Vergil Ortiz Jr. came back after a 17 month layoff to score a dubious first round stoppage over Fredrick Lawson in a 10-round middleweight bout at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

In the opening round, Ortiz drove Lawson back with a jab, and followed up with a flurry of punches that Lawson took. The punches were getting through but not enough for Tony Weeks to stop the bout, but the veteran referee did in fact stop the contest at 2:33.

Ortiz, 157 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX had several fights cancelled due to illness, but got back on this night to raise his perfect mark to 20-0 with all wins coming early. Lawson, 152.4 lbs of Accra, GHA is 30-4.

“I’m ready for anyone. It felt like I’m back to doing what I usually do,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “This is my calling; this is what I was made to do and I want to continue doing this. There’s a lot of fighters that I want to fight, but Tim Tszyu, with all due respect, I want him next. He’s a hell of a fighter and it would be an honor to take him next.”

Barroso Shocks Davies in 1; Wins Interim Super Lightweight Title

Ismael Barroso won the WBA Interim Super Lightweight title with a stunning first round stoppage over Ohara Davies.

Barroso landed the first hard left of the fight that hurt and eventually put Davies on the canvas. Davies was hurt badly and ate more power shots and was sent to the canvas for a second time. Upon getting to his feet, referee Celestino Ruiz stopped the bout at 1:53.

Barroso, 139.6 lbs of El Tigre, VEN is 25-4-2 with 23 knockouts. Davies, 140 lbs of Hackney, ENG is 25-3.

“When I started boxing, they told me that I have a lot of power, and with God on my side I have that power.” said Ismael Barroso. “When I threw the first punch, I knew I had hurt him, I knew that I had him. The public has been calling for the fight with Romero, and I just want to say, I’m right here!”

Arnold Barboza Jr. stops Ndongeni After 8

Arnold Barboza Jr. was dominant in stopping Xolisani Ndongeni after round eight of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

Barboza slowly broke Ndongeni down and tuned up the in round eight as he battered Ndongeni all over the ring. referee Raul Caiz Jr. stopped the bout in between rounds eight and nine.

Barboza, 139.4 lbs of El Monte, CA is 29-0 with 11 knockouts. Ndongeni, 139.2 lbs of Eastern Cape, SA is 31-4.

Curiel Stops Diaz in 8

Raul Curiel remained undefeated with an eight-round stoppage over Elias Diaz in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round five, Diaz began to bleed around the left eye. Later in the round, Curiel landed a right hand around that eye that put Diaz on the canvas. Curiel continued to bear up Diaz and the fight was stopped at 1:06 of round eight-eight

Curiel, 146.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is now 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Diaz, 146.2 lbs of National City, FL is 12-2.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (December 8, 2023): With less than a month away for the highly anticipated return of undefeated, knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas, who will participate in a 12-round super welterweight fight against Accra, Ghana’s Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (30-3, 22 KOs), Golden Boy has finalized a stacked undercard. The event is scheduled to take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on January 6, 2024 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

As the co-main event, the U.K. ‘s Ohara “Two Tanks” Davies (25-2, 18 KOs) will fight against El Tigre, Venezuela’s Ismael Barroso (24-4-2, 22 KOs). The fight, which was rescheduled from the original Dec. 2 fight date, is a 12-round match for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Championship and is presented in association with TGB Promotions.

Making a splash as a newly-signed Golden Boy fighter, El Monte’s Arnold Barbosa Jr. (28-0, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super lightweight clash. Also on the DAZN undercard, Ukraine’s Sergiy Derevyanchenko (14-5, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round fight. Opponents for both will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Lawson are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

On the Golden Boy Boxing Prelims: Ortiz vs. Lawson card streamed live on YouTube and Facebook Watch, undefeated NABF Welterweight title holder Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (13-0, 11 KOs) will participate in a 10-round fight against Elias Diaz (12-1, 7 KOs) of National City, California. In an eight-round cruiserweight fight, Tristan Kalkreuth (12-1, 9 KOs) will return to fight after a vicious fifth-round knockout victory last October 2023. He will face Tacoma, Washington’s Marquise Weston (15-2-1, 8 KOs).

Also in the prelims, Santa Ana’s Johnny “Sugar Cane” Cañas (2-0, 1 KO) will participate in a four-round super lightweight fight. Opening the fight night and making their professional debut, Emiliano Gandara of Dallas, Texas will participate in a four-round super welterweight fight. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

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Ortiz Jr. vs. Lawson is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, January 6 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Davies vs. Barroso is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions.

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by EOD, January 3, 2024.

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

About AEG Presents
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Rock En Seine and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Blackpink, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion, Elton John, Karol G, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

About The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Exclusively booked and managed by AEG Presents, The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a premier live entertainment venue featuring the most highly-regarded talents in music and comedy. Formerly The Joint, the venue has hosted some of the top names in entertainment across countless genres since its inception, including iconic acts such as Paul McCartney, Bert Kreischer, Blink-182, Drake, Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons, Journey, Karol G, Kenny Chesney, The Killers, Machine Gun Kelly, Nine Inch Nails, Prince, Rex Orange County, Santana, The 1975, and countless others.

The Theater provides an immersive setting for guests to experience both legendary and groundbreaking artists on a variety of levels, from intimate performances with 1,800 guests to large-scale, full-capacity experiences with 4,600 guests. Setting the bar for the most luxury in-venue concert experience, The Theater offers exclusive VIP offerings, including luxury private suites tended by dedicated VIP hosts, top-shelf spirits, a private expedited entry, in-venue merchandise delivery, custom swag, VIP social lounges and more, guaranteed to give guests an unparalleled live entertainment and VIP experience at every touchpoint. To learn more about the venue’s VIP service or to book, please email [email protected]. For tickets or more information on The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, visit virginhotelslv.com/venue/the-theater.

Rolando Romero won the WBA Super Lightweight Title with a controversial ninth round stoppage over late-replacement Ismael Barroso at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round three, Barroso landed a straight left that sent Romero into the ropes and his gloved touched the canvas for a knockdown.

In round nine, Romero landed a right that staggered Barroso and then put him down with a cuffing right. Later in the round, the two were exchanging in the corner, and referee Tony Weeks for reasons beyond comprehension, stopped the fight at 2:41.

Romero, 139.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 15-1 with 13 knockouts. Barroso, 139.5 lbs of Miami was a later replacement for reigning champion Alberto Puello, is now 24-4-2.

Puello failed a PED test several weeks ago.

“I’ll be honest, he’s a warrior and he should have been allowed to continue,” said Romero, who improved to 15-1 with 13 KOs and became the 89^th fighter to perform on SHOBOX: The New Generation to go onto capture a world title. “He wanted to keep going and I wanted him to keep going as well.”

“The first punch was when I had him hurt to begin with,” Romero said. “It was right on the nose, it was a little clip.”

“I think it was an injustice to stop the fight,” said Barroso, a late replacement after Alberto Puello,who previously held the WBA 140-pound title, had been stripped of his title because of a failed VADA test. “I was landing the better shots. It was a push on the first knockdown. It wasn’t a big blow or anything. The referee just stopped the fight, and he didn’t say anything. You can see it clearly. I’m the one who’s hitting him. There was nothing clear that he hit me with. I don’t understand why they stopped the fight.”

“I boxed the entire time,” said Romero, who became the second Las Vegas native to win a world title along with Ishe Smith. “I came in a little cold. I got cracked and I got up like a champion and kept going.”

Romero was clear about his future intentions after the fight. “There’s only two fights I want,” he said. “There’s the rematch with Tank Davis. But I think there’s a much bigger option. I want to go after Ryan Garcia. We can do it on Showtime PPV.”

Rances Barthelemy Decisions Omar Juarez

Rances Barthelemy won a 10-round majority decision over Omar Juarez in a junior welterweight bout.

Barthelemy landed 96 of 448 punches. Juarez was 101 of 428.

Barthelemy, 142.5 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 30-2-1. Juarez, 142.25 lbs of rownsville, TX is 14-2.

The crowd at The Chelsea rained down boos after the decision was read as many thought that Juarez had done enough to win the fight. “I understand that most of the fans are Mexican here and they were going for Juarez,” Barthelemy said. “But I also had my Cuban fans and they were cheering.”

Barthelemy said he would love nothing more than a rematch with Russell. “I want a rematch even more than a title shot,” he said. “I want that rematch with Gary Antuanne Russell. I want it badly.”

The 23-year-old Juarez had his three-fight winning streak halted. “It is what it is,” he said. “I honestly thought I did enough to win, but all That’s left is keep working hard for next time. My one mistake was not staying on top of him. I should have been more aggressive.”

Sims Jr. Decisions Akhmedov in Thrilling Fight

Kenneth Sims Jr. outlasted former world title challenger Batyr Akhmedov by taking a 12-round majority decision in a junior welterweight Elimination bout.

The two traded hard shots throughout the high-punch count affair. Sims fought that few rounds with a closed right eye.

Sims landed 309 of 832 punches. Akhmedov landed 331 of 933.

Sims, 139.25 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 20-2-1. Akhmedov, 138.75 lbs of Las Angeles is 9-3.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” said Sims, who won for the seventh straight fight. “I’m not supposed to be here right now. That’s what they say. Ain’t nobody thought I would be here right now. And I know that I’m the best so at 140 it’s whatever. I’m ready for anyone.”

“I want the winner of the main event. I want that title. That’s it. Whoever wins the main event that’s who I want.”

Akhmedov thought he won the fight after suffering another close loss on the judges’ cards. His previous two losses were also narrow defeats on points. “It’s like every time I don’t stop my opponent it’s like they win,” he said. “It seems like it’s a goal against me. If they reach the 12th round it’s like they already won and they’re already celebrating because the judges give it to them. Look at the punch stats. It’s the third time in a row. I won again. I’m winning rounds, I’m throwing more, I’m hurting him more. He’s surviving seven rounds out of 12.”

Starling Castillo took a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Esteuri Suero in a super lightweight fight.

In round nine, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Suero was cited for the same infraction.

That was the difference as Castillo won by scores of 95-92 twice and 94-93 and is now 18-1-1. Suero, 139.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR os 12-1.

Michael Angeletti stopped Michell Bonquez in round eight of their eight-round bantamweight bout.

In round eight, Angeletti dropped Boxquez when he landed a two rights that was followed by a left. With Bonquez hurt, Angeletti followed up with a hard combination and the fight end the fight was stopped.

Angeletti, 118.2 lbs of Spring, TX 8-0 with seven Bonquez, 118.8 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 20-4.

18 year-old Justin Viloria stopped Pedro Pinillo in round four of their six-round super featherweight bout.

Viloria pounded Pinillo until the bout was stopped in round four.

Viloria, 127.6 lbs of Whittier, CA is the nephew of former world champion Brian Viloria. Viloria is 2-0 with two knockouts. Pinillo, 129.2 lbs of Cali, COL is 5-2.

WBA Super Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Rolando Romero – 139.4 lbs.

Ismael Barroso – 139.4 lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Rances Barthelemy – 142.6 lbs.

Omar Juarez – 142.2 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 143 pounds

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Max DeLuca (N.Y.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)

WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Batyr Akhmedov – 138.8 lbs.

Kenneth Sims Jr. – 139.2 lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

On the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Esteuri Suero – 139.2 lbs.

Starling Castillo – 139.6 lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Eric Cheek (Nev.), Max DeLuca (N.Y.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Bantamweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Michael Angeletti – 118.2 lbs.

Michell Banquez – 118.8 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 119 pounds

Referee: Chris Flores; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)

Super Featherweight Bout – Six Rounds

Justin Viloria – 127.6 lbs.

Pedro Pinillo – 129.2 lbs.

Referee: Tom Taylor; Judges: Eric Cheek (Nev.), Max DeLuca (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as the expert analyst. 

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who also serves as an analyst alongside Marquez on SHOBOX.

# # #

ABOUT ROMERO VS. BARROSO

Romero vs. Barroso will see hard-hitting Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero battle No. 1 Contender Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr. meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.

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

LAS VEGAS – May 11, 2023 – Hard-hitting contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero and No. 1 contender Ismael Barroso previewed their showdown for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday, May 13 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the undercard of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast. Action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT will see former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy duel the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, and super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr., facing off in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator in the telecast opener.

Barroso stepped in on less than a month’s notice after Alberto Puello, who previously held the WBA 140-pound title that will be fought for on Saturday night, had been dropped from the main event because of a failed VADA test.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:

ROLANDO ROMERO

“I think Barroso is actually a better fighter than Alberto Puello, because he can actually crack. Any time you’re in a fight with a puncher, you know it’s gonna be difficult.

“I’m not underestimating him. I know he can hit and he’s a little tricky. He throws a good straight left that comes out of nowhere that he’s been getting guys with. So I’m definitely not underestimating him.

“I’m going to make 140-pounds the most popping division in boxing. I see many pay-per-view events and I’m involved in all of them.

 “The only thing that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight is that I need to be patient. Patience is everything in life.

“Everyone can expect to see ‘Rolly’ with the world title around his waist Saturday night. Every fighter that boxes dreams of becoming world champion, so it would be a dream come true.

“All belts mean the same to me. My interim belt meant a lot to me too. I’m just blessed to be in the position to get my hands on another one.

“I do like trash talking, but this isn’t a trash talking fight. I have to respect this man next to me. Someone didn’t want to follow all the rules, so I have to be grateful Barroso is here.

“This is the beginning of the ‘Rolly’ show again. It’s gonna be fireworks.

ISMAEL BARROSO

“I’m churning with the same intensity that I had 10 years ago. You’re going to see that hunger and power in the ring. I’m bringing my best.

“I’m the number one contender and I got the opportunity that I deserve. I know some people thought they were left behind, but that’s not for me to worry about. ‘Rolly’ is here to take advantage of his opportunity, so good for him.

“People who know me, know that I’m a warrior. ‘Rolly’ is a warrior too. So if you’re tuning into this fight on Saturday night, you’re going to see a battle between two fighters who are very eager to become world champion. That means fireworks.

“Winning the title would be another blessing and a great source of happiness. It’s something that I’ve strived for my whole career and it would be the culmination of everything that I’ve trained for my entire life.

“The lesson I’m here to show is that it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, you have to keep getting up and battling every single moment. Because dreams can come true. Keep striving for whatever you want, no matter how old you are.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m well aware that I’m fighting a hungry young lion, but I had a great training camp with my team. We studied him really well and you’re going to see me come out on top on Saturday night.

“The goal is to be able to make history as the first Cuban fighter to win titles in three divisions. That’s what propels me to wake up in the morning and continue chasing this dream I’ve had for years.

“I don’t feel on the decline at all. I feel renewed. I have an outstanding team around me that’s allowed me to reach my peak once again. I feel like I’m more dangerous than ever. I have to prove it on Saturday.

“If you gave me a choice between fighting for a title or a rematch with Gary Antuanne Russell, I think I would take the rematch with Russell.

“Styles make fights and our styles mesh up perfectly. Tune in to this fight because it’s going to be fireworks in the ring.”

OMAR JUAREZ

“I’m ready. I had the best training camp of my career so far. I’m excited to display all my dedication on Saturday night.

“I have experience too, but at the end of the day, we’re both putting it all on the line. We’ll see who’s tougher when the bell rings.  

“Everyone is going to see that I’m the hardest worker in the room. It’s been like that ever since I started fighting, and I’m ready to display it on Saturday night.

“At the end of the day, I want to be great. I have a lot of respect for Rances, but he’s just in my way. I have to fight the best in order to be the best. This is a big win that I’m looking forward to getting.

“We’re fighters and we adapt. I’m ready for whatever my opponent brings to the table. No matter what Rances does, I’m going to be ready.

“This is gonna be an action packed fight with two amazing fighters and hard workers. Make sure you tune in, because all of these fights are going to be awesome.”

BATYR AKHMEDOV

“I’m very happy to be back with this fight. It definitely bothers me what happened since my fight against Alberto Puello. Of course, I want to be fighting for the title, but it is what it is. I took this fight one month after that Puello fight, and now we’re here fighting a tough contender.

“This is a tough fight and I’m happy to be here. I have big opportunities in front of me, and it’s up to me to go get them.

“It’s hard to know what will happen, but I do believe the winner of this fight should face the winner of the main event. We’re two top ranked contenders and the winner should be next. All I can control is doing my best to become the mandatory.

“I feel like I’m a two-time world champion already, but I haven’t got the belt. I know the people appreciate my style and what I do in the ring. I know that I’ve earned being in the main event. But now I do believe that I have a tougher fight in front of me and all I can do is prove what I deserve on Saturday.

“I have to do my best to leave no doubt. I’m going to do my best every single round to win as brightly as possible and make sure there are zero doubts.”

KENNETH SIMS JR.

“This fight is super important to me. Everyone here knows that a couple of years ago, I wasn’t in this conversation. I don’t ever want to leave this conversation again. In order for that to happen, I have to take care of business on Saturday.

“I’ve been extremely focused for the last two years. I’m not a young pup anymore. I’ve got more that I’m fighting for. I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m prepared to do whatever I have to do in the ring to get the win and keep my train rolling.

“There have been a lot of things that have changed with me over the last couple of years. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing in the first phase of my career. I was just in there and fighting off straight athletic ability. I never applied what I actually know.

“Now I’ve got a great team around me and I’ve learned a lot about myself. Whether it’s nutrition or strength and conditioning, I didn’t really have that in the first phase of my pro career. Now I have a real team around me and it’s paying off.

“When I say I’m ready for whatever, I mean it. No matter what I have to do. If boxing isn’t working, I can fight. I’m not scared of a fight.

“I think Batyr should be world champion right now and I believe that the winner of this fight should get to fight for the title.”

# # #

ABOUT ROMERO VS. BARROSO

Romero vs. Barroso will see hard-hitting Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero battle No. 1 Contender Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr. meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.

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

LAS VEGAS – May 11, 2023 – Three matchups featuring undefeated fighters looking to keep perfect records intact will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation this Saturday, May 13 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Action live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is topped by unbeaten super lightweight Esteuri “El Puma” Suero dueling Starling Castillo in a 10-round attraction. Also featured is sensational bantamweight Michael Angeletti in an eight-round bout against Michell Banquez, while super featherweight Justin Viloria will take on Pedro Pinillo in a six-round fight. The live stream is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

These fights precede a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader headlined by top contenders Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Ismael Barroso facing off for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship. That telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT will also see former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the co-main event, plus super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr. meet in a WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Representing Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Suero (12-0, 9 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on Saturday night, having turned pro in 2019 with a first-round knockout over Elieser Torres. The 23-year-old jump started his professional record with knockouts in nine of his first 10 fights and by winning 10-round unanimous decisions in each of his last two fights – most recently besting Jose Fajardo Galvez in December. He will be opposed by the 27-year-old Castillo (17-1-1, 13 KOs), who most recently fought fellow unbeaten Kenny de Leon to a draw last October. Also, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo’s only career defeat came via decision against the unbeaten Otar Eranosyan.

A highly skilled technician with blazing speed and surprising power, Angeletti (7-0, 6 KOs) scored the most impressive victory of his young career last time out, as he dominated the previously unbeaten Jeremy Adorno on his way to a fifth-round stoppage last October. Originally from New Orleans and now training in Spring, Texas, Angeletti carries a five-fight knockout streak into Saturday night. He will face the 32-year-old Banquez (20-3, 14 KOs), a native of Venezuela who fights out of Florida. Banquez owns impressive victories over then-unbeaten opponents Prince Patel and Joahnys Argilagos, and most recently dropped decisions to Ramon Cardenas last July and Antonio Vargas in February.

With a large contingent of supporters in attendance, Viloria (1-0, 1 KO) turned pro in April and delighted his fans with a sensational first round knockout over Sirdarious Smith. The 18-year-old from Whittier, California will step up in competition when he faces Colombia’s Pinillo (5-1, 5 KOs) on Saturday. Pinillo turned pro in December 2019 and scored five-straight stoppages before losing a majority decision to Alejandro Nicasio Garcia in April 2022.

The non-televised undercard lineup will feature highly touted twin super bantamweight prospects in six-round fights as Chavez Barrientes (6-0, 5 KOs) meets Juan Centeno (8-7-3, 1 KO), while his twin brother Angel Barrientes (9-1, 6 KOs) battles Sharone Carter (13-6, 3 KOs). Rounding out the card is Washington, D.C. prospect David Whitmire (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight matchup against Texas’ Javier Vargas (3-1, 3 KOs), and the pro debut of super middleweight Yojanler Martinez in a four-round bout taking on California’s Dario Guerrero-Meneses (3-5-1, 1 KO).

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ABOUT ROMERO VS. BARROSO

Romero vs. Barroso will see hard-hitting Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero battle No. 1 Contender Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr. meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.

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

LAS VEGAS – May 10, 2023 – Hard-hitting Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero will battle No. 1 contender Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title this Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. The matchup between come-forward fighters with power in both hands shapes up to be another entertaining title tilt at 140-pounds, a division brimming with talent.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, and top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims Jr., facing off in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator in the telecast opener.

Alberto Puello, who previously held the WBA 140-pound title that will be fought for on Saturday night, has been dropped from the main event because of a failed VADA test.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) is known for his brash talk that he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. Romero returns to the ring for the first time since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, Romero won an interim title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 27-year-old followed that victory up with a pair of impressive knockout triumphs, dominating slick contender Avery Sparrow with a seventh-round stoppage in January 2021 before dropping former title challenger Anthony Yigit three times on his way to another seventh-round stoppage in July 2021.

“It doesn’t matter who I fight on May 13,” said Romero. “I’m a star and I’m gonna shine no matter what. I can’t wait to put on a show in my hometown of Las Vegas and for everyone watching on SHOWTIME. I’m leaving the ring with that belt.”

Barroso (24-3-2, 22 KOs) is a battle-tested veteran seeking to capture a WBA title for the second time in his career. He came up short in his world title quest when he lost to Anthony Crolla for a lightweight championship in 2016. Barroso, who was born in Tigre, Venezuela and now lives in Miami, Fla., has won four consecutive fights – three by knockout – since suffering back-to-back losses in 2018. In his most recent match, he scored a fourth-round knockout victory over Fernando David Saucedo last August to climb into the No. 1 contender spot for the WBA 140-pound title.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity and I’m not going to waste it,” said Barroso. “On May 13 you will see an extremely hungry fighter going all out for the victory. I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and for standing by my side throughout everything. On May 13 I’m winning that title!”

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

The World Boxing Association declared the Dominican Alberto Puello as 140 lbs. champion in recess, after he tested positive for a banned substance, according to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), therefore, the fight between Rolando Romero and Ismael Barroso, will be for the WBA Super Lightweight vacant Championship. 

This was approved by a vote of its members by the WBA Championships Committee, which, in turn, indicates that Puello’s recess status is exceptional and a final decision will be made after May 17, 2023, when the boxer attends a hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission and the Commission makes a decision or a VADA report indicates a negative result of the B test, which is done at the request of the boxer. 

The Puello vs. Romero fight was not a mandatory defense, however, and adhering to the WBA C22 rule, the WBA Championships Committee approved Barroso as the Dominican’s replacement for this world championship bout. This rule states that when a champion cannot defend his title for medical, legal or other justifiable reasons, he will be declared inactive and the organization will choose the official title contenders. 

Since the bout is scheduled for May 13 and the Nevada hearing will take place 4 days after, the WBA felt the need to adhere to the C22 rule to affect as little as possible the athletes classified at 140 pounds. 

For his part, Barroso, mandatory challenger at Super Lightweight, was chosen to face Romero. The winner will face Ohara Davies no later than 120 days after May 13. 

In the event that the fight ends in a draw or a “no decision,” the Committee will reconsider the 140-pound case and issue a new ruling pending the outcome of Puello’s hearing with the Nevada Commission and the possibility of opening the B Test.

Sergey Lipinets (17-2-1,13KO) stopped Omar Figueroa Jr (28-3-1,19KO) in the Main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime Championship Boxing card, at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida 1000 dollar loan guaranteed. Lipinets dropped Figueroa in round two, and continued to pick apart the awkward, hard-charging Figueroa. The rounds became more lopsided, and after the seventh round, Omar Figueroa Sr. said his son took enough punishment, and threw in the towel to save his boy.  Lipinets, who took the fight on short notice after Adrien Broner withdrew, got his career back on track in this  WBC super lightweight title eliminator. Figueroa may be looking to call it a career after his third consecutive loss, and the second one from this stool.

Puello Decisions Akhmedov to Win WBA Super Lightweight Title

In the Co-man event, Alberto Puello (21-0 10 KOs) won the WBA World Super Lightweight title with a razor-sharp decision over Batyr Akhmedov (9-2 8 KOs).  This chess match was toe-to-toe for 12 rounds. The fight was very close, with many rounds that could have gone to either fighter.  The last round could have been one of the more exciting rounds, leaving the fans at the Hard Rock Live restless for more. The final cards came in at 115-113 Akhmedov and 117-111 twice for Puello.

Hector Garcia wins WBA Super Featherweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Roger Gutierrez

Hector Garcia, 16-0 (10KO) lifted the WBA Super Featherweight strap from Roger Gutierrez, 26-4-1 (20KO) with a unanimous decision victory.  Garcia beat the former champion to the punch in a chess match of a fight that heated up as it went on. Rounds nine through twelve saw much more action as both fighters had their moments of hard punching and flurries. The official cards were unanimous for Garcia reading 117-111 twice and 118-110.

Lee Gets of the Deck; Decisions Madera

Hard-hitting Brandun Lee 26-0 (22KO) was floored for the first time in his career by a huge right hand in the third round from Will Madera 17-2-3(10KO).  Lee regained his composure, and finished the round. He went on to win nearly every other round behind a solid jab and a steady output.  Madera had his moments, but it was Lee with the unanimous decision victory with all three cards reading 98-91.

Fiodor Czerkaszyn 20-0 (13 KOs) from Warsaw Poland knocked out Gilbert Venegas Jr. 11-2 (7 KOs) in round four of their welterweight fight with a huge right hand. Venegas was competitive in parts of the fight, however, Czerkaszyns’ pinpoint power punching was just too much for the product from East Moline IL.

Lenier Pero improved 8-0(5KO) with a first-round KO over Joel Caudle 9-7-2(6 KOs).

Super Lightweight Ismael Barroso improves to 24-3-2(22KO) with a KO4 (2:11) over rugged Fernando Saucedo 

Super Welterweight Miguel Hernandez remains perfect at 6-0(6KO) with a KO3 (2:05)  win over Anthony Hannah.

Super Bantamweight Michael Angeletti improved to 6-0 (5KO) with KO1 (2:28) win over Rafael Morel 1-6-1(1 KOs).

Relentless Francisco Portillo 18-11-2  from Tijuana Mexico came off the canvas to win a six-round unanimous decision over former world Champion Rau’shee Warren 19-4(5KO)

Scorecards were 58-56 twice & 57-57.

Light Heavyweight Robert Burwell 9-7 (3 KOs) was competitive in his scrap with the highly favored and former multiple-time national champion from Philadelphia Atif Oberlton 6-0(5KO).  Oberlton kept the pressure from the opening round, winning nearly every frame working behind a stiff jab and a solid right hand. Burwell took all Oberlton would dish out, going out on his shield in the final round. Oberlton goes the distance the first time with a unanimous decision win with the cards read 60-54 twice and 59-55.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opponents for Nistor and Rios will be announced shortly.

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

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

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

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

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