“Linares injured his right hand in the sixth round of the ferocious battle versus Anthony Crolla, and after analyzing the situation and confirming with Dr. Jedediah Jones, it has been concluded that Linares will not be able to fight for some time,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Thursday. “The WBC is hereby confirming that Dejan Zlaticanin is free to make a voluntary title defense of his WBC lightweight title.”

“It’s still swollen, but thankfully there is no break,” Diaz said. Linares’ injury is in a different spot on his right hand than the previous one that led to the 11-month layoff, said Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz.

“Right after the fight Eddie and Crolla were saying they want the rematch next but a couple of weeks have passed, and sometimes things change,” Diaz said. “So next week I’ll send Eddie an email and see what they want to do and get it in writing. The most important thing is to see when Linares’ hand is ready to go. If Eddie and Crolla want the rematch, Jorge will be available for it.”

The bout, which took place this past Saturday, headlined a card that was broadcasted live all over the United States on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment and streamed on www.klowdtv.com.

“The fight lived up to expectations and was a terrific contest,”said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“This is another in the long line of great fights that have come to the network and we should be announcing some more great fights real soon.”

“We were ecstatic and extremely happy about the response we had for this fight,”said Chris Schickedanz, KlowdTV Managing Director.

“We had an overwhelming turnout, and we will continue to show the biggest and brightest fights from all over the globe.”

It was a tough grueling fight that saw Linares ump out to an early lead on the strength of his quick combinations and handspeed.

In round five, Linares was cut over his left eye. In round six, Crolla was starting to take charge of the bout with his work to the body and uppercuts inside, until Linares hurt Crolla badly with a right hand that wobbled the Manchester native on the ropes.

Both guys had their moments down the stretch as Linares, at times seemed like he was losing his stamina, only to come back with hard combinations and he was able to eek out rounds.

Linares of Venezuela won by scores of 117-111, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 41-3. Crolla is now 31-5-3.

Jack Arnfield won a twelve round unanimous decision over John Ryder in a middleweight bout.

Arnfield won by scores of 117-114, 118-110 and 115-114 and is now 21-2. Ryder is 23-3.

Callum Johnson scored a 9th round stoppage over Wilbeforce Shihepo in a scheduled twelve round light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Shihepo was docked a point for holding. Shihepo kept holding and was deducted another point in round seven. Later in the round, Johnson dropped Shihepo with a body shot. Johnson finihed things with a huge right that dropped Shiphepo in the 9th round. Shihepo could not beat the count at 2:07.

Johnson is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Shiphepo of Namibia is 23-9.

Conor Benn remained undefeated by scoring a 6-round decision over Ross Jameson.

The score was 60-55 for Benn, who is now 5-0. Jameson is 1-2.

Hosea Burton scored two knockdowns in the 3rd round and stopped Fernando castaneda in the same round of their scheduled ten round light heavyweight bout.

The stoppage came at 2:18 of round three, for Burton, who is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Casteneda is 24-11.

Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

It was a tough grueling fight that saw Linares ump out to an early lead on the strength of his quick combinations and handspeed.

In round five, Linares was cut over his left eye. In round six, Crolla was starting to take charge of the bout with his work to the body and uppercuts inside, until Linares hurt Crolla badly with a right hand that wobbled the Manchester native on the ropes.

Both guys had their moments down the stretch as Linares, at times seemed like he was losing his stamina, only to come back with hard combinations and he was able to eek out rounds.

Linares of Venezuela won by scores of 117-111, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 41-3. Crolla is now 31-5-3.

Jack Arnfield won a twelve round unanimous decision over John Ryder in a middleweight bout.

Arnfield won by scores of 117-114, 118-110 and 115-114 and is now 21-2. Ryder is 23-3.

Callum Johnson scored a 9th round stoppage over Wilbeforce Shihepo in a scheduled twelve round light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Shihepo was docked a point for holding. Shihepo kept holding and was deducted another point in round seven. Later in the round, Johnson dropped Shihepo with a body shot. Johnson finihed things with a huge right that dropped Shiphepo in the 9th round. Shihepo could not beat the count at 2:07.

Johnson is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Shiphepo of Namibia is 23-9.

Conor Benn remained undefeated by scoring a 6-round decision over Ross Jameson.

The score was 60-55 for Benn, who is now 5-0. Jameson is 1-2.

Hosea Burton scored two knockdowns in the 3rd round and stopped Fernando castaneda in the same round of their scheduled ten round light heavyweight bout.

The stoppage came at 2:18 of round three, for Burton, who is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Casteneda is 24-11.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.– Below are weights for tomorrow’s world championship card from Manchester, England that will be capped off by the Anthony Crolla – Jorge Linares WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight title bout. The fights listed will be the fights shown on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment and www.klowdtv.com beginning at 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT

Anthony Crolla 134.5 – Jorge Linares 134.2 lb
(WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight titles)
John Ryder 159.6 – Jack Arnfield 159.4
Callum Johnson 174.5 – Wilberforce Shihepo 172.8
Conor Benn 147.9 – Ross Jameson 142.8
Hosea Burton 176.8 – Fernando Castaneda 175.2

Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Anthony Crolla wants to continue his incredible run of wins going and defeat Jorge Linares as they clash in a Lightweight unification blockbuster at the Manchester Arena tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Crolla puts his WBA crown on the line for the second time against the three-weight great, who brings his WBC Diamond strap to the UK. The vacant Ring magazine title is the third prize on offer to the winner, offering Crolla the chance to become the first English Lightweight to win that belt.

With Crolla bettering his last performances in each of his three World title fights – a draw against Darleys Perez followed by KO wins in the rematch and against Ismael Barroso – ‘Million Dollar’ knows that he has to raise his level once again and he’s ready to prove that he is the elite man in the 135lbs division.

“I never stopped believing but it’s been a mad ride,” said Crolla, who today scaled 9st 8lbs 5oz, three ounces more than Linares. “If someone had said a few years ago that this night was going to happen, I might not have believed them, it’s a ride I’ve enjoyed every minute of.

“I have to pull out another career-best performance again. Anything less is not going to be enough. He’s the best fighter that I’ve shared the ring with and you only have to look at his record to know the level he’s operated at for a long time and see how big a task it is. I bring something different to the table that he’s seen before and I believe I’ll have too much for him.

“Winning the Ring belt is one of the ultimate prizes in the sport, not many Brits have done that and it’s only right that I am fighting a great fighter for it. I’m humbled and blessed by both fighting Jorge and fighting for the Ring belt, but that’s not the end of my ambitions, I’ll be happy when I have the belt on my mantelpiece and then get back in the gym and go on and do more great things.

“I’m just so proud that I’ve been able to pay the fans back for their incredible support I’ve received. I’m not the kind of fighter that will run his mouth at press conferences or call people out, but I will happily fight anyone. You can’t want it more than me, no-one does. I’m still taken aback by it all really, I’m just a normal lad that trains hard, but things are going well and the harder you train, the luckier you get.

“There’s a lot more talented lads than me. But my will to win matches anyone’s. I think I’m improving as a fighter as well. I rarely come out really banged up now. Nine times out of 10 in any sport, the team or person with the best defence wins. But a lot of it comes down to my will and how I prepare for a fight. I train very hard and my engine has always been good.”

Crolla’s clash with Linares is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

[ENDS]

Running order and weights

5.05pm 6 x 3 mins Light Heavyweight Contest
LIAM CONROY (12st 8lbs 5oz) v BAPTISTE CASTEGNARO (12st 3lbs 1oz)
(Barrow-in-Furness) (France)

5.30pm 4 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
NATHAN WHEATLEY v DAN BLACKWELL
(Warrington) (Trowbridge)

5.50pm 4 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
MARK JEFFERS v BEN HEAP
(Chorley) (Swindon)

6.25pm 8 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
MARCUS MORRISON (11st 6lbs) v MATIOUZE ROYER (11st 4lbs 4oz)
(Manchester) (France)

7pm 4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight Contest
LYNDON ARTHUR v ANDY NEYLON
(Manchester) (Hull)

LIVE on Sky Sports 1 from 1930

10 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight Contest
HOSEA BURTON (12st 8lbs 7oz) v FERNANDO CASTANEDA (12st 7lbs 2oz)
(Manchester) (Mexico)
Followed by
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
CONOR BENN (10st 7lbs 9oz) v ROSS JAMESON (10st 2lbs 8oz)
(Ilford) (Middlesbrough)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins Vacant Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight Contest
CALLUM JOHNSON (12st 6lbs 5oz) v WILLBEFORCE SHIHEPO (12st 4lbs 8oz)
(Boston) (Namibia)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBA International Middleweight Championship
JOHN RYDER (11st 5lbs 6oz) v JACK ARNFIELD (11st 5lbs 4oz)
(Islington) (Blackpool)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring magazine Lightweight Championship
ANTHONY CROLLA (9st 8lbs 5oz) v JORGE LINARES (9st 8lbs 2oz)
(Manchester) (Venezuela)

TO BE SCHEDULED
6 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
ISAAC LOWE (9st 8oz) v ELVIS GUILLEN (9st 8oz)
(Morecambe) (Nicaragua)

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.– Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs) and Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) hosted their final press conference today, in Manchester. The fighters are set to go head-to-head for in a unification battle for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT AND www.klowdtv.vom

The start time of the show will 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.

Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com

www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.

Crolla destroyed Barroso with a now-trademark body shot in the seventh round of the first defence of his WBA crown at the arena in July, soaking up the early pressure from the hard-hitting challenger before imposing himself and knocking out the dangerous Venezuelan in style.

Linares believes that his fellow countryman was too aggressive too early in the fight, and that he is ready to tough it out for 12 rounds to take the titles back home.

“Ismael is a very good fighter but he made a big mistake in the fight,” said Linares. “He came out too strong and too fast and too aggressive, trying to KO Anthony, and when you are at this level, you cannot go looking for the KO because when you do that, you end up receiving the KO, and that’s what happened.

“Anthony worked to fight for 12 rounds but Ismael didn’t. He came rushing out and Anthony absorbed the early attack and imposed himself on Ismael and won the fight in style. The difference is that I prepare to go the distance and that’s what you need to do at this level.”

Saturday’s fight is special to Linares for more than the titles on offer as he looks to fulfil a promise to the late president of the WBA, Gilberto Mendoza.

“It’s not who is the more difficult or complicated fighter in the division, all the champions are great fighters,” said Linares. “We can all box and punch hard, so no one fight is any harder or easier than the other, the only fight that counts is the one in front of you, and for me that’s Anthony. Fights with Terry Flanagan and Dejan Zlaticanin can come next year but this fight is personal to me, not because of Anthony, but because of the WBA.

“Prior to Mr Mendoza passing away, I told him I would win the WBA title back for him to Venezuela, so this really means a lot to me because of that. All the belts are on the line, the WBC Diamond belt is beautiful and not many people have won it, so to be added to that list would mean so much.

“The Ring magazine belt is very prestigious and not many win that either because number one and two in the world need to fight to have it on the line, like it is here, that adds so much and the personal promise from the heart to Mr Mendoza for the WBA makes this fight so special.”

Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Ricky Hatton has backed Anthony Crolla to become the first Englishman to win the Ring Magazine Lightweight title in his unification blockbuster with Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Hatton landed the Super-Welterweight strap in the same arena in April 2006 when he forced Kostya Tszyu to quit after 11 thrilling rounds.

The ‘Hitman’ will be ringside on Saturday night where Crolla aims to become Britain’s 18th Ring magazine king and join Scottish legends Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt as winners of the prestigious strap in the 135lbs division.

Hatton’s fighting days are as memorable for his fanatical supports as his achievements in the ring, and the Manchester legend is delighted to see Crolla’s support growing as his remarkable story continues.

“Where Anthony has come from is a great example,” said Hatton. “It’s not where you start in boxing, it’s where you finish. He lost a six rounder early in his career and to Derry Mathews later on, everyone wrote him off and to achieve what he has is test of his character. I’m very proud of him.

“Anthony is lovely kid, some say he is too nice to be a boxer but there is a mean streak there. He has developed in to a good all round fighter, he has a very exciting style and is brutal body puncher.

“I know he can do the business against Jorge Linares and I’ll be beaming with pride to see him lift that Ring Magazine belt.

“My proudest achievement was my fan base in my career above everything. Anthony has an amazing following now and it’s great to see a fellow Mancunian being such a big draw in our city

“I became the first Brit to win the Ring Magazine fighter of the year award. Which was a huge honour. I won the Ring Magazine belt 10 years ago and it is the accolade that proves you are the best in your weight division, it is the ultimate achievement. It looks like the belt from the Rocky movies and its very old school which adds to the glamour of it.”

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton and there will only ever be one,” said Crolla. “If I can get a bit of the support and success that Ricky had I’ll be over the moon. The crowds at the Perez and Barroso fights were unbelievable and I am sure it’s going to be rocking on Saturday too.

“I’m just so proud that I’ve been able to pay the fans back for their incredible support I’ve received. I’m not the kind of fighter that will run his mouth at press conferences or call people out, but I will happily fight anyone. You can’t want it more than me, no-one does. I’m still taken aback by it all really, I’m just a normal lad that trains hard, but things are going well and the harder you train, the luckier you get.”

Crolla’s clash Linares with is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 21, 2016 – – Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs) and Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) hosted a public media workout today at the National Football Museum, in Manchester ahead of their unification blockbuster for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment & www.klowdtv.com

The start time of the show will be 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.

Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com

www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.

Photos are now available of the fighters, Click HERE to Download. Mandatory photo credit: Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom Boxing.

Crolla welcomes Linares into his hometown fortress where he’s been so impressive in his last two outings – unleashing a pair of fiendish bodyshots to KO Darleys Perez to win the WBA crown in November and then destroyed the dangerous Ismael Barroso in May.

Linares wowed UK fight fans with his epic rollercoaster battle with Kevin “Mitghy” Mitchell at The O2 last May, climbing off the canvas in the fifth round before stopping the Londoner in the tenth.

Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield. Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming mega-fight:

JORGE “EL NINO DE ORO” LINARES, WBC Lightweight World Champion:

“I’m excited to be here. Believe it or not, I feel like I’m at home because the fans received me well.

“We’ve been here before, on a similar stage, when we fought Kevin Mitchell. Manchester is different, but the love and respect I’m getting is admirable.

“It’s a special night. It’ll be a war, and that’s what we’re prepared for. It’s something very special what Crolla and I are doing, it’s something we love to do, and we’re proud representing. That’s what’s going to steal the show and give the fans a beautiful fight.

“Every fight you learn more and gain experience. I feel much better than I did with Mitchell – I’ve had a better camp with more sparring, more conditioning.”

ANTHONY “MILLION DOLLAR” CROLLA, WBA Lightweight World Champion:

“I rate Linares very highly, he’s technically brilliant. Everyone in the gym loves to watch him fight, and he’s the kind of fighter young kids should watch.

“He likes to fight at his pace and I can’t allow that. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve got to take advantage of some weaknesses that I think I’ve seen there. I’m confident I can do that.

“I’ve got to be switched on from the opening bell. He’s a very good counter-puncher, so I know I can’t be lazy at any stage. But I genuinely believe I’ll have an answer for whatever he shows me.

“I thought a lot of his win over Kevin was down more to Kevin’s eye getting so bad really. Jorge has had better performances than that, he looked good last time out again Ivan Cano, but I can take a lot from Kevin’s fight. Kevin and I are different fighters but he put on a great performance and was seconds away from winning really, but Jorge dragged himself off the floor and came from behind to get the stoppage and that’s what true champions do. It was a great fight.”

Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

The start time of the show will be 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.

Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com

www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Anthony Crolla says he’s Jorge Linares is the best fighter he’s faced – but believes there are flaws he can exploit as they clash for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring magazine Lightweight titles at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Crolla welcomes Linares into his hometown fortress where he’s been so impressive in his last two outing – unleashing a pair of fiendish bodyshots to KO Darleys Perez to win the WBA crown in November and then destroy the dangerous Ismael Barroso in May.

‘Million Dollar’ would love to complete a hat-trick of KO wins in consecutive World title fights, but knows the three-weight Venezuelan star represents his hardest job to date in the paid ranks.

Linares wowed UK fight fans with his epic rollercoaster battle with Kevin Mitchell at The O2 last May, climbing off the canvas in the fifth round before stopping the Londoner in the tenth.

Crolla and his Joe Gallagher gym-mates are all fans of the visitor, but Crolla believes that Mitchell’s ding-dong battle with El Nino de Oro showed vulnerabilities that Crolla can take advantage of to secure another momentous win.

“I rate Linares very highly,” said Crolla. “He’s technically brilliant. Everyone in the gym loves to watch him fight, and he’s the kind of fighter young kids should watch.

“He likes to fight at his pace and I can’t allow that. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve got to take advantage of some weaknesses that I think I’ve seen there. I’m confident I can do that.

“I’ve got to be switched on from the opening bell. He’s a very good counter-puncher, so I know I can’t be lazy at any stage. But I genuinely believe I’ll have an answer for whatever he shows me.

“I thought a lot of his win over Kevin was down more to Kevin’s eye getting so bad really. Jorge has had better performances than that, he looked good last time out again Ivan Cano, but I can take a lot from Kevin’s fight. Kevin and I are different fighters but he put on a great performance and was seconds away from winning really, but Jorge dragged himself off the floor and came from behind to get the stoppage and that’s what true champions do. It was a great fight.

“I’m going to have to exchange with him at times and I’m going to have to be cute and make him fall short. Kevin showed that he has weaknesses and there will be times that we trade but I’ve been working hard on my boxing ability and my angles because he’s too good to walk in straight lines, I have to use my brain in the fight – I’ve got to drag every last ounce out of myself to win, and that’s exactly what I am going to do.”

Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Jorge Linares has told Anthony Crolla that his fans cannot help him in their unification blockbuster for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring magazine Lightweight titles at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on Sky Sports.

Three-weight World king Linares brings his all-action style to Manchester for the mouth-watering contest, as he looks to halt Crolla’s remarkable rise to the top of the 135lbs division.

‘Million Dollar’ has thrilled the Manchester Arena with stunning wins over Darleys Perez and Ismael Barroso in the last year, and is aiming to cement his place as the number one fighter in the division in his latest outing at the famous fighting fortress.

Linares has other ideas though, and the Venezuelan star plans to wreck Crolla’s run and use all of his experience of winning huge fights all around the world on his latest visit to England, having beaten Kevin Mitchell in an epic battle at The O2 in London in May 2015.

“I love fighting in my opponent’s back yard with all the noise that comes with it from their fans,” said Linares. “The supporters cannot get in the ring with their fighter, it’s just me and him.

“When I first started to fight all over the world it took some time to adjust but now, it’s easy and I am confident doing it.

“The fans are excited for this one. We’re both World class fighters and World champions that are willing to fight each other, as we’re proving in this one. There’s no need to trash talk or build the fight up, it’s a great fight and there’s lots of respect between us.

“The best fighter on the night is going to win, and I think that’s going to be me.”

Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, Isaac Lowe defends his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks with an appearance first at The O2 in London on September 10.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 6, 2016 – One of the most anticipated bouts in boxing will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 24th as Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares will square off for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight championship that will be televised LIVE on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT.

For boxing fans who don’t have AWE, you are in luck because the fight will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com

“We are thrilled to be able to show this major bout. This is for the lightweight championship of the world and we have two great champions willing to put it on the line. This fight is for supremacy and the fans will see a great fight on September 24,”said AWE President, Charles Herring.

“If your cable system doesn’t carry AWE, we’re offering the fight to everyone in the United States via www.Klowdtv.com. KlowdTV is a new 24/7 streaming service that offers AWE and this upcoming unification world title fight, plus several other great channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports, and other exciting sports programming. We’re ecstatic to be able to service all boxing fans across the country via KlowdTV as we continue to showcase the best fights from all over the world.”

The monthly cost of www.klowdtv.com is just $7.99 and with that, fans can enjoy a total of fourteen channels currently with more slated to join the lineup this month. KlowdTV is offering a free viewing during the entire month of September.

Crolla of Manchester, England has a record of 31-4-3 with 13 knockouts.

He turned professional on October 14, 2006 with a win over Abdul Rashid (1-0).

The 29 year-old has amassed wins over 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie (36-3-1), Andy Morris (19-3), John Watson (13-1), Willie Limond (34-3), Syephen Jennings (5-1-1), Kieran Farrell (14-0), former Junior Welterweight world champion Gavis Rees (37-2-1), Stephen Foster (31-4-1) & Former world title challenger John Murray (33-2).

On November 21, 2015 he won the WBA Lightweight title with a one-punch body shot knockout over reigning champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1).which thrilled his hometown fans at the Manchester Arena.

On May 7th, Crolla scored an exciting 7th round stoppage over Ismael Barroso, when he landed yet another body shot to make his first title defense.

“Sometimes I pinch myself to see myself how I’ve got here,” Said Crolla “Everyone in the gym are fans of Jorge Linares and I think he’s a great fighter, but on the night that respect goes out the window and we’re fighting for one of the great prizes in the sport. The Arena is going to be rocking and that’s my house, and I want to keep those three belts in Manchester.

This is a legacy fight for me, every young kid wants to become a World Champion and I’ve done that now. I don’t want people to think I’ve settled with that, I’m hungrier than ever and I like the huge nights way too much to let it go now – I’m happy to win the belts and go to Vegas for the rematch though!

We’re working so, so hard in the gym because Jorge Linares is a phenomenal fighter, and I’m honoured to be fighting him in my house.

I’ve done that ring walk so many times in front of a huge crowd and you can’t beat that feeling, the energy the crowd will give me is going to help me produce the career-best performance I will need to beat Jorge Linares”

Linares of Tokyo, Japan via Barinas, Venezuela has been dubbed one of the most fluid fighters to watch. From the outset of his career, he was destined to be a world champion.

The 30 year-old Linares won his first 27 bouts which included capturing the WBA Featherweight title with a 10th round stoppage over classy defending champion Oscar Larios. Larios defended the belt twice with stoppages over future world champion Gamilel Diaz and Whyber Garcia.

Linares was stunningly stopped in one round by Juan Carlos Selgado. That loss prompted Linares to move up in weight and score wins over former world champions Francisco Lorenzo and Jesus Chavez as well as as multiple time world title challenger Rocky Juarez.

Linares then challenged for the WBC Lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco.

That bout, which took place on October 15, 2011 on the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson Pay-Per-View undercard in Los Angeles, saw Linares dominate Demarco for ten rounds. Linares had an insurmountable lead until getting caught and stopped in round 11.

In his next bout, Linares was stopped by Sergio Thompson.

Linares is currently riding a 9-fight winning streak, which saw him win the WBC Lightweight championship with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Prieto. Linares has defended the belt twice with a 10th round stoppage over Kevin Mitchell in Mitchell’s home country of England.

In his last bout, Linares, stopped in 4 rounds on October 10, 2015 in Venezuela.

Said Linares, ” It’s another big fight and big event that I’m grateful to God to be a part of. It’s me second time in the UK, we have similar styles, there’s lots of respect between us and we’re working very hard because I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I want to win those belts.”

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

WBA king Crolla is hunting a third KO win in World title fights at his hometown fortress having landed brutal body shots to first rip the title from Darleys Perez in their November rematch and then destroy the avoided Ismael Barroso in his first defence in May.

‘Million Dollar’ believes the winner of his clash with three-weight World king Linares will prove they are the best Lightweight in the world, and the 29 year old says that he only wants to fight the best after achieving his World title dream.

“This is a legacy fight for me,” said Crolla. “Every young kid wants to become a World Champion and I’ve done that now. I don’t want people to think I’ve settled with that, I’m hungrier than ever and I like the huge nights way too much to let it go now – I’m happy to win the belts and go to Vegas for the rematch though!

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see myself at how I’ve got here. Everyone in the gym are fans of Jorge Linares – Callum Smith isn’t sure who to cheer for on the night! I think he’s a great fighter, but on the night that respect goes out the window and we’re fighting for one of the great prizes in the sport.

“The Arena is going to be rocking and that’s my house, and I want to keep those three belts in Manchester. We’re working so, so hard in the gym because Jorge Linares is a phenomenal fighter, and I’m honoured to be fighting him in my house.

“I’ve done that ring walk so many times in front of a huge crowd and you can’t beat that feeling, the energy the crowd will give me is going to help me produce the career-best performance I will need to beat Jorge Linares.”

Venezuelan star Linares is no stranger to English soil having beaten Kevin Mitchell in London in an epic battle for his WBC strap last May, and the 31 year old is delighted to be back in the UK and looking to add more hardware to his impressive collection.

“It’s another big fight and big event that I’m grateful to God to be a part of,” said Linares. “Anthony and I have similar styles, there’s lots of respect between us and we’re working very hard because I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I want to win those belts.”

A packed undercard in support of Crolla’s meeting with Linares includes John Ryder defending his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield, Isaac Lowe defends his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai and Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks with an appearance first at The O2 in London on September 10.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Betting giants Betfred are the title sponsors of the blockbuster World Lightweight unification blockbuster between Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on September 24, live on Sky Sports.

Manchester hero Crolla puts his WBA strap on the line as he seeks to continue his fairy-tale rise at the scene of his outstanding World title wins over Darleys Perez and Ismael Barroso, and now faces yet another huge night on his home patch against the three-weight World champion from Venezuela.

Linares puts his WBC Diamond belt on the line having defended it three times inside the distance, including his epic battle in London with Kevin “Mighty” Mitchell last May, climbing off the canvas to stop the hometown favourite in the tenth round of an epic contest that received acclaim as a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate.

The vacant Ring Magazine belt is also on the line in the mouth-watering contest where “Million Dollar” Crolla can become the first Englishman to win the Lightweight version on what promises to be another night of gripping drama in Manchester.

Betfred Chief Executive John Haddock said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring such a high profile night of boxing including what looks to be a cracking unification between two of the most exciting boxers around.”

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn said: “I am delighted that Betfred are backing this massive night of boxing in Manchester. This is a real 50-50 clash to determine who is the best Lightweight in the World and the fans are in for a real treat on September 24.”

A packed undercard in support of Crolla’s meeting with Linares includes John Ryder defending his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield, Isaac Lowe defends his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai and Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks with an appearance first at The O2 in London on September 10.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Conor Benn will be back in action in September when he appears on two huge World title unification bills – Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook at The O2 in London on September 10 and Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on September 24.

Benn has made an impressive start to life in the paid ranks, making his debut at The O2 in April with a first round KO and added a second first round win in June at the same venue after going the four round distance with Luke Keleher in Glasgow in May.

The 19 year old’s appearances on Brook and Crolla’s special nights will make it five blockbuster World title nights that Benn has appeared on, but the son of British being legend Nigel insists he’s not looking at fighting for titles himself but concentrating on learning his craft.

“It’s brilliant being on these huge shows but I’m not complacent,” said Benn. “I know I have a lot to learn and a lot of improving to do. I want to have four more fights before the end of the year and then seven in 2017 – after that, I’ll be ready to start challenging for titles.

“I’m learning every day in the gym and being on the big shows and seeing how these top fighters like Anthony Joshua, Ricky Burns, Kell Brook and Anthony Crolla go about their business is invaluable to me.”

Benn’s outing in Manchester is part of a huge night of action as Crolla and Linares lock horns in a mouth-watering unification battle for the WBA and WBC Diamond World and Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships, with Isaac Lowe defending his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Information on tickets for Brook vs. Golovkin on September 10 also featuring a first World title shot for Charlie Edwards against IBF Flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero will be released tomorrow (July 12).

Tickets for Anthony Crolla’s unification blockbuster with Jorge Linares for the WBA and WBC Diamond World and Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on September 24 will go on sale on Monday June 27.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be the first fight fans to get the chance to purchase tickets to ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla’s battle with the Venezuelan star. Tickets go on sale at midday priced from £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP – these tickets will be available from the Fight Pass members area of www.matchroomboxing.com

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Tuesday June 28 with tickets in the £40-£150 bracket available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Anthony Crolla will face Jorge Linares in a huge unification blockbuster for the WBA and WBC Diamond World and Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on September 24, 2016, live on Sky Sports.

Crolla will make the second defence of his WBA crown in his hometown fortress following his brilliant knockout victory over Venezuelan danger man Ismael Barroso in May, having ripped the title from Darleys Perez with another body shot knockout in November.

The Manchester hero faces another huge test as he aims to unify the division, with Venezuelan Linares putting the WBC Diamond belt on the line for the third time. Linares became a three-division world champion when he won the title back in December 2014 with a fourth round knockout of Javier “El Implacable” Prieto and travelled to London in his first defence against Kevin “Mighty” Mitchell last May, climbing off the canvas to stop Mitchell in the tenth round of an epic contest that received acclaim as a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate. The 30-year-old made it three wins inside the distance in a row in October when he knocked out Ivan “Macanon” Cano in four rounds in Caracas, Venezuela.

“Million Dollar” Crolla can become the first Englishman to win the Ring Magazine Lightweight title and is relishing the task against another elite level opponent, and the 29 year old expects his fans to turn up the heat on the classy WBC king.

“I’m so excited to have the chance to unify the Lightweight division,” said Crolla. “Jorge is a fantastic fighter and it’s another mountain to climb, but these are the tests that I thrive on and I’ve beaten two great fighters in Perez and Barroso and I’m confident that I can beat Jorge too.

“I’m having to pinch myself after everything that’s happened. I’m fighting the number one fighter in the division for the WBC, WBA and Ring titles; it doesn’t get any better than this. I’m very proud and privileged to be able to bring this fight to Manchester.

“I’ve been a fan of Jorge Linares for years now and he’s technically brilliant at times but like any other fighter, he has vulnerabilities. It’s up to me to expose those vulnerabilities and I truly believe that I can and I will. Linares is a great champion but these are the fights you want to be in boxing for.

“He looked well against (Ivan) Cano last time out but he hasn’t been very active, whereas I’m coming off a career-best performance over (Ismael) Barroso. I really believe I’m coming into this fight in the form of my career and as I’ve shown in the fights against (Darleys) Perez and Barroso, I’m capable of improving my game when I have to.

“The last two nights in the Arena have been unbelievable and I think that we’ll take it to another level against Jorge. He’s boxed all over the world and taken on some of the best – but fighting me in front of a packed Manchester crowd is not something you can prepare for.”

“This is my first unification fight and a great personal challenge for me and my career,” said Linares. “Last year was an unbelievable year; I had the opportunity to fight in England against Kevin Mitchell in front of a crowd of passionate fight fans in one of the greatest fights of my career. This unification fight for the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships is another personal accomplishment for me and a great opportunity for me to fight in England once more, to be in front of a strong fight fan base.

“Crolla is a very strong contender and I know with both our passions for the sport will deliver an exciting fight for all the fans in Manchester. I know that Crolla is coming off a victory against my fellow Venezuelan countryman, so I am coming in with a lot of determination, pride and hunger for a victory.

“This unification fight is a great event in my career and I want to thank my promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions for putting this fight together. I am ready for this fight and have begun training in Las Vegas and heading back to Japan to complete my training camp. I am ready to prove I am the best in the lightweight division.”

“I think boxing has a huge amount to do with momentum and while Linares is clearly established as the number one Lightweight in the world, I think this is the time to beat him,” said Crolla’s promoter Eddie Hearn.

“When you look at the performances that Crolla has given in Manchester, I would have him as favourite to beat Linares. We had plenty of options but with the run Anthony is on, the only thing on his mind is to be the number one in the division and the linear champion.”

“The Ring belt is so highly regarded within the trade and when there was a possibility of the belt being up for grabs, I can’t tell you how excited Anthony Crolla and (trainer) Joe Gallagher were, it was the icing on the cake”

“Jorge Linares is a fighter with tremendous talent, who desires greatness and will pursue that by fighting the best in the division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Linares gave us a Fight of the Year candidate against Kevin Mitchell last year, once again demonstrating his skill and heart in the ring. I know he will showcase this again in September and give us an exciting fight against Anthony Crolla.”

“Linares was placed as champion in recess by the WBC due to a broken hand which prevented him from making his mandatory defence,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. “The WBC has granted Linares to return to the ring to fight this blockbuster unification for the prestigious Diamond belt and the winner is committed to fight Dejan Zlaticanin. I am personally proud of this fight as it continues with our goal to facilitate the best matches to take place all over the world.”

Tickets will go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at midday on Monday June 27 and on general sale at midday on Tuesday June 28

LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2016) – Unbeaten since 2012 and recognized as one the top lightweight fighters in the world, WBC Lightweight World Champion Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) will continue to cement his legacy as a member of the Golden Boy Promotions roster, retaining the Los Angeles-based company founded by Oscar De La Hoya as his United States promoter.

The multi-year contract will continue to recognize Linares’ relationship with co-promoter, Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions, with both companies teaming up to put Linares in the biggest fights possible.

“Golden Boy Promotions is an elite promoter and they have treated me well over the years, so there was no question that I was going to re-sign with them,” said Linares. “We’ve still got work to do in this sport, and I’m confident that we will achieve more great moments together in the future.”

“Jorge Linares is an elite talent who continues to impress every time out — at only 30 years old, the best is yet to come for him,” said De La Hoya. “There are a lot of big fights out there for Jorge, and we’re going to pull out all the stops to give him the platform he deserves.”

A native of Barinas, Venezuela who now makes his home in Las Vegas, Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares is a three-division world champion who has won titles in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions. In December of 2014, he took his third divisional crown when he knocked out Javier “El Implacable” Prieto in four rounds for the WBC Lightweight World Championship. He has since defended the title twice with a technical knockout victory over Kevin “Mighty” Mitchell in May 2015 and a knockout over Ivan “Macanon” Cano in October 2015.

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

LAS VEGAS (May 6, 2016) – On the eve of the Canelo vs. Khan showdown, Golden Boy Promotions gave back by to boxing fans by offering a day full of excitement free and open to the public. First, fans onsite were able to witness the final face-off between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan at the new Toshiba Plaza in from of the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas. Immediately after, a free three-title fight night was staged featuring Marvin Quintero vs. Petr Petrov for the NABA and NABF Lightweight Titles. Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions’Oscar De La Hoya and future hall of famer and Golden Boy Promotions business partner Bernard Hopkins were in attendance enjoying the action packed fights, along with WBC Lightweight World Champion Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares, and Golden Boy Promotions stablemates WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Ronny Rios, NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, and Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez.

Headlining the televised main event in a fight for Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero’s (28-7, 6 KOs) NABF Lightweight title, Petr “Zar” Petrov (37-4-2, 17 KOs) put his NABA Lightweight Tile on the line and gave every ounce of his strength and power to defeat his opponent. Quintero battled against Petrov’s jabs and hooks suffering from a dangerously swollen left eye starting in the fourth round. By the end of the sixth round and before the beginning of the seventh round, the doctor stopped the fight from moving forward due to the left eye swelling impairing Quintero’s vision, ultimately awarding Petrov the victory by technical knockout in the sixth round.

“This was a great fight for me, my opponent was a strong fighter and I give my respect to him and his team. I have been off for over a year and half and I did feel sluggish and slow at times, but the win is all that matters,” said Petrov of his NABF/NABA victory. “I feel honored to have fought in Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo weekend as the first boxing event at the new Toshiba Plaza and I hope this is the first of many more fights in Las Vegas.”

“I am very disappointed with the doctor’s decision, I had been fighting like this for two rounds and physically felt strong to continue, but they made the decision and that is something that I cannot control,” said Marvin Quintero of his technical knockout. “It’s the Mexican blood in me that wills me to continue fighting and never give up. I will not stop fighting for my dream to one day become a world champion.”

In the co-main event, the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title was on the line as, Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (29-5-1, 21 KOs) of Tlanepantla, Mexico went head to head against Fairfield, CA’s Alan Sanchez (18-3-1, 9 KOs) in scheduled 10-round welterweight fight. Going the distance, the exciting match incited cheers from boxing fans in the crowd which heavily favored Cano. The judges awarded the belt to Sanchez, via split decision who proudly displayed his new title in the ring to show off for his newfound fans.

“I’m going home with my belt! This is just the beginning, and I am excited for the doors that will be opened because of this,” said Alan Sanchez of his big victory. “I want the big title and I want to be a world champion one day–this is the first step to achieving that goal.”

“I don’t feel the decision was a good one, because I felt I was ahead in the rounds, landing more of my punches harder and more effectively,” said Pablo Cesar Cano. “I felt that my opponent was running most of the time, and I didn’t get a chance to hurt him the way I wanted to.”

In the televised swing bout of the night, rising southpaw standout star Alexis Rocha (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA knocked out San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Abdel Vera (0-3) in the first round showing Rocha’s sheer strength and power punches.

“When the referee made the call, I felt so excited because I knew all of my hard work paid off. I knew I was coming in to the ring with more experience so I was able to dominate the round. I wanted to start the fight with ferocity on my terms to control the fight. Looking forward, I’m very excited for more fights.”

Opening the televised fight night was Guadalajara, Mexico’s Horacio “Violento” Garcia (30-1-1, 21 KOs) facing Erik “El Trompo” Ruiz (15-5-1, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, CA battling it out over the vacant NABF Super Bantamweight title. The crowd couldn’t get enough of the quick exchanges between both fighters eager to take a home a belt during their 10-round scrap. For every punch thrown by “Violento,” “El Trompo” effectively counterpunched. In a shocking split decision draw, the judges gave 92-98 to Ruiz and 97-93 to Garcia and 95-95.

“My opponent started out slow, and my game plan was to build out more momentum in the fight,” said Horacio Garcia of the split decision draw. “I feel that I needed more rounds to get the job done, but I respect the judge’s decision. Next time, I hope to take more chances and throw more punches when I can.”

“After this fight, I want a rematch,” said Erik Ruiz of the decision. “I want to take home my belt because I know I made cleaner and harder punches. I am extremely disappointed with the results of the fight.”

Capturing the opening victory of the night in the first boxing event to ever take place at the newly opened Toshiba Plaza was the always swift Joet Gonzalez (13-0, 6 KOs) of Glendora, CA against Chihuahua, Mexico’s own Ricardo “Cepillo” Proano (11-4, 9 KOs) in an eight round featherweight fight. With his consistent counterpunches against Proano, Gonzalez was able to corner his opponent in almost every round. Never one to back down, Proano came back with his consistent head shots to Joet who used his blocks awarding him the win by unanimous decision.

“During the fight, I was very angry because my opponent kept head-butting me,” said Joet Gonzalez of the bout. “At one point during the fight, I was unable to see from my right eye. However, I could tell he was nervous and he really made me work for the victory so I kept my distance and tried to neutralize his hits.”

Marvin Quintero vs. Petr Petrov was a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABA Lightweight title and was presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold.” The first bout began at 4:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will aired on Friday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT through 9:00 p.m.

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares has been stripped of his title due to an injury keeping him from defending his title against mandatory challenger Dejan Zlaticanin

Linares was reclassified WBC “Champion in Recess”.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said Tuesday that Zlaticanin would be ordered to face the next leading available contender, 39-year-old Italian Emiliano Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs), for the vacant title. “The winner must fight Linares whenever he is ready to fight,” Sulaiman said.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares suffered a fractured right hand and is fight with Djean Zlaticanin is off.

“I was told by people on my side of the table this fight wouldn’t happen when we made the deal and now it’s not happening,” said Zlaticanin promoter Lou DiBella. “The whole way everything went down makes me skeptical. But we hope to fight Linares and the proof will be in the pudding. When he is ready to come back will he fight us? We’ll see. If he doesn’t, there you go. This is very disappointing.

“Linares wants the fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez of Linares. “He was fine with the fight. In fact, he kept calling us and asking us ‘When’s the fight?’ We kept leaning on Lou for the date and he kept saying he was working it out with Showtime. Linares was anxious for the fight.”

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 20, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions has a great reputation in the sport as one of the leading promoters as well as a skill for creating and promoting world champions and boxing superstars. Having worked and promoted multi-divisional world champions including: Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Erik “Terrible” Morales, Juan Manuel “Dinaminta” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio “Baby Face Assassin” Barrera, Sugar Shane Mosley, Canelo Alvarez, Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares, Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Abner Mares, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, Danny “Swift” Garcias, Keith “One Time” Thurman, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, and Adrien “The Problem” Broner. In 2016, Golden Boy Promotions is looking to the future to usher in the New Era of Boxing spearheaded by current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs).

For 2015, Golden Boy Promotions received extraordinary media acclaim for exciting fights year-round and was awarded the honors of Promoter of the Year, Event of the Year, Fight Cards of the Year, Fight of the Year, Fighter of the Year, and Knockout of the Year. Also, top prospects Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs), Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs), Jason “El Animal” Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs), and Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KOs) not only graduated into contender territory, but also received honorable mentions for Prospect of the Year while Shabranskyy debuted at number nine on the light heavyweight pound-for-pound list.

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs), also debuted on the pound-for-pound list at number five in the heavyweight division after defeating former world champion challenger Bryant “By-By” Jennings via seventh-round technical knockout. Other fighters on the divisional pound-for-pound list include Canelo Alvarez, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs), Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs), Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs), Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-0, 13 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs), Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs), Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (23-0, 15 KOs), Ronny Rios (25-1, 10 KOs), David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs), Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (30-4, 26 KOs), and Jayson “Star” Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs).

Golden Boy Promotions’ top picks for “Fighters to Watch in 2016” include (in alphabetical order):

WORLD TITLE CONTENDERS:

WBA International Welterweight Champion, Sadam “World Kid” Ali

Sadam “World Kid” Ali: A member of the 2008 United States Olympic team fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-0, 13 KOs) impressed boxing fans with his unanimous decision victory over Francisco “Chia” Santana in April, 2015 that earned him the WBA International Welterweight Title and also made him the mandatory challenger for the WBO Welterweight World Championship.

Randy “El Matador” Caballero: Indio star Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) hit the heights of the boxing world in 2014 when he defeated Stuart “Stuey” Hall for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship. In 2015, forced Caballero to vacate the title, however, 2016 looks promising for the fighter as he prepares his big return to the ring on February 5 against Ruben Garcia at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano: Already a respected welterweight contender after bouts against the likes of Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Mexico’s Pablo “El Demoledor” Cesar Cano (29-4-1, 21 KOs) kept his march to a world title going in 2015, as he went unbeaten in three bouts against Jorge “Pantera” Silva, Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu and Silverio “Chamaco III” Ortiz.

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos: The mandatory

WBC Featherweight World Championship Mandatory Challenger, Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos

challenger for the WBC featherweight world title, Celaya, Mexico’s Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (23-11, 13 KOs) started his journey to become a champion very differently in 2014. Coming off a loss to Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in February 2014, Castellanos followed it up with a dominant victory over Ronny Rios in October 2014, stopping the then-unbeaten prospect in the fifth round. Castellanos continued to show his power in January of 2015 facing the warrior Rocky Juarez for the chance to win the WBC Silver Featherweight title and become the mandatory challenger for the WBC Featherweight World Championship. Both fighters showed a lot of heart and put on one of the bloodiest fights of 2015, but it was Castellanos’ dominance that was on display as his powerful jabs, brutal uppercuts and well-timed counter-punching knocked down Juarez in the fifth and twice in the 10th round to win via unanimous decision with scores of 118-106, 118-106 and 118-107. Now, Castellanos is the WBC Feather World Championship mandatory challenger.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera: One of the truest warriors in the sport today, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs) continued to show his supreme boxing skills and heart in a decision win over “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy in July to win the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title, and in 2016, big things are expected from Riverside’s “El Maestro” once more.

Tureano Johnson: A native of Nassau in the Bahamas, 31-year-old Tureano Johnson (19-1, 13 KOs) proudly represented his nation in the 2008 Olympics, making it to the quarterfinals in Beijing. In 2010, he turned professional and soared up the middleweight ladder before a controversial 2014 loss to Curtis Stevens. Undeterred, Johnson has since won five fights, four by knockout, and is one of the newest members of the Golden Boy Promotions roster. In his first fight since signing with Golden Boy Promotions, Johnson gave the fans a thrilling performance in the undercard of Gennaday Golovkin vs. David

Antonio “Relentless” Orozco

Lemieux at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2015. Johnson faced Ireland’s Emmon O’Kane for the IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, knocking down O’Kane twice in the first round and winning the fight via unanimous decision with scores of 118-108, 117-109, 119-107. Now the Nassau native is next in line for a shot at the unified middleweight championship in 2016.

Antonio “Relentless” Orozco: Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (23-0, 15 KOs) made his move to the elite level of the super lightweight division in 2015. In May, Orozco defeated fellow rising star Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor in Phoenix, but the best was yet to come, as he decisioned multi-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto in their October bout at StubHub Center.

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz: On Dec. 19, at Turing Stone Resort Casino inVerona,New York, Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) defended his WBA Interim Heavyweight World Championship against one of the toughest fighters in the division, Bryant “By – By” Jennings in a fantastic display of boxing skill with a dramatic seventh round knockout of the former world champion challenger Jennings. Ortiz, dominated the fight early on with powerful hooks, uppercuts and jabs that kept him in

WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion,
Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz

control of the pace throughout the 12-round heavyweight brawl. The victory allowed Ortiz to keep his undefeated status but also made a loud announcement to the boxing community that a new heavyweight threat had arrived to the division. This fight catapulted Ortiz on the heavyweight pound-for-pound list debuting at number five.

Michael “The Artist” Perez: Undefeated since 2012, exciting New Jersey native Michael “The Artist” Perez (23-1-2, 11 KOs) had one of the biggest years of his career in 2015, as he decisioned always toughMiguel “Aguacerito” Acosta in January and then knocked out Luis “Chespi” Sanchez in six rounds in July to win the vacant NABO lightweight title.

Ronny Rios: After suffering the first loss of his career to Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in 2014, Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (25-1, 10 KOs) came back more determined than ever in 2015, and his performances in defeating Sergio “El Frio” Frias and previously unbeaten Jayson “Star” Velez proved that this 25-year-old was ready for prime time again.

USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonsky” Shabranskyy

Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chingonsky” Shabranskyy: People might have troublespelling the name of Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs), but among boxing fans, his name spells action, and he continued to deliver the goods in 2015, moving to 15-0 with wins against Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena, Paul “Pay Per View” Parker and Yunieski “El Monstro” Gonzalez, the latter three foes owning a combined 34-1-1 record and breaking him into the top 10 light heavyweight rankings on USA Today’s Boxing Junkie and ranking number 12 on the WBC’s rankings.

Patrick Teixeira: Brazil’s best boxing import since beloved former champion Acelino Freitas, unbeaten southpaw Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) fought twice in the United States in 2015, impressing fans in New York and California with knockouts of Patrick Allotey and Don Mouton that sent a warning to his fellow 154-pound fighters that he was here to stay.

CONTENDERS TO WATCH:

Manuel “Tino” Avila: Fairfield, California’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (19-0, 8 KOs) has long been one of the most exciting prospects on the local scene, and in 2015, he made his name on the national scene with wins over Erik Ruiz, Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas and Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza, the Salinas fight earning him the interim NABF super bantamweight title.

WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion,
Diego De La Hoya

Diego De La Hoya: Highly-touted super bantamweight Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KOs)made the jump to eight and ten-round bouts in 2015 and he continued to impress every step of the way en route to five more victories. In September, De La Hoya won his first pro title, decisioning against former world title challenger Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz for the vacant WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight belt.

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr.: A member of the 2008 United States Olympic team, South El Monte, California’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) won his first professional title in his fifth victory of 2015, as he impressively stopped Hugo “Olimpico” Partida in December to win the vacant NABF featherweight title and an honorable mention as one of ESPN.com’s 2015 Top 20 Rising Stars.

KeAndre “Black Magic” Gibson: 24-year-old welterweight undefeated fighter, KeAndre “Black Magic” Gibson (14-0-1, 6 KOs), who now makes his home in Las Vegas, has become quite popular with impressive victories over John Nater, Jose Hernandez and Nelson Lara. In his second fight of 2015, Gibson faced Jorge Ramos in an eight round fight winning the bout via unanimous decision in the undercard of Canelo-Kirkland on May 9.

Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez: East LA’s Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs) is known for his exciting style and powerful punches. He is the owner of 13 knockouts in three rounds or fewer and can also box, as shown in his near-shutout victories over longtime contenders Vernon “Ice Man” Paris in July of 2014 and Jorge “Pantera” Silva in October of 2015. A decorated amateur who won the 2009 United States Championship and earned a Silver medal in the 2009 World Championships, Gomez is ready to face the top opposition in the division and chase his dreams of a world championship in 2016.

Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez: A former WBC Youth World Lightweight champion,

Abraham “Chamaco” Lop
Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (25-3, 21 KOs) picked up two early knockout wins in 2015, halting David “Nene” Rangel and Hevinson Herrera to set up a big 2016 for the Mexico City native.

Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez: Featherweight standout Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (19-0-1, 14 KOs) returned from three years away from the sport in 2015 and the El Puente product picked up where he left off with knockout victories over former Ghana Olympian Alfred “The Stinging Bee” Tetteh and Jorge “King” Diaz and a draw against Juan “El Pez” Carlos Martinez.

Marcelino “Nino” Lopez: The latest star to emerge from the boxing hotbed of Argentina, Buenos Aires’ Marcelino “Nino” Lorenz (32-1-1, 17 KOs) continued dominating the local scene in his home country, but in October of 2015, he finally got the chance to introduce himself to United States fans when he knocked out David Rodela in three rounds at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez: Los Mochis, Mexico native Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (32-1, 26 KOs) continued romping through the lightweight division in 2015, adding to his stellar record with a decision over Edgar “Lupillo” Ramirez and knockouts of Daniel “El Mulato” Valenzuela and Cristian “Veneno” Lopez.

NABF Lightweight Champion, Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero

Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero: Born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, but now making hishome in Tijuana, Marvin Quintero is a former world title challenger whose first title fight was a razor-thin split decision loss to Miguel Vazquez in 2012. Since then, the 29-year-old southpaw has won two fights by knockout over Carlos Sanchez and Cesar De la Mora. In September of 2015 the veteran fighter proved he still had what it takes to chase championship gold when he defeated Puerto Rico’s Jeffery Fontanez via fifth-round knockout to gain the NABF Lightweight Title.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

Damon Allen: 23-year-old Philadelphian Damon Allen (8-0, 3 KOs) stepped through the ropes twice in 2015, stopping Luis “Yeye” Rodriguez in three rounds at home in Philly before making his Los Angeles debut in November with a decision victory over Oscar Santana.

Nick Arce: Hard-hitting 19-year-old Nick Arce (6-0, 6 KOs) didn’t stick around long for his five wins in 2015, as he knocked out each of his opponents before the final bell. This power and finishing ability has made this featherweight a must see for California fight fans, and the rest of the country should get introduced to him in the coming year.

D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard

D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard: 2015 was a pivotal year for Maryland supermiddleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (11-0, 7 KOs), and he passed his tests with flying colors, showing that he could box as well as bang in decision victories over Josue “Chiquilin” Ovando, Juan Carlos “Chiflado” Rojas and Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena.

Ivan “Striker” Delgado: Keeping a steady pace throughout 2015, 25-year-old lightweight prospect Ivan “Striker” Delgado (8-0-1, 2 KOs) won five more bouts, and with fans packing the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles to see him fight on the LA Fight Club events, the future is bright for this up and comer.

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez: 20-year-old Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (12-0, 11 KOs) added four more wins to his perfect pro record in 2015, and while he went the distance for the first time against Darryl Hayes in June, he closed out the year with a pair of second-round knockouts of Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr. and Alejandro Ochoa.

Joet Gonzalez: Former amateur standout Joet Gonzalez (12-0, 6 KOs) is finding his way onto many hot prospect lists after a 2015 campaign that saw him go 4-0 with three knockouts. Included on that slate is a third-round KO of 12-0-1 prospect Marcos Rios in November.

Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis: A swift and ferocious striker, the undefeated Rashidi “Speedy”

WBA Fedecentro & WBC Interim Latin Welterweight Champion,
Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis

Ellis (14-0, 11 KOs) has repeatedly showcased his skills to audiences, most recently with a fourth-round technical knockout victory in Puerto Rico over Victor “Pambele” Gonzalez in March 2015 to claim the vacant WBA Fedecentro and the WBC Interim Latin Welterweight titles. Ellis won his three previous fights via technical knockout, defeating Joseph De los Santos and Joanthony Vazquez in Puerto Rico and Jose Martinez in the Dominican Republic. Later in 2015, Ellis played a key part in the training camp of Golden Boy Promotions fighter and now WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez. The 22-year-old Ellis trained with Canelo as a sparring partner in preparation for Alvarez’s November 21 super fight against Miguel Cotto. After “Speedy” put Alvarez to the test with his notoriously fast fists in training camp, Alvarez defeated Cotto via unanimous decision.

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion: 20-year-old Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (10-1, 10 KOs) is one of the top prospects in boxing, a fact evidenced by his a perfect professional record and knockout ratio, ending six fights in the first round. Now ready for his biggest year yet, Mazion is looking forward to start off the year strong in 2016.

Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete: Now making his home in Los Angeles, 27-year-old Colombia native Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (12-0, 5 KOs) was a stellar amateur before turning professional on May 24, 2013 with a four-round decision victory over Cristian Ciciliano. Two more wins would follow in 2013 for Negrete, but it was in 2014 that he began to get noticed in his adopted home state of California, as he stepped up to the plate four times and hit it out of the park with each appearance, decisioning unbeaten Carlos

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa

Medina and stopping Pablo Cupul, Gabriel Braxton, Salvador Perez. 2015 proved to be a
busy year for Negrete as he fought five times winning all his bouts via decision excluding the most recent in December, where he defeated Ernesto Guerro via third-round technical knockout.

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa: After winning the first nine fights of his professional career onthe east coast, Brooklyn’s Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (13-0, 6 KOs) took his show on the road in 2015 and he continued to show off the skills that have made him a top prospect as he picked up four wins, including a big victory in Los Angeles over David Rodela and Alejandro “Soma” Rodriguez.

Jason “El Animal” Quigley: Former Irish amateur star Jason Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs) began his professional career in the United States in 2014, and he never left, learning his craft in Southern California. In 2015, Quigley scored five more wins by knockout before decisioning Marchristopher Adkins on November 20 and earning an honorary mention by Boxing News Magazine UK as one of the top prospects in the sport.

Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez: 22-year-old southpaw sensation Julian Ramirez (15-0, 8 KOs) kept piling the wins on in 2015, with his victories over seasoned veterans Raul “Bule” Hidalgo and Hugo “Olimpico” Partida setting Los Angeles’ “El Camaron” up for even bigger bouts when 2016 rolls around.

Lamont Roach Jr.

Lamont Roach Jr.: Washington D.C.’s Lamont Roach Jr. (9-0, 3 KOs) nearly doubled his
professional experience in 2015 with four victories that proved this 20-year-old super featherweight prospect is the real deal and a fighter to watch in 2016 and beyond.

Emilio Sanchez: Popular 21-year-old featherweight Emilio Sanchez (10-0, 7 KOs) had a busy year fighting in Golden Boy Promotions’ LA Fight Club series, going 5-0 with three knockouts at downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater. The wins helped build Sanchez’ following and set the stage for another big year in 2016.

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr.: Hailing from San Antonio, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) has been fighting since 2007 and during that time has won eight national championships. In 2012, he qualified to attend the Veles Cup in Kurgan, Russia and took the gold medal in his weight class and was selected as one of seven to go to the 2016 Olympic trails. Decinding instead to become a professional boxer and sign with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014, Tanajar Jr. is now the owner of an undefeated record of 4-0 with three knockouts. Tanajara will look to continue his winning streak in 2015 when he fights on Feb.5.

ABOUT GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley. For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares will defend his title against Dejean Zlaticanin.

The fight will be broadcast on Showtime.

“It was a good offer, a fair offer,” Zlatcanin’s promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN.com. “I didn’t nickel-and-dime them. Showtime is glad to have the fight. It’s going to be a firefight. It’s an excellent fight. Linares is all action and a skilled fighter, and Zlaticanin is a beast. I’d be very surprised if this one went the distance.”

“Stephen [Espinoza, who runs Showtime Sports] loves the fight and has wanted it since I first contacted him about it,” DiBella said. “Showtime is committed to doing the fight and now we’ll work out the details of when and where and what kind of card the fight will be on.”

LOS ANGELES (October 9) – Five months after one of the biggest victories of his professional career against Kevin Mitchell, WBC Lightweight World Champion Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares will celebrate by fighting in his native Venezuela for the first time in more than five years as he defends his title for the second time against Mexico’s Ivan “Macanon” Cano on Saturday, October 10.

The 12-round title fight, which will take place at The Poliedro de Caracas, will air on ESPN Deportes on Sunday, October 11 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET on a two-hour tape delay. It will be Linares’ first bout in his home country since a 10-round decision victory over Francisco Lorenzo on March 27, 2010.

“I am ready to continue dominating the lightweight division and ready to bring a big night of boxing to Venezuela on October 10,” said Jorge Linares. “This is a great homecoming for me. After traveling for most of my career I am proud to bring the title to Venezuela and be able to defend it at home. On October 10, I will continue to show why I am a champion at 135 pounds.”

“This is my opportunity to show the world that I am a feared contender in the lightweight division,” said Ivan Cano. “I am coming off a victory in February, and I am ready to continue that momentum when I face Linares on Oct. 10.”

“In this homecoming fight on October 10, I know that Jorge Linares will once again be victorious in the ring. He is one of, if not the best, fighters to come out of Venezuela so the crowd will be electric, cheering him on to victory every step of the way. Linares’ is one of the boxing’s most exciting fighters to watch so I’m pleased fans around the world will have the opportunity to see him in action this Saturday,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

A native of Barinas, 30-year-old Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (39-3, 26 KOs) may one day go down in the history books as Venezuela’s greatest boxer ever, but for the moment, he has plenty of gas left in the tank as he looks to defend his lightweight title. A world champion at 126 and 130 pounds, Linares added a third divisional championship belt in 2014 when he knocked out Javier Prieto and won the vacant WBC crown at 135 pounds. In May, he rose from the canvas to score a stirring 10th round TKO of England’s Mitchell, and now he expects to turn back the challenge of Cano on October 10.

Mexico City’s Ivan “Macanon” Cano (23-6-2, 15 KOs) is a tough contender who always shows up to fight, and he is planning on bringing the best version of himself possible to Venezuela as he tries to win his first world title. A former WBC Youth champion, Cano is unbeaten in four fights since 2013, a string that includes wins over Salvador Carreon and John Carlo Aparicio and a pair of draws with Javier Prieto. But his biggest bout yet will be on October 10, and Cano will resolve to bring the title back to Mexico.

Linares vs. Cano is a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight World Title promoted by Jupiter Fight Boxing, Hunrov Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions. The card will stream live (in Spanish) on ESPN3.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET and a two-hour tape delayed broadcast of the card will air at 9 p.m. ET Sunday, October 11 on ESPN Deportes.

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

Jorge Linares got off the deck to comeback and stop Kevin Mitchell in round 10 to retain his WBC Lightweight title at the 02 Arena in London.

Mitchell dropped Linares in round five from a hard right. Mitchell was cut around his right eye in round eight. Mitchell was dropped in the 10th and the fight was stopped at 2:57 of round ten.

Linares of Venezuela is 39-3 with 26 knockouts. Mitchell of England is 39-2.

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2015) – After getting Manny Pacquiao ready for his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather, Gary Shaw Productions’ and Antonio Leonard Promotions’ undefeated super-lightweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (6-0, KOs), is now preparing WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) for his upcoming title defense against Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs).

Kenneth Sims Jr. has been sparring with Linares, giving him great work, while learning from the best fighters in the world. The experience has been instrumental in the development of Sims Jr., who resides in Chicago, Illinois.

“Training with Linares and Pacquiao has been a great learning process for me and my dad who’s my trainer,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I want to thank Gary Shaw for setting up these sparring opportunities. I’ve preformed really well and my confidence is at an all-time high. After sparring with these great champions, I know I have the skills to become something special in this sport and I’m going to take it one fight at a time. Gary and Antonio Leonard are working on my next fight and I should be returning to the ring shortly.”

“Kenneth Sims Jr. is a special talent with an amateur pedigree to take his professional career to championship level,” Gary Shaw said. “Antonio and I are going to continue to bring him up the right way, give him tough fights, so he can be prepared for the big fights that lie ahead. Everything I’m hearing from these training camps and the sparring sessions Sims Jr. is having is positive. Kenneth is only going to get better and that makes me very happy.”

LOS ANGELES (May 19) – Back on top of the boxing world after winning his third division world championship last December, Venezuela’s Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares will travel to London, England to defend his WBC Lightweight title for the first time against top British contender “Mighty” Kevin Mitchell at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, May 30. The WBC Lightweight World Championship is presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym and will be featured on the televised undercard of Kell Brook vs. Frankie Gavin.

“I am excited and honored to be defending my third world championship title in London,” said Jorge Linares. “This third title is something I have worked very hard for and I would like to thank my team, my family, Golden Boy Promotions and Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym for all their support throughout my journey. I have had a great training camp focusing on the skills that I need to defeat an opponent like Kevin Mitchell. I know he is a strong and aggressive fighter and I feel his style of fighting will suit me. This will not be an easy fight.”

“This is the making of my career,” said Kevin Mitchell. “I will win this fight and create a legacy as an unbeaten world champion. I know Jorge Linares is a three-weight world champion and a classy fighter – if you allow him to do what he wants to do, but I believe I will shut him down. I’ve matured, I feel secure with the team around me and I have left that party boy behind, I am enjoying it again. There’s excitement in me, Tony Sims is getting the best out of me as a result; it’s a good feeling. I know I am going to win this fight.”

“Jorge Linares is a world champion fighter and is determined to give Kevin Mitchell a difficult time in the ring as he looks to defend his title on May 30,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Mitchell may have hometown advantage but Linares’ speed and skill will give Mitchell a considerable challenge in the ring. Make no mistake though: this will be a difficult fight for both Linares and Mitchell and one that is sure to excite.”

Tickets are available now with limited numbers priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 that can be purchased at www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202. The £400 VIP packages are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com.

A former world champion at the featherweight and super featherweight divisions, Barinas, Venezuela native Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) made it a trio of titles on December 30, 2014 when he knocked out Javier Prieto in four rounds in his adopted hometown of Tokyo, Japan to take the vacant WBC Lightweight Championship. It was another milestone in the 13-year career of the 29-year-old Linares, who has been one of boxing’s best of this era. Winner of bouts over Oscar Larios, Rocky Juarez, Jesus Chavez and Nihito Arakawa, Linares puts his seven-fight winning streak on the line against Mitchell.

A decorated amateur and professional boxer who has long been considered an elite European lightweight, “Mighty” Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs) may have come up short in previous title fights against Michael Katsidis and Ricky Burns, but with six consecutive wins, five by knockout, under his belt, the 30-year-old from Dagenham is showing top form as he heads into the biggest fight of his career. Currently the WBC Silver Lightweight Champion, a title he won by stopping Daniel Estrada in eight rounds in January, Mitchell will have all of England behind him when he faces off against Linares on May 30.

Jorge Linares vs. Kevin Mitchell is a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym. The Sky Sports Box Office broadcast airs live at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

Lightweight title holder Jorge Linares will defend his title against Kevin Mitchell on May 30 in London according to Dab Rafael of espn.com.

In another world title bout on the card, revealed Thursday by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, featherweight titleholder Evgeny Gradovich will make his mandatory defense against Lee Selby as well as a fight between 2012 Olympic Gold medal winner Anthony Joshua taking on Kevin Johnson.

“This is a huge night for British boxing, and today’s announcement is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Eddie Hearn. “I’m delighted to deliver shots for Kevin and Lee in the U.K. and they have every chance of becoming world champions on May 30.

“Linares is an incredible fighter, a three-weight world ruler, but Kevin has been exceptional with us and I truly believe he is going to do it,” said Hearn, who made a deal for the fight with Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Linares, and avoided a purse bid.

“Lee has been virtually punch-perfect over the last few years, but now it’s his moment against one of the best fighters in the division in Gradovich,” Hearn said.

“Kevin is a big step for Anthony Joshua and signifies his first real challenge in the pro ranks,” Hearn said. “He brings personality and attitude as well as plenty of ring craft. I’m buzzing for this show already, and fans can expect plenty of other major announcements for the card.”

CABAZON, CALIF. (Jan. 7, 2015) – At 28, Ivan Redkach (17-0, 13 KOs) is a five-year pro who is regarded as one of the sport’s top upcoming young talents. A power-punching and relentless pressure fighter, Redkach is ranked No. 5 by the IBF and No. 13 by the WBC at lightweight and closing in on a world title shot.

The Los Angeles-based Ukrainian makes his 2015 debut this Friday against the always-dangerous, hard-hitting lightweight contender Yakubu Amidu (19-5-2, 17 KOs) in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) during the premium network’s Free Preview Weekend.

During the Free Preview Weekend SHOWTIME is available to over 70 million households. For additional details and a full schedule of programming, go to SHO.com/freepreview.

The tripleheader is promoted by DiBella Entertainment from Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon, Calif., and will immediately follow the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Stiverne vs. Wilder at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

In a matchup of unbeaten prospects in the co-feature, former amateur standouts Patrick Day (9-0-1, 5 KOs), of Freeport, N.Y., and Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (13-0-1, 4 KOs), of Forestville, Md., will collide in an eight-round junior middleweight bout. Former amateur sensation Ievgen “Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (7-0, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ukraine, will take on undefeated-yet-untested Maurice “The Natural” Louishomme (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Colorado Springs, Colo., in the eight-round middleweight opener.

Below is a Q&A with Redkach as he aims for a breakout 2015.

Are you looking to make a statement in 2015?

“This is my year. This is the year I’m going to break out and earn that title shot. This fight is on SHOWTIME so I know all the boxing fans will be watching. I need to put on a good performance.”

This is your first fight training with Robert Garcia in Oxnard what has that been like?

“I love training with Robert Garcia. The work we get there and his sparring is amazing. He has taught me a few of his own tricks.”

What is the atmosphere like at Robert Garcia’s Gym?

“I’m comfortable there. It feels like home. I enjoy everyone that I spar with there and they have become like family to me. It’s the best environment that I’ve trained in. I can’t wait to show how I’ve improved.”

Can you talk about your current sparring partners and how they have improved your preparation for this fight?

“I have been sparring with many great fighters. I spar with the best. I’ve been sparring with Jessie Vargas, Brandon Rios and Ray Beltran. The move to Oxnard has been great for my career.”

From your experience, how is the training different in the United States than in Ukraine?

“The training here in the U.S. is a much more traditional style of boxing, which has made me a much better boxer. Back home, the training is very different.”

Your opponent, [Yakubu Amidu,] trains out of the famed WildCard gym and has fought a lot of top talent in his career. What do you know about him and what weaknesses can you exploit?

“I have sparred with him [Amidu] before and he is a very strong opponent. He punches very hard, but he can’t maneuver. He only punches straight and does not have the technique that I have.”

You haven’t fought in roughly seven months; do you think ring rust will be a factor?

“I took a break for three weeks after my last fight [June 27, 2014]. Since then, I have been training and sparring every day without a break. I have been training every day, three times a day for six months.”

After this fight, if you come out with a victory, what is next for you and do you have any opponents you would like to fight going forward?

“I want to fight for the WBC title. I would like to fight Jorge Linares.”

What is your biggest strength? Are you looking for the knockout or do you believe you can go 10 rounds and get the victory that way?

“I am going to try to knock him out so I can get closer to a championship fight in 2015. No matter what, we are both very strong fighters and I don’t think it will go 10 rounds.”

What is it like for you to be living in Los Angeles permanently? Are you going to have any family or friends attend the fight?

“Yes, I have tons of friends that will come with me. Russians, Mexicans, I’ve met a lot of people through boxing in Los Angeles and they’ll be out on Friday to support me.”

Ievgen Khytrov is also on this card and you both are from Ukraine. What do you know about him and will it be special to be on the card with him?

“We were in the same training school back in Ukraine, but Ievgen left a little bit earlier. I don’t know much about him, but he is strong and has good character. I wish him the best of luck.”

What have the Klitschko brothers, who are also from Ukraine, meant to your career as well as other young professional boxers in Ukraine who are trying to be successful boxers in the United States?

“There are many young boxers in Ukraine who look up to the Klitschko brothers. I know that people look at them as motivation and see that it is possible to have a career in boxing.”

How did your experience with the Ukrainian Olympic National Team in 2008 impact your career?

“I needed a little luck in the Olympics because I kept losing to strong hitters. I wasn’t confident enough back then. I have learned to be a better boxer since then.”

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 6) – Shy of his 30th birthday, Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) became the youngest Venezuelan to win world titles in three divisions when he beat Mexico’s Javier “Implacable” Prieto (24-8-2, 18 KOs) for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship on Dec. 30 at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan. FOX Deportes showcase Linares’ triumuph today, Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT..

FOX Deportes will also be hosting a “Golden Boy Classic Marathon” today starting at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT featuring Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas (2002), Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Robbie Peden (2005), Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan M. Marquez (2008) and Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin Trout (2013)

Linares vs. Prieto was a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship, which took place at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 30 and was promoted by Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym in association with Ohachi Promotions and Cancun Boxing of Pepe Gomez.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Swanson_comm, @FOXDeportes and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page,www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 29) Still eight months shy of his 30th birthday, Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (37-3, 24 KOs) has the opportunity to become the youngest Venezuelan to win world titles in three divisions when he faces Mexico’s Javier “Implacable” Prieto (24-7-2, 18 KOs) for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship on Tuesday, December 30 at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan.

Linares, a former featherweight and super featherweight world champion, has been undefeated for more than two years, winning six consecutive bouts, four by knockout. The 27 year old Barinas native and Tokyo resident defeated Nihito Arakawa (25-5-1, 16 KOs) via decision in a 2014 March title eliminator, and is currently ranked number one by the WBC. He kept busy by knocking out Ira Terry (26-13, 16 KOs) in two rounds in August. Now he’s ready to take on the 27-year-old Prieto, who is unbeaten in his last 10 bouts and is ranked number two by the WBC.

Javier “Implacable” Prieto from Apatzingan, Michoacán, Mexico is the current WBC Silver Lightweight Champion and is eager to conquer the WBC Lightweight World Championship against Linares. He is coming off 12-round draws against Ivan “Macanón” Cano (22-6-2, 15 KOs) in May and September. This will his first world title bout.

Linares vs. Prieto is a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship, taking place at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan and promoted by Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym in association with Ohachi Promotions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Kell Brook won the IBF Welterweight championship with a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Shawn Porter at the StubHub Center in Carson, California

Early on it was Brook looking to jab and hold on when he Porter would make a surge on the inside. In round two, Brook was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. Brook was timing Porter coming with his nice jab. In round six, Porter was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Brook was able to thwart any brief momentum that Porter could muster up as he landed the more telling combinations.

Brook, 146 1/2 lbs of Sheffield, UK won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 114-114 and is now 33-0. Porter, 146 3/4 lbs of Akron, OH is now 24-1-1.

“You can tell how much it means to me by my reaction,” said Brook, who was cut over the left eye in the second round. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was nine-years old. It’s unbelievable.

“I was scrappy tonight, and not as slick as I wanted to be. But I’m the world champion now, baby. I was born to do this.

“I’m ready for a mega, mega fight next. I’ll take on Keith Thurman or Floyd Mayweather. Amir Khan should get in queue now. I’m the world champion now so they’re all going to want to fight me.”

Porter, a former U.S. amateur standout, thought he had done enough to win his second title defense despite getting cut over his right eye in the sixth.

“I think I’m still the champion,” he said. “I’m 24-1 and Team Porter will be back to the drawing board. There are no excuses. I do want the rematch.”

Anthony Dirrell wrestled the WBC Super Middleweight title away from Sakio Bika via 12-round unanimous decision.

The fight was very sloppy throughout the contest. When given distance, Dirrell was able to land the more telling blows. Bika was deducted a point in round eight for low blows. Dirrell hit the canvas several other times from Bika’s “veteran” tactics.

Dirrell, 167 3/4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113 and is now 27-0-1. Bika, 167 3/4 lbs of Australia is now 32-6-3.

“This journey has been amazing and I can’t even fathom it,” Dirrell told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray afterward. “I already overcame the biggest fight of my life by beating cancer. I can’t see anything being bigger than this. I was never close to giving up. I stuck to it and now I’m WBC world champion.

“This means the world to me, what else can I say? After beating cancer, making it back from a motorcycle accident and getting a second chance at boxing, I just knew I was going to make the best of it.

“Tonight the referee did a wonderful job. Bika is rough, he’s a helluva fighter. But I’m glad to finally have him in my rearview mirror. I’m not gonna complain about the close scores. I got a unanimous decision and I couldn’t be happier.

“The difference between this fight and our first one is that I wasn’t on the ropes this time. I came out and boxed. But I know I got his attention at the start.”

Said Bika: “I fought very hard. He was a better fighter tonight. I’m going to go back to the gym and come back stronger. This (losing) happens.”

Omar Figueroa defended the WBC Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Daniel Estrada.

It was a phone booth fight early with Estrada taking the early lead by landing the harder punches in close. Figueroa began to pick up in the middle rounds as he got in close and started landing combinations.

Round nine was action packed as the two traded shots in close. Figueroa was cut around the left eye from a clash of heads. Figueroa seized that moment to land a nice flurry only to see Figueroa come back just before the bell.

That did not deter Figueroa as he came out in round nine and dropped Estrada with a big right hand. Estrada got to his feet but Figueroa was all over him and landed a big combination on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:00 of round nine

Figueroa, 135 lbs is now 24-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Estrada, 134 1/2 lbs is 32-3-1.

“I don’t think I did that great and obviously felt I could be more explosive and maybe get him out of there earlier,” said Figueroa, who suffered a bad cut above his left eye from an unintentional headbutt in the ninth. “I was a little concerned that the referee or doctor would stop the fight because of the cut. I knew Estrada would be open for the right hand. I was playing a little possum when I caught him.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Estrada, who was making his U.S. debut and fighting less than three weeks after a sister and her daughter were killed in an automobile accident in Mexico. “Initially I felt good but he hurt me and I couldn’t recuperate. I had the mentality to win, but I was up against a great champion.”

Deontay Wilder tuned up for a fall title shot with Bermane Stiverne with a stoppage win over Jason Gavern after round four in their scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

Wilder boxed from the outside while Gavern tried and occasionally got through with an overhand right. In round three, Wilder scored a knockdown when a right hand landed around the ear. Gavern complained that the punch was behind the head. Wilder scored a 2nd knockdown in round four from another straight right. After the round, Gavern encouraged his corner to stop the fight and they obliged.

Wilder, 224 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is now 32-0 with 32 knockouts. Gavern, 247 lbs of Kissimee, FL is now 25-16-4.

“This was fun,” Wilder said. “I wanted to go some rounds. A lot of people are still asking so many questions to me; I tried to answer some of them today.

“Of course, I could have landed my right hand more in the first couple rounds. He was leaving me openings, but I didn’t want to show off everything. I wanted to save that for next time.

“I’m ready for that world title fight. I want the WBC champ Bermane Stiverne next, hopefully in late November.”

Jorge Linares tuned up for a title shot with a 2 round demolition of Ira Terry in scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout.

Linares hurt Terry at the end of round one with a hard right that was followed by a combination. Linares finished the fight with a perfect right to the face that plummeted Terry on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round two.

Linares, 137 lbs of Venezuela is now 37-3 with 24 knockouts. Terry, 132 lbs of Memphis, TN is now 26-12-1.

“This was the kind of fight I didn’t expect but that I wanted,” Linares said. “I was able to watch tapes o him extensively so I was well prepared. I definitely want to fight for the world title next. That’s why I was here and took this fight. I’m just waiting for my opportunity.

“That was a good straight right hand I landed on him. Once I connected I knew it was over.”

Lydell Rhodes remained undefeated with a stoppage after 4-rounds over John Nater in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

Rhodes was dominant with his hand speed. He dropped Nater in round four with a four punch combination where Nater took three steps back to the ropes and took a knee. After the round, Nater decided he had enough and the bout was stopped.

Rhodes, 142 lbs of Las Vegas is now 22-0 with 11 knockouts. Nater, 144 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 13-7.

Former Irish Olympian Jason Quigley scored a stoppage victory over Fernando Najera in a scheduled 4-round Middleweight bout.

Quigley dominated and opened up a bad cut over Najera’s left eye in round three. Iromically, Quigley was cut over his left eye as well but Najera’s openinh was much worse and Najera’s corner stopped the bout.

Quigley 160 1/2 lbs of Ireland is now 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Najera, 158 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 1-4.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 15, 2014) – An international lineup of boxing standouts from the United States, Venezuela, Ireland, England and Argentina will make up a stacked undercard ahead of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader of championship bouts at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

In the main event, “ShowTime” Shawn Porter will defend his IBF 147-pound crown against British banger Kell Brook. Plus, WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika will risk his 168-pound belt in a rematch against unbeaten Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell, and undefeated Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. will defend his WBC Lightweight World Championship against mandatory challenger Daniel “Tremendo” Estrada. The tripleheader airs live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Before the trio of world title fights gets underway, undefeated heavyweight knockout sensation and WBC Continental Americas Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will be opposed by Jason Gavern in a 10-round scrap on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). In the opening bout, former two-division world champ Jorge “Niño De Oro” Linares faces Ira Terry in an eight-round lightweight match.

Time permitting, unbeaten Lydell Rhodes will take on Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s John Nader in an eight round welterweight matchup and Irish prospect Jason Quigley will take on Tijuana’s Fernando Najara in a four round middleweight bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Also in action tomorrow will be 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale, local favorite Alan Sanchez, 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for Great Britain Luke Campbell, fellow British star Callum Smith and Argentina’s Fabian Maidana.

The next in line to face WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne, Alabama’s Deontay Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) is not sitting idle while he awaits his shot at championship gold. He looks to follow-up his 96-second demolition of Malik Scott in March with another spectacular win. The most impressive knockout artist in boxing today, the 28-year-old has yet to be extended past the fourth round.

Hoping to derail the “Wilder Express” will be seasoned veteran Jason Gavern (25-16-4, 11 KOs) of Orlando, Fla. Winner of four of his last five bouts, most recently a victory over James Toney last November, the 37-year-old knows that with an upset of Wilder, he will make headlines around the boxing world and set himself up for an even bigger fight.

In the eight-round SHOWTIME EXTREME opener, former two-division world champion Jorge Linares (36-3, 23 KOs) continues his move toward a world title shot when he faces Ira Terry. Winner of five straight, including a March win over Nihito Arakawa in a WBC Lightweight Title elimination bout, the 28-year-old Venezuelan is expected to get a shot at the Figueroa-Estrada winner if triumphant on Saturday.

Memphis, Tenn. veteran Ira Terry (26-11, 16 KOs) has no plans on being a stepping stone for Linares, and coming off of wins in three of his last four fights, Terry has the focus and form to stun Linares and put a dent in his championship hopes.

A multi-sport athlete growing up who has also competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City welterweight Lydell Rhodes (21-0, 10 KOs) will risk his unbeaten record in an eight-round matchup with Puerto Rican power puncher John Nater (13-6, 10 KOs),of Bayamon, P.R.

Former Irish amateur and newly signed Golden Boy Promotions star Jason Quigley (1-0, 1 KO) needed just 82 seconds to win his pro debut over Howard Reece in July, and the 23-year-old is making a quick turnaround to get back in the ring to face Fernando Najera (1-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a six-round middleweight bout.

In heavyweight action, 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (11-0, 10 KOs) will be fighting for the fourth time in 2014, and after big wins over Nagy Aguilera and Devin Vargas, he hopes to keep his hot streak going in an eight-round clash against tough Utah native Billy Zumbrun (27-13-1, 16 KOs), who has won four of his last five.

Stablemates of headliner Kell Brook, lightweight Luke Campbell (6-0, 4 KOs) and super middleweight Callum Smith (12-0, 9 KOs) will also proudly represent England. Hull southpaw Campbell is a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist who has impressed in each of his six outings as a pro. Campbell will be squaring off against the vastly more experienced Steve Trumble (13-30, 8 KOs), of Baton Rouge, Lain a four-round bout. Liverpool’s Smith is part of a fighting family who is soaring up the 168-pound ladder. Smith looks to continue his undefeated streak in a six-rounder against Abraham Hernandez (5-0, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

In an eight-round welterweight bout, Alan Sanchez (13-3-1, 7 KOs), of Fairfield, Calif., will take on Tijuana native Jose Luis “Zurdo” Ramirez Jr. (7-0-1, 4 KOs), and in the four-round opener, also at 147 pounds, Fabian “TNT” Maidana (1-0), the brother of Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, meets Michigan’s Phillip Soriano (0-3).

Porter vs. Brook is a 12-round fight for Porter’s IBF Welterweight World Championship promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and AT&T. In the co-main event, the WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Sakio Bika defends his belt in a rematch against Anthony Dirrell, and in the televised opener, Omar Figueroa defends his WBC Lightweight World Championship against Daniel Estrada. The event will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (SHOWTIME 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges are on sale now and are available online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425. Doors open at 1 p.m. PT. The first fight begins at 1:00 p.m.