me yet. Being here, I want people to know my story. I want to have an impact on somebody’s life, just to show them that no matter what, you can change. You can be unique. You can be different. You can be successful. I want to use this fight to tell the world my story and have an impact on somebody’s life.

“We have a good game plan for Montana, and I think we’ll be successful tomorrow night. Before I got with Ronnie Shields, I was just a counter-puncher. Now, my style has changed completely. I think the world will see that on Friday night that I’m much more versatile. I can fight on the inside, I can box and I have much better defense than I had before.

“I didn’t know much about Roberto Duran when I was first given my nickname. When I learned about him, I thought to myself that I need to live up to that name. I need to keep that name alive, ‘Hands of Stone’. There’s a lot to live up to and those are big gloves to fill.”

Derrick Colemon Jr.

“Emanuel Steward was a huge influence for me. He was that guy. I was just a little kid and he put all of this attention into me, so that meant a ton. I was at his house every day after school. He would cook for me. He would give me pointers and invest a lot of time into me. We watched fights together. He was like a grandfather to me. I knew the whole Kronk crew growing up and Gerald McClellan was my favorite fighter growing up in Detroit.

“Kronk is in my blood. We’re animals. I come from the original Kronk gym. I trained in Los Angeles for this fight because of the experience. There’s really good sparring there. I sparred with a lot of Russian Olympians. It was invaluable experience for me.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. I just know that he’s 31 years old. It’s desperation time for him. We watched very little video on him. I just need to be myself, fight my fight, and stay within myself. I can box and I can bang.

“If you haven’t seen me fight before, you’re going to see a nice jab. Good body punches. And once I see how my opponent is reacting, I’ll go from there. Whatever I need to do to adjust, I’ll go from there. I can fight from range or in close. I don’t have any nerves. I feel like I’ve been here before. I want the boxing fans to say that I’m next up after they watch me Friday night.”

Joseph Jackson

“I feel good. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I just like going to show off, show out, and show new eyes what I can do. This is a chance to show America what I can do. I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. I like to come forward. I have a strong punch and I’m in great condition.

“We’ve seen a little bit of my opponent. But we don’t really go off what our opponent does. We just glanced at him to see what his style is like, and we go off what we can do best. We’ll just adjust as the fight goes on. I just need to be myself and do what I do best.

“I’m always learning. I’m learning on the go because I had such a late start. But I’m doing a good job of learning from the guys I’ve been in camp with. Of course I’m a late bloomer but I’m doing well on the go. There’s definitely a sense of urgency because of my age. This is not just for me, but for my family and my kids. I have the maturity advantage. I think that is what will propel me to victory.

“I had a couple offers for football coming out of high school, but I wanted to go out and work and provide for my daughter. I got a job out of high school at UPS, and then I got into boxing by just trying to stay athletic and stay in shape. Now I’m a fulltime fighter. It makes all the difference. Mentally, it’s all I need to focus on – just boxing and providing for my kids.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison when he was preparing for Jermell Charlo. He was a great guy to be around. It was a great experience and I’m a better fighter because of it. I stay in the gym. What I learned from the Harrison camp, I brought into my camp. We had great sparring. I stayed consistent, stayed on-weight. This is a great opportunity for me. North Carolina doesn’t have the best reputation in boxing, but I’m going to break that curse tomorrow night.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

NEW YORK – January 22, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date, including super lightweight prospect Shohjahon Ergashev and super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin, who were victorious on January 17. On January 31, featherweight Ruben Villa and welterweight Taras Shelestyuk will be tested and on February 28, super lightweight Malik Hawkins and welterweight Richardson Hitchins face tough opposition.

In the co-featured bout on February 14, undefeated super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas, will take on ShoBox veteran and San Antonio native Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased at www.2300arena.com

Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice. The judges’ scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage. Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea. The 29-year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot.

“A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position,” Mattice said. “It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division. I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I’m here and ready to fight anyone. It’s a must-win for me, but it’s a big fight for both of us. He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight. I think a win would put me in the top-10.”

Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), of Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight. The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of former interim world title challenger Jose Felix Jr. in 2018. Currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF at 135 pounds, Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December.

“I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on SHOWTIME,” said Gonzalea. “So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions.”

Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan. He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011. The 29-year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora. Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez.

“All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage,” Aleem said. “I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll. I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove. He’s been here before so I know he’s ready for the challenge. This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that’s fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure. Ultimately, I don’t just want to win, I want to dominate. Winning isn’t good enough – I also have to look good while doing it.”

Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a No. 1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro. The 29-year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased. Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world championship before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017 on SHOWTIME. Lopez, who will break his own record of ShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.

“Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor,” Lopez said. “He hasn’t fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates. I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this. I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport. I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp. I can’t wait to show that I am back.”

The flashy Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record. The 25-year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory. In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr. Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.

“Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn’t have that much experience,” Love said. “I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level. He’s just a stepping stone. It’s exciting to fight under the bright lights. Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level. We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter. My name is Montana “Too Pretty Love” and I am fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14.”

The 29-year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old. Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur. Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight world champion Victor Terrazas in 2019. The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.

“I have seen Montana fight before. I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him,” Walton said. “This opportunity is a blessing. The world is going to get to see me and hear my story. I’m from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity. I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position. I just need to seize the moment and get the victory.”

Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012. Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division. He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights. Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated yet untested prospect.

“I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been,” Colemon said. “I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I’m in for a big test. This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought on ShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit. I am ready to show the world my talents. February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world.”

The 31-year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018. He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts. The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon.

“I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career,” Jackson said. “He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything. That is what this sport is all about. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.