Bethlehem, PA (November 17, 2017) – Frank De Alba is ready to close out 2017 with a bang when he takes on Ivan Najera (17-3, 8 KOs) in the ten-round super featherwight bout Tuesday night. November 21st at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

De Alba of Reading, Pa. has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.

The 30 year-old De Alba will be looking for his 6th consecutive victory as he has had a terrific year with wins over German Meraz and Ryan Kielczewski (26-2) in 2017.

“Everything is good. I put in a hard eight-week camp,” Said De Alba.

De Alba and Najera were originally supposed to get together earlier this year, but Najera had to pull out.

“I am excited to be able to finally get in the ring with him. We were supposed to fight in June. He pulled out at the last minute and that made me angry, because I trained hard for a full camp, but now I finally get my opportunity to fight him.”

A win over Najera and a 6th straight win will De Alba should facilitate big opportunities for De Alba in 2018.

“A win over him will have me on top and on my way. It will set me up for a big opportunity in 2018. Hopefully a win will get me a shot at one of those major regional titles and then eventually a world title. I just hope everyone comes out and support this show on Tuesday. Everyone knows when a Puerto Rican fighter and a Mexican fighter get together, the fight usually produces fireworks and Tuesday night should be no different.”

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated Mykal Fox (14-0, 4 KOs) of Forestville, MD takes on Manuel Reyes (11-3-1, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles in a junior welterweight bout.

Also in an eight-round bout, Victor Vasquez (8-3, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, NY will square off with undefeated Ricardo Garcia (14-0, 9 KO’s) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a lightweight fight.

An exciting undercard has been put together that will features some of the best prospects in the Lehigh Valley:

In four-round bouts:

Highly-touted prospect Joseph Adorno (4-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA will take on Jahaziel Vasquez (1-4) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super featherweight bout.

Marcus Bates (7-0-1, 6 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Antonio Rodriguez (11-19-1, 5 KOs) of Durango, MX in a super bantamweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA will take on pro debuting James Early (2-1) of Seat Pleasant, MD in a featherweight contest.

Jose Elizondo (2-3-1) of San Antonio, Texas will fight Hector Bayanilla (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super bantamweight affair.

Michael Polite-Coffie of Brooklyn, NY will make his pro debut against Ralph Alexander (0-1) of Lanham, Maryland in a heavyweight fight.

Harold Lopez (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on Jerrod Miner (1-0) of Philadelphia in a light flyweight fight.

Martino Jules (1-0) of Allentown, PA will take on Weusi Johnson (2-6) of Wilmington, Delaware in a featherweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Bethlehem, PA (November 4, 2017) – The exciting nine-bout card is shaping up for the King’s Promotions event that will take place on Tuesday night. November 21st at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

In the main event, Frank De De Alba will take on battle-tested Ivan Najera in the ten-round super featherweight bout.

De Alba of Reading, Pa. has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.

The 30 year-old De Alba has is a six-year professional who has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Jose Bustos (8-2-3), Bernardo Gomez Uribe (16-3), Kiun Evans (12-2-1), and in his last bout where he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczewski (26-2) on April 4th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. De Alba has won five straight.

Najera of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 17-3 with eight knockouts.

The 24 year-old Najera is also a six year veteran, who has amassed wins over Pedro Martinez (2-0), Jerry Fuentes (2-0), Angel Hernandez (8-1), Stan Martyniouk (13-1), and his last bout when he won an eight-round majority decision over Francisco Valdez on March 25th in Guadalajara, Mexico

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated Mykal Fox take on Manuel Reyes in a junior welterweight bout

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 14-0 with four knockouts.

The 21 year-old Fox continues to step up the competition, and he is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Damiel Sostre on June 3rd in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Reyes of Los Angeles, California has a record of 11-3-1 with five knockouts.

Reyes is a five year-professional who has impressive wins over Dwain Victorian (4-1), Brian Jones (9-2), Steven Zayes (2-0) & a 2nd win over Jones (12-3).

Reyes has won eight straight bouts with his latest being an eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Garcia on June 2nd in Tijuana, Mexico.

Also in an eight-round bout, Victor Vasquez (8-3, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, NY will square off with undefeated Ricardo Garcia (14-0, 9 KO’s) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a lightweight fight.

An exciting undercard has been put together that will features some of the best prospects in the Lehigh Valley:

In four-round bouts:

Highly-touted prospect Joseph Adorno (4-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA will take on pro debuting James Early (2-1) of Seat Pleasant, MD in a featherweight contest.

Jose Elizondo (2-3-1) of San Antonio, Texas will fight Hector Bayanilla (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super bantamweight affair.

Michael Polite-Coffie of Brooklyn, NY will make his pro debut against Ralph Alexander (0-1) of Lanham, Maryland in a heavyweight fight.

Harold Lopez (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on Jerrod Miner (1-0) of Philadelphia in a light flyweight fight.

Martino Jules (1-0) of Allentown, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a featherweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Bethlehem, PA (October 13, 2017) – Local favorite Frank De Alba will take on battle-tested Ivan Najera in the ten-round super featherweight main event on Tuesday night, November 21st at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The nine-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

De Alba of Reading, Pa. has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.

The 30 year-old De Alba has is a six-year professional who has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Jose Bustos (8-2-3), Bernardo Gomez Uribe (16-3), Kiun Evans (12-2-1), and in his last bout where he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczewski (26-2) on April 4th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. De Alba has won five straight.

Najera of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 17-3 with eight knockouts.

The 24 year-old Najera is also a six year veteran, who has amassed wins over Pedro Martinez (2-0), Jerry Fuentes (2-0), Angel Hernandez (8-1), Stan Martyniouk (13-1), and his last bout when he won an eight-round majority decision over Francisco Valdez on March 25th in Guadalajara, Mexico

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated Mykal Fox will battle Marlon Aguas in a welterweight bout.

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 14-0 with four knockouts.

The 21 year-old Fox continues to step up the competition, and he is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Damiel Sostre on June 3rd in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Aguas of Ecuador has a record of 9-1 with six knockouts, and is looking to get back in the win column after being stopped by undefeated Ivan Golub on March 25th in Miami, Oklahoma.

Also in an eight-round bout, Victor Vasquez (8-3, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, NY will square off with undefeated Ricardo Garcia (14-0, 9 KO’s) of Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic in a lightweight fight.

An exciting undercard has been put together that will features some of the best prospects in the Lehigh Valley:

In four-round bouts:

Highly-touted prospect Joseph Adorno (4-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA will take on pro debuting Derrick Pitts of Cincinnati, OH in a featherweight contest.

Josephat Ortiz (2-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Bryan Perez (2-8-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a featherweight bout.

Jose Elizondo (2-3-1) of San Antonio, Texas will fight Hector Bayanilla (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super bantamweight affair.

Michael Polite-Coffie of Brooklyn, NY will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a heavyweight fight.

Harold Lopez (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Wilmington, DE (January 26, 2017)–World ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam will battle tough Brazilian Robson Assis in the scheduled 10-round co-feature bout on Friday night, February 17th at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.

The bout will support the previously announced 12-round WBF Cruiserweight title bout featuring legendary Roy Jones Jr. battling Bobby Gunn.

The show will be show live on Pay-Per-View.

Islam of Kazakhstan, who now calls Pahokee, Florida home has a record of 22-0 with 18 knockouts and is currently ranked number-4 by the WBA, number-5 by the WBO and number-15 by the IBF.

The 32 year-old Islam is a 5 year-professional who holds victories over Humberto Toledo (41-8-2), former world title challenger Francisco Cordero (29-2), Juan De Angel (18-3-1) and his last bout when he went home to Kazakhstan and pounded out a 12 round unanimous decision over Patrick Allottey (34-2) on October 29th.

Islam is a former WBA Fedecaribe and current WBA Fedelatin and WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight champion.

Assis of Sao Paulo, Brazil has a record of 16-3 with 9 knockouts. Assis is a former Brazilian Welterweight champion and former interim WBO Latino champion.

He won the Interim WBO Latino title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Christian Romero (13-3) and retained with a 12-round unanimous decision over Hector Santana (21-4).

Assis’ only 3 losses have come to world class fighters Jeff Horn (8-0-1), Samuel Vargas (22-2-1), and his last bout when he was stopped by Steven Butler (16-0-1) on July 7th in Montreal.

In a 10-round battle for the WBF Junior Lightweight International championship, Frank De Alba will take on Ivan Najera.

DeAlba, 29 years-old of Reading, PA has a record of 20-2-2 with 9 knockouts.

The 6-year pro has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Benjamin Burgos (1-0), Benjamin Gomez Uribe (16-3), and is last bout when he stopped Kiun Evans (12-2-1) in 2 rounds on September 9th in Reading, PA.

De Alba is also a former UBF All-Americas Super Featherweight champion.

Najera, 24 years-old of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 16-3 with 8 knockouts.

Najera is a 6-year professional, and has quality victories over Pedro Martinez (2-0), Jerry Fuentes(2-0), Angel Hernandez (8-1) & Stan Martyniouk (13-1). Najera has stepped up the competition but has fallen short to Felix Verdejo (17-0), Saul Rodriguez (18-0-1) and his last bout when he was stopped in 2 rounds by former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran on May 21st in Laredo, Texas.

WBC Asian Council Welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) of Chandigarh, India will make his American debut against an opponent to be named in bout scheduled for 8-rounds

Also seeing action will be local favorite Joey Tiberi, Jr. (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware takes on Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) lightweight bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Jesus Lule (9-20-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, Florida in a 6-round super lightweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Henry Stewart (2-0, 1 KO) of Orillia Ontario, Canada will take on an opponent to be named.

In a Cruiserweight battle for Delaware bragging rights, Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington will take on Lamont Singletary (7-4, 4 KO’s) of Dover.

Undefeated middleweight Eddie Ortiz (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will take on an opponent to be named.

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury

SKILL VS WILL will be distributed live throughout North America via cable and satellite in High Definition by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The broadcast will premiere on Friday, February 17th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be carried throughout the month on video-on-demand. Please consult your local guide for channels and encores in your area. The suggested retail price is $29.99. The event will also be available worldwide on home computers, laptops, Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, AppleTV, and Android devices on FITE-TV, Flipps, and other OTT (over-the-top) streaming services.

Tickets are on sale now ranging from $75 – $300 and can be purchased by calling (484) 935-3378 & www.firststatefights.com

Roy Jones, Jr. vs Bobby Gunn, promoted by David Feldman Promotions and the Casino at Delaware Park.

LAS VEGAS, NV. (November 18, 2015) — Say “adios” to the niceties. The main event fighters headlining this week’s edition of MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV have only one thing on their minds — their opponents! At their media workout at the Top Rank Gym today, the four young warriors — super middleweights GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ and GEVORG KHATCHIKIAN, and lightweights SAÚL “Kid Dynamite” RODRÍGUEZ and IVAN “Bam Bam” NAJERA, who boast a combined record of 88-2 (55 KOs) — took time out to discuss their Friday night battles which will be televised live at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on truTV from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Here’s what they had to say:

Ramirez (32-0, 24 KOs), of Mazatlan, Mexico. The Mazatlan Mauler with the matinee idol looks, risks his No. 1 world rating and mandatory challenger position for the World Boxing Organization super middleweight world title as he defends his WBO International and NABF super middleweight titles:

“It’s easy to talk like my opponent is doing. I like it. No, my team did not make a mistake agreeing to fight Khatchikian. He’s going to find out the hard way. Fights are won in the ring. I wanted this fight to be better prepared to fight Arthur Abraham for the world title. I have no desire to sit it out waiting for my title shot. That’s what this fight is all about.”

Khatchikian (23-1, 11 KOs), of Heerlen, Netherlands. Six of his last seven victories have come by way of knockout. His lone blemish, an 11th-round TKO to former Olympic gold medalist and reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion James DeGale. He will be challenging Ramirez in a 10-round super middleweight rumble.

“Team Zurdo made a big mistake taking this fight. All of the pressure is on him, not me. I have more power. James Degale, who I fought, is 10 times better than Zurdo. And Degale is a southpaw too. I plan to figure out Zurdo real quick on Friday night, then I will strike. When I get done, Zurdo won’t have to worry about Arthur Abraham anymore.”

Rodriguez (18-0-1, 13 KOs), of Riverside, Calif. He has gone the distance just twice in his last 10 fights, a testament to his one-punch knockout power and his ring name, “Kid Dynamite.”

“Ivan Najera talks how great it was to go all of the rounds against Verdejo. But I don’t think Najera won a round so what does that mean? Najera has heart which means he will coming straight at me. I have a great trainer in Robert Garcia and a great manager in Cameron Dunkin. I am in Robert’s gym which has a lot of champions, contenders and rising stars. There is a hunger to win in that gym. That’s what I am taking into the ring Friday night.”

Najera (16-1, 8 KOs), of San Antonio, TX. He is known for his crowd-pleasing aggressive style of fighting and good punching power. Texas boxing fans have been flocking to his fights because he always delivers all-action performances.

“Verdejo is a monster. Saul Rodriguez isn’t half the fighter Verdejo is. I plan to replace the “0” with a “1” in the Rodriguez loss column the same way Verdejo did to me. Let’s see how Rodriguez handles not being undefeated anymore. It’s going to hurt him. I’m going to hurt him.”

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Promoted by Top Rank and Zapari Boxing Promotions, remaining tickets to the Ramirez-Khatchikian championship boxing event, priced at $100, $85, $75, $50 and $40, are available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday’s Official Weigh-In is open to fans. It will take place at Rose.Rabbit.Lie. inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fighters will step on the scale beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT. The Official Weigh-In will also be streamed live at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT via www.toprank.tv.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtag #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (October 12, 2015) – Undefeated Mexican knockout artist and No. 1 world-rated super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ will risk his upcoming world title shot in a 10-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) International / North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super middleweight title defense against GEVORG KHATCHIKIAN, of the Netherlands, making his U.S. debut, Friday, November 20, at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Ramirez vs. Khatchikian will be televised live on The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round junior lightweight rumble between once-beaten IVAN “Bam Bam” NAJERA of San Antonio and unbeaten SAÚL “Kid Dynamite” RODRÍGUEZ, of Riverside, Calif.. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank® and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV at: http://trutvishere.com/.

These young warriors boast a combined record of 88-2 (55 KOs) – a winning ratio of 98 percent with close to 2/3 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank and Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Khatchikian championship boxing event go on sale This Friday! October 16, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Priced at $100, $85, $75, $50 and $40, tickets will be available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

“This is the second time that I have fought in Las Vegas. When I was younger I dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas because it was the boxing capital of the world where the best events took place,” said Ramirez. “November 20th is a memorable date for Mexico. I am dedicating this fight to all Mexicans. I have been training more than a month because this fight is so important. I’ve been promised a world championship fight if I win this one, so I am preparing like this is a world championship fight. It is do or die for me and my career to win and to have the opportunity to make history by becoming the first Mexican to win a super middleweight world title in this division.”

“I am going to the U.S. to be recognized as an elite fighter,” said Khatchikian. “My opponent Gilberto Ramírez is a quality fighter, but I promise I will put on the performance of my life and beat him. On November 20th, the world will know who Gevorg Khatchikian is.”

“I know I have a very talented fighter in front of me. I am preparing myself like never before,” said Rodriguez. “I will give all boxing fans a very exciting fight and guarantee those in attendance and those watching on truTV a great performance. I do want to thank Top Rank, Cameron Dunkin, truTV and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for this great opportunity.”

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially in Las Vegas, against another undefeated opponent,” said Najera. I am ready to take my place back after the loss with Felix Verdejo. And, I’m very happy it will be on truTV, which gives my family and everyone that can’t make it to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas a chance to watch it.”

“Saul and our team are taking this fight very seriously. I know Najera is a very dedicated fighter with tremendous skills,” said Rodriguez’s trainer Robert Garcia. “We want to thank Top Rank and Cameron Dunkin for this opportunity. We want to show the world that Saul Rodriguez is a future world champion.”

“Gilberto gets better and better with each outing,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “We expect a great challenge from Gevorg Gilberto will have to be at his best to beat him and secure his long-awaited title shot in the early part of 2016. Najera vs. Rodriguez is one of those can’t miss matchups. We’ve seen what Najara is all about with his battle last June against Verdejo. Saul is an excellent puncher but will need more than that competing at the next level, which this showdown truly is. Fight fans attending at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas or watching at home on truTV are in for a great night of action, kicking off an exciting weekend of world class boxing.”

Ramirez (32-0, 24 KOs), a two-fisted super middleweight wrecking machine who hails from Mazatlan, Mexico, is the top world-rated contender in the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rankings and is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Council (WBC). A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 24, has won four of his last six bouts by knockout. Last year featured his career-best performances which included an NABF and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title victory over Giovanni Lorenzo via fifth-round stoppage, a WBO International title knockout victory over Junior Talipeau and a successful defense of his NABF and WBO International titles, stopping Fulgencio Zuniga in the eighth round. This year he has scored 10-round unanimous decision victories over once-beaten Maxim Vlasov and division gate keeper Derek Edwards, who boasts a KO victory over world champion Badou Jack, on January 24 and June 26, respectively.

Khatchian (22-1, 10 KOs), 27, from Heerlen, Netherlands, has a fighting style that features strong boxing skills and excellent movement. Five of his last six victories have come by way of knockout. The lone blemish on his professional resume is an 11th-round TKO by future world champion James DeGale last year. A strong amateur background, Khatchian produced a 99-11 record, which included a gold medal victory in the 2005 Dutch National Championships.

Rodriguez (18-0-1, 13 KOs), from Riverside, California, has gone the distance just twice in his last 10 fights, a testament to his one-punch knockout power and his ring name, “Kid Dynamite.” Trained by 2012 “Trainer of the Year” Robert Garcia, Rodriguez, 22, returns to the ring for the fourth time this year having already claimed victories over Ramsey Luna, Antonio Capulin and Carlos Rodriguez, who had a combined record of 35-4 when he defeated them.

Najera (16-1, 8 KOs), from San Antonio, TX, is known for his crowd-pleasing aggressive style of fighting and good punching power. Texas boxing fans have been flocking to his fights because he delivers all-action performances. Najera, 24, made his national television debut on February 7, winning a unanimous decision over veteran Robbie Cannon in Najera’s toughest professional fight to date. He followed that with his HBO debut in a battle of unbeaten contenders, losing a spirited 10-round decision to 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and No. 3 world-rated Felix Verdejo at Madison Square Garden on June 16.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtag #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

NEW YORK–Nicholas Walters won a 12-round unanimous decision over Miguel Marriaga in a Featherweight bout at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was to be contested for Walters WBA championship but he was stripped of the title on Friday as he checked in one pound over the Featherweight limit at Friday’s weigh in. Marriaga was eligible to win the title.

In round four, Marriaga landed three hard left hooks that got Walters attention. the action started to pick up in round five as Walters opened the frame with a combination. Marriaga fought back with some solid action of his own.

In round eight, Walters landed a chopping right to the head that stunned Marriaga. In round nine, Walters began to up the pace as he swiftly jabbed his way in and threw some good right hands and mixed in lefts to the body. At the end of the round, Walters landed a perfect right hand counter that sent Marriaga to the canvas. Marriaga made one final push in the final stanza as he landed a solid right that drove Walters back but it was too little too late for Marriaga

Walters, 127 lbs of Montego Bay, JAM won by scores of 118-109, 117-110 and 119-108 and is now 26-0. Marriaga, 125.2 lbs of Arjorna, COL is now 20-1.

“”fter two weeks I will decide if I will move up to 130.Whoever is the best is who I want to fight. I want to fight the best.Even though I couldn’t make the 126 I wanted to come here and give them a good show and that’s what I did. I hurt him a few times but it was late in the rounds.Amatuers and the pros are two different thigs. You can’t bring the amateurs to the pros. I am a lot more organized than I was in the amateurs.The crowd is used to people knocking down people. I have not fought in six months. He was a tough guy. I hurt him. I did hurt him. Some guys would go down but he is tough and he stayed up.In the last round I hurt him too, with a body shot. I was trying to get him out but I just couldn’t get him.” said Walters

“I got tired toward the end He is very strong. I felt like i was fighting a welterweight. I tried my best but he was just too good. he has got better since the last time we fought, ” Said Marriaga

Felix Verdejo was impressive as he scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Ivan Najera in a Lightweight bout.

In round two, Najera tried to make the fight but Verdejo opened up with some ripping combinations in the corner. In round three, Verdejo continued to land power shots to the head of Najera. In round four, it was more toe to toe action with the quicker Verdejo landed some perfect shots to the face but Najera not only took them but tried to fight back. Finally in round five, Verdejo was able to put the strong chinned Najera on the canvas with a perfect left hook. Verdejo went in for the finish but Najera was able to withstand a huge barrage of punches on the ropes.

At the end of round seven, Verdejo landed a perfect hook that sent Najera down for a second time. In round ten, Verdejo landed one booming right from the southpaw stance that drew a large reaction from the Pro-Verdejo crowd at the Theater.

Verdejo, 133 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 100-88 twice and 99-89 and is now 18-0. Najera, 131.4 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 16-1.

Verdejo landed 194-487 punches while Najera was 101-333.

Roy Jones – “Verdejo threw evrey kind of punch you could think of.”

Harold 100 – 88

How does 18-0 sounds?
Great, Im happy with the work we did tonight, I brought happiness to my Country and that its what I wanted to do.

You fought a warrior
Yes we knew he was a tuff opponent , with a lot of experience and we knew it was going to be tuff.

What went to your mind when you knock him and he would come back up?
I was relax, and I was concentrated in the fight, I was trying to hit him to see if it I could end it but , we had to go the long distance, but we did a good job.

How was it to hear you name and Puerto Rico at MSG/
I was awesome , I’m happy with the Puerto Ricans fans , Im proud to be Puerto Rican

You are being compare to Tito Trinidad
Its an honor to be compare with a star like Tito , someone who gave so much happiness to my Country , I will continue to work hard to get new goals

Whats next?
We have to see how my hand its doing , but we will continue to work hard for the future

Hand?
It was not 100 % but it was efficient
Yes that’s part of my job but we are happy with the work with did

Message for fans
Continue to support me, you will have Felix for a long time
Seanie Monaghan scored a 9th round stoppage over Fulgencio Zuniga in a scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout.

In round two, they had a furious exchange with Monaghan getting the better of the action. Monaghan controlled the bout as he landed a power shots but Zuniga kept coming forward. Finally in round nine, the activity got to Zuniga wilted and Monaghan landed a punch to the back for good measure as Zuniga fell to the ground. The fight was then halted at 2:09 of round nine.

Monagahan, 175.8 lbs of Long Beach, NY is now 25-0 with 16 knockouts. Zuniga, 174.8 lbs of Padilla, COL is now 27-11-1.

George Arias scored a 2nd round stoppage over Eric Cason in a scheduled 4-round Heavyweight bout.

Arias scored a knockdown in round two and the fight was stopped after a follow up barrage.

Arias, 227.2 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 4-0 with 3 knockouts. Cason, 198.2 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 2-4.

Christopher Diaz win a 6-round unanimous decision over Marcello Gallardo in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Baranquilla, PR won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-0. Gallardo, 126.4 lbs of Renton, WA. is mow 5-3-2.

Jason Sosa scored his 11th consecutive stoppage as he took out Santiago Bustos in round five of a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout

In round two, Sosa pounded Bustos all over the ring with thudding shots with both hands.

In round five, Sosa landed a hard right that sent Bustos to the ropes. He then landed a blistering left and an uppercut that sent Bustos to a knee. Bustos got to his feet only to eat about five more shots that sent him to the canvas. he got to his feet but the fight was called at 2:20

Sosa, 130.8 of Camden, NJ is now 16-1-3 with 12 knockouts/ Bustos, 129.8 lbs of Palma de Mallorca, SPA is 7-7-1.

In the opening bout, Mike Reed remained undefeated by pounding out an 8-round unanimous decision over Luis Gonzalez in a Super Lightweight bout.

Reed, 140.2 lbs of Waldorf, MD won by shutout scores of 80-73 and 80-72 twice and is now 15-0. Gonzalez, 140.2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 11-2-1.

HBO Boxing’s hit late-night franchise presents an all-action doubleheader featuring four undefeated fighters when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: NICHOLAS WALTERS VS. MIGUEL MARRIAGA AND FELIX VERDEJO VS. IVAN NAJERA is seen SATURDAY, JUNE 13 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for both bouts, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: June 14 (9:45 a.m.) and 15 (11:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdate: June 16 (midnight)

In the main event, featherweight titlist Nicholas Walters (25-0, 21 KOs) defends his world championship against Miguel Marriaga (20-0, 18 KOs) in a 12-round fight. Walters, 29, captured his first world title in 2012 when he knocked out Daulis Prescott in his home country of Jamaica and has successfully defended his belt three times by knockout. In his HBO debut last October, Walters grabbed the attention of the boxing world with a sensational knockout of former five-division world champ Nonito Donaire. Making his own HBO debut, Colombia’s Marriaga, 28, will be seeking a world title for the first time.

On the eve of New York’s Puerto Rican Day parade, the co-main event features boxing’s fastest-rising prospect, Felix Verdejo (17-0, 13 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking on Ivan Najera (16-0, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Tex., in a ten-round lightweight contest. During his rise in the division, Verdejo has remained exceptionally active, fighting seven times in 2014 and eight times in 2013. Both undefeated 22-year-olds will be making their HBO debuts as they rekindle boxing’s longstanding Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry, and both will be appearing in just their second ten-round fight. For Verdejo, this fight will be his third at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, a fight venue that launched rewarding ring careers for fighters like Arturo Gatti, Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin.

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

It’s a special weekend for HBO Boxing. On Sunday, June 14, Jim Lampley, who has been broadcasting fights on the network since 1988 and has been ringside for many of the sport’s signature moments the past 27 years, will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

NEW YORK (June 10, 2015) — Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight world champion NICHOLAS “Axe Man” WALTERS of Jamaica, and the boxing gem of Puerto Rico, undefeated No. 3 world-rated lightweight contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO and their opponents, Top-10 contender MIGUEL “The Scorpion” MARRIAGA and IVÁN “Bam Bam” NAJERA, respectively, hosted a media workout in Manhattan today.

The four undefeated fighters headline, in separate bouts, a world championship card in New York during Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend. With 60 knockout victories between them, fireworks are all but assured for this event which will take place This Saturday! June 13, in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Walters (25-0, 21 KOs), from Montego Bay, Jamaica, who is in the third year of his championship reign, will defend his world title against Marriaga (20-0, 18 KOs), of Arjona, Colombia. Verdejo (17-0, 13 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in his live HBO debut, will make the first defense of his newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight title against Najera(16-0, 8 KOs), of San Antonio, TX. Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The four gladiators boast a perfect combined record of 78-0 (60 KOs), which includes a victory by knockout ratio of 77%.

NICHOLAS WALTERS
“Marriaga may have beaten me in the amateurs but I do not remember it. Besides those fights are four rounds. On Saturday we will be fighting 12 rounds. He may be bringing his ‘A Game’ but I am bringing my ‘A-Plus Game.’ I have trained for a knockout victory. I am going to destroy him.

“I am overwhelmed to be fighting at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing, because so many of boxing’s great champions have fought here. It is hallowed ground. It is my honor and I want to give my best performance there. To be great…to be known as the best…you have to beat the best and I am ready to take on all champions in my division and beyond.”

MIGUEL MARRIAGA
“Of course Walters doesn’t remember me beating him for a spot on the Olympic team…BECAUSE HE LOST! He’s not going to remember Saturday, June 13 for the same reason!

“I have the strength and the intelligence to beat him. I will use my strength and intelligence to beat him.

“After I beat Walters again on Saturday I look forward to unifying the titles in my next fight.”

FELIX VERDEJO
“It is an honor to be fighting on Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend in boxing’s most historic building, Madison Square Garden. I have dreamed of doing this for so long. And then on Sunday I will be riding on a float in the parade. But first I need to prove myself worthy of these honors. Najera is my toughest test as a professional and I have worked very hard in training camp. I am prepared to go mano a mano on Saturday night. I will be fighting not just for myself but for the pride of Puerto Ricans everywhere!”

IVÁN NAJERA
“I am ready for my moment – my date with destiny. I know this is supposed to be Verdejo’s big debut on HBO. But I am here to do what I always do – to spoil the party. I have sacrificed so much to be ready for Saturday night but I will be dining out on this victory for years to come. June 13 will be remembered as Iván Najera’s Coming Out Party!”

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, remaining tickets to the Walters vs. Marriaga / Verdejo vs. Najera world championship boxing event, priced at $205, $105 and $55, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

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

NEW YORK (May 12, 2015) — Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight world champion NICHOLAS “Axe Man” WALTERS of Jamaica, and the boxing gem of Puerto Rico, undefeated No. 3 world-rated lightweight contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO will headline, in separate bouts, a world championship card in New York during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. With 34 knockout victories between them, fireworks are all but assured for this event which will take place Saturday, June 13, in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Both will be facing undefeated opponents. Walters, who is in the third year of his championship reign, will defend his world title against Top-10 contender MIGUEL “The Scorpion” MARRIAGA of Colombia. Verdejo, in his live HBO debut, will make the first defense of his newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight title against IVAN “Bam Bam” NAJERA, of San Antonio, TX. Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The four gladiators boast a perfect combined record of 78-0 (60 KOs), which includes a victory by knockout ratio of 77%.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Walters vs. Marriaga / Verdejo vs. Najera world championship boxing event will go on sale This Friday! May 15, at Noon ET. Priced at $205, $105 and $55, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

“Headlining at Madison Square Garden is every fighter’s dream but to do it on HBO is a tremendous honor,” said Walters. “I have unfinished business with Miguel Marriaga. He kept me out of the 2008 Olympics when he beat me in the Americas Olympic Qualifier and I am ready to pay him back. I am going to chop him with the axe.”

“I am happy to be fighting at the legendary Madison Square Garden,” said Marriaga. “I was born to be world champion and come June 13 I will be victorious. I would like to thank All Star Boxing, Top Rank and the WBA for the opportunity.”

“I am very excited to be fighting in New York once again. The New York area fans have been great and always make me feel like I am home,” said Verdejo. “I know that the fight against Ivan Najera will not be easy. I will prepare myself to the maximum and sacrifice everything in the gym so that on fight night I will be at my best and bring the belt back to Puerto Rico. I am very thankful to Top Rank for giving me these types of opportunities.”

“Verdejo is fast, strong and skilled but he hasn’t fought anyone like me,” said Najera. “This is a big fight and I know it. We are going to train in the high altitude of the mountains near Mexico City. We plan to do a lot of running and conditioning work to get set for this fight at Madison Square Garden, the home of champions. My parents are from Mexico and I feel good about training in Mexico City for the biggest fight of my career. Believe me, I am a whole lot better than all of those Verdejo has already faced in the ring. This is a real fight and I am thrilled that it will be in front of the fans at Madison Square Garden.”

“Only a select few fighters are worthy of headlining at the ‘Mecca Of Boxing’ and Top Rank is proud to present two of them on June 13,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “The mighty Nicholas Walters, who has yet to have a world title fight go to the scorecards, and Felix Verdejo, Puerto Rico’s next big thing and the lineal successor in talent and popularity to his mentor Felix Trinidad, are the perfect boxing complement to Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend — a partnership we innovated in 2005 and have developed into a highly-anticipated annual event.”

“On June 13, fans who love knockouts should cancel their Saturday night out and plan to watch HBO,” said Peter Nelson, Vice President of programming, HBO Sports. “Combined, Nicholas Walters and Miguel Marriaga have knocked out 87% of their opposition, and now they’ll face each other at Madison Square Garden’s Theater for the featherweight title. In addition, our co-feature spotlights the charismatic Puerto Rican sensation Felix Verdejo against game Mexican-American Ivan Najera in a clash of undefeated prospects.”

Walters (25-0, 21 KOs), from Montego Bay, Jamaica, has won 11 of his last 12 fight by stoppage. He captured the vacant WBA featherweight title on December 12, 2012, knocking out Daulis Presscott (26-1, 19 KOs) in the seventh round. He has successfully defended the title three times — all by knockout — stopping Alberto Garza, former two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan and 2012 Fighter of the Year and former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, respectively. A former amateur standout who collected gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games Qualifier III and the 2005 and 2007 Caribbean Championships, Walters is known for his expert boxing skills and movement and two-fisted punching power that are at a caliber of a much higher weight class.

Marriaga (20-0, 18 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia, enters this fight having won 12 of his previous 13 fights by way of knockout with 14 of his 18 knockouts coming in four rounds or less. Fighting mainly in Colombia and Mexico, Marriaga’s sole U.S. bout was last October in Santa Monica, a sixth-round knockout of Christopher Martin in a fight that televised nationally via ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. He is current;y world-rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). This will be the second time he has faced Walters. Marriaga defeated Walters in a 2008 Olympic qualifier.

Verdejo (17-0, 13 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, ended 2014 as a consensus “Prospect of the Year,” and enters 2015 as a contender to be reckoned with. He returns to the ring having won seven of his last eight fights inside the distance, including his most recent victory, a fifth round knockout of Marco Lopez, on April, 25, for the vacant WBO Latino lightweight title. Already world-rated No. 3 by the WBA, Verdejo, 21, continues to develop into a major gate attraction, producing standing room only crowds every time he fights. A former amateur standout who represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics, Verdejo has been mentored by Puerto Rican boxing icon and Hall of Fame inductee Felix Trinidad.

Najera (16-0, 8 KOs), from San Antonio, TX, is known for his crowd-pleasing aggressive style of fighting and good punching power. Texas boxing fans have been flocking to his fights because he delivers all-action performances. Najera made his national television debut on February 7, winning a unanimous decision over veteran Robbie Cannon in Najera’s toughest professional fight to date.

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