LOS ANGELES (Feb. 15, 2018): NABF and NABO Featherweight Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (25-0, 13 KOs) and former world champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (38-4-2, 21 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Azteca Boxing Club ahead of their 10-round main event fight on the Feb. 22 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

Also participating in the workout was Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs) who will kick off the ESPN3 coverage facing Laguna, Philippines’s Rey “Flash” Perez (21-9, 6 KOs). Manny “Chato” Robles III (14-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by his world-renowned father, Manny Robles, Jr., will participate in an eight-round featherweight affair facing Tucson, AZ’s Martin Cardona (24-10, 16 KOs). Power punching prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (12-0, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl by way of South Central, Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round battle against Victor Proa (28-5-2, 21 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in the 126-pound division. San Diego’s Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (6-0, 4 KOs) will participate in an eight-round lightweight fight, and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will open up the card in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight fight.

Here’s what today’s participants had to say at the media workout:

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF & NABO Featherweight Champion:

“I’m going to showcase my power, speed, experience and ring intelligence. I know [Victor] Terrazas is a former world champion, but my skill is the best at 126 pounds. I’m excited to headline this fight because I’ll be kicking off the year for Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN. I’m going to take advantage of this and put all the champions at featherweight on notice. Hopefully after this fight, I’ll finally get that world title shot.”

VICTOR “VIKINGO” TERRAZAS, Former World Champion:

“I’m still in my prime. I feel I still have a lot to give. This is an important fight not just for me, but for Joseph Diaz as well. I’ve been training hard in Mexico with my coach, Alejandro “La Cobrita” Gonzalez, and I’ve been having really good sparring as well. I have a lot of experience dealing with world-class fighters and quick southpaws, so it will be a battle of youth vs. experience on February 22.”

CHRISTIAN “CHIMPA” GONZALEZ, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m going to be in a tough fight. I’m looking forward to the challenge because he’s [Rey Perez] experienced. They call him ‘Flash’ for a reason because he’s really quick, so we’re expecting nothing easy on Feb 22. If everything comes out well, I’ll be looking forward to 10-round fights on ESPN cards.”

MANNY “CHATO” ROBLES, III, Featherweight Prospect:

“I’ve been working on sitting on my punches and working on the inside. In this camp, I’ve been working with former fighter Rudy Hernandez and getting great sparring as well. Fans can expect to see a different Manny Robles next Thursday. I’ll be more aggressive and I’ll be more affective on the inside. If I see the opportunity, I’ll get the knockout.”

EDGAR “KID NEZA” VALERIO, Featherweight Prospect:

“Would I be a ‘Guru’ if I told you that I’d start the year off sensationally? I’m not fighting the toughest opponent of my career, HE is. At the end of the day, we’re all in the hurt business.”

HECTOR “EL FINITO” TANAJARA, JR., Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’ve been working really hard since my last fight. No matter who I fight, I’ll be ready to knock him out. It’s been great training with Robert Garcia. There are a lot of world champions in our training camp, and I learn a lot every day. I expect to be busy this year in exciting fights and fighting more rounds.”

GENARO “EL CONDE” GAMEZ, Lightweight Prospect:

“Training camp has gone really well, and I’m really focused for this fight. I know my opponent has had tough fights and that he’s a warrior. This year I hope to demonstrate to all who Genaro ‘El Conde’ Gamez is. The lightweight division is very tough, and every fight features with quick punchers. Don’t go on a bathroom break during the fight because you might miss the knockout!”

Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABO Featherweight Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Doors to the Special Events Center open and the first televised bout begin at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2018): Former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion
Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe will be the special VIP guest for the Feb. 22 edition of
Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The highly anticipated headlining matchup will feature 126-pound contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (25-0, 13 KOs) defending his NABF and NABO Featherweight Titles against former world champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (38-4-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

Doors to the Special Events Center open and first fight begins at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and streaming on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

A certified Hall of Famer, “Big Daddy” Bowe is known as the only Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion to have earned belts from all four main sanctioning bodies – WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. The controversial heavyweight faced some of the best fighters of his era, including Andrzej Golota, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, Jorge Luis Gonzalez, Herbie “Dancing Destroyer” Hide, and Michael “Dynamite” Dokes. Bowe is also one of five former heavyweight champions to have never suffered a stoppage defeat in the span of more than 40 fights in his career. Bowe will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

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

Chief support to the main event battle will be knockout artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs), who will participate in the eight-round co-main event for the vacant Junior NABF Super Lightweight Title against the dangerous Jesus “Carambolas” Alvarez (15-3,11 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico. Ortiz, Jr. has never heard the final bell of a bout and will be putting his spotless record on the line as he takes a step up in competition and fights for his first regional title.

Lightweight knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs) will make his highly anticipated ring return over a scheduled eight rounds of action and will kick off the ESPN3 coverage.Gonzalez will face Rey “Flash” Perez (21-9, 6 KOs), a Filipino fighter who now calls Los Angeles home and who was last seen giving Lamont Roach, Jr. trouble in the main event of the Nov. 30 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN.

Manny “Chato” Robles III (14-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by his world-renowned father, Manny Robles, Jr., will participate in an eight-round featherweight affair. Power punching prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (10-0, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl by way of South Central, Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round battle in the 126-pound division.

San Diego’s Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (6-0, 4 KOs) will participate in an eight-round lightweight fight, and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will open up the stacked card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight fight.

Opponents for all these exciting prospects will be announced shortly.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, February 16.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABO featherweight titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Doors to the Special Events Center open and the first televised bout begin at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 12, 2018): Golden Boy Promotions will continue its partnership with ESPN for this exciting new year with an explosive main event featuring 126-pound contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (25-0, 13 KOs) defending his NABO Featherweight Title against former world champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (38-4-2, 21 KOs) on the Feb. 22 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino inIndio, Calif.Doors to the Special Events Center open at 5:00 p.m. PT, and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and the ESPN3 transmission will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Diaz Jr., a 25-year-old prodigy of South El Monte, Calif., was an exceptional amateur prospect who was part of the 2012 United States Olympic Team. After making his debut with Golden Boy Promotions in December 2012 at the now-defunct LA Sports Arena, Diaz, Jr. climbed the 126-pound rankings defeating one tough opponent after another. Diaz, Jr. had a great 2017 as he participated in two Pay-Per-View events. In the HBO-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr., Diaz, Jr. cruised to a 10-round unanimous decision victory against the previously undefeated Manuel “Tino” Avila. Diaz, Jr. then defeated Rafael “Bing Bang” Rivera via dominant 12-round decision in the co-main event of the historic Canelo vs. Golovkin HBO pay-per-view event. Diaz, Jr. will look to continue his path to a world title with a win on Feb. 22.

“I look forward to making my 2018 debut,” said Diaz, Jr. “And what better way than by facing a tough former world champion in Victor Terrazas! I will remind everyone why I deserve a world title shot by headlining this card exciting fashion.”

Terrazas, a 34-year-old native of Jalisco, Mexico, is a former world champion who defeated Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares to capture the WBC Super Bantamweight Title. Terrazas, a student of the traditional Mexican school of boxing, has fought fighters at a world championship level from different parts of the world, and will bring years of fighting experience into his fight against Diaz, Jr.

“I have faced great fighters in my career,” said Terrazas. “And this fight against Joseph Diaz, Jr. will not be an exception. I think that my experience will be very important, and I have no doubts that I will leave with my hand raised.”

Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs), a super lightweight prospect who has delighted fans with his tremendous knockout power, will return in the eight-round co-main event. After debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz, Jr. has never heard the final bell of a bout, and he’s anxious to retain his 100% knockout rate in the year 2018. One must definitely not lose sight of this sensational Mexican American who has his roots in Michoacan, Mexico.

The explosive undercard will be stacked with the best and brightest prospects of the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable. Lightweight knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs) will make his highly anticipated ring return over a scheduled eight rounds of action in his Fantasy Springs Resort Casino debut. Gonzalez is a hard-hitting prospect who is coming off two spectacular wins, the last of which was against Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz.

Manny “Chato” Robles III (14-0, 6 KOs), after making his headlining debut in Sept. of 2017, will square off in an eight-round featherweight fight. Power punching prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (10-0, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl by way of South Central, Los Angeles, California will start the year off with a bang in an eight-round battle in the 126-pound division.

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr.(11-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will open the evening of very exciting combats in an eight-round super featherweight fight. In the night’s swing bout, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (6-0, 4 KOs) will participate in a six-round lightweight fight.

Opponents for these exciting, rising prospects will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT, and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, February 16.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas is a 10-round featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Doors to the Special Events Center open at 5:00 p.m. PT, and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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

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

LAS VEGAS – The business wanted a party. Wanted to celebrate. But all it can do today is to try to explain away another controversy, the only promise boxing ever seems to deliver with any kind of reliability.

 

GGG might as well stand for Grumble Grumble Grumble.

 

The judges got in the way of a good fight. Not a great one. Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez will never be confused with Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns. But they’re in the history books anyway, but for all the wrong reasons. They fought to a draw Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in another pay-per-outrage event.

 

Canelo promoter Oscar De La Hoya promised rounds of hell. For him, the hell will come in trying to calm the anger over the judging. For instance: What in the hell was Adelaide Byrd watching? She had it 118-110 for Canelo. Carl Moretti scored it 115-113 from Golovkin. Don Trella had it 114-114.

 

At home and in the very expensive seats, it looked like a much different fight. On the 15 Rounds scorecard, it was GGG, 116-112. Perhaps, it was closer than that. But Golovkin seemed to gain momentum midway through the bout, controlling the pace and landing most of the punches from the sixth through the 11^th rounds. According to CompuBox, Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs) landed 49 more punches, 218 to Canelo’s 169.

 

On any scorecard, Golovkin, still the reigning middleweight champ, also appeared to score heavily in the aggression category. That’s GGG for Going Going Going. He was always going forward. Canelo (48-1-2, 34 KOs) would land thudding body shots and head-rocking uppercuts. Yet after each, the redheaded Mexican looked up and there he was all over again, Golovkin going, going, going forward.

 

Canelo will see GGG coming forward and into his face in his dreams. He’ll also hear the boos. The predominantly Mexican crowd — populated by Canelo fans — was unhappy at the judging. After all, they had been told this was a real fight. Whet they didn’t know was that the judging would be such a mockery of what Canelo and GGG did. Those punches were real. They were dangerous. The judging was devoid of reality, yet dangerous in terms of how it can further erode credibility in a sport with so little of it.

 

A rematch, of course, looks to be inevitable.

 

“Of course, I want a rematch,’’ Golovkin said. “I won the fight.’’

 

But not the cards, a House of Cards that always seems to make boxing look like a Joker.

The arena was empty. But the ring wasn’t.

Flyweight Marlen Esperza was there, full of heart and skill, to open the show Saturday a couple of hours before the pay-per-view telecast of the long-awaited card featuring the middleweight showdown between Gennady Golvkin and Canelo Alvarez at T-Mobile Arena,

Esperza (3-0) who dedicated the fight to the flood-ravaged victims in her hometown of Houston, looked dominated every second of every round for a six-round shutout of Aracely Palacios (8-8, 1 KO) of Mexico.

“Even though my opponent, on paper, looked like she had more ring experience, I’ve been in the ring way more than she had,’’ said Esparza, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist. “Because I had three-minute rounds, I was able to think a lot more in the ring and was even told by my trainer I had to slow down.

“I couldn’t research much about my opponent, but we knew she was going to be throwing her right often. I’m satisfied with my performance because this was my first six-round fight.”

Follow all the action as Gennady Golovkin defends the IBF/WBA/WBC/Middleweight titles against Canelo Alvarez in a highly anticipated bout.  The action will begin at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT/7 PM in Guadalajara/6 AM in Kazakhstan with a 3 fight undercard featuring Joseph Diaz Jr. taking on Rafael Rivera.  A battle of undefeated super bantamweights in Randy Caballero battling Diego De La Hoya as well as Ryan Martin battling Francisco Rojo

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1:Golovkin stalking. Alvarez gets in a nice combo to body  pops him with the jab

Round 2. Alvarez landing quick combinations.  Working the body

Round 3. Golovkin becoming more aggressive with his pressure. Lands some solid left hooks

Round 4. Golovkin continues to pressure and land on the ropes. Lands a nice quick hard right

Round 5.  Great Round.  Golovkin landing on the ropes. Canelo shakes off and explodes out with a combination. Golovkin landed a huge right

Round 6. Golovkin looking to ramp up pressure. Alvarez landing some nice combinations

Round 7  Golovkin pressure landing some thuddingbshots. Alvarez mixing in combinations.  Alvarez swelling under left eye

Round 8. Golovkin stuns Alvarez with a left.  Canelo responds nicely with combinations.  He lands a flush uppercut on ropes. Hard right from Golovkin

Round 9. Both guys tiring.  Golovkin still landing harder shots but Canelo gets in a vicious right hand

Round 10. Another terrific Round  Alvarez controlled the early part with hard combination on a tired Golovkin. Golovkin came back but wasn’t enough

Round 11. Alvarez lands a crushing righ5 and did some good body work. Golovkin lands a hard combination

Round 12. Canelo doing terrific work on the inside.  Golovkin doing work.  Great flurry down the stretch

118-110 Canelo.   115-113 Ggg.  114-114.   Draw

Round 1.  Rivera lands a hard right.  Body shot from Diaz.  Right from Rivera

Round 2.  Right from Diaz.  Right hook.  Right to body from Rivera.  Left. Right hook. Straight left.

Round 3.  Diaz lands a body shot.  Combination to head

Round 4.  Right from Rivera. Left from Diaz.  Hard combination

Round 5. Hard right from Rivera at end of round

Round 6. Body combination from Diaz.  Head combination.  Left to body.

Round 7. Body work from Diaz

Round 8. Body from Diaz

Round 9.  Right hook from Diaz.  Right hook

Round 10.  Right to body from Diaz.  Straight left.  Counter right. Another counter

Round 11. Right to head from Diaz.  Right from Rivera.  Straight left from Diaz left from Diaz.  Right to body from Rivera.

Round 12. Hard counter and straight right from Diaz.  Right hook to body. Combination. Right. Right from Rivera

119-109 twice and 120-108 for Diaz

De La Hoya landing harder shots and very aggressive after Caballero came out strong

Round 10.

100-90 &98-92 on 2 cards for De La Hoya

Round 1 right from Rojo…combination from Martin

Round 2. Left from Martin. Left hook..right from Rojo.  Martin jabbing.  Body work.   Combination

Round 3. Rojo working body. Body. Combination from Martin. Right hand…Right from Rojo

Round 4.  Right from Rojo.  Body shot… body shot. Combination from Martin.   Jab from Rojo

Round 5.  Rojo working on ropes.  Hard right from Martin.  Right from Rojo. Left from Rojo.

Round 6.  Right from Martin. Right from Rojo.  Combination on ropes. Combination from Martin. Jab from Martin

Round 7.  Martin lands a body shot. 1-2.  Body shot from Rojo. Combination from Martin. Rojo working body.

Round 8.  Martin warned for low blow. Left from Rojo. Martin warned again.  Good right from Martin. Another right.

Round 9. MARTIN DEDUCTED POINT FOR LOW BLOW.  Combination from Martin. Left gets in for Rojo. Right from Martin

Round 10.  Rojo working on ropes.  Combination from Rojo.  Combination from Martin. 3 punch combination. Body shot from Rojo.  Left. Right

Martin wins by split decision.96-93,95-94. Rojo got a card 98-91

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 14, 2017) – Fighters on the undercard of Canelo vs. Golovkin hosted a press conference today at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of their bouts on
Saturday, Sept. 16. In the co-main event, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) and Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (25-0-2, 16 KOs) will face off in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator. Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) and Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) will face off in a 10-round super bantamweight battle for the Caballero’s NABF Super Bantamweight title and the vacant NABO Super Bantamweight title. Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs) and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) will battle it out for Ryan’s WBC Continental Americas and the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight titles in the opening bout of the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast, which will begin at the special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

JOSEPH ‘JOJO’ DIAZ, Featherweight Contender:
“I had a great ten-week training camp. We were supposed to fight Jorge Lara, who was a tough opponent. But unfortunately he ended up pulling out. We’ve got another tough opponent, Rafael Rivera ahead of me. He’s a young undefeated fighter, and I know that he’s going to come out guns blazing and wanting to pull an upset because he’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. I know that with his fighting as the co-main event and getting the exposure, he’s going to come out guns blazing. We’re very prepared for him and I know that it’s still going to be an action-packed fight.”

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“Camp went amazing. I felt good. I felt strong and I’m ready to go. Just to be a part of this card is a dream come true for a fighter. I’ve worked very hard. I’ve traveled the world to win a world title abroad. I’m tough toughest fighters he’s [De La Hoya] ever faced. And come Sept.16, I’ll put on a great show. You’re not going to want to miss it, and see you guys there.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion:
“This fight is a big step for me that will catapult me towards to a world title. I have prepared me 7 weeks in one of the best camps of my life. And I will give one of my best fights this Saturday. Because I know that Randy [Caballero] prepared himself really well, and he knows that we’re going to steal the show. I am ready, and we are ready, Randy. I’m going to win this Saturday yelling “Viva Mexico!”

RYAN “BLUE CHIP” MARTIN, WBC Continental Americas Champion:
“Going back to March, the the Golovkin-Lemieux card was a big event. But clearly Vegas blows it out of the water. The atmosphere has been amazing. All of the fighters here are going to be amazing. I want to thank my coach, my staff, my manager and my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee which has given me support since an amateur of 7 or 8 years old. I’ve dreamed of moments like this. Saturday night I’m going to have fun and do my thing. All the hard work is done.”

FRANCISCO ROJO, Lightweight Contender
“I’m grateful to Golden Boy promotions for this opportunity. It’s not an opportunity. It’s a dream. Who doesn’t want to be on a card like Canelo-Golovkin? I’m grateful to be making my US debut on a card like this. We know Ryan Martin is a tremendous talent who is undefeated, and he wants to continue being undefeated. Believe me when is say this, Martin is undefeated but he’s never fought a known opponent, a Mexican opponent like me. I respect him a lot, but it’s my dream to fulfill, and regardless of who he’s fought, they don’t compare to me.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist and Flyweight Prospect:
“I just want to say that I’m extremely honored to be here on such an amazing card. I want to thank Golden Boy and everybody who’s believed in me and supported me. I want to thank my who’s put in a lot of work. This is my third fight now, and I’m only getting better and better. I’m hoping to put on an amazing show. This time I’ll be fighting in six three-minute rounds. II’ve trained really hard for it. I’m hoping it put on a great show. It’s going to be amazing.”

NICOLA ADAMS, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist:
“I want to thank Frank Warren and Golden Boy Promotions Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this great opportunity to make my professional debut in the United States on such an amazing card . The Golovkin-Canelo fight will be one of the best fights in this year. To think I can have my American debut on this card is a really good opportunity. I’m hoping put on a really good performance.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:
“These kids work hard and they dream about being in this position and being in these big show. They are going to have to perform well to be able to win but that’s what they’re ready for. It’s going to be an incredible event. Rising contenders and future contenders will be a part of it. We are going to have a free-view for the show as usual. The free-view will begin at 6:00 p.m. PT/ 3:00 ET on RingTV.com and on the HBO pay-per-view channel. There will be an early start time of 8:00 p.m ET/5:00 p.m. PT. The main event will go on approximately at 11:00 p.m. ET/ 8:00 pm PT. The T-Mobile event is sold out, but there are still Closed Circuit tickets available for 1-800-745-3000 or TicketMaster.com. They are going really quickly.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Golden Boy Promotions Business Partner:
“When the smoke clears and we have to recognize what we said-to make the best fights-would actually accord. That’s why we are here. The young guys. This is the opportunity to steal some of the spotlight before the main event on Saturday. This is an invitation We don’t just pay attention to the elite fights, but also to the fighters below who are thirsty to be there.”

TOM LOEFFLER, Promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin:
“We couldn’t be more excited to be here today. We had the grand arrivals on Tuesday. You could already feel the buzz from the beginning of the week from both the media and the fans. Now it’s reaching its fever pitch and we don’t even have the weigh-ins yet. The undercard is very exciting. Both Triple G and Canelo were both in this same position. This type of platform can really launch or give exposure to the fighters on the undercard. We know they’re going to do their best. The pressure is all on them because they know that when they’re on a show like this they have to perform.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Rivera is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF and vacant NABO Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing, @TomLoeffler1,@JosephDiazJr, @RandyELMatador and @DiegoDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.Facebook.com/gggboxing/ and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @josephdiazjr, @randyelmatador, and @diegodelahoya94; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

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

LAS VEGAS (September 13, 2017) – Undefeated Featherweight Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (25-0-2, 16 KOs) will step in to fight 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) in a 12-round WBC Title Eliminator as the co-main event to the Canelo-Golovkin superfight Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Rivera, a 23-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico, has steadily climbed the featherweight division. He defeated former Super Bantamweight World Champion Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez, Jr., stopped Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and took away the undefeated status of Ruben “El Tibio” Garcia Hernandez. Rivera is replacing Jorge Lara, who had to bow out due to reasons that have not been verified.

Rivera was originally supposed to fight Diaz on Saturday’s card, but was forced to step aside for Lara, due to Lara being higher-ranked by the WBC. Rivera has already been training for a fight next week, and is in tip-top shape for his showdown with Diaz.

“Originally, I was hoping to get a shot at JoJo Diaz,” Rivera said. “When that didn’t pan out, I took another fight for next week. I have therefore been training and am in the best shape of my life. I am grateful that I have this last-minute chance, and there is no way I am letting this opportunity pass me by.”

Diaz, a 2012 U.S. Olympian who has shot his way to the top of the featherweight division with victories over a who’s who of contenders, was unfazed by the last-minute change of opponent.

Diaz Jr. said, “I don’t care who is in front of me, I’m leaving with a win on September 16th. After I have my hand raised in victory, I will be one fight away from realizing my dream of winning a world championship.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Rivera is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF and vacant NABO Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing, @TomLoeffler1, @JosephDiazJr, @RandyELMatador and @DiegoDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.Facebook.com/gggboxing/ and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @josephdiazjr, @randyelmatador, and @diegodelahoya94; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

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

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2017) More than 20,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena and millions watching on HBO Pay-Per-View and www.RingTV.com will be treated to a stacked undercard line-up in support of the Sept. 16 showdown between lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs).

In the co-main event, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will take an important step towards a world title opportunity when he takes on Jorge “Pilon” Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator.

“The Canelo vs. Golovkin undercard will feature some of boxing’s best contenders and rising stars the fans will be in for a treat and won’t want to miss the action,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “From Jojo Diaz to Randy Caballero, Diego De La Hoya, Vergil Ortiz, and Marlen Esparza, Golden Boy Promotions has stacked the undercard with some of the toughest fighters in the sport today that are determined to put on great fights for the fans.”

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting in the co-main event of the Canelo vs. Golovkin card,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “I finally get the opportunity to fight for a title eliminator! I’ve been waiting my whole life to become a world champion. On September 16, I’m going to give it everything I got, for all my fans out there.”

“I haven’t seen too much of [Joseph] Diaz, but I know that he’s a tough opponent,” said Jorge Lara. “I also know that he participated in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. More than anything else, I know that we have to give a great fight, and I hope that he throws punches and brawls.”

Also on the Pay-Per-View telecast will be a battle between two undefeated contenders in the Golden Boy stable. Former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) will face WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight battle for Caballero’s NABF Super Bantamweight title.

“I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity that Golden Boy Promotions has given me,” said Randy Caballero. “I promise to all my friends, family and fans that I will put on a great performance come September 16.”

“I’m very motivated and excited for another great opportunity on the biggest boxing event in some time,” said Diego De La Hoya. “Fights like this one versus Caballero are what bring out the best in me, and I guarantee I will give it my all to put on a great show for the fans. I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, my manager, and Team DDLH for the continued support! See you September 16!”

Opening the Pay-Per-View telecast, lightweight contenders Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs), and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will battle it out for Ryan’s WBC Continental Americas and the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight titles.

“I realize there are a lot of big fights that can be made right now in the lightweight division,” said Ryan Martin. “There are lot of projections and talks for me to be a part of some of those bigger fights. But, right now I have to get past Rojo. Preparations are going good, and I will be as sharp as ever on that night. My team is amazing, and my trainers are pushing me really hard.”

“It is an honor to be fighting on the same Mexican Independence Day weekend card as the great Canelo Alvarez,” said Francisco Rojo. “It’s going to be a great night for Mexico when we both leave the ring with all the belts wrapped around us.”

“Ryan Martin is one of the fastest-rising stars of the lightweight division,” said Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “This battle between two hungry top-10 contenders is a great addition to the card and an exciting way to open the pay-per-view telecast.”

The non-televised undercard is stacked with action-packed bouts featuring Golden Boy Promotions’ strongest contenders and prospects.

Jesus Rojas (25-1-2, 18 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Claudio Marrero (22-1, 16 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic will clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Featherweight Title. Vergil Ortiz (6-0, 6 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will take on Cesar Valenzuela (7-1, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, Ariz. in a scheduled six-round super lightweight fight. Marlen Esparza, the 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist will take on Tania Cosme (5-6-1, 1 KO) of Denver, Colorado. Serhii Bohachuk (4-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles will fight in a scheduled four-round welterweight fight against an opponent that will be named shortly in the evening’s first bout.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (E/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

Follow all the action as Mexican Warriors, Canelo Alvarez takes on Julio Cesar Chavez in super middleweight catchweight bout.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with 3 fight undercard.  Former middleweight champion Dabid Lemieux battles Marco Reyes.  Former junior welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse takes on Emanuel Taylor.  Joseph Diaz, Jr. fights Manuel Avila in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

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Round 1: Canelo lands a right to the body..Left lands..Jab..Chavez lands an uppercut..hook to body..Right from Alvarez..Jab..Right over top..

Round 2 Combination from Alvarez..Left hook from Chavez..straight right..3 punch combo and uppercut from Alvarez..Right uppercut..2 more uppercuts and a jab..

Round 3 Right from Alvarez..Welt over the right eye of Chavez..2 hard shots from Chavez..3 good shots from Alvarez..Chavez bleeding from the nose..ALVAREZ OUTLANDING CHAVEZ 57-18

Round 4 Left hook from Alvarez..3 punch combination..Hard uppercut..Good body shot

Round 5 Hard counter right from Chavez..ripping body shot..big right,,very one sided fight..Canelo dominating

Round 6 Chavez lands a combo on the ropes..Combination from Alvarez…

Round 7 Chavez lands on the ropes..Alvarez fights off by 2 landing about 8 punches..Good combination from Chavez..

Round 8 Chavez landing on the ropes..Jab from Canelo..

Round 9 Uppercut from Alvarez..Jab,..

Round 10 Uppercut from Alvarez..Combination..Counter right…

Round 11 Right from Alvarez..Right..Right..Left..

Round 12 Alvarez lands a right and a uppercut..

120-108 on all cards for CANELO ALVAREZ

PUNNCHES –ALAVREZ 228-696     CHAVEZ 71 -302

Round 1 Staright raightfrom Lemeiux …Left hook

Round 2 Right from reyes….Reyes cut over right eye from a left hook..

Round 3 Left and hard right from Lemieux..Big uppercut and Reyes s hurt..Huge left hook staggers Reyes..Reyes lands a body shot..Straightt right…2 body shots..Huge right and a body shot,,

Round 4 2 hard left hooks from Lemieux..Body shot from Reyes..Huge right knockouts out mouthpiece,,2 good rights and a body shot from Reyes.

Round 5 Right and left from Reyes..Left from Lemieux

Round 6 Good counter from Lemieux

Round 7 Jab from Lemeiux..Good right..Left and an uppercut..Big left hook..Reyes bleeding and taking a lot of hard shots..Left hook

Round 8 Reyes trying to flurry..Left hook..

Round 9 Right from Reyes..Hard right from Lemieux,,Body shot

Round 10 Vicious 3 punch combination from Lemieux..Reyes trying to land on the ropes..

99-90 TWICE AND 98-91 DAVID LEMIEUX

Round 1 Hard right from Matthysse

Round 2 Right from Matthysse…2 rights over the top..Right..Hard combination on ropes..body shot

Round 3 Matthysee cut over right eye…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES TAYLOR

Round 4 Left from Taylor..Right and left from Taylor..Jab from Matthysse..Hard left drives Taylor back

Round 5 Good right from Taylor..Good left uppercut and left hook...BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES TAYLOR AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Diaz lands a left to the body

Round 2 Avila lands a right…Left from Diaz…Jab from Avila..Left from Diaz..

Round 3 Good Jab from Diaz..Straight left..Right from Avila..

Round 4 Right from Avila..Left from Diaz..Good left hook from Avila..Straight right..Left to body from Diaz..

Round 5 Body shot from Diaz..Straight left..Avila cut over his right eye

Round 6 Counter right from Avila..Uppercut on inside…

Round 7 Left from Diaz…Left to body..Combination..Good right hook..another hook..

Round 8 Body shot from Diaz..combination..Counter right hook..Left to body..Hard right from Avila…Right uppercut fromDiaz..Straight left

Round 9 Uppercut Diaz…Left Staggers Avila..Good straight left…4 punch combination

Round 10 Good right hook from Diaz..

WINNER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION —JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

LAS VEGAS (May 4, 2017) – Fighters on the undercard of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. hosted a press conference today at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of their bouts on Saturday, May 6. Co-main event fighters former IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) and Middleweight contender Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs) were joined by former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Welterweight contender Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs), NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. and IBA Featherweight Champion Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) on the HBO Pay-Per-View portion beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Fighting on the preliminary undercard “free view” stream beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT, lightweight prospect Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (8-0, 7 KOs) will face Tyrone Luckey (8-6-3, 6 KOs) and flyweight prospect Marlen Esparza (1-0) will take on Samantha Salazar (2-3-1). Former Mexican Olympian Raul “El Cugar” Curiel will make his pro debut against Jesus Sanchez (1-1-2).

Super bantamweight contender Ronny Rios (27-1, 12 KOs) will fight Daniel Noriega (28-10-1, 15 KOs) and lightweight prospect Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre (16-0, 9 KOs) will take on Angel Aispuro (8-4-2) beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We at Golden Boy Promotions have stacked this card from top to bottom, and I believe it is our best undercard yet with fighters from three continents here making this a global event on Cinco de Mayo. Throughout the night of May 6, fans will see a range of great action fights from some of our top prospects; to battles of undefeated contenders; to the return of former world champions.

“I also just received confirmation that our May 5th show tomorrow is completely sold out, thank you to all of our fight fans who have sold out this show and our May 6th show.

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

“I want the young fighters to know this a great opportunity to be on this Cinco de Mayo undercard with Canelo and Chavez, Jr. This is a great moment to become a champion and be a part of this historical event. Take care of business, and be sure to put on a great show.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“Our distributors have always told us undercards matter, when you think about it-there is four hours of time to fill. People want to be entertained during that time, so it really helps when you have an exciting undercard to the main event.”

“We feel David Lemieux, Lucas Matthysse, Joseph Diaz Jr., all enhance this card and from their strong fan bases in Canada, Argentina and Los Angeles, we expect the fans to be very happy with these great fights.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“This is very exciting, as a fan of boxing, this is an amazing card. Every fight is a must-see. I want to mention the industry of boxing-with the right fights, people come out. We are here to contribute to this great show. David is read, and you can expect fireworks from this co-main event.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, Former IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“I’m back, I’m expecting this to be a great night of boxing and to put on a show. I started training immediately after my last fight in March and look forward to Saturday night.”

MARCO “DORADO” REYES, Middleweight Contender:

“Without my team, I wouldn’t be here. This is going to be an explosive fight between two big puncher fighters in the ring.”

MARIO ARANO, President of Arano Boxing:

“We’re very excited and very happy for this fight-moving up to weight to welterweight has been a blessing for us. We have a team that has worked with Lucas for 14 years, and it has been a blessing to move up in weight divisions. There is no possibility for Lucas to return to 140. I want to remind you all, Lucas never retired, he is back and ready to give more wars.”

LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion:

“Training camp has been great with Joel Diaz, it has worked so well with him. I’m going to put on a great fight-see everyone on Saturday.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“There are many special things about the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. fight. I’m extremely impressed with the undercard, and it is amazing we can put together a quality card like this for the fight. It’s a true testimony to the sport.”

EMANUEL “TRANZFORMER” TAYLOR, Welterweight Contender:

“May 6-what can I say? Lucas Matthysse is strong and powerful but it’s my time now. I’m here and I’m hungry, I’ve been working my whole life for this. I’m excited to fight in front of all the Mexican fans on Cinco de Mayo-expect fireworks on May 6.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“We had a ten week training camp, and trained very hard for this fight. We’re both young, undefeated fighters and there is a lot at stake here for of us because we could both potentially be mandatory challengers. We’re going to put on a great show for the millions watching and the thousands in attendance.”

MANUEL “TINO” AVILA, IBA Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve been with Golden Boy my whole career, and without them-I wouldn’t be at this stage right now. This is going to be an action-packed fight and someone’s ‘0’ has to go.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, Super Flyweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity and experience, and I want to thank everyone for backing me and seeing the vision I see. I’m very proud to be on this card with so many other amazing fighters. On fight night, it’s not about win or lose, its about how I win.”

RYAN “KINGRY” GARCIA, Lightweight Prospect:

“I put a lot of dedication to this fight, I’m treating this like a world championship fight. I’m coming in explosive with my speed and power-and everyone will see me put on a tremendous show on Saturday night.”

TYRONE LUCKEY, Lightweight Prospect:

“Come May 6th, I’m going to give Ryan Garcia the best fight of this life. A little physical education is always good and everyone will see us put on a great fight.”

RAUL “EL CUGAR” CURIEL, Former Mexican Olympian:

“You will see me put on the best show in the ring, and I want to thank everybody involved who helped us put on a great night of boxing.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“This is my first fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend, so I want to thank my family, Golden Boy Promotions and my team-I wouldn’t be here without them.”

JOSEPH “DIAMANTE” AGUIRRE, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited, I come from Cancun, Mexico and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. This is my first time fighting in Vegas-I’ve always fought in Mexico, so this is a dream come true for me.”

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with TGB and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. are priced at
$75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts International box office or concierge desk. Tickets also can be purchased by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000. Tickets for “Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in theaters nationwide are on sale now at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).

For more information, visit wwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

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

APRIL 26, 2017 – Unbeaten defeated prospect Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) is making the leap from prospect to contender as he fights 2012 U.S. Olympian and NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs) on the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. televised undercard on Saturday, May 6 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Avila held a media day on Saturday, April 15 in Northern California, and here is what he had to say then about his May 6 fight:

“I always see a fight as a fight. I have fought at a casino, where the fight was not shown on TV or the undercard like Chad Dawson vs. Bernard Hopkins, the first one. No matter how big it is or how small it is, in the ring it is always the same!

“We’re doing a lot of conditioning and strength work. We are taking a lot away from our last fight, knowing that JoJo Diaz saw that fight live and was commentating [on Avila’s last fight]. [JoJo] is also a left hander, so a lot of changes are going on.

“My team and I have been working extremely hard. I’ve got all the right people in my corner helping me get to the top. I’m sparring with some really good fighters. I’ve taken my conditioning to new levels. I’m amped up for this fight.”

“JoJo Diaz, Jr. – you better be ready for me on May 6!”

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden BoyPromotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts International box office or concierge desk. Tickets also can be purchased by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000. Tickets for “Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in theaters nationwide are on sale now at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).
The premiere of the HBO Sports presentation Face Off with Max Kellerman: Canelo/Chavez, Jr. airs Saturday, April 29 at 12:15 a.m. on HBO.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook
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LOS ANGELES (April 19, 2017) As the clock begins to tick towards the highly anticipated Cinco de Mayo Weekend Canelo-Chavez, Jr. event on May 6, HBO Pay-Per-View, fighters including Former IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs), Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs), Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs), NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs), and IBA Featherweight Champion Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) hosted an international media conference call ahead of their fights presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View® and straight from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Co-main event fighters David Lemieux and Marco “Dorado” Reyes discussed their upcoming 10-round middleweight bout. Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor discussed their scheduled 10-round welterweight battle for the WBA Intercontinental title. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. discussed his 10-round bout to defend his NABF title against Manuel “Tino” Avila.

Here is what president of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez, Lemieux, Reyes, Matthysse, Taylor, Diaz, Jr., and Avila said during the international media conference call:

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions: I want to thank a few people that are involved in the undercard and are instrumental in making this happen. Camille Estephan from Eye of the Tiger, our partner with Lemieux; Paco Damian with Paco Presents; Mario Arano from Arano Box; Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing; and Ralph Heredia, which is the manager for Joseph Diaz.

Also, I can’t continue out mentioning our sponsors, our incredible sponsors, that have helped us out for this event and they have been great the last few years: Tecate, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet.

And lastly, I want to thank HBO, the best television network for boxing which will broadcast the television live on Pay Per View. Thank you for everything you do, HBO.
And now, I want to introduce to you the first fighter on this call and that is Manuel “Tino” Avila. Manuel is undefeated, 22 0. He will be opening the HBO Pay-Per-View in a great match against Joseph Diaz. And he’s coming out straight out of northern California.

Now obviously you as you guys know, he’s going to be facing Joseph Diaz, another undefeated fighter, Olympian, 23-0, this is going to be a great match up. Joseph has been on HBO numerous times and you know, he’s looking to make a statement on Pay- Per -View.

Q: Tino, obviously this is a tough fight, fighting Joseph Diaz. It’s a tall task. But obviously, I mean, the rewards of big. If you can beat someone like a Joseph Diaz, you’ll be right in line for a world title. How do you feel about this fight?

MANUEL “TINO” AVILA, IBA Featherweight Champion: You know, I feel good about this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time. Focusing on this fight. And you know, after ten rounds that are done, you know, whatever outcome is great.

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion: Yeah, I just want to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, Eric, Robert and everybody for giving me this opportunity on fight night to have such a great card. I want to thank HBO, as well, for giving me an opportunity to start on the best network.

May 6 is going to be a great night of boxing. Manuel, if he has his A Game, he’s going to put on a great fight. And I’m going to be 110 percent, as well.

So it’s going to be a fight nobody is going to want to miss, and it’s going to be a very action packed fight. So I’ll see you all on May 6.

ERIC GOMEZ: Train hard and we’ll see you guys in Vegas. I wanted to invite Lucas to say a few words, Lucas, “The Machine” Matthysse, with a record of 37- 4, and making his comeback fight. He’s been out for a while and we’re very excited for this fight. He’s going to be fighting Emmanuel Taylor, so I’ll introduce Lucas to say a few words.

LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion: I want to say hi to everyone, good morning. I started my training camp in Indio and I’m training with Joel Diaz, my new trainer for this fight, and some of my old team including my father who is with me, Mario who is part of my corner, just getting ready for the fight. I’m excited for the fight.

Q. Lucas, good morning. Did you ever think at any point of retirement, because you had such a long layoff?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: No, not at all. I never thought about retirement. I just wanted to rest. I had a string of really tough fights, and I just needed some time to rest and that’s exactly what I did. I rested.

Q. For this come back, obviously it’s a comeback fight, but what’s next? Do you want to go fast and go after some big names, or do you want to go fight by fight? What’s your game plan for this part of your career, second part of your career?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Look, it’s a comeback fight, but Emmanuel Taylor is a tough fight. It’s not an easy fight. He’s a fighter with a lot of experience. He’s a tough fighter. After this fight, I’ll sit down with my team, my promoter and see what’s next.
Right now I’m fully concentrating on Emmanuel Taylor.

ERIC GOMEZ: Emmanuel Taylor, this is obviously a fight that’s in association with Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia, thanks for helping us get this fight done. Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor has a great record, 20-4. This is a great opportunity for him.

EMMANUEL “TRANZFORMER” TAYLOR, Welterweight Contender: My name is Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. I’m coming out of Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. I’m in Boston for about 20 years now and just looking forward to May 6.

Q. Lucas, you’re coming back after your layoff to fight as a welterweight. If you can talk about the particular reason why you elected to do that, was it a matter of struggling to make 140? Did you just see there being possibly better opportunities or bigger money or better opponents at 147 pounds? What was your main reason for the change in weight class?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: I felt that I had to make the change. I’ve been at the weight for a long time. I’m 34 years old now, and the truth is, the last two fights, they were a struggle. I struggled a little bit the last two fights in making weight. My body just felt that it was time to move up, and I’m feeling good right now.

Q. You took the long layoff but part of the reason was the bone injury you suffered in the last fight. Is that 100 percent healthy and are you confident that even if Emmanuel hits you right on that spot, that you’ll be okay?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: I feel confident there’s not going to be any problems with the eye. I had a training camp in Argentina and I was training out there and I had nothing wrong with it. I got hit plenty of times there. And now, you know, I changed my training camp while I’m out here in Indio and I’ve been sparring and I feel confident that there’s not going to be any problems with the eye.

Q. The guys you lost to are Garcia and Postol. I know Emmanuel is in solid fight form, but do you have any desire in the future to have rematches with either of those guys? The Garcia fight was a pretty close one and the Postol fight, we know what happened there, but do you have any desire to ever see these guys again in the ring?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Yes, of course. Look, I’m willing to fight anybody. I always want to fight the best. Of course I would. But you know, it’s up to my team. Whoever they tell me to fight, I’ll fight.

Q. Lucas, do you view this fight as kind of like just a test at 147, and if you don’t feel comfortable, would you consider dropping back down to 140, or are you definitely at 147 at this point in your career?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: No, I’ve decided to stay at this weight. I feel very good at this weight. I’ve been working really hard, and I feel comfortable. To battle to get back down to 140, I don’t think I have it anymore.

Q. Just to follow up on that, welterweight is a very deep division, Pacquiao, Thurman, Garcia. How do you think you fit into the welterweight division as you climb back in? How do you think you fit alongside those other top fighters in welterweight?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Of course I feel very capable at this weight class. I feel that I have a lot of confidence in myself. I’m feeling really good at this weight class, so I can challenge anybody. I would love to fight Danny Garcia again, or I’ll fight against Thurman, whoever it is. I feel very capable at this weight class.

Q. Listen, obviously the bigger name in this fight is Lucas Matthysse, being the kind of bigger fight that he’s had compared to you. You’ve got a lot of experience, though. I’ve seen you fight many times. How big of a deal would it be for you to get this fight where you’re going to be the underdog but pull off this upset?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: It’s a real big deal. You know, I always wanted to get back in there and do my thing, do what I do best. You know, Lucas is a great fighter, real strong, real durable.

I’m looking forward to this fight. I’ve been training hard, working hard, and this means everything in the world to me. I’m just really excited for this opportunity.

Q. Do you think that maybe you get him at the right time, as we’ve discussed, he’s coming off a lengthy layoff and coming off a pretty tough injury in a KO loss, and maybe he’s not as fresh as he once was. Maybe he’ll be a little bit rusty from the layoff, where you maybe haven’t had been as active as he has, even though it’s been a little while since your last fight. Do you feel like you might get him at the right time and you might be able to get the win here?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I think I got him at the perfect time. You know, he’s coming off of a KO loss, eye injury. His last fight before that, he weighed in, I think I caught him at the right time right now, because a long layoff, like you said. It’s perfect timing for me; perfect.

Q. Anybody that watches his fights knows Lucas is a big puncher. Have you thought about or discussed with your team about how to deal with the probability that you’re going to get hit with a good, clean shot?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Of course. In camp, my coach, we watch a lot of tape on him and have different tactics we’re going to use in this fight. We’ve got a great plan for this fight, so if we get hit with a big shot, we know how to recover. It will show in the fight. It will show in the fight how we’ve been working on things and how everything’s going to play out in our favor.

Q. He’s going up to welterweight and made this announcement where he’s going to campaign at this point forward. You’ve been a guy that’s fought maybe a little bit close to welterweight, maybe at welterweight once or twice, mainly like 40, 42. What’s your weight class? I know you took this at welterweight. Where do you want to fight regularly? Is it at welter late from now forward? Is it going back to 140 depending what happens? Is it somewhere in the middle? Where are you as far as your weight division?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I fought welterweight three times, and I’m a durable guy at welterweight. It don’t matter, or light welterweight. If the opportunity presents itself at welterweight, I’m going to take the opportunity again. It don’t matter, welterweight or light welterweight, I can make both.

Q. Just wonder if you can tell us who the biggest puncher you fought is so far?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I wouldn’t say the biggest puncher, but he had a little snap was Adrien Broner. He wasn’t the biggest puncher but he had a little snap to his punches. I never really fought somebody with a big punch that really stung me. But I would say Adrien Broner was a little snappy, not the biggest puncher, but he got some pop, a little pop to him.

Q. In your fights, was there a point where you felt you were hurt by anybody or not really?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Absolutely not. I always recover very quickly. If I got dropped, I would get right back up and shake it off and that’s about it. But never really hurt in a fight.

Q. You were down in the fight against Victor Cayo and you were down against Mayfield. Any other times?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Yeah, Mayfield, the flat knock down, hit me in the back of the head and I fell down. They call that a knock down. I got right back up and won the last two rounds after that.

Q. Eric, I know obviously this is not an easy fight for Matthysse, especially coming off a long layoff but what are your hopes for him in this comeback?

ERIC GOMEZ: Look, obviously we’re not looking past Emmanuel Taylor. Emmanuel is a very tough guy. I was involved in the Adrien Broner fight and also in the Postol and he put a great fight with both fighters. Depends how he looks. If he struggles, then, you know, he might need, you know, a tune up after this fight. He might need a tune up, and he looks sensational and great, then we’re going to sit down and go after any of the champions. Lucas Matthysse has a great name, he’s a fan friendly fighter.

The TV networks love him. He’s been on HBO, Showtime, a number of times. Any of the champions would love to fight him and it would be a great fight because of his style. So it really depends on this fight. We’ll see how he does.

Look, there’s a chance he could lose this fight and he might want to retire after, if he loses this fight. So this fight is very, very important to all of us.

Q. What made you want to change trainers, and how is it going with Joel Diaz so far and what’s he helped you with?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Basically I decided to go back to my roots and I went back home to southern Argentina in Trelew, where I’m from, and I started working with my dad a little bit who, is the first person who started me in boxing. Then I made the decision to just change. I wanted something different, and I came out here to work with Joel Diaz. He was recommended, and so far, it’s been great. We’ve been working really great and I’ve been learning a lot.

Q. Who recommended Joel Diaz to you?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: It was my decision to work with Joel Diaz. He did a training camp for the Garcia fight, for Danny Garcia in Indio, and I trained out of the same gym where Joel Diaz is. And through that training camp, I saw some of the things he was working on and I kind of liked the way he was working with other fighters. So that’s the reason why I decided to go with him.

I’m training really hard for the fight. See everyone in Vegas, and thank you for the support.

ERIC GOMEZ: I’m really proud to introduce really hard hitting David Lemieux. He’s coming off probably thus far, knockout of the year, and fighting just two months later on this great Pay Per View. He’s got an incredible record, 37-3 with a bunch of knock outs, almost all wins by knock outs.

David, if you can say a few words to the press, please.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Hi, guys. Hi, everybody. Extremely excited to be on. Of course, I didn’t take much break since the last fight when I did the fight against Stevens. It was a great knockout I had against him. I took one week off and then headed back to the gym. When they announced me that I was starting under this show, I couldn’t say no. It’s a great opportunity and all the greatest fighters in the world are going to be there.

Q. Marco Reyes fought Chávez, Jr. at 168 pounds test weight was 170. What weight is this fight going to be at, and in the future, will you be going to or staying at 158? If so, how soon?

DAVID LEMIEUX: This fight is going to be actually at 153. The weight is not going to be an issue. We just had a fight, 150, which I made 159. So it’s going to be a the weight of 153 and that’s the weight for this fight. But I’m middleweight and I’m going to stay at middleweight.

Q. This is going to be your second fight this year. Is the goal for, if you win, to return in the fall or possibly early winter? And if so, possibly against who?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You know what, we want to stay accurate, that’s what we’re doing. Of course the ultimate goal is as Oscar announced, it’s the winner of the Canelo Chávez, which Canelo is on the radar, of course. But first we have Marco Reyes to take care of, which I have no doubt that we’re going to do a good job.

Q. You were talking about your knockout against Curtis Stevens, obviously was spectacular. Marco Reyes has been known as a very tough fighter, but he did get stopped in the seventh round by Elvin Ayala two fights ago. Elvin Ayala has been a pretty good boxer for many years, but kind of a journeyman guy and not a big puncher, at all. So I wonder, when you look at that on his record, and you know that he got stopped by a guy like Ayala, who is not a puncher, and you’re one of the best punchers in boxing, coming off that absolutely sensational knockout against Curtis Stevens, are just licking your chops to touch this guy and think you can get rid of him?

DAVID LEMIEUX: I think he’s in big trouble. But of course, in boxing, you don’t head to a fight thinking that you’re going to knock somebody out. He’s a very tough opponent. We’re not underestimating him. We’re going to be ready for ten rounds if it’s necessary, and ten hard rounds.

I’m going to be ready for anything, and I’m going to in there strong. I’m going to make another statement, and of course, I want to be the best. I’ve got to fight like the best. Come May 6, I’m going to give the best of Lemieux.

Q. When you have 33 knockouts and 37 wins and most of them are pretty impressive, pretty crowd pleasing, exciting knockouts. You’re not stopping guys on cuts. You’re not stopping guys with a three or four punch combination and the referee comes in. Many, many of your knockouts are one punch ready, putting guys out for a ten count or a 20 count maybe. How is it, when you’ve done that so many times, that you don’t go into a fight thinking you’re just going to do it again; that you have to sort of get the mentality that, you know, you might have to go ten rounds on a given night?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Yeah, it’s a very good question. I learned my lesson in the Golovkin fight, the power is not a game plan. It’s a tool. The game plan is to be ready for anything. When I go against any opponent, always expect to fight the best of that opponent and to fight them at their best and make sure I’m ready to fight them for one round or for 12 rounds if necessary and to fight them strong.

So when I train, I have that mentality now. I don’t just go in for a knockout and think that they are going to go out in the first three rounds. I’m ready to knock them out for 12 rounds if necessary, and I’ll be strong for the duration of the fight.

Q. You fought on the Undercard of Canelo’s fight when he fought Amir Khan, and you knocked out Glen Tapia; that was last May, and now a year later on another Canelo Alvarez Undercard against Chavez, you’re fighting again. Obviously you’re both with the same promotion company. I think most people would look at a matchup between you and Canelo, and think that would be a pretty exciting fight. What do you think you have to do to get that fight? Because obviously a lot of people want to see Canelo; the Chavez fight is happening; a lot of people want to see him fight GGG down the road after that. But you’re sitting there as a big possibility to get a chance to fight him. Have you been given any assurances or promises by your manager or promotor that you are up in the bullpen, so to speak, to take on Canelo at some point? How do you continue to go through these Undercard fights knowing you’re going to be an option but not having gotten the fight?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Well, after what I do May 6, I’m going to put myself in a position where everybody is going to want to see Canelo-Lemieux. I’m not asking for a position; I’m going to put myself in a position.

So what I do with Marco Reyes will put me in where I want to be, fighting Canelo. But first, I will take care of Reyes, who is a good fighter.

Q. Could you address that? You guys promote Lemieux. You scored some good knockouts. He’s been on a lot of your television cards can you just speak to the possibilities to the long term future of the possibility of Golden Boy making that match between Canelo Alvarez and David, assuming these guys keep winning their fights?

ERIC GOMEZ: Well, obviously whenever you have an exciting fighter like David, he’s good for any fight. You said it yourself, his knockouts are incredible. So you know, it’s something that we’ve talked about. It’s something that I know David wants and it’s something that Canelo is interested in, as well. But it depends. Look, they have very tough fights. Chavez, Jr.’s fight with Canelo is not going to be a walkover. He’s moving up in weight and he’s fighting a big guy, possibly a light heavyweight. And then David, David has a tough fight, too. So there’s possibilities.

I think immediately next, Canelo wants to fight Golovkin. We make that very clear to everybody. Canelo said it; we’ve said it; Golovkin said he wants that fight. We think we can negotiate for that fight. But if for whatever reason that fight doesn’t happen, yes, David would be in line. He would be in line, and it’s very exciting. We’ve got so many calls after his knockout, we got calls, we got e mails, social media, everybody wanting to see David fight Canelo. It was incredible.

But that’s what David is all about. You know, when he has those highlight knockouts, he gets so many people excited.

Q. There were strong words on David after the defeat. What changed your perception since your victories against Curtis Stevens or Rios in Montreal?

ERIC GOMEZ: David learned from those fights. You know, look, obviously with Golovkin, you know, it was a tough fight for David. I think he was excited in the fight. He was doing well. But he learned a lot, and obviously he’s a better fighter now. He’s a different fighter now than he was when he first fought Golovkin. I know, in my opinion if he fights Golovkin again. Many of the losses, they learn and they become better from their losses, more so than when they have a good win.

So I think that David has grown, he’s matured, and he’s a fighter that takes his craft and his business more serious now, and this is a prime example. You know, he just fought in March, and he didn’t take any time off hardly. He got back home, rested a couple days, and was right back in the gym. So it helped him mature and become a better fighter, and that’s the David we have now.

Q. What danger did you face against Reyes?

DAVID LEMIEUX: There danger in every boxer, and I didn’t stop since my last fight against Stevens, and I will continue training and prepare for, I hope, a fight against Canelo.

Q. Your last knock out was very impressive. When you knocked out Curtis like that, was that scary to you, seeing an opponent just rendered unconscious, and do you think, heading into this fight, will there be any reluctance on your part to do something similar to your opponent? Were you scared for Curtis, and do you think that might carry over into this fight?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You know, when I fight, I always want to show the best of me. I want to go in there vicious and do what I do best, and I’m a knockout artist, I’m a power fighter from the first round.
So when I knock out a fighter, I always still want them to wake up after ten seconds, not kill them. But Curtis Stevens was a different story. He talks too much; he got what he got. But it’s a sport at the end of the day, he got up and he was okay after that. So I was pleased, but I don’t want to hurt nobody. I’m just there to do my job. We did a great show, and after that, shake hands, say good night to his family and to my family.

Q. Nobody seemed to get your prediction on Canelo versus Chavez. Could you break that down for us?

DAVID LEMIEUX: My prediction for Canelo-Chavez, you know, being the way that Chavez is changing, the way he is fit and everything, I think you cannot underestimate Chavez, but I know Canelo is a better fighter, and we are all expecting Canelo to go out and beat Chavez.

But I don’t think it’s going to be a knockout. I think it’s going to be a difficult fight for Canelo. Chavez is definitely a big boy. But if I had money to bet, my money would be on Canelo. But they are both very good fighters. I think the edge is on Canelo.

ERIC GOMEZ: We found out that that echo was Marco Reyes. He is in the mountains training. So if any of you have any questions for Marco Reyes, you can e mail us at press@GoldenBoyPromotions.com, and he will answer your questions. It was hard to get him connected.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for participating in our media call. David, if you can say some closing statements before we finish.

ERIC GOMEZ: If you can just say some closing statements, David, right before we’re done. Just a couple of closing statements and then we’ll finish with everything.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Absolutely. I’m very excited to be on. To the fans that will be watching, I promise a great show and I promise a great fight. I’m going to be in tremendous shape. I promise excitement. It’s going to be an exciting fight, I’m exciting to be on, and give the fans a great night of boxing with the Canelo-Chavez fight at the end.

ERIC GOMEZ: That’s great. Thank you. Thank you very much, David. We can’t wait to see you in this action. So thank you for being on the call, and I want to thank all the media participated today and for all the questions.

Again, we’re sold out but we do have closed-circuit tickets still available. They are 75 dollars. You can get them at the MGM Resort’s international box office or at the concierge desk, or you can call 1 800 745 3000. Thank you very much and we’ll see you shortly at the fights in Vegas.

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing and Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for a closed circuit viewing of the fights at the Grand Ballroom at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are on sale for $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and can be purchased at the MGM Grand box office or by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

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

LOS ANGELES (March 27, 2017) – Less than two months after delivering the top knockout of 2017, Canadian knockout artist David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) will return in a 10-round fight against Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs) as the chief support to the highly anticipated battle between Canelo Álvarez and Julio Cesar Chávez, Jr. on Saturday, May 6. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Opening up the stacked Cinco de Mayo weekend card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, former U.S. Olympian and current undefeated NABF Featherweight champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs) will face perhaps his toughest challenge to date when he defends his title against the undefeated Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round battle.

These two fights along with the main event and the previously announced brawl between Argentinian slugger Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) and Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs) will round out the pay-per-view telecast on Saturday May 6.

“With three of Golden Boy Promotions’ most exciting contenders appearing on the pay-per-view, as well as the biggest star in the sport, Canelo Álvarez, the Cinco de Mayo card can be described in one word, ‘stacked’,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “I fully expect four action-packed fights that will have fans out of their seats for the entire evening.”

The hard-hitting Lemieux is riding a three-fight winning streak and was last seen delivering a thunderous third-round knockout of the highly touted Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens that has put the Canadian directly back into the title picture.

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity of being part of this event during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations,” Lemieux said. “I think I was able to send a clear message on March 11 with my performance against Stevens and I intend to do the same on May 6. I want to make sure that everyone understands that David Lemieux is making his way towards the top and that he intends to stay there.”

Reyes, a 29-year-old former WBC FECOMBOX middleweight champion, has knocked out 25 opponents and went toe-to-toe with Chavez, Jr., in a unanimous decision defeat that many spectators had closer than what came up on the scorecards.

“I know everyone is talking about the Lemieux knockout, but I’m ready to take him out,” Reyes said. “With my Mexican fans supporting me on Cinco de Mayo weekend, I’m ready to turn Lemieux’s lights out.”

“Following his performance against Curtis ‘The Cerebral Assassin’ Stevens at Turning Stone Resort Casino, fight fans wanted to see David in the ring again as soon as possible,” said Eye of the Tiger Management President Camille Estephan. “Being part of such a tremendous card that will be featured on May 6 with eyes on us from all around the world represents an incredible showcase opportunity. We are convinced that David will shine. He is in great shape and is more motivated than ever to conquer the top of the middleweight division.”

In the opening battle of the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast, two undefeated fighters will go toe-to-toe with both Joseph Diaz, Jr. and Manuel Avila risking their undefeated records for a chance at greater glory.

“I’m excited to return for the first time in 2017 and put my title on the line against such a tough competitor,” Diaz, Jr. said. “This fight will put me one step closer to a world title shot.”

“This is a golden opportunity to move myself into world title contention, and I’m not planning to let that chance slip away,” Avila said. “I know all about JoJo’s undefeated record, but he’s never faced anyone like me, and at the end of the night, my hand will be raised in victory.”

Preliminary bouts for the May 6 show will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for a closed circuit viewing of the fights at the Grand Ballroom at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are on sale for $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and can be purchased at the MGM Grand box office or by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is a 10-round bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight present by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Follow all the action as the legendary Bernard Hopkins wraps up his Hall of Fame career when he takes on Joe Smith, Jr. in a light heavyweight bout from the Forum in Inglewood, California.  The action kicks off at 10PM ET / 7 PM PT with a cruiserweight title fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Thabiso Mchunu.  That will be followed by a featherweight contest between Joseph Diaz, Jr. and Horacio Garcia

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Right wobbles Hopkins…Left from Smith..Good body shot..

Round 2 Smith lands 2 body shot…Smith bleeding from the head (Headbutt)..Hopkins lands a right..

Round 3 Uppercut by Smith…Right from Hopkins..Good body shot..

Round 4 Good right from Hopkins..Left hook to the body and left from Smith..Left hook from Hopkins..Left hook and good right from Hopkins..(Smith outlanding Hopkins 38-29)

Round 5 2 hard rights from Hopkins..Big left hook to body from Smith..Good right from Hopkins..Left hook..Good body shot and big right from Smith..Good jab,,

Round 6 Smith lands a right

Round 7 Hopkins lands a combination

Round 8 RIGHT HAND KNOCKS HOPKINS OUT OF THE RING—FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1: Garcia landing early..Straight left from Diaz..Good body shot..

Round 2:  Diaz lands a body shot…Good counter combo

Round 3

Round 4 2 hard rights by Garcia..Good body shot by Diaz..Good left..Hard left..body shot..straight left..

Round 5 Straight left from Diaz

Round 6 Diaz landing combinations to the head

Round 7 2 lefts from Diaz..Good combination..Good left hand lead..left to the body..Good body shot

Round 8 Diaz landing combinations

Round 9 Diaz lands right to the body..Left to the head..Combination..Good left

Round 10 Garcia lands a right..Good right to the body…Hard body shot and straight left from Diaz..Overhand right from Garcia..

100-90 ON ALL CARDS FOR JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.

Round 1: Good hook from Mchunu..

Round 2 Jab from Mchunu..Mchunu landed 17 punches; Usyk 15 through 2 rounds

Round 3 Mchunu works the body..Hook from Usyk..Right from Mchunu..

Round 4 Usyk starting to open up…Counter left from Mchunu..

Round 5 Hard right from Usyk…Hard 1-2

Round 6 Right hook from Usyk..Hard 5 punch combination..Left hurts Mchunu..Left from Mchunu..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES MCHUNU..

Round 7:  quick uppercut from Mchunu..Counter left

Round 8 Usyk lands a left and right to head…2 counters from Mchunu…Usyk lands a left…Mchunu lands a right (Usyk outlanding Mchunu 133-67)

Round 9 Good body work by Usyk…STRAIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES MCHUNU..2 good counters by Mchunu..Osyk lands a big left..Body shot from Mchunu…LEFT TO TOP OF HEAD AND DOWN GOES MCHUNU…FIGHT STOPPED

Joe Smith Jr ended the legendary career of Bernard Hopkins when he knocked Hopkins out of the ring in the 8th of their scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

In round one, Smith wobbled Hopkins with a right to the top of head.  In round two, Smith was cut inside his left eyebrow from an accidental headbutt.  Hopkins fought his way back into the fight as he occasionally landed his trademark right hand and some nice uppercuts on the inside.

Smith was bombing away with his right hand and startled but never had Hopkins in much trouble.  That changed in the 8th round, when Smith rocked Hopkins with a right hand.  A follow up combination drilled Hopkins out of the ring.  Hopkins fell on the back of his head, and could not beat the 20 count of referee Jack Reiss and Hopkins was stopped for the 1st time in his illustrious 28 year career.

Smith 174 lbs of Long Island, NY is now 23-1 with 19 knockouts.  Hopkins, 174 lbs of Philadelphia will wind up his career with a record of 55-8-2.

Joseph Diaz, Jr. remained perfect by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Horacio Garcia in a featherweight contest.

Diaz used superior handspeed and body work to control the action and outland Garcia by a 266-116 mark.

Diaz, 126 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards,  and is now 23-0.  Garcia, 125.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 30-2-1.

Oleksandr Usyk retained the WBO Cruiserweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Thabiso Mchunu

Usyk started to open up in round five and in round six, dropped Mchunu with a hard combination.  Usyk continued to build his lead and then in round nine, he landed a hard straight left that sent Mchunu to the canvas.  Mchunu was able to continue, but not for much longer as a left to the top of the head put Mchunu down for a 3rd and final time.  Referee Lou Moret stopped the bout at 1:53.

Usyk, 199.6 lbs of Kiev, UKR is now 11-0 with 10 knockouts.  Mchunu, 198.6 lbs of Cato Ridge, SA is 17-3.

Jason Quigley remained undefeated by stopping Jorge Melendez in the 1st round of their scheduled 10-middleweight bout.

Quigley dropped Melendez with a short right in the 1st round. Quigley dropped Melendez a short time later with a five punch combination. Melendez went down for a 3rd time in the round from a right. Melendez was able to continue, but just for a brief time as he landed a big flurry that forced the corner to stop the fight at 2:42.

Quigley, 159.6 lbs of Donegal, IRE is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Melendez, 158.6 lbs of Manati, PR is 28-8-1.

Ryan Garcia remained undefeated by scoring a 2nd round stoppage over Antonio Martinez in a scheduled 6-round lightweight bout.

Martinez was cut over his left eye in the 1st round from a huge flurry of punches by Garcia. Garcia scored a knockdown at the end of the round from a right hand. In round two, Garcia dropped Martinez with a left hand. Garcia continued the onslaught and landed a bug right hand that forced the referee to stop the bout at 2:00

Garcia, 131.4 lbs of Victorville, CA is 7-0 with 6 knockouts. Martinez, 131.4 lbs of Durango, MX is 6-8.

Bernard Hopkins 174 – Joe Smith, Jr. 174
Joseph Diaz Jr. 126 – Horacio Garcia 125.8
Oleksandr Usyk 199.6 – Thabiso Mchunu 198.6
(WBO Cruiserweight title)
Jason Quigley 159.6 – Jorge Melendez 158.6
Ryan Garcia 131.4 – Antonio Martinez 131.4
Carlos Morales 130 – Charles Huerta 130
Cristian Gonzalez 134.6 – Jonathan Perez
Roberto Rivera 133 – Ivan Delgado 131.4

HBO Boxing closes out 2016 with an iconic competitor taking on a determined challenger when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: BERNARD HOPKINS VS. JOE SMITH, JR. AND JOSEPH DIAZ, JR. VS. HORACIO GARCIA AND OLEKSANDR USYK VS. THABISO MCHUNU is seen SATURDAY, DEC. 17 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from The Forum in Inglewood, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 18 (9:00 a.m.) and 19 (11:15 p.m.)

HBO2 playdate: Dec. 20 (12:45 a.m.)

The fight will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

For his final bout, Philadelphia’s Bernard Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs) takes on rising prospect Joseph Smith, Jr. (21-1, 18 KOs) from Long Island in a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight contest.

In a remarkable career that started behind prison walls and defied the odds, Hopkins, 51, has fought professionally as a middleweight and light heavyweight for 28 years. Winning seven titles and making a record 20 consecutive successful middleweight title defenses, he is widely considered a sure thing for the Hall of Fame. But age and a lack of ring activity are certain to be factors in Hopkins’ 23rd appearance on HBO, since he hasn’t fought since Nov. 2014.

With just one blemish on his record, Smith, 27, supplements his training by working construction on Long Island, and has compiled an outstanding 78% knockout-to-win ratio. He seeks to raise his standing in the division as he continues to pursue a championship fight.

In the middle bout, Joseph Diaz, Jr. (22-0, 13 KOs) of South El Monte, Cal. takes on Horacio Garcia (30-1-1, 22 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico in a scheduled ten-round featherweight contest. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Diaz seeks to keep his perfect pro record intact and raise his national profile; Garcia is fighting in the U.S. for only the third time.

The tripleheader opens with a cruiserweight title contest between southpaw Oleksandr Usyk (10-0, 9 KOs) from Kiev, Ukraine and Thabiso Mchunu (17-2, 11 KOs) of Cato Ridge, South Africa. A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, title-holder Usyk, 29, will be making his U.S. debut with this scheduled 12-round matchup. The more-experienced Mchunu, 28, has fought three previous times in the U.S. The fight marks the first live cruiserweight battle on the network since 2003.

Friday night HBO LATINO will present a tripleheader from Fantasy Springs Casino starting at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) headlined by a light heavyweight attraction between Vyacheslav Shabranskyy and Sullivan Barrera.

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

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES (December 8, 2016) On December 17th, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (22-0, 13 KOs) will look to defend his NABF Featherweight Championship for the fourth time this year, as the former 2012 U.S. Olympian steps into the ring for a 10-round slugfest against Horacio “Violento” Garcia (30-1-1, 22 KOs) as the co-main event of Bernard Hopkins’s final fight at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California. Golden Boy Promotions caught up with the charismatic and undefeated fighter from South El Monte, CA ahead of the biggest fight of his career in an exclusive Q&A session. Below is what “Jojo” had to say:

How big is it for you to be co-main event on the final fight of Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins?
It’s huge, it’s a dream come true and a blessing. When I was little, I would watch Bernard Hopkins fight and I really admire his story of fighting in prison and beco
ming a professional fighter from there and later a world champion. Just knowing I’m the co-main event on such a big card with the legend of Bernard Hopkins-a future Hall of Famer, will not be something I will take for

granted and I will showcase to the world who Joseph Diaz, Jr. is. While this is the end of an era for Bernard Hopkins, it is the beginning of my career also.

What makes Horacio Garcia a dangerous opponent?
I saw his last fight at the Toshiba Plaza the night before Canelo vs. Khan with no idea I would be fighting him in the future, but my manager and I saw he was a very strong, talented fighter. He has an effective jab and throws lots of jabs to the body with a very tight defense. We know going in to this fight, he will be a dangerous opponent with a good record. I think him coming in at 126 pounds will benefit him because at his previous 122 pound weight, he was coming in weak and dehydrated and not living up to his full capabilities as far as strength. We know we have to be cautious and come in with a good game plan. I’m going to showcase to everyone that not only am I good fighter, I’m good brawler and can take shots and deliver shots.

Are you doing anything different to prepare for this opponent?
For this opponent, I’m training a lot harder because I know this is a big fight for me and will dictate where I am at and determine if I will be fighting on HBO next year again. I know if I do perform well, HBO will want me on their cards again so I need to go out there and perform. I know my opponent will be coming in very strong, but I am focusing on lots of lateral movement and my footwork, as well as my angles after my combinations and using my jab a lot whenever I’m fighting. Going in to the fight, I know I’m going to dictate my pace by using my jab.

As a local LA fighter fighting at a great venue such as the “Fabulous” Forum, do you put pressure on yourself to put on a show?
Yes, I put a lot of pressure on myself but it gives me motivation to train harder and to be more focused and to give the fight fans what they want to see. Being from LA and knowing I am fighting at the Forum, where legends have fought in that arena is a dream come true. Knowing I am going to have all my fans there supporting me from my Team Diaz, Jr. fans to my local LA fans, it’s going to be a dream come true hearing them chant my name once I’m entering the ring.
What does boxing mean to you?
Boxing means everything to me. It brings out the best in me and makes me the man I am today, and helps me keep my composure. But most of all, it benefits me by supporting my family financially, I get to support them so they don’t have to worry about struggling. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to help out my parents because we grew up poor, I knew that boxing could pay well. Once I started competing in
the amateurs, I started getting a monthly stipend and ever since then, I was hooked.

Describe yourself as a fighter.
I feel I am an elite fighter and I can do anything because I am an all-around fighter and can adjust to any opponent. If an opponent wants to box me, then I will be able to cut him off and be the aggressor. If the opponent wants to be the aggressor, I am able to create my angles and box a little bit. I feel that overall, I am the full pa
ckage and because I can move around and create my angles or bang on the inside. I have the speed and power, but I know I’m not the best fighter and still have room for improvement. That’s why I’m in the gym 24/7 to perfect my craft.

Outside of the ring, we know you as a very nice guy who’s always smiling. What happens to that once you get inside the ring?
Outside of the ring, I’m a
very nice, outgoing guy and very humble. The reason why I get so angry inside the ring is because I know that the person I am fighting is going to try to defeat me and try to take what I want to be in life and what I am providing for my family financially. If my opponent defeats me, I’m not going to be able to provide for my family or be that role model for the kids because they see me as an undefeated fighter. When I’m inside the ring,

I use that anger as motivation knowing that I have little kids looking up to me as their role model and that’s what motivates me to be a vicious beast inside the ring.

How special is it to have your father as your trainer and experience the success together?
It’s very special and it’s very touching, because ever since I was a little kid, my dad has been my best friend. We used to play baseball together and he would be my coach trying to be make sure I was the best baseball player I could be. Even though my dad would work over twelve hours a day, he would come home every day and be very energetic with me. He would always want to be there for me, and I really appreciate that. If it weren’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has kept me off the streets, away from bad influences and on the right track doing my homework and at the gym. He has made me a caring family man, and I really appreciate him for that. It’s very touching and a blessing having my dad as my trainer because he sacrifices more than people could imagine. I want to take the time to thank him and let him know we are in this for the long haul.

Hopkins vs. Smith, Jr. is a 12-round WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Usyk vs. Mchunu a 12-round WBO Cruiserweight World Title battle presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from Inglewood, California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith, Jr. are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
B-roll and images of Hopkins vs. Smith are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/HopkinsSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (November 7, 2016) –
Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (22-0, 13 KOs) will look to defend his NABF Featherweight Championship for the fourth time this year, as the former 2012 U.S. Olympian steps into the ring for a 10-round slugfest againstHoracio “Violento” Garcia (30-1-1, 22 KOs) in the co-main event of Bernard Hopkins’s final fight on December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for these action-packed fights are already on sale.

“A world title has always been my goal and December 17, will be an incredible experience as I continue to pursue my dream of a being featherweight champion,” Diaz said. “Garcia is an extremely tough guy, but I am hitting my peak right now, and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me.”

“Joseph Diaz may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me,” Garcia said. “I am looking forward to coming to Los Angeles December 17, defeating Diaz and continuing my rise up the Featherweight division.”

“I have had a front-row seat to watch Joseph develop from an Olympian to a world-class professional fighter, and he is getting better each and every day,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “While JoJo will face one of his toughest challenges his in Garcia, I am confident he comes out victorious and earns a world title shot in 2017.”

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match up presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.starboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.fabulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr, @JosephDiazJr, and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.facebook.com/StarBoxing/, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith.

Follow all the action as Liam Smith defends the WBA Jr. Middleweight title against Canelo Alvarez.  The action from AT&T Stadium kicks off at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a 3 fight undercard that will start with super bantamweight’s Diego De La Hoya battling Luis Orlandito Del Valle; Joseph Diaz takes on Andrew Cancio in a featherweight bout and in the co-feature, Willie Monroe, Jr. battles Gabriel Rosado in a middleweight clash.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED…THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Hard right from Alvarez..Jab..Double jab..body shot..jab..

Round 2 Good right from Smith..2 jabs and hook from Alvarez..Hard right to body..Alvarez bleeding over his left eye..Left from Smith..

Round 3 Alvarez lands a body shot..Hard right..right to head..body shot..left right to body.Good left fro, Smith..right..Uppercut by Alvarez..Good uppercut from Smith..

Round 4 Smith cut above his left eye..Body shots from Alvarez..

Round 5 Smith lands a body punch…jab..double uppercut and body from Alvarez..good right from Smith..Hard right

Round 6  Good right from Smith..2 hard uppercuts from Alvarez..Body shot..Great right to the body

Round 7 RIGHT TO HEAD AND DOWN GOES SMITH..Big left hook from Alvarez..Smith lands a right..

Round 8 Counter right from Alvarez..Good left from Smith..HARD BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES SMITH..

Round 9 Body shot from Alvarez..another good body shot..HUGE LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES SMITH…HE IS HURT AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Right hook from Monroe..2 jabs…

116-112, 118-110, 117-111 WILLIE MONROE JR

Round 1: Diaz lands a left..Left at end of round

Round 2  Cancio lands a left hook…Right from Diaz..Good body shot..Solid left..

Round 3 Cancio bleeding from the nose..Trading uppercuts…1-2 from Cancio

Round 4 2 straight lefts from Diaz..

Round 5 Diaz lands a combination..Jab/straight left…Good right from Cancio..Straight left from Diaz..And another 1

Round 6 Good body shot from Diaz..Good left

Round 7 8 Punch combination from Diaz

Round 8 2 rights from Cancio..Combination..Combination from Diaz,,Good left hook from Cancio..Good left from Diaz..

Round 9 REF STOPS FIGHT…TKO WIN FOR JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

Round 1 De La Hoya lands a right..

Round 2  Del Valle lands a left and right to chin..Jab from De La Hoya..Jab ..Straight right from Del Valle..Good right..Let to body from De La Hoya..

Round 3 Good exchange..Right from Del Valle..Solid right from De La Hoya…Good body shot from Del Valle..

Round 4 Del Valle lands a right..De La Hoya lands a right ..Good body shot…Good exchange

Round 5 Exchange of rights’..Hard right from De La Hoya

Round 6 Left hook to body from De La Hoya..Good left hook to body…Good right..

Round 7 Del Valle has a mouse under his right eye

Round 8 De La Hoya lands a nice right

Round 9

Round 10 Nice jab from De La Hoya..

100-90, 99-91 twice for DIEGO DE LA HOYA

Canelo Alvarez won the WBO Junior Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated Liam Smith in front of 51, 240 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Alvarez came out with a fast and vicious assault for which Smith was able to withstand.  Smith got in an occasional right and uppercut.  In round four, Smith was cut over his right eye.

In round seven, Alvarez landed a hard right to the head that sent Smith to the canvas for the first time in his career.  Smith went down again in the next round from a perfectly placed left to the body.  Alvarez finished things with another left to the body that not only dropped Smith, but curled his legs in the air undoubtedly due to a quick sharp pain from the show at the fight was stopped at 2:28.

Alvarez of Guadalajara, Mexico is 48-1-1 with 34 knockouts.  Smith of Liverpool, England is now 23-1-1.

Willie Monroe, Jr. won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado in a middleweight bout.

Monroe won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 21-2.  Rosado is 23-10.

Joseph Diaz Jr. remained undefeated as he bloodied and battered Andrew Cancio for almost nine rounds en route to a technical knockout victory.

In round three, Cancio began to bleed from his nose after eating an uppercut.  From there it was all downhill for Cancio as he ate combination after combination and the blood streamed down his nose and all over the trunks of both fighters until the fight was stopped at 2:27  of round nine.

Diaz, 125 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 22-0 with 13 knockouts.  Cancio, 126 lbs of Blyth, CA is 17-4-2.

“This is a great victory, it will open up so many doors for me moving forward,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “I felt very comfortable today, I was the better puncher, I was faster and was able to cut the ring more efficiently.  I knew that Cancio was going to be a strong guy, I knew he was going to be tough and try to push me around, so I had to be the better fighter tonight. I was able to display my defense and my power.”

Diego De La Hoya remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Del Valle in super bantamweight bout.

De La Hoya, 121 3/4 lbs of Mexicali, MX won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice  and is now 16-0.  Del Valle, 121 3/4 lbs of Bayamon PR is 22-3-0-1.

Former world title challenger Sadam Ali won a ten round unanimous decision over Saul Corral in a welterweight bout.

In round four, Ali dropped Corral with a right to the head.

Ali of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 99-91 and 99-90 twice and is now 23-1. Corral is now 22-8.

“The plan was to get the knock out, but that didn’t happen with this victory,” said Sadam Ali. “My opponent definitely had a Mexican style to him, and I was not expecting the reach he had with his arms. I knew I hurt him in the exchange of blows in the fourth round, and other times throughout the fight. This is still the win I needed and worked hard for, and I know the next fight I am in will demonstrate my will power.”

Vergil Ortiz scored a first round stoppage over Ernesto Hernandez in a scheduled four-round super lightweight bout.

Ortiz is now 2-0. Hernandez is 1-4.

“I feel motivated with this win. Never in my dreams did I expect to be on such a stage so early in my career,” said Ortiz. “In the ring, I knew my opponent was hungry for redemption early because he kept trying to throw some overhand punches. But I kept tight and when I landed my double jab and straight right punch combination, I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to get back up. I am glad I have such a solid start to my career, and I’m looking forward to more massive fights.”

Hector Tanajara Jr won a four-round unanimous decision over Roy Garcia in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Garcia, 132 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX and is now 7-0. Garcia, 133 1/2 lbs of Alice, TX is 3-20-1.

“It’s an amazing feeling being able to fight in my home state – I could hear my family members cheering from the stands, and it’s a blessing that they were able to come out to my first Texas performance,” said Hector Tanajara, Jr. “I honestly thought I was going to be able to get the knock out, but my opponent wanted to brawl and he had a resistance in the ring that I didn’t expect. In the end, I got my victory, and back to the gym we go to begin training for the next one.”

Zachary Ochoa remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Daniel Montoya in a junior welterweight bout.

Ochoa is now 16-0. Montoya is 11-5.

“It felt good to go all eight-rounds.” said Zachary Ochoa. “It’s a good experience for me, to make sure that all my training is working.  He was a tough guy, resilient, but I was in control the whole time. I knew my body shots were hurting him and I continued doing that to break him down. I knew going in it was going to be a tough fight, but we trained exactly for this, and we are ready to take on the next talented fighter.”

Alexis Salazar won a four round unanimous decision over Larry Smith in a super welterweight bout. The scores read 60-54 twice and 58-56 for Salazar who is now 8-3. Smith is 10-29-1.

“I felt good throughout the fight. I feel it was my technique that won this fight for me,” Alexis Salazar said. “My opponent was a tricky guy to fight and I thought it would be an easier night for me because of his loss streak on his record, but he made me work and I think it was a good experience.”

Anthony Yarde (8-0, 7KOs) scored a first round stoppage over Rayford Johnson in a scheduled four round light heavyweight bout.

Yarde of Great Britan is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Johnson is 11-21.

LOS ANGELES (August 18, 2016) – As fans from around the world get ready to descend on the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the world championship showdown between former two-division world champion and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and current WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1,13 KOs), Golden Boy Promotions today announced the Saturday, September 17 event will also feature three non-stop action fights as part of the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Hailed as one of the most entertaining fighters in boxing, former world title challenger and blood-and-guts contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs, 1 NC) of Philadelphia, will attempt to re-establish himself as one of the top fighters in the middleweight division when he faces former world title challenger Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. in a 12-round, middleweight bout as the co-main event to Canelo vs. Smith. The sure-fire action fight features two of boxing’s most resilient fighters who have taken on the top fighters in the division on their rise to stardom, garnering praise and respect from boxing fans. With a final run up the middleweight ladder at stake for the winner, this 50/50 fight will feature non-stop action and two warriors desperate for a win.

Also on the televised card, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) of So. El Monte, Calif. will make his Pay-Per-View (PPV) debut, defending his NABF Featherweight title for the second time in a 10-round fight against one of the hardest punchers and most experienced fighters in the division, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, Calif.

Opening up the pay-per-view telecast, Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, will face off against Luis “Orlandito” Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to perform at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys,” said Gabriel Rosado. “Fernando Vargas, my trainer and I are on a winning streak and getting better as we continue to work together. We have all the confidence we’ll be victorious on September 17. Training camp is going great; despite the change in opponent, we still continue to maintain our focus. Willie Monroe, Jr. is a southpaw as well so the game plan doesn’t change much. He’s in my way of me gaining a world title so I’m working harder than ever before to get that chance again. This is going to be a great fight for all the fans, I know I am coming in with everything I got and I know Willie Monroe, Jr. will do the same. I would like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, AT&T Stadium, and HBO for having me part of such a big event, I promise all boxing fans, this is the fight to watch on September 17.”

“I am happy to be back in championship contention,” Willie Monroe, Jr. “Gabriel Rosado is a warrior and this should make a for a great fight. I am looking forward to this opportunity. It is a big venue, but I don’t care if I am fighting in front of 200 people or 2 million people. I am always focused and I plan to put on a great performance on September 17.”

“I am very Happy that Willie is getting this opportunity,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotions. “Willie has displayed that he is one of the top middleweights in the world, and he will show that on that September 17th against a quality fighter in Gabe Rosado which should be an all-action, fan-friendly fight.”

“This undercard features everything a fight fan could want — a crossroads fight between two veterans battling for a last shot at stardom, a former Olympian on the cusp of a world title and a top prospect making his debut on the biggest scene in boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With the biggest star in the sport in Canelo headlining the night and this stacked undercard providing support, fans are in a for a top-to-bottom treat on September 17.”

“Fighting on HBO pay-per-view is a dream come true,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “As a young fighter you always dream about being on the big stage doing what you love and I am very excited to be part of such a big event. I am very motivated and ready to take this step and perform for all the fight fans in the arena and all the fights tuning in. Andrew is a tremendous fighter, strong, aggressive; I know he bring out the best in me. I know he is going to try to take everything away from me, but I am not afraid. I am going out on September 17 in the best shape of my life, I have everything ahead of me and I am ready to defend my title and give the fight fans a fight they want to see.”

“Every fighter dreams to one day get to this level of their career and be featured on pay-per-view,” said Diego De La Hoya. “With this fight and this stage I am ready to announce that I have arrived to the elite of this division. Winning this fight will take me to the next level of my career, I am ready for it. I have what it takes to win and I am looking forward to impressing all the fans on September 17.”

“Being patient paid off,” said Luis Orlando Del Valle. “This is a great opportunity, on one of boxing’s biggest stages. Now is the time to deliver, to come out with the win at all cost for my family and for Puerto Rico. Rest assured, I will not waste this magnificent occasion. I will rise.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Since making his film debut in last year’s Creed,the latest installment of the internationally recognized Rocky franchise, “King” Gabe Rosado is fresh off of an exciting victory over Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey this past December 2015 and an exciting decision victory over Antonio “Tony” Gutierrez on the undercard of Fight of the Year contender Vargas vs. Salido on June 4. Rosado has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the sport taking on some of the toughest and elite fighters in the middleweight division. The epitome of Philadelphia toughness, Rosado has been battling the best for over a decade, including Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, David Lemieux, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, Kassim “The Dream” Ouma and Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo. But this September, Rosado, expects to leave Texas with a victory under his belt when he takes on Willie Monroe, Jr.

Willie began boxing at the age of six and comes from an acclaimed boxing family, which includes his father, Willie “The Body Rock” Monroe, who fought for the USBA and NABF titles at middleweight and super middleweight; his great uncle Willie “The Worm” Monroe (39-10-1) who was considered one of the best Middleweights of the 1970’s and holds a win over the great Marvin Hagler; his cousin Marcus Hall (6-6-1), and his late grandfather, Lee Monroe, a distinguished amateur in his fighting days. Willie had a distinguished amateur career, as well, which saw him go 128-14. He was a three-time national champion and won countless regional and state championships. He was a 2-time Empire State Games champion and 4-time State Golden Gloves champion. He lost in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Olympic trials to former IBF Welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Willie’s big breakthrough was winning the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Willie then took a ten-round unanimous decision win over perennial contender Bryan Vera on January 16, 2015 from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. With this impressive run of victories, Willie earned an opportunity to fight for the WBA Middleweight title of the world. On May 16, 2015, Willie took on WBA/Interim WBC Middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a bout that headlined HBO Championship Boxing at The Forum in Inglewood, California. In his last bout on June 11, 2016, Willie scored two knockdowns and went on to win an impressive ten-round unanimous decision over 2015 Boxcino Junior Middleweight Champion John Thompson. The bout took place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win in his HBO debut over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage. Diaz, Jr. was last seen in the ring against Victor “Pitufo” Proa defeating the fighter via second round knockout as the co-main event to Anotnio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez live on HBO Latino Boxing, on July 30. Now, set to face one of the hardest punchers in his division, Diaz, Jr. is ready to move up to the big leagues when he faces Andrew “El Chango” Cancio on the pay-per-view undercard of Canelo vs. Smith on September 17.

Blythe, Calif. native Andrew “El Chango” Cancio made his professional debut in 2006, remaining undefeated for ten bouts before his first loss. Cancio’s power has brought him thirteen of seventeen wins by way of knockout, a strength he brought to the ring against Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado and former two-time world champion Hugo Fidel “El Increible” Cazares via knockout at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, in Indio, Calif. With these impressive victories, Cancio hopes to pursue his goal of becoming a featherweight world champion as he takes on one of the toughest challenges of his career in the decorated Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr on September 17.

The latest boxing phenomenon to emerge from Mexico, 22-year-old Diego De La Hoya has all the tools to become a global superstar, but the mature super bantamweight is keeping his focus on what’s in front of him. In 2015, De La Hoya began his move on the super bantamweight elite with five wins highlighted by back-to-back victories over former world title challengers Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz, Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles, Jose “Hollywood” Estrella, and Giovanni “Lloviznas” Delgado; winning the WBC Youth World Title in the process. De La Hoya kicked off 2016 in style in February with a fourth-round body shot knockout of Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo and successfully defending it on May 7 of this year with a blistering seventh round technical knockout of Rocco Santomauro. Now his eyes are on a big win in September at AT&T Stadium.

Puerto Rican native Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle comes from a boxing linage that includes former WBO Bantamweight World Champion Rafael Del Valle. Prior to his professional debut on April 11, 2008 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey where he knocked out Rey Rivera in the third round, Del Valle was an Under 19 National Junior Olympic Champion for Puerto Rico, three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion, National Golden Gloves Champion, and U.S. Boxing’s number one rated junior boxer at 125 lbs. Now, Del Valle is riding a four fight win streak with two victories already notched in 2016. In his first contest of the year on April 9, Del Valle scored a second round technical knockout victory over rising prospect Josh Crespo at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire. He followed that performance with an eight-round unanimous decision victory over southpaw veteran Thomas “KO” Snow on May 13 as the nationally televised co-feature of Dustin Harrison-Hernandez vs. Mike Dallas Jr. at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. Del Valle looks to continue his momentum for a fifth consecutive win on September 17 in Dallas, Texas at AT&T Stadium.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Oroaco, 142 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 25-0. Lopez, 140 lbs is 23-6.

Joseph Diaz remained undefeated by stopping Victor Proa in round two of their featherweight bout.

Diaz dropped Proa in the 2nd round with a hard uppercut. He jumped on Proa and landed a huge barrage of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:07.

Diaz, 126 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 21-0 with 12 knockouts. Proa, 123 1/2 lbs of Monterrey, MX is 28-2-2.

SOUTH EL MONTE, Calif. (July 26, 2016) – As the summer heat hits its peak, Golden Boy Promotions fighters undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs), super featherweight prospect Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0-0, 6 KOs), and super bantamweight prospect Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (11-1-2, 6 KOs) held a media workout for their upcoming headlining fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, July 30. Jiaro Hernandez (15-9, 8 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico, who is now training out of Los Angeles, was also in attendance with former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon ahead of his scheduled fight against Roy Tapia.

NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. will put his title and his undefeated record on the line in a 10-round fight against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The main event of the night features number one rated contender by the WBC, “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) taking on Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a 10-round super lightweight fight. The event will be televised live by HBO Latino® Boxing beginning at 11:15 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT). Tickets are moving fast for this event, with just a limited number of tickets left available for purchase.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media work out:

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, NABF Featherweight Champion:

“I’m training a lot harder at this fight. I’m training with a lot more authority and have been working on landing my shots. While I’m a southpaw and he’s an orthodox, he’s very heavy handed and I know what I have to do to go in there to break him down.

“It’s great to be back fighting at Fantasy Springs, and see all my fans from the desert.

“I’m very excited to be on HBO Latino. It’s a dream come true and gets me a step closer to fighting on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

ROY “PITBULL” TAPIA, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“I have been feeling very good for this fight. I understand the fighter I have ahead of me and have made sure to train very hard for this fight.

“I know that my opponent is going to fight to the tooth on this, and we are both going to be searching for the knock out.”

NICK “LA CALAVERA” ARCE, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“Growing up as a kid I did many tournaments at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, and I feel at home fighting there. It feels like a mini arena, it has a great vibe.

“I have prepared myself physically and mentally for the fight and my only goal is to stay focused on one thing–winning.

“I’m going to have about 200 marching skulls coming to Fantasy Springs, and I can’t wait to hear their cries and see them enjoying themselves on July 30.”

JAIRO HERNANDEZ, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“I have come to fight with a heart, like a Mexican warrior.

“I firstly want to thank God, as well as my team for giving me this opportunity to show the boxing world what I have.

“I have trained for this spiritually, physically, and with the help of my trainer, former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon; I know that winning this fight would make my career.”

Antonio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:10 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino® Boxing telecast begins at 11:10 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Limited tickets at the $25 level are still available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. All floor seats are now sold out.

INDIO, CALIFORNIA (July 15, 2015) – The Coachella Valley was treated to a night full of action at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, featuring the return to the ring of two of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division live on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar. With a special appearance by former five-division boxing world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, Metta World Peace, and Golden Boy Promotions’ fighters: Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr., Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Diego De La Hoya, and the newest member Virgil Ortiz, Jr.; the night kept all the fans on their feet as they watched a night of exciting boxing.

The main event of the night featured former world title challenger Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (23-3-1, 16 KOs) of Juncos, Puerto Rico, taking on the Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight fight that went the distance. The evenly matched fighters consistently traded blows and it was Velez who attempted to use his boxing skills in the first few rounds. By the fifth round, both fighters began to fight from the inside as came at each other for a classic brawl with both landing effective shots. An accidental head butt in the sixth round did stun the fighters, but that did not stop them from keeping the momentum going. A close fight, the judges awarded a split decision victory to the former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion, Rene Alavardo with scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-93 for Velez.

“This is a very important victory for me,” said Rene Alvarado. “I have been fighting tough prospects and fighting such a notable fighter like Velez proves that I am still a force in this division. I want to keep the momentum going and come back as soon as I can. I will be back in the gym next week to stay in shape and be ready for the next fight.”

In the co-main event of the night, undefeated prospect Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (16-0, 11 KOs) of Boston retained his undefeated record when he took on Luis “La Roca” Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Rio Pierdas, Puerto Rico. Ellis made sure to keep the pressure on Hernández but in the fourth round was caught by a solid left hook that sent him to the canvas. Hernandez saw an opportunity and aggressively came after Ellis as Ellis tried to keep his distance in what became the most exciting bout of the night. Ellis adjusted his game and began using is jab and counterpunching when Herenandez attacked. This plan proved successful as Ellis was awarded the decision with scores of 78-73 by all three judges.

“He caught me with a good shot,” said Rashidi Ellis. “But I felt that the adjustments I made to make sure he didn’t catch me again were effective. I wanted to make sure that I kept moving and continued to land clean shots. That is what gave me the victory tonight.”

Opening up the Estella TV broadcast, decorated amateur, Cesar Diaz of Palmdale, Calif. made his professional debut against Isau Duenez (1-5) of Monterey, Mexico. Diaz, was not shy in the first rounds of his scheduled four-round featherweight fight, aggressively coming at Duenez while landing hard punches to the body. The punches were effective as they continued to overwhelm Duenez and in the third round the referee called the fight awarding Diaz his first professional victory via technical knockout.

“This victory motivates me to keep going,” said Cesar Diaz. “I have a great corner and felt very comfortable and calm in my first fight as a professional. I felt that I was properly prepared for this fight, I have a team that gave me the best sparring. Fighting professionally is more fun, knowing that I can go in the ring and finish my opponent is very exciting and I am looking forward to the next fight.”

Part of the non-televised undercard and streaming on RingTVLive.com, Azat Hovanissyan (9-2, 8 KOs) of Glendale, Calif. took on Sacramento’s Mario Ayala (4-3-1, 1 KOs) in a schedule six-round super bantamweight fight. In the fifth round, Hovanissyan sent Ayala to the canvas as the crowd cheered on the fighters. Making the count, Ayala was not able to shake off Hovanissyan and the fight was called off by the referee.

“I am very excited about this victory,” said Azat Hovanissyan. “I have been off for more than a year and I am glad I was able to shake the ring rust. I am ready to fight again and ready to come back at eight to 10 rounds.”

Indio, Calif.’s Marco Magdaleno (4-0, 2 KOs) put on a great display of dominance as he faced, Hugo Padilla (3-7, 2 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico in a four-round lightweight bout. In the first two rounds, Magdaleno aggressively came after Padilla, cornering him in the ropes with his quick combinations. By the third round, Magdaleno began to out-box Padilla, effectively using his jab and counter punching. In the end, the judges awarded Magdaleno the victory via unanimous decision with scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37.

“Padilla was a tough fight, he came prepared,” said Marco Magdaleno. “I felt like the guy was very durable and my corner and I decided that it would be best to box him, hit him with the best and cleanest shots to secure the victory. I trust my team and Joel Diaz always knows when we have to switch it up, he brings out the best in me.”

Opening the night Jhon Leon (1-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles made an impression in his first professional fight knocking out his opponent Jose Huerta (0-1-1) of Villahermosa, Mexico in the first round knockout of their scheduled four-round welterweight.

“Winning this fight is the prize after so much sacrifice,” said John Leon. “I have been fighting since I was 11 years old and have been on the Colombian Olympic team and now to finally start my career as a professional is a dream comes true. I can’t wait until my next fight, I am ready to keep putting in the work to become the next world champion.”

Jayson Velez vs. Rene Alvarado was a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD”. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rang at 5:30 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The RingTVlive.com live stream will began at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

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

LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2016) – “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs), one of the most promising contenders in the division will be tested in the welterweight division as he takes on Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs), a tough fighter from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico known for his heavy punch and endurance in the ring. The 10-round main event will headline an exciting night of boxing from Golden Boy Promotions’ home in the Coachella Valley at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, July 30 and televised on HBO Latino® Boxing beginning at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Also, featured as the televised co-main event of the night, undefeated contender, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) will put his NABF Featherweight Title on the line in a 10-round featherweight fight against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Rounding out the undercard on the non-televised portion of the evening, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (11-1-2, 6 KOs) of East Los Angeles will take on Jairo “Roca” Hernandez (17-9, 9 KOs) of Torreon, Coahullia, Mexico in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight. Los Angeles’ fan favorite Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight event against Jesus Aguinaga (4-4-1) of Phoenix. Additionally, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Virgil Ortiz of Dallas will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight against Julio Rodas (0-2) of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Antonio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. In his most recent bout on March 25, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

A professional since 2011, Abner “Jaeger” Lopez has been steadily climbing the welterweight ranks. Known for his punching power and resilience in the ring, Lopez has taken on tough opposition defeating Humberto Mauro ” Cachorrito” Gutierrez, Ricardo “Pelon” Dominguez, Jose David Mosquera and Aik “The Humanoid” Shakhanazaryan. Lopez was last seen in the ring in 2015 when he fought four-times winning against Daniel Calzada via decision in July and receiving his first loss after a four win streak in November against Daniel Echeverria. Now, Lopez is looking to come back into the winners column when he faces Orozco on July 30.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win in his HBO debut over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage.

A tested fighter out of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Victor “Pitufo” Proa will be looking for his second victory of 2016 when he takes on the promising Joseph Diaz, Jr. on July 30. The 31-year-old last faced Oswaldo Oziel Delgado in February via first round technical knockout after a six-year fight hiatus. Before that, Proa was a six-year professional fighter that boasted a great record with only one loss, taking on some of the most experienced fighters in the game. Now with a victory under his belt, Proa will be making his first appearance in the U.S. looking to crash the featherweight division.

East LA super bantamweight Roy “Pitbull” Tapia is a popular fighter on the California fight scene. A promising fighter, Tapia maintained busy in 2014 and 2015 taking on tough fighters: Erik Ruiz, Juan Luis “Perla Negra” Hernandez, Ali Gonzalez, Luis “Titi” Maldonado and Omar “Chacalito” Aguilar. Now fighting for the first time in 2016, Tapia will be looking for redemption after his first career loss to face Jairo Hernandez in his return to Fantasy Spring Resort Casino on July 30.

A professional fighter for over 15 years, Jairo “Roca” Hernandez of Torreon, Coahuilla, Mexico has enough experience under his belt to be a dangerous fighter against any opponent. Currently maintaining a five-fight winning streak via knockout, the heavy-handed, Hernandez will be looking to impress in his U.S. debut when he takes on Roy Tapia on July 30.

A former amateur star, Nick “La Calavera” Arce became a professional with a victory over Adalbert Valenzuela and most believe that the sky is the limit for the hard-hitting featherweight of Honduran and Salvadoran descent. In his first fight of 2016, Arce took on seasoned fighter Luiz “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr., in February and went the distance for the first time in his career winning the fight via unanimous decision. In his second fight, Arce was part of the non-televised action on the undercard of Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido on June 4, at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., defeating Francisco Dominguez via unanimous decision with scores of 60-54 from all three judges.

A new fighter on the scene, Jesus Aguinaga of Phoenix, is coming off a decision loss against Justin Pauldo on June 2016. Earlier in the year, Aguinaga had a victory over Luis Bello in January and a draw against Adan Mares in April. Now, Aguinaga will be looking to be back on the winner’s column when he takes on Nick Arce on July 30.

Currently trained by the famed Joel Diaz, Virgil Ortiz of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion, winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with a record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father and began competing at eight-years old. The decorated amateur signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016 and is ready to begin his professional career on July 30.

In his fight of 2016 and after a four-year hiatus, Julio Rodas of Flagstaff, Ariz. will be looking to make another attempt at the fight game on July 30. With two fights already under his belt, pro-debuter, Vigril Ortiz will have a tough time going up against a more experienced fighter.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOLatino, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (July 6, 2016) – The heat was turned up a notch at Golden Boy Headquarters as undefeated welterweight “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) announced their upcoming televised fights on HBO Latino on July 30. Rising SoCal fan-favorite fighter, Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0-0, 6 KOs) fighting on the non-televised undercard portion of the night was also in attendance.

Below is what the fighters, their managers and promoter had to say at today’s press conference:

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President, Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are very proud to be partnered with Fantasy Springs for this fight, as they have been our host venues for many of Golden Boy’s events.

“Antonio Orozco reminds me of a young Julio Cesar Chavez, because he always puts on an exciting performance. He’s worked very hard to be here and this might be the fight before his shot at a world title. It’s clear he has obviously caught the eye of HBO, and this fight will be by far the toughest of his career.

“We are in an Olympic year, and our co-headliner will be ex-Olympian, Joseph Diaz, Jr. who also has a great record as a featherweight fighter. I believe the featherweight division will be the hottest division in the next few years because of all the talent we have following in the footsteps of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

“Nick Arce is beginning to have a huge following and his fans follow him out to Fantasy Springs. He sells a bunch of tickets, and will be the future of boxing.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President, HBO Sports and PPV:

“This fight on July 30 is another great night of boxing featuring up and coming talent with Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz Jr., who are sure to be future PPV stars.

“Remember even if you have HBO, you still have HBO Latino because boxing is a universal right.”

CHRIS LAVOIE Public Relations Manager at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

“Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud of its long relationship with Golden Boy Promotions. Visitors come from far and wide for a great night of boxing at Fantasy Springs, whenthey hear it is a Golden Boy Promotions card.

“We are very excited to announce that Oscar De La Hoya will be a VIP at this event, and we want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for another great card at our venue. We look forward to a great night.”

NICK “LA CALAVERA” ARCE, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank my team at Westside Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions for supporting me. I’m excited to be in the ring on July 30 and will give the fans a great show.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ. Jr. NABF Featherweight Title Contender:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for this opportunity to showcase my talents.

“I’m excited to give everyone a great performance. I’ve been training very hard, and I want to showcase that I am at the same level as all the champions in the featherweight division. Hopefully, I can go for a world title soon.”

FRANK ESPINOZA, Manager to “Relentless” Antonio Orozco:

“Muhammad Ali once said, ‘Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, and a vision.’

“On July 30, we will witness such a fighter who has a desire, a dream, and a vision. I’d like to say Antonio Orozco has the X factor, and it’s no wonder he’s ranked number one by the WBC. He’s unstoppable and we’re happy to be a part of this event. We will put on a fight we won’t forget.”

“RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO, Super Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank God for providing these opportunities. It’s a blessing to have the team I have around me. These are the moments that as a professional you look forward to. We’ve paid our dues and put in the hard work. This wouldn’t be possible without a team–even though as a fighter, you are alone in the ring, you don’t get ready without a team.”

“My opponent is a tremendous fighter from what I’ve seen, who can pull off an upset and has won against undefeated fighters before. We are putting together our relentless style of boxing and July 30 will be no exception. No one will be bored watching this fight.”

LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2016) – As California battles through a sizzling heat wave, the Summer of 2016 will get even hotter on Saturday, July 30, as two of SoCal’s undefeated top rising stars return to the ring. Undefeated welterweight Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) of San Diego is set to participate in 10-round main event while Golden Boy Promotions stable mate and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs)of South El Monte, Calif. will be featured in the 10-round co-main event. Both fights will be televised on HBO Latino Boxing.

With Orozco ranked as number one by the WBC and in the top 10 by all major world sanctioning bodies and with Diaz crashing the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings, the stakes have never been higher as world-class boxing returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Opponents for Orozco and Diaz will be announced shortly.

“Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz, Jr. are two fighters quickly rising to the top in Golden Boy’s stable of talent, with both poised to become world champions in the near-future,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “This card will be action-packed, making for an exiting summer event that fans should not miss on July 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and HBO Latino Boxing.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 1, 2016 and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

The HBO Latino Boxing event headlined by Antonio Orozco is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor, and in his most recent bout on March 25, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOLatino, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing.

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.