They threw a CompuBox record 3353 punches. they landed over 1100, but it was Jesus Soto Karass closed out his career with a 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated Neeco Macias in a junior middleweight bout at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

In round two, Macias was cu over his right eye. the two fighters threw non-stop punches with Soto Karass landing the more meaningful blows.

Soto Karass, 152.4 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and he finishes his career out at 29-13-4. Macias, 153.4 lbs of Palm Desert, CA is 17-1.

“I feel happy. I fought against a great warrior,” said Jesus Soto Karass. “I always say that whether it’s a win, a loss or a draw, the fans always win when they see one of my fights. I will speak with my team to see if this will be my last bout.”

“I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be in the ring with this great warrior,” said Neeco Macias. “I want to thank all of the fans for coming out tonight. We do this for you!”

Manny Robles III won a 10-round split decision over Jose Gonzalez in a featherweight fight.

Robles, 125.4 lbs of Paramount, CA won two cards 97-93 and 96-94. Gonzalez took a card 96-94.

Robles is 17-0. Gonzalez, 125.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 23-7.

“I could have done better tonight,” said Manny Robles III. “He was very awkward and hard to hit. I don’t agree with the decision. I felt I won by unanimous decision, but I’m happy we got the win.”

Emilio Sanchez won a 10-round technical unanimous decision over Enrique Bernache in a super featherweight bout.

Bernache was cut over his left eye and the bout was stopped in the final frame.

Sanchez, 127.2 lbs of Pacoima, CA won by scores of 100-91, 99-92 and 97-94, and is now 17-1. Bernanche, 127.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-12.

“It was tough fight and I could have done better,” said Emilio Sanchez. “When he came at me at the beginning of the fight, I decided to keep my composure and stick to the game plan.

D’Mitrius Ballard won an eight-round unanimous decision over Alan Campa in a super middleweight bout.

Ballard, 166.8 lbs of Temple Hills, MD won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 to remain perfect at 19-0. Campa, 166.8 lbs of Guaymas, MEX is 17-4.

“This was my first fight in 15 months,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I was off due to some outside issues, but I’m back. I was shaking off some ring rust, and after a layoff like that, I want to come back as soon as possible.”

By Bart Barry-

Late Thursday night on one of ESPN’s innumerable affiliates Dominican journeyman Juan Carlos Abregu beat up Mexican journeyman Jesus Soto Karass. The match would prove a good offramp for Soto Karass if he let it, but surely we know he probably will not.

Whenever I think of Soto Karass I think of Antonio Margarito, the star of the Siete Mares stable to which Soto Karass belonged for much of his career. Soto Karass was his own man, of course, but he was a poor-man’s Margarito to most of us. His career went as experts initially predicted Margarito’s would go – maybe wrangle an upset or two against overhyped contenders but certainly never attain a championship of his own. It speaks to luck th’t Margarito’s style, and perhaps his handwraps, found their perfect matches in Margarito’s physical prime while Soto Karass’ did not come till he was acceleratingly treadworn. Soto Karass was all attrition every time, and if you think that made him noteworthy on undercards comprising mostly fellow Mexicans, you’ve not attended many such undercards.

I was ringside for seven Soto Karass fights but not one time to see him fight. The first time I covered him, May 2006 in Fountain Hills, Ariz., he was 11-3-1 and drew with Manuel Gomez (28-10-1) in what must’ve been a “Solo Boxeo de Miller” main, but none of us was there to see those guys – local prospect Jesus Gonzales sold the tickets, Urbano Antillon went directly through Soto Karass’ older brother Jose Luis in the comain, and Mike Alvarado and Giovani Segura filledout the undercard in their eighth and ninth prizefights respectively. Antillon is the only fighter I remember that night.

Thirteen months later I was beside a ring in the parking lot of a Tucson nightclub when Soto Karass retired “Cool” Vince Phillips – the man who once stopped Kostya Tszyu and Mickey Ward two months apart in 1997 (guys used to fight that often men of that quality) – but that night I was more interested in seeing Mike Alvarado again. What I remember from that parkinglot was watching Telefutura’s Bernardo Osuna improvise an entire opening bit off a few lines scribbled on an index card taped to the bottom of his camera, and watching a broken Phillips beg for a postfight interview to announce his retirement in English on a Spanish-language broadcast that ran out of time and didn’t let him, which meant Phillips fought again and lost again, this time in Russia, 11 months later.

The first time I covered Soto Karass in a mainevent came in July 2008 at Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas on the eve of Margarito-Cotto 1, and I remember no boxing from that weekend except Margarito’s bludgeoning of Cotto. Writing of Cotto, the next time I covered a Soto Karass match from ringside he was down the marquee, losing to Alfonso Gomez in the co-co-main of Pacquiao-Cotto, and more to the point in the enviable position of following “Son of the Legend” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s decisioning Troy Rowland (result subsequently changed). I vaguely recall being impressed by Gomez a bit, and I verily recall the childlike enthusiasm we all had in the pressroom immediately after Pacquiao ragtagged Cotto: Manny’s going to fight Floyd next!

Instead Manny fought Joshua next in Cowboys Stadium, and when Manny returned to Texas in November 2010 to fight Margarito, himself returning from banishment, Soto Karass got sneaked-past by an undefeated Mike Jones, and I have a slight recollection of feeling disappointed for Soto Karass. Too, I was in Las Vegas the night Soto Karass got iced by Marcos Maidana, but I was with every other aficionado at Thomas & Mack to see Sergio Martinez barely escape Son of the Legend, not partaking of the Canelo sideshow at MGM Grand.

And I’m proud to say I was ringside for Soto Karass’ biggest and probably final victory when he got off the bluemat in round 11 to stop Andre Berto at AT&T Center in my adopted hometown of San Antonio. That was an attrition lover’s feast – as Soto Karass willed his way through Berto just after Omar Figueroa and Nihito Arakawa fortituded one another relentlessly for 36 minutes. Five months later, in December 2013, Soto Karass returned to Alamo City and got stopped by Keith Thurman at Alamodome in a comain whose memory was steamcleaned by what Maidana did to Adrien Broner immediately thereafter. Since then Soto Karass is 0-4-1 (2 KOs), though with two memorable showings against Yoshihiro Kamegai.

Thursday night Soto Karass was nearly returned whence he started, fighting on an afterthought Golden Boy Promotions card in the ballroom of an Arizona casino – though it bears mention the match was being judged by Roger Woods, formerly his state’s best matchmaker, and had Soto Karass gotten to the final bell at least one scorecard would’ve proved unimpeachable. The match did not get to the final bell, Soto Karass did not get there, falling overknee forward onto a right uppercut in round 8 then getting dropped. Soto Karass rose unconsciously, proof such things are habitforming, nodded to his cornermen he was continuing, then raised his hands unbidden overhead to assure the ref he was able. The end came pretty quickly after that and ugly.

One suspects such an end be too symmetrical for Soto Karass to retire. Thursday was a 10-rounder. Next year’ll likely see him lose an eightrounder and so forth till the purses become too tiny to bother.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

By Norm Frauenheim-

TUCSON, Ariz. – It was a tough way to say goodbye, so tough that Jesus Soto Karass might want to try it all over again.

Juan Carlos Abreu knocked out any chance that Soto Karass might have had at celebrating a farewell with a victory Thursday night in an ESPN-televised fight at Casino Del Sol.

Abreu delivered a couple of huge lefts, dropping Soto Karass twice in the eighth round and nearly sending him through the ropes, if not into retirement, with the second knockdown in a powerful TKO of the popular Mexican.

For Abreu (20-3-1, 19 KOs), the victory gave him some hope to think that maybe he can still be a welterweight contender. For Soto Karass (28-13-4, 18 KOs), the crushing defeat looked like just another reason to walk away from his 16-plus years throwing – and taking — punches

But Soto Karass wasn’t ready say farewell. After he got up from the crushing finish at 1:07 of the eighth, he stood on the ring’s bottom rope and waved at the crowd almost as if he had won. It wasn’t a gesture of farewell. He was saying thanks.

“Thanks to my fans,’’ said Soto Karass, who wasn’t sure about retirement before opening bell.

He wasn’t sure after referee Rocky Burke had ended it , either

“I will sit down with my manager and my family, talk to them, then decide.’’

It was clear to Soto Karass that his Mexican fans haven’t given up on him. Maybe that’s because he never gives up, at keast not in the ring. It was evident in the early going that it would only be a matter of time before the stronger, more mobile Abreu would catch Soto Karass, who as a boxer is as pedestrian as he is fearless. He just kept moving forward.

“I just got caught, really caught by a punch from a guy who can really punch,’’ he said.

The finishing blows might have come earlier. However, Abreu, a Dominican, said he hurt his right hand in the second round. He said planned to have a physician examine the hand to determine whether he sustained a serious injury.

He said the pain made him cautious from the third round through the seventh. There were moments in the sixth and again in the seventh when it looked as if Soto Karass would simply try to wait him out, perhaps wear him out. In the eighth, the stubbornly persistent Soto Karass walked into the only good hand Abreu still had. Then, it landed once and then a second time, finishing a fight, if not a career.

In the co-main event, junior-lightweight prospect Ryan Garcia (12-0, 11 KOs) came into the ring to classical music. Garcia, of Victorville, Calif., wore black-and-white shorts that could of come out of the 1950s. They were black-and-white. They also were made in honor of the late Jake LaMotta, whose Raging Bull nickname was stitched across the back of the trunks alongside 1922-2017, the years of LaMotta’s birth and death.

It was an old-school look. It was an old-school win, too. Garcia’s power stole the show, overwhelming an overmatched Cesar Valenzuela (14-6-1, 5 KOs). A Garcia left, traveling at blinding speed, knocked down Valenzuela in the first round. Another finished him late in third of a bout referee Tony Zaino ended in the final second of the round.

In the telecast’s opening bout, the judges’ scores made it look easy. It wasn’t. Prospect Hector Tanajara Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained junior-lightweight, endured head-rocking shots and stubborn aggressiveness from Mexican Jesus Serrano (17-5-2, 12 KOs) for eight rugged rounds. In the end, Tanajara relied on his superior reach and bigger body, winning a unanimous decision that was a lot closer than the 80-72, 79-73, 80-72 scorecards.

Best of the Undercard

There were some questionable blows and some real ones. There was a lot of everything. And Mexican German Meraz has seen just about everything. Meraz’ documented record includes 105 fights. Yet he entered the ring with only one draw. Now he’s got two.

Meraz (58-45-2, 35 KOs), of Agua Prieta, danced, smiled, landed punches and took few, yet all of it was only enough for a majority draw with Los Angeles featherweight Rafael Gramajo (9-1-2, 2 KOs) in a wild fight that ended with him ahead on one card, 58-56, and 57-57 on the other two.

The Rest

California bantamweight Cesar Diaz, poised and precise, also improved on a perfect record (6-0, 6 KOs) with a stoppage of Pedro Melo (17-17-2, 8 KOs), a Tijuana fighter who surrendered at 1:10 of the fifth round an injury to his left shoulder.

Junior-welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (1-0), a national amateur champion from Tucson, threw a short hook for what was ruled a second-round knockdown of Jesus Arevalo (2-2) of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and went on to win a unanimous decision in his pro debut.

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TUCSON, Ariz. (Oct. 31, 2017) Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-12-4, 18 KOs) hosted a media workout today at the Pascua Yaqui Wellness Center in Tucson, Arizona ahead of his 10-round welterweight fight against Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (19-3-1, 18 KOs) in the main event of the Nov. 2 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona. Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (11-0, 10 KOs), who will compete in the co-main event in the first defense of his Junior NABF Super Featherweight title against Cesar Valenzuela (14-5-1, 5 KOs), also participated in today’s event. Cesar Diaz (6-0, 5 KOs), the bantamweight prospect who will return in a six-round fight, and Christopher Gonzalez, the 140-pound prospect who will make his professional debut, took part as well.

Below is what the fighters had to say ahead of their respective bouts on the Nov. 2 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:

JESUS “RENUENTE” SOTO KARASS, Welterweight Contender:
“I’m the kind of fighter who brings out the best of myself in every occasion, and this Thursday night will not be an exception. My fans are like my family. They know my strengths and weaknesses, and they know that I always get in the ring to give a good fight.”

“I haven’t really seen Abreu fight, only about one or two rounds, but I know he will come aggressively. He throws a lot of punches just as I do. Though he is younger, I have the experience. I don’t like to give predictions, but I just hope that we both leave the ring healthy and may the best man win.”

RYAN “KINGRY” GARCIA, Junior NABF Super Featherweight Champion
“I’m excited about defending my belt for the first time. But at the same time, it’s just like any other fight. It’s another step. I just need to get over this hurdle. I’ve heard that he [Valenzuela] said he was going to take me some rounds. But I’m extremely prepared. He can go ahead and try.”

“I’ve gotten a very warm welcome in Tucson, Ariz. A fan was waiting for me and even had a rose for my mom. Everyone has been treating me very well. I love the casino and the city. It’s a beautiful place, and it reminds me of my home in Victorville, Calif.”

CESAR DIAZ, Bantamweight Prospect:
“I feel really good. Everything has gone well. Since the start of training camp, I’ve felt great. When it comes to my style, I like to always move forward and attack. I don’t like to sit back and wait for opponents to come to me. This has been my style since the amateurs.”

“I don’t know much about my opponent [Melo]. I focus on my style, my training and on being in tip-top shape so I can be ready for anybody. I trained for and sparred with all kinds of styles, so I’m ready for anything he has to offer.”

CHRISTOPHER GONZALEZ, Super Lightweight Prospect:
“I’m very, very excited to make my professional debut. I’ve been telling all my family, friends and everyone in town to come watch me fight. There’s no place like my hometown. I love Tucson, and I’m happy to make my debut here. When it comes to my style, I like to box. Jabbing is my strength, along with my timing and speed.”

Soto Karass vs. Abreu, a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Showdown Promotions and sponsored by TECATE, THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle” takes place Nov. 2 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 live coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show currently on sale and range from $45.00-$125.00 (includes convenience fee). Tickets are available for purchase at the Casino Del Sol gift shop and online at www.casinodelsol.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/SotoKarassAbreu. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxeo. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

About Casino Del Sol:
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Ariz., the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with nearly 20,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol, Arizona’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond casino resort, one of the Best Hotels in Arizona named by U.S. News & World Report; Casino of the Sun; AVA Amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue named Casino Arena/Amphitheater of the Year by Casino Entertainment Awards; Sewailo Golf Club, a par-72 championship course designed by Notah Begay III; and the Del Sol Marketplace. For more information, call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765-7829) or visit www.CasinoDelSol.com. Follow Casino Del Sol on Facebook and Twitter.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 22, 2017) Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-12-4, 18 KOs), the welterweight warrior of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, will return to the ring against fellow veteran Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (19-3-1, 18 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN on November 2 from Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 live coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Soto Karass has faced a who’s who of welterweight
champions and contenders, including tough fights against two-division champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, current unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman, and a pair of all-out wars against Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai. Soto Karass also possesses a spectacular 12th-round technical knockout victory against former WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto. Soto Karass is coming off a back-and-forth war against former WBA Interim Super Lightweight champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and is guaranteed to bring fireworks every time he steps into the ring.

“I have faced the best, I have beaten the best, and I am looking forward to adding Abreu to my list of victories,” Soto Karass said. “My goal is to get back in the mix of the welterweight title picture and a big win on November 2 will show the fans that I can beat anyone.”

Abreu himself has also faced tough competitors, including WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Pablo “El Demoledor” Cesar Cano and former two-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto. The 30-year-old native of the Dominican Republic will look to take another chance at rising in the welterweight rankings, but only if he can defeat his toughest challenge yet against Soto Karass.

“Of my 19 victories, I have knocked out 18 opponents and Soto Karass is next,” Abreu said. “He hasn’t won in five fights, and there’s no way he’s getting back on the winning track against me.”

Tickets for the show currently on sale and range from $45.00-$125.00 (includes convenience fee). Tickets are available for purchase at the Casino Del Sol gift shop and online at casinodelsol.com.

Soto Karass vs. Abreu, a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Showdown Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, Born BOLD and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle” takes place Nov. 2 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 live coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/SotoKarassAbreu. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Karass vs. Abreu must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at 5:00 p.m., and can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxeo. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

About Casino Del Sol:
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Ariz., the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with nearly 20,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol, Arizona’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond casino resort, one of the Best Hotels in Arizona named by U.S. News & World Report; Casino of the Sun; AVA Amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue named Casino Arena/Amphitheater of the Year by Casino Entertainment Awards; Sewailo Golf Club, a par-72 championship course designed by Notah Begay III; and the Del Sol Marketplace. For more information, call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765-7829) or visit www.CasinoDelSol.com. Follow Casino Del Sol on Facebook and Twitter.

In what was expected to be an all-out war, the fight lived up to the billing as Mauricio Herrera took a ten-round majority decision over Jesus Soto Karass in an action packed welterweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California

In round nine, Herrera was cut over his right eye. the two battled toe-to-toe down the stretch with each fighter getting as good as they were giving, which was much to the delight to the fans. In the end, it was Herrera who took two cards at 96-94 while a 3rd card read even at 95-95.

Herrera, 145.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 24-7. Soto Karass, 146 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 28-12-4.

“Give me two months, and I’ll be back,” said Mauricio Herrera. “I felt like I started out strong, landing my jab, and was controlling the fight smart. By the end of the fight, I was standing a bit more and landing more of the obvious open shots.”

Herrera continued, “I will give him the later rounds, because I do feel that he came in strong; however I feel like overall my team played a strong clean, fight. I knew he was coming off a long lay-off, so I knew he was going to come in at 110 percent and just as good as he was before he took a year off. I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

“I feel like an injustice was just committed,” said Jesus Soto Karass. “So much hard work that went into this. I had to drop 40 pounds to be able to take this fight, and my team and I feel like all the runs up Mt. Baldy, diet restrictions, and the work that we displayed in the ring tonight should have merited the win.”

Soto Karass continued, “At the end of the day, as I have said before, the people who won today was the public who enjoyed and supported us. At this height of my career, I have to go back to my family, and we are going to have to make some tough decisions. Above all though I am content and am happy that I took this fight.”

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy stopped Todd Unthank-May after round seven of a scheduled ten round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Unthank-May was cut around the left eye from a right hand. Shabranskyy was cut around the right eye a round later.

Shabranskyy started belting the tough-chinned Unthank-May was countless power shots and the fight was stopped in the corner after round seven.

Shabranskyy, 174.8 lbs of Los Angeles is now 19-1 with 16 knockouts. Unthank-May, 174.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-1-1.

“I’m happy to have my belt back,” said Vyacheslav Shabranskyy. “I learned a lot from my fight against Barrera, and I’ve been working on moving my head and body a lot more. He was a tough guy. I have 20 fights in my career, and I am ready to start taking on bigger fights again.”

Nico Valdes went the distance for the first time, but remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Jaime Solorio in a super middleweight bout.

Valdes, 163.8 lbs of Miami won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 6-0. Solorio, 165 lbs of San Quintin, MX is 7-4-2.

“At the end of the day, I have to do what I have to do to win and sometimes that won’t look very pretty or impress the crowd,” said Niko Valdes. “His face looks a lot worse than mine, the only reason he looked like he was winning was because he was applying more pressure than me. I still won

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LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2017): Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (23-7, 7 KOs) and Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) hosted a media workout today at the Azteca Boxing Club to promote their anticipated 10-round welterweight crossroads fight on the August 4th edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The fight will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9:00 P.M. ET/ 6:00 P.M. PT.

In the co-main event, Vyacheslav “Lionheart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) will battle Todd “2 Gunz” Unthank-May in a 10-round fight for the USNBC Light Heavyweight title. Marvin Cabrera (4-0, 4 KOs) will take a step up in competition when he takes on Esau Herrera (19-8-1, 10 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight fight. Super flyweight prospect Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (6-1, 6 KOs) is set to face Antonio Rodriguez (8-17-1, 5 KOs) of Durango, Mexico in a six-round affair. Cesar Diaz (5-0, 4 KOs) of Palmdale, California will open up the night’s action in a six-round bantamweight fight against Angel Monrreal (10-9-1, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

This is what the fighters had to say about their bouts on the August 4th edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:

MAURICIO “EL MAESTRO” HERRERA, Welterweight Contender:

“I’m very excited for this fight. I’ve been working on my boxing. Something from my past fights, I’ve see all the things I’d done wrong. I’ve woken up for this fight, and I’m putting everything into this fight. I want to win.”

JESUS “RENUENTE” SOTO KARASS, Welterweight Contender:

“I feel very content and very enthusiastic because we are going to fight here at home, here in California. It will gather the people of Herrera and the people of Soto Karass at the Fantasy Springs Casino. I feel very happy and very motivated to fight in front of my people. I received a lot of love from the people of California. ”

“The preparation has been intense, but we have done a good job. I feel very confident in the preparation we have done. Up there in the ring, everything can happen.”

VYACHESLAV “LION-HEART CHINGONSKYY” SHABRANSKYY, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m very excited to be back to the ring. I prepped for this. I trained hard. I feel good.
I always try to do something new. I want to bring more power. Training camp, it’s the best. Everything’s so good. I feel like I’m ready. I don’t really know a lot about [Todd Unthank-May]. He’s a really dangerous opponent. It’s going to be a tough fight.”

MARVIN CABRERA, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I feel very excited. The first time [I fought in Fantasy Springs] it was such a good fight, that I am looking forward to putting on another great performance with my second fight there. I feel very comfortable there, and I’m sure everyone will be able to see that come Fight night.”

RICARDO “EL NIÑO” SANDOVAL, Super Flyweight Prospect:

“I’ve always had a dream to do professional boxing. I’ve had a lot of professional experience in Mexico. I’m hoping to get more experience. I was working on everything: movements, my power rifts, speed, and strength. I’m hoping for better thing with my career, I want to get onto another level.”

CESAR DIAZ, Bantamweight Prospect:

“I’m extremely excited. It’s my first fight [at Fantasy Springs]. It’s a great place to fight. Preparation was good. My coach came up with a lot of ideas. I learned a stiff jab and to keep up pressure. I want to be recognized after this fight.”

Herrera vs. Soto Karass, a 10-round welterweight fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, Born BOLD and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 9:00 p.m. ET/6: 00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/HerreraSotoKarass into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

INDIO, CA (July 21, 2017): As temperatures begin to swelter in Coachella Valley, so will the ring at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a true crossroads fight between Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (23-7, 7 KOs) of Riverside, CA and Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico. The two will face each other in a 10-round make-or-break welterweight war on the August 4th edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, to air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 P.M. EST/6 P.M. PST. Doors to the action at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center will open at 4:00 p.m. PT.

Special guest and VIP of the night will be former three-time WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez (44-5, 32 KOs) who is revered for his series of four legendary fights against fellow Mexican compatriot, Rafael Marquez. Vazquez was also a longtime holder of the IBF, Lineal and Ring Magazine titles twice from 2005 to 2008. Vazquez will be in attendance for the fights and will be on site to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN broadcast begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

As chief support, heavy-hitter Vyacheslav “Lionheart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) of Los Angeles will be up against rising Philly contender Todd “2 Gunz” Unthank-May (10-0-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title. “Chingonskyy” will be on the lookout to take back the light heavyweight belt he lost to Sullivan Barrera this past December.

Hoping to make TV, undefeated Niko “Baby Face” Valdez (5-0, 5 KOs) will face Jaime “Zarco” Solorio (7-3-2, 5 KOs) of San Quintin, Mex. in a six-round super middleweight bout in hopes to continue his impressive knockout streak.

In a six-round super welterweight bout, LA’s Marvin Cabrera (4-0, 4 KOs) will take a massive step up in competition with Esau Herrera (19-8-1, 10 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Mex. Cabrera was last seen knocking out Quantavious Green at the prestigious 8th Annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” charity boxing event hosted by legend Sugar Ray Leonard this past May.

Riverside, CA’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (7-1, 7 KOs) will be fighting Durango, Mex.’s Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez (8-17-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round super flyweight match up. Known to bring the action, East L.A’s Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (10-0, 6 KOs) will participate in his first eight-round fight in a super lightweight bout against Durango, Mex.’s Angel Sarinana (7-6-2, 3 KOs). Opening up the night’s festivities and representing Palmdale, CA, Cesar Diaz (5-0, 4 KOs) will go up against Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-9-1, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Mex. in a six-round bantamweight affair.

Herrera vs. Soto Karass, a 10-round welterweight fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, Born BOLD and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 9:00 p.m. ET/6: 00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/HerreraSotoKarass into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2017): SoCal boxing in the desert will sizzle on Friday, August 4, as two of the longest reigning welterweight contenders meet in a true crossroads fight. Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (23-7, 7 KOs) of Riverside, CA and Jesus “El Renuente” Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico face each other in a 10-round bout. The August 4 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 P.M. EST/6 P.M. PST.

Herrera, a former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion, was last seen coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over the rugged Hector “Charro Negro” Velasquez on the inaugural edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in March. Now, Herrera will take a step closer to title contention territory when he takes on seasoned fight veteran Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass.

“This is life or death for me, because both Soto Karass and I potentially have our careers on the line in this ‘make or break’ fight,” Herrera said. “In order to catapult myself back to title contention, I know the most important step will be preparing harder than ever to ensure the victory come fight night.”

Having fought in back-to-back bloodbaths with Japanese warrior Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, Jesus Soto Karass will be well prepared for the challenge to demonstrate he is still a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.

“Mark my words, on August 4, the fans will witness a comeback as they’ve never seen before in the ring. This could be one of my last chances to go all-out in the ring, and I want to be sure it happens in this fight,” said Soto Karass. “I know Herrera has accomplished a lot in his career, but this win means more to me and my legacy.”

The televised co-main event will feature Vyacheslav “Lionheart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) of Los Angeles against rising Philly contender Todd “2 Gunz” Unthank-May (10-0-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title. Having previously defended the title five times, the crowd can be sure Shabranskyy will be returning to the ring with a vengeance to reclaim what was once his.

Herrera vs. Soto Karass, a 10-round welterweight fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” and Hennessey, Never Stop, Never Settle. The ESPN and ESPN Deportes coverage begins live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 9:00 p.m. EST/6: 00 p.m. PST, and will stream live on ESPN3 via the ESPN App beginning 7:30 p.m. EST/ 4:30 p.m. PST.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.FantasySprings.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/HerreraSotoKarass into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Follow all the action as Roman Gonzalez tries to become a 4-division world champion when he takes on Carlos Cuadras for the WBC Super Flyweight title.  The action begins at 10 PM ET with a rematch of welterweights between Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai

Round 1: Cuadras jabbing to the body..left from Gonzalez

Round 2  Good hook from Cuadras…Right from Gonzalez

Round 3 Cuandras lands a nice right…Good pressure for Gonzalez

Round 4 Gonzalez stalking…Cuadras trying to land shots…Gonzalez left eye swelling..good uppercut from Cuadras..

Round 5  Good uppercut from Cuadras…Good right…combination..Good right from Gonzalez..Good body shot..Flurry from Cuadras

Round 6 Good hook from Cuadras..Gonzalez left side of face is swelling and now a cut over his right eye..Cut caused by a punch

Round 7 Flurry from Gonzalez..Big left hook from Cuadras..Good hook from Gonzalez..

Round 8 Good right from Gonzalez…Hard right….exchange left hook..uppercut flurry from Cuadras…Cuadras cut over right eye–From a headbutt

Round 9 Body shot hurts Cuadras…right over the top..Good body shot from Cuadras..left from Gonzalez…4 good rights from Cuadras..right uppercut from Gonzalez..good hook..Good right from Cuadras…

Round 10 Left from Cuadras..Body shot from Gonzalez..

Round 11 Right uppercut from Gonzalez..Gonzalez relentless…Good body shot from Cuadras and another

Round 12 Gonzalez landing straight punches…

117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 for Roman Gonzalez

Punch stats:  Gonzalez 323 of 985   Cuadras 253 of 895

Round 1 Hooks by Kamegai…Body shot hurts Kamegai….3 Body shots from Kamaegai..right to head..good right..Right uppercut from Soto Karass

Round 2 Uppercut landing uppercuts…body work..left to body from Kamegai..right to body..good left..Karrass lands body shots and upperuts

Round 3 Kamegai lands a left to body…good right

Round 4 Good over hand right from Soto Karass..Good right

Round 5 Right to body from Kamegai..Big left hook from Karass..Body shot by Kamegai..Right to body..good right from Karass..

Round 6 Kamegai lands a liver shot..Good left hook

Round 7 Kamegai  lands a right…Hard body shot hurts Soto Karass..Left hook from Soto Karras..another..left ..right..left to the body..

Round 8 Body shot hurts Soto Karas…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SOTO KARASS..3 hard uppercuts…Soto Karass lands a big right…SOTO KARASS WILL NOT CONTINUE AFTER THE ROUND

HBO Boxing presents day-night action from two continents, highlighted by a pair world championship fights featuring two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound performers, when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. KELL BROOK AND ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ VS. CARLOS CUADRAS AND YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI VS. JESUS SOTO KARASS 2 is seen SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, first at 5:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from London and then at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Inglewood, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will 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: Sept. 11 (9:15 a.m.) and 12 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 11 (4:15 p.m.) and 13 (midnight)

The tripleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

At 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT), from The O2 in London, powerhouse Gennady Golovkin (35-0, 32 KOs), originally from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and now training at Big Bear, Cal., defends his middleweight crown against Kell Brook (36-0, 25 KOs), from Sheffield, England, in a scheduled 12-round contest.

Seeking his 17th consecutive successful 160-pound title defense, Golovkin is drawing closer to Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 successful middleweight title defenses. On a 22-bout knockout streak, Golovkin has compiled an extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio of 91%, and no opponent has gone the distance with him since June 2008. Trained by the highly regarded Abel Sanchez, he will be making his 11th appearance on HBO since his auspicious Sept. 2012 debut on the network.

With a 69% knockout-to-victory ratio, Brook became the British welterweight champion in 2008 and is a current world welterweight champion. Having defended his title successfully three times, he is moving up two weight classes to take on the formidable Golovkin.

At 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), from The Forum in Inglewood, Cal., the primetime bouts kick off with Yoshihiro Kamegai (26-3-2, 23 KOs), from Tokyo, Japan, taking on Jesus Soto Karass (28-10-4, 18 KOs) of Los Moches, Mexico, who now lives in North Hollywood, Cal., in a scheduled ten-round super welterweight fight. These ring warriors fought to a split-decision draw in April and now look to settle the score in their heated rivalry.

Then, undefeated fighters Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0, 38 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, and Carlos Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, meet in a scheduled 12-round super flyweight title fight. Gonzalez has brought worldwide attention to the lower weight divisions with his speed and power, boasting an 84% knockout-to-win ratio. Cuadras, with a 75% knockout-to-win ratio, is a super flyweight champion and looks to halt Gonzalez’s quest for a world title in a fourth weight class.

The primetime presentation will also feature a replay of the Golovkin-Brook bout from earlier in the day. Immediately following all the boxing action, HBO Sports will premiere at approximately 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH, a special chronicling the path to the Sept. 17 junior middleweight pay-per-view title fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook/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; producers, Dave Harmon, Jon Crystal, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 9, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions rolled out the red carpet in celebration of a year’s worth of action-packed fights in partnership with Estrella TV for the September 9 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB in downtown Los Angeles. Celebrities and fight fans piled into a sold-out Belasco Theatre to witness a night of stellar performances that only Golden Boy Promotions could put together. Celebrities in attendance included Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, International Music Producer and Celeb Judge on Estrella TV’s “Tengo Talento Mucho Talento” Pepe Garza, stars from Estrella TV’s Smash Hit “Rica Famosa Latina”including Victoria del Rosal, Luzelba Mansour, Niurka Marcos, Sissy Fleitas, Sandra Vidal, Mayeli Rivera, and Andrea Garcia, Fenomeno Studios Celebrity Vlogger Elisa Beristain, and Golden Boy Promotions professional fighters: “King” Gabriel Rosado, Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass , NABO Lightweight Champion Michael “The Artist” Perez, NABA Featherweight Champion Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez, Undefeated NABA Super Featherweight Champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Nick “La Calavera” Arce, Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro, Joshua “The Professor” Franco, Hector “Finito” Tanajara Jr, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez, Niko “Baby Face” Valdes, David Mijares, and Rafael “El Alikin” Gramajo.

In the main event of the night, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico native Antonio “La Joya” Gutierrez (20-2-1, 9 KOs) faced the tough Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-6-1, 26 KOs) of Manati, Puerto Rico in a 10-round middleweight event. The classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle kept all the fight fans at the edge of their seat as both fighters aggressively pressured each other in 10 intense rounds. In the first round Gutierrez, was shaken holding on to the ropes, while Melendez was visibly shaken in rounds seven and eight. After 10-rounds of intense continual action the judges ruled in favor of Gutierrez with scores of 97-92, 97-92, and 96-93, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

“These Mexico versus Puerto Rico fights are always a war,” said Gutierrez. “I came in knowing we were going to go the distance. He was a tough opponent, and he made me fight for this win. I came out with more Mexican pride in my heart, and I am glad that I was able to provide a good show for the fans.”

In the co-main event, Buena Park, California’s Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (15-0, 13 KOs) clashed against Phoenix, Arizona’s Jonathan “Johnny” Corrales (8-3-2, 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout. Corrales hit the mat after “Chimpa” launched a left hand uppercut and left hand hook in the first round; however Corrales got back up, and withstood the rest of the round. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for the knock out artist, as Gonzalez stopped Corrales at the 1:57 mark in the second round, maintaining his undefeated status.

“It feels really special to fight at LA FIGHT CLUB,” said Gonzalez. “I was on the first edition when they first opened LA FIGHT CLUB, and I love fighting here. With every fight, the game plan is to go for the knock out, and I was glad I was able to get it with this fight.”

Opening up the televised portion of the night, Parral Mexico’s Oscar Duarte (7-0-1, 3 KOs) performed in a four round lightweight bout against Tamaulipas, Mexico’s Rafael Reyes (6-9, 5 KOs). Duarte landed some tough punches, causing Reyes to hit the mat in the second round after a frenzy of blows. Reyes, demonstrating his endurance and retaliated with combinations at Duarte. The fight went the distance, and with a score of 38-37, the judges all unanimously agreed that Duarte was the victor.

“He was a tough fighter, and I’ve learned a lot,” said Duarte. “I knew he was going to get back up after he hit the mat, and I was ready to finish all four rounds. I am excited to hit the gym and train hard to keep up my undefeated record.”

Tenochtitlan Nava (3-0, 1 KO) dazzled the crowd in a super featherweight match that only lasted three of the four scheduled rounds against Juan Byrand of Laredo, Texas(1-5-1). “T-Dog” was in clear control, as he led Byrand to the ropes various times throughout the bout releasing a storm of heavy hitting punches. It was at the 1:47 mark on the clock in the third round where the judges called the fight, giving Nava his first career technical knockout.

“I got my first knock out of my career tonight, which makes me feel great about how we have been training,” said Nava. “I don’t think the win is going to hit me, and I am so glad my fans came out to support me. They aren’t just my fans, they are lovers of boxing.”

Lamont Roach, Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs), of Washington D.C. represented the East Coast in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight fight against Mexico City’s Mario Macias (26-19, 14 KOs). Roach, Jr. landed some powerful punches, destabilizing Macias and causing the referee to start the count. In the second round. Roach, Jr’s one-two combinations hurt the fighter, with body punches that slowly broke down the fighter, causing him to drop to the mat. Macias valiantly rose back up, only to fall again at the beginning of the third round, leading for the referee to call the fight at the seven second mark.

“I spar with world champions, former world champions, and anything else in-between,” said Roach, Jr. “I knew Macias was tough since he had fought for world titles before in his career, making me enter the ring even more cautious and even more determined. I knew my punches were breaking him down at the beginning, and it was going to be a matter of time before I knocked him out.”

Edgar Valerio (8-0, 4 KOs) opened the nights action as he fought against Emmanuel Castro (2-3, 2 KOs) of Los Mochis, Valerio set the tone of the night, entering in calm and relaxed. It was in the second round that Castro turned up the heat, launching a series of hits to Valerio’s face resulting in a cut over his eye. The two fighters went the distance and engaged in a series of exchanges that had fans cheering them on. By the end of the fight it was clear that Valerio was the victor, and he was granted a unanimous decision victory by the judges.

“I’m glad we go the win tonight,” said Valerio. “However, I am disappointed in myself for not making it through all six rounds straight. I wanted to give the fans tonight a show worth watching, and this was a learning experience for me. My opponent sure could take a punch, and I can’t wait to hit the gym to improve for my next performance.”

LA FIGHT CLUB: Gutierrez vs. Melendez was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, September 2 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s multiplatform digital network Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (August 5, 2016) – On this edition of LA FIGHT CLUB, the fans were treated to non-stop action from start to finish at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Special guests in attendance included NBA Superstar Metta World Peace, NABF Super Lightweight Champion Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, NABA Featherweight Champion Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez, Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia, Alexis Rocha, Niko “Baby Face” Valdes and David Mijares, who all sat ringside watching the action.

Fighting in the televised main event on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, Los Angeles local Carlos “The Solution” Morales (14-1-3, 6 KOs) went on an all-out rampage against Luis “La Estrella” Franco (14-2-1, 9 KOs) of Havana, Cuba in a featherweight bout for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight title. The evenly matched fighters exchanged blocks and jabs for all 10 rounds, with both fighters giving it their all. Eventually “The Solution” came out on top as the judges awarded the NABA crown to the LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite with scores of 98-92, 97-93, 96-94.

In the televised co-main event, Glendora, California’s Joet Gonzalez (14-0, 6 KOs) maintained his undefeated status when he took on Los Angeles native Sergio “Micky” Lopez (19-12-1, 12 KOs) in a featherweight bout that went the distance. Gonzalez showed off his impressive left hook throughout the fight, using it to slowly break down Lopez round by round. Lopez countered and went on the defensive, landing shots to the face and body and at times cornered Joet on the ropes. The ninth round was filled with intensity as Joet landed massive jabs to the face, stunning Lopez. The fighters’ fury carried over to the 10th round, with the judges ruling in favor of Gonzalez via unanimous decision.

“I was mad during the fight,” said Joet Gonzalez. “I felt the referee wasn’t doing his job correctly. There were various points during the fight in which my opponent would lean in, head butt and hold me. However, despite the referee not noticing, I am glad the judges took note of my boxing ability. This was my first 10-round fight, and I prepared for this fight a little differently, using strength and weight training. I was able to share the card with my brother, which means a lot to me. We got first round knockout and unanimous decision victories.”

“During the fight, I didn’t think we were that far away points wise. In the end, it was the fans who won tonight,” said Lopez on the fight. “I feel we put on a great show for everybody. After our 30 days, I am going to hit the gym again and look forward to when I’ll hit the mat again to please the crowd.”

In the swing bout of the night, LA’s Angel Bojado (1-0, 0 KO) made his professional debut with a bang by defeating Euris Silverio (0-4) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Knocked down in the second round, Bojado got right back up and went back to business with a vengeance and was awarded a victory by unanimous decision.

“This fight was a long time coming,” said Bojado. “This victory will be the foundation for the rest of my boxing career. It’s been about two years since I have been in the ring, and training hard in North Carolina has paid off. I knew my opponent was tough because all his fights went to the judges for the decision. I am excited to only go up from here.”

Los Angeles local and LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite Pablo “The Shark” Rubio, Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) fought opponent Michael Gaxiola (4-8), of Modesto, CA in a six-round super bantamweight fight. “The Shark” demonstrated his capacity to dominate the ring, throughout the fight by cornering Gaxiola during most rounds. It was during the third round in a series of heated punches that Rubio sustained a cut underneath his right eye from a head butt. Despite the setback, the judges all unanimously agreed that he was the stronger fighter, awarding him the victory of the fight.

“I agree with the judges’ decision and I am happy with my performance tonight,” said Rubio on his unanimous decision win. “I used my jabs and had a lot of movement, which is what I was working on in training camp for this fight. I noticed that I slowed down in the fifth round, however, I still kept my rhythm. My opponent was very technical and he didn’t throw any crazy punches, so I applaud him for a tough fight.”

Glendora, California’s Jousce Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KO) dazzled the crowd in a four-round super featherweight fight against David “Tito” Montes (0-4 KOs) of El Paso, TX, in which he landed a body shot at 1:26 in the first round, to add another knockout to his undefeated record.

“I prepared well for this fight and had great sparring partners in Alex Luna and my older brother Joet Gonzalez,” said Jousce Gonzalez. “I always train for double the amount of rounds and if the knock out comes during the fight, it comes. I’m ready for everything. I’m on fire and in the best shape of my life. I could fight tomorrow if needed.”

Kicking off this fight night with a four-round featherweight fight, Las Vegas’ Francisco “El Alacran” Esparza (3-0, 1 KO) faced Noe Munoz (2-2) of Ciudad Juarez. Ezparza wasted no time getting straight to business by landing a devastating right punch to Munoz’s face, effectively ending the bout by technical knockout in the first thirty seconds.

“I feel amazing,” said Esparza on his victory. “Going in to the fight, you never expect a knock out. I always prepare to go all four rounds. I hope to be back really quick, and I want to thank my team for the opportunity.”

Carlos Morales vs. Luis Franco was a 10-round bout for the NABA Super Featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, Casa Mexico Tequila, Carmelita Coconut Water, and Hands of Stone: The True Story of Robert Duran out in theatres this August. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card was also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected]. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining summer dates taking place August 19, September 2, October 7, November 4 and December 2.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2016) – Following their epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate fight this past April 15, at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, (26-3-2, 23 KO’s) and Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass, (28-10-4, 18 KO’s), will meet in the ring once again on Saturday, September 10 for a highly anticipated re-match from the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto- Karass is a super welterweight clash scheduled to go 10 rounds, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main televised event on HBO World Championship Boxing telecast prior to the world championship fight between undefeated fighters WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s).

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 are on sale through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

“I am very grateful to K2 Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions in making this rematch and honored to be on the Roman Gonzalez- Carlos Cuadras undercard at the Fabulous Forum,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Jesus Soto-Karass and I had a great fight in April. I have a lot of respect for Soto-Karass. He is a warrior. I hope to put on another exciting fight with him in front of the great Southern California Boxing Fans.”

“I am excited to come back to the ring against such a great warrior like Yoshihiro Kamegai,” said Jesus Soto-Karass. “We put on a great show in April and I am sure we will deliver another great show in September. We are both great warriors who come forward and are willing to leave it all in the ring. This re-match will serve for one of us to finally emerge victorious, as we give the fans of Los Angeles a fight of a lifetime.”

“If fans thought the first Kamegai and Soto-Karass fight was an epic Fight of the Year contender, let me just say this—on September 10th, both fighters will be coming back in the ring with a vengeance to prove who is the true winner in this rematch,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Both of these fighters are fierce warriors and the fans can expect to witness what could be the beginning of the next big rivalry in the sport.”

“We’ve very excited to add this highly anticipated rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto-Karass to this outstanding event, “said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “With their first fight ending in a hotly contested draw and the huge demand from fans and media for a rematch, it’s a perfect fit for this card at the Fabulous Forum, home to decades of memorable battles. As we’ve always tried to do, adding a sensational co-feature to this event provides non-stop action for those in the arena. This will be the fourth consecutive time Roman and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin have fought on the same date televised by HBO and this ‘winning combination’ affirms this as the strongest international boxing day of the year.”

In their first bout which ended in a split decision draw (97-93, Kamegai, 96-94 Soto-Karass and 95-95), Kamegai and Soto-Karass delivered an all-out brawl which had fans packed into the Belasco Theater with a special viewing room opened to accommodate the demand. Given the history of both men, there were high expectations placed on the shoulders of Tokyo’s Kamegai and Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Soto-Karass to put on a fight to remember and while such bouts usually fall short of those expectations, that wasn’t the case in April. Both warriors went head-to-head in ten thrilling rounds that had fans in an uproar. When the fight had ended and the judges’ scores were read, no one complained it was a draw because in a bout like that–no fighter deserved to lose. And despite the heated nature of the battle, both fighters have agreed to do it again, with the fans likely to be the biggest winners on September 10.

Mostly fighting in his native Japan, Kamegai burst on to the boxing scene in the United States with a 2014 “Fight of the Year” candidate against former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, an epic 12-round battle that was awarded to the California native. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Kamegai may have only competed a handful of times in the United States, but with his exciting style and fighting spirit, the 33-year-old has built a sizable fan base, one that is expected to grow for his rematch with Soto-Karass. The former OPBF welterweight champion, Kamegai has been to battle with the likes of Johan Perez and Alfonso Gomez, and if he can defeat Soto Karass, it will be the biggest victory of his nearly 11-year career.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, Soto-Karass has faced numerous world champions and contenders over his 15-year career including Keith “One Time” Thurman, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Devon “The Great” Alexander, Yuri Foreman, Alfonso Gomez, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Mike Jones Selcuk Aydin and David Estrada. He is a former NABF and WBC Continental Americas champion who has been thrilling boxing fans since his debut in 2001. Owner of wins over Vince Phillips, David Estrada, Selcuk Aydin and Andre Berto, Soto Karass is an aggressive puncher who can handle himself against any fighter willing to step in the ring to face him. A former world title challenger, Soto Karass knows that a win over Kamegai will keep him on the right track to continue fighting for years to come.

Kamegai vs. Soto-Karass II, is a ten round super welterweight clash presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main event to the world championship fight between WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and undefeated WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s). Both bouts will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.K2Promos.com, www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter for Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, Jesus Soto-Karass @SotoKarassTeam, Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2016) – Following their epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate fight this past April 15, at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, (26-3-2, 23 KO’s)and Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass, (28-10-4, 18 KO’s), will meet in the ring once again on Saturday, September 10 for a highly anticipated re-match from the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto- Karass is a super welterweight clash scheduled to go 10 rounds, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main televised event on HBO World Championship Boxing telecast prior to the world championship fight between undefeated fighters WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s).

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 will go on sale Friday, July 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com,
1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

“I am very grateful to K2 Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions in making this rematch and honored to be on the Roman Gonzalez- Carlos Cuadras undercard at the Fabulous Forum,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Jesus Soto-Karass and I had a great fight in April. I have a lot of respect for Soto-Karass. He is a warrior. I hope to put on another exciting fight with him in front of the great Southern California Boxing Fans.”

“I am excited to come back to the ring against such a great warrior like Yoshihiro Kamegai,” said Jesus Soto-Karass. “We put on a great show in April and I am sure we will deliver another great show in September. We are both great warriors who come forward and are willing to leave it all in the ring. This re-match will serve for one of us to finally emerge victorious, as we give the fans of Los Angeles a fight of a lifetime.”

“If fans thought the first Kamegai and Soto-Karass fight was an epic Fight of the Year contender, let me just say this-on September 10th, both fighters will be coming back in the ring with a vengeance to prove who is the true winner in this rematch,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Both of these fighters are fierce warriors and the fans can expect to witness what could be the beginning of the next big rivalry in the sport.”

“We’ve very excited to add this highly anticipated rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto-Karass to this outstanding event, “said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “With their first fight ending in a hotly contested draw and the huge demand from fans and media for a rematch, it’s a perfect fit for this card at the Fabulous Forum, home to decades of memorable battles. As we’ve always tried to do, adding a sensational co-feature to this event provides non-stop action for those in the arena. This will be the fourth consecutive time Roman and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin have fought on the same date televised by HBO and this ‘winning combination’ affirms this as the strongest international boxing day of the year.”

In their first bout which ended in a split decision draw (97-93, Kamegai, 96-94 Soto-Karass and 95-95), Kamegai and Soto-Karass delivered an all-out brawl which had fans packed into the Belasco Theater with a special viewing room opened to accommodate the demand. Given the history of both men, there were high expectations placed on the shoulders of Tokyo’s Kamegai and Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Soto-Karass to put on a fight to remember and while such bouts usually fall short of those expectations, that wasn’t the case in April. Both warriors went head-to-head in ten thrilling rounds that had fans in an uproar. When the fight had ended and the judges’ scores were read, no one complained it was a draw because in a bout like that–no fighter deserved to lose. And despite the heated nature of the battle, both fighters have agreed to do it again, with the fans likely to be the biggest winners on September 10.

Mostly fighting in his native Japan, Kamegai burst on to the boxing scene in the United States with a 2014 “Fight of the Year” candidate against former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, an epic 12-round battle that was awarded to the California native. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Kamegai may have only competed a handful of times in the United States, but with his exciting style and fighting spirit, the 33-year-old has built a sizable fan base, one that is expected to grow for his rematch with Soto-Karass. The former OPBF welterweight champion, Kamegai has been to battle with the likes of Johan Perez and Alfonso Gomez, and if he can defeat Soto Karass, it will be the biggest victory of his nearly 11-year career.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, Soto-Karass has faced numerous world champions and contenders over his 15-year career including Keith “One Time” Thurman, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Devon “The Great” Alexander, Yuri Foreman, Alfonso Gomez, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Mike Jones Selcuk Aydin and David Estrada. He is a former NABF and WBC Continental Americas champion who has been thrilling boxing fans since his debut in 2001. Owner of wins over Vince Phillips, David Estrada, Selcuk Aydin and Andre Berto, Soto Karass is an aggressive puncher who can handle himself against any fighter willing to step in the ring to face him. A former world title challenger, Soto Karass knows that a win over Kamegai will keep him on the right track to continue fighting for years to come.

Kamegai vs. Soto-Karass II, is a ten round super welterweight clash presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main event to the world championship fight between WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and undefeated WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s). Both bouts will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.K2Promos.com, www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter for Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, Jesus Soto-Karass @SotoKarassTeam, Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
Use the hashtags #KamegaiSotoKarass2 #KSK2 and #GonzalezCuadras to join the conversation on social media.

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions kept its promise in bringing the best to boxing fans, putting together the biggest fight to hit LA FIGHT CLUB yet. Former WBC Continental Americas and former NABF Welterweight Champion Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (29-10-4, 18 KO) faced Japan’s mighty warrior and former OPBF Welterweight Champion Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-4-2, 23 KO) in a spectacular 10-round super welterweight performance at The Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles broadcast live on Boxeo Estellaron Estrella TV. It was a packed house tonight at The Belasco Theater, and the stellar sold out show saw the likes of Golden Boy stablemates Jason “El Animal” Quiqley, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia, Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr., Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, Joet Gonzalez, and Pablo “The Shark” Rubio were in attendance, along with television star Mario Lopez and Golden Boy Promotions President & CEO Oscar de la Hoya, who met and mingled with fans during this action-packed night.

Former WBC Continental Americas and former NABF Welterweight champion, Soto Karass was matched in strength and power by opponent Kamegai, former OPBF Welterweight Champion. The two fighters refused to give the other the upper hand and battled it out until the end, exchanging hits, jabs, and blocks. Both boxers remained adamant against their opponents, each counter punching speedy hits and hard blows. Unable to decide a victor, the judges named a match a draw with scores of 97-93 (Kamegai), 96-94 (Soto Karass), and 95-95.

“This fight was a war, exactly what the fans expected,” said Jesus Soto Karass. “The people truly won tonight. I felt really good in the ring, but Kamegai was a true, Japanese warrior. I feel we both delivered an exciting night of boxing.”

“I’m still getting used to the time zone here, but I feel really good about my performance tonight,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Soto Karass did catch me a few times, but every time he did, he was met with my counterpunches. Soto Karass was the kind of fighter I was expecting to fight-a true warrior.”

Golden Boy Promotions fan favorite, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (16-0, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles added another knockout under his belt tonight with his epic takedown of Chicago’s Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-19-1, 15 KOs) in the eight-round cruiserweight co-main event match-up. From the beginning of the first round, Slava delivered swift blows to Findley’s chest and by the second round, Shabranskyy had his opponent cornered. Findley could only fend off “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” with his blocks for so long as Shabranskyy boxed around his opponent and executed power punches securing him a third round knockout victory.

“I have the best teams and the best fans. I’m so happy Los Angeles has welcomed me to in to their familia,” said Shabranskyy of his victory. “In the ring, I’ve learned to become more patient, waiting for my opponent, but I’m also ready to pounce for an attack. I embrace my “chingonsky” and I’m looking forward to training hard to give my fans more shows.”

Starting off his professional career with a knockout victory, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez, (1-0, 1 KO) took on Archie Weah (1-6) of Norcross, Georgia in an impressive professional debut. The fight began with fire, as both fighters pounced to get their win. However, Weah could not keep up with Gamez’s speed and hard punches, landing a series of punching combinations that put a stop to Weah in the first round.

“I made sure to start the fight slow so I could figure out Weah,” said Genaro Gamez. “Once I was aware of Weah’s style I proceeded to take control of the fight and I am glad I was able to stop him early. I feel excited about this victory as my professional debut and look forward to the next fight.”

Making his professional debut tonight on the super middleweight division, Miami, Florida’s southpaw star Niko “Baby Face” Valdes (1-0, 1 KO) faced Roberto Ramirez (0-3) in a ground shaking first round knockout bash. Beginning the bout, Valdes knocked down his opponent with a hit, after Ramirez got back on his feet he was met first with a body punch and then a series of combination punches to the chest which stopped him the first round.

“Today was the day my dreams came true, just as I envisioned it,” said Valdes of his victory. “As I look forward to my career, I want to aspire to have a career like Canelo, because he is a world champion super-star. In Miami, I train alongside amazing world champs, and they have built me to be an aggressive fighter, prepared for it all.”

Representing East Los Angeles, Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs)brought some serious rumble in to the ring with his third round knockout over Tavorous Teague (3-11-2, 2 KOs) of Paramount, CA in their scheduled six-round welterweight fight. Navarro was applying pressure to Teague the second the bell rang, with his consistent heavy-hitting jabs. In the second round, Navarro’s aggression was mounting and the force proved too much for Teague to handle as he lost his footing, but rebounded looking to catch Navarro. After an exchange of hits and jabs, Navarro came back and took his opponent down in the third round to win the fight via knock out.

“It was a good fight tonight. I came in more patient, waiting to strike,” said Navarro. “I learned a lot from this fight because it was my first time coming across my opponent’s fighting style. I feel ecstatic about adding another knockout, and I am very excited for my next fight.”

Eager to begin his professional boxing career, Glendora, California’s Jousce Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) entered the ring with a bang knocking out opponent Noe Perez (1-2) of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico in the first round as the opening bout of the night. Gonzalez has boxing in his blood as his brother Joet Gonzalez is a professional fighter and his sister is Jajaira Gonzalez is a finalist for the 2016 Olympic Women’s Boxing Team. Gonzalez impressively knocked down Perez three times before the fight was called off by the referee, awarding him his first victory by knockout.

“I feel so blessed to start off my professional career how I did tonight,” said Jousce Gonzalez of his winning knockout. “Coming out to my song, to the lights, and to the fans, I can’t help but feel excited for the future. I’m from a boxing family, and having Joet Gonzalez as my brother makes me really competitive against him, so I push to train harder in the ring and this is what makes me a better boxer.”

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a busy stretch of live combat sports and it begins tonight, Friday, April 15 at 10 p.m. with a live presentation of a surefire “Fight of the Year” candidate on Golden Boy Promotions’ LA FIGHT CLUB, as former WBC Contienntal Americas and NABF welterweight champion Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass (28-10-3, 18 KO) faces Japan’s mighty warrior and former OPBF welterweight champion Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KO) in a 10-round welterweight showdown, co-headlined by an explosive clash between Los Angeles transplant Vyacheslav “Lion Heart” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KO) and seasoned Chicago native Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-18-1, 15 KO). The LA FIGHT CLUB broadcast from downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater will be televised live across Canada.

Less than one hour later, Fight Network presents RFA 37: Viana vs. Clark via short tape delay on Saturday, April 16 at 1 a.m. ET. Emanating from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the championship doubleheader features Devin “Brown Bear” Clark (5-0) fighting for the vacant light heavyweight championship in his hometown against top Brazilian prospect Rafael “Gaucho” Viana (6-0). In the co-main event, Joey “The Beast” Miolla (8-1) and Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (16-2) will battle for the vacant RFA bantamweight crown. In other featured bouts, John Poppie (7-2) meets fellow American middleweight Joseph Gigliotti (6-0), while Matthew Lopez (7-0) looks to extend his perfect run in a bantamweight bout against Eli Finn (5-1). RFA 37: Viana vs. Clark will air live across Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

On Saturday, April 16 at approximately 11 p.m. ET, Fight Network will be joining the UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Evans post-fight press conference live from Tampa, Florida, featuring reactions from Saturday’s card headlined by top 10 light heavyweights Glover Teixeira and Rashad Evans. The press conference will air live on Fight Network in all territories, including the U.S.

On Sunday, April 17 at 9 a.m. ET, Fight Network shifts to live traditional martial arts, as the World Karate Federation presents the Karate1 Premier League Salzburg from Austria. The exclusive North American televised broadcast will air live in Canada and in the U.S. on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable, as well as Roku devices across North America.

On Monday, April 18, Fight Network presents a two-part Combate Americas doubleheader from the Exchange L.A. in Los Angeles, Calif. First, at 9 p.m. ET, Combate Americas: LA Aftershocks will deliver 2+ hours of the first-ever U.S. Hispanic mixed martial arts franchise, including Angel Cruz (5-1) locking horns with submission specialist Mario Navarro (4-4), flashy striker Jonathan Santa Maria (3-2) throwing down with Kyle Estrada (2-2), plus undefeated Duke Roufus protégé Kevin Vazquez (3-0) colliding with aggressive-minded Adam Calderon (5-2). Fight Network re-joins live coverage at 12 a.m. ET (Midnight) with Combate Americas: Road to the Championships 3, headlined by Team Alpha Male member Erick Sanchez (6-2) and potent finisher Mike Segura (4-2) and also featuring a flyweight battle between Jonathan Martinez (7-1) and Jesse Cruz (8-5). The Combate Americas doubleheader will air live on Fight Network across Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

All the live action leads into another busy week, as Fight Network presents extended live coverage of UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux, plus a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 49 from Calgary, Canada on Friday, April 22 at 11 p.m. ET.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

LOS ANGELES (April 13, 2016) – Fighters Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs), Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs) and Jousce Gonzalez, who will make his professional debut, today hosted a Los Angeles media workout ahead of their respective bouts on the April 15 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB.

The fighters came out to show their skills at Westside Boxing Club ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated bouts. Below is what the fighters had to say at the media workout:

JESUS SOTO-KARASS, Super Welterweight Star of the Future:

“Everyone knows I’ve never ducked anyone, I’ve never been scared of anyone, and it’s the same thing now as at the beginning of my career. I’m not afraid of anyone and I’ll fight anyone.

“I would have to say I have had a lot of fights, such as Marcos Maidana, Keith Thurman and Mike Jones, but if I had to pick one out as my best, I’d have to say my fight against Andre Berto, that’s the fight that took me to the next level.

“I’ve faced a lot of power punchers in my career, but if I had to pick one I’d say Mike Jones was the hardest puncher. Kamegai is a warrior and a tough challenge, but I think I won’t have a problem taking his punches.

“As a veteran, I don’t feel old. And like I said, it’s going to be a war. It’s an honor to fight a warrior like Kamegai is.

“Everyone knows that Japanese fighters are warriors, but the winners are going to be the fans that get to watch the fight.”

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI, Super Welterweight Star of the Future:

“I think I am going to be able to put on an exciting bout.

“[Soto] I’ve seen him in so many fights…I have the highest respect for him and am honored to be able to fight him.

“If it turns out to be a brawl, I am going to go out there to win. I am here to win, but I also want to please the fans.

“The excitement of this fight really motivates me to do well. Winning this fight will bring me bigger opportunities

“I remember watching boxing on television, and I got together with my brothers and friends. We would put on gloves and would have boxing matches for fun, and I found this exciting and thrilling. That is when I decided to continue in the sport.

“In Japan boxing is very popular, and they are starting younger now. Since the sport has grown so much and the youth have more interest in the sport, it has contributed to more high-level Japanese boxers in the sport.”

JOUSCE GONZALEZ, Lightweight Star of the Future:

“I am excited. I have been waiting for this for a while.

“I started boxing with my brother (Joet Gonzalez) who is signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and he’s given me the best advice. We try to make each other better.

“My style of fighting…I like to say I’m a boxer puncher. I like to adapt. I have the ability to adapt to any style. I take advantage of my length and power shots inside.

“I’m going to go out there and execute what I did in camp, and I expect a good outcome.”

To accommodate the high demand for the sold-out April 15 LA FIGHT CLUB show featuringsure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ candidate throwdown between Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, an additional ballroom viewing section will open at the Belasco Theater for the first time in LA FIGHT CLUB history. Fans will be able to enjoy the festive fight atmosphere from the upstairs ballroom lounge, complete with live fight commentary, DJ, food, full bar and bottle service. Tickets for Ballroom viewing are just $10 for this Friday’s show and are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold” and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2016) – To accommodate the high demand for the sold-out April 15 LA FIGHT CLUB show featuringsure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ candidate throwdown between Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs) and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs), an additional ballroom viewing section will open at the Belasco Theater for the first time in LA FIGHT CLUB history. Fans will be able to enjoy the festive fight atmosphere from the upstairs ballroom lounge, complete with live fight commentary, DJ, food, full bar and bottle service. Tickets for Ballroom viewing are just $10 for this Friday’s show and are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Televised live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV, the night will also feature cruiserweight colossus Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in the eight-round co-main event against veteran Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-18-1, 15 KOs) of Chicago. In the television opener, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez of San Diego will debut as a professional and as a Golden Boy fighter against Archie Weah of Norcross, Ga. in a four-round super featherweight bout.

In the undercard streamed live on Ring TV, Niko “Baby Face” Valdes of South Beach, Fla. will also make his professional debut in a four-round super middleweight clash against Roberto Ramirez of Navojoa, Mexico.East Los Angeles’ undefeated super lightweight prospect Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) will return to LA FIGHT CLUB in a scheduled six-round super lightweight battle against Los Angeles native Ryan Picou (2-8-1). Opening up the night, Jousce Gonzalez of Glendora, Calif. will make his own professional debut in a four-round lightweight showdown against El Paso, Texas’ Noe Perez (1-1).

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” Carmelita Chorizo and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (April 8) – As the weather heats up, the popular series LA FIGHT CLUB continues to prove month-after-month why it is the hottest place for boxing in Los Angeles as the sure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ candidate between Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs) and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs) featured on the April 15 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB is officially sold out. Live from the Belasco Theater and on Boxeo Estelaron Estrella TV, the series has consistently featured sold-out and near sell-out shows every month in 2016.

As a treat for all local fight fans, Golden Boy Promotions has announced today, the new summer dates for LA FIGHT CLUB. First, WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Ronny Rios (25-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will kick off the summer season on June 3. The fan friendly action continues all summer on July 1, August 5, August 19, September 2, and October 7. Tickets for all shows are on sale with special multi-fight and group ticket discounts available.

“Whether it’s aggressive veterans slugging it out for one last possible title shot or young and hungry prospect looking to move up the ladder, LA FIGHT CLUB delivers high-action fights each and every month,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “When Golden Boy launched this series in March of last year, we knew it would be popular, but as we sell out show after show, it’s clear that local fans are hungry for even more.”

Launched in March of 2015, LA FIGHT CLUB has been thrilling fans in the Southern California area for the past year, along with those tuning in worldwide on Estrella TV and the Ring TV live stream. The series has established a standard of delivering action-packed fights featuring some of the most talented fighters in the sport, which includes Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr., Diego De La Hoya, Manuel “Tino” Avila, Nick Arce, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia, Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez, Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara and Patrick Teixeira, just to name a few. Golden Boy plans on upping the ante this summer following a first quarter that saw the series sell out the Belasco Theater.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale starting at $20 with new Flex Passes, Group Tickets and BORN BOLD upgrades are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” Carmelita Chorizo and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Media interested in attending the April 15 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available here. The deadline to submit a credential application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2016) – Before Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs) and Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs) step into the ring for what is expected to be a sure-fire Fight of the Year candidate at LA FIGHT CLUB on April 15, Golden Boy Promotions will present an exciting cruiserweight warm-up to the main event action at downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater.

Los Angles transplant Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs) will face seasoned fighter Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-18-1, 15 KOs) of Chicago in an eight-round co-main event match-up sure to heat up the night. Opening the Estrella TV broadcast, amateur standout Genaro “El Conde” Gamez of San Diego will make his debut as a professional and as a Golden Boy fighter when he takes on Archie Weah of Norcross, Ga. in a four-round super featherweight event.

Also making their professional debuts during the Ring TV live stream, Niko Valdes of South Beach, Fla. and Jousce Gonzalez of Glendora, Calif. will each participate in respective four-round super middleweight and lightweight fights. Plus, super lightweight prospect Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) will return LA FIGHT CLUB in a scheduled six-round super lightweight battle. Opponents will be announced shortly.

One of the most exciting fighters to emerge from the west coast scene in recent years, Ukrainian-born Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy is thrilling fans in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles. 4-0 in 2015, the last three opponents “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” faced had a combined record of 34-1-1. The 28-year-old Shabranskyy beat them all, most recently defeating 16-1 “El Monstro” Yunieski Gonzalez last December earning himself a spot on the pound-for-pound list in the light heavyweight division.

Derrick “Superman” Findley of Chicago has been in the boxing game since turning professional in 2004. The 31-year-old fighter is a well-known name in his weight class as a boxer who doesn’t go down easily. Former NABF middleweight title holder, Findley trains with some of the biggest names in boxing such as Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, and hopes to bring that same high-energy into the ring come fight night.

East Los Angeles’ Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro has lived up to his nickname thus far, as the 19-year-old has ended three of his four wins by knockout. A regular of the LA FIGHT CLUB series who has fought all of his professional fights at The Belasco Theater, Navarro is the nephew of former Olympian Jose Navarro. “Thunder” hopes to keep up the family tradition of knocking out his opponent this April in his scheduled six-round super lightweight division.

20-year-old Genaro “El Conde” Gamez enters the world of professional boxing after an amateur career that saw him ranked as the number one lightweight in the United States. A 2014 USA Boxing National Champion, San Diego’s Gamez is currently coached by renowned former world champion Robert Garcia. Everyone in the Southern California boxing scene can’t wait to see what this young fighter will bring in the ring to his 4-round super middleweight fight.

Archie Weah of Norcross, Georgia will be back in the action for a televised opening super featherweight bout against professional debut Genaro Gamez. Since turning professional a mere 3 years ago, the Monrovia, Liberia native will be making his second return to the Belasco Theater this year after his brawl with Oscar Duarte in February.

Miami southpaw Niko “Baby Face” Valdes didn’t step into a boxing ring for the first time until he was 18, but he quickly made up for lost time by winning the 2014 National championship as an amateur. By the time his amateur career was over, he was one of the top 178-pounders in the world, and he expects to have even more success as a professional with his debut at LA FIGHT CLUB.

Jousce Gonzalez is part of a fighting family that includes his brothers, undefeated professional Joet Gonzalez, amateur standout JonJairo, and sister 2016 Olympic hopeful, Jajaira, one of the top amateurs in the country. After a stellar amateur career, Glendora’s Gonzalez will enter the professional ring for the first time on April 15 in the four round lightweight opening up the night at LA FIGHT CLUB.

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold” and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Media interested in attending the April 15 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available here. The deadline to submit a credential application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2016) – In a match-up sure to make hardcore fight fans jump out of their chairs, Golden Boy Promotions today announced that former WBC Continental Americas and NABF Welterweight Champion Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass (28-10-3, 18 KO) will face Japan’s mighty warrior and former OPBF Welterweight Champion Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KO) on April 15 in a 10-round super welterweight showdown.

Both fighters have battled in fight of the year candidates and are known for always going for the knockout, making their styles a perfect fit for the high-intensity action that always occurs at LA FIGHT CLUB.

“Every month, LA FIGHT CLUB features the best up-and-coming prospects on the planet, but on April 15, fans will be treated to something different — two veterans who leave everything in the ring every time they fight,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Though the fighters may be at different points in their careers than the prospects we usually feature, they always deliver high-action bouts with potential knockouts in every round – that’s what LA FIGHT CLUB is all about.”

LA FIGHT CLUB, Golden Boy Promotion’s popular series that brought boxing back to downtown Los Angeles, has been a hit since it’s debut in March 2015, often selling out the Belasco Theater. The series stages action-packed fights in an intimate venue, giving fans an unforgettable evening and leading them to return month after month.

Representing Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass is a brawler in the ring and is probably one of boxing’s most underrated fighters. Coming from a boxing family, he turned professional at the age of 18, and his career has spanned to encompass more than 15 years of experience, with an impressive record fighting notable fighters including but not limited to top talents like Alfonso Gomez, Mike Jones, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Marcos “El Chino” Maidana Andre Berto, Keith “One Time” Thurman, Devon “The Great” Alexander, and former world champion Vince Phillips, and winning many welterweight titles, including the WBC Continental Americas and NABF welterweight titles. He is looking to come with a vengeance inside the ring to remind the boxing world of his potential on April 15.

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai began his professional career nearly 10 years ago and quickly became known as a fast and sly slugger, scoring knockout after knockout. He built a stellar reputation in Asia for years, winning regional titles at 140 and 147 pounds.He made his U.S. boxing debut in 2011, securing a victory over Hector “The Hurrican” Munoz at the MGM Grand, but it was a fight he lost to Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in June of 2014 that made him a star on the international scene. His last notable fight was at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in which he won via technical knockout over Oscar “El Tigre” Goody that same year. “El Maestrito” is a force to be reckoned with, and brings his experience to the Belasco Theater’s ring.

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale starting at $20 with new Flex Passes, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrades are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Media interested in attending the April 15 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available here. The deadline to submit a credential application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 4, 2015) – A sold-out LA FIGHT CLUB had all the fans cheering on some of their favorite fighters tonight at the Belasco Theater with the headlining debut of undefeated power-puncher, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (11-0, 10 KOs). Also in attendance enjoying the night’s festivities was Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, newly crowned WBC Silver Featherweight Champion, Ronny Rios, and Golden Boy Promotions fighters, Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez, Roy “Pit Bull” Tapia, Jesus Soto Karass, and Johnathan Navarro. Noe Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox and actor and comedian Johnny Skourtis were also in attendance cheering on some of Los Angeles’ most talented up-and-coming fighters.

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (12-0, 11 KOs) thrilled in an exciting eight-round super featherweight main event fight against the tough Alejandro Ochoa (7-10-2, 1 KOs) of Bell Gardens, Calif. The two fighters clashed in the center of the ring, exchanging combinations from the opening bell. Gonzalez was able to land hard shots that stunned Ochoa in the first round, but the brave Ochoa recovered and landed some hard shots of his own. Midway through the second round, Gonzalez caught Ochoa with a clean uppercut that sent Ochoa to the canvas. Ochoa was able to meet the count and tried to finish the round, but after several shots from Gonzalez, the referee stepped in to end the fight. “Chimpa” continues his knockout streak with a second-round technical knockout victory.

“ I had been training hard and focusing on landing shots like that uppercut that put him down. I knew the body shots I landed early in the fight had a lot of effect and I saw him breathing out of his mouth. The body shots set up my uppercut,” said Gonzalez.

“I prepared for this fight as I would any other fight despite his reputation for having a lot of power. I don’t think his punches bothered me as much as the referee thought and I would have liked to continue, but I will learn from my mistakes and keep improving,” said Ochoa.

In the co-main event of the evening, Rosemead, Calif. transplant Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (12-0, 5 KOs) met Ernesto Guerrero (17-17, 1 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico in an eight-round super bantamweight fight live on Estrella TV. Negrete controlled the action throughout the fight, landing quick combinations and displaying excellent speed. Negrete landed a hard body shot in the third round that sent Guerrero to the canvas. Guerrero answered the count but looked very hurt by the body shot prompting the referee to call a halt to the bout awarding Negrete a third-round technical knockout.

“I had been studying for another opponent but due to a last minute change, I had to come in and figure out a whole new opponent. My trainer deserves a lot of credit because we prepared for another fighter but we were still able to come up with a plan and execute it. It’s great to end 2015 on such a high note and I can’t wait to start 2016 with the same momentum,” said Negrete.

Opening the live broadcast on Estrella TV, Ivan “Striker” Delgado (8-0-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles took on Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr. (5-7-1, 2 KOs) of Meridad, Yucatan, Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout. “Striker” Delgado came out sharp landing crisp, hard combinations to the head and body of Lizarraga Jr. Throughout the fight, Delgado was able to consistently land his left hook and right hand to the head of Lizarraga Jr. Despite a valiant effort from Lizarraga Jr., Delgado dominated the action and was awarded a unanimous decision victory.

“I wanted to show fans that I can box and I can counterpunch as well. I have been training hard and am looking forward to starting 2016 off strong after this victory,” said Delgado.

Nick Arce (6-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles kept his undefeated record intact in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout against Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico’s Ali Gonzalez (6-7-1, 1 KOs). Cheered on by his legion of fans from LA’s Westside Boxing Gym, Arce caught Gonzalez with a right hand to the chin early on in the first round, dropping him to the canvas. Gonzalez met the count and was able to survive the round. The second round was a tactical affair with both men circling and looking for openings. After suffering an injury in a clinch with Arce, Gonzalez dropped to the canvas and was unable to continue, giving Arce a win by second round technical knockout.

“I wasn’t expecting to win this way. I knew that my opponent was a tough fighter, and I would have to close the distance with my reach. I’m looking forward to taking some time off and enjoying it with my family after this win,” said Arce.

Continuing the Ring TV’s live stream, rising star Emilio Sanchez (11-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles faced Juan “Juanito” Hernandez (4-2, 1 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a six-round super bantamweight fight. The two fighters traded shots in the middle of the ring from the opening bell. With a minute left to go in the first round, Sanchez caught Hernandez in between a combination with a monster left hook that sent Hernandez tumbling to the canvas. Hernandez attempted to meet the count, but the referee called a halt to the bout. Sanchez was declared the winner via first round technical knockout, adding another knockout victory to his knockout-heavy resume.

“I had been working on strength training and really liked how it impacted me this fight. I was able to break him down bit by bit with my body shots and then eventually catch him with my hook,” said Sanchez.

Opening up the Ring TV’s live stream, San Antonio’s Joshua Franco (3-0, 2 KO’s) met Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico’s Leonardo Reyes (3-9-1, 1 KOs) in a six-round super flyweight match. Franco came out aggressively, dropping Reyes in the first round. Rising to meet the count, Reyes attempted to finish the round but was overwhelmed by Franco who landed a sustained barrage of punches forcing the referee to stop the fight, awarding Franco the win by first round technical knockout

“I was conditioned and ready to fight a longer fight. Our strategy was to break him down, but it came sooner than expected and I’m thrilled to have gotten the win. He came out swinging but I have always been able to keep my composure and stick to the game plan and it worked out great” said Franco.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Gonzalez vs. Ochoa was an eight-round super featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, December 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT., and was simultaneously streamed live on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

LA FIGHT CLUB is a monthly boxing series that showcases the brightest stars in the sport and present these exciting matchups in a nightclub atmosphere with an original setup. The boxing ring is set on the main floor of the Belasco Theater with on-camera standing room for fans in front of the ring similar to a concert pit, as well as reserved balcony and floor seats. Los Angeles’ own DJ Ray of Big Boy’s Neighborhood spins music during the fights and fans are able to dance and mingle with the fighters when the venue converts into a night club, in a VIP experience not matched by any promoter in the industry.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB #BoxeoEstelar

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 6, 2015) -The latest installment of the popular series LA FIGHT CLUB featured an action packed battle between seasoned fighters Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (32-9-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and Los Angeles resident Miguel Angel “El Anestesista” Huerta (28-13-1, 18 KOs). The 10-round super lightweight main event bout, which was broadcasted live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV, thrilled fans and ended a stacked card in a fierce finale. Golden Boy Promotion’s rising stars Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Ivan “Striker” Delgado, Nick Arce, Pablo “The Shark” Rubio, Carlos “The Solution” Morales and Jesus Soto Karass were all on hand to take in a night of sensational bouts.

The Honorio vs. Huerta battle thrilled the crowd, punctuating a night featuring competitive matchups. True to the spirit of earlier bouts in the evening, Honorio and Huerta traded punches in the center of the ring from the opening bell. The two warriors fought down the stretch, bringing the crowd to their feet. The judges saw the fight 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93, awarding a unanimous decision to Martin Honorio.

“It was a fight of vengeance for me. I knew he was a powerful fighter after fighting against him in the past where I lost a split decision. This unanimous decision win was very satisfying for me,” said Honorio.

“I feel like we delivered a great fight to the people today. I proved that I am a resilient and tough fighter. I feel like a draw would have been fair and that the unanimous decision was to far from what my corner and I saw. As the people saw, I’m not injured and my body feels fine. He didn’t hurt me at all throughout the night and I’m glad that at least I could prove my heart and toughness. I want to keep on fighting and if there is a spot for me in December, ill be back,” said Huerta.

In the co-main event of the evening, local favorite and rising star Joet Gonzalez (12-0, 6 KOs) battled Marcos “No Money” Rios (12-1-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego in an eight-round featherweight bout. Gonzalez dominated the bout early dropping Rios with a huge right hand in the first round but Rios got up and fought on bravely. Gonzalez continued to walk Rios down and ended the bout with punishing left hooks to the body, earning a technical knockout in the fourth round.

“I have been focusing on my conditioning and felt the difference in this fight. I will probably go running again tomorrow and be back in the gym! I can’t wait to get back in the ring again,” said Gonzalez.

In the first televised bout of the evening on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV, Jonathan Navarro (3-0, 2 KO) of East Los Angeles took on Shaun “Buddy Hollie” Henson (2-3, 2 KOs) of Los Lunas, New Mexico in a six-round super welterweight bout. Navarro showcased his skill, landing blistering, sharp combinations to the face and body of Henson. Hard combinations to the body forced Henson to take a knee in the fourth round. Henson met the count but absorbed several more shots to the body, forcing the referee to stop the bout, awarding Navarro his third professional win via technical knockout in the fourth round.

“I am very excited about this win. I felt really prepared having sparred with fighters like Brandon Rios. I was glad I set the tone and was able to pace myself compared to my last fight,” said Navarro.

As part of The Ring TV’s live stream, rising star Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (3-0, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas, made his third LA FIGHT CLUB appearance in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout against Martin Alvarado (7-8, 6 KO’s) of Durango, Mexico. Tanajara Jr. came out aggressive and landed hard, precise shots, sending Alvarado to the canvas twice. A clearly hurt Alvarado met the count but the fight was stopped by referee Lou Moret, earning Tanajara Jr. a win by technical knockout in the first round.

“I felt good about the win. I’ve been preparing with other Golden Boy fighters like Ronny Rios and feel that really helped. I’m excited to go six rounds in my next fight,” said Tanajara Jr.

Philadelphia-based super lightweight prospect Damon Allen (8-0, 3 KOs)held onto his undefeated status with a win over Pomona, Calif.’s Oscar Santana (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout on The Ring TV’s live stream. The bout picked up where the opening bout left off, giving fans a true display of skill and will. Allen and Santana traded shots in the center of the ring keeping up an exciting pace throughout the six rounds of the scheduled bout. In the end, Allen survived the thrilling battle with a unanimous decision victory with scores of 58-56, 58-56, 57-55.

“I was nervous about fighting on the west coast for the first time. This fight was tough, but no fight is perfect. I got the win and that’s all that matters to me,” said Allen.

Opening up The Ring TV’s live stream, Alan Campa (14-2, 9 KO’s) of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico battled Paul Valenzuela (9-2-1, 6 KO’s)of Santa Rosalia, Baja California, Mexico. The six-round middleweight bout set the tone for the evening as the two fighters exchanged heavy shots from the opening bell, with Valenzuela tasting the mat in the last ten seconds of the round. The tough Valenzuela showed tremendous heart and continued to battle, but was outmatched and outworked by Campa who earned a unanimous decision victory.

“I felt good about the fight and well prepared. I wanted to come into the fight strong and assert myself early so I focused a lot on body shots which paid off later in the fight,” said Campa.

LA FIGHT CLUB:Martin Honorio vs. Miguel Angel Huerta, was a 10-round super lightweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, November 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT., and also simultaneously streamed live on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

LA FIGHT CLUB is a monthly boxing series featured on the first Friday of each month, with an upcoming show on Dec. 4. The series showcases the brightest stars in the sport and present these exciting matchups in a nightclub atmosphere with an original setup. The boxing ring is set on the main floor of the Belasco Theater with on-camera standing room for fans in front of the ring similar to a concert pit, as well as reserved balcony and floor seats. Los Angeles’ own DJ Ray of Big Boy’s Neighborhood spins music during the fights and fans are able to dance and mingle with the fighters when the venue converts into a night club, in a VIP experience not matched by any promoter in the industry.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (October 23, 2015) – An exciting night of boxing hit the Coachella Valley tonight as fans were treated with a stellar card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Joining in the festivities, International Hall of Fame Boxer Michael “Jinx” Spinks hosted a special meet and greet at the Special Events Arena ahead of the televised fights and fans cheered on as International Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach appeared ringside in support of his fighter Franke “Pitbull” Gomez. Also, Golden Boy Promotions fighters IBF Bantamweight World Champion, Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Joshua Franco, Angel Bojado and Jesus Soto Karass attended to cheer on their favorite fighters during the night.

In the main event of the night Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs), of So. El Monte, Calif. took on Ruben “Kanelito” Tamayo (23-7-4, 15 KOs) of Cuidad Obregon, Mexico in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout. Diaz Jr. displayed his dominance over Tamayo landing effective and accurate blows to Tamayo’s head and body that slowly wore Tamayo down. Tamayo proved to be a resilient fighter as he continued to engage with Diaz Jr. throughout the night but it was Diaz Jr. who gained the victory via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 100-90.

“I knew Tamayo was going to be taller and we made sure to land effect counter shots to get the victory,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I knew was going to be tough, but I knew I was winning decisively throughout the night. When I started to land the combinations I would make sure to come back out to prevent Tamayo from reaching me. Overall I feel I proved I was a tough fighter and can adjust to any style.”

“Diaz Jr. was a fast puncher, but I thought the fight was very even and was surprised at the unanimous decision,” said Ruben Tamayo. “This is not the end for me, I am going to learn from this experience and continue to fight. Boxing is my passion and I will continue to do it as long as I can.”

Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs) of East Los Angeles, gave the fans the something to cheer about as he took on Tijuana’s Jorge “Pantera” Silva (19-10-2, 15 Kos) in a 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Both fighters exchanged blows each not willing to give up to the other. In the third and fourth rounds the crowd erupted into a “Frankie, Frankie” cheer as Gomez cornered the tough Silva in the ropes. By the end of the fight, fans were on their feet cheering on their favorite fighter. Gomez proved to be victorious, winning the bout via unanimous decision with scores of 100-90 by all three judges.

“Silva was a tough fighter,” said Frankie Gomez. “I kept giving him all I could but he kept coming, he has a lot of heart. I knew the way to win this was to outbox him, but I also wanted to make sure the fans were entertained. I could hear the fans shouting and that gave me more motivation to not only win but give them a great fight.”

“The people know I am a fighter that comes to fight,” said Jorge Silva. “I have a lot of heart and I think I showed them that tonight. Although I did not get a victory today, the people were the true winners because this was the fight of the night.”

Paulis “The Killer” Ritter (1-1) of Long Beach, Calif. returned to Fantasy Springs for a second time facing Relonzo Richard Jr. (0-1) of Landcaster, Calif. in a four-round heavyweight bout. Richard had a taste of the mat three times but showed great heart in going the full four rounds but it was Ritter who secured a victor with scores of 38-35, 37-36, 37-36 for a unanimous decision win.

“I love the crowd at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,” said Paul Ritter. “The fans are so energetic and it motivated me to win this fight. Although I won the fight, I am unsatisfied. I want to see the tae and get back into the gym to make sure that next time I’m in the ring I am better.”

Part of the RingTV live stream, local favorite Alberto Fundora (6-0, 2 KOs) of Coachella, Calif. and Richard Romero (3-1, 3 KOs) of Commerce, Calif. really gave the fans exciting brawl when the super middleweight bout went all six rounds. Both fighters stuck it out neither giving up to the other. By round five, it was clear Fundora was the stronger fighter as a few punches stunned and shook Romero. Fundora finished the fifth and sixth rounds strong and secured a unanimous decision victory with judges scoring the fight at 59-55, 58-56 and 58-56.

“I was boxing in front of my hometown and I knew I had to perform,” said Alberto Fundora. “I trained very hard for this fight, I had a great camp and strong sparring partners because we knew Romero had a great amateur background and was professionally undefeated. Tonight I took advantage of his weaknesses and finished the fight strong.”

Hailing from Indio, Calif. Marco Magdaleno (1-0, 1 KO) made his family proud winning his first professional fight by defeating Philip Bounds (0-1) via first round knockout.

“It feels so amazing to become a professional,” said Marco Magdaleno. “I know I made my family and my hometown proud tonight. I am looking forward to the future, the sky is the limit for me.”

Melsik Baghdasaryan (3-0, 1 KO) of Glendale, Calif. defeated Diego Padilla (1-2) via majority decision 38-38 39-37 and 39-37 in their scheduled four-round welterweight fight.

“Padilla was a tougher fighter than I thought he would be,” said Melsik Baghdasaryan. “But luckily I always train very hard for each fight, I don’t let records faze me. But I knew after the first round of this fight, that I had the advantage.”

Opening up the night and the RingTV live stream, KeAndre Gibson (14-0-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri, kept his undefeated intact when he knocked out Thomas Howard (8-5, 4 KOs) 55 seconds into the second round.

“This fight was all mental for me,” said KeAndre Gibson. “I knew this fight was going to be at a higher weight and I didn’t know what to expect so I had to make sure I was focused and stayed on my game plan. That proved to be effective tonight and I secured a good victory.”

Diaz vs. Tamayo was a 10-round featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork,visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

In a 12-round war, former multi-division world champion Robert Guerrero outlasted Yosahiro Kamegai in a Welterweight bout at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The two fought in the proverbial phone booth with Guerrero and Kamegai landing hard shots in close. Guerrero landed tremendous punches with both hands. Kamegai had success in the middle rounds as he landed a hard uppercut that opened up a cut around the right eye of Guerrero. Even with the cut and fast swelling, Guerrero was able get by on his championship experience and give better then he received in the 12 round thriller.

Guerrero, 146 lbs of Gilroy, CA won by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 to improve to 32-2-1-2. Kamegai, 146 3/4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is now 24-2.

Former two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Vasul Loamchenko won the WBO Featherweight title over previoously undefeated Gary Russell Jr, via 12-round majority decision.

Lomachenko was dominant using quick combinations that focused on the body. Although it was just his 3rd pro bout, Lomachenko looked like the more experienced performer as he forced Russell into much ineffective offense. Lomachenko for his part used a variety of punches both from in close and from distance. Lomachenko landed more punches and by far the most effective.

Lomachenko won by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114.

Lomachenko, 125 1/2 lbs of Ukraine is now a world champion at 2-1. Russell, 125 1/2 lbs of Washington, DC is 24-1.

Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Jesus Soto Karass in a Super Welterweight bout.

It was good action in round four as Alexander landed some hard uppercuts but Soto-Karass came back with some strong rights. Soto Karass started getting to Alexander with the right hands in the middle rounds. Alexander was able to box well down the stretch and win by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93.

Alexander, 148 1/4 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 26-2. Soto Karass, 148 lbs of North Hollywood, CA is now 28-10-3-1.

Former Light Heavyweight champion Chad Dawson returned with a 1st round knockout over George Blades in a scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout.

Dawson knocked Blades down with a straight left to the body. Blades got up only to be a dropped by a right hook and he was down for the 10-count at 2:35.

Dawson, 182 3/4 lbs of New Haven, CT came into the ring at a staggering 202 lbs but he ups his record to 32-3-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Blades, 177 1/2 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is now 23-6.

In a battle of former U.S. Olympians, Dominic Breazeale scored a 3rd round stoppage over Devin Vargas in a scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

Breazeale landed a hard combination to the body. In round two, Breazeale landed a right to the head that sent Vargas to the canvas. Brezeale continued to pound away at Vargas. In round three, Brezeale landed some hard shots and Vargas turned his back to the action and the bout was stopped at 2:26 of round three.

Breazeale, 251 1/2 lbs of Alhambra, CA is now 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Vargas, 234 lbs of Toledo, OH is now 18-4.

Robert Guerrero 146 – Yoshahiro Komegai 146 3/4
Gary Russell Jr. 125.5 – Vasyl Lomachenko 125.5
(WBO Featherweight title)
Devon Alexander 148 1/4 – Jesus Soto Karass 148

LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2014) – Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions hosted the final press conference at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles Thursday for Saturday’s stacked 10-fight card at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The first live bout is at 2 p.m. PT.

In the main event of a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., returns from a 13-month layoff to face offensive-minded, hard-hitting Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Sapporo, Japan, in a 12-round welterweight bout.

The co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a clash of exciting southpaws, undefeated yet untested Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., against perhaps the most prolific amateur boxer of all-time, Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), of Ukraine, in a 12-rounder for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Championship. The telecast will open with former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, facing the always-dangerous Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight match.

Former light heavyweight world champion, “Bad Chad” Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., makes his first start in 12 months when he takes on George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-5, 16 KOs), of Indianapolis, Ind., in the featured bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a battle of U.S. Olympians in the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (10-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, makes his 10-round debut when he takes on 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin “Devastatin'” Vargas (18-3, 7 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio.

In non-televised fights: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (8-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, makes his debut for GBP against Michael Grenga (15-14, 15 KOs), Lagos, Nigeria, 6 rounds, light heavyweights; Sharif Bogere (24-1, 16 KOs), Las Vegas, Nev., faces a foe to be announced, 8 rounds, lightweights; Michael Hunter (4-0, 3 KOs), Van Nuys, Calif., takes on Jerry Forrest (7-1, 6 KOs), Lafayette, La., 8 rounds, heavyweights; the brother of Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Fabian Maidana (pro debut), Santa Fe, Arg., clashes with Alejandro Arteaga (3-8, 1 KO), Bakersfield, Calif., 4 rounds, welterweights; and Marcos Hernandez (1-0), Fresno, Calif., vs. Dante Spinks (0-4), San Diego, Calif., 4 rounds, super welterweights.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available
online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office
(Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-
8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

Below is what the fighters and Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, said at Thursday’s press conference:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I want to thank God for the blessings he’s blessed me with and my entire management team. It’s been a year and it’s time to get back in the ring. Since teaming with CrossFit, I’ve been doing so many different types of exercise and I feel great.

“I want to thank Kamegai for coming out here from Japan. I’ve seen film on him and he likes to brawl and bang it out and I am the same type of fighter so it will be a very exciting match for both me and the fans who will be watching. I can’t wait for Saturday.”

YOSHIHRO KAMEGAI

“My weight is no problem and I’m ready to go. I’m here to make a name for myself. I know that people have problems pronouncing my name (“kah may guy”) so I want to make a great impact in this fight so they will learn to say it.

“Outside the ring I have the utmost respect for Guerrero. But inside, it’s all business. This is will be a good fight, a hard fight and my opportunity to become a mainstay in the fight game.

“I plan on putting on a very exciting show on Saturday.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“It’s actually a little funny standing here getting ready to compete for a world title based on the fact that I was never a fighter that said I wanted to be a world champion until I was on the U.S. Olympic team.

“I was one of the favorites to medal (in the Olympics) and to not be able to compete was devastating. The only way that I could make it up to my fans and family was to become a world champion, plain and simple.

“In this situation I get the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. My competitor fought in the Olympics and I can also become a world champion on this card. I can become a world champion on Saturday as well as beating an Olympian. It’s the best of both worlds.”

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“I want to thank everyone in my training camp and everyone who helped prepare me for the fight and my friends and family who are in Ukraine supporting me.

“I think it will be a very good fight on Saturday and I am looking forward to proving that I can win the featherweight title.”

DEVON ALEXANDER

“I want to thank my creator, without him I wouldn’t be here. I would also like to thank Golden Boy, Oscar, everyone involved.

“This is a statement fight for me. I belong on top and I want to be on top. I have beaten some tough guys out there and on Saturday night I want to prove to you that I am the best. I plan on making a statement in the welterweight division and I look forward to the opportunity to show the world what I am capable of.”

JESUS SOTO KARASS

“Los Angeles is my second home. Coming off a loss against (interim WBA welterweight world champion) Keith Thurman, I want to come back and be impressive against Devon Alexander. He is fast, strong and has good foot speed, but I am ready to go.

“I am already at the contracted weight and I want to show the fans that I can come back and win. I have a mentality that I don’t care and that I just want to win and show that I am capable of getting the victory.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I definitely feel that I am improving and prepared to fight my first 10-round fight. In camp, we picked up the cardio and conditioning, but we really haven’t changed a whole lot.

“My last fight went eight rounds and it was the first time I’d gone the distance. But I always prepare to go the distance and for this fight I’m ready to go 10 hard rounds. But I’m really determined and always looking for the knockout.

“It’s an honor fighting a fellow U.S. Olympian, but at the end there is only one winner and I want the referee to raise my hand. I look forward to exposing him and proving no doubt that I am better.”

DEVIN VARGAS

“I’m looking forward to this fight and want to thank all those involved for making it happen. This is a big fight for me, for both of us. He may be undefeated but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

“We’ll find out who is best on Saturday. But I’m confident and ready to go all-out to win.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY

“I don’t change for my opponents so I will keep my same style. I was able to get into the gym right after my last fight because it only lasted for 23 seconds.

“I was able to watch a few videos on my opponent but I don’t know much about him. I won’t give anything away on my style of fighting, but I will fight to the best of my abilities.

“I am ready for all six rounds for this fight if it goes that long, but at this time I won’t know what the outcome will be. All I can do is prepare to the best of my ability.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“Our SHOWTIME EXTREME fights have always been highly competitive. It is one thing we at Golden Boy and SHOWTIME pride ourselves on. We want to consistently present the most competitive fights in the boxing business today.

“Chad Dawson is a great fighter who is back with a vengeance, looking to make a statement against a tough fighter in George Blades. For us, we look at this fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME as a great appetizer to the main course, which will also be very exciting.

“Guerrero is back, he’s stronger, he’s faster. The new team that he is working with at CrossFit will make a huge difference coming off the biggest fight of his career against Floyd Mayweather.

“That type of fight will elevate your game to a new level. We are looking forward to Saturday and witnessing a very much new and improved Robert Guerrero.

“All our matchups Saturday are exciting from top to bottom. We have an unbelievable history of staging fight-of-the-year candidates at StubHub. If you’re a boxing fan and you love action-packed, competitive fights, the StubHub Center on Saturday will be a good place to be.”

# # #

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is a 12-round fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by
Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a
12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and in the opener Devon Alexander
will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up. It will take place at
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air as the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main
event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio
programming (SAP).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/StubHubCenter, www.twitter.com/GhostBoxing, www.twitter.com/MrGaryRussellJr, www.twitter.com/VasylLomachenko and www.twitter.com/TheRealDevonA, follow the conversation using #GuerreroKamegai or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/StubHubCenter.

LOS ANGELES (June 18, 2014) – Seven of the talented boxers who will fight Saturday on SHOWTIME® and SHOWTIME EXTREME® and one promising fighter making his Golden Boy Promotions debut participated in an open media workout Wednesday at Westside Boxing Club.

In 12-rounders on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., returns from a 13-month layoff to face Japan’s hard-hitting Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs) in a welterweight scrap and unbeaten, yet untested Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets perhaps the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), of Ukraine, for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Championship. Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, battles hard-hitting Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight match that will kickoff the telecast.

Former light heavyweight world champion, “Bad Chad” Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., makes his first start in 12 months when he takes on George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-5, 16 KOs), of Indianapolis, Ind., in the featured bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a battle of U.S. Olympians in the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (10-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, makes his 10-round debut when he takes on 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin “Devastatin'” Vargas (18-3, 7 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio.

In non-televised fights that begin at 2 p.m. PT: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (8-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, makes his debut for GBP against Michael Gbenga (15-14, 15 KOs), Lagos, Nigeria, six-rounds, light heavyweights; Sharif Bogere (24-1, 16 KOs), Las Vegas, Nev., faces a foe to be announced, eight-rounds, lightweights; Michael Hunter (4-0, 3 KOs), Van Nuys, Calif., takes on Jerry Forrest (7-1, 6 KOs), Lafayette, La., eight-rounds, heavyweights; the brother of Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Fabian Maidana (pro debut), Santa Fe, Arg., clashes with Alejandro Arteaga (3-8, 1 KO), Bakersfield, Calif., four-rounds, welterweights; and Marcos Hernandez (1-0), Fresno, Calif., vs. Dante Spinks (0-4), San Diego, Calif., four-rounds, super welterweights.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available on AXS.com, by phone at
888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office
(Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call
877-234-8425.

Below is what the fighters and Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, said at Wednesday’s workout:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“Training camp went great. I feel fresh and I can’t wait to get out there. The time off felt good, I was able to recuperate my body and spend time with my family. There were a couple of things going on that kept me out of the ring but it’s now time to take care of business.

“I was able to incorporate CrossFit into my training regime and it made me able to get up to my optimal 147-pound weight. Before that I had trouble even trying to make weight.

“If I take care of business I would of course like to fight Floyd Mayweather; everyone would like that fight. I felt like I could give a lot more and I am excited to showcase everything that I have been doing to prove that I can hang with a fighter like Mayweather. Floyd is a pretty smart fighter but I can stay on my boxing game now, be a smarter fighter and walk guys down.

“I plan on providing an action-packed fight. Kamegai comes to fight and you know I always come to fight, so it should be very exciting. I look forward to showcasing a lot of stuff that I’ve been working on and put on a great show for the fans.”

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI

“I’m from Japan, and we respect everybody outside the ring. There is no trash-talk. In Japan, we think of Robert Guerrero as a multi-division world champion who fought Floyd Mayweather. That said, I didn’t fly all the way across the ocean to lose. I came here to not just win the fight but to have a decisive victory.

“I’m very confident and I feel I’m acclimated. I’ve been in America about 10 days. What I’ve worked on most since arriving is a way to avoid all his holding tactics and a way to keep him from being able to fight from long range.

“This is a very important fight and a tremendous opportunity for me. Not a lot of people know me now, but they will after the fight.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“You always have to be careful no matter who you are competing against, I never overlook anybody. You must have a level of defensive discipline. As far as him in general, we’re ready; I don’t believe he has what it takes to win this fight. He’s not a volume puncher; he tries to be more accurate. Even if he tries to outbox me he doesn’t have the hand speed and boxing ability to make it a tough fight. I am overall physically bigger and stronger and it won’t be a good thing for him. He is most definitely a stepping stone for me. The objective is to get out of the ring with a victory; we never look at the venue or anything where my focus shouldn’t be on. I will look good and expose this guy.

“It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting, I come to win. Everything is in my favor in this fight in terms of the speed, power and general fight charisma and we will exploit that on Saturday. This guy is just not on my level.

“Every fighter I fight is a learning experience, you look at my fights now and you can see the maturity level from when I was 8-0, 10-0.

“A lot of these fighters are one-dimensional. There are good boxers with no inside game. When it comes to me, what makes me a lot better than the other fighters is how versatile I am in the ring. You can see me walk these guys down or turn the fight into a brawl. With each style that we adapt to, we have the same level of creativity and that is what sets us apart.”

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“I’m excited and looking forward to Saturday but, for me, I go into the ring thinking the same thing before every fight, and that’s I want to win.

“Gary Russell is much faster than me. He’s a very quick, speedy fighter, and I won’t know until we get into the ring how I plan to deal with it. But we’ll find out soon enough.

“I fought really fast guys in the amateurs but those were only three-round fights so I didn’t have time to try and figure out the style of who I was fighting.

“It’s not easy to talk about myself. I’m not sure how I would describe my style. I would much rather practice then talk, I’ll let the experts describe how I fight.

“I got good experience from my two professional fights. I came on the last half of my first fight so I think my stamina and conditioning is good. But every fight is different so we’ll have to see how it goes on Saturday.

“I expect a good fight on Saturday and I expect to win.”

DEVON ALEXANDER

“Nobody likes to lose, but you have to take some licks across the head to get to where you need to be. I hope that this will be the last lick I will take across the head.

“I would love a rematch with Shawn Porter. I know my skills and technique are way better than his, but we will see what happens. I don’t want to talk past this fight.

“I want to fight all the elite fighters; I never want to duck anyone. I am looking to make a statement in this fight; you are only as good as your last fight, so I plan on making a statement.

“On the night of the fight you will see a mix of everything — power, speed, legs and I will show everyone why I am the former world champion.

“When you are a competitor you want to win all the time and be at the top. When I see these fights on TV, I get anxious because I know my skills are good and that I can compete with the best.

“I love St. Louis and they love me back and are always behind me. They know fighters stumble but they always support me and I am ready to get back in the ring and show them that they have a real good champion from their city and that’s what I plan to show them.”

JESUS SOTO KARASS

“My mindset is, I have to put a beating on him. This is it for me; it’s do or die. I’m very confident in the work I put in and with my conditioning, but I know I have to win this.

“Alexander is a good fighter. But he’s not going to change his style. I know I have to go in and take it to him. I can box, too, but to make this fight exciting I have to pressure him and make him fight my fight.

“My total concentration has been on this Saturday and Devon Alexander. I’ve had some hard fights, but win this and then I can take a rest.”

CHAD DAWSON

“I had the privilege of becoming a world champion early. I’ve been a professional for almost 13 years. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t come back. I needed to take time to be a family man and come back when I felt like I could come back.

“I’m looking to get back to being the old Chad Dawson, the smart boxer who has height and reach. Once I get back to that, back to the top. I’m happy to be back in the game. I have to thank Al Haymon for giving me the opportunity; my division is hot right now.

“I’ve seen tapes of Blades from 2007. He looks like a durable guy. He is coming to win, it’s a big opportunity on TV.

“I don’t have anything to prove except for myself and my family. I know what I am capable of.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY

“I’m extremely happy and blessed to have signed a contract with Golden Boy. They have given me the opportunity to go on to bigger and better things in my career. This will be my ninth pro fight and ninth in Los Angeles.

“In the amateurs I was considered a pure brawler, but since turning going pro and hooking up with trainer Manny Robles, he has changed me up a little and now I have learned to think and show patience in the ring.

“My career is just starting and I’m starting from the bottom up. I have to take it one step at a time. It’s like building a big brick hose. You do it one brick at a time, and that’s how it is with my career. Saturday is just another step for me”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“I’m very excited about Saturday’s fights. It’s great to have Robert Guerrero back and fighting again, but he’s got a tough opponent in Yoshihiro Kamegai. Devon Alexander and Jesus Soto Karass is another excellent, tough fight, a 50-50 fight that you know that both fighters are coming to win.

“The world title fight is another 50-50 fight, Gary Russell Jr. vs. Vasyl Lomachenko. I’m very proud of this event, from top to bottom. I truly believe the fans are in for a great night of fights.

“This is the kind of event that Golden Boy Promotions is all about: great fighters, crowd-pleasing fights.”