WBA Interim Super Middleweight champion David Morrell Jr. beat up Mike Gavronski on his way to a 3rd round stoppage in a scheduled 10-round bout at The Shrine Event Center in Los Angeles.

At the end of round one, Morrell landed a big combination that was punctuated by a straight left that sent Gavronski down to the canvas. Morrell continued to batter Gavronski with some hard uppercuts and straight lefts. Finally in round three, Morrell landed another blasting left uppercut that forced referee Jack Reiss to stop the bout at 2:45.

Morrell, 170 lbs of Minneapolis, MN is 4-0 with three knockouts. Gavronski, 167.4 lbs of Bellevue, WA is 26-4-1.

Montiel Stops Kirkland in 1

Juan Macias Montiel stopped James Kirkland in the opening round of their ten round middleweight bout,

In the first 30 seconds, Montiel landed a left hook to the temple that sent Kirkland down. Montiel landed two hard uppercuts and a left that dropped Kirkland for a 2nd tine. Two more hard uppercuts later sent Kirkland down again and the fight was stopped at 1:56.

Montiel, 161.4 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 25-4-2 with 22 knockouts. Kirkland, 162 lbs of Austin, TX is 34-3.

Ramos Stops Nelson After 4

Jesus Ramos remained undefeated with stoppage victory over Naim Nelson after round four of their scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout,

In round three, Ramos landed a left followed by a right to the body that put Nelson on the canvas. In round four, Ramos landed a wicked right hook that sent Nelson slumping into the ropes for a knockdown. Nelson was cut under his left eye. The fight was halted by the corner following the frame.

Ramos, 144.4 lbs of Case Grande, AZ is 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Nelson, 143.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 14-5.

Travon Lawson scored an upset 4th round stoppage over Angel Barrientes in a scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

Barrientes took the 1st three rounds until Lawson landed several big right hands that sent Barrientes down. Barrientes was unsteady as he got up, and the fight was stopped at 55 seconds.

Lawson, 122 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 4-0 with three knockouts. Barrientes, 123.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-1.

Alantez Fox won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marcos Hernandez in a super middleweight bout.

In round four, Fox was cut on the inside of the bridge of his nose.

Fox landed 123 of 524 punches; Hernandez was 93 of 330.

Fox, 167.2 lbs of Forestville, MD won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94, and is now 27-2-1. Hernandez, 166.6 lbs of Fresno, CA is 14-4-1.

Chavez Barrientes remained undefeated by stopping Paul Carroll after round three of their scheduled four-round super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Barrientes dropped Carroll with a fight hand. The fight was halted by Carroll’s corner following the round.

Barrientes, 123.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 5-0 with four knockouts. Carroll, 122.4 lbs of Columbia, SC is 4-2.

Radzhab Butaev stopped Terry Chatwood in a scheduled eight-round battle of undefeated welterweights.

In round three, Butaev landed a crushing left hook to the body that sent Chatwood down to the canvas rolling around in pain for the 10-count at 1:01.

Butaev, 149.6 lbs of Russia is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Chatwood, 148.6 lbs of Arkansas is 9-1-1.

LOS ANGELES (December 15, 2020) – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Champion David O. Morrell Jr. will face Mike Gavronski in the 12-round main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 26 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature the return of renowned knockout artist James Kirkland dueling hard-hitting Juan Macias Montiel in the 10-round middleweight co-main event while unbeaten young rising star Jesus Ramos battles Naim Nelson in a 10-round super lightweight bout that will kick off the broadcast.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

“Cuban sensation David O. Morrell Jr. burst onto the scene in 2019 and followed that up in August this year by putting on a great performance to capture his interim super middleweight title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will look to continue his rapid rise at 168-pounds with a battle-tested challenger in Mike Gavronski. James Kirkland has entertained fans with his aggressive style and prolific power for years, and seeks another chance to face the best in the sport beginning December 26. Adding in the scintillating rising star Jesus Ramos returning to action against Naim Nelson, and fight fans can expect a late present the day after Christmas on FOX PBC Fight Night.”

Morrell (3-0, 2 KOs) arrived in the U.S. last year and immediately began to show the same prodigious talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s iconic amateur scene. In August he became interim champion by scoring a dominant decision victory over then unbeaten Lennox Allen on FOX. Now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell made his pro debut there in August 2019, stopping Yendris Valdez in the first round. The 22-year-old followed that up in November 2019, knocking out Quinton Rankin, who entered the fight with a 15-6-2 record and had most recently gone the distance with former champion Chad Dawson five months before facing Morrell.

“I feel very happy about being able to fight before the year is out,” said Morrell. “I want to reach the goals I set for myself and continue to provide for my family. I’m working toward being the best in my division and I know I will get there. I’m also thankful for my team’s efforts and trust in my talent. I’m ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Originally from Bellevue, Washington and now fighting out of Lockport, Illinois, Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) has won back-to-back fights since dropping a 2018 contest to top super middleweight Jesse Hart in 2018. Gavronski owns victories over Brian Vera, then unbeaten Jake Carr and Geraldo Ibarra, in a career that has also seen him face Tureano Johnson. Gavronski’s 2019 victories came in a decision over Emmanuel Sanchez and a stoppage of Tommy Hughes.

“I’m very grateful for an opportunity in a big fight like this,” said Gavronski. “I’ve watched film on David O. Morrell Jr and I have great respect for his abilities. My team and I have put together a great game plan and we believe it’s going to get me victory and the title on December 26 on FOX.”

Born in Austin and fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and explosive fighters in the sport in a long career that’s only seen him defeated twice. The 35-year-old returned to the ring in 2019 with two knockout victories, his first action since losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2015. Kirkland sports an 83% knockout rate and has previously picked up notable wins against former champion Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angulo.

“Pressure is a blessing,” said Kirkland. “I can’t wait to go in there on December 26 to display all my skills and put on a great performance for all the fans watching.”

The 26-year-old Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) steps back into the ring after his U.S. debut saw him fight Hugo Centeno Jr. to a split-draw on FS1 in December 2019. Representing his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel had previously stopped Marco Reyes and Gustavo Castro to bounce back from a defeat to former champion Jaime Munguia in 2017.

“I know that a win on December 26 will catapult me into even bigger fights,” said Montiel. “I’ve prepared better than ever before leading up to this matchup. I’m more than ready to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.”

The nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, Jesus Ramos (13-0, 12 KOs) has steadily increased his competition as 2020 has seen him deliver knockouts of Ramal Amanov, and most recently then unbeaten Esteban Garcia in action on FOX in September. The 19-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona has scored three-straight knockout wins following his only pro fight that has gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring a day after Christmas,” said Ramos. “I’m looking forward to closing out this year strong. I have a tough opponent in Naim Nelson. He’s been in there with some great fighters, but I’ve been working hard to prepare as best as I can. I’m confident that with the work we’ve been putting in, we’re going to get the result we want and in impressive fashion once again.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) has challenged WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios and former champion Mickey Bey throughout a career that dates back to 2011. The 30-year-old won his first 12 pro fights and most recently earned a unanimous decision over Roy McGill in October 2019.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to fight this year,” said Nelson. “I’ve done my best to stay safe and healthy amidst the pandemic by continuing to train hard. I never took a break away from the gym. I knew that when the call to step on the big stage, I’d be more ready than ever. I’ve been in this position before against a young knockout artist, and I love these kind of challenges. It’s my job to go in there and use all of my experience to show him another level and bring home the win.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

RIVERSIDE, CA. (March 10, 2020) – “Madman” Marcos Hernandez will look to put himself back into contention for a world title when he takes on hard-hitting James Kirkland in the FS1 PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

A Fresno, California native, Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has made improvements in his most recent training camp with head coach Henry Ramirez that he believes will help him get by Kirkland and leap forward in his career.

“I’ve had a great camp and for the first time in my career I’ve added a strength and conditioning coach,” said Hernandez. “I’m constantly in the gym with Henry Ramirez working hard every single day. I was super focused going into this camp, since I know this is a major opportunity to get me back in line for a world title shot. I know I have to take this seriously.

“Some people may have doubted me based on past fights, but that is only fueling my motivation. I miss my family a lot, but I know to be great, I have to do what it takes to go to the next level.”

For Hernandez, the veteran contender Kirkland represents the most notable opponent of the 26-year-old’s pro career, which dates back to 2013, while Kirkland has fought professionally since 2001 while compiling a knockout ratio over 80%.

“James Kirkland is a notorious fighter known for his power, but his time has come and gone,” said Hernandez. “This is a great opportunity for me since Kirkland is a popular fighter and when I beat him, people will take notice. I watched Kirkland growing up and I have studied his mistakes. Kirkland only has one style, but I have many. This will be a great fight for the fans because both of us have our backs against the wall and must win.”

Hernandez has faced a slew of fellow young contenders while competing four times on FS1 leading up to his first main event this Saturday night.

“I have been featured on many televised cards, but to actually get promoted to the main event on a great network like FS1 and with PBC, it just shows my hard work is paying off,” said Hernandez. “I am thankful to my team and everyone who’s put effort into my professional career. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”

Included in Hernandez’s exciting battles against fellow contenders are a pair of matchups against current unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Hernandez and Rosario fought to a draw in their first matchup before Rosario scored a victory in their February 2019 rematch. With a win on Saturday, Hernandez has his eyes on a trilogy for his first world title opportunity.

“When I win, I want to get back in there with unified champion Jeison Rosario,” said Hernandez. “I have fought Rosario twice already and the first time was a draw. I have unfinished business with him. I need to make a big statement and have a highlight-reel performance this Saturday night. I believe I can fight him this year. The fight would be a trilogy and who doesn’t like trilogies in boxing?”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

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ABOUT KIRKLAND VS. HERNANDEZ
Kirkland vs. Hernandez will see hard-hitting James Kirkland taking on all-action “Madman” Marcos Hernández in a 10-round middleweight showdown headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten top prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis faces Justin DeLoach in the 10-round welterweight co-main event and undefeated hard-hitting prospect Jonathan “El Diamante” Esquivel battling Colombia’s Dormedes Potes in an eight-round middleweight showdown.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MGMNatlHarbor, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (February 1, 2020) – Hard-hitting James Kirkland will take on all-action “Madman” Marcos Hernández in a 10-round middleweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The action begins at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT and features unbeaten top prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis taking on Justin DeLoach in the 10-round welterweight co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

“James Kirkland and Marcos Hernández both bring exciting styles to the ring that are sure to give the fans an action packed main event Saturday, March 14 live on FS1 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Combined with Eimantas Stanionis, one of the 2016 Olympics’ most promising prospects, in a tough fight against the battle-tested Justin DeLoach, there will be high stakes drama in the ring for sure.”

Born in Austin and fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and explosive fighters in the sport in a long career that’s only seen him defeated twice. The 35-year-old returned to the ring in 2019 with two knockout victories, his first action since losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2015. Kirkland sports an 83% knockout rate and has previously picked up notable wins against former champion Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angulo.

“I’m very excited to make the most of this opportunity,” said Kirkland. “I want to thank my whole team, Davies Entertainment, PBC and Warriors Boxing, for putting me in this position. It’s truly a blessing to be back in the mix. I’m training hard and perfecting my craft like always. Look for me to bring fireworks on March 14.”

The 26-year-old Hernández (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernández has twice faced current unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He most recently lost a decision to Kevin Newman in November 2019, a rematch of a fight Hernández won in 2017. He has taken down then unbeaten fighters in Newman and Thomas Hill in 2016.

“It’s a dream come true to be in a fight like this against a dangerous man like James Kirkland,” said Hernández. “Everyone knows he has tremendous punching power and can take anyone out with one punch. But my plans are to take him to school and show him what a great boxer I am. At this point in my career, I’m ready to turn the corner and show everyone I have the talent to be a world champion. Everyone watching on FS1 will see a great battle between two warriors. The fans will get their money’s worth, that you can guarantee.”

A native of Lithuania who now lives and trains in the U.S., Stanionis (10-0, 7 KOs) is one of the most promising fighters to come out of the 2016 Olympic games and has continued to impress in the pro ranks. The 25-year-old will step up again in competition for the first time since a hand injury in May 2019 when he goes against DeLoach. Stanionis picked up three victories in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa in March, before showing he was recovered from the hand injury by stopping Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon.

DeLoach (18-4, 9 KOs) will return to the ring looking to bounce back from a loss to then unbeaten Terrel Williams in April 2019. The 25-year-old put together an impressive run in 2016 and 2017, defeating three-straight unbeaten fighters in Dillon Cook, Junior Castillo and Domonique Dolton, before knocking out Christopher Pearson. The Augusta, Georgia native suffered defeats against now unified champion Jeison Rosario in 2018 and Nathaniel Gallimore in 2017, before rebounding to beat Michael Ogundo in November 2018.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MGMNatlHarbor, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

San Antonio, Texas – Davies Entertainment is proud to announce that knockout artist James Kirkland (34-2, 30 KO) has signed a two year, six fight co-promotional deal with Warriors Boxing (who have worked on previous fight cards with the likes of PBC, Top Rank, Golden Boy, Etc) . After a four year layoff, Kirkland returned to the ring in August of 2019 and has won his first two fights convincingly by way of knockout.

Kirkland has been one of boxing’s most explosive fighters with his sights set on lining up a huge fight with major contenders in 2020 and gradually working his way back into world title contention. This deal will provide the vicious southpaw the opportunity of achieving that and more.

“My only goal has been to get back on top and with this kind of team surrounding me I feel like it’s only a matter of time before it happens,” said Kirkland.

Kirkland will be in attendance at tonight’s Terrence Crawford fight in New York.

San Antonio, Texas – Professional championship boxing returns to the Alamodome on November 9th with Alamo City Fight Night! Davies Entertainment presents an incredible boxing event in the heart of San Antonio, Showcasing seven prize fighters fighting under the Davies Entertainment banner. Texas knockout artist James Kirkland (33-2, 29 KO) returns to the ring after making quick work of his last opponent in the first round. Kirkland has been one of boxing’s most explosive fighters with knockout wins over Brian Vera, Joel Julio, Alfredo Angulo, and Glen Tapia. Kirkland looks to make another run toward a championship taking on the “New Orleans Nightmare” Jas Phipps (10-7, 5 KO) in a six round Middleweight bout. Alamo City Fight Night will also feature San Antonio’s Eddie Ortiz (9-0-2, 4KO) defending his World Boxing Council USNBC Silver Middleweight Title against hard hitting veteran Alexis Camacho (22-6, 20 KO) in an eight round Middleweight contest. The fight card has an incredible lineup of up and coming talent including San Antonio’s Benjamin Whitaker (12-3, 3 KO), a crafty ring technician who brutally knocked out his last opponent, San Antonio’s Daniel Baiz (13-2, 5KO), Eduardo Garza (14-2, 7 KO), Carlos Villa (14-3 6 KO) And the pro debut of Jeffrey Stern. Also featured on the card, Selina “The Aztec Queen” Barrios (sister of world champ Mario Barrios) , and Brown Nevarez The event will also showcase Davies Entertainment Music artists Vi$ion, Daniel Leon, and Bankreaux performing during ring introductions. Additional Information is available at www.daviesentertainment.com

Austin, Texas – Professional championship boxing returns to the Frank Erwin Center on August 24 with Capital City Fight Night. In association with Underwood promotions, Davies Entertainment is helping to continue the tradition of quality boxing at the Erwin Center, Showcasing four prize fighters fighting under the Davies Entertainment banner.

With his new management team (Davies Entertainment), local Austin knockout artist James Kirkland (32-2, 28KO) returns from a 4-year absence following a defeat to pound-for-pound fighter Saul”Canelo” Alvarez. Kirkland has been one of boxing’s most explosive fighters with knockout wins over Brian Vera, Joel Julio, Alfredo Angulo, and Glen Tapia. This fight marks the 18th anniversary of his pro debut in 2001. Kirkland looks to make one final run toward a championship taking on upset-minded Missouri brawler Colby Courter (13-14, 10KO) in a six round Middleweight bout.

Capital City Fight Night will feature three title bouts headlined by San Antonio’s Eddie Ortiz (8-0-2, 4KO) battling Killeen’s rough and rugged brawler Jas Phipps (10-6-2, 5KO) in an eight round Middleweight contest for the World Boxing Council USNBC Silver Middleweight Title. Ortiz comes in fresh off a third round knockout over Jesus Gomez Rodriguez in April while Phipps comes in on a 5-fight winning streak that last saw him beat former world title challenger Brian Vera.
In the Co-main event, the American Boxing Federation USA Welterweight title is up for grabs when San Antonio’s Daniel Baiz (13-1, 5KO) takes on Waco’s upset specialist Marquis Hawthorne (7-11, 1KO) in an eight round welterweight contest. Hawthorne has wins over four undefeated fighters while fighting some of the nation’s up and coming talent. Baiz comes in looking to build on his 6-fight winning streak and attempt to pick up his first title in his 5-year career.
Also featured on the card, San Antonio’s Benjamin Whitaker (11-3, 2KO), a crafty ring technician who faces southpaw Raymond Guzman (3-2, 2KO). Whitaker, along with James Kirkland, Daniel Baiz, and Eddie Ortiz are all represented by the sports management division of Davies Entertainment.

The event will also showcase Davies Entertainment Music artists Vi$ion and Bankreaux performing during ring introductions. Additional Information is available at www.daviesentertainment.com

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About the Frank Erwin Center:
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Frank Erwin Center has served Central Texans with the best in live entertainment, including concerts, theatrical performances, family shows and sporting events since 1977. The multi-purpose facility, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in November 2017, is owned and operated by The University of Texas at Austin and serves as the home court for the Texas Longhorns Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.

San Antonio, April 16, 2019 – Once hailed as “potentially, the most dominant offensive force in boxing since a prime Mike Tyson”, Kirkland, the aggressive southpaw, intends to reunite with his former trainer, Anne Wolfe, while adding Bay Bay McClinton to his training staff and upstart management company, Davies Entertainment, to help restore his ascent as one of the most powerful forces in the fight game.

“This is a human-interest story as much as it is a sports story” said Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment, “James is hungry, he’s reconnected with Anne (Wolfe), we look forward to playing our part to get James back to fighting at a championship level.”

Kirkland represents the second boxer signed by Davies Entertainment in less than a week, having signed Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz to a similar comprehensive management deal. Having made a name for himself by becoming one of the global authorities of mobile business fabrication (www.cruisingkitchens.com), Davies has since launched a creative hub which includes film production (That’s a Wrap), a state of the art mobile recording studio (The Boom Box), a graphic design & large format print company (www.justprintitsa.com) and a marketing consultation division. Said Davies “I have assembled a group of companies that can now be tasked to provide our boxers with resources that extend beyond training, whether film production, merchandise & marketing, or brand mobility we want to attempt to put a more current spin on how we manage our roster, providing resources that may not have been possible or easily accessed in the past.” Said Kirkland “I’m ready!”

That’s a Wrap will document Kirkland’s story with intent to produce a full length documentary of the boxers return to the ring.

You can follow Kirkland’s progress at www.daviesentertainmnet.com or on Facebook/IG @daviesentertainment and @kirklandboxing.

Davies Entertainment, LLC. located in San Antonio, TX, is a full service sports entertainment promotions & management company specializing in promotions, brand building, merchandising and talent management. For inquiries, please contact:

NEW YORK, NY (February 2, 2017) – Roc Nation Sports today received notification from James Kirkland’s team that Kirkland has suffered an injury which will force him to withdraw from his match against Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The reported injury is a fractured nose. Unfortunately, the entire HBO Pay-Per-View show at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas is cancelled.

For customers who purchased through Ticketmaster via phone, online or mobile channels, you will receive a credit to the method of payment used. If you purchased in person at Ford Center or AT&T Stadium ticket office, bring the tickets and method of payment used at time of purchase to the AT&T Stadium North Ticket Office, located adjacent to Entry A, to receive your refund. If you purchased tickets from any other source, you will need to contact that point of purchase for your refund.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

NEW YORK, NY – (January 25, 2017) – Two action-packed fights featuring world champions, emerging stars and fierce rivalries have been added to the televised pay-per-view undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland “The Return” on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. The event, sponsored by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The co-feature bout will spotlight reigning WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) in a mandatory 12-round WBA title defense against WBA interim titleholder Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs). Both fighters are eager to contend for the top super bantamweight status and upset the other’s perfect record.

“I would like to start by thanking HBO, Roc Nation Sports and Caribe Promotions for making this fight happen. I’m very excited, it’s my first fight back in the states in over a year. I want to show the world and my loyal fans that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world,” said Rigondeaux. “I will be defending my title on February 25. I’d like to thank Moises Flores for having the courage to face me in the ring. He is a tough fighter and will have all his fans in Texas cheering for him. It’s going to be a battle so fans, get ready to see me in action.”

“I’m very excited to be facing Guillermo Rigondeaux on Saturday, February 25 on HBO Pay-Per-View,” said Flores. “I’d like to thank my team at Probox Management along with HBO for providing this opportunity. I’m training hard and look forward to making the Mexican fans proud when I defeat the great Rigondeaux.”

“Just when we thought the Cotto-Kirkland event could not get any more exciting for sports fans – Roc Nation Sports is thrilled to announce Guillermo Rigondeaux’s championship defense against Moises Flores on the televised undercard,” said Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael R. Yormark. “One of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, Rigondeaux is coming off his most impressive performance to date, shattering James Dickens’s jaw in Wales last June. The bout with Flores is set to be even more exciting as Ford Center at The Star looks to open its professional boxing account with a fight card for the ages.”
“TGB Promotions is proud of this world title opportunity for Moises ‘Chucky’ Flores as he takes on one of the premier fighters in the sport, Guillermo Rigondeaux,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. ‘’Chucky is well prepared and looking forward to making the Mexican fans proud of their new world champion.”

The televised undercard will also include WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion and Golden Boy Promotions top-flight prospect Diego De La Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) against Cuban pugilist Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas (21-2-2, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight contest. De La Hoya, already a Dallas-area fan favorite, drew a unanimous decision against veteran fighter Orlando Del Valle at AT&T Stadium on the undercard of September’s Canelo-Smith showdown. Salinas seeks a big return to the ring following 18 months away from boxing because of a hand injury.

“I want to be at the top, and leave a legacy behind that makes people look at me as one of the greats – and that comes with accepting tougher fights like this one,” said De La Hoya. “Salinas has fought a number of great fighters, but with my discipline and hunger to become the best I can be, I will put it all on the line to come out victorious! I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy Promotions, Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity, and my manager Joel De La Hoya for giving me the chance to put on a great show for the amazing fans in Texas.”

“Diego may be undefeated but I’m here to show the world that I’m back and still a contender” said Salinas. “Everything is bigger in Texas and the Texas fans can expect a big show on February 25 when we go toe-to-toe. This fight is about pride and a victory on the undercard of Cotto-Kirkland puts me one step closer to my goal of winning a world title.”

Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs), was one of the most celebrated amateur boxers in Cuba before defecting and making his professional debut on May 22, 2009 in Miami, Florida. High expectations had no ill effect on Rigondeaux as he tore through his next five opponents. On Nov. 13, 2010, in just his seventh pro fight, Rigondeaux faced Ricardo Cordoba for the vacant WBA World interim super bantamweight title and left the ring with the belt after scoring a split decision victory. Rigondeaux turned his attention to supremacy in the 122-pound division and accomplished what many considered the unthinkable by knocking out WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Rico Ramos on January 20, 2012, becoming a world champion in fewer than 10 professional bouts. On April 13, 2013 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Rigondeaux scored his biggest victory to date by defeating WBO and Ring Magazine World Champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire. Rigondeaux came away with the victory by unanimous decision after out landing and out punching Donaire throughout the fight to unify titles. In November of 2015, Roc Nation Sports announced that it had signed Rigondeaux to an exclusive promotional agreement and featured him on the HBO Pay-Per-View undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez mega-fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, where he defeated veteran Drian Francisco via a 10-round unanimous decision. Prior to beating Francisco, Rigondeaux was stripped of his title belts due to inactivity, but remained the WBA champion in recess. In May of 2016, Roc Nation Sports announced that Rigondeaux was reinstated of his WBA belt ahead of a 12-round WBA World super bantamweight championship showdown against number 13 rated WBA super bantamweight contender Jazza Dickens on July 16 at the Cardiff Ice Arena in Wales. In his first ever appearance in the United Kingdom, Rigondeaux gave fans a thrilling knockout against Dickens. The southpaw landed a big left hook, shattering Dickens’s jaw, halting the fight in the second round with a referee’s decision. Rigondeaux will be raring to go on Feb. 25 in his title defense against interim champion Moises Flores.

Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) learned the fight game growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and spent the early years of his professional career building up his résumé in his home country. Now established as a title contender at 122 pounds, Flores looks to climb to the top of the division with his considerable talent. Flores is exceptionally tall for his weight class, measuring in at a rangy 5 feet 9 inches. As such, he tends to have a reach advantage over most of his opponents although, Flores isn’t one to merely fire punches from a distance and box from the outside. He likes to mix it up, and his record reflects that, with most of his opponents going down by knockout. Flores made his pro debut in August 2008 with a second-round knockout of Oswaldo Salgado in Guadalajara, Mexico. He fought exclusively in Mexico over the first six years of his career and made quick work of most of his opponents. Flores made his U.S. debut in September 2014, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Pablo Batres in Mesquite, Texas. He then gained a seventh round technical knockout of Mexican veteran Mario Macias in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in November 2014. That victory set up a 122-pound title shot against interim WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Oscar Escandon in Carson, California, in April 2015. In an electrifying, all-action brawl, Flores earned a split decision to win the title. In his last two fights, Flores was able to defend the interim WBA World super bantamweight title against Luis Emanuel Cusolito, while also adding the IBO World super bantamweight title against Paulus Ambunda. Flores looks forward to claiming the full rights to the WBA World super bantamweight title on Feb. 25 when he faces current champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in a 12-round championship showdown.

On September 12, 2013, 19-year-old Diego De La Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) made his professional boxing debut, stopping Luis Cosme in three rounds to introduce the next generation of De La Hoya boxing, a family best known for the body of work turned in by Diego’s cousin, Oscar de la Hoya. A former member of the Mexican National Team with over 250 amateur bouts to his name, De La Hoya also won a silver medal in the Mexican Olympic Nationals. While expected to make a run at the 2016 Olympics, the talented prospect instead decided to turn professional, leading to a flurry of anticipation amongst fight fans and the boxing media. Currently training with Joel Diaz in Indio, California, De La Hoya followed up his win over Cosme with 10 more victories through the midway point of 2015. De La Hoya’s string of victories earned him a 10-round championship bout against Jesus Ruiz at September 2015’s LA FIGHT CLUB, where he defeated Ruiz via unanimous decision for the vacant WBC Youth World super bantamweight title. The Mexicali native kept rolling, and in his last fight of 2015 at the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in November, De La Hoya topped Giovanni Delgado via unanimous decision. De La Hoya then picked up where he left off, opening his 2016 campaign in the main event of LA FIGHT CLUB on February 19 with a fourth round knockout of Arturo Badillo. Part of the freeview of Canelo vs. Khan on May 7, 2016, De La Hoya displayed his power against Rocco Santomauro. Both fighters entered the ring with high energy and intensity, yearning to maintain their undefeated status. By the second round, De La Hoya sent him to the mat with a massive body punch – after Santomauro got back up, he was met with a series of combination punches from De La Hoya, trying to finish Santomauro off, though eventually cut off by the bell. The fight turned into an all-out brawl, as both hungry fighters entered into heated exchanges of punches throughout the bout. De La Hoya was able to get Rocco various times in the head, wounding Santomauro with a cut over his eye by the end of the sixth round, and was on the offensive with consecutive blows to the head. Santomuaro’s corner decided to call the fight in the seventh round at 1:59, landing De La Hoya a very impressive technical knockout victory, pleasing the crowd with the show. In his last outing, De La Hoya made his pay-per-view debut against Orlando Del Valle on the undercard of the Canelo vs. Smith fight that drew more than 51,000 to Cowboy Stadium outside Dallas, Texas. De La Hoya defended his WBC Youth World super bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory.

Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas (21-2-2, 14 KOs) is a Cuban boxer fighting out of Miami, Florida. Salinas made his professional debut on Dec. 4, 2009 against Felix Flores at La Covacha in his adopted city of Miami. Amassing an undefeated record in his first 21 fights, Salinas was given the opportunity for a shot at a world title on November 5, 2013 against Scott Quigg at the O2 Arena in London, England. Contending for the WBA World super bantamweight title, the fighters went the distance for a draw. In his most recent fight on Aug. 8, 2015 vs. Manuel Avila, Salinas retired in the sixth round due to a hand injury.

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

###

ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Two-Time World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay, Ty Lawson, Leonard Fournette, Juju Smith-Schuster and Isaac Rochell.

ABOUT THE STAR
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL. Throughout 2017, The Star will welcome The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com/.

LONDON (20 January) – BoxNation will air two blockbuster bills exclusively live on the channel with five-time world champion Miguel Cotto facing knockout king James Kirkland on February 25th before former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux takes on Curtis Stevens on March 11th.

Puerto Rican legend Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) has long been one of boxing’s biggest and best names and he, like Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs), is coming off a loss to Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, as both men seek redemption in a 12-round light-middleweight showdown.

Taking place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, this event will be the first of its kind to be held at the state-of-the-art, 510,000 square foot indoor athletic facility used by the Dallas Cowboys.

“I’m excited to return to the ring and put on a great show. I’m enjoying training camp and can’t wait for February 25th,” said ring legend Miguel Cotto. “Fighting inside the beautiful Ford Center, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboy’s newest creation, and headlining the first ever boxing event there pumps me with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

“I’m very excited to get back into the ring against a legend like Miguel Cotto. I’m going to train like never before so I can show the world that the old James Kirkland is back,” said James Kirkland. “You know the fight will be exciting while it lasts. February 25th can’t come soon enough.”

The bout promises to be an all-action affair on BoxNation as two of the most exciting fighters around do battle as they look to kick start their careers with hopes of securing a world title shot down the line.

That thrilling bill will be followed the month after by another mouth-watering clash when big-hitters Lemieux and Stevens meet at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.

The 12-round middleweight bout for the NABO middleweight championship will see Montreal favourite Lemieux, with a record of 36-3, 32 KOs, look to regain his position amongst the elite at 160-pounds against the tough Stevens, who enters with a record of 29-5, 21 KOs.

“After all this talk, here we are. I’m so excited that this fight will finally be happening. We have big plans for 2017 and this will be the first step. I will make sure to take care of Stevens on March 11. Curtis Stevens came knocking on the wrong door,” said Lemieux. “I’m going to be victorious. I’m going to be vicious. It’s a fight that all the fans will want to see. We’ll see who is stronger, who takes the punches better. It’s going to be exciting.”

“It should be an excellent fight. He comes to fight. I come to fight. It should be a move to move battle. You are going to want to see this,” said Stevens.

Cotto v Kirkland and Lemieux v Stevens joins an already bulging 2017 BoxNation schedule which has a number of world class fights, including Keith Thurman taking on Danny Garcia in a welterweight unification clash, plus the return of Adrien Broner against Adrian Granados.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to add two further sizzling showdowns to the BoxNation schedule in Miguel Cotto v James Kirkland and David Lemieux v Curtis Stevens. These are two high-quality matchups that are sure to have BoxNation subscribers on the edge of their seats. We look forward to continue adding the very best bouts on BoxNation in 2017.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

Reigning NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (20-0-3, 14 KOs) will face Mexican knockout specialist Juan Pablo “Che Che” Lopez (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 10-round champion defense on the freeview undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland “The Return” on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

It comes as no surprise the Dallas-native was on hand when Roc Nation Sports, Miguel Cotto Promotions and the Dallas Cowboys organization officially announced the event in December at the team’s newly minted World Corporate Headquarters.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

Maurice Hooker and Roc Nation Sports confirmed the card today on their social media handles.

MAURICE HOOKER TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mightymohooker/status/819578558905548800
MAURICE HOOKER INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK6oL5DCib/?taken-by=mauricemightymohooker
ROC NATION TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RocNation/status/819580458216411136
ROC NATION INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK7fJYgEKi/?taken-by=rocnationsports

NEW YORK, NY – (January 6, 2017) – Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) participated in a media tour with stops in New York City and Los Angeles to address the media on their upcoming showdown on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Dubbed as “The Return”, the 12-round junior middleweight contest will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

Below is what the fighters and dais guests had to say in New York City and Los Angeles:

Miguel Cotto – Five-Time World Champion

“James is a tough fighter and stout boxer and he’s going to go to work with victory on his mind. I’m going to work with that, too. We are going to start camp today with Freddie and we are looking forward to the fight.

“I will do my best as always in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach commanding our group. All we need is to be ready for Kirkland.

“It’s going to be a great fight, I know that James always comes with a wiry attitude. And I’m going to do the same.

“I’m here for the best fights and the best fighters out there so if Canelo Alvarez wants to fight, to clear what happened November 2015, they know where to find me. It was close. We orchestrated the plan in a perfect way and we believe that we were the winners of the fight.

“I’m going to do the same as always with Freddie Roach. We’re going to work hard and have a game plan in mind. We’re going to work for James Kirkland.

“I’m committed to this fight. I’m committed to look the best possible for February 25. Freddie is in charge of my camp. Freddie is the captain of the boat. I trust him and I know I am going to be ready for February 25.

“It’s good to be back. It’s good to be sweating. I know that Freddie has everything set for our training camp. I rested a lot. I healed. And now I am ready to fight.

“Jerry Jones is a great promotor. I have a lot of respect for the Dallas Cowboys organization. It’s great to have them support this event.

“This fight is going to be the newest chapter in my career. I’m going to take it. I’m going to handle it in the best way possible. I’m going to do my best first with Freddie in the gym and then the night of the fight to make my family proud. I can’t control my legacy. I can’t control what people say about me after I retire. All I do in life is for my family and my kids. That is going to my legacy – what they think about me.”

James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland – Former WBC Continental Americas & WBO NABO
Champion

“I’m definitely going to put on a great performance against an icon and legend like Miguel Cotto.

“I definitely feel this is a step up. Like I said, it’s Miguel Cotto. Someone who’s been putting on for the sport of boxing for a long time and I’m definitely feeling like this is a great opportunity for me to bounce back. I’m definitely going to give my fans a great performance.

“I feel it’s a lot different with Ann. They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Dealing with Ann, we have a certain trust factor with each other when it comes to the training and techniques and things that we do to prepare for any fight. Bringing someone who knows me from the beginning back to the fight game and training Kirkland, it’s overwhelming on both ends. She’s a person that you feel in this atmosphere, the boxing game, who can push Kirkland to his ultimate limits.

“I’ve been training with Ann for so long. Everything that she put me through, or whatever situation might come with training with Ann, I feel like it was always worth it. She pushed me to the ultimate limit but never broke me down, never wear and teared my body, and always has put me in a great position for my performance.

“I just have one agenda, one focus, one mind frame and this is set for February 25.

“Boxing is always a learning experience. And I’ve learned from fighting Alvarez and certain people that I’ve made mistakes against. I take those mistakes and I build from them. I try to learn. I’ve learned a lot from my defeats. Biggest thing that I’ve learned is move your head!

“I’m more focused than ever. Cotto is somebody who has fought all of the greats so I know that he has many tricks up his sleeves and that he prepares well for his fights. At the end of the day, to fight someone who knows the sport, I think about what would he do and how he would feel about certain things. I try to get in the head of Miguel Cotto when I’m training. I’m anxious for the opportunity and I’m thankful for the opportunity.

“Miguel Cotto is someone I look up to. For to me to able to get the opportunity to show what I can bring and take my boxing skill to the next limit is definitely something I can put down in things I have accomplished in boxing. My career needs to get back on the rise and show not just the fans but to the sport of boxing itself that Kirkland is definitely someone that can put on a great show.”

Freddie Roach – Trainer of Miguel Cotto

“If Miguel Cotto didn’t have a lot left, I wouldn’t be here. He’s great in the gym, he’s always in shape and he keeps himself close to weight, all the time. He’s tremendous. He works hard. If he didn’t look great in the gym, I wouldn’t let him fight. I care that much about him. He will be 100% ready for this fight and if he’s not 100% for this fight, it won’t happen.

“James Kirkland always fights better with Ann Wolfe in his corner. He’s doing everything possible to be the best in this fight and we’re going to do the same.”

“Obviously, I thought Miguel won his last fight. A rematch would be great there. Miguel always tells me if I was in his corner when he fought Mayweather, we would have won. What’s next? Who knows? But right now we have a tough fight in front of us. And we’re getting ready for that fight. I did send my guys out a couple of times to work with Miguel in Puerto Rico just to keep him fresh. Miguel in just the past two days has been great. We dusted off the body bag. Body punches are hard. Yes, I peed blood last night. It’s good to be back to work and I am happy to have him back in the gym.”

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

“On Feb. 25 at Ford Center at The Star, we will witness the big return of boxing legend Miguel Cotto. This is the first pay-per-view fight of the year and this will be Miguel Cotto’s 10th pay-per-view fight of his career. I know there has been some stories and comments out of the market, pre-holiday, regarding the pay-per-view status of this fight. Miguel Cotto has been a pay-per-view fighter for a long time. He is a pay-per-view fighter. This fight belongs on pay-per-view.

“We priced this fight very attractively, $49.95. We listened to consumers, we heard what they wanted to see. HBO heard what they wanted too which is why we priced it at $49.95, a great value proposition. Think about what this fight is going to be…action packed…and will probably end in a knock out. So people who buy this fight can anticipate a lot of action, hard punching and probably a knockout. That is what people what to see, that is what they are willing to investment their money in if they are confident that they are going to get it.

“James Kirkland is an aggressive and lethal opponent. The perfect opponent for Miguel Cotto. From the opening bell, you are going to see action. That is what this fight is all about. For as long as it lasts, it’s going to be a brawl and whoever wins this fight, will move on to a huge fight in 2017. So, there is a lot at stake here.

“It’s all about entertainment and it’s all about value proposition. We know that people want to see this fight. The local market place is telling us that. We have sold over 50% of our tickets during the holidays. Now typically as you know, people don’t usually buy tickets during the holiday but we ‘ve got a great partner in Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, who have really been promoting this fight, very aggressively. We’ve sold over 50% of the inventory with seven weeks to go so people are showing that they want to see this fight.

“We have a great relationship with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization through our client, Dez Bryant. We knew that Jerry was looking for a high profile event to bring as the first professional sporting event to The Star. Jerry also has an incredible passion for boxing. With all of the success that he had promoting with Oscar De La Hoya and the Canelo fight that took place at AT&T Stadium, we sat down with Jerry and his team and asked if he would be interested in doing this fight and he said absolutely. Let’s not forget that the Cowboys have the largest Hispanic following in the NFL. We know that is going to help us sell tickets; it already has. Jerry Jones is clearly one of the greatest promoters in the world whether it’s the Cowboys or any event that he brings into one of his venues. He is the best of the best and his marketing team is second to none. You add all of that together and you’ve got a great, no-lose combination. Then you have a great, action packed fight. This was the right venue at the right time, in the right market with the right partner.”

Mike Miller – Manager of James Kirkland

“From Team Kirkland, we just want to thank Roc Nation, HBO Pay-Per-View and Team Cotto for the opportunity. We look forward to showing our talent on February 25. Texas is our home state. And with Ann Wolfe training James, he’s never lost. He’s got a tremendous knock out record percentage. We look forward to the upcoming weeks of training. When the bell rings, we’ll be ready come February 25. Get your tickets early. Texas is going to come out proud and strong for James.”

Peter Nelson – Executive Vice President, HBO Sports

“Fans can decide how they want to watch the fight or if they want to watch the fight. Ultimately, what you see is that the original pay-per-view was whether or not fans are buying tickets for a fight. As Michael just laid out, that’s already happening, you’re already seeing momentum. People know that this is an incredibly high-quality pick up match between Cotto and Kirkland, and that’s what people show up to buy and people want to see.

“I give Roc Nation and Jerry Jones and these two fighters credit for wanting to get out in front of the market place. Some of the fights that people talk about being pay-per-view fights end up never coming together, we see this in boxing every single year. The key is who can get the fights done that fans want to see. That’s at the core of whether or not people are going to show up. To Roc Nation and Jerry’s credit and the fighters, they got the job done here.”

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

###

ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Two-Time World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay, Ty Lawson and Leonard Fournette.

ABOUT THE STAR
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL. Throughout 2017, The Star will welcome The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com/.

FRISCO, TX (December 20, 2017) – On Monday, December 19, 2016, Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) participated in an official press conference to kick off the announcement of their February 25 showdown at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Dubbed as “The Return”, the anticipated bout is a 12-round junior middleweight contest. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. local time and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

Below is what the fighters, promoters and other dais guests had to say at the press conference:

Miguel Cotto – Five-Time World Champion

“It’s good to be back. I’ve missed boxing and all I can say right now is that I’m going to bring my best, every day, at every training session. I’ll bring my best here on February 25 to face James Kirkland and hopefully take another victory for Puerto Rico. Thank you to everyone who made this fight happen.”

James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland – Former WBC Continental Americas & WBO NABO
Champion

“First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God for this opportunity and to my team and the people out there watching and those who will be attending the show. I definitely want to put on a great performance. I didn’t give it my all when I fought Canelo Alvarez. I didn’t prepare the way I needed to but I’m not going to bring any excuses to the table. This fight is to show my team, my fans and everyone who has followed and supported me, that James Kirkland is still in the race. Kirkland is still here to make a stand. Keep my name alive, please attend and watch it come February 25. It’s going to be a war.”

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

“One of Roc Nation’s core philosophies has always been to do things differently. When we began planning this event we took those words seriously, and partnered with the Dallas Cowboys organization to host the first professional sporting event at this facility, Ford Center at the Star. And what an epic event it will be, because returning to the ring for the first time in 15 months, will be Puerto Rican legend and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto. On February 25, Miguel will face off against the extremely dangerous James Kirkland, in what is sure to be an all-action fight that will thrill mainstream fans as well as boxing purists alike.

“This matchup will be one that sports fans simply cannot afford to miss. With Miguel’s return for his tenth Pay-Per-View fight, he is looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history, a man that will fight anyone, anytime, no matter what. Meanwhile, Kirkland has the power and ability to end Cotto’s return with one punch as he continues to electrify the sport with his captivating, action-packed style, and enters this fight in search of a signature win to boost him to true contender status.

“I want to applaud Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ vision in bringing a world class boxing event to Ford Center. This magnificent facility was built to host epic global events, and I am confident that on February 25 this venue will provide a unique and iconic setting for an action-packed bout.

“At Roc Nation, we are honored to be a part of this event, and are confident that February 25 will be a night that captivates the sporting world and alters the boxing landscape. For both men, much is at stake, and Roc Nation is thrilled to be the promoter that will deliver this event to a global audience.”

Jerry Jones – Owner, President & General Manager, Dallas Cowboys

“I’m really proud to be standing here today. When we thought about The Star, the Ford Center – this event center that we have here – the dream was to have a partner like we have with the city of Frisco and the education department of this area, and to join them in doing everything that we could to enhance the amateur sports experience for young people. We want Frisco to be an example so the visibility of what we do here is a big deal.

“This is very propitious to be here right now because we are, at this junction, having a great year. We have a lot of attention, right now. We have the nation interested in sports and interested in football, and they’ve got their eyes on us. Our dream when we built AT&T Stadium was for it to become a familiarity when it comes to sports, to be something like Madison Square Garden. To play and compete at Madison Square Garden is something. I feel the same way about The Star. Consequently, that’s a long winded way of saying, for us to have Miguel Cotto open our initial professional effort here at The Star is really a dream come true. I know him to be a competitor, I saw his fight with Canelo Alvarez and I know what a gamer he is.

“I must again mention that the capability of this building was meant to be versatile for all types of sports and entertainment events. I want to thank our partners the city of Frisco and the independent school district partnership. It’s energetic how exciting amateur athletics and the high school experience can be, and to interject that and join it at the hip with Miguel Cotto and have him and his accomplishments walk out there.

“We’re honored to partner with Roc Nation Sports. We’re proud to be JAY Z’s partner and we are proud of the group of athletes that he has put together. They mean business and they want their athletes to be as professional as the very sport that they represent so this is a ground breaking announcement from that stand point.
“We have 510,000 square feet in this building and we expect there to be over 10,000 people here to watch this fight. We’re look forward to a big fight. I admire these athletes–they are out there with no one else with them in that ring and they are giving everything that they have. We are honored that they are opening up the first professional event at The Star.”

Hector Soto – Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

“I’m happy to be here at this field. Thank you to our partner Roc Nation Sports, Mr. Jerry Jones, Corona Extra and HBO Pay-Per-View for putting this event together. Thank you to James Kirkland’s team for accepting this challenge. Miguel Cotto is back in the ring for his return on February 25. I invite all of the Latinos and all of the boxing fans in Dallas to come out and support this fight. It will be a great show.”

Ann Wolfe – Trainer of James Kirkland

“I know everyone knows that I’m not one for all of the talking, even the sh*t talking or whatever. Every time that Miguel Cotto has entered the ring, I rooted for him to win. Every time that James Kirkland has entered the ring, even when I wasn’t there, I rooted for him to win. This is going to be the first time that that I won’t be rooting for Miguel to win. Now, a lot of people are saying this shouldn’t be Pay-Per-View. Bullsh*t, this should be Pay-Per-View because you know that if I’m with James, he is going to fight. Regardless of who Cotto is with, he is going to fight. So I’m telling you that it’s going to be a good fight. Somebody is going to get knocked out. So, come and see who it’s going to be.”

Tony Walker – Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

“On behalf of the Executive President of HBO Sports, Peter Nelson and the rest of our staff, I would like to say thanks for coming out. I want to thank Roc Nation – this is an outstanding main event and they are going to put together a great undercard as well. This is going to be a great boxing event for local fans to come and see. I also must thank Mr. Jones and the Dallas Cowboys – every time that we have been able to do a broadcast here, they have been so accommodating and we love coming back. We have been honored to have most of Miguel Cotto’s fights on HBO and HBO Pay-Per-View against the greats, Mosley, Mayweather Jr., and the two epic fights against Antonio Margarito. They were all great shows in the ring and they were great successes financially. The one constant in those fights was the effort that Miguel Cotto gave. Every show was a battle, fans got their money’s worth and left those nights thinking “I’ve got to see this again”. I want to say that James Kirkland has also brought that warrior spirit to all of his fights. Every show that we have seen him on, on HBO, he has owned the ring or has tried his best to. That clash on February 25 will be decisive and will provide the type of drama that we’ve come to love in the sport. The suggested retail price for Pay-Per-View is $49.95. We promise you a great broadcast that night.”

Greg Alvarez – Texas Combative Sports Program Manager

“We’re excited, once again, to have a big show come to Texas. Thank you to Mr. Jones, who promised us a couple of months ago that he will be pushing to have all of the big shows come to our state. This is a big show with two guys who are ready to fight. I’ve known James Kirkland since he was eight years old running around in Austin, fighting all the time. Miguel Cotto had his first two fights here in Texas and those were one of the first few fights that I worked on so I’m really excited to have him back. We’re a big happy family because you get to see how everybody develops over the years. To see fighters come up in Texas and to be a part of it makes us proud. Come out here to see this fight or get it on Pay-Per-View. Don’t blink, don’t close your eyes because that is the kind of fight it’s going to be.”

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

###

ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Two-Time World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay and Ty Lawson.

ABOUT THE STAR
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL. Throughout 2017, The Star will welcome The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com/.

NEW YORK, NY (December 19, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce that Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, February 25, 2017 when he takes on James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Coming off respective losses to Canelo Alvarez, both fighters will be seeking redemption in a 12-round junior middleweight showdown. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Cotto and Kirkland will join Roc Nation Sports and the Dallas Cowboys organization on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. CT for a press conference at Ford Center at The Star to officially announce the fight. This will be the first event of its kind to be held at the state-of-the-art, 510,000 square foot indoor athletic facility shared by the Dallas Cowboys, the City of Frisco, and Frisco ISD’s high schools. Ford Center at The Star is also the home to the Dallas Cowboys Football World Corporate Headquarters.
Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. local time and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

“I’m excited to return to the ring and put on a great show. I can’t wait to start training camp and get ready for February 25,” said Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto. “Fighting inside the beautiful Ford Center, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboy’s newest creation, and headlining the first ever boxing event there pumps me with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

“I’m very excited to get back into the ring against a legend like Miguel Cotto. I’m going to train like never before so I can show the world that the old James Kirkland is back,” said James Kirkland. “You know the fight will be exciting while it lasts. February 25 can’t come soon enough.”

“Miguel Cotto is back and ready to put on an exciting show against the always tough James Kirkland,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “We can’t wait to see Miguel back in the ring on February 25 on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

“On behalf of Roc Nation Sports, we are so thrilled about Miguel Cotto’s return to the ring and to bring the first public event to Ford Center at The Star,” said Michael Yormark, Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy. “This will undoubtedly be a historic event with an exciting, all-action bout in store for the fans in Frisco and all of North Texas along with those watching from home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

“We are excited to host an incredible matchup for the very first boxing match here at Ford Center at The Star,” said Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager. “This venue was designed with the idea of versatility in mind, and we expect a great crowd in Frisco, Texas to experience a world class fight between Miguel Cotto and James Kirkland.”

“Throughout his brilliant ring career, Miguel Cotto has never backed down from a challenge and on February 25 he takes on a dangerous knockout specialist in James Kirkland,” said Tony Walker, Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Fans watching live in Frisco and those tuning in on pay-per-view should not blink in what should be an all-action slugfest.”

Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) is a former WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. He previously held the WBO junior welterweight world title, the WBA welterweight world title, the WBO welterweight world title and the WBA super welterweight world title. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has competed in 24 world championship fights, compiling a record of 19-5 with 16 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. In June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights. On June 6, 2015, Cotto defended his WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight world championships against former two-time World Champion Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cotto scored a thunderous knockdown early in the fourth round before finishing matters with a second knockdown midway through the round, which left Geale unable to continue. On November 21, 2015, Cotto cemented his status as one of the biggest pay-per-view draws among active fighters in his much anticipated mega-fight against Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, despite going the distance for a twelve-round unanimous decision loss. The hard-fought bout has been dubbed as the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry. The Five-Time World Champion is eager to return to the ring against James Kirkland on February 25.

A Texas titan, representing the city of Austin, 32-year-old southpaw James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) has built his reputation with explosive power. His fists have accounted for 28 knockout victories over the course of his nearly 14-year professional career. A former NABO and WBC Continental Americas Champion, Kirkland bounced back from his lone defeat against Nobuhiro Ishida in 2011 with five consecutive wins, four coming by way of knockout. Kirkland has defeated Brian Vera, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo and Carlos “King” Molina and handed Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia his first professional loss by way of a punishing sixth round technical knockout, prior to taking the stage for a 12-round super welterweight war with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on May 9, 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

Former 4-division world champion Miguel Cotto will take on James Kirkland on February 25th in Frisco, Texas in a bout that will be televised on HBO Pay Per View, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The bout will take place at the Dallas Cowboys training facility in a venue that holds around 12,000 fans.

“Miguel is back in the ring and we are all excited,” said Cotto Promotions Bryan Perez. “Like he always does, Miguel wants to go in the ring and put on a great show.”

“We tried to do other fights, but you know how the business is,” Perez said. “Kirkland was there, he was willing to fight Miguel, he makes good fights, and we made the fight. Miguel will do his best to give a great show and an exciting fight.”

“Miguel can’t wait to start training with Freddie,” Perez said. “I think the year off was good for Miguel, but he is ready to fight again.”

“It’s a beautiful place,” Perez said. “We’re excited to be the first big sports event there other than football.”

By Bart Barry-

Editor’s note: For part 1, please click here.

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, no one was certain just yet how debasing for the sport of prizefighting 2015 would be, how mercenary, how joyless, but the previous weekend’s fare served notice to all aficionados, and the worst part, too: Mayweather-Pacquiao was what we asked for, demanded, allowed the sport to suspend itself in pursuit of, for five years that did nothing so much as hollow-out the fanbase by loitering in Las Vegas while more gymnasiums shuttered and fewer American boys explored boxing as more than a cynic’s plan-c moneymaking ruse, a trashtalking musicvideo to film after flunking football and basketball.

In March, Oscar De La Hoya promised Canelo Alvarez as a savior for the sport, and everyone applied the ironist’s filter, instantly and properly, hearing: Canelo Alvarez is the man the Golden Boy hopes will save his struggling brand. It was lost on no one how instrumental De La Hoya and “his” “promotional company” were to Money May’s ascent during the seven years De La Hoya vainly searched for someone, beginning with himself, to humble Floyd Mayweather; instrumental, in fact, is not strong enough – during the partnership years, Golden Boy Promotions was the fulcrum in Al Haymon’s lever, making De La Hoya and his former friend Richard Schaefer mechanically essential to a movement that, in 2015, changed its name from “HBO” or “Showtime” to Premier Boxing Champions, PBC, and began appearing on the same terrestrial television networks promoter Bob Arum convinced aficionados should be boxing’s rightful place (about a decade after Arum first moved boxing from terrestrial television, of course).

Very few pundits realized when Canelo fought Kirkland what an existential crisis the PBC presented, with its hostility to independent media and indifference to competitive matchmaking, and only marginally more recognize it today – choosing, symmetrically, to save such a collective revelation for the very moment their powerlessness to alter it achieves fullness and perfection (with writer David Avila a noble exception).

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, brought merely one concern about a tardy arrival at the ballpark: There mightn’t be time for socializing and reminiscing with writers Kelsey McCarson, a fellow Texan, and David Greisman – not a fellow Texan but doing his level best that week to be one.

My fears were misplaced. The endless and uninspired undercard offered plenty of time for chatting and sharing a photo on the grass roamed by Astros outfielders. Seated directly in front of me, too, was Welshman Anson Wainwright, once a contributor to this very site and today a regular contributor to The Ring’s always engrossing “Best I Faced” series.

The ranks have thinned since my first visit to pressrow in 2004, and in the next five years the PBC’s subversion of media access will end either the PBC or pressrow, but wherever more than a halfdozen writers are gathered at a Texas fightcard, good health and good humor shall remain the rule.

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, anyone who told you he was sure what to expect from Kirkland was embellishing the case a bit. Kirkland had done his preparations with San Antonio’s Rick Morones, instead of Austin’s Ann Wolfe, and while it likely made no difference to the outcome – Canelo is simply a higher level fighter than Kirkland, whatever Kirkland’s conditioning – it was not the plan in March when the Canelo-Kirkland presstour made its way to Alamo City’s historic Aztec Theatre and a pleasant and plump Kirkland confidently and ominously reported his manager was in negotiations with Ms. Wolfe.

Kirkland is a known entity in San Antonio, not quite a legend but one remembered in local gyms for having manstrength even as a boy. Kirkland was the right person to make Canelo look spectacular, a lie-detector type, rough and unrelenting, one to establish quickly the difference in caliber between a champion like Canelo and a local attraction.

Canelo had not before had a man of Kirkland’s class run across the ring at him on first bell and begin hurling punches without regard for anyone’s safety, but he managed the incident as if he had, and many times. That poise is a large reason Gennady Golovkin apologists, those who’ve amplified the Golovkin-camp line for three years, the risible assertion GGG, despite never fighting anywhere but middleweight, is ready to fight any man between 154 pounds and 168, strongly prefer 2016’s superfight happen at 160.

If that fight happens, this much will be made immediately clear: While Canelo Alvarez has fought at least one man considerably better than Golovkin, and maybe several, GGG’s reign of terror at middleweight has yet to include anyone close to Canelo’s talent.

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, the 200-mile eastwards drive got justified by both men’s reputations and the increasingly unfortunate realization Canelo Alvarez will be the Mexican prizefighter most remembered in our current era – despite his technical inferiority to each member of our last era’s Mexican triumvirate: Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.

Because of Mexican television rights and other complexities, including their standard-issue dark heads of hair, the best fighters of the last era accomplished fractionally much celebrity in their homeland as Canelo did before his 25th birthday. Canelo cannot be blamed for that. He’s squandered no opportunities, whatever his limitations of speed and power, and he remains a prompt and courteous interview even when he does not need to be. He has far surpassed his only realistic competition for Mexico’s heart, “Son of the Legend” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and he’s done it with discipline and class.

Any aficionado seated ringside for Canelo-Kirkland and knowledgeable of Mexican prizefighting history – practically a redundancy, that – left the experience balancing a sentiment like this: An era of Mexican prizefighting could do better than having Canelo Alvarez as its standard bearer, yes, but it could also do much worse.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

By Bart Barry–

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, catalyzed no thoughts of making the 150-minute eastwards trek from Alamo City to Minute Maid Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Astros, a stadium with a functional train in left field in homage to its location on the hallowed grounds of a hundred-year-old station. The stadium, celebrating its fourth and surely not final appellation, was christened “Enron Field” 15 years ago – back when energy arbitrage, electronically creating shortages and satisfying them at usurious prices, eGouging as it were, appeared to Wall Street like the industry to make America great again.

The usual credentials hassle handled by fightweek intervention from a powerful editor, a man so respected I was seated onfield under the opening of the opening rooftop, I celebrated my newly unprecedented access by not beginning the 2 1/2-hour drive from San Antonio till after the opening bell of an eight-hour fightcard rang on its cavernous park.

There was an enormous Chinese heavyweight on the undercard, a 7-foot and 280-pound Dong, he may even have been co-main, but he was so dreadful, and what followed was so excellent, the enormous Dong barely got written to the hard drive.

San Antonio promoter Mike Battah, the man who put more than 40,000 folks in Alamodome for Alvarez-Trout, invariably expected a better turnout for Alvarez-FellowTexan than he got, but blessings be rained upon him, he was deep in the PBC fold before the year was out, anyway, scared neither by public uninterest nor oversized venues (he rented AT&T Center for NBC’s December PBC broadcast).

Kirkland swarmed Alvarez at the opening bell, acquitting himself more savagely than insiders feared he mightn’t – so often veteran aggressors choose matches like these to apply singleply boxing skills, making the young champion hunt instead of defend – and Alvarez demonstrated composure appropriate to his record more than age.

Canelo iced Kirkland spectacularly before 31,000 Texans in round 3.

There’s a presence about Alvarez – these things begin with selfbelief and color in the details later – that speaks to a pair of ideas at first not apparently kin: mythology and confidence.

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, was not facinorous humid as feared when the match got announced, in fact, for as long as it took to open the rooftop, blow papers about, wet the bluemat, and close the rooftop, the May breeze off the Gulf was not facinorous at all.

In lieu of a mediacenter vending machine, the promoter gave each writer a giftcertificate to a ballpark vendor, and the balance bought an astrodog and cola, or nachos and change. The match happened a week after The Fight Boxing May Never Forgive, a legacymaking bore between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a humiliating affair for all but one man and his advisor, and a humbling affair for the compliant media in attendance – men who knew the match would suck but didn’t dare opine so publicly lest their unassigned fightweek access remain unassigned come fightday.

Perhaps Kirkland was handpicked an opponent for Alvarez as critics insisted he was, but surely the tricky Austin Trout and dreadful Erislandy Lara were not, and Alvarez made fisticuffs with them willingly as he did with the Texan Mandingo.

What Alvarez came in boxing knowing still better than his promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who knew it rather well himself, is th’t we do not believe myths because they are true; myths become true when we believe them. Alvarez came to America believing his own myth, and excepting only his disgraceful showing against Money May, Alvarez, in both the opponents he’s selected and the way he’s undone them, has satisfied the requirements of his post.

*

The May morning of 2015’s knockout of the year, the Saturday Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez spearchiseled Texan James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland in Houston, there was some question if Kirkland’s ferocity mightn’t give Alvarez a momentary fright, but it didn’t, whatever Kirkland claimed after the match about a brief exchange in the first round. Kirkland’s conditioning was a certainty to no one, his relationship with mentor Ann Wolfe switched to Off for the biggest event in Kirkland’s unpredictable career, and the opening minute allowed those with eyes to see an inferential chance they’d not miss:

Kirkland conditioned himself for a savage 10-minute assault and a dramatic conclusion, his hand raised or chest chinpinned, and the match’s conclusion was not surprising as its style.

Alvarez did not grindout Kirkland, keepaway jabbing till the Texan was soft. Alvarez clipped him with a hook, clipped him with an uppercut, and iced him with a telegraphed righthand he framed for photographers by exaggeratedly feinting low, halfjabbing Kirkland to the body and watching his sternum. Kirkland dropped everything, realized he’d been hoodwinked, and started a hopeless lefthook in time to complete the aesthetics, winning Canelo 2015’s best knockout by compliantly screwtopping himself ropes to canvas.

***

Editor’s note: Part 2 will be posted next Monday.

LOS ANGELES (May 12) – After an electrifying night at Minute Maid Park in Houston where more than 31,000 fans gathered to watch live on May 9, Canelo vs. Kirkland brought in a stunning number of viewers on HBO World Championship Boxing (WCB) with an average viewership of 2,146,000 for the live, first-time airing on HBO and peaked at 2,296,000 viewers. Canelo vs. Kirkland is the top-performing bout on HBO’s flagship boxing platform since the Antonio Tarver-Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight title battle delivered 2,460,000 viewers in 2006. This also marked the Mexican superstar’s first appearance as a headliner on the HBO WCB platform.

“With more than 31,000 people coming to Minute Maid Park and more than 2.1 million tuning in to watch on HBO, Canelo Alvarez is quickly making the leap from the biggest boxing star of the future, to the biggest boxing star of the present,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given his sizzling, fan-friendly performance in knocking out James Kirkland, attendance and viewership will only continue to soar. Boxing’s future is now.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland was a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight took place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas and was sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Alvarez vs. Kirkland is available on the HBO ON DEMAND®, HBO GO® and HBO NOW® platforms.

By Bart Barry

HOUSTON – Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, made a fine fight venue, even, or perhaps especially, when its retractable roof winked at its anxious media section, water dropping from the sky, papers rising from the table, before shutting once more just before the main event. Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez then knocked Texan James Kirkland stiff in the last minute of round 3. And fans who’d been fed, by that late hour, 10 hours of inedible slop, left overjoyed by the spectacle because, whatever Floyd and Manny may opine, positively nothing beats a knockout.

The end came in slow motion at ringside, the better for savoring it. Alvarez set his eyes and head exaggeratedly low, fixing them on Kirkland’s chest – because, as the old timers know, it’s one head’s length from the breastbone to the chin – and then he took his time cocking the righthand. Kirkland, reflexes impaired, already nigh drunk from blows to his skull, picked-up the punch an instant late, exactly as Alvarez intended. Kirkland dropped his hands to the very spot Alvarez’s eyes set. Then Kirkland realized he’d fallen for a feint and hoped without hope he might chasten Alvarez’s aggression with a lunatic lefthook counter. But Kirkland had time only to get the punch started and complement the aesthetics of Alvarez’s perfectly structured right by flailspinning over Alvarez’s properly lowered head, winning for Alvarez Knockout of the Year even if we’re not yet to the ides of May.

It was a right remedy for the disaster of May 2, and it was right th’t a Mexican brought it to us. It was a right remedy, too, for Alvarez’s own terrible showing against Mayweather some time ago.

It brightens the spirit to think Mexicans might have a genuine article, finally, in Alvarez, a man who, if he’s never quite the world’s best prizefighter, is now Mexico’s best prizefighter, not merely its most popular. Popularity, as Edward Norton’s accomplished character in “Birdman” so aptly puts it, is the slutty little cousin of prestige, and while Alvarez has never wanted for popularity, a debt owed more to Mexican daytime television and haircolor than fistic accomplishments, he now has prestige, an order of merit greater because it’s how the meritocracy of boxing would order it.

Alvarez may not yet deserve 30,000 fans in Houston or 40,000 in San Antonio, not when Mayweather and Pacquiao gather half that many at MGM Grand, but the Mexicans gathered in Houston on Saturday absolutely deserved the fight, and ending, Alvarez gave them. Beleaguered as they have been with Son of the Legend, the Legend’s disaster of a son – and the Legend, self-oblivious a sporting legend as you’ll find, was in lock-Tio-Julio-in-the-basement broadcaster mode from ringside Saturday – the Mexicans, boxing’s one reliable demographic in sickness and in health, finally can embrace Alvarez with a clean collective conscience, setting aside Juan Manuel Marquez’s enduring and caustic criticism of Alvarez: one more resentful riff from Mexico’s best prizefighter of the last generation, and best resenter too.

Alvarez does not yet show a spot of resentment, nor should he, and that is a fine thing. Son of the Legend, setter of an entitlement-to-accomplishment ratio that may never be surpassed, came into the sport already resenting every interview his duties caused him to suffer ungladly. In this respect, Alvarez, when compared to Son of the Legend, is a consummate professional. But again, that phrase, “when compared to Son of the Legend, is a consummate professional”, is now elastic enough to accommodate everything from the housekeeping staff at Sheraton Four Points to the waistband of Junior’s next pair of raspberry-pink cotton briefs.

I have interviewed Canelo on the phone twice, and both times were marked by their courtesy and professionalism. Of a culture that values time differently than ours does, Alvarez was the exception to Mexican prizefighters: He called at the appointed time, to the minute, and was entirely cheerful and unassuming. His answers were unremarkable, since child stars in any culture come deprived of what challenging experiences make many adults at least initially captivating, but as that is a thing he cannot control, and as it is ungracious, after all, to blame dullards for their condition, I recall him fondly for his punctuality. And for one other reason: Asked in Spanish if he sees nostalgia, a cognate that works equally well in both languages, in the eyes of his expatriated countrymen when he attends publicity events in, say, Texas, Canelo’s voice rose, and his sincerity gleamed off the edges of a rare, unrehearsed answer:

“Those men, to see them after they work, those men, those . . . If solely you knew how hard they work. Those men are heroic to me.”

Dullard or otherwise, Alvarez has character, and he fights with character. Every other Money Team retread misuses the word “fearless” – attrition hunters who gambol away from opponents till they’ve reduced them, via boredom or exhaustion, to targets, and then roar their imitation of bravery – but Canelo’s selection of opponents has shown no fear whatever. Glance through the rankings of his division and find someone you think could beat him whom he’s avoided.

Austin’s James Kirkland may not have been in top condition, and may not have sold a fraction the tickets in Houston he’d have sold in San Antonio, either, but he brought real violence from a real junior middleweight, Saturday, and Alvarez did not wilt even slightly. Alvarez treated Kirkland like a heavybag for practicing creative combinations on, even while Kirkland bulled and leaned and whacked, in rounds 1 and 2, and Alvarez had the balls to throw a dozen right-uppercut counters, too, exposing his head fully to Kirkland’s left hand.

Alvarez gave a fitting performance to our sport’s fittest fans.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Saul “Canelo” ALvarez thrilled over 30,000 people at Houston’s Minute Maid Park by turning on a sensational performance by stopping James Kirkland in round three of a scheduled 12-round Super Welterweight bout.

ALvarez came out throwing bombs and landing just about all of them as he landed some good head shots but started to break Kirkland’s body down until he landed a big right hand that sent Kirkland to deck in the first frame. Alvarez was all over Kirkland and landed some thudding shots that had Kirjland barely making it out of the round. In round two, Kirkland showed tremendous resolve as he kept Alvarez on the ropes for a good portion of the round. Alvarez was able to take the round with power shots.

In round three, Alvarez landed some solid shots to the head and then he landed a huge uppercut that dumped Kirkland on the canvas. Kirkland showed heart by getting up but then ate a vicious right hand that sprawled a bleeding Kirkland on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

Alvarez, 154 1/2 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is now 45-1-1 with 32 knockouts. Kirkland, 154 1/2 lbs of Austin, TX is now 32-2.

“This was one of the best knockouts of my career,” Canelo Alvarez said following the fight. “He came out with a little bit of a different style than I was expecting, but I was able to adjust and get the knockout. I knew he was strong fighter but he surprised me with his aggressiveness in the first and second round. I fight for the fans, and I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.” Alvarez connected on an astounding 60 percent of his power shots, landing 79 of them inside of three rounds.

“I didn’t know I was knocked out,” said James Kirkland. “I had him trapped and hurt in the corner in the first round but he escaped, I had him hurt in the second also. He’s a great champion, I’m proud that I was able to compete in such a terrific event, and I hope to fight him again someday. I’m a warrior, I’ll be back.

“I’m proud of him, he’s a true warrior and I’m going to get him back with Ann Wolfe,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions, said of Kirkland after the fight.

“I am very happy about the fight, it was intense from round one. We want to thank Kirkland for taking this fight and for giving the fans an exciting night,” said Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, manager and trainer for Canelo Alvarez. “This fight showed the result of 17 intense weeks of training and we are very satisfied with the result.”

“I’m happy we won the fight,” said Eddy Reynoso, head trainer for Canelo Alvarez. “This is the result of a successful camp. Kirkland did surprise us in the beginning, but Canelo was able to find him and adjust to his rhythm and overpower him. I want to thank the team that made this fight happen and all the fans that continue to support us.”

With official attendance of 31,588, Minute Maid Park was rocking from the opening bell, and Alvarez delivered for them not only with a huge knockout, but with a pledge to fight in Texas once a year.

Follow all the action live as Canelo Alvarez takes on James Kirkland in what figures to be a Jr. Middleweight slugfest scheduled for 12 rounds. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

12 ROUNDS–SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS–SAUL ALVAREZ (44-1-1, 31 KO’S) VS JAMES KIRKLAND (32-1, 28 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Right from Alvarez..Good right from Kirkland…Hard right from Alvarez..lef hook..another..hard right..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND…Hard left…Huge bidy shot rocks Karkland…huge barrage…Kirkland hurt and barely makes it out of the round…10-8 Alvarez

Round 2 Great round that saw Alvarez land some hard shots early…kirkland came back to land on the ropes…Alvarez landed sone hard uppercuts late in the round….20-17 Alvarez

Round 3 Kirklands lands a body shot..2 hard head shots from Alvarez…body shots…..HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND…INCREDIBLE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KIRKLAND AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

HOUSTON (May 8) – Media experts are making their predictions for how the showdown between heavy hitters Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) will end on May 9 at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Given the power of both fighters, all agree that this fight will be explosive in the ring and action-packed from start to finish. The experts we polled overwhelmingly agree: this fight will end when someone gets knocked out.

Here’s what they had to say:

EDUARDO BECERRIL, HOY Los Angeles:

“Canelo for the knockout.”

ALEX BURGOS, RoundbyRoundBoxing.com:

“Sometimes, the best fights are the most predictable ones. In regards to Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland, we know who they are, and we know what they will bring to the table, that’s why this fight promises to be so exciting. While I expect some grueling and tough early-round exchanges, Canelo will be happy that he doesn’t have to go searching for Kirkland. Canelo’s punching accuracy and his ability to move in and out of range quickly will help him overwhelm Kirkland and earn a late-round stoppage.”

DAMIAN CALHOUN, Orange County Register:

“I would be extremely surprised if this fight goes the distance. This has explosive written all over it and fans should enjoy it for as long as it lasts. I think Kirkland will present some problems for Alvarez. I think the absence of trainer Ann Wolfe will play a large role in the fight. She always knew what buttons to push to get Kirkland motivated. I expect Alvarez to mix up his attack, working the body constantly, and leading to a late-round stoppage.”

BRIAN CAMPBELL, ESPN.com:

“I think it ends in a knockout. This one has early stoppage written all over it. In fact, Kirkland’s reckless, fan-friendly style will make sure of it. Canelo will be forced to stand and fight, where his stronger technique will win out. But not before having his chin and backbone tested.”

ANTHONY COCKS, Ringside Report:

“I just can’t see Canelo-Kirkland being a distance fight regardless of who wins. Kirkland’s best chance is to jump on Canelo early and rattle him before he settles into his rhythm. But the most likely scenario is Canelo surviving the early firefight to break down Kirkland in the mid-rounds, stopping him in the seventh or eighth round.”

TIM DAHLBERG, Associated Press:

“I like Canelo by TKO, probably around the seventh round. Both are strong punchers, but Canelo has the edge in ring generalship.”

RICHARD DEAN, Houston Chronicle:

“Kirkland’s been wanting this fight for a long time. The long layoff won’t affect Kirkland in the ring. A refined slugger, I predict Kirkland in a knockout that will catapult his career to new heights.”

ED DE LA VEGA, PhilBoxing.com:

“In my opinion, in spite of the power of both Canelo and James, I believe the fight will go the full length because the fight will be a tactical one. Each fighter knows the power of they both have and a KO will occur if they take unnecessary risks and go for a knockout. Therefore, they will both fight a tactical fight in an attempt to win via the judges’ decision.”

GUY DOCETONI, Heavy.com:

“A fistic delight when hard-hitting Canelo Alvarez defends his reputation against Texan tough guy James Kirkland. While I expect plenty of good quality brawling from these two grinders, I believe Canelo knows better than to indulge in any risky, long-term shootouts with a slugger like Kirkland, and I predict that the redhead from Guadalajara will box, and definitely punch, his way to a unanimous decision.”

KEVIN IOLE, YAHOO! Sports:

“Kirkland is dangerous because he’s aggressive and hits hard, but Canelo is a better boxer by a long shot and hits very hard. I think he’ll systematically break Kirland down and stop him midway through the fight.”

STEVE KIM, UCNLive.com:

“In what will be an entertaining back-and-forth affair, I think the steadiness and consistency of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will eventually tame and subdue Kirkland. Kirkland’s aggression and mentality always make him a dangerous foe, but I worry about his protracted layoff. I like Canelo via KO in the 10th round.”

KELSEY McCARSON, Bleacher Report:

“Canelo-Kirkland is the kind of matchup that screams knockout. Both fighters come ready and willing to engage. Both are excellent offensively and solid punchers. And both men need the win. It will be an all-action slugfest between two outstanding junior middleweights, and I believe it will end in someone being concussed put down for the count. Kirkland is exactly the kind of fighter who brings out the best in Alvarez. He’ll come forward, land thudding punches and make Alvarez respond in kind. But Alvarez is one of the best in the biz. He’ll use his better footwork and faster hands to land a higher volume on punches as the fight wears on and by Round 10 the fight will be over. Alvarez will be the winner by TKO.”

JEFF POWELL, The Daily Mail:

“Canelo by TKO, probably around the tenth round.”

BOB VELIN, USA Today:

“I think Canelo will knock Kirkland out in the ninth round after they engage in a slugfest for most of the fight. Kirkland has an edge in power, but Canelo also has power and he’s a much better technical boxer. Eventually he will pick Kirkland apart and then drop him.”

MARK WHICKER, Los Angeles Daily News:

“I’m picking Canelo in a seventh-round knockout, provided he can get through Kirkland’s power in the early rounds.”

MICHAEL WOODS, The Sweet Science:

“Someone is hitting the deck, and staying there, on Saturday in Texas. Bombs will explode, and I think will damage Kirkland, sans Ann Wolfe, more than the Mexican.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

May 8, 2015…Bronx, NY

Former IBF Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey will take on tough Mexican brawler Jorge Silva on the undercard of the Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez-James Kirkland fight this coming Saturday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.

Promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Clottey, 38-4 22KO’S, hailing from Accra, Ghana, returns to the ring for the first time since last April when he traveled to the land down under, Australia, and totally dominated hometown hero and former world champion Anthony Mundine over the 12 round distance. Silva, 20-8-2 16KO’S has battled many top fighters in his career including Pablo Cesar Cano, Alfredo Angulo and Yoshihiro Kamegai.
Clottey was scheduled to face Alvarez last November but the bout was postponed and Canelo elected to fight Kirkland. Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about this upcoming fight, “I’m happy to see Joshua back in action and I am hoping for an impressive win on such a big fight card. We expect that after an exciting performance we will target the rescheduling of Joshua’s fight with Canelo”.

The fighters have just weighed in. Official weights:
Joshua Clottey: 153.8 lbs
Jorge Silva: 154.8 lbs

LONDON (May 8) – Mexican ace Canelo Alvarez says he is ready to claim the mantle of boxing’s pay-per-view star after Floyd Mayweather hangs up his gloves.

The 24-year-old light-middleweight takes on big-hitting James Kirkland this weekend, live and exclusive on BoxNation, in an edge-of-the-seat thriller in front of 35,000 at the Minute Maid Park in Texas.

Despite refusing to overlook the dangerous Kirkland, the flame-haired superstar is prepared to fill the gap once Mayweather calls it a day following his last fight in September and has even opened the door to a rematch with the money man after his 2013 points loss.

“I’m ready. I’m ready for whatever comes to my career. I work hard, I train hard, I fight the best, and if that’s the role [next PPV star] that I have to take once they’re [Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao] gone, then yes, I’m ready for it,” said Canelo.

“I would love it [a rematch with Mayweather]. It would interest me. I’ve learned more things, there’s more experience, but right now, this fight is what’s more important to me, and that’s James Kirkland on Saturday,” he said.

Canelo is well aware of the threat knockout artist Kirkland possesses having stopped 28 opponents in his 32 wins, with just a single loss on his record.

The former WBC and WBA light-middleweight champion knows that this is a fight that has captivated the boxing public and says he will fight any fighter as long as it appeals to the fans.

“I’ll fight any style. I’ll be clear – I’ll fight any style. I’m ready and willing to fight anybody, but the fans like this style because that’s the fans, what they go to see. They want to go and see action, and these are the kind of fights where the people will leave happy,” said Canelo.

“Kirkland’s a very dangerous fighter because of his punch. His power is extreme. He can finish the fight with one punch, and then he also throws out of different angles, so it makes it even more complicated, more difficult, but more than anything, it’s that power that he can finish a fight with one punch.

“My goal is always to fight the best in the world, so that the fans get what they want: to see the best fights possible. As long as they’re at the top, I want to fight the best,” he said.

31-year-old Kirkland, who hasn’t fought since his electrifying win over Glen Tapia in 2013, is undaunted at the prospect of facing Canelo and says he is prepared to go toe-to-toe with the ferocious Mexican.

“I can just tell people this when they ask about boxing and what can I bring to the sport or how I picture myself: I am a force of nature that overrides a lot of the people that I fight. When they come with heart, I believe my heart is bigger than that,” said Kirkland.

“When they come with determination, I don’t feel no one has the will power and the drive that I possess. When it comes to speed, I don’t feel as if the opponent is going to be able to adapt, and if they do, I always got a step above my opponent.

“It’s going to be a fight [against Canelo] that you don’t have to worry about if they’re going to run, if this person’s going to be dodging and ducking and looking for somewhere to run and hide.

“Me and Canelo will meet in the middle of the ring and that’s where the fight will take place. We may stay there the whole entire fight if he’s going to come to fight like I’m coming to fight, then that will be the particular fight that the fans want to see,” he said.

Also, live and exclusive on BoxNation at 7pm this Saturday night from The SSE Arena in London, will be a stacked Queensberry Promotions card featuring rising star Frank Buglioni who defends his WBO European super-middleweight title against Lee Markham.

The 26-year-old known as ‘The Wise Guy’ is one of the country’s top emerging talents and is looking to make it an easy night’s work against the tough Markham.

“Camp has been spot on,” says Buglioni. “My spar mates Luke Keeler and Spike O’Sullivan have very similar styles to Markham, only they’re a lot better! Gary Boulden beat Markham yet Luke knocked Boulden out inside a round which puts it all in context. And Spike’s mixed at world level.

“They’ve been preparing me for a gruelling 12 round war. My strength and fitness are at an all time high. I’d never felt better than I did in my last fight and there’s been further improvement since. I’m really looking forward to showing everybody what I’ve added on May 9th – if the fight goes long enough!”

WBO European welterweight champion Bradley Skeete is also back in action as he takes on Brunet Zamora, with the exciting prospect Mitchell Smith up against Cristian Palma for the vacant WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt.

That’s not all from BoxNation who will air a third show on Saturday night when German star Felix Sturm looks to bounce back onto the world stage as he stakes on the hard-hitting Russian and current interim WBA super-middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov.

Canelo v Kirkland is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546 and TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night at 2am. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
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HOUSTON (May 7) – Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland hosted the final press conference in Houston on Thursday, May 7 ahead of their showdown on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya, SMS Promotions Chairman and CEO Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner Bernard Hopkins were also in attendance to support their fighters ahead of Saturday’s bout. Also in attendance were promoters Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions and Jesse James Leija, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions.

Other fighters on the Canelo vs. Kirkland undercard in attendance at Thursday’s press conference included co-main event fighter Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs),2012 Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs), Chinese heavyweight sensation, Taishan (3-0, 2 KOs), KeAndre Gibson (12-0-1, 5 KOs), Joshua Clottey (38-4, 22 KOs), Ryan Martin (12-0, 7 KOs), and James Leija Jr.

Here is what the fighters and the promoters had to say at the press conference:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“Thank you all for being here. I want to say thank you for all of the support you have been giving me. We have worked very hard to come out with this victory.

“It’s very easy to say words, but once we are in the ring, let’s let the fists do the talking.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are excited to be once again partnering with the champion network, HBO, where everyone is guaranteed to watch the best that boxing has to offer.

“Some people weren’t too content with the May 2 performances but one thing is for sure: people are very excited to watch some action with Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland on May 9.

“As a promoter, you want to work with fighters that want to go against the very best. That is what is so exciting for me about promoting this event because that’s what we’ll have on May 9. The best fighting the best.

“James is one of the most decorated punchers and fighters. He brings power, and he brings excitement to ring.”

JAMES KIRKLAND, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. We had this fight set up once before but it was canceled due to an injury.

“My training camp has been outstanding. Canelo brings a lot to the game; he has a great team backing him. I would like to thank the fans, HBO, and everyone who will be at the fight. Thank you. Team Kirkland!”

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions:

“This is excitement. Originally, I was just passionate about boxing, I was just a fan, but now, to be a part of what could possibly be the biggest fight of the year, that is really exciting.

“I want to thank everyone, Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, HBO, and everyone working behind the scenes to make this fight happen.

“One of my up and coming fighters for SMS Promotions, Ryan Martin, will also be fighting on May 9.

“We will definitely get a chance to see some action on May 9 at Minute Maid Park. It’s the perfect place for this fight.”

HUMBERTO SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I want to thank the promoters for bringing back this level of fighting.

“It’s going to be another great fight. We have youth versus experience, and the fans are going to win. Don’t miss this fight, thank you so much.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“Thank you everyone that participated in putting this event together. Right now, these fighters have a chance to be the ‘next big thing.’

“This will be the shortest comment I’ve ever made: Canelo, you’re healthy, right? (nod) Kirkland, you’re healthy, right? (nod) Then, we’re going to fight, ya’ll.”

Mike Battah, President of Lieja*Battah Promotions:

“When we started Leija*Battah Promotions three years ago our goal was to bring the best, fan friendly fights to Texas and years later we have proven it.

“Where else can you get a megastar like Canelo and a dangerous fighter like Kirkland fighting two or three hours from your home? We have fighters from Houston, and San Antonio, and other parts of Texas that will be on a mega-fight undercard like they have never experienced. It is important to showcase these Texas fighters on this big stage.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions:

“Houston, we want you to come and bring out the best boxing fans in the world. It is the best atmosphere to be boxing in a baseball stadium.

“On May 9 at Minute Maid Park my son is making his professional boxing debut. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University. Come out and support this great event.

“I want to thank these two amazing fighters, Canelo and Kirkland in advance, because we are going to have a great night.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“On Saturday night we are going to see two tremendous warriors go toe to toe.

“At the end of the night Canelo will be shouting Viva Mexico with his fists.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“At training camp we worked very hard, very dedicated. And, once again, thanks to all the press for the coverage you’ve given us.”

PETER NELSON, HBO Sports Vice President of Programing:

“This is exactly the kind of caliber event that makes stars.

“More people are going to see this event than anything since Muhammad Ali fought here in Texas.

“I think that this is one of the signature events HBO will have this year. These are the stars of today, Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland.

“This presents a great opportunity for Humberto Soto to bring his career back to a big stage. We are going to see fighters fulfill their potential on Saturday night.”

REID RYAN, President of Business Operations for Houston:

“The fight is definitely being talked about in the City of Houston. We are very excited about this event.

“There is a buzz surrounding this event. The phone has been ringing all day at the stadium. People are excited for this event. It will be the first boxing event at Minute Maid Park.”

BAY BAY McCLINTON, Strength and Conditioning Trainer to James Kirkland:

“I only train greatness. On Saturday night, you will see greatness. You are going to see a different James Kirkland.

“The last time Mexico came to Texas, remember this: remember the Alamo.

“I always ask my fighters, ‘You want to be good, or you want to be great?’ Tomorrow, he’s [Kirkland] going to be great.”

GREG ALVAREZ, Combative Sports Manager of the Texas Department of License & Regulation:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions, Leija*Battah Promotions and all the people that are putting this show on.

“This is the biggest single day event Texas is going to have.

“I’m real excited for this big fight, the real fight.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

HOUSTON (May 7) – Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland hosted an open-to-the-public media workout in Houston on Wednesday, May 6 at Minute Maid Park in advance of their highly anticipated clash on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. Hundreds of fans came out to the stadium to watch their favorites get in the ring ahead of Saturday’s mega-fight. Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya and SMS Promotions Chairman and CEO Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson also attended the workout to show their support for their respective fighters Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland ahead of Saturday’s bout. Also in attendance were promoters Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions and Jesse James Leija, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions.

Other fighters on the Canelo vs. Kirkland undercard in attendance at Wednesday’s workout included co-main event fighter Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs),2012 Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs), Chinese heavyweight sensation, Taishan (3-0, 2 KOs), Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (23-3, 18 KOs), Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill (31-1, 21 KOs), KeAndre Gibson (12-0-1, 5 KOs), Ryan Martin (12-0, 7 KOs), James Leija Jr., and Antonio Capulin (14-0, 6 KOs).

Here is what the fighters and the promoters had to say at the workout:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“I am ready to fight tomorrow if needed. I feel excited that the fight is nearly here.

“Kirkland is a strong puncher so I have been sparring with southpaws to be prepared for May 9. I am strong too and I will also look to fight intelligently on Saturday.

“I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I want them to enjoy the fight, and get to see the action in the ring they’ve been waiting for.”

JAMES KIRKLAND, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I know that I come with excitement, with what fight fans want to see. Knowing that my fans and supporters that are spending their hard earned money to come to this fight motivates me. I work just as hard as them when they are out there pushing that clock to make the money to come see the fight.

“My first meal after the fight? That’s classified information! [laughs] That’s going to be one hell of a good meal that I am going to eat after the fight. I’m a seafood guy, but I love it all, including the sweets. I’m definitely going to have my choice of meal after the fight.”

HUMBERTO SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“For my training camp, I’m at a high altitude in Temoaya, Mexico, near Centro Ceremonial Otomi. The altitude is almost 5,000 meters. The oxygen is excellent; my routine starts with a run on the morning, then I take a bath before breakfast. At 2:00 p.m., I go to the gym for a couple of hours, then back to the camp, bath, rest, eat, by the evening, sometimes, we watch some movies, play cards or just talk. Sometimes it can be tedious or monotonous but I know that’s the sacrifice that we all have to make to get big rewards.

“For my bout against Gomez on May 9, I know that will be a tough fight, a difficult one. We’re working hard to get the win. I know Gomez is dangerous, but I think that my experience and the fact that I also want to be a champion again will make the difference.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR, 2012 U.S. Olympian and Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s a dream come true to be on the Canelo-Kirkland undercard. This is probably the biggest stage in my life to be fighting in front of a big crowd at this point.

“I’m not scared to fight in front of a big crowd at Minute Maid Park on May 9. I fought on a stage kind of similar in the 2012 Olympics. There where tens of thousands of people there and millions of people watching me in the United States and all around the world. I just have to zone out and focus on my opponent.

“After the weigh in, I’m probably going to eat some Italian food, maybe have a lot of carbs and some protein to replenish my muscles and make sure I am hydrated to be strong for the fight.”

TAISHAN, Heavyweight Prospect:

“Right now, I am focused on getting better in each fight, becoming victorious of course. Whether knockout or decision doesn’t matter. I feel better after each fight, and I’m staying focused and keeping my eye on the prize.

“My strategy for May 9 in the ring is to use my jab. The jab is the most important part of boxing; it’s everything.

“I’m not thinking about how big the crowd will be on May 9. It’s another stage, another fight, so I will go in and do what I need to do.”

RYAN MARTIN, Lightweight Prospect:

“Training camp has been an ongoing thing. I had a fight four weeks ago so I went right back into camp that Monday. Training camp has been very consistent; it’s going according to schedule, and I am ready to put on a show.

“I am not worrying about what my opponent brings to the ring. He is going to be worried about what I bring.

“It means a lot to me to be on the Canelo-Kirkland undercard. It’s very humbling to be a part of an event like this, and I am ready for it.”

JAMES LEIJA, Jr., Welterweight Prospect:

“My dad [Jesse James Leija] is behind me 100 percent. He’s my trainer and the best advice he has given me is to just relax and remain calm. No matter how big the crowd is, you tell yourself that you are just back in the gym.

“This is one of the biggest cards of the year, and I am very happy to be a part of it.

“Fans watching on May 9 can expect very skilled technical fighting from me. I am a student to the game first of all, having seen my father go through it as a professional boxer; seeing what works and what doesn’t. He’s telling me how to approach to game more scientifically rather than just going and being a brut.”

ALFONSO “EL TIGRE” LOPEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m really excited and overwhelmed. I want to put on a good performance for the fans. It’s a great opportunity for every fighter on this card because it’s such a huge event.

“I’ve been jabbing in the gym with the absolute best to prepare; he’s a Cuban southpaw. I’m ready to make this a smart fight, an intelligent one.”

EUGENE “MEAN GENE” HILL, Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m excited to fight on the undercard for Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland.

“I’ve been training at a high pace so my opponent will have to fight me at a fast pace.

“This training camp, I’ve been training three times a day and eating right. I’m going to get the knockout.”

KEANDRE GIBSON, Welterweight Prospect:

“I’ve had a good training camp. Earlier in my camp, I got two to three weeks of sparring in with Manny Pacquiao for his fight with Floyd Mayweather and it was a great experience. I picked up a lot from him. Letting your hands go and throwing more punches, switching off from fast punches to power punches and tricks in the ring.

“Fans can expect action from me on May 9. They can expect a lot of speed, a lot of power, and a lot of punches. For me and my guy, we will be going toe to toe.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Canelo Alvarez is ready for this fight on May 9 against the ‘Mandingo Warrior’ James Kirkland. This fight is what the fans have been waiting for: action in the ring, top fighters going for it, not afraid to fight.

“There will be no running in the ring on May 9, that’s for sure. Once that first bell rings, fans watching the action live from Minute Maid Park and on HBO World Championship Boxing won’t be able to look away until it’s over, whether by knockout or decision.”

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON, Founder and Chairman of SMS Promotions:

“Outside of the Manny-Floyd fight, this really is one of the biggest fights in boxing this year. Watching it at Minute Maid Park live is a must.

“Some of that same energy that Mike Tyson had, James has. That same killer instinct is there. You have some fighters that have fighter blood for real. That’s James. That leaves it to me to find the right for him because all he wants to do is fight. James is a guy that goes headfirst at the biggest opportunity.

“I like Ann Wolfe as a trainer. But, I did see James get down in weight faster this training camp with Rick Morones and Bay Bay McClinton.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend and Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions:

“He has so many different styles; he is almost like a chameleon. We trained so he could do a little bit of everything in that way so when he fights in the ring, the opponent will have to try figure out how to fight five different styles.

“It’s mind-blowing to think that my son is doing something that I did for so long. It’s one of the toughest sports in the world and it’s one of the scariest things to do for a parent to see one of their kids step into. It takes a lot of guts and a lot of courage for anyone to step into those four corners.”

MIKE BATTAH, President of Lieja*Battah Promotions:

“James Leija Jr. will be making his professional debut on Saturday’s mega-fight he will have a platform to showcase his skills.

“Capulin, Lopez, and Hill , who were out here today, have a great fan base in Texas and are here to represent. Fans will get to see some of their favorite fighters in the ring on Saturday.

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

In one of the most-anticipated events on the action-packed HBO Boxing calendar, the brightest, fastest-rising star in the sport meets one of his toughest challenges to date when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: CANELO ALVAREZ VS. JAMES KIRKLAND AND HUMBERTO SOTO VS. FRANKIE GOMEZ is seen SATURDAY, MAY 9 at 9:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Minute Maid Park in Houston, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside to call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: May 10 (10:30 a.m.) and 11 (11:45 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: May 10 (3:00 p.m.) and 12 (11:30 p.m.)

Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico and James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) of Austin, Tex. will compete in a scheduled 12-round super welterweight fight. Both men are known for an aggressive, come-forward style, which should produce an all-action affair.

Following an impressive 2014 campaign that included victories over fierce brawler Alfredo Angulo and crafty southpaw Erislandy Lara, Alvarez, 24, makes his 2015 debut looking for another dominant performance in his return to Texas, where a fervent fan base will provide a hometown feel for the Mexican slugger.

With just two fights over the last three years, including a stunning knockout of Glen Tapia in 2013, Kirkland, 31, returns rested and primed for battle. The Texas native boasts remarkable knockout power, having not allowed any opponent to reach the final bell since 2007. The winner will be in line for a super welterweight title fight later this year.

A scheduled ten-round super lightweight fight opens the evening, with seasoned veteran Humberto Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) squaring off against undefeated Frankie Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs). Soto, 34, is a former three-division champion coming off a decisive victory last September over John Molina, Jr., while unbeaten prospect Gomez, 23, continues to rise in the ranks.

Leading off the telecast will be the replay of the May 2nd blockbuster pay-per-view event from Las Vegas in which Floyd Mayweather met Manny Pacquiao in a much anticipated welterweight unification title bout.

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

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jon Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LOS ANGELES (May 6) – Former three-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, and super lightweight top contender Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs) hosted a media conference call on Tuesday, May 5 to discuss their upcoming super lightweight 10-round bout on May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Soto vs. Gomez will be the televised co-main event for Canelo vs. Kirkland live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Soto and Gomez were joined by Freddie Roach, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer and trainer to Frankie Gomez and Eric Gomez, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions. Below is what they had to say:

HUMBERTO “LA ZORRITA” SOTO, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“Everything is really good and I am ready to go. I am relaxing right now. I am focusing on making weight.

“Every fight is an opportunity and I want to keep moving up the ladder to get to a world title fight.

“It is a matter of sitting with my team, but if there is a world champion out there willing to give me the opportunity, then I would like to fight for the title.

“The important thing is your mind and mentality and to condition your mind to win. We will both have that – physically and mentality. But the real winners will be the fans. This will be a good fight.

“Talk is cheap. What really matters is the hard work and effort you put in the gym. I have worked really hard for this fight and I think that will be what makes the difference.

“I can adjust against anything that Frankie throws at me. I think I will be victorious.

“I want to let the fans know that I appreciate them and thank you for the support. It will be a great fight and a great night of boxing. It is an important fight and I am just appreciative of all the support.”

FRANKIE “PITBULL” GOMEZ, Super Lightweight Top Contender:

“Thank you Golden Boy Promotions, HBO, my manager, and everyone for this opportunity.

“On May 9, there is going to be some good fights. I have been training hard and on Saturday we will se seeing good results.

“Soto has a lot of experience. He has been through a lot of fights. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I am not concerned and I am ready for this fight.

“Freddie has been there every day for training. It was a very good training camp and I am ready to show fans what I can do.

“I will fight anybody. It is up to my promoters, matchmakers, and team. I am not afraid of anybody.

“Fight against someone with more experience is a lot of pressure but I like working under it. It motivates me more to do better in the fight.

“I will fight anybody. They gave me Soto. I know he has more experience but I think I am ready and I have trained hard. I think I can win.

“I am planning to go all 10 rounds. I am not going to look for the knock out. He has a lot of experience with combinations, but I think I can handle him. I think my youth and power will help me overcome him.

“Don’t miss Saturday. It will be a good fight. Make sure to tune in.”

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer and Trainer to Frankie Gomez:

“Frankie Gomez is one of the best fighters in the world today. He has potential to be a world champion. He is really going to shine here and it will open a lot of doors for him.

“Gomez is one of the best fighters in the world and spars at the best in our gym, like Manny Pacquiao and all of those guys.

“There are a lot of names of future opponents for Frankie and we want them all. He is ready for Amir Khan now. We will go against anybody. He is one of my top guys and people should be afraid. If you go against Frankie Gomez, you will get beat. I promise.

“It will be a great fight for Frankie and good step up in the right direction. He will be champion really soon. I guarantee that.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“This is a big opportunity for Frankie Gomez to shine. He is developed, and with such a developed prospect, there is no one better than Freddie Roach to train him. A victory over Soto will put him in a great place. This is his coming-out party.

“Frankie has the speed and the power. You can’t help but see him go to another level when he teamed up with Freddie. Freddie has really brought the best out of him, helping him get stronger and stronger. Every fight is a step in the next direction. He needs these kinds of fights to define himself and he is definitely becoming his own person.

“Soto is a dangerous fighter with lots of experience.. It will be a great fight. It is one of those fights will that could be a main event at any other show. With Canelo and Kirkland, it will be a huge night.”

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

An all-new edition of 24/7 Alvarez/Kirkland debuts Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.

HOUSTON (May 6) – Cinco De Mayo unleashed “Canelomania” as Canelo Alvarez and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland arrived in Houston on the celebrated holiday to kickoff fight week for their highly anticipated clash on May 9 at Minute Maid Park and live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®. The fighters greeted Houston fans at a special Cinco De Mayo Fan Fiesta hosted by Corona and HEB and then sped off to attend the ceremonial coin toss for the Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes game along with Oscar De La Hoya, President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets for May 9 Canelo vs. Kirkland are priced at $350, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.