Alycia Baumgardner avenged her only professional blemish and retained the Undisputed Super Featherweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple in Detroit.

It was a fight that had solid action as Baumgardner landed some hard shots. Linardatou tried to punch with Baumgardner, but the reigning champion was faster and landed the more impactful blows.

Baumgardner, 129.4 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1. Linardatou, 129.8 lbs of Athens, GRE is 14-3.

Andy Cruz Decisions Former World Title Challenger Burgos in Pro Debut

Andy Cruz made a successful pro debut with a 10-rond unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Cruz, 134.6 lbs of Matanzas, CUB won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92 and is 1-0. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 35-8-3,

Jermaine Franklin Decisions Isaac Munoz

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Isaac Munoz in a heavyweight bout.

Franklin, 241.2 lbs of Saginaw, MI won by scores of 100-90 twice and is 99-91 and is now 22-2. Munoz, 257.4 lbs of Mexico City is 17-1-1.

Jar’Rico O’Quinn Decisions Carlos Mujica

Ja’Rico O’Quinn won a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Mujica in a super-bantamweight contest.

In round five, Mujica was cut around his left eye.

It was a close fight yet a judge did not think so by giving O’Quinn a 100-90 victory. Two other judges saw the fight 97-93 and 96-94.

O’Quinn of Detroit is 16-1-1. Mujica, 122.6 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 8-3.

Former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez took a 10-round split decision over Sandor Martin at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In round two, Martin was cut in the bridge of the nose from a headbutt. Later in the round, Martin was able to score a knockdown when Lopez charged in and Martin landed a little right hook to the side of the head. In round four, Martin began to bleed from the nostrils. Martin was awkward, but Lopez had a better workrate and landed more punches as the punch stat statistics read 97 of 391 for Lopez, while Marin was 77 of 244.

The scorecards read 97-92 and 96-93 for Lopez. Martin won a card 95-94.

Lopez is now 18-1. Martin is 40-3.

Jared Anderson Takes Out Forrest in 2

Jared Anderson remained perfect with a second round destruction of Jerry Forrest in their 10-round heavyweight bout.

After Forrest landed a couple of power punches in round one, Anderson unleashed a blitz of vicious power shots that landed on the head of Forrest. Forrest did not go down, but that meant he ate more destructive punches in the second frame and finally referee David Fields mercifully ended the fight at 1:34 of round two.

Anderson of Toledo, OH is 13-0 with 13 knockouts. Forrest is 26-6-2.

Zayas Decisions Salazar

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Alexis Salazar in a junior middleweight bout.

Zayas won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 15-0. Salazar is 25-5.

Davis Decisions Burgos

Hot-prospect Keyshawn Davis won a eight-round unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Davis won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Burgos of Tijuana, MEX is 35-7-3.

Joe Ward won an eight-round unanimous decision over Frederick Julan in a light heavyweight bout.

Ward of Moate, IRE won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 8-1. Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 12-2.

Damian Knyba stopped Emilio Salas in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout.

The bout was stopped at 1:50 for Knyba who is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Salas is 10-4-1.

Tiger Johnson stopped Mike Ohan in round five of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson hurt Ohan with a hard right hand and then unleashed 20 unanswered shots that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 1:29.

NEW YORK (Oct. 26, 2022) — Four of boxing’s most electrifying young talents hope to strike the Heisman pose Saturday, Dec. 10, at Madison Square Garden.

Former lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez makes his second appearance at junior welterweight in the 10-round main event against former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson aims for his 13th straight knockout against the battle-tested Jerry “Slugger” Forrest.

Puerto Rican junior middleweight star Xander Zayas steps up in class against 28-fight veteran Alexis Salazar in a scheduled eight-rounder special feature. And, in the televised opener, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis looks to jumpstart his world title ambitions in an eight-round lightweight duel versus Juan Carlos Burgos.

Lopez-Pedraza, Anderson-Forrest, Zayas-Salazar, and Davis-Burgos will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT immediately following the Heisman Trophy Ceremony.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $51 go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m. ET.

“Four of boxing’s mega talents, headlined by the great Teofimo Lopez, will be in action December 10 at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This will be a special evening,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Lopez is targeting a junior welterweight title shot in 2023, and Jose Pedraza is a Puerto Rican warrior hungry for another world title opportunity. With Jared Anderson, Xander Zayas, and Keyshawn Davis, this card features three additional fighters who will one day be headlining superstars.”

Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) toppled pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2020 to become the lightweight champion. Thirteen months later, he lost his titles via split decision to George Kambosos Jr. He returned August 13 as a junior welterweight and stopped Pedro Campa in the seventh round. Lopez is no stranger to “Heisman Night,” as he’s authored two of the most indelible Top Rank on ESPN moments on that platform. In 2018, he knocked out Mason Menard in 44 seconds, donned the jersey of Heisman winner Kyler Murray, and topped things off with the Heisman pose and a backflip. One year later, he stopped Richard Commey in the second round to win the IBF lightweight world title and immediately put on the jersey of that year’s victor, LSU’s Joe Burrow. He didn’t forget the pose or the signature backflip that time, either.

Lopez said, “It’s Heisman Night at Madison Square Garden. I’m born for this stage. Once I beat Jose Pedraza in front of my hometown fans, I am coming for all the junior welterweight belts in 2023. The Takeback is in full effect, and I am on a mission to become a champion again.”

Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight before moving up to the 140-pound ranks in 2019. Despite a competitive decision loss to Jose Ramirez and a draw against Commey in his last two fights, Pedraza still ranks among the most accomplished junior welterweight contenders. Ranked No. 10 by the WBO and WBC, Pedraza can earn another title opportunity with a win over Lopez and move closer to his goal of becoming the first male Puerto Rican boxer since Miguel Cotto to capture world titles in three weight divisions.

“I am here to face the elite fighters of the division, and to me, that is what Teofimo represents,” Pedraza said. “I have come to show that I am still one of the best fighters at 140 pounds. I’m still a threat to everyone in the division, and on December 10, I’m going to prove it. For me, the goal doesn’t change. I want to be crowned world champion in a third division, and I know I’m going to achieve it.”

Anderson (12-0, 12 KOs), the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, has seen his stock skyrocket since turning pro in October 2019 following a decorated U.S. amateur career. He has prototypical heavyweight size at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, and he’s stopped nine of his 12 foes in two rounds or less, including four straight second-round stoppages. In August, he returned from an eight-plus month layoff to knock out Serbian veteran Miljan Rovcanin.

“I’m happy to finally be getting a step-up fight,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, this solidifies my place as a contender and confirms that I’m not a prospect anymore.”

Forrest (26-5-2, 20 KOs) is the ultimate heavyweight litmus test, a 6’1, 230-pound southpaw who has mixed it up with some of the division’s most notable names, including Carlos Takam, Michael Hunter, and Zhang Zhilei. His only stoppage loss came nearly 10 years ago, and he held Hunter and Zhilei to 10-round draws in 2021. Forrest returned in May and dropped a 10-round decision to two-time world title challenge Kubrat Pulev.

“I’m in camp now. I’m excited and motivated to make a big statement. Jared is the up-and-coming fighter, and all the pressure is on him,” Forrest said. “After my last performance, I feel everyone has forgotten how good I am. I’ve been in the ring against top fighters, and I know that I can compete at the top level. The question is, what can he do against an experienced veteran like me? I am coming to send the ‘Big Baby’ home crying after his first loss. This will be a great fight for the fans in attendance at Madison Square Garden and those watching nationally on ESPN.”

Zayas (14-0, 10 KOs), the youngest signee in Top Rank history, turned pro as a 17-year-old in October 2019 on the same card as Anderson. Since that debut, he’s developed into Puerto Rico’s newest sensation and has knocked out three of his past four foes. He received the co-feature spotlight on the Lopez-Campa card, knocking out Elias Espadas in five riveting rounds. In March, Zayas shined at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden with an eight-round drubbing over Louisiana-born spoiler Quincy LaVallais. Salazar (24-4, 9 KOs), from Guadalajara, Mexico, has won 16 of his last 17 bouts, the only defeat coming via third-round knockout to rising middleweight contender Carlos Adames. He has not fought since January 28, an eight-round decision over Valentin Martinez Guzman in Tijuana, Mexico.

Zayas said, “I am very happy to be part of another amazing card at the legendary Madison Square Garden, and as always, I’m grateful to Top Rank for giving me these opportunities to showcase my skills on such a big stage. Salazar is a strong Mexican veteran, and with this performance, I’m looking to close the year strong and set the tone for a big 2023.

Davis (6-0, 5 KOs) hopes to open the ESPN telecast with his blend of in-fighting and precision that has already made him a lightweight contender to watch. The 23-year-old phenom from Norfolk, Virginia, fought three fought pro fights in 2021 before becoming one of the standouts of Team USA’s boxing team at the Tokyo Olympics. He stopped 2016 Olympic silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha before dropping a tight decision to Cuban sensation Andy Cruz in the gold medal match. Since signing with Top Rank last November, he’s scored a pair of knockouts, most recently a fifth-round drubbing of Omar Tienda on the Shakur Stevenson-Robson Conceição bill in Newark, New Jersey. Burgos (35-6-3, 21 KOs), from Tijuana, is a three-time world title challenger who has fought the likes of retired four-weight world champion Mikey Garcia and undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney. He has never been knocked out and has experienced a career renaissance of late. In March, he held highly regarded prospect Angel Fierro to a draw.

Davis said, “I will send another message to the lightweight division to end the year. Burgos is a veteran who demands respect, and I can’t overlook the man in front of me on December 10. It’s an honor to fight on ESPN after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, and I plan on representing Norfolk while putting on a show for all the fans tuning in.”

Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — is highlighted by featherweight prospect Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and welterweight standout Jahi Tucker. Carrington (5-0, 3 KOs), the latest prodigy from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, steps up in his first scheduled eight-rounder against Texas native Juan Tapia (12-4, 4 KOs). Carrington, a 2020 Olympic Trials gold medalist, shut out Jose Argel on the Stevenson-Conceição undercard. Tapia, who has battled the likes of Stevenson and Olympic bronze medalist Vladimir Nikitin, has never been knocked out.

Tucker (9-0, 5 KOs) looks go 10-0 in an eight-rounder against Ivan Pandzic (14-2-1, 8 KOs). Tucker, from Deer Park, New York, is 4-0 in 2022, including a near-shutout decision over Jose Luis Sanchez in his last outing.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

Jesus Ramos remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza in a junior middleweight bout at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ramos landed 141 of 53 punches; Mendoza was 53 of 336.

Ramos, 154.4 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-0. Mendoza, 154.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 19-2.

“I felt strong in there,” said Ramos (17-0, 14 KOs). “I have to go back and look at the tape and see what I did wrong, but I fought with a lot of energy. He caught me with some good punches early on, so I knew I was going to have to take my time with him.”

“I started breaking him down and I started going to the body and touching him a lot more,” said Ramos. “He was a strong dude with a good team behind him. I knew he was going to come prepared and I liked the competitiveness he brought.”

“He started to break a lot more as the fight went on,” said Ramos. “I was coming on really strong. I thought I might have been able to stop him in some of those later rounds, but he was motivated to go the distance.”

“Hopefully I’ll be able to get back in the ring once more this year and finish out strong,” said Ramos. “I’ll talk to my team and we’ll go from there.”

Castillo Decisions Burgos

Starling Castillo remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight fight.

Castillo landed 176 of 671 punches; Burgos was 146 of 490.

Castillo, 135 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 96-94, 97-93 and 98-92 and is now 16-0. Burgos, 134.8 lbs of Puebla, MEX is 34-6-2.

“We always train to go the whole distance,” said Castillo, who entered the fight with a four-bout knockout streak. “The hard work and everything we did in the gym showed up in the ring today. I was able to display my boxing ability and how I can fight well in the middle distance.”

“I’m very thankful to my whole team for this opportunity to showcase my work tonight. We gave everyone a good fight today and I showed what I can do in the future. We’re always working hard and I’m always ready to face the best. I want the opportunity sooner rather than later, but whenever it presents itself, I’ll be ready.”

Hernandez Decisions Resendiz

Marcos Hernandez won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Armando Resnediz in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Hernandez was credited with a knockdown after the fighters got tied up and Resendiz went down.

Hernandez landed 132 of 394 punches; Resendiz was 128 of 507.

Hernandez, 164 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 15-4-2. Resendiz, 163.8 lbs of Nayark, MEX is 12-1.

“The key for me is that I’ve been fighting good opposition for my last 13 fights,” said Hernandez. “I’ve been fighting tough competition from the beginning. I’ve been going toe-to-toe with good prospects for a while and I beat one today. I’ve gone from prospect to veteran in a short period of time. I was definitely the biggest test that Resendiz had faced and it showed. If you fight me as your first test, it’s going to be a long night for you.”

Kyron Davis was able to eek out an eight-round unanimous decision over Martez McGregor in a super welterweight bout.

In round six, McGregor was docked two points for an intentional elbow, In round seven, he was deducted a point for hitting on the break

Those points were the difference as Davis, 170.2 lbs of Monmouth, NJ won by scores of 75-74 twice and 77-72 to riase his record to 16-2-1. McGregor, 169.3 lbs of Maywood, IL is 8-5.

Justin Cardona remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jomar Robles in a super lightweight bout.

Cardona landed 130 of 385 punches; Robles was 51 of 239.

Cardona, 137 lbs of Salinas, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Robles, 135.4 lbs of San Juan, PR is 2-2.

Travon Marshall stopped Maycon De Silva in round two of a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Marshall dropped De Silva with an uppercut. The fight was s topped up De Silva getting to his feet at1:03.

Marshall, 150.8 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 3-0 with two knockouts. Da Silva, 151.6 lbs of Sao Paul, BRA is 0-3.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Michael Angeletti stopped Alexis Salido in round three of a scheduled four-round bout.

In round two, Angeletti dropped Salido with a left to a body. In round three, it was a right to the body that sent Salido to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:24.

Angeletti, 121.6 lbs of New Orleans is 4-0 with three knockouts. Salido, 121.2 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 2-1.

MINNEAPOLIS (August 16, 2021) – Unbeaten rising star Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. will duel super welterweight contender Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Sunday, September 5 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising lightweight contender Starling “El Poli” Castillo battling former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in the 10-round co-main event, plus middleweight prospect Armando “El Toro” Reséndiz kicks off the broadcast against all-action Marcos “Madman” Hernández in a 10-round fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Jesús Ramos is primed to breakthrough into the next level of boxing’s rising stars and will look to make big steps towards his goal in a tough test against Brian Mendoza,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The fantastic fight fans at The Armory in Minneapolis will be in for a night loaded with young rising stars from start to finish, as lightweight Starling Castillo and middleweight Armando Reséndiz step in for difficult matchups against Juan Carlos Burgos and Marcos Hernández respectively. Sunday, September 5 is going to be a can’t miss lineup of action live in primetime on FOX.”

Ramos (16-0, 14 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, has paved his way to stardom with highlight-reel KOs. Most recently, he dominated Javier Molina on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory in May. Prior to that fight, he had scored five-straight knockout victories following his only other pro fight that had gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks. He has steadily increased the toughness of competition in 2020 and he has continued that trend in 2021 with Molina and now Mendoza.

“I’ve had a great training camp so far for this fight,” said Ramos. “I feel a lot stronger, a lot more mature and I feel like I learned a lot from my last fight that I’m implementing into this camp. I expect a tough fight from Mendoza. I’m sure he’s coming to win and to take everything I’ve earned, but I’m going to make sure he doesn’t. You have to tune in on September 5 because it’s going to be a good one!”

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.

“I’ve been grinding in the gym nonstop preparing for an opportunity like this,” said Mendoza. “I’ve been learning a lot and I believe that it’s time for the world to see the fighter I’ve become. I can’t wait to put my skills on display. Don’t miss this fight on September 5, it’s going to be explosive.”

The 25-year-old Castillo (15-0, 12 KOs) scored an emphatic knockout in his U.S. debut in July, blasting out then unbeaten Miguel Contreras in the second round. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo turned pro in 2017 and has delivered knockout wins in his last four fights heading into September 5, with three of those stoppages coming in 2021.

“I am very honored to be fighting on a great platform like FOX,” said Castillo. “It’s humbling to perform under the bright lights and I can’t wait. My team and I have been working very hard and we are laser focused on Burgos. We’re going to be prepared for anything he tries to throw at me on fight night.”

The Tijuana, Mexico native Burgos (34-5-2, 21 KOs) has faced an impressive resume of top fighters throughout his extensive career, dropping world title bouts to Mikey Garcia and Hozumi Hasegawa, in addition to a draw in a 130-pound title tilt against Roman Martinez. The 33-year-old ended up on the short end of decisions in challenges of unbeaten champion Devin Haney in 2018 and undefeated Hector Tanajara in January 2020. Most recently, he dropped a decision to unbeaten contender Xavier Martinez in May.

“This fight is mine for the taking,” said Burgos. “Training is going great and everything is on track for fight night. My sole focus is to win and make Mexico proud, while proving that I am still the real deal.”

The 22-year-old Reséndiz (12-0, 8 KOs) made a successful U.S. debut in April, earning a decision victory over Quilisto Madera. Fighting out of Nayarit, Mexico, Reséndiz entered the Madera fight having won eight consecutive fights by knockout, including five in 2019 before he stopped Joaquin Murrieta in his lone 2020 outing.

“Since my last fight, all I keep thinking about is how I’m going to be a more polished fighter when I step back in the ring,” said Reséndiz. “Now it’s time to show everyone that I’m the next big boxing star to come out of Mexico. Hernández is a durable fighter who has been in the ring with some top level fighters, but he’s never been in the ring with a puncher like myself. I have plans to stop him and send a message to all the fighters in my division. I want to thank my promoters Warriors Boxing and Boxing Major League for this opportunity. I’m going to make sure the world knows my name after this fight.”

Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernández (14-4-2, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. The 28-year-old has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He has taken down then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman and Thomas Hill, and most recently fought to a draw against Brandon Lynch in January.

“I know that I’m facing a tough fighter, but I believe that I’ve faced better competition than what Reséndiz brings,” said Hernández. “I’m training hard for this opportunity and I’m glad to be back in the ring. Fans can expect action in this fight. Our styles are definitely going to mesh and make for a memorable fight.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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Brandon Figueroa stopped Luis Nery in round seven to add the WBC Super Bantamweight title to add to his WBA belt at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a rugged fight with the fight being mostly contested on the inside. Nery got the better of most of the first part of the fight. The tide began to turn at the end of round six with Figueroa landing power shots on the inside. In round seven he continued the accuracy until he landed perfect left to the solar plexus that sent Nery down for the count at 2:!8.

Figueroa, 121.2 lbs of Weslaco, TX is now 22-0-1 with 17 knockouts. Nery, 122 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 31-1.

Brandon Figueroa

“It feels amazing, this is a dream come true. I know everyone doubted me, but here I am with the belt. It’s all thanks to hard work and dedication.

“You saw tonight what I can do. I brought it to him and the hard work paid off. We did our homework. We did a great job in the gym and just took it to him.

“The plan was to break him. Joel Diaz told me to pressure him and that he wouldn’t last. That’s exactly what happened.

“I knew he was getting tired, he was trying to box me. I saw him breathing heavy. My team just said it was time to go get him.

“We’ve been waiting for this fight against and it’s finally gonna happen. I knew I had to get through Luis Nery first. Everything has it’s time. I envisioned that I was going to beat Nery and now I see myself beating Fulton. I know he’s coming with everything he’s got and that we’re gonna give the fans a hell of a show.”

Stephen Fulton

“Hell of a performance by Brandon tonight. That’s what I predicted would happen. This is my time now though. I’ve been waiting for this moment to finally fight Brandon.

“I knew that Brandon would fight how he always fights. I’m just ready for my time against him. We’re going to put on a hell of a performance. Congratulations to him tonight, but I’m coming next.”

Roman decisions Espinoza

Former unified world champion Danny Roman won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Espinoza in a super bantamweight fight

It was a spirited battle that was fought at close quarters throughout. In round eight, Espinoza began bleeding from his face.

Roman landed of 220 of 756 punches; Espinoza was 190 of 724.

Roman, 122 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 29-3-1. Espinoza, 121.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-4.

Danny Roman:

“This win is a step closer to getting back on top and getting a world title once again. I knew he was a tough fighter who hit hard, so I had to fight smart and make adjustments.

“I started to get my distance and started fighting my fight and controlling the ring. Once I did that, everything started to fall into place. I was surprised he went the distance, but he has a lot of heart. He’s a tough fighter.

“I’m the mandatory, so I want a title shot now. I want the winner of the main event.

“I won the mandatory for the WBC belt in September against Payano. I am the mandatory to fight the champion. I had a great fight tonight and I believe deserve the chance.

“I still got it, I am still up there. I am just waiting to get back on top.

On Murodjon Akhmadaliev: “I still want the rematch. I still have unfinished business in MJ. I don’t know what he’s got scheduled but I will take that fight.

“He was bleeding, he was hurt. But he came to fight. He came to die in the ring. He has a lot of guts. But it was my night.” 

“He was open for those uppercuts. I adjusted to his fighting style, he was more aggressive than I thought he would be. But then when I adjusted, those uppercuts were there for me all night.”

“The guy hits hard. He is a strong fighter. But you know what? I was more resistant and I took his shots. He wasn’t able to take my shots.”

Ricardo Espinoza:

“I felt good overall. I could have pressured him a bit more, close his angles, but it was a good fight.

“Now I want to rest and look forward to my next fight. You win some, you lose some, and tonight I lost.

“Danny is a tough fighter who withstood a lot of shots to the head, a quality opponent.”

Martinez Decisions Burgos

Xavier Martinez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a junior lightweight bout.

Martinez landed 329 of 891 punches; Burgos was 261 of 830.

Martinez, 131.6 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 17-0. Burgos, 131.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-5-2.

Xavier Martinez:

“I wasn’t surprised he came forward. He’s a tough competitor. I thank him for taking the fight, he was tough as hell. These kind of fights are going to help me get better.

“It was a fun fight. I know the fans enjoyed the fight. I thought I could have done better, but I was landing clean, hard shots throughout. Even when he was throwing, I was slipping a lot of them and catching him. I showed I can hang in there with tough fighters.

“I could have boxed him more but I wanted to give the fans action. There’s nothing to complain about – I got the victory. I made it tougher on myself but I will learn from it. It’s back to the drawing board but it’s a great victory.

“I fought two very experienced fighters back to back. I like these fights and I won’t complain. Whatever my team has in store for me, I will take it.

“It wasn’t that close. I could give him a round or two. There was a round or two where I stepped back too much. Even when he was throwing, I was catching and slipping.

“I do have a rivalry with Chris Colbert. That’s not a secret, everyone knows that. If we can make that happen, that would be cool. That would be a really fun fight for both of us. He’s a boxer, I come forward. We will cause a lot of fireworks with that one.”

Juan Carlos Burgos:

“I am happy and excited to put on a good show. All in all, I am just glad that the fans enjoyed the fight.

“He was a great opponent. Many people don’t know that I was brought in on late notice. Just two weeks in advance. That’s not an excuse but just the reality. Martinez fought a hell of a fight. He is definitely one of the best opponents I have ever faced.

On the scorecards: “I was shocked. I was surprised. I did not think I only won one round. The public opinion and the fact that the fans were booing is what I take with me today. The fans spoke louder than the cards. I am glad to have given them an exciting fight.”

Follow all the action as Luis Nery battles Brandon Figueroa for the WBA/WBC Super Bantamweight titles; The action starts at 10 PM ET with Xavier Martinez taking on Juan Carlos Burgos; The co-feature will pit former unified champion Danny Roman taking Francisco Espinoza

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Jab from Nery..Big left…

Round 2 Right to body from Figueroa..Good body work from Nery…Nery throwing power shots….Counter..2 Left from Figueroa…Left hook…Left hook

Round 3 eft and right from Figueroa…Left uppercut..Left and right from Nery…2 lefts from Figueroa..

Round 4 Nice left from Figueroa…Left from Nery..Right from Figueroa…Left hook and left hook from Nery…Right from Figueroa..

Round 5 Body shot from Figueroa..2 lefts from Nery ..2 body shots…left to head..left from Figueroa.

Round 6 Exchanging body shots…Left to body from Nery..Good uppercut..3 left uppercuts…1-2 from Figueroa…

Round 7 Figueroa landing good shots to the head..  Swelling around left eye of Nery...LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES NERY….HE CANT BEAT THE COUNT …FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Espinoza coming forward…Nice counter right from Roman…Double jab from Espinoza…counter right from Roman..Left…
Round 2 Right from Espinoza…Counter right from Roman…Right…3 punch combination from Espinoza…Beautiful right from Roman…Combination from Distance..
Round 3 Right from Espinoza…Good exchange….Lead right and uppercut on inside from Espinoza..Right…Body shot from Roman..Counter left
Round 4 Right to body from Espinoza….Lead left hook…Counter right from Roman…Good left to the body..Solid right…
Round 5 Lead left hook/right hand from Roman…Combination
Round 6 Left uppercut from Roman…Left from Espinoza…Counter from Roman…Jab..Right to body…Short left uppercut to body from Espinoza…Left from Roman…
Round 7 Good left from Roman…1-2 from Espinoza…Lead left uppercut from Roman…Body work from Espinoza..Right to body…Left to body from Roman…left uppercut…
Round 8 Left to body by Roman…Big left…Lead left uppercut…Blood on face of Espinoza…1-2 from Roman..Left to body…
Round 9 Doctor looking at Espinoza…left uppercut from Roman…Another left uppercut
Round 10 Double left from Roman…Uppercut…Lead left uppercut…

97-93 AND 98-92 TWICE FOR DANNY ROMAN

Round 1: Counter right from Martinez…2 jabs..Good right hand..Jab to the body..3 punch combination from Burgos..Body shot..1-2…
Round 2 Fierce exchange on the ropes…Martinez counters..Sweeping left hook..Right from Burgos…Jab from Martinez..Martinez gets better of exchange
Round 3  Good ehange…Left and right from Martinez….Right from Burgos
Round 4 Burgos scores with a combination…Right off the ropes…2 left hooks from Martinez…Great exchange
Round 5 Left upperut…Jab from Burgos..Martinez lands a jab….Jab..Combination from Burgos…Good combination on inside from Martinez..2 ,ore shots…uppercut from Burgos..Shoeshine and uppercut
Round 6 Body shot from Burgos..Nice eft-right from Martinez..Body shot from Burgos..Uppercut..Right from Martinez
Round 7 Martinez fighting off the ropes..Right..Body work from Burgos..Right uppercut from Martinez..
Round 8 Short shots from Martinez…Right…Burgos fighting off the ropes…Lead right from Martinez…Right..Double jab-right..Combination from Burgos..Uppercut from Martinez…
Round 9 Left from Martinez…
Round 10 Combination from Burgos…Right from Martinez..Toe to toe action…Left hook to body from Burgos…

99-91 ON ALL CARDS FOR MARTINEZ

CARSON, CALIF. (May 13, 2021) – Undefeated super bantamweight champions Luis “Pantera” Nery and Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa faced off Thursday at the final press conference before their world title clash live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, May 15 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The press conference also featured former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Roman and hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated super featherweight contender Xavier Martinez and former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, who duel in a 10-round showdown that kicks off the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Nery vs. Figueroa will see the powerful two-division champion Nery pursue a signature win at super bantamweight, while the rising Figueroa looks to use his all-action style to earn a career-best victory and announce his presence amongst the sport’s elite. The winner of this fight will face WBO 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton, Jr. on September 11 on SHOWTIME in a unification showdown.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

LUIS NERY

“In the ring, I’m going for the finish. Everything is on the line. I just have to prove what I’m capable of inside the ring. I don’t care about anything else but that.

“I think people got carried away about my performance from my last fight. You’re going to see that my power translates on Saturday. Brandon is going to be the first person to see how my power really translates to super bantamweight.

“We’ve all been waiting to fight with fans in the stands. The fans are part of the thrill of boxing and how boxing is supposed to be. I can’t wait.

“I’m ready to fight anybody that will improve my legacy. I want to keep winning and moving up divisions and putting together a resume that matches up with all of the legendary Mexican fighters.

“Brandon’s style really fits with what I want to do in the ring. I know that I can achieve everything that I want in this division and show all of my skills in this fight. This style will go better with mine than Aaron Alameda’s did in my last fight.

“We just need to put on a great fight Saturday. This is going to be an all-out war from the first round on. People are going to be talking about it for a long time after.

“I’m only focused on Brandon Figueroa. After that fight, I’ll be ready for Stephen Fulton, Jr. Once I beat him too, he can tell me how my power feels at this weight.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I had what was probably one of the best training camps of my career. I’m more than ready for this fight. I feel like all of my advantages are going to be used Saturday night and I just can’t wait. It’s going to be an exciting fight. If I’m this excited now, I can’t imagine what it’s like with the fans there. I’m willing to put it all on the line Saturday night.

“Nery is going to learn a lot about me on Saturday night. My size will definitely help me. I feel like he hasn’t fought a guy this big, this strong and he’s going to find out on Saturday night. I’ve trained tremendously for this fight. I have the best conditioning in the 122-pound division. My volume output speaks for itself and I feel like a lot of people underestimate me. After Saturday night, they won’t. Once the bell rings, it’s go-time and I come to fight. I come one hundred percent and I’m coming to take that belt home.

“This game is all about proving yourself in and out of the ring. I feel like my hard work speaks for itself. My fights speak for themselves. I’m just glad I get to share the ring with Luis Nery. I know he comes to win as well, but I don’t think he wants it as bad as I do. If it goes my way, Stephen Fulton is next and that’s a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time. It’s time to unify. If that’s not what you come to boxing for, then what are you in boxing for?

“Fulton is the fight I’ve been wanting. I know he’s been talking a lot. First of all, I need to get through Luis Nery. I just can’t wait for these big fights and these big names. I’ve been trying to fight Fulton for a while and now it’s going to be made if everything goes well Saturday night. He’d be next and I can’t wait to put on a show again.

“I know Luis Nery comes to fight. He’s a strong fighter at the 118-pound division but the 122-pound division is a different story. I feel like we’re just going to have to find out Saturday night, though. I come forward. I bring the pressure and I’m definitely going to bring the power, the size and all the advantages I have to make sure that we give the fans a great show. I do respect him as a fighter but we’re just going to have to find out Saturday.

“I feel like this is a fight that could be Fight of the Year. I know everything is on the line and I’m going to go out there and make sure I give it my all. If I do that, it’s going to be a great fight.”

DANNY ROMAN

“I’m a former unified champion and I’m still overlooked. I’m still the guy who you have to beat at super bantamweight.

“I’m going against a great opponent. He has a high knockout rate, so I have to fight a smart fight. Props to him for taking the fight, but I’m not overlooking him. Everyone is a threat when they get in that ring.

“I know that the champions are trying to avoid me and skip over me for other fights. But I deserve respect and I’m going to show why they’re avoiding me on Saturday.

“Espinoza is a great fighter who has great power. I’m taking this fight like I’m facing another champion. Anything can happen inside of the ring. All I can control is my performance against Espinoza on Saturday.

“I’m trying to make a statement on Saturday night. I’m going to show everyone that I’m still at the championship level.”

RICARDO ESPINOZA

“Danny Roman has fought some really quality opponents that are high in the rankings, but this is my time. This is when I show that I can step up in competition and prove that I belong with the best.

“The reason why I think I’m going to win this fight, more than anything, is because I believe in myself. I have a great team behind me and if I have faith in myself, all good things are going to happen from now on.

“I admire a lot of fighters but I don’t want to compare myself to any of them. I am Ricardo Espinoza and I’m one of a kind.

“Danny Roman is definitely a great opponent and I feel like my preparation and training can showcase why I can be considered one of the best in the division. Saturday night will be a great showcase for me.”

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“You’re going to see me stay composed throughout this whole fight. I was winning my last fight decisively and I got too overconfident. I fell asleep against an experienced fighter and he took advantage, but I was still able to get the win. I learned from that and I’m going to take it into this fight.

“I’m not too worried about a late opponent change. I had a sparring partner who was very similar to Burgos, so it worked out well. This is another big fight for me. Fighting someone with his experience will make me step up my game.

“I think fighting in front of the fans is going to help all of us. The fans give us a lot of drive. It’s going to make this an even more exciting night.

“This is boxing, and in order to find out what you’re made of in this sport, you have to go through adversity. Getting knocked down two times can defeat a fighter mentality. I learned a lot from that fight and it’s helped me become a more mature fighter.

“I’m going to keep my foot on the gas. I’m going to stay on my toes. All it takes is one punch to change the fight. I just have to stick to the game plan.”

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

“The fight will be on short notice, but it won’t affect me at all because I have been training since January. I was going to fight in Tijuana on February 27, that didn’t happen. I was going to fight in early May, that didn’t happen. So even though the fight is on short notice, I am plenty ready to go on Saturday night.

“Xavier Martinez is a good fighter. He is undefeated for a reason and I’m sure that we’re both going to give the fans a show. It’s going to be a great fight but I am coming plenty prepared and ready to give the fans the show they deserve.

“There is a reputation that I have come up short in the big fights. But against ‘Rocky’ Martinez for example, I felt like I won the title and the judges just robbed it from me. I am more than ready to redeem myself and show what I am capable of on Saturday night.

“This is definitely a big fight for me and I’m going to have a great opponent in front of me in Xavier Martinez. I have a lot to give still and I want to show that Juan Carlos Burgos is here to stay still.”

#

ABOUT NERY VS. FIGUEROA
Nery vs. Figueroa will see two elite undefeated 122-pound champions meet as Luis Nery defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship against Brandon Figueroa in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman faces Ricardo Espinoza in a 10-round battle at 122 pounds, while undefeated rising star Xavier Martinez meets former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a super featherweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds to open the telecast.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. (May 4, 2021) – Undefeated super bantamweight champions will meet for 122-pound supremacy when Luis Nery makes the first defense of his WBC world title against Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa in the headline attraction of a three-fight card live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Roman take on hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza Franco in the 10-round co-main event, plus in the telecast opener undefeated super featherweight contender Xavier Martinez squares off against former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator.

Nery vs. Figueroa will see the powerful two-division champion Nery pursue a signature win at super bantamweight, while the rising Figueroa looks to use his all-action style to earn a career-best victory and announce his presence amongst the sport’s elite. The winner of this fight will be in line to face WBO 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton later this year in a unification showdown.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

“The super bantamweight division is one of boxing’s most intriguing, and this showdown between Nery and Figueroa will be a huge step towards declaring the king of the weight class,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These two undefeated 122-pound champions will leave it all in the ring in front of the passionate Southern California fight fans on May 15. With two Mexican-warriors going toe-to-toe, this is a main event that you won’t want to miss a second of.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The Tijuana, Mexico native Nery (31-0, 24 KOs) became a two-division world champion in September as he won a wide unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Aaron Alameda to capture his WBC crown. The 26-year-old had held an 11-fight knockout streak entering that 122-pound title fight, establishing himself as a premier knockout artist at bantamweight during a run that included stoppages of former champions McJoe Arroyo and Juan Carlos Payano. Nery first became champion in 2017, when he went to Japan and stopped Shinsuke Yamanaka in his home country to capture the WBC bantamweight world title.

“This is one of the biggest fights of my career,” said Nery. “I am going to win this fight in spectacular fashion. I’m training hard every day to make sure I get the win on May 15. This is my time to make history for Mexico.”

The 24-year-old Figueroa (21-0-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring after his most recent outing saw him stop Damien Vazquez in round 10 of their September 2020 clash. Figueroa applied his all-action style scoring knockouts over veteran contenders Moises Flores and Oscar Escandon to move his way up the 122-pound rankings. He captured the WBA’s interim super bantamweight title by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in April 2019, before eventually being elevated to “regular” champion. Figueroa has trained for this career-defining bout in Southern California, alongside his brother and former world champion Omar Figueroa.

“Training camp out here in California with Joel Diaz has been amazing,” said Figueroa. “I’m in tremendous shape and I’ll be ready to go on May 15. This is really one of the best training camps of my career. I know Nery is a tough fighter, maybe my toughest test to date. I’m 24 now, so it’s time for me to start fighting these world class fighters and prove to myself that I belong in there with the best fighters. I know Stephen Fulton is lined up for the winner of this fight, but I’m preparing 110% for Nery. I know he’s not just any fighter, so I’m doing everything I can to come away with the win on May 15.”

Ranked in the top five by all four sanctioning bodies at super bantamweight, Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs) will look to continue on his path back toward another world title when he steps in the ring on May 15. The 30-year-old from Los Angeles most recently won an exciting 12-round unanimous decision over former champion Juan Carlos Payano last September. Roman first became world champion in 2017, when he stopped Shun Kubo for the WBA title. Roman would go on to unify titles by beating TJ Doheny for his IBF strap in 2019, before losing a narrow split decision to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January 2020.

“I’m delighted to be fighting once again and can’t wait to step into the ring May 15 on SHOWTIME,” said Roman. “Ricardo Espinoza is a very tough fighter with a lot of heart. I know this fight is going to be another war and I’m fully prepared to go to battle. I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight, so fans can expect to see me throw a lot of punches. I’m going to make this fight a classic Mexican showdown.”

The 23-year-old Espinoza (25-3, 21 KOs) has fought professionally since 2015 and has won 15 of his last 16 fights heading into May 15. Fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Espinoza dropped a bantamweight interim title fight to current world champion John Riel Casimero in 2019 via a 12th round knockout in a fight that was virtually tied on the cards. Espinoza bounced back with two straight victories, including his most recent triumph, a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Brandon Valdes last August.

“I’m training as hard as I ever have for this opportunity on May 15,” said Espinoza. “I feel strong and prepared for anything Roman is going to throw at me. I know that he’s an accomplished fighter, but I have all of the tools to be victorious and win an exciting fight that the fans are going to love.”

A Mayweather Promotions prospect from Sacramento, Calif., Martínez (15-0, 11 KOs) has trained for this fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 23-year-old earned a career-best victory in his last outing, defeating veteran contender Claudio Marrero by unanimous decision in October on SHOWTIME. Previously, Martínez added three stoppage victories to his record in 2019 to run up a seven-fight knockout streak heading into the Marrero fight.

“I’ve felt great in camp and have already been preparing hard for this opponent,” said Martinez. “My last fight was an incredible experience. The biggest thing it taught me is just because you’re winning, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. That’s the same mentality I’m taking into this fight. I proved in my last fight that I can box and can hang with the best in the sport. This is a side many haven’t seen because I’ve been decapitating my previous opponents. The world is going to see how much versatility I carry in my skill set. May 15 is another day in the office, and it’s time to work!”

The Tijuana, Mexico native Burgos (34-4-2, 21 KOs) has faced an impressive resume of top fighters throughout his extensive career, dropping world title bouts to Mikey Garcia and Hozumi Hasegawa, in addition to a draw in a 130-pound title tilt against Roman Martinez. The 33-year-old ended up on the short end of decisions in challenges of unbeaten champion Devin Haney in 2018 and undefeated Hector Tanajara in January 2020. Most recently, he won a unanimous decision over Juan Ramon Bernal in March 2020.

“This is another opportunity for me to show that I have a lot left to give in the ring,” says Burgos. “Martínez doesn’t have a strong chin, as everyone saw when he got dropped twice by Claudio Marrero in his last fight. I’ve been training hard and waiting for an opportunity like this. Fans can expect an explosive performance on May 15.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2018) – Undefeated phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), is making noise in the lightweight division as the 19-year-old fighter is now ranked #8 by the WBA after his 10-round unanimous decision win over Juan Carlos Burgos (33-3-2, 21 KOs) last Friday night on ShoBox: The Next Generation, broadcast worldwide by Showtime.

Haney, a blue-chip prospect, dominated the former three-time world title challenger Burgos in their recent clash. The impressive feat has many fans and media members alike clamoring for Haney to be in contention for a world title shot.

“I believe in my skill and speed, I am second to none,” said Haney. “I’m the next superstar in the sport. Right now, I am focused on each and every fight. The media and fans can bring up exciting fights for me to take or even mention my name amongst world champions, but the main goal for me is to focus on the fights presented in front of me.”

Haney, who is not just a world title contender, but also a promoter, who promoted his fight last Friday night on Showtime under his promotional banner, Devin Haney Promotions.

“I am doing things differently than others my age,” Haney continued. “I am a promoter and a world-class fighter, so it is important that I stay very focused. I’m knocking on the doorstep of a world title. My time is coming.”

TEMECULA, Calif. (September 27, 2018) – Devin Haney and Juan Carlos Burgos made weight just a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event headlines a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. The 19-year-old Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) returns for his second ShoBox challenge of 2018 against the veteran Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs).

The much-anticipated rematch between Thomas Mattice and Zhora Hamazaryan will go on as an eight-round super lightweight bout as Mattice failed to make the contracted 135-pound lightweight limit. Cleveland’s Mattice, who battled the flu earlier in the week, said he was feeling 100 percent and ready to go on Thursday.

Two undefeated super middleweight prospects will meet in the opening bout as Cem Kilic (11-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles and DeAndre Ware (12-0-2, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, both weighed in at the same 167-½ pounds.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Ringside Tickets Inc., are priced at $19 for General Admission, and $29, $59, $79, $99, and $129 for Ringside and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Casino Box Office at 1-888-810-8871 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Lightweights 10-Round Bout
Devin Haney – 134 ¾ lbs.
Juan Carlos Burgos – 134 ½ lbs.
Referee: Zachary Young; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Super Lightweights 8-Round Bout
Thomas Mattice – 138 ½ lbs.
Zhora Hamaryan – 134 ½ lbs.
Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Super Middleweight 8-Round Bout
Cem Kilic – 167 ½ lbs.
DeAndre Ware – 167 ½ lbs.
Referee: Tony Krebs; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

FINAL QUOTES:

DEVIN HANEY:
“I’m one of the best boxers in the game. I think most of my opponents know that when they get in the ring with me and that’s why they try to land their best shot as soon as the fight is on. They try, but they don’t touch me.

“When I fought Mason Menard, skeptics said I was over my head, that I didn’t stand a chance. And I got in the ring and I won. I outclassed him. Then, they started saying that Menard was not at his best, that he didn’t bring his ‘A’ game. I feel I don’t get the recognition I deserve. I work really hard. I love this sport and I give my all.

“I have been fighting at 132 since I was 16, now I’m at 135. It takes a lot of discipline. I have a great team that stands by me and helps me be the best version of myself.”

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:
“This is my second fight at 135. I feel good. I feel that I have evolved as a boxer since my last fight. I feel strong. I think it has to do with experience, after some time you just learn your lesson and move forward.

“I am very skilled boxer and after the Mikey [Garcia] fight I learned a lot about myself mentally and physically. I want to get another title shot and. I feel this fight is the right opportunity for me, because with this fight I’m planning to show the world I’m still an elite boxer.

“I don’t think Haney has fought a fighter with the experience I have. You can be talented but there are things you can’t teach. You only learn them with time. No matter how talented you are.”

THOMAS MATTICE:
“I’m recovering from the flu but now I’m 100 percent physically, and mentally I’m there too. I lost focus after the knockdown and never was able to get back on track.

“The cross country travel from New Jersey to California was tough, and we had some issues and I lost a few days because of things out of my control.

“It was tight. Every round was tight in the first fight. It depends on how you look at it. I know 80 percent of the people watching think I lost. But there were rounds that I won. The only round he out-landed me was the second and seventh round.

“I didn’t give my best effort in the first fight. That’s why I decided to take the rematch. I didn’t have to take it, but I did. I’m not paid to judge fights; I fight them.”

ZHORA HAMAZARYAN:
“I’m just going to pressure him and come forward. I can’t leave it in the judges’ hands. I know I have to be the aggressor, so it should only last three or four rounds.

“It was very unfair. I know I did everything in the books to look good, to have a clean fight, to win but the judges gave it to him. I was not happy.

“Once I get in the ring, I’ll break him down and I’ll make adjustments. He’s not going to win without deserving it again. I’ll make sure of that.”

CEM KILIC:
“When I came to the United States I struggled to find the right trainer. The right adjustment from what I was used to do in Germany and what I wanted to do here. Trainers in Germany are different. I tried a few trainers here and there and then, I found Buddy McGirt. I liked him right away, he’s old school and that’s exactly what I wanted.

“I’ve had very good sparring partners, not only for this fight, but also throughout my career. I’ve sparred with Jermell Charlo, Miguel Cotto, Errol Spence Jr. You make one mistake and you pay for it, that’s one of the thing I’ve learned – especially Charlo. He capitalizes on your mistakes. I think Spence was more difficult than Charlo. He just brings it. He’s so quick. He gave me a lot of confidence. He told me to keep it up because one day I’d be a world champion.

“Before I started boxing I admired Muhammad Ali. He loves Islam, the real Islam, the one is all about love. Then I started boxing and although dancing is not my style, Ali remained as my favorite fighter, my inspiration.

“I get in your face. I like to come forward. If I wanted to be a dancer, I’d be a dancer. I’m a boxer and you’ll see me doing that tomorrow. I’ll get in his face.

“Besides Charlo, I don’t know anyone that would stand in front of me and apply pressure. All the other fighters I’ve been in the ring with have to do combinations and move around. They can’t take it.”

DeANDRE WARE:
“I’m confident in my skills. I’ve been in the gym doing the things that I need to do, strength and conditioning, sparring. My confidence comes from my hard work and dedication. I know what I put in and I know what I’m capable of. I listen to my trainer, I’m disciplined. I’m all business.

“I took this fight with little notice but trust me, I’m ready. I know I’m the B side and all. And I know what that means: I have to do more than just box. I have to win the public, the judges, the people watching at home. I’m basically in my opponent’s hometown. I know what I’m in for. They are in for a surprise.

“I’m a firefighter. I work on Station 4 on Hill Avenue in Toledo. They support me 100 percent, they even built me a gym at the station so I can train there too. I was supposed to work tomorrow but someone is covering for me.”

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 77 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 26 2018) –Three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs) marks his return to national television when he meets rising talent Devin Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader Friday, Sept. 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Burgos, who has challenged for world titles at featherweight and junior lightweight, is stepping up to 135 lbs. for his fight against Haney. The Tijuana, Mex. resident boasts a far more impressive resume than the younger 19-year-old Haney, which he believes will be the difference maker on Friday night.

Burgos, 30, reflects on his past defeats and offers a preview of what might happen during Friday’s main event in a brief Q&A interview below.

What do you know about your opponent Devin Haney?

“He’s fought in Tijuana a bunch of times so I’ve seen him in person. I didn’t really pay that much attention to him at the time. He has ability. He’s hungry with good skills, but I don’t think he’s ready for a fighter like me. He’s too young and I’m an experienced fighter that knows how to win.”

How has your training camp gone?

“We’ve had an excellent training camp. We are training for the best possible outcome for us. Physically, I feel strong. Mentally I’m ready for whatever he brings. I’m going to show everyone that I still have a lot to give to this sport.”

What can a win do for your career?

“Winning this fight will lead to bigger fights. I want to be back in marquee fights and if I win, I should have more options. Even though I took some time off a few years ago, I never stopped training. I was always in the gym. There won’t be any ring rust. I love this sport. My focus is on winning.”

How do you see the fight unfolding?

“I’m a technical fighter. That’s not a secret. I can counter punch too if Haney wants to bring it. I’ll brush him back. I can win a fight in a lot of different ways. I’m not one dimensional like most of the guys he’s faced. I think that’s going to bother him. He’s never faced anyone close to my skill level. He thinks he’s good, but he has no idea how to win a tough fight. Meanwhile, I’ve been in with some of the best talent in the sport.”

You’ve had some setbacks in your world title fights. At 22, you suffered a points defeat to Hozumi Hasegawa in what was a vacant championship fight. You had a draw to Roman Martinez in January 2013, and one year later a unanimous decision loss to Mikey Garcia. What did you learn from those experiences?

“I didn’t accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion. That’s the truth to it. My motivation to be great still exists. I use my setbacks as motivation to get better. I need to get past Haney to realize my goals.”

The co-feature showcases an immediate rematch of one of 2018’s most controversial and widely disputed fights. Lightweights Thomas Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) and Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) will face off less than three months after judges in Iowa awarded Mattice what many ringside observers considered one of the worst decisions in recent memory.

Burgos and Hamazaryan are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Ringside Tickets Inc., priced $19 for General Admission, $29, $59, $79, $99, and $129 for Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Casino Box Office at 1-888-810-8871 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Phil Rivera

Saturday in the little room at Madison Square Garden, Oxnard’s Mikey Garcia made another admirably professional showing, this time in the super featherweight division, against another wholly outmatched opponent, this time in the form of Mexican Juan Carlos “Miniburgos” Burgos, on HBO – a network quite supportive of Garcia. This match readied the table for a war in the summertime between Garcia, a technically flawless counterpuncher, and the Cuban chloroform dispenser named Yuriorkis Gamboa.

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? HBO is aflutter with the possibility of matching an undefeated marquee name from the Top Rank stable with the fantastically flawed but still undefeated Gamboa, a prizefighter whom the network has been building for some while now with enthusiasm irregular as Gamboa’s chin. It was four years ago, nearly to the day, on Jan. 23, 2010, that HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” program featured Gamboa on the same card as undefeated Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez. Gamboa laid waste to Rogers Mtagwa, who’d brought “Juanma” within a sip of drowning in the deep waters of their title match four months prior, Lopez retired Steven Luevano, and HBO aroused its viewership with overtures of Gamboa-Lopez in the very near future.

Bob Arum, head of Top Rank, promoter of both men, addressed HBO’s anxious viewership thusly: “I know what people want, and they can go f–k themselves.”

Lopez and Gamboa continued to circle one another, recycling opponents. Then in March 2011, Gamboa solicited from poor Jorge Solis a concession no one, certainly not Manny Pacquiao, hit hard as Gamboa. The moment was ripe for Lopez-Gamboa to not-happen for a second year. What suspenseful bleating the non-event was about to incite, though, got muted 21 days later when Lopez got flattened by Orlando Salido and all thoughts of what Arum anticipated would be “the biggest featherweight fight of all time” instead moved inexorably toward a day when, in an attempt to make Gamboa’s 2012 match with someone named Michael Farenas enticing, rapper-cum-promoter Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson would chant unevenly over background vocals while being lowered from Top Rank’s video apparatus above an MGM Grand ring erected for what became Juan Manuel Marquez’s razing of Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank’s 2013 top line.

Since a Lopez fight with Gamboa by then made no sense, especially not after Juanma again got stopped in his 2012 rematch with Salido, Top Rank seasoned Lopez for a feeding to Mikey Garcia – a young fighter already supplanting his temperamental stablemate, Nonito Donaire, as the future of Top Rank, even before the flashy Filipino got undressed by a Cuban named Guillermo Rigondeaux who is much, much better than his fellow islander Gamboa. This brought things limping to Dallas in June where Juanma took the scale on a makeshift dais in American Airlines Center’s concourse and looked a perfect 125 1/4-pound feast for Garcia.

Ah, but Mikey’d been doing some off-menu grazing and missed the match’s contracted weight by a clean two pounds. For once Arum was sincerely irate. He sat silently in the middle seat of the first row of chairs, shoulders hunched and so tight – as John Updike once put it – if you’d have tapped him he’d have rung like a gong. One of Top Rank TV’s microphoned models filmed Father’s Day greetings onstage while Garcia ostensibly tried to make weight, and when she misread Arum’s first refusal to say something mirthfully paternal to her network’s viewers and asked again, she got a reply whose words and temperature were akin to Arum’s January 2010 greetings to HBO viewers.

Garcia came back a couple hours later, dry as he’d left, signed a piece of paper and left again. Arum announced the main event cancelled, and like that, much sheen came off the Garcia bust. Mikey stretched Juanma in four the following night – the fight back on! – then stopped Roman Martinez in Corpus Christi five months later.

Garcia is no longer held in the esteem he was previously, which is neither unfair nor particularly tragic, as more than a few aficionados looked askance at the bizarre stoppage of his fight against Orlando Salido a year ago – when the fight was called-off and sent cardsward because Mikey’s nose was broken, an occurrence more common in prizefights than goals in soccer games. Saturday’s dull decision over “Miniburgos,” now 0-1-2 in his last 18 months, did little to restore Garcia’s luster.

Enter Gamboa. There probably could not be a better opponent for Top Rank’s Garcia-restoration purposes than “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” – a guy with no discernible defense, reflexes not quite quick as he thinks they are, and hours of titillating knockout-reel footage for HBO’s documentarians to mine. By the time “Countdown to ‘Gamboa’s Guantanamo: Extraordinary Rendition’” completes its fifth replay and opening bell rings, casual fans, glancing with anticipatory horror through partially covered eyes, will be both admiring and surprised Little Mikey was courageous enough even to toe the line for a second round. And when Garcia starches Gamboa in the later rounds – and likely not late as we think – when he finishes a job most of Gamboa’s recent opponents have started, we’ll have little choice but to admit Garcia is what we secretly hoped he was, and begin accusing Floyd Mayweather Jr. of ducking him.

The serious folks in the room, meanwhile, will bite our tongues, knowing contemporary boxing could still do much worse for its face than Mikey Garcia.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

NEW YORK–Mikey Garcia remained perfect as he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Burgos to retian the WBO Jr. Lightweight title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

It was a lackluster part for the most part. Burgos one shining moment came in round two when he landed a hard right hand that buckled Garcia badly. But Garcia rocked Burgos in round three and that shot seemed to make Burgos more hesitant to make anything happen. Garcia was able to settle down and box Burgos at his own pace and basically won every round there on after.

Garcia, 129.2 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110 and is now 34-0. Burgos, 129 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 30-2-2.

Bryant Jennings scored a 10th round stoppage over Artuz Sziplka in a battle of undefeated Heavyweights.

The fight started off with both guys showing good movement for heavyweight.s In round twom Jennings started to get through with shots. He started to work the body throughout and landed a right hand to the body that sent Szpilka to a knee. Jennings kept up the dominance and dropped Szpilka with a short right and left. Sziplka got to his feet but it wasn’t long bfore a barrage of punches forced referee Michael Ortega stopped the bout at 2:20 of round 10.

Jennings, 225 lbs of Philadelphia is now 18-0 with 10 knockouts. Szipilka 223.6 lbs of Warsaw, POL is now 16-1.

“I came out here to put on a show and I think I accomplished that goal,” said Jennings. “Szplika is a very tough fighter and I give him credit for lasting as long as he did. After the first knockdown I didn’t think he would last much longer but he showed great heart and almost went the distance.”

“I’m ready to step up and challenge for a world title,” Jennings continued. “I’m going to take it one day at a time and see what my team presents me. I want to thank Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard, James Prince and HBO for giving me this opportunity.”

“Jennings showed he’s a very talented fighter,” said Gary Shaw. “Boxing needs heavyweights that can close the show and Jennings proved that tonight on his HBO debut. I will talk with James Prince and Antonio Leonard to see what is next for Jennings. He’s the first American heavyweight in many years that has a legitimate shot to be the World Champion. The Polish Prince put up a great fight, but tonight it was all about the USA. Right now I’m very happy with Jennings performance.”

“Bryant Jennings is no joke,” stated co-promoter Antonio Leonard. “He’s going to take the heavyweight division by storm and I see him becoming a world champion very soon.”

“I know Jennings has the talent to take over the heavyweight division,” manager James Prince said. “Tonight he took a giant step toward a world title shot. Boxing fans here in the U.S have a heavyweight in Jennings they can rally behind. We are gunning for the best out there.”

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive just 21 seconds into his bout with Lauro Alcantar in a battle of undefeated Lightweights.

Verdejo landed the “6 inch left hook” right on the chin of Alcantar and he was splattered on the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Verdejo, 1346 lbs San Juan, PR is now 10-0 with 7 knockouts. Alcantar, 135.2 lbs of Agua Prieta, MEX is now 8-1.

Jesse Hart scored a six round unanimous decision over Derrick Frinley in a Super Middleweight bout.

Scores were 60-54 om all cards for Hart, 169 lbs pf Philadelphia and is now 12-0. Findley, 168.2 lbs of Gary, IN is now 20-12-1-1.

Alberto Marchado scored a spectacular 2nd round stoppage ove Nuwan Jayakody in a scheduled 6 round Featherweight bout.

Machado blasted Jayakody with a left hook that sent him to the canvas. Jayakody tried to get his feet but stumbled down and the fight was stopped at 1:34 of round two.

Machado, 126 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts. Jayakody, 125.8 lbs of Nittabuwa, Sri Lanka is now 2-4-1.

Francisco Vargas scored a 1st round stoppage over four round Lopez in a scheduled four round Weltereight bout.

Vargas drilled Lopez with hard right hook that him flat on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Vargas, 149 lbs of San Juan PR is now 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Lopez, 146.4 lbs of Denver, CO is now 1-1.

Seanie Monaghan scored a 1st round stoppage over Matt Vanda when Vanda had to retire with a bicep injury. The time of stoppage was 2:51 for Monaghan, 175 lbs of Long Beach, NY who is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Vanda, 173.2 lbs of St. Paul. MN 45-16.

Julian Rodriguez scored a 1st round stoppage over Neyeine Muang in a scheduled four round Super Lightweight bout.

The time was 1:51 for Rodriguez, 141.4 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, Nj is now 3-0 with 2 knockouts. Muang, 141.2 lbs of Utica, NY is now 1-1-2.

HBO’s hit late-night boxing franchise begins 2014 with an all-action doubleheader featuring an intriguing junior lightweight title showdown when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: MIKEY GARCIA VS. JUAN CARLOS BURGOS AND BRYANT JENNINGS VS. ARTUR SZPILKA is seen from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on SATURDAY, JAN. 25 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT), exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 26 (9:30 a.m.) and 28 (midnight)
HBO2 playdates: Jan. 26 (4:45 p.m.) and 27 (11:00 p.m.)
The main event pits Mikey Garcia (33-0, 28 KOs) of Oxnard, Cal. against Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, in a scheduled 12-round, 130-pound title bout. Garcia comes from a talented boxing family: The 26-year-old is trained and co-managed by his father, Eduardo, and his brother, Robert, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s 2012 Trainer of the Year. Garcia has been on the fast track to superstar status, steamrolling the competition and emerging as one of the sport’s elite fighters. His three wins in 2013 were convincing triumphs over former champions Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez and Rocky Martinez. The 26-year-old Burgos is a seasoned veteran who will be making his third bid for a world title.
In the co-feature bout, rising heavyweight Bryant Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs) makes his HBO debut. The 29-year-old Philadelphia native has attracted the attention from boxing observers as the sport searches for the next big American heavyweight star. His formidable foe, 24-year-old Artur Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs) of Krakow, Poland, has generated a following in the U.S. this year with two televised victories over Mike Mollo, both of them all-action affairs.
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.
® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight champion and 2013 Fighter of the Year nominee MIKEY GARCIA (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS BURGOS (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, hosted an international Media Conference Call from their respective training camps on Tuesday. Garcia and Burgos are in the final weeks of training before their world title fight collision at The Mecca of Boxing — Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Garcia – Burgos world junior lightweight title fight takes place on Saturday, January 25 and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka.

BOB ARUM: This is going to be a great fight and this is going to be a great event. It’s wonderful for me personally to be back in New York and back in Madison Square Garden.

ARTIE PELULLO: I would like to thank everyone involved in the show. There was a disappointment when Juan Carlos had the draw against Rocky Martinez last January. We did believe he won the fight but nevertheless, the WBO and Paco Valcarcel made Juan Carlos the number one contender and Alex and I were able to make an arrangement with Carl and Bob that we would be the first title defense and we are grateful for that and Bob’s right – it is going to be a real good fight. These are both good fighters. Mikey Garcia is at the top of his game and it’s going to be a difficult fight for our guy and we believe he is going to win the fight and he has been training hard in Tijuana. You are going to see two guys that don’t know how to back up and everybody knows that so it’s going to be a great fight.

ALEX CAMPONOVA: Juan Carlos has had two chances for a world title. We know about Mikey Garcia and Juan Carlos has been preparing like we have never seen before.

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: Good afternoon to all of you and it’s a great honor for me to speak to you all. And I want to say hello to all of you from Tijuana.

MIKEY GARCIA: I’m happy to be back. It was a great fight last time I was at The Garden and I am looking forward to this opponent who is in front of me. I know he will be difficult – he has had great accomplishments in the boxing ring. After his last fight a lot of people thought he should have been the champion. It’s going to be a good fight and it’s going to be a good card. There are some really good fighters and Burgos and I are going to put on a great show for the fans.

Mikey, how do you feel about fighting in New York?

MIKEY GARCIA: It’s really good for me to fight on the east coast and in New York. This is a real big boxing venue – big fights, historic fights have taken place there and I just want to make sure the fans see a good show and remember watching me fight in that arena. They are real boxing fans there. They are not just there to watch the main event. They are there to watch the whole night of boxing. That’s what is great about being in New York. And boxing is alive and it’s great and I am really happy to be back.

Do you feel fighting in New York makes you a bigger star?

MIKEY GARCIA: Fighting in New York is a great feeling. And fighting in Madison Square Garden is a big deal to me, but it all depends on if the fans don’t show up it doesn’t matter. If they do come and show their support and show their love and admire me as a fighter – that is what I strive for and that’s the best.

Did you watch the Burgos-Martinez fight while you were in the dressing room?

MIKEY GARCIA: I didn’t get to watch the fight when it happened and I have only watched a couple of rounds from that fight. My dad and Robert watch the video of my opponents. I just watch a couple of rounds here and there.

What is your plan at this weight class?

MIKEY GARCIA: We will have to look at the options after this fight. Hopefully everything turns out well next week and we can move forward with our plans. We’d have to look at the top fighters in the next weight class and if I do that I have to grow into the weight class. I would like to unify the titles before moving up but if there is something better at 135 then I will go there. Then I can unify the titles there or move up to 140 if the right fight is there or what options are available. It’s not easy to put a fight together and in this business you’ve got to look at everything before you can move up in weight class.

MIKEY GARCIA: I would have to make a fight at 135 before moving up to 140. I feel that 135 would be a very good division for me and I think I can do something in the lightweight division.

Talk about how the Amidu fight played out?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: I am in a perfect position at 130 lbs. Yes I took that fight but it was important to do it. I couldn’t back out of it and compromise the promoters and the venue and the TV – I wasn’t going to back out of a main event fight. Obviously the jump in weight affected me because I was prepared to fight a smaller guy or a guy with a smaller frame. However, I watched the fight a couple of times and it looked like the judges were going against me – it was the second time I had a draw – the first was against Martinez and the second one was against Amidu. I felt strong throughout the fight – I didn’t think he hurt me or anything and according to what I saw I thought I won the fight – it may have been a short margin but I thought I won the fight.

Bob, do you feel Mikey is a Top-10 Pound for Pound fighter?

BOB ARUM: Yes, I believe that he is a Top-10 Pound for Pound fighter right now and soon he will be universally accepted as the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.

What makes you say that from his last couple of fights?

BOB ARUM: He’s a complete fighter – he has great technique and great defense. He is a powerful puncher and when he throws his punches it is with great intent. In other words he doesn’t waste a lot of punches. He measures his opponent and then throws his punches accordingly with a lot of power. So he is a complete fighter and he is getting better.

Mikey, do you feel you are Top-10 Pound-for-Pound?

MIKEY GARCIA: I do feel I am at least a Top 10. I’m just starting as world champion and I still have a lot to prove. I had some good fights last year but I am just here to do my job. I don’t pay that much attention to ratings to Top 10 lists – I just take it one fight at a time.

Juan Carlos, you are taller than other Garcia opponents – do you think that is an advantage?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: I know that I am tall for the division and when I was fighting at 126 I was tall for that division. I will try to use that to my advantage against Garcia because I know that I am taller than he. I will try to maximize all of my qualities inside the ring and at the same time try and exploit all of the mistakes that Garcia might make in the fight. As far as the Martinez fight comparing how each of us did – again that was a difficult chapter and whatever happened that night happened and I can’t dwell on that anymore. You all know that decision is on my record and I can’t change it. The only think I concentrate on right now is my future fight and that is against Garcia on the 25th. Nothing else matters to me. I am extremely focused and worked very hard like never before to fight a great champion like he is. I have prepared myself mentally and physically with my team for the 25th and that’s all that matters to me.

How important is it for you to fight in New York?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: It is an honor and a privilege to fight again at Madison Square Garden in a historic place where legends have been made. It is a pleasure for me to be there for the second time in my career – especially against a fighter like Mikey Garcia who is a young champion that I truly respect because of all his achievements. But all of my respect for him will go out the window on the 25th because I have a goal in mind and that is to become world champion. I have to do my job to take away his undefeated record and I am working extremely hard to achieve that goal.

MIKEY GARCIA: It is an honor to be fighting in Madison Square Garden. A lot of great fights have take place there and I hope the fans will remember this fight also. People have treated me very well in New York and I hope that everything goes well for me next week there.

Because of your last two fights ended in draws – do you feel you need to KO your opponent?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: You can say that those two draws were not just. I worked very hard in those fights to get the win and unfortunately two judges did not appreciate my work in the ring. But like I said before I am not looking at the past – I am looking at the immediate future, which is Mikey Garcia. In regards to the knockout, I don’t think about that. Like most fighters in the world today – I let him come to me and we see what happens. I am just going to go out there and do my work and to put everything into play what I have practiced.

Bob, how do you see the future schedule of Mikey Garcia?

BOB ARUM: It’s one fight at a time. A lot is happening in boxing and it happens really quick. Mikey is one of the few American stars in boxing. We have Mikey and Andre Ward, Floyd Mayweather and Timothy Bradley and there are not many other Americans who qualify as superstars. I envision – Mikey is taking on a lot of these non-Americans in really big fights and where that takes him I am not sure. Does it take him up in weight to 135 or 140 then a fight with Pacquiao or does it take him to a tremendous confrontation with Lomachenko if Lomachenko proves himself with Orlando Salido [March 1] and goes forward. Lomachenko, based on his amateur background, was the greatest amateur of all time. Will he be as successful in the pros and if he is will Mikey Garcia be his biggest fight? A lot can happen so we go one fight at a time. – whether he goes up, stays at 130 – that’s going to depend on what’s happening in boxing.

Is a fight with Pacquiao in his future?

BOB ARUM: Mikey will tell you himself. He was over in Macau when his stablemate, Brandon Rios fought Pacquiao, and he mentioned to some that down the road he would look forward to a fight with Manny Pacquiao. I am a big Mikey Garcia fans and I thought that would be good.

How is it going with Alex Ariza:

MIKEY GARCIA: A lot of people talk – they complain and say get rid of him. But it works well for me and I like working with the guy so why would I change it?

What if you do fight Pacquiao and have Ariza in your corner?

MIKEY GARCIA: I feel really good working with Ariza and you could see the results when he worked with Pacquiao. He kept moving up in divisions and dominated everyone. If we can do the same thing with me that only makes me a better fighter. We want the best team to help me perform the best. I don’t want to move up in weight class because I am lazy and don’t want to train hard. I will move up when my body is ready to go into that division and with Alex that will help me and I’ll be a lot better than if he wasn’t working with me.

Mikey, could you move down? Do you want to stay at 130 or move up?

MIKEY GARCIA: Right now I feel really good at 130. I could probably come down to 126. Even in my last fight everything was gong real well and the weight was coming off and I thought I could get to 126. But everyone, Robert, my dad, Alex, Top Rank, would like for me to stay at 130 or move up to 135. I think the plans to come back to 126 are no longer there. I think there are better things at a higher weight class.

MIKEY GARCIA: I am a thinking fighter in the ring. I work to pick my opportunities. I don’t watch any film of my opponents. I don’t only look at offense but I look at defense also and that allows me to be the fighter that I am. When I got knocked down against Martinez I got back up and went to work. I don’t get too excited either. I try to keep focus on the game plan and I do what I have to do t win the fight. If I need to take another round or two to get adjusted to an opponent I will do that.

You remind me of the tough fighters from the past that could hit like a mule…

MIKEY GARCIA: That is great to be compared to old time fighters and to have my name mentioned with them is an honor.

Juan Carlos, you are actually fighting for a title that should be yours, will that change the way you approach the fight – do you feel you need a KO?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: It is true that I deserved to win the title last year – January in New York. So now I have to try and win it again but I am at ease with myself because of the three months I have put in the gym but it’s not going to be an easy task because Mikey is a great champion but I feel very strong.

Final Comments:

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS: To all the fans I hope you get to see the fight either live at The Garden or on HBO on the 25th. I think it’s going to be a great fight to start the year. I have trained to the best of my ability to give everything I have inside the ring and to showcase myself. I hope for the both of us we have real good judges so that the real winner’s hand is raised after the fight.

MIKEY GARCIA: Thank you, everyone and I am looking forward to the fight next week in New York and hope for a good experience once again and give the fans a great fight.

BOB ARUM: I would like to thank HBO for putting this fight on the air – this fight along with the heavyweight fight between Jennings and Szpilka. I understand from the attorney Leon Margules that he is very optimistic that Szpilka will obtain his visa and will be coming to the United States this weekend. So I look forward to a great night at Madison Square Garden – there will also be a lot of young stars to accompany this match – Seanie Monaghan is on the card, Felix Verdejo will be on the card, the dynamic fighter from Philadelphia Jesse Hart will be on the card along with many other good fighters. It will be a terrific night of boxing at Madison Square Garden on the 25th

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Garcia – Burgos world championship event, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com www.thompsonboxing.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions, facebook.com/thompsonboxing or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing, twitter.com/thompsonboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #GarciaBurgos to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK (December 16, 2013) — Undefeated two-division world champion and Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Reserve Officer Academy graduate MIKEY GARCIA returns to the stage where he won his first world title 12 months earlier — The Theater at Madison Square Garden — only this time he’ll be defending his second world championship belt in as many weight classes. Garcia will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on the line against two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS “Mini” BURGOS. Garcia vs. Burgos will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders BRYANT JENNINGS and ARTUR SZPILKA.

These four warriors have a combined record of 96-1-2 (69 KOs) — a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 72%.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET — THE perfect holiday gift for boxing fans. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com. .

The non-televised undercard will feature New York’s favorite light heavyweight, undefeated Top-10 contender “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated lightweight contender FELIX VERDEJO and undefeated super middleweight contender JESSE HART, the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart. The trio of young contenders boast a perfect record of 39-0 (29 KOs).

“We are proud to be presenting Mike Garcia once again,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “We believe Mikey is the next big superstar in boxing and in 2014 that will become evident.”

“We are really excited for Juan Carlos Burgos and his opportunity to win the world title that he should have already had,” said Arthur Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions, who co promotes Burgos with Thompson Boxing Promotions . “Juan was given that very questionable draw against Rocky Martinez last January 25th at The Garden that robbed him of the title. Mikey Garcia is a tremendous fighter, but we feel that Juan has the tools and the experience to get the win and become the new Junior Lightweight Champion of the World.”

“Burgos is primed for a big year in 2014,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He’s one of the more talented boxers in his division and he’ll prove that against Mikey Garcia.”

“I’m happy to be returning to the ring,” said Garcia. ” Burgos is a very good fighter. He did very well against Rocky Martinez at The Garden last January and I think he is deserving of this title shot. There is no question we will give the fans a very exciting fight.”

“I’ve been looking forward to getting back in the ring,” Burgos said. “We’ve had a strong training camp with excellent sparring sessions. I know Mikey is a tough boxer, but I’ve been putting in the work and I expect a win on January 25.”

“With his two titles won in three victories on Boxing After Dark in 2013,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports, “Mikey Garcia joined an elite class of fighters who emerged throughout the past season as boxing’s rising stars. Now, we’ll see if he can keep up that momentum or if his challenger Juan Carlos Burgos can steal it for himself. Opening the show, two undefeated heavyweights, Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka, face off in their HBO debuts, a compelling addition to the season premiere.”

“Madison Square Garden is excited to welcome back one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world — Mikey Garcia — for another great night of world championship boxing,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Garcia versus Juan Carlos Burgos along with Seanie Monaghan and Felix Verdejo will be a thrilling night for fight fans and a great way to kick off another exciting year of boxing at The Garden.”

Garcia (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., returns to the ring having won 16 of his past 18 bouts by knockout and has not gone the distance in over three years. He became a two-division world champion in his last fight, stopping defending WBO junior lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez in the eighth round with a vicious body shot to the liver on November 9, in Corpus Christi, TX. Garcia won his first world title — the WBO featherweight championship — on January 19, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dethroning two-time featherweight champion Orlando Salido via an eighth-round technical win that had Garcia winning virtually every round against the seasoned veteran. He was forced to vacate the title in his first defense, for not being able to make the 126-pound weight limit. Though drained, he was still able to rise to the occasion and knock out former two-division world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez in the fourth round last June 15. Garcia, 26, had a great year in 2012 too, knocking out one-time world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion and former world champion Mauricio Pastrana, in the seventh and second rounds, respectively. He ended his 2012 campaign by knocking out former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jonathan Barros in the eighth round. Garcia is trained by his father Eduardo Garcia and co-managed and trained by his brother, 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion.

Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, will be making his third attempt at a world title. After unsuccessfully challenging Hozumi Hasagawa for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title in 2010, he moved up to the junior lightweight division stringing together a two-year, five-bout winning streak, including victories over Luis Cruz for the NABO title in 2011, and former world champion Cristobal Cruz for the WBC Silver championship belt in February 2012. In July 2012 Burgos stopped undefeated Cesar Vazquez in the third round to catapult himself into the No. 1 contender position. Burgos challenged defending WBO junior lightweight champion Rocky Martinez on the same card that saw Mikey Garcia stop Orlando Salido. Unfortunately Burgos’ efforts were not rewarded the same way as both fighters walked away with a disputed draw despite Burgos landing 93 more punches than Martinez, according to CompuBox statistics, including 70 more power punches, and his 36% connect rate was 13% higher than Martinez. Burgos, who turns 26 on December 26 — Boxing Day — returns to ring world-rated No. 1 by the WBO.

Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, is picking up steam, winning four of his last five bouts by knockout. One of the brightest lights among U.S. heavyweight contenders, Jennings, 29, captured the USBA heavyweight title in June of 2012, winning a 10-round decision over Steve Collins. He successfully defended that title in December 2012, knocking out Bowie Tupou in the fifth round. He only had one fight in 2013 — a sixth-round stoppage victory of Andrey Fedosov in June. Collins, Tupou and Fedosov had a combined record of 71-5-1 when they faced Jennings, who enters this fight with a new managerial and promotional team. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA.

Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs), of Krakow, Poiland, enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 12 fights by knockout, including three of the four bouts he fought in 2013. He has picked up an American following thanks to his two nationally-televised knockout victories over Mike Mollo in 2013, where both men hit the deck in each of their action-packed fights. Another highlight for Szpilka was his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Brian Minto for the interim WBC Baltic heavyweight title. He enters this fight world-rated No. 14 by the WBC.

One of New York’s top boxing attractions, Monaghan (19-0, 12 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, is the reigning WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight champion. He captured that title in June 2012, knocking out Romaro Johnson in the eighth round, and has successfully defended it twice — via a 10-round unanimous decision in October 2012 and in his pay-per-view debut, on the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez welterweight champion card, by stopping Anthony Caputo-Smith in the third round. Monaghan enters this fight having won four of his last six fights by stoppage and world-rated No. 6 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBA. He will be facing Fabio Garrido (19-4, 15 KOs), of Säo Paulo, Brazil, in a 10-round light heavyweight battle. Garrido, who has won his last three fights by knockout, captured the vacant Brazilian light heavyweight title on December 7, knocking out Ernesto Gonzalez in the first round.

Verdejo (9-0, 6 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has not only transitioned from a stellar amateur, where he fought on Puerto Rico’s 2012 Olympic team, to an exciting professional, he has also ignited the passions of his island’s boxing fans who currently have no world champions representing them. In short, he is showing the potential for being Puerto Rico’s next big boxing star, following the lineage of Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto in attracting legions of fans to his all-action fights not only in Puerto Rico, but in New York, Las Vegas and Florida. Verdejo, 20, fought eight times in 2013 and only went the distance twice. He will be facing Lauro Alcantar (8-0, 1 KO), of Agua Prieta, México, in a six-round battle of undefeated lightweight contenders.

Hart (11-0, 10 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA , won all six of his 2013 fights by knockout, with only one of those bouts reaching the third round. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late ’60s and early ’70s Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, the younger Hart, 24, will be taking on durable veteran Derrick Findley (20-11-1, 13 KOs), of Gary IN. Findley, who scored a second-round TKO of contender Ronald Hearns in 2012, has gone the distance against undefeated contenders Matt Korobov, Gilberto Ramirez and J’Leon Love.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com www.thompsonboxing.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions, facebook.com/thompsonboxing or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing, twitter.com/thompsonboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #GarciaBurgos to join the conversation on Twitter.

hicago, IL, Wednesday, October 23, 2013–Bobby Hitz announced that the always impressive lightweight Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu will return to the ring in the Main Event of “Fight Night at the Horseshoe: The Black Wednesday Battle” on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM at The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Amidu (20-4-2 18 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of Ghana, impressed a national television audience with a controversial draw against Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs) on July 26. His opponent will be announced shortly. Joining Amidu on the card that evening will be exciting Chicago super middleweight Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (11-0, 8 KOs) who will take on “King” David Thomas (10-4-2 8 KOs) of Evansville, IN in six round match. Tickets are available at The Venue Box office and hitzboxing.com.

“Our Black Wednesday card is packed with exciting evenly matched bouts and Chicago fight fans are in for excellent boxing,” said Hitz. “When Yakubu took that controversial draw against Burgos he proved that he deserves to be on the national stage, so its great to showcase him next month and I am excited to see how Mike bounces back after the Findley fight.”

Although Jimenez remains undefeated, he suffered a setback when Derrick “Superman” Findley of Gary, IN stopped him in the seventh rough of their September bout which was ruled a “no contest” after Findley tested positive for a banned substance.

Hitz will also present two bouts between undefeated fighters. Omaha’s knockout specialist Johnny “Wite Boi” Determan (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on the equally tough James Smith (7-0 5 KOs) of Detroit in a six round super flight weight bout. Promising welterweight Roy Navarro (2-0, 1 KO) of Downers Grove will square off against Rockford’s dynamic Nick “Bad Boy” Ramirez (3-0-1, 1 KO) in a four round bout.

Chicago veterans Genaro Mendez (7-1-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago and Antonio “Aztec God of War” Canas (8-1-1, 3 KOs) will go six rounds in an eagerly anticipate light welterweight between local favorites.

Also on the card are: undefeated Chicago cruiserweight Dimar “Strongman” Ortuz (9-0, 6 KOs) of Chicago, who is back in action after a long lay off; lightweight Jose “Chico” Arambula of Harvey, (5-0, 2 KOs); Chicago welterweight Luis “Sito” Santiago (6-0, 1 KO); heavyweight Nick Asberry (2-0, 2 KOs) of Waukegan; super featherweight Fidel Navarrete (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Highland, IN; female boxing sensation lightweight Kristin Gearhart of Chicago (1-0) and 2013 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion Eddie Ramirez who will make his pro-debut.

Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of the actuality show “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million internet views. Over the year’s the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

The $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Caesars Entertainment Corporation property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gambling destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and winner of the 2009, 2010, 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the May 2012 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery.

For more information, please visit: www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

Must be 21 years or older to gamble or attend events at The Venue. Know When To Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9WITH-IT © 2012 Caesars License Company, LLC.

Chicago, IL, Wednesday, July 31, 2013–Following Yakubu Amidu’s impressive outing on Friday night against Juan Carlos Burgos, which resulted in a controversial draw between the lightweights, Amidu’s promoter, Bobby Hitz is demanding a rematch.

“Yakubu was the aggressor all night, he matched Burgos punch for punch and dominated him in the 11th but the judges had him losing that round. After watching the replay I am con?dent that round and the ?ght should have gone to Yakubu,” said Hitz. “Yakubu took this fight on less than two weeks notice and impressed everyone with his performance. The crowd felt he was robbed. There is not one person who feels that we did not get robbed or at least deserves a rematch.”

Hitz is not alone in his belief that Yakubu deserves a rematch with Burgos. Steve Kim of Max Boxing on Friday night Steve Kim (@stevemaxboxing) of Max Boxing tweeted:

“Ok, it’s clear, Burgos and Amidu need to have a rematch. Give them a third of what Ward is asking to face a stiff on HBO… #boxing #FNF”

“Yakubu started the 11th strong, ended it strong and won 2 minutes and 40 seconds out of 3 minutes. In my opinion he won the round,” said Hitz. “Yakubu deserved a better outcome.”

Amidu joins Donatas Bondas, who fought # 1 rated Brian Vera, and Andrey Fedosov, who took on the highly rated Bryant Jennings, as members of the Hitz team who have impressed national TV audiences this year.

“Donatas’s fight was stopped recklessly by ref Charlie Fitch of New York, who did not know how to communicate with him. Meanwhile, Fedosov was in a position to beat Jennings but a questionable call by a fight doctor ended that bout prematurely,” said Hitz. “This should serve notice that when Hitz fighters are given a chance to perform on national TV there are going to give 150 percent in the ring and I owe it to them to fight for them outside of the ring.”

ABOUT HITZ BOXING: Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of “Hitz Boxing,” a reality show airing on YouTube which has amassed over 5 million views. Over the years the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA – In a great action fight, Yakubu Amidu rose to the occasion against the world class Juan Carlos Burgos, forcing a split decision draw in the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event outdoors at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Friday night.

Fighting out of his weight class, Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico found a willing and ready short notice opponent in the hard-charging lightweight Amidu (20-4-2, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Accra, Ghana. In what was designed as a showcase, Burgos and has team have to feel a little relieved that they left the ring with a draw after twelve sometimes hellacious rounds.

Amidu, 133, took a couple rounds to get warmed up and it may have cost him the decision. Burgos, 134, did not land too many telling blows through two stanzas, but he was carrying the action while Amidu kept a high guard and attempted to time with counters.

Amidu got going in round three as he timed his first of many clean left hand counters off of a Burgos body shot. The rangier Burgos could not keep Amidu at a distance as the Ghanaian continued to press forward and land lefts as the round progressed. Amidu continued to press the action in the fourth. Burgos got a brief reprieve from the attack when referee Ed Collantes called time when Amidu landed low.

Burgos stemmed some of Amidu’s momentum in round five as both men landed in some heated exchanges. Amidu may have edged the round after gaining the lead in another exchange as the round came to a close. Though the fight was fairly even, there was a sense that Burgos was in some danger midway through the bout.

The sun was still burning everything alive in the amphitheater in rounds six and seven, but the action did cool briefly. Amidu may have taken the sixth on ring generalship alone, as he pressed Burgos, the WBO #2 ranked super featherweight, from bell to bell.

Burgos regained a footing in the fight in round eight, as he was able to box and move out of danger. Even when Amidu forced Burgos to the ropes, the Mexican managed to do the majority of the landing. Burgos continued the momentum through the first two minutes of round nine. However, in the last sixty seconds Amidu forced Burgos back against the strands, bringing the crowd to their feet.

Just when Burgos needed a big round, he managed to conjure one up in the eleventh. The seemingly indestructible Amidu finally buckled after Burgos landed a clean right hand. With Amidu reeling momentarily, Burgos landed another clean right that forced the relentless Accra native to take a rare backward step.

Burgos started well in the twelfth, but Amidu refused to allow the fight to end without charging back with another rally. Amidu, smelling a career-best win and major upset, pressed forward and punished Burgos against the ropes as the fight came to a close.

After twelve hard-fought rounds, none of the three official scorers came close to an agreement on a winner. Burgos took one card 116-112, while Amidu took one by the same tally. A 114-114 card sewed up the draw. Neither fighter claimed the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title which was at stake.

“I felt the difference in weight class,” admitted Burgos after the bout, “and I am going to go back to 130-pounds, where I feel more comfortable.”

Amidu, though disappointed by the draw verdict, was happy the crowd on hand seemed to favor him in the fight. “I’m just going to keep on going,” added the Vince Vaughn-managed Amidu, who now becomes an attractive opponent for any of the up-and-coming lightweights.

In the opening bout of the evening and the televised co-feature, Miguel Gonzalez (22-3, 16 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio survived the 107 degree heat and scored a body shot stoppage of Josenilson Dos Santos (26-2, 16 KOs) of Santana de Parnaíba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The shorter Gonzalez, 136, managed to keep his head right at the chest of the lanky Dos Santos, 135, all fight. Dos Santos, who entered the bout as the WBO #13 ranked super featherweight, found it hard to land much of anything clean and never made Gonzalez pay for coming into range.

The fight turned into mauling affair after a few rounds. Dos Santos was cautioned for using his head several times beginning in the fourth, a round in which he was eventually penalized for holding. Gonzalez began a concentrated body effort in round six, which would lay the ground work for the stoppage two rounds later.

With Dos Santos wearing down under the hot ring lights at the start of the eighth, Gonzalez kept the pressure up and eventually landed a combination to the body the sent the Brazilian in retreat. One last shot that landed towards the back of Dos Santos expedited his fall to the canvas. With Dos Santos not showing any signs that he could beat the count, referee Dan Collins waved off the contest at 2:27 of the eighth.

After the bout, Gonzalez expressed interest in renewing a rivalry with an old amateur adversary and current world ranked contender. “I want the best and at 135 I want a gentleman by the name of Terrance Crawford,” announced Gonzalez immediately after the win. “He knows about [me] and I’m ready for him. There’s some history and I just want to get at him again and continue where I left off.”

In the first bout after television went off air, Razvan Cojanu (7-1, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Voinesti, Dambovita, Romania avenged his only career defeat with a four-round majority decision over trial horse Alvaro Morales (6-14-7) of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The comparatively slow pace of heavyweight action after the main event thriller left the crowd wanting, but Cojanu, 281, did what he set out to do in a way erasing the defeat he had suffered in his professional debut in 2011. Morales, 306, was the plodder he was expected to be, but he managed to win two rounds on one card. Scores read 38-38 and 40-36 twice for Cojanu.

Taras Shelestyuk (5-0, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Sumy, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine continued his steady rise with a well-boxed four-round unanimous decision over a game Adam Ealoms (3-4-3, 1 KO) of Bryan, Texas.

Shelestyuk, 148, was just a class above the willing Ealoms, 148.5. Midway through the fight it was apparent a knockout may not be in the cards. The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Shelestyuk seemed satisfied enough showing off his excellent boxing skills as he cruised to the decision. Scores read 40-36 across the board.

In his U.S. debut, unbeaten Fedor Papazov (12-0, 8 KOs) of Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia scored two knockdowns en route to a six-round unanimous decision over the always determined Joaquin Chavez (4-8-2, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles.

Papazov, 135, looked to be on his way to a potentially short night after dropping Chavez, 136.6, with a short right hand in the opening round. Chavez, known for his durability – even when matched against top prospects – got himself together and battled back. However, Papazov was just too skilled and scored another knockdown off a right hand midway through the fight. In the end, the cards read 59-54 and 59-53 twice for the former amateur standout Papazov.

The second to last walkout bout featured some good back-and-forth as Jarrod Tennant (1-0) of Los Angeles claimed a split decision in his pro debut over Brandon Adams (0-1) of Stockton, California. Tennant, 150, was a bit busier than was Adams, 149, though neither fighter ever had their opponent in any sort of trouble. Adams claimed one card 39-37. Tennant took the other two by the scores of 40-36 and 39-37.

In the final bout of the night, 6’9” giant Justin Goslee (2-0, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles remained unbeaten on a freak injury suffered by his opponent Kosetatino Sinoti (0-3) of Long Beach, California. The much shorter Sinoti, 229, came out firing and landed in the opening moments of the round. Goslee, 315.4, did not seem too bothered by the blows, but he was not really landing anything in retort. The two heavyweights threw at the same time and a loud pop echoed throughout the venue. Sinoti went down in a heap and writhed in pain on the mat, leaving referee Dan Collins no choice but to call off the bout without a count. Apparently one of Sinoti’s legs collided with Goslee, whose large frame probably felt like a brick wall. Medics attended to Sinoti and removed him from the ring on a stretcher before loading him into an ambulance.

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @MarioG280.

Juan Carlos Burgos 134 – Yakubu Amidu 133
(WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title)
Miguel Gonzalez 136 – Josenilson Dos Santos 135
Taras Shelestyuk 148 – Adam Ealoms 148 ½
Justin Goslee 315.4 – Kosetatino Sinoti 229
Fedir Popazov 135 – Joachin Chavez 136.6
Jarrod Tennant 150 – Brandon Adams 149
Razvan Cojanu 281 – Alvaro Morales 306
Promoters: Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing
Venue: Thunder Valley Casino Resort
TV: ESPN 2

LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA – Regarded by many as an uncrowned super featherweight champion, Juan Carlos Burgos aims to put the disappointment of a controversial draw with Rocky Martinez in January in his rearview with an impressive showing against replacement opponent Yakubu Amidu in the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event emanating from the Thunder Valley Casino Resort tomorrow night.

Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico was outright robbed according to many aficionados who witnessed his challenge of Martinez’ WBO title on HBO back in January. In what in retrospect became perhaps the first of many odd collections of scores this calendar year, Judge Tony Paolillo had the fight 116-112 Burgos, but was overruled by Waleska Roldan’s puzzling 117-111 tally for Martinez and the even card of John Signorile, 114-114.

Originally Burgos was scheduled to meet former title challenger Daulis Prescott, but the latter had to pull out with kidney stones. On less than two weeks notice, Banner Promotions managed to secure the rugged Amidu (20-4-1, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Accra, Ghana as a replacement for the twelve-round bout. The WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title is at stake, which virtually guarantees the winner a world ranking at 135-pounds.

The Vince Vaughn-managed Amidu provided a stiff test for lightweight contender Ji-Hoon Kim last January on ESPN2, losing a ten-round decision in an action fight. The WBO #2 ranked super featherweight Burgos has never fought above 135-pounds before and would not have tomorrow night had Prescott remained the opponent. Though it was not the original plan, a win Friday allows Burgos’ team the option to seek a meaningful fight at 135- or 130. Burgos weighed-in at 134, while Amidu came in at 133.

In the televised co-feature, WBO #13 ranked 130-pounder Josenilson Dos Santos fights out of his native Brazil for only the third time as a professional, taking on Miguel Gonzalez (21-3, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio in a ten-round lightweight bout.

Dos Santos (26-1, 16 KOs) of Santana de Parnaíba, Sao Paulo, Brazil suffered his lone defeat to title challenger Diego Magdaleno back in 2009. Since Dos Santos has gone 12-0 all in Brazil. Gonzalez is coming in off of a fairly wide unanimous decision over faded former champion Miguel Acosta. Dos Santos scaled 135, while Gonzalez made 136-pounds.

In a four-round light middleweight swing bout, 2012 Ukrainian Olympian Taras Shelestyuk looks to continue his undefeated run against Bryan, Texas’ Adam Ealoms (3-3-3, 1 KO).

Shelestyuk (4-0, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Sumy, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine advanced to the semi-finals at the Summer Games in London last year before turning professional in the United States under the promotional umbrella of Banner Promotions in March. The southpaw Ealoms has three professional defeats, but the combined record of those opponents was 18-0-1 entering those contests. Shelestyuk scaled 148-pounds Thursday, while Ealoms came in at 148.5.

In the second swing bout, 6’9” heavyweight monster Justin Goslee (1-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles takes on Kosetatino Sinoti (0-2) of Long Beach, California in a four-rounder. Sinoti, no small man himself, will be staring up at an opponent about nine inches taller for the first and likely last time of his career.

Goslee, a novice boxer based on his limited amateur experience, pummeled his debut adversary, but failed to halt his attack even after scoring knockdowns. Hopefully for Sinoti’s sake, Goslee, nicknamed “Big Daddy Kane,” will adhere to the rules of the ring a little more closely in his second outing. Goslee weighed-in at 315.4-pounds, while Sinoti tipped 229.

Former amateur standout Fedor Papazov (11-0, 8 KOs) of Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia makes his U.S. debut against better-than-his-record journeyman Joaquin Chavez (4-7-2, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles in a six-round lightweight bout.

Papazov was a veteran of numerous Russian National and European Union Championships before turning professional in his native Russia back in 2009. Chavez has taken on some of the top up-and-coming lightweights and junior welterweights of the West Coast with varying success, but has continually provided quality opposition each time out. Papazov weighed-in at 135-pounds, with Chavez coming in at 136.6.

Los Angeles’ Jarrod Tennant will make his professional debut against Brandon Adams (0-1) of Stockton, California in a four-round light middleweight bout. Tennant was a late addition to the card after several others fell out against Adams. The Stockton native drew a very tough assignment for his pro debut in May in the aforementioned Taras Shelestyuk. Now Adams, who scaled 149, gets a second try for win number one against an opponent that likely has over 100 less bouts of amateur experience than did Shelestyuk. Tennant weighed in at 150-pounds.

In a rematch over two years in the making, 6’7 ½” heavyweight Razvan Cojanu (6-1, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Voinesti, Dambovita, Romania looks to avenge the lone loss of his career against veteran spoiler Alvaro Morales (6-13-7) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a four-round bout.

Cojanu entered his debut in 2011 having represented Romania at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but it was the less than body beautiful Morales that walked out of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino the majority decision victor that night. In the two-plus years since, Morales has gone 0-4-2 including bouts against three previously unbeaten foes, one of which was heavyweight contender Malik Scott. Cojanu, a frequent training mate of legendary James Toney, weighed in at 281-pounds, while Morales scaled 306.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship, 12 rounds
Burgos 134
Amidu 133

Lightweights, 10 Rounds
Dos Santos 135
Gonzalez 136

Light Middleweights, 4 Rounds
Shelestyuk 148
Ealoms 148.5

Heavyweights, 4 Rounds
Goslee 315.4
Sinoti 229

Lightweights, 6 Rounds
Papazov 135
Chavez 136.6

Light Middleweights, 4 Rounds
Adams 149
Tennant 150

Heavyweights, 4 Rounds
Morales 306
Cojanu 281

Photos by Erik Killin

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @MarioG280.

The July 26 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature former Jr. Lightweight and Featherweight title challenger Juan Carlos “Mini” Burgos (30-1-1 20 KOs, ESPN.com No. 4 ranked Jr. Lightweight) and Yakubu “The Black Mamba” Amidu (18-4-1, 16 KOs) in the 12-round Lightweight main event. Friday’s show from Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Calif., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, WatchESPN, and broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+. ESPN Deportes will televise Friday’s fights on Saturday, July 27, at 9 p.m. The card is promoted by Banner Promotions.

New Picture (7)
Watch Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore preview Friday’s main event

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present all the latest boxing news and highlights. Delvin Rodriguez, will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights), on both ESPN Deportes+ and ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo Gonzalez and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Main Event:
Mexico’s Burgos is coming off a 12-round draw in a Jr. Lightweight title challenge against Roman Martinez.

After that fight, ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael wrote, “Making his first defense, Martinez escaped with his belt on another highly debatable decision. Almost all of press row, as well as the Twitterverse and HBO’s Harold Lederman, had Burgos winning the fight. He hammered Martinez with hard body punches throughout the bout. According to CompuBox, Burgos landed more punches in 10 out of the 12 rounds. Burgos just seemed more in control, stronger and better able to do what he wanted to do. Martinez seemed to have a hard time dealing with his height and reach.”

California’s Amidu, who is co-managed by actor Vince Vaughn, is looking to rebound from a 10-round split decision loss to Haskell Rhodes.

“I’ve been working with Yakubu since he came to the United States,” said Amidu’s co-manager & trainer Baba Sumaila. “I managed his brother, Abdullai. So when Yakubu came here, I started working with him. Yakubu is always training. When we have a fight, he increases the tempo to make him more ready for the fight. We know our opponent is very good, but we’re ready for that. We are ready.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit Lightweights Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (21-3, 15 KOs) of Cleveland against Brazil’s Josenilson “Jo” Dos Santos (24-1, 14 KOs). Gonzalez scored a 10-round unanimous decision win over former lightweight titlist Miguel Acosta in his last fight, while Dos Santos is looking to continue his winning ways following a 12-round unanimous decision win over Carlos Rodriguez.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location

Networks
Fri., Aug 2
9 p.m.
Javier Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. Luis Franco (11-1, 7 KOs)—10 rounds, Featherweights
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Okla.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 9
10 p.m.
Rustam Nugaev (24-6-1, 14 KOs) vs. José Hernández (14-6-1, 6 KOs)—10 rounds, Lightweights
Morongo Casino, Cabazon, Calif.
ESPN2, ESPN ESPN Deportes+ , WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 16
9 p.m.
Andrzej Fonfara (23-2, 13 KOs) vs. Gabriel Campillo (22-5-1, 9 KOs)—12 rounds, Light Heavyweights
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
ESPN2, ESPN ESPN Deportes+ , WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 23
TBD
Argenis Méndez (21-2, 11 KOs) vs. Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs)—12 rounds, Jr. Lightweights
Turning Stone Casino, Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN ESPN Deportes+ , WatchESPN
*Schedule subject to change

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

PHILADELPHIA (JULY 16, 2013)—Tough Yakubu Amidu has stepped in for the injured Daulis Prescott to face two-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KO’s) in a twelve round bout that will headline a great night of boxing at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Sacramento, California. The bout will take place on July 26th and will be broadcast live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

The fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Amidu of Los Angeles via Ghana has an impressive mark of 20-4-1 with 18 knockouts and has faced solid opposition.

The twenty-eight year old is a former NABA Lightweight champion who has wins over John Revish (10-2-2); Joseph Laryea (11-2); Emeka Kodo (15-2) and Fatiou Fassinou (13-1).

Amidu won several championships in his native Ghana and is managed by world famous actor Vince Vaughn.

In his last bout, Amidu lost a split decision to undefeated Haskell Rhodes in a bout where many ringsiders believed that Amidu was a victim of a hometown decision.

In the ten round co-feature, Miguel Gonzalez (21-3, 15 KO’s) takes on Josenilson Dos Santos (26-1, 16 KO’s) in a Lightweight bout.

A full undercard will be announced shortly

Special guests scheduled to be in attendance will be former world champions Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Loreto Garza, James Toney and Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are $149.50, $124.50, $99.50. $74.50, $59.50, $45.50 & $39.50 and can be purchased at The Thunder Valley Resort & Casino and Ticketmaster.com

Doors open at 5pm with the ESPN Broadcast beginning at 6pm.