Miami – May 12, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., continues its special encore presentations this Friday, May 15 at 12 a.m. ET on Telemundo with the story of former World Champion Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz. The trailblazer fighter made history on Boxeo Telemundo as the first openly gay boxer.

Boxeo Telemundo will be broadcast on Telemundo and streamed on the Telemundo Deportes app highlighting the best bouts around each story and featuring special commentary from the experts to provide viewers with insights and anecdotes. Additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including the fighters’ best moments following each episode.

Cruz joins Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo and Edgar Lopez during the program to relive his most unforgettable Boxeo Telemundo bouts and his personal story as the first openly gay athlete in the sport. The episode will highlight Cruz’ iconic fight from October 19, 2012  when he squared off against Jorge Pazos, his first bout after coming out and following his victory for the Featherweight Latino OMB Title. The show will also showcase Cruz against Orlando Salido in Las Vegas from March 13, 2013. This fight solidified him as the #1 contender in the featherweight division. Cruz went onto fight twice for world titles: WBO Featherweight (October 2013 vs. Orlando Salido) and WBO Lightweight (November 2016 vs. Terry Flanagan).

Boxeo Telemundo will culminate its featured encores next Friday, May 22 with a look back at the beginnings of 4-division champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. 

Debuting in 1989, Boxeo Telemundo has grown to become the #1 combat sports program in the U.S. among Hispanics, across broadcast and cable landscape. Since its launch, Boxeo Telemundo has broadcast over 350 title fights, showcasing some of the biggest boxing stars as they rose to stardom and won their first championship titles, earning a reputation as the show “where champions are born.” Among these stars is Saúl Canelo Alvarez, who won his first pro boxing title on Boxeo Telemundo in 2008. Other notable Champions featured include Juan Manuel Marquez, Diego Corrales, Carlos Maussa,?Floyd Mayweather, Israel Vázquez,?Wilfredo Vázquez,?Rafael Ruelas,?Jorge Solis and many others. In addition, renowned boxing Hall of Famers have also appeared on the show including Erik Morales,?Marco Antonio Barrera and Felix Trinidad.?

Miami – April 27, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., returns with a special encore presentation featuring iconic bouts that launched the careers of champions and notable fighters who have left an indelible mark on the sport, highlighting their stories and rise to stardom. The special four-week season premieres this Friday, May 1 with a look at the best of the classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. Week two will present the rise of Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez Jr., followed by the story of Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz and culminating the season with a special highlighting the beginnings of 4-division champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. 

Boxeo Telemundo will be broadcast on Telemundo and streamed on the Telemundo Deportes app with additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including the fighters’ best moments following each episode.  

The special edition of Boxeo Telemundo will be hosted by veteran boxing expert and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo, alongside Edgar Lopez. The show will relive the best bouts around each story featuring special commentary from the experts to provide viewers with insights and anecdotes. Each episode will also incorporate featured interviews with some of the boxers including Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez, Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez and Orlando Cruz, in addition to behind the scenes anecdotes and stories from the on-air talent.

This Friday’s season opener, the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, two of the most potent Hispanic boxing nations in the world, is highlighted by two contemporary contenders on the eve of their World Title shots. Mexican fighter Alejandro “Payasito” Hernández took on Marvin Mabait back in March 28, 2014 that led him into the unforgettable bout against Tomoki Kameda for the WBO Bantamweight Title in November 2014. This fight was seen by many as a contender for upset of the year in 2014.The classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico will also take viewers back to February 18, 2018 when Puerto Rican fighter Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez squared off against Mexican Ricardo Meserito Gonzalez who took the vacant Flyweight Title NABO OMB via a tough split decision. Gonzalez went on to fight for WBO Flyweight title in August 2019 vs. Kosei Tanaka. The fight was seen by many as a contender for fight of the year in 2018.

Boxeo Telemundo will continue its featured encores on Friday, May 8 with the story of Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez Jr. and the road to his world title shot. 

Debuting in 1989, Boxeo Telemundo has grown to become the #1 combat sports program in the U.S. among Hispanics, across broadcast and cable landscape. Since its launch, Boxeo Telemundo has broadcast over 350 title fights, showcasing some of the biggest boxing stars as they rose to stardom and won their first championship titles, earning a reputation as the show “where champions are born.” Among these stars is Saúl Canelo Alvarez, who won his first pro boxing title on Boxeo Telemundo in 2008. Other notable Champions featured include? Juan Manuel Marquez, ?Diego Corrales, Carlos Maussa,? Floyd Mayweather,? Israel Vázquez,? Wilfredo Vázquez,? Rafael Ruelas,? Jorge Solis and many others. In addition, renowned boxing Hall of Famers have also appeared on the show including? Erik Morales,? Marco Antonio Barrera and ?Felix Trinidad.?

Undefeated Lamont Roach and former two-time world title challenger Orlando Cruz fought to a 10-round split draw in a super featherweight fight at Coliseo San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In round nine, Roach landed a nice left hook that wobbled Cruz. seconds later, Cruz fell from the effects of the punch, but it was ruled a slip.

The ref error proved to be the difference as the scores were 97-93 for Roach, 96-94 for Cruz and 95-95.

Roach, 129.4 lbs of Washington, DC is 16-0-1. Cruz, 129.4 lbs of San Juan, PR is 25-6-1.

“I think I should have won, but I showed that I was a true champ by going into his backyard,” said Lamont Roach, Jr. “We didn’t get the decision we wanted, but that’s boxing. DC would be fine for a rematch, but whenever I get back in the ring with him I’m going to destroy him. The shot I landed in the ninth round should have been a knockdown, but sometimes you get the short end of the stick in the sport of boxing.”

“I thought the fight was going to be ruled a split decision in my favor,” said Orlando Cruz. “Roach is a young, talented fighter, but I made him miss a lot. Either way, I must continue working and training. I definitely want the rematch.
Jose Lopez won a 10-round Unanimous decision over Miguel A. Gonzalez in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Gonzalez was cut over his left eye.

Lopez, 130 lbs of Carolina, PR won by scores of 99-91, 98-91 and 97-93 and is now 19-2-1. Gonzalez, 130 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 22-4.

Magdiel Cotto won a six-round majority decision over Ekie Augustama in a middleweight bout.

In round four, Augustama started to swell around his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Cotto, 159 lbs of Comerio, PR won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 to raise his mark to 9-0. Augustama, 160 lbs of Miami, FL is 6-8.

Bryan Chevalier won a 6-round unanimous decision over Luis Diaz in a lightweight bout.

Chevalier, 131 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 9-1-1. Diaz, 131 lbs of Coamo, PR is 3-5.

Juan Abreu won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

In round nine, Abreu was credited with a knockdown when he landed a wild left that drove Hernandez into the ropes.

Abreu, 152 lbs of La Romana, DOM won by scores of 99-90, 98-91 and 97-92 and is now 21-3-1. Hernandez, 156 lbs of Rio Piedras, PR is 16-6.

Jean Rivera made a successful pro debut with a 4-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Delgado in a welterweight bout.

Rivera, 146 lbs of San Juan won on all cards by 40-36 scores and is now 1-0. Delgado, 146 lbs of Mayaguez, PR was also making his pro debut.

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LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2018): Lamont Roach, Jr. (16-0, 6 KOs) will take a step toward contender status in the competitive super featherweight division when he faces the toughest test of his career against Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz (25-6-1, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of the April 19 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan.ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET /6:30 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Roach, Jr. is one of the best prospects of the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable. After a stellar amateur record through the NoXcuse Boxing Club, the 22-year-old native of Washington, D.C. debuted in April 2014. Since then, Roach’s combination of skill and technique earned him 12 straight victories before capturing the WBC Youth Super Featherweight title in January 2017. Since then, Roach, Jr. has defended his belt several times, including a dominant unanimous decision victory against Rey “Flash” Perez on the Nov. 30. edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN. Roach will look to take the next step in his career against toughest challenge to date.

“I’m excited for this fight, and I’m ready to perform at a high level on ESPN again,” said Lamont Roach, Jr. “This fight is going to put me exactly where I need to be to show that I’m ready to be on a championship chase!”

Cruz is an experienced contender who participated in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. The 36-year-old has taken on world champions such as former two-division world champions Daniel Ponce De Leon and Orlando “Siri” Salido, along with WBO Lightweight World Champion “Turbo” Terry Flanagan. The former world title challenger will look to prevent Roach, Jr. from becoming a contender.

“I can say that this training camp has been one of the best of my career,” said Orlando Cruz. “I feel blessed by God, who gives me strength and health to stay on top of my game. I will be 110% ready for this fight and to have a strong win on April 19 in Puerto Rico.”

The exciting undercard will be full of some of Puerto Rico’s best and brightest prospects. Jose Lopez (24-6-1, 12 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico will take on Miguel Gonzalez (21-4, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico in a crossroads battle scheduled for 10 rounds in the lightweight division. Magdiel Cotto (8-0, 7 KOs) of Comerio, Puerto Rico will take on Elie Augustama (6-7, 3 KOs) of Port Prince, Haiti in a six-round fight.

Luis Hernandez (16-5, 9 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico will face Juan Abreu (20-3-1, 19 KOs) of La Romana, Domincan Republic in a fight slated for 10 rounds in the welterweight division. Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s Bryan Chevalier (8-1-1, 8 KOs) will clash against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Daniel Zorilla (6-0, 6 KOs) of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico will participate in a six-rounder in the 140-pound division, while Carlos Caraballo (5-0, 4 KOs), a prospect of Guayanillla, Puerto Rico, will fight in a six-round fight in the super bantamweight division. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.

“I’m very excited to present Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. This a wonderful place to show boxing. This upcoming event on April 19 will be packed of action,” said Miguel Cotto, former world champion and future Hall of Famer.

“We will have great fights on April 19 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Fans will enjoy a great show,” said Hector Soto, Vice Presidente of Cotto Promotions.

“At the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, we are more than happy to return and present high-level boxing events in our house, and what better way to do it with two great champions such as Oscar de la Hoya, Miguel Cotto and ESPN! That these three sports giants are betting on Puerto Rico to present their events is a very good thing. I know that the locals will be present on April 19 at the ‘Choliseo’ to enjoy a great night,” said Eduardo Cajina, General Manager of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

Roach, Jr. vs. Cruz is a ten-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET /6:30 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/RoachJrCruz must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets for Roach, Jr. vs. Cruz are priced at $10, $20, $30 and $50 plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges. Tickets and are on sale now and can be purchased at www.Ticketpop.com or by phone at 787-294-0001, and at Coliseo de Puerto Rico Box Office, at www.coliseodepuertorico.com or by phone at 787-777-0800.

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

Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz is determined to make history by becoming boxing’s first openly gay World Champion. Cruz challenges WBO World Lightweight king Terry Flanagan this Saturday at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 5ft 4in southpaw became the first openly gay active boxer when he came out three years and says he is ready for another shot at making history after losing to Orlando Salido in a clash for the Vacant WBO World Featherweight Championship back in 2013.

“Terry Flanagan is a true World Champion and will defend his title with everything he has,” said Cruz. “However, I am prepared and ready for victory and to be crowned the new World Champion. I want to inspire the gay community by becoming a World Champion on Saturday.

“Terry is a great Champion and a real people’s person. More importantly, he respects my life and my choices. He sees the man boxing him and that is it. Everyone has been very supportive since I came out three years ago. I have the support of my family, friends and fans.

“When I look at my story, it makes me hopeful that more people will be inspired to come out. Right now my focus is fully on the big fight on Saturday and winning the WBO Lightweight belt.

“I’ve been feeling the love from the British people since I arrived here on Monday. Everyone has been very welcoming to me and I have nothing but respect for them. I am very happy to be here in Cardiff and fighting for another World title.”

Cruz and Flanagan top a huge night of action at the Motorpoint Arena; local hero Liam Williams takes on Gabor Gorbics for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight title; Liverpool’s Tom Stalker makes the first defence of his European Lightweight strap against long-term rival Craig Evans; Birmingham’s Tommy Langford faces-off with Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight title and undefeated Super-Bantamweight ace Kid Galahad continues his comeback with an eight rounder.

Wales is well represented on a stacked undercard; Gary Lockett-trained Middleweight Alex Hughes looks to go 9-0, Super-Flyweight Jay Harris looks to build on his explosive KO win at the Cardiff Ice Arena last time out and 5-0 Barry Lightweight Jason Sillett looks to impress on home soil. Ricky Hatton Heavyweight prodigy Nathan Gorman aims for another explosive KO and Market Harborough Super-Welterweight Rueben Arrowsmith looks to rack-up another win.

Remaining tickets for Saturday priced £40, £70, £100, £150 and £200 are available from www.motorpointarena.com (029 2022 4488), www.eventim.com (0844 249 1000) and www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 8440 444).

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this show on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.415), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this show and more live

Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz has vowed to make history by becoming the first openly gay boxing World Champion. Cruz challenges WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on Saturday 26 November, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 5ft 4in southpaw became the first openly gay active boxer when he came out four years and says he is ready for another shot at making history after losing to Orlando Salido in a clash for the Vacant WBO World Featherweight Championship back in 2013.

“At 35 years-old I feel great; I’m fitter and more determined than I have ever been,” said Cruz. “Terry Flanagan is a true World Champion and will defend his title with everything he has but I am prepared and ready for victory and to be crowned the new World Champion. I’m ready to become the first openly gay World Champion is boxing history.”

Nicknamed ‘El Fenomeno’, Cruz holds a top record of 25 wins with only four losses and one draw and is currently ranked at number two in the World at Super-Featherweight. A former Olympian, Cruz enjoyed a red-hot nine year unbeaten streak after making his professional debut in 2000 and is confident he can step up to Lightweight and cause an upset on British soil.

“I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and always will be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man. Winning a World title wouldn’t just be huge for me personally; it would mean a lot to people all around the world.”

Cruz has been an ongoing advocate of the LGBT community and was widely commended after dedicating his knockout win over Alejandro Valdez in July this year to the victims of the Orlando Pulse club massacre. At the weigh-in, he proudly wore rainbow-coloured briefs and stood in silence as a bell tolled 49 times – once for each life lost.

Speaking after the fight Cruz said: “It was a great opportunity to get the win and represent my people. I’m proud to give them an equal opportunity to compete. It meant a lot to get this win tonight, because it provides the opportunity for a World title.”

Flanagan and Cruz join a sensational five-title fight card that features undefeated Hatfield star Billy Joe Saunders making the maiden defence of his World title against Brooklyn-based Russian Artur Akavov; Welsh hero Liam Williams defending his British Super-Welterweight title against undefeated Londoner Ahmet Patterson; Baggies bomber Tommy Langford clashing with Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight strap and Liverpool’s Tom Stalker making the first defence of his WBO European Lightweight title against arch rival Craig Evans.

An action-packed undercard features some of the very best up-and-coming Welsh talent; undefeated Maerdy Middleweight menace Alex Hughes fights over eight rounds; Swansea Super-Flyweight starlet Jay Harris looks to impress on home soil again over six rounds and highly-rated Barry Lightweight Jason Sillett aims to go 6-0; Ricky Hatton Heavyweight prodigy Nathan Gorman goes in search of another explosive KO win and Market Harborough Super-Welterweight Reuben Arrowsmith looks for his eighth professional win.

Remaining tickets for ‘A Little Less Conversation’ priced at £40, £70, £100 and £150 are available from Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; 029 2022 4488 and www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk, Eventim; 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster; 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this show on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

WBO Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan (31-0 12 KOs) will make the fourth defence of his World title against Puerto Rico’s former World title challenger Orlando Cruz (25-4-1 13 KOs) on Frank Warren’s huge November 26th Motorpoint Arena Cardiff show, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Welsh fights fans will be treated to an incredible five title fights at the Motorpoint Arena; two World title fights, two British title fights and one European fight. Big time boxing has well and truly returned to Cardiff.

When Flanagan stopped American challenger Diego Magdaleno in a hail of punches back in October 2015 during the maiden defence of his WBO World Lightweight title, it had taken the Manchester southpaw under six minutes to prove his world class credentials.

Then in March the Steve Maylett trained star retained his WBO crown with a wide points decision over tough as nails Liverpool veteran Derry Mathews in an absorbing arm wrestle of a fight in front of a packed-out Liverpool Echo Arena.

Last time out at the Ice Arena Wales Flanagan successfully made the third defence of his World title against the experienced and tricky Mzonke Fana. South Africa’s Fana provided Flanagan with a stern test but the Ancoats man came away with a unanimous decision win.

Cruz, 35, fought for Puerto Rico at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and ran undefeated for a full nine years before losing to America’s Cornelius Lock by TKO in 2009. During a glittering career Cruz has held the WBO Latino Featherweight and WBO NABO Super-Featherweight titles.

In 2013 Cruz had the opportunity to become the first openly gay World Champion when he challenged Orlando Salido for the Vacant WBO World Featherweight title at the Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas. But he fell short in his first challenge at the highest level as he was out-gunned and overpowered by Salido who was crowned Champion for the third time. Salido went on to beat pound-for-pound Featherweight star Vasyl Lomachenko in his next fight at the Alamodome in Texas.

Undefeated in 31 professional outings, all-action ‘Turbo’ is determined to overcome his latest challenger before setting his sights on a mega-fight in early 2017.

“I’m excited to get out there again and put in a big performance before getting the blockbuster fights that Frank has promised me next year,” said Flanagan. “Last time I fought in Cardiff I wasn’t happy with how I boxed so it will be good to show the Welsh fans that I’m a lot better than I showed against Fana.

“Frank’s delivered everything he promised. He got me a British title, a WBO European title and a WBO World title; I got the opportunity to defend it in my own town and then defend it in someone else’s back yard. I know I’m the best Lightweight in the division and I’m looking to get these big fights to prove it.

“I do what I need to get the win but if I feel the stoppage is there I’ll go for it. Cruz is a strong fighter and very dangerous and more than capable of causing an upset. I’m out to prove a point and show everyone that I’m world class. Linares in seen as number one in the division after beating Crolla and it would be good to get that fight and do something that Crolla couldn’t do to prove I’m the best around.”

Flanagan and Cruz join a sensational five-title fight card that features undefeated Hatfield star Billy Joe Saunders making the maiden defence of his World title against Brooklyn-based Russian Artur Akavov; Welsh hero Liam Williams defending his British Super-Welterweight title against undefeated Londoner Ahmet Patterson; Baggies bomber Tommy Langford clashing with Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight strap and Liverpool’s Tom Stalker making the first defence of his WBO European Lightweight title against arch rival Craig Evans.

An action-packed undercard features some of the very best up-and-coming Welsh talent; undefeated Maerdy Middleweight menace Alex Hughes fights over eight rounds; Swansea Super-Flyweight starlet Jay Harris looks to impress on home soil again over six rounds and highly-rated Barry Lightweight Jason Sillett aims to go 6-0; Ricky Hatton Heavyweight prodigy Nathan Gorman goes in search of another explosive KO win and Market Harborough Super-Welterweight Reuben Arrowsmith looks for his eighth professional win.

Remaining tickets for ‘A Little Less Conversation’ priced at £40, £70, £100 and £150 are available from Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; 029 2022 4488 and www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk, Eventim; 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster; 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this show on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

Former world title challenger Orlando Cruz stopped Gabino Cota in round seven of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Cruz dropped Cota with a straight left in round two.

In round seven, Cruz landed a hard left hand that was followed by a vicious combination that sent Cota to the canvas.

Cruz 130 lbs of Quintana, PR is now 25-4-1 with 13 knockouts. Cota of Mexico is 19-7-1.

Sammy Valentin, Jr. stopped Joaquin De La Rosa in round four of their scheduled 6-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Valentin landed a left to the body that was followed up by 2 head shots that sent De La Rosa on his back and the fight was stopped.

valentin, 145 lbs is now 9-0. De La Rosa, 144 lbs is 6-1-1.

Former world title challenger Orlando Cruz stopped Alejandro Valdez in a round seven of their scheduled ten round super featherweight bout at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kississimme, Florida.

Cruz dropped Valdez twice in round seven and the bout was stopped at 2:04.

Cruz is now 24-4-1 with 12 knockouts. Valdez is 26-8-2.

Miguel Cartagena scored a 1st round stoppage over Joebert Alvarez in a scheduled six-round flyweight bout.

Cartagena registered two knockdowns and the bout was stopped at 2:16.

Cartagena of Philadelphia s 15-3 with four knockouts. Alvarez of the Philippines is 15-2-1.

Jonathan Cruz stopped Jovan Perez in the 2nd round of their scheduled four round super lightweight bout.

The bout was stopped 34 seconds into round two for Cruz, who is now 2-2. Perez is 3-2.

In a battle of former world title challengers, Orlando Cruz scored three knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Romulo Koasicha in a Featherweight bout.

In round six, Cruz dropped a bloody Koasicha with a right hook. Cruz dropped him again in round six. In round ten, Cruz scored a third knockdown with a combination on the ropes.

Cruz won by scores of 100-87, and 99-88 twice and is now 23-4-1. Koasicha is 25-6.

Sammy Valentin stopped veteran Cosme Rivera in round four of their six round Welterweight bout.

Valentin dropped Rivera with a body shot and the fight was over at 1:134 of round four.

Valentin is 6-0. Rivera is 38-23-3.

Santiago Arroyo scored a 4th round stoppage over Luis Villegas in a scheduled 4-round Bantamweight bout.

Arroyo dumped Villegas with a hard right hand and the fight was stopped at 2:14.

Arroyo is 4-0. Villegas is 0-2.

Former world title challenger Orlando Cruz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gabino Cota in a Jr. Lightweight bout in Kissimee, Florida.

Cruz of San Juan, PR won by scores of 99-91, 9793 and 96-94 and is now 22-4-1. Cota 18-5-1.

Emmanuel DeJesus scored a stoppage after 4-rounds over veteran Cosme Rivera.

DeJesus, 147 lbs is 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Rivera, 146 lbs is 38-22-3.

Rafael Luis Nicholas scored a 2nd round stoppage over Carlos Reyes in a Cruiserweight bout.

Nicholas dropped Reyes with three left hands. Reyes staggered back upon getting to his feet and the bout was stopped.

Nicholas, 184 lbs is 6-2 with 5 knockouts. Reyes, 179 lbs is 7-9-1.

Gamalier Rodriguez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Orlando Cruz in a Featherweight bout at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida.

Rodriguez controlled the fight with the exception of being knocked down at the end of round five.

Rodriguez, 125 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93 is now 24-2-3. Cruz, 126 lbs of Maia Rey, PR is now 20-4-1.

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive one-punch knockout over Ivan Zavala in a Jr. Welterweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Verdejo landed a huge overhand right that Zavala down for the ten count at 1:14 of round one.

Verdejo, 134 1/2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 12-0 with 9 knockouts. Zavala, 139 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 6-6-1.

Antonio Ortiz scored a 3rd round stoppage over Alexis Pena in a scheduled 6-round Welterweight bout.

Ortiz dropped Pena in round three and he was counted out at 1:05 for round three.

Ortiz, 142 1/2 lbs of Humacao, PR is now 6-0 with 3 knockouts. Pena, 141 3/4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 7-6.

Follow all the action as undefeated WBO Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley defends his title against four-division world champion and legend, Juan Manuel Marquez. The action begins at 9pm est / 6 pm pac with a 3 fight undercard featuring Orlando Salido battling Orlando Cruz for the vacant WBO featherweight title. 2 time Olympic Gold Medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko makes his much anticipated pro debut against Jose Ramirez. The show kicks off with a Light Heavyweight scrap between undefeated Seanie Monaghan and Anthony Caputo Smith.

12 ROUNDS–WBO WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–TIMOTHY BRADLEY (30-0, 12 KO’S) VS JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ (55-6-1, 40 KO’S)

Round 1 Marquez lands a left and uppercut..good left hook…Bradley lands a good body shot..10-9 Marquez

Round 2 Bradley lands a body shot..Counter hook..Hard right…left to the body..Jab..Left hook..nig right at the bell..19-19

Round 3 Bradley lands a left hook and left to the body..Counter right from Marquez..Bradley lands a left hook..Left from Marquez..Counter from Bradley..29-28 Bradley

Round 4 Bradley lands a right counter…Hard right drives Bradley back..
Bradley lands a jab and right to body from Marquez..1-2 from Bradley..39-37 Bradley

Round 5 Good left from Bradley..Marquez lands a right..Marquez lands 2 body punches..Right from Bradley after he flashed the jab..Good action with Marquez posing at the end of the round…48-47 Bradley

Round 6 Hard right from Bradley..Counter left from Marquez…good left hook..Bradley lands a left hook…Bradley lands a jab..Marquez lands a hard right..Bradley counters with a right..Bradley working the jab..58-56 Bradley

Round 7 Good jab and right by Bradley…68-65 Bradley

Round 8 Good left from Marquez..Hard right..Uppercut from Bradley..Good left hook..Marquez lands a body shot..body shot…right…77-75 Bradley

Round 9 Marquez lands a right..Hard right from Bradley..trading shots..Hard left lands for Marquez and right stuns Bradley…86-85 Bradley

Round 10 Hard rights rocks Marquez..good right..96-94 Bradley

Round 11 Bradley works the body..Marquez lands a left to the body…Marquez throwing and missing…106-103

Round 12 Hard right from Marquez..a little left to the head..Marquez lands a right..The two trade with Bradley landing a left that made Marquez stumbled at the bell…116-112 BRADLEY

115-113 MARQUEZ; 115-113 BRADLEY; 116-112 BRADLEY—BRADLEY WINS SPLIT DECISON

12 ROUNDS–WBO FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE–ORLANDO SALIDO (39-12-2, 27 KO’S) VS ORLANDO CRUZ (20-2-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 not much of anything...10-10

Round 2 Salido lands a body shot..good right and left..Good right hook from Cruz..20-19 Salido

Round 3 Salido lands an uppercut…Cruz lands a hook/..Hard right from Salido…Salido lands about his 4th low blow…Uppercut from Cruz…30-28 Salido

Round 4 Hard right from Salido..hard right..2 more rights..Combination from Cruz..Hard right from Salido and a combination..Good straight left from Cruz..40-37 Salido

Round 5 Cruz lands a right and a combination…49-47 Salido

Round 6 Hard over hand right from Salido…right 59-56 Salido

Round 7 HARD RIGHT AND LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES CRUZ…AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

10 ROUNDS–FEATHERWEIGHTS–VASYL LOMACHENKO (PD) VS JOSE RAMIREZ (25-3, 15 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Lomachenko LANDS A RIGHT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…10-8 Lomachenko

Round 2 Great combination from Lomachenko..Chants of MEXICO…MEXICO from the Crowd…Terrific combination..20-17 Lomachenko

Round 3 Lomachemko lands a good left at the bell…30-26 Lomachenko

Round 4 HUGE BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…FIGHT IS OVER

LOMACHENKO TKO 4 –2:59

10 ROUNDS–LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS–SEANIE MONAGHAN (18-0, 11 KO’S) VS ANTHONY CAPUTO SMITH (14-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 Monaghan lands a combination…10-9 Monaghan

Round 2 Smith lands a left hook…Monaghan lands an overhand right…trading uppercuts inside..Monaghan lands 3 uppercuts…good body shot..20-18 Monaghan

Round 3 Good right from Monaghan..Full brawl breaking out with Monaghan getting better…Monaghan drilling Smith with hard shots and FINALLY TONY WEEKS STOPS THE BOUT

MONAGHAN WINS VIA TKO 3 (2:39)

Timothy Bradley 146 – Juan Manuel Marquez 144.5
Orlando Salido 126 – Orlando Cruz 125
Jose Ramirez 126.5 – Vasyl Lomachenko 125
Seanie Monaghan 174 – Anthony Caputo Smith 175.5
Trevor McCumby ???? – Eric Watkins 175
Giovanni Caro ???? – Jun Doliguez 126
Alberto Herrera 147.5 – Mikael Zewski 147.5
Kenny Abril 146.5 – Brad Solomon 146.6

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (October 11, 2013) — ORLANDO CRUZ, the No. 1-rated featherweight contender and boxing’s first openly gay fighter, was profiled Thursday evening on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. It is scheduled to air again today on both Good Morning America, and in an expanded version, on Nightline.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2013/10/first-openly-gay-boxer-orlando-cruz-seeks-championship-title/

Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the No. 1 featherweight contender and boxing’s first openly gay fighter, gets his first world title shot, battling former two-time world champion Orlando Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México. The latest chapter of the storied boxing rivalry between México and Puerto Rico will be featured on the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez WBO welterweight championship pay-per-view undercard Tomorrow! Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

A member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, Cruz has won half of his professional victories by way of knockout, including three of his last four fights — all for the WBO Latino featherweight belt — propelling him to the top of the WBO ratings. He enters this title tilt riding a two-year winning streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of previously undefeated Michael Franco.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wingstop and Value Casa De Bolsa, remaining tickets to Bradley vs. Márquez, priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

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

In a great traditional battle between Puerto Rico and Mexico, No. 1 Contender Orlando Cruz, in his first world title shot, will battle former two-time World Champion Orlando Salido for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight Championship. The two fighters are on the call today from their training camps. Orlando Cruz is in Buffalo, NY and Orlando Salido in Mexico. In three weeks they will face each other in the ring. Also on the call is All Star Boxing’s Tuto Zabala, Jr., who is Cruz’ promoter and Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank, the promoter of the card.

For Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, boxing’s first openly gay fighter and a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, this will be his first world title shot. Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, will be looking to complete a hat trick in regaining the title he previously held for nearly two years They will be fighting for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title on the pay-per-view undercard of the Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, Jr. vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Márquez WBO welterweight championship fight on Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

TODD duBOEF: We are getting ready and the fighters are gearing up for an incredible show on October 12 in Las Vegas. We talk about the great rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico and this is going to be showcased on October 12 and between the two of them, Salido, a seasoned veteran who has been in with everyone in the featherweight division and Cruz, who has earned his title shot and is a profile in courage.

TUTO ZABALA: Thanks to Top Rank and to the WBO for giving us a shot. Orlando is preparing himself in Buffalo, NY with Juan Carlos De Leon and he’s going to have a media workout in Manhattan on Tuesday the 24th. When we signed Orlando Cruz he had lost two fights in a row with his former promoter and he was looking for help. We got him four fights on the Telemundo Network and the championship shot within two years. I am very proud of him and the job we have done for him and also embraced how he came out of the closet like he did last October. It has changed a lot and it is amazing the happiness that we have in our team. Finally he has the world title shot and everything is set for him. I now want to hand it over to the WBO Latino Champion from Puerto Rico, Orlando Cruz.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am very happy. Thank you HBO for the opportunity and Top Rank and my promoter Tuto Zabala, my manger Juan De Leon. I am excited and I am ready for the fight.

ORLANDO SALIDO: It’s been great preparation and I am grateful for the opportunity that Top Rank has given me to win another world title. I know that Orlando Cruz is a very difficult fighter, he’s a great boxer, and I know that he has a lot of abilities. I have been getting real good sparring here because I know it is going to be a very difficult fight.

A lot of people thought you were done after your fight with Mikey and now you have another opportunity…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I know the fight with Mikey I wasn’t myself. It was a tough night. But that’s in the past and I know what I’m capable of doing. Right now I feel like I did before my fight with Juan Manuel Lopez and I think you’re going to see that same type of fight from me on October 12.

You’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity – how have you been preparing for it?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It’s been a while. I have been working hard and I never said “no” to any opponent. I worked really hard to get to this point and my team has been really good. Everybody is healthy and I am very happy to get this opportunity. I have a lot of respect for Orlando Salido. I am not going in there thinking that it’s an easy fight. I know how hard he has worked to get to where he is. I know how hard I worked to get where I am. I think we are both really hungry and we both want to do a really great job. I want to take the title back to Puerto Rico for all my fans.

Salido, how is your eye?

ORLANDO SALIDO: I have had injuries in the past but I have not had one injury in the training camp. So all I have to think about is this fight against Orlando Cruz and winning that fight.

How do you feel about Cruz’ style compared to [Mikey] Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: They are totally different fighters. Orlando is a boxer and he tries to move around the ring. My job is to put pressure on him. I will try to cut him off and I will be throwing so many punches I will hit him somewhere. Then I will go to the body to cut him down and eventually I will make him fight my fight.

Does you think your experience will be the difference?

ORLANDO SALIDO: Without a doubt I have been in there with some great champions. I won some and I lost some and I did gain great experience fighting them. I just feel for this fight it will be whoever is better prepared. We are both hungry. We both want it. It’s just a question of who is going to be the best that night and I think I will be.

Jim Lampley, who has a gay brother, called you a hero to him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am happy with the situation and I have a lot of support from all around the world. It is great news for me to know about Jim Lampley and his brother. I just want to thank all of the people that have supported me. I have been working hard for this, it is something that I have been waiting a long time for. I want to win this fight for Puerto Rico and for my community. I want to dedicate my fight to the LGBT and all of Puerto Rico because they are going to have a new champion.

Are you ready for a fight with Salido’s experience?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am ready for the challenge to face Orlando Salido on October 12 even with all of his experience. He faced great champions like Juan Manuel Marquez, Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez. I worked very hard for this and am grateful for all of the support that I have, from Tuto, the WBO and Top Rank. Carlos DeLeon, the four-time world champion has been working in the gym with me giving me a lot of experience. People don’t understand how much experience you get while training in the gym. You get experience from working hard and doing what the coach tells me. I have been following what the coach tells me and on October 12 I will become champion for Puerto Rico and for all of my people.

What is the challenge in Salido’s style?

ORLANDO CRUZ: The pressure he will bring. The way he comes that is the way I will fight with Salido. I am not going to run. When I need to fight I am going to fight. When I need to box I am going to box. I am going to be the smartest guy in the ring. I am not taking anything away from Salido but on October 12 we are going to make history.

What do you think about Emille Griffith?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to dedicate this fight to Emille Griffith and his family. This fight will be for his community (LGBT) and all the fans of Orlando Cruz.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico, this will be another fight that will bring a lot of excitement in the ring between me and Saldio and I am so happy that it happened because it makes it bigger when I beat a Mexican to bring the belt to Puerto Rico once again.

ORLANDO SALIDO: This is a great rivalry between the two countries and I know when I get in the ring I have to give my best. I always give my best because it’s important to take that victory home. Mexico vs Puerto Rico is always special and a victory over a Puerto Rican is always special for the people of Mexico.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I never refused to fight anybody. Any person Tuto Zabala put in front of me I signed the contract. If they said ‘fight King Kong’ I would fight the person no matter if it was going to be at 126 pounds or above. I don’t care who I fight inside the ring because this is what I love to do – box.

What about Mikey Garcia rematch?

ORLANDO SALDIO: I would love to get a rematch with Mikey Garcia either at 126 or 130. I know I wasn’t myself. I don’t know what happened that night but I wasn’t feeling comfortable in the ring. I would love to fight him again and I feel I would do much better and it would be a much better fight.

Is this going to be the year of Orlando Cruz?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am sure this is going to be my year. The end of 2013 and going into 2014 will be my time.

How as your life changed since you made the announcement?

ORLANDO CRUZ: My life has changed completely. I am now a different person. I am happy with the support that all of the people have given me and I just want to continue to work hard doing the things that I need to do to make history.

Salido, has Orlando Cruz ever been on your radar for a fight?

ORLANDO SALIDO: It looked to me like he was probably going to be an opponent for me. He has always been there in the top ten. As he was moving up I knew the possibility existed so I was keeping an eye on him.

What have you been thinking about since the loss to Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: After that fight I had a long time to reflect on what happened. I had to take a look at my career to see if this was still what I wanted to do. I still want to do this because I still have a lot left and I think I can still do a lot of things in boxing. But on October 12 I have to show everyone that I am back and what I am capable of doing then go from there. I am not thinking about the future, I just want to show everyone that I am back.

You were supposed to have a fight in June that got canceled – how was that transition to this fight?

ORLANDO CRUZ: All of the work I was doing for June 28 I continued to do. I just changed it up a little because of the type of fighter that Salido is. All I had to do was make some adjustments and I am ready for October 12.

If you win, along with Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon, you’d be the only country to boast three world champions from the 2000 Olympic class….

ORLANDO CRUZ: It is going to be great when I become a champion on October 12. It is going to be a great honor for me to be part of the three, to be with Cotto and Calderon, when I become champion to be part of history in Puerto Rico.

Since your announcement, has media demand taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It has not. I have concentrated on the October 12 fight. I understand the press wants to know about my personal life but I have a team I just want to say thank you to all the Puerto Rican people and all of my friends and to not worry, I am going to be ready for the fight. I understand that all of those questions will come and I will answer the best I can but it will not take me away from the focus that I have for Orlando Salido.

After the tough fight in January many people thought you might retire. Did that enter your mind?

ORLANDO SALIDO: As far as I am concerned the opportunity came at the perfect time. I know what I am capable of doing and I know this is one of my last opportunities to win a championship so I worked very hard for this fight. I am going to be ready to win the fight.

You were knocked down a few times in your last fight – is that a worry for you?

ORLANDO SALIDO: You know, everybody in boxing, if you get hit, there are some strong punchers out there. The question is, what are you going to do? I am going to get up and try my hardest. It happens in boxing. You just have to get ready. You prepare yourself by training for each fight – do the best you can in the ring so you can do the best you can in the ring.

What do you think about Mikey [Garcia] going up to 130 especially because it seemed as though you were catching up to him in the later rounds?

ORLANDO SALDIDO: I always thought he was a big guy for 126 and I think he will be even bigger and stronger at 130. I look at him like one of those guys that can go up and have no problem with it.

How do you feel about Salido beating fellow Puerto Rican fight, Juan Manuel Lopez, twice?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been working hard and am taking this fight more seriously than any other I have had. I know Salido is a strong fighter and I know every round he becomes stronger and stronger and I am preparing myself for that challenge on October 12.

Since your announcement in October, have the events you have been invited to taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been training hard and focusing on this fight for October 12 and nothing will take me away from that. Every day I work harder and harder. I want to thank the WBO President Paco Valcarcel and my promoter, Tuto Zabala, who work hard with me every day to keep me motivated so I will become champion on October 12.

Puerto Rico now only has one champion…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The Puerto Rican community has been supporting me and has respected my decision. Puerto Rico has one champion in Rocky Martinez and now they are going to have a second champion on October 12. Puerto Rico will soon have another champion in Danny Garcia.

There is another fighter on October 12, Lomanchenko who could be a next opponent for him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The only one I am looking at right now is Mr. Salido. I am not looking at anyone else. When the time comes to look at my next fight, I will sit down with my promoter and my team to discuss. That will be great but my focus right now is on Salido.

What is your opinion on the landscape of Puerto Rico boxing. Mexicans have been successful as of late…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think about what I have done against Puerto Rican fighters. I am 5-0 against them and looking to make it 6-0. I know how to fight them and my experience helps me to do that and I’ll be ready for anything that happens in the ring based on my experience on what I have done in the ring against them.

TODD du BOEF: It is great to hear this dialogue from these two great warriors as they get ready for the fight. Right now we are going to ramp up an incredible promotion with Timmy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. A release will be going out this afternoon announcing the rest of the undercard. We will have Seanie Monaghan against Anthony Caputo Smith for the WBC Continental Americas title and the Olympian Lomanchenko fighting in his pro debut in a ten-rounder against top-10 contender Jose Luis Ramirez out of Mexico. There is a lot of interest in all of the competitive fights on the show and the response has been terrific. The main event between Bradley and Marquez is one of those sit-around-a-bar or table and no one can pick a winner. We know how competitive it is and how closely matched it is. In the next few weeks we will have numerous promotional activities. Also, tomorrow I will be in Los Angeles for the Cotto media day, so if you are in LA, show up.

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think you are going to see another great fight between two guys that really want it and leave everything they have in the ring. I want to wish Orlando Cruz luck and you cant’ beat Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the ring.

TUTO ZABALA: Thank you everyone for joining the call and we are looking for a great fight. We have the greatest promotional team in the world, Top Rank. Two of the best featherweights in the world. You have Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. You have a great main event. I am very proud of Orlando Cruz and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to thank all of the press for joining us today. I want to thank All Star Boxing, Top Rank and the WBO. I wish all the luck to Orlando Salido and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

*********************************************

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Bradley vs. Márquez welterweight championship event, priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Featherweight champion Orlando Salido will take on Orlando Cruz for a vacant Featherweight title on October 12th as part of the Timothy Bradley – Juan Manuel Marquez card in Las Vegas.

“We’re very happy to have this fight on the card,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum. “Sean Gibbons (Salido’s manager) says there is no way Salido is losing and the other side says there is no way that Cruz doesn’t beat Salido because they say he is a shot fighter. I think it’s a good competitive fight and an interesting fight.”

“For Salido, he has fared well against southpaws from Puerto Rico [Lopez] and won’t be at all intimidated by the magnitude of this event,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti said. “For Cruz, this is clearly his toughest fight of his career. He is already a champion outside the ring for standing up and proclaiming his openness.”

Arum said Cruz being the first openly gay fighter is no issue for him and has nothing to do with how he will promote the fight.

“I couldn’t give a s— if he’s gay, straight, whatever,” Arum said. “I don’t even give it a second thought. We’re not going to make it part of our publicity. For me, it’s a non-issue. Who cares about his sexual orientation? I care if he can fight. When a guy first comes out of the closet, OK, so maybe it’s a story and I can see why it might be news. But once that happens, it’s not news any more as far as I am concerned.

“It’s a very good opportunity for us,” said All-Star Boxing promoter Tuto Zabala Jr., who promotes Cruz and said he signed the contract for the fight on Monday night. “It’s a great platform to be on. [Cruz] has been in training camp and will be in the best shape in his career. I believe Orlando has all the tools to defeat Salido and become the first gay fighter to win a world title.”