Jalil Hackett will face Jose Roman in a rematch for the WBA Continental North America Welterweight title on Saturday March 15 at Caribe Royale in Orlando, live worldwide on DAZN, as further additions to the undercard are made where Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams headlines against Patrice Volny, Edgar Berlanga returns to action and Team USA Olympic medalist Omari Jones makes his professional debut.

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Roman and Hackett met in Puerto Rico in December, where Roman edged Hackett our via a razor-thin split decision to take the title. Roman (14-1 6 KOs) hosted Hackett (9-1 7 KOs) at home in their first meeting and now the Puerto Rican steps through the ropes in America for the fifth time in his career for the rematch, as 21 year old starlet Hackett looks to gain immediate revenge and claim his title back.

“Camp has been amazing for this fight and I’m more ready than ever,” said Roman. “They made a big mistake thinking  I was an ‘average fighter’. I was a multi National Champion that represented Puerto Rico all over the world, and I was only one fight away from being an Olympian in 2016! The first time was not a stroke of luck and on March 15, I will prove I am the better fighter. I look forward to bigger and better opportunities with God’s blessings when I beat him again.”

“On March 15, I not only regain my belt but I reestablish myself as one of the best young boxers in the sport,” said Hackett.

Another title fight added to the card sees Jamaine Ortiz defend his WBA Continental USA Super-Lightweight title against Yomar Alamo. Ortiz (18-2-1 9 KOs) landed the strap at Caribe Royale in November with an impressive fourth round stoppage win over Cristian Mino, his first fight back in action after taking on Teofimo Lopez for the WBO World title in Las Vegas in February. Puerto Rico’s Alamo (22-3-1 13 KOs) continues to test fighters at 140lbs, and will add Ortiz to the CV that features recent battles with IBF king Richardson Hitchins, and the man he beat to win the title, Liam Paro.

“I’m thrilled to be kicking off my 2025 fight journey against Yomar Alamo, who is a dangerous fighter,” said Ortiz. “It’s always an honor to step into the ring, and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase my skills for my fans on DAZN.

“The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando will be lit on fight night, and I’m ready to bring the heat. This year, I’m focused and hungry for success, and March 15 is just the beginning of what’s to come!”

“This is a great opportunity for my career,” said Alamo. “Ortiz is a great fighter. We’re prepared for whatever he brings. This will be a great victory for me. It’s Magic time!”

Further additions to the card announced today sees Puerto Rican teen talent Carlos De Leon (3-0 2 KOs) fight in the paid ranks for the fourth time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight, and ‘Pretty Boy’ Pedro Valdez (8-0 7 KOs) meet Mauro Maximiliano Godoy (37-10-1 18 KOs) over eight rounds at Welterweight.
 
Those undercard additions add to a big night in the Sunshine State, where Middleweight contender ‘Ammo’ Williams looks to continue his quest to get back into the mix for major battles. Williams (17-1 12 KOs) bounced back with a 12th KO win in the paid ranks in Philadelphia in November after a brave showing against hotly-tipped Briton Hamzah Sheeraz in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.

‘Ammo’ is handily ranked at #6 with the WBC, #7 with the WBA and #9 with the IBF, and the Texan southpaw will be looking for an impressive victory to take a big step towards securing more massive fights at 160lbs.

Volny (19-1 13 KOs) will have other ideas though, and the Canadian will be full of confidence as he enters the bout on the back of a KO win over fellow countryman and former World title challenger Steven Butler in June in his Montreal hometown.
 
Jones added a bronze medal from the Paris 2024 games to the silver medal he won at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, and after a glittering amateur career, the Orlando starlet, who graduated from Valencia College in Orlando with an Associate Degree in General Studies with business focus in December, is excited to be making his pro debut right on his own doorstep, and Italian Alessio Mastronunzio (14-5 4 KOs) will be the first man to test Jones in the pro ring.
 
Berlanga (22-1 17 KOs) is back and the Puerto Rican-New Yorker will be looking to build on his spirited display against pound-for-pound legend Canelo Alvarez as he takes on Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1 16 KOs). ‘The Chosen One’ went the distance with the Mexican superstar in Las Vegas in September and the 27 year old will be eager to move into position to get a second shot at World title honors, and can reclaim the WBO NABO Super-Middleweight title he previously held over ten rounds against his fellow Puerto Rican.

Brooklyn’s Cesar Francis announced himself to the welterweight division on Saturday evening, as the Panamanian boxer-puncher dominated previously undefeated Puerto Rican hope Jose Roman at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Francis entered the fight as an underdog, but showed his skill levels from the outset, bossing the vast majority of the contest, with the judges scorecards being reflective of Francis’ dominance.

Francis, who nearly forced a stoppage midway through the fight, discussed his performance in front of his hometown crowd in Brooklyn.

He said, “Firstly I have to thank God for the victory, without God we don’t have anything in life. I’m blessed right now, beyond belief, and I am so grateful for that.

“I have to thank my team, Fransisco Guzman, Mitchell Graham and ProBox Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and Triller for giving me the opportunity to be in a competitive fight in Brooklyn, New York. This is what boxing is all about for me. Like I said before, I’m blessed. I have an amazing family and friends that support me and I couldn’t be happier right now.

“I thought I put on a good performance, but I know I have improvements to make and I will get back in the gym my team we will make them. I believe though I announced myself into the welterweight division on Saturday night. I can make 140 still as well, but I’m coming for real fights like I did on Saturday night.”

After taking the scalp of previously undefeated Roman, who entered the fight as a favorite, Brooklyn’s ‘Rainman’ opened up on his objectives moving forward.

Francis stated, “Look I’m really a 140 pounder, I can make 140 comfortably and I want big fights at 140. I’ve just beaten a good prospect at 147, so I have options. Right now though, I want the realest fights. I’m 9-0, but I’m not looking to be spoon fed. I want the tough opposition so I can show what level I am on.

“I have a great team that worked very hard for me to get this last opportunity and prepare me for it, and I know they’ll continue to do that moving forward. I trust them to make the right decision for me, but I’m open to boxing the elite level guys, and pushing on to title fights. That’s what I want next at either 140 or 147.”

Cletus Seldin scored a vicious 7th round stoppage over William Silva in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In round seven, Seldin unleashed a perfect overhand right to the chin and another straight right put Silva down and out at 24 seconds.

Seldin, 139.1 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 26-1 with 22 knockouts. Silva, 139 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 28-4.

Said a euphoric Seldin after the victory, “This was the hardest training in my life. Just a year ago I was sleeping on the floor, after three cancellations of a fight.  I am 100% giving myself an A+ on this, for all the hard work and determination I had to get here.”

 “We always went for body, head, body, head, and coming up with the right hand. If you go back and look at what my trainer said for that round, he said, ‘two jabs and throw a short overhand right.’ He wasn’t getting up after I landed those two big right hands.”

“The distance was close and I was able to land them. I went for the home run on that right-hand combination and got the knockout.”

Ananyan Decisions Gonzalez

Petros Ananyan won a 10-round majority decision over Daniel Gonzalez in a super lightweight contest.

In round four, Gonzalez began to bleed from his nose. That fight featured terrific back and forth action with the difference being the 9th round where Ananyan battered the bloody face of Gonzalez.

Ananyan landed 106 of 415 punches; Gonzalez was 103 of 442.

Ananyan, 139.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 16-2-2. Gonzalez, 138.6 lbs of Woodhaven, NY is 20-3-1.

“This was a tough fight but I’m very happy with my performance. I’m ready now for better competition and look forward to bigger fights in the near future,” said Ananyan after the victory.

Madera stops Najmitdonov after five

Will Madera spoiked the American debut of Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight fight.

In round four, The nose of Najmitdinov began to bleed. Najmitdinov also hurt his left arm, and the fight was halted after the round five because of those injuries.

Madera, 139.4 lbs of Albany, NY is now 17-1-3 with 10 knockouts. Najmitdinov, 139.8 lbs of Tashkent, UZB is 17-2.

“This was a tough fight against a strong guy,” said Madera. “I knew I was hurting him, he was shaking his head no but that usually means yet. He was getting tired from my body shots and I could hear him grunting after each one.”

Francis Decisions Roman

In a battle of undefeated super welterweight, Cesar Francis won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Roman.

In round four, Francis dropped Roman with a body shot.

Francis landed 71 of 320 punches; Roman was 62 of 273.

Francis, 144.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 79-72 and 78-73 twice and is now 9-0. Roman. 145.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 11-1.

Angel Fierro shrugged off two early round knockdowns to come back and stop former junior lightweight beltholder Alberto Machado in round six of their 10-round lightweight bout in Salinas, Puerto Rico

In round one, Machado dropped Fierro with a perfect counter right. In round two, it was another right that put Fierro on the deck.

Fierro started turning momentum in round four by working the body, and in round six, he landed a vicious left-right combination hat sent Machado crashing to the canvas. Machado could not beat the count and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Fierro of Tijuana, MX is now 18-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Machado, 136 lbs of Rio Piedras, PR is 22-3.

“I’m happy, I faced a top-notch fighter tonight in Alberto Machado,” said Fierro, who was a three-to-one underdog. “He is world class and dropped me twice. But I am ecstatic that I was able to come back and beat a fighter of his caliber.”

“He dropped me twice in the beginning of the fight,” added Fierro. “When I got back to my corner, I told them, ‘remind me of my daughter.’ Because with this fight I can change her life and that’s exactly what they did after the third round. They motivated me and that’s exactly what I did.”

“We found a lot of gaps in Machado’s game in the sixth round,” stated Fierro. “I took advantage of them and I turned it around. I told you in the interview (before the fight), I didn’t come here to be a tourist in Puerto Rico. I came here to win.”

Ibarra Decisions Cornejo

Alma Ibarra won a eight-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo in a middleweight bout.

Ibarra, 156 lbs of Monterrey, MEX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 8-1. Cornejo, 158 1/2 lbs of Los Angles is 13-5.

“Now the world knows who Alma Ibarra is and what she is made of,” said the victor. “To everyone, I was a stranger. And to fight against someone who is very recognized worldwide in Maricela Cornejo and beat her, this opened many doors for us.”

“I felt very good, very strong, as this is a division that I am not used to,” said Ibarra. “I always fight in lower divisions, we had to go up two divisions to take this great opportunity, and well, I think we were not wrong to take this risk.”

Martinez and Gonzalez fight to Draw

Jose Martinez and Israel Gonzalez fought to a 10-round draw in a super flyweight bout.

Gonzalez took a card 96-94 while two cards read even at 95-95.

Martinez, 117 3/4 of Las Marias, PR is now 21-1-3. Gonzalez, 117 lbs of Las Cabos, MEX is 26-4-1.

“I felt his punches, but I was the superior fighter tonight,” said Gonzalez. “He might have won three rounds but it’s OK. I’m thankful to Puerto Rico and all of the people that gave me an opportunity to be here.”

“I feel happy, satisfied with the work I did,” said Martinez. “I understand that I was fighting against a strong opponent and that I won. I pushed more. I was on top of him, but these things happen in boxing. Now it’s a matter of continuing to train, maintain myself and seek that title opportunity.”

Former world champion Angel Acosta won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight contest.

In Round seven, Acosta dropped Mendoza with a left hook.

Acosta, 114 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 79-72 on all cards and is now 22-2. Mendoza, 113 lbs of Modesto, CA is 17-10-3.

Edwin Valentin stopped Hector Marengo at the start of round five of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Marengo did not answer the bell to start the fifth round, but the official time was 11 seconds.

Valentin, 135 lbs of Salinas, PR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Marengo, 135 1/4 lbs of Arecibo, PR is 7-15-4.

Jose Roman remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Roque Junco.

Roman, 146 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice and is now 11-0. Junco, 146 lbs of Cordobo, ARG is 10-8-1.

Joe Ward avenged his lone professional setback by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Delgado in a light heavyweight fight.

Ward, 173.8 lbs of Moate, IRL won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 3-1. Delgado, 173.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-2.

Follow all the action from Staples Center in Los Angeles as Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter, Jr meet in a Lightweight unification bout.  The action kicks off at 10 PM ET with a Junior Lightweight bout between Mario Barrios and Jose Roman.  Next up will be a battle of former Heavyweight world title challengers Luis Ortiz and Razvan Cojanu

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Round 1 Easter coming out jabbing..Sharp jab from Garcia..Body from Easter..left..Right from Garcia..

Round 2 Easter works the body..Sharp Jab..another

Round 3 Right from Garcia..Jab from Easter..Good hook from Garcia..good right AND LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES EASTER..

Round 4 Jab from Garcia..Cuffing right..Left hook..Sharp Jab..Left to body and left to head..Easter lands a counter left.

Round 5 Right from Easter..Right to body..Jab..Left uppercut/Right from Garcia..Right uppercut on inside..Sharp jab from Easter

Round 6 Jab to body from Easter..Lead right.Jab..Lead left hook from Garcia..Combination…Right..

Round 7 Garcia lands a right…Jab from Easter..Good Jab and right from Garcia..Uppercut from Easter..Left hook from Garcia..

Round 8  Double jab and right from Easter..Counter jab..Garcia lands a left hook..Double left hook

Round 9 Combination from Garcia..Sharp jab..Good exchange..1-2 from Garcia..Counter from Easter..2 hard 1-2’s from Garcia..Lead left hook to the body..right to the body..Hard 1-2 backs Easter up..Big combination in the corner

Round 10 Garcia lands a body shot..Sharp jab..Hard left hook on the ropes..Combination to the head.

Round 11 1-2 from Garcia…Stiff jab from Easter..1-2 from Garcia..Hard 1-2..Lead right from Easter

Round 12 Counter left hook from Easter…1-2 from Garcia..Left hook from Easter..Good left from Garcia

116-111; 117-110; 118-109 FOR MIKEY GARCIA

Round 1 2 right hooks from Ortiz..Right to bidy..straight left..Body shot from Cojanu..Body shot from Ortiz

Round 2  BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES COJANU AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Right to body by Barrios..Good exchange..Barrios cut around the left eye..Double jab and counter left from Barrios..Nice left hook..Cut from a punch

Round 2 Roman lands an over hand right..Left from Barrios..Right to body..left ..Counter left..2 Jabs from Roman..1-2..Body from Barrios..Left from Roman

Round 3 Left hook from Roman..2 left hooks from Barrios….Nice Jab from Roman

Round 4 Barrios lands a right..2 lefts from Roman..Right uppercut lead..Body from Barrios..Counter from Roman..Rights rocks Roman…CoMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN..Body shot from Barrios…Big left

Round 5 Combination from Barrios..Sharp counter right..Body..Right to head

Round 6 Barrios working on inside

Round 7 Combination from Barrios..1-2 down the middle..Body and hard left hook..right cross

Round 8 Lead right from Barrios..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN>.Hard right..Barrage of body punches..Nice sweeping left…..FIGHT STOPPED AFTER ROUND 8…BARRIOS WINS VIA TKO

LOS ANGELES –The future hasn’t arrived for Mikey Garcia. Not just yet. After all, the pound-for-pound contender has already been looking at all of its possibilities for several years.

 But a way to the mythical scale’s top pedestal appears to be one step closer today after his thorough victory over Robert Easter Jr. Saturday night in front of a roaring crowd of more than 12,500 at Staples Center.

 Garcia scored a knockdown, scored most of the points and then scored an intriguing look at what his future might be.

 It looked a lot like Errol Spence Jr.

 “I’m here for the biggest challenge,’’ Garcia said after the 1117-111, 117-110, 118-1110 scorecards confirmed what everybody in the arena and Showtime saw.

 Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) overwhelmed Easter (21-1, 14 KOs), who was knocked down by a perfectly executed right-left combination in the third round and was never able to consistently employ his advantages in reach and height. But Garcia, a lightweight with two belts (WBC and IBF), did it against a 135-pound fighter. Spence is two divisions heavier at 147. He might have more power than anybody at welterweight.

 “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence,’’ Garcia said.  “I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen.

 “I think it can be made.  I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

 “I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight.  He’s the toughest guy at welterweight, so I want to face him.”

 Garcia said all of that while standing in the middle of the ring and looking up at Spence, whose face filled a video screen

 Minutes later, Spence left his ringside side and came to ringside to talk to the media.

 “Let’s make it happen,’’ Spence said. “It’s an easy fight to make. Showtime wants it.’’

 Everybody wants it. The sooner, the better.

 “This year,’’ Spence said. “Let’s do it in November.’’

 Sounds like the future.

Luis Ortiz says he is 39. Put an asterisk next to that age. Late comedian Jack Benny used to say he was 39. Benny was joking, too. But there’s no joke about Ortiz’ power. It has a young man’s edge.

That enduring Ortiz’ power finished Razvan Cojanu ruthlessly in a fast finish to a heavyweight fight, the last bout before Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter Jr. at Staples Center.

A right, then left from Ortiz (29-1, 35 KOs) dropped Cojanu flat onto the canvas late in the second round. Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs) tried to get up. But he stumbled around, like a toddler trying crawl across a water bed, finished at 2:13 of the second

San Antonio welterweight Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) opened the Showtime telecast with a lightning-fast right hand, a dimension that journeyman Jose Roman of Garden Grove, Calif., could neither elude nor withstand.

Roman (24-3-1, 16 KOs), down in the fourth and on his knees in the eighth, was out of options, energy and chances after eight rounds. That’s when his corner waved the white towel, signaling a timely end.

“I’m ready now,’’ the 23-year-old Barrios said of one more victory toward contending for a major title. “I feel good. Strong.’’

Argentine super-lightweight Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), who has more classic boxing skill than Marcos Maidana, displayed some fight-stopping power, dropping Russian Audrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs) with a quick combo for a seventh-round stoppage.

Super-featherweight Karlos Baldera (6-0, 5 KOs), a former Olympian from Santa Maria, Calif., fulfilled his credentials as a prospect, overwhelming Mexican Giovanni Caro (27-24-4, 21 KOs) of Mexico City in a fourth-round stoppage.

Lightweight Jerry Perez (8-0, 6 KOs) was a whirlwind of punches and power, leaving Aaron Hollis exhausted and finished in a second-round stoppage.

Southern California junior-flyweight  Lina Licona (2-0, 1 KO) scored four-round decision over Judith Hachbold (4-5) of Hungary.

Bantamweight Jose Balderas (4-0) followed brother Karlos’ victory with one of his own, scoring a first-round knockdown en route to a unanimous decision over Alfredo Chanez (6-6, 3 KOs) of Tijuana.

Atlanta light heavyweight Brandon Ganton (7-2, 6 KOs) was the Gracia-Easter card’s second winner and the first to score a stoppage, finishing Daniel Najera (7-3-1, 3 KOs) with a succession of punches at 1:35 of the third round.

Luis Coria (7-1, 4 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained featherweight from Moreno Valley, Calif., did it all, landing punches and scoring a knockdown over six one-sided rounds for a unanimous decision over Guadalupe Arroyo, a Mexican who had a 13^th reason to retire added to his 3-13 record.

One big punch from Filipino lightweight Ray Perez (23-11, 7 KOs) landed like an exclamation point and woke up a gathering crowd from the slumber of having to sit through seven dull, slogging rounds. Perez landed it — a long looping hook — for a stoppage of Robert Marroquin (27-5-1, 20 KOs) of Dallas at 1:03 of the eighth.

Empty seats, more echoes than cheers and more fighters on a 13-bout card than fans were there for first bell Saturday at show that would end hours later in the Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter lightweight title fight.

Junior-welterweight Wesley Diana (6-0, 5 KOs), a Fernando Vargas-trained Puerto Rican living Forida, scored first and often, claiming the card’s first win – a unanimous decision over Envicil Dixon (7-21-1, 2 KOs) of Lancaster, PA.

OAKLAND, CA. (July 18, 2018) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to deliver a sixth-consecutive knockout when he faces Jose Roman on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) is headlined by a lightweight title unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) made the leap from campaigning at 130-pounds to the super lightweight division in December 2016 and has stayed busy while knocking out increasingly difficult opposition as he nears world title contention.

Here is what the 23-year-old Barrios had to say about his July 28 matchup and more from training camp in Northern California with Virgil Hunter:

On his fight against Jose Roman:
“Roman is a very dangerous fighter with a good record. He’s a tall fighter like myself, so that will be a different challenge for me to overcome.

“There is no doubt he will be my toughest opponent to date. These are the kind of difficult fights I need to win and win convincingly to get to the championship level. I’m going in there on mission July 28 and I’m going to prove I’m ready for a title shot.

“I know he’s motivated going into this fight since he’ll be fighting near his hometown. I’m just going to stick to my game plan and focus on what I must do, and that’s throw hard punches with precise accuracy.”

On his current knockout streak:
“Since I’ve move up to super-lightweight, my body has adjusted to the weight gain, and I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. I’m still growing into my man strength and my power is growing as well. I never go into a fight looking for the knockout, but if I get my opponent hurt, I promise I’ll be looking to take him out.”

On his training camp for this bout:
“I’ve had a tremendous training camp. For the first few weeks I was training in San Antonio at the South Park Boxing Gym with my dad and Rick Nunez laying the groundwork for what we wanted to accomplish.

“Then I finished it off in up in Northern California with Virgil Hunter, who will be guiding my corner. Together we all make a fantastic team. I’ve had tremendous sparring for this fight, my health is good and I’m ready to go.”

On making his SHOWTIME debut:
“I’m really excited to be making my debut on SHOWTIME debut on this card. I always knew I would be fighting on the big stage at some point in my career. Now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of. I’m very grateful to my team for giving me this opportunity.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returns to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will open with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios takingon hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

After having heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder nearly out on his feet in their March classic, Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) eventually succumbed to the power of the unbeaten champion. Now, Ortiz looks to get back to world title contention on July 28. Originally, from Camaguey, Cuba, now residing in Miami, Fla., Ortiz will fight in Los Angeles for the first time as a professional. Ortiz quickly became one of the most avoided men in boxing with victories over Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott on his way to the memorable showdown with Wilder.

“I’m looking to make a statement on July 28 and get back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be back in the ring. I am thankful to have this opportunity. To all the fans in Los Angeles, don’t miss this great card at STAPLES Center. ‘The Real King Kong’ is coming to LA!”

A native of Romania and fighting out of Burbank, Calif., Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) challenged then WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker for the title in May 2017. Cojanu took the New Zealand champion the distance but lost via unanimous decision in the champion’s home country. Standing over six-foot-seven, Cojanu scored three straight knockout victories in 2016 to earn the title shot and will return to the ring for his first fight in the U.S. since January 2016.

“I’m proud and confident to know that I will be stepping into the ring against a worthy opponent on July 28,” said Cojanu. “Luis Ortiz is a world-class fighter with a lot of experience, which will give me the opportunity to show my skills to all the fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and watching on SHOWTIME.”

The 23-year-old Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) has been impressive since moving up to 140 pounds last March. He’s scored stoppage victories over Yardley Cruz, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Naim Nelson and most recently a second-round destruction of Eudy Bernardo. The five-foot-ten Barrios of San Antonio had previously campaigned at 130 pounds before making the move to the higher weight class that has helped unlock his power.

“I fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME but making my debut on SHOWTIME has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Barrios. “Now, the time has come to show why I’m here. I’m ready to keep showing why I’m going to become a star and one of the sport’s next great fighters. Come July 28, everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights. It’s ‘Azteca’ time.”

Fighting out of Garden Grove, Calif., Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) scored knockouts in nine of his first 11 pro fights and has won 10 of his last 11 leading up to July 28. The 30-year-old most recently dropped a decision to Wilberth Lopez last September after a run of defeating veteran fighters and will look to put himself back on the path to a world title with a victory over Barrios at STAPLES Center.

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity,” said Roman. “Barrios has been on a roll, but I have the experience to take him out. Both of us bring pressure and I know he’s going to be hungry to keep his record perfect. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been for this fight. I can’t wait to put on a show in my backyard for all the great fans in Southern California.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.