By Norm Frauenheim-

BUENOS AIRES – This is a long way from Vegas where history is always just a bulldozer away. Vegas sells itself for all that is supposed to stay there. That’s the cliche anyway.

It’s not true, of course. Nobody much remembers what they did in Vegas. They lose. They go home. They forget.

But there’s no forgetting in Argentina’s capitol city. It’s full of monuments and surrounded by decaying elegance. Streets are named Eva or Evita. Take a left, take a right and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll wind up in Ciudad Evita.

One of the city’s leading tourist stops is a graveyard, Cementerio de la Recoleta. You can say hello to Eva Peron, there, too. Or at least you can say your last respects.

Her tomb is there, next to others, all done in a dizzy array of architectural styles. It’s a well-manicured piece of monumental real estate, the best in the city. Once there, it’s easy to understand why you might want to stay forever.

Among the many decorated graves of Argentine greats, there’s a boxer, Luis Firpo. Forgive the longwinded tour to the point in this column. Then again, nothing happens very quickly in Argentina. Trust me, I’ve stood in several interminably long lines to show my passport at the airport and to exchange currency. (More on this later.)

Firpo’s place in the cemetery is a symbol of what Buenos Aires has been and some ways still is. It was a great fight town. Firpo, one the great heavyweights in the 1920s, is remembered for a wild bout with Jack Dempsey. He knocked Dempsey out of the ring. But Dempsey won, knocking him down seven times.

I mention Firpo, because I was here, passing through Buenos Aires on my way to Patagonia’s glaciers, lakes and mountains on the same day that Deontay Wilder stopped Luis Ortiz last Saturday in a rematch at the MGM Grand. If not for the long-planned trip, I would’ve been in Vegas.

So, I figured that Wilder-Ortiz had to be a must-see event in a city that reveres Firpo and in a country that still celebrates Marcos Maidana and Sergio Martinez. Another heavyweight, Oscar Bonavena, is an Argentina native. He twice took Joe Frazier to the scorecards, losing both. He lost a 15^th-round TKO to Muhammad Ali.

Then, of course, there is Carlos Monzon. They still talk about the all-time middleweight in Buenos Aires. A local television station is planning a documentary series on the fighter, who died in an auto accident in 1995 on a furlough from prison. He was convicted of killing his girlfriend in 1988. Monzon still fascinates.

So, they had to know Wilder, right? No, no, nada. Then, they had to know Ortiz, right? After all, Ortiz is Cuban.  Che Guevara, a Cuban revolutionary, was born in Argentina. He went to school in Buenos Aires. Maybe there was a link, a reason to cheer for Ortiz? No, no, nada.

On the day of my arrival, I only heard some mild interest while standing in line at customs from three Americans, who were a lot more interested in partying in the endless parade of bars up-and-down so many of Buenos Aires’ streets.

So, I searched, first for a sports bar that might show the telecast. But no, no, nada. If there’s a television not showing soccer in Buenos Aires, it’s probably not on. It’s soccer, soccer and more soccer, all day long and all the time.

It was about then that I thought I would invest the $79.99 for the Fox pay-per-view telecast. At the moment I made that decision, the exchange rate, Argentine pesos-for-dollars, was at 56-to-1. Buster Douglas was given a better chance before his monumental upset of Mike Tyson in Tokyo.

Anyway, I’m not sure what the PPV price tag added up to in pesos. Besides, it doesn’t matter. The exchange rate changes, almost by the hour. As I write this, it’s 60-to-1. Whatever the PPV toll in Argentine currency was, it was in the thousands and I forgot to pack a wheelbarrow to carry them around.

Anyway, I headed back to my hotel room, thinking I’d follow the fight on twitter. First, I turned on the television, flipped my way through a few dozen soccer games and, suddenly, there it was Leo Santa Cruz beating Miguel Flores. Wilder-Ortiz was next. But the Fox telecast was carried by rival ESPN for its South American audience.

I didn’t have to shell out a dollar or a single peso. The fight, itself, played out the way I thought it would. Wilder’s right hand lands and it’s over, this time in the seventh round instead of the 10^th. Different timing, same scenario.

Yet, what struck me more than anything were the background shots at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Empty seats were everywhere. A crowd of 10,000-plus for heavyweight title fight was announced. Turns out, Wilder isn’t must-see TV in his own country either.

Pick the reason. Maybe, it was a date too close to the Thanksgiving holiday. Or, maybe, neither Wilder nor Ortiz has much appeal to fans. Or maybe the house was over-priced. Pick one, pick all.

But for one night, at least, Vegas and Buenos Aires weren’t as different as I had thought.  

Deontay Wilder retained the WBC Heavyweight title with a scintillating one-punch knockout in round seven over Luis Ortiz at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight did not have too much action as Ortiz was very effective landing his straight left hands. He just missed a couple of lefts that could have been fight-changing punches. Wilder started getting inhis right in round five.

In round seven, Wilder landed a perfect right to the head that crushed Ortiz down to the canvas. Ortiz got to his knees and tried to get to his feet, but could not beat referee Kenny Bayless’s 10-coungt and the fight was over at 2:51.

Wilder, 219.5 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL will now look at a February 22th bout with Tyson Fury and has a record of 42-0-1 with 41 knockouts. Ortiz, 236.5 lbs of Cuba is 31-2.

“With Ortiz, you can see why no other heavyweight wants to fight him,” said Wilder. “He’s very crafty, he moves strategically and his intellect is very high. I had to measure him in certain places.”

“I had to go in and out and finally I found my measurement,” said Wilder. “I saw the shot and I took it. My intellect is very high in the ring and no one gives me credit for me. I think I buzzed him with a left hook earlier in the round and I took it from there.”

“This is boxing,” said Ortiz. “I said that one of us was going to get knocked out and it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds. I was clear headed when I hit the canvas. When I heard the referee say seven I was trying to get up, but I guess the count went a little quicker than I thought.

“This was a great fight and I thought I was clearly winning,” continued Ortiz. “I got caught with a big shot and I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit. I knew my movement was giving him problems. I landed some big shots and I thought I had him hurt. I thought I was up by the count and could have continued.”

“Deontay showed great will and I’m not ashamed with my performance,” said Ortiz. “I know I can beat anyone in the heavyweight division. My career is not over. I’m going to work my way back into a big fight.”

“Next, we have Tyson Fury in the rematch,” said Wilder.” It’s scheduled for February, so we’ll see. Then, I want unification. I want one champion, one face and one heavyweight champion – Deontay Wilder. The heavyweight division is too small, there should be one champion and it’s Deontay Wilder.”

Leo Santa Cruz became a four-division champion as he won the WBA Super Featherweight with a 12-round unanimous decision over Miguel Flores.

The fight was non descript with Santa Cruz winning every round. Flores was deducted a point in round eight for holding.

Santa Cruz, 129.5 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 117-110 twice and 115-112 and is now 37-1-1. Flores, 130 lbs of Houston is 24-3.

“I’m glad I got the victory,” said Santa Cruz. “Miguel is a good fighter, he gave me a tough fight and he proved he’s not a pushover. We put on a great battle.”

“It was a good fight and I showed I belong at this level,” said Flores. “I just went 12 rounds with Leo Santa Cruz. It’s not an accomplishment in itself but I slowed down his pace. Like I said before, it’s not only about throwing punches, but it’s about ring IQ and I showed I have it.”

“It was a close fight and I didn’t think he was landing too much,” said Flores. “He was busy but he wasn’t landing too many shots. I landed cleaner harder shots but he was just busier.”

“I want to stay at 130,” said Santa Cruz. “We want the big fights in 2020. I want Gervonta Davis or Gary Russell Jr. I want to show the world I’m not scared of anybody.”

In a punchers delight, Brandon Figueroa kept his WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round split draw with Julio Ceja.

The two traded punches in the middle of the ring to the tune of nearly 2800 punches thrown with Figueroa outlanding Ceja 411-378.

The judges scored 115-113 for Figueroa; 116-112 for Ceja and 114-114.

Figueroa, 122 lbs of Welasco, TX is 20-0-1. Ceja, who weighed in 4.5 lbs over the the super bantamweight limit is now 32-4-1.

“I think I did win the fight,” said Figueroa. “He put on a lot of pressure, but I fought better in the early rounds and I finished strong.”

“This fight is for all of you fans who came here to see me,” said Ceja. “He was a man about it and he gave me the fight. I think I won, but I respect the judges’ decision. I’ll definitely run it back in a rematch.”

“I basically fought a person in a weight class above mine tonight,” said Figueroa. “I’m pretty sure if he weighed 122, it wouldn’t even be a close fight. We have to run the rematch back but he better make the weight.”

Eduardo Ramirez scored a 5th round stoppage over Leduan Barthelemy in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

Ramirez came on in the 4th and then in round five applied great pressure and dropped Barthelemy with a hard left hand. When Barthelemy got to his feet the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Ramirez, 126.5 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 23-2-3 with 10 knockouts. Barthelemy, 127 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 15-1-1.

“I said before the fight, I wasn’t going to let it go to the judges,” said Ramirez. “The first fight wasn’t a draw. I worked very hard for this and it turned out how I wanted today. I felt his punching power. He’s a good fighter. I came here to fight. Viva Mexico.

“I’ve got no excuses,” said Barthelemy. “The better man won tonight. I had a great camp and I was feeling good. But when I got out there I wasn’t really feeling my best. I turned around to try to walk around and get my feet under me after the knockdown. I wasn’t trying to stop the fight or anything and I thought I could continue. Now I just have to live with it and come back.”

Omar Juarez remained undefeated with a 6th and final round stoppage over Kevin Shacks in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Juarez dropped Shacks twice, first with a hard combination. The 2nd was from a ripping body shot.

In round six, Juarez landed an inside right that dropped Shacks for the 10-count at 1:59.

Juarez, 142.5 lbs of Brownsville, TX is now 6-0 with four knockouts. Shacks, 143.5 lbs of Lansing, MI is 3-5-3.

Good looking prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Marklin Bailey in round two of a scheduled four round welterweight bout.

In round two, Mielnicki hurt Bailey with a right hand, and then landed a left that rocked Bailey and the fight was stopped at 2:31.

Mielnicki of Roseland, NJ is 3-0 with three knockouts. Bailey of Durham, NC is 6-6.

Dustin Long knocked out Deontay’s brother, Marsellos Wilder with one perfect straight left in round of scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

Longm 198.5 lbs of Johnson City, TN is 3-1-2 with three knockouts. Wilder, 197 lbs Tuscaloosa, AL is 5-2.

Viktor Slavinskyi won a six-round unanimous decision over Rigoberto Hermosillo in a super featherweight bout.

Slavinskyi, 127.5 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 11-0-1. Hermosillo, 127.5 lbs of Guadalara, MX is 11-9-1.

Slavinskyi was cut over the right eye at the end of round four due to an accidental headbutt.

Angel Alejandro won a six-round unanimous decision over Mark John Yap in a super featherweight bout.

Alejandro, 130.5 of Dallas, TX is now 8-0. Yap of the Philippines is 30-15.

Jhon Gemino scored an shocking one-punch knockout over previously undefeated Arnold Alejandro in round five of a scheduled eight round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Gemino dropped Alejandro with a right hook.

In round five, Gemino landed a perfect right on the jaw that sent Alejandro crashing towards the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:45.

Gemino, 129.5 lbs of Lipo City, PHL is 21-12-1 with 11 knockouts. Alejandro, 129.5 lbs of Dallas, TX is 11-1.

Jose Manuel Gomez stopped Daniel Placeris after round three of a scheduled eight-round super featherweight bout.

Gomez scored a knockdown from a hard left hook in the early seconds of the bout. In round two, Gomez dropped Placeris from a left to the body. In round three, Gomez landed a hard left that sent Placeris down for a 3rd time in the bout. The bout was stopped in the corner following the 3rd round.

Gomez, 130 lbs of Hunting Park, CA is 12-0 with five knockouts. Placeris, 129.5 lbs of Miami is 8-3-1.

LAS VEGAS (November 22, 2019) – The WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship match between Luis Nery and Emmanuel Rodriguez is off of the Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz II FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena this Saturday, November 23.

Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) did not make the 118-pound limit and Rodriguez (22-2-3, 9 KOs) opted not to fight for safety reasons. The match was scheduled to open the pay-per-view portion of the card.

Leduan Barthelemy (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Eduardo Ramirez (22-2-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout in the pay-per-view opener. Barthelemy and Ramirez were slated to appear on the televised prelims on FS2.

In action now appearing on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes, cruiserweight prospect Marsellos Wilder (5-1, 2 KOs) will battle Dustin Long (2-1-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round fight and super featherweight prospect Viktor Slavinskyi (10-0-1, 6 KOs) will take on Mexico’s Rigobert Hermosillo (11-1-1, 8 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Undefeated Shon Mondragon (4-0, 2 KOs) is set to face Nicaragua’s Juan Centeno (4-3-1, 1 KO) in the Prelims swing bout.

The rest of the card is unchanged. Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will defend his WBC title against Cuban slugger Luis Ortiz in the main event, plus three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz takes on Miguel Flores for the vacant WBA Super Featherweight title in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action also features WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa taking on former champion Julio Ceja. Ceja failed to make the 122-pound limit at today’s weigh-in, so he cannot win the belt and it will become vacant if Ceja wins the fight.

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By Norm Frauenheim-

Deontay Wilder’s power, potentially a double-edged weapon, has yet to strike back at him. The theory, perhaps expectation, has long been that it will undo him and his heavyweight reign.

Yet, his right hand, a weapon that is singular in every way, has always been there, a force of nature almost reliable as an incoming tide.

Nobody has ever been able to avoid it, not even Tyson Fury. Fury got up from it in a controversial draw. But not even the clever Fury could elude it.

Now, the many-skilled Luis Ortiz has a second chance Saturday night at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand in a Fox pay-per-view bout.

Ortiz, who learned the trade in Cuba’s exacting amateur ranks, vows to not let it happen again. Ortiz envisions a rematch without a repeat. He foresees only a reversal.

Perhaps, he figures he can exert his own power and finish what was left undone on March 3, 2018 when he had Wilder in big trouble in the seventh round before losing a 10^th-stoppage. Perhaps, he will re-assert a younger version of himself with some old tricks he learned in Cuba.

It’s hard not to like Ortiz. He has a compelling story that includes his flight in 2005 from Cuba in a desperate battle to help a daughter born with a skin condition.

He’s a quiet man in front of the media.

He’s a dangerous man in front of an opponent.

He also believes now — perhaps more so than ever – that his chances at a heavyweight title have never been better. It’s evident he’s done the work throughout training in Las Vegas, a long way from his home in Miami. If conditioning is any factor, there’s good reason for his confidence.

Physically, he has never looked better. For now, forget the jokes about his age. Forty or 50, he looked as if he were ready to fight a few weeks ago.

But appearances are misleading, if not an outright illusion. Ortiz’ good look doesn’t mean he has found any way to elude Wilder’s wild right hand. Who has?

In all of the attention on that one massive punch, however, Wilder’s durable chin is often overlooked. He can do more than throw a punch. He can take one, too.

That durability allows Wilder to take a fight into later rounds. It’s a factor that multiplies chances that his right hand will land, especially in moments when energy and focus begin to fade. He’s been durable enough to successfully defend his title nine times. Now, it’s time for No. 10 with no real reason to think anything has changed.

Prediction: In a repeat and rematch, Wilder wins another 10^th-round stoppage.

IN A HUGE END TO THE YEAR for Heavyweight boxing, the most exciting prospect in the sport Daniel Dubois has had his say on who will reign supreme once the New Year rolls around.

In an explosive interview ‘Dynamite’ also declared he’d be hunting down big name rivals throughout 2020, targeting fighters such as Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin.

Looking at the more immediate picture, he believes that Deontay Wilder will “knock Luis Ortiz out in devastating fashion” but struggled to predict the finish to Joshua vs Ruiz

“Obviously Ruiz got the job done last time out, but let’s see what happens.”

He added: “No one should underestimate Anthony Joshua as he’s done a lot for the sport but if he hasn’t improved on last time he could be in trouble.”

The young gun went on to question AJ’s appetite for the game: “If he’s still got the hunger he had years ago, he might have a chance.”

Asked to pick between the 4 fighters currently atop the Heavyweight tree, ‘Dynamite’ suggested all roads lead to Fury vs Wilder 2.

“Deontay would beat AJ and Ruiz. He has too much power, too much killer instinct. He’d knock them both out”.

“Tyson beats both of them, too. Whoever wins in the Wilder and Fury rematch is the man… for now”

Daniel, 13-0 with 12 KO’s, is considered the next big thing in Heavyweight boxing and always has one eye on developments in the division.

“I’m always watching. Those are the 4 biggest names in the sport, but also Usyk, Kownacki, Parker, Povetkin… Everyone has an opinion on who I should fight.”

“Someone told me yesterday that Parker was annoyed that his promoter can’t get him fights. As the busiest Heavyweight in boxing, i’d be happy to give him work.”

When the topic of fighting one of the so-called big 4 came up, Daniel would simply say that “i’m ready for anyone.”

Dubois, under the guidance of promoter Frank Warren, has made it clear that he is planning an assault on the major World Titles in the near future.

In the short term, though, he is after fights that improve his rankings and acquire coveted silverware.

Next up is Japanese Heavyweight Kyotaro Fujimoto, ranked #12 with the WBA, for the WBO International and WBC Silver Title.

“I’m looking forward to getting out again and continuing my rise to the top. Fujimoto is a serious fighter, we’re preparing well and come December 21st I intend to put on a show stopping performance.”

“I don’t look past people, I go through them. Fujimoto is a big step on my route to being the unified world champion.”

So whilst Dubois may be predicting either Fury or Wilder to reign supreme in the short term, he’s clearly backing himself to be the man left standing when the dust settles on the Heavyweight division.
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Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Copper Box Arena to stage a bumper night of boxing on December 21st.

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.

Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) makes his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and via Ticketmaster

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  
 

LAS VEGAS (November 20, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion, WBC titlist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder,and hard-hitting Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face to face at the final press conference Thursday before they rematch in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Thursday’s press conference also featured three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores as they previewed their showdown for the vacant WBA Super Featherweight title that serves as the co-main event of the pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m the best in the world and I say it with confidence. With that being said, I have to give the fans what they’re hungry for. That’s exciting fights. The heavyweight division was in a dark place, but now it’s on fire and I must keep it going. (Video HERE)

“Luis Ortiz is one of the best in the world and one of the most dangerous men in boxing. No one in the top 10 has given him an opportunity. They say he’s old, but if that’s the truth, then one of them should get in there with him.

“When I look at the landscape of the heavyweight division, this man still wasn’t getting an opportunity. It was an amazing fight the first time and I’m going to make adjustments this time. That’s what it’s all about. I will be at my best Saturday night.

“I’d rather go through difficulty in the ring than go through my whole career being perfect. What kind of legacy would I have? I want to give you something to remember me by.

“Luis Ortiz looks good, but I don’t think it’s going to matter against a fighter like me. I’m in shape 365 days a year. I come to camp in shape. The first day of camp, we were sparring. It’s always good to see my opponents in shape and prepared properly for a war. That’s all I can ask. Because they know what they’re in for when they go against me. (Video HERE)

“This is a great card with great champions and fighters up here. What more could you ask for? Nothing more needs to be said. Now it’s time for action. I’m looking forward to giving everyone the best of me.

“We train very hard to be prepared and go to war. You already know what to expect. The hard part is the waiting. This is what it’s all about. I can’t wait for Saturday night. My opponent has to be perfect for 12 rounds, and I only have to be perfect for one second.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I don’t like to lose. There were legitimate circumstances why I wasn’t at my best the first fight. It was a fatigue stoppage. I believe if I had continued, I would have gotten the knockout. It was only fatigue, but I’ve corrected that this time around, so the better man will win.”

“We will show you on Saturday night how we’re going to win. When the bell rings it will be on display. But we’re always ready to adapt. Everyone will see on Saturday night.

“This will be the second world war between us. I’ve had 500 fights including my amateur fights. At heavyweight, everyone has power. Sometimes it feels like a horse is kicking you. Wilder has a lot of strength, but I’m going to show what I know and what I can do.

“Like I said before, and Deontay said too, this is not going 12 rounds. One of us is getting knocked out. I wish there were no bells between rounds so we could just keep going. (Video HERE)

“This isn’t just Deontay fighting any other opponent. Obviously Deontay had his reasons for taking this fight. But on Saturday, I’m going to show why that was a mistake. I’m going to be the new heavyweight champion of the world.

“This is the holy grail, to be taking on the true heavyweight champion of the world. I want to be considered one of the greatest fighters ever from Cuba. I am very thankful to the trainers who I had as a child who taught me the sport.

“I definitely want to thank Deontay, and my whole team, for getting me this opportunity for a rematch. This is what life is all about. This is not going to be my last opportunity. I’m here to fight and that’s what you’ll see on Saturday night.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I think I’ll still throw a lot of punches at the new weight. I always train the same no matter what. My dad says that I need to be working for the whole three minutes of each round. (Video HERE)

“The only thing that is different for this fight is that we’re working on our power. We’re working on sitting down on our punches because we know the fighters in this division are bigger and stronger.

“My strength and conditioning coach has been having me do more weights than usual and I’m sparring with bigger guys than usual. The ones I’ve sparred before say that I’m hitting even hard than in the past.

“To all the fans, I’m really happy and excited to put on another great show for you. Miguel and I are going to give a great show for the fans and try to steal the show. It will be hard with this main event, but we’re going to try our best to make it the fight of the night.

“Once the fans see how great the fight is, they’re going to see how amazing a fighter Miguel Flores is. We know what he’s capable of and that’s why I trained so hard to get this win.

“To become a four-division world champion would be a huge accomplishment for me. I never dreamed of winning titles in four divisions. Not many fighters can say that and I’m happy and excited to get in the ring Saturday and make this new dream come true.

“I love fighting for Mexico and I think they’re going to be proud of my performance Saturday night. I fight for them and I hope they keep supporting me as my career goes on.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“Leo is a great champion but we’ve worked hard. In boxing people see the hands fly, but I’ve got ring knowledge. We’re going to offset what he does and get the victory Saturday night.

“There’s not much left to be said. We’re ready. Leo is a great fighter and I respect his family. But when we step in that ring. I’m trying to be like Wilder and knock him out. Leo and I are definitely going to steal the show with an action packed fight.

“I’m feeling great. We’ve had about a year of camps where Leo was the main focus on the radar. We’re calm, relaxed and ready to let it all go Saturday night. I know it’s going to be a tough fight, but we had a great camp to put on an exciting match.

“There’s going to be a little bit of everything. When you have two Mexican fighters, you just can’t help it. When you take a shot, you want to get it back. But I also know we have to remain smart and calm.

“I know his dad tells him to try to box so we know we have to be ready for that too. If he wants to box we’re ready for a technical fight. But if he wants to brawl, I’m ready to start hooking.

“Everything is going to work for me in there. You want to work and not get hit, but I know that I can take it and give it. On Saturday night, we’re going to give it.

“We have worked a lot on trying to slow down the pace of fighters who throw a lot of punches. I’ve been a volume puncher all my life as well. We’re both warriors and people are underestimating me. I love it because I’m going to give them a surprise Saturday night.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

LAS VEGAS (November 20, 2019) – Hip-hop artists D Smoke and Bankroll Freddie will perform at the official open to the public weigh-in for the highly anticipated rematch between WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder and Cuban slugger Luis Ortiz before they headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Fans are invited to come out to the MGM Grand Garden Arena this Friday, November 22 with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. PT. Live performances will follow, leading up to the fighters hitting the scales at 2:30 p.m. PT.

D Smoke is fresh off of winning Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” reality show as picked by judges Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. Hailing from Inglewood, California, Smoke has lent his vocals to the late Michael Jackson and collaborated with everyone from Usher, Babyface, Mary J Blige, and Jahiem, to Missy Elliot, Timbaland, and The Pussycat Dolls, and has been honored with a ASCAP Song of the Year award. He recently released “The Inglewood High EP” on October 24 of this year, an album aiming to reveal the beauty and frustration of today’s Inglewood through the eyes of his former students.

Bankroll Freddie is quickly emerging as one of Arkansas’ hottest rappers, buoyed by support from the industry’s most in-demand label, Quality Control Music, which boasts artists such as Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby and more. He started his music career in late 2017 as an independent artist and released his first mixtape in 2019. His debut album “From Trap to Rap” debuts this December and the album’s first single, “Drip Like This Remix”, features verses from two of today’s hottest rappers in Lil Baby and Young Dolph.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

LAS VEGAS (November 19, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz made their grand arrivals Tuesday at MGM Grand as they kicked off fight week events ahead of their highly anticipated rematch that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“We’re all here to see what’s going to happen on Saturday night,” said Wilder. “Even though I knocked Ortiz out the first time, it was an amazing fight. That was the fight that I was challenged the most during. I understand why none of the other heavyweights want to fight Ortiz.

“He’s very dangerous and I blessed him with a second chance,” continued Wilder. “Fans always get their money’s worth when I’m on the big stage. Because people know what I’m able to do to another human being inside of that ring. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“Deontay Wilder is a throwback fighter like me, and we both want to fight the best,” said Ortiz. “I believe I’m the best and that’s why I’m getting this rematch. I’m focused on this fight and this fight only and doing everything to have my hand raised Saturday night.

“My life has changed tremendously and for the better since I came to the United States from Cuba,” said Ortiz. “Being in the U.S. has allowed me to focus on my two dreams, finding a cure for my daughter’s disease and becoming heavyweight champion of the world. That’s always been my mission.”

Also making their grand arrivals at MGM Grand were fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz is looking to win a title in a fourth division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

The pay-per-view also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defending his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a showdown of former bantamweight champions.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 15, 2019) – Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz shared his final thoughts from training camp before he steps in to rematch WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder Saturday, November 23 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what Ortiz had to say from training camp in Las Vegas with his head coach Herman Caicedo and strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade:

On his training camp:
“I feel really good going into this fight. All the hard work is finally coming to an end and now it’s time to get the proper rest to be at my best on fight night. As a team we worked smart during this training camp. We did things a little different with my diet and I believe that will make me perform at a high level on fight night. My weight is right where I want it. All in all, it’s been a very productive training camp.”

On his rematch with Deontay Wilder:
“As I’ve said before, Wilder is the best heavyweight of this decade and until someone beats him, he will remain the top dog. We have a different strategy in place that I believe will be the difference in this rematch. I have plans to end this fight before the final bell, but if we need to go the distance, I’m well prepared to take it all the way.”

On fighting for his family and his Cuban legacy:
“I have to say it’s been really hard being away from my family during training camp, but I know coming out to Las Vegas was the right move. If I’m going to become the heavyweight champion of the world, I must make these types of sacrifices. Everything I do in the ring is for my family. To become the first Cuban heavyweight champion in boxing history would be a dream come true, not only for me, but for my countrymen back home. I’m going to leave every ounce of blood, sweat and tears in the ring come November 23.”

On fighting on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View:
“This is a big opportunity to show the world that I’m the best heavyweight on planet earth. All the fans watching are going to see one of the best heavyweight fights in boxing history. Wilder is coming to fight just like me, which makes for a very entertaining night of boxing. The fans are going to be the winners in this fight.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 15, 2019) – An action-packed lineup of undercard attractions will enter the ring on Saturday, November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in support of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz.

The non-televised fights will stream live on PBC on FOX Youtube, Twitter and Facebook pages beginning at 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT from inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Entering the ring will be Huntington Park, California’s José Manuel Gómez (11-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight against Miami’s Daniel Placeres (8-2-1, 7 KOs), Ukraine’s Viktor Slavinskyi (10-0-1, 6 KOs) competing in an eight-round super featherweight contest against Mexico’s Rigoberto Hermosillo (11-1-1, 8 KOs) and the younger brother of heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder competes as Marsellos Wilder (5-1, 2 KOs) steps in for a six-round cruiserweight bout against Tennessee’s Dustin Long (2-1-2, 2 KOs).

The action continues with a pair of Dallas-natives as lightweight Arnold Alejandro (11-0, 10 KOs) battles the Philippines’ John Gemino (20-12-1, 10 KOs) for an eight-round duel and featherweight Angel Alejandro (7-0, 4 KOs) steps in for a six-round fight against Mexico’s Francisco Javier Rodriguez (5-1, 3 KOs), plus unbeaten Denver-native Shon Mondragon (4-0, 2 KOs) takes on Nicaragua’s Juan Centeno (4-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-round super bantamweight affair.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 15, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder broke down and relived historic rematches of boxing lore as he nears his own rematch against Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Watch the whole video HERE as Wilder gives his thoughts on boxing rematches such as Ali-Frazier III, Holyfield-Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV and more.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Wilder passed the only rematch test of his career so far with flying colors, stopping Bermane Stiverne in the first round of their 2017 duel, after Wilder originally taking the title from Stiverne by decision in 2015. On November 23, Wilder will look to carve out his place in the history of great boxing rematches and rivalries by giving fans another memorable title defense.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Deontay Wilder likes to talk about differences, what he believes separates him from Luis Ortiz, Tyson Fury and just about everybody else.

He’s different, no doubt, from the kid, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Even then, however, there was a singular difference, one that separated him from every other boxer on the U.S. team. He was the only American in Beijing to medal.

Since then, he’s grown older and louder by multiple decibels. Still, there are questions about how much better he is within the ropes. His right hand is the one thing that continues to make a powerful difference. It is a singular strike, scoring 40 knockouts in 42 fights. He throws it with Tommy Hearns-like leverage.

Fury got up from it in their celebrated draw nearly a year ago. But that was more about Fury and his inexhaustible resilience than Wilder. Yet, there’s a sense – even a fear among promoters planning on a Fury-Wilder rematch in February – that Ortiz has the wherewithal to beat him on Nov. 23 (Fox pay-per-view) in their sequel at Las Vegas MGM Grand.

“He can screw this whole thing up,’’ said promoter Leonard Ellerbe, who didn’t exactly say screw, but you get the idea. “He can screw it up.’’

He can, mostly because of a versatile skill set that makes him more capable of adjusting than Wilder. Longtime boxing observers and bettors have always believed a good boxer beats a power puncher. But Wilder has knocked out that formula while knocking out just about everybody he has faced.

Giving a good boxer a second chance, however, might enhance chances of an Ortiz upset, which also would put all of those plans for Wider-Fury II on hold.

At a media workout a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas, Ortiz looked as though he was in good enough shape to make lots of adjustments throughout 12 rounds. He blamed fatigue for the loss in their first fight, which ended in a Wilder stoppage in the 10^th.

Ortiz’ confidence matched his well-conditioned appearance. He assured reporters that, yes, he was 40-years-old and not a day older.

Then in a conference call this week, he said the Wilder fight was not his last chance at a heavyweight title.

“No, absolutely not,’’ Ortiz said. “I’m going to win the title, so no need for another opportunity. I will be the champion.’

Wilder scoffed at that, of course.

“This might be his last at 40 years old,’’ Wilder said. “Coming in, we all know when you fight Deontay Wilder, I take something from you. I take years from your life. ‘’

An over the-top confidence has become a noisy trademark for Wilder, who is poised for a 10^th defense of a belt he won in his only decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015, also at the MGM Grand.

“I’m a totally different king,’’ Wilder said. “I’m a totally different beast. I’m the best in the world and I prove it each and every time I go in the ring. I’m not worried about going in and making any mistakes and stuff. And if I do make any mistake in the ring, rest assured, I will correct it as the fight goes on.

“I see this fight going one way, and that’s Deontay Wilder knocking out Luis Ortiz, point blank and period.

“You know it.

“He knows it.

“I know it.’’

Ray Flores
Thank you very much to the media for joining us wherever you are around the world. We are very excited for next Saturday November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the highly anticipated rematch between boxing’s longest reigning Heavyweight Champion “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder as he puts his WBC Championship on the line once again against the hard hitting Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event next Saturday November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

This is a rematch of their epic 2018 battle back in March of last year which saw Ortiz nearly stopping Wilder but then Deontay showed his championship mettle and went ahead and stopped Luis Ortiz in the 10th round. That seventh round and that tenth round are absolutely memorable.

The pay-per-view gets rolling at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. It features a heck of a pay-per-view lineup including Leo Santa Cruz seeking a championship in the fourth division when he battles Miguel Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship. That will be the main co-event.

Tickets for the event are going quickly. It’s promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions. They are on sale now and you can get them at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Now let’s talk about the challenger.

His record, 31 wins, 26 of those by knock out against one defeat. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba now living in Miami. He has actually been training in Las Vegas where the fight will be held next week.

He has reeled off three straight victories since losing and coming up short in the only blemish of his career when he first met Wilder back in 2018. Most recently he picked up a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer back on March 2 at Barclays Center.

He is one of the most avoided fighters in the heavyweight division. Now one thing about Luis Ortiz he is also a very proud family man. His daughter Lismercedes actually has a painful skin condition which results in painful skin blistering and Ortiz has worked quite a bit and done a wonderful job to raise awareness for EB.

Ladies and gentlemen I want to introduce to you Luis “King Kong Ortiz”, Luis, opening comments.

Luis Ortiz
Thank you very much for having me and thank you very much for everyone who is tuned in and, yes, I’m ready for November 23.

Q
Herman while you were in corner watching what was unfolding in that seventh round, could you explain it to me or tell me what were you seeing that round that got Luis so close to the stoppage win. What was working for him and what were you seeing?

Herman Caicedo
It was a combination of a few things but I think primarily it was just him getting settled in to the fight figuring out the style a little bit, he was boxing, he was just getting to his groove as he does, when he does that he is very dangerous and that’s pretty much it. After that, once he made the connection and he hurt him, then I felt like everyone else, he was the new Heavyweight Champion.

Q
Luis do you believe that this is your final chance at winning a Heavyweight title?

L. Ortiz
No. Absolutely not. I’m going to win the title so no need for another opportunity. I will be the champion.

Q
Do you still look back at that first fight for what you could do better?

L. Ortiz
No. No. Other than just being in better shape, no. I don’t necessarily see anything that could have been done differently on my part. I think that some of the things that Wilder did and the antics that Wilder does could be dealt with differently this time around, the illegal things.

Blows that he throws with the inside of his fists, punching down from the top of the head down and all kinds of craziness that he does, which makes it very difficult to get settled in any fight and quite frankly should be illegal and borderline criminal.

Q
Does it feel easier to prepare for it this time around?

L. Ortiz
You absolutely never know what Wilder is going to do as far as how he approaches his fights. But one thing for sure is that both mentally and physically I’m at my best and prepared. So he can bring whatever he is going to bring. No problem.

Q
What did you feel was working best for Luis at that moment in the seventh round?

H. Caicedo
Well, I think the best thing that was going our way was him boxing — getting behind a good jab, and just beating him to the punch and not allowing Wilder to just get crazy with his antics and come out swinging wailing away. So I think just being a little bit better on the technical side and on the basics.

But again like Luis just said it’s very difficult with him sometimes because he’ll spin around and hit you with a back fist so it’s like you never know what could happen.

Q
Are you confident that in the rematch that Luis can get into position to be in that same situation where he has Deontay in big trouble like that and this time he will be able to finish him off?

H. Caicedo
I’m very confident that Luis is going to be in that same spot or different but in the same scenario and actually be able now to finish job.

He has dedicated 12 weeks in Las Vegas to a camp and he has really given everything that he obviously couldn’t the first time around. So at the end of the day it’s 1000% he will be there. He is a much superior boxer, fighter, thinker and has the experience.

Wilder has the experience over 10 defenses but Luis has experience over a history of fighting since he was 10 years old. So that’s going to make all the difference when it comes down to all things being equal in condition.

Q
Luis could you also think back to round 7 and from your point of view how close did you think you were from a knockout?

L. Ortiz
As soon as I made the connection and hurt him and I saw him where he was and I knew I was going to finish him and that the fight was over basically. I haven’t had any other situation like that where I hadn’t gotten a knockout in a scenario like that. So it’s just a matter of putting some punches together and winning this fight.

I don’t really remember which punch it was. It’s just like a flash it was probably the right hook that did the damage but after that I can’t remember what was doing more damage or not.

Q
Did you feel like the ref could have or should have stopped the fight at that moment?

L. Ortiz
I have no quarrels with the referee. At that time he was an eight time defending world champion and he should have been given the opportunity to defend himself and obviously fight and I felt like the referee probably did the right thing.

Q
Herman was it just your decision to setup headquarters in Las Vegas as opposed to training out of your facility in Miami?

H. Caicedo
It was really a team decision. We were mulling it over for some time before we found out 100% that the fight was on. We considered California and a few other places.

Luis is definitely a family man and he is here and there and he is at the kid’s events and school events and plays and whatever it takes. He is there. And at the end of the day that’s not going to really drive and mix well with winning a championship and absolutely being at his very best.

So it was an easy decision. It was just a matter of where we were coming.

Q
Was it a concentrated decision to be in better shape than the first fight and do you anticipate being around the same weight or do you believe you’ll be lighter for the rematch?

L. Ortiz
Absolutely. It’s never been about weight loss. I have always fought around the same weight but I’m definitely leaning out fat and transferring to muscle. So it was a conscious decision with everybody and it’s been a very productive 10 – 11 weeks here so far.

Q
How does your new strength and conditioning coach help you heading into this super fight?

L. Ortiz
Coach Larry Wade has brought professionalism to the camp that fits right in with what we already do as far as schedules and professionalism. I got a new look at some of the stuff that’s being done with fighters. So it was a nice change and obviously sometimes it can be the same thing but just approached differently and the body will react better and that’s what it was. I’m very happy with coach Wade.

Q
What has been the most unique training method that’s been implemented in this particular training camp?

L. Ortiz
There have been a few things obviously. If I had to pick one thing, it’s been the pool work.

Q
How will being away from his family impact the training and preparation for this fight?

L. Ortiz
It will help 1000% in the discipline and sacrifice for the fight. I miss my family so it’s more fuel on a daily basis to to be heavyweight champion.

Q
Is this fight more of a personal mission for you to beat Deontay or is it more so simply avenging the loss? Is that more of a greater motivator for you for this fight?

L. Ortiz
I have absolutely nothing personal towards Deontay. I respect him as a man, father, human being and that’s got nothing to do with nothing. It’s all about being a world champion, coronating myself that night on the 23rd, achieving my goal since I was 10 years old.

Q
Does Andy Ruiz’s win serves as a special inspiration or motivation for Luis for this fight?

L. Ortiz
He is very happy that Ruiz won the fight. It was his destiny that night to do so and no one is taking that from him and I’m very proud of him and obviously any Latin fighter that has any kind of prosperity in the sport is great for sure.

Q
Do you think Andy will beat Joshua again and do you foresee maybe a title unification between two Latin Heavyweight Champions?

L. Ortiz
I would be ecstatic to have a unification battle period and even more ecstatic if it were between two Latin fighters. As far as Ruiz winning or not, I’m not 100% sure on which way it goes but I would like to see him come out the victor once again.

R. Flores
All right. Thank you very much to Luis Ortiz, Herman Caicedo, thank you very much gentlemen. We look forward to seeing you next week during fight week in Las Vegas – Luis Ortiz challenging Deontay Wilder for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World next Saturday November 23 live on FOX Sport PBC Pay-Per-View. A big night of live action.

Now we get set for the champion as we go ahead and look at a man who has a record of 41 wins and no losses, one draw, 40 wins coming by way of knockout. He actually earned his Bronze Bomber nickname when he won a Bronze medal for the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games.

He is boxing’s longest reigning Heavyweight World Champion having held his championship since January 2015. He will be making the 10th defense of his championship. Now if he is successful next Saturday November 23 he will join the likes of Joe Louis. Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Tommy Burns, the Klitschko Brothers as those with 10 or more consecutive successful title defenses.

He is a rising star out of the ring as he was ranked 34 on ESPN’s World Fame 100 list, the top spot for any boxer. He is an active champion as this will be the third title defense in his last 11 months.

Ladies and gentlemen with a knockout percentage of 95% please welcome the Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder. Deontay, do you have opening thoughts?

Deontay Wilder
What’s going on? What can I say? November the 23rd is going to be an amazing, amazing, amazing time for boxing and boxing fans. Me and Luiz Ortiz, the first fight is self-explanatory. It was an amazing fight. It was a thrilling fight.

It was a fight that kept everyone on the edge of their seats from the first round through the 10th round. No one knew what was going to happen until it happened and here we are again. The same effect, the same momentum, the same game plan coming in for us. I’m sure it’s the same for him. He wants to be the first Cuban Heavyweight Champion of the World and – I still want to keep my title.

This is what it’s all about in the Heavyweight Division. The big boys. It’s the heavy hitters where one hit can end everything no matter how hard a person has worked, no matter how many weeks, how many moths. One fight, one night, one blow can end it all. And we already know I’m the hardest hitter, probably in boxing history period.

I’m coming to keep my title. November 23 will be a great moment and I can’t wait.

Q
What was your thought process of wanting to grant Luis Ortiz a rematch?

D. Wilder
There were several reasons. One, he is one of the best in the world. No one has dared to give Ortiz the opportunity even after I defeated him the first time.

Most of the times when you win, especially when you knock him out, other guys are willing to fight him. They see weaknesses. They see kinks in his armor. But Ortiz’s situation in this case, none of these guys still they didn’t want to fight him then and they don’t want to fight him now.

So I wanted to give him an opportunity again to prove all doubt about our first fight that we had/

Secondly, Ortiz has a family. I grew a great bond with Ortiz the first time with his child and my child, as she was born with a disorder as well. So I know personally how hard it is and how much it takes to take care of a child with a disorder. It takes a lot of money and it takes a lot of care and I grew a great bond with him.

So I have seen him as one of the top guys in the heavyweight division and I want to bless him. You need money to support them and I wanted to bless him again for not only for him being a great warrior, one of the best in the world, but also for his family. I wanted to bless his family and put him on pay-per-view.

This might be his last at 40 years old. Coming in we all know when you fight Deontay Wilder I take something from you. I take years from your life. And that is me going to him again to get some more. You already got some these sweet potatoes and now he’s coming back for seconds. And I’m ready to fill his mouth full with it.

Q
What have you taken from that Joshua vs. Ruiz fight to make sure you avoid hitting those pitfalls next Saturday?

D. Wilder
So me and Anthony Joshua, we have different mindsets. My mindset is very strong. It’s way stronger than him. I spoke about this before and Joshua, he called it upon himself. He knew he was going to lose one day. He had spoken about it.

He had spoken it to the universe and even when it was time for it to happen, look, he gave his belts over to Ruiz. He literally transported his belts to this man. His energy gave his belts to this man.

My mindset is different. I’m a totally different king. I’m a totally different beast. I’m the best in the world and I prove it each and every time I go in the ring.

I’m not worried about going in and making any mistakes and stuff and if I do make any mistake in the ring, rest assured I will correct it as the fight goes on. I see this fight going one way and that’s Deontay Wilder knocking out Luis Ortiz point blank and period. You know it, he knows it, I know it.

I know when we were in the ring the first time he hit me with everything in the kitchen sink, stuff that he knows that he usually hits opponents with and they go down. But I’m a different beast and with that being said I have got a lot of things that I have got to do. I’m fighting for one champion. One face. One name. That’s the unification and nothing is going to get in my way of that. Nobody.

Q
Did you watch anything with Tyson Fury in WWE and if you did what did you think of Tyson’s performances?

D. Wilder
I didn’t. I didn’t even get a chance to see it. I wish I actually got a chance to see it. I would have loved to see how he transformed from boxing to WWE. Although WWE is more entertainment as far as acting things out and boxing is more serious. We risk our lives for sure.

But it would have been refreshing just to see how he does. I don’t hold grudges and I don’t have ill will towards any fighter. No fighter at all because I’m a fighter myself and I understand what we go through as fighters.

If any fighters have the opportunity to do other great things outside of the boxing ring I’m all for it because most fighters, they have been doing it for so many years, especially the ones they have been doing it since they were kids. They feel like this is all they have got. This is all they know how to do.

If all you know how to do is fight and let somebody dictate your career, then I feel sorry for you. The ones that know how to get out and go get another income or another resource, I congratulate you. That’s how I feel with that. I didn’t get to see it but hopefully I see a rerun or something and see how he did.

Q
Does that nice round number of 10 title defenses mean anything to you?

D. Wilder
It’s definitely not easy to do. It’s a great accomplishment for myself and for my career. It’s definitely going to carry with me as I rack up these numbers. But to be honest at the end of the day it’s just what it is. It’s a number.

It’s a great honor to be able to say this is my tenth title defense that I’m about to have, especially when many thought I was never going to be the heavyweight champion. And here I am 10. 10. 10 title defenses out of 41 fights and 40 have been knockouts.

It’s amazing to be at this point in time and right now all I could do at this point in time for my career is just rack up numbers.

I have always fought for a legend’s legacy and I’m still fighting to this day for that. I just want to be the best in the world. I want to be the best that has ever done it.

When people think about boxing I want them to say Deontay Wilder and I’m doing everything in my power and I have done everything in my power to try to bring it to be and I’m still doing it right now to be the best. And if numbers are what makes you standout. If people look at numbers and see that’s what makes you standout, then so be it.

But not only do I want the numbers to standout for me, I want my actions to speak as well too because actions speak louder than words any day and that’s what it means to me.

Q
How did you survive that seventh round and what did that teach you about yourself when you are in that kind of crisis?

D. Wilder
The seventh round was an amazing time for me. It allowed me to see what I’m really made of. It allowed the world to see what type of champion and a true champion that they have in America and he has been here.

With that seventh round being under the conditions that I was under, I was very proud of myself to be able to handle those situations. To be able to go into the fire like that for one, plus just taking the fight going in to the fire like that with a flu. You know proper protocol is to cancel that and wait to a later date until you are healthy.

But being me, I’m a hard headed. I always do things that many boxers don’t do and I think that’s part of wanting my legacy to be different from the rest. I don’t want the same old, I want to be different. That’s why I do the things that I do.

Q
How did you view what happened in the seventh round and did you think you had control of the fight after you scored your first knockdown?

D. Wilder
I never go there and get ahead of myself. I’m always taking care. You want to be honest, in the fifth round the bell saved him.

Q
I would say the bell saved you in the seventh round, didn’t it?

D. Wilder
Well I wouldn’t say so because he still had 40 seconds. How many seconds did I have in the fifth round to finish him off? He had 40 seconds and he couldn’t do it. He threw everything, everything. If you know anything about a flu it makes you weak mentally, physically, emotionally and he couldn’t get me out. He threw everything.

Q
What do you remember about that round when he was throwing and what was going through your mind as he has you up against the corner post?

D. Wilder
Yes. I remember getting buzzed. How it first happened is we threw a punch together but he landed before me and that’s what buzzed me the first time but it was like a slight buzz the first time. And then I tried to bluff it but I didn’t bluff it.

When I bluffed it I wasn’t separating myself from him. I didn’t have enough distance apart from him. I was polling my jab just to let him know I’m still here, I’m active to bluff from that slight buzz that happened.

He was an experienced fighter and he caught on that I was buzzed and definitely he came again with the right hand and then that’s when it became a severe buzz. I was never hurt.

I think people use hurt too much. They throw that round too much because they don’t understand the difference between buzzed and hurt. I advise anybody if you are in boxing and you want to talk about boxing, experience some of things that we go through. Go in the ring, get hit and see what it feels like to get buzzed or maybe even get knocked out.

But I understood everything that was going on with me. I was coaching myself internally my inner voice was telling myself to keep going. Make sure the referee sees you. Make sure you just keep hitting him.

I didn’t want to make any punch effective because I didn’t want to waste any unnecessary energy because I wanted to be able to recover. So I didn’t want to use that much energy and so that’s why I hit him anywhere I could no matter where it was so that the referee could understand that I’m very active. I’m aware and I can still fight.

I don’t think I got enough credit for that. That’s where the commentaries that were commentating the fight, they didn’t understand what I was doing, how I was closing in the perimeter on him. I didn’t give him enough space where he could release out enough punches. I stayed close to him in a peer to peer. I didn’t get no credit for the intellect that I had in the ring coming around in the seventh round.

So I knew what I was doing and when the bell rung as you can see I knew exactly where I was. I went right back to my corner and I still was talking shit going back there too.

Q
What is your response to Ortiz saying that some of what you do is possibly illegal or beyond the rules?

D. Wilder
You know I have never heard of that so I think that he is being sarcastic. Only thing that’s criminal is me hitting people with the right hand and almost killing them. That’s the only thing I can go with.

As far as in the ring I don’t know what can be criticized. I would love to know myself to be honest.

I want to know that because if it’s something to tear me down or something like that, then that will make me even more motivated towards Ortiz if he’s trying to try to tear me down after I have blessed him twice.

I would love to know what he meant by that. That could be good for raising my blood and make me want to even more hurt him more than what I want to do now.

So he need to clarify that for me before I take it the wrong way. We know when I get mad, it’s over with. It’s over with. So right now I’m mutual with him. I’m very respectful. He said thank God for me, I blessed him a second time. A second time. A second time ladies and gentlemen, when I didn’t have to.

So I need that clarified or I’m going to take this the wrong way and I’m really going to want to beat him down.

Q
When you say that you want to leave no doubt this time, do you believe that getting a win is enough to silence any doubters or does it have to come from another knockout?

D. Wilder
A win is a win whether it’s ugly, pretty or in-between. A win is a win. I never want to leave the ring without a man being knocked out. I knock you out. That’s the rules that I play with in this boxing industry. I don’t play around with no one. I don’t act like I play around with you and everything I say I mean.

I make it loud and clear. I meant it what I said, I say it loud and clear so there is no miscommunications between my language and the words that I chose to use. I’m a knockout artist. That’s what I plan to do, to knock you out. That’s plain and simple.

There are no other better words that can explain that. I come to knock you out point blank, period. I don’t care who you with, where you are from or what you’ve got going on at that time of your life. You sign the contract. You step in the ring with me now you’re getting blessed.

Q
Did you think that you two might have to run it all the way back again or did you think that that part of your career against Luis Ortiz was over?

D. Wilder
After that fight I felt like I wanted to run it back. It was such a great fight, I definitely wanted to run that one back with him. There was a moment in time where I felt like there was a part of me proving myself as a heavyweight champion.

Everybody has got their own different opponents that they look and say okay, I believe him. He is the real deal. I think with Ortiz it opened up a lot of people’s eyes. I know for a fact it opened up a lot of people’s eyes and it allowed a lot of the haters or the doubters I will say, it silenced the doubters and it made them a big fan of mine.

Now there is an uproar about Deontay Wilder not only because of the Ortiz fight but after my actions of what I have done after that and here we are again running back around with Ortiz too.

I always wanted to fight him again because I feel like it would be good for boxing. It will be great for pay-per-view because of what we did the first time.

Q
If given the chance at whatever point in time whether it be during your career or after your boxing career is done, given the opportunity to go to WWE and kind of do the same thing that Tyson Fury did for the past month, would you take it?

D. Wilder
WWE was a thing that we years ago talked about as far as promotion and different things and that’s the reason why he is doing it for promotion. He is trying to get his name bigger in America and that’s a good route to take because WWE has millions upon millions of followers that look at it.

So that was a good approach for him trying to build his name especially after coming from his Vegas shows and their ticket sale. The only reason he sold the first time was because he was coming to have a fight with me.

So now he is trying to find some type of way to market himself even more before the rematch or the fight. We are going to tell the difference when I fight in Vegas, you are going to see the difference of what I do and what he did and we will know for sure who sold the pay-per-view and I guarantee you right now it’s going to be me.

But if the opportunity came by at this point in time who knows. It all depends on what I have got going on at the moment in time or when the opportunity presents itself what the scale will be looking like.

My stardom has grown tremendously everywhere. I have got multiples of countries wanting to host me to their country. I’m popular right now. Life is great and I just want to continue to add to that.

I can’t say no and I can’t say yes. You know, I’m going to keep that bridge open. You never want to burn bridges because you may never know when you may need to cross them again. So that bridge is still open.

R. Flores
Do you have any final comments Deontay before we get to Las Vegas next week ahead of your championship defense?

D. Wilder
I just want to tell all the fans of boxing and fans that are going to tune in to boxing, I just want to say thank you so much for your support. Thank you so much for your time and your willingness to understand this sport. It’s a brutal sport and I always say it all the time, this is not a gentleman sport for me.

It may be for others, but for me we are not asking each other to hit each other in the head. We’re doing it on will because we are getting paid to do so. We have a job that we have to do. You might as well call us hit men because that’s what we do.

We’ve got a contract to beat somebody up and we sign it and we go in and we have got a name on the paper and there is a price on his head and I’m going to do my job well like I always do.

So I appreciate you guys so much. The last fight with Ortiz it was amazing fight. It was an exciting fight. You didn’t know who was going to win and this is the fight that you want to be looking at. This is the fight that you want to tune into and pay your money.

If you can’t be there, click that pay-per-view button. You want to see a fight where you don’t know what’s going to happen but you know that at point in time something is going to happen, Wilder vs. Ortiz is the fight to see.

I can’t wait to perform for you guys as I always do. I can’t wait until you guys witness that you have a bad man in Deontay Wilder in America and we aren’t going anywhere.

Again, thank you guys for your love. Thank you guys for your time, and thank you for your money. I love you. God bless and I can’t wait. BombZquad!

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 13, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder broke down the top three knockouts of his illustrious title run ahead of his highly anticipated rematch against Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz taking place Saturday, November 23 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Watch the full video of Wilder discussing his top knockouts HERE via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube page.

Wilder first examined his explosive ninth-round knockout of Artur Szpilka, which took place in January 2016 as Wilder successfully made his third title defense.

“It was amazing because Szpilka had a lot of Polish fans there and it was incredible to hear the roar,” said Wilder. “He was a tricky southpaw, but I ended up figuring him out and drawing him into the corner. Then bam! It was good night.”

Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion then reviewed his November 2017 destruction of former champion Bermane Stiverne. Wilder stopped Stiverne in the rematch after Stiverne became the first fighter to go the distance against Wilder when he lost the title to him in 2015.

“This was the guy who I had taken the title from,” said Wilder. “I told him that I knew him like the back of my hand. In that fight, I wasn’t myself. I was possessed. Something had come over me. I remember the referee ended up on my back and I was carrying him like a cape that night.”

Finally, Wilder highlighted his latest triumph, a first round dismantling of Dominic Breazeale with a monster right hand that immediately went viral and gave the champion his ninth consecutive successful title defense.

“If you didn’t see that fight, go back and look at it,” said Wilder. “I took his soul out of him. I’ll never forget that knockout.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (November 7, 2019) – Undefeated Cuban contender Leduan Barthelemy will square off against former title challenger Eduardo Ramirez in a 10-round super featherweight rematch that headlines FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Barthelemy and Ramirez go toe-to-toe again after originally fighting to a split-draw in their 2017 duel.

Prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will also feature 17-year-old sensation Vito Mielnicki Jr. in a four-round welterweight bout against North Carolina’s Marklin Bailey and rising super lightweight prospect Omar “El Relámpago”Juarez battling Michigan’s Kevin Shacks in a six-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Prelims precede the pay-per-view event headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The younger brother of two-division champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy (15-0-1, 7 KOs) has won back-to-back unanimous decisions in 2019 since the split draw against Ramirez, most recently defeating Jose Cayetano in June. The 30-year-old from Guantanamo, Cuba now lives and trains in Las Vegas and won his first 13 fights after turning pro in 2011.

Ramirez (22-2-3, 9 KOs) followed up the draw against Barthelemy by challenging Lee Selby for the featherweight world title in a bout that he lost by decision in December 2017. The 26-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico bounced back from the loss with a stoppage victory over Carlos Jacobo in 2018 and a knockout of Bryan De Gracia in March 2019. He most recently lost a decision to former champion Claudio Marrero in June.

Fighting out of Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (2-0, 2 KOs) burst onto the professional scene in July with a first-round knockout in his debut. The 17-year-old had an exceptional amateur career, compiling a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves amongst many accolades before turning pro. He most recently delivered another first-round knockout while earning his second pro win in September and will look for his third win against the 25-year-old Bailey (6-5, 4 KOs), who fights out of Durham, North Carolina.

The 20-year-old Juarez (5-0, 3 KO) was a highly decorated amateur who turned pro in September 2018 and has been on an active pace thus far. Representing his hometown of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez scored a first round stoppage of Gino De La Paz last time he entered the ring, in action on FS1 in front of his hometown fans in August. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Shacks (3-4-3, 3 KOs) who fights out of Lansing, Michigan.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NORTHPORT, AL. (November 6, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, held a media workout in Alabama Tuesday night, as he prepares to battle Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in a rematch that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Wilder showed off his skills and discussed his highly anticipated rematch against Ortiz from New Era Boxing and Fitness in Northport, Alabama. Here is what Wilder and his co-trainer Jay Deas had to say on Tuesday evening:

DEONTAY WILDER

“With Ortiz we know that he’s a smart fighter and a great counter puncher. He’s really good at what he does. I’m the only person in the top five who’s given him the opportunity.

“I don’t think I threw enough jabs at him in the first fight. The positioning of my feet was not as good as it could be. The movement that we have is very awkward when you have an orthodox fighter against a southpaw. I’m looking forward to making it another great fight.

“I’m planning to stress Ortiz out. I’ve never been good with predictions. My energy for this fight makes me want to say to everyone, be careful in that first round. I’m the kind of fighter where you can’t blink. You’re always on the edge of your seat and you never know what’s going to happen.

“Alabama is my home and being here just gives me peace. That’s very important to me. I have serenity here and I get a lot of love. It’s beautiful here. I love feeling the energy of the people here. I made it here, so why go anywhere else? I need that release when things get hectic for me.

“I’m looking to beat Ortiz in even more dramatic fashion. When we fought the first time, I had a bad flu. I could have called off the fight but I want to be able to do things that other fighters shouldn’t or wouldn’t do.

“It’s a beautiful thing to have a team that I started with and have that same team that I’m going to finish with. When we first started we had plans about how we wanted my career to unfold. It’s great to have a team that has my best interests at heart.

“When I’m not in the ring, I look back at my past fights as a fan. I understand why these guys run from me and think twice about getting in there across from me.

“Some people think that boxers need to be one-dimensional people who just train and fight and nothing else. We’re still people who can do so many other things besides fighting. I’m a great guy. It just happens that in the ring, I can whoop you as well. There’s a transformation that happens when that bell rings.”

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Co-Trainer

“It took Deontay and Luis a few rounds to get going last time, but I don’t think that will be the case in this fight. These fighters know each other, they’ve been in there together and seen what the other guy has. They know stylistically what the other brings to the table. I think it’s going to be very interesting from the opening bell.

“I think we’re going to see the best Luis Ortiz. He knows this could be his last chance at world title and that will make him bring the best that he has to offer. He’s going to make some corrections off what he did the first fight. We’re preparing for the best Ortiz and Ortiz better be prepared for the best Deontay Wilder.

“When Deontay comes out with a victory, then we’ll visit any other fights in his future. There are no other big fights, without a victory over Luis Ortiz on November 23. We’re zeroed in on Ortiz.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (October 31, 2019) – It was a “King Kong Monster Smash” in Las Vegas on Halloween Thursday, as top heavyweight contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz treated the media to some of the tricks he has in store for WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder before they rematch in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View taking place Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The media workout also featured former champion Julio Ceja, who is preparing to face WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa in pay-per-view action that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from the Las Vegas Fight Club:

LUIS ORTIZ

“My main goal has always been to become heavyweight champion and that goal has not veered at all. I haven’t lost any of that hunger. You don’t go through the torture of a training camp like this to just show up.

“I don’t know if Deontay will be improved for this fight, but I will definitely be an even better version of myself on November 23. If I get that opportunity like I got in the last fight, I’m not going to stop punching until it’s over. I’m going to seek and destroy.

“Our mantra is, he quits, they quit for him, you make him quit, or you knock him out. Any of those four is us winning.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this fight is going to end in a knockout. Either I’m knocking him out, or he’s knocking me out…but he’s not knocking me out.

“When you watch videos online from Wilder, there are definitely things he does better now. But he still doesn’t have the experience of taking that from training into the fight. He’s got to have a plan B and C, and if he doesn’t, it will be a mistake. I have a plan for everything.

“I’m very proud to be Cuban and I’ve been around some of the great Cuban fighters of all time. It’s going to be very exciting to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.

“I wouldn’t be here in Las Vegas if I wasn’t serious about being all-in for this fight. I would have stayed home in Miami. I haven’t seen my family in months and that’s worse than any Deontay Wilder punch.

“This fight isn’t personal against Wilder, but it’s personal because I want to erase the loss and that thorn in my side. My motivation is for this fight and this fight only. I’m not thinking about any other heavyweights.

“If anything is going to change in this fight, it’s going to be Wilder making adjustments, if he can. I’m in 15 round shape and he’s going to have to deal with me for every round. We added Larry Wade as strength and conditioning coach and I’m happy and I’m blessed that I’ve had this great training camp.”

JULIO CEJA

“This is a big fight for me. I’m very excited to put on an amazing show on the undercard for this great main event between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz. I’m going to steal the show and walk away with the world title.

“Brandon Figueroa is a young fighter coming up, but he hasn’t faced anybody like me. I’ve faced the elites in the division, and we don’t know if Figueroa is there yet. We’re on our way to a collision in the ring and I know that I’m going to end up on top.

“We’re going to be smart in the ring, but we’re working hard for the knockout. If the opportunity comes, I’m going to take it.

“The fans should expect an explosive fight on November 23. It’s going to be a great night for Mexico, for me and for my whole team. I’m working hard every day to hear my name as the new champion of the world.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Luis Ortiz has the opportunity to mess up everybody’s plans. He’s not focused on anything else but Deontay Wilder on November 23.

“Ortiz knows he just needs to focus for 12 rounds and find a way to get a huge win. He’ll put himself in a great position. What better position than to be in than ‘the man’ in the heavyweight division?

“Deontay Wilder has improved with each and every fight. He doesn’t only have the right hand, but he’s learned some other tricky things that he does. Both of these fighters took this fight because they saw that they could make improvements heading into this fight.

“Ortiz’s conditioning will be important for this fight. He’s going to be able to fight all night long, and we already know he has a great skill set. It’s going to make this a really great fight.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

TUSCALOOSA, AL. (October 24, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder is deep into training camp as he prepares for his blockbuster rematch against Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz taking place Saturday, November 23 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Recently, Wilder showed his talents in front of the camera filming the fight commercial for his highly anticipated showdown. The spot can be watched HERE through Wilder’s social media channels, and will premiere on television during tonight’s Thursday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins on FOX beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.

“Working with FOX has been a blessing to my career and I’m looking forward to my first FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View,” said Wilder. “We got the job done and I think the commercial we made is going to be great for the promotion. We put a lot of time, hard work and effort into it and I’m looking forward to it coming to fruition.

“For it to air on Thursday Night Football with millions of people watching is a great thing for the promotion. It means the world to me to give the fans this kind of excitement leading up to the fight. I’m very grateful for where I am in my career and I can’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Even with the big fight commitments, Wilder has flourished during training camp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as he prepares to be primed when the first bell rings on November 23.

“Camp has been going amazing,” said Wilder. “I haven’t reached my full potential or peaked in camp yet. We’re still pressing and everything is moving smoothly and on schedule. I’m feeling good and I’m looking good as well.

“I’m working on throwing a lot of jabs and countering. I know that Ortiz likes to counter as well. I’ve been in there with him before. I understand what he wants to do and I can recognize certain weaknesses we’re looking to exploit. It’s going to be a good fight while it lasts. Everyone knows what to expect from Deontay Wilder. I don’t have time to play games and I don’t get paid for overtime.”

Always one to find ways to push his training and his overall physical fitness level, Wilder has incorporated swimming and scuba diving into his conditioning program.

“For those that don’t know, I’m a certified scuba diver,” said Wilder. “I enjoy it and I’ve been doing it for a few years now. It gives me relaxation and helps keep pressure off the muscles in my body. It helps my body tremendously. It’s also strengthening my legs and expanding my lungs so that I have more stamina. Water is great for exercise and I love it.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

LAS VEGAS (October 22, 2019) – Undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will make the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Titleagainst former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions on Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view event is headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Three-division champion “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of the pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“With these two all-action matchups added, the November 23 card is shaping up to deliver another memorable night of excitement on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In addition to the Wilder vs. Ortiz rematch and the Santa Cruz vs. Flores title fight, one of the 122-pound division’s hottest young stars Brandon Figueroa will make his first title defense against a very tough opponent in former champion Julio Ceja. Rounding out the night is Mexican knockout artist Luis Nery and tough former champion Emmanuel Rodríguez, who will be sure to kick off the pay-per-view in style with another classic in the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

The 22-year-old Figueroa (20-0, 15 KOs) will look to make the first defense of his super bantamweight championship in his fourth fight of 2019. He knocked out Moises Flores in January on FS1 and won an interim super bantamweight title in April on FOX by stopping Yonfrez Parejo. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Brandon, the younger brother of former world champion Omar, has a seven-fight knockout streak that he brings into the ring on November 23, having most recently stopped Javier Nicolas Chacon with an exciting fourth-round knockout in an FS1 main event in August. He was subsequently elevated to full champion by the WBA.

“This is probably going to be the biggest test of my career in the first defense of my title against a solid fighter like Ceja,” said Figueroa. “To be fighting on pay-per-view of the Wilder-Ortiz II undercard at MGM Grand is a dream come true. I’ve been working towards this moment my whole life. I attended Pacquiao vs. Thurman in July and the crowd was electric that night. I told myself while watching that fight ringside that I couldn’t wait to fight at MGM on a similar card, and now look at where we are. Ceja might have lost against Rigondeaux, but he put on a great fight and I know he’s going to come forward and brawl with me on November 23.”

Fighting out of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Ceja (32-4, 28 KOs) will look to rebound from a loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux on FOX in June, when he was stopped in round eight while leading on all three judges’ scorecards. The 26-year-old knocked out Hugo Ruiz in 2015 to win an interim title before eventually being elevated to the full champion. While he lost the rematch to Ruiz, Ceja put together wins in two of his next three fights heading into the Rigondeaux bout.

“This is a great opportunity and I plan to win the world title again on November 23,” said Ceja. “I know what it takes to win and I will have the best training of my career for this fight. I hope Brandon Figueroa is prepared for fireworks. This title is coming back to Mexico for my country, my pride and my people.”

Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) is a power puncher who has stopped his last 11 opponents and 15 of his last 16. The 24-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico will be making his third appearance on a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this year. He scored a dominant stoppage victory over McJoe Arroyo on the March event in Arlington, Texas and returned on the July 20 show to stop former champion Juan Carlos Payano. He scored a TKO victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka to win the bantamweight world title in 2018.

“I’m excited for another opportunity to perform on the biggest stage and show that I’m the best bantamweight in the world,” said Nery. “Rodríguez is a tough competitor and he will help bring out my best on November 23. Mexico and Puerto Rico have a storied rivalry in this sport and I intend to make my mark in history with a spectacular win.”

The 27-year-old Rodríguez (19-1, 12 KOs) will also look to put himself back in position to reclaim a 118-pound belt with a statement win on November 23. Fighting out of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and defended it successfully against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. He most recently was stopped by unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May title bout.

“Switching opponents is no problem for me since we always train for different fighting styles,” said Rodríguez, who had previously been scheduled to face former champion Rau’shee Warren before Warren withdrew due to injury. “My Puerto Rican and Mexican people want to see a great fight and that’s what they will have on November 23. I know what Nery brings to the table and I’m ready for that. We are confident in victory and that in 2020 I will be crowned world champion again.”

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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeporte

LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face to face on Saturday at a press conference to officially announce their highly anticipated rematch that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also squaring off at Saturday’s event in Los Angeles were three-division champion and current WBA Featherweight Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and exciting contender Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores, who meet for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event of pay-per-view action that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Click HERE to see Wilder’s breakdown of the rematch against Ortiz

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday from the Lexus Club at STAPLES Center:

DEONTAY WILDER

“Here we go again. The only way for there to be a rematch was for there to be an exciting first fight. When I first met this man in the ring, it was amazing and inspiring to go up against such a skillful fighter. It was such a great experience for me and an honor for me to face him.

“That first fight was a test for me to show me where my skill level was in the heavyweight division. He was the bogeyman in the heavyweight division for a reason. To this day, they still don’t fight him for a reason.

“I’m the best in the world. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I believe in that and I’ve proven that. I’ve proved so many people wrong and I still have to do it. That gives me the motivation and the will to keep going.

“I created a bond with Ortiz fighting the first time because of our daughters. We were two fathers in the ring who had to battle it out for our families. There’s no better feeling than going to war against another gladiator.

“There wasn’t really anything that I learned about myself in the first fight, but it was confirmation of something I had already known. I know what I can do and I believe in myself. I didn’t feel like I was proving anything to myself, it was just proving it to others.

“We’re passionate about this and we want to give the fans the best fight possible. We will do that again because I never leave you without having a great time and giving you excitement. If you’ve never seen a boxing match before, I’m the person to come see. If you want to see excitement, this is the fight to be at. This is the fight to order.

“I’m a true champion. A true champion can walk it like he talks it, and I walk it like I talk it every time. On November 23 I expect to see everyone there or ordering it on pay-per-view, because I can’t wait.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity at the rematch. Wilder had the courage to take the rematch and that’s a big part of why this is happening. I’m excited for this fight and I’m going to make the most of it.

“There are no excuses from me. The first fight is over. Now we’re on to this fight. I’m going to get the victory. There are things that are being done differently, but it will all be decided in the ring.

“I’m focused on this fight and only this fight. I’m not a man of many words, but the opportunity is here and it was destined to be. Here we go.

“A warrior doesn’t abandon his mission. My mission is to become world champion. I’ve trained very hard since my loss and it will all culminate on November 23.

“I won’t make the same mistake this time like I made in the last fight. I’m going to be more prepared, more aggressive and have more of everything. I’m taking it all up a level.

“There was no reason for me not winning the first fight, it just is what it is. We knew that one of us was going to get knocked out. I have that same sentiment for the rematch. This fight is not going 12 rounds.

“I want November 23 to get here sooner than later. I’m ready to step into the ring and do the job and become heavyweight world champion.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I work hard for every fight and it’s going to be the same for this fight. This opportunity came to fight for the 130-pound title and I’m excited to fight for it. I want to become a four-division world champion.

“I’m going to see how I feel at 130. If I’m strong I definitely feel like I will have more fights there. My goal right now is to win this world title. That’s what I’m focused on.

“I’m very happy and excited to have this opportunity to become a four-division world champion. My goal when I began boxing was just to become a world champion. To go for a fourth time is an even bigger dream.

“Miguel Flores is a tough fighter and I don’t underestimate him. I know it’s going to be a hard fight. He’s going to come with everything he has. It’s the opportunity of his lifetime.

“I’m really motivated like this is my first world title. This is something big for me. It will help me be remembered as one of the best Mexican fighters and that’s my goal.

“Most importantly, we’re going to give the fans a great show on fight night. To be the co-main event for Deontay Wilder is amazing. He always gives a great show, but my job is to give everyone even more excitement.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“They say you don’t get second chances in life, but I am getting that and I’m very grateful. Everything happens for a reason. This fight was meant to happen and I plan to take full advantage of it.

“Being at 130 or 126 doesn’t make a difference to me when fighting Leo, it’s still the same guy. He started his career at 118 anyway and I’ve had it in my brain for so long about how I’m going to beat him.

“The strategy is to outdo him in anything. Outsmart him, out hustle him and just be able to do it all. He does everything well and he’s a veteran. I know he has tricks under his sleeve, but we need to be ready for that and have something ready to go back at him.

“This is an even bigger stage being the co-main event to the heavyweight championship of the world in Las Vegas. Everything has worked out perfect for me. That wasn’t my mentality when the injury happened, but now it all makes sense.

“I want to be able to be the guy. By beating Leo, I become the guy. It’s both of our jobs to turn everyone into believers. After this fight, everyone is going to know this was a great fight.

“Our focus is on Leo Santa Cruz. November 23 is all that’s on my mind. A lot of people don’t know how good my boxing skills are and how crafty I can be in the ring. They’re going to be in for a surprise.”

LAS VEGAS (September 28, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will take on his most dangerous challenger to date when he defends his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in the main event of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, Nov. 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion and current WBA Featherweight Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of the pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Wilder and Ortiz will renew the rivalry they set in motion when they first engaged in an explosive showdown in Brooklyn that was one of 2018’s best fights. Wilder won that bout by 10th round TKO after Ortiz stunned him and almost had him out in the seventh round. The thrilling match featured plenty of twists and turns to necessitate a rematch.

With a combined 66 knockouts in 74 matches, Wilder vs. Ortiz II is a heavyweight duel that guarantees an awesome display of punching power. The first fight last year saw Wilder dropping Ortiz in the fifth round, Ortiz stunning and hurting Wilder in a seventh round that he won 10-8 on all the judges’ cards, and Wilder eventually dropping Ortiz again with a powerful right uppercut that forced the referee to stop the bout in the 10th round.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

“We are thrilled to add this phenomenal heavyweight rematch between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz to an exciting month of entertainment at MGM Grand,” Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports, said. “We can’t wait for fight fans to witness what is sure to be a ‘knockout’ of an evening at the Grand Garden Arena.”

Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs), a bronze medal winner for the U.S. boxing team at the 2008 Olympic Games, has more than lived up to the nickname “The Bronze Bomber.” The 33-year-old Wilder has knocked out all but one of the men that he has faced in the ring, making him one of the most feared single-punch knockout artist in boxing today.

The most active heavyweight champion in the sport, this will be Wilder’s third title defense in 11 months. He is coming off a highlight-reel first round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in Brooklyn on May 18. Before that had one of the most dramatic matches of 2018 when he dropped Tyson Fury twice, including a stunning knockdown in the 12th round, on the way to a split draw last December.

Born and still living and training in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wilder will return to fight at MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the first time since he won the heavyweight title with a dominant 12-round decision over Bermane Stiverne on January 17, 2015. The victory had even more significance for Wilder because it came on the birthday of his boxing idol, Muhammad Ali. The rematch against Ortiz will be his 10th title defense.

“When I fought Ortiz not only did he have the pedigree, but also he had the classification of being the boogeyman of the division,” said Wilder. “I agree with those who say that Luis Ortiz was my toughest fight to date. No one wanted to fight him and they still don’t. In the rematch there’s more confidence and more motivation to do what I have to do. I’ve already seen the style before. It’s going to make it more fun. I can’t wait to see how he tries to handle me when I’m at my best.

“This is the second big fight for me under my company, BombZquad Promotions, and I’m very happy about that. We still have a lot of work to do to build it into the kind of company that I know it’s going to be in the future, but it’s coming along. To be able to do a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at MGM Grand in Las Vegas under my own banner is fantastic.”

Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) has ripped off three-straight victories since suffering the only loss of his career in that first match with Wilder in 2018, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer on March 2. The southpaw, who was born in Camaguey, Cuba and now lives in Miami, is one of the most avoided heavyweight contenders in boxing because of his vicious knockout power and crafty southpaw boxing skills. In the first fight with Wilder, Ortiz hurt Wilder with a textbook counter right hook that nearly made him the first Cuban heavyweight world champion.

Outside of the ring, Wilder and Ortiz share a common bond-they’re both motivated to fight for their daughters. Wilder’s oldest daughter, Naieya, was born with spina bifida, motivating Wilder to take up boxing to pay for her medical expenses. Ortiz’s daughter, Lismercedes, has a painful skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa, which results in painful skin blistering and Ortiz has worked to raise awareness for.

“I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit for taking this fight because it shows he has the heart of a true champion,” said Ortiz. “He is not at all scared to take a dangerous fight, because let’s be honest, this is the most dangerous fight for him. In my opinion, he’s the best heavyweight in the world until someone beats him, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do on November 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View. ‘King Kong’ is coming to Las Vegas!”

A three-division world champion fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (36-1-1, 19 KOs) holds the WBA featherweight title and will be making his debut at super featherweight and seeking a title in a fourth weight class. The 31-year-old has been a dominant force in the featherweight division since 2015, including two thrilling featherweight title duels against Abner Mares and Carl Frampton each. He lost the belt in his first match against Frampton in 2016, but reclaimed it in their rematch the following year. Santa Cruz has competed in title bouts in 16 of his last 18 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122 and 126-pounds and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Rivera in his last fight in February on FOX.

“When I first started boxing my dream was to be a world champion and I’ve been fortunate to win three different world championships in three different divisions,” said Santa Cruz. “I couldn’t imagine winning championships in four divisions. It’s something I never really dreamed of and I’m very happy about this opportunity.

“I know Flores is another tough Mexican boxer like me. He always comes forward, so it’s going to be a fun fight for the fans. I’m really looking forward to fighting again in Las Vegas at MGM Grand. It’s going to be a really exciting atmosphere because you have Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz in a heavyweight championship fight, and Deontay always knocks his opponents out, but we’re hoping that our fight will steal the night.”

Flores (24-2, 12 KOs) was originally scheduled to fight Santa Cruz for the featherweight title in February, but severely sprained his ankle in training and had to withdraw from the fight. Born in Mexico, but raised in and fighting out of Houston, Flores rose up the rankings with victories over Ryan Kielczweski, Ruben Tamayo and Mario Briones. After suffering a loss to Dat Nguyen and seeking to rebound, Flores was ahead on the scorecards against Chris Avalos in a fight on FS1 when the contest was stopped due to a cut on Flores’ eyebrow that was controversially ruled to have come from a punch. Flores bounced back from that loss to stop Raul Chirino in April 2018 and also scored a TKO victory against Luis May in his most recent fight on June 29 after the ankle injury.

“I’m extremely excited to be getting this opportunity once again to fight Leo Santa Cruz and win a world title,” said Flores. “Being the co-main event on this FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View card with Wilder vs. Ortiz headlining is incredible. This is a dream come true for me, and I’m going to take advantage of the situation. This moment in my life is something I’ve envisioned since I was a kid. On November 23, you will see the best version of myself as I plan to be in the best shape of my life, with the goal of becoming a world champion, and what better way to do it than in Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Leo and I are going to put on a great show, that you can guarantee.”

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WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title in September in a rematch against Luis Ortiz, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“To all my fans, I want to announce that Luis Ortiz and I have signed for a rematch, with the date and site to be announced shortly. All my controversial fights must get dealt with ASAP,” Wilder wrote on social media, though there was no controversy associated with the first Ortiz fight.

Although the date and site were not announced, the fight is likely to land at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the same site where Wilder fought to an exciting draw with lineal champion Tyson Fury on Dec. 1. The rematch with Ortiz is likely to take place in September and on Fox pay-per-view, a source with knowledge of the plans told ESPN on Tuesday night.

“I expect it to be a hell of a fight again,” Wilder manager Shelly Finkel told ESPN, while declining to get into specifics of the date, location or broadcaster. “This guy is very dangerous. He’s a big puncher.”

“I think that Ortiz was one of the most avoided guys in the division. They called him the bogeyman and Deontay was the only guy who actively sought him out,” Jay Deas, Wilder’s trainer and co-manager, told ESPN. “Ortiz thought he would get a lot of opportunities for a big fight based on his performance against Deontay but he didn’t. He became more avoided. I commend Deontay for once again wanting to fight the guy nobody wants to fight.

“It was a challenge the first time. He’s technically so good and punches very hard and he has a wealth of experience. We got the job done with a less-than-ideal camp. Deontay was under the weather going into the fight. So I feel really good about the rematch. I think it’s a great fight and a great fight for the fans.”

ut it is not the fight with Joshua.

“That’s never been our fault,” Deas said about a fight which both sides have at times tried to make happen. “We offered Joshua $50 million and it was real and they said no and they offered us $15 million and we said yes and they still decided not to do the fight. It’s clear who has wanted the fight. I like to deal with no games. With Ortiz, no games. With Fury, no games. With Breazeale, no games.”

BROOKLYN, NY — In the main event of a Showtime Championship Boxing card in front of 7,329 paid fans at the Barclays Center, WBA world junior middleweight champion Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (15-0-1, 11KO) fought former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-3, 14KO) to a twelve round split draw and retained his title in the process.

It was an impressive American debut for the undefeated 29 year-old Argentine, who brought the pressure to his Lara all night long. Early on, it was Lara’s fight though, as the slick Cuban southpaw peppered in his shots with effectiveness, and moved well laterally, avoiding many of his counterpart’s punches. As the fight progressed, however, especially during the middle rounds, Castaño’s never ending pressure began to overwhelm and smother Lara, who would shell up for ten to fifteen seconds at a time without returned any fire.

Both fighter’s dug in down the stretch, with Castaño still drudging forward, while Lara still found success pot-shotting with that coiled left hand.

At the end of twelve, judge John McKaie scored it 115-113 Lara, Kevin Morgan 115-113 Castaño, and Julie Lederman 114-114, even.

The fight marked Lara’s first bout since his dramatic 2018 Fight of the Year split decision loss to Jarrett Hurd, a fight in which Hurd dropped Lara in the 12th to tip the scorecards in his favor.

For Castaño, who amassed an impressive 181-10 amateur record which included a 2011 win over current welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr., tonight marked his first defense of his WBA title since winning it via TKO against veteran French fighter Cedric Vitu (47-3, 19KO) in March 2018.

“It was a great fight, but I saw myself winning eight rounds tonight. My punches were much more effective,” Lara said. “He did have pressure but I was dominating the pressure. I was definitely expecting that pressure because he waited a long time for this fight.”

He added, “If we have to fight him again I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castano. Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”

Castaño addressed the media afterwards, as well, saying, “It was a good fight. A clash of styles. I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed. If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch.”

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Decisions Christian Hammer

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (31-1, 26KO) easily outpointed durable veteran Christian Hammer (24-6, 14KO) in a ten round heavyweight bout, making it three wins in a row for the Cuban southpaw since suffering his lone career defeat — a TKO loss to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in March 2018.

It was a relatively easy night at the office for Ortiz, who at 238¾ lbs was fighting at his lightest weight since 2015. Ortiz used his jab early to to control the range, peppering in that thundering left hand to keep Hammer honest. Hammer, who was making his US debut, was willing to shell up and let Ortiz fire a few shots before trying to come back and connect with a game changing right.

Early in the second round, it looked like Hammer might have hurt Ortiz, as the big Cuban lost his balance, and dipped low, his glove possibly grazing the canvas. Referee Shada Murdough didn’t rule a knockdown, however, and Ortiz quickly regained composure.

In the fourth round an Ortiz left drew blood from the 31 year-old Hammer’s nose, which seemed to bother him for the remainder of the round as he continually wiped the blood away with the back of his glove. The very next round, Hammer returned the favor, and sent a straight right to the face of Ortiz which immediately produced blood from “King Kong’s” nose.

From the fifth till the final bell, the debatable 39 year-old Ortiz put it in cruise control, banging away at Hammer, who has also come up short against notables Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, without any repercussions.

At the end of the contest, judges Waleska Roldan and John Basile scored it 99-91 and Joseph Pasquale 100-90 all for Ortiz.

“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting. It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me,” Ortiz said. “It was a hard fight. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit.”

“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” he continued. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out. I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”

Hammer also spoke after the fight. “Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter. He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is,” he said. “I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.”

Hammer also chalked up his defeat as a moral victory, adding, “I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”

Ramirez Stops De Gracia In Dramatic Fashion

With one perfectly thrown right uppercut, Mexican featherweight Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9KO) offset Bryan De Gracia’s (24-2-1, 20KO) equilibrium, zapped his legs of their strength, and moments later, ended their fight in dramatic fashion en route to a TKO9 victory, claiming the WBA’s “Gold” featherweight world title in the process.

It was a back and forth affair, a clash of styles, with the Panamanian assuming the role of aggressor, while Ramirez content to olé his foe and slip in counters. The fight began to heat up as it bore on, with exchanges occurring with more frequency. Toward the end of the fifth, the two let their hands fly with fury, both eating and landing leather. It was De Gracia, however, getting the better of his opponent that round, and capped that exchange with a huge right that landed flush just seconds before the bell.

The seesaw contest continued until the 9th when seemingly out of nowhere, Ramirez landed a fantastically timed right uppercut, thrown under De Gracia’s outstretched jab, that exploded on the Panamanian’s chin and sent him into disarray. Clearly hurt, De Gracia stumbled around the ring trying to regain his balance, but was unable to do so. Ramirez stayed right with De Gracia, unloading the tank, and finally, after one more big right hand that sent De Gracia stumbling back toward the ropes, referee Benjy Esteves stopped the contest at the 2:10 mark of round 9.

Two judges had De Gracia up 77-75 at the stoppage, while the third had it a draw, 76-76. 15rounds.com had Ramirez up 77-75 at the time of the stoppage.

Tonight marked the first time De Gracia fought outside his native Panama. Conversely, for Ramirez, this was the second time he fought on American soil. The Mexican drew with undefeated Cuban southpaw, Leduan Barthelemy in September 2017.

Ramirez’s only career defeat remains his decision loss to Welshman Lee Selby in their 2017 world title fight.

“I‘d like to dedicate this fight to my deceased grandfather,” Ramirez said afterward. “This win is in memory of him.”

He continued, “I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him.

Edwin Rodriguez Grinds Out UD Over Mitch Williams

Former super middleweight title challenger turned borderline heavyweight, Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (31-2, 20KO) outslugged fellow cruiserweight Mitch “King Kamm” Williams (16-7-3,11KO) en route to a ten round unanimous decision.

The Dominican-American Rodriguez, who tipped the scales just shy of the cruiserweight limit at 198.2 lbs., looked less than impressive, but showed a ton of heart as he stood toe-to-toe, exchanging blow-for-blow with his 36 year-old counterpart. Rodriguez, who now fights out of Stafford, TX, hurt Michigan’s Williams with body shots a few times during the contest, but was unable to deliver definitive blows and stop the rugged southpaw — something a better conditioned Rodriguez may have very well been able to do.

“La Bomba” has now won three in a row since being viciously KO’d by Thomas Williams Jr. in late 2016. His only other professional came courtesy of Andre Ward in their 2013 title fight.

Antonio Russell Brutalizes Cardenas, Stops Him In 6

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

Barthelemy Cruises To UD In First Fight Since 2017

Undefeated Cuban super featherweight Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7KO) returned to the ring for the first time since drawing against Eduardo Ramirez in 2017 and waltzed to a wide 8 round unanimous decision against Mexico’s Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-7-2, 7KO). The southpaw Barthelemy, who is the younger brother of former two-division world champion, Rances Barthelemy, had everything working well tonight. He was patient and precise, scoring with jabs, straight lefts, and counter rights. He mostly forewent any combination punching, however, and because of that was unable to stop Aispuro inside the distance. Nonetheless, Barthelemy notched another “W”, earning scores of 80-72×2 and 79-73 from the judges.

Hitchins Makes Easy Work of Game Morales

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Maryland’s Irby Stays Unbeaten, Scores UD Over Okoth

Landover, Maryland’s Tyrek Irby (7-0, KO) made it two-for-two for “Free State” southpaws, grinding out a six round unanimous decision over fellow welterweight Dennis Okoth (2-2-1, 1KO) of Kenya. After scoring a knockdown early in the first, Irby then went on the defensive, counterpunching his way past the aggressive Kenyan. It wasn’t easy or pretty — especially after a clash of heads in round 6 opened a nasty gash above Irby’s right eye — but Irby was able to navigate his way to the win. Ring announcer Miguel Flores failed to announce the actual judge’s scores, but no reason to doubt the decision.

Baltimore’s Anderson Opens Card With Easy Win

In the first of nine fights slated from the Barclays Center, undefeated Maryland southpaw Aaron Anderson (4-0, 3KO) shutout (40-36×3) fellow middleweight Chukka Willis (4-10, 2KO) in a four rounder. The night’s boxing will commence with a Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader (9pm ET), anchored by undefeated WBA junior middleweight champion Brian Castaño (15-0, 11KO) against former Cuban titleist, Erislandy Lara (25-3-2, 14KO). The broadcast will also feature a ten round heavyweight scrap between former heavyweight title challengers Luis Ortiz (30-1, 26KO) and Christian Hammer (24-5, 14KO) and a twelve round featherweight fight featuring Panama’s Bryan De Gracia (24-1-1, 20KO) and Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez (21-1-3, 8KO).

BROOKLYN (February 28, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy Lara and WBA Super Welterweight Champ Brian Castaño went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline action this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

At the press conference, Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz faced off against Christian Hammer, as they near their 10-round showdown, while once-beaten contenders Bryan De Gracia and Eduardo Ramirez stared each other down before their 12-round featherweight clash that kicks off SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Everyone knows what I bring to the ring and you will see me at my best on Saturday. This fight means a lot to me and I’ve prepared with that mentality.

“I had a great fight against Jarrett Hurd. There was a height and weight difference on fight night but that whole experience is history now. My focus is on Castaño and making this another great fight. It’s great to be a part of awards like Fight of the Year, but now I have to move on to what is next.

“This is my third time fighting at Barclays Center and its always extra motivation. We’ll see what happens on Saturday but I’m prepared for anything my opponent brings to the ring.

“I’m excited for this fight. I’m just ready to fight. It’s great to have another chance to fight for a world title and work toward getting my top spot back.

“Everything in this fight is going to be important. My experience, the styles of the fighters and our power. It’s all going to play a big role in this fight.

“I just want the biggest fights. There are a lot of great fighters at this weight and around it. I’m going to be ready for anyone who steps up to the challenge.

“I’m here to win and show everyone that I’m the best 154-pounder in the world. I’m going to take a big step in cleaning out the division on Saturday. I’m going to be at my best and bring home the victory.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“I breathe boxing and people are going to see that on Saturday night. I’m going to show them that I’m a great boxer and I’ve prepared to beat the best.

“There’s nothing left to say, on Saturday night, it’s going to be a war. The best fighting the best. This is a truly elite super welterweight I’m facing and that’s what I want. I want to face the best.

“A fight is a fight. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me. Lara is a great fighter, but we have to beat him to get where we want to go. This is the path we’ve chosen to get to that ultimate goal.

“I think Lara and I are both very well-conditioned and well-prepared for this fight. I’m in the final stages of my work for this fight. All of the toughest and hardest work is already done.

“I’m anxious to get in the ring and hear that first bell. I can’t wait to go in there and get to work on Saturday night.

“I worked so hard for this fight because I know how much is at stake. I’ve been looking for this fight, even before Lara lost to Hurd. Luckily everything came together for me to fight Lara on Saturday.

“I am a crowd-pleasing fighter. I’m going to be aggressive. That’s just my style. But I can also adapt to my opponent. You have to do different things to win a fight of this caliber.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“Everybody knows I don’t talk a lot and prefer to make my name in the ring. On Saturday you’re going to see what I do best and that’s throw punches. That’s my job.

“This is a big fight for me to prove that I deserve another shot at the title. In my heart I still believe I had that fight against Deontay Wilder in my hands. It was mine to win. Hopefully he will step up and face me again.

“Christian Hammer says that he’s coming to win so he better come with a lot of energy. I’m ready for him and anyone else who steps up to the challenge.

“I fight for my family and I bring that passion into the gym every day. You will see it in the ring Saturday night. I hope that Hammer has prepared because I’m leaving it all in the ring like I always do.

“My focus is completely on Christian Hammer. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know what it takes to be at my best. After this fight, I’ll see where we’re at and see which of the top heavyweights will be available to me.

“I don’t know how I’m going to win on Saturday, but I’ll leave with my hand raised. I don’t know how, but I’m going to do everything to make it happen.”

CHRISTIAN HAMMER

“I’ve had great preparation and I’m here to win. I feel good and I’m ready to deliver a great performance.

“I will always be ready to take on the biggest challenges. I have great preparation in camp, working with lots of strong power southpaws and also fighters who can box. I’m ready for anything Luis Ortiz comes with.

“I’m completely focused on this fight. I’m here to cancel his plans for a Wilder rematch. I’m going to put myself in a position for even more big fights.”

BRYAN DE GRACIA

“I’m very happy to be here in this position. This is a great opportunity for me to show my skills on a big stage here in Brooklyn.

“This is going to be an action fight. We both want to prove that we have what it takes to fight the best in the division. I’m not going to let him stand in my way of getting to where I want.

“You’re going to see a great event on Saturday night. We put a lot of effort into this fight and you’ll sense it in the ring on Saturday night. I hope Ramirez comes very prepared.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m going to save my words and bring the action into the ring on Saturday night. I’m going to get this victory.

“I’m ready for this challenge. This is a big moment for my career. I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me get to this big fight and this moment.

“My style is to be aggressive. I bring the classic Mexican style into the ring. He better be prepared because I’m coming to take this fight.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is another terrific card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Once again its Premier Boxing Champions bringing the greatest stable of fighters in the world to the fans as part of a major card on SHOWTIME.

“This is a significant card with competitive fights. If you’re a fight fan, these are the fights you want to see. There will be good action and the fights will lead the winners to somewhere bigger.

“The winner between De Gracia and Rodriguez should be very competitive, there are tough guys and they’re ready to throw down. The winner of this fight has a significant matchup ahead down the road.

“Nobody wants to fight ‘King Kong’. Luis Ortiz is one of the scariest guys in the division. Christian Hammer is a fighter who is capable of going into the ring with the greatest heavyweights in the world and putting a durable and competitive fight. One of these big guys is going down.

“The main event is a great fight. Castaño is a tremendous fighter but he has his hands full Saturday night. Lara is an elite fighter and one of the hardest guys in boxing to beat. He’s capable of making adjustment in the ring to win. For every young fighter there is a championship moment, and on Saturday it’s put up or shut up time for Brian Castaño against a truly top-level fighter.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“We are thrilled to be back at Barclays Center. This is an all-action card of intriguing fights. Really, we are highlighting maybe what are three of the most interesting and deepest divisions in boxing right now: super welterweight, heavyweight and featherweight. Those of you who are regular viewers of SHOWTIME Boxing will recognize the names and these are the three of the divisions that SHOWTIME has focused on over the last several years because they are exciting and they are filled with great talent.

“The 154-pound division is one of the deepest and most exciting in boxing. [Lara-Castaño] is a fight-fans’ fight with longtime star Erislandy Lara taking on newcomer Brian Castaño, who has generated quickly a lot of buzz among those who think he might be the next big thing. In our co-feature we have fan-favorite Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Again, the heavyweight division is now as exciting and interesting as it’s been at any point in the last 20 years. Our opening fight is in the featherweight division. This is another deep, talented division where SHOWTIME has over and over again showcased the best fighters and the biggest fights.

“Bryan De Gracia is here to make a name for himself and if you don’t know him, this is a fight you should pay attention to. Eduardo Ramirez has only one blemish on his record and that’s a decision loss to champion Lee Selby. He’s from Los Mochis, Mexico. For those of you who know anything about Los Mochis, there’s something in the water there because they just turn out great boxer after great boxer.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“We are excited to welcome everyone back for our second PBC fight of the year. I’m excited to welcome back to town great Cuban fighters who have shown all their skills here before. The last time Ortiz was here, it was probably the most exciting fight we’ve had here at Barclays Center when he fought Deontay Wilder.

“I want to welcome Brian Castaño and Christian Hammer to Barclays Center for the first time. You’ll get a taste about what boxing in BROOKLYN BOXING is all about.

“We think that this will be the best year yet for BROOKLYN BOXING. We want to bring the best fights right here to Brooklyn and do it in a way that’s continuous. Saturday night should be very exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

# # #

ABOUT LARA VS. CASTAÑO
Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño pits former super welterweight world champion Lara against the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño on Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz take on Christian Hammer in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, plus hard-hitting Bryan De Graciabattling rugged veteran Eduardo Ramirez in a 12-round featherweight clash that opens the telecast.

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

BROOKLYN (January 17, 2019) – Former 154-pound world champion Erislandy Lara seeks to return to the championship ranks when the Cuban star challenges undefeated contender Brian Castaño for his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME and presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage of the PBC event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features another Cuban star in top heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz as he clashes with Christian Hammer in a 10-round co-featured bout. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, hard-hitting Ricardo Núñeztakes on rugged veteran Edner Cherry in a 12-round super featherweight opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale Friday, January 18 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Saturday, January 19. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The super welterweight division remains one of the hottest divisions in boxing with unified champion Jarrett Hurd, newly crown champion Tony Harrison, former world champion Jermell Charlo, former title challenger Julian Williams and Lara all circling each other for supremacy in the weight class.

“This night of exciting action is headlined by two Cuban stars who will surely put on a display of the immense skill and determination that Cuban boxers are known for,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Erislandy Lara has long been one of the best, if not number one, in the 154-pound division and he will look to get right back into that class by taking the WBA title from a hard-hitting and undefeated Argentine in Brian Castaño. Luis Ortiz has another opportunity to show why he’s one of the most-feared punchers in the heavyweight division and prove that he deserves a rematch for the title with Deontay Wilder. Christian Hammer has fought against the best at heavyweight and he isn’t coming here to lie down for Ortiz. When you add the Ricardo Núñez vs. Edner Cherry fight that is sure to bring action, it adds up to another can’t-miss night at Barclays Center and live on SHOWTIME.”

“Erislandy Lara is one of the most talented junior middleweights in the world, and while Brian Castaño is not yet a household name, he was a world renowned amateur and is undefeated as a pro,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a must-win fight for Lara and Castaño’s chance to establish himself as one of boxing’s rising stars. Luis Ortiz is a dangerous man. His ‘King Kong’ nickname is appropriate, as no one wants to fight the beast. You saw why in his spectacular challenge against Deontay Wilder. Tested world class contender Christian Hammer will attempt to derail ‘King Kong’ in his quest to secure another world title shot.”

“Over the last few years SHOWTIME has spotlighted the progression of the super welterweight and heavyweight divisions as they have emerged as two of the hottest and deepest in the sport,” said Stephen Espinoza, President of Sports and Event Programming, SHOWTIME. “On March 2, we will further that with a pair of the most dangerous and perhaps most avoided fighters in boxing in Erislandy Lara and Luis Ortiz. Both are in significant and difficult matchups. Brian Castaño is young, undefeated and although already the champion, looking to make a mark on the division with a signature win over Lara. Add in an all-action 130-pound bout and we have a dynamite three-fight card.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome both Erislandy Lara and Luis Ortiz back to Barclays Center for what will be an exciting night for fight fans in Brooklyn,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Both fighters have put up compelling performances in our ring, and will face tough competitors on March 2. I am also looking forward to BROOKLYN BOXING returning to SHOWTIME for the first time in 2019 for an evening of world class matchups.”

Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound champion until he lost a split decision to Jarrett Hurd on April 7 in a unification bout on SHOWTIME. Now the 39-year-old Lara, who was born in Guantanamo, Cuba and lives in Houston, looks to grab a title and once again stake his claim as one of the division’s best. He has one of the strongest resumes in the division, having fought Hurd and former 154-pound champions Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout.

“I’m very excited to be back headlining SHOWTIME in another major fight,” said Lara. “Brian Castaño is a young undefeated champion with a strong amateur pedigree. I look forward to being in the ring with him and putting on a great fight for the fans. I can’t wait to being crowned world champion again. Everyone tune in March 2nd, you don’t want to miss the whole card, it’s going to be sensational.”

The 29-year-old Castaño (15-0, 11 KOs) has worked his way up the ladder in one of the toughest divisions in boxing with raw power and toughness. Castaño, who is from Buenos Aires, fits well into the mold of the Argentine sluggers before him – such as former champions Carlos Monzon, Sergio Martinez and Marcos Maidana. He will battle Lara after wins against Michel Soro in 2017, where he captured the interim 154-pound, and Cedric Vitu in 2018, where he captured the belt he will defend on March 2.

“I’m thrilled to be facing Lara as he was a great champion and still one of the best fighters out there,” said Castaño. “Obviously this is the most important fight of my career and I know it will be difficult because of his experience. I have my own experience however, and I’m willing to prove that I belong with the best tin the division. I know he will get onto his bike and move around the ring, but I have the strength to knock him off.”

‘King Kong’ returns to New York on March 2 as Ortiz (30-1, 26 KOs), a southpaw power puncher, enters the ring with two solid knockout victories under his belt since losing to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at Barclays Center last March. The 39-year-old Ortiz, who is from Camaguey, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, is still considered one of the top five heavyweights in the division. He most recently scored a knockout victory over Travis Kauffman on December 1.

“‘King Kong’ is coming back to Brooklyn!” said Ortiz. “I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME in a huge event at Barclays Center. Christian Hammer is a very good fighter and I will be prepared for the best he has to offer. Come March 2, I’m hammering my way past him and setting up a clash with the winner of Wilder-Fury II or Anthony Joshua. I can’t wait till Brooklyn.”

Hammer (24-5, 14 KOs) has dueled some of the top heavyweights in the sport, including Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin. The 31-year-old Hammer, who was born in Galati, Romania and lives in Hamburg, Germany, has put together two victories since he lost a unanimous decision to Povetkin in 2017. In his last fight he scored a KO victory over then-unbeaten Michael Wallisch on December 15.

“I’ve been in training since right after Christmas for this big opportunity,” said Hammer. “I won my last fight by knockout, but I’m preparing for 12 hard rounds against Ortiz. A fight like this in New York is very special to me. This is the reason I became a boxer. The fans can look forward to a real heavyweight thriller on March 2.”

The hard-hitting Panamanian Núñez (20-2, 18 KOs) will be fighting for the first time in the United States on March 2. The 25-year-old is on a nine-fight winning streak in which he has scored eight knockout victories. He most recently delivered a first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Elvis Torres in June.

Cherry (37-7-2, 19 KOs) has put together a three-fight win streak since losing to Jose Pedraza in a featherweight title match in 2015. The 36-year-old Cherry, who was born in Nassau, Bahamas and now lives in Wauchula, Florida, has defeated Dennis Galarza, Omar Douglas and Haskell Rhodes heading into March and has faced top fighters including Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi throughout his career.

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LOS ANGELES –Forget Anthony Joshua. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury still have some unfinished business.

A Wilder-Fury draw in a terrific fight Saturday night at Staples Center made a rematch a lot more likely than a big money date with Joshua for either heavyweight.

Both Fury and Wilder showed great resilience, power and – in the end – guts in a bout that was close most of the time.

In the final three minutes, both fighters fought their way out of trouble and defeat.

Wilder needed at least a knockdown. He got it with a concussive right-left combo. For a fleeting second, it looked as if Fury would not get up. Wilder went to a neutral corner, rolled his shoulders and smiled.

But the celebration was premature. He, like everybody else, had underestimated Fury, who about a year ago was about 150 pounds heavier than he was at opening bell for Showtime pay-per-view bout.

Fury got up, avoided the loss, survived for another day, another shot at Wilder. Judge Alejandro Rochin of Mexico scored it 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 for Fury on a card initially announced at 114-110 and then corrected. The third card announced was from judge Phil Edwards, who scored it 113-113. Edwards is from the UK, Fury’s home country. UK fans filled Staples Center. They probably wanted to give Edwards his Brexit papers. But they, too, probably want a rematch

“Let’s do it,’’ said Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs), who kept his World Boxing Council belt. “In the UK, wherever. Wherever there’s the most money.’’

If the Staples crowd reaction was any indication, both Fury and Wilder can expect raise. Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, according to the California Commission. Fury collected a $3 million guarantee. The crowd screamed for more, especially through the six final rounds.

In the early going, Fury appeared to be in control. Wilder missed and missed with his big wind-up shots. But in the ninth, Wilder’s feared power touched Fury just enough to knock down the Manchester City fighter for the first of two times.

“With two knockdowns, I thought won the fight,’’ Wilder said.

But the clever Fury made Wilder looked awkward with agile footwork. It often left Wilder looking like a windmill, swinging his arms aimlessly, above and short of Fury. All the while, Fury mocked him.

“Listen, I got knocked down twice,’’ Fury said. “But I got up twice and won the fight.’’

The argument will continue. The only answer rests in a rematch.

Hurd’s body shot ends Welborn’s upset bid

Jarrett Hurd calls himself Swift. Make that Swift To Respond.

Just as it looked as if Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) might lose his junior-middleweight belts in a significant upset, he rallied, throwing a wicked body shot that finished the UK’s Jason Welborn (24-7, 7 KOs) at 1:55 of the fourth round.

The aggressive Welborn had been rocking Hurd with repeated shots from head to body through three-plus rounds. Then, Hurd, of Accokeek, MD, decided to go to work. He got it done with one punch.

Luis Ortiz ends dull fight with 10th-round stoppage

The Staples crowd booed. But Luis Ortiz didn’t hear their impatience until the end. Finally, however, the Cuban heavyweight did what could have been done five rounds earlier. He stopped Travis Kauffman of Reading, Penn., midway though the 10th and final round with a succession of punches.

Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) also knocked down Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) in sixth, eighth and earlier in the 10th. For Ortiz, there’s been talk of a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who was waiting in his dressing room waiting to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury. Wilder got up from a knockdown and stopped Ortiz in the Cuban’s only loss.

UK heavyweight Joe Joyce opens pay-per-view card with first-round stoppage

Joe Joyce opened the Showtime pay-per-view part of the Fury-Wilder card at Staples with a UK accent. Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) also kept it short and sweet, scoring a first-round stoppage of Newark heavyweight Joe Hanks (23-3, 15 KOs).

Joyce landed a right that forced Hanks to hold on to the ropes. Without those ropes, he would have been on the canvas. It should have been scored a knockdown. It wasn’t, but it didn’t matter. Seconds later, Joyce landed left, dropping Hanks, who was flat on the floor with no chance of continuing in a that ended at 2:25 of the first.

Guerrero wins comeback bout in a swift stoppage

It didn’t take long for Robert Guerrero to start his comeback. To be exact, he got it done within two rounds against overmatched Hungarian Adam Mate (28-13, 21 KOs). In winning a second-round stoppage, the 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) scored a knockdown in the first and two more in the second, unleashing three reasons to think his comeback has a real chance at succeeding.

Wilder family stays unbeaten with a Marcellos victory

The Wilders kept the 0 in the family midway through a card Saturday that would end with Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Tyson Fury in a Showtime -pay-per-view bout.

Marcellos Wilder, Deontay’s little brother and a big cruiserweight, went to 3-0 (2 KOs) with a unanimous decision of David Damore (1-4-3) of Bakersfield, Calif. Marcellus, whose record includes two KOs, flashed some of Deontay’s power, knocking Damore through the ropes in the second round.

Light-flyweight Jessie Rodriquez stays unbeaten, wins unanimous decision

Jessie Rodriquez, a San Antonio light-flyweight trained by Robert Garcia, was quick and accurate, an overwhelming combination in a one-sided decision over Josue Morales (8-9-3) in the second bout on a card featured by the Wilder-Fury heavyweight title fight.

Philadelphia light-middle weight Julian Williams scores quick stoppage

It was never a question of if, just when. The when was early. A stronger Julian Williams (25-2, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia light-middleweight, sent Mexican Francisco Javier Castro (28-9, 23 KOs) crashing into the ropes. Seconds later, Castro was unable to defend himself in a bout stopped at 2:40 of the second round.

First Bell: UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins fifth-round stoppage in opener to Fury-Wilder card

UK fans were still singing outside Staples Center when a UK fighter struck an opening key that they hope to hear throughout Saturday.

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe (16-0-3, 6 KOs) opened the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder show with a matinee victory, landing undefended strikes to the head and body that floored Argentine Lucas Rafael Baez (33-17-5, 17 KOs) twice in the fifth round. At 2:11 of the fifth, the non-televised bout was over in a stoppage that left a dazed and slumped over on a stool for a couple of minutes before he could leave the ring under his own power.

LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2018) – For those fighting in the blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, this year’s Thanksgiving will come during the tail end of training camp for their respective matchups. While the fighters may not be able to surround themselves with their loved ones or enjoy a traditional holiday meal, they still have plenty to be thankful for.

Fighters who are competing in the Wilder vs. Fury SHOWTIME PPV and SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from STAPLES Center discussed what they are most thankful for this time of year. The SHOWTIME PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The night kicks off with SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown that pits WBC champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV®. The PPV undercard features unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks. In action on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION are former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and hard-hitting Alfredo Angulo in a super middleweight clash. Non-televised action will see the return of former multiple-division champion Robert Guerrero.

Here is what the fighters said they are thankful for this holiday season:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m just thankful for my beautiful family – my wonderful children and my beautiful lady. I’m just so thankful for all the positive energy that I’ve been receiving from my family. This is the happiest I’ve been in my life – career wise and in my personal life. I don’t have any drama and I’m ready to go December 1.”

TYSON FURY

“I’m most thankful for being alive, for being healthy and for being in a right mind. Business and jobs are very unimportant when you’ve got no health. You can be a billionaire but dying inside. It’s all irrelevant if you haven’t got your health. Because your health is your wealth. I’m very qualified to say it because I’ve been in some tough positions before. I’m just thankful to be alive.”

JARRETT HURD

“I’m thankful for my family, my team, my health and the chance to get back in the ring and do what I love on December 1. Unfortunately, no Thanksgiving for me this year. I think I’ll even be on the plane on the holiday, which is fine for me so I don’t get the urge to eat. I’m also going to do a Turkey Drive in my community and make sure that I’m giving back as much as I can.”

JASON WELBORN

“2018 has been my year. I’m thankful for my family – my wife, children, my dad and my Mom who looks over us all.

“I became British Champion in 2018, defended my title and now I’m going to shock the world in L.A. to cap a wonderful year.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for my daughter’s health and well-being, along with my whole family. I know that in boxing, there are no holidays. Thanksgiving will be whenever it lands and whenever I have the opportunity for it. Boxing is my first love and I’m happy to be training even during this time of year.”

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“I’m thankful for this opportunity against Luis Ortiz; I’m thankful for my family and my three children, plus the blessing of having another baby on the way.

“I’m away from my family training in Texas and I’ll be sticking to my meal plan through Thanksgiving. This isn’t the first Thanksgiving I’ve missed though, it’s just a part of this sport. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m staying focused on that. After this fight is over, I’ll make sure I get a Thanksgiving meal.”

JOE JOYCE

“I am thankful for the people I have in my life, my mum, my dad and my brothers. I’ve got a great team and my career is just taking off. I am also about to be a part of a huge event on December 1st so for all this I am very thankful.”

JOE HANKS

“I’m thankful for family, friends and the ability to help provide for my family doing by doing what I love.

“I am actually going to have a little turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s part of the whole heavyweight lie. I’m still sacrificing every day in camp and I’m looking forward to the fruits of my labor. We’ll give up Thanksgiving to have a good Christmas.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“I’m thankful for many things this year, but at the very top of that list are my wife and kids and especially my newborn son, Alfredo Angulo Jr., my biggest blessing. I’m thankful to my team for the opportunity to compete in this great fight in December. I’m going to repay with a huge win.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“During the holidays, I’m always grateful that I’m able to spend time with family and friends. In addition, I’m grateful for all the blessings boxing has brought me, especially this latest journey that I’m excited to start on December 1.”

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NEW YORK (November 15, 2018) – Unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd and Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz hosted separate media workouts in Washington, D.C. and Miami on Thursday for their upcoming matchups on Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Hurd returns to the ring to defend his IBF and WBA belts against Jason Welborn in his first bout since becoming unified champion, while Ortiz takes on Travis Kauffman in a 10-round heavyweight attraction. The PPV undercard also features rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks. The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury heavyweight championship showdown.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

The Accokeek, Maryland-native Hurd, who unified titles against Erislandy Lara in April on SHOWTIME, was joined at the Hillcrest Boxing Gym in Temple Hills by his trainer Ernesto Rodriguez and fights for the first time since undergoing rotator cuff surgery.

Ortiz, along with trainer Herman Caicedo, held his media workout at Caicedo Sports Training Center in Miami ahead of another opportunity to enter the ring and earn a potential rematch against Deontay Wilder after they engaged in a memorable heavyweight clash in March on SHOWTIME.

Here is what the fighters and their trainers had to say Thursday:

JARRETT HURD

“I can’t wait to get in there on December 1 and show everybody that ‘Swift’ is back at 100 percent. I’m expecting to show my versatility. I’ve shown that I can walk guys down and that I have a full tank of gas through 12 rounds. This time I want to show that I’m also strong defensively and can use my range and height.

“I’m going to really focus on using my jab in this fight. I want to establish that punch and also test out my rotator cuff and prove to everyone that I’m feeling great.

“Jason Welborn is a former British champion and I know that he’s going to be game. He’s coming off of two good wins against Tommy Langford. I know Welborn is going to leave everything in the ring because he has nothing to lose.

“The target is definitely on my back holding two titles. I’m in the position I want to be in. When you’re at the top, everybody is coming for your spot.

“The win over a long-reigning champion like Erislandy Lara solidified in everyone else’s mind what I already knew. Now I’m getting the respect I deserve.

“I showed against Lara that I can dig deep and pull out a win late if I need to. I have that inside of me. I also showed that I have power in both hands because usually I get a knockout with the right hand, but I was able to put Lara on the floor with a left.

“My goal for 2019 is to definitely get one more belt, and I’d also like to fight at home. I definitely want to fight Jermell Charlo for his WBC belt. Unification is what the division needs. I know for sure that me and Charlo both want this fight.

“Every time I’ve had an opportunity presented to me in this sport, I’ve taken full advantage of it. My family pushed me through all of the tough moments and helped get me to where I am today.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m 100 percent ready for this fight. We never stopped working after my last fight and I’m going to show it on December 1. I love staying active. I just want to keep fighting and showing off my skills.

“I’ve only taken off about a month total since fighting Wilder in March, so I still feel sharp and like my training is just continuous. The training stays the same, and once we get the opponent locked in we can focus on a game plan.

“Travis Kauffman is a strong fighter who came up fighting in Philadelphia. I know that’s he’s a tough guy who’s going to come to fight and I’m going to be prepared it.

“I think that my performance against Wilder and since that fight have warranted a rematch. I had Wilder hurt, I just made mental mistakes during the fight. I was fatigued, but I did not get knocked out flat. The referee did his job, but I feel that I did enough to merit another shot. I’ve worked hard to correct the mistakes I made and in a rematch, it would be a different ending.

“Wilder vs. Fury will be an interesting fight. Wilder is fighting someone taller than him for the first time and that could make it go a lot of ways. But I really do believe Wilder is going to win and win by knockout.”

ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ, Hurd’s Trainer

“Training camp has gone very well. It was a bit different for this camp because of the injury but I think everything has been completed and right now we’re just sharpening up so we can peak fight week.

“I laid off of some of the shoulder strength and conditioning that I would usually do with Jarrett because of the injury. We had to do that to let the shoulder heal. He still got in all of his normal strength and conditioning.

“I think Jason Welborn is going to try to come forward and impose his toughness. He has everything to gain in this fight. I think he’ll throw hard shots and try to rough it up. He may just run into a punch and get knocked out, or we’ll pick him apart and stop him late.

“I think what makes Jarrett Hurd so special is his demeanor. He’s a humble kid who works hard and knows what he has to do. Every minute he’s in the ring he’s aware of what he has to do. He communicates well and he follows instructions as well as any fighter I’ve trained throughout the years.”

HERMAN CAICEDO, Ortiz’s Trainer

“Luis Ortiz went through the experience of what happened in the Wilder fight and that’s the best way to overcome it in the future. He lived it, he breathed it and now, he’s going to go out and earn a chance to change the outcome.

“We have no excuses for the way the Wilder fight ended. I thought Ortiz was doing fine, but Wilder’s punches certainly had an effect. It’s heavyweight boxing, so being knocked down first in the fifth round definitely drew from the power supply.

“Unfortunately when he let everything go in the seventh round against Wilder, and almost knocked Wilder out, that drained him completely. Wilder was able to recover and capitalize. But we now know what we have to do in a rematch.

“Ortiz told me that when he first buzzed Wilder he really saw it all right there. He saw himself with the WBC championship. He saw himself knocking out Anthony Joshua and becoming undisputed champion. So he decided to go for it all right there.”

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