CANELO VS. MUNGUIA PPV UNDERCARD VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – April 11, 2024 – Fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the much anticipated Canelo vs. Munguia event previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference Thursday 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 virtual presser 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 undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis and unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre, who square off in the pay-per-view opener 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.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m happy to have this opportunity and I’m excited to be back in the ring again. It’s huge to be on a card like this, especially as the co-main event on Cinco de Mayo weekend. It’s hard to put into words. I’m motivated, focused and getting ready for May 4.

“The welterweight division is stacked. We have a really exciting welterweight title fight opening the card with Stanionis and Maestre, who are both tremendous fighters. I have to make sure that I handle business with Fabian first.

“If everything goes our way, then I want those big unification fights and whoever is the best in the division. I’ve always taken on the best opponents and I’m going to continue to do that.

“I’m excited about what’s in front of me. There’s a lot of things moving around at welterweight and opportunities for new champions. By the end of the year, there will be even more big fights and I plan on being in them.

“I know that Fabian will bring that same focus and drive that his brother Marcos did to these big fights. He’s got a big opportunity and I know he’s not taking this fight lightly. He’s going to come with everything. I’m expecting a hard fight and I’m preparing myself for a brutal 12 rounds.

“Maidana is motivated and hungry, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure that my hand is raised.

“I’m very motivated because it’s about more than just me now. I’m getting ready to have a daughter and it’s a different kind of motivation. I can’t wait to give everyone another great show.”

FABIAN MAIDANA

“I’ve always made my own way. I never see myself as in the shadow of anybody. I’m thankful to have this opportunity on this great card. I’m ready to showcase my skills on May 4.

“I want to show up and show out on May 4. I’m coming to win this fight and bring that belt home to Argentina.

“In order to win big fights, you have to throw a lot of punches. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to fight with all my heart and all my grit. I’ll show that the Maidana name is still on top.

“This is a great card and I’m happy to be on it. This is a huge night for boxing and I can’t wait to show how much this means to me when I get in the ring on May 4.

“My brother was a boxing great and I admire him. But I forge my own way, proudly so. I’m going to get into the ring on May 4 and deliver a battle that people will enjoy. That’s how I make my own name.

“I can’t tell you how it’s going to end, but it’s going to be a war and the best man will have his hand raised.

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m very blessed to have this opportunity. I’m just happy to be able to get back in the ring. The fight is here and I’m getting ready and prepared to be at my best.

“I’m just focused on hard work and discipline and doing whatever I need to be at the top of my game. It’s about who wants it more and who’s hungrier. You have to go out there and take it.

“Everyone knows I love to mix it up and get in there and work my inside game. I have to do whatever it takes to win the fight and make it look impressive. I’ll adapt to Jessie and work my way around what he does. It’s gonna be fireworks.

“I’ve been waiting for [WBC Featherweight World Champion] Rey Vargas and I’ve been patient. I took this opportunity because I’ve been itching to fight. I just want to fight the best of the best. If Vargas wants to fight this year, then let’s get it. If not, I’d love to rematch Stephen Fulton. I just want to keep delivering Fight of the Year candidates.

“Jessie is a former world champion for a reason. He’s been in with the best of the best and that’s all I could ask for. He’s someone who I don’t have to look for in the ring and that’s gonna deliver fireworks for the fans.

“It’s going to be a great Mexican atmosphere on May 4 and I know that I’ll have my people back home supporting me.”

JESSIE MAGDALENO

“I feel great right now. I’ve been putting in the work and staying in the gym. This is a great opportunity. I’m thankful to Brandon for accepting the fight. It’s gonna be a great show.

“Of course I have an edge in experience. I’ve been in there with some great fighters. I’ve been boxing for a long time and I know Brandon has put in his work as well. I don’t overlook anybody. I’m just focused on showing the world what I’m truly about.

“Last time I had the blonde hair I became world champion. I’m just ready to get back in there and show everybody what I’m about.

“A win like this is what’s been on my mind. That’s why I’m in the gym focused and working hard. Brandon comes to fight and he puts on a great show, just like I do. We both throw a lot of punches and I know on May 4 that winning this title will be huge for me.

“I know Brandon comes to fight. He’s a come-forward fighter who throws a lot of punches. He comes in great shape every time. We watch tapes and we know he’s a good fighter like I am. We’re focused on showcasing what we’ve got. I have a lot left in my tank and I’m gonna show it on May 4. This is a great matchup for my style.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“It’s been a long time and I’m very happy to be back in the ring. It’s amazing to fight on this big card on Cinco de Mayo weekend. I can’t really describe how great I feel. I know Maestre well and I know there will be fireworks on May 4.

“It was very frustrating to deal with fights that fell out. I just wanted to fight. But I stayed disciplined and trained hard the whole time. I just believed that I would get my opportunity eventually.

“On May 4 I will show that I’m back and put on a great performance like I always do. When you fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend, you have to come with something special.

“I would love a unification fight. It would be great to fight the winner of Barrios vs. Maidana, and then keep collecting belts.

“I train very hard and I’ve never been as hungry to get a win. Every day I get asked when I’m back in the ring, and now I’m ready to have my country behind me. We’re gonna give the fans a great fight.

“I won’t have ring rust because I live the life of an athlete. I’m a very disciplined fighter and I’m in really good shape. I’ve just been waiting for the call and now here we are.”

GABRIEL MAESTRE

“It is a privilege to fight against a champion like Stanionis. This is the fight that I’ve wanted for a long time and now things have come full circle. We had a very tough close fight in the amateurs and I’m looking forward to seeing what he has now.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to fight on this important card. I’m having a tremendous training camp and I can’t wait to get into the ring.

“Unification is the goal. That’s always been my dream. Winning the title and unifying are next on my list and I’m ready to do it against anyone.

“We didn’t get a chance to fight each other at the Rio Olympics, so I’m truly looking forward to the opportunity to fight him in the pros.

“This is going to be a great battle. I’m not worried about the age difference. Look what my fellow Venezuelan Ismael Barroso did and what I did in my last fight. We’re going to keep pushing forward.”

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For more information visit www.Amazon.com/PBCwww.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




THREE ACTION-PACKED TITLE SHOWDOWNS HIGHLIGHT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO UNDERCARD SATURDAY, MAY 4 FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – April 9, 2024 – Three high-stakes matchups featuring some of the sport’s most exciting fighters will round out a stacked pay-per-view lineup 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 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 and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

“Saturday, May 4 will deliver a worthy pay-per-view undercard of toe-to-toe clashes leading up to the all-Mexico headlining clash between Canelo Álvarez and Jaime Munguia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Cinco de Mayo weekend is a crown jewel in the boxing calendar, and with this jam-packed lineup of action fighters entering the ring at T-Mobile Arena, fans are in for non-stop entertainment once again on this PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video.”

**MARIO BARRIOS VS. FABIAN MAIDANA**

The 12-round co-main event will see Mario “El Azteca” Barrios make the first defense of his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana, the younger brother of legendary action fighter Marcos who will look to add to his family legacy in his first world title opportunity.

A former world champion at 140-pounds, Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing and stamped his place as a top 147-pounder by dropping Yordenis Ugas twice last September on his way to a unanimous decision. The 28-year-old hails from San Antonio, Texas and now trains in Las Vegas under the guidance of top trainer Bob Santos. He won a 140-pound world championship in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring for the co-main event of the biggest Mexican fight in history and during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” said Barrios. “Fabián Maidana is a tough warrior like me, so the fans are definitely in for an exciting fight. Defending my title is priority number one, and I’m going to do it with intelligence and bad intentions. Everyone knows that when I step into the ring, I leave it all in there. This will be no different. On May 4, the fans can expect a Mexico vs. Argentina war.”

The 31-year-old Maidana (22-2, 16 KOs) enters this fight on a four-bout winning streak, including three 2023 triumphs highlighted by a unanimous decision victory over Israel Lopez in November. A native of Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and former two-division champion Marcos. He’s fought professionally since 2014, following up a strong amateur career by winning his first 16 pro fights. He will return to fight stateside for the first time since 2019, after spending much of his early career fighting in the U.S., including a 2018 knockout of former title challenger Andrey Klimov.

“I’m very happy to be fighting on this card against a great champion like Mario Barrios,” said Maidana. “We come to win and give our best to the mecca of boxing, Las Vegas. The world knows my brother beat Floyd Mayweather on Cinco de Mayo, and I plan to do the same against Barrios. I’m fighting for my people in Argentina, and I’m coming to win.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. JESSIE MAGDALENO**

The pay-per-view lineup will also feature the return of former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa as he defends his Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 12-round bout against the former 122-pound world champion Jessie Magdaleno.

The 27-year-old Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs) most recently picked up his interim title in his last bout, beating former world champion Mark Magsayo via unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year candidate in March 2023. It was his second fight since a 2021 Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers thought ended in controversy after the majority decision loss for Figueroa. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship clash prior to the Fulton fight. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“I’ve been staying ready, just patiently waiting for my opportunity, and now I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 4,” said Figueroa. “Magdaleno is a great fighter and he’s a former world champion for a reason. I know I have to be at my best. I’m just hungry to get back into the ring and keep boxing exciting with my fights and my fighting style.”

A Las Vegas-native, Magdaleno (29-2, 18 KOs) will look to rebound from a decision defeat in his last fight against current featherweight titlist Raymond Ford. Prior to the defeat, Magdaleno had put together four-straight victories since moving up to featherweight in 2019. The 32-year-old became a world champion in 2016 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, and successfully defended the title with a 2017 knockout of Adeilson Dos Santos. Magdaleno also comes from a boxing family, as his older brother Diego was a longtime contender, while his younger brother Marco also fought professionally.  

“This fight is everything for me,” said Magdaleno. “There are people who think I’m an underdog against Figueroa. But I’d remind those people of one thing…I was an underdog when I became world champion for the first time, and I’m ready to do it again. On May 4 you will hear ‘and the new!’”

**EIMANTAS STANIONIS VS. GABRIEL MAESTRE**

A come-forward technician, the undefeated Eimantas Stanionis will make the first defense of his WBA Welterweight Title when he takes on fellow unbeaten Gabriel Maestre in a 12-round showdown that opens up the pay-per-view card.

Representing his native Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) has made the most of the promise he showed when turning pro after fighting for his country at the 2016 Olympic games. The 29-year-old captured his interim belt in his most recent outing, defeating the previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev via a hard-fought decision in April 2022. Stanionis blasted through a slew of veteran welterweights on his way up the ladder, including a knockout of Justin DeLoach and a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Dulorme.

“I’m so excited to get back in the ring, I feel like a kid in a candy store who gets to choose any kind of candy he wants,” said Stanionis. “This is especially exciting for me because I am a big fan of Canelo Álvarez. I love watching his fights and as a kid, I dreamed of fighting on Cinco de Mayo in front of all those great Mexican fans. It motivates me even more to give them a great fight. I know that Gabriel Maestre is tough and has power. We fought in the amateurs and I know it’s a great matchup of styles. I’m going to bring the action and so will he. You can definitely expect fireworks on May 4.”

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (6-0-1, 5 KOs) delivered a dominant display last August as he blasted out the then-unbeaten rising prospect Travon Marshall in round two. His pro career has followed an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. He made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw in March 2022 and defeating former two-division champion Devon Alexander in April 2023.

“I’ve wanted to fight Stanionis for years and get revenge from our amateur match,” said Maestre. “It was a tough close fight and I’m ready to face him again for another war. We are ready for a great fight and to leave the ring with my hand raised. May 4 will be a historic day for me and Venezuela.”

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For more information visit www.Amazon.com/PBCwww.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




Boxing Star & NABO Super Middleweight Champion Edgar Berlanga Confirmed for Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 4, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (March 26, 2024) – Boxing Star and NABO Super Middleweight champion Edgar Berlanga has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Berlanga will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite -https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

Berlanga will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Berlanga will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “The Chosen One”.

Berlanga joins Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Edgar Berlanga

Edgar Berlanga is the current NABO Super Middleweight champion. Although born in Brooklyn New York, Berlanga feels very connected to his parent’s native land of Puerto Rico. Berlanga began boxing at the age of seven. His childhood idol was Puerto Rican boxing legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad, which inspired Berlanga to work hard and gather an impressive amateur record of 162 wins with 17 losses. Berlanga won bronze (2013) and gold (2015) in the US Youth National Championships. Nicknamed “The Chosen One”, Berlanga turned pro in 2016, in Mexico and began his professional career with 16 consecutive first round knockouts, which burst him into the scene and made him an instant attraction.

Berlanga is one of the most exciting fighters in the world, with a record of 22 wins, no losses with 17 knockouts, making him one of the biggest Stars in boxing. He’s an all-around fan favorite, with a huge Puerto Rican fan base and draws big numbers at the gate. Berlanga has recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and is primed for a major opportunity against Canelo Alvarez in the near future. This showdown would be the next in the long line of historical fights between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters.

?About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

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VIDEO: Canelo vs. Munguia Kickoff Press Conference | #CaneloMunguia




CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGUÍA LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

LOS ANGELES – March 19, 2024 – Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion and pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and unbeaten all-action star and former world champion Jaime Munguíwent face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before Canelo Promotions presents their clash of Mexican superstars taking place Saturday, May 4 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video 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. Both Canelo and Munguía expressed respect for their fellow countryman during Tuesday’s press conference, and promised to honor their shared heritage with an action-packed main event on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

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, and 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 press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

CANELO ALVAREZ

“This fight is a great source of pride for me, because it’s all about Mexico. I’m proud to have my country featured this way in front of the whole world. The fans are going to be the biggest winners on May 4 and we invite everyone to what’s gonna be a big party for Mexico.

“Defending my undisputed title is very important for me. This is all about making history. I want my legacy to be that I made history again and again. That’s what motivates me to keep defending my belts and giving great fights to the fans.

“Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again. Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.

“Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher and I like a challenge. I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve.

“I’m really proud of how amazing fight week is going to be. The fans will be showing their pride everywhere. I can’t wait to show the world what kind of party Mexicans can throw inside and outside of the ring.”

JAIME MUNGUIA

“I’m very thankful to Canelo and everyone who made this fight happen and brought us to this special day. We’ve been working really, really hard for this fight because it’s going to be such a big fight for Mexico.

“Canelo has always been a source of pride and motivation for me. I used to say when I was coming up in the sport that I want to be like him, and now we get a chance to face him and hopefully be where he is soon.

“Not only is Freddie Roach a great trainer, but he’s a great person and he’s a motivator. He’s always motivating us to keep going forward and keep training hard.

“We’re ready for this stage. We’re ready for everything and we’re going to have a great fight that night. We’re very confident.

“This is just the beginning of the best part of my career. I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but I believe I’m just reaching my peak now.

“The respect between us is mutual. We want to be a source of pride not just for Mexicans in Mexico, but those all around the world who are expecting a great fight. It’s going to be a great Mexican party and I promise a great fight that fans are going to love.

“Both our fights with John Ryder are two completely different fights. We just took advantage of the opportunity we saw. We know every fight is different so we won’t take too much from Canelo’s fight against Ryder.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“I’m very appreciative of everything that’s been done to make this fight happen and bring us here. Any time that two Mexican fighters face each other, you know it’s going to be an all-out war. Even more so in this fight, because it’s the first time two Mexican fighters will go at it for all four belts.

“We’re going to prove to the world that Mexican boxing is the best in the world. We’re going to work really hard to be sharp on May 4 and we invite everyone to witness a great fight. The fans are going to be the real winners.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Munguia’s Trainer

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this. This is two of the best fighters in the world and I’m in charge of getting one of them ready. Jaime has a tremendous work ethic and we’re going to be prepared to do anything we can to take the titles.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This really is a very special event taking place Cinco de Mayo weekend. This all-Mexican showdown will be one of the most anticipated Cinco de Mayo fights in years.

“PBC had a fantastic 2023. It was a legendary year with massive pay-per-view events. We at TGB Promotions and PBC look forward to putting on more industry-leading events and continuing with another historic year showcasing the biggest stars and the best world class boxing shows.”

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

“With two Mexican fighters at this elite level, we’re in for a special treat…What makes me most proud is that the world will truly be watching. We can’t wait to see everyone there on May 4.”

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For more information visit 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




CANELO VS. MUNGUIA TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT AXS.COM

LAS VEGAS – March 15, 2024 – Tickets are on sale now for a showdown between Mexican superstars as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster that will see pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez put his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguíheadlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions 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.

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 including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora and Jesús Castillo vs. Rubén Olivares, amongst many others. Canelo has already etched himself in history alongside the greatest Mexican fighters to enter the ring and can add to that legacy on May 4, while Munguía hopes to move himself up the pedestal and make his own lasting mark in the boxing annals with a signature victory Cinco de Mayo weekend.

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For more information visit 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




POUND-FOR-POUND GREAT CANELO ÁLVAREZ DUELS ALL-ACTION STAR JAIME MUNGUÍA HEADLINING A PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT AVAILABLE ON PRIME VIDEO SATURDAY, MAY 4 FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – March 12, 2024 – Mexican superstars will go toe-to-toe as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster that will see pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez put 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 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.

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 including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora and Jesús Castillo vs. Rubén Olivares, amongst many others. Canelo has already etched himself in history alongside the greatest Mexican fighters to enter the ring and can add to that legacy on May 4, while Munguía hopes to move himself up the pedestal and make his own lasting mark in the boxing annals with a signature victory Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Pre-sale tickets are available Thursday, March 14 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC

Public on-sale begins Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

“We are very excited to return on May 4, especially with a Mexican opponent,” said Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s Manager and Trainer. “This will be a 100% Mexican celebration! There has been a long time since two Mexicans have faced each other in an event like this. It’s going to be a grand fight. Jamie Munguia is an ex-champion who’s been winning fights and demonstrating great things. That tells me it’s going to be an exciting fight. I am very happy and grateful to Jamie that he agreed to make this happen.”

“Cinco de Mayo weekend is a crown jewel in the boxing calendar, and this year will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory with this all-Mexico showdown between undisputed champion and future Hall of Famer Canelo Álvarez taking on the undefeated power-puncher Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena will be the highlight of what is always one of the city’s biggest weekends. Fans know that when an all-time great like Canelo faces a hungry action fighter like Munguía, the chances for drama and fireworks are through the roof.”

“An all-Mexican championship showdown on Cinco de Mayo weekend between two guys with immense pride for their country and at the top of their games — it doesn’t get any better for the sport of boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given Jaime’s incredible offensive attack, Canelo’s unmatched counterpunching and both guys’ tremendous power, fans are in for an absolute barn burner. We at Golden Boy are proud to have been able to work with our partners at DAZN to help make this massive battle and potential instant classic in Las Vegas that you don’t want to miss!”

“Jaime Munguía continues to make history as he paves his way in the sport,” said Fernando Beltrán, CEO of Zanfer Boxing Promotions. “There will be an overflow of Mexican pride in Las Vegas. This fight was accomplished for the people of México between two of the top Mexican fighters in boxing.”

*CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGUÍA*

The reigning WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, Canelo Álvarez will look to extend his own record of successful undisputed title defenses in the four-belt era as he defends his belts for the fourth time in a 12-round matchup against the unbeaten former 154-pound world champion Jaime Munguía, who will compete at the full 168-pound limit for the third straight fight. 

Having captured world titles at 154, 160, 168 and 175-pounds, Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) returns to action after a dominant victory last September that saw him drop former undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo on his way to a unanimous decision. The fighting pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo became undisputed at super middleweight in November 2021 by taking the IBF belt from then unbeaten Caleb Plant via an 11th-round TKO. After dropping a light heavyweight title fight against Dmitriy Bivol in May 2022, Canelo rebounded to defeat Gennadiy Golovkin in their September 2022 trilogy fight before besting John Ryder in May 2023.

Under the guidance of his renowned manager and trainer Eddy Reynoso, Canelo has triumphed over a long list of elite fighters since turning pro at just 15-years-old in 2005, including Golovkin, plus Shane Mosley, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto and Sergey Kovalev to name a few. Outside of the Bivol fight, Canelo’s only other defeat came against undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather in September 2013.

“I’m very proud and excited to be able to make this fight,” said Canelo. “A Mexican versus another Mexican is always a huge fight and it’s been a while since there’s been one like this. It’s great to give an opportunity like this to a fighter that’s earned it like Jaime has. It gives me a lot of joy that two Mexicans will be facing each other in such a big fight for the sport.”

The 27-year-old Munguía (43-0, 34 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.

Munguía made his debut campaigning at super middleweight in June 2023, facing longtime top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Munguía emerged victorious with a unanimous decision in the back-and-forth affair that garnered Fight of the Year honors from the BWAA. In his most recent fight, Munguia joined forces with legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who helped guide him to a dominant ninth-round stoppage of veteran contender John Ryder in January.

“I’m very, very happy and filled with enthusiasm for this great opportunity,” said Munguía. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved who were able to make this fight a reality. We are ready to give fans a great night of boxing on Saturday, May 4. I can’t wait to demonstrate to the world that I am capable of doing great things. Viva Tijuana and Viva México!”

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For more information visit 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




Waiting on Canelo: For David Benavidez, it never ends

By Norm Frauenheim –

Jaime Munguia fought his way into the argument with a dramatic stoppage of John Ryder that transforms him into another option for Canelo Alvarez and another potential source of frustration for David Benavidez.

Where all of this leaves Benavidez is still anybody’s guess. For now, at least, he’s where he’s always been.

Waiting, waiting for a shot that he demands and deserves, yet one that continues to be as elusive as ever.

In the here and now, he’s boxing’s version of Florida State. Unbeaten, yet still left without a chance at winning the biggest prize in the crowded super-middleweight division. Fair? Of course, not. But fair is a quaint notion in boxing, college football, politics and life. It’s just another bloody nose. If you want fair, play checkers.

In this game, protect yourself at all times, because a cheap shot is always lurking.

That brings us to Jermall Charlo. By all accounts, he is the leading possibility for Canelo’s next fight, projected to be on May 4. In his promotional role in behalf of Munguia, Oscar De La Hoya said last Saturday after the four-knockdown TKO of Ryder in Phoenix – Benavidez’ hometown – that he expects Canelo to fight Charlo next.

By now, I guess nobody should be surprised. Canelo fought a Charlo, Jermell, in his last fight in September. The plan had been for him to fight Jermall. Then, however, Jermell got the date, apparently because his twin brother still needed time to recover from some reported mental-health issues.

Jermell or Jermall, it was a dud. Jermell, a junior-middleweight champion, was just there to collect a paycheck. It says here that in the ring the only difference between Jermell and Jermall is a vowel and a few pounds. The rumored fight in May figures to be a repeat.

Put it this way: Before Canelo, Jermell had never fought at super-middleweight. Neither has Jermall, who in his last fight won a unanimous decision, yet couldn’t stop Jose Benavidez Jr., David’s older brother and a former junior welterweight and welterweight. Before beating the smaller Jose Jr., Jermall blew off a contracted catchweight, 163 pounds. He was more than three pounds too heavy.

Here’s the question: From resume to weight, on what scale does this Charlo merit a shot Canelo? Munguia is more worthy. He blew out Ryder, a respected contender whom Canelo failed to stop. Munguia won a narrow decision at 168 pounds over Sergiy Derevyanchenko last June in the Fight of the Year.

Then, there’s Benavidez, who has been at super-middleweight his whole career. He’s unbeaten and unique in that he’s a two-time former World Boxing Council champion. He lost those titles, once for testing positive for cocaine and then for failing to make weight. In a sign of his growing maturity, he was nominated for 2023 Fighter of the Year. 

On any scale, his resume outweighs Jermall Charlo’s, in credibility, especially among fans who have been calling for Benavidez-Canelo for a couple years.

Benavidez is also designated as the WBC’s mandatory challenger to Canelo, the undisputed champion. He has been since November. But the WBC has yet to do anything to enforce that mandatory.

Eddie Hearn, Ryder’s promoter, summed it up best a week ago in Phoenix when asked by 15 Rounds whether the mandatory designation means anything.

“Not really, especially if you’re Canelo Alvarez,’’ Hearn said in a wry, spot-on comment.

Meanwhile, there are other circumstances that could leave Benavidez waiting, or maybe moving up to light heavyweight. It’s no coincidence perhaps that people around light-heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev are already starting to talk about Benavidez, whose manager, Sampson Lewkowicz, says will probably fight somebody sometime this spring, perhaps in May.

It’s almost as if Canelo looks at Benavidez and sees a light-heavyweight, anyway. He’s shown about as much real interest in facing Benavidez as he has in a rematch with light-heavy champ Dmitry Bivol. 

After Bivol upset him in May 2022, Canelo initially vowed he would avenge the scorecard loss. He talked about a rematch. That’s all he did. It never happened.

According to Bivol’s management, there were never any substantive negotiations for a rematch. 

Still, stories continue to circulate about Benavidez and Bivol sparring a couple of years ago. According to Benavidez, he got the best of Bivol.

Has Canelo decided that neither is in his future? Maybe.

Meanwhile, the Beterbiev corner is hearing the same stories that everyone else is. According to multiple reports – still speculative, Canelo plans to follow a Charlo bout in May with a catchweight date against undisputed welterweight champion and pound-for-pound No.1 Terence Crawford in September.

The possibility has been circulating in social media for months. Now, there’s doubt about whether Crawford will ever fight Errol Spence in a contracted rematch.

Spence, who got blown out by Crawford in a July stunner, is coming off cataract surgery. He’s undergone two eye surgeries – one on each eye – within the last three years. Without Spence, where does Crawford go? There’s talk of Boots Ennis. Maybe, Tim Tszyu at junior middleweight, Maybe Jermell Charlo.

At 36, however, maybe it’s time for Crawford to cash out. There’s no better way to do that than in an event sure to attract the so-called crossover crowd against the 33-year-old Canelo, whose legacy among Mexican fans is probably secure regardless of whether he fights Benavidez or just continues to duck him.




De La Hoya hoping for Munguia-Canelo in September

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Oscar De La Hoya wants Jaime Munguia to fight Canelo Alvarez in September instead of May.

Before Munguia fought his way into the Canelo lottery Saturday night with a four-knockdown TKO of John Ryder, it was believed that Munguia was a possibility for Canelo’s projected return on May 4.

“Munguia-Canelo in September is the fight to make,’’ De La Hoya said about an hour after Ryder’s corner threw in the towel at 1:25 of the ninth round in front of roaring crowd of more than 10,000 at Footprint Center.

Canelo, the undisputed super-middleweight champion, might already have other plans for May, according to De La Hoya.

“I think Canelo could fight Jermall Charlo in May,’’ the Golden Boy promoter said.

It’s not clear where that leaves David Benavidez, who the World Boxing Council designated as its mandatory challenger to the WBC piece of Canelo’s title at its convention in Uzbekistan in November.

Benavidez, a former two-time WBC champion, has been calling out Canelo for a couple years. De La Hoya again said that Benavidez deserved a shot Saturday night.

But Munguia has joined the Canelo hunt. He’s another option. It’s not clear whether Benavidez’ mandatory status puts him at the front of the line.

“Networks make the mandatories,’’ Benavidez promoter/manager Sampson Lewkowicz said Saturday after his flyweight, Gabriela Fundora, retained the International Boxing Federation women’s title with TKO of Christina Cruz on the DAZN-streamed show.

Canelo is one of boxing’s few network stars. Follow the money, the only mandatory.

Benavidez, who grew up in Phoenix and began boxing at a gym – Central – just a few blocks from Footprint, got an invite to Saturday’s fight from De La Hoya De La Hoya he texted him Thursday.

But Benavidez wasn’t there for Munguia’s beatdown of the tough, smart Ryder. Munguia made a statement. So did Benavidez, who De La Hoya said was in Guadalajara, Canelo’s hometown. Benavidez showed up only on Instagram.

Above a photo of Munguia, he posted, after the fight: This a easy knock out. That’s why they ducked me. The message included three laughing emojis.

Meanwhile, social media was full of talk that Munguia might fight Edgar Berlanga next. But Munguia wasn’t sure when he’ll fight. Who he’ll fight.

“It would be an honor,’’ he said, to fight Canelo.

First, however, he said he would have to heal from a cut above his left eye.

Then, he’d go back to work at Wild Card with

his new trainer, Hall-of-Famer Freddie Roach.

“I keep hearing all of this talk about who’s next. Whatever,’’ said Roach, who predicted Munguia would win by TKO in the eighth. “We’ll head back to the gym and work hard.

“Whoever is next, he’s in trouble.’’




Statement Delivered: Munguia stops Ryder

PHOENIX — A statement was demanded.

Statement delivered.

Jaime Munguia did what Canelo Alvarez could not. He stopped a tough, smart John Ryder Saturday night in a super-middleweight fight that was a test of Munguia’s potential.

There’s plenty of that, perhaps enough for him to land a Canelo fight projected to be in May. It’s all up to Canelo, whose pay-per-view clout and celebrity comes with a perk. He does what he wants to.

It’s anybody’s guess as to whether he wants the Munguia that 10,836 fans at Footprint Center saw against Ryder, whose corner threw in the towel at 1:25 of the ninth round.

“It would be an honor to be in the same ring with him,’’ Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) said when asked the inevitable Canelo question.

Canelo or not, there’s one thing certain about Munguia, a 27-year-old fighter from Tijuana. He stepped out of the ring with enhanced credibility.

He’s a player, a proven threat at 168 pounds. Put him alongside David Benavidez, David Morrell, Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo.

“I was ready for this,’’ he said. “I knew I was ready for this.’’

He knew more than just about anybody other than his Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach. Roach predicated Munguia would win an eighth-round TKO. Roach missed by only a round.

Munguia did it with four knockdowns of Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs), a 35-year-old fighter who faces some tough question about whether his career has come to end.

Munguia knocked down Ryder in the second with a body shot that left a nasty red mark Ryder’s right side. He knocked down the UK fighter again in the fourth with successive left hands.

Then, there was the ninth. There was a right to the top head. Ryder was down for a third time. Then another blow to the head. Ryder was down for a fourth time. The towel soon followed, a sign of surrender for Ryder and the beginning of a second chapter for the emerging Munguia.

 Minimum Weight, Max Power: Oscar Collazo retains title 

It’s called minimum. Somehow, that isn’t quite fair to Oscar Collazo.

Maximum is more like it.

Collazo, the World Boxing Organization’s minimum weight champion flashed max power, knocking Reyneris Gutierrez, into the ropes and then flat on the canvas before the referee interceded and stopped it for third-round TKO Saturday night on the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder featured card at Footprint Center.

First, it was a huge right hand form Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) that drove Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) into the ropes. If not for those ropes, The Nicaraguan would have tumbled out of the ring, over the work table and onto the floor. Then, it was a left hand from the Puerto Rican. This time, no ropes were in the way. Gutierrez hit the deck. Moments later, it was over, a TKO:at 37 seconds of the third.

Darius Fulghum  wins a unanimously-booed dud

It was a fight full of clinches, missed punches, rabbit punches, boos  and more boos. There was even the wave.

Just when you thought it was extinct, Darius Fulghum and Alantez Fox brought it back. That’s how bad their super-middleweight fight was on the DAZN-streamed undercard for the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder mnin event at Footprint Center Saturday night.

The booing started in the second round. It got louder, even louder, until a near capacity crowd just bored. It started doing the wave. Yeah, that wave. Hands up, stand up and sit down, going from section to section in an undulating ring around the arena. Hey, it was better than watching the fight.

By the way, Fulghum (10-, 9 KOs), of Houston, won it, scoring a majority

 decision over Fox (28-6-1, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro MD. 

Not so sweet stoppage

Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora 12-0 (9KOs) made her first women’s IBF Flyweight title defense VS Christina Cruz 6-0. The fight was a battle of the sweet science of hit but not get hit, no one fighter looked dominate in the match. One fighter did control the ring through out the fight and was more active with her combinations and stunning her opponent. Fundora was using her ring IQ to cut off the ring and edging out the rounds in her favor in a very close fight. More over as the championship rounds rolled along Gabriela showed the heart of a warrior and took the fight over effortlessly out boxing Cruz. With less than a minute left in the 10th and final round referee Chris Flores stepped in and called a end to the fight in a controversial fashion. Cruz was not hurt and was simply walking away with her guard up still  defending herself. Visibly upset Cruz pleaded her case of why it should not have been stopped with some ringside having it a drawing going into the final round. Coming out on top and staying undefeated Fundora moves to 13-0 (10KOs) in a post fight interview Fundora praised Cruz “Cruz is a good fighter and glad she stepped up” also “I looked to her because she was an olympian and had a picture on my wall as a kid” ending her statement by saying “Cruz is an amazing fighter and it was an honor to share the ring”. When asked about the stoppage Fundora stated “I unleashed on her, and she turned around indicating she no longer wanted to fight”

One can only ask if she deserves a rematch or does the co-promotions between Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Promotion look to set up a fight for undisputed later this year, Seemingly the road block to undisputed is Marlen Esparza who holds the other 3 tittle and has an upcoming fight that she can not look past herself. Just as her smile, the future is bright for the undefeated fighter of Coachella, CA….David Galaviz

David Picasso scores unanimous decision in U.S. debut

David Picasso wasn’t looking for a masterpiece. 

Just a victory.

He got it.

In his first appearance in the United States, Picasso, an unbeaten featherweight from Mexico City, scored repeatedly early, tired midway, then held on and held off Erik Ruiz in the late rounds.

All of it was enough for Picasso (27-0-1, 15 KOs) to secure a unanimous  decision over Ruiz (17-10-1, 7 KOs), a fighter from Oxnard, Calif., who from round to round got more aggressive in a 10-rounder in the first DAZN-streamed fight on the Munguia-Ryder card at Footprint Center.

Daniel Garcia scores crushing first round stoppage

It was over before a lot of arriving fans ever got to their seats.

Daniel Garcia finished the non-DAZN portion of the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder card in a flash at Footprint Center. Daniel Lugo may have seen it coming. But he couldn’t do much about it.

Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs), an unbeaten  lightweight from Denver, sent a right hand flying over the edge of  Lugo’s upraised gloves. Boom, it landed, crashing off Lugo’s chin and driving his head up and around. By the time some fans looked up, it was over.

Lugo (4-2, 1 KO), of Phoenix was down and out, a stoppage loser at 1:51 of the first round.

Gregory Morales scores unanimous decision, rocks Ron and the crowd

In the third bout of the night Gregory Morales (15-1, 9KOs) of San Antonio, TX faced Ronal Ron (14-4 ,11KOs) in a super featherweight fight 

In a  feel-out first round both fighters saved all their energy for the last 20 seconds of the round with both having success landing punches. It picked right back up in the second. However as the round came to an end, Morales showed head movement and landed some crisp punches. In the theme of the fight, Morales and Ron saved all the excitement for the end of the round. They got the crowd a little excited. There were theatrics coming from Ron. He spit his mouth piece out around the 2:20 mark. A few second later, he was warned about a head butt. The pace of the round had significantly picked up, with both fighters finding their rhythm and timing. Ron was briefly stunned early in the 5th round by a well placed left from Morales.

 As the crowd started chanting “Goyo”, it gave Morales extra motivation, landing a few lefts directly to the chin of Ron. 

A left hook by Morales landed. Over the last three rounds, Morales picked up the production of his pace and dazed his opponent with a multitude of punches. The last round served as the best round for Morales as he landed some great combos that made the crowd get even loader. Morales improved to 16-1 (9KOs), scoring a unanimous decision. In fight that brought the crowd to its fight in the final round.the crowd a good fight. —–David Galaviz

Toe-to-Toe: Gael Cabrera scores knockdown wins decision in tough bout

It was power against resilience.

Gael Cabrera, a Mexican featherweight from Sonora — just south of Arizona, had the power. He needed it, all of it to win. 

Miguel Ceballos, one of two AZ fighters on the Munguia-Ryder card, had the resilience, almost enough of it to score an upset.

But the power prevailed. A straight right hand from Cabrera (4-0, 3 KOs) put Ceballos down in the first round. Then, Cabrera held on, withstanding repeated bursts of energy from Ceballos (2-1, 2 KOs), of Peoria AZ.  Cabrera appeared to tire, but he still had enough power in both hands to keep Ceballos off him. The result: Cabrera won a unanimous decision in a hard-fought fight.

First Bell: Munguia-Ryder card begins with a quick stoppage

It should have been a matinee. But Jonathan Canas turned it into a short subject.

Canas, a lightweight from Santa Ana CA, needed only 64 seconds to finish Kameeko Hall in the opening bout Saturday afternoon on the card featuring Jaime Mungia-John Ryder at Footprint Center.

Canas, still perfect with three knockouts in three fights, delivered a body-to-head combo that put Hall, a winless fighter from Brunswick GA, onto one knee. It was the body shot that hurt him the most. When Hall (0-4) tried to get onto his feet, he got sick to his stomach. At 1:04 of the first, it was over for everybody but the maintenance crew. It had to clean up the mess.




Munguia looks at Ryder and promises to make 2024 his year

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Jaime Munguia stepped off the scale, the Mexican flag behind him and Mexican fans in front of him. He waved at his mom. He heard the cheers. Acknowledged the chants.

It was a moment that almost looked as if it had been rehearsed. In some ways, it had been. It was a mock weigh-in, a ceremonial replica of what had happened at the real weigh-in for the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission Friday morning.

The afternoon version at Footprint Center was strictly for show, a show that belonged to Munguia, an emerging fighter who promoter Oscar De La Hoya says is poised to become the new face of Mexican boxing.

“This is my year,’’ Munguia said.

A stone-faced John Ryder, tough in the ring and tougher to read outside of it, might have something to say about that.

An upset? Would it surprise you? It was a question asked more for the crowd that was there, and is expected to be there in even bigger numbers for the main event’s opening bell on a DAZN-streamed card Saturday (8 p.m. ET/6 p.m.) That crowd would be shocked.

Ryder?

“No, I wouldn’t be,’’ he said. “That’s the plan, isn’t it?’’

The betting odds, about 3-to-1 for Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs), suggest that Ryder’s plan hasn’t got much of a chance.

The 27-year-old Munguia has the fresh-faced look of a kid. He’s about seven years younger than the bearded Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs), a 35-year-old UK fighter whose scars are either a sign of erosion or the mark of a hardened combat veteran’s knowhow.

The guess – and that’s all it is – is that Munguia has the energy that comes with youth. But Ryder has experience, including 12 punishing rounds against Canelo Alvarez in front 51,000 Canelo partisans in Guadalajara.

Ryder got a scorecard loss and a broken nose. But he left Canelo with a face swollen and marked up, leaving an unmistakable message that Ryder – a survivor — figures to be there, a stubborn test to Munguia’s aspirations.

On Friday, at least, there wasn’t an ounce of difference between them. On the scale, they were identical, 167.8 pounds each.

Munguia’s corner envisions a knockout. De La Hoya hopes Munguia can do what Canelo couldn’t. A knockout of Ryder, De La Hoya says, would be a statement that says Munguia deserves a chance to fight Canelo, perhaps in May.

Munguia’s skillset and discipline are enough to pull off the stoppage, says his new trainer, Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, who replaces Tijuana legend Erik Morales.

After Roach’s many years of watching and working with great fighters at Los Angeles’ Wild Card Gym, he looks at Munguia and sees some of Hall-of-Famer Virgil Hill, one of the great light-heavyweights who was known for resilience and a tireless work ethic.

“Jaime works as hard as anybody,’’ said Roach, who foresees Munguia winning an eighth-round stoppage. “In this training camp, he took only one day off.’’

He did, Roach said, only because his family was celebrating the birth of a baby.

That disciplined regimen could counter Ryder’s dogged nature in a way that produces a gritty classic.

“Ryder always goes forward,’’ said Fernando Beltran, Munguia’s promoter/manager. “Jaime Munguia doesn’t know how to go backwards.’’

That’s a collision, if not a classic.

Will it make a difference in terms of what Canelo does next? On Friday, there was no answer to that. Just more speculation. Jermall Charlo has been mentioned as a Canelo possibility There’s still talk about pound-for-pound No. 1 and undisputed welterweight champ Terence Crawford in a catchweight against Canelo.

And, above all, there’s David Benavidez, a Phoenix-born fighter who first began boxing at a gym, Central, just a few blocks from the Footprint Center. Benavidez is expected to be at ringside. He’s unbeaten and a two-time ex-champ at super-middle. He’s also designated as the World Boxing Council’s mandatory challenger for the WBC piece of Canelo’s undisputed crown.

In specific terms of when or even how Benavidez’ mandatory designation turns into a real fight is still open to a lot of speculation.

Does mandatory mean much?

“Not really, especially if you’re Canelo Alvarez,’’ said Eddie Hearn who has promoted Canelo and is in Phoenix in behalf of Ryder.

It was a wry, spot-on comment from the Matchroom promoter. Canelo’s pay-per-view numbers come with some perks. To wit: He gets what he wants.

Maybe, he’ll see something he wants in Munguia-Ryder. From his perspective, it’s a must-see fight. Maybe even mandatory.




VIDEO: JAIME MUNGUÍA VS. JOHN RYDER WEIGH-IN




VIDEO: JAIME MUNGUÍA VS. JOHN RYDER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE




QUOTES JAIME MUNGUÍA VS. JOHN RYDER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

PHOENIX, AZ (January 25, 2024): In the lead up to what has the potential to become a Fight of the Year candidate, undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K hosted a press conference today ahead of their 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title. The event is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua in a 12-round fight. Also on the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card that will stream live on Golden Boy Boxing’s YouTube, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Kameeko Hall (0-3) of Brunswick, Georgia.

Here is what some of today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WBO WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“Good afternoon to all. First of all, and again, thank you to Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Beltran and Eddie Hearn. I want to thank everybody for being here, and thanks to Freddie Roach and Wildcard Boxing Gym. This was a great camp for all of us. It’s going to help me keep moving forward to achieve my goals. I know that John Ryder is a tough fighter. He has lost and he has won close fights, but I’m ready. I’m ready to do this on Saturday. Y que viva Mexico!”

JOHN RYDER, FORMER WBO INTERIM SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“Firstly, thank you to Eddie and Matchroom, and Oscar, Golden Boy and Zanfer for making this happen. It’s been a fight long in the pipeline and I’m glad we’re fighting. It’s a fight I feel like I needed since the Canelo defeat, and I want to continue operating at the level I’ve been operating at. This is the fight to kick me on, and push me in my career.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
“I said it three weeks ago, and I’ll say it again. The future is today for a bunch of Golden Boy fighters. This Saturday, the whole world stands in front of Jaime Munguia. If he can win: championship fights, PPV stardom and a place on the pound for pound list are all in reach. And right behind him, the same situation is there for Vergil Ortiz, Ryan Garcia, William Zepeda and many more in the Golden Boy stable.”
FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF ZANFER BOXING:
“John Ryder is a great fighter. He always comes forward and doesn’t go backwards. I’m very happy to be involved. I really believe that the real winner is going to be the audience watching the fight. They are the real winners.”
EDDIE HEARN, CHAIRMAN OF MATCHROOM SPORT:
“Congratulations to Oscar, Bernard, Golden Boy and DAZN, who I believe are now established as the global home of boxing. Now this Saturday, we have a big fight card in Belfast in Northern Ireland and then you’ll be switching over to here in Phoenix, Arizona for a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender with Jaime Munguia against John Ryder. When you look at the schedule, DAZN is constantly delivering worldwide, and is unrivaled second to none.”

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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




Oscar De La Hoya says he and Ryan Garcia are “on a united front’’

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Oscar De La Hoya, already busy promoting a real fight between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder, found himself addressing questions Thursday about reports of another one in what looks to be a further episode in an ongoing feud.

The news conference was about Munguia-Ryder, a significant super-middleweight fight Saturday night on the Suns home floor at Footprint Center.

The buzz was about Ryan Garcia.

De La Hoya-Garcia, a social-media soap opera even before Twitter became X, took a confusing turn late Wednesday and early Thursday.

The brief version – if only there was one – goes something like this: Garcia was fighting Rolly Romero. Then, he wasn’t.

Sounds simple enough, and maybe it would be, pre-social media. But it isn’t. Ryan Garcia is a social media star. He needs a census to count his followers.

And they were talking late Wednesday, first about a Garcia post that said he would be fighting Mexican junior-welterweight champion Rolly Romero on April 20.

Hours later, ESPN reported that Romero was fighting Isaac Cruz on March 30 in Las Vegas. Can you hear the buzz?

De La Hoya did, and he addressed the inevitable after a news conference that included a theme about promotional unity in The Boxing Balkans.

From De La Hoya’s perspective, there’s no feud with Garcia, at least not in what transpired this week.

“A lot is happening,’’ De La Hoya said after the formal Munguia-Ryder news conference concluded. “Look, me and Ryan are on a united front. We are going to get his fight, done and sealed. And I will announce it when it is done.

“I do know for sure it will be April 20 in Las Vegas. But no names.’’

No opponent, yet. The only sure thing is that it won’t be Romero, the World Boxing Association’s 140-pound champion.

“There were negotiations that took place,’’ De La Hoya said. “But nothing in writing.’’

De La Hoya went on to say that the Romero-Cruz fight on Amazon Prime – the first since it struck a deal with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) — could set up Garcia’s second fight in 2024.

“It turns out, the winner of the Rolly-Isaac Cruz fight could be in the Ryan Garcia lottery for the next fight.’’  

Unity, however, wasn’t exactly the message delivered by Garcia when he reacted to the ESPN news Thursday.

“Look I was informed the deal was finalizing and it would be announced in the coming days,’’ Garcia posted on X.  “Obviously That was a lie. My patience has been tested the last few weeks. I’m trying my best to be as honest and real as I can to you guys. I’ll be looking forward to announcing my next fight. I’m not going to say anything until it’s actually signed and delivered

 I still look forward to putting on a big PPV for Dazn Boxing. Have a Blessed day.’’

A blessed day, at least for some, would be the simple sound of an opening bell, a sound that for awhile might silence the back-and-forth on social media.

That, at least, is an opinion long held by the old-school, no nonsense Bernard Hopkins, a minority partner in De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions who is as direct with his words as he was with his deadly punches during his Hall of Fame days as The Executioner.

“I don’t control social media, so I don’t know what’s going on,’’ Hopkins said at the Phoenix newser. “Is there a fight or not? I don’t know.

“But I do know – and I’ll say it again – I’m sick of the drama queens.

“We as promoters, along with the fans, have to make it clear that we’re not putting up with this anymore. Last year, we started coming back to where we have to be.

“There was Ryan-Tank (Gervonta Davis) in April. People watched. More than 1.2 million watched. Then, there was Terence Crawford and Errol Spence. That was the second fight that said we’re coming back with what people want to see.

“But now we’re in a tug-of-war.’’

A war to keep it real.




Munguia-Ryder: Canelo is still the key to the super-middleweight puzzle

By Norm Frauenheim –

The map is changing. More gloves and heavy bags are tagged for Riyadh than Vegas these days. But one path remains unchanged.

All roads still lead to Canelo Alvarez, or at least the money he still generates.

That continues to be part of the geography in an intriguing super-middleweight fight Jan. 27 between Jamie Munguia and John Ryder on the Suns home floor at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

A projected date with Canelo is said to be at stake for the emerging Munguia, a middleweight champion who is 1-0 at super-middle with a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in June.

For Ryder, maybe there’s a possibility at a rematch. He lost a decision to Canelo last May in Guadalajara in what looked to be a Canelo tune-up last May.

“I lost the fight, but I kind of won the night,’’ Ryder told reporters this week of his dogged ability to withstand Canelo’s pursuit of a KO.

Canelo, at least the possibility, was the primary question at a media day staged at the new Golden Boy Boxing Gym in Los Angeles Tuesday.

Munguia didn’t sidestep the question. Neither did Ryder.

“It is the obvious question everybody is asking,’’ said Munguia, a 27-year-old who possesses poise and enough smarts to also know he has to impress against the tough, experienced Ryder.

Munguia promoter of Oscar De La Hoya is talking about a knockout of Ryder. The reasoning is simple. Canelo couldn’t knock out Ryder in his hometown. If Munguia can do what Canelo couldn’t, the thinking is that Munguia will have an argument, a good reason to say he should fight Canelo next.

We’ve heard that one before, of course. We’ve heard it for at least two years from David Benavidez, who figures to be a very big part of the story that unfolds next week in Phoenix.

Munguia-Ryder will happen just a few miles of roadwork from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up and just a couple of blocks from where he began boxing at Central, an old gym that was saved from the wrecking ball by Mike Tyson.

Tyson’s arrival nearly two decades ago brought money and fighters. Central sprung from the ashes, a lot like that mythical bird, the Phoenix logo and namesake. 

It’s no coincidence, perhaps, that Tyson is also Benavidez’ biggest fan. He gave him his current nickname, Monster. It takes one to know one, maybe.

But Benavidez, who lives in Seattle these days, will be an inevitable part of the discussion, if not a crowd that knew him as a kid.

Benavidez is the World Boxing Council’s interim 168-pound champion and its mandatory challenger for the WBC’s piece of Canelo’s undisputed title. But interim and mandatory can mean just about anything, especially when Canelo is in the equation.

He gets what he wants.

Fights who he wants.

A key question, still unanswered, is exactly what Canelo is thinking. We don’t know. Since his solid decision over Jermell Charlo in September, the last anybody has seen of Canelo is on the cover of Forbes magazine. Follow the money.

The decision, perhaps, as to who he’ll fight next will be determined by what he sees in the Munguia-Ryder fight, which will be streamed by DAZN

For months, the conventional thinking is that Canelo will fight in May and again in September. He has two more fights left on a contract signed with PBC (Premier Boxing Champions).

But there’s been no news on PBC’s plans for 2024. Showtime left boxing in December after a 37-year run of telecasts. It was announced then that Amazon Prime had struck a deal with PBC.

Reportedly, the deal would start sometime in March. Thus far, however, there’s been nothing concrete — bouts and dates — from PBC or Amazon Prime.

Maybe, they’re waiting to see what happens in Munguia-Ryder, too.

Munguia promises that they’ll see plenty.

 “I honestly feel like I can knock John Ryder out,’’ Munguia said. “That’s what we are working towards. Obviously, once you step inside the ring anything can change. But we’re training to get inside the ring in optimal condition, and if we can’t get the knockout we will be making sure we get the decision.”

Ryder promises something else.

“Munguia, obviously, is coming to use me as a stepping stone,’’ he told reporters. “I have other plans.’’

Munguia-Ryder Undercard

Strawweight champion Oscar Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs), a 27-year-old Puerto Rican, faces Nicaraguan contender Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs), Golden Boy announced this week.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Collazo, who will defend his World Boxing Organization belt for the second time. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do and leave the ring with our hand raised.”

Collazo is promoted by fellow Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, a Hall of Famer and former four-division champion.

Also:

Super middleweight Darius Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs), of Houston, faces Alantez Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro MD, in a 10-rounder.

Women’s flyweight champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella CA, will make a first title defense against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs), of Fort Lauderdale Fl. Fundora signed a co-promotional deal with Golden Boy this week.

Mexican junior-featherweight David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will face Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs), of Oxnard CA, in a 10-rounder.

Oscar Valdez Jr. comeback

It sounds as if Oscar Valdez Jr.’s comeback might begin where he suffered a crushing loss in his last bout. 15 Rounds has confirmed news – first reported by ESPN – that Valdez, who lost a punishing decision to Emanuel Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ on Aug. 12, might be back at the same venue on March 29 against Australian Wilson.

Wilson, who lost a controversial TKO to Navarrete at Desert Diamond last February, is talking as if it’s already a done deal.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Wilson told The Ring Wednesday. “We’re both fighters who like to come forward and love to fight. “We both bring a high intensity, and with him being a Mexican warrior, it’s going to be a war from the opening bell.’’

As of Wednesday, however, Valdez was still under medical suspension for his loss to Navarrete, who left him with a badly-bloodied right eye. The bout also was not listed on the Desert Diamond Arena calendar.

Valdez, a former featherweight and junior-lightweight champion, has strong roots in Arizona. The two-time Mexican Olympian went to school in Tucson. His comeback plans have been evident for weeks. Last month, he posted photos of himself back at work in the gym.




PUERTO RICO’S OSCAR “EL PUPILO” COLLAZO TO DEFEND HIS WBO MINIMUMWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST NICARAGUA’S REYNERIS GUTIERREZ

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (January 17, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions has assembled a knockout undercard – including two, world championship defenses and scheduled performances of the next generation of top talent – for the main event clash between undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing and will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Scheduled for 12-rounds, Collazo is returning to the ring after a dazzling, knockout victory over Garen Diagan in front of his hometown crowd in Puerto Rico.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Oscar Collazo. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do on January 27 and leave the ring with our hand-raised. We have a good plan in place like all our previous fights, and we are ready to entertain in front of the people of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and on DAZN. Thank you, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for the opportunity to be on such a big card featuring a spectacular main event between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder.”

On the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Oakland, California’s William Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO).

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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




QUOTES JAIME MUNGUÍA VS. JOHN RYDER LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2023):The undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K inaugurated the newly built Golden Boy Boxing Gym with a media workout for their upcoming 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title. The event is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WBO WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I began to train with Freddie Roach because he is an excellent trainer and has an incredible roster of current and former world champions he has worked with on an international level. It was a great decision to integrate our teams together.”

“I feel very good right now. I feel very strong, and I feel like this has been one of the best training camps I have had. It has helped me very much to be here in Los Angeles with Freddie, and it has encouraged me to keep my eyes focused on the job at hand and I believe we are going to make it to fight week in excellent condition. I feel like the fans will get to enjoy one of my best performances yet.”

“I honestly feel like I can knock John Ryder out. That’s what we are working towards. Obviously, once you step inside the ring anything can change. But we’re training to get inside the ring in optimal condition, and if we can’t get the knockout we will be making sure we get the decision.”

JOHN RYDER, FORMER WBO INTERIM SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“I’ve got two young children and a wonderful partner, so it’s not ideal being away in Los Angeles to train, but we have to make these sacrifices.”

“I want to go in there and make a statement. I’m here for a good time, not a long time, so I want the biggest of names and that’s the level that I want to be able to maintain – to make the biggest fights I possibly can make.”

“What better way to come back after the Canelo fight than with a headlining show in the United States against a top talent like Jaime Munguia?”

“I’m a different fighter now from when I fought Canelo. I believe I learned a lot about myself. I wish I could have had that type of fight 10-years ago. You learn a lot about yourself, your desires and how deep the fire burns. But, I am here now and the fire is still churning!”

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing and Zanfer Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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




GOLDEN BOY JOINS FORCES WITH SAMPSON BOXING TO CO-PROMOTE IBF FEMALE FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION GABRIELA FUNDORA 

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today a co-promotional deal with Sampson Boxing for 21-year-old IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs). Fundora is scheduled to defend her IBF title against Christina Cruz on the DAZN broadcast for Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder on Saturday, January 27.

“I am ready and prepared for my first title defense and I feel like nothing can stop me from winning,” said Gabriela Fundora. “Christina Cruz is a good fighter, but I am building my legacy as a champion and no one can stop me.”
“We were blown away by Gabriela’s performance in October, and are proud to have yet another world champion fighting under the Golden Boy banner,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “At just 21 years old, the sky’s the limit for her and I fully expect her to deliver a knockout performance in Phoenix on January 27.”

“Gabriela Fundora is an amazing talent who works non-stop in the gym to reach her dreams,” said co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “They say once you win a championship, confidence makes you an even better fighter, which is bad news for Christina Cruz. I’m looking forward to a sensational performance from boxing’s newest female star, “Sweet Poison,” Gabriela Fundora.”

A force to be reckoned with as one of the youngest of the current female world champions, at only 21-years-old Fundora has impressed fans and media alike. She was last seen in front of her native Southern California fans on October 21, 2023 at the Kia Forum, where she was able to stop and steal the IBF title from veteran champion Arely Muciño. Representing the Coachella Valley, Fundora comes from a highly respected boxing family. Having begun boxing at six-years old, she joined the professional ranks in 2021 with an unanimous decision victory over Jazmin Valverde. She went on to secure the WBC Latino Flyweight title on October 8, 2022 against Naomi Arellano Reyes and the WBC Youth World Fly Tania Garcia Hernandez on February 23, 2023.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.




RYDER: I RATE MUNGUIA … BUT HE IS VULNERABLE

John Ryder believes he’s in with another top-level fighter in Jaime Munguia at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27, live worldwide on DAZN – but says that the unbeaten Mexican has weaknesses he can exploit.

Ryder spoke to the Matchroom Boxing Podcast about facing Munguia, training over Christmas and what he took from taking on Mexican megastar Canelo Alvarez – listen here
Ryder (32-6 18 KOs) is back in action following his courageous effort against Canelo Alvarez in Guadalajara, Mexico in September, where the Brit faced the Mexican ace in front of over 60,000 fans and won them over with his gutsy performance against the undisputed 168lb king. Ryder now heads to Phoenix for what promises to be another thrilling battle against a Mexican star, this time with unbeaten former Super-Welterweight king and defending WBC Silver Super-Middleweight champion Munguia (42-0 33 KOs).

The 27 year old thrilled fight fans in his last outing, a fight of the year rollercoaster in Ontario, California with battle-hardened Sergiy Derevyanchenko in June, with a 12th round knockdown proving the difference for Munguia seeing off the Ukrainian in. Ryder knows that his January 27 foe is eyeing up his own clash with Canelo, but ‘The Gorilla’ believes Derevyanchenko exposed flaws in Munguia’s game that he can expose and use to pull off a second victory on American soil.

“Jaime won fight of the year last year and I am sure that this fight can be a candidate for fight of the year for 2024,” said Ryder. “He’s got an unbelievable record, 42-0, and he’s got the carrot being dangled of the Canelo fight, like I had against Zach Parker. That adds pressure, you know that is potentially next, so you have to go out there and produce, so it’s down to him now. I’ve had my shot at Canelo, I doubt I’ll get another one if I beat Munguia, but that is the aim, to be in the biggest and best fights possible. 

“I rate him, I think his record is not padded but he’s been well maneuvered, his last fight with Sergiy he showed some vulnerabilities, he’s made a trainer change to Freddie Roach and that might be a good thing, it might not be, we’ll see. I know what he brings to the table, he throws a lot of shots, and he throws them with bad intentions, but that’s when I think I can capitalize on him.

“Sergiy gave him all the problems in the world last time, it came down to the last round and he put him over and the scorecards showed that. So, I hope the fight is judged fairly, I get a fair roll off the dice and that’s all I can ask for.”

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Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted. 

Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.
 
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte




QUOTES JAIME MUNGUÍA LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY

LOS ANGELES, CA: (December 12, 2023): The undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) hosted a media day in Los Angeles today ahead of his 12-round super middleweight clash against former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The explosive fight night, which is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“I am thankful to Golden Boy and to Zanfer for this opportunity. Ryder is a great opponent and I know that this fight will open many doors.”

“I am not desperate for a knockout of John Ryder. I feel like I have the capabilities and I am fully prepared and trained to knock him out. If it happens, it will happen naturally.”
FREDDIE ROACH, TRAINER TO JAIME MUNGUÍA:
“Jaime Munguía is a really good puncher. He trains really hard every day. He’s ready to go 12-rounds any day of the week.”
FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO OF ZANFER BOXING:
“It’s been a ride with Jaime Munguía and I am really proud of him. He’s a very loyal kid, and very hard-working. It’s been a pleasure to work with him, and to be involved in his career has been a privilege.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“The future starts today. Jaime has a tough challenge ahead of him, and with the addition of Freddie Roach in his corner we hope that he can do the job that Canelo couldn’t. We are very proud of Jaime Munguía and we expect a great 2024 for him.”

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

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




MEXICAN SUPERSTAR JAIME MUNGUÍA TO FACE HIS TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YET AGAINST WAR VETERAN JOHN “THE GORILLA” RYDER

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (December 5, 2023) – In a fight that could seal his fate to become the next face of Mexican boxing superstardom, the undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) will battle former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. in a 12-round super middleweight clash. The explosive fight night, which is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder will go on sale Thursday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. MST and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

“I am very happy to return to the ring, and I’m excited to be with my people from Phoenix,” said Jaime Munguía. “We know that Ryder is a dangerous rival, but we are prepared for it. We have not stopped training and preparing. I am also very happy to have added Freddie Roach and his team to my camp. We are going to give a great night of boxing to everyone watching, and if we overcome this great test, I hope to see you all again in May. Viva Tijuana and Viva Mexico!”

Jaime Mungía was last seen in June 2023 winning the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship against the rugged, former world title contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a masterful performance that was lauded as a Fight of the Year Candidate. Munguía has held the WBO Super Welterweight title from 2018 to 2019, successfully defending it five times.

“I’m glad this fight has been made,” said John Ryder. “I’m looking to kick 2024 off with a bang and make a statement come January 27.”

John Ryder displayed his other-worldly toughness when he went the distance with the current, undisputed world champion and star of boxing, Canelo Alvarez last May 2023. He has dispatched a number of top contenders, the most notable being Daniel Jacobs in 2022. He is currently ranked the No. 5 super middleweight by Ring Magazine.

“On January 27, the next Mexican superstar of the sport will officially be crowned — and his name is Jamie Munguía,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whether it’s in person or at home on DAZN, fans shouldn’t miss watching Munguía do what Canelo couldn’t — knock John Ryder out.”

“We are happy about Jaime’s return to the ring,” said CEO of Zanfer Boxing Fernando Beltran.”We are going to show everyone that Munguía is here to fight anyone, we are going to give a great night of boxing to the people of Phoenix and the entire world. Que Viva Mexico!”

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to deliver another massive fight for John,” said Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Last time out, it was Canelo in Guadalajara – assignments in boxing don’t get much more intense than that, but John handled himself superbly, delivered one of the bravest performances I’ve seen and won plenty of new fans. John’s reward is another fight with a brilliant Mexican fighter. Jaime is a massive talent and a future superstar of the sport – but we believe John is the biggest test of his career, and we’re confident John will hand Jaime a first defeat.”

“Finally, the wait is over,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “This is one of the biggest fights the UK will ever see. We knew how big the fight was going to be the first time around – the interest was off the scale – but this time it feels even bigger. DAZN wants to offer the biggest and best fights to our subscribers, and this certainly ticks those boxes, so tune in live and exclusively on DAZN.”
Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

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




MUNGUIA VS. DEREVYANCHENKO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ONTARIO, CA (June 8, 2023) – Mexican superstar and former World Champion Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) and Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. The fighters were in attendance to promote their upcoming 12-round super middleweight fight for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 10 broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Also in attendance, Shane Mosley Jr. (19-4, 10KOs), and D’Mitrius Ballard (21-1-1, 13KOs) expressed their respect for each other regarding their upcoming 10-round fight for the NABO Middleweight Title. The event also featured fighters on the undercard, below is what the fighters and their representatives had to say about the upcoming event on Saturday, June 10 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA.

JAIME MUNGUIA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“This fight is a good fight for us and for the fans. Without a doubt, he is a great rival to measure myself against and know where I am at in the division.

“Without a doubt, this is the toughest fight of my career.

“This will be a great fight, a great war. I trained really hard for this event, and this fight will be exciting with many punches and Arriba Mexico!”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO, WORLD TITLE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I took this fight because Munguia is a tough fighter. I wanted this fight; it’s a tough fight; I want to fight tough fighters.

“I do not worry about Munguia or his team overlooking me. That is a problem for Munguia and his team; that’s their problem, not mine. I am focused on the fight, so on Saturday, we will see.”

ERIC GOMEZ, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“There are very few shows that get us excited, and I am happy to say that this is one of those fights that gets us excited, as promoters. I’m gonna say it right now: this is going to be ‘fight of the year.’

“These guys styles match up perfectly, and there’s going to be non-stop action on Saturday. I want to thank Keith Connolly and team Derevyanchenko for taking this fight. I know you had other opportunities, but you said ‘no, let’s do it.’ In reality, you know, Sergiy should be undefeated. Many can make the argument because he lost some really, really close fights against top fighters. The who’s who in boxing. So I want to commend you, and thank you. (To Derevyanchenko) I know you’ll bring your A-game.

“Munguia has been knocking on the door for a big fight. A lot of the other champions are making excuses and do not want to give him an opportunity. They have other plans. But Munguia keeps grinding, he keeps grinding, and he keeps winning, and proving to the world that he belongs on the main stage of boxing.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, HALL OF FAMER AND GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS PARTNER:

“Do not just look at this fight as just a fight; look at it as a fight to get to the next big fight, the next level that you might want in the future or now.

“There’s a lot of talent here on this stage, and I know from experience, that there are champions and legends brewing. But take it one step at a time. Throw punches, be smart, be safe, but put it all on the line because.”

FERNANDO BELTRAN, PRESIDENT ZANFER BOXING:

“It’s a real pleasure to be here in Ontario. This is a beautiful arena, Toyota Arena. We know it will be sold out because people know these two great fighters.

“Jaime is the pride of Mexico, and we are very happy to promote him and be with him since the beginning of his career. I am very excited to see him against the great fighter, Sergiy Derevyanchenko. He’s a great fighter, and everybody knows it. Everybody wanted to see him against Munguia in a battle like this one. I believe this is going to be a sensational fight, because our audience and all the people who are gonna be here are gonna be excited about seeing both these fighters.”

SHANE MOSLEY JR, NABO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“D’Metrius Ballard is an excellent opponent. He’s his only loss was to the man on the left of me, Jaime Munguia. So he’s a great fighter. I am ready to show my skills and show what I’ve improved on, and show that I’m on my way to being a middleweight champion. I’m not saying I want to be, I’m saying I’m going to be the middleweight champion. The confidence starts here (pointing to his head). If [I] don’t believe it, who else is gonna believe so, I believe it. I will be a middleweight champion of the world.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, NABO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“I think fighting against Shane Mosley Jr. is a perfect opportunity for me coming after my first defeat against Jaime a year ago. He’s coming off back-to-back wins, impressive wins, and I feel like it’s a perfect opportunity for me to get my name back in the middleweight contender list and continue my dreams and aspirations of becoming a world champion.”

ANTHONY SALDIVAR, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

I was born and raised here in Ontario, California. Funny fact, I used to work here at Toyota Arena, so fighting here is a blessing, and I feel very privileged and honored. So come Saturday Saturday I’ll be putting on a big show.

JORGE CHAVEZ, SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Oscar, Eric, Golden Boy Promotions, SOA, and of course, Bernard for giving me the opportunity to fight on June 10th. Expect great things from me, always.

RICARDO SANDOVAL, FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“I’m very, very blessed to be fighting at the Toyota Arena, being close to home in front of my family, friends, and supporters. I want to thank SOA and Abraham, Oscar, and Eric Gomez for the opportunity for giving me a platform to showcase my skills. I trained really hard for this fight and I guarantee an action-packed fight, it will steal the show.”

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round super middleweight for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

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




JAIME MUNGUIA BIG BEAR MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

BIG BEAR, CA (May 31, 2023) – Mexican superstar and former World Champion Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) hosted a media workout today to promote his upcoming clash against Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs). The event was hosted at Munguia’s training gym in Big Bear Lake and was attended by Golden Boy’s Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya. The 10-round super middleweight fight is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 10 at Toyota Arena, in Ontario, CA and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Below is what Jaime Munguia and Oscar De La Hoya had to say about Munguia’s upcoming clash:

JAIME MUNGUIA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND SUPER MIDDLE WEIGHT CONTENDER:

“Derevyanchenko is a tough fighter. He is someone who has gone to the ring and gone the distance with high profile fighters. No one has been able to knock him down and I think this fight and a victory against Derevyanchenko will show everyone that I am ready for any challenge.”

“I am not very worried about what has happened in other fights that Derevyanchenko has been involved in. I do not feel pressure about knocking him out, but I do know that I am going to deliver a convincing victory. I know that I am going to go into the ring and do what I have to do to win.”

“We have always pursued high profile fighters like Golovkin and Charlo and those fights haven’t materialized due to circumstances that are out of our control. He hasn’t fought in two-and-a-half years and is still considered the world champion, I am not sure what his plan is moving forward, but I am ready to face him if he wants to get in the ring with me. For Golovkin, we reached out to him for this fight, and he didn’t return, I think he may be enjoying a vacation.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:

“We are confident that Jaime Munguia will deliver on a magnificent fight for fans this Saturday, June 10. Derevyanchenko is a tough opponent who has faced the likes of GGG, Daniel Jacobs, and Carlos Adames.”

“We want all the big names for Jaime – but we want that fight against Charlo. After our major commercial success with the Ryan Garcia fight, we have the framework to work with PBC and Showtime. But, if that can’t happen, Munguia will fight anyone – Gennadiy, or even David Benavidez are great options for him.

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round super middleweight fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by Monday, June 5.

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




SHANE MOSLEY, JR. TO FACE D’MITRIUS BALLARD IN MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT AS CO-MAIN EVENT ON MUNGUIA VS. DEREVYANCHENKO CARD 

ONTARIO, CA (May 26, 2023): Returning the ring for the second time in 2023, Shane Mosley, Jr. (19-4, 10 KOs) will face a tough dance partner from Temple Hills, Massachusetts, D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight scrap. The fight is set as the co-main event for the highly anticipated Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko card scheduled for Saturday, June 10. The fight night, presented in association with Zanfer Boxing, will take place at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Doors to the Toyota Arena open at 3:00 p.m. PT and the DAZN broadcast begins at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Mosley, Jr. has had back-to-back victories, including a tough fight with “King” Gabriel Rosado in April 2022 and an unanimous decision win against Mario Alberto Lozano in February 2023. Ballard is looking for a strong comeback into the ring after a TKO defeat against Munguia in February 2022.

Also on the DAZN card, Mexico City’s Mariana “Barby” Juarez (55-12-4, 19 KOs) will battle her compatriot also of Mexico City, Mayeli Flores (9-1-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight fight. Juarez is a former two-division world champion who held the WBC female flyweight title and the WBC female bantamweight title. Juarez was last seen in the ring fighting Yamileth Mercado for the WBC World Super Bantamweight title in October 2022. Flores is a former world title contender and will be looking to move up in the rankings if successful against Juarez.

Opening the DAZN broadcast, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (21-2, 16 KOs) will participate in a 10-round flyweight fight against Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (22-1, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles. Sandoval is coming off of an impressive second-round win against Jerson Ortiz on the Nery vs. Hovhannisyan card. Santomauro is a dangerous fighter whose only blemish is a seventh-round TKO loss against Diego De La Hoya in 2016.

On the preliminary card, fan-favorite from San Diego, Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez (6-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight fight against Christian “El Niño” Lorenzo (3-4, 1 KO) of Los Angeles. Opening the Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko fight night with a four-round super welterweight fight, Anthony Saldivar (3-0, 1 KOs) of Ontario, California will face Jerome Clayton (2-1-1, 2 KOs) of Metairie, Louisiana.

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 10-round super middleweight fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by Monday, June 5.

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




MUNGUIA VS. DEREVYANCHENKO TICKETS TO GO ON-SALE THURSDAY, MAY 11 

ONTARIO, CA (May 8, 2023): Tickets for the anticipated clash featuring Mexican superstar Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) and Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) are scheduled to go on sale this Thursday, May 11. The 12-round super middleweight fight is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 10 at Toyota Arena and is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will be  broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko will go on-sale at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential by clicking HERE. Media credential applications are due by Monday, June 5.

Please note, a previous press release noted that Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko was a middleweight fight; it is a super middleweight match.

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round super middleweight fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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




MEXICAN SUPERSTAR JAIME MUNGUIA TO TAKE ON THE DANGEROUS UKRAINIAN FIGHTER SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO IN MIDDLEWEIGHT BATTLE

ONTARIO, CA (May 3, 2023): In his biggest test in the ring yet, Mexican superstar Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) will make a highly anticipated return against the dangerous, Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight fight on Saturday, June 10. The 12-round main event is scheduled to take place at Toyota Arena and is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing. The middleweight clash will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET. 

“I am very excited to return to the ring and even more excited to face a fighter like Derevyanchenko,” said Jaime Munguia. “I think it will be a very intense fight from start to finish, but like always we are training very hard and are very ready to give the fans a very exciting fight. We will see you this June 10 in Southern California!”

“I’ve been in some of the biggest middleweight title fights over the last few years and as my fans know I always come to fight,” said Sergiy Derevyanchenko. “I feel like the GGG fight a few years ago was a fight that should have gone my way, so getting back to a title fight and becoming a world champion is my main goal. Mungia is a great fighter and a win over him gets me back on track to winning a world title. June 10 will be a war, a bloodbath, and I’m willing to give it everything I’ve got to come away victorious. I will be looking to get this win for myself but also for my country, Ukraine.”

“Munguia has always wanted the toughest fights — and this is going to be one of them,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “For years, Derevyanchenko has gone life and death with the division’s top middleweights and has always reached the final bell. Should Jaime get past him — and I believe he will — he is immediately in position for a world title shot.” 

“We are very excited to face a great rival like Sergiy Derevyanchenko,” said Zanfer Boxing President Fernando Beltran. “Jaime is a fighter that never stops training who is looking to be the best – this fight is no exception. We will see the fans this June 10 for a great night of boxing where we are confident that we will leave the ring with our arms high in the air.” 

Munguia was last seen in November 2022 easily cruising to a third round knockout victory against Gonzalo Coria in front of a hometown crowd in Guadalajara, Mexico. Last July 2022, Derevyanchenko secured a unanimous decision victory against Joshua Conley. Derevyanchenko has faced the likes of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, and other top names of the sport – giving fighters trouble and fans a spectacle. 

More information on event tickets and undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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




JAIME MUNGUIA VS. GONZALO “EL MAGO” CORIA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO (November 17, 2022): Ahead of his return to the ring one last time for the year, Jaime Munguia (40-0, 32 KOs) hosted a final press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico with his opponent, Argentina’s Gonzalo “El Mago” Coria (21-5, 8 KOs). The two warriors will clash in a 10-round middleweight fight that will take place at Arena Astros on Saturday, November 19. The event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN and on TV Azteca in Mexico beginning at 5:00 p.m. CT/ 7:00 p.m. PT.

This is what the fighters had to say:

JAIME MUNGUIA, UNDEFEATED FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION:

“I am very excited to be in Guadalajara! We are ready to bring a show to the fans here. In boxing, there are no simple opponents, and Coria is no exception. We hope that once we pass this hurdle, we are set for a big fight in 2023.”

GONZALO “EL MAGO” GASTON CORIA, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent against a great champion like Jaime. We have trained hard, and come Saturday the fans are in for a treat.”

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Munguia vs. Coria is a 10-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, November 19 and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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




Munguia stops Kelly in 5

Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Kelly in round five of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout at The Toyota Arena in Anaheim, California.

In round five, Mungua dropped Kelly with a left hook. A second knockdown occurred when Munguai sent Kelly down with an uppercut. Munguia was able to finish off Kelly with a hard right that was followed by a left that sent Kelly down for a third and final time and the bout was stopped at 2:57.

Munguia, 165 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-0 with 32 knockouts. Kelly, 164 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-3.

Duarte Stops Bernaldez in

Oscar Duarte stopped Mark Bernaldez in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round eight, Duarte landed a hard right that buckled Bernaldez. Duarte followed up with a big flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Duarte, 136.4 lbs of Perral, MEX is 23-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Bernaldez, 135.6 lbs of Vatabeto, PHL is 23-6.

Valle Decisions Villalobos; Retains Minimumweight Title

Yokasta Valle retained the IBF Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorraine Villalobios.

Valle, 104.6 lbs of San Juan, Costa Rica won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 25-2. Villalobos, 104.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 5-4.

Carlos Ortiz scored a stunning fifth round stoppage over previously undefeated prospect Evan Sanchez in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

The fight was a war for most of time, and in round five, Ortiz hurt Sanchez with a chopping left. Ortiz landed six unanswered punches which included another flush chopping left that sent Sanchez down and out at 2:59.

Ortiz, 151 lbs of Torreon, MEX is now 13-5 with 13 knockouts. Sanchez, 152,4 lbs of Parlier, CA is 11-1.

Former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo stopped Vincent Rodriguez in round one of their eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ocampo dropped Rodriguez with a left hook to the body, and he could not beat the count at 2:06.

Ocampo, 156 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 34-1 with 22 knockouts. Rodriguez, 154.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 40-11-1.

Pin-Pon Reyes stopped Moises Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Argel dropped Flores with an overhand right. Reyes then landed several hard shots, and the fight was stopped at 55 seconds

Reyes, 139.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 8-0 with four knockouts. Flores, 147 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-7-1.

Japhethlee Llamido won a six-round unanimous decision over Saul Hernandez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Llamido was cut over his right eye due to an accidental headbutt.

In round six, Llamido dropped Hernandez with a right hand.

Llamdio, 128.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hernandez, 132 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 17-16-1.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Hassan Coleman in a junior middleweight contest.

The fighters came out throwing wild punches, and in an exchange, Estrada landed a body punch that sent Coleman down in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Estrada, 153.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 3-0 with with three knockouts. Coleman, 153 lbs of Los Angeles was making his pro debut.




VIDEO: MUNGUIA vs. KELLY WEIGH-IN




VIDEO: MUNGUIA vs. KELLY FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE




JAIME MUNGUIA VS. JIMMY KELLY FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ANAHEIM, CA (June 9, 2022) – The pride of Tijuana, undefeated Mexican super-star Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KOs), and his opponent, former world title challenger, Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly (26-2, 10 KOs) of Manchester, UK hosted their final press conference today. The fighters will face off at Anaheim’s Honda Center in a 12-round super middleweight fight on Saturday, June 11, live on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Fighters feature on the DAZN undercard Oscar Duarte (21-1-1, 17 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, and his opponent, Mark Bernaldez (23-5, 17 KOs) of Cotabato, Philippines, were also in attendance to talk about their upcoming 10-round super lightweight fight. Additionally, Evan Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, CA, and IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta Valle (24-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, Costa Rica, also participated in the festivities to promote their upcoming events. 

To watch the whole stream, including a press conference with fighters on The Golden Boy Fight Night: Munguia vs. Kelly Prelims: Japhethlee Llamido (7-0, 3 KOs), Alejandro “Pin-Pon” Reyes (7-0, 3KOs), and Carlos Ocampo (33-1, 21 KOs), click HERE. 

JAIME MUNGUIA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION, AND UNDEFEATED CONTENDER: 

“I feel excited to be back in Anaheim. I want to thank everyone for being here. I am happy with my training camp. I think we are well prepared, and we will show it off this Saturday.”

“There have been some opportunities that didn’t happen; let’s hope that they do happen in the future. Jimmy Kelly is a great fighter, he has all my respect, but I think I will raise my hands in victory on Saturday.” 

“I moved to Big Bear for more sparring opportunities, mostly due to my size. There is more variety and available fighters [to go spar in Big Bear], so it helps me more. It’s beautiful, a great place to train, and we are there 100% to work.” 

JIMMY KELLY, FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER:

“At the end of the day, it’s me in the ring. I’ve been to Australia and got robbed, and I came back and beat Kanat Islam. I got an opportunity here, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m going up against one of the best, and I’m confident I will get the job done. I also want one of those Rolexes.”

“I’ve been at a good level. My camp was great, a little short, but I was in preparation anyways. I’m looking forward to the fight.”

“[Other fighters] probably don’t give me a chance because I’m quiet; I keep things to myself. I’m a family man at first. That’s my most important job. It’s my daughter’s birthday on the day of the fight. So I’m going to do it for her. I’m not a flashy person and don’t have too much on my name, but I come to fight. I’m going to be fighting my ass off.”

OSCAR DUARTE, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I am very excited. I am ready to win this Saturday. I am happy to be back in [Southern California]; it’s been about three years since I fought here last. I am very motivated, well prepared, and hungry for victory. I will dedicate this fight to all the Mexican fans to show them who Oscar Duarte is.”

YOKASTA VALLE, IBF MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION: 

“I feel very excited to fight in a Munguia undercard. It’s a dream come true to be fighting here in Anaheim. I won’t let you guys down! I’m going to defend my title for the fifth time. First, I want to defend my title, then I would like to unify, and you guys know who has the belts. I want to fight all the champions in my weight. 

EVAN SANCHEZ, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT: 

“I feel honored. This is my fourth time opening for DAZN on a Golden Boy card. I feel ready. This training camp was amazing. I fixed many things I did wrong in my last fight and am ready to perform. I always put on a show. I have been progressing and learning. I’m learning from every fight.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, GOLDEN BOY: 

“It’s going to be an entertaining fight. I’ve been studying Kelly for a while now. He’s the real deal. He’s coming back from an amazing win, and I strongly feel that when you’re from the hotbed of boxing overseas in the UK. You have a chip on your shoulder. Whenever Jamie Munguia fights, it is going to be an action-packed fight. It’s a great fight on paper, and once the bell rings, it will be a war.”

“In terms of Charlo, we were ready to make the fight. We were ready to do whatever it took to give Jaime Munguia the fight he wants, and everybody has been asking for. One thing about Charlo and the whole PBC stable is that they hide behind Al Haymon; that’s the bottom line. We don’t want to make ordinary fights; we want to make the best fights. I hope Charlo grows some balls and tells his promoter to fight the very best. These are the fights boxing needs and the fights the fans deserve.”

“I’m not going to exclude our partner DAZN from any type of negotiation. There’s always room for negotiation. Meet us halfway; we can walk across the street; we can meet in the middle of the street. There is no protection; Mungia is ready for anyone. They’re hiding behind Al Haymon, and that’s the bottom line. If the fighters really want to fight, they have to stop saying, ‘talk to my promoter/manager.’ The fighters have a voice, and they need to use it.”

FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO ZANFER BOXING & JAIME MUNGUIA’S CO-PROMOTER: 

“It’s a real honor to be here and co-promote another great event with Golden Boy. I think Jaime is one of the best fighters in the world and absolutely is the one fighter representing Mexico right now.” 

“The last fight [at the Honda Center] was very exciting, very electric, and this fight is going to be sensational. It will be a great party, a great fiesta for all the Mexican and Mexican-American boxing fans. I really believe it’s going to be a night to remember.” 

Tickets for Munguia vs. Kelly are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. Remaining tickets will go on sale Monday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Honda Center Box Office.

Munguia vs. Kelly is a 12-round super middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and ProBox Promotions. Valle vs. Villalobos is a 10-round  fight for the IBF Minimumweight World Championship, presented by Golden Boy in association with MarvNation. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. 

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




YOKASTA VALLE VS. LORRAINE VILLALOBOS: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (June 9, 2022) IBF Minimumweight World Champion Yokasta Valle (24-2, 9 KOs) participated in today’s Munguia vs. Kelly press conference ahead of her title defense against Lorraine Villalobos (5-3, 2 KOs).

Valle’s fight will take place this Saturday, June 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Below is what the champ had to say at today’s press conference:

“I feel very excited because this is a dream come true, to be fighting here for Golden Boy on a great Jaime Munguia card. And believe me, I will not disappoint any of you.

“I am going to defend my world title for the fifth time. I’m very excited about what’s to come. But I have to take things step by step. My defense comes first. God willing everything goes well. What we want is to unify world titles, and you all know who the other champions are.

“I want to fight Nguy?n Th? Thu Nhi, who is the WBO champion from Vietnam. I would also like to fight Seniesa Estrada, who is the WBA champion. I’ve always wanted to fight her. I know that at some point we are going to have that fight. And, I also want to fight Christina Rupprecht again. I’d fight any of them. Fighting the best is what excites me and more so now with Golden Boy.

“I want all the belts. I have mine, but I want them all. God willing, this Saturday I am going to give everything for Costa Rica.

# # #

About MarvNation

MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment. 




JAIME MUNGUIA VS. JIMMY KELLY FIGHTER WORKOUT QUOTES

ANAHEIM, CA (June 8, 2022) – Former world champion and undefeated Mexican super-star Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, and his opponent Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly (26-2, 10 KOs) of Manchester, UK hosted a media workout today to kick off fight week. On Saturday, June 11, the fighters will face off at Anaheim’s Honda Center in a 12-round super middleweight fight, live on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

As part of the festivities, the co-main event fighter Oscar Duarte (21-1-1, 17 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, was also onsite to show off his hard work for the media in attendance. He is set for a 10-round fight against Mark Bernaldez (23-5, 17 KOs) of Cotabato, Philippines. Additionally, fighters featured on the undercard, Evan Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, CA, and Carlos Ocampo (33-1, 21 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico, were also in attendance to speak about their upcoming events. Sanchez will participate in an 8-round, super welterweight, DAZN live stream opener against Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico. Ocampo will fight Vincent Rodriguez (40-10-1, 21 KOs) in an 8-round super welterweight part of The Golden Boy Fight Night: Munguia vs. Kelly Prelims on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page starting at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.

Santa Ana fan-favorite Ronny Rios (33-3, 16 KOs) was also in attendance to promote his upcoming fight against Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (10-0, 7 KOs) on June 25. Their 12-round face off for the WBA and IBF World Super Bantamweight World Championships will take place at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, TX and will also stream live, worldwide on DAZN.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming fights:

JAIME MUNGUIA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND UNDEFEATED CONTENDER:

“I feel very good this training camp. We are all happy, we have been putting in a lot of hard work and we are ready to face Kelly this Saturday.”

“We decided to make the move to Big Bear in search of sparring partners. I am getting bigger and need sparring partners of my size. Although Otomi, does have great fighters, the issue for me is the size and also, less fighters are willing to go out there for sparring. In Big Bear we are in the boxing hub of Southern California and have more access to fighters willing to make the drive for a sparring session.”

“It’s difficult to be in a training camp away from my friends and family. But I love my job, I love boxing. I also motivate myself to work hard for my friends and family. They are the biggest and the daily motivation that I have to push harder everyday to be the best for them.”

“I have to be careful with Kelly. I know he is coming with nothing to lose and everything to gain so I have to make sure not to let my guard down on Saturday.”

JIMMY “KILRAIN” KELLY, FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER:

“I am feeling very good about my first time on the west coast. I feel settled in. I am looking forward to the opportunity.”

“Jaime has a lot of experience, he’s unbeaten, he’s a big puncher. I have trained accordingly and am looking forward to Saturday night.”

“I focus on myself. I know some fighters have taken an aggressive approach and perhaps they have played into the hands of Munguia. Perhaps a loose approach is something to look at.”

“I have been waiting for a good opportunity to happen. When the phone rang, even though it was only four weeks’ notice, I decided to do it. Fortunately I was already in training for a show so I felt comfortable saying ‘yes’”

OSCAR DUARTE, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I am happy to be back in the U.S. to fight in front of all the boxing fans in Southern California. We had a great training camp and I am excited to show all everything we have been working on.”

EVAN SANCHEZ, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“This is going to be a big card. I have fought on two of his other cards. I know a lot of people will show up for him so I have to put on a good performance and try to take over the show. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to open another DAZN card. I feel like I belong here and I know there is more to come.”

CARLOS OCAMPO, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I feel very good and happy to be on this card. I think my career has taken on a good trajectory and I think this fight will show that we are on the right path. After my fight with Errol Spence I have learned a lot and grown as a fighter. I am ready for a world title challenger with anyone, any time. I am ready.”

RONNY RIOS, SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER (Fighting on June 25):

“This opportunity is very exciting for me and for my team. This is every fighter’s dream [ to fight for a world championship] and we are all ready to move forward with everything we got.”

“It’s been a long process. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but it has taken consistent work to get back to the top. We have never stopped grinding. My team is extremely strong right now. I have always believed in myself and my team. Luckily we are here once again trying to fulfill this dream.”

“I know my opponent is a southpaw. He has two belts. I cannot take that away from him, but I have a lot of experience. I have been in the ring with a lot of top opponents at 122lbs. I want to see where he stacks up against me.”

“I think that if I keep performing at the top level that I have been, I know we will come out on top. My team has put together a great game plan. I just have to go out there, listen to my team, and do everything with confidence.”

Tickets for Munguia vs. Kelly are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. The remaining tickets will go on sale Monday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Honda Center Box Office.

Munguia vs. Kelly is a 12-round super middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and ProBox Promotions. Valle vs. Villalobos is a 10-round fight for the IBF Minimumweight World Championship, presented by Golden Boy in association with Marv Nation. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

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




OSCAR DUARTE VS. MARK BERNALDEZ SET AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR MUNGUIA VS. KELLY

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 8, 2022) – The pride of Chihuahua, Oscar Duarte (21-1-1, 17 KOs), will return to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2019 against Mark “Machete” Bernaldez (23-5, 17 KOs) of Cotabato, the Philippines as the co-main event for Munguia vs. Kelly on Saturday, June 11 at Anaheim’s Honda Center. Also, on the undercard Yokasta Valle (24-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, Costa Rica, will defend her IBF Minimumweight World Championship against Los Angeles’ Lorraine Villalobos (5-3, 2 KOs). Additionally, undefeated fighter Evan Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, CA, is scheduled for an 8-round super welterweight fight against the battle-tested Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico. The action-packed main card will stream live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Mexico) this Saturday beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Ahead of that, The Golden Boy Fight Night: Munguia vs. Kelly Prelims will begin live streaming at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET on DAZN, as well as the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page; featuring the night’s undercard, hosted by Beto Duran and welterweight rising contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha. The undercard will be headlined by Los Angeles’ fan favorite Alejandro “Pin-Pon” Reyes (7-0, 4 KOs) taking on Moises Flores (25-6-1, 17 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a 6-round super lightweight fight. Opening up the fight night, undefeated super welterweight Jorge Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, will face Los Angeles’ Hassan Coleman. He will be making his professional debut in the 4-round super welterweight fight. 

Tickets for Munguia vs. Kelly are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. The remaining tickets will go on sale Monday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Honda Center Box Office.

Munguia vs. Kelly is a 12-round super middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and ProBox Promotions. Valle vs. Villalobos is a 10-round fight for the IBF Minimumweight World Championship, presented by Golden Boy in association with Marv Nation. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. 

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