LAS VEGAS — The pressure was on Teofimo Lopez. It came from all sides. It was there, on both sides of the ropes. It was there, in his past and his future, a double-edged presence dangerous to  reputation and livelihood. There was no escape.

So,, Lopez did what he could only do.

He embraced the danger poised by skeptics created by his one-sided loss to Shakur Stevenson.

He embraced the risk that came with a new DAZN  deal worth a reported $20-million.

And, above all, he embraced the decision to move forward against a friend and fighter with power enough to destroy his ambition and crush his credibility. There were moments when it looked as if Rolly Romero would do exactly that. He rocked Lopez early and late. He cut midway, leaving him with a stream of blood pouring down one side of his face. But this time the wound was just a price to be paid for all that was at stake.

Lopez prevailed, scarred face and all, winning a majority decisions on score card debatable only because they failed to reflect how big his victory really was.It was 114 – 114 on one card. On the other two, both for Lopez, it was 115-113 and 116-112.

“I could care less about the scorecards,” Lopez said after taking Romero’s welterweight belt in his first fight at 147 pounds..

Only winning mattered  for Lopez, who entered the ring faced by an either-or scenario.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. “When you lose and come back, you;’never lost. You’re a winner.  I’m a winner.”

He was Saturday because of his willingness to walk straight into a tactic that Romero set up as a trap. Once, Lopez stepped in, Romero’s plan was to unleash his power. It worked in the fifth round, opening a cut near Lopez’ right eye. But the blood, a nasty reminder of what happened to his face against Stevenson, was a bad sign.

But Lopez continued to move forward, certain he would eliminate that possibility. Slowly yet surely, he turned Romero’s measured defense into a liability. In the final few rounds, Romero appeared to back way as just an escape.

After it was all over, Romero questioned the scorecards. He also suggested they were close enough for a rematch.

No, Lopez said.

He has already moved on, to a future he fought to protect.

Yoenli Hernandez wins majority decision

Yoenli Hernandez’ reputation — fearless and powerful — preceded him.He was advertised as the next great middleweight.

But reputation and advertising are suddenly on hold, because of skilled Argentinian Francisco Daniel Veron, who didn’t beat him yet might have shown a way how to Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Veron (17-2-1, 10 KOs) withstood the power, stood up under the Cuban’s strength and took him to the scorecards, losing a 10-round majority decision at T-Mobile Arena. One judge scored it a draw, 95-95. The other two judges saw a different fight, one favoring Hernandez, 98-92, and the other, 99-91. 

Hernandez’ raw strength was impossible to ignore. Harder to see was an effective jab from Verson, who used it repeatedly to keep him at distance. In the fifth round, a Veron hook knocked Hernandez off balance. He often made the Cuban look awkward, never often enough to prevail, 

Dull to dynamic, Russell scores 12th round knockdown

For eleven rounds, it was deadly dull.

For one — the final one,there was sudden drama.

Gary Antonio Russell put some life into a fight and probably woke up a lot fans with a right hook that punctuated a junior-featherweight  bout like an exclamation point Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

The shot from the resilient Russell (21-1,13 KOs) dropped Victor Santillan ((16-3, 7 KOs), who fell to the canvas slowly. The crowd and perhaps Russsell would have been happy if it had ended then, Somehow, however, Sabtijjangot up just as some in the crowd woke up, A few moments later it was over, and Russell left the ring with a unanimous decision and an interim 122-pound champion in a division dominated by pound-for pound No. 1 Naoya Inoue., 

Carlos Utria gets win and boos

Carlos Utria got the victory.

Got the boos, too.

Utria (15-0, 12 KOs) overcame some late fatigue and sporadic rallies from Israel Mercado often enough to escape with a split decision, an unpopular one , too — Saturday in the pay-per-view opener to a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena. 

The junior-welterweight fight figured to be close, And it was,, one fighter gaining momentum and the other regaining it ,from round to-round. After the 10th and final round, it looked as if it might be a draw. But two judges said no, both favoring the Colombian, 96-94 and 97-93. The third scored it 96-94 foot Mercado (13-2-2, 7 KOs).

A gathering crowd disagreed loudly, booing Utria as he left the ring.

Marco Romero overwhelms in Vegas debut

Marco Romero introduced himself to Las Vegas.

You might of missed it.

Within three minutes, Romero said goodbye to Khalil Mitchell (7-1, 4 LOs) and hello to Vegas Saturday on the Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero card at T-Mobile Arena, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs), a middleweight prospect from Kansas, overwhelmed Mitchell , of Chattanooga,in a fight stopped at 2:33 of the first round.

Joseph Brown’s dances to victor, gets booed

Joseph Brown, a prospect who has sparred with Boots Ennis, is unbeaten and — by the sound of it — unlikable,

Brown (8-0, 6 KOs) got booed after turning in a dominant performance for a one-sided decision over Alton Wiggins Saturday on the card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena.

Wiggins (3-3-1), of Modesto CA, never had a chance against Brown’s powerful rightt-hand.It was a rout, no reason for a celebration. Brown did anyway, dancing in the center of the ring. Scattered boos were hisreward.

Aldo Blancas, a Milwaukee prospect and a David Benavidez stablemate, flashed some Benavidez-like hand speed, scoring s second-round knockdown with a body shot and went onto win a  one-sided decision over Ricky Mamone

First Bell: Benjamin Johnson opens show with dominant decision

It started with more people in the ring than the seats.

That didn’t bother Maryland welterweight Benjamin Johnson (8-0, 8 KOs). 

He dominated, landing solid shots that echoed throughout an empty T-Mobile Arena for a unanimous decision over Gabriel Rodriguez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Ecuador, in a Saturday matinee, the opening bout on a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — If silence speaks volumes, Rolly Romero said a lot Friday.

He said nothing.

 In what proved to be the deafening final punctuation point to a ceremonial weigh-in, Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) had only silence as an answer to questions from DAZN’s Chris Mannix the day before opening bell to a defense of his welterweight title against Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) in pay-per-view bout at T-Mobile Center.

It was an awkward moment — a rare one too–  in a business that is nothing if not noisy. It also was newsworthy on a day when both fighters made weight in the morning at the official weigh-in at the Park MGM, just across the street from T-Mobile.. Lopez was at 147 pounds, the welterweight limit. Romero was at 146.6, slightly lighter perhaps because he shed all the verbiage.

There was no explanation, of course, because Romero would have had to speak. Instead, he waved his title belt  above his head and in Lopez’ face as he stepped away from an extended stare-down in the ritual face-off after the weights were announced.

There were lots of questions, most of them raised during a contentious news conference Thursday. That’s when Lopez dismissed Romero as if he was nothing more than a mere sparring partner. Romero has been that, too.

 Yet in this fight, Lopez suggested he was only a steppingstone in Lopez’ move up to welterweight in his first fight in a rich new deal with DAZN. He reminded Lopez that he was elevated from mandatory challenger to the World Boxing Association’s real champion in a procedural move after his stunning upset of Ryan Garcia. Interim was just another insult

Nobody, Lopez suggested, was going to get in the way of his second chance at fulfilling the promise that defines his nickname, The Takeover.

Romero’s silence seemed to say:

 Prove it

By Norm Frauenheim

A boxing news conference without theatrics is a little bit like a dead battery in a high-end sports car. It’s not going anywhere.

Teofimo Lopez and Rolly Romero made sure that didn’t happen Thursday, kicking a newser out of some early yawns and transforming it into a variety show full of all the insults, threats, taunts, laughs and groans expected in the plotline before any opening bell.

Predictable?

Probably. 

Tickets, after all, were still for sale a couple of days before Lopez makes his welterweight debut in a bid to take Romero’s 147-pound belt Saturday at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena in a DAZN-streamed bout. 

That said, the newser included Teofimo and his volatile dad and trainer, who is always poised to deliver expletives and pound tables. Sure enough, Teofimo Jr. obliged, doing both midway through the newser in a ballroom at the nearby Park MGM.

Still, there was no clue that a genuine boxing newser would break out  when all of the key actors took their assigned seats like suits at an executive lunch. 

The talk was about Teofimo’s long term friendship with Romero and his new deal with DAZN, believed to be worth $20-million.

“Thank you,” Teofimo said in a polite, business-like tone.

A unanimous yawn was the audience’s reaction. But quickly, the tone changed, thanks to Romero, who has mastered an imitation of Teofimo Sr.’s voice. It’s just raspy enough to make Teofimo Sr. sound ridiculous. Apparently, both Tefimos, Jr. and Sr,. had heard it once too often. They reacted angrily, first Jr. and then Sr.

“You’re fans,” Teofimo Jr said, suddenly  in a tone more edgy than polite. “All of you are fans. I’m fighting my fans right now.

“Tell me, who is the best fighter Shakur Stevenson has on his resume? Me. They put him at No. 3 (pound-for-pound). Get out of here with all of that stuff, man. I think everybody needs a reality check on this thing. I’m coming back with a vengeance. And I mean that. I mean that.”

Then, Teofimo Jr., who is coming off a one-sided scorecard loss to Stevenson, took a breath, long enough to cast a menacing look at Romero, his former sparring partner.

“And I’m coming for you first,” Teofimo Jr. said, adding a First Testament reference. “You’ll be my Judah. My Judah.”

It wasn’t long before Teofimo Sr. joined in, raspy and predictably outraged.

“We beat Vasiliy Lomachenko and we’ll beat you,” Sr. said as he pounded the table with both fists. 

Sr. went on to rip Romero’s Cuban trainer, Ismael Salas, quiet and dignified. Through an interpreter, Salas said he didn’t want to indulge in the escalating trash talk.

“I am a trainer and not a clown,” Salas said.

Of course, Sr. took offense.

“You called me an effing clown,” he said. “You started this. Nobody knows who the hell you are. Go back to effing Cuba.”

The show was effing on. Initially, it looked as if Romero had tried to gain a psychological edge in the pre-fight maneuvering. Within minutes, however, he was on his feet, pointing accusatory gestures at Teofimo Jr.

“Have you ever had reconstruction surgery done to your face?” Romero shouted at Junior.

Finally, Junior smiled. He even sang and danced. In the ritual face-to-face pose for the cameras, Romero laughed instead of glared.

Show over. 

Maybe some of those tickets got sold, too.

Teofimo Lopez is coming off a one-sided loss with a rich new deal that coincides with a move upscale and a primetime birthday.

Call it a bet.

DAZN signed Lopez to a $20-million, multi-fight contract before his bid for a third divisional title at welterweight against Rolly Romero August 22 and after he turned 29 years old on July 30.

The timing, double-edged, is intriguing for his potential on one side and risky for his past on the other.

The risk: Lopez’ loss to Shakur Stevenson, who delivered a masterpiece –119-109 on all three scorecards – the last time we saw Lopez on January 31 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez never had a chance, yet DAZN invested in him anyway.

The potential: Lopez displayed newfound maturity in a realistic acceptance of the loss to Stevenson. At 29, fighters mature, physically and personally. After a couple of troubling meltdowns earlier in his career, a grown-up Lopez might be poised to fulfill his evident potential as he enters his prime at 147 pounds.

Perhaps wiser, Lopez still has the edgy confidence of the younger man. He’s the first to sign a unique deal with DAZN. More are expected to follow.

“The Zone has started with The Takeover,’’ Lopez said, jumping at the chance to mention his nickname – also the name of his promotional company, during a media workout in Los Angeles about 10 days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Lopez is favored to take the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from Romero, a friend who took the title from Ryan Garcia in a notable upset.

If the odds are accurate, it’s the beginning of a lucrative second chapter for Lopez, known for victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, yet also remembered for a loss he would not accept against George Kambosos Jr..

When asked why he signed with DAZN, Lopez was quick to answer:

“It was a no-brainer.’’

Garcia looms as possibility for the winner, either against Lopez in a fight of two known names or against Romero in a rematch. Garcia — almost a 4-to-1 favorite, according to some books — is expected to beat Conor Benn on Se

LAS VEGAS – August 20, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face-to-face during a tense final press conference on Thursday to preview their world title clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

During Thursday’s press conference the two longtime friends promised to leave that friendship aside when the fight begins, and had a heated exchange about the details of their shared history. The tensions nearly boiled over between the fighter’s respective teams as well, with insults being thrown across the stage between Romero’s trainer Ismael Salas and Lopez’s father and trainer Teofimo Sr.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez and Argentine slugger Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan and top contender Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a 12-round attraction, and sensational prospect Carlos Utria and super lightweight contender Israel Mercado, who opens the PPV card with a 10-round matchup at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I know he didn’t want to take this fight, but I’m thankful he took it. It’s gonna be a great show on Saturday night. Don’t miss it.

“I tried to fight everybody else, all the top guys. I wanted a big fight and this is the only guy who stepped up.

“You ever punch someone you loved in the face? If they give me a hundred million dollars I’ll punch my dad in the face right now. The friendship doesn’t matter to me at all when the bell rings.

“They talk about the four kings? They’re four queens and I’m a black knight. I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday night.

“I won the whole fight against Ryan Garcia and I was winning the whole fight against ‘Tank’ Davis too and he hit me with one shot. I wasn’t even supposed to be at that weight anymore. Now I’m at my natural weight and everyone sees what I can do.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“This guy is not in my league. He never was in my league and he never will be.

“Rolly and I go way back. We’ve known each other since the amateurs. We’ve shared a lot of rounds in the ring, and now we’re here 10 years later. He’s the best fighter at 147 and the hardest puncher. I’m the type of guy who goes after those challenges.

“I’m determined, I’m ready and I’m focused on this fight. I know what it takes. He’s a heavy-handed fighter and he’s smart. He’s gotten better throughout the years. Any punch could end this fight, literally.

“Saturday night friendship goes out the window. This is about the dream of being the best in the sport. We’re here to put on a show.

“All the times we sparred, I took it light on you. We’re not gonna do that anymore. I’m gonna put you down. It’s time.

“Right now I’m just focused on climbing the ladder. I’m laser focused. I’m just staying on course and ready to do what I need to do. We’re gonna let our hands do most of the talking.”

YOENLI HERNANDEZ

“I’m not here to prove anything. I don’t need to. I came here to win on August 22.

“I showed in my last fight that no matter who you put in front of me, I’m gonna stream roll them. It doesn’t matter to me.

“I don’t need to showcase anything. I need to get this win and keep moving toward those world title fights.

“I’m not aiming for any specific fighter. All I want are the belts. Whoever has the belts is who I want to face.”

FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON

“I want everyone to know that I’m here to represent Argentina. We have a great legacy to uphold and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.

“I’m coming into this fight better than I’ve ever been. My preparation has been incredible and I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday.

“His power remains to be seen. We’re gonna see inside the ring. We’re going to try to out box him and see what the fight brings. We’ll be ready to adjust on the fly.”

VICTOR SANTILLAN

“I’m here to prove that Dominican boxing is at its best right now. We’re not gonna stop until we get to the top.

He’s a predictable fighter. If I rely on my preparation and stick to my game plan, I’m gonna come out with my hand raised.

“He really shows his cards whenever you’re on top of him. He doesn’t really know what to do. That’s what I see.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“Come Saturday I’m looking to come out victorious and in spectacular fashion. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to give everyone a great show.

“I’m real anxious to get this belt. I’m ready to get back in the ring and stay active. It’s all been leading up to this.

“Victor is a good tough opponent. He stays disciplined behind his jab. I see very easily how he can be exposed. We’re just gonna capitalize on our game plan.”

CARLOS UTRIA

“I’m here and ready to represent Colombia. My country has been going through a rough time, but I’m here to show that Colombians are resilient. I’m going to show that resiliency on Saturday night.

“I prepared extremely well. This is the perfect opponent to face on such a big card. We’re gonna see what he brings to the ring. I’ll be ready for everything.”

ISRAEL MERCADO

“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This is an undefeated opponent, but I’m here to make a statement. I’m gonna expose him on Saturday.

“Every time I face an undefeated fighter, I prevail and come through. This time around, I’m gonna make sure it doesn’t go to the judges hands.

“He’s an explosive fighter, but he’s inexperienced. I believe I’m gonna capitalize on that.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Rolly’s Trainer

“It’s such a pleasure to be here. I’ve always admired Teofimo and his family, but the time has come and it’s time to fight.

“I actually think this fight is going to be like a chess match. Let’s see who can place the pieces in the right position and come out with the win. May the best man win.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father and Trainer

“This fight sells itself. We have two great fighters at 147 pounds. I’m just here to guide my son like always. He’s gonna be a three-time world champion come Saturday. I have no doubt about that.

“You have to tune into this one if you can’t see it live. Rolly comes to fight, but my son is too technical, too smart and too strong for Rolly.”

TOM BROWN, President TGB Promotions

“It’s been a real fun promotion, but now it’s time to put up or shut up. We’ve got two great personalities in Rolly and Teofimo and two guys who are always willing to put it on the line. These guys are both built for this stage.

“You’re gonna want to be in your seats early on Saturday night. There are a number of rising stars who are looking to break out on this undercard.”

BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN

“I have a feeling about this one. We have two very dynamic fighters up here on this stage. Teofimo Lopez is powerful, twitchy, strong, fast, and Rolly is a brutal knockout puncher. I don’t think either one of these guys are gonna let friendship get in the way of legacy.

“When you think about friends who fight in this sport, you either get a classic or a sparring match. But these guys’ sparring matches are classics. I’m really excited to see how this unfolds on Saturday night.

“These guys are both talking about legacy. They’re talking about being in the Hall of Fame. They’re talking about undisputed at 147 pounds. They want to join that legacy of great welterweight champions.”

#         #         #

ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Gary Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – August 19, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez officially kicked off fight week events Wednesday with the media workout ahead of their world title clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Romero and Lopez meet Saturday night in a battle between two of this generation’s most compelling stars. Each enters the ring in the prime of their career, with Romero looking to add a second signature victory to his ledger after beating Ryan Garcia in 2025, while Lopez can become a three-division champion by wresting the title away.

Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez and Argentine slugger Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan and top contender Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a 12-round attraction, and super lightweight contender Israel Mercado, who opens the PPV card at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. facing sensational prospect Carlos Utria.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I’ve been out of the ring for a minute, but I’m happy to be back on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy.

“We’re two completely different fighters than when we sparred together. You’re gonna see what we’re capable of now when that bell rings.

“I’m the one who tries to make all the big fights. Nobody wanted to fight me, for whatever reason. I think everyone knows the real reason. I’m finally at my natural weight.

“I’ve grown up. I’m 30-years-old now. I got some clout and made some money when I was young. Now I’ve changed. I became a better man.

“I was doing Teofimo a favor when we sparred, I was getting him ready for his pro debut. I didn’t even have a fight. But none of that matters now. We’re gonna see on August 22.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“We’re here to make great fights. We want to fight the best of the best and give everyone a great show.

“I just want to put on a good show and entertain all the fans. That’s what they deserve. I want to inspire the next generation.

“This is Teofimo Lopez coming back. I’m ready for this fight. It’s put up or shut up at this point.

They wanna see if I still have it. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

“This is my road to undisputed at welterweight. It starts August 22. I see myself with my hand raised. Nothing but victory.”

YOENLI HERNANDEZ

“This is the time to put up or shut up. If he doesn’t wanna stand on what he’s said about my style, he’ll have to pay in the ring.

“I’m super motivated for this fight. It’s one thing to call the devil, but it’s another thing when he arrives.

“I fear nothing and I’m ready to go after everything. I respect everyone, but I know what I’m capable of.

“You’re not only gonna see what I’m made of, but I’m gonna humble Veron. He’s been talking trash and now he’s gonna see what happens.”

FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON

“I’m glad to have this opportunity. I’m going to give the best of myself and represent Argentina with pride. You can expect to see me at my best

“His reach and height will not affect me. He’s a little bulkier than me, but it can work against him. I feel that I might be able to use speed to my advantage.

“Everyone is gonna see what I bring. I have a lot of courage. Argentinian boxers are among the best in the world and I’m coming to prove it.”

VICTOR SANTILLAN

“This is so exciting for me. This is a huge motivation to see everyone here with all the love they’re giving me. I’m ready to show my best for everyone.

“I’m so ready for this opportunity. I love to face the best and that’s what I’m doing on Saturday. I’m coming to steal the show.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“The game plan is to execute our game plan and come out victorious with my hand raised. Whatever it takes.

“I treat every fight as a championship match. I’m coming to put my best foot forward and show everyone what I’m capable of doing.

“My family knows to stay mentally tough and keep grinding and stay resilient through it all. I’m ready to come out victorious. I expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”

ISRAEL MERCADO

“I have this opportunity and I’m gonna take advantage of it. I’m the most slept on fighter in the game and I’m gonna show everyone why on Saturday.

“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. I’m here to put on a show. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna go home with a W.”

#         #         #

ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – August 17, 2026 – Undefeated rising middleweight Marco Romero will enter the ring in an eight-round showdown against the once-beaten Kahlil Mitchell headlining a three-fight PBC Prelims presentation streaming live on DAZN and Prime Video on Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The streaming presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated super welterweight prospect Joseph Brown kicking off prelims action in a four or six-round bout against Alton Wiggins, plus super lightweight prospect Aldo Blancas battles Ricky Mamone in a four-round matchup.

Prelims will lead into a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**MARCO ROMERO VS. KAHLIL MITCHELL**

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026.

“I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas, especially on this great PBC card at T-Mobile Arena,” said Romero. “It’s all a little surreal; I pinch myself every morning when I get up. For any fighter, we dream of fighting in Las Vegas. I fought in Las Vegas once as amateur, but this will be my first pro fight here and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

The 30-year-old Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs) enters the ring having bounced back from defeat to score knockout victories in back-to-back contests. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mitchell rode a four-fight winning streak into his only career defeat, which came via a narrow majority decision against Jamar Pemberton in December 2024.

“This is a great opportunity for me on August 22,” said Mitchell. “I’m ready to go in there, be at my best, and show Romero something he hasn’t seen before.”

**JOSEPH BROWN VS. ALTON WIGGINS**

The 19-year-old Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) has shown off his prodigious talent since turning pro in 2023, dominating against his early competition. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Brown’s family moved to Canada shortly after, where his father Martin trained him in multiple combat sports before embarking on an accolade-filled amateur boxing career. His most recent action came in February as he stopped Claudio Adan Gamboa in round one. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Wiggins (3-2-1), a native of Oakland, California who went 2-1 in 2025 before losing a decision to unbeaten Javier Guerrero Cruz in June.

**ALDO BLANCAS VS. RICKY MAMONE**

The younger brother of super middleweight prospect Daniel, Blancas (2-0, 2 KOs) has made a successful transition to his pro career in 2026, scoring a pair of quick knockouts in March and May. The 19-year-old Milwaukee-native trains alongside his brother as part of David Benavidez’s camp and will return to fight in Las Vegas for the second time after making his pro debut on the Fundora vs. Thurman card in March. He will be opposed by Hawaii’s Mamone (0-0-1), who made his pro debut in March, fighting the unbeaten Dillan Nguyen to a split-draw. The 22-year-old will bring both professional and extensive amateur MMA experience to the ring against Blancas.

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – August 14, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero previewed his showdown against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez and gave his insights on the significance of their world title showdown taking place Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

While Romero acknowledges his friendship with Lopez, which includes multiple sparring sessions between the two champions, he made it clear that it won’t have any bearings on the outcome when they go toe-to-toe under the bright lights.

“Yeah we’re friends and we know each other’s families, but none of that matters on August 22,” said Romero. “I’m looking to be a Hall of Famer, just like Teofimo is. The only way to do that is to go through each other!

“That’s what’s wrong with boxing nowadays. Everybody wants to be friends, but they’re scared to fight each other and instead forget why we all got into this sport to begin with. That’s to become a legend and one of the best of our generation.”

The Las Vegas-native has had success and won titles at 135, 140 and 147 pounds, reaching the pinnacle of the sport in just 15 pro fights as he challenged lightweight superstar Gervonta Davis in a 2022 super fight. Despite coming up on the short end against Davis, the 30-year-old continued to add accolades, becoming a super lightweight world champion with a ninth-round TKO over Ismael Barroso in 2023.

After losing the title to Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in 2024, he got back into the win column later that year against Manuel Jaimes, before making his move to 147 pounds. Once again facing a fellow star of this generation, Romero pulled off the upset over Ryan Garcia by dropping him in round two on his way to a unanimous decision victory that earned him the WBA title.

As he heads into another career-defining bout, Romero gives much of the credit to his trainer, the famed Ismael Salas, who invoked a game plan that completely shut out Garcia’s usually prolific power-punching.

“To me, Salas is the greatest trainer of all time,” said Romero, who’s had Salas in his corner for his last three bouts. “Who has won world titles with more fighters than Salas? He doesn’t ever get the flowers he deserves when they bring up Trainer of the Year.

“We’ve always had good chemistry together, like peanut butter and jelly. Salas knows exactly how to train me and what we need to work on to get the win. On August 22, we’re going to prove to everybody why nobody should ever bet against us again.”

In Lopez, Romero is faced with an opponent who has equal his experience in big fights, having stepped in for marquee matchups against Shakur Stevenson, Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor throughout his own world title runs at 135 and 140 pounds. With each fighter bringing top-level pedigree and fan-friendly styles, Romero believes August 22 shapes up to be a memorable night for this era of boxing.

This is going to be an action packed, Fight of the Year kind of fight,” said Romero. “Teo and I are always in entertaining fights. We’re the most entertaining fighters in the world. Definitely the best self-promoters in the world. Nobody can ever say we’re runners or we’re in boring fights like some of these other fighters y’all love to praise. We don’t run, we like to punch. And that’s what y’all can expect on August 22, the biggest fight of the year from the sport’s most entertaining fighters.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

By Norm Frauenheim

Teofimo Lopez is coming off a one-sided loss with a rich new deal that coincides with a move upscale and a primetime birthday.

Call it a bet.

DAZN signed Lopez to a $20-million, multi-fight contract before his bid for a third divisional title at welterweight against Rolly Romero August 22 and after he turned 29 years old on July 30.

The timing, double-edged, is intriguing for his potential on one side and risky for his past on the other.

The risk: Lopez’ loss to Shakur Stevenson, who delivered a masterpiece –119-109 on all three scorecards – the last time we saw Lopez on January 31 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez never had a chance, yet DAZN invested in him anyway.

The potential: Lopez displayed newfound maturity in a realistic acceptance of the loss to Stevenson. At 29, fighters mature, physically and personally. After a couple of troubling meltdowns earlier in his career, a grown-up Lopez might be poised to fulfill his evident potential as he enters his prime at 147 pounds.

Perhaps wiser, Lopez still has the edgy confidence of the younger man. He’s the first to sign a unique deal with DAZN. More are expected to follow.

“The Zone has started with The Takeover,’’ Lopez said, jumping at the chance to mention his nickname – also the name of his promotional company, during a media workout in Los Angeles about 10 days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Lopez is favored to take the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from Romero, a friend who took the title from Ryan Garcia in a notable upset.

If the odds are accurate, it’s the beginning of a lucrative second chapter for Lopez, known for victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, yet also remembered for a loss he would not accept against George Kambosos Jr..

When asked why he signed with DAZN, Lopez was quick to answer:

“It was a no-brainer.’’

Garcia looms as possibility for the winner, either against Lopez in a fight of two known names or against Romero in a rematch. Garcia — almost a 4-to-1 favorite, according to some books — is expected to beat Conor Benn on Sept. 12, also at T- Mobile. 

LAS VEGAS – August 11, 2026 – Two-division world champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez held a media workout in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he prepares for his high-stakes championship showdown against WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero taking place Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

After winning world titles at 135 and 140 pounds, Lopez will look to become a three-division world champion with a victory over Romero in a summer matchup that pits two of this generation’s most compelling stars against each other.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what Lopez had to say Tuesday from Fortune Gym:

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time. We’re taking a risk, because it’s no risk, no reward. I’m just focusing on my objectives so I can come out victorious.

“Every fight at 147 will be my biggest fight. I won’t say they’ll all be the most challenging. The best man will end up on top. Right now I’m only focused on Rolly Romero.

“I’m trying to make the best fights we can make. Signing with DAZN was a no-brainer. They started with ‘The Takeover’.

“I’m just going to keep going forward in my career. I’m so locked in on continuing to achieve bigger and better things one fight at a time. The fans can decide my legacy when it’s all over.

“I think Rolly’s skills are underappreciated. He controls the pace and makes it his fight, everyone overlooks that. But he’s not underrated on the stature side. He’s a world champion for a reason.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

ORLANDO, FL. – August 6, 2026 – Undefeated top-rated middleweight star Yoenli “El Diablo” Hernandez had strong words for the rest of the 160-pound division ahead of his showdown against veteran Argentine contender Francisco Daniel Verón that serves as the co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video taking place Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m the best middleweight in the world right now,” said Cuba’s Hernandez. “My hunger for glory, my desire to be champion and win every title—that’s something I don’t see in the rest of the division. Everyone seems to arrive, get the title, and settle. Not me. I’m coming to get the title, keep it, and fight the best. Lately, nobody in my weight class wants to face the best.”

Number one-ranked by the WBA and WBO, in addition to being ranked number two by the WBC, Hernandez is the latest amateur prodigy to emerge from Cuba and show world championship potential. After a career-best victory over veteran contender Terrell Gausha in his last bout, Hernandez has spent time training in Orlando ahead of August 22, using the new location to spar with top contenders Yoenis Tellez and David Morrell Jr. Despite his early success, he continues to seek ways to improve across training camps.

“I’ve focused on polishing the few mistakes I made against Terrell Gausha and Kyrone Davis,” said Hernandez. “We’re improving, and that’s what we’re focusing on in this camp. I’m just working twice as hard as I did before my last fight to reach my goal.”

The normally reserved Hernandez also shared a direct message for his August 22 opponent Verón, who’s gotten the attention of Hernandez through his comments leading up to fight night.

“Verón says that I am still a ‘very amateur’ boxer,’” said Hernandez. “He thinks that fighting me is like fighting an amateur. He’s talking too much. It’s one thing to call the devil, another to see him arrive. I see him saying he’ll put me in situations no one has put me in before, and I hope he’s not one of those talkers who doesn’t back up their words inside the ring.

“I’m going all out, I’m coming to win. And if he says he’s going to come forward in the ring, he’ll have to have more drive than me. And for him to have more drive than me, we’ll have to see it to believe it.”

On August 22, Hernandez will enter the ring on the biggest stage of his young career, competing in the co-main event of a pay-per-view headlined by two of this generation’s most compelling stars in Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez. Despite the big names in the main event, Hernandez knows what he has to do to make sure fans remember his performance after fight night.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a prestigious card as Rolly vs. Teofimo on August 22,” said Hernandez. “I’m going to steal the show by giving the Argentine the beating of the year, and show the fans that I am the most complete fighter at 160 pounds.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – July 30, 2026 – Three exciting pay-per-view undercard bouts featuring rising stars and top contenders across the middleweight, super bantamweight and super lightweight divisions will lead up to the Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez main event on Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The four-fight pay-per-view card is topped by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**YOENLI HERNANDEZ VS. FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON**

The number one-ranked WBA and WBO, plus number two-ranked WBC contender, Yoenli Hernandez will look to continue to show his star ability in a 10-round showdown against the veteran slugger Francisco Daniel Veron that serves as the co-main event on August 22.

Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he rose up the rankings. The 29-year-old scored three victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis in May of that year. Most recently, Hernandez turned away his most experienced opponent to date, earning a fourth-round TKO of U.S. Olympian and title challenger Terrell Gausha in March.

“I’m preparing very hard for this fight, because I know that I have an extremely tough opponent in front of me,” said Hernandez. “I have to continue to train that hard fight after fight and prove to everyone what I’m capable of. You can expect to see more of the same from me on August 22 in Las Vegas.”

The 27-year-old Veron (17-1-1, 10 KOs) enters this fight on an impressive three-fight winning streak, including most recently besting Raul Garcia via unanimous decision in April of this year. Prior to that Veron had turned away tough veteran contenders Roiman Villa and Vladimir Hernandez in 2025, beating both by unanimous decision. A native of Villa Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Veron also owns a draw against middleweight contender Jahi Tucker. He will be making his Las Vegas debut on August 22, with the only other blemish on his record coming via a close decision loss to longtime top contender Brandon Adams in 2024.

“This is one of the toughest fights of my career, but we’re well prepared for anything he bring,” said Veron. “I’m here to face the best and I’m not ducking anyone. We’re going to give people a lot to talk about when this fight is over. I’m coming to represent my Argentine people on August 22.”

**VICTOR SANTILLAN VS. ANTONIO RUSSELL**

In a matchup of two top contenders at 122 pounds, Victor Santillan and Antonio Russell will look to show their championship mettle in a 12-round matchup as Santillan defends his Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title for the first time.

A native of La Romana, Dominican Republic, Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) picked up his interim title in February by stopped Noel Reyes Cepeda in the third round. The triumph made it back-to-back wins for Santillan, who’s only two defeats have come via decision on the road against top Japanese contenders. A pro since 2018, Santillan won the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, amongst his amateur accolades. The 30-year-old began his career with 13-straight wins and will return to fight stateside for the third time as a pro.

“It is an honor for me to be defending my title against Antonio Russell,” said Santillan. “He is a good boxer who comes from a family of good fighters. I love this fight because the real winners are going to be the fans. We’re gonna put on a show.”

Part of one of the sport’s most renowned fighting families, Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) will look to pick up his first belt at 122 pounds and join his brothers as champions alongside Gary Antuanne (WBA Super Lightweight World Champion) and his lead trainer Gary Jr. (former WBC Featherweight World Champion). The 33-year-old previously fought to the top of the 118-pound division, but came up short in his most notable fight, an October 2022 matchup against former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez. The Capitol Heights, Maryland-native does own a technical decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 and has won back-to-back fights at 122-pounds, including most recently besting Dervin Rodriguez by unanimous decision last August.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent,” said Russell. “Me and my brothers have been putting in the work every day in the gym, staying focused. It’s almost that time to compete. I’m ready to bring another title home.”

**CARLOS UTRIA VS. ISRAEL MERCADO**

One of boxing’s most acclaimed prospects the undefeated Carlos Utria will look to make his U.S. debut in style, as he takes on tough contender Israel Mercado in the 10-round super lightweight opening attraction.

The 22-year-old Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) most recently emerged victorious in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and earning a top 10 ranking at 140-pounds, and more. The five-victory run culminated in a unanimous decision over Mujimillo Tursunov in December, with his championship-winning run leading to him being named Boxing Scene’s 2025 Prospect of the Year. A native of Soplaviento, Colombia, Utria has fought professionally since 2023 and will look to continue his momentum stateside.

“I’m facing a strong opponent who’s coming to win,” said Utria. “That’s the perfect opponent for my U.S. debut. We’re prepared for whatever comes and ready to put on a dominating performance for everyone watching.”

A native of Pomona, California, Mercado (13-1-2, 7 KOs) is unbeaten in last six outings, with four wins a two draws in that span. Mercado has faced four unbeaten fighters in his career, with two wins, a draw and a decision to defeat to Arthur Biyarslanov in 2024 amongst that run. Mercado was won each of his last two outings, with decision victories over Jonathan Jose Eniz in April 2025 and Branden Pizarro in June 2025.

“I’ve been patient, I’ve put in the work, and now I’m ready to show the fight fans what these hands can do,” said Mercado. “I’m built for this stage. I can’t wait to give everyone a great show and deliver a fight they won’t forget.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LOS ANGELES – July 9, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face to face on Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles to officially announce their world title showdown Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference began with a special announcement of a landmark deal between DAZN and PBC, that brings PBC’s marquee fight nights to fans around the world on DAZN. That portion of the press conference featured PBC fighters who will be competing on DAZN in the coming months including WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa, Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr., and IBF Bantamweight World Champion Jose Salas Reyes. 

The August 22 event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available now until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins tomorrow, Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Avalon Hollywood:

ROLLY ROMERO

“It’s been a hard time trying to make a fight, but we know that Teofimo is gonna fight anyone. So I’m thankful that he stepped up to the plate.

“I needed the time off to focus on me. I’m just happy to be back with another big event and to be here at the announce of the PBC and DAZN deal. This is just one of so many great fights that are gonna come from it.

“I feel pretty good right now. We’re gonna have to see if I’m even better than I was against Ryan Garcia. I’ve missed boxing. I really don’t do this for anything other than the love of the sport.

“A fight’s a fight, a sparring session is sparring. Everyone’s sparring each other. People get cracked. Now we’re doing it under the big lights for a belt. I feel like this fight gives me the opportunity to become a Hall of Famer.

“Me and Teo aren’t friends, he’s my little brother. I’d rather go in there against him than anyone else.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“I feel great. It’s put up or shut up. We’re at a point in time in my career where everything is at stake. People want to know if this is the start of something new for me. I look forward to it.

“I want to thank the champ for stepping up to the plate. I’m looking forward to becoming a three-division world champion at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 22.

“We know each other enough to know what triggers us. We know secrets possibly that people don’t know. This is gonna be a big fight for the next era of boxing.

“I believe that I haven’t even touched the surface of what I’ve got to give to this sport. When I face the champion I’ll be 29. I’ve got a lot of good prominent years left. I’m gonna answer all the questions on August 22.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Romero’s Trainer

“Everything we do comes from the work in the gym. Every fight has a different approach. Styles make fights. With all respect to Teofimo, this is a perfect fight for Rolly. This is a guy who comes forward. I don’t want to say too much, but everyone will see on August 22.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father & Trainer

“After our last fight one of the first people who came up to me was Rolly, and he was telling me that my son had to move up to 147. Now it’s crazy that we’re up here getting ready for this fight. I can’t wait. August 22 is gonna be a great night. These guys are gonna come to fight and give a show.”

PBC-DAZN DEAL PRESS CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

“PBC was the last missing piece on DAZN. Now that all the 154-pound champions are on DAZN, let’s get an undisputed champion.

“Now all of these big fights are the most realistic. We’re all on the same platform, so now’s the time. Jaron Ennis is the one calling me out, so he’d be the guy I want to face soon.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA, WBA Featherweight World Champion

“With this partnership, anything is possible. I’m very confident in my team and I’m ready to set up the big fights. I went to the U.K. and won the belt and now I’m ready to unify.

“I showed my grit to win this title. I’m a different caliber of fighter. I come to fight. I leave no stone unturned. I go out there to do my best and give exciting fights to the fans. I just love fighting.

“I know the Bruce Carrington unification fight will eventually come, but I’m focused on what’s in front of me. When the time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”

JESUS RAMOS JR. Interim WBC Middleweight Champion

“This partnership is gonna open a lot more doors in the middleweight division. Even the guys at 154-pounds, they have to move up to middleweight eventually and I’ll be here waiting.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring as a champion. It brings a new wave of confidence. We’ve been working on a lot of new things that I can’t wait to show everyone.”

JOSE SALAS REYES, IBF Bantamweight World Champion

“I’m very excited to be in this position, especially with Bam Rodriguez moving up to this division. We have the mandatory fight first, but eventually the Bam Rodriguez fight will be coming and I will be ready.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in making this deal happen. DAZN demand the absolute best product on their platform, and that’s what we’re here for. It’s an exciting day for boxing.

“DAZN have a great schedule for the rest of the year already, and we’ll be adding these four great champions to the schedule shortly. With this deal, DAZN is really kicking it up a notch. This relationship with PBC will be something special.

“We have the deepest roster of champions and we’ll have a pathway to making the biggest and best fights. I can’t wait to get to work with everyone.

BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN

“We want to serve outsized value to the boxing audience. We’ve been working very diligently to do that at DAZN. I’m personally very excited about today. PBC is one of the stellar companies in modern day boxing.

“This really shows what we’re trying to do at DAZN and that’s bringing the best fighters and biggest fights under one platform. This outstanding talent up here is just a small glimpse of the roster that’s over at PBC.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – July 9, 2026 – Two of this generation’s most compelling stars, WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division champion Teofimo Lopez, will go toe-to-toe in a high-octane summer showdown Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Romero and Lopez, two world class fighters meeting in their prime, each enter with extensive experience at the sport’s highest level, along with a fondness for engaging pre-fight build-up that should make this one of summer’s most-discussed matchups.

The unorthodox power-puncher known as “Rolly” will make the first defense of his 147-pound world title after earning the belt by dropping current WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia on his way to a unanimous decision. He’ll be looking to add another elite fighter to his resume in the former unified 135-pound king and WBO 140-pound champion Lopez, who will debut at welterweight with a chance to become a three-division world champion and return to his perch on boxing’s pound-for-pound lists.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available now until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins tomorrow, Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**ROLLY ROMERO VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ**

WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero will welcome the hard-hitting two-division champion Teofimo Lopez to the 147-pound division in a high-stakes 12-round world championship attraction.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) is known as one of the sport’s most unique and enigmatic personalities, which he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him a must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. The 30-year-old most recently earned a career-best victory in May 2025, as he captured the Interim WBA Welterweight Title with a unanimous decision over now WBC Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia, before being recently elevated. Romero not only completely neutralized Garcia’s vaunted left hook, but was also able to put Garcia on the canvas with a pair of vicious left hooks of his own in round two.

The Las Vegas native first rose to the rank of world champion in May 2023 stopping Ismael Barroso in round nine to win the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship, before relinquishing it in March against Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. The Barroso fight was Romero’s first return to the ring since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, the Las Vegas resident Romero won an interim lightweight title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez.

“Four kings? I’m a black knight that delivers a smothered mate,” said Romero.

The 28-year-old Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) has worked his way to the top spot at 135 and 140 pounds throughout an already storied career, and can begin to conquer another weight class on August 22. Representing Brooklyn, New York and now training in Las Vegas with his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., the two-division champion reached elite status with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020. The triumph saw Lopez unify 135-pound titles and establish himself as one of the next generation of boxing stars, fulfilling the promise he showed representing Honduras at the 2016 Olympics and throughout his undefeated run up the lightweight rankings.

Following a split-decision defeat to George Kambosos that saw both men hit the canvas, Lopez reinvented himself at 140 pounds, showing he was still amongst the sport’s best with an impressive run that saw him capture the WBO 140-pound crown over former undisputed champion Josh Taylor in 2023. At super lightweight, Lopez bested impressive names including Arnold Barboza Jr., Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz, with his only blemish coming in his last outing in January, a decision loss to four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.

“We don’t follow the game, we take over!” said Lopez. “That what I intend to show against a person I’ve known since 2015. Rolando is aware of his choice of accepting this fight, so without a doubt, this is a fight you do not want to miss. What greater way to take over than to fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where legends are born and history is made!”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LAS VEGAS – July 8, 2026 – Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. PT for the Summer showdown between WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez as they square off Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available beginning tomorrow, Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LOS ANGELES – May 8, 2025 – Fresh off his dominating performance last Friday night, WBA Welterweight Champion Rolly Romero held a media roundtable in Los Angeles on Wednesday to discuss his title-winning triumph over Ryan Garcia and more.

Having now picked up titles at 135, 140 and 147 pounds, Romero stole the show in New York City by earning a unanimous decision over the betting favorite Garcia. Romero scored the highlight of the night by connecting on a pair of left hooks in round two that dropped Garcia and set the tone for the rest of the bout.

Romero rode that early knockdown and a consistent body attack to the victory, landing 45 of his 57 total punches landed to the body, according to CompuBox stats. He also showed impressive defensive prowess, limiting the usually explosive Garcia to just 18 power punches landed across the 12 rounds.

Romero also appeared on stage Wednesday and was recognized for his achievements before the start of the press conference for the May 31 PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video event headlined by Caleb Plant vs. Armando Reséndiz and Jermall Charlo vs. Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna. Here is what Romero had to say Wednesday from The Mayan in Los Angeles:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I have two losses and they both came from big fights. Those losses haven’t derailed me from anything. They can’t slow me down. Every time you think I’m gone, I’m gonna come back again and again…These other guys are fighting for the money, but I fight for belts and for legacy.

“If Ryan wants to do a rematch we can do it. I don’t know if he’s mentally ready for a rematch and I know he has other obligations. I don’t know if people are too interested in seeing that other rematch, but if you have obligations, you should honor your obligations.

“I know Ryan too well. I knew exactly how he was gonna come and where he was gonna come. I think even he was surprised with how well I knew him.

“I neutralized his left hook. The second he threw one left hook, what happened? He got dropped and he never threw it again. The only reason he didn’t get knocked out is because he was fighting to survive.

“When I was fighting at 135, I really should have been at 140, and then when I was at 140, I really should have been at 147. I was calling out Errol Spence Jr. and wanted to skip 140. I should have been at 147 for a very long time. I think it’s apparent. I mean how do I move up in weight and get a lot faster and more explosive. You usually get slower when you move up in weight.

“You didn’t really see me have to box early on in my career, because I was flatlining people in the first few rounds.

“The jab to the body is the money punch to me. That punch will break down anyone little by little. I’ve dropped people with it.

“Ryan gave me his best. That was a focused Ryan Garcia. He didn’t do any of the stuff that he had done for his last night. Is anyone saying he wasn’t focused in camp? That’s because Ryan takes me seriously. He knows me.

“Anything regarding me being the face of boxing I agree with.”

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

Rolando Romero scored the biggest win of his career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Ryan Garcia in a welterweight fight outdoors at the famed Times Square in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.

In round two, Romero dropped Garcia with a hard double left hook on the chin. After that, Garcia really seemed to be listless and fought very timidly. Romero did just enough in every round by just coming forward more with foot pressure that any type of sustained punching.

Romero landed 57 of 280. Garcia was 66 of 210. Garcia & Romero 490 combined landed punches 3rd fewest in CompuBox history for a 12-round fight, surpassing Haney & Ramirez at 503

That was enough as Romero, 146.6 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 118-109 and 115-112 twice to raise his mark to 17-2. Garcia, 146.8 lbs of Victorville, CA is 24-2.

“Knockdowns always help,” said Romero (17-2, 13 KOs). “Ryan is a warrior. He got up, and he finished the fight. I’m just grateful for this opportunity.”

“Rolly fought a good fight,” said Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs). “He caught me early, no excuses. Congrats to him. He did a great job, and that’s that.”

“I think the whole year took a lot off my body physically and mentally,” said Garcia. “I’m thankful for the opportunity. Hats off to Rolly… I’m gonna go back to the drawing board, talk it over, and see what we do next.”

 “I’m not even thinking about what’s next,” said Romero. “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”

Devin Haney Decisions Ramirez in Lackluster fight

In a fight where very punches of significance landed, former undisputed champion Devin Haney won a 12-round unanimous decision over former unified world champion Jose Ramirez in a welterweights.

Haney landed 70 of 224 punhes. Ramirez was 40 of 279. Haney (229) & Ramiez (274) combined to thrown 503 punches.  4th fewest in a 12 round fight in CompuBox history. Ironically, Haney (214) & Ryan Garcia (285) combined to throw 499 punches- 3rd fewest in a 12-round fight in CompuBox 40-yr. history.

Haney, 143 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 119-108 twice and 118-110 and is now 32-0. Ramirez, 143,8 lbs of Avenal, CA is 29-3.

“I felt good going into the fight, and the game plan I worked on definitely showed,” said Haney. “I handicapped him. He couldn’t do anything in there.”

“Towards the middle of the fight I started to feel real comfortable, got his timing, and I picked him apart,” said Haney.

Teofimo Lopez Decisions Lopez; Retains Super Lightweight Title

Teofimo Lopez retained the WBO Super Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr.

In round five, Lopez started to swell under his right eye. In round six, Lopez was cut under left eye.

Lopez landed 127 of 574 punches. Barboza was 71 of 428.

Lopez, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice and is now 22-1. Barboza, 139.8 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 32-1.

“I’ve been telling myself this whole week that anything happening is happening for me and not against me,” said Lopez. “I felt great. I felt reborn.”

“We gave it our all, but this time, we came up short,” said Barboza. “Congratulations to Teofimo on a hard-fought victory. We’ll take this experience, learn from it, and come back stronger. The work continues. Maybe we can fight Ryan next, or Haney, or anyone that will give us an opportunity. For now, I’m going to enjoy some much-deserved time off with my family after eight months of training.”

“I’ve been at this weight for some time, and now I’ll talk to my team, and maybe I’ll move up in weight,” said Lopez. “You know me. I go after the tough challenges. I wanna see ‘Boots.’ I’m Dora The Explorer and I wanna see ‘Boots.’”

Tsutsumi Wins Pro Debut by Unanimous Decision

Reito Tsutsumi won his professional debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Levale Whittington in a super featherweight bout.

Tsutsumi landed 141 of 386 punches. Whittington was 65 of 331.

Tsutsumi, 128.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 1-0. Whittington, 127.8 lbs of Chicago is 1-3-1.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (April 17, 2025) – Welterweight contender and international superstar “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif., hosted a media workout at The BXNG Club in San Diego, Calif., ahead of his fight in Times Square against Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., for the WBA Welterweight World Title on Friday, May 2, live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. The historic three-fight card is the first-ever in the United States presented by Ring Magazine, titled “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves,” brought to you by SNK Corporation in association with Oscar De La Hoya for Golden Boy Promotions and Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing.

Also featured on May 2 are two-division world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) facing former unified titleholder Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in a battle of elite super lightweights, and Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs), the reigning WBO Super Lightweight Champion and former unified lightweight king, defending his title against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs).

For one night only, New York’s iconic Times Square will be transformed into a world-class boxing venue, providing the perfect backdrop for Ring Magazine’s first American event, playing host to some of the biggest stars in the game.

The broadcast will be available worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV over Cinco de Mayo weekend together for only $90 (pricing varies by market). Events can be purchased individually for $59.99, but the bundle offers fans a chance to experience boxing’s biggest weekend at unbeatable value. Those interested in the bundle are encouraged to purchase at the following link: https://www.dazn.com/en-US/p/boxing

Prior to the workout, this is what Garcia, trainer Derrick James, and Golden Boy Chairman & CEO, Oscar De La Hoya had to say ahead of the bout:

RYAN GARCIA:

On going from his Tijuana debut to Headlining Times Square

“To be honest, I didn’t even dream about it. It was not even a thought in my head. Times Square? I’m just happy to be part of history. It’s a big opportunity for me to do something amazing at a historic event. There’s a little added pressure, but this is what we do, this is why we’ve trained since we were young, for these super mega events. I’m blessed.”

On fighting for a world championship and his hunger for it

“As I grew up, I’m like, ‘it would be nice to get a championship under my belt,’ but I don’t want to say anyone can become a champion, but it’s pretty watered down at the moment. For me, quality opponents, how I perform, how I look, and how much money I’m making really determine how good of a fighter you are.”

“You’re called a prize fighter, but we’re fighting for a prize. It’s still in my heart to become a champion. I believe I’m fighting for a 147-pound championship, so I will be a world champion. I’m excited, but do I want to fight somebody else that would make me feel more like a champion? Whoever the champions are, Jaron Ennis, Brian Norman, Mario Barrios, any of those guys. I will win the world championship if I beat any of those guys.”

On never shying away from fights

“Yeah, 100 percent, that’s always how I’ve been. I feel like with my talent, any fight I’m in, no matter how good they are, I’m right there with anybody.”

On his antics vs Haney compared to Rolando

“You got to know that Devin is a much different fighter than Rolando. Rolando wouldn’t get offended by antics, he actually would love that. It’s a whole different situation. I got to be sharp the whole way through. He only throws bombs, that’s all he knows how to throw, so if I’m not sharp the whole way through, I could get caught and that’s not something I want to do so for me, it’s about having my technique right, and that’s what we’ve been working on just technique, making sure our hands get back, watching what he’s doing at all times, and we should do the job.”

On sparring with Rolly years ago…

“As I’ve matured, for me it’s just another fight. After the year layoff, it just so happened to be Rolando. I really just want to get sharp again and prepare for the next fight, but I can’t look past Rolando obviously. I’ll be looking to shake off some of the rust and get right for the next fight because I got a lot to prove with the Devin Haney rematch.”

On Devin Haney rematch…

“I want the Devin Haney rematch 100 percent. I need it and I’m going to do it for USADA this time. I want the Devin Haney rematch so bad. I really want it. There’s some personal bad blood there but it’s not going to overrule me but it’s got some extra oomph in there, you know, when you’re fighting and put it on him even more. Then you got Bill’s [Haney] crazy antics, and he’s constantly talking nonstop, and that makes me want to put a whooping in a little bit more. This is an opportunity to do it again, and I think after that, I’ll put a stamp on that and move forward.”

On his background…

“A lot of us, we don’t come from a rich background. A lot of boxers have to work from the dirt and get to the top, that’s the dream of a fighter. Most of us don’t have money. Why would you want to box if you got money? At the end of the day, I’m just that story of a young kid from a tough neighborhood, but when you have talent, you can make it anywhere, and if you work hard, you can reach the top. I think that’s what I’ve been proving, and no matter if I’m underestimated, which I am most of the time, my talent prevails, my hard work shows out, and that’s why I’m going to be ready to go again on May 2.”

On being in a different headspace…

“I am in a different mental space, every fight has its challenges, every camp has its own challenges. I just felt like playing mind games with them, they like to play mind games with you. Bill Haney liked to talk about a lot of crazy things to throw you off, but I was going to out-crazy the crazy. I took it a little too far, but I did win.”

On how the year has been for him

“It’s been good, a couple ups and downs, but I’m excited to be in the ring and in my element. It’s where I produce the best version of myself when preparing for a fight, so I’m excited.”

On what he has been working on with Derrick James

“I just have to take the advice of my coach. He likes to keep everything low-key, but we’re prepared for whatever Rolando brings. We’re not expecting an easy fight. He’s a power-puncher, and he’s going to try to knock me out and make the fight rough. I just have to be well-conditioned and have a good gameplan.”

On Oscar saying the fight will end quickly

“You know, when you say that it usually doesn’t happen. So for me, I’m just doing my thing. If I see the shot open, I’m going to take it, but if not, I’m ready to go 12 rounds.”

On his time and struggle away from boxing

“I did a lot of things, but for me it was more mental. Everything was mental. It took a toll on my mentality because I know I didn’t take steroids or anything like that. It was tough for me to overcome that, but throughout the year I got over it, refocused myself, and got blessed with this opportunity. I felt that this is my chance to come back and show everybody I can really fight.”

On his training during the time off

“Derrick and I had a couple of training sessions preparing for that fight in Japan. Obviously, it didn’t work out, but we were in the gym preparing for another opponent. It is what it is, but now we’re here.”

DERRICK JAMES:

On how Ryan Garcia has been training this month

“He’s been good. Mentally, he’s good, and he’s strategizing well.”

On what Ryan Garcia needs to work on the most

“With boxing, it’s everything. When you lack in one area for so long, you start to lack all over. Ryan’s belief in himself is so amazing. The technique is what I work with him on, and when you work with the technique, everything rises. Because mentally, you feel you have everything together. So, for me, it’s skillset, technique, and he’s good.”

On what he’s doing about Ryan Garcia’s shoulder roll

“He’s good.”

On allowing Ryan to be himself

“All the fighters want to be able to be themselves. He wants to be able to do what I want him to do and do what he can do best, also. It’s a blend of the two. His skill set is speed, athleticism, and technique, and there’s some defense in there. Most fighters want to be complete. Regardless of how they feel about themselves, they still want to be complete. With Ryan, he wants to be a complete fighter where he has the speed and so many other things, but it’s like, ‘What do you bring and how can you make me be better?’”

On if he saw anything different with Ryan from his first camp to now

“Ryan is really focused and really tuned in. Last camp, it was whatever it was. But then being really focused on what he wants and what his desires are right now, and that’s what he’s doing. He’s really focused on everything. When I say everything, we had a discussion the other day… we’re talking, and he says, ‘I have it. I know what you want.’ I told him, ‘Listen, you’re good. We don’t want to be good. We want to be better.’ I’m not bashing because he was good, but we want to be better.”

On not seeing Ryan Garcia inside fight

“Don’t worry about that. When I say don’t worry about that, I’m saying it’s not going to be an issue. Inside fights are something that is always a possibility. If you keep them on the outside boxing, that’s what you do. It all eventually comes to this. Every now and then whether it’s this fight or some other fight, you’ll see. In a perfect world, you can fight the fight you want to fight, but in reality, it always happens. So we have to master that also. In life, you want to get what you want, and if you can box him or you can box on the inside, it is what it is.”

On choosing to train at the camp in San Diego instead of Dallas

“It’s about the atmosphere you create. You come into a shrine of great fighters, you’re going to get some great activity. We use fighters from all over. We don’t necessarily use local or homegrown. Here in San Diego, we use some local guys. When you have this beautiful area, you ask yourself mentally, ‘Where’s your reflection?’ How can I reflect on the beach or somewhere that is really mild? Sometimes that’s how you have to reflect and reach back and say, ‘What did I fight through to get to where I’m at right now?’ Every day, we can remember all of the days that were good, but we forget about the days that we had to push through.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA:

On the May 2 fight and how it happened

“We were having a conversation with His Excellency and a few other people. We’re all about making big events in strange places that no one has ever thought of. Collectively, we thought, why not Times Square? Why not outdoors and free for the public, where everyone can watch. It’s the media capital of the world. It was about time. So, Golden Boy, Turkey came together and we made it happen.”

On if he has any concerns about the event

“You have your reservations, and you’re thinking about the weather and outdoors, and things can happen. We’re very optimistic. We feel May 2 is going to be perfect. Hopefully, the weather is beautiful for everyone to watch. We’re expecting over 200,000 people there to watch. All eyes are going to be on boxing and on Ryan Garcia and all the other fighters on May 2. That’s the plus of the sport.”

On who will steal the show between Arnold Barboza Jr., Jose Ramirez, and Ryan Garcia

“The real theme of the Barboza fight is that it’ll be intense. It’s going to be a back-and-forth battle until it lasts. I really do think that Ryan vs. Rolly Romero is going to be short and sweet. Ryan is coming back after a layoff, and he’s anxious and ready and wants to prove to the world he hasn’t skipped a beat. I saw Rolly the other day, and he’s looking in beast mode. It’s a dangerous fight if you keep your head straight. One thing about Ryan is that he has fast reflexes. He is a fighter that is out to prove something. Ryan is going to go out there and take care of business, but make it one of the most exciting short fights ever.”

On Ryan Garcia’s popularity

“Ryan is a superstar. When he first went to my office with his parents, he was 17 years old. We were talking about his career and what he can do, and look at him now. That’s exactly what we do collectively as a team, and we’re very, very proud of being in his corner and promoting him. And also working things out to a point where he is a global superstar. May 2 couldn’t happen without Ryan Garcia. Ryan Garcia is the sport of boxing.”

On standing by Ryan Garcia

“One thing about us, we’re loyal. We work hard. We’re a team to everyone. When we see talent, we embrace it and we try our best. As long as Ryan wants to do this and as long as he wants to show up and fight, we’re going to be in his corner 1000 percent. I strongly feel Ryan is back with a vengeance. His demeanor is different.”

On the advice he gives Ryan

“As long as I say it, if they listen or not. It’s up to them.”

On what Ryan has to look for in his fight with Rolly

“Mallorca was a strong fighter and talker. He can knock you out with any punch. Punches are coming from different angles. Ryan has to keep his cool, be calm and collected. Wait for the opportunity and the openings. Ryan is a much taller fighter and he’s more skilled than Rolly. The punches that are going to be coming at Ryan are going to be wide and strong and fast, but I think Ryan is the type of fighter who instinctively can overcome Rolly and eventually knock him out.”

On what else he plans for 2025

“There’s a lot we’re planning for this year. There are a lot of events this year that we can’t discuss right now, but it’s going to be very exciting. We’re talking about doing another Latino night fairly soon. We’re talking about working with DAZN and bringing the best fights we can. Boxing right now is thriving and on the verge of really great things. We have to collectively work together as a team. The whole sport of boxing has to figure out how to work together. We have to navigate how to work with every promoter. Right now, things are coming together for boxing. That’s what matters. We have the best fights taking place. May 2 is a global event. That’s what boxing needs. We must continue giving fight fans the best fights.”

For additional information, please visit DAZN.com/boxing.

LOS ANGELES — (March 10, 2025) — International superstar and welterweight world championship contender “King” Ryan Garcia, former undisputed lightweight champion and WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney, two-division world champion and current WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez, and their respective opponents met at The Mayan in Los Angeles, Calif., to wrap up their coast-to-coast press tour ahead of their historic three-fight card in Times Square. These bouts headline the star-studded “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves” card, marking the first-ever event in the United States presented by Ring Magazine. The event is additionally brought to you by SNK Corporation in association with Oscar De La Hoya for Golden Boy Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

New York’s iconic Times Square will be turned into a world-class boxing venue for one night on Friday, May 2,  to provide the backdrop for Ring Magazine’s first American event, playing host to some of the biggest stars of the game.

Garcia, (24-1, 20 KOs), is set to clash with former WBA Super Lightweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) for the WBA “World” Welterweight Championship, while Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) will face former Unified Super Lightweight Champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs). WBO Super Lightweight Champion Lopez will battle against undefeated interim WBO titleholder Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs).

This is what the fighters and their teams had to say today:

RYAN GARCIA:

Q: What are your thoughts on Rolly Romero as an opponent?

“As far as Rolly as an opponent, he was not my first choice. It was (Isaac) Pitbull Cruz, but things played out a different way. I’m really focused on whooping Devin Haney’s ass again. That’s all I’m really worried about—not even to redeem myself, just to cement that Ostarine BS which you probably set up.”

Q: How long will Rolly last in the ring with you?

“He’s going to come to fight. I’m not taking him lightly or anything like that. I’m still going to train my best, but everybody wants to see the rematch (with Haney), and that’s where my heart is at. So, I’ve just got to prepare well. I know I’m the better fighter, and I’m going to knock him out.”

Q: Do you think it’s important for you to make a statement in this fight?

“All of my fights are a statement. Every fight is important. I can’t go in there without trying to do my best, so of course.”

Q: Who is on your radar after Rolly Romero and Devin Haney?

“Teo, right there. I want that. You know I want that.”

Q: What’s your prediction for May 2?

“I put Rolly to sleep with a left hook. That’s it. That’s what you’re going to see. Period.”

ROLANDO “ROLLY” ROMERO:

Q: How concerned are you about Ryan Garcia’s patented left hook?

“Not very concerned at all. You move out of the way.”

Q: What did you mean when you said that Ryan Garcia doesn’t care about titles—that he just wants to be a model?

“Well, he didn’t make weight for his last world title fight, and he didn’t even try to make weight with Tank (Gervonta Davis), so he’s not chasing a belt. But we’ll see May 2.”

Q: What’s the game plan to beat Ryan Garcia?

“I don’t really have a game plan. I didn’t have one when I whooped his ass (in a sparring session eight years ago). 

Q: Are you concerned that Ryan says he is looking past you?

“He can think whatever he wants. He knows me too well.”

DEVIN HANEY:

Q: Why have you seemed quiet and reserved in recent appearances?

“I’m just excited to be back in boxing, under the lights. I’m really just focused right now. I’ve got tunnel vision.”

Q: Are you happy with the matchup against Jose Ramirez, or did you prefer to fight Ryan Garcia straight away?

“Of course the big fight is Ryan Garcia, but I cannot look past Jose Ramirez. I know that he is a tough competitor. I know that he is coming to win. To get to the Ryan fight, first we’ve got to beat Jose Ramirez, and that’s what I’m here to do.” 

Q: Are you going to be a different version of Devin Haney in the ring on May 2nd?

“Yes, a better version. I’ve been in the gym, working quietly behind the scenes ever since the Ryan fight. Just getting better, perfecting my craft. You guys are going to see an even better, new and improved version of Devin Haney.”

Q: Do you think Ryan Garcia’s punishment from the commission was enough?

“That’s not for me to determine right now. My main focus is Jose Ramirez and then lining it back up with Ryna Garcia. Whatever his punishment, that’s what it was, and I’m going to look to punish him in the ring.”

Q: What are we going to be saying about you after May 2?

“Like I said, even better than I was before. Like I said, I’m a new and improved version of myself.”

JOSE CARLOS RAMIREZ:

Q: What has to happen for you to have your arm raised after fighting Devin Haney?

“People forget I’m a 2012 Olympian… I’m gonna go out there on May 2 and do what I have to do. I know how much this fight means to me, to the team, and to my family. I know when I make my way to 147, I’m going to be a lot stronger and a lot faster. I’m healthier, and I’m feeling rejuvenated. I’m looking forward to making a statement on May 2nd.”

Q: Is Devin Haney going to be a more difficult fight for you than Arnold Barboza was?
“We’ll see. He’s a different opponent, so you can’t really ask that. Going back to old times, a fighter used to lose to one fighter, then beat the other fighter. You can’t say that about boxing. It’s a different division with a different Jose Ramirez.

Q: A lot of people are going to wonder about the state of Devin Haney’s chin after his fight with Ryan Garcia. Are you going to be able to test that chin?

“Of course I’m going to test the chin. That’s my job. Even if he was 31-0 with 31 knockouts, it’s still my job to test his chin.”

Q: What is your prediction for the fight?
“I just can’t wait for May 2. I’m going to make a statement, and that’s all I’m going to do. I’m focused on the fight, that’s it.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ:

Q: How much do you make of Arnold Barboza’s confidence that he can beat you?

“To be honest, I’m focused on myself. That’s all it is. My biggest competition is myself. I could care less what Arnold has to say on that side. We’re here to take over.” 

Q: Who is the most talented fighter on the card besides yourself? Who do you have the most respect for?

“Most respectfully, my son, Teofimo Liam Lopez. All of you suck, man.”

Q: Who is going to steal the show on May 2?

“The fans are going to steal the show that night. That’s what it’s all about. We want everybody to tune in, pull up—it’s open to the public, right? All of you guys are going to win that night. You get three of the hottest commodities in the sport of boxing. But there’s six of us, really. I think that’s what’s really going to matter to everyone. We’re the face of the next generation of boxing that’s coming in. That’s the most important part. I want everybody to win, outside of Arnold Barboza, that’s about it.”

Q: What will we see from you on May 2?

“Listen, guys, I’m 27. I haven’t even hit my prime. You guys have seen a version of me, and I did everything so quick. So tune in May 2.”

ARNOLD BARBOZA:

Q: What’s it going to take to beat Teofimo Lopez?

“This is going to be my easiest fight in my last four fights. Slap that clown around is what I’m going to do. He thinks he’s something special, but he’s been taken care of by Top Rank. But now Top Rank has pulled that cord, and they’re letting him play.” 

Q: What is your prediction for May 2?

“May 2, I’m coming out victorious. Doesn’t matter how it happens, it happens. Teo sucks, and I’m going to beat him up, that’s it. He is not going to be the same after this, trust me.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA:

Q: What do you expect from your three fighters on this card?

“Ryan Garcia is back, baby. Badder than ever, fresher than ever. I like what I see, man. On May 2, in Times Square, this event could not take place without Ryan Garcia. That’s the bottom line. Times Square, half a million people watching, closing down the street. It’s going to be incredible. I’m proud to be a part of it…. We have three fighters on the Golden Boy roster (participating). This is the opportunity that fighters deserve. This is what boxing is all about, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

FRANK SMITH:

Q: You’ve been in some unique environments with Matchroom, but Times Square is a different animal altogether. What is this night going to look like?

“Yeah, we’ve done some events in amazing places, and when we first heard about the plan to do Times Square, I thought that it wouldn’t be possible. But, seeing some of the things that have been put together recently, it just shows the level that this sport can go to. Boxing is in a great place, and what The Ring Magazine is doing with boxing is unbelievable, and I’m excited for it. This is going to be a great night. These fighters are also very fortunate in many ways, to experience an event in a location like Times Square. Who would have thought that this would be possible several years ago?”

BRAD JACOBS:

Q: Have you ever seen anything like what we’re going to see on May 2 in Times Square?

“It’s a testament to these fighters, His Excellency, and The Ring Magazine crew for even thinking of a venue like Times Square. We’ve done events all over the world, in every imaginable place in the world, but not Times Square. The center of the sports and entertainment worlds will have their eyes on Times Square that night.” 

RICK REENO:

Q: What impact will this card have on boxing?

“I think it’s going to have a big impact on the boxing landscape given the fighters that are involved. It’s no secret that if Ryan and Devin win their respective fights, they will meet in the fall. There are also some plans for Teo. You’ve got three hungry guys that are looking to derail that. It’s also an iconic setting that’s never been done before. I think we’re setting the stage at Ring Magazine to think outside the box and do something different. Other sports, they change, they innovate, they do different things. I think boxing should do the same, and it’s what we’re looking to do. Innovate and switch things up.”

By Norm Frauenheim (Ringside)

LAS VEGAS –On the scorecards, there was no upset.

But in the court of public opinion, there was a big one.

From pillar to post — sports book to social media, Edgar Berlanga had been mocked, dismissed and damned. The consensus was that Berlanga had no chance against Canelo Alvarez.

But Berlanga was there in the twelfth and final round, trading punches and more than a few words in a pay-per-view fight Saturday night in front of an announced crowd of 20,312 at T-Mobile Arena. Berlanga went the distance. Before opening bell, his chances at that were about as good as the Chicago White Sox winning the World Series.

At 27, Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) managed to surprise Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs), who promised a knockout before the eighth round. Early on, however, Berlanga displayed something Canelo didn’t expect. The younger man was– is –durable. Above all, he can take a punch.

In the third round, Canelo landed his best, a counter left that has stopped so many other Canelo challengers. It dropped Berlanga, flat on his rear end. But Berlanga did what so many have failed to do. He got up.

Canelo attacked, almost in a desperate pursuit to end it, then and there. But Berlanga had the presence of mind to elude those assaults and then to attack in his own right.

In the end, Canelo, still the unified super-middleweight champion, walked away with a solid decision, 118-109 on two cards and 117-110 on the third. But he didn’t fulfill his promised knockout, which means he didn’t dispel questions about how he’d do against David Benavidez or Terence Crawford. More on them later.

“No, I did good,” he said to a roaring crowd of Mexican partisans.. “Now, what are they going to say.”

There will be doubts. That’s a safe bet. He hasn’t scored a knockout in almost three years. Canelo has his critics and they will be out in force after going the distance against the underrated Puerto Rican. Canelo seemed to know that. Still, his confidence remains unshaken.

“I’m the best fighter in the world,” he said.

Dispute that claim, and many will.  But his dominance at the box office remains unchallenged. He jammed T-Mobile with a crowd that was called a sellout. This side of Japan’s Naoya Inoue, what other boxer in the world can do that these days? Dumb question.

Boxing has its own way of saying: Follow The Money. Follow Canelo. That won’t change, tomorrow or until he retires, perhaps when the 34-year-old fighter turns 37..

But his challengers are younger and only getting better. Berlanga was evidence of that.

“I’m upset because at the end of the day I’m a winner,” Berlanga said.

He was Saturday and he will be again.

Meanwhile, questions about Canelo’s future remain unanswered Crawford at a 168 pounds? Benavidez?

“I”m going to rest and then I’m going to decide what’s next,” he said.

Garcia takes knee, Lara retains title

Danny Garcia apologized.

But an angry crowd booed.

Forget apologies, a near capacity crowd at T-Mobile Arena wanted a fight and it didn’t get one in an advertised middleweight title fight between Garcia and a defending belt-holder, 41-year-old Erislandy Lara Saturday night in the final bout before the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga main event.

Garcia, a former junior-welterweight and welterweight champion fighting at 160 pounds for the first time, took a knee in the final second of the ninth round and then surrendered on his stool seconds before the 10th.

“I’m sorry,” Garcia (37-4, 21 KOs) said. “I tried. You can’t succeed if you don’t try.”

Garcia wasn’t able to do much of anything against the middle-aged Lara (31-3-3, 18 KOs), who claims to be the oldest champion in Cuban history.

Presumably, Lara will schedule a few more title defenses. He’ll be 42 in April. It wasn’t clear what Garcia or his volatile father trainer Angel will do next. But the boos included an unmistakable message:

Retire.

Caleb Plant stops McCumby for TKO win

Caleb Plant and Trevor McCumby exchanged insults. They mocked each other in word and gesture. But this was no clown show.

Not in the end.

Plant and McCumby settled their difference along the ropes, boxing’s trenches where blood and bruises are more decisive than words can ever be.. That’s where Plant was at his brutal best. That’s also where he won, pounding McCumby with an avalanche of punches that rained off him from round to round.

At 2:59 of the ninth round of the  contentious super-middleweight fight on the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga card at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, it was over. That’s when the referee stepped in and halted the brawl.

Plant (23-2, 14 KOs) was the TKO winner, leaving McCumby, a former prospect, to ponder what he’ll do next after his first loss, yet only his fourth fight since 2018 .

McCumby (28-1, 21 KOs), a Chicago native now living in Glendale AZ, scored a knockdown in the fourth, although it looked as if a push instead of a punch sent Plant backpedaling into the ropes onto the canvas. McCumby danced after that one. He shook his hips at Plant.

As it turned out, however, Plant was just warming up. He began to pin McCumby on the ropes, punishing him with successive blows from the fifth until the inevitable end. 

“It was a pretty tough fight,” Plant, a former super middleweight champion, said.  “I was just easing in. I proved that I can fight on the inside tonight and I did what I had to do.

“He caught me pulling out and hit me in the shoulder, but that’s part of the game. He came in with wild punches and I just had to stay focused. That’s what champions do..”

Romero wins one-sided decision, hopes for title shot

Rollie Romero wanted a steppingstone.

He got one, scoring a unanimous decision over Manuel Jaimes in junior-welterweight bout Saturday on the Canelo-Bernlanga card at Mobile Arena Saturday night. 

“I needed a tough 10-round fight against someone hungry and that’s what I got tonight,” Romero (16-3, 13 KOs), a Las Vegas fighter said. “I was doing a lot of stuff tonight that I should have done in my earlier fights.

“Jaimes was coming forward a lot, but I was controlling the pace. The fight was going how I wanted it to. In the later rounds I started coming forward more and landing more body shots. 

“Hopefully I’m fighting for a title next.

“I have my eye on any of the champions.”

Jaimes (16-2-1, 11 KOs), of Stockton CA, simply couldn’t keep up with Romero, who simply outworked him.

“The judges saw what they saw”  he said.  “I’d have to watch the tape to be able to score it myself. I could have been more active, that would have helped me land more.”

Fulton scores controversial decision over Carlos Castro

Carlos Castro got the knockdown.

Got the loss, too.

For Stephen Fulton, there were boos. 

“A shout out to the boos,” Fulton said.

Fulton accepted the booing, because he got the win too, a controversial split decision Saturday over Castro, a resilient Phoenix featherweight whose bid for a significant upset was denied by some debatable scoring.

Lisa Giampa had it 95-94, for Castro. On David Sutherland’s card, it was 96-93 for Fulton. On Don Trella’s card, it 95-94, also for Fulton

Castro (30-3, 14 KOs), a skilled boxer, pursued Flulton early and often with a slick mix of head shots and body punches. The early attack seemed to surprise Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs), who hadn’t fought since getting knocked out by pound-for-pound front-runner Naoya Inoue in Tokyo in July 2023.

There were moments when it looked as if Fulton underestimated Castro, especially his power. In the fifth, however, Castro delivered an overhand right that stunned Fulton. It also might have awakened Fulton to a threat he might not have foreseen in his first fight in more than a year. 

It knocked him down. 

For the next couple of rounds, Fulton was cautious. And Castro was aggressive. moving forward with quick hands to the body and head. In the seventh and eighth, a still-arriving crowd for the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga main event began to chant:

“Castro, Castro.”

By then, Fulton had begun to rally. landing repeated head shots, all powered by the realization that the fight was up for grabs.

Again in the ninth and the 10th, it looked as if Castro had begun to tire. Yet, he answered Fulton’s punches with some of his own, especially in the fight’s final, furious seconds.

“Castro, Castro,” the crowd chanted.

Apparently, Sutherland and Trella didn’t hear them

Boom, one big counter from Ricardo Salas scores a stoppage

One counter was enough.

Ricardo Salas, a Mexico City welterweight, threw it.

It floored Venezuelan Roiman Villa, draining him of any motivation to continue. He stayed down, wiping blood away from a wound beneath one eye and waving one hand in apparent surrender midway through the third round.

Salas (20-2-2, 15 KOs) threw it – a straight right hand, — just as Villa (26-3, 24 KOs) missed wildly with a lunging punch. Sala followed with a glancing left. But the counter did the job, finishing Villa at 2:06 of the third. 

Eddy Reynoso-trained Goe Lopez wins decision

Geo Lopez had power, hand speed and quick feet.

Only a stoppage was missing.

It eluded Lopez (17-0, 12 KOs), a junior lightweight from Orlando,  in the eighth and furious final round Saturday. A powerful left hand sent Ricky Mediana down and tumbling onto the canvas. 

Somehow, however, Medina (15-3, 8 KOs) scrambled to his feet. He survived. But Lopez , who had Canelo trainer Eddy Reynoso in his corner, won, scoring a one-sided decision Saturday on the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga card at T-Mobile Arena

Canelo-Berlanga Undercard: Middleweight suffers scary KO

Three fights, three second-round stoppages.

But this one was devastating, momentarily scary.

Cuban middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez‘ perfect record (5-0, 5 KOs) suggests world-class power. It was more than just a suggestion Saturday in the third fight on a card featuring Canelo Alvarez-versus-Edgar Berlanga Saturday at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Hernandez’ power put Jose Sanchez Charles down, flat on his face midway at 1:47 of the second. Charles (21-6-1, 12 KOs), of Mexico, stayed on he canvas,  motionless and face down, for several long moments before he was able to climb to his feet and onto a nearby stool.

Eventually, he stood up and seemed to say he was OK to medical personnel who had rushed to his side. Then, he waved at a sparse crowd of fans.They applauded, relieved to see the fighter walk out of the ring under his own power. 

Canelo-Berlanga Card: Second fight delivers another second round stoppage

Two fights, two stoppages, both in the second round.

Lawrence King (17-1, 14 KOs) delivered an encore of the Canelo-Berlanga  card’s opening salvo, scoring a second-round stoppage of Vaughn Williams Saturday at Vegas’ T- Mobile Arena.

King, a light-heavyweight from San Bernardino CA., dropped Williams (12-2, 8 KOs), of South Carolina, twice in the second. It was over at 2:15 of the round.

First Bell: Canelo-Berlanga show opens with quick KO

The doors opened, the first bell sounded and Bek Nurmaganbet took care of business before anybody among a handful of early arrivals could get to their seats.

That’s how fast the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga card  got underway Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Nearly eight hours before the main event and about an hour after high noon, Nurmaganbet ((12-0, 10 KOs) a super-middleweight from Kazakhstan, wasted little time and not much energy, overwhelming Joshua Conley (17-7-1, 11 KOs) within two rounds.  Conley, of San Bernardino CA, never had a chance. Nurmaganbet stopped him in the closing seconds of the second. 

LAS VEGAS – August 27, 2024 – WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant, former super lightweight world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and unbeaten contender Trevor McCumby held a media workout in Las Vegas on Tuesday to preview their respective showdowns taking place Saturday, September 14 on a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo Promotions will present the Mexican Independence Day weekend blockbuster headlined by pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his unified super middleweight world titles on the line against unbeaten WBA No. 1-ranked mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga.

Lara will defend his world title against two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the star studded co-main event, plus Plant and McCumby will square off for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, while Romero takes on Manuel Jaimes in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the  PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

The stacked pay-per-view lineup features five current or former world champions, including former titleholders Plant and Romero, who will look to move closer to regaining their championship status with wins on September 14. The co-main event between Lara and Garcia pits two of this era’s most accomplished fighters against each other in a world title clash, as the two have combined to face 21 world champions heading into this showdown.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from the Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas:

ERISLANDY LARA

“I would tell Danny Garcia to be ready. He was a great champion for sure, but now he’s in my division and I’m going to show him that this is something completely different.

“I don’t know how the weight will affect Danny, because it depends how he’s prepared for this fight. It can be a good thing or a bad thing. He better come ready, because this is gonna be new for him.

“I do everything I have to do to stay disciplined and take care of my body. As long as I keep doing that, I’m going to stay at this top level.

“I’m very thankful that I made the sacrifices that I had to in order to reach these heights. I’m reaping the rewards now and I’m going to keep going.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’m ready to show the fans what a good old-fashioned ass-whooping looks like. His ‘0’ has got to go. It’s out of here.

“I’ve been working for over a year and it’s done me well heading into this camp. I was in the best shape I’ve ever been in to start a camp. My sparring has been the best it’s ever been and honestly it’s been the smoothest camp I’ve had in my life. I expect that to translate over into the ring.

“This is McCumby’s opportunity. Up until now, he’s been a 30-year-old prospect. He’s waited a long time to step up into a big fight and I think it’s because he doesn’t believe in his skills. He can talk all the talk he wants, but actions speak louder than words. For him to choose me as his first step-up fight, I take that personally.

“I haven’t thought past Trevor McCumby. I’m focused on the task at hand, but I know that winning this belt will put me in a good position for future fights.

“My trainer (Stephen Edwards) and my dad (Richie Plant) are like an echo of each other. They’re basically the same person and it makes everything really smooth.”

TREVOR MCCUMBY

“I’m not worried about anything Caleb says. I treat every fight the same and train very hard every time. I’m preparing to face the best Caleb Plant.

“I stay grounded and focused on my goal, that’s the most important thing. I’ve been boxing since I was seven-years-old and I’ve been on really big stages before. I’m prepared for this moment.

“I’m coming to show that I have skills as well. This is my coming out fight. The world is going to see who I am. I’m coming into that ring with tenacity.  

“I’m stoked to be on a card with all these great fighters. I know everyone is working hard to put on a great show on September 14.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“Every time I get into the ring, everyone has a great time, especially the fans. That’s all that matters. I’m coming to show everyone a vicious knockout.

“I’m feeling really good. I don’t feel like I needed to say anything to Jaimes at the press conference in Los Angeles. I just really think he’s happy to be here.

“I kind of fell out of love with boxing a few years ago, but after that time, I came back and realized that boxing was my true love. I had forgotten that for a while.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. BERLANGA

Canelo vs. Berlanga will deliver the latest installment of the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry as Canelo Promotions presents pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga headlining a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza topping a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The star-studded co-main event will feature Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara taking on hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García in a 12-round showdown between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters.

Plus, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant will take on undefeated contender Trevor McCumby for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, while the former 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero steps into the ring against the hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes in a 10-round bout opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the  PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Preceding the pay-per-view, former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will take on all-action contender Carlos Castro in a featherweight clash that will headline a three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup. The live-streaming action will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

The streaming presentation will also feature hard-hitting welterweight Roiman Villa dueling Mexico’s Ricardo Salas in a 10-round battle, plus unbeaten prospect Jonathan Lopez squares off against Richard Medina in an eight-round super featherweight clash that kicks off the action.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloBerlanga, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – August 15, 2024 – Former world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero has promised to live up to the all-action style that’s made him stand out from the crowd in the stacked 140-pound division when he takes on the hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes in the opening bout of a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video Saturday, September 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“This fight is about making a statement and getting back in the win column,” said the former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Romero. “As always, I’m coming for the knockout.”

Romero’s bout will kick off a star-studded pay-per-view lineup leading up to the main event, as Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend blockbuster headlined by pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his unified super middleweight world titles on the line against unbeaten WBA No. 1-ranked mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga. For Romero, the opportunity to compete in an event like this in his hometown is extra motivation heading into fight night.

“Fighting in my hometown is always special,” said Romero. “The energy from the crowd is electrifying and gives me an extra boost. There’s nothing like fighting in front of the people who’ve been supporting me from the start. I’m coming to steal the show and give everyone a night to remember.”

The 28-year-old Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) will step back into the ring for the first time since relinquishing his world title to Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in March, a title he won in 2023 by stopping Ismael Barroso in round nine. Under the guidance of the renowned trainer Ismael Salas, Romero believes he’s made improvements that will take his game to the next level on September 14 and beyond.

“This training camp has been one of the best I’ve had,” said Romero. “We’ve focused on refining my technique, increasing my power, and sharpening my mental game. My team and I have put in countless hours in the gym, and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. Coach Salas has pushed me to new limits, and I’m excited to showcase those improvements in the ring.”

On September 14, Romero will step in against the 24-year-old Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) who hails from the combat sports hotbed of Stockton, California and who enters this fight on a four-bout winning streak. While it will be Jaimes’ debut on the national stage, Romero has no plans to take a victory for granted.

“Manuel Jaimes is a tough opponent, and I’m not taking him lightly,” said Romero. “He’s got good skills and a lot of heart, but I believe my power and speed will be the difference. I’ve studied his style, and we’ve put together a game plan that I’m confident will win this fight. I’m going to win this fight because I have to win this fight, that’s the only thing on my mind.”

If Romero can emerge victorious, especially in the spectacular fashion he plans on winning in, he knows that he’ll put himself right back into position to reclaim a world title in the talent-laden 140-pound division.

“A win against Jaimes will be a step back in the right direction,” said Romero. “It opens up opportunities for bigger fights against all the big names. I’m looking to dominate and make a statement that I’m ready for anyone in the division. I want to add this guy to my highlight reel and set the stage for what’s next.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. BERLANGA

Canelo vs. Berlanga will deliver the latest installment of the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry as Canelo Promotions presents pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga headlining a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza topping a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The star-studded co-main event will feature Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara taking on hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García in a 12-round showdown between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters.

Plus, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant will take on undefeated contender Trevor McCumby for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, while the former 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero steps into the ring against the hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes in a 10-round bout opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the  PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloBerlanga, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

By Mario Ortega Jr.

For Stockton, California-based lightweight prospect Manuel Jaimes and his team, 2024 has been the year when maneuvering the minefield that is the professional boxing business went from a game of checkers to one of high stakes chess. When Jaimes boards a plane to Las Vegas in September, making his fourth fight trip of the year, but hopefully the third to actually bear out an appearance in the ring, the six-year pro will be on his way to the most important weekend of his boxing life. Jaimes finds himself in the position fighters from all over the world dream of gaining as he is set to take on former interim lightweight champion Rolando Romero on the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Belanga pay-per-view- telecast emanating from the T-Mobile Arena on Mexican Independence Day weekend. 

Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) is a relative unknown on the national fight scene despite his impressive record. Earlier this year, Jaimes was poised to make his first impression at the international level with a scheduled ESPN+-streamed bout against Top Rank prospect Charlie Sheehy in San Diego, California. At the time of their scheduled bout, slated to take place on the May 18th undercard of Denys Berinchyk-Emmanuel Navarrete, Jaimes had fought almost exclusively between 130 and 135-pounds, but agreed to give up a pound to make the fight at 136. Unfortunately, Sheehy could not come close and the fight never took place. 

“We were all really excited when that fight came together,” recalls Jaimes of the Sheehy bout, which had many aficionados in the region intrigued. “I went down to camp in Riverside at Robert Garcia’s gym. We put in a lot of work for that fight. A lot of sparring, a lot of rounds. We came to the weigh-ins and I was on weight. My coach told me to go rest, so I stayed back at the hotel room because we knew he was overweight already, it was just a matter of how much and if we were going to be able to come to an agreement and make something happen. Maybe an hour and 30 minutes later, Coach came up and said it was not going to happen and that was a bummer.”

With the disappointment of a fruitless trip down to San Diego in the rearview, Jaimes turned his attention to a July bout against former world super bantamweight champion Jonathan Romero. 

“Having just got out of the camp for the [canceled Sheehy] fight in May, we jumped right back in to prepare for July, so I felt sharp,” says Jaimes. “He was an Olympian, a former world champion, and obviously he’s not in his prime now, but he still is a high caliber fighter with the IQ and mindset of a world class fighter, so it was a good test for me.” 

Leading up to the July bout, it was Jaimes on this occasion that struggled to make weight. Ultimately an agreement was reached and the bout was set to take place at 139-pounds. Jaimes is of the belief that his struggle with the scale may have helped to put him on the radar during the search for possible Rolando Romero opponents. 

“I feel like it was because of my last fight…because I am usually a 135-pounder,” says Jaimes. “That’s the weight I want to be at and the weight I’ve fought at. But in my last fight I had a bad weight cut and came in at 139. We worked it out with the opponent and everything went through. So I was 139 for my last fight. We received a couple calls while I was on my break after that last fight. I had been training since this past February. I fought in March, I was supposed to fight in May and then I had that fight in July. So I was training pretty much the whole first half of the year. I was on my break and feeling like I didn’t want to do anything right now. But when I got back to the gym from my break, they said they had got a couple calls for fights at 140. I pretty much told them I didn’t want to take any fights at 140. But then my promoter Jorge Toscano called me with the Rolly fight, and said, ‘I know you said no fights at 140, but we have this opportunity here and it is on the Canelo card. You’d be opening the pay-per-view…’ And I was like, ‘Damn, let me think about this.’ I decided that it was time. This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for, so let’s do it.” 

Despite not wanting to give up weight to Charlie Sheehy earlier this year or entertaining other offers for fights at 140-pounds subsequent to the July bout with Jonathan Romero, Jaimes’ team believes the proposed fight with Rolando Romero fit the requirements for an exception.

“One of the things I looked at was that [Romero’s] last two fights were the only ones at 140 and he made that weight,” explains Steve Salas, Jaimes’ head trainer, who has been with the Stockton product since he was 14-years-old. “Prior to that [Romero] actually made the 135-pound limit or less as opposed to Charlie Sheehy, who was a “lightweight,” but always had fought above that limit.”   

With the fight set for September 14th, Jaimes took part in some of the media blitz over the last week. With little national exposure, outside of YouTube-available streams, Jaimes was an unfamiliar face to much of the boxing media covering the festivities.  

“I have been more of a local fighter, so I am known here in the Bay Area, but I am not really known [outside of the region,] so even at the press conference, not many people knew who I was,” explains Jaimes. “A lot of people were doing interviews and I was basically just there. So I haven’t had a lot of people coming to me and asking me stuff. A couple people have, but not too many.”

When Jaimes found himself in the presence of Romero for the first time since signing for the bout, during the press tour last week, the Stockton prospect found a more subdued Rolly than maybe he had expected. 

“I know the first time we locked eyes, it felt like he knew who I was, and I know who he is,” says Jaimes. “During the face-off, he didn’t say anything and I thought he would have. During the press conference, there was not too much trash talk and I expected a little more. I think it is because I am not well-known, so it is probably harder to find something to bash me on.” 

Preparing for Romero’s unorthodox style presents challenges. Jaimes seems more intent on testing himself against naturally larger junior welterweights in preparation, while he will draw on prior experience to thwart what Rolly presents in September. 

“I feel it would be hard to find someone to mimic his wild style, but we are going to go down to Riverside again,” said Jaimes on Saturday, referring to the famed camp of Robert Garcia. “I will be leaving in about ten days. I just came back today and sparred with Ebert Diaz. He’s a real solid, big strong guy with the strength of a big 140-pounder.” 

“We have been fortunate enough to have been in the ring with unorthodox boxers before, so it’s not his first time,” says Salas. “At the same time, Manny is going to present some problems that Rolly will have to deal with.” 

Perhaps equally difficult to prepare for, Jaimes will have the adjustment of fighting on the largest stage possible in the sport of boxing. Canelo Alvarez is the biggest gate attraction active in boxing, especially in the United States. Fighting in front of a crowd, that even if many attendees have failed to find their seat by the opening bell, will be the largest of his career, Jaimes understands the gravity of the moment. 

“There is nothing that could compare,” says Jaimes. “This is definitely the biggest stage you could possibly be on: opening a pay-per-view card for Canelo, who is probably top one or two on most people’s pound-for-pound lists right now. To be opening that, I am not sure there are any ways to prepare for that. I just have to try to not let those lights get too bright and stay focused on the task.” 

One of the great aspects of professional boxing is that it is one of the few sports where you can witness an athlete completely change the trajectory of their life in one night, or with just one punch. Jaimes has been building to this moment for six years as a pro and he is determined to take advantage of the opportunity.  

 “I am really excited and I am going to put the performance of my life on in this one,” says Jaimes. “It puts me on the main scene, being put on the card has kind of put me there. But with a win, then you can start throwing my name up there with the top contenders, the guys that are fighting for world titles. This is big. I need this one and I am going to win.” 

Photo by Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com  

LOS ANGELES – August 6, 2024 – Pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez and undefeated Puerto Rican knockout artist Edgar Berlanga squared off Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles to preview their upcoming showdown as Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference also featured Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García as they previewed their 12-round co-main event between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters.

Also in attendance Tuesday were former IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Plant and surging unbeaten Trevor McCumby, who square off for the currently vacant Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title in a pay-per-view attraction, plus former world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes, who meet in a 10-round super lightweight clash that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The main event showdown will deliver the latest chapter in the long boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico with the fighting pride of Mexico in Canelo Álvarez defending his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles against Puerto Rico’s Edgar Berlanga, the WBA’s No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender. Highlighted by numerous historic matchups including Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, Canelo is no stranger to this heated rivalry, having defeated Puerto Rican Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in one of the biggest Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights in recent memory.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from the Beverly Hills Hotel as Canelo and Berlanga exchanged heated verbal sparring during their face offs and throughout the Q&A portion of the event:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ

“I respect my opponents, but I like to respond when they talk. I’m going to be at my best on September 14 and I’m not gonna have any compassion for him. I’m going to be different. He needs 20 of him to give me any problems.

“I motivate myself because I love what I do. But this type of fight, and these types of fighters who talk to me like that, it motivates me even more. It gets me excited. I’m going to train like never before to win everything on September 14.

“I’m proud to represent my country, especially on days like Mexican Independence Day and especially in a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico matchup. I’m going to represent my country in fashion on September 14.

“Take it easy man, because your turn is coming. He thinks he has more intelligence than me and everyone I’ve fought. C’mon bro, he’s not gonna be able to touch me. I wanna see him try.”

EDGAR BERLANGA

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity to be in the ring with a legend. This is going to be a night for the history books. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights at this magnitude stay in the history books forever.

“I’m the type of fighter who comes to fight. I won’t be running. Canelo was once in my shoes and now it’s my time to make my name and become a legend in the sport of boxing.

“This is gonna be a firefight. It’s gonna be different. This is a gladiator sport at the end of the day. We’re looking to take each other out. It’s going to the next level.

“He’s fought everybody and he’s seen it all. The difference in this fight isn’t physical. It’s about IQ and intelligence in that ring. That’s gonna make the difference. You could have all the power in the world, but at this level, it’s about intelligence.

“On September 14, it’s fireworks. He sees it in my eyes. I’m never scared. I’m coming to take his spot in this sport.”

ERISLANDY LARA

“This is going to be a great fight on September 14. I’m 100% ready to get back in there and defend my world title.

“I’m still at this level because I’m always focused, inside and outside of the ring. I want to keep giving the fans great fights, just like I always have.

“Styles make fights and that’s the reason we chose Danny Garcia. He’s a strong fighter. We want this to be a high-quality bout and I believe that’s what will happen on September 14.

“I’m going to be the winner. 100%. No matter how it happens. I’m going to go in there, do my thing and end up with my hand raised.”

DANNY GARCIA

“I have a tough task ahead of me in Lara. I’m chasing greatness, because he’s a champion just like me. It’s going to be a legendary night.

“A lot of people don’t know that I’m a little big guy. I’ve always sparred with bigger people and I always thought I could go up to 160 pounds. I don’t think the weight will matter at all. If the greats can do it, I can do it too. I feel like I’m cut from that same cloth.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a three-division world champion. Only so many boxers can say that. The opportunity is here now. Lara has contributed a lot to the sport of boxing like I have. It’s two battle-tested warriors trying to make history. I feel like if I come out on top, this win can put me in the Hall of Fame.

“I’m excited to showcase my skills. People ask why I didn’t take a warmup fight, but when you look this good, you go straight to the top.”

CALEB PLANT

“We have a stacked card on September 14. I’ve been using my time wisely and I’m proud to say that you’ll see the best Caleb Plant of my career on September 14.

“Trevor wants to be part of the big leagues. What he thinks he’s gonna get and what he’s actually gonna get are way different.

“I live by the sword and die by the sword. Make sure you save that money Trevor, because this is gonna be your first and your last payday.

“On September 14 I get my hand raised in fashion. This is his first and last opportunity.”

TREVOR MCCUMBY

“We’re here. We’re training really really hard and I’m gonna show everyone what I’m all about on September 14.

“I’m not really concerned about what Caleb says or what he does. I think he’s kind of insecure. I’m a grown man and I conduct myself a certain way. We’re definitely gonna see on September 14. I’m not sleeping in silk sheets, he is.

“We’ll see if he gets on his bike or if he wants to fight in the center of the ring. I’m ready and I’m training hard. I promise you this is gonna be a great fight.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“A lot of people fold when they see the big lights. He’s a puncher, so we have to be ready for him and see how he does in this big moment.

“This is gonna be the ‘Rolly’ show once again on September 14. Don’t miss it.

“I’m ready to give everyone a great show once again. I’m excited to be here and get right back into the ring.”

MANUEL JAIMES

“I know I’m a new face and I’m honored to be here with fighters that I watched growing up. But I’m not going to let the moment get too big. I have a tough opponent in front of me and we’re coming for the win.

“He’s been in more big fights, but I’ve been fighting since I was eight years old. I’ve trained in Robert Garcia’s gym and gotten a lot of rounds there. There won’t be a difference in our boxing IQ’s. I’m coming to win this fight and I know I’m gonna win this fight.

“I grew up watching all the big cards on Mexican Independence Day Weekend, so to be able to open the pay-per-view on September 14 is a dream come true. 

“If he’s overlooking me, that’s perfect. I’m coming ready.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is always a war. This is going to be another great chapter in a story between two countries who are very proud.

“When you’re disciplined, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Canelo is even hungrier than he was before and that focus has brought him to where he is today.

“Canelo and Berlanga will both bring their best. But Canelo is still here, and he’s here to stay. We’ll see everyone on September 14.”

MARC FARRAIT, Berlanga’s Trainer

“We know we’re going up against an all-time great. We have our work cut out for us, but Edgar is more than ready. I tell Edgar that Canelo was in his position at one time, so we can’t come with what we’ve been coming with, it’s gotta be something special.

“Eddy Reynoso is a great trainer and that just makes me work harder. Canelo said he’s not gonna have compassion on September 14, and I’ve been saying that since we’ve been in camp. I tell Edgar that we have to be ready for war, and I know he’s ready.

“It’s no coincidence that Edgar’s first title shot will be against a legend. That’s a blessing. He has to take that extremely seriouslys. There have been so many trainers who stood here before and talked about how they can beat Canelo, and lost. So instead, we just have to keep working, because we know that in order to be great, we have to beat a great.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This really is a special event on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. That weekend always means that there’s a huge boxing event in Las Vegas. Canelo is boxing’s biggest star and he proudly represents a hard-working country with two major public holidays a year where his legions of fans get to come out and watch him fight. On September 14, the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans will be in for a great fight, because national pride will be on the line.”

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. BERLANGA

Canelo vs. Berlanga will deliver the latest installment of the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry as Canelo Promotions presents pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga headlining a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza topping a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The star-studded co-main event will feature Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara taking on hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García in a 12-round showdown between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters.

Plus, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant will take on undefeated contender Trevor McCumby for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, while the former 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero steps into the ring against the hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes in a 10-round bout opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the  PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloBerlanga, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions