By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS —David Benavidez promised dominance. He promised to seize a Cinco de May torch that has belonged to Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez.

For one night, the dominance was there.

So, too was that torch, which Benavidez grabbed with the fastest hands in a dangerous business. It belonged to him Saturday night and perhaps in future years after he claimed a third title in a third division with a sixth-round knockout of Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Benavidez, born-and-forged in Phoenix, is the first in history to win titles at 168 pounds, 175 and 200. In effect, he took the snoozer out of cruiser with hands that move at a rocket rate.

“Speed, power and punch selection,” Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) said.”That’s what I do. I’ll fight anybody. Don’t efff with me.”

Zurdo (48-2, 30 KOs) tried. But he had no way of dealing with Benavidez’ singular hand speed. HIs trademark flurries are a blitzkrieg. They overwhelm.

In the fourth round, Zurdo saw it coming at him from angles he never expected. His only escape was to take a knee. A storm shelter wasn’t available. He would got back onto his feet, blood smeared across his nose and both cheeks.

All the while, Zurdo tried to subdue Benavidez with his bigger body and advertised power. 

Benavidez answered the opening bell, looking smaller and somewhat cautious. Within the first round’s final minute, however, he landed the first significant punch, a short right hand. Zurdo countered. Then, however, Benavidez unleashed one of  those swirling, blinding flurries, It was a sign of things to come.

In the second, Zurdo introduced Benavidez to some of that power. It was enough to back Bhim up a step or two. But Zurdo would quickly discover there was nothing he could do to slow down  those hands

In the final second of the sixth, he encountered them again. Still, no counter. This time, the punches cascaded off of Zurdo’s face like incoming waves. Blood poured from his left eye. The right began to swell and take on the color of a purple grape. With one second left in the sixth, it was over. Cinco de Mayo, 2026, officially belonged to Benavidez, who stood in the middle of the ring and repeated his long-standing challenge to Canelo Alvarez, the last man to possess the valuable date..

There was no immediate answer from Canelo, who was at ringside. Then again, Canelo had just witnessed another reason nobody has been able to beat Benavidez, who — hands down — possesses the most devastating weapon in the prizefighting business.

Munguia wins belt, scores dominant decision

Jaime Munguia promised he would return to Tijuana with a title.

Promise fulfilled.

Munguia (46-3, 35 KOs) is homeward bound with a World Boxing Association super-middleweight belt in his bags after he easily beat Armando Resendiz ((48-2, 30 KOs)with superior hand speed, precision and even some surprising endurance.Saturday in the final fight before the David Benavidez-Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez main event at T-Mobile Arena.

For all but the final seconds of the final round, the fight was a mismatch. Put it this way: Munguia dominated Resendiz the way Canelo Alvarez dominated Munguia two years ago. Canelo was there, seated at ringside in support of Munguia. Canelo, who wore a T-shirt that said Jaime, is trained by Eddy Reynoso, who also trains Munguia, who left the ring amid a chorus of Cinco de Mayo cheers.

Within the first few moments, it was clear that Resendiz never had a chance. The scorecards would confirm that. It was Munguia –117-111, 119-109, 120-108. Only in the final seconds did it ever look as if Resendiz, a fellow Mexican, had a chance. 

Munguia was attempting to score a knockout. He swung wildly, leaving himself open. That’s when Resendiz landed a huge overhand right. But Munguia withstood it. Seconds later, he had his promised belt. 

Duarte wins controversial split decision

It began in controversy.

It ended in controversy.

For the winner, there were boos, lots of them.

Oscar Duarte heard them after he was given a split decision over Angel Fierro Saturday night on a Cinco de Mayo card featuring David Benavidez against Zurdo Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena.

“I thought I won this fight,” Duarte (31-2-1, 23 KOs) said. “I believe I won this fight.”

But the chorus of boos said loudly that many didn’t agree. Fierro looked to be in control early. Then, Duarte fought his way back over the final few rounds. Two cards had it for Duarte, 115-113 and 116-112. The third had it 116-112 for Fierro, The Boxing Hour scored it a draw.

Fierro, who was three-plus pounds over the 140-pound mandatory Friday, rocked Duarte repeatedly in the early rounds with a right, a lightning bolt of a punch. Fierro also got floored after the bell ending the fourth. But that right continued to land over the next couple of rounds.

Jose Tito Sanchez wakes up crowd, scores stoppage 

A restless, late-arriving crowd finally got a wake up call, delivered by Jose Tito Sanchez.

Sanchez (16-0, 10 KOs) threw a succession of powerful combinations that put Jorge Chavez down twice in the 10th, a round that finally got  fans out of their seats Saturday at T-Mobile Arena Saturday night on the Benavidez-Zurdo card.

After seven slow-paced bouts on the undercard, Sanchez struck. Suddenly, the crowd roared. It was as if Cinco de Mayo had finally arrived. Only Chavez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), a junior-featherweight from Tijuana, didn’t celebrate. 

First ,a five-punch combo dropped him flat on the canvas. Somehow, he got upright. But not for long. Sanchez, of Cathedral City CA,  quickly followed with another multi-punch combo, finishing Chavez at 2:30 of the 10th.

Ismael Flores scores 154-pound upset

Ismael Flores combined pressure to poise and added just enough patience to a thorough attack that left Isaac Lucero with only one option.

He backpedaled, backpedaled all the way into a  one-sided scorecard loss Saturday on the card featuring Benavidez-Zurdo Saturday at T-Mobile Arena

Flores (18-1-1, 12 KOs), a junior-middleweight from Argentina, sustained his tactical mix throughout 10 rounds, scoring a 98-92, 99-91, 98-92 upset of the favored Mexican, (18-1, 14 KOs), a 9-to-1 betting favorite at opening bell.

Blancas ices Salomon, wins decision

Daniel Blancas calls himself “The Ice Man.” Raul Salomon found out why.

Blancos, still an unbeaten (15-0, 7 KOs) super-middleweight from Milwaukee, repeatedly stopped Salomon’s forward pursuit throughout most of a hard-fought 10 rounds on Benavidez-Zurdo card Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. 

It often looked as if the chilling sting in Blanco’s pouches froze Salomon (16-4-1, 14 KOs) in his tracks, leaving the Southern California fighter without many alternatives in a unanimous-decision loss

Capetillo escapes with narrow decision

Dylan Capetillo, a Las Vegas junior-welterweight, scored repeatedly throughout three-plus rounds and then held onto his scorecard advantage, eluding a late charge from James Pierce for a narrow decision Saturday in the fifth bout on a pay-per-view card featuring Benavidez-Zurdo Saturday at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Capetillo won 39-37 on all three cards over Pierce (2-1, 2 KOs), a Phoenix fighte

Carrillo stays unbeaten, delivers body-shot KO

It only takes one punch and Jose Carrillo, of Colombia, threw it, a lethal body shot that sent Marlon Delgado onto the canvas and kept him there for a fifth-round knockout in the fourth bout Saturday on the card featuring Benavidez-Zurdo at T-Mobile Arena..

The punch suddenly reversed Carrillo’s fortunes. Through four rounds, Carrillo (15-0, 11 KOs) was losing to a more active and precise Delgado, an Ecuadorian who lost for the first time in nine light-heavyweight bouts (8-1, 6 KOs).

No knockdowns, no winner either

There were no knockdowns. No cuts or bruising punches..

In the end, there was no winner either.

Julio Ocampo Hernandez, a Washington fighter who trains at David Benavidez’ Seattle gym, and Carlos Lewis, of Oklahoma City, fought to a draw in the third bout on the Benavidez-Zurdo-featured card Saturday.

Neither lightweight could gain much of an advantage throughout the six rounds.One judge scored 58-56 for Hernandez (9-0-1, 5 KOs). One judge scored 58-56 for Lewis (5-1-1, 3 KOs). On the third scorecard, it was 55-55.

Junior-welterweight Javier Meza dominates, wins TKO

Junior welterweight Javier Meza had more hand speed, more power, more accuracy.

More of everything.

Meza (6-0, 3 KOs) overwhelmed Damonte Smith (3-1, 1 KO), an Iowa fighter was knocked down twice in the fourth and was finished, a TKO victim, in the fifth round of the second fight on the Benavidez-Zurdo card Saturday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena.

First Bell: Middleweight Khamukov delivers opening salvo, wins decision

Sometime between brunch and lunch, the show opened in a ring with more people within the ropes than in the seats.

About eight hours before David Benavidez and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez would enter the ring, middleweights Petr Khamukov (14-1,6 KOs) of Los Angeles and Bernard Joseph of Massachusetts got things started in an empty T-Mobile Arena.

With punches echoing throughout the venue, a more aggressive Khamukov, prevailed winning a 10-round unanimous decision, 99-91, 98-92, 99-91.

SOUTH GATE, CA. – April 22, 2026 – WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz will look to take down another 168-pound star and build off of his 2025 on Cinco de Mayo weekend against all-action former champion Jaime Munguia in the co-main event of the Benavidez vs. Zurdo PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video Saturday, May 2 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In his return to action after scoring one of last year’s biggest upsets against former world champion Caleb Plant, Reséndiz will step in to face elite competition once again as he makes his first title defense against the dangerous brawler Munguia, a veteran of seven world title fights.

The affable 27-year-old from Nayarit, Mexico fought into the 12^th round for the first time in his title-winning battle against Plant, putting himself in position for another career-defining win that could make him a star of Cinco de Mayo weekends to come.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through www.AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions. Reséndiz vs. Munguia is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com.

Here is what Reséndiz had to say about Munguia and more, from his training camp in California with renowned trainer Manny Robles:

ARMANDO RESENDIZ

“I have to stay focused until the final bell and give my absolute best. Munguia says his experience will be the difference, but Plant was more experienced than me too. He had faced bigger names, but I’m a fighter who keeps getting better and better—there are no limits. That’s what I want to show people on May 2.

“I’ve studied him (Munguía) quite a bit. I’ve been watching him since I was starting my climb as a professional. He’s a gritty Mexican boxer with a wealth of experience.

“Being in this position is a huge motivation and a great responsibility. I’m eager to prove that I’m built for great things and I believe that’s exactly what we’ll do.

“The responsibilities have grown a bit more since winning the title. I have to be even more focused in the gym. I’ve had excellent sparring sessions with great boxers, including Terrell Gausha.

“I enjoyed every stage, every moment, every training session, and every pre-fight interview in the run-up to the Plant fight. I was focused on doing everything with my full enthusiasm and that ultimately showed in the final product.

“Overcoming adversity defines me as a warrior. A fighter who doesn’t give up so easily. Faith has been something that’s kept me standing and moving forward, believing that good things will come.

“I tend to stay focused in the present, but I like to watch my past fights and see how I’ve progressed over the years. I watch my fights and say, ‘I know what I was thinking at that moment, but maybe it wasn’t the right thing.’ It inspires me to keep improving and learning new things.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. ZURDO

Benavidez vs. Zurdo will see a first of its kind Mexico vs. Mexico duel between undefeated two-division world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, May 2 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Cinco de Mayo Weekend lineup begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with more Mexico vs. Mexico attractions including WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía meeting in an explosive co-main event clash.

The action will also include top contenders going toe-to-toe as Oscar Duarte takes on Angel Fierro in a 10-round super lightweight bout, plus unbeaten Mexican contender Jorge Chavez and Jose “Tito” Sanchez face off in a 10-round super bantamweight affair, while undefeated rising Mexican star Isaac “Puro México” Lucero meets hard-hitting Ismael Flores in an eight-round super welterweight opening attraction.

The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions. Reséndiz vs. Munguia is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Zanfer Boxing Promotions. Duarte vs. Fierro is promoted in association with Cancun Boxing and BXSTRS.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezZurdo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoyBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoy, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy

HOLLYWOOD, CA. – April 17, 2026 – Unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez held a media workout in Los Angeles on Thursday ahead of his Cinco de Mayo Weekend showdown against undefeated two-division world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, May 2 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The workout also included WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía, who square off in the explosive co-main event.

Also participating in the media workout was top contender Oscar Duarte, who takes on hard-hitting brawler Angel Fierro in a 10-round super lightweight attraction on the pay-per-view.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through www.AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions. Reséndiz vs. Munguia is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Zanfer Boxing Promotions. Duarte vs. Fierro is promoted in association with Cancun Boxing and BXSTRS.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Brickhouse Boxing Club in Hollywood:

GILBERTO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ

“I’m so excited to headline this event. I believe we have the potential to give fans the ‘Fight of the Year’. While me and David Benavidez have sparred close to 200 rounds together over our careers, being in the ring for real is so much different. This will not just be a regular fight; this is going to be a war.

“Benavidez is bringing his aggression and forward style; I am bringing my movement. I think our styles will make for a great fight.

“Headlining Cinco de Mayo adds a lot of motivation for me. This date is for the legends of the sport. I’m ready to show everything I can do.

“The sparring with Benavidez happened a long time ago. Now we’re gonna jump in there with smaller gloves and no headgear. It’s gonna be very different on May 2. Everyone is gonna see.

“You need to make sure that you’re ready to add this much weight to your body when you move up from 175 pounds to cruiserweight like I did, and like he’s going to do for this fight. You have to be confident in your body and listen to your body. 

“This card is full of can’t-miss Mexico vs. Mexico matches.”

ARMANDO RESENDIZ

“I’ve come so far since that fight against Plant and I’m really excited to be in this position. I’ve learned that adversity isn’t your enemy, but rather your teacher.”

“I’m staying focused in the moment, on what matters, and that’s going out there and winning. That keeps my feet on the ground and allows me to stay centered.”

“Being the hunted instead of the hunter is certainly a different, but my mindset doesn’t change, I’m ready to brawl.”

“I want the biggest fights and toughest opponents, but that’s not my focus. All I can do is win on May 2 and continue on to great things.”

JAIME MUNGUIA

“Experience is on my side, no doubt about it. I’ve faced the bigger names, I know my way through 12 rounds. I have the edge.”

“I’m going to go after the KO. I can’t predict a specific round, but I can guarantee that the fans will witness a show on May 2.”

“Having Eddy Reynoso in my corner is truly an honor. He provides me with the tools I need to feel confident throughout fight week and when I step into the ring.”

“So many things go through your head when you walk towards the ring to fight on Cinco de Mayo. It’s not just another day. Fighting on Cinco de Mayo is representing the Mexican fans.”

“Canelo and I have talked about Reséndiz before, and he told me that I have all the tools I need to come out on top.”

OSCAR DUARTE

“I feel so motivated and excited to be a part of this Cinco de Mayo card. I know Fierro from training at Robert Garcia’s gym, but we never had the opportunity to spar each other.

“I’m in my best shape, and I am entering the ring with a chip on my shoulder after everything that happened with Richardson Hitchins pulling out of our fight.

“The situation with the Hitchins fight was really tough mentally because I was prepared to fight for the world championship. But everything happens for a reason.

“I’m totally focused on what’s next for me, which is gonna be a great fight on May 2. That’s what motivates me.”

LAS VEGAS – March 18, 2026 – Cinco de Mayo Weekend in Las Vegas will feature a star-studded night of high-octane Mexico vs. Mexico showdowns, with the pay-per-view undercard highlighted by the world championship co-main event between Nayarit’s WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Tijuana’s all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía taking place Saturday, May 2 on the Benavidez vs. Zurdo PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The action will also include Mexico vs. Mexico matchups featuring top contenders going toe-to-toe as Parral’s Oscar Duarte takes on Tijuana’s Angel Fierro in a 10-round super lightweight bout, while undefeated rising Mexican star from La Paz Isaac “Puro México” Lucero meets the Nochistlan-native and fellow unbeaten Alan Sandoval in a 10-round super welterweight opening clash. An additional pay-per-view undercard bout will be announced shortly.

The Cinco de Mayo Weekend pay-per-view lineup begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will lead into the first of its kind Mexico vs. Mexico duel between undefeated two-division world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the main event.

The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions. Reséndiz vs. Munguia is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Zanfer Boxing Promotions. Duarte vs. Fierro is promoted in association with Cancun Boxing and BXSTERS.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

**ARMANDO RESENDIZ VS. JAIME MUNGUIA**

Looking to establish himself as the next Mexican star to dominate the 168-pound division, Armando “Toro” Reséndiz has wasted no time in seeking to bolster his resume as he will defend his WBA Super Middleweight World Championship against one of Mexico’s premier action fighters, the fan-friendly star Jaime Munguía, who will look to become a two-division world champion with a career-best victory over Reséndiz.

The 27-year-old Reséndiz (16-2, 11 KOs) pulled off one of 2025’s biggest upsets over former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant last May with a ferocious performance to capture the interim title before being recently elevated. Trained by the renowned Manny Robles, the native of Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico was unbeaten in his first 12 fights after turning pro in 2018, showing impressive power with an eight-fight knockout streak. After coming up on the short end of a decision to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, Reséndiz was dominant in stopping the former unified world champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10^th-round of their March 2023 matchup. Reséndiz’s only other blemish came against top contender Elijah Garcia in September 2023, before bouncing back to earn a fifth-round TKO of Fernando Paliza in February 2025.

“I’m very happy to be stepping into the ring with a great fighter like Jaime Munguia, who’s been competing at this level for a long time,” said Reséndiz. “For me, this is a big challenge and a huge motivation. These are the kinds of fights I’ve always dreamed about – facing the best names in the sport and proving that I belong at this level.”

The 29-year-old Munguía (45-2, 35 KOs) first burst onto the scene in 2018, shocking Sadam Ali via a fourth-round TKO to claim a 154-pound world championship, which he would go on to defend successfully five times. A native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Munguía continued his dominance after moving up to 160-pounds, going 6-0 at the weight class from 2020 through 2022, including triumphs over D’Mitrius Ballard, Gabriel Rosado and Tureano Johnson, all while garnering a reputation as one of the most fan-friendly fighters in the sport. Munguia debuted at 168-pounds with a 2023 Fight of the Year triumph over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, eventually losing an undisputed 168-pound title challenge to Canelo Alvarez in 2024. Most recently, Munguia avenged a December 2024 loss to Bruno Sarace by winning a unanimous decision in the rematch last May.

“I’m very excited to be back, especially to fight for a world title against a fellow Mexican,” said Munguía. “I’m truly grateful to my team, and everyone who made this fight possible. We’re ready to come out victorious on this great night for Mexico!”

**OSCAR DUARTE VS. ANGEL FIERRO**

One of the top contenders at 140-pounds, Oscar Duarte was set to challenge IBF World Champion Richardson Hitchins in February before Hitchins pulled out due to illness on fight day, now he will look to return to action against the heavy-handed all-action brawler Angel Fierro in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.

Fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) rides a four-fight winning streak into May 2, including a decision triumph over fellow top contender Kenneth Sims Jr. last August. The 30-year-old’s current run also includes an April 2024 stoppage of former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph over bruising contender Batyr Akhmedov. Duarte ended 11 consecutive fights before the final bell between May 2019 and May 2023 to earn a shot at current WBC Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia, ultimately coming up on the short end of their December 2023 matchup.

“I’m very happy and motivated for this fight on May 2 in Las Vegas,” said Duarte. “This is a great event that falls on a very meaningful date for all Mexicans, which makes it even more special to me. I can’t wait to face another Mexican warrior who’s already proven his talent and courage in the ring. When two Mexicans step into the ring, people know it’s gonna be a great fight. We’re both going to give it everything we have and I’m sure it will be a war that fans will truly enjoy. I want to thank my whole team for including me on this great card on such an important date for all Mexicans.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (23-4-2, 18 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 27-year-old stamped his place amongst modern Mexican boxing warriors with an unforgettable slugfest against Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in February 2025, delivering one of the year’s best fights. Fierro has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Most recently Fierro was disqualified from an October 2025 bout against Abraham Cordero for fouling.

“I’m very grateful to my team for this great opportunity,” said Fierro. “We’re ready to return to Las Vegas and deliver a great fight and a surprise, just like we do every time we step into the ring. I want to make a statement that I’m still among the elite. I have a lot of respect for Oscar Duarte, we’ve trained in the same gym before, so I know this fight is going to be explosive.”

**ISAAC LUCERO VS. ALAN SANDOVAL**

Fresh off a pair of KO victories in 2025, undefeated rising contender Isaac “Puro México” will look to bring that momentum into 2026 as he steps in against fellow unbeaten Alan Sandoval, who makes his U.S. debut in this 10-round super welterweight showdown.

The 27-year-old Lucero (18-0, 14 KOs) turned pro in 2019 after an amateur career that saw him earn five national medals representing Mexico. A native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Lucero has stopped his last seven opponents entering May 2, and also owns a pair of 10-round unanimous decision triumphs. In looking to make his U.S. takeover, Lucero has set up camp in Las Vegas, where he is trained by renowned coach Bob Santos. Most recently, Lucero dominated veteran Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in December, stopping the fight at the end of round 8.

“I’m very grateful to my team, and everyone who worked to make this possible,” said Lucero. “Fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend is every Mexican boxer’s dream, and I accept this challenge with the utmost professionalism, as I’ll be facing the most important challenge of my career against an undefeated opponent. This card will be ‘Puro México!’”

Representing his native Nochistlan, Zacatecas, Mexico, Sandoval (30-0-1, 19 KOs) will look to make a big splash in his first stateside bout after racking up four victories in 2025. The 30-year-old already began his 2026 campaign in February with a stoppage victory, his 13^th victories inside of the distance in his last 14 outings. A pro since 2019, Sandoval began his pro career with four-straight unanimous decisions before finding his power surge in recent years.

“I’m highly motivated by this tremendous opportunity and I have no intention of letting it slip away,” said Sandoval. “I have more experience than Isaac and I’ve been having the best training camp of my career. Competing in an event Cinco de Mayo Weekend is a dream come true. I have no doubt that this will be a great fight. Neither of us wants to lose, but I am confident I will be the one walking away with my hand raised.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezZurdo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoyBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoy, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy

The ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, returns for its second season on Monday, July 7, following its debut season last fall.

Where to watch

New episodes will be available to watch on demand on ESPN+, beginning July 7. After each episode’s debut, The Fight Life will also air across ESPN’s linear platforms (check local listings).

Watch The Fight Life season two trailer.

Also, check out all of season one now on ESPN+, featuring Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor.

Series description

The ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, returns for season two, chronicling a year in the world of Top Rank through the journey of six of boxing’s brightest stars: Keyshawn Davis, Mikaela Mayer, Jared Anderson, Jaime Munguia, Abdullah Mason and Emiliano Vargas.

The series follows each fighter as they prepare for career-defining fights while navigating the pressures and immeasurable rewards that come with The Fight Life.

The Fight Life is produced by ESPN in association with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.

Episode descriptions & dates (subject to change)

• Episode 1 – Keyshawn Davis: Legacy Begins (July 7): Riding a meteoric rise through the professional ranks, undefeated lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis faces the most pivotal fight of his young career when he battles Gustavo Lemos. A victory will all but guarantee Davis a world title shot, but on the eve of the fight, the bout’s status is called into question.

• Episode 2 – Mikaela Mayer: Road to Redemption (July 8): After suffering defeats in her last two title fights, Mikaela Mayer faces what could be her final shot at a belt against reigning WBO welterweight world champion, Sandy Ryan. Tensions rise as personal feuds play out, and a pre-fight incident brings the drama to a boiling point. With her career clock ticking, Mayer must prove she still has what it takes.

• Episode 3 – Jared Anderson: The Weight of Greatness (July 9): Jared Anderson was once considered the next great American heavyweight and the heir to Tyson Fury’s throne. A series of driving arrests and a knockout loss have left his future in doubt. When Anderson finds himself at the bottom of a fight card, his lackluster performance leaves many wondering if he will ever fulfill his potential.

• Episode 4 – Jaime Munguia: Tijuana Warrior (July 10): Many expertsconsidered Jaime Munguia to be Tijuana’s next great champion after an impressive performance in a loss to Canelo Alvarez. However, the wear and tear of an already long career has left some wondering if the Mexican star’s best days are behind him. Munguia returns home for a stadium homecoming against massive underdog Bruno Surace intent on making a statement.

• Episode 5 – Mason & Vargas: Next in Line (July 11): 21-year-olds Emiliano Vargas and Abdullah Mason are boxing phenoms on the precipice of superstardom. Vargas, an unbeaten junior welterweight, fights to defend the Vargas family boxing legacy established by his world champion father, Fernando. Mason, a flashy lightweight from Cleveland, Ohio, hopes to become the next face of the sport.

For More Information on ESPN+

Canelo Alvarez won a 12-round unanimous decision over William Scull to become Undisputed Super Middleweight champion at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight lacked any sustained action as Scull circled the ring relentlessly with Canelo trying to stalk the former IBF champion. Scull laned an occasional right hand but it was body shots from Alvarez that proved to be the difference.

Alvarez landed just 56 of 152 punches. Scull was 55 of 293. To illustrate just how pedestrian the fight was, By throwing a combined 445 punches over 12 rounds, Canelo (152 punches) and Scull (293 punches) set a new record for fewest punches thrown in a 12 round fight tracked by CompuBox’s 40-year history. The previous record was 459 (Parker vs. Wilder). On Friday night in Times Square, Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero combined to throw 490 punches over 12 rounds, now the fourth fewest; and Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez combined to throw 503 punches over 12 rounds, now the sixth fewest. 

Alvarez of Guadalajara, Mexico won by scores of 119-109, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 63-2-2. Scull of Germany via Cuba is 23-1.

After the fight, Alvarez and Terence Crawford faced off in the center of the ring as they officially announced their September 12th mega-showdown which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Badou Jack Decisions Mikaelian to Win Full WBC Cruiserweight Title

Badou Jack won the full WBC Cruiserweight title with a majority decision over Champion in Recess Moel Mikalelian.

Mikalelian controlled the first five rounds using the right hand behind the jab. In round five, Mikaelian suffered swelling under his left eye. Jack was able to land some good right hands. It was a close fight as they grinded out down the stretch.

Jack landed 122 of 369 punches. Mikaelian was 153 of 670.

Jack, 200 lbs of Stockholm, SWE won by 115-113 twice and 114-114 and is now 29-3-3. Mikaelian, 198.1 lbs o Armenia is 27-3.

Munguia Gets Even; Decisions Surace

Jaime Munguia avenged a December knockout loss to Bruno Surace and pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout.

Munguia boxed well and dominated with body shots and slowed Surace down.

Munguia landed 105 of 397 punches. Surace was 94 of 292.

Munguia, 167.7 lbs of Tijuana, MEX won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 45-2. Surace, 167.7 lbs of Marsailles, FRA is 26-1-2.

Ajagba and Bakole Battle to Draw

Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole battled to a 10-round majority draw in a battle of big hitting heavyweights.

Ajagba controlled the first part of the fight as he worked behind a nice jab and mixed in some right hands. Bakole started to get inro the fight and had a big eighth round as he landed a huge flurry of power punches that made the nose of Ajagba bleed. Bakole once again had a big final frame as landed a nice combination.

Bakole landed 145 of 460 punches. Ajagba was 190 of 451.

Scorecards read 96-94 for Ajagba and 95-95 twice. Bakole, 299 lbs of Kampala, Congo is 21-2-1. Ajagba, 240 lbs of Ughilli, NIG is 20-1-1.

Brayan Leon Decisions Aaron Guerrero

Brayan Leon remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Aaron Rocha Guerrero in a super middleweight bout.

In round two, Guerrero started to swell on his face. In round four, Leon dropped Guerrero with a perfect left hook to the jaw.

Leon, 169.1 lbs of Pinna Del Rio, CUB won by score of 60-54 and is now 7-0. Guerrero, 166.1 lbs of Culican, MEX is 11-4-1.

Former cruiserweight world title challenger Richard Riakphore made a successful heavyweight debut with a stoppage of Kevin Nicolas Espindola after round four of their scheduled eight-round bout.

In round four, Riakphore landed a huge right to the body that put Espindola on the canvas. After the round, Espindola had enough and the fight was halted.

Riakphore, 235 lbs of London is 18-1 with 14 knockouts. Espindola, 297 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 9-10.

Marco Verde made a rousing pro debut with an opening round stoppage over Michel Galvin Polina in a six-round middleweight fight.

Early in round one, Verde dropped Polina with a big body shot. Seconds later, Verde dropped Polina with another body shot. Verde use sizzLing flurry to hurt Polina and the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Verde, 158.7 lbs of Mazaltan, MEX is 1-0 with one knockout. Polina, 158.8 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 4-6-3.

Mohammad Alakel remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Alexander Morales in a lightweight bout.

Alakel, 134.1 lbs of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia won by a 60-54 score is now 4-0. Morales, 133.5 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 6-14-5.

LONDON, 16 April 2025 – DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company and leading destination for boxing fans worldwide, today unveiled an exclusive knockout weekend bundle offer for two of the biggest nights of boxing in recent history: the historic Friday, 2 May three-fight Ring Magazine card in Times Square starting at 6pm ET and the highly anticipated Riyadh Season debut of Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez on Saturday, 3 May starting at 7pm ET. 

In a broadcasting first, both events will be available worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV over Cinco de Mayo weekend together for only $90 (pricing varies by market). Events can be purchased individually for $59.99, but the bundle offers fans a chance to experience boxing’s biggest weekend at unbeatable value.

With Canelo headlining on one night and a Times Square takeover on the other, the bundle brings together two global events that tap into the energy, scale, and storytelling fans expect from a fight weekend. It’s a rare moment where boxing becomes a cultural event — and DAZN is putting fans at the center of it.

“This bundle is a prime example of how DAZN is reshaping the future of fight sports,” said Pete Oliver, CEO, Growth Markets at DAZN. “We’re bringing together two of the most anticipated events of the year — a first-of-its-kind fight night in Times Square and Canelo’s return in Riyadh — and making them more accessible than ever. Our goal is to deliver premium boxing experiences to fans around the world, whether they’re following rising prospects or watching global icons. This is a major moment for the sport, and DAZN is proud to lead from the front.”

The action begins Friday, 2 May, live from Times Square in New York City, with a three-fight, star-studded card featuring some of boxing’s most electric personalities. Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), one of the sport’s most recognisable figures, headlines the night as he challenges Rolando “Rolly” Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) for the WBA Welterweight Title in what promises to be a clash of power and charisma. In the co-main event, undefeated two-division world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) faces former unified titleholder Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in a battle of elite super lightweights. Rounding out the lineup, Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs), the reigning WBO Super Lightweight Champion and former unified lightweight king, defends his title against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs). Presented in partnership with SNK Corporation, Golden Boy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing, this historic card marks the first-ever Ring Magazine event held in the United States and brings boxing to one of the most iconic backdrops in the world.

One night later on Saturday, 3 May, global superstar Saúl Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) makes his debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, facing the undefeated super middleweight champion William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) at the ANB Arena. This main event pairs a generational icon with a hungry, unbeaten challenger — a classic collision of legacy and ambition on boxing’s biggest stage. As Canelo continues his reign at the top of the sport, Scull arrives with everything to gain and nothing to lose — making for a high-stakes showdown with global implications.

The action doesn’t stop there. The undercard features one of the most competitive lineups of the year, stacked with champions, grudge matches, and rising stars. Former world champion Jaime Munguía (44-2, 35 KOs) looks to avenge a stunning knockout loss in a rematch with undefeated Argentine Bruno Surace (26-0-2, 5 KOs) after their first bout ended in round six and sent shockwaves through the division. Heavyweights Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) and Efe Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) collide in a high-risk clash that could vault the winner into title contention. WBC Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) makes his first defense against Canadian knockout artist Ryan Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), known for his aggressive style that is a fan favourite. In a light heavyweight battle of grit and momentum, rising Cuban prospect Brayan Leon (6-0, 6 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against Mexican veteran Aaron Rocha Guerrero (11-3-1, 7 KOs). And in his long-awaited professional debut, middleweight Marco Verde looks to make an early statement against the experienced Michel Galvan Polina (4-5-3, 2 KOs). From redemption arcs to breakout moments, the 3 May card delivers a full night of storylines — all unfolding live on DAZN.

In recognising the importance of these back-to-back marquee events, DAZN has put fans first and offers a bundle that allows subscribers to enhance their streaming experience and take in fights that will change the course of the boxing and broadcasting landscapes. 

For additional information, please visit DAZN.com/boxing.

– ENDS –

ABOUT DAZN
As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.? 

By Norm Frauenheim

Busy is a vanishing fundamental in boxing these days, although likable Jaime Munguia continues to practice the old-school art-form this week with his fourth fight in a year Saturday in a Tijuana homecoming.

It’s not much of a fight, notable only because of Munguia, who continues to work on his craft in a super-middleweight bout that sets the stage for what could be a significant step into his prime next year. Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) is not quite a full-blown star, but his busy schedule is a sure sign that he intends to be. 

He re-introduces himself to hometown fans for the first time in nearly three years on ESPN against unknown Bruno Surace (25-0-2, 4 KOs), who is leaving France for the first time for a fight not expected to last long. Munguia is a 25-to-1 favorite. Those kind of odds suggest that Munguia will spend more time saying hello to old friends than exchanging punches with the Frenchman.

Nevertheless, he’ll re-acquaint himself with his loyal fan base while also alerting it to a year he hopes will put him at centerstage in the super-middleweight shuffle. 

Other than the Tijuana homecoming, the biggest news involving Munguia this week actually comes out of Germany at the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) annual convention in Hamburg. The acronym’s menu included an order Wednesday that Munguia fight feared Christian Mbilli for an interim (aren’t they all?) title significant only because it’s supposed to lead to a shot at the real championship. 

We say “supposed to” because so many never do, especially at super-middle. That’s Canelo Alvarez’ division, the pay-per-view star and boxing diva who gets what he wants. 

It’s no coincidence that the WBC ratings committee noted that Canelo will be granted “a voluntary” title defense. Call it the Canelo Clause, meaning he does whatever he wants. Still, it’s not clear what his plans are. Guess here, he won’t fight anybody still in his twenties and with enough energy to stage an aggressive assault in the late rounds. 

Again, the guess here is that’s exactly why he hasn’t — and probably never will — fight David Benavidez, the Phoenix-born fighter who will be 28 years old on Tuesday.

Benavidez’ upcoming birthday included a promising gift this week, also from the WBC, which designated his Feb. 1 fight against dangerous David Morrell as a light-heavyweight eliminator for a shot at the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol 2 winner for the undisputed title, scheduled for Feb. 22. 

By now, of course, Benavidez knows all about the mandatory role. Nothing mandatory about it. It’s limbo land. Benavidez was there, the so-called mandatory challenger for Canelo’s title. Yet, Canelo has always found ways to fight somebody else. 

The Canelo Clause gives him free rein, one that could even put him at the front of the Beterbiev-Bivol line, especially if Bivol manages to reverse his earlier loss to Beterbiev. That would give Canelo a chance to avenge his scorecard loss to Bivol.

But who knows? Canelo hasn’t been saying much about plans for 2025. For now, at least, the volunteer in his “volunteer defense” might still be Terence Crawford, one of the all-time welterweight greats and a newly-minted junior-middleweight champion. There’s still talk that Crawford will move up to 168 pounds to fight Canelo for what might be Crawford’s final fight in a Hall of Fame career.

All of this puts Munguia in an uncertain spot. He’s already fought Canelo, losing a unanimous decision last May in one of what will be his four-fight schedule in

2024. 

Munguia stopped John Ryder, a solid and skillful UK fighter, at Footprint Center in Phoenix in January. He stopped Canadian Erik Bazinyan in September at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb. Following the WBC’s Mbilli-Munguia announcement from Germany, all of the talk centered on an eventual Mbilli-Canelo showdown, perhaps in May or September of next year.

That, of course, presumes that Mbilli beats Munguia. But what if the opposite happens? Let’s say Munguia, still perfecting his craft, beats Mbilli and puts himself in line for a rematch. 

Would the 34-year-old Canelo, who is near the end of his prime, agree to a second fight with Munguia, 28 and just entering his prime?  Munguia didn’t have much of a chance against Canelo. He lost on all three scorecards — 117-110, 116-111, 115-112. Canelo knocked him down in the fourth round, putting Munguia on the canvas for the only time in his career.

After the fight, Canelo told reporters that he “carried” Munguia. The narrative circulated for weeks. Munguia was very careful with polite, diplomatic answers to inevitable questions. Finally, Munguia objected. In an interview with Boxing Scene and The Boxing Hour days before his stoppage of Bazinyan, Munguia said:

“Truth is, I found it disrespectful.’’

The forthright comment was a certain sign of Munguia’s emerging maturity. In effect, he was telling Canelo that he belongs at center stage and perhaps in a rematch. 

Above all, the comment is there, a good promotional angle and a on-the-record demand from Munguia for some respect from the game’s biggest name. There’s only way to get that: 

A rematch.

Until then, there’s only one thing to do:

Stay busy. 

NOTES

In the wake of Emanuel Navarrete’s devastating three-knockdown, sixth-round stoppage of Oscar Valdez last Saturday in a junior-lightweight rematch Saturday at the Suns home arena in downtown Phenix, there are mounting calls for Valdez, 34, to retire. Top Rank’s Bob Arum told Yahoo’s Keith Idec that he would urge Valdez to retire when they talk again, probably early next month. In an interview with Boxing Scene and The Boxing Hour before the rematch loss, Valdez was adamant. Retirement talk was already circulating. Valdez said he would not. He said retirement was not in his mindset. Question is, what are his options if he decides to fight on after the second loss to Navarrete, who also said in post-fight interviews that he’s contemplating retirement after two or three more fights. Arum says he believes Valdez would be a good trainer. The bi-lingual Valdez also has done some media work as a ringside commentator.

Apparently, Mike Tyson has already done what everybody else is trying to do. He tells Fox Sports Radio that he doesn’t recall much of what happened in the Jake Paul fiasco last month. “I don’t remember the fight that much,’’ Tyson says of an exhibition that was something other than a fight. “I kind of blanked it out.’’ Forget about it? Not quite. Lawsuits and stupid conspiracy theories continue to circulate in the wake of a Netflix show that attracted a reported audience of more than 70 million. It generated lots of money, which probably answers the one question nobody wants to address: How in the hell did Texas license Tyson? He underwent transfusions for excessive bleeding from an ulcer just months before the show. The 58-year-old Tyson told New York Magazine that he asked a physician whether he was going to die. Apparently, Texas regulators ignored that question. I’ve said it once; I’ll say it again. We’re lucky we didn’t witness something more than an embarrassment on Nov. 15 in a ring on the Dallas Cowboys home field.

• Jaime Munguia 169.1 lbs vs. Bruno Surace 169.1 lbs
(Super Middleweight — 10 Rounds)
 
• Alan Picasso 125.9 lbs vs. Yehison Cuello 124.6 lbs
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)
* Cuello replaces Picasso’s original opponent, Isaac Sackey
 
•  Jorge Garcia Perez 154.3 lbs vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov 158.2 lbs
(Junior Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Sebastian Hernandez 123.6 lbs vs. Sergio Martin Sosa 123.2 lbs
(Junior Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Christian Islas Roldan 130.7 lbs vs. Juan Anacona 129.5 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

TIJUANA, Mexico (Dec. 12, 2024) — The road back to a world title for Jaime Munguia continues in a familiar setting. 

The Mexican super middleweight star comes home this Saturday, Dec. 14, to face the unbeaten Bruno Surace in the 10-round main event at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.

Munguia-Surace headlines a bill that will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the 10-round co-feature, WBC No. 1 junior featherweight contender Alan Picasso (30-0-1, 16 KOs) hopes to set the stage for a monster 2025 when he takes on Ghana’s Isaac Sackey (26-2-2, 21 KOs).

Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) looks to cap off a busy four-fight 2024 campaign that has included stoppage wins over John Ryder and Erik Bazinyan and a decision loss to Canelo Alvarez. He stopped Bazinyan in 10 rounds in September, four months after his valiant 12-round battle against Canelo. This marks Munguia’s first fight in Tijuana since February 2022.

Surace (25-0-2, 4 KOs), from Marseille, France, has won 22 straight fights after a pair of early-career draws. He is fighting away from France for the first time and coming off the most significant victory of his career, last December’s 12th-round TKO over the previously undefeated Jhon Jader Obregon. 

This is what Munguia and Surace had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Jaime Munguia

“He is a strong fighter. He throws a lot of combinations. We have to be careful with that. I’ve studied him, and I’m confident of the work that we have done. I will walk away with my hand raised in victory.”

“If I knew in what round I could knock him out, I would bet all of my money on that. But I don’t know. It’s uncertain. I can tell you now with full certainty that I will be looking for the knockout.”

“It’s a big weight on my shoulders to fight in this stadium in front of all my people. It’s going to fill me with a lot of emotions. But I have to control that and do an intelligent fight. And I’m prepared to do that and give a great show to the people.”

“We have to focus on everything. Obviously, we focus on improving my boxing skills, but we also focus on the physical conditioning and the mental aspects.”

Bruno Surace

“I have seen many of his fights since he was a junior middleweight. He’s an aggressive fighter who fights in the Mexican tradition. We are focused on every detail because the details matter in a big fight. We are ready for a war.”

“I’m very excited to be in his hometown. It’ll be more noise. The ambiance will be great. And the stress is on him.”

“I love this city. The atmosphere is fire. I like the people, and I’m excited to be here.”

“He’s an outstanding fighter. He’s aggressive and very offensive. In the first few rounds, I’ll have to get a lot of information and lay out a plan to fight him. But I’ve also seen many videos of him, and I know how I will need to box him.”

Saturday, December 14

 LIVE on ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
 

Jaime Munguia vs. Bruno Surace, 10 Rounds,Super Middleweights

Alan Picasso vs. Isaac Sackey, 10 Rounds, Junior Featherweights
 
Jorge Garcia Perez vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, 10 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Christian Islas Roldan vs. Juan Anacona, 8 Rounds, Featherweights
 

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Munguia vs. Surace will be presented live on Saturday, December 14, at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. The event will take place at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, Mexico.  

In the 10-round main event, Mexican super middleweight contender and Tijuana native Jaime Munguia will take on France’s undefeated Bruno Surace.

Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs), a former junior middleweight world champion, has relentlessly pursued greatness in 2024. In January, he delivered a stunning ninth-round knockout against British former world title challenger John Ryder, setting the stage for a highly anticipated undisputed showdown with fellow Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in May. Despite overcoming a fourth-round knockdown, the 28-year-old lost a unanimous decision. Munguia rebounded impressively during his Top Rank on ESPN debut in September, scoring a decisive 10th-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Erik Bazinyan.

Surace (25-0-2, 4 KOs), an undefeated 26-year-old rising star whose only setbacks are two early-career draws, is stepping onto the international stage for the first time. He is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, highlighted by victories over Milos Jankovic in May and previously unbeaten prospect Jhon Jader Obregon in December.

The ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life”  chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Munguia vs. Surace (All Times ET)

TIJUANA, Mexico (Nov. 8, 2024) – Mexican super middleweight star Jaime Munguia is returning home, and he’s coming in hot.
 
Munguia will take on France’s undefeated Bruno Surace in a 10-round main event on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Estadio Caliente in his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. 
 
Munguia will make his fourth appearance of the year in the premier venue of his native territory. Munguia-Surace and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
 
Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs), a former junior middleweight world champion, has been relentless in 2024. In January, he delivered a ninth-round knockout against British former world title challenger John Ryder, setting the stage for an undisputed showdown with countryman Canelo Alvarez in May. The 28-year-old shook off a fourth-round knockdown but ultimately came up short, losing via unanimous decision. Munguia bounced back in September in his Top Rank on ESPN debut, scoring a 10th-round knockout over the previously undefeated Erik Bazinyan. Surace (25-0-2, 4 KOs), a 26-year-old whose only setbacks were early-career draws, will fight outside France for the first time. He returns after 2023 wins over Milos Jankovic in May and then-unbeaten prospect Jhon Jader Obregon in December.
 
Munguia said, “I’m very happy to be back in the ring and, above all, to be back in Tijuana. This year has been full of hard work and great fights, which has only motivated me to keep pushing forward. I want to give Tijuana a great night of boxing and thank everyone there for always being by my side and supporting me. It won’t be an easy fight, but we’re confident we’ll come out on top. Viva Mexico and Viva Tijuana!”

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Knockout is the first word in the second chapter to Jamie Munguia’s career.

It sums up what he hopes to do.

It defines the promotional plans Top Rank has for him.

The KO was authored and patiently executed by Munguia in his first fight, post-Canelo, against an unknown, yet skilled Eric Bazinyan Friday in front of a roaring crowd of about 6,500 at Desert Diamond Arena.

In a super-middleweight fight full of twists and turns, ebbs and flows, a bigger and quicker Munguia finally delivered the final word with a succession of punches that left an exhausted Bazinyan on all fours, looking exhausted and beaten late in the 10th. He was finished, a loser by KO at 2:36 of the round.

“It was a great experience,’’ Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) said in a tone that suggested he anticipates even greater ones in  a career that is just entering its prime.

It was also a victory that put him one fight beyond his last one, a scorecard loss to fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez. There were questions about how the 27-year-old Munguia would respond to the loss to boxing’s  so-called Face of the Game.

Would he be tentative?

Would he be over-anxious?

No. 

And no.

Munguia’s evident poise was very much intact against Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian living in Canada. Bazinyan tested Munguia repeatedly in the middle round. 

“I felt like I was winning,’’ Bazinyan said.  “I felt he was very frustrated with my jab, right hand, and counters. He was getting tired. All of a sudden, I got caught. I don’t know what happened there.”

Munguia rocked him in the sixth, seventh and eighth. Each time, it looked as if Munguia was about to take control. But the well-conditioned Bazinyan came charging back, repeatedly rocking him with a solid right hands that he threw behind a consistently accurate jab.

A tentative Munguia would not have known how to respond. An overanxious Munguia would have rushed in and perhaps walked right into knockout blow. But Munguia carefully measured his punches and perhaps his energy, all in an effort to score a KO he had to envision in a comeback from his lone loss.

What’s next? Predictably, Munguia, a quiet fighter from Tijuana, wouldn’t be specific. He was asked about about the Top Rank-promoted Christian M’billi. He was asked by Caleb Plant, who is coming off a bruising victory over Trevor McCumby.

Then, he was asked by Edgar Berlanga, who lost a one-sided decision to Canelo at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena last Saturday.

“If I had to pick, I’d pick Berlanga,’’ he said.

Sounds like that one could produce the second word in that second chapter. 

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Torrez stays unbeaten, Dawejko’s mouthpiece gets him DQed

Richard Torrez Jr. threw most of the punches in a fight dominated by his movement and Joey Dawejko’s mouthpiece.

In the end, it was the mouthpiece that proved to be decisive.

In a heavyweight fight with no knockdowns, Dawejko’s mouthpiece hit the canvas five times. The fifth time resulted in his disqualification in the fifth round of the final fight before the main event, a super-middleweight clash between Jaime Munguia and Eric Bazinyan Friday night in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arena.

The DQ will go down as a victory for Torrez, pushing the prospect’s unbeaten record to 11-0 with 10 knockouts.

“Joey was a vet, just like I said,” Torrez said.  “He didn’t give up. That mouthpiece came out a little too much. That’s a veteran move, but at the end of the day, congratulations to him. He put up a good fight.

“I think we were able to show more boxing ability that I was telling you about.”

Torrez was clearly on his way to victory with quick hands and agile feet. On The Boxing Hour’s card, he won the first three rounds easily. He was winning the fourth, too, when Dawejko’s mouthpiece began to dominate the round. Referee Wes Melton picked it up once, twice and then a third time. That’s when he issued his first one-point penalty. A fourth time resulted in a second one-point penalty  for Dawejko (28-12-4  16 KOs), a Philadelphia roofer when not in the ring.

In the fifth, Melton had seen enough of Dawejko’s mouthpiece and the fight. He waved off the fight at 2:02 of the round.

El General marches on to another battle won

In the opening bout of the ESPN+ telecast “El General” Emiliano Vargas 11-0(9Kos) of Las Vegas, NV faces “Lethal” Larry Fryers 13-6-1(5Kos) of Clones, Ireland. Coming in the fight Larry made a bold prediction stating he was going to knock out Vargas in the 5th round. Missing majority of the year Larry is making his 2024 debut looking to mirror 2023 were he went undefeated in his 2 matches. Fans made sure to be in their seats prior to the start of this one. As most AZ fight fans are very familiar with Vargas, this will make it his fourth time fighting in front of them at the Desert Diamond Arena. It also does not hurt that he comes to fight which make him a fan friendly fighter. In a town known for fighter such as the legend Micheal Carbajal, Jose Benavidez jr, and David Benavidez AZ loves to see in all out war. The El “General” has the perfect tactics to keep them happy and on the edge of their seats.

In the opening round emiliano came out with a combo of a left and right to the head of Fryers which caught him by surprise and stunned. Vargas did not let up from the punishment landing at will knocking back Fryers to ropes with a series of jabs. More importantly Vargas was showing off his defense with great footwork and head movement, making his opponent miss many of his punches.

Focusing on the body in round 2 Vargas landed some vicious body shots to the right of fryers ribs. As the round came to an end at the sound of the 10 second mark, Vargas lands a straight left hand wobbling fryers to the ropes with a few significant punches following. Best exchange of the fight to this point

Larry has no answer for Emiliano’s left hook to the head nor to the body. Just as you think Fryers is done he comes back with a punch of his own but no damage being done. As a repeat of the previous round Vargas came with a late rally hurting Larry to the point if there was more time the referee might had to save him.

In the mid point of the fifth round Vargas landed 2 perfect body shots to set up the furious knock out punch a over hand left hook ending the night for Lethal Larry Fryers. The stoppage come at 1:38 of the fifth round.

Emiliano stated that this is his best performance to date and will enjoy crumbl cookies for his hard work. Vargas is showing that he can knockout out his opponents but now adding that he can make them miss as well. The prediction of a 5th round KO was right just the fighter who said it was not. Emiliano “El General” Vargas improves to 12-0(10KOs).

Charly Suarez scores third-round stoppage

Speed is power and Filipino junior-lightweight Charly Suarez proved it repeatedly in overwhelming Jorge Castaneda in the final bout before the ESPN telecast Friday of the card featuring Jaimie Munguia-Erik Bazinyan Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) dropped Castaneda (17-4, 13 KOs), of Laredo TX, twice in the third round, finishing him at 2:23 of the third for a fringe World Boxing Organization belt.

Not in Kansas anymore

Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia 14-0(11KOs) from Ulysses, Kansas took on Ricardo Fernandez 15-13(1KO) from Santa Cruz de la sierra, Bolivia in a scheduled 8 round bout. Garcia is coming off a very short break just fighting a little over a month ago when he KOd his opponent in 3 rounds. Coming into this fight should not be nothing new to “Kid Kansas” this past year fighting on average every 2 months, each time taking care of business

Coming to the ring paying homage to Mexico wear the colors of the flag Green, white, and red  during Hispanic heritage month. As the action started Garcia quickly Established the jab, connecting flush on his opponent’s face.

Picking up the activity in the 2nd utilizing more of his arsenal going to the body more often. Towards the end of the round Garcia briefing stunned Fernandez with a left hook to his right temple.

Settling down for the start of the 3rd  Garcia again picked it up carrying all the action as his dance partner did not come out to tangle. Very solid round for Kid Kansas as he did a little of everything  head shots, body shots and movement in the ring

Sensing he has nothing to lose Fernandez came out his Corner swinging, throwing as many punches as all of the previous rounds combine. That was short lived as Garcia took control of the fight once again simply out boxing Fernandez

Garcias body  shots have been landing effectively throughout the fight so far. In a wild turn of event with 45 seconds left in the 5th round Garcia left his guard down and was caught with a powerful right over hand. Before even hitting the canvass Garcia was out, unfortunately his head bounced off the mat. Not being able to get up the referee stops the fight at 35 seconds left in the fifth round.

This is a huge upset for top prospect Alan Garcia, maybe all those miles he put on his body this year is what failed him tonight. There is still a very bright future for Kid Kansas. In his post fight interview Fernandez stated that he was not surprised of the knockout and he knew that he was not getting up. Fernandez improves to 16-13(2KOs) while Garcia suffered his first defeat now at 14-1(11KOs)—-By David Galaviz

DJ Zamora wins decision in tough junior-lightweight bout 

DJ Zamora calls himself The War Machine. 

He got the war. 

Got the victory, too.

Zamora (14-0, 9 KOs), a junior-lightweight from Las Vegas, won a unanimous decision, yet was forced into an intense battle during the middle to late rounds of a scheduled eight-rounder by Argentine Gerenardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) Friday on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena Friday.

Zamora’s superior reach and hand speed controlled the early rounds. In the fourth, however, Perez adjusted, slipped under Zamora’s long  punches and landed repeated uppercuts in a bout cheered by a small, yet lively crowd. 

Unbeaten Steven Navarro scores third-round TKO

Steven Navarro, an unbeaten Super Flyweight from Los Angeles, combined power and speed for a two-fisted demolition of Oscar Arroyo in the third fight — all one-sided — Friday on the card featuring Jaime Munguia-Eric Bazinyan at Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena.

Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) overwhelmed Arroyo (3-3, 2 KOs), of Virginia, knocking him down twic , once in the first round and again in the second. Late in third, Navarro unleashed a succession of punches from countless angles, prompting the referee to step in and end it at 2:35 of the round.  

Jorge Perez scores first-round KO

ia Essaoudi walked into the ring, answered an opening bell and had to be helped through ropes and into his dressing forty-six seconds later.

It was quick work, all delivered by Mexican middleweight Jorge Perez (31-4, 26 KOs) in the second fight on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb.

Perez, of Los Mochis, landed a lethal hook to Essaoudi’s left side. Essaoudi (22-3, 15 KOs), of Germany, reacted as if he had suffered a fractured rib. In evident pain, he dropped his hands. Then, Perez landed a head-rockincombo. At :46 of the first round, it was over — Perez, winner by knockout.

First Bell: Unbeaten Sebastian Hernandez forces aging foe to quit 

It was a matinee surrender.

The ESPN show featuring Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan opened Friday at Desert Diamond Arena with junior-featherweight  Sebastian Hernandez (17-0, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, landing punches at will against a retreating Yenfrez Parejo (24-7-1, 12 KOs) a middle-aged Venezuelan with a receding hair line. 

Parejo’s age was listed  at 37-years-old. By the third, he looked 50. After the fourth, he was finished, a senior citizen who couldn’t continue.

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jaime Munguia, a quiet man in a noisy business, brought a brass band with him. 

It marched onto stage, drums banging and horns blaring at an otherwise predictable weigh-in Thursday, about 24 hours before a comeback from his lone loss Friday night against Erik Bazinyan Friday in an ESPN-televised bout at Desert Diamond Arena.

It wasn’t exactly an orchestra. Easy listening, it wasn’t. But there are no violins in boxing. Just a few fiddles, tarnished trombones and cymbals that sound like crashing trash-can lids. They were all there, introducing Munguia before he stepped on the scale and then off at 167.7 pounds, just under the super-middleweight limit.

It wasn’t exactly pretty. 

But it was impossible to ignore.

That’s the idea.

Munguia, post-Canelo, is embarking on a new stage of his career, one that begins with hopes that have always been there despite an expected, yet some what sobering scorecard loss last May. Nobody thought Munguia would beat Canelo Alvarez.

But it was impossible to say no to the opportunity and money. Sure enough, he lost. But the defeat might prove to be a valuable lesson plan for a fighter projected to be among the elite within a few years. He’s 27-years-old, at the doorstep of his prime.

“I feel strong, better than ever,’’ Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) said amid the band’s clanging echoes as it exited the arena. 

The plan is for Munguia to deliver an opening statement on what he hopes to accomplish. Bazinyan (32-01, 23 KOs), an Armenian-born fighter living in Montreal, is unknown to most fans in Mexico and the United States. But he represents a significant test of Munguia and his aspirations. A decisive win could put an end to any doubts about how Munguia would emerge from the Canelo loss.

In tone, at least, Munguia, who has one-fight deal with Top Rank, has begun to sound more decisive. There were whispered questions about his maturity before the Canelo fight. At times, it sounded as if he was just happy to be there. Earlier this week, however, Munguia left little doubt about what he thought of Canelo’s assertion that he had carried Munguia. Canelo told media before his scorecard victory over Edgar Berlanga last Saturday that he didn’t knock out Munguia because he didn’t want to embarrass his fellow Mexican.

For the first time in an interview with Boxing Scene and The Boxing Hour last Tuesday, Munguia responded clearly and forcefully. He respects Canelo. But, Munguia said, he found Canelo’s “carried” claim to be “disrespectful.’’

It was a comment that some saw as a sure sign that Munguia is maturing, moving on and into his prime as his own man. Now, it’s time for him to follow-up against Bazinyan, who is ranked among the world’s top 10 super-middleweights by virtually every acronym and boxing publication.

If Munguia is fighting to introduce himself to another stage of his career, Bazinyan is battling to introduce himself to fans beyond Canada.

“I’m here to win,’’ he said after weighing at 169.9 pounds. 

It’s hard to know what to make of Bazinyan’s record. His most noteworthy win is a stoppage of Ronald Ellis. He knocked him out in the sixth round with successive rights in October 2023. Ellis also got stopped by David Benavidez, who blew him out in the 11th round in March 2021. Christian M’billi scored a decision over Ellis in December of 2021. Benavidez is now at light-heavyweight after vacating a so-called mandatory challenger’s spot at super-middleweight. Then, M’billi moved into the spot that Benavidez vacated.

Bazinyan’s stoppage of Ellis suggest he’s a threat. But his most recent fight, a draw with somebody named Shakeel Phinn in May, suggests he’s not. 

“He’s a good fighter,’’ said Munguia, who has been reunited with Hall of Famer Erik Morales as his trainer after two fights with Freddie Roach. “He switches up, he’s got power. I’ve got to be ready. We’re prepared. We have a lot of thing coming. But, first we have this big fight here. We have to win this to move forward.’’

    •   Jaime Munguia 167.7 lbs. vs. Erik Bazinyan  167.9 lbs
(Vacant WBO International Super Middleweight Title – 12 Rounds)

   • Richard Torrez Jr. 232.6 lbs vs. Joey Dawejko  244.1 lbs
(Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

   • Emiliano Fernando Vargas 139.2 lbs vs. Larry Fryers  138.2 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

•  Charly Suarez 129.4 lbs vs. Jorge Castaneda 129.1 lbs
 (Vacant WBO International Junior Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•  Alan Garcia 137.3 lbs vs. Ricardo Fernandez 137.2 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

•   DJ Zamora 130.7 lbs vs. Gerardo Antonio Perez 133.2 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
 
•  Steven Navarro 115.2 lbs vs. Oscar Arroyo 114.4 lbs
 (Junior Bantamweight— 6 Rounds)

•   Jorge Garcia Perez 156.2 lbs vs. Ilias Essaoudi 156.6 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Sebastian Hernandez 120.4 lbs vs. Yonfrez Parejo 125 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

By Norm Frauenheim

PHOENIX — Jaime Munguia, quiet and polite, respects Canelo Alvarez.

But he doesn’t respect what Canelo said last week.

In interviews throughout the week before Canelo’s one-sided decision over Edgar Berlanga, Canelo said he carried Munguia last May in their super-middleweight fight last May.

“Truth is, I found it disrespectful,” Munguia told Boxing Scene and The Boxing Hour through a translator after he appeared at a west Phoenix gym, not far from Glendale where he’ll fight Canada Erik Bazinyan Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in a super-middleweight fight televised by ESPN.

Canelo said he did not knock out Munguia because he didn’t want to embarrass the 27-year-old fellow Mexican, who got up from a fourth-round knockdown. When first asked about Canelo’s claim, Munguia simply said that he didn’t believe it.

“It was a good fight,” Munguia said during a  media appearance at the Top Rank gym last Friday. “It was a close fight. That what I think.”

After calling Canelo’s public assertion disrespectful, Munguia pointed out that Canelo didn’t knock out Berlanga, either. Canelo had promised that he would stop Berlanga within eight rounds.

Munguia, who is returning to Arizona after his January stoppage of John Ryder in downtown Phoenix at the Footprint Center, said he watched the pay-per-view telecast of Canelo’s scorecard victory over Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena. He complemented Canelo’s performance, saying he fought “an intelligent” fight.

“It was good for the fans.” Munguia. said.

Munguia also said he outperformed Berlnanga.

“I outperformed him in several way,” Munguia said.”It threw more punches, I was closer on the scorecards.”

Munguia goes into the fight against Bazinyan reunited with trainer Erick Morales, who spent most of last year running for political office.Moraes, of Tijuana, won a stea in what is the Mexican Congress..

Morales  is also skeptical of Canelo claim.

“I don’t believe it,” he said.

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Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Munguia vs. Bazinyan, will be presented live this Friday, September 20, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

In the 12-round super middleweight main event, Jaime Munguia, the fighting pride of Tijuana, Mexico, will face unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan.

Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs), a former WBO junior middleweight world champion, began his active 2024 by knocking out John Ryder in January. Less than four months later, he faced countryman Canelo Alvarez in a Las Vegas super fight, rising from a fourth-round knockdown before losing a unanimous decision. Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an 11-year pro from Armenia, moved to Canada as a teenager and became a popular attraction in Quebec. Since 2018, he has been a regional champion, fighting his last seven bouts in Montreal, including last year’s sixth-round knockout over Ronald Ellis and January’s third-round stoppage over Billi Facundo Godoy.

The co-feature will be an eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born veteran Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs).

The eight-round televised opener sees undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs),the youngest fighting son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, step up in class against upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).

Calling the action will be Bernardo Osuna, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Mark Kriegel.

Original Programming

Before fight night, ESPN will offer fight fans two new original programs. In the 30-minute original production Camp Life: Munguia vs. Bazinyan, fans get access inside Jaime Munguia’s training camp as he prepares for his highly anticipated fight against Erik Bazinyan.

The Good Exchange is a new program where fighters interview fighters. The 30-minute premiere episode features middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh and Richard Torrez, Jr.

The programs will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on?ESPN.com, and?ESPN+. 

Original Programming (All Times ET) 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Munguia vs. Bazinyan (All Times ET)

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Junior lightweight contender Andres “Savage” Cortes suffered a training injury and was forced to withdraw from his ESPN-televised co-feature against fellow unbeaten Charly Suarez underneath the Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan main event on Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The new co-feature will be the eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medal standout Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born veteran Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs).

In the eight-round televised opener, undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) steps up in class against upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).

Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs), a world-rated contender from San Isidro, Philippines, will now fight hard-charging Texan Jorge Castaneda (17-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior lightweight belt on the ESPN+-streamed undercard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, Munguia-Bazinyan, Torrez-Dawejko, and Vargas-Fryers will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are ON SALE NOW via Ticketmaster.com.

Suarez-Castaneda headlines a loaded undercard that also features the following bouts:

Alan Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. TBA, 8 Rounds, Lightweights

DJ Zamora (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Gerardo Antonio Perez (12-5-1, 3 KOs), 8 Rounds, Jr. Lightweights

Steven Navarro (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Oscar Arroyo (3-2, 2 KOs), 6 Rounds, Jr. Bantamweights

Jorge Garcia Perez (30-4, 25 KOs) vs. Ilias Essaoudi (22-2, 15 KOs), 10 Rounds, Jr. Middleweights

Art Barrera Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) vs. Frank Brown (3-6-2, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Welterweights

Sebastian Hernandez (16-0, 15 KOs) vs. Yonfrez Parejo (24-6-1, 12 KOs), 8 Rounds, Jr. Featherweights

#

About Desert Diamond Arena
Desert Diamond Arena, an ASM Global managed venue, is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports and entertainment facility situated on 13.5 acres in the city of Glendale, Arizona. The arena entertains over one million visitors annually through concerts, family shows and sporting events. The arena anchors the Westgate Entertainment District, Arizona’s Entertainment Destination, located on 223 acres for shopping, dining, entertainment and commercial offices.

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) —Jaime Munguia is once again ready to shine under the Arizona lights.

Munguia will return against unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan in the 12-round main event on Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Las Vegas-born standout Andres Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs) will take on Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs) in a battle of undefeated contenders.

The eight-round televised opener will see rising junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) step up in class versus upset-minded Irishman Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Munguia-Bazinyan, Cortes-Suarez, and Vargas-Fryers will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m.

Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) began his busy 2024 in January with a stoppage victory over former title challenger John Ryder in Phoenix. Less than four months later, he faced Canelo Alvarez, getting up from a fourth-round knockdown before losing by unanimous decision in a bid for the undisputed crown. Following this two-fight stint with Freddie Roach, Munguia is back training under Mexican four-division world champion Erik Morales, with co-trainer Fernando Fernandez and former welterweight world champion Jose Luis Lopez also in his corner. Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian-born puncher with victories over Ronald Ellis and Alantez Fox, returns following May’s split draw against Shakeel Phinn in May.

Following a recent training session in Big Bear, California, this is what Munguia had to say:

“I believe I’m entering my prime. There’s still much to learn and many things to improve. But I feel like I’m entering a great time in my career.”

“I feel good at 168 pounds. I have adjusted very well. I feel very good making weight, and I have no problem. Making 160 and 154 took a lot of work for me. Right now, I’m doing well. The goal right now is to become world champion again but at 168 pounds.”

“I’m very excited to return to Arizona. When I fought there in January, the people gave me a warm welcome. We had a full house in Phoenix. So, I’m excited to go back.”

“Erik Bazyinan is a good fighter. He’s undefeated. He switches stances. We need to be careful with that. He’s taller and has a longer reach than me. He has a good jab. He can punch well on the inside. He’s a fighter who comes with all the desire to excel.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 7, 2024)— Tickets for the 12-round super middleweight showdown between Mexican star Jaime Munguia and unbeaten contender Erik Bazinyan — Friday, Sept. 20, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona—are ON SALE NOW via Ticketmaster.com.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, Zanfer Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions, Munguia-Bazinyan and additional fight action will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.
 
Rising junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) and heavyweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) will see action in separate eight-rounders. More information on their bouts will be announced shortly.
 
Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) continues his active 2024 campaign, which began in January in Phoenix when he stopped British former world title challenger John Ryder in nine rounds. Less than four months later, he faced countryman Canelo Alvarez, rising from the canvas in the fourth before losing via unanimous decision in a bid for the undisputed crown. A former world champion, Munguia held the WBO junior middleweight world title for almost two years and made five defenses, including a dominant win over Liam Smith.
 
Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs), an 11-year pro from Armenia, moved to Canada as a teenager and has since developed into one of Quebec’s most popular attractions. A regional champion since 2018, he has fought his last seven bouts in Montreal, including a sixth-round stoppage of American veteran Ronald Ellis last October. In 2024, Bazinyan has also been active, knocking out Billi Facundo Godoy in three rounds in January and fighting to a 10-round draw versus Shakeel Phinn in May.
 

# # #

About Desert Diamond Arena
Desert Diamond Arena, an ASM Global managed venue, is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports and entertainment facility situated on 13.5 acres in the city of Glendale, Arizona. The arena entertains over one million visitors annually through concerts, family shows and sporting events. The arena anchors the Westgate Entertainment District, Arizona’s Entertainment Destination, located on 223 acres for shopping, dining, entertainment and commercial offices.

By Norm Frauenheim –

LAS VEGAS – It was a so-called ceremony, meaning there was no controversy until Ryan Garcia showed up.

Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia made weight early Friday, Canelo at 166.8 pounds and Munguia 167.4, behind closed doors and for the regulators at the official weigh-in.

Hours later, they repeated the performance, this time for a roaring crowd on a pavilion in front of T-Mobile Arena where they’ll finally fight Saturday (Amazon Prime/pay-per-view card/5 pm PT, 8 pm ET). Neither the plot nor the weights changed.

“I feel very good, like I’m in my prime,’’ said Canelo (60-2-2, 34 KOs), the undisputed super-middleweight champion whose readiness has been evident throughout a week that included an edgy confrontation with promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

De La Hoya was there, ceremonial in his presence and also wearing a T-shirt with a message that at least hinted at some controversy.

Eat More Meat, the shirt said.

Clearly, it was a reference to his furnace blast full of insults at Canelo during a news conference Wednesday at the MGM Grand. That’s when De La Hoya reminded Canelo of his positive test for Clenbuterol, a steroid found in Mexican beef, in March 2018.

Canelo responded angrily. He got out of his chair and walked toward De La Hoya with some evident menace in every step. He alleged that De La Hoya wasn’t paying his fighters what they were promised.

The next day, their attorneys exchanged letters. They weren’t menacing. The words belonged on a legal brief instead of a T-shirt. Still, they were just another sign of how wide and deep the divide is between Canelo and De La Hoya, his former promoter.

Lost amid it all: Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs), the 27-year-old challenger from Tijuana who will be fighting at 168 pounds for only the second time.

The Canelo-De La Hoya rancor and Ryan Garcia’s PED controversy has almost turned him into a footnote.

But this footnote promises to upset Canelo, the proud face of Mexican boxing for years.

“Tomorrow, I will be the new world champion,’’ Munguia said after he appeared to nod at Canelo in a gesture of respect at the end of their ritual face-off for the cameras.

By then, the weigh-in was over. But Ryan Garcia was just getting started. He showed up in the crowd of about 3,000 and immediately attracted a crowd of reporters. That’s when he continued to say that his positive test for Ostarine, an anabolic derivative, before his upset of Devin Haney on April 20, was fraudulent.

“I don’t cheat, bro, this is God given,” Garcia said. “Of course, I’ll take (the ‘B’ sample). But who’s to say if they tainted the ‘A’ sample that they won’t taint the ‘B’ sample?

“At the end of the day, this is an inside job.”

At the end of the day, Ryan Garcia has turned the Canelo-Munguia promotion into his own bully pulpit.

He won’t answer an opening bell Saturday. But it’s safe to say he’ll continue to dominate the media.

Jesus Ramos, back after his first loss

Jesus Ramos (20-1, 16 KOs), a promising junior-middleweight from Casa Grande AZ, will fight on the untelevised portion of the card.

He faces Venezuelan Johan Gonzalez (34-2, 33 KOS). The bout is Ramos’ first since his lone loss to Erickson Lubin in a controversial decision in September.

“I learned from my first defeat,’’ Ramos said. “I learned a lot. It was really hard. But I’m hungrier than ever now.’’

LAS VEGAS – May 2, 2024 – Fighters competing on the undercard for the much anticipated Canelo vs. Munguia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Featured during the press conference were former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Argentine power-puncher Fabian “TNT” Maidana, who duel for Barrios’ Interim WBC Welterweight Title in the co-main event, former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Jessie Magdaleno, who meet for Figueroa’s Interim WBC Featherweight Title, and WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis and unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre, who battle in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

The workout also featured fighters competing on PBC on Prime Video action preceding the pay-per-view, including hard-hitting contender Jesus Ramos and Johan Gonzalez, who meet in a 10-round bout, and rising contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Ronald Cruz, who battle opening the live stream at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“This has been a great camp and I’m excited that Saturday is almost here. Respect to Fabian for taking this fight. I know he’s coming with a lot to prove, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to come out with my hand raised.

“The move here to training in Las Vegas has been great for my career. My team and I have continued to add on to what already got me this far in my career and it’s shown in the ring.

“I know Maidana has come a long way. I have no doubt he’s gonna bring the fight. I’m going in there to represent my Mexican and indigenous roots like I always do. I have no doubt the boxing fans will be happy with what they see.

“I have to go out there on Saturday and not only win, but win in grand fashion. Whether it’s by knockout or by controlling the fight, I’m coming with bad intentions like always.

“The welterweight division is stacked. Stanionis and Maestre are both great fighters who I want to face. But I have to get this win to be in those exciting fights.”

FABIAN MAIDANA

“I’m inviting everyone to witness what’s going to be a great battle between me and Mario Barrios on Saturday night. Tune in, because it’s going to be an awesome fight.

“I’ve come here to show what I’m made of. I’m here to take the belt away from Mario and bring it back to Argentina. It’s going to be a great battle.

“My style will be the same that it’s always been. I’m gonna stay true to who I am and adjust to what Mario does. The bottom line is that I’m walking away with that belt. I don’t know how it ends, but I’m going to win this fight.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m very honored to be here. I’m always happy to represent my flag and my roots. I can’t wait for Saturday night. I know that everyone up here can’t wait to let their hands go.

“It feels amazing to fight guys like Jessie who are decorated and accomplished. I’ve always wanted to fight the best and here I am on one of the biggest stages of the year. It’s a great opportunity.

“I want to go out there and keep doing my thing. I love fighting and I love everything about this sport. I can’t wait to go in there and put it all together.

“I’m an action-packed fighter. Stacked cards like this with all-action are great for boxing. I’m a fan-friendly fighter and I love putting on a show. I want to make sure that the fans go home satisfied with this beautiful violence.

“This fight ends with everyone winning. It’s a stacked card with Mexicans vs. Mexicans and me and Jessie are ready to put on a show. I can feel the energy from everyone up here. The Mexican fans are electric and I can’t wait to give them a great show.”

JESSIE MAGDALENO

“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s gonna be a fireworks fight on Saturday night. I’m ready to get the show on the road.

“I know I come to put on a show. I always bring it no matter what. I give the fight fans what they want. I look at this as just being the beginning for me.

“A win on Saturday will be something great. We trained tremendously hard for this fight. We’re ready to get in there. It’s going to be an amazing fight for everyone. This is huge for me.

“The fans are gonna be happy. We both come to bring it. May the best man win. It’s gonna be a great fight.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“It’s been a very long time and I’m very happy to be here fighting in Las Vegas. I’m from a small country and there are very few people who make it to this point from there. I’m very happy that my hard work has earned me this opportunity.

“I just want to be back in the ring. When I hear that bell, I’ll be the happiest man on the planet to be in the ring.

“I’ve been training the whole time I was out of the ring. I’ve stayed disciplined and stayed training all the time. I wanted to be ready as soon as the call came.

“I know he’s coming with everything. This fight is do or die for him, but it’s the same for me. Being on this card is a dream come true and I’m ready to do anything I can to keep my belt.

“I’m not overlooking Maestre, because he’s a tough fighter, but of course I want the winner of Barrios vs. Maidana. I want to be a throwback fighter and take on all challengers.

“I’m coming to bring fireworks. I’m prepared to deliver something special and I can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday.”

GABRIEL MAESTRE

“This is gonna be a war. I can’t wait to show everyone the fireworks that will be on display in the ring. It’s going to be a clash of two great fighters.

“I’m used to being the underdog. I was the underdog in both fights last year and you saw how those worked out.

“I don’t know how the fight will go, but I know it will be a battle. Mexican fans deserve a war, and that’s what we’ll give them. It’s going to be a spectacle to remember.

“We fought in the amateurs and I thought I should have gotten the decision. But now we’ve turned the page and are different fighters in the pros. It’s going to be a great fight no matter what.”

JESUS RAMOS

“I’m just excited to be back and prove that I am at the top of this division. I have a tough opponent, and that will make for a more exciting fight. That’s exactly what we want.

“I’ve learned a lot from my first defeat. It was controversial and that made it hard. But it’s made me hungrier and now I’m back to prove where I belong. It’s gonna show on Saturday night.

“Gonzalez has power, but I have power as well. I can also box and I have faith in those abilities. I’m going to use everything I have. I’m ready to go toe-to-toe and give the fans a great show as well. I’m not here to back down from anybody.

“I will get my hand raised by any and all means necessary.”

JOHAN GONZALEZ

“I’m very thankful to be here and I’m happy that my team got me in this fight. I’m very motivated to make Venezuela proud. You won’t want to miss it.

“To be a champion you have to fight the best, and Ramos is one of the best. I’m relying on the work my team has put in. We just have to stick to our strategy.

“I come ready for anything he brings. If I have to go to war, we’ll go to war. That’s what being a fighter is all about.”

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. Tune-in Saturday night, because you don’t want to miss it. Expect a dominant performance and fireworks. I’m going to keep getting better each and every fight.

“I’ve been staying in the gym and staying locked in working with Ronnie Shields in Houston. I get amazing sparring and it’s helped get me to this moment.

“Being a part of these atmospheres over and over again allows me to have fun and absorb the moment. I’ve worked since I was seven-years-old to be in a position like this. Now it’s time to put on a show Saturday night.

“Just tune in and expect fireworks and a dominant performance. I have a great opponent in front of me, but we worked very hard to prepare for Cruz. I’m leaving the ring with my hand raised.”

RONALD CRUZ

“I’m extremely excited to be here. I know I’m facing a great fighter, but this is my time. I’m here to shock the world.

“I’ve trained really hard for the last two years getting ready to fight for the world title. Vito is in my way, and all respect to him, but we’re going to put on a show Saturday night.

“I like a challenge. A lot of fighters are afraid to take losses, but I’m not. We have to stop him on Saturday night. You’re going to see the game plan when you tune in. We’ve structured an entire camp to stop Vito and I’m excited to show what we have planned.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA

Canelo vs. Munguia will see Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will defend his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentine power-puncher Fabián “TNT” Maidana, while hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa puts his Interim WBC Featherweight Title on the line against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis battling the unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

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

LAS VEGAS – May 1, 2024 – Fighters competing on the undercard for the much anticipated Canelo vs. Munguia event showed off their skills at a media workout Wednesday before Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Featured during the workout were former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Argentine power-puncher Fabian “TNT” Maidana, who duel for Barrios’ Interim WBC Welterweight Title in the co-main event, former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Jessie Magdaleno, who meet for Figueroa’s Interim WBC Featherweight Title, and WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis and unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre, who battle in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

The workout also featured fighters competing on PBC on Prime Video action preceding the pay-per-view, including hard-hitting contender Jesus Ramos, who battles Johan Gonzalez, and rising contender Vito Mielnicki Jr., who duels Ronald Cruz opening the live stream at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m very excited for Saturday. I’m ready to get through fight week and get into the ring. I just can’t wait to fight.

“I always go in there with bad intentions and motivated to show what kind of fighter I am. We worked so hard in the gym and I want to make it worth the effort on Saturday.

“The welterweight division is opening up and I want to be in the big fights. I have a guy in my way on Saturday and I have to take care of him first.

“Whoever comes out of Stanionis vs. Maestre with their hand raised is who I’m gonna want to fight. I want those belts.”

FABIAN MAIDANA

“It is a great honor to represent Argentina. I want to showcase what Latin American fighters can truly do in the ring.

“I consider myself a smart fighter. I’m going to measure my steps, think about what I have to do and be tactical. That’s the kind of fighter I am.

“I’m coming to win this fight for my country of Argentina and leave my name in the history books.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m coming to throw punches from all angles, deliver non-stop pressure and give fans an all-action fight. I know he’s coming to do the same. I can’t wait to showcase my skills.

“This is a big fight. I’m excited for this all-Mexican atmosphere. I can’t wait to get in there and give the fans a great show.

“I’m gonna show all my skills. Lefty, righty, boxing, brawling, just anything it takes to get the victory. I have to get the victory and make a statement.”

JESSIE MAGDALENO

“I’m just feeling amazing. I’ve been counting the days. I’m ready to get in there and shock the world.

“A win boosts my career and puts me back to where I’m supposed to be. We’re here to pull off the upset.

“I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve. I’m gonna dance right around him. He better be ready.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“It’s been a very long time and I’m very hungry. I’m just excited to hear the bell and fight my fight.

“It’s going to be an explosion in the middle of the ring. It’s going to be just like a Mexican-style war.”

GABRIEL MAESTRE

“I’m happy and very excited for fight night to come. I want the fight to be tonight. I’m coming to win the title and bring the belt back to Venezuela.

“It’s been a long time since me and Stanionis fought in the amateurs. I’m a more seasoned fighter and more prepared. I’m going to showcase all of that on Saturday night.

“I’m really blessed to be representing all of Latin America in this fight. I can’t wait to win this fight for the whole of Latin America.”

JESUS RAMOS

“It wasn’t easy dealing with my first loss, especially because it was controversial, but it’s part of the game. I just needed to stay strong mentally. I’m excited to bounce back.

“A win will help bring me back to the top of the division. It will put me back with the big fights at 154 pounds. I want to face the best and I want to prove that I’m ready for them.

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“We had a great training camp down in Houston with Ronnie Shields. I’m really thankful to my team because they sacrifice a lot for me to do what I love every day.

“I’m getting better and better and growing physically, mentally and spiritually. A young fighter like me needs to show growth and that’s what we’re doing.

“It’s always an honor to be on a platform like this. I’m extremely blessed to be in the position I’m in.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA

Canelo vs. Munguia will see Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will defend his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentine power-puncher Fabián “TNT” Maidana, while hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa puts his Interim WBC Featherweight Title on the line against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis battling the unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

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

LAS VEGAS – May 1, 2024 – Pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía squared off Wednesday at the final press conference before Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster headlined by Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against the undefeated Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video this Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past. While the fighters showed respect for each other during the press conference, each promised “all-out war” for the rabid Mexican fans that will be watching.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

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

CANELO ALVAREZ

“This is going to be a great Mexican war. Munguia and I both come to win, but I am going to win and win decisively. The fans are really going to enjoy Saturday night and I’m proud to make history with two Mexican fighters fighting for all four belts.

“I feel better than ever and I’m ready for this fight. I don’t know how many rounds it’s going to go, but the Mexican fans are going to love this fight.

“I don’t care about experiences vs. youth, I’m Canelo. I have everything I need to win and I know exactly what I need to do.

“I’m happy to have a big celebration on Saturday night. It’s for all the Mexican fans, no matter who they support. I’m very proud to make this fight happen.

“Munguia has power and he’s a good fighter. But I’m a strong fighter too and I’m gonna show everyone again on Saturday night.

“The fight will last as long as it lasts. One thing is for sure, you are not going to want to miss it.”

JAIME MUNGUIA

“I’m so happy and excited that this fight is almost here. My team has been behind me the whole way and all the fans can expect a full out Mexican war. Make sure to tune in, you will not be disappointed.

“Canelo has a great deal of experience and has faced great fighters. I may not have the same resume, but I have youth on my side. I’m going to showcase my capabilities on Saturday night.

“We’ve worked on so much with Freddie Roach and had an amazing training camp. You’re going to see everything that we’ve learned on Saturday night.

“I’m glad that he wants to knock me out, because I come with the same mentality. I’m gonna knock him out. It’s gonna be a great fight.

“This is an amazing moment and I’m really excited to show everyone what I can do. Fighting on his undercard was one thing, but now I’m ready to step up to my moment.

“Outside the ring, Canelo has all my respect, but inside the ring, that respect goes out the window.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“This is going to be a great fight between two outstanding Mexican fighters. I’m very thankful to everyone who made this fight possible.

“In the end, the most important thing is that this will be a war between two Mexican fighters who come out of the ring healthy and well. In the end, the real winner will be the country of Mexico.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Munguia’s Trainer

“My fighter is doing well and had a great training camp for this fight. He’s really on top of his game right now and we’re ready for this fight.

“Canelo is a tough opponent and we’re ready for whatever he brings to the table. He’s going to be the best after Saturday night.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, two all-action Mexican warriors collide for the bragging rights of a proud fighting country, in one of the most significant Cinco de Mayo fights in years. These fighters will show the world that the only thing that matters is victory.

“Canelo is not only one of the best Mexican fighters of all time, but one of the best fighters of all time worldwide. He has had an incredible career so far and is the only boxer in history to become undisputed super middleweight world champion.

“On Saturday, we have undisputed versus undefeated. I can promise you one thing, this will be a great fight, but there will be no passing of the torch. Not on this weekend and not in front of this crowd.”

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

“I truly believe this will be a changing of the guard for Mexican boxing, from Canelo to Munguia. Jaime is an undefeated and incredible talent who deserves this stage and spotlight.

“Jaime has always dared to be great and Saturday night he will fulfill his dream and become world champion.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA

Canelo vs. Munguia will see Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will defend his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentine power-puncher Fabián “TNT” Maidana, while hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa puts his Interim WBC Featherweight Title on the line against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis battling the unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre.

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

LAS VEGAS – April 30, 2024 – Pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía kicked off fight week Tuesday with Grand Arrivals in Las Vegas as Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster headlined by Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against the undefeated Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video this Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“This is a very significant and historic fight with two Mexicans fighting for all four belts for the first time,” said Canelo. “I’m looking to leave my mark and put my country up high.”

“This is going to be an interesting fight and we’re going to come after him,” said Munguía. “We’re going to look for him in the ring, and in the end it’s going to be an amazing fight for the fans.”

The grand arrivals also featured Interim WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Argentine power-puncher Fabián “TNT” Maidana, who meet in the co-main event, Interim WBC Featherweight Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa, who faces former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action, and undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis and unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA

Canelo vs. Munguia will see Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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

LAS VEGAS – April 25, 2024 – A pair of showdowns featuring the next wave of super welterweight stars in separate attractions will highlight PBC on Prime Video action taking place Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The live streaming presentation will be topped by hard-hitting contender Jesus “Mono” Ramos taking on Venezuela’s Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round bout, plus rising contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. battles L.A.’s Ronald Cruz in a 10-round fight kicking off the stream at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.

These bouts will lead into a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía in the main event.

The pay-per-view undercard will feature Interim WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battling Argentine power-puncher Fabian “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, Interim WBC Featherweight Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa facing former world champion Jessie Magdaleno, and undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis taking on unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre in the pay-per-view opener.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

“PBC on Prime Video action will return with two young stars looking to improve their position in the stacked 154-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jesus Ramos and Vito Mielnicki Jr. have both shown they have what it takes to be future champions, but will have stiff tests on May 4 against Johan Gonzalez and Ronald Cruz respectively, providing an ideal lead in to the pay-per-view event headlined by Canelo Álvarez vs. Jaime Munguía from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

**JESUS RAMOS VS. JOHAN GONZALEZ**

Returning to the ring after a close and debated decision defeat in his last fight, Jesus “Mono” Ramos will look to regain his momentum toward a world title opportunity when he faces the streaking Venezuelan contender Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round super welterweight clash.

The 23-year-old Ramos (20-1, 16 KOs) was on the wrong end of a decision last September against top super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin that also came on the undercard of a Canelo Álvarez headlined event. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of then unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr. and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring again,” said Ramos. “My team and I have been training hard to prepare for this fight. I have a tough opponent in Johan Gonzalez who’s hungry for a big opportunity, but I’m hungry too. I want to prove that I belong at the top of the division and I can’t wait to put on a great performance on May 4.”

A native of Valencia, Venezuela who now trains in Las Vegas, Gonzalez (34-2, 33 KOs) made his stateside debut in 2023 as he earned a pair of victories in the U.S., first stopping Ricardo Ruben Villalba in August before defeating Guido Emmanuel Schramm in November. The 33-year-old won those fights to bounce back from a close 2022 decision defeat to world title challenger Magomed Kurbanov. A pro since 2017, Gonzalez won his first 22 bouts before dropping a split decision in 2018.

“I’m extremely motivated to be facing an opponent like Jesus Ramos who has experience fighting on big cards like this,” said Gonzalez. “This is my chance to show my skills and announce myself on the biggest stage. I appreciate everyone who helped make this fight happen and I can’t wait to show what I can do on May 4.”

**VITO MIELNICKI JR. VS. RONALD CRUZ**

Riding a nine-fight winning streak, rising super welterweight and WBA No. 4 ranked contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. will hope to build off a four-victory 2023 when he makes his 2024 debut against durable veteran Ronald Cruz in a 10-round super welterweight showdown.

Representing Roseland, N.J., Mielnicki (16-1, 11 KOs) has shown improved power in recent outings, stopping four-straight opponents and seven of his last nine. Most recently, Mielnicki scored first-round knockouts in back-to-back fights, blasting out Alexis Salazar in November and Salim Larbi in December. The 21-year-old first turned heads during his exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro.

“I’m having a great training camp down in Houston and my team and I are prepared for the best version of Ronald Cruz on May 4,” said Mielnicki. “I’m excited and blessed to be fighting on Prime Video for the first time. I want to thank my whole team for continuing to put me on the biggest stages.”

A native of Los Angeles, Cruz (19-3-1, 12 KOs) won 18 of his first 19 pro fights after turning pro in 2014 and has proven a sturdy challenge throughout his career. The 33-year-old fought Damian Sosa to a draw in August 2022 before going the distance with unbeaten prospect Xander Zayas in a losing effort in June 2023. Most recently Cruz scored a unanimous decision victory over Jose Aguirre in December 2023.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who helped get me this great opportunity,” said Cruz. “Come May 4, I will not be denied. Every chance I get, I’m taking full advantage of it. I’m in this position with one amateur fight and no handouts. Love me or hate, enjoy the show.”

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (April 25, 2024) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, an action-packed Cinco de Mayo weekend fistic fiesta, featuring the highly anticipated 12-round World Super Middleweight Championship battle between defending undisputed world champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs), from Guadalajara, México, and the undefeated rising star Jaime Munguía (43-0, 34 KOs), from Tijuana, México, Saturday, May 4, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants, harkening back to the great México vs. México matchups of the past including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora, and Rafael Marquez vs. Israel Vazquez.  The Canelo-Munguía world championship event will emanate live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Priced at $89.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM: Canelo vs. Munguia.

 “Despite the clear identity logic of this — Mexican puncher-boxer vs. Mexican master boxer-puncher — Canelo, for quite a while, projected disinterest.  Now that Munguia has boosted his profile with a couple of recent notable wins, Canelo is interested.  Canelo’s proven chin makes him a solid favorite, but as last Saturday night demonstrated, boxing is still the theater of the unexpected,” said Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley, who will be co-hosting the exclusive viewer chat, in real time, during the PPV.COM Canelo-Munguía world championship event HD live stream. 

Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning journalist Lance Pugmire, and “Inside Boxing Live” podcast hosts Dan Canobbio and former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri.  They will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Las Vegas for PPV.COM‘s website and social platforms.

Canobbioand Algieri have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube.

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Canelo vs. Munguía to viewers in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is a recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class.  He served as anchor and commentator for “HBO World Championship Boxing” for 30 years and has covered numerous Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting.      

LANCE PUGMIRE

Lance is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the BWAA’s highest honor.  He brings over 30 years of experience covering the sweet science for the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, and USA Today.  He currently serves as senior U.S. writer for BoxingScene.com.

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

NEW YORK— April 24, 2024—Today, Prime Video announced the launch of an all-new, two-episode presentation of Gloves Off, the revealing series that brings fight fans compelling behind-the-scenes access in the lead-up to highly-anticipated PBC on Prime Video boxing events. Gloves Off: Canelo vs. Munguia, narrated by Barry Pepper, premieres on Prime Video today, and takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the two fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members, and training camp activity as the build-up increases to the highly-anticipated Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown in Las Vegas.

Squaring off in the May 4 blockbuster event will be Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez placing his world title on the line versus rising Mexican star Jaime Munguia, an unbeaten former world champion. The episodes illustrate the personal stakes on the line and offers an intimate look at these prizefighters headlining the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past.

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LOS ANGELES – April 23, 2024 – Undefeated all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía held a media workout in Los Angeles on Tuesday ahead of his upcoming showdown as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past. Munguía, a former world champion at 154-pounds, has scored back-to-back victories since moving up to 168 pounds, besting Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender before stopping John Ryder in January.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, including PPV.com

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday from Wild Card Boxing Club:

JAIME MUNGUIA

“Camp is going very well. Hands down, this has been my best training camp. Working with the legend Freddie Roach has really motivated me. He has my confidence very high and has helped me so much.

“When I first got this fight I was excited because I know how big of an opportunity this is. I would just tell everyone that I’m 100% ready for this fight.

“Not only is this big for boxing, but it’s huge for my country. I can’t wait to represent Mexico in the ring on May 4.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity. I’m excited because there’s no better way to represent the Mexican fans than competing on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas.

“Training with Freddie has been great. He’s brought a lot of peace and tranquility to my corner. He’s a wise trainer with a lot of experience.

“Any fight at this level is going to be a hard fight, but I really believe that this is going to be an exciting fight and a memorable one.

“I’m going to go in there to do my job. I don’t care what anyone on the outside says. At the end of the day, I have to stay ready and make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve always kept an eye on Canelo, even when we were in different weight classes. Eventually you have to fight the best in your division and that’s where we are right now.

“I respect Canelo as a fighter, but when you step into that ring with me, I’m gonna do my best to do my job and get my hand raised.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Canelo is going to come out guns blazing, but there’s a changing of the guard in every era and I think that this is the perfect scenario for Jaime Munguia to take over.

“Jaime is ready to go. He’s faced every adversary and every style. Whether they brawl or box, he’s taken them out. Now he’s ready for the biggest fish in the sea. 

“Jaime has the youth, the punch output and the chin. I see all the cards stacked against Canelo.” 

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ABOUT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA

Canelo vs. Munguia will see Canelo Promotions present a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will defend his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentine power-puncher Fabián “TNT” Maidana, while hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa puts his Interim WBC Featherweight Title on the line against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis battling the unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre.

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