May 5, 2025 – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz sends his congratulations to Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas, Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza for their success and bravery in the ring over the weekend.

Lewkowicz also says he’ll do whatever it takes to make next year’s Cinco De Mayo celebration in Las Vegas unforgettable by pitting Light Heavyweight superstar David Benavidez against the winner of the upcoming Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy fight.

Rife with overpaid big-name fighters taking safety-first approaches in terrible fights to watch, Lewkowicz asserts that aside from Rolly Romero’s disciplined performance while upsetting Ryan Garcia Friday night, the entire weekend, normally an occasion for boxing’s marquee matchups, betrayed the spirit of Cinco de Mayo and could have heavily damaged the sport’s integrity.

Fortunately, Lewkowicz says, Sunday’s electric Inoue/Cardenas fight, in which undisputed junior featherweight champion Inoue got off the canvas in round two to stop the brave Cardenas in an eight-round thriller, as well as the intense fire fight between undefeated featherweight champion Espinoza and challenger Edward Vazquez (won by Espinoza in seven exciting rounds) thankfully saved the sport’s reputation.

“You can’t buy good fights,” said Lewkowicz, the exclusive promoter of Benavidez and co-promoter of Cardenas along with Paco Damian of Paco Presents and Garry Jonas of ProBox TV. “Those two events in New York and Saudi Arabia cost in the high tens of millions and they were nothing compared to Sunday’s Top Rank event, which cost a fraction of that amount, but delivered the kind of action we needed to save face for boxing.”

Determined to prevent a similar outcome next year, Lewkowicz says it is his mission to make the showdown for light heavyweight supremacy between “The Mexican Monster” David Benavidez and either Bivol or Beterbiev for 2026’s Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas.

“After watching Canelo Alvarez Saturday night and how he looked, I wouldn’t put him in with Benavidez for fear he’d be badly injured. David Benavidez will fight in the fall and then be ready for Cinco de Mayo to face either Bivol or Beterbiev, where the torch will finally be passed to him as the new face of boxing.”

Lewkowicz also says he’s very proud of the heart and bravery shown by the San Antonio-based Cardenas, who made the most of the opportunity he earned by looking sensational in three consecutive bouts on ProBox TV.

“Ramon’s career will change trajectory now, as he showed he belongs among the top fighters at junior featherweight and bantamweight. Thank you to Garry Jonas for giving him the chance to shine on ProBox TV and Top Rank for the opportunity against Inoue.”

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — Naoya Inoue’s pound-for-pound campaign resumes Sunday in a return to America  against Ramon Cardenas in a T-Mobile Arena fight he calls a good “platform” to exhibit his skillset enroute to a significant September date against Murodjon Akhmadaliev. 

On Friday, Inoue confirmed an announcement on social media from promoter Eddie Hearn that he has an agreement to fight Akhmadaliev later in the year. 

Inoue told reporters that the agreement, announced on X early Thursday, was “written in stone.” According to a Boxing Scene story published on Thursday, Inoue-Akhmadaliev is planned for Sept. 14 in Tokyo.

It looks as if only Cardenas has a chance to rewrite what looks to be indelible. But it’s not much of a chance. Cardenas has power. The likable San Antonio junior-featherweight has poise. According to prohibitive odds, he also has virtually no chance, which also means he has nothing to lose. But he’s here, he says, to perhaps write his own name in stone. An upset of Inoue would do that. Money, Cardenas said, is not his motivation.

“I’m not here to collect a paycheck and that’s what makes me dangerous,” he said Friday during a formal news conference at the MGM Grand.

For Inoue, now 32, the bout looks to be a chance to re-awaken American fans to his comprehensive collection of skill. From power to precision, it’s all there, swift and deadly.

“The ideal situation is to show the American fans my boxing and win with a knockout,” he said through an interpreter at Friday’s news conference. “But more than anything, I want people to see what they haven’t been able to see yet in the U.S.”

Inoue was asked if Cardenas reminds him of any fighter he’s faced. That’s a tough question. said Inoue, who is in a three-way race with heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk and former welterweight great Terence Crawford for the top spot in the pound-for-pound debate.

“Cardenas is a very well-rounded fighter,” Inoue said.”And I think it’s a good platform to show my boxing skills.”

In part, Cardenas is an interesting opponent for Inoue because of his relationship with Akhmadaliev. They’re stablemates at trainer Joel Diaz’ Boxing Academy in Indio, a hot spot in the California desert between Phoenix and Los Angeles.

For Akhmadaliev and fans, how and what Cardenas does against the dynamic Inoue could provide a good look at what might happen in September.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2025) — Nearly four years have passed since Naoya Inoue last fought in the United States.

But on Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, The Monster makes his stateside return.

Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs). It’ll be the biggest challenge of Cardenas’s career, but it’ll also be a shot to author an upset of the kind that once silenced Tokyo in 1990.

In the co-feature, Mexico’s  Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Texas-born former title challenger Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs).

Inoue-Cardenas and Espinoza-Vazquez will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT and features the return of unbeaten Dominican welterweight Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs), who meets Argentina’s heavy-handed Fabian Maidana (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Also, rising Mexican American prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) will take on Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

At Friday’s press conference, this is what the fighters said:

Naoya Inoue

“The last two times I was here, it was during the pandemic, and I had to train accordingly. But this time I’m fighting at T-Mobile, and that’s going to be the biggest difference.”

“I’m very motivated to fight in front of an American crowd in a big arena like this, but because it’s during Cinco De Mayo Weekend, it feels like I’m playing an away game. So I don’t know what to expect.”

“The ideal situation is to show the American fans my boxing and win with a knockout. But more than anything, I want people to see something they haven’t been able to see yet in the U.S.”

“Cardenas is a very well-rounded fighter. And I think it’s a good platform to show my boxing skills.”

Ramon Cardenas

“I remember watching 24/7 with Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather. I remember watching them and wanting to be here. And now I’m here. Also, fighting for a world title is one thing, but fighting for the undisputed title is more than I could ever ask for. It makes me hungrier. It makes me want it more.”

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I know Inoue is a pound-for-pound great. But I’m ready for that. I’m ready for the toughest fight of my career. I picture this being a hard fight, but I also picture myself coming out there and doing my thing and showing the world who I am.”

“I need to finish this mission. I’ve lost an uncle on the way. I’ve lost a trainer on the way. And now I’m two days away from accomplishing the mission, and that’s my plan.”

Rafael Espinoza

“This is another opportunity in my career. I think I have shown in each fight that I want to get better each time. This is not the exception. It was one of the best camps I’ve ever had. I feel great physically and mentally, so you can expect the best from me.”

“In my first fight with Ramirez, I knew that nobody knew what I was capable of. And I still haven’t showed what I’m capable, in terms of both my boxing skills and my heart. I have shown a bit, but I still have a lot to show. He’s a great fighter, so it’s a great opportunity to keep showing what I’m made of.”

“This is a great opportunity. I always wanted to fight on these dates, and I’ve always wanted to fight here. And now I’m doing that. So that gives me the motivation to wake up every day and give it a 1000% because I am accomplishing my dreams.”

Edward Vazquez

“It’s going to take violence to win. Total all-out violence. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to hurt him and take that belt back home with me to Texas.”

“For sparring, we’ve had a few guys come in who are 126 and 130 pounds. But for the most part, we used guys who are at 147 and 154, which is what I’m expecting to be at on fight night, so it works out.”

“I was one of the top amateurs at 145 pounds. I was always the smaller guy, but I always fought guys who were 6’1” or 6’2”. I traveled across the country fighting guys like that. If you know me, I’ll get in the ring with anybody.”

Rohan Polanco 

“It’s a Mexican date, so I want to tell Fabian Maidana to make sure he’s coming to fight. Let’s give a great fight to the people.”

“I always come to deliver a great show, as you have all seen in my last fights. This will not be the exception. I’m coming to fight. I’m coming to obtain the victory. And I’m coming to represent my country.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“Fight by fight, we’ll get there. This Sunday is going to be a Super Bowl event. I know we usually fight on Saturdays, but this time on Sunday. I just can’t wait. I know he’s ready. I’m only a pound away. I’m in the best shape. If they thought my last performance was great, I’m going to outshine the last one.”

“Every fighter has an opportunity to make a name. That’s their goal, and that’s my goal as well.  To make my dreams happen, I have to crush his. I know he’s ready. I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I know every fight is going to be a step-up fight.”

Juan Leon

“This is a dream come true. It’s incredible. I want to thank God. I also want to thank my promoter. So, I’m inspired to come here and give everything.”

On receiving the offer to fight Vargas

“At first, I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke. But then I saw it was real. I’m filled with inspiration to give everything.”

Art Barrera Jr.

“I’ve been busy. I just fought three, four weeks ago. This is obviously a bigger card, bigger opportunity, so it’s definitely a great opportunity to show my skill set.”

Raeese Aleem

“I’m excited to fight. Every time I step in the ring, I bring it. I earned the nickname ‘The Beast’ for a reason. Fast hands, fast feet, explosive… I’m an entertaining fighter.”

On a potential fight with Espinoza

“I’ve been trying to fight ‘The Tree.’ I’ve been trying to knock that tree down. We’ll see what happens. I have to get through this fight, It’s going to be a tough fight. Every fight at this level is extremely tough, but I’m going to show up and show out, and I’m looking for a big fight next.”

Sunday, May 4

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, Inoue’s Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Title

Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title 
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Rohan Polanco vs. Fabian Maidana, 10 rounds, Polanco’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title

Patrick O’Connor vs. Marcus Smith, 4 rounds, Cruiserweight (swing bout)

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2025) — For the first time in nearly four years, boxing’s pound-for-pound monster touched down in America for a fight week.

Japanese icon Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) and San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) made their grand arrivals today in Las Vegas ahead of their showdown this Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena.

Inoue will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship in his first U.S. appearance since 2021. Cardenas will bid for his first world title and look to author a Texas-sized upset.

In the co-feature, Mexico’s Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Texas-born former world title challenger Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs).

Inoue-Cardenas and Espinoza-Vazquez will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT and features the return of Dominican welterweight contender Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs), who takes on hard-hitting Argentine Fabian Maidana (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Additionally, Mexican American star Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) will lock horns with Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.
 
At Thursday’s grand arrivals, this is what the fighters said:

Naoya Inoue

“It’s been four years since I’ve been here, so I’m very excited.”
 
“I am very much aware of what the fans expect of me. And on Cinco De Mayo Weekend, I plan on meeting those expectations.”
 
“{Cardenas} is a very well-rounded fighter. With that being said, he has a very good left. I don’t have time to be cautious.”

Ramon Cardenas

“I’m excited to be here.  I’m blessed to be a part of this weekend because we know it’s a historic week in boxing. And to be here, seeing my name on these billboards, is a blessing.”
 
“It means a lot to represent Mexico during this weekend because we’ve had legends and warriors fight on this weekend. I’m going to give my all.”
 
“This is a dream come true for me. I have to finish completing this dream. I’ve lost an uncle on this journey. I’ve lost a trainer on this journey. So, to be able to accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion is my goal.”
 
“I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have no pressure on me, so I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great show.”

“I’m not here for the money. I’m here for the legacy. If I become a world champion, nobody can take that away from me.”

Rafael Espinoza
 
“I feel butterflies in my stomach! I’m happy because these are the dates I’ve always wanted to fight on. This is the place I’ve always wanted to fight at. So, it’s a dream come true, and it fills me with motivation. And I also have a strong desire to steal the show that night.”
 
“I consider myself to be a fighter who should be using my distance. But I like to fight on the inside. I know it’s one of my advantages. I’m tall, but exchanging punches is what has worked for me, and I feel that my conditioning has made me strong, so I try to take advantage of that.”
 
“He’s Mexican like me. He likes to come forward. So, his style will mesh well with mine because we’re both going to come forward. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m sure. I want to demonstrate that I’m ready for big things.”

Edward Vazquez

“I feel blessed to be here. The emotions are there, but I have to stay focused. I have to stay locked in. I’m trying to stay locked in and not let all of this get to me. I’m taking it moment by moment.”

“In the past, I’ve felt like I’ve only come short by a few points in fights. But Sunday night will be my opportunity to score a big point. That’s what’s on my mind.”

“You can expect all action. We’re going to leave it all out there. We’re going to give the fans a good show.”
 

Sunday, May 4

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, Inoue’s Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Title

Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title 
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)Rohan Polanco vs. Fabian Maidana, 10 rounds, Polanco’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title

Patrick O’Connor vs. Marcus Smith, 4 rounds, Cruiserweight (swing bout)

Japanese pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas.

Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) is 24-0 in world title fights and has captured undisputed championships in two weight classes, most recently at junior featherweight with knockouts of Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales. He’s also scored stoppage wins over future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, Paul Butler, and Luis Nery, whom he knocked out in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome last May. Since last fighting in the U.S. in 2021, Inoue has emerged as boxing’s most dominant champion.

Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) rides a 14-fight winning streak into his first world title shot, highlighted by a breakout 2024 campaign that included stoppage wins over Israel Rodriguez Picazo and Eduardo Ramirez. Last month, he headlined in his hometown, rallying from a knockdown to outpoint previously unbeaten Bryan Acosta.

In the co-feature, Mexican star Rafael Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Edward Vazquez.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) burst onto the world stage in December 2023, rallying from a knockdown to upset Robeisy Ramirez and win the WBO featherweight title in what was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended the belt twice in 2024, including a rematch stoppage of Ramirez in six rounds. Now, Espinoza looks to make his third title defense in a division once dominated by Mexican legends Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), a native of Fort Worth, Texas, bounced back from a razor-thin split decision loss to future champion Raymond Ford in 2022 with a string of strong performances. He pushed then-unbeaten junior lightweight titleholder Joe Cordina to the brink in a close majority decision defeat in November 2023, earning respect on the world stage. Vazquez enters the bout riding momentum from back-to-back wins in 2024, including a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth Taylor.

The action-packed undercard begins at 6:15 p.m. ET/ 3:15 p.m. PT live and exclusively on ESPN+.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

ESPN.com:

Garcia, Lopez, Canelo and Inoue in the same weekend? Get ready!

An FAQ as a guide to the Times Square card, Canelo Alvarez in Saudi Arabia and Naoya Inoue’s return to the U.S. on the same weekend.

Saturday, May 3:

Why Naoya Inoue is (almost) a perfect fighter

Timothy Bradley Jr. breaks down Inoue’s game in 12 categories, from offense to defense and power and speed, and highlights one thing he could do better.

ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Inoue vs. Cardenas (All Times ET)

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LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2025) — Boxing’s pound-for-pound monster has arrived on U.S. soil.

Just after touching down at LAX, Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) worked out for the media in Los Angeles, 11 days away from his undisputed junior featherweight title defense against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This is Inoue’s first stateside appearance in nearly four years, and he returns as a two-weight undisputed champion and global superstar. Inoue faced off with Cardenas and then went through the paces in the ring and on the heavy bag. He displayed flashes of the bone-crunching power that’s led him to knock out his last 10 foes.

Cardenas and junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) also participated in the workout. Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs), the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, will see action on the bill in an eight-rounder against Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs).

This is some of what Inoue had to say in front of the assembled media.

“It took me four years to come back {to America}, but I’d like to return sooner than later.”

“There is a great turnout of media today, and I’m very pleased. I know that the expectations are there, and I want to answer those expectations.”

“My father watched Barrera, Morales, and Marquez, so those are some of the Mexican fighters I’m fond of.”

“Cardenas is a beautiful fighter. He’s an all-around good fighter, but for me, it’s easy. No matter how he comes out, I think I have the advantage.”

Inoue-Cardenas and the WBO featherweight world title showdown between Mexico’s reigning champion Rafael Espinoza and Texas native Edward Vazquez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas-Leon and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2025) — “The Monster” is ready to hit his next undisputed junior featherweight world title defense out of the park. 

Japanese icon Naoya Inoue will defend all the belts against Ramon Cardenas on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inoue-Cardenas and the WBO featherweight title bout between reigning champion Rafael Espinoza and top contender Edward Vazquez will headline a world championship doubleheader that will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The Inoue-Cardenas card is scheduled to air immediately following the Sunday Night Baseball game between Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves.

Undercard bouts will be announced soon and stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

“This is a tremendous platform for Inoue to perform, as he and the incomparable Ohtani are two of Japan’s most decorated athletes,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “This promises to be a special event at T-Mobile Arena and for boxing fans watching on ESPN.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2024) — Almost four years since his last stateside appearance, Japanese fistic icon Naoya Inoue is set to return. Tickets for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship title defense against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas — Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada — are on sale now.

In the co-feature, Mexican star Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Edward Vazquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets for this world title doubleheader can be purchased via AXS.com.

This marks the first U.S. appearance for Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) since June 2021, when he stopped Michael Dasmarinas in three rounds. “The Monster” has fought eight times since, capturing the undisputed title in a pair of weight classes while maintaining his lofty perch as one of the world’s elite pound-for-pound fighters. Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) is a world-ranked contender riding a 14-bout winning streak.
 

LAS VEGAS (March 13, 2025) — Featherweight boxing has long been central to Mexico’s pugilistic tradition, and Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza is ready to honor that legacy on Cinco de Mayo Weekend.
 
Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against former world title challenger Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 
Espinoza-Vazquez, presented in association with Zanfer Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, will be the co-feature to the undisputed junior featherweight showdown between pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue and San Antonio native Ramon Cardenas.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, pre-sale tickets are available now by clicking HERE. The public on-sale is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.
 
Broadcast and undercard information will be announced soon.
 
“Rafael Espinoza is a towering featherweight with the power and skills to be a world champion for years to come, and we’re excited to showcase him on such a meaningful weekend for Mexican boxing,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum “Edward Vazquez is a tough, determined challenger who knows this is his shot to change everything. Fans at T-Mobile Arena are in for a treat as Espinoza shares the spotlight with the incomparable Naoya Inoue on this historic Cinco de Mayo card.”
 
Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) built his career almost exclusively in Mexico before shocking two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez for the WBO crown in December 2023. Dropped in the fifth, he stormed back to floor the Cuban in the 12th and secured a majority decision in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended his title in June with a fourth-round TKO over Sergio Chirino, then ran it back with Ramirez in December, breaking him down and stopping him in six. Now, Espinoza looks to make his third world title defense in a division long ruled by Mexican greats like Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez. 
 
Espinoza said, “I’m thrilled to return to the ring, especially in the city where I always dreamed of fighting, Las Vegas. Fighting at T-Mobile Arena is also a dream come true, which adds even more excitement for me. Edward Vazquez is a tough fighter who wants to take what’s mine. But I’m prepared to show him that I’m here to stay as a champion. I cannot wait for May 4 to reaffirm that once again.”
 
Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), from Fort Worth, Texas, compiled an 11-0 record before suffering a highly controversial split decision defeat to eventual world champion Raymond Ford in February 2022. He rebounded with four victories before stepping up in weight to challenge undefeated IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina in November 2023. Vazquez gave Cordina all he could handle in Monte Carlo, but Cordina retained his title with a majority decision. He returned to form with a decision over Daniel Bailey last May before blasting out Kenneth Taylor in four in October. 
 
Vazquez said, “May 4 can’t get here soon enough. I started boxing at eight years old and have been a pro for over nine years. Nothing has ever been handed to me. I earned this opportunity. Espinoza is a fantastic fighter and a deserving champion, but he has never stepped into the ring with someone like ‘Kid’ Vazquez.”

This Saturday, February 8, San Antonio, Texas, will host a thrilling super bantamweight showdown as reigning WBA Continental Latin America champion Ramón “Dinamita” Cárdenas puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Bryan Acosta.

Cárdenas captured the vacant title in 2024 with a ninth-round knockout of Jesús Ramírez Rubio and now looks to make his first defense in the main event of a ProBox TV fight card.

His challenger, Acosta, enters the ring at 26 years old with a flawless 20-0 record. Having built his career between Mexico and Canada, this bout marks his U.S. debut—a moment he’s eager to capitalize on as he aims for a statement-making victory.

Cárdenas brings a strong resume of 25 wins (14 KOs) and just one loss, which dates back to 2017. Meanwhile, Acosta has recorded eight knockouts, with three of his last four victories coming inside the distance. With both fighters hungry for success, this bout promises to deliver high-octane action.

Ramon Cardenas stopped previously undefeated Rafael Pedroza in round two of their 10-round syper bantamweight bout at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas.

In round two, Cardenas dropped Pedroza with a left hook. Seconds later, Cardenas landed a perfect left to the jaw that dropped Pedroza again and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Cardenas, 121.8 lbs. of San Antonio, Texas is 23-1 with 12 knockouts. Pedroza, 122 lbs. of Panama City, PAN is 15-1.

Mirco Cuello remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Rudy Garcia in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Cuello was cut over the right eye. In round two, Garcia was cut over the left eye. In round five, Cuello was credited with a knockdown after landing a shot on the inside.

Cuello, 125.2 lbs. of Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe, ARG won by scores of 99-90 on all cards and is now 12-0. Garcia, 125.3 lbs. of Los Angeles is 13-1-1.

Freudis Rojas remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Saul Bustos in a welterweight fight

Rojas landed 150 of 417 punches. Bustos was 54 of 263.

Rojas, 146.8 lbs. of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 12-0. Bustos, 146.7 lbs. of Los Angeles is 15-2-1.

September 14, 2023 – Undefeated Panamanian prospect Rafael Pedroza and San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas both made weight on Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, September 15 live on SHOWTIME at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT from Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas.

The exciting tripleheader includes fighters with a combined record of 88-2-2 and 54 knockouts all stepping up in competition. The co-main event will feature hard-hitting undefeated Argentine Mirco Cuello who returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2020 to battle undefeated Los Angeles native Rudy Garcia. Rounding out the card, undefeated KO artist Freudis Rojas, who made his SHOWTIME debut in July, meets once-beaten Californian Saul Bustos in an eight-round welterweight bout to open the telecast.

The card is promoted by Sampson Boxing. The card is co-promoted by Paco Presents Boxing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Rafael Pedroza – 122 pounds

Ramon Cardenas – 121.8 pounds

Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Mirco Cuello – 125.2 pounds

Rudy Garcia – 125.3 pounds

Welterweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Freudis Rojas – 146.8 pounds

Saul Bustos – 146.7 pounds

FINAL QUOTES

RAFAEL PEDROZA

“I know that Ramon Cardenas is a really tough fighter and I know he has a lot of skills but I trained really hard for this fight. I had a super camp, and it’s a must-win for me. I had great preparations and each fight out I mature mentally and physically. This will be another challenge to overcome but I feel ready for it.

“I know I have to win the respect of the public. I want to be known as a showman and as someone who knows how to perform so that people want to see me again and I’m able to come back to the United States to fight again because people ask for it. I really want to stand out and get noticed with this performance.  

“As for my game-plan, I know I can adjust to whatever my opponent does. I don’t want the judges to play a role in this fight. I really want to finish early. But I will adjust. If I have to box or if I have to brawl will depend on what my opponent does. But I know I will be able to take my opponent out of his game-plan. I’m taller and have the longer reach. My opponent is shorter.

“One of my influences growing up in Panama was definitely Roberto Duran. He’s inspirational and he’s helped many people get off drugs and their delinquencies. They see him as a path to a better life. He influences a lot of people. We have met and he’s certainly given me advice. He tells me to go in there and take care of business and to stay disciplined and to train every day.

“I can’t really say if Cardenas will be my toughest opponent. He’s a good fighter and he can punch but let’s see what happens when we meet in the ring.”

RAMON CARDENAS

“I’ve fought like nine times here in San Antonio, but mostly smaller shows. This is the biggest one for me, and a main event.

“I can’t really say if I’m the favorite or the underdog. Everything that he brings, I’ve already seen it. To be honest, I have watched 10 seconds of him. I think he has a good jab, but I don’t watch film because I don’t see the point of it. I let my coaches handle that.

“I have Adam Lopez in my corner. He’s a local legend and fought the most times on SHOBOX [eight times]. I learned a lot from watching him when I was younger.

“I have 22 wins and 11 KOs. You would say that’s not a big KO ratio, but I have some pop and that’s what all the fans will see on Friday night.”

MIRCO CUELLO

“All Argentinian fighters are aggressive and I’m not an exception.  My boxing style is aggressive, and I can fight on the inside and the outside.

“I know Rudy Garica is very active. I know he has a good left hand. I am ready for him.

“I have fought all over the world – Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, and the United States. And also the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. I feel like that has given me the experience and has allowed me to step up the level of competition and opponents that I have faced.

“My last fights in the U.S. were my first two pro fights in South Carolina in 2020. I just feel like I’m so much more focused now, and more relaxed, more professional.

“It’s a dream to be here and fighting on SHOWTIME. As a kid I was always watching guys like Marcos Maidana on SHOWTIME. This is a true dream come true.”

RUDY GARCIA

“I like fighting fighters who are aggressive and it always brings the best out of me. I feel like I’m both a boxer and a puncher. I can bring it both ways. I can work well inside, and also try to be a real technical boxer. Sometimes you just get in that fight mode and you want to give the fans what they want.

“I can fight on the ropes or I can put pressure on. I love putting pressure in a smart way. I’m not one of those fighters that likes to get hit.

“I don’t see too much from my opponent. He has a lot of rounds in the amateurs and we have just been concentrating on being disciplined in camp and sticking to the game plan.

“I think I can outlast him and go the distance. I’m certainly in the best shape for it.

“I idolize guys like Juan Manuel Marquez. It’s his counter-punching. He was aggressive and technically sound.

“One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that I’m a history buff. I’d like to become a history teacher. I was going to college, but I stopped to concentrate on boxing. It’s my goal to get back into it later, or maybe get into law enforcement.”

FREUDIS ROJAS

“We’ve been working a lot on the inside and sparring with people that way. I’ve been working on not being a one-dimensional fighter and someone who people can figure out. If I have to fight backwards, I’ll fight backwards. If I have to fight with lateral movement, I’ll fight with lateral movement. If I have to stay in there and box, I’ll stay in there and box. If I have to stay in there and bang with him, I will.

“If a knockout happens, it happens. But I have to stick to my game plan. I’ve been working with a lot of pressure fighters and we’re ready. I think people will see a different Freddy. Everyone is so used to seeing me box and move, box and move. But I’m going to stay in there and mix it up with him.

“We’ll see what kind of fight he brings. We have some tricks ready for him. I have to be ready to fight a boxer who’s going to stand in there.

“I couldn’t care less about the knockout streak and stuff like that. I’m not known to be a knockout artist.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP was amazing [beating Diego Sanchez by TKO7 in July]. I was just so happy and I caught myself between rounds looking up at the screen and saying, ‘Damn, I’m really here.’ You know, as a kid you dream of being on that stage, but you never expect it will happen. I was so happy from the press conference to the end of the fight. I just had so much fun.

“I’m excited to face a guy with a famous coach like Freddie Roach. I mean, he’s Manny Pacquiao’s coach. He has an amazing coach in his corner.”

SAUL BUSTOS

“Rojas has the height and will try and use that to his advantage, but I’m not fearful of him. I know he’s undefeated and has a lot of knockouts, but I feel like I’m ready to rise to the challenge. I respect him for giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to showcase my skill set.

“I’ve been sparring taller guys, like 6-foot-2, and 154 pounders. I’m not really too worried about his size.

“I started working with Freddie Roach in August of 2021, but this will be my first fight with him in my corner because he wasn’t available for the others.

“I can’t say a lot about Rojas’ power, but I would say his power looks a little padded to me. In a way I don’t think it’s real, but I’ll soon find out.

“I’m more of a boxer. I wouldn’t say I’m a brawler. But I do like to bring the action.”

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International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 90 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

September 11, 2023 – San Antonio’s own Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas is putting the finishing touches on training camp to face undefeated 122-lb Panamanian prospect Rafael Pedroza for the WBA Continental-Latin American Super Bantamweight Championship in the 10-round super bantamweight main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Boeing Center at Tech Point in San Antonio, Texas.

Previously ranked as high as No. 5 by the WBA, Cardenas has won his last 10 bouts dating back to 2017. He earned a career-best victory at The Alamodome in July 2022, defeating once-beaten Michel Banquez via unanimous decision.

Hard at work with trainer Chato Martinez at Chato’s Boxing Club in San Antonio, 27-year-old Cardenas says it’s all finally coming together for him and his career. With the prospect of winning a nationally televised main event in front of his hometown friends and family, while gaining access to even bigger opportunities after that, Cardenas says he will leave no stone unturned when it comes to his preparations for the big fight.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Everything is going well. I never really stop training, so I’ve just kept doing what I usually do, I’m just doing more of it. This guy (Pedroza) is undefeated, so he’ll fight like it. He’ll come a little stronger than other fighters and I’m totally prepared for that. I know he’ll be dangerous for the first few rounds, but then, my experience will take over in the later rounds.”

“I don’t really watch tapes on anybody because every fight is different. They fight you differently than they did somebody else, so that’s why I don’t normally watch tapes, but he tagged me in something on his Instagram and I looked at a short video of him. Everything he does, I do better. I don’t say that in a cocky way. Overall, I’m just the better fighter.”

“I’m super excited. People will finally see who I am, and the bigger fights will start coming my way. My career is finally coming around and now I plan to take full advantage of it. A lot of doors will open when I win this belt. I’ve always wanted to face better competition. I want to always be progressing, not regressing. I want to fight guys who are undefeated. That’s what I need. That will put my career on the front burner.”

“I put on a good show and a lot of people come to my fights. I’m going to be fighting for my second WBA belt. To win it in front of my family and fans and everybody will be so sweet. My first WBA belt, I won in Florida and there were only a few people there to celebrate with me. It’s going to be super sweet. I’m excited. It’s a dream come true. I’ve put in a lot of hard work. I never got much help coming up. I didn’t find a promoter when I turned pro. I had a couple offers but they weren’t good. I decided to do it on my own. I fought anywhere I could get a fight. It was all leading up to this. There’s nothing better than that.”

In the co-featured bout, hard-hitting undefeated Argentine Mirco Cuello (12-0, 11 KOs) will return to the U.S. for the first time since 2020 to battle undefeated Los Angeles native Rudy Garcia (13-0-1, 2 KOs). The telecast opener features undefeated KO artist Freudis Rojas (11-0, 11 KOs), meeting once-beaten Californian Saul Bustos (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout.

This event is presented by Sampson Boxing, Paco Presents and Davies Entertainment.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

August 18, 2023 – Undefeated Panamanian prospect Rafael Pedroza will clash with San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas in the 10-round super bantamweight main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Boeing Center at Tech Point in San Antonio, Texas. The exciting tripleheader includes fighters with a combined record of 88-2-2 and 54 knockouts all stepping up in competition as they enter the national spotlight.

Just over a month after Alexandro Santiago became the 90^th SHOBOX^® alum to win a world title, SHOBOX will travel to the city of San Antonio for only the second time in its 22-year history for a card promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing featuring six hungry prospects who will duke it out in quintessential SHOBOX matchups that pit talented prospects looking to become serious contenders. The co-main event will feature hard-hitting undefeated Argentine Mirco Cuello (12-0, 11 KOs) who returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2020 to battle undefeated Los Angeles native Rudy Garcia (13-0-1, 2 KOs). Rounding out the card, undefeated KO artist Freudis Rojas (11-0, 11 KOs), who made his SHOWTIME debut in July, meets once-beaten Californian Saul Bustos (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout to open the telecast. The card is co-promoted by Paco Presents Boxing.

“All three of these matchups promise to be action-packed and epitomize the core mission of the SHOBOX series which is to showcase talented prospects in 50-50 matchups and give them a chance to show what they’ve got on a bigger stage,” said the executive producer of the series, Gordon Hall. “The main event is particularly interesting because the winner of that fight could soon move to contender status in the 122-pound division. It’s going to be a great night.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Pedroza vs. Cardenas – 10-Round Super Bantamweight Main Event

Pedroza, (15-0, 11 KOS), already ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 122 pounds, will fight outside of his native Panama for the first time on September 15. The 26-year-old began his professional career in 2017 following a notable amateur run in which he amassed a 92-14 record, won the silver medal at the 2015 National Pan-American tournament and made it to the finals of the 2016 Olympic qualifiers, losing to current WBO Featherweight Champion Robeisy Ramirez. He kicked off his pro career by stopping seven straight opponents, including three inside the first two rounds. His last three victories have all come by way of unanimous decision, including ten-round victories over previously undefeated Hector Andres Sosa and once-beaten Yerny Betancourt.

“Thank you to SHOBOX for giving me the chance to finally step into the spotlight and take my talent from the shadows to worldwide fame,” said Pedroza. “With every punch, I’ll grab the opportunity and make my mark on U.S. television. Much respect for Ramon Cardenas, a great warrior, no doubt, but once that bell rings, it’s me steering the ship. I’m claiming that victory.”

Cardenas, (22-1, 11 KOs), 27, will benefit from a hometown crowd on September 15. Born and raised in San Antonio, he has won his last 10 bouts dating back to 2017. Cardenas earned a career-best victory at The Alamodome in July 2022, defeating Michel Banquez via unanimous decision in SHOWTIME BOXING^® COUNTDOWN streaming action preceding Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas. Previously ranked as high as No. 5 by the WBA, Cardenas is inching closer to a world title shot. 

“I’ve been watching SHOBOX since I was a kid and to be fighting on it as the main event is a dream come true,” said Cardenas. “I’m going to take full advantage of this golden opportunity.”

Cuello vs. Garcia – 10-Round Featherweight Bout

A 2020 Argentine Olympian, Cuello is one of the most decorated Argentinian amateurs of this generation. He won numerous international elite championships during his 105-fight career in the unpaid ranks before turning pro shortly after the Tokyo Olympic Games. As a professional, Cuello has quickly established himself as a power-punching prospect, knocking out all but one of his 12 opponents. He scored back-to-back first-round KOs over previously undefeated opponents in September 2022 and January 2023, and is coming off of another first-round KO over Antonio Guzman in July. Cuello, currently ranked No. 4 by the WBA, will return to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2020, when he started his pro career by scoring first-round knockouts in his first two fights.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the U.S. to fight for the first time in three years,” said Cuello. “This is an opportunity to let the world know who I am and what I can do. I intend to make the most of it. I will be looking for an impressive knockout but will take the victory any way it comes.”

Garcia, born and raised in South-Central Los Angeles, Calif., will face the second undefeated fighter of his career in Cuello on September 15. He fought fellow undefeated prospect Victor Morales to a draw at AT&T Center in San Antonio in December 2021. An accomplished amateur, Garcia faced two-division world champion Shakur Stevenson in the Junior Olympics and was a member of the Mexican national team. A two-time national champion, he finished his amateur career with 156 fights and just 20 losses.

“I am very blessed to be in this position,” said Garcia. “I am fighting for the WBA International title, and I thank God for allowing this opportunity to be in my path. My team and I have been working very hard for this. We intend to take advantage of this moment. This is the next step I need in my career to bring me closer to the world title. I dedicate this fight to the community of South-Central Los Angeles. Let’s do it!”

Rojas vs. Bustos – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout

The 24-year-old Rojas is a top prospect who has already appeared on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®, previously scoring a seventh-round TKO over Diego Sanchez in the telecast opener on July 15. A six-foot-two southpaw, Rojas has shown incredible power since turning pro in 2021. He has yet to let an opponent see the final bell and prior to his last appearance, he had never gone past four rounds. A Las Vegas native, Rojas, started boxing at the age of 10 under the tutelage of his father, Freudis Rojas-Londres, a former pro from Cuba. He’s won numerous national and international tournaments in the unpaid ranks including a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships. During his tenure on USA Boxing’s national team, he defeated highly regarded contender Frank Martin in the 2016 U.S. National tournament finals. He was also the Olympic alternate in 2020. His younger brother Emmanuel Rojas is a pro super lightweight, currently 4-0 with three knockouts.

“I am thrilled and beyond blessed to be given the opportunity to fight on SHOBOX,” said Rojas. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Thanks to God I now have the chance to showcase my skills as a fighter and as a person to the world.”

Bustos, also from Los Angeles, will look to bounce back from his first professional loss in his last outing in October 2022 where he dropped a majority decision to tough veteran Alan Sanchez. Prior to that, Bustos had won 12 straight fights, including a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Luis Lopez. The 29-year-old trains out of Wild Card Boxing under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Freddie Roach.

“Displaying my skills on a platform like SHOWTIME has been a dream of mine and I know what I’m capable of,” said Bustos. “It’s time to show the boxing world who Saul Bustos is.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 90 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

Rey Vargas became a two-division world champion as he won a hotly contested 12-round split decision over Mark Magsayo in a battle of undefeated fighters at The Alamodome in San Antonio.

It was a very close fight with each guy having success at different part of the fights.

In round seven, Vargas was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round nine, Magsayo was able to send Vargas to the canvas as he landed a hard counter right hand. Magsayo was not able to capitalize and he let Vargas off the hook.

Vargas landed 196 of 667 punches; Magsayo was 132 of 451.

Vargas, 125.5 lbs of Otumbia, MEX won by scores 115-112 twice with Magsayo winning a card 114-113. Vargas is now 36-0. Magsayo, 125.5 lbs of The Philippines is 24-1.

“I’m at a loss of words,” said an emotional Vargas post-fight. “I worked hard for this. I want to thank God, my family, my trainer Nacho Beristain. The first title I won, I enjoyed it greatly, but this one is special. This win is for me.”

“It’s his today, no matter what, I’ll come back stronger, I’m disappointed but I did my best,” said Magsayo.

“I just kept moving forward and shrugging him off no matter what was happening,” said Vargas. “All that mattered for me was coming out with the victory in the end.”

“It wasn’t a power punch that got me,” said Vargas. “It was more of something that happened because of how I was moving. We were able to recover and come back strong.”

“When I had him down, the punch was straight, he did his job in the ring, running,” said Magsayo. “I applied the pressure and did what we trained for in the gym, but he was taller and he’s the man today.”

“It was a good, enjoyable fight,” said Vargas. “We felt comfortable throughout. I was sound technically. We were just going round-by-round and we got the result we expected.”

“I will rest and watch the fight and I’m going to train to fight again and will correct my mistakes for the next time,” said Magsayo. “Thanks to all my fans in the Philippines. I did my best and will come back stronger.”

“Now I want the unification bout,” said Vargas. “I want to fight Leo Santa Cruz. We’ve already talked about it with my team and I’m ready.”

Figueroa Stops Castro in 6

Former super bantamweight champion, Brandon Figueroa moved up to featherweight and stopped Carlos Castro in a scheduled 12-round bout.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Castro with a hard flurry on the ropes. That flurry includes a hard left to the body and head. In round six, Figueroa turned Castro around and landed a huge barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Figueroa, 126 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 24-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Castro, 124.5 lbs of Fullerton, CA is 27-2.

“I know Carlos Casto is a crafty fighter,” said Figueroa. “I had to be patient. I knew how to put the pressure on him, after the barrage of punches, I got tired and had to step back. I knew he was hurt. and I had him, and I had to put more pressure on him. I caught him clean with a good looping left hand and I had him, I just put punches together and I dropped him.”

“Carlos Castro has a lot of heart, he’s a proven fighter in the ring and I knew it would be hard to get him out of there,” said Figueroa. “I hurt him, I was waiting for that shot to the body, once I caught him clean, I knew he was hurt. I put my punches together again.”

“I’m pretty proud of myself,” said Figueroa. “I know there’s a lot of work ahead of me, especially if I fight the winner of the main event. I have to study my fight and get back to the gym.”

Martin Stops Marinez in 10

Lightweight Frank Martin remained undefeated with a 10th round stoppage over Jackson Marinez.

In round nine, Martin dropped Marinez from a hard straight left. In round 10, Martin backed Marinez up and landed a booming right that made Marinez sit on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Martin, 137.5 lbs of Dallas, TX is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Marinez, 138 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 19-3.

“I was ready to go the distance whether I got the knockout or not,” said Martin, who’s stablemate and promoter, unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. watched his victory ringside and later told Jim Gray of SHOWTIME that he expects to face WBO titleholder Terence Crawford in a blockbuster welterweight undisputed championship fight later this year. “Me and Derrick James worked hard in the gym. It was just a matter of me being patient and not being anxious.”

“I felt great,” said Mariñez. “I was very comfortable inside the ring. It would absolutely have been a different result had I had more than eight days to prepare.”

“I’m just an accurate puncher,” said Martin. “We had to really stay on the outside of the hook, I was doubling the two and trying to come inside with the hook.”

“The knockdown in the ninth changed the tone of the fight,” said Mariñez. “Maybe I could have been more careful. These things happen in boxing, and you just gotta be ready to roll with the punches. He had power, and so did I.”

“I was on him once I had him hurt, I was hungry, he was in deep waters so I had to get him out of there,” said Martin. “I’m right there with those top guys at lightweight, sit me at the table with them, whenever, I’m ready. I’m going to sit down with my team and hopefully get something big. At the end of the day we’ve won them all.”

Ramon Cardenas won an 10-round unanimous decision over Mitchell Banquez in a bantamweight bout

Cardenas, 118 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now is 21-1. Borquez, 117.5 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 20-2.

Rashidi Ellis remained undefeated by stopping late-replacement Jose Murrafo in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight fight.

In round one, Murrafo walked into a right from Ellis that put Murrafo on the canvas. Ellis then landed a vicious combination that was punctuated by a left to the jaw that put Murrafo to deck. A follow-up left hook and right hand forced a referee stoppage.

Ellis, 153.5 lbs of Lynn, MA is 24-0 with 15 knockouts. Murrafo, 146.25 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 13-11-2.

SAN ANTONIO, T.X. – June 21, 2022 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will take on former world champion Rey Vargas in a battle of unbeatens that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa taking on Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained, unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles Panama’s power-punching Ricardo Núñez in the 10-round telecast opener.

“Saturday, July 9 will be topped by a showdown between champions as the Philippines’ Mark Magsayo makes his first title defense against the unbeaten Mexican, Rey Vargas, who will be looking to become a two-division champion at Alamodome on July 9 in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This card will also see the return of one of the sport’s most exciting young stars, as all-action Brandon Figueroa steps back into the ring looking to make his mark in the featherweight division, beginning with a world title eliminator against the always tough Carlos Castro. Kicking off the action will be the highly-skilled rising lightweight contender, Frank Martin, in a tough test against the hard-hitting Ricardo Núñez.”

Additional coverage will include a pair of bouts streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel  beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The action will see unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis facing Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta in a 10-round duel, plus San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas battling Venezuela’s Michell Banquez in a 10-round bantamweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com. The Martin vs. Núñez bout is promoted in association with Man Down Promotions.

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila by way of Los Angeles, Calif., and became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January when he outpointed longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. The 26-year-old earned the opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10^th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” said Magsayo. “I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”

The former WBC 122-pound world champion, Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs), returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November 2021 on the undercard of Canelo vs. Plant. The 31-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. A native of Mexico City, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.

“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” said Vargas, who trains under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin. “This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that, and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”

The 25-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) will debut at 126 pounds after dropping a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Stephen Fulton Jr. in November on SHOWTIME, in which the two champions traded blows for 12 grueling rounds, eventually leading to what some observers thought was a controversial majority decision loss. Figueroa used his youth and relentless pressure to become the first person to defeat Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, who has previously fought in San Antonio six times, Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa, who previously held the lightweight world championship.

“I’ve been waiting to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “Carlos Castro is a great fighter and we both have to prove why we belong at the top of the 126-pound division. I can’t wait to fight in San Antonio in front of my fans, it’s really one of my favorite places to compete and I’m planning on giving everyone who comes out a great show like always.”

Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) was born in Sonora, Mexico and came to the U.S. as a child. Now living in Phoenix, Ariz., Castro most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against two-division champion Luis Nery in February, with one point on the cards ultimately holding Castro back from keeping his unbeaten record intact. The 28-year-old made his name as a 122-pound contender, but has also competed at featherweight, including a 10^th round TKO victory over veteran contender Oscar Escandon in August 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring,” said Castro. “I have some real business to handle against Figueroa on July 9. There’s no better fight for me to show that I’m back. I’m ready to show that I’m capable of being in the mix at the top of the division and to earn a shot at the title.”

The 27-year-old Martin (15-0, 11 KOs) rose up the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before most recently delivering a New Year’s Day KO over Romero Duno. In 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance in April, before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of top trainer James alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’ve been training hard in Dallas and I’m just excited and ready to go,” said Martin. “Núñez is a boxer-puncher, so I expect him to mix it up with some fast combinations and to try and throw my movement off, but I’ll be ready for all of that. Fight fans are going to enjoy an action fight with this one. We’ve got the speed, power and athleticism to put on an exciting show on July 9.”

Representing La Chorrera, Panama, Núñez (23-3, 21 KOs) enters this fight with knockout victories in his last two fights, including most recently stopping Richard Solano in the first round in October 2021. The 28-year-old moved back up to lightweight for those two victories after challenging three-division champion Gervonta Davis in July 2019 for a 130-pound title. Núñez has fought professionally since 2010 and has a brother also named Ricardo who is a veteran pro fighter in the featherweight division.

“I’m very happy to be back in a big fight on July 9,” said Núñez. “You’re going to see a whole new fighter against Martin. I’m coming to fight and impose my style on my opponent. Martin is a good boxer who’s made it to a high level, but he still has to show what he’s made of. I’m going to give one hundred percent to stop his rise and be the first person to beat him.”

The 29-year-old Ellis (23-0, 14 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since October 2020, having earned a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Alexis Rocha in his last outing. Originally from Lynn, Mass., Ellis also owns a pair of victories over veteran contender Eddie Gomez, including a first-round knockout over Gomez in December 2016, before winning by unanimous decision in their 2019 rematch. He takes on the Buenos Aires, Argentina native Palmetta (17-1, 12 KOs), who represented his home country at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in November 2016. The 32-year-old has won his last 11 fights, with 10 coming by stoppage, including most recently defeating Yeis Solano in October 2021.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring on July 9,” said Ellis. “I want to thank my whole team, and I can’t wait to deliver fireworks for everyone watching this fight. I’m looking to steal the show and I’m training hard to make sure I do just that. You definitely want to tune in and see what I’m going to do in this one.”

“This fight is very special because it is the same day as Argentinian Independence Day,” said Palmetta. “Four years ago, I made the decision to leave my home and travel to the United States to further my boxing career. I want to face the biggest opponents, so I can earn the opportunity to become a world champion. This fight against Ellis is the big step I’ve been looking for. On July 9, get ready, because I’m coming with hunger, hard work, and determination. It hasn’t been easy for me; I have fought through the pain and struggle, and because of it, I remain humble and more motivated than ever.”

San Antonio’s Cardenas (20-1, 10 KOs) will look to run his current winning streak to nine when he competes in front of his hometown crowd on July 9. The 26-year-old added a pair of victories to his resume in 2021, having most recently stopped Marvin Solano in three rounds last August. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old Banquez (20-1, 14 KOs), who is originally from Venezuela and now fights out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. Banquez had a successful U.S. debut in January, as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joahnys Argilagos in six rounds, building off of a 12-round decision over the previously unbeaten Prince Patel in July 2019.

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