William Zepeda stopped former world title challlenger Mercito Gesta in round six of their 12-round lightweight bout at The Commerce Casino in Commerce, California.

Zepeda began his relentless offensive assault in round two and in round three began to swell the eyes of Gesta. In round five, Zepeda viciously battered Gesta all over the ring. Zepeda landed a staggering 217 power punches through five rounds. In round six, Zepeda beat up Gesta on the ropes as he landed about 20 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Zepeda, 134.3 lbs of San Mateo Attenco, MEX is 29-0 with 25 knockouts. Gesta, 134.2 lbs of Mandaue City PHI is 34-4-3.

“I am ready for the big fights out there – whether it be Devin Haney or even a Shakur Stevenson. Those are the guys who have the belts and that’s what I want next,” said William Zepeda. “There are incredible fights for me in my division, and I trust that Golden Boy will do what they can to get me to become a World Champion. I am ready to go home, rest and recover peacefully at home.”

Victor Morales remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Edwin Palomares in a featherweight fight.

In round 10, Morales was cut over his right eye.

Morales landed 162 of 434 punches. Palomares was 136 of 564.

Morales, 126 lbs of Vancouver, WA won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94 and is now 19-0-1. Palomares, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City is 18-5-2.

“I hoped I showed Oscar and the team tonight that I am a warrior in the ring, and I can push through anything,” said Victor Morales Jr. “I am happy we get to take our belt back home with us.”

Yokasta Valle defended the IBF/WBO Minimumweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maria Santizo.

Valle landed 98 of 292 punches. Santizo was 79 of 435.

Valle, 105 lbs of Matahalpa, NIC won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 29-2. Santizo, 104.2 lbs of Gutamala City, GUA is 11-4.

“I knew she was going to bring everything,” said Yokasta Valle. “She was training in Los Angeles to get incredible sparring and I knew she was well prepared for our fight. I am going to take a week off and enjoy the Costa Rican beaches and get back to training so I can be ready to fight on November 4 no matter who the opponent is.”

Darius Fulgham remained perfect with a second round stoppage over Ricardo Luna in a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Luna was cut on his forehead. In round two, Fukgham landed a left hook to the side of the head that put Luna on a knee. Luna got to his feet, but the fight was a waved off at 1:30.

Fulgham, 170.8 lbs of El Paso, TX is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Luna, 170.8 lbs of Mexico City is 25-11-2.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with an eight-round majority decision over Simon Madsen in a middleweight bout.

Priest landed 121 of 284 punches. Madsen landed 104 of 360.

Preiest, 158.8 lbs of Wichita Falls, TX won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 76-76 and is now 11-0. Madsen, 158.6 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 13-2.

Daniel Garcia won a six-round unanimous decision over Erick Benitez in a lightweight fight.

Garcia, 132 lbs of Denver, CO is 7-0. Benitez, 131.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 4-5.

Alejandro Reyes won a six-round majority decision over Roberto Gomez in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Reyes was bleeding over the left eye.

Reyes, 139.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 11-0. Gomez, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 5-2.

Gael Cabrera won a six-round super lightweight bout over Juan Centeno in a super featherweight bout.

In round three, Centeno was cut on the lip. In the same round, Cabrera was cut on the right eyebrow.

Cabrera, 126.2 lbs of Sonora, MEX won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Centeno, 127.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-9-4.

Jordan Cervantes won a four-round unanimous decision over Giovanny Meza in a super lightweight bout.

Cervantes, 136.4 lbs of East LA, CA won by scores of 40-36 on cards and is now 1-0. Meza, 137.2 lbs of El Paso, TX is 0-5.

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a first round annihilation of Daniel Rosas in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Schofield dominated and landed a left hook that put Rosas down and out at 1:37.

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Rosas, 132 lbs of Mexico City is 22-6-1.

“I manifested this knockout, and I just feel so good right now,” said Schofield. “This is the fight game, and I hope he is ok. When Oscar came into my dressing room, I almost had a heart attack – I was like dang – this is real. I’m happy and I’m proud of myself and my team. It’s a dream come true. I honestly feel like crying, but I am trying not to. I want everyone in my division!”

Anabel Ortiz Decisions Maria Santizo

Former world champion Anabel Ortiz won an eight-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Maria Santizo in a light flyweight bout.

Ortiz, 108 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 79-73, 78-4 and 77-75 and is now 33-5. Santizo, 106.6 lbs of Guatemala City, GUA is now 10-2.

“The fight proved to be a hard one, but it was experience that helped me secure the win,” said Ortiz. “There were points in the fight where she would make me mad when she would grab me by the back of my head and I just wanted to unleash on her, but I knew I had to conserve my energy. Right now, I am going to eat a hamburger and drink a coca-cola, and then discuss with Roberto Diaz what my next steps are.”

Joshua Garcia remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Christian Lorenzo in a super featherweight bout.

Garcia, 130 lbs of Moreno Valley, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 6-0. Lorenzo, 128 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-4.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Sergio Gonzalez in a middleweight bout.

Estrada, 149.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 40-36 twice and 38-38, and is now 4-0. Gonzalez, 155 lbs of Mexico is 6-12-1.

Eric Tudor remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Ramon Marquez in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Tudor dropped Marquez with a left to the body. Seconds later, it was another hard body shot that put Marquez down again. Marquez nose was starting to bleed, and the fight was stopped after hard flurry at 2:41.

Tudor, 153.6 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 6-0 with five knockouts. Marquez, 145.4 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 5-3.

INDIO, CA (Oct. 14, 2022) – In the last scheduled fight for 2022 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, fans can expect jam-packed action on Thursday, Oct. 20 for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN. 

The night will bring a number of special guests including Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, who will be watching the main event spectacular featuring newly-signed, blue-chip prospect Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (11-0, 9 KOs) of Austin, Texas measuring up his skills against Daniel “Bad Boy” Rosas (22-5-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round match. The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT. 

The co-main event will feature two former female world title contenders battling for another opportunity to fight for a world championship. Mexico City’s Anabel Ortiz (32-5, 4 KOs) will take on Guatemala City, Guatemala’s Maria Santizo (10-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round light flyweight match-up.

In a four-round super featherweight bout, Moreno Valley’s Joshua “El Americano” Garcia (5-0, 3 KOs) will fight against Christian “El Niño” Lorenzo (3-3, 1 KO). Garcia was last seen knocking out his opponent Hilario Martinez-Moreno in the second round. 

Jorge Estrada (3-0, 3 KOs) who represents Mexicali, Mexico, will be looking to maintain his first-round knockout streak since his debut as he faces Tamaulipas, Mexico’s Sergio Gonzalez (6-11-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight fight. Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Eric Tudor (5-0, 4 KOs) will participate in a six-round super welterweight against Tucson, Arizona’s Ramon Marquez (5-2, 5 KOs). 

Also from Mexicali, Mexico, Angel “The AB” Beltran (14-1, 9 KOs) will be facing Rance Ward (7-4-1, 2 KOs) of Houma, Louisiana in a six-round welterweight fight. Danny Garcia (3-0, 3 KOs) of Denver, Colorado who will be facing a soon-to -be-announced opponent in a four-round super featherweight bout. 

In a four-round lightweight fight, San Juan, Puerto Rico’s decorated, amateur standout Kiria Tapia will make her pro-debut against Knoxville, Tennessee’s Hanna Rosario (1-0). Also making his pro-debut and opening the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s show, Danny Luna of Los Angeles will face Antonio Lemus (0-1) who is also from Los Angeles. 

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Schofield vs. Rosas are on sale and are priced at $55, $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, Oct. 17. To apply, please visit https://bit.ly/Oct20GBFN. 

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and Torres Brandy. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez stopped Yunieski Gonzalez in round 10 of an exciting an entertaining 12-round light heabyweight bout at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Gonzalez started off the fight well as he was able to land some hard punches in the opening fraem. In round three, Gonzalez was deducted a point for holding the head.

In round four, they stood toe-toptoe with Ramirez rocking Gonzalez. Every time it looked like Gonzalez was going down or even stopped, he would land a hard right that would drive Ramirez back. In round five, Ramirez continued to batter Gonzalez.

As the rounds went on, Ramirez got into a boxing mode a started piling up rounds with Gonzalez staying dangerous by landing an occasional right hand. In round 10, Ramirez landed a huge barrage of punches that got through the guard of Gonzalez and even snapping his head back several times until the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Ramirez, 174.4 lbs of Mexico is 43-0 with 28 knockouts. Gonzalez, 173.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 21-4.

“He is a great fighter. I knew he was going to be tough because he showed no fear in his eyes,” said Ramirez. “He had nothing to lose, and I knew he was going to come with everything he had. Thank you Yunieski for taking the fight.

“I tried to land body shots and he was prepared. So, I had to change my attacks and focus on hitting him upstairs so I could get the victory. My hand is a little hurt but that is the price you pay to win. I am ready for the next challenge, I want Bivol. He can’t run anymore, I am coming for him,” continued Ramirez.

“I dedicate this fight to Vicente Fernandez, a great Mexican legend. I come from Mexico, and he inspired me to live my dream and I want to show everyone that they can live their dreams too. There are no barriers besides yourself,” concluded Ramirez.

“I am really disappointed in myself,” said Gonzalez. “I always knew Zurdo would be difficult, a tough fighter. But I expected more from myself. This is not the best performance from me, I’m going to back work on myself and get better.”

Estrada Stops Santizo in 4; Retains Minimumweight Title

Seniesa Estrada retained the WBA Minimumweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Previously undefeated Maria Santizo.

In round three, Estrada dropped Santizo with a hard left hook to the head. In round four, it was another left that sent Santizo down and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Estrada, 104.6 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA is 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Santizo, 103.8 lbs of Guatamala City, GUA is 9-1.

“I give my performance a ‘C’ today because I was getting too ahead of myself. I wanted to the knockout too early so I got caught a few times trying to set it up,” said Estrada. “She was a tough fighter, she is 9-0 with 5 knock outs for a reason, so I knew she was coming in to win. But I knew I had to stop her I just had to be more patient. In 2022 I want to unify the division with a fight against IBF World Champion Yokasta Valle from Costa Rica.”

“Honestly I felt super prepared for this fight,” said Santizo. Seniesa, however, knew how to connect. We fell to the canvas but I feel good, I think maybe the stoppage was too anticipated. But I defer to the referee who is there to protect our health. Now I have to go back to the gym, train and wait for the next opportunity.”

Roach Decisions Alvarado

Lamont Roach Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Rene Alvarado in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Roach began to swell under his left eye. In round eight, Roach was bleeding from his nose.

Roach landed 163 of 522 punches; Alvarado was 141 of 881.

Roach, 129.8 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice and is now 22-1-1. Alvarado, 129.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 32-11.

“I feel good about this victory. I just beat a man who was a world champion two fights ago,” said Roach, Jr. “This is the type of victory that I need to show that I am ready for a world title fight. Rene Alvarado is a warrior, a tough guy who I couldn’t knock down, but I feel we did our job today. I want the champion next, Roger Gutierrez.”

“I don’t know what to do anymore. The job we did today was excellent,” said Alvarado. “On my count I believe the fight was mine. When I heard unanimous decision, I knew that was right, but when they said Roach, Jr.’s name I couldn’t believe it. I know I won the fight.”

Marlen Esparza retained the WBC Flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Anabel Ortiz

In round two, Ortiz went down and was scored a knockdown.

Esparza, 111.6 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 100-88, 99-90 and 95-94 and is now 11-1. Ortiz, 111.2 lbs of Mexico City is 31-5.

“My performance was good considering I just came back after contracting Covid-19,” said Esparza. “I wanted to see what it would feel like to come back and I can say that there is some fatigue. We knew she was a counter puncher so we were prepared for it, but I can feel a little of the fatigue. Now that is all over and I know what it feels to come back, I want all the belts. I want Naoko Fujioka from Japan and just unify this division.”

“I think I delivered a great fight, simply the referee did not favor me,” said Ortiz. “He counted two slips that were obviously not knockdowns, she pushed me. I am very unhappy because they put someone in the ring who does not know how to do his job, especially when this is a world title fight. It is a disservice to the sport. They took the victory away from me.”

Victor Morales and Rudy Garcia battled to a 10-round draw featuring undefeated featherweights.

Morales won a card 97-93; Garcia won a 96-94 tally and a third card was even at 95-95.

Morales, 125.4 lbs of Vancouver, WA is 15-0-1. Garcia, 125.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 12-0-1.

“I am really upset with the decision, because I feel like I won that fight,” said Garcia. “Morales is a good fighter, I know him from the amateur world, but I think that I pulled off the victory in the end. I really want the re-match to prove that I won this fight.”

“I feel like I won the fight. I feel like I broke him down from the very beginning,” said Morales. “Yes, we got hit. I got things to work on, but I still feel like I won this fight. Let’s do the re-match next, let’s run it back and prove who is the best.”

Ruslan Madiyev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Hernandez in a welterweight bout.

Madiyev, 139.5 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 14-2. Hernandez, 141.8 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 21-2.

“I had seen past fight footage of Hernandez and I noticed that he kept his left hand down,” said Madiyev. “So I made sure to prepare and attack with that right hook, and I kept catching him. I am very proud of my team for the amazing preparation, and I can’t wait to come back in the ring and fight for a title soon.”

Raul Curiel stopped Kendo Castaneda in round seven of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Curiel landed a left hook that was ruled a knockdown

In round seven, Curiel dropped Castaneda with a body shot and the fight was over at 1:20.

Curiel, 146.4 lbs of Mexico is 11-0 with seven knockouts. Castaneda, 146.6 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 17-5.

“I am very happy to be in Texas and to make my first title defense in front of my family. Castaneda was a strong opponent, but I am glad we were able to show off all our hard work and get a victory. This was one of my best performances and I am so happy to be able to share it with everyone,” said Curiel.

John Ramirez stopped Miguel Rebullosa in round two of their four-round bantamweight fight

Ramirez scored two knockdowns and then landed heavy shots on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:21.

Ramirez, 117.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Rebullosa, 118 lbs of Mexico is 4-13.

Nick Sullivan remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Erick Benitez in a lightweight bout.

Sullivan, 134 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 5-0. Benitez, 134.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 2-2.

LAS VEGAS (December 13, 2021) – Undefeated Guatemalan star and WBA #1 ranked minimumweight contender, Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs), is looking to dethrone Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs) for her WBA Title in the co-feature attraction this Saturday December 18th, on the Gilberto Ramirez vs. Yunieski Gonzalez card. The 10-round bout, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN and takes place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.

Here is what Santizo had to say about recent training camp, her matchup with Estrada, and more.

On her recent training camp:
“I’m wrapping up the final days of training camp here in Las Vegas and I couldn’t ask for a better situation then what I’m experiencing right now. The sparring has been spectacular and the high elevation workouts have been fabulous. I feel strong and I’m going to be at my very best on Saturday.”

On her matchup with Estrada:
“To be honest with you, Estrada has never been in the ring with a fighter of my caliber. My record doesn’t show any high-level opponents but believe me, I’m a warrior with a lot of skills and determination. This will be the fight that the world will see what kind of athlete I am. Estrada is a great champion, but she’s in trouble, because I’m coming to dethrone her.

On fighting for her first world title:
“I’ve worked my whole life for this opportunity and I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way. Coming from Guatemala, I take great pride representing my country men and women, and on Saturday night the first ever women’s world champion boxer will be crowned.

On fighting in 3-minutes rounds:
“Fighting in 3-minute rounds is crucial to the sport of women’s boxing. We deserve to fight at the same standards of the men, just like professional MMA. All women’s fights should be 3-minute rounds, especially if both fighters agree to it, as both Seniesa and myself have done for this fight. The fans want to see knockouts and I know fighting 3-minute rounds will accomplish that.”

On what a win will do for her career:
“A victory against Estrada will solidify me as one of the best female fighters in the world. In addition, a victory will bring a lot of attention to my country and hope to those struggling to make it in the sport of boxing. I want to inspire all my people and win this world title for them.

LAS VEGAS, NV (December 9, 2021) – Undefeated minimumweight contender, Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs), is confident going into her upcoming bout with Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs), set to take place at San Antonio’s AT&T Center on Saturday, December 18. On the line will be Estrada’s WBA minimumweight world title. Both Estrada and Santizo have agreed to fight in 3-minutes rounds, a first for a women’s boxing world title fight in 2021.

Estrada vs. Santizo, a 10-round world title bout, will serve as the co-main event to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) vs. Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs), battling in a in a 12-round WBA light heavyweight elimination bout. The card, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Santizo, who hails from Guatemala City, Guatemala, has made her way to Las Vegas to train with two-time world champion, Bones Adams, who will help guide her corner with longtime head trainer, Marisol Rhoesa. Santizo feels this is the fight that will stamp her greatness to the masses watching, nationally and internationally.

“I’ve always dreamed of coming to Las Vegas to have a training camp and now that dream has come true,” said Santizo, from the Bones Adams Prince Ranch Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. “Having an experienced world champion like Bones Adams in my corner is an added piece to my team that has made us stronger. Bones brings a lot of knowledge and works very well with my head coach Marisol Rhosea. United we are going to shock the world and become champions together.”

“This girl can flat out fight,” said Bones Adams when talking about Santizo, his new student. “Marisol has done a tremendous job with her. I’m just here to add the knowledge I’ve gained as a world champion and trainer. I think this is going to be the fight of the night. We know Estrada is a world class champion who is not going to cut any corners going into this fight. We want the best version of Estrada. We are coming to win and win impressively.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 11, 2021): Feared, former world champion, and light heavyweight sensation Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, will welcome the holiday season by taking on Cuba’s Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator on Saturday, December 18 from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX. The winner of the title eliminator will secure a mandatory challenge to the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, a highly desired position for fighters that are often avoided in the highly protected light heavyweight division. The 12-round main event will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

In the co-main event, three-time world champion Seneisa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs) will defend her new WBA Minimumweight World title in a 10-round fight against the fierce, undefeated Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City, Gua. Next, rising super featherweight contender Lamont Roach, Jr. (21-1-1, 9 KOs) will face off against former world champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (32-10, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight championship. Opening up the broadcast, former U.S. Olympian and current WBC Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (10-1, 1 KOs) will defend her world title, for the first time, against the seasoned former WBA world champion, Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-4, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico.

“The light heavyweight division is stacked with great talent, but none of them are taking risks, none of them want to step up to a real challenge,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez has proven to be among the elite of the division and is ready for a world title fight. Facing Yunieski Gonzalez, a fighter who has never backed down from a challenge, will allow both fighters to secure a shot at the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship. I am excited to return to San Antonio, Texas, for this event. Fight fans have always welcomed us there and will get a night full of action and world championship level boxing.”

A highly feared and avoided fighter, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is willing to put his undefeated record on the line to prove he is the best in the light heavyweight division, and the WBA Light Heavyweight title eliminator will allow him to get closer to his goal. After a spectacular knockout victory over Cuba’s Sullivan Barrera in July 2021, ‘Zurdo’ is ready to face an equally challenging fighter in Miami’s Yunieski Gonzalez. He is determined to retain his undefeated status, reach the highly coveted 50-0 milestone, and continue his knockout streak, which he has held since 2019. A former WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, who defended his title successfully five times, ‘Zurdo’ is ready for the world stage one more time in 2021, closing off the year with a bang.

“I’m happy and excited to be back in the ring before the year ends and showcase my talent again in Texas. Of course, I was a little disappointed that Bivol didn’t want to sign the contract and make the fight happen, but that’s boxing. I know my team and Golden Boy have been working strategically to make this happen, and I will not disappoint all my fans on December 18,” said Gilberto Ramirez.

“Yuneski is a tough Cuban fighter, and I know I will need to be my best that night. With this being the WBA World Title eliminator, I know he will do everything to change his life with this fight. Once this fight is over, Bivol will have nowhere to run and will have to face me,” continued Ramirez.

“Last but not least, I sincerely appreciate Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the entire WBA organization for allowing me to be in this position. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the WBA and will do everything in my power to highly represent the organization and become the Champion.”

Fighting out of Miami, Florida, but originally from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez has had a successful career in the light heavyweight division. He has stayed busy in 2020 and 2021, facing and defeating Guillermo Romero, Alex Theran, and Tommy Karpency by consecutive knockout victories. The heavy-handed fighter has been seeking an elusive world title fight and will get closer to his goal if he can defeat Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title eliminator on December 18.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God, Golden Boy, my representative Henry Rivaita, DAZN, the WBA, and my coach Peter Roque,” said Yunieski Gonzalez. “I am coming to give my all December 18. It will be an interesting fight since I am the only Cuban boxer who’s not a ‘runner,’ so fight fans will enjoy every minute of all the action. I have worked hard for the last year and a half, and it has paid off. I fight for freedom for thousands of kids who don’t have this opportunity. I’m coming to give Texas a night to remember.”

“Our strong end to the year continues with Gilberto’ Zurdo’ Ramirez facing off against Yunieski Gonzalez in a WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “Zurdo has had a fantastic start to his light-heavyweight career and is looking to take one step closer to a world title shot by facing his toughest test December 18, live worldwide on DAZN.”

“I’m thrilled with the year that I’ve had, winning two world titles at two different divisions and ending the year with a title defense on December 18,” said Seneisa Estrada. “I was hoping to end the year with a unification fight, but we will stay prepared and ready for unification in 2022. I’m excited for December 18. I want to end the year with a bang and give my fans another exciting fight. Thank you to my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, for the amazing year! 2022 will be even bigger and better!”

“This is going be a big test and big opportunity for me,” said Maria Santizo. “I am ready to prove that I am at a world championship level and am fully confident in my ability to become ‘The New’ WBA Minimumweight World Champion on December 18.”

“This is what it’s all about; I’ve been wanting a fight like this since my world title fight,” said Lamont Roach, Jr. “It’s time to show everyone why I belong on the world stage again.”

“After the back-to-back to losses to Roger Gutierrez, this is the most important fight of my life to get back into the big fights,” said Rene Alvarado. “Roach, Jr. is a good young fighter, but he doesn’t have the experience and has not fought anyone close to my level. I’ll show it on December 18. This is for Nicaragua.”

“My team and Golden Boy have decided that this is a good fight to get back in the ring after coming off Covid-19,” said Marlen Esparza. “I respect Ortiz; she has a lot of experience and some great wins. I am training very hard for my title defense!”

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity; I dream of being a world champion again,” said Anabel Ortiz. “We know that Marlen Esparza is a strong opponent, and she has beaten good names, but boxing is about styles. I am moving up in weight for this division, and these kinds of challenges are what motivate me to keep going.”

Zurdo vs. Gonzalez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, December 18, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoGonzalez.

ABOUT THE AT&T CENTER
The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information, go to ATTCenter.com.