Lincoln, RI – The city of Providence has its newest champion.

Super featherweight Toka Kahn Clary captured the WBC Silver Title Saturday night in the main event of CES Boxing’s season finale at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort with a 97-93, 98-92, 98-92 unanimous decision win over tough Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan Oquendo.

Born in Liberia, the 31-year-old southpaw Kahn has made Providence his home since for more than two decades and now has a third title to add to his collection following his first fight as an official member of the CES Boxing family; Kahn previously captured the NABA featherweight and super featherweight titles.

The fight itself tested Kahn’s poise and resilience. The hard-charging Oquendo (31-8) came forward the entire fight, forcing Kahn to box effectively against the ropes while picking his shots carefully to slow Oquendo’s progress. Well-placed uppercuts and body blows eventually took their toll as Kahn wore down his opponent over the first eight rounds and subsequently increased the pressure in rounds nine and 10 to seal the victory.

Oquendo, a former world-title challenger who has faced the likes of Jamel Herring, Lamont Roach, and Abner Mares in his career, to name a few, was every bit as tough as advertised and a real strong test for Kahn following a near two-year layoff since Kahn’s fight against Olympian Shakur Stevenson. Kahn is now 29-3 as he inches one step closer to a milestone victory.

“He was a tough veteran,” Kahn said. “He’s been around for a long time. He’s fought former world champions and he gave me a hell of a fight.

“I’m now looking for my 30th win. It doesn’t who it’s against. Whoever it is, I’m ready for it.”

Undefeated Weymouth, MA, super welterweight prospect Frank “The Tank” Hogan kept his perfect record intact in the co-feature, stopping Philadelphia’s Derrick Vann (3-6) at the 2:25 mark of the second round. Hogan clipped Vann in the opening round to score an early knockdown and then came out the aggressor in the second round, sending Vann into the ropes with a deadly two-punch combo to officially put an end to the bout.

“I knew I’d end up catching him,” Hogan said. “I like to come out, show the fans what they want to see, and eventually put my opponent to sleep. I really want to work on my boxing and show the world I can take on anyone.”

Earlier in the week, Stamford, CT, rival Chordale Booker called out Hogan on social media, and while Hogan didn’t respond directly – “The haters just want to jump on my train; you know who you are” – Hogan’s promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. formally issued the challenge.

“Once [Booker] wants to sign that contract,” Burchfield said, “We’re all in.”

In the toughest test of his career, Providence, RI, heavyweight Sean Bey (8-0) faced 92-fight vet Terrell Woods of Arkansas, earning a methodical 40-36 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards. Bey entered the fight having won his previous seven by knockout – five in the first round and two in the second – but the durable Woods (28-56-9) withstood Bey’s most ferocious attacks while mounting just enough offense on occasion to keep himself in the fight.

“I wish I could’ve gotten that eighth knockout,” Bey said, “but we got it done.”

East Providence, RI, lightweight Elijah Peixoto (4-0) ended a two-year layoff in style, outworking pro debut Robert Banks (0-1) of Baldwin, NY, in a unanimous decision win, 40-36 across the board. Having battled multiple injuries since his last fight in October of 2020, Peixoto looked as fast and sharp as ever, using his exceptional hand speed to change levels on Banks, who found himself backpedaling most of the fight.

Joining Peixoto was Providence super featherweight and Big Six Boxing Academy teammate Michael “Bling Bling” Valentin (7-1-1), who ended a three-year layoff with a 40-36 unanimous decision win over Puerto Rican challenger Joshua Maldonado (1-3). Valentin looked patient and sharp despite the early nerves and simply out-boxed Maldonado, landing effectively to the head and body while sustaining little to no damage.

Afterward, Valentin called out Springfield, MA, veteran Joshua Orta, whom Valentin lost to in his last fight in November of 2019.

“Tonight was a long time coming,” Valentin said. “It truly feels amazing to be back in my home at Twin River. I’m looking forward to being more active again.

“Josh Orta, stay tuned because I’m coming for your ass. You know that’s who I’m coming for. That’s the only fight I want.”

Fighting for the first time since 2019, Brockton, MA, heavyweight Chad Leoncello (1-0-1) earned his first career win, stopping pro debut Gabriel Costa (0-1) of Woburn, MA, with a vicious body shot at 1:49 of the second round. Leoncello ate a few right hands in the opening round, but kept working the body, which eventually softened Costa to the point where Leoncello managed to land a hard right hook to the ribs that sent Costa to the canvas.

Nicknamed “The Lion,” the 39-year-old Leoncello has only been boxing for six years. He battled substance abuse issues and has been sober since 2016. He made his pro debut for CES in 2019, fighting to a draw against Omar Acosta.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort, located in Lincoln, RI, is the state’s largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction. Formerly known as Lincoln Park and then Twin River Casino Hotel, the renovated facility offers 162,000 square-feet of gaming space with over 5,000 gaming positions. The casino operates over 4,100 slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 125 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, sports betting, and more. This unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, incredible food and drinks at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, and authentic Italian cuisine at Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis. The hotel at Bally’s Lincoln features 136 rooms and suites. Amenities include an indoor pool with a stone fireplace feature wall, multiple meeting space, a fitness center and an outdoor courtyard off the pool and lobby that is also available for special events. Guests may access the hotel from the casino’s north entrance.

Jamel Herring retained the WBO Junior Lightweight title when Jonathan Oquendo was disqualified for an intentional headbutt that caused a bad cut over Herring’s right eye. The fight headlined a card at the MGM Grand Conference in Las Vegas,

In round three, Herring dropped Oquendo with a perfect left uppercut. In round five, Herring was cut over the right eye from an intentional headbutt, for which Oquendo was deducted a point.

After round eight, the cut worsened and Herring was not able to see, and the fight was halted and Oquendo was disqualified.

Herring said, “It just got ugly. I wasn’t too satisfied with my performance, to be honest with you. In the beginning, everything was going real smooth, me boxing. I put him down with an uppercut. We knew he was going to come head-first. We had to time it. In the end, I wasn’t happy with how I was looking. I’m disappointed with the outcome. I’ve never been in that situation.
 
“I still want the Carl Frampton fight next by all means. November, December, whatever. I still want that fight next.”

Nelson stops Ware in 6

Steven Nelson stopped DeAndre Ware in round six of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight.

In round two, blood started dripping from about the left eye of Nelson. In round five, a worse cut opened up on the eyelid. Both cuts where caused by accidental headbutts.

In round six, Nelson hurt Ware with left hooks that wobbled Ware. Ware went back to the ropes with hard right hands and a big uppercut forced referee Jay Nady to stop the bout at 2:24.

Nelson, 167.6 lbs of Omaha, NE 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Ware, 168 lbs of Toledo, OH is 13-4-2.

“I feel like I’m ready for a title eliminator and then let’s go for the title. That was my whole plan, to set myself up where they can’t deny me a world title.”

Rodriguez Destroys Rivera in 1

Jesse Rodriguez remained undefeated by blowing out Janiel Rivera in scheduled six-round light flyweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Rivera three times before the fight was stopped at 2:03.

Rodriguez, 109.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Rivera, 109.3 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 18-7-3.

Rodriguez said, “I felt amazing. I told Robert in the locker room, ‘This is the best I’ve ever felt.’ I think I showed that today.

“To have a brother as a champion is really motivating to me. In camp, I was thinking that my brother became a champ, and I can do the same. There were times in camp I didn’t feel like working out or running, but I thought about my brother, and he motivated me. Just the thought of him being a world champ brought out the best of me in camp.”

Anderson stop Hernandez in 4

Jared Anderson remained perfect by stopping Rodney Anderson in round four of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Anderson bloodied the nose of Hernandez in round four. Later in the round, Anderson landed a jab, and dropped Hernandez with a left uppercut and the fight was stopped at 2:22.

Anderson, 247.2 lbs of Toledo, OH is 6-0 with six knockouts. Hernandez, 255.2 lbs of Modesto, CA is 13-10-2.

Anderson said, “We’re ready for everybody. We’re building up. Bob {Arum} is moving me perfectly. It was about getting those rounds in and showing I can really box. I’m not just a puncher. I know how to box, and I know how to stay on my back foot.
 
“I’m listening to the commentators more, getting a lot of learning experiences. It’s helping a lot {with me} taking my time and slowing down.”

Benjamin Whitaker won a six-round unanimous decision over D’Andre Smith in a welterweight bout.

Whitaker, 148.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55, and is now 14-4. Smith, 147.4 lbs of Dacatar, GA is 8-1.

Ruben Cervera scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over Rennard Oliver in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

Seconds into the fight, an accidental headbutt caused a small abrasion over Cervera’s left eyebrow. In round two, Cervera landed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Oliver down, and the fight was stopped at 1:42.

Cervera, 130.3 lbs of Santa Maria, COL is 13-2 with 11 knockouts. Oliver, 130.5 lbs of New Orleans, LA is 7-3-2.

Despite being knocked down, Edwin Vazquez remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Adan Ochoa in a featherweight bout.

In round two, Ochoa dropped Vazquez with a hard right hand.

Vazquez, 127.3 lbs of Fort Worth, TX on by scores of 58-55 twice and 57-56, and is now 8-0. Ochoa, 127.1 lbs of Los Angeles is 11-2.

Rashiem Jefferson won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Martinez in a featherweight bout.

Jefferson, 125 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37, and is now 2-0. Martinez, 125.1 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA is 2-2.

•     Jamel Herring 129.5 lbs vs. Jonathan Oquendo 129.6 lbs 
(Herring’s WBO Jr. Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•    Steven Nelson 167.6 lbs vs. DeAndre Ware 168 lbs 
(Nelson’s NABO Super Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•    Jesse Rodriguez 109.2 lbs vs. Janiel Rivera 109.3 lbs 
(Light Flyweight — 8 Rounds)

•      Jared Anderson 247.2 lbs vs. Rodney Hernandez 255.2 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•     D’Andre Smith 147.4 lbs vs. Benjamin Whitaker 149.8 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Ruben Cervera 130.3 lbs vs. Rennard Oliver 130.5 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Edward Vazquez 127.3 lbs vs. Adan Ochoa 127.1 lbs 
(Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Rashiem Jefferson 125 lbs vs. Jose Martinez 125.1 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (September 3, 2020) —  Two fight dates came and went, and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring and Jonathan Oquendo had nothing to show for it. Herring’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis forced postponements of July 2 and July 14 fight dates, but he and Oquendo will finally face off Saturday from the MGM Grand Las Vegas (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET). 

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) will make the second defense of the world title he won from Masayuki Ito last May, while Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), a 37-year-old veteran from Puerto Rico, is making his second attempt at a world title.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson, a stablemate of Herring’s, will fight DeAndre Ware in a 10-rounder. In heavyweight action, unbeaten sensation Jared Anderson will fight Rodney Hernandez.

This is what Herring and Oquendo had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Jamel Herring

 “I just feel like everything happens for a reason. It’s not like I was the only one suffering. It’s a global pandemic, so I can’t really complain too much. I’m just glad that I have a great team.

“Going through a global pandemic, I was still fortunate to have training camp. We have a gym. My strength coach, Jamie Belt, is here, {assistant trainer} Esau Dieguez as well. Being around {Terence Crawford}, Steven Nelson, who is also fighting this weekend, Rob Brant, Maurice Hooker, and so many guys coming in that gym… I’m just grateful. Despite all the setbacks, I’m still able to handle business. I sparred every other day. We have a track. To me, it’s just another day at the job, and I’m just happy to be here.

“All I need to hear is Bomac’s {Brian McIntyre’s} voice in the corner, Red Spikes, and Esau, and I’m fine with that. {Bomac} will probably be the highlight of the show, to be honest with you. Any fighter will tell you, once they get in there, it’s tunnel vision anyway. My job is to focus on what’s in front of me. I can’t really worry about what’s going on on the outside. It’s just a great opportunity for fighters to be back in the ring, period. Despite having no crowd, we’re still fortunate to be doing what we love and do for a living. That’s all that matters to me.

“All I can focus on is this fight, getting to even right now on this stage. Everything was a process. I’m not really worried about what’s going on. With this series, we’ve seen many, many upsets because fighters tend to maybe not train their best or look ahead to things.”

Jonathan Oquendo

“I was disappointed {when the July 14 fight was postponed} right before the weigh-ins. I knew things were going to be OK. I understand the position of my opponent. I was worried about the fight never happening, but I had faith in Top Rank, and I know they do a good job. I’m ready to go for it Saturday night.

“I want to congratulate Herring. I know he’s a great fighter. He deserves everything he has right now, and I will try my best on Saturday night. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity.

“I’m 37 years old, but mentally, I’m prepared. I believe this is the perfect time for me to fight for a world title. I want to show the world what I’m capable of doing.

“Health and safety is the most important thing. I’m good. Herring is good. I can’t wait to fight.”

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LAS VEGAS (August 27, 2020) —Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound heavyweight destroyer from Toledo, Ohio, returns for his third “Bubble” appearance Saturday, Sept. 5 at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Anderson will take on nine-year pro and noted spoiler Rodney Hernandez in a bout scheduled for eight or six rounds on the undercard of an action-packed doubleheader featuring Jamel Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title defense against Jonathan Oquendo and unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson against DeAndre Ware in a 10-rounder.

Anderson-Hernandez and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 PT.

Anderson said, “I’ve made my home in the ‘Bubble’ this summer, and I’ve enjoyed coming to Las Vegas and putting on a heavyweight show for the fans. I don’t know too much about Rodney Hernandez, but I know he’s been in there with a lot of top guys and usually goes rounds.

“I can’t wait for this one. Top Rank keeps lining these guys up, and I’m knocking them out.”

The 20-year-old Anderson (5-0, 5 KOs) has opened eyes with four first-round knockouts in five outings since making his professional debut last October. He spent the early part of 2020 in camp with Tyson Fury as the lineal heavyweight champion readied to battle Deontay Wilder. When boxing returned, Anderson knocked out Johnnie Langston in three rounds in June and stopped Hector Perez in one round the following month. Hernandez (13-9-2, 4 KOs) has four wins over previously undefeated prospects, including a first-round stoppage over Onoriode Ehwarieme, who was 17-0 at the time.

In other undercard action:

San Antonio native Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (11-0, 7 KOs), a light flyweight prospect promoted by Teiken Promotions, will take on Puerto Rican veteran Janiel Rivera (18-6-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Rodriguez has won three straight by knockout, including an eighth-round stoppage Feb. 29 on the Mikey Garcia-Jessie Vargas undercard.

In a six-round battle of unbeaten welterweights, Christopher Gonzalez (7-0-1, 1 KO) will face D’Andre Smith (8-0, 5 KOs). Gonzalez, a ticket-seller in his hometown of Tucson, Ariz., has won four in a row since the lone draw on his ledger.

Colombian puncher Ruben Cervera (12-2, 10 KOs), who defeated Clay “3rd Degree” Burns via decision July 14 inside the “Bubble,” will fight New Orleans native Rennard Oliver (7-2-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior lightweight.
Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 ND, 1 KO), from Fort Worth, Texas, will make his “Bubble” debut against Adan “Temo” Ochoa (11-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight tilt.
Philadelphia native Rashiem Jefferson (1-0), a former U.S. amateur star, will return to the ring against Jose Martinez (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month

LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2020) — WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring hopes the wait is finally over. Herring, a decorated U.S. Marine veteran from Coram, N.Y., will make his second world title defense Saturday, Sept. 5 against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan Oquendo at the MGM Grand Conference Center. Herring and Oquendo were scheduled to fight July 2, then July 14, but Herring twice tested positive for COVID-19.

In the 10-round super middleweight co-feature, it’s a battle of the Midwest as Omaha’s unbeaten Steven “So Cold” Nelson takes on Toledo’s DeAndre Ware.

Herring-Oquendo and Nelson-Ware will stream live on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET, with undercard action to stream on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“Jamel has had a run of bad luck, but his fortunes will change for the better inside the ‘Bubble’ on September 5,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oquendo is a crafty veteran who understands this may be his last shot at a world title, and I expect him to give ‘The Fighting Marine’ one heck of a fight.”

Herring said, “This postponement is a blessing in disguise because I feel 10 times better than I did three weeks ago. I’m grateful to have another opportunity to get back in the ring. I’ve fully recovered from COVID-19 and I’m more than ready for anything Jonathan Oquendo brings on September 5. Our team has a great game plan and we are eager to carry it out.”

Oquendo said, “I am very happy with finally getting this opportunity to challenge Herring for his world title, as the fight has been canceled twice because of COVID-19. At one point, I thought that maybe the fight was not going to happen, but thanks to God, we are now ready for September 5.

“We are going to win. We are in a very positive mindset. We are going to leave everything in the ring. It’s now or never. It would be a great accomplishment to become world champion at 37. That’s what we are going to do.” 

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) returns following the longest layoff of his career, nearly 10 months since he outpointed the previously unbeaten Lamont Roach Jr. at an outdoor ballpark in Fresno, Calif. Soon after his most recent positive COVID-19 test, he received a clean bill of health and resumed training camp in Omaha, Neb. Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs) rebounded from a March 2019 decision defeat to Roach to shut out Charles Huerta last September. He is 5-1 since a December 2015 defeat to Jesus Cuellar for the WBA featherweight world title.

Nelson (16-0, 13 KOs), who trains alongside Herring and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford in Omaha, recently moved down from light heavyweight and is ranked No. 8 by the WBO at super middleweight. He last fought in January, knocking out then-unbeaten prospect Cem Kilic on ESPN. A talented artist who designs his fight night attire— he entered the ring as The Grinch with a Santa hat against Kilic — Nelson hopes to notch his fourth knockout in a row. Ware (13-2-2, 8 KOs), a Toledo firefighter when he’s not fighting in the ring, is two fights removed from a February 2019 decision win over the previously unbeaten Ronald Ellis.

Nelson said, “I’ve been training and staying ready in Omaha with my team. Now it’s time to clock in for overtime. No audience? I don’t need cheers to do my job. I’m focused on the task at hand, which is to defeat DeAndre Ware.”

Use the hashtag #HerringOquendo to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Tomorrow’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring and Jonathan Oquendo will not proceed as scheduled after Herring tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this morning. The highly anticipated Mikaela Mayer-Helen Joseph junior lightweight bout will be Tuesday’s main event (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 9 p.m. ET).

Said Herring, “I’m extremely disappointed that I’m not going to be able to fight tomorrow night. As I’ve shared previously, I tested positive for COVID-19 on June 22 after exhibiting symptoms. I quarantined and recovered as directed by my doctor. I then retested on July 3 and my test was negative, so this result is a complete surprise. I was fully prepared to make my second title defense tomorrow night. I am hoping that my team and Top Rank can reschedule this fight soon. Thank you for all the support everyone has shown. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and perform.”

In addition, the Luis Melendez-Eddie Vazquez bout has been canceled due to Melendez testing positive for COVID-19.

The ESPN telecast will continue as follows:

Main Event: Mikaela Mayer vs. Helen Joseph, 10 Rounds, Junior Lightweight
Clay Collard vs. Lorawnt-T Nelson, 6 Rounds, Middleweight
Ruben Cervera vs. Clay Burns, 6 Rounds, Lightweight
Javier Martinez (Pro Debut) vs. Jonathan Burrs, 4 Rounds, Middleweight

LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2020) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Mikaela Mayer, both of whom are healthy following recent positive COVID-19 test results that delayed their fights, are primed for their “Bubble” debuts.

U.S. Marine veteran Herring will make his second world title defense against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo on Tuesday, July 14, at the MGM Grand Conference Center — Grand Ballroom.

In the co-feature, undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian Mayer will fight former world title challenger Helen Joseph in a 10-round junior lightweight showdown. 

The undercard will feature the anticipated “Bubble” encore of “Cassius” Clay Collard, who will fight LT “Smash” Nelson in a six-round middleweight bout. Collard, 3-0 in 2020 (all against previously undefeated fighters), took the “0” from highly decorated prospect David Kaminsky on June 18.

Herring-Oquendo, Mayer-Joseph, Collard-Nelson, and additional undercard action will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 

“Jamel and Mikaela wanted to come back as soon as possible, and we were happy to oblige them,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are healthy and ready to put forth tremendous performances.”

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) makes his 2020 debut following a banner 2019 that saw him upset Masayuki Ito to win the title, and outpoint Lamont Roach Jr. in front of more than 7,000 fans at an outdoor baseball stadium in Fresno, Calif. Herring and Oquendo were set to fight July 2 but Herring’s COVID-19 results delayed the fight 12 days. Herring, the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team captain, is 5-0 since inking a multi-fight deal with Top Rank. 

Herring said, “I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title. Oquendo is a tough opponent who realizes this is his last chance to win a world title. He’s coming for what I have and I’m not going to cut any corners. I will return home to celebrate with my family and my belt.”

Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, challenged Jesus Cuellar for a featherweight world title in December 2015 and is 5-1 since moving up to junior lightweight. He earned the title shot following last November’s shutout decision win over Charles Huerta, which came off the heels of a controversial decision loss to Roach Jr. 

Oquendo said, “We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range, but we are working for that and we know that we will have no problems. My company knows how hard I fight and how hard I train. Fans like Jonathan Oquendo because he makes for great fights.”

In less than three years as a professional, Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) has become one of the faces of female boxing. She closed out her 2019 campaign last October with a sixth-round stoppage over Alejandra Soledad Zamora. The Los Angeles native is on track for a world title shot this year, but she must defeat Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs), a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to former lightweight champion Delfine Persoon.

Mayer said, “After having two fights canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am relieved and excited to be back and grateful to Top Rank for getting me back on a card so quickly. I’m not the fighter you last saw in October. I’ve had three camps to peak myself and grow as an athlete. A whole new fighter is stepping in that ring on July 14, so I hope Helen is ready.” 

In undercard action:

Puerto Rican featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will take on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder. Two of Vazquez’s last three wins have come against previously undefeated opponents, while Melendez has won six in a row since the lone defeat of his career.

Colombian puncher Ruben “El Tigrillo” Cervera (11-2, 10 KOs) will fight Clay “3rd Degree” Burns (9-8-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight. Cervera was stopped by Miguel Marriaga last May, but he returned with a knockout win over Luis Carlos Lugo in October. Burns made a notable “Bubble” impression on June 25, losing an action-filled split decision to Reymond Yanong.

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect William Villa (4-0) will face Eduardo Sanchez (2-2) in a four-rounder.

Mercito Gesta and Carlos Morales battled to a technical decision draw in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout at The Belasco theater in Los Angeles

After a headbutt in round four, Morales was cut over the right eye, and the bout was stopped after the 6th

The cards were 58-56 Morales and 57-57 twice.

Morales, 135 lbs of Los Angeles is 19-4-4. Gesta, 133.6 lbs of San Diego is 33-3-3.

“What happened is that we clashed heads while coming in,” said Carlos Morales.”The ref said the cut was too deep. I had trouble seeing out of my left eye. The medicine kept getting in my eye, and I kept trying to get it out. Mercito has a lot of experience, so it was a good learning experience for me. If the fans want a rematch, we can do it.”

I wanted to keep going, and I know he wanted to keep going,” said Mercito Gesta.”But that’s the way it is. This is boxing, and it happens. We can definitely do this again if the fans want it.

Jonathan Oquendo won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charles Huerta in a super featherweight bout.

Oquendo, 129.8 lbs of Vega Alta, PR won all scorecards 100-90 and is now 31-6. Huerta, 129.4 lbs of Paramount, CA is 21-7.

“It was a tough fight, and I felt I did well,” said Jonathan Oquendo.”I hadn’t fought in about six months when I fought Lamont Roach. But I did a good job. I knew he was the kind of fighter who likes to trade and I think I used that to my advantage. I also worked the body really well. God willing, we’ll get world title shot next.”

Travell Mazion won a 10-round unanimous decision over Diego Cruz in a super welterweight bout.

Mazion, 153 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 98-91 and 99-90 twice and is now 16-0. Cruz, 152.8 lbs of Mexico City is 19-8-2.

Mazion was deducted a point in round seven for low blows

“I think my performance was amazing,” said Travell Mazion.”I did exactly what I wanted to do. Everybody always thinks that I’m trying to go out there to get the knockout. You don’t always go out there and go for the knockout. He was really tough. I knew he was going to come in with some hell of a shots, and he did, but I knew I was going to come up top. I would change keeping my hands a little bit and go for to the body more. That’s pretty much it. I did what my coach wanted me to do. Whatever they have for me. I’m going to spend the holidays with my family, but we’re still going to be in the gym. Always in the gym.

Oscar Acevedo remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Darel Harris in a lightweight bout.

Acevedo, 134.4 lbs of Garden City, KS won by scores of 40-37 and 40-36 twice and is now 6-0. Harris, 133.2 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 3-18-2.

“I felt good. I had to get rid of some ring rust because I hadn’t fought since March,” said Oscar Acevedo. “I’m going to go back to the gym right away and see what’s next for me.”

Evan Sanchez needed just 23 seconds to dispose of Hector Hernandez in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Sanchez landed a big hook that sent Hernandez down. Upon rising to his feet, the bout was stopped.

Sanchez, 146.8 lbs of Parlier, CA is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Hernandez, 146 lbs of Durango, MX is 2-2.

“I feel honored to have been on a Golden Boy card,” said Evan Sanchez.”I appreciate every opportunity that’s been given to me. I didn’t know it would end this quick, but I knew I would get the stoppage because I have been training extra hard.”

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 17, 2019): Carlos “The Solution” Morales (19-4-3, 8 KOs) and Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-3-2, 17 KOs) will clash in a 10-round lightweight battle between experienced contenders in the main event of the Nov. 13 edition of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation.

Morales is a 29-year-old former regional champion who exceeded all expectations despite beginning his career with a record of one loss and three draws. Contrary to what one might expect from a start like that, the native of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico then began a 16-fight win streak, including huge victories against Luis Franco for the NABA Super Featherweight Title and Charles Huerta to defend that belt. Morales has had some setbacks since then, but against tough fighters such as former world champion Alberto “Explosivo” Machado, Ryan Garcia and Rene Alvarado. However, Morales is now campaigning at 135 pounds, where he has already scored two victories and is looking for a big challenge in Gesta.

“I’m back in the gym training very hard,” said Carlos Morales. “I feel strong. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and exciting my fans with another knockout win!”

Gesta is a 31-year-old Filipino contender who has challenged for a world title on two occasions. Indeed, Gesta faced former world champion Miguel “Titere” Vazquez in 2012 and challenged former unified champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares in 2018. Though facing a tough upset loss to Juan Antonio “Mozo” Rodriguez in the first installment of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights, Gesta has joined forces with Marvin Somodio and is looking for another shot at a world title.

“I’m very thankful to my Golden Boy Family for always believing in me,” said Mercito Gesta. “Come November 14, I’ll be ready and in great shape. I learned a lot from my last fight. With my team, my Dad, and my head trainer Marvin Somodio, I’m going to be well prepared to face the talented Carlos Morales.”

In the co-main event, Charles Huerta (21-6, 12 KOs) of Paramount, Calif. will face Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-6, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight for the WBO Latino Super Featherweight Title. Both men are eager to reach a top spot in the 130-pound rankings, which make a victory extremely necessary in this fight. Needless to say, these contenders plan to steal the show on Nov. 14.

“I’m excited for the opportunity ahead of me,” said Charles Huerta. “This will be my third fight this year, and I’m ready to step up and face serious contenders like Jonathan Oquendo. I can’t wait until fight night.”

“Everyone knows that my last fight did not go too well, but these things happen in boxing,” said Jonathan Oquendo. “Now I have another opportunity, a fight for the WBO Latino Title. It’s a great opportunity to once again be on the pathway to a world title. I expect this to be a great fight. Huerta is a warrior, so it will be a tremendous battle.”

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (15-0, 12 KOs) of Austin, Texas will fight in a 10-round super welterweight battle.

Martin Saldaña (12-0, 5 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. will participate in a six-round super welterweight clash.

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-1, 8 KOs) ofNezahualcoyotl, Mexico will make his highly anticipated return in a six-round featherweight fight against experienced warrior Diuhl Olguin (14-12-3, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Oscar “El Motorcito” Acevedo (5-0) de Garden City, Kansas will return in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Rene Moreno (2-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas will open the night in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Opponents for the undercard will be announced shortly.

Morales vs. Gesta is a 10-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area, click here.

Tickets for Morales vs. Gesta are now on sale and start at $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.

Media interested in covering Morales vs. Gesta must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, Nov. 11 at 5:00 p.m. PT, 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 and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MoralesGesta, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

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

Follow all the action as Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs meet in a middleweight unification bout.  The action starts at 9 PM ET from the T-Mobile Arena with Lamont Roach Jr. taking on Jonathan Oquendo; Joseph Diaz Jr. battling Freddy Fonseca; Vergil Ortiz Jr. fights Mauricio Herrera.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1: Canelo has a sleeve on his left knee..Hard right by Canelo..Jab from Jacobs to the body..

Round 2 Good jab from Canelo..Jab to the body..Jab..Hook to the body..Jacobs lands a body shot..Body by Canelo..

Round 3 Right to body from Canelo..Combination from Jacobs…Body work..

Round 4 Both warned for hitting back of the head..Hard jab from Canelo..Counter right

Round 5 Counter hook to body from Canelo…Double jab..Canelo outlanding Jacobs 60-43

Round 6  Jab from Canelo..Good right..

Round 7 Canelo trying to up his punch rate..Combination from Jacobs..Hook to body from Alvarez…Hook from Jacobs

Round 8  Uppercut and body shot from JacobsBody..Combination to body..Right from Alvarez..Straight right..Body shot..Good body shot from Jacobs

Round 9 Body shot from Canelo…Body..3 punch combination..Big left from Jacobs..

Round 10 Left from Jacobs..Hard right from Canelo..Left hook..Good right from Jacobs..Right to body and head…Canelo fighting off the ropes..Good body shots from Jacobs..

Round 11 Right from Canelo…Body work from Jacobs..Body shot and right from Alvarez..

Round 12 Jacobs falls after missing a left hook…Good uppercut from Jacobs..Hook and 3 punch combo from Canelo..3 more from Jacobs..Left from Canelo..Uppercut..Body..

Canelo landed 188-466    Jacobs was 131 – 649

115-113 twice and 116-112 for CANELO ALVAREZ

Round 1 Herrera trying to jab

Round 2 Right from Ortiz..Jab..Counter right..Hard right rocks Herrera,,,Hes hurt..RIGHT AND DOWN GOES HERRERA AT THE BELL

Round 3 Wicked left hook from Herrera…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES HERRERA…FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Good left from Diaz.  Jab..2 Body shots..Straight left

Round 2 Left from Diaz…

Round 3 Left to body from Diaz…Combination and uppercut..2 lefts..Right hook to body..

Round 4 Diaz boxing well

Round 5 Left from Diaz…Right and left..Right hook

Round 6 Hard 3 punch combination…Hard body shot…Uppercut..Left…..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES FONSECA

Round 7 Jab from Fonseca…Diaz POUNDING AWAY AND FONSECA’S CORNER THROWS IN THE TOWEL

Round 1 Roach lands a left hook..Body work…Right from Oquendo…Hard Hook..Blood from nose of Roach

Round 2  Oquendo lands a right..Lead right from Roach..Combination..Right..

Round 3 Right from Oquendo…Body shot..Right from Roach..Right..Good body shot..

Round 4 Good body shot hurts Roach..Right from Roach

Round 5 Left to body from Oquendo..Body shot from Roach..Left..Blood from nose of Roach

Round 6

Round 7 Right from Oquendo..Right from Roach..uppercut

Round 8 OQUENDO DOCKED A POINT FOR A HEADBUTT…Good jab from Oquendo..Hook from Roach..Exchanging body shots..Hooks from Roach

Round 9 Counter right from Roach…Another..Hard hook shook Oquendo..Right..

Round 10 Oquendo lands a body shot..Good right..Left and right from Roach…Good right from Oquendo

97-92 TWICE AND 96-93 FOR LAMONT ROACH JR.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): The undercard of the spectacular Canelo vs. Jacobs card hosted a press conference featuring Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs), Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs), Freddy Fonseca(26-1-1, 17 KOs), Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs), and Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs).The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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

Vergil Ortiz Jr., Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I trained really hard for this fight. I was training hard before I knew I was fighting Mauricio Herrera. I was sparring 10 rounders in February. I’m more than ready for this fight. Mauricio has never been stopped. I’ve stopped everybody. I’m more than ready to go into this fight. I’m prepared. Mauricio has been in there with Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez, who I do believe he beat, and in my eyes he is a world champion. We all know who won. But those guys weren’t me. He didn’t fight me, he didn’t fight Vergil Ortiz. We’re going to see how the fight plays out May 4th.

“About my dad. I really wouldn’t be here without him. He didn’t have the best childhood growing up and he made sure he did everything in his power that I did. I don’t think his dad was there for him when he grew up but he made sure he was there for me. My mom wasn’t there. He played both parts. That’s something you don’t see all the time. Usually it’s the mom who stays with the kid. My dad is the one who stayed with me, was there for me. Thank you dad, I love you.”

“On a more serious note, I can’t wait to eat tacos after this fight. I’m hungry. Other than that, hopefully after this fight, I get a world title shot soon. There’s a couple fights out there. Like, Maurice Hooker, we’re both with DAZN. So, Eddie, make the fight with Maurice Hooker happen please? We’re both from Dallas, we’re both on DAZN, I grew up watching Maurice Hooker on Golden Gloves, he knows me as well. In a couple years, I’ll take on Errol Spence too. I don’t mean that like I’m going to go through everybody. I just believe in my ability.”

Shouting out to Miguel Cotto in the crowd: “I want to thank Cotto. He was one of my favorite fighters growing up, my dad based my style off of Cotto. I don’t know if he knew that.”

Mauricio Herrera, Former Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion:

“This fight is really motivating. As many of you know my career has gone through ups and downs. In 2014 when I had fought Danny and felt I’d been robbed and then had the chance to win a WBA interim title which I won, and then later that same year, I got robbed again. That really left me in a bad place. I didn’t care for boxing and I was unmotivated. A lot of the fights you see where they’re close and I look bad in, it’s because I’m unmotivated in those fights. I’m slowly getting my motivation back.”

“This kid Ortiz has 12 wins and 12 knockouts, undefeated. On Saturday I’m really motivated. I do want to bring my career back. I trained really hard. You’re going to see I’m not an old lion. And if I’m an old lion, I’m a hungry lion. Come Saturday, you’re going to see a great show. Don’t tune me out. Saturday, you’ll see the Maestro comeback.”

Joseph Diaz Jr., Super Featherweight Contender:

“I’m going to go out there and showcase that I’m the next superstar in boxing. Freddy, I appreciate you coming down from Nicaragua but come Saturday night you ain’t gonna get that victory bro. You’re going to go home sad with a couple black eyes. I’m very, very focused. I’ve been training my ass off. 2018, I dealt with a lot of adversity. My dream is to become a world champion, and 2018 really hurt my heart. I was really at rock bottom. Just being focused and having good family supporting me through the rough times, it really meant a lot to me, it made me more motivated, it made me more into a savage and into a beast. I’ve been training my ass off and I’m very determined to turn into a champion by the end of the year. Come May 4th, I’m going to show you that I’m the real deal.”

“Everybody says I have a sno-cone head now but it’s all good.”

Freddy Fonseca, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I know the challenge I have in front of me, I know that JoJo is the favorite, but we’re coming in the best conditions to ensure victory for Nicaragua. I’m very happy for this opportunity because it’s my opportunity to show that I will be a world champion by beating JoJo Diaz.”

Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy:

On Vergil Ortiz Jr.: “Vergil Ortiz is a top prospect in boxing. I’ve said it before. There’s other good prospects out there but the skills this kid has, I haven’t seen in a long time and I’ve been promoting boxing for 20 years. He’s incredible, he can do it all. This is a tough test. This a real test for him. I was a little worried when Robert Diaz came into my office and said Mauricio will fight him. I was worried but I believe in his abilities. In order to beat Mauricio Herrera and to prove he’s a tough prospect moving into a contender status, he’s going to have to be victorious. This is the biggest test of his career. Where else, a better place, than the T-Mobile Arena here in Vegas. We’ll see if he’s ready to shine or not.”

On Mauricio Herrera: “Mauricio Herrera is a tough, tough veteran. He’s fought everyone in this sport. He gave Danny Garcia life and death in Puerto Rico. He’s been doing that for a long time. You name it, he’s fought the who’s who in boxing. He’s here to prove he can still compete at a very high level. He’s fighting a tough, tough prospect that’s coming up. He’s faced every kind of style, every kind of fighter in different positions, world champions, prospects, contenders. He’s ready to put on a show on Saturday.

On JoJo Diaz Jr.: “He’s ready to fight for a title, but he’s gotta get past Saturday’s test. There are a few options for him if he gets past this test, and we feel that for the next fight, he should be able to fight for the title. There are a few champions there lurking around.”

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Super Featherweight Champion:

“The time is now for those who haven’t seen me. This is the type of opponent that we’ve been waiting for, for a long time. This is where we are going to capitalize and show that we are ready for a world title in the 130-pound division. This is not the first time I’ve faced a veteran and probably not the last time. We trained our asses off in camp, we had good sparring, good strength and conditioning camp, trained mentally, and I’m just ready to be a world titlist and it starts with Saturday night.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Super Featherweight Champion:

“This will be a unification fight because I have the NABO Super Featherweight belt while Lamont Roach has the WBO International Super Featherweight belt. The whole world knows all the hard wok I put in for this Saturday. We know the quality of fighter that he is, we know the capabilities he has. But I like challenge. He likes to fight, I like to fight, and we’re going to make sure we have a great battle and a victory for Puerto Rico.”

Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“This Saturday, we’re going to have a big fight between Jonathan Oquendo and Lamont Roach. This will be a unification fight between international titles because Jonathan Oquendo is the proud owner of the NABO Super Featherweight belt, and after that, he’ll be looking for a world title. He has done all the necessary preparation to ensure triumph and a victory for all of Puerto Rico.”

John Ryder, Interim WBA Super Middleweight Contender:

“With Lemieux, it was a big upset but we got a great replacement in Bilal Akkawy. I think we’re all in for a real treat come Saturday night.”

Bilal Akkawy, Super Middleweight Contender:

“This is a big opportunity. It’s an opportunity for me to prove myself. It’s a world title fight so there’s no way I would turn down a fight like that. I’m going to make the most out of the opportunity come Saturday.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport:

“This is a big fight for the mandatory position of Callum Smith. It’s a huge opportunity for John Ryder. He’s turned his career in extraordinary fashion. We know what a tough fight this is. We knew David Lemieux was a tough fight but we know Bilal Akkawy comes in as a young man, extremely hungry, very dangerous, and this is going to be a very explosive fight.”

Sadam Ali, Welterweight Contender:

“I’m excited for this fight. It’s on a big card. 26-1 underdog? That’s crazy! I’m excited, ready for any opponent, any style that comes to me. I understand it’s a big opportunity for him, he’s been waiting for a moment like this, I know he’s coming strong, but I’m excited to go out there and shine. I’m ready to go.”

Anthony Young, Welterweight Contender:

“As a person, all I can ask for is opportunity. Getting the opportunity to fight a former world champion in Sadam Ali, who defeated a legend. They got me 26-1 underdog, so if you’re looking to win some money, put it on me. Sadam is Muslim, I’m muslim, that’s my brother, but Saturday, one of us has got to go, and it ain’t gonna be me.”

Joseph Markowski, Executive Vice President of DAZN North America:

“Saturday night is not just important because we’re unifying titles in the middleweight division. When you put on events of this magnitude, you know you will have a significant audience and a perfect opportunity to introduce future headliners to sports fans. At DAZN, we’re invested in the sport of boxing – not just its biggest names. And while we put great emphasis and resource into fights like May 4, we put on more than 100 fight nights a year and know how important it is to build the next generation.”

“We are committed to these boxers, making sure we broadcast their bouts so fans can witness their talents as they ascend to becoming main event fighters.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-
7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com
or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZNinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): Following today’s final press conference, Canelo vs. Jacobs undercard fighters staged an open workout for fans at the MGM Resort and Casino. Those participating included Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs), Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs), Freddy Fonseca (26-1-1, 17 KOs), Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs), Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs), and Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-2, 14 KOs). Canelo vs. Jacobs will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

Vergil Ortiz Jr., Super Lightweight Prospect:

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “This is a dream come true. I am Canelo’s co-main event. I am the only one who can say that, other than my opponent. But it’s just us and this is a big opportunity. I prepare for every fight like it will be my hardest fight. In fact, this probably will be my hardest fight, but I am ready to go. I am fighting in front of a bigger audience now that I am in the co-main event. Fighting on DAZN, a lot of people will be watching. I am excited for this opportunity. I am feeling good. I feel hyped up. Usually I am tired but I am not this time. It is weird. But I am ready to go.”

Mauricio Herrera, Welterweight Contender

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “I have been here before, but it is always an honor to be on a Canelo undercard. And the co-main event is a blessing as you have more eyes on you. It is an honor to have this opportunity. What better spot than fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Vegas, on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year? It’s amazing and I am excited for Saturday.”

On facing an undefeated fighter: “I have fought undefeated fighters. It might be a young lion against an old lion but we are two lions and we are going to go toe-to-toe. You will see this lion very hungry and you will see me go get it. He will be the aggressor and I will do my thing like I always do. I will pull out all of my tricks and get the win.”

Joseph Diaz Jr., Super Featherweight Contender

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “It means a lot to me. I want to thank everyone who came out here for it. It is a huge weekend for us Latinos. I am so happy to be a part of this huge event. Viva Mexico, let’s get it, baby.

On trash talking leading up to this fight: “I really feel this way. I am on a whole different level. Last year I had two chances to be World Champion, but I didn’t get it. It is my ultimate goal to be a champion and I am ready. I feel a lot stronger at this weight class. Freddy tried to flinch at me and scare me yesterday, but I am a beast and I will show him that. Believe that.

On his preparation: “I am a lot stronger. I am more confident in my abilities now than I was before. Now I am on a different level. I am on that elite level, the level with guys like Tevin Farmer. I am ready. And this guy Freddy is good but he is not on my level and I am going to prove that on Saturday. Underestimate me with this hair color, it’s cool, because I will see him Saturday and show him who I am in the ring.”

Freddy Fonseca, Super Featherweight Contender

On the trash talk leading up to the fight: “They may say JoJo is the favorite but in the ring there will be nothing to save him. We all want to win. He, like me, wants to win but on Saturday I will be the one to walk away with the win. He is a great fighter but I have a great game plan and we are going to get the victory for Nicaragua.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “This is a dream for every boxer to be here. I am grateful for this opportunity and to everyone who made this possible.”

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Super Featherweight Champion

On his preparation: “Be ready for fireworks. Mentally, I have been preparing. I am training my body and my mind. I want to get out of the ring with the win, no questions asked. I have a great game plan and I can’t wait to see it all unfold beautifully in the ring on Saturday night.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “I am ready, I am thankful for the opportunity to be here. I want to put on a show on the biggest stage. It means a lot to be here. I want to thank Golden Boy and my whole team. I am appreciative to everyone who made this possible and I want to show the world who I am.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Super Featherweight Champion

On what this moment means: “I am very happy. I am very content. This is the tenth time to have this opportunity to fight here at MGM in Las Vegas. It is a blessing. I am a believer in God. This is my second opportunity to win a world title and I am here for that very reason. I believe I am here to walk away a world champion.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “It is very exciting. I want to thank Golden Boy for this opportunity, and I am happy to be here fighting at this huge event. There are a lot of fans of mine and boxing fans in Puerto Rico and I am excited that they can watch on DAZN. I hope they all tune in to watch me perform.”

Sadam Ali, Welterweight Contender

On his mindset going into his fight on Saturday: “I am excited, ready to perform. There is a mega fight coming this Saturday and I am excited to see what happens in the Canelo vs. Jacobs fight but first I will go put on a show and get a win. I know he is going to come prepared, but I have been preparing hard for this in the gym, too. I have been working on my speed and power because you can have all that power and speed, but you need to know how to use it. I am ready to go.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-
7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com
or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZNinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2019): Rising star Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs) will have the opportunity of a lifetime as his scheduled 10-round welterweight battle against Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs) will now be the co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. As previously announced, the night will also feature the likes of Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, Lamont Roach Jr., John “The Gorilla” Ryder, Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. in separate bouts.The event will take place Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“This will be a big test for Vergil Ortiz Jr.,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This young man has all that it takes to become a dominant world champion, so it’s only fitting that a prospect like him gets the opportunity to be the co-main event of a Canelo fight. At the same time, we know the kind of fighter Mauricio Herrera is. He has a lot of experience and has been in close fights with the best of his division, including what we all know was a win against Danny Garcia. If Ortiz Jr. can look spectacular against Herrera, then he will demonstrate what we already know: that he is the real deal.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has never heard the final bell of a fight, and he hopes to retain his 100% knockout ratio in the toughest fight of his career. The native of Dallas, Texas, who has his roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will return after defeating Jesus Valdez in January of this year. Ortiz Jr. will move up to welterweight for this fight only, and he plans to make a statement to the fighters of the 140-pound weight division, where the 21-year-old plans to return after this tough test.

“This is a great opportunity for fans all over the world to get to know me,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Everyone will be watching this event, so I look forward to showing boxing fans what I’m made of. It’s very hard to look good against Mauricio Herrera. World champions have fought him and have looked bad. If I can look good and be the first to ever stop him, then I’ll be making a big statement.”

Herrera, a former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion, is a longtime veteran of the sport. The 38-year-old of Riverside, Calif. has faced a veritable who’s who of the welterweight and super lightweight division, including fights against Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Mike “Mile High” Alvarado, Danny “Swift” Garcia, Johan “El Terrible” Perez, and Jose “Merciless” Benevidez Jr., among others. Herrera will bring a world of experience against the young prospect.

“Everyone knows the kind of experience that I bring to the table,” said Mauricio Herrera. “Whether it’s against world champions, contenders or prospects, I bring a tough fight to anyone. Vergil Ortiz might have bitten off more than he can chew for this fight, especially now since we are the co-main event. I’m happy for yet another opportunity, and we look forward to stealing the show.”

Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (32-7-1, 22 KOs) will defend his WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Title against Michael “The Artist” Perez (25-3-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round fight. Cano will return after his dominant knockout victory against former three-division world champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares.

Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will unify his WBO International Super Featherweight Title in a 10-round battle against NABO Super Featherweight Champion Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The winner of this bout will earn the No. 1 spot for the WBO Super Featherweight World Title.

Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will fight against Freddy Fonseca (26-1-1, 17 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBA Gold Super Featherweight Title. Diaz Jr. will return after a dominant victory against rugged warrior Charles Huerta.

Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-2, 14 KOs) will return in a 10-round clash for the vacant USNBC Silver Welterweight Title against Anthony Young (20-2, 7 KOs) of Atlantic City, N.J.

London’s John “The Gorilla” Ryder (27-4, 15 KOs) will take on Bilal Akkawy (20-0-1, 16 KOs) of Sydney, Australia for the vacant interim WBA Super Middleweight World Title. Ryder was originally going to take on David Lemieux, though the fight was cancelled due to an injury Lemieux suffered in his right hand. Now, Ryder will now face a highly-ranked contender who is trained by Eddy Reynoso, the trainer of Canelo.

Alexis Espino (1-0, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, Nevada will participate in a four-round super middleweight fight against Billy Wager (1-0) of Great Falls, Montana.

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, and not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 24, 2016) – Former world featherweight title challenger Jonathan Oquendo, undefeated junior welterweight prospect Yomar “The Magic” Alamo and 2012 Puerto Rico Olympian Jontay Ortiz have all been added to this Saturday night’s (Oct. 29) Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López and Wilfredo”Papito” Vázquez, Jr pay-per-view card in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. v. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, will be distributed by Integrated Sports Media live, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, in the United States and Puerto Rico on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity. The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on the www.Fite.TV website. Suggested retail price is $29.95.

The Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs) vs. López (34-5, 31 KOs) 12-round Special Attraction main event (contested at a 129-pound catch-weight) is presented in association with Matias Entertainment and sponsored by Best Alarms and Municipio de San Juan.

“We’re confident this will truly be a memorable night of boxing for fans in attendance,” said Carlos Maldonado, President of Black Tiger Promotions, “as well as for those watching on pay per view.”

Vázquez (24-6-1, 19 KOs) is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) FECABOX super bantamweight champion, while López (34-5, 31 KOs) is a past 3-time, 2-division world champion (WBO super featherweight & featherweight, Interim World Boxing Association featherweight).

The 33-year-old Oquendo (26-5, 16 KOs) is coming off a 12-round decision loss to WBA world featherweight champion last December to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar. Oquendo’s most notable victories during his 12 ½-year professional career include Jhonny Gonzalez (DEC10) Alexandro Montiel (TKO1).

Oquendo has lost, ironically, to both Vázquez TKO7) and López (TKO3). He hopes to parlay an impressive win in the 10-round co-feature against Mexican rival Gustavo “El Gustavo” Molina (23-13, 9 KOs) into a rematch with the Vázquez-López winner.

Rising star Alamo (11-0, 8 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX junior welterweight champion, will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-round bout versus an opponent to be announced. Alamo’s last action was this past August, in which he stopped Edgardo Rivera to capture his regional title belt.

In the PPV opener, Ortiz (5-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow Puerto Rican Luis Hernandez in a 6-round match. Ortiz was bronze medalist in the 2011 Pan-American Games. He lost in the 2012 London Olympics to Russian David Ayrapetyan, 13-15, the eventual Olympic bronze medalist.

INFORMATION:
Websites: www.blacktigerpromotionspr@gmail.com, blacktigermediapr@gmail.com, www.integratedsportsnet,com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlackTigerPromotionalLC

Twitter: @integratedPPV

BROOKLYN (Nov. 25, 2015) – After hosting separate Coast-to-Coast media workouts in Miami and Marina del Rey, Calif., Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Jesus Cuellar, Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo and Chris Algieri spoke to the media about their respective showdowns next Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME.

Quillin, Oquendo and Algieri held their media workout at the 5th Street Gym in Miami while Cuellar hosted media at CMC Pro Boxing Gym in Marina del Rey.

Quillin headlines the Dec. 5 show when he takes on WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs. Cuellar and Oquendo square-off in a battle for Cuellar’s WBA Featherweight World Title while Algieri anchors SHOWTIME EXTREME coverage when he takes on Erick Bone. Coverage on SHOWTIME starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT while SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not
including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The Algieri fight is promoted in association with Star Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

PETER QUILLIN, Undefeated Former Middleweight World Champion

“This has been one of the most inspirational camps that I’ve had in my career. I’m around great people. I’m in the best shape of my life and as humble as possible. We’re going into this fight with nothing but confidence.

“I’m mentally and spiritually strong. I’ve been in 33 of these fights in my career. Every one of those guys has said they’re going to beat ‘Kid Chocolate’ but no one has beaten me. I’ve been in with a lot of different guys and I’m yet to be beat.

“I’m humble and blessed to be on this platform. I hope that I can inspire those who want to get to where I’m at. I’ve been in this place before. I’ve been at the top for a while and I’m going to stay here. My view of myself has never changed and that’s why I continue to win.

“It’s important for my journey and my team to get this win. We’ve put a lot of blood and sweat into this and it would mean everything for it to pay off with a victory. All this hard work has to go towards something.

“I don’t have a prediction for fight night. It’s up to Daniel Jacobs to determine that — because I’m here to win.”

JESUS CUELLAR, WBA Featherweight World Champion

“Training camp has been going great. I spent my first four weeks of camp in Argentina and then the past seven weeks I have been training in Los Angeles. My mindset in this camp hasn’t changed at all now that I am defending my title for the first time.

“Jonathan Oquendo comes from a lower division and has fought great competition. As long as I come in prepared for this fight, Oquendo is just another opponent and doesn’t bother me. I know what I am capable of accomplishing in this fight.

“I am blessed to be on such a prestigious card and I am honored to be a part of it. That’s why training camp has been so long, I must be completely prepared.

“There is no difference to me in winning the interim belt versus the title. When I first won the interim belt I considered myself a champion. To me, I’ve always been a champion.

“I didn’t expect to be fighting Jonathan Oquendo, but they mentioned my name and I want to fight the best fighters out there. I will fight any of the best fighters in the division.

“I know that there are five great champions in this division, and I will fight any of them.

“After the Oquendo fight I hope to fight one more time at 126 against a big-name fighter and then I will move up to 130 pounds. I will fight anyone in the featherweight division.

“The fact that I am the only current champion from Argentina doesn’t affect me. I knew that I would be a world champion since a young age and that’s why I train so hard.

“Growing up in Argentina was very difficult. I am one of eight siblings and the only one who is a boxer. My dad first introduced me to boxing because he was a professional fighter in Argentina. I have been in the gym since I was six years old.

“Since I won the title people have definitely begun to recognize me more in Argentina. I have been known since I was on the Argentinean National Team, but winning the title helped my recognition in the country.

“My nickname is ‘El Forastero’ because that is the name of my horse in Argentina. Besides boxing, I have always been interested in riding horses.”

JONATHAN OQUENDO, Featherweight Contender

“Cuellar is a very strong fighter. He’s a warrior in the ring, so I’m preparing myself for a very tough fight. I’m getting ready for his aggressive style.

“This is a great opportunity for me. Fighting in New York, with the great Puerto Rican fan base is wonderful and I am not going to disappoint them.

“I’ve been here in Florida for a month training and I’ll be heading up to New York on December 1. My plan is to go back to Puerto Rico after I win this fight and become a world champion.

“I’m very relaxed. I believe I am going to win this fight. I want to follow in the footsteps of the other great world champions from Puerto Rico.”

CHRIS ALGIERI, Former Super Lightweight World Champion

“Training camp has been fantastic. It’s been a productive five weeks with John David Jackson and we’re ready to roll into this fight. We’ve been working non-stop since the Amir Khan fight and I’m in great shape.

“Bone is a scrappy guy who will come in shape. This is his world title fight. He’s going to come as prepared as possible. I have to go out there and control the fight with my skill level and intelligence.

“I love fighting at Barclays Center. I’ve had some of my best performances there and I plan to do it again and keep it rolling into 2016.

“I’m going to go out there and show winning form. I’m going to use my experience to dominate the fight.”

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will televise the 10-round welterweight matchup between former world champion and Long Island-native Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) and Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) on SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME, Saturday, Dec. 5, live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In the opening bout on SHO EXTREME, undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs), of Staten Island, will take on experienced veteran Francisco Sierra (27-9-1, 24 KOs).

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME with WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) defending his belt against exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs).

It all leads to the #BattleForBrooklyn when WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) defends his belt against undefeated former champion Peter Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs). Winner takes the belt and Brooklyn.

Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @JesusCuellarBOX , @jonathanoquen; @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

BROOKLYN (Oct. 26, 2015) – WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will take on exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) Saturday, December 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The Cuellar vs. Oquendo world title bout will precede the eagerly anticipated SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event which features an all-Brooklyn battle between middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) and former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) with the middleweight crown and Brooklyn bragging rights on the line.

“I am glad to be defending my world title once again this year against a solid fighter like Jonathan Oquendo, who is fresh off a great win over Jhonny Gonzalez,” said Cuellar. “Oquendo comes forward all the time, so it will be a war. It will be a great card in the borough of Brooklyn and on SHOWTIME, so I have to deliver a great show. I have to get a big win so that I can get Leo Santa Cruz in the ring with me.”

“I’m very happy about this opportunity because it is my first world title fight and I’m going to fight in New York for the first time in my career with the support of all the Puerto Ricans there,” said Oquendo. “After my victory over Jhonny Gonzalez, I rested several days and then started training for this important fight. I know that Cuellar beat ‘JuanMa’ Lopez and I want to avenge my friend and fellow Puerto Rican’s loss. I’m training hard to become the next world champion for Puerto Rico.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar looks to make it 11 victories in a row when he defends his 126-pound title against Oquendo on December 5. His power in both hands has helped him deliver seven knockouts in his last nine victories including his most recent performance, an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Vic Darchinyan in June. The 28-year-old won his world title with a unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero in his U.S. debut in August 2013. He went on to defend the title against Rico Ramos, Juan Manuel Lopez and Ruben Tamayo.

A top contender from Vera Baja, Puerto Rico Oquendo has won 12 of his last 14 fights. His most recent victory was his most impressive as he dropped and defeated former three-division world champion Jhonny Gonzalez in September in the pay-per-view opener for “HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto.” The 32-year-old also owns victories over Joe Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona, Alejandro Montiel and top prospect Guillermo Avila. He will fight in New York for the first time as a pro when on December 5.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.

LOS ANGELES (September 22) – Fresh off one of the biggest wins of his career over former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez on September 12, Puerto Rican star Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) has returned to Golden Boy Promotions as he pursues his first world championship.

“We’ve had a long relationship with Jonathan and are thrilled to welcome him back as he continues his journey to becoming a world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jonathan’s win over Jhonny Gonzalez showed just how dangerous he is to all titleholders at 126 and 130 pounds. Talent and experience are both crucially important at this level, and Jonathan has both.”

“Golden Boy Promotions has always been fair with me and they’ve given me all the opportunities I’ve hoped for over the years,” said Jonathan Oquendo. “They are family and I am glad to have them on my side as I look to continue my dream to become a world champion.”

Currently ranked 11th in the world at featherweight by the IBF and 12th at super featherweight by the WBO, the 32-year-old Oquendo is a former WBO Latino and NABO champion at 122 pounds. The current interim WBO Latino Featherweight Titleholder was the first Puerto Rico native signed to the Golden Boy Promotions roster. Winner of four of his last five bouts, Oquendo won an exciting 10-round decision over Gonzalez on the Mayweather vs. Berto undercard in Las Vegas, and the victory has motivated the Vega Alta native to get back in the ring as soon as possible and work his way to a world title fight.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. said it was his last dance. If it was, he also got the last laugh.

In what he promised was his farewell fight Saturday night, Mayweather mocked Andre Berto. Beat him. too, for most of 12-one-sided rounds for a unanimous decision that put him alongside Rocky Marciano in the historical ledger at 49-0.

Everything, including his body language, said he would not fight again. He hugged and kissed his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., on the cheek before the start of the 12th and perhaps his final round.

After the 118-110, 117-110 and 120-108 scores were announced, he knelt at the center of the ring, pointed one of his green-gloved hands toward the ceiling and look up as if he were saying a goodbye prayer.

“My career is done,’’ Mayweather said.

After the ninth, he complained to his father about an injury to his left hand.

“It doesn’t matter whether I hurt my left hand or my right hand,’’ said Mayweather. who collected another $32 million guarantee in the sixth and final fight on his Showtime contract. “My career is over.’’

As definitive as his statement was in the wake of his victory over Berto, speculation will continue about whether he will pursue a 50th victory sometime in the spring, perhaps at a brand new Las Vegas arena scheduled to open next spring.

His decision to face Berto had been mocked the day it was announced. In the end, Mayweather managed to mock Berto, if not the mismatch, himself.

Sometimes, he moved robotically as if to mimic a tiring and clueless Berto. Sometimes, he moved as if had been hurt. He wasn’t. Mostly. He just made fun of Berto. At the strta of the 10th, Mayweather talked non-stop at Berto. Finally, referee Kenny Bayless called timeout and warned both.

“Just trash talk,’ said Mayweather, who hasn’t knocked anybody in eight years.

Berto was cheered for just about anything he attempted from the 13,395 in a crowd that began to fill a Grand Garden Arena that about 90 minutes before opening bell appeared to be nearly half empty.

In the early rounds, however, Berto must have felt like he was playing dodge-ball with a target always close enough to hit, yet always elusive enough to make him miss.

“He a great fighter,’’ said Berto, who didn’t call him greatest when as if he thought Mayweather was The Best Ever.
Berto will let history decide that one.

The rematch was supposed to settle the argument. It didn’t.

Instead, Orlando Salido and Roman Martinez have more to fight about after battling to a draw Saturday night in junior-lightweight bout on the Floyd Mayweather Jr .-Andre Berto card at the MGM Grand.

“I won this fight,’’ said Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs), a Puerto Rican who scored a unanimous decision over Salido in April

Salido (42-13-3, 29 KOs) was credited with a knockdown in the third. Martinez complained to no avail. Turns out, Martinez was right and referee Vic Drakulich wrong in ruling it a knockdown. Video replay showed that Salido stepped on Martinez’ foot, knocking him off balance and onto the canvas.

Later in the third, Martinez scored a legit knockdown, landing a big right that sent Salido back on his heels and onto his rear end. Salido was clearly hurt. But he was able to survive and then managed to drag the fight into the kind of bruising exchange he so often wins. He threw 1,037 punches. Martinez threw 691.

“I should have won,’’ Salido said. “That’s not fair.”

Anybody for a trilogy?

Badou Jack scored a first-round knockdown that proved to the key to a split-decision over George Groves in the first defense of his WBC super-middleweight bout.

Jonathan Oquendo of Puerto Rico and Johnny Gonzalez of Mexico opened the PPV part of the card in a super-featherweight bout that began with fireworks and then settled down into a battle of wits, survival and some blood. In the end, Oquendo (254, 16 KOs), prevailed, winning a 10-round majority decision after suffering a knockdown in the first round, knocking down Gonazlez (58-10, 49 KOs) in the second and sustaining a nasty cut on his legs ye;id in the sixth.

The Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto show opened Saturday during the noon hour, or probably before Mayweather rolled out of bed.

In an empty MGM Grand Garden Arena, Atlanta junior-welterweight Trakwon Pettis didn’t waste any time in his pro debut. Pettis stopped Devante Seay (0-1) of Martinsville, Va., at 2:24 of the first round. He was done in time to catch a late lunch.

In the afternoon’s second matinee, London junior-welterweight Ashley Theopane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) outworked Steven Upsher (24-5-1, 6 KOs), winning a one-sided decision over the Philadelphia fighter who lost to Berto last year.

Then, Baltimore lightweight prospect Gervonta Davis (12-0, 11 KOs) took over with a fast and furious beating of Filipino Recky Delay (8-2, 5 KOs), who was down twice in the first and signaled to referee Russell Mora that he was done at 1:34 of the round.

In another afternoon beating, Romanian super-middleweight Ronald Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) punished Scott Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) before the ringside physician ended it before the ninth.

A disciplined, patient Vanes Martirosyan waited as if he knew Ishe Smith would leap and lunge. Smith did. Not once, but twice. Martirosyan (36-2-1, 21 KOs), a middleweight from Glendale, Calif., capitalized both times, scoring knockdowns with well-timed counters late in the third round and again in the eighth for a majority decision over Smith (27-8, 12 KOs), a Mayweather-promoted fighter.

Dayton middleweight Chris Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) rocked Canadian Janks Trotter (9-2-1. 9 KOs) repeatedly in the sixth and finally floored him in the seventh for a stoppage at 2:59 of the round.

In the last fight before the pay-per-view portion of the card, Uzbekistan junior-welterweight Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (2-0, 1 KO) rocked an overmatched, yet durable Farkhad Sharipov (4-5, 1 KO) of Kazakhstan repeatedly in scoring six-round unanimous decision.

Follow all the action as Floyd Mayweather fights in his final fight of his career against Andre Berto.  The action kicks off at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT with a 4 fight undercard that will feature 2 world title bouts

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Round 1 Mayweather suing the left..lead left hook.

Round 2 Right from Berto..

Round 3 Mayweather landing rights to body..Double jab from Berto

Round 4 Jab from Berto..Lead left from Mayweather..body..Hard right..

Round 5 Counter right from Berto..Right from Mayweather..

Round 6 Good counter left from Berto…Hard body shots from Mayweather..left uppercurt…right hand..

Round 7 Right uppercut in inside from Mayweather..Berto works the body with the left hook..Left from Berto..

Round 8 Mayweather lands a left uppercut…terrific combination..1-2..Counter left from Berto…

Round 9 Berto jabs to the body…Right over top from Mayweather…

Round 10 Both guys are talking to each other..

Round 11 Lead left hook from Mayweather,,good uppercut..Nice combination…

Round 12 2 huge uppercuts on the inside from Mayweather,,counter right..jab to the body…right over the op…left uppercut…

117-111, 118-110 and 120-108

Punch Stats

Mayweather  232 of 410    Berto 83 of 495

Round 1 Uppercut on inside from Martinez..Salido lands a combination…Combination from Martinez

Round 2 Hard right from Salido..combination..

Round 3 Right FROM SALIDO AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN..Jab from Martinez…LEFT AND DOWN GOES SALIDO..Big right from Martinez

Round 4 Huge right buckles Salido..Counter right from Salido..

Round 5 Hard right from Salido and a left hook..Jab from Martinez..

Round 6 terrific action…Salido pressing

Round 7 Jab from Salido..another jab..hook…

Round 8 Hard right from salido..

Round 9 Right from Martinez..Right from Salido on the inside..uppercut in the inside..Martinez lands a right..Hard combination by Salido…Hard combination,..

Round 10 Martinez landing hard shots in the counter…counter left hook and right from Salido..terrific exchange..

Round 11 Big right from Salido

Round 12 great infighting..Martinez lands a left hook….

115-113 Martinez, 115-113 Salido, 114-114—-DRAW

Punches Martinez: 189- 691    Salido 285- 1037

Round 1: Jack lands a jab..Double left hook and right from Groves..right..Good right…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN Goes groves…

Round 2 Jack lands a jab..combination from Groves..Body and right..Combination from Jack…Counter from Groves..

Round 3 Body shot from Goves…Trading jabs…1-2 from Jack..

Round 4 Groves lands a right over the top..right uppercut

Round 5 Right from Jack..Good right from Groves..

Round 6 1-2 from Jack..Jab and right from Groves..another right..

Round 7 Body shot from Jack…Hard right from Groves

Round 8 Hard right from Groves

Round 9 Good right from Jack…

Round 10 Groves lands a jab that buckles Jack..Sharp right from Jack..

Round 11 Left to the body from Jack..left hook to the jaw..

Round 12 Body work from Jack…Groves lands a right…trading good rights..Groves lands a hard right that sets off a great exchange

114-113 Groves; 115-112 Jack; 116-111 Jack

Punch stats: Jack 210- 506    Groves 154- 721

Round 1: Uppercut by Gonzalez..BIG UPPEERCUT AND DOWN GOES OQUENDO…

Round 2 Right uppercut from Gonzalez…3 punch combination…Blood over the right eye of Gonzalez..right from Oquendo…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES GONZALEZ…Big left staggers Gonzalez…

Round 3 Good body work from Gonzalez..Straight right from Oquendo..Left hook…Combination from Gonzalez..Oquendo switches southpaw..Body shot from Oquendo..

Round 4 Combination from Oquendo..left hook..Jab to the body..left hook..right

Round 5 Left to body from Oquendo

Round 6: Overhand right from Oquendo..Triple Jab…Good right from Gonzalez..Nice Left

Round 7 Left hook from Gonzalez..Jab..Oquendo working the body…Gonzalez lands a hard right..

Round 8: Gonzalez cut over left eye from accidental headbutt…Left and right from Gonzalez..Jab…Jab from Oquendo drives Gonzalez to the corner..

Round 9 Doctor looking at cuts on Gonzalez…

Round 10 

94-94; 95-93 and 98-90 for Oquendo

Punch stats:  Gonzales –139 of 502    Oquendo: 100 of 455

Round 1: Good left from Smith

Round 2  Jab from Martiroysan…Combination..Right to the body..Counter left from Smith

Round 3:  2 shots to the body from Martirosyan..Left from Smith..Counter left..RiGHT FROM MARTIROSYAN AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN

Round 4:  Jab from Martirsyan…right…right to body from Smith,,,Nice right from Martirosyan..

Round 5:  Good combination from Smith..Good uppercut..Good combination..right lead..3 punch combination..counter right…

Round 6:  Good combination..right to body and left to the head..Body…Combination..

Round 7: Smith lanleft to head and left uppercut..lands a left..right

Round 8: Huge LEFT AND DOWN GOES SMITH

Round 9 Nice combination from Smith..good left to body and head..Swelling under the right eye of Martirosyan..Left..

Round 10  Good right from Smith

95-95; 97-91 two times Martirosyan

DORADO, PR (Sept. 1, 2015) – WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) and WBO/IBF featherweight world-ranked Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) worked out for the press in Puerto Rico on Monday, Aug, 31 in advance of their SHOWTIME PPV® fights against former world champions Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) and Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs), respectively. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas highlighted by HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.

Martinez and Oquendo worked before the media at the Dorado Municipal Gym in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Both fighters completed a full training session with their respective trainers Raul Torres and Dennis Pantojas.

This is what the fighters had to say during Monday’s workout:

Román “Rocky” Martínez
“I’m preparing for a big fight on September 12. Everyone saw that the first fight against Salido was a true ‘War.’ This time around, I’m planning to give my fans the same type of fight. I predict a non-stop action slugfest.

“My team and I are working and have been working really hard in training camp. I believe that we are doing everything that needs to be done. I’m in the best shape of my career and I’m planning to win once again, either by knockout or decision, but I’ll win.

“We have worked more on side-to-side and in-and-out movement. If I see him hurt early I’m going to finish him.”

Raul Torres, Martinez’s Trainer
“Rocky is a 100 percent prepared for [Orlando] Salido. I have no doubt that we will emerge victorious once again.

“[Orlando] Salido is a fighter that likes to go forward. He stands in front of you and he goes at it. He’s tough, but we are tougher. We are ready.”

Jonathan Oquendo
“This is very important fight for me. This is my opportunity to put myself in the world title landscape. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away from me.

“Jhonny Gonzalez is a veteran of 60 fights, so you can’t take him lightly. Preparation is key.

“This will be the first fight at 130 pounds for me and I can say that the training camp has been very good, better than expected.

“I’m feeling strong. I think this is a good weight for me, I’m comfortable because I don’t have to lose much weight and can train better.”

Dennis Pantojas, Oquendo’s trainer
“We have had a very good training camp. Jonathan [Oquendo] has not had any problems and he’s right on weight that we want.

“I see Jonathan [Oquendo] more focused and stronger than ever. We are not only hitting the gym, we are also swimming a lot and that has helped him lots. “

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV. The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, which is promoted in association with PR Best Boxing. Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks everybody for calling in. We appreciate it. We know it’s a busy week, but we wanted to kick it off with this conference call and on the line today we have two bouts from the HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto Pay-Per-View undercard, taking place Saturday, September 12.

The two bouts that we’re talking about today are Jhonny Gonzalez versus Jonathan Oquendo
and also Roman Martinez versus Orlando Salido, in their rematch. We’re going to start with Gonzalez and Oquendo and then we will move into the Martinez-Salido portion of the call. To make the introductions and MC the call I’d like to introduce Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Officer of Mayweather Promotions.

Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you Kelly. I’d like to thank everyone for calling in to our first of two conference calls. It’s exciting to present these great fights on the Pay-Per-View televised portion of the Mayweather versus Berto event. This call is extremely special because we have not only one, but two classics – Mexico versus Puerto Rico matchups which we’ll be discussing. Before we get into the fight details and fighters I’d like to introduce Chris DeBlasio, he’s the Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.

Chris DeBlasio
Thank you to all the press for getting on and Kelly for setting this up. I won’t take much of your time. I know you want to hear from the fighters today, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some of the exciting programming that we have coming up. As Leonard mentioned, the two fights that we’re going to talk about today are special in the classic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico and we do expect this to be a very exciting and fun undercard. So we’re excited to get to it.

As such, SHOWTIME Sports, in keeping with our tradition with the Mayweather events that we have been fortunate enough to work with Mayweather Promotions since 2013, we have a strong lineup of programming that comes in advance of the Pay-Per-View. The lynchpin of that is, of course, our Sports Emmy Award winning “ALL ACCESS” series.

We will premiere the first of a four episode series this Friday, August 28, on SHOWTIME. That is chronicling Mayweather and Berto as they prepare for the main event on September 12. In addition we have the first fight of Orlando Salido versus Rocky Martinez from April of this year. We believe many of you have already called this a leading candidate for fight of the year for 2015. That first fight in its entirety is airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It airs on the CBS Sports Network, our sister cable television network. It is also available in full on the internet. If you haven’t seen that fight or you want to relive some of the excitement or share with your readers and viewers, please do. That fight was excellent and we expect a great one in the rematch as well.

Our typical compliment of programming during fight week will be available as expected and as you’ve seen before from SHOWTIME in partnership with Mayweather Promotion. You’ll see a main event press conference streaming live on Wednesday of fight week. The undercard press conference we will also stream live that week. Weigh-in Live on Friday will air on SHOWTIME network, on CBS Sports Network and on many other platforms, including the internet.

We also have a very special “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on Saturday, September 12. COUNTDOWN LIVE is going to be a 90-minute show on SHOWTIME leading up to the Pay-Per-View. That’s going to include a live 10-round fight between Mayweather Promotions’ Ishe Smith in a super welterweight bought against Vanes Martirosyan. So lots of great programing coming up.

I know you guys have lots of other live action to cover as well. So I’m not going to take up any more of your time. I wish you luck and thanks for the time.

L. Ellerbe
Okay, thank you Chris. Mayweather versus Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and as Chris mentioned it will be live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View. Just a reminder the Pay-Per-View telecast will start at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. This event will be sponsored by Tecate.

Also, just a reminder tickets are on sale now at the MGM Grand and the ticket prices are $150, $300, $500, $750, $1000 and $1500. Mayweather versus Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners Fathom Events. Tickets are on sale now at www.fathomevents.com. In the main event, obviously, you have Floyd “Money” Mayweather versus hard hitting former champ Andre Berto. In the co-main event we have WBO Junior lightweight title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This will be a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.

The Martinez versus Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship and he’ll be fighting “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is in association with Sauerland Events. And as announced last Tuesday the first Pay-Per-View television fight will be a 10 round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. I’d like to acknowledge Peter Rivera of PR Best Boxing

Peter Rivera
Hi, Leonard. Hi everybody. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to SHOWTIME and Mayweather and we’re looking forward to being part of this great event.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you. I would like to introduce and first the opening televised bout on the Pay-Per-View portion. Jonathan Oquendo, fighting out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He’s won 11 of 13 fights and will fight for the sixth time in his career at the MGM when he faces Jhonny Gonzalez on September the 12. Coming to us with a record of 25-4 with 16 KOs. Jonathan, would you like to make a few comments?

Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank the press. I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. I’m very excited. I’m very focused and looking forward to the match up.

L. Ellerbe
Next up I’d like to introduce a very very exciting fighter from Mexico City, Mexico. He has won world championships at 118 and 126. One of his most memorable fights is his fight against Abner Mares in a very very exciting fight he ended with the first round KO to grab the WBC featherweight title. He defended it twice because eventually losing to Gary Russell Jr. Jhonny Gonzalez comes in with with a 58-9 record with 49 big KOs

Jhonny Gonzalez
I’m very happy for this opportunity. I’m extremely excited for the chance to fight on such a big stage that is important to fans around the world and I’ve really picked up my training and I’m extremely focused and looking ahead towards September 12.

Q
Jonathan, why did you accept this fight at this stage of your career?

J. Oquendo
I feel like this is a great opportunity. I want to be a great champion. I want to go ahead and showcase my talents on the card that Floyd Mayweather is headlining because there is a lot of attention when he fights. I feel that the training and that we’ve been doing in camp has been fantastic and I do believe that I have enough to defeat somebody of the caliber of Jhonny Gonzalez.

Q
Jhonny, what do you expect out of Jonathan Oquendo?

J. Gonzalez
He is very complicated and difficult to fight. I know that for Jonathan it’s a great opportunity. I’m awaiting a very stiff and strong challenge and I believe that Jonathan will bring his best coming up on September 12.

Q
Johnny, you just fought earlier this month. Did you already know that this fight was in the works if you won?

J. Gonzalez
I’m very happy that I took the previous fight and came out fine and it’s allowed me to just keep up the same training. I feel terrific at 130 pounds. I understand how important this is for all the Mexicans to be able to celebrate during this time on September 12 and during the month of September. At the end of the day I want to come out with my hand raised on September 12.

Q
How important is it to you to keep up the tradition of always fighting on or near your birthday, which of course is also the Mexico Independence Day?

J. Gonzalez
It’s very important for me to fight during this time of the year. I have had the opportunity to compete during this time of the year on various occasions and also more than anything I’ve learned from my defeats. Sometimes I’ve came up short but I have looked back and figured out the reasons why. And at the end of the day, most importantly, I want to go out and I want to fight for one more world title.

Q
Jhonny, do you believe you’re done at featherweight or would the right opportunity prompt you to drop that kind of weight?

J. Gonzalez
No, I’m done. My days are over fighting at 126. My focus is strictly on 130 pounds. I want to fight for a world title and I want to fight the best at 130. I get that opportunity to do so on September 12 against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
This question is for Jhonny. Are you going to put on another action-packed fight or will this be a more conservative Jhonny?

J. Gonzalez
I feel that the face that I’m back with my father will make me better than ever. I feel better at 130 instead of at 126 and my mindset is more to focus on boxing and that ability to focus on boxing, is going to allow me to land harder shots against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
Do you plan on making a title run at 130?
J. Gonzalez
I want to put on exciting fights, but I also want to focus on my campaign at 130 step-by-step. I feel that I will be ready to fight for a world title if the opportunity presents itself, but I’m more focused on handling things one by one and step-by-step.

Q
Having been through the process of rebuilding after a loss, do you feel more comfortable going through it?

J. Gonzalez
I always learn from my losses. I’m going to come back stronger and my mindset is to fight for a world title at 130 pounds. I understand the adjustments I need to make and I’m going to put that on display against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
Jonathan, how do you feel fighting at 130 pounds?

J. Oquendo
I’m in excellent condition right now. I understand the opponent that I have against me in Jhonny Gonzalez and I think I’m going to be totally fine conditioning wise and physically against Jhonny Gonzalez.

K. Swanson
Great. Thank you so much. Okay, now we’re going to transition over to Orlando Salido and Rocky Martinez.

L. Ellerbe
This next bout, which will be the second part of this great Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry, we have a very exciting fight. It’s a fight that the fans are really looking forward to and I’d like to introduce first Roman “Rocky” Martinez. He comes to us with a 29-2 record with 17 KOs and he’s fighting out of Puerto Rico. He’ll be making the first defense in his third stint as the WBO Junior Lightweight champ. He survived a desperate late rush to unanimously out-point Salido in a hard fought action packed fight this past April and it was a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico battle. Roman, would like you to say a few words?

Roman Martinez
I’m very prepared. My team has done a terrific job in training camp. I want to put on an amazing fight and I’ve worked extremely diligently to be able to defend his title on a spectacular card like this one that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather.

O. Salido
I’m very happy and it means a lot for me to be included on such a great card like this that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather and I want to prove to everybody that I still have a long career in front of me and I want to go out and recapture the world title.

Q
Orlando, what will be different in this fight coming up?

O. Salido
I’ve been training with guys that are very mobile that like to move a lot and I know that Roman is going to constantly be on the move, but the difference with this fight is that during his last fight in training camp I did not spar with guys that are very mobile and moved around the ring. But in this fight I’m very focused and prepared to go head and seek Roman Martinez in every single corner of the ring.

Q
For both fighters, what is your mentality of going back into the ring immediately with an opponent you just fought in what was a very very hard, physical, tough fight. How do you mentally prepare yourself for that knowing you’re probably going to be standing across the ring from a guy who is going to put you through another 12 rounds or maybe less of all out warfare?

R. Martinez
My training has been excellent. To be able to come out and put on a show on a card like this, I want to not only look good, but I want to look spectacular. The difference is that I’m going to use my intelligence more. I know Orlando is a terrific fighter and is going to leave it all inside the ring, but I’m going to use my brains more in this fight compared to the last.

O. Salido
Training has been going very well. I understand that we went toe-to-toe in our last match, but honestly, mentally I feel fantastic. What I’m looking at in this fight is not to leave anything behind. To give it my all and he understands that Roman Martinez is a great fighter, but I want to go out and recoup the title for all of Mexico on September 12.

Q
Roman did you think at any point that you could finish him in that fight and did you think that because you were able to drop him two times that perhaps this time you could finish him off in the rematch?

R. Martinez
I understand in the first fight I feel like I didn’t start as strong and in this fight I’m going to fight with pressure of from the outset and I do have a lot of confidence understanding that I could hurt Orlando Salido, but in this fight it’s all about starting faster and stronger and really going ahead and putting the pressure on Orlando Salido early. I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter and very courageous, but if I have the moment and I have the opportunity, if it is there then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido.

Q
Leonard, could you talk about how this fight ended up on the undercard of Floyd’s show?

L. Ellerbe
We’re always looking to put on exciting fights on our undercards and this was the best fight out there that we could make. I’m truly excited, not only as the promoter of the event, but as a fan to be able to witness another great fight. We know the first fight was a hardcore fight and I suspect nothing else in this fight. I went out and I tried to make the best fight I could on the card and that’s what we got.

Q
Roman do you believe that you have the advantage mentally heading into the rematch?

R. Martinez
Orlando is a veteran. We had an amazing fight back in April, but I’m not going to get over confident because Orlando Salido is a dangerous fighter and I understand I must bring 100% and my absolute best on September 12.

Q
Orlando did you want the rematch immediately?

O. Salido
The first fight was in Roman’s backyard out in Puerto Rico. I did not fight well, but I craved an opportunity to regain my title and I will do so for all of Mexico.

Q
Orlando how do you feel being able to fight very close to Mexican Independence Day and all that it represents?

O. Salido
It’s such an honor to be fighting so close to this day for the Independence of Mexico. I am so just overjoyed by the opportunity to be able to regain my title for all of Mexico during that time of year.

Q
Orlando do you think that this is the last time you will be fighting for the world title?

O. Salido
I do not know whatsoever. You can’t tell and you can’t know for sure. Anything can happen in the ring. But what I do know is that I am focused and coming up on September 12 I will, once again, regain my world championship for all of Mexico.

Q
The first fight that you had was very close and a lot of people felt that real difference in the decision was the two knockdowns. What happened with those knockdowns and how are you going to work in this fight to prevent something like that from happening again?

O. Salido
Mentally I feel great. Roman hit me with great shots, but the second knock down he hit me with an amazing show. In the first fight I lost the fight mentally and in this fight everything is different mentally, spiritually. I just feel so much better and I thought that in the first fight that everyone was for Roman. This time everything is different and I think that the results will be different as well.

Q
Roman, could you tell us what led up to the knockdowns and how you will try to repeat that in the rematch?

R. Martinez
The first fight, it was just an amazing matchup. I went ahead and I saw an opportunity. I took advantage of it. I’m training very hard to go out there and get the finish that I was looking for in the first match up.

Q
In the back of your mind have you thought at all about a trilogy?

O. Salido
If the fans want a third fight after I am victorious then so be it. Let’s make it happen. But in my mind I’m coming out only thinking about this fight. That is my only focus at the moment. I want to come out and fight an intelligent fight. I know Roman is going to be at his best, but when he steps inside the ring on September 12 I want to put on a spectacular performance for all the fans and everyone watching on Pay-Per-View.

R. Martinez
I know it’s going to be a great fight and that if the fans want a third fight then I’m willing to oblige, but it will have to be on my point because I’m going to be victorious yet again over Orlando Salido. So if it is another great fight where I am victorious it will certainly be up to me and I would be willing to go ahead and consider the option of fighting a third time against Orlando Salido.

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight
world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV. The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido. Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

LAS VEGAS (August 20, 2015) – Former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncher Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) will take on Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight showdown that will open up HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto, the live, four-fight, SHOWTIME PPV® event on Saturday, September 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“This will be an attractive fight for the fans as we all know that the sporting rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico always generates great battles,” said Gonzalez. “Oquendo is a fighter who always goes forward and who likes to exchange blows. I will demonstrate that I have the desire to return to the top and fight for a world championship. Participating on a Floyd Mayweather event is a great opportunity for me and I will make the most of it.”

“This opportunity against Jhonny Gonzalez is very important because I will face a former world champion and will be part of a great show headlined by Floyd Mayweather,” said Oquendo. “It’s an honor for me to be part of the undercard of this event. I’m excited to share the stage with my countryman Rocky Martinez, who also has a big fight against Orlando Salido, so there are two wars between Puerto Rico and Mexico. We are training hard to get in top condition for this fight.”

“Boxing fans are in for a great night of action from start to finish with the addition of the Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Jonathan Oquendo matchup,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This will be another chapter in the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry. I have no doubt that both men will leave it all in the ring on September 12 and live up to the historic event.”

The main event features the final fight in the extraordinary career of boxing’s pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) as he takes on former two-time welterweight champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles. Mayweather will look to match the 49-0 mark of late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano and reaffirm his claim as “The Best Ever.”

Two stellar world championship fights will also be included on the pay-per-view telecast.
Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will risk his WBO Junior Lightweight title in a rematch against the boxer he dethroned, four-time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs). Their first fight in April of this year is considered by many to be a leading candidate for Fight of the Year. In addition, Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs).

With the Gonzalez vs. Oquendo fight added to the jam-packed SHOWTIME PPV telecast, boxing fans are in for a night of action from top to bottom that features two more additions to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry, three world championship fights and the final bout of the greatest fighter of this generation.

One of the best Mexican fighters of this era, Mexico City’s Gonzalez has held world championships at 118 and 126 pounds, defeating the likes of Hall-of-Famer Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson and former world champions Fernando Montiel, Irene Pacheco, and Hozumi Hasegawa along the way. His most recent championship winning performance came via a stunning first round knockout of three-division champion Abner Mares which earned him the WBC Featherweight World Title. He would defend the title twice before losing to Gary Russell Jr. but the 33-year-old bounced back earlier this month by knocking out Kazuki Hashimoto.

A top contender from Bayamon, Puerto Rico Oquendo has won 11 of his last 13 fights, including his most recent victory over Gabino Cota in March. The 32-year-old owns victories over Joe Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona, Alejandro Montiel and top prospect Guillermo Avila. He will fight for the sixth time in his career at MGM Grand when he enters the ring on September 12.

# # #

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV. The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido. Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Canelo Alvarez 155 – Erislandy Lara 155
Abner Mares 126.5 – Jonathan Oquendo 126.5
Juan Manuel Lopez 130 – Francisco Vargas 129
Johan Perez 140 – Muaricio Herrera 140

Lisa Milner
Thank you, everybody for calling in today. We are talking about Abner Mares vs Jonathan Oquendo, which is the co-main event in the “Honor & Glory: Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara” SHOWTIME PPV ®event. On the call we have both fighters and we have Stephen Espinoza of SHOWTIME Sports and President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya.

Before I turn it over to Oscar I just wanted to let everyone know that next Tuesday will be Canelo Alvarez’s media day in San Diego and next Wednesday will be the Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara media conference call, so please keep an eye on your inboxes for that information.

Now, I will turn the call over to Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar, please go ahead.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much. It is a great pleasure to be on this call with all the media and, especially, with both fighters. We are really excited and thrilled to be showcasing such a great matchup with Abner Mares and Jonathan Oquendo, who we all know very well.

This is a fight that will be a 10-round fight in the Featherweight division supporting the main event, Canelo vs Erislandy Lara, which will be a 12-round Junior Middleweight bout. It is taking place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas July 12th.

At this moment let me take this opportunity to introduce to you and say a few words from Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thank you, Oscar. We’re very excited and very happy to have Abner Mares back on SHOWTIME. As all of you know, Abner has a long history on our network and, as you all know, during that history he has not hesitated to take on any challenge that he’s been given. Mares fights the toughest fights without exception and he is always entertaining along the way.

So, we are, again, happy to have him in the SHOWTIME family and happy to have him in this good, action-oriented fight. Jonathan Oquendo, he has good power and is an aggressive boxer. We made this matchup because it fits with the style of the card, two action guys, a great rivalry, Mexico vs Puerto Rico, and we’re looking for fireworks, just as we are throughout the entire card on July 12.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you. Let me also take this opportunity to thank AT&T, who have been doing a great job as a partner of Golden Promotions, along with Corona, thank you very much for your continued support and we are really thrilled to be presenting to the fans across the globe this tremendous, tremendous line-up.

Let me introduce to you the first participant on this call. He hails from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He has won 10 of his last 12 bouts, seven by knockout. He holds wins over Jose Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona and Alejandro Montiel. He’s coming off a great 12-round unanimous decision over top prospect Guillermo Avila. So, obviously, he’s here and he wants to make a statement, especially on this big blockbuster Pay-Per-View card July 12th, at 24-3 (16 KOs) from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Jonathan Oquendo.

Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I want to thank PR Boxing, the promoters, for helping me get on this card. I’m very happy and I’m anxious for the date to arrive.

O. De La Hoya
Let me introduce to you a fighter that we have been cultivating right from the start. We are thrilled and excited to once again be showcasing Abner Mares on such a tremendous card. I remember him right from the Olympic Games and right from the start knowing that this young fighter is going to be something special in the sport of boxing.

He hails from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, and now fighting out of Downey, California. He’s a member of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team. He had a tremendous stoppage win versus Daniel Ponce de Leon to win the WBC Featherweight crown. He is the previous owner of the Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight Championships and, obviously, he’s anxious to return.

He has been off for a year and is coming into this difficult fight against Oquendo, who is a very solid, tough fighter from Puerto Rico. So, without any further ado, Abner Mares.

Abner Mares
Thank you, Oscar. You forgot Featherweight Champion, actually, which I’ve been. Thank you so much, Oscar, Showtime, Jonathan Oquendo for taking this fight. I’m excited. It’s going to be close to a year since I have been in the ring, since I have fought and I can’t wait. I’m excited to make the card. I didn’t choose an easy fight. I chose a hard, hungry fighter such as Jonathan Oquendo and I can’t wait. I can’t wait for July 12th, another great card for Showtime and I’m really excited.

Q
What did you learn from your last fight, the loss with Jhonny Gonzalez? What have you been doing the whole year, how have you been preparing? How have you been working so that the inactivity doesn’t affect you in this upcoming fight?

A. Mares
You learn a lot from a loss. In fact, you learn more from a loss sometimes than from wins. The inactivity, the year out, it made me see a lot of things, rethink a lot of things and, obviously, rejuvenated me. I’ve been coming off a long string of title defenses, fight after fight, tough fights. In a period of eight, nine months I did a lot of tough fights. We’ve got a new team working with Virgil Hunter out here in the Bay area and if it affects me, the layoff, it’ll be for the first few rounds, but once I get in my rhythm, nothing is going to stop me.

Q
Jonathan, what have you seen? It’s a very good fight, a big fight, tough fight and the fights between Puerto Rico and Mexico are always great fights. What can you tell us?

J. Oquendo
I’m very appreciative of the opportunity. I’ve always admired Abner. He’s a great fighter, great champion. The fights between Mexico and Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico and Mexico, they’re always classic wars. He’s coming to fight. I’m coming to fight and the fans are going to win that night because they’re going to see a tremendous fight.

Q
Obviously, it’s a great card, a lot of Mexican fighters distributed throughout the card. What are the expectations, seeming that it’s a great date, the ending of the World Cup, and what are the expectations as far as Pay-Per-View goes?

S. Espinoza
We have high expectations for this fight. It’s a solid card top to bottom, with high quality fights. There is competition from the World Cup that weekend. Without a doubt a lot of the Spanish language media, in particular, are paying a lot of attention to World Cup, as are the English language media.

So, there will be competition, but there’s competition every weekend. We are very confident that this is going to be a very solid Pay-Per-View performer for us.

Q
How come the Gonzalez fight was never put back together after that postponement?

A. Mares
Well, I did suffer a brief injury in Mexico City. I was training for that fight for February, a rematch against Jhonny Gonzalez and then after that we just didn’t agree with dates pretty much. That was the whole case of the fight not happening.

He wanted to take some time off. I was not going to give any advantages, so I decided not to take the fight any time soon and he didn’t want to wait. So, with that said, I needed more time for myself to recover. I’m just focused on this fight, but later on in the future it’s possible again.

Q
So, I understand you have to be focused on your preparation for the fight coming up in a couple of weeks, but is, in the back of your mind still the idea that you would like to gain revenge against Jhonny?

A. Mares
Yes, no doubt. This is a guy who took my undefeated record. He did take a lot from me that night. I’m not saying physically, because it happened so fast, less than a round. So, thank God, physically, I wasn’t damaged that much, but naturally he did as far as taking my undefeated record, so believe me, I do want my rematch, I want my revenge. But that will come within time.

Q
How do you approach those early rounds where fighters coming back from knockouts, especially such a quick one, can be, at least mentally, a little bit in a familiar place?

A. Mares
Well, you know what, it’s funny, I didn’t even say this, but I was blessed that the fight was stopped shortly. I was going to get up that second time, but the ref did make the great call and did not let me continue or else I think I would have done even more damage or even, who knows, I would have probably fought back, a lot of punches. But at the end of the day I did take this fight because I know I’m ready mentally.

I’ve gone through that stage early and that’s why I took this whole time, almost close to a year off and I’m back. I always had that in my mind, when I first signed a contract to be a professional fighter that there was going to be a loss. No matter what, this is a contact sport, it’s a risky sport, anything can happen. I’m ready for anything.

Q
Abner, are there any distractions whatsoever because as I understand it you’re in the process of parting with your manager, Frank Espinoza. I believe you’ve sought arbitration in California. Can you tell me what’s going on with that and if there are any distractions at all?

A. Mares
No distractions whatsoever. Actually, I’m in the Bay area. I’m away from home. I’m in an actual camp out here and I think if anything else, I’ll just fight against Jonathan Oquendo, a great fighter. As far as Espinoza situation, my lawyer is taking care of it. I have nothing to do with it as in now.

Q
Jonathan, why is it going to be different this time than what happened in the previous fights when you fought better opposition?

J. Oquendo
Basically, the couple of times I wasn’t in the best preparation that I could have had. I’ve learned from that. Like they say, third time is a charm. And you know what, we’re taking it very serious. I know Abner Mares. I know his capabilities. I know how risky this fight is. We were both, at one time, with Golden Boy years ago and I always thought that was a possibility to make this fight, you know, Puerto Rico vs Mexico, down the road we would make it.

I had a couple of losses and they taught me and now we have a good team. We’re preparing really well and, you know what, I’m excited. It didn’t run in my mind after a while that I was going to be fighting him after a few years, but the fight is here. I’m very anxious, I’m very excited and I look forward to it.

Q
What is involved in the mental adjustment in not fighting for you, when you’re used to fighting that often against quality fights?

A. Mares
Like you said, I am through fighting that many opponents and every time I finish a fight I like to go back and look at what I did wrong and what we could prevent. As you mentioned, you saw progress in Abner in every other fight. It was a different Abner and the next fight, it’s going to be a totally different Abner because of how camp, I told you guys, I just recently switched coaches.

So, you will see a different Abner and this whole time being off just helped me, helped me to get hungrier, helped me to get healthier and helped me mentally to be close with my family. So, believe me, I’m taking this fight like if this was my debut fight.

Q
How do you characterize the change in training? Is Virgil Hunter tweaking things? Is he adding anything? Is there anything that you didn’t do that he’s improving?

A. Mares
All of the above. You mentioned tweaking things, he’s improving things, he’s making me see things I didn’t know and we’re working with each other. We’re working with what I have and he’s working with what he’s going to give me. So, I’ve seen a lot of progress already with him, the sparring sessions already, so believe me, when fight night comes all that will be shown.

Q
Do you think it’s going to be a situation like with Amir Khan where the first couple of fights people were very critical when he fought, I think, Molina and then he fought Diaz? Or do you think you’ll step right in and be real smooth right off the bat?

A. Mares
I would like to think that, yeah, it will be just as Khan did this last fight against Collazo, that will be the result the next fight. I show that I’ve shown a lot of progress already and I think that’s the Abner Mares you guys will see that night.

Q
Abner, you were always a very well-rounded fighter offensively and defensively. Has Virgil helped you more on the defensive end or on the offensive end?

A. Mares
Defensive, no question,that is one of the top reasons why we are here and we needed that. That was shown even in the fight before the Ponce fight, I think I boxed somewhat good, but still was getting caught with some punches that I was missing punches. So, there’s still room for progress, there’s still room for learning, I’m at that stage. I’m 28 years old. I feel young, I really feel young for the 26 fights that I have in my career, I feel like I’ve done so much yet I can do some more. I’m progressing and I’m happy to have made the decisions that I’ve made so far, which is come more eager and keep on learning.

Q
Abner, also what do you know about Oquendo? What sort of things does he present that you really have to worry about? I know he’s been in the ring with a lot of good fighters, what’s your scouting report on him at the moment?

A. Mares
Everything, because if you look at it, he’s a hungry fighter. He’s coming off a fight early this year, so he’s got that advantage. Again, I mentioned the hungry fighter, he wants to win. He’s a tough fighter. I know him because we’ve both been signed with Golden Boy Promotions for a period of time and we’ve fought in a couple of same cards, so as well as he knows about me, I know about him.

I’ll tell you, he’s a tough cookie, he’s a tough guy and I did not choose an easy fight for my comeback and that’s exactly what I need, I need someone that’s going to pressure me and someone that’s going to take me to deep water so I could revive to get that Abner Mares, you know, that anger back in me.

Q
Abner, There were talks in the past that you were going to fight Jason Velez. In fact, the WBC even announced it as a possible eliminator and how did that affect you, how did you adjust for the change that now you’re fighting Jonathan Oquendo?

A. Mares
They never really formally mentioned or offered it and I was never preparing for Jason Velez. This was the fight that I’ve been training for and preparing for and I see Jonathan, another Puerto Rican, obviously, like Velez, but even more dangerous. A stronger, more aggressive, he’s coming, he knows what a win means. Obviously, it’s even a riskier fight, so that’s what we’re preparing for.

Q
Alfredo Angulo had mentioned to us how on a personal level Virgil Hunter had helped him. Is that your case as well? Are you having a lot of help with him personally?

A. Mares
I came here for Virgil to seek a trainer for the training purposes. On the personal level, that’s my family. I see professional psychologist and that helped me tremendously. But for here, it’s the training.

Q
How long was your time working with the psychologist and what was the most important, what did he help you with the most?

A. Mares
I want to make a quick correction. Not a psychologist, it was more of a coach, sporting coach that helped bring back the Abner that maybe had been lost, re-live that Abner that had got me there. After the loss, obviously, I was a little sad, but thanks to God and thanks to my family and I was with the coach for three months and he helped me bring that out and I want to continue fighting for many years.

It’s the risk we’re in and this is the type of game. You risk losing and you’ve just got to learn to get up and I may lose again and guess what, I’ll know how to get up.

Q
You had the opportunity to go up a division to look for that fourth title, the fourth division. You stayed at 126. What’s the intent, what’s the goal? To fight for a world title? Most of the champions are with Top Rank.

A. Mares
Obviously, you’ve heard the news, my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions is looking to work with top rank in fights in the future and, look, they have great fighters, great champions, so I feel very comfortable at 126 right now. That’s what I have in front of me right now and I have an opponent that I’m concentrating on him. But at the time, at the time maybe I was thinking with my heart and not with the mind.

I want to go in for the fourth division, but sometimes when you think with the heart only, it can run into mistakes and it could cost you. It could have cost me a loss right there. So, right now, I’m making the weight very comfortable. I’m very happy at 126 and we’re going to continue here.

Q
Jonathan, what do you expect from Abner Mares? Do you expect the Abner Mares, because of the coming off a knockout loss gives you an opportunity or do you expect the Abner Mares from before the loss and that it’s just going back up to world champion level and this could put, a win, obviously, could put you at that level?

J. Oquendo
Abner mentioned it earlier, you fall, you lose, you’ve got to learn to get up. To be a great champion, great fighters, you have to learn to fall and get up. I’ve learned from my past, from my mistakes. He took some time off, he rested. He knows what he needed to do. I’m positive, I know he’s coming to fight. I know he’s coming. I know what kind of fighter he is.

When I’ve lost in the past, a couple of weeks later, I’m back in the gym. That’s my way of dealing with it. That’s my therapy, right back in the gym. I’m very prepared. I know what this fight means. And I’m just looking forward to the date. I’m ready.

Q
Abner, with the loss, the obvious question is how important is it to be victorious on your upcoming fight?

A. Mares
Obviously, significant, significant to my career, obviously, getting back on that list of winning. It would mean a lot to me, my fans, my family and we’re preparing, we know we have a tough opponent, a difficult fight, a strong fight, but that’s what we’re preparing for.

Q
You’ve, obviously, made the change in trainer, probably working on a variety of things. What is the difference? What are we going to see different on fight night?

A. Mares
You’re going to see a more intelligent, a little bit more boxing maybe I think that I had that Virgil is bringing back out, that is polishing and showing me. I’ve always liked to go toe-to-toe, I’ve always liked to go forward and aggressive. I’ll still have that, but you’re going to see a little bit more of the boxing in it as well. I know we have a tough, strong opponent, so we’re going to bring it out.

Q
Jonathan, what does it mean to beat an opponent at the level of Abner Mares. I’m assuming that it would mean a lot to you to come out with a victory.

J. Oquendo
This is significant, a win over Abner. We all know he’s a tremendous three-division world champion. This means more than a title to me. This means more. This would put me, we’ve all known that he’s been considered one of the best fighters in the world, so to me this is more than a belt. It’s the status what it would put me in history and what it means for me and my family. It’s everything.

L. Milner
That was actually our last question. So, I want to thank all the participants on today’s call as well as all of the media that dialed in. We will be sending out a fight week schedule next week as well, so keep an eye on your inboxes and thank you so much, everybody, for being here today.
###

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50 price ranges, not including
applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight
(8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call
Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase
at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2014) – In preparation for what will be a match-up of the two best junior middleweights in the world Canelo Alvarez and slick Cuban star Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, Golden Boy Promotions and Leigh Simons Productions will present “Countdown to Canelo vs. Lara.” This primetime special 30-minute preview show will air on various FOX Sports platforms beginning next Wednesday, July. 2 and will feature never-before-seen footage of Canelo, Lara and the SHOWTIME PPV-televised undercard fighters including Abner Mares, Jonathon Oquendo, Juan Manuel Lopez, Francisco Vargas, Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera.

Tune into any of the FOX Sports Network channels: FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes (check your local listings) for a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of this highly anticipated pay-per-view event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The countdown show, brought to life by Producer and Creative Director of Golden Boy Promotions Leigh Simons, will provide audiences with exclusive analysis and commentary leading up to the PPV-event.

“They both knocked down and decisioned Austin Trout and they both stopped Alfredo Angulo in round 10, which makes for an unbelievable match-up,” said Simons. “This show explores how their recent successes against common opponents could play out against each other on July 12.”

Below is a collection of links, which preview various parts of the special and fight highlights:

– Canelo vs. Lara press tour recap and Trout and Angulo fight recaps – http://youtu.be/r2tMYj1LMak

– Oscar De La Hoya and boxing experts talk about how Canelo vs. Lara came to be – http://youtu.be/EJSzI5eamPo

– Inside Canelo and Lara’s camps – http://youtu.be/INP8UnHTMvo

– Canelo, Lara and boxing experts talk about each fighters’ style – http://youtu.be/gIbq21HS2fw

– Dramatic profile of the three exciting fights on Canelo-Lara undercard: Abner Mares vs. Jonathon “Polvo” Oquendo, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez vs. Francisco “El Bandido”Vargas, and Johan “El Terrible” Perez vs. Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera. -http://youtu.be/5neyd-mr_Do

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In theco-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2014) – The hottest fight of the summer of 2014 deserves a sizzling undercard, and Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV are pleased to announce the three bouts that will support the main event featuring Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former three-division world champion Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Championship against Mauricio Herrera in s 12-round match up.

Rounding out the four-fight pay-per-view event, Puerto Rican star and former world champion Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez battles Mexico’s Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

“The Canelo vs. Lara card is shaping up to be an extraordinary one for fight fans around the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “When you get a Mexican fighter like Francisco Vargas and a Puerto Rican fighter like JuanMa Lopez together-the greatest nationalistic rivalry in all of boxing-there will be fireworks. Then you have Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera, two skilled hungry fighters who know their way around the sweet science, making this a dream fight. And, lastly, we have the highly anticipated return of Abner Mares against hard-hitting Jonathan Oquendo. So get ready for another memorable night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”

“I’m in great shape, I have momentum on my side after beating Daniel Ponce De Leon, and I’m ready for Francisco Vargas,” said Lopez. “The MGM Grand was where I had one of my biggest wins against Rafael Marquez, and I’m looking forward to more success there on July 12.”

“JuanMa Lopez is a great fighter and 2 time world champion, and we’re going to give the fans a fight to remember,” said Vargas. “I feel like this is my time, and with a win over JuanMa, it will get me that much closer to a world title shot.”

“It’s been a long time, but I can’t wait to step into the ring and hear my name called again,” said Mares. “Jonathan Oquendo is a respectable fighter and I know he’s coming to win, but he is in the way of another world title, so I have to get him out of there.”

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico always produces great fights, and this fight won’t be any different,” said Oquendo. “A win over Mares will do big things for my career, and I plan on leaving Vegas with the victory.”

“Every fighter dreams of fighting in Las Vegas, and on July 12, I get my chance,” said Perez. “Mauricio Herrera is a great test and tough Challenger to my title. I feel Herrera beat Garcia and because of that he is the best and I want to fight the best. We’re going to give the fans a great battle.”

“You have to respect Johan Perez for all he’s accomplished in such a short time, and I see him as a very dangerous fighter,” said Herrera. “But my only goal is to win the title, and to get there, I have to beat him on July 12.”

Beloved Puerto Rican power puncher Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez (34-3, 31 KOs) is undergoing a career resurgence at 30-years-old. With wins in three of his last four bouts, all by knockout, he is soaring in the 130-pound rankings. In his most recent match on March 15, Caguas’ Lopez stopped Daniel Ponce De Leon in the second round of their rematch. Considering that his last Las Vegas bout was a stirring eighth-round stoppage of Rafael Marquez in 2010, Lopez is confident of victory on July 12.

A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, 29-year-old Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has made his way to the top of the 130-pound division. After a trio of important victories over Brandon Bennett, Jerry Belmontes and Abner Cotto, the Mexico City standout is ranked No. 2 in the WBO and ready for his shot at a world title. But first he has to handle this step up in class and defeat former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez.

A member of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team, 28-year-old Abner Mares (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and fighting out of Downey, Calif., earned a spot on boxing’s pound-for-pound list in 2013 when he stopped Ponce De Leon in nine rounds to win his third divisional world title, the WBC Featherweight crown. In his last start on Aug. 24, on SHOWTIME, Mares was upset by Jhonny Gonzalez. But Mares, the previous owner of world championships at bantamweight and super bantamweight is anxious to return to the ring to begin his quest for another world championship.

One of Puerto Rico’s top contenders for world title honors, Jonathan “Polvo’ Oquendo (24-3, 16 KOs) is a hard-hitting pro who has won 10 of his last 12 bouts, seven by knockout. A victor over Jose Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona, and Alejandro Montiel, the 30-year-old native of Bayamon is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision win over top prospect Guillermo Avila, setting the stage for his showdown with Mares.

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, 30-year-old Johan “El Terrible” Perez (19-1-1, 13 KOs) has returned to the top of the 140-pound division, bouncing back from the lone loss of his career against Pablo Cesar Cano in 2012 to win four straight bouts. In November of 2013, Perez regained the interim WBA World Junior Welterweight title by handing former champion Paul Spadafora his first career defeat. Perez has since successfully defended the crown once, stopping Fernando Monte de Oca in 10 rounds last May 10.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (20-4, 7 KOs), of Riverside, Calif., has long been a favorite of hardcore boxing fans for his gritty determination and well-balanced attack in the ring. But this past March, the world got to witness just how talented the 33-year-old is, as he pushed junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia to the brink before losing a razor-thin majority decision. Eager to get back on top, Herrera gets his chance to do just that on July 12.

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko will take a very tough fight in his pro debut when he takes on Jonathan Oquendo as part of the Timothy Bradley – Juan Manuel Marquez undercard on October 12th in Las Vegas according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“He’s stepping up right off the bat,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti told ESPN.com. “This is a hellacious debut. I don’t mean to be dramatic, but this is unheard of for a pro debut. You probably have to go back to when [Floyd] Patterson fought [Pete] Rademacher.”

“For a pro debut, this ranks way up there because of how tough an opponent Oquendo is. Just look at his credentials,” Moretti said. “Stepping up a gear during any race is no an easy thing to do. In boxing, in a pro debut, it’s unheard of.”

“Lomachenko must have a lot of confidence making his debut against a fighter like me,” Oquendo said. “He must think he’s really good. Let’s see what happens in the ring.”

“He has this zest to reach the top as soon as possible and knew we could provide him the route to getting there,” Moretti said of one of the reasons Lomachenko signed with Top Rank. “He is on this card against a solid 10-round guy who has fought excellent opposition and has always been in a war. When he signed with us and told us what he wanted to do, our eyebrows were raised. But we were all for it. If somebody has that kind of zeal to prove himself right off the bat, why not.”

If Lomachenko comes through the fight, he could be looking at a world title shot early next year. The plan would be to match him with the winner of the fight between former titleholder Orlando Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) of Mexico and Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) of Puerto Rico, who meet for a vacant 126-pound world title in the co-feature of the Oct. 12 card.

“We have our eyes on having Lomachenko fight the Salido-Cruz winner in the first quarter of 2014, in his second or third pro fight,” Moretti said.