Former Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. had to shake off an early knockdown, but righted himself to win a 12-round unanimous decision over Chris Arreola in front of a restricted sellout of 3,940 fans at The Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

In round two, it was Arreola who landed a chopping right that sent former champ, Ruiz down to a knee. That was the high-point for Arreola as Ruiz was able to get in a rhythm and land hard three-punch combinations throughout that were mostly of the Jab/:eft-hook/Right Hand variety, Arreola seemed like he would be dangerous, but that was thwarted as in round eight, Arreola seemed to hurt his left shoulder after absorbing a right from Ruiz Ruiz was methodical down the stretch and boxed his way to a 118-110, 118-110 and 117-109 victory.

Ruiz landed 161 of 626 punches; Arreola was 109 of 521.

Ruiz, 256 lbs of Imperial, CA is 34-2. Arreola, 228.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 38-7-1.

ANDY RUIZ JR. “Chris is a veteran and a hard puncher. We did what we had to do tonight. We got the victory that we wanted. I was at my lowest point and now I have to climb the ladder again. I’m thankful for the victory and I’m ready to move on to the next.
“He got me with a good clean right hand in the second round. I was too overconfident and dropped my hand a bit. Hats off to him. We just kept pushing and pushing. I switched up and started focusing on counterpunching and working the body.

“I felt a little rust and I know other fighters can relate to that. If he wants to run it back, we’ll run it back with him.”

“I just have to get back to work. I learned a lot about throwing different combinations in training, but the rust showed in the ring. Arreola was very good tonight.
“When you go down, you just have to climb back up. That’s exactly what I did. I got dropped, but I got up and got the victory. 
“I could have done a lot more. I couldn’t really find my distance, but some of that was Arreola doing a good job. I could have kept my hands up better, but I just need to get back in the gym and stay busy. 
“I got a little overconfident in the early rounds. The most important thing was that we came back and got the victory. 
“I’m going to stick around this weight, but I’m going to tighten everything up. I faced a strong veteran who knew exactly what he was doing. 
“A fight against Luis Ortiz would be an exciting matchup. I have to get back to training so I can keep feeling better in the ring. I’m actually happy to get the 12 rounds in.”

CHRIS ARREOLA“I respect the judges, but I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. He might have won, but don’t tell me I only won two or three rounds. 
“I got hit in the shoulder and it kinda threw it off. It wasn’t a big deal though. It’s a part of boxing. I didn’t take too much punishment. I’m ready to run it back with Andy.”

“A lot of punches he threw were hitting my gloves. He never put me in danger. It’s dejecting to not get the respect from the judges that I feel I deserve.

“There’s no moral victory. I came here to beat Andy. He might have beat me, but I felt like he won seven rounds at the most.

“I give me and Joe a lot of credit. We trained hard for this fight. I did everything I had to do in the gym.

“I was a better fighter than Andy Ruiz expected. This version of Ruiz would knock Joshua out, but I was in great condition and ready for everything he had to offer.

“I absolutely hurt him, but Andy is a dangerous fighter. I didn’t want to get hit with a suckerpunch like Anthony Joshua.

Ramos stops Figueroa After 6

Abel Ramos dominated and beat up Omar Figueroa Jr as the fight was stopped after round six of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout.

Ramos landed a plethora of hard shots on an awkward style of Figueroa, who would be holding his glove up on the side of face, Ramos started breaking down Figueroa in round five, as Figueroa was developing a mouse under his right eye. In round six, Ramos dominated Figueroa by landing hard thudding shots to the head of body. Figueroa was spitting up blood and the fight was stopped in the corner.

Ramos, 146.6 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ is 27-4-2 with 21 knockouts. Figueroa, 146.4 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 28-2-1.

ABEL RAMOS“Omar is a very tricky fighter. He has an awkward defense and it was hard to catch him clean at first, but the fight overall went as planned.
“I trained so hard for this fight. I knew my career was on the line. I knew I needed a win and I knew Omar would bring a good fight. I’m glad to be back on the winning side and I’m ready to take on the best of the division.
“We trained to attack the body. Our plan from the beginning was to pressure him. We wanted to score points to the body. I could hear him groaning and I knew once I hurt him bad, that the fight was over. 
“I missed the feeling of the crowd cheering. My adrenaline was through the roof. They give you excitement and we missed that in boxing.”

Fundora Stops Cota in 4!

6’7″ Sebastian Fundora continues to be one of boxing’s most exciting and unique performer as he stopped Jorge Cota in round four of their scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

The two stood toe-to-toe for the whole fight as they were winging and whaling shots on one another. In round two, Cota was cut on his nose. Fundora continued to lay a beating on a game Cota, who kept trying to fight back and land an ois fhccasional overhand shot. In round four, Fundora hurt Cota with chopping lefts and body shots. Cota was staggered but he was getting caught and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Fundora, 152.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 17-0-1 with 12 knockouts. Cota, 153.4 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is now 30-5.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA“I’m extremely grateful to fight in front of the fans tonight. It was fun to hear the cheers, the boos and everything. I’m honored to be in this position.
“It was a good trading fight. We were hitting each other, but my punches were doing more damage and that’s why the referee stepped in. I think he could have been stopped earlier in the round. I just kept fighting until the end.
“I saw his leg wobble in the first round, but he took it and kept coming. The second time I saw it, I knew I had to go for the kill.
“My message to the rest of the division is that we’re here. If youre ready for war, we’re ready to take it. Bring it on.”

Ramos decisions Molina

Jesus Ramos remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Javier Molina in a welterweight bout.

Ramos was cut over his right eye in round six. In round seven, Molina was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Ramos landed 135 of 579 punches; Molina was 77 of 413.

Ramos, 150 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ won by scores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 16-0. Molina, 149.2 lbs of Norwalk, CA is 22-4.

JESUS RAMOS“It was my second time going the distance and that’s what we wanted. We love knockouts, but we’re glad at this point in my career that I got the experience. I thank Molina for taking the fight, he’s a great fighter. 
“I might have been looking for a knockout too much in the early rounds. I got used to it and I settled down and I felt like I was breaking him down little by little. He was trying to survive a little bit, so it made it harder to get the knockout. 
“I learned a lot today. I’m going to keep building on that. I feel like I have a lot of momentum. It was a big step up for me and I feel like I showed a lot. I showed I have good conditioning and good movement along with my power. 
“My father told me to invite him to come to me. We were pressuring him to start. My dad had me change it up. He came in a little bit, but then he backed off. That’s how I tried to counteract his movement.”

Lara Knocks Out LaManna in 1; Wins Middleweight Title

Erislandy Lara won the WBA Middleweight title with a devastating 1st round knockout of Thomas LaManna.

Lara landed a huge left to the head that put LaManna on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Lara, 159.4 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 28-3-3 with 16 knockouts. LaManna, 159 lbs of Millville, NJ is 30-5-1.

ERISLANDY LARA – KO1 at 1:20
“He said at the press conference that he was going to knock me out, but he ran right into that punch. Maybe he was overthinking it all along. 

“I felt strong and sharp tonight at middleweight, but I still want all of the big fights at 154-pounds too. I want the winner of the Jermell Charlo-Brian Carlos Castano unification fight. (WBC Middleweight Champion) Jermall Charlo is like family, we worked in the same gym for years, but this is a sport and I’d welcome the challenge.

“I feel great physically. I’m going to keep doing this until my body tells me I can’t do it anymore. I don’t feel like I’ve taken a lot of punishment in my career and I know I have at least another three years of my prime left.”

Ramirez Stops Avelar in 3; retains Interim Featherweight title

Eduardo Ramirez retained the WBA Interim Featherweight title with a third round stoppage over Isaac Avelar.

In round three, Ramirez dropped Avelar with a perfect right hook. Ramirez finished the fight woth another huge hook that rocked Avelar and the fight was called off at 1:16.

Ramirez, 125.4 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 25-2-3 with 12 knockouts. Avelar, 125 lbs of Mexico is 17-3.

“I am beyond happy right now. I’m just elated and moved by having been able to fulfill the promise I made to my baby boy Eduardo Ramirez Jr. He just turned two years old and I wasn’t able to be there to give him a hug for his birthday, but I had promised him that I would bring the title back home to him as a gift, and that is exactly what I’m doing now. 
“You have to have a stone-cold mindset, and that’s what we had to finish Avelar off. We were able to connect the right combinations to finish the fight off exactly how we wanted.

“This was a perfect coronation. To be honest, I would now like to have the chance to fight against Leo Santa Cruz. I previously fought against Miguel Flores, who barely lasted 4-5 rounds against me, but Leo couldn’t knock him out. This convincing knockout should be my ticket to have that opportunity”. 

Adrian Granados and Jose Sanchez battled to a eight-round draw in a welt welterweight contest.

Granados took a card 77-75, while two cards were even at 76-76.

Granados, 146.6 lbs of Mexico City is 21-8-3. Sanchez, 146.2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 11-1-1.

Carlos Negron won a eight-round unanimous decision over Scott Alexander in a heavyweight bout.

Negron, 238. lbs of Villaba, PR won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 23-3. Alexander, 235 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 16-4-2.

Anthony Garnica remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jesse Bassie i a featherweight fight.

In round one, Garnica dropped Bazzi with a right hand.

Garnica, 125.2 lbs of San Francisco, CA won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 6-0. Bassie, 126.4 lbs of Deerborn, MI is 1-2.

Fernando Molina won a six-round unanimous decision over Prisco Marquez in a lightweight bout.

Molina landed 116 of 358 punches; Marquez was 44 of 264.

Molina, 133.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by 60-53 scores on all cards and is now 6-0. Marquez, 135 lbs of Liberal, KS is 4-3-1.

CARSON, CALIF. (April 13, 2021) – Sensational unbeaten contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will look to strengthen his case as an elite up-and-coming Mexican-American contender when he takes on Jorge “El Demonio” Cota in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Healthy Sports Park in Carson, California.

“It definitely motivates me to have PBC put me on such a big card with all of these Mexican and Mexican-American matchups and to be grouped with fighters of this caliber,” said Fundora. “I want to be looked at as part of the next generation of great Mexican-American fighters. Being in that class gives me a lot of pride, but I don’t necessarily feel any added pressure because of it. I just have to do my job on May 1 and the rest will come.”

Fundora and his father and trainer, Freddy Fundora, have been deep in training in their Coachella, California home as they near Fundora’s first fight of 2021. Fundora will look to build off of his 2020 campaign, which saw him score a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Lewis and stoppage wins over Nathaniel Gallimore and Habib Ahmed.

“This training camp is going great,” said Fundora. “Sparring has been really strong and I feel sharp. We’re covering all our bases so that we’re as ready as possible on May 1. I’m always training, so it’s really just a seamless transition from one camp to the next. We know we have to make sure that we do everything that we can to get this win.”

For the 23-year-old Fundora, his focus remains on each fight in front of him, instead of projecting about how his improvement may look fight-by-fight.

“I really try to take everything one fight at a time,” said Fundora. “Everything depends on how this fight unfolds. As soon as the bell rings, we’ll see what adjustments we need to make, if any, and go from there.”

Despite his patient approach, Fundora still has his sights set on making a big statement in his own unique way on May 1.

“I’m not like the other fighters Cota has faced,” said Fundora. “I want to make my own statement in the ‘Towering Inferno’ way. I expect him to come 100% ready for me, but his past experience won’t help him. This is a totally different fight for him.”

Fundora will be able to measure himself against past Cota opponents that include unified super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo, former unified champion Jeison Rosario and top contender Erickson Lubin. This past experience makes Cota perhaps Fundora’s toughest test to date, a fact that will do nothing to deter Fundora’s confidence heading into this showdown.

“I always consider it a tough fight, but I understand why the perception is that this is my toughest fight yet,” said Fundora. “I have faced a lot of fighters like Cota who like to come forward and engage on the inside. Cota is certainly one of the bigger names I’ve faced, but this is nothing different for me stylistically.”

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ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!

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

CARSON, CALIF. (April 9, 2021) – Hard-hitting Mexican contender Jorge “El Demonio” Cota vowed to be the first person to beat rising contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora when they meet in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action on Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“My style makes a very difficult fight for anyone,” said Cota. “He’s definitely a unique boxer and a good prospect. The only way to beat him will be to use my experience. I will destroy his confidence and take advantage of his youth and inexperience.”

Cota has a tall task literally in Fundora, who stands an astounding six-feet six-inches tall. Cota was originally supposed to face Fundora last December, and has now had another extended period of time to prepare for the undefeated foe.

“I’ve never spent more time preparing for one opponent,” said Cota. “I know him very well. I have followed his career from the beginning. Having this extra time gave me more opportunity to study and get ready to surprise him. I’ve fought fighters who are tall and use their height. They weren’t quite as tall as Fundora, but I’m confident that with the sparring I’ve had I’ll be 100% ready.”

The 33-year-old Cota has faced current unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, in addition to most recently stopping Thomas LaManna in January 2020. For this fight, Cota has been training in the altitude in Tucson, Arizona to help give him an edge.

“Me and my whole team are here in Tucson for training and we love it,” said Cota. “I’ve worked very hard every day in the high altitude. The improvement that the altitude has had on my stamina is going to show and be the difference against Fundora.”

On May 1, the Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico native will enter the ring on a card headlined by a battle between Mexican-American heavyweight stars as former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. battles all-action Chris Arreola. In addition, the entire pay-per-view undercard is filled with Mexican and Mexican-American fighters going toe-to-toe, adding to the motivation to put on a memorable show.

“It’s an honor to be on the undercard of such a great all-Mexican event,” said Cota. “Every fight is going to be a war, because this card is full of proud Mexican warriors.”

For Cota, he believes his preparation and will to win will combine for him to deliver not just a great performance, but steal the show on a night full of exciting style matchups.

“I want to be sure that my head, heart and body will be in perfect condition to provide the fight of the night on May 1,” said Cota. “I’m going to be mentally and physically ready for anything this test throws my way.”

#

ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (April 6, 2021) – Fighters competing on the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard Saturday, May 1 previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step in the ring for the event headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. battling all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The virtual press conference featured former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. and Abel Ramos, who meet in the co-main event, sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora and hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota, who battle in a 12-round attraction, and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos and U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina, who square-off to kick off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99.

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

OMAR FIGUEROA JR.

“I’m definitely looking to make this an interesting fight. We don’t get paid for overtime. If I can get it done in a round, trust that I’m going to try. It all depends on what Abel brings to the ring. We’ll see what kind of fight he brings and go from there.

“When you’re facing the top guys in the sport and you know you’re not 100% healthy, the weight of it all becomes unbearable at times. I needed to give my body time to heal, and right now I feel like all of that is behind me. I feel as close to 100% as I’ve ever felt and I’m excited to see how my body holds up.

“All I’m focused on is Abel Ramos. He’s no light task, so I can’t look ahead to any possible matchups in the future. The only thing I can control is my performance in this fight on May 1.

“These last couple of years have been tough for me. My life has been this sport ever since I was three or four-years-old. Thinking about a loss never crossed my mind until it actually happened. Having that ‘1’ in the loss column gave me a different perspective on everything and you’ll see it on May 1.

“I’ve given fans great fights throughout my career, including a few times at this venue. It takes two to tango, so we’ll see what Abel brings on fight night. I can’t wait to get this show on the road.

“I’m excited to continue this new chapter in my career and show everyone how I’ve grown. I appreciate everyone who has stood by me. I really believe this is going to be the best chapter yet.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’ve been training hard and I’m going to be ready to step in against Omar on May 1. I have a great opportunity and there’s nothing on my mind but taking advantage of it.

“The experts are right to say that we can steal the show because of our styles. The styles are going to mix very well. The fans are definitely going to love this fight.

“Omar is a warrior and we can’t look past him. The winner of this fight will definitely be placed in a great position. There’s no chance I’m overlooking Omar, but I’m still very aware of where I can go with a win on May 1.

“There have been a lot of great wars in this venue. Something about that place just attracts these types of fights. Like always, I’m just focused on my job heading into this fight. To me, that job is giving fans an exciting fight.

“To everyone watching this fight, this is going to be a great battle between Mexican warriors. It’s a whole card full of warriors and we’re going to do our part to give everyone a great show from start to finish.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I’m excited to be on this card and be part of the Cinco de Mayo legacy of fighting for the Mexican fans.

“We just picked up training right where we left off after my last fight. I didn’t take any time off after the fight in December. Since we were originally supposed to fight Cota then, this is really my second training camp preparing for him.

“If I wanted to, I could squeeze down to 147 pounds. I walk around at my ring weight. This camp was probably even easier than my last camp in that sense, because it’s getting a little hotter so that there’s no problem with any weight coming off.

“We’re looking to get that shot at the champions in this division. No matter who is in front of us, we’re aiming to impress and show everyone we deserve to be on that level. We don’t really worry too much about what the competition in my immediate future is going to look like, we just keep working hard one fight at a time.

“I know that they say Cota has a lot of power, and his record shows it. We’re ready for war, a boxing match or anything he brings. I’m ready to win no matter what.

“I felt the competition level changed with fighting Nathaniel Gallimore. Winning that fight and my most recent one has really helped boost my confidence up so I feel like I can take on anyone in this division.

“This is going to be a war. We’re both going to be bringing it from the opening bell and I can’t wait for it to take place in front of live fans.”

JORGE COTA

“I know that I’m facing a tough undefeated fighter who’s very talented, but I’m bringing my best. I’m training very hard to be 100% on May 1.

“Nothing is too different compared to the preparation we had for the first time we were supposed to fight Fundora. We both wanted to fight each other after it got cancelled, so I’m glad we’re able to still make it happen.

“I’m in Tucson, Arizona right now getting in great work to be ready and at my best on May 1. I only had a bit of a cough for COVID-19 symptoms, so I didn’t feel any ill effects from it and I certainly don’t feel any right now.

“It’s hard to find sparring partners with Fundora’s characteristics, but I’m very confident with what we’ve been able to do in camp. We’ve found guys with similar physical attributes to give me the looks I need in sparring.

“This is a fight that the fans are going to be on their feet for. This fight could end at any one moment. We’re going to be trying to knock each other out from the start and we’ll just see what happens on May 1.

“I’m going to go into the ring fully prepared and with no intention other than getting this victory. I know what this win means for my career. I prepared myself physically and mentally for what this fight means for my career.

“There’s no secret that when the bell rings, we’re going to come after each other. I can’t wait for this fight and I’m definitely ready to steal the show on May 1.”

JESUS RAMOS

“I feel that I’ve been stepping up with each fight. Javier Molina is a big step up. If everything goes right, we’re going to keep stepping up little by little. I want to be champion by the time I’m 21-years-old. I know that if I keep doing everything right, I can accomplish that goal.

“I set my knockouts up and I work hard each round. If the knockout comes, it comes, but if not, I’m always ready to go 12 rounds. That’s how it’s going to be on May 1.

“Molina is the opponent who will bring the best out of me. I hope for that to happen in this fight. I want to go past round four. I want to show everyone my true talent. Some people classify me as a knockout artist, but I’ve seen what I do in sparring and I hope to showcase that in this fight.

“Sparring with Terence Crawford and Maurice Hooker was a great experience. It’s given me a boost of confidence going into any fight I have. I’ve seen how champions train and been in there with champions. It was really intense sparring and it was great to learn from guys of that caliber.

“We’ve always had high-level training camps, no matter who the opponent is. I always prepare as if it’s a world title fight. I don’t take anyone lightly and that’s definitely the case with Javier Molina. A lot of people consider him my toughest test to date, but I think those tough training camps have me ready for this step up.”

JAVIER MOLINA

“We’re working hard in the gym because we have a young tough opponent here. This won’t be an easy fight and that’s what I expect at this point in my career.

“My last fight against Jose Pedraza was a tough battle, it just wasn’t my night. When I got this fight, I knew that this was the type of fight I needed to get back to where I want to be.

“I was off from the beginning in my last fight. I was impatient in the fight, But I’m grateful that I’m back with an opportunity to get to where I want to be.

“I think with a win over Pedraza I would have had a 140-pound title shot, but I always knew that going back to 147 was inevitable. I feel great at this weight and we’re working hard to put on a show.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life. After my loss to Pedraza, I just stayed in the ring and kept working hard. I’m thankful for this opportunity to showcase my skills. I have nothing but respect for Ramos, but when we’re in the ring, it’s a totally different story.

“A win over Ramos just gets me a level closer to a world title. I’ve been a pro since I was 19, so I know that we’ve been working hard and training great. I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity on May 1.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“We’re really excited about this pay-per-view undercard. We have three great all-action, toss-up fights. There’s been a lot of talk lately about great young welterweight prospects and I just have to say that everyone should keep their eye on Jesus Ramos. He’s stepping up to open the pay-per-view in his toughest opponent to date in a very good U.S. Olympian in Javier Molina.

“Sebastian Fundora is another top prospect stepping in for this pay-per-view, and he’ll also be facing a tough veteran who should provide a real test in Jorge Cota. Plus Omar Figueroa Jr. taking on Abel Ramos is a perfect style matchup that I believe is going to break out to be a ‘Mexican style’ Gatti vs. Ward fight. This is truly a stacked card from top to bottom.”

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ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos, Jr. duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

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

CARSON, CALIF. – (March 24 , 2021) – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. will battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an undercard stacked from top to bottom with fan-friendly, action-packed matchups, as the co-feature will see former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clash with Abel Ramos in a 12-round welterweight bout. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos, Jr., the nephew of Abel Ramos, duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.95.

“This pay-per-view card is one of the best all-action lineups that I can remember and is loaded with fighters who know nothing but delivering toe-to-toe combat. Headlining the card is the only heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, Andy Ruiz, Jr., taking on Chris Arreola, the first serious Mexican-American heavyweight contender,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the sports world when he destroyed Anthony Joshua to win heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden. No upset in recent years has been nearly as big a story as Ruiz stunning Joshua and no boxer of Mexican descent weighing more than 175 pounds had ever won a championship before him. Ruiz has re-dedicated himself and is focused on regaining the heavyweight crown and Arreola is determined to make one more run at the title.

“The pay-per-view undercard matchups are toss-up fights that predicate great action, featuring top young contenders, a former world champion and an Olympian. No matter what happens on May 1, boxing fans will be the real winners.”

Ruiz and Arreola, two Mexican-American heavyweights from Southern California, have been circling each other for years. They both had designs on becoming the first fighter of Mexican descent to win the heavyweight title. Ruiz won it and lost it, while Arreola still hungers for it. This high-stakes match will determine who remains in the hunt.

Ruiz (33-2, 22 KOs) shocked the boxing world in 2019 when he was brought in as a late replacement to face heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and turned the tables on the champion, knocking him out in the seventh round and taking home the titles. The 31-year-old from Imperial, California lost his rematch with Joshua by unanimous decision, but has now rededicated himself to regaining the heavyweight championship.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz, who is now being trained by renowned coach Eddy Reynoso. “Training with coach Eddy in his gym has been amazing. I’m around great fighters like Canelo Alvarez and we’re putting in the work so that I can look better than ever.

“I have known Chris Arreola since I turned professional. He’s a Mexican warrior just like me, and I expect him to come at me with everything he’s got. This is going to be an action packed event between fighters who do not go backwards. I will be smart and ready to do whatever it takes to get the win and put myself back in position to become heavyweight champion again.”

Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs) has a career that has spanned 17 years and he remains one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport. Born in East Los Angeles to parents from Mexico, Arreola has fought for the heavyweight championship three times and come up short. He began working with renowned trainer Joe Goossen before his last match against Adam Kownacki and appeared to have turned back the clock. It was a back-and-forth, up-tempo match and Goossen’s work with Arreola was on full display. Arreola acquitted himself well, but came up on the short end of the decision.

“Training with Joe Goossen is tedious, hard work,” said Arreola, whose father was a boxer who would take him to Mexico to watch the legend Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. train. “We’re doing everything that we can so that when Ruiz and I face each other, fight fans will get treated to an all-out war between the two best Mexican-American heavyweights to ever step in the ring. This matchup should be a fan friendly fight, and I plan on winning behind all of my hard work.”

The 31-year-old Figueroa (30-1-1, 19 KOs) is from a fighting family along with his younger brother Brandon, the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion. Figueroa won the WBC Lightweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 “Fight of the Year” and successfully defended the title two times before moving up to super lightweight in 2015. In his last fight in 2019, he fought Yordenis Ugas, who is currently the WBA Welterweight World Champion, losing a unanimous decision.

“I’ve been training with Joel Diaz for the last six weeks and doing everything necessary leading up to this fight,” said Figueroa. “This is the best shape I’ve ever been in this far out from a fight, because I now realize what I need to do differently to ensure the longevity of my career. I’m training and preparing the right way. I can’t wait to prove on May 1 that I belong with the elite fighters in this division.”

Abel Ramos (26-4-2, 20 KOs) is also from a fighting family. His older brother, Jesús, Sr. trains him, and his nephew, Jesús, Jr., is a spectacular welterweight prospect featured on this pay-per-view undercard. Ramos, 29, is from Casa Grande, Arizona and lost a narrow split decision to Yordenis Ugas in his last fight. He got a chance to display both his comeback ability and his punching power in his previous fight before Ugas, when he scored a last second KO victory against Bryant Perrella. Ramos was trailing on all the judges’ scorecards at the time of the knockout.

“This fight will be exciting because Omar’s boxing style and my boxing style match up perfectly for an action-packed fight,” said Ramos. “I expect him to put on the pressure like he always does. But I will be prepared for that and anything else he brings on fight night. A victory over Omar will put me in position to fight for a world title again. I want to earn that shot with a great performance and prove that I can beat the best fighters in the division.”

Fundora (16-0-1, 11 KOs) continues to rise up the super welterweight ranks and his match against the veteran Jorge Cota will be his toughest to date. He steps into the squared circle showing off the skills of a rugged boxer who is just as comfortable fighting on the inside as on the outside. The 23-year-old Fundora’s mother is Mexican and his father is Cuban, and both were boxers. He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida but now lives and trains in Coachella, California. Fundora is coming off a knockout victory over Habib Ahmed last December.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Jorge Cota on this big event on May 1,” said Fundora, who at 6-foot-6 looks like he should be setting up on the wing of a basketball court rather than squaring off in a boxing ring. “I’m laser-focused because I know this will be a tough test for me. I’m sure that he will be training hard too, but I’ll be up for the challenge and I look forward to showing off my skills and fighting for all the hard-working people out there.”

Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) is a rugged slugger who always comes to fight. He has been in the ring with unified 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo, former unified world champion Jeison Rosario and top contender Erickson Lubin. Cota, 33, is from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico and is coming off a powerful knockout victory over Thomas LaManna last January. With his experience and power, Cota will present a challenge yet-unseen by the rising Fundora.

“I am treating this fight like it is do-or-die for my career,” said Cota. “Fundora is very tall, but he can be hit. I think my style works well against his. I can’t wait to prove what I can do on May 1.”

Ramos (15-0, 14 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, has paved his way to stardom in the talent-laden welterweight division with highlight-reel KOs. He has scored five-straight knockout victories following his only pro fight that went the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks. He steadily increased the toughness of competition in 2020 and he has continued that trend in 2021. In his last fight, Ramos scored a spectacular knockout victory over rugged veteran Jesus Emilio Bojorquez in February.

“I’m looking to make a statement in this fight against a tough opponent in Javier Molina,” said Ramos, a 20-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona. “We know it’s a big step up, but my team and I feel like it’s time the world sees my talent. Molina will bring out some of the many things that I’m capable of. This win would prove that I’m not just any prospect. Fight fans don’t want to miss this one, because they’re going to see an exciting glimpse of what I can do in the ring.”

The 31-year-old Molina (22-3, 9 KOs) also grew up in the sport, as his father was an amateur boxer. Molina was on the 2008 U.S. Olympic boxing team, while his twin brother, Oscar, represented Mexico in the 2008 Olympics. He has an older brother, Carlos, who also is a boxer. Fighting out of Norwalk, California, Molina is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Jose Pedraza last September. Before that, he scored a unanimous decision victory over veteran contender Amir Imam.

“I’m excited for this fight and for the opportunity to face an unbeaten prospect in Jesús Ramos,” said Molina. “A lot of people are probably counting me out, but I’m ready to prove all the doubters wrong. This is going to be a great fight that fans won’t want to miss on May 1.”

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Follow all the action as Errol Spence Jr. defends the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles against former two-division world champion Danny Garcia.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with Eduardo Ramirez taking on Miguel Flores; Josesito Lopez against Francisco Santana and Sebastian Fundora battling Habib Ahmed

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Round 1: Jab from Spence..Combination..Counter left from Garcia..Right to body..Left to body from Spence..Counter from Garcia..Good left from Spence..Right from Garcia..

Round 2 Good straight left from Spence..Lead left..

Round 3 3 punch combination from Garcia…Jab from Spence..Hard left to body,..Hard right from Garcia..Good jab from Spence..

Round 4 Spence applying pressure..Hook from Garcia..2 rights..Jab from Spence..Body shot

Round 5 Hard left from Spence..Hard right..2 body shots from Garcia..Combination from Spence

Round 6 Body shot from Garcia..Good body shot from Spence..Combination on the ropes..Jab..Right counter from Garcia…Left counter from Spence

Round 7 Right from Garcia..2 rights to the body

Round 8 Body shot from Garcia..Spence working on the inside..Good body shot,..Garcia right eye swelling…Double jab and left to body

Round 9 Combination from Garcia…

Round 10 Quick right from Garcia

Round 11 Spence jabs to the body..Body shot from Garcia,,

Round 12 Good right hook from Spence..Spence working on inside..

116-112 TWICE AND 117-111 FOR SPENCE

Round 1 Huge uppercut hurt Ahmed..Hard hooks

Round 2 Power shots landing for Fundora..HuGE SHOTS ON THE ROPES FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1: Jab by Lopez…LEFT TO BODY AND BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SANTANA..  Left hook wobbles Lopez..Body shot from Lopez

Round 2 Body shot by Lopez..Counter from Santana

Round 3 Hard right and Combination from Lopez..Hard Jab

Round 4 Good jab from Lopez..Counter right from Santana..Good counter hook…

Round 5 Good body shot from Lopez..Body shot hurts Santana

Round 6 Lopez lands a body shot…Body shot

Round 7 Left hook from Santana..Good left hook from Lopez..2 rights and left uppercut ..Hard left hand..Body shot

Round 8 Left from Lopez

Round 9 hard right hurts Lopez…BIG FLURRY AND DOWN GOES SANTANA

Round 10  BIG HOOK AND DOWN GOES SANTANA..Right from Lopez..HUGE HOOKS AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Hard Right hook from Ramirez..Overhand left..Hard body shot..Body work from Flores

Round 2 Good uppercut from Ramirez..Lead left..Hard shots and a body shot from Ramirez..Uppercut..2 body shots from Flores..

Round 3 Left from Ramirez…Good body shot from Flores

Round 4 Good right to body from Ramirez..Flores lands a body shot and hook to head..Good combination from Ramirez..2 jabs from Flores..

ROUND 5 HUGE RIGHT COUNTER AND DOWN GOES FLORES…HE GETS UP BUT THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

14 Months after being involved in a gruesome automobile accident, Errol Spence Jr. retained the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over former two-division champion Danny Garcia in front of 16,101 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence was very effective with his jab and pressure that would not let Garcia get off in the fight. Garcia was able to land some shots in between the pressure of Spence.

The right eye of Garcia began to sell in the 8th round. The activity of Spence was clear in the fight and won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

Spence landed 187 of 707 punches; Garcia was 117 of 700. Spence out-Jabbed Garcia 84-14.

Spence, 146.5 lbs is 27-0. Garcia, 146.75 lbs of Philadelphia is 36-3.

ERROL SPENCE JR.“The moment is surreal. Coming back from the accident, I feel like I looked pretty good tonight. 

“All training camp I felt good. I told people I didn’t want a tuneup fight. I proved to everyone that I’m the best 147-pound fighter in the world. 
“Danny Garcia pushed me to the limit, especially in training camp. I’ve watched him fight since he was an amateur. I knew he was a great champion and I had to be 100% ready.”

“I’m the taller fighter and he had shorter arms, so the jab made sense to use. Everything was set up off the jab. We were prepared to out point him using that jab. I think Lennox Lewis would be proud of me using the jab the way I did.

“I had a great training camp where I was sparring and taking punches. I wasn’t surprised when I had to take a punch in the fight. I had already been taking punches and I’ve always had a great chin anyway.

“I give my performance a B. I think I had a little bit of ring rust. But I was in such great shape and took everything seriously in training so that I would not be discouraged by that. I worked my jab and used my angles because that was my best move.

“I’m just thinking about seeing my kids tomorrow and hanging out on my ranch. I’m going to eat some good food and we’ll see what the future holds. It’s been a long year and a half, so I’m going to wind down for a week or two, then get back on it.

“It was a lifelong dream of mine to be a household name in Dallas and I’ve done that. I’m thankful to have that support. I was smiling walking to the ring because it was a long road back. It took a lot of trials and tribulations to get to this point tonight, and it all paid off. I’m here for a reason.

“I proved that I’m back and here to stay. I’m the unified champion of the world for a reason.

“I felt some of his punches, but it wasn’t enough to discourage me from coming forward. He was strong and I give him his kudos. He came to fight and tried to take my titles, but I defended it well at home.

“I’m glad that my hard work and path to get back ended with my titles around my waist again in my hometown in front of my home fans.

“I think I hurt him a bit, but Danny Garcia is very gritty and he’s not going to cower down to anybody. I thought I got him a couple times to the body, but I knew he wasn’t going to back down. He’s a real fighter.”

DANNY GARCIA

“He was the better man tonight. No excuses. I fought a hard and tough fight. He had a good jab and that was the key to the fight. He was also a bit busier than me.

“I just have to rebuild and see what we do next. I fought hard and I’m proud. All my losses were hard fights that I fought till the end, so I’m proud of my effort.

“I knew what he was bringing to the table. I just had to believe in my hook more and throw it more. I can’t make any excuses. We can only get better from here. 

“His jab was rangy and threw my timing off a bit. That was the key to the fight. Everything else I feel like I adapted to. The jab was the only thing that was better than expected.

“I think Spence is physically stronger than Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. They’re all on pretty much the same level, but Spence is the strongest one. 

“I was trying to be more active. He did a good job taking away what I wanted to do. Everyone is looking for my left hook, so I thought my right hand could be the difference. I had some success going to the body with it. When two champions fight, one guy is going to be better on the night.”

Fundora Destroys Ahmed in 2

6’7″ Inch Sebastian Fundora took out Habib Ahmed in round two of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.

Fundora obliterated Ahmed from the opening bell as he landed furious flurry of punches for both rounds before the fight was stopped at 1:30 of round two.

Fundora, 153.5 lbs of Cochella, CA is 16-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Ahmed, 152.5 lbs of Accra, GHA is 27-2.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We just fought in an eliminator, so I’m pretty sure I’m high up in the rankings now. We’ll go back and talk about what’s next with my team. I may take a week off and enjoy the holidays, then come back strong with whatever is next. I want to fight anyone. The 154-pound division is stacked, so I’ll be ready for anyone. 

“I had the time to admire my work in round one. I was happy to enjoy it while I had the chance after I landed that uppercut. 

“We were ready for anyone who we had to face tonight. A win like this doesn’t surprise me because we were so prepared. 

“I feel like I’m meant for this. I’ve worked so hard for this. Me and my father have worked on this dream since I was eight-years-old. By now, big stages like this feel normal to me. 

“I don’t think I’m peaking yet. I turn 23 this month. I feel like I have a lot of room to grow. I’m going to be in this sport for a long time and I’m going to be champion, but we’re not there yet. 

“We saw him buckle in the first round. I heard my dad yell from the corner that he was shaken. I knew he couldn’t take the power, so I decided to walk right through him.”

HABIB AHMED“I’m disappointed with how the fight went. I took the fight on short notice so I knew it would be difficult. But I was training hard and wanted to test myself. 

“He’s tall and he’s a good boxer. I didn’t start working fast enough and he started working immediately. That’s why he got me with the uppercut in round one. That messed up my rhythm. I was surprised he came out so fast. 
“I’m still young and have a future in this sport. I’m going to get back in the gym, correct my mistakes, and come back better.”

Lopez Stops Santana in 10th

Josesito Lopez stopped Francisco Santana in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.

Lopez dominated the bout from the get-go as in round one. Lopez landed a big right that was followed by a left to the body that put Santana on the deck.

In round nine, Lopez scored a 2nd knockdown as he landed some hard hooks on the ropes. Lopez continued to batter Santana for the balance of the round and the fight could have been stopped there. In the 10th, Lopez dropped Santana again. The fight went on, but only for a few seconds more as Lopez landed a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:22.

Lopez, 146.2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-8 with 21 knockouts. Santana, 147 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is 25-9-1.

JOSESITO LOPEZ“Santana is one of the toughest fighters out there not holding a belt. I’m never in an easy fight but, I’m always going to give it everything I have.

“He knew that if he made a small mistake, he was going to pay. I made sure he paid and I dictated the pace with my jab while utilizing good footwork against a tough fighter.

“I was patient. He’s a tough crafty fighter who can take good punches. He’s a solid fighter with a strong punch.

“You can’t deny me anymore. If I’m not in with the best, I’m in with the toughest. I want one of the world champions or one of the top fighters. 

“It was a tough fight like I expected. I had to be smart in there, dictate the pace and pick my shots. We managed to do what we set out to do.

“The work I put in with Robert Garcia has showed in every fight. I get better each and every fight and come out with wins. Today I stopped one of the hardest guys in the sport to finish.  

“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger, smarter and faster. I’ve improved in every part of my game thanks to Robert Garcia. 

“I deserve to be fighting the best now. I’ve proved it. I’d fight the winner or loser of tonight’s main event. Not only am I as good as any of them, but I’m one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. 

“We worked out positioning. We were maybe a little too cautious at times. But we wanted to break him down little by little. I was happy to be able to finish the job.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“He got me with a flash knockdown in the first round. He throws big wide shots and he caught me on the top of my head and messed with my equilibrium for a second. I was able to get up and go back to work. 

“I thought I had something left, but after tonight I have to go back and talk with my family. I think that was my last fight. I was able to do a lot of great things in the sport. No fighter ever wants to hang them up, but I thank God that I was able to meet so many great people in the boxing world. I might be retired as a boxer, but I’m still going to be around this sport.”

Ramirez stops Flores in 5

Eduardo Ramirez stopped Miguel Flores in round fie of their scheduled 12-round featherweight bout.

In the beginning of round five, Ramirez landed a crushing left hook to the jaw that sent Flores crashing on his back. Flores got up with blood flowing out of his mouth, and the bout was stopped at 20 seconds.

Ramirez, 125.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 24-2-3 with 11 knockouts. Flores, 125.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 24-4.

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m very happy about the win. I worked very hard and I’m thrilled to get the victory tonight.

“This was all the result of the hard work I put into the gym. The Montiel brothers trained me well and it all paid off tonight.

“This was a last minute opponent. I didn’t get to train specifically for him. But I’m getting better every day in the gym, that’s my main focus. I feel like I can beat anyone in this division.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Whatever my team wants to do, we’ll talk about it. I just want to become a world champion. I’ll be ready anywhere at any time.

“I always felt in control of the fight. My intensity dropped a bit in the third round, but my corner kept telling me to put the pressure on and I’d get the knockout. That’s exactly what ended up happening.

“I like to do it all in the ring. I can move around and box. But I love to go in there and fight inside. I’m learning so much day after day from training in Tucson with the Montiel brothers.

MIGUEL FLORES

“I was having fun in there. I thought I was doing better on the inside than the outside with him. We were putting on a good fight. He just caught me with one of those looping shots. It happens, it’s part of boxing. I’m a fighter and I’ll be back.

“I thought I hurt him with a few body shots and was coming on in the fight. I was effective on the inside. I thought I could have taken over, but he’s a crafty guy. It felt like an even fight.”

EARLY RESULTS

Isaac Avelar won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sakaria Lukas in a featherweight bout.

Avelar landed 225 of 686 punches; Lukas was 100 of 562.

Avelar, 126.8 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-2. Lukas, 127.6 lbs of Namibia is 23-1.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Steve Pulluaim in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Pulluaim with a right to the top of the head. in round two, he dropped Pulluaim with a left to the body.

Mielnicki landed 121 of 309 punches; Pulluaim was 47 of 247.

Mielnicki, 146.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ scores of 60-52 on all cards, and is now 7-0. Pulluaim, 144.8 lbs of Riverside, MO is 5-3.

Marco Delgado won a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Burley Brooks in a super middleweight bout.

In round five, Brooks was deducted a point for a low blow. In round six, he was deducted another point for the same infraction.

Delgado landed 95 of 387 punches; Brooks was 85 of 366.

Delgado , 170/6 lbs of Anaheim, CA won by scores of 59-53 twice with Brooks taking a card 57-56.

Delgado is 7-1. Brooks, 170.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 6-1.

Juan Tapia won a eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round six, Garcia had some blood on the bridge of the nose.

Tapia, 123 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 10-3. Garcia, 122.4 lbs of Dallas. TX is 13-3.

Frank Martin stopped Tyrone Luckey in round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Martin dropped Luckey twice in round two, once in round five and ended with a body shot at 2:31 of round five.

Martin, 138,6 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Luckey, 138.4 lbs of Long Beach, NJ is 12-13-4/

ARLINGTON, TX. (December 2, 2020) – Super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face former title challenger Habib Ahmed in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator on the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia this Saturday, December 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair while featherweight contender Miguel Flores will meet Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez in a Featherweight Title Eliminator to open the pay-per-view.

Ahmed replaces Jorge Cota and Flores replaces Julio Ceja, after Cota and Ceja tested positive for COVID-19. Flores had already been preparing to face Isaac Avelar on December 5 and Ahmed had been in training as a potential replacement on this card.

Buy the pay-per-view now on www.foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen.

Mexico’s Avelar will take on the unbeaten Sakaria Lukas in a 10-round super featherweight showdown headlining FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes. Prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will also feature top prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. taking on Steven Pulluaim in a six-round welterweight bout, plus unbeaten super middleweight prospect Burley Brooks facing Marco Delgado in a six-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Non-televised action will see Dallas-native Fernando Garcia (13-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight against Brownsville, Texas’ Juan Tapia (9-3, 3 KOs) and unbeaten Indianapolis native Frank Martin (11-0, 8 KOs) dueling New Jersey’s Tyrone Lucky (12-12-4, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora (15-0-1, 10 KOs) has used his height and length, combined with power and aggressiveness, to rack up an unbeaten record since turning pro in 2016. The 22-year-old owns two victories in 2020, beating then unbeaten Daniel Lewis by decision in February, before most recently becoming the first fighter to knock out Nathaniel Gallimore with his August triumph on FOX. Fighting out of Coachella, California, Fundora entered the ring three times in 2019, including TKO victories over then unbeaten fighters Donnie Marshall and Hector Manuel Zepeda, plus an exciting split-draw against fellow contender Jamontay Clark.

A native of Accra, Ghana, Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs) steps into the ring after his August fight with Alantez Fox ended with a no-contest after three rounds. Prior to that, Ahmed scored a dominant unanimous decision over Juan De Angel in May 2019. The 29-year-old has won back-to-back fights since dropping a 2018 world title contest against Gilbert Ramirez. Ahmed was unbeaten in his first 26 pro fights since his 2011 debut, leading up to the Ramirez fight.

Lopez (37-8, 20 KOs) has long established himself as a fiery competitor and top contender in multiple weight classes and has compiled an impressive resume. He owns victories over Victor Ortiz, Miguel Cruz and Mike Dallas Jr., having given the last two the first defeat of their careers. Additionally, he has squared off against Canelo Alvarez, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana and Jessie Vargas. In 2019 the Riverside, California native lost a majority decision to Keith Thurman, before most recently knocking out John Molina Jr. last September.

Santana (25-8-1, 12 KOs) has taken on the toughest challenges at 147 and 154 pounds and has made his name with his action style throughout a long career as a contender. Santana returns to the ring after losing to former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in January. The Santa Barbara, California native owns a victory over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in April 2018 and has faced unified champion Jermell Charlo and former champion Sadam Ali, while also fighting to a six-round draw against former unified champion Julian Williams in 2011.

The 28-year-old Flores (24-3, 12 KOs) will return to action for the first time since dropping a decision to four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz in their 130-pound title fight last November. Born in Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico and fighting out of Houston, Texas, Flores scored stoppage wins over Luis May and Raul Chirino heading into that title fight. A pro since 2009, Flores won his first 22 pro fights.

Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) has risen up the featherweight rankings with wins in three of his last four fights since losing to then 126-pound champion Lee Selby in 2017. The 27-year-old Ramirez most recently gave Leduan Barthelemy his first career loss via a fourth-round stoppage in their rematch last November, following up on their split-draw the first time they faced off. Overall, Ramirez has won 14 of his last 17 outings.

The 23-year-old Avelar (16-2, 10 KOs) lost a narrow split decision to Miguel Tique in December after being stopped by unbeaten top super bantamweight Stephen Fulton in August 2019. The Auguascalientes, Mexico native was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights, including a 2019 triumph over Juan Antonio Lopez in his U.S. debut. He will be opposed by the undefeated Lucas (23-0, 16 KOs), who will make his U.S. debut on December 5 after victories in 2019 over Raston Kayira and Ndodana Ncube.

A Roseland, New Jersey native Mielnicki (6-0, 4 KOs) steps into the ring under the guidance of renowned coach Joe Goossen for the first time on December 5 as he looks to continue to show the skillset of a future champion. The 18-year-old Mielnicki has scored three victories in 2020, including most recently stopping Chris Rollins in August. He will take on the 30-year-old Pulluaim (5-2, 1 KO) who defeated Emeka Ifekandu in his last fight in October 2019. The Riverside, Missouri native Pulluaim has fought professionally since 2018.

The 24-year-old Brooks (6-0, 5 KOs) trains alongside Errol Spence Jr. and under the guidance of top trainer Derrick James. A Dallas native, Brooks made his 2020 debut in February, scoring a first round stoppage of Melvin Russell. He will face Anaheim, California’s Delgado (6-1, 5 KOs), a 29-year-old who has fought professionally since 2016 and who most recently stopped Joseph Ward in October 2019.

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Habib Ahmed in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus Texas contender Miguel Flores faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

AT&T Stadium, which has hosted NFL fans during the 2020 Dallas Cowboys season, will be following guidelines from the CDC with protocols regarding COVID-19 safeguards and cleaning procedures. All fans attending the event will be required to wear a mask. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another. For more information on AT&T Stadium’s Safe Stadium Policy, please visit the site here: https://attstadium.com/safestadium/.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

ARLINGTON, TX. (December 1, 2020) – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora shared insight into his training camp as he prepares to battle Jorge Cota in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator this Saturday, December 5 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View co-main event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“This training camp has just been us doing more of the same things that we always do,” said Fundora. “We’ve been getting our work in safely. Nothing is stopping us. We’re doing all of our normal sparring. This is my second fight since the pandemic and I think that’s going to help everything go smoothly for me.”

A pro since 2016, Fundora has always fought with great regularity, competing seven times in 2017 and three times per year in subsequently. Even in 2020, Fundora will be stepping into the ring for the third time, after beating Daniel Lewis in February and most recently Nathaniel Gallimore in August.

“I’m very confident I’m not going to have any ring rust heading into this fight,” said Fundora. “It’s important to me to keep that rust away so that I can be totally comfortable inside the ring. I don’t really take any time off at all. I treat this just like a regular job. I have to work like everybody else.”

On Saturday, Fundora will face an experienced opponent in Cota, who also shares his Mexican heritage. Cota has faced top super welterweights Jermell Charlo and Jeison Rosario, and was impressive in his last bout in January as he stopped Thomas LaManna.

“Cota is Mexican warrior, so I expect him to come to fight and not be afraid to exchange,” said Fundora. “Luckily for the fans, we’re not afraid to exchange either. We’ll be ready for his aggression. I hope he brings his A-game, because I’m going to bring mine and give the fans a great performance. The fact that we’ll have such a huge audience of Mexican and Mexican-American fans make it almost feel like I’m fighting at home.”

With this fight being a WBC title eliminator, Fundora could put himself into position to face unified WBC, IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo or top WBC contender Erickson Lubin in future fights. Fundora knows that a statement victory will help his cause, even though his focus remains squarely on Cota.

“This is my chance to say that I’m here and I’m coming for it all,” said Fundora. “Right now I’m just focused on Cota and my fight on Saturday. I believe I’m right there with the top contenders and champions and that I’m ready for any of them after I handle my business this weekend.”

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Catch replays of “PBC FIGHT CAMP: Spence vs. Garcia” all fight week on FS1 at the following times:

Part 1: Thursday 12/3 at 6:30 p.m. ET & Friday 12/4 at at 3:30 a.m. ET
Part 2: Friday 12/4 at 6 p.m. ET & 4 a.m. ET
Part 3: Wednesday 12/2 at 5:30 a.m. ET & Friday 12/4 at 6:30 p.m. ET & 4:30 a.m. ET

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

AT&T Stadium, which has hosted NFL fans during the 2020 Dallas Cowboys season, will be following guidelines from the CDC with protocols regarding COVID-19 safeguards and cleaning procedures. All fans attending the event will be required to wear a mask. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another. For more information on AT&T Stadium’s Safe Stadium Policy, please visit the site here: https://attstadium.com/safestadium/.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

Ray Flores
On today’s call, we’re going to be hearing from some of the fighters that will be competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs Danny Garcia on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard. It all comes your way on Saturday December 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Fans will be allowed to attend. COVID restrictions will be in place. You can get tickets and they are available at SeatGeek.com. We come to you live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with three exciting matchups featuring all Mexican and Mexican-American fighters.

We will kick off the pay-per-view with a former champion Julio Ceja going head to head against contender and Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC featherweight title eliminator.

This fight coming up is one that I have my eye set on. It is going to be pure pandemonium and it features all action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana in a 10 round welterweight showdown.

The co-main event Sebastian Fundora, fresh off of a win topping Nate Gallimore back in August. He’s in action as he matches up against Jorge Cota in in a WBC super welterweight title eliminator matchup. The event all brought to you by TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and DSG Promotions.

And now, let me introduce the President of TGB Promotions. This man will no doubt go down as probably the best matchmaker in all of boxing history, my dear friend, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Good afternoon and welcome everyone. And thanks for joining us for this conference call for what I believe is going to be an extremely exciting night of boxing. We have a spectacular undercard.

There’s going to be non-stop action leading up to the highly anticipated Errol Spence Jr. versus Danny Garcia welterweight unification bout. Sampson Boxing’s unbeaten super welterweight contender, Sebastian Fundora. He put the boxing world on notice with his exciting performance against Nate Gallimore back in August and will be taking on Jorge Cota.

And then we have the all action veteran Josesito Lopez and Francisco Santana squaring off in a 10 round welterweight bout. And this is the type of fight that we could just go put in a phone booth.

I just can’t wait for the opening bell for them to say go for this fight. Really any one of these fights could steal the whole show. So, I’m really looking forward to this card and Ray said, tickets are on sale now which is so great to be able to say.

We’re looking forward to having a live audience and exciting event. And now, I’ll send it back to Ray to get things started. Thanks.

Flores
Thank you very much, Tom. And yes, we have a stellar undercard. Let’s meet one of the principals involved in one of these thrilling matchups. This man, his record 25 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, 12 come by way of knockout.

He hasn’t shied away from anybody, fighting top competition at welterweight and super welterweight throughout the course of his career. He challenged Jermell Charlo, fought Julian Williams to a draw and most recently lost a decision to Jarett Hurd, he also pulled off a notable upset over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in a welterweight fight back in 2018.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the always exciting and entertaining Francisco “Chia” Santana.

Francisco Santana
I’m excited and I’m very, very thankful and grateful for another great opportunity to be able to fight once again and in an all action fight. People that know boxing know that Josesito and myself, it’s like it’s another version of the Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward type of style fight. You know, we both come forward. It’s the same versions of each other. So, I think the fans are in for a good treat.

Q
I know you guys are both California guys who’ve been around the sport for a long time. Do you guys know each other at all?

Santana
No, obviously we know of each other but I’ve never necessarily met him or introduced myself. We both at one we both started out back in the days with Mr. Dan Goossen, may he rest in peace, that was my original promoter back in the days.

So we would see each other a lot on different cards. But other than that, no, I’ve never had the privilege to meet him.

Q
How many similarities are there between you two?

Santana
I let people compare us. Essentially, it is that we do have a similar record, similar type of style. We both come forward, all action.

When they mention my name or they mention his name, I think that boxing fans know that they’re in for a good fight, because I don’t think either him or I have ever been in a dull fight. So, I feel like that’s definitely a big similarity with each other.

Outside of boxing, I don’t know. I don’t know how he is outside of boxing. I’m just a low-key family man. I’m actually here at work right now. So, I’m in my office away kind of secluded myself for this interview.

So, I don’t know what he’s like outside of work but inside the ring, I think that we are very similar.

Q
Looking back, and maybe your last couple losses, what have you feel that you’ve needed to change or what have you learned from those experiences?

Santana
I still haven’t stopped learning. So, a lot of it has to do with that, and just being able to have confidence in myself to be able to just go out there and display it all out there, put it all out there.

This is like do or die type of fight. So, I got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’m just going to go out there and just basically just leave it all out there.

Like I said I’ve got everything to gain, nothing to lose. This is my go big or go home type of fight. So, as far as past experiences, it’s always a learning experience. I just fought the biggest super welterweight out there.

And that’s not necessarily, my weight class, even though I used to campaign at that weight class back in the days, but not necessarily my best weight. I was just doing it because I didn’t have the proper training or proper coaches back in the days but nonetheless, I don’t dwell on the past. I live in the future and live in the present and just want to be a better person every single day. So, I can be a better man tomorrow.

Q
How are you feeling coming into this particular bout seeing as it will be at 147 pounds coming off your fight against Jarrett Hurd?

Santana
I’m naturally a 147. I’m not at 154 like when I fought Jarrett Hurd. I didn’t really have to make weight practically. I think I hydrated a couple pounds or not even hydrated, I just went and ate.

This is my natural weight class. So, I just have to make the best of it, like I said this is go big or go home.

Q
Do you think that you’ll have to be I will say like a lot tougher then Lopez going into this fight?

Santana
At this point, I just have to prepare for whatever he brings. I have to be prepared for the best of Lopez out there. So, if he is tough, I have to be tougher. If he wants to be clever, I have to be more clever.

If he wants to display certain skills, I have to display even better skills. So, I just got to bring everything up, no matter what he brings to the table.

Q
How do you think being in a lot of tough fights that went the distance builds you going into this particular fight against Josesito Lopez, who is a tough fighter like yourself?

Santana
To me, it’s just another day. It’s another day of boxing. It’s something that I’ve trained for moments like this to be able to test myself once again.

And what better way to test myself than with someone like Josesito Lopez, who is another version of myself, basically. So, I’m testing myself with another version of myself.
Q
How will having fans in attendance play a factor into feeding off the energy of the crowd while you’re in the ring there?

Santana
Well once you get hit, you don’t even realize if there’s a crowd or not. Your blood kind of boils up a little bit and you just go.

So, I’m sure that once that bell rings and we start throwing punches it’ll be the same as always. Him and I, we can probably fight in a garage, with no people there and it will still be a hell of a fight.

As far as the crowd, I’m sure every fighter learns to just tune it out. It is what it is and we’re going to go out there and let our hands go.

Q
What did you take away from that fight with Hurd that you think you can bring into this fight coming up?

Santana
Well, it will first of all, I fought the biggest super welterweight out there. I do have a good chin right? I showed that being able to hang in there with such a big boy like himself and a great fighter.

So, coming into this fight, I was able to realize that I am a little sturdier and little stronger than what I thought.

Flores
Francisco do you have any final thoughts as you get ready for your December 5 showdown against Josesito Lopez?

Santana
Everybody just tune in. You’re in for a real treat. Everybody, obviously like myself included, we’re looking forward for the main event. But also, this is an all action packed undercard and especially Josesito Lopez versus myself.

So, you guys don’t want to miss it because when you guys think of Josesito and myself, you guys know that we never disappoint and we’re not going to start now.

Flores
Thank you very much Francisco. Now, let’s talk with the man who will be standing across the rings from you on December 5 as he has beaten the likes of Victor Ortiz, faced Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Jessie Vargas narrowly came up short at the hands of Keith Thurman back in January of 2019 in a world title fight.

Most recently having knocked out John Molina Jr. last September at STAPLES Center. He’s trained under the guidance of renowned coach Robert Garcia. He comes to us from Riverside, California. 37 wins, 20 of those by knockout against 8 losses.

Ladies and gentlemen, anytime he’s inside the ring, he produces fireworks. Please welcome “The Riverside Rocky” Josesito Lopez. Josesito?

Josesito Lopez
Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for having me. I’m thankful and glad to be fighting December 5 and I’m healthy. Training camp has been going great. And I’m excited for this fight with just a couple more weeks to go.

Ray Flores: Now, we’ll turn it over to the operator for questions from the media for Josesito Lopez.

Q
First question is as far as your time working with Robert Garcia, describe some of the changes that you’ve seen in your boxing style in your fighting over the last year or two that you guys have been together.

Lopez
He’s helped me become a smart technician. And then we have one of the best gyms in the entire world with the most amount of quality fighters.

So, as far as experience, I bring the experience but quality fighters in sparring helps and they have the best of the best here. No shortage of sparring, and good work and we all push each other. So it’s been all good since I made the move.

Q
As far as personal improvements that you’ve seen in your own boxing game, what are the one or two things that you feel that you’ve really tightened up as far as your performances?

Lopez
Well, when it comes to the top level of boxing, it’s just the smallest of mistakes that can cost a lot. And I’ve made those mistakes in the past and I’ve managed to correct them.

And then Robert helped me to tweak small things that have made a big change in my boxing. So those small changes can – it goes a long way for me.

Q
Do you feel a sense of that you have not as much time as you used to in order to try to get that championship?

Lopez
Yeah, I’m a little higher in age. I feel that and I know that. But I feel very, very good with Robert right now. And I’m at a good time in my life where I’m balancing experience with strength and quality work with Robert.

There has been nothing but good things, positive things throughout with him. So, I’m excited.

Q
How do you see this fight playing out, ideally, what would you like to see occur?

Lopez
Well, obviously, ideally, I would like to come out with a victory, but I’m prepared for a war. I’m prepared for anything that Francisco comes to bring to the ring. He’s a tough, gritty fighter that always comes to fight and I expect that. I expect fireworks, I expect quite possibly the fight of the night. So I’m ready for anything.

Q
In terms of your mentality, how do you get to that level mentally, of knowing you’re going to be in for what many considered to be a war on December 5?

Lopez
Well, mindset wise, every fight is the most important fight of my career. This one, no less. So, I come into the table as if it could possibly be my last fight and I bring everything. I trained hard. I focused. I’ve been away from home.

Q
Do you think that after not fighting for roughly about a year or so, has it been good for you or has it refreshed you?

Lopez
Well you got to make the most of it. I wish I could have fought a little sooner but I make the most of it. I stayed active in the gym. I’m constantly training, working with other guys. I’ve had a few camp right before the shutdown. I was helping Mikey Garcia prepare for Jessie Vargas.

So I’ve been training. I think for the most part, I’m just thankful and happy to be able to be fighting in this year, really a time where some fighters won’t even get to fight this year. So, I’m glad I can.

Q
Have you seen Francisco fight? What is it that you see in his game that you think that you may be able to exploit?

Lopez
Well, it’s not necessarily what I see in him. I just think I’m a better fighter than I was before. And we both bring grit and determination to the fight, I think that’s been clear.

I just feel like I’ve been quite a bit smarter in my boxing throughout my last few fights. And I’m able to have that ring IQ that’s necessary for a fight like this.

Q
Can you talk about how your time with Robert Garcia helped you particularly in your last fight?

Lopez
Well, my time with Robert Garcia has been great. He’s a good mentor and he has helped me with game plans. Intelligent ring generalship and that showed against John Molina where I did knock him down early.

We stayed patient. I didn’t make little mistakes and I still finished the job. So, all that is basically where the work that Robert Garcia has shown. It made me a little bit smarter in many ways.

He says you work smarter not harder. Even though I’m still working just as hard, I’m just getting a little smarter.

Q
What have you learned from the pandemic of overall?

Lopez
What I’ve learned is that with the shutting down and everything there, it gets tough for everyone and my heart goes out to definitely all the people that are struggling and hurting. You know, everyone is struggling in some type of way.

But you also got to make the most of your time. I’ve definitely sat down and made the most of my time. I was able to do things that that are important to me.

I started my own trucking company and the things that you put aside and procrastinate on doing, it was a good time to really realize the important things in life and then work hard for what you want.

So although it’s been a tough, tough time for myself and everyone else you make the most of this bad time.

Flores
Josesito, if you have any final comments before you get ready for December 5?

Lopez
Well, I want to say that I’m very thankful to be fighting on PBC and with FOX. They know a fight with myself is never a boring fight. So, I’ll definitely bring that action. I’m excited to be on the card with another exciting fighter that will bring fireworks.

So, this is a fight that you can’t miss. And you can’t blink because the fight could be over anytime. I feel great and I’m excited to get out in there and then show everybody what I got.

Flores
Thank you very much, Josesito. We look forward to seeing you during fight week in Dallas.

Now, let’s transition to our co-main event. This man is a longtime contender who has put himself back into world title contention by defeating Thomas LaManna back in January.

He bounced back with two straight wins after back to back losses to top super welterweights Jeison Rosario and Jermall Charlo. His record 30 wins, 27 of those coming by way of knockout against four losses. He comes to us from Sinaloa, Mexico.

He is the hard hitting, Jorge Cota. Jorge, if you have any opening comments.

Jorge Cota
I’m very excited to be a part of this amazing fight. And I’m excited to show the fans what we’re able to offer in this outstanding fight that we’re going to have.

Q
How are you planning to get inside of his reach? And do you think that those things are going to give you problems in this fight?

Cota
You hit the nail on the head because that’s going to be the challenge and what makes the fight so attractive. The fact that he’s so tall and that his reach is so stunningly large made me work a lot on my movement, my lateral movement and in making my hips be able to rotate efficiently to be able to get inside and make it a close contact fight.

Q
Do you feel that your power is going to be the difference maker in this fight?

Cota
Again, I can’t emphasize enough. The hips are going to be huge. And the fact that I need to be able to make it a close range fight. And that way I can take advantage of my power.

If I can get close and make it a blow-by-blow kind of fight where we are exchanging blows with our bodies close together, then I can take advantage of my power, but everything is on the hips.

Q
How big of a win was that for you over Thomas LaManna which essentially led you to this opportunity on December 5 against Sebastian Fundora?

Cota
That win gave me my confidence back. That was everything, because after winning the fight, I was able to believe in my power, in my endurance, in my ability to be a winning boxer once again.

LaManna was an outstanding opponent, someone that fought very well and I was really happy to see my hand raised in the end by the referee. But the most important takeaway for me was that I regained the belief in myself to win with my power once again.

Q
What did you learn in the fights against Charlo and Rosario that you feel that you are now more experienced?

Cota
Those two fights provided me with the experience I need to know where I stood. Especially, the Rosario one, that was my barometer. That was a fight that allowed me to know where I stood against an outstanding world champion who unfortunately after that bumped into Charlo, who is also a champion in his own right.

So, after that I know where I stood. And it provided me with the experience that I needed to move forward in my career.

Q
Also when it comes to this fight being on an undercard that is full of Mexican fighters and Mexican-American fighters. We all know history of great Mexican battles, the names of Barrera and Morales come to mind.

What does it signify for you to be able to fight a fellow Mexican on a card of this magnitude?
Cota
Thank you for that comparison with the Barrera – Morales clashes. And I’m also thinking about Juan Manuel Marquez as well where he left his mark. I’m just out here trying to leave my mark as well.

The fact that I’m going to go out there to the ring and try to give my best and make everybody proud. That’s all I can do is to try to live up to the legacy that those fighters, like, Barrera, like, Morales, like, Marquez left behind and for me to continue on.

Flores
Finally, do you have any closing comments as you prepare for your co-main event showdown against Sebastian Fundora?

Cota
My message to the fans is, don’t you dare miss this fight. It’s going to be awesome. It has the potential to be the best fight of the night. Sebastian is going to be an outstanding opponent. It’s going to be a war from start to finish. We are going to beat each other up. And it’s going to be really fun for the fans to witness.

So, I am going to go out there try and do my best and not only win but to provide the fans a show they will never forget and make both Mexican and American fans everywhere happy and proud to have seen me fight.

Flores
Thank you very much to Jorge Cota. We greatly appreciate the time. What stands out about what Jorge Cota said was, the word “Guerra” meaning war. All of these undercard fights can no doubt be wars.

Now let’s meet his adversary on December 5, most recently have been knocked out Nate Gallimore back in August on FOX. He became the first and only man to finish off Nate Gallimore, looking to put himself in position to battle current WBC and WBA Super Welterweight champion of the world, Jermall Charlo or another top WBC contender, such as Erickson Lubin.

He stands 6’6″ tall, uses his height and his reach to his advantage. But he also likes to fight with power and aggressiveness. And I’ll be honest with you when it comes to his fighting style, he loves to mix it up on the inside. He comes to us from Coachella, California.

He has an undefeated record, 15 wins, no losses, one draw, 10 wins come in by way of knockout. A high volume puncher who always brings forth punches in bunches. Here “The Towering Inferno” Sebastian Fundora. Sebastian.

Sebastian Fundora
I’m feeling strong. I’m feeling strong, we had a nice camp. After the last fight, we went straight back into camp for this fight. So, I’m just excited to put a great show for the fans.

Q
What is the added time in camp this time around done for you and how much more prepared do you feel?

Fundora
I feel very prepared for this fight. It’s done a lot especially in terms of sparring we had, especially because they change the date too. It just gives me more time to work and to prepare for this fight I plan to show it for this one too.

Q
In your last performance, you did something that no one’s ever done. You stopped Nathaniel Gallimore and you did in fantastic fashion. How much did that give you as far as confidence? What has that done for you in your mindset?

Fundora
That’s something me and my team always knew. It’s just showing the crowd that we can step it up, showing the fans that we’re not here to play, we’re actually here to do something in this division.

Q
Describe the changes that you’ve seen in yourself either physically, mentally as a boxer over just maybe the last year or two. What changes have you noticed?

Fundora
I feel myself getting more muscular and stuff like that. Just physical changes, getting faster and smarter in the ring. I’m learning to place punches in different places and to always have a smart mindset coming into the fight.

Q
Are you weary about fighting inside against someone with this type of power or is that the way you fight and you’re not changing it?

Fundora
I welcome it. I welcome it. I fought power punchers before. This last guy, Gallimore, was a power puncher. So, I welcome all the power. On December 5, we’ll see who hits harder.

Q
What type of message are you trying to send here in this matchup against Jorge Cota given that you’ve had a bout in February 22 against Daniel Lewis and then the KO over Nathaniel Gallimore?

Fundora
It’s just the work that we’re trying to display that, like I said, for the last fight, for the fight before that, we’re just trying to make a place in the division and hopefully become a champion.

Q
Are you trying to direct yourself or position yourself to have like a title shot with Charlo or maybe something against Erislandy Lara in the future?

Fundora
Of course. That’s every boxer’s dream. That’s the main goal of every fighter and that’s what we’re moving toward fight by fight.

Q
Would you be interested in a rematch against Jamontay Clark?

Fundora
I have to talk to my coach about that one. But winning on December 5 will definitely happen. I have no doubts like that in my mind. So, we’re just going up from there.

Q
I see for the past couple years you’ve been fighting three times a year. Going into 2021, is that something you would like to do as well?

Fundora
Yes. More fights, even more fights. I felt like this year was a slow down because of everything going on. But if I could do more than three fights, I’d love to.

Q
Was there anybody that you fought previously whose style resembles Jorge’s or that that you feel as though has prepared you to fight Jorge Cota?

Fundora
I don’t think so. Jorge is a whole different boxer. I never fought Jorge, so I can’t compare him to anybody else.

Q
On the 5th, will you be looking to knock him out coming off another good knockout win?

Fundora
Of course, of course that’s the main goal, that’s the main goal. But if it has to go to the decision, I’ll box him too.

Q
How are you looking forward to on December 5, being back into a fight with fans in the stands?

Fundora
All I’m worried about is the guy in front of me, which will be Jorge Cota. But it’s pretty exciting to have fans back in the building. I’m pretty excited about that. It’s a better feeling.

Q
We’ve heard from several fighters during all year long, how pretty much feels like a sparring session in the ring where you hear nothing but your coaches without fans. Is that kind of what you felt in the ring against Nat Gallimore?

Fundora
Not really. I mean it’s obviously different because you still have the pressure of the TV and everything on you. But, yes, I heard my coach, I heard the commentators, that’s how close everything was.

It wasn’t that bad. I can’t complain. It’s still a fight. I still kept everything prepared for that fight and the fans not being there didn’t really change that.

Q
Have you seen anything Cota’s past fights that you were able to pick up on?

Fundora
Of course. Yes, but it’s the competition, we’re not going to really say anything right now. You’ll have to see on fight night.

Q
Do you feel any added pressure heading into December 5 on a card of this magnitude against Jorge Cota?

Fundora
Definitely not. I felt like I really fought one of the biggest cards of this year with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. This card will be the same. I feel like I’m born for this. So, when December 5 comes, I’m ready to put on a great fight and maybe steal the show.

Flores
Do you have any closing comments as you continue your preparation for your matchup against Jorge Cota?

Fundora
Like I said, I plan to make this fight an exciting one. I’m sure Jorge Cota will come in prepared and ready to bring an exciting fight and a healthy fight. December 5, be ready.

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Jorge Cota in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus former champion Julio Ceja faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

ARLINGTON, TX. (October 8, 2020) – Unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 with fans in attendance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Jorge Cota in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus former champion Julio Ceja faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on sale Wednesday, October 14 at 10 a.m. CT, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium. Spence vs. Garcia was originally scheduled for November 21.

AT&T Stadium, which has hosted NFL fans during the 2020 Dallas Cowboys season, will be following guidelines from the CDC with protocols regarding COVID-19 safeguards and cleaning procedures. All fans attending the event will be required to wear a mask. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another. For more information on AT&T Stadium’s Safe Stadium Policy, please visit the site here: https://attstadium.com/safestadium/.

The hometown hero Spence will return to fight at AT&T Stadium after putting on a masterful performance in front of an enormous crowd at the Dallas Cowboys’ home last March, when he dominated four-division champion Mikey Garcia on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Possessing dangerous one-punch knockout power, two-division champion Danny Garcia was an indomitable force in the 140-pound division and has been equally powerful at welterweight, winning the WBC title in 2016. He will be looking to regain his 147-pound world title against Spence.

“In the tradition of memorable PBC welterweight clashes, Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia will pit two fighters with elite skills and heavy hands against each other in a high-stakes showdown on December 5,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Every time Spence fights in front of his hometown fans it is an unforgettable and energetic evening. We’re excited to be able to bring those fans this great matchup with Spence going up against an elite and always dangerous two-division champion in Danny Garcia. With three all-Mexican wars on the undercard, this FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is lined up to deliver action fights all night long.”

“We’re thrilled to deliver fans a blockbuster night of boxing headlined by Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr. battling Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia in an exclusive FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View special event,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling for FOX Sports. “This should be an epic evening of must-see fights, and we’re excited to deliver viewers the next best things to front row seats.”

“What an exciting event to look forward to as we welcome yet another championship fight to AT&T Stadium,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “We are honored to once again partner with TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions and provide a top flight boxing match between Errol Spence Jr. and Danny Garcia on December 5.”

This will be the third FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View headlined by Spence (26-0, 21 KOs), whounified welterweight titles in September by besting Shawn Porter in one of the best fights of the year. Spence was launched into stardom when the 30-year-old first captured a welterweight crown by traveling to the U.K. to stop Kell Brook in front of his hometown fans in 2017. He followed up his title-winning victory with triumphs over Lamont Peterson and Carlos Ocampo in 2018.

Fighting out of his native Desoto, Texas, Spence will return to the ring for the first time since miraculously surviving a car accident last October where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed. Spence represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics before turning pro later that year and scoring knockouts in 10 of his first 12 fights, showing the promise that he would eventually fulfill on the biggest stages of the sport.

“Having my comeback fight be in front of my hometown fans at AT&T Stadium is added motivation and a dream come true,” said Spence. “It means even more because I’m going up against a great champion in Danny Garcia. I know people are looking out to see if I’ve lost a step or won’t be at my best, but I’m 100% focused and everything is on point in training camp. I just can’t wait to go out there on December 5 and put on a show.”

Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) is the latest in a long line of great boxers from Philadelphia who have made their mark on the sport. His run through the super lightweight division and two-year reign as a unified champion is one of the most impressive in modern history as he defeated a string of champions, including, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Nate Campbell and Kendall Holt. Garcia also has been equally impressive at welterweight, defeating former world champions Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi, and Robert Guerrero.

After dominating the super lightweight division, the 32-year-old Garcia moved up to welterweight where he won the vacant WBC title with a unanimous decision over Guerrero in 2016. He lost a split decision to Thurman in a unification match in 2017 and dropped a narrow unanimous decision to Shawn Porter for the WBC title in 2018. Many observers and fans thought he deserved the decision in those matches. He bounced back from the Porter fight to score a spectacular knockout victory over Adrian Granados in 2019 and most recently dominated Ivan Redkach on his way to a unanimous decision in January.

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring,” said Garcia. “This is going to be my second fight of 2020, even though it’s been a crazy year with the pandemic and everything. I’m glad we’re finally getting back to where we were and that we’ll be able to bring this fight to the fans. This matchup is a mega-fight unification bout. It’s my opportunity to reclaim my spot at the top in this division and become a five-time world champion. Training and sparring has been going really well. I’m extremely prepared for this already and it can’t get here soon enough. Come December 5, I will be crowned unified champion!”

Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora (15-0-1, 10 KOs) has used his height and length, combined with power and aggressiveness, to rack up an unbeaten record since turning pro in 2016. The 22-year-old owns two victories in 2020, beating then unbeaten Daniel Lewis by decision in February, before most recently becoming the first fighter to knock out Nathaniel Gallimore with his August triumph on FOX. Fighting out of Coachella, California, Fundora entered the ring three times in 2019, including TKO victories over then unbeaten fighters Donnie Marshall and Hector Manuel Zepeda, plus an exciting split-draw against fellow contender Jamontay Clark.

“I’m thrilled to be back in action on a card of this magnitude to finish the year off,” said Fundora. “We’ll be facing a very experienced opponent in Jorge Cota, who’s someone that always comes to fight and give the fans a great show, just like me. We’re going to train hard to go up against this challenge. I’m certain Cota is doing the same, which is going to make this a great fight on December 5.”

Representing his native Sinaloa, Mexico, Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) bested 154-pound contender Thomas LaManna in his last fight, battering LaManna before stopping him in the fifth-round. The 32-year-old has bounced back from a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo with back-to-back stoppage victories. Cota had won 12 of 14 fights prior to facing Charlo, with his only defeats coming to former unified champion Jeison Rosario and top contender Erickson Lubin.

“I’ve been fighting professionally for 11 years and I know that this fight is do-or-die for me,” said Cota. “I know that if I lose, that could be my last chance to fight for a world title. I will be prepared to retire. So I’m training like everything in my life depends on beating Fundora and that’s how I’m going to fight him on December 5.”

Lopez (37-8, 20 KOs) has long established himself as a fiery competitor and top contender in multiple weight classes and has compiled an impressive resume. He owns victories over Victor Ortiz, Miguel Cruz and Mike Dallas Jr., having given the last two the first defeat of their careers. Additionally, he has squared off against Canelo Alvarez, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana and Jessie Vargas. In 2019 the Riverside, California native lost a majority decision to Keith Thurman, before most recently knocking out John Molina Jr. last September.

“I’m ready to get back to fighting,” said Lopez. “This is an all-action card, so it’s only right that I’m included on it. I’m expecting a great fight against an excellent fighter in Santana. I’m just working hard to put on the best performance that I possibly can on December 5. This is going to be a fun, tactical fight, but we’re also going to be very aggressive. This type of fight belongs on a huge pay-per-view event like this one. My training camp has gone really well and I can’t wait to steal the show on what I think will be the card of the year.”

Santana (25-8-1, 12 KOs) has taken on the toughest challenges at 147 and 154 pounds and has made his name with his action style throughout a long career as a contender. Santana returns to the ring after losing to former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in January. The Santa Barbara, California native owns a victory over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in April 2018 and has faced unified champion Jermell Charlo and former champion Sadam Ali, while also fighting to a six-round draw against former unified champion Julian Williams in 2011.

“Me and Josesito are both throwback blood and guts gladiators,” said Santana. “I have nothing but respect for Josesito. We’re both fighters who have been underdogs throughout our careers and caused problems for the best fighters in the world. That combination is going to make this all all-out war and an instant classic. My motto is train, fight, win. On December 5, there is no other option.”

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 27-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming war between two Mexican fighters,” said Ceja. “I’m in Las Vegas and training hard every day. Camp is going perfectly and I will be 100% on December 5 so I can get one step closer to becoming world champion again.”

The 27-year-old Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) has risen up the featherweight rankings with wins in three of his last four fights since losing to then 126-pound champion Lee Selby in 2017. Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Ramirez most recently gave Leduan Barthelemy his first career loss via a fourth-round stoppage in their rematch last November, following up on their split-draw the first time they faced off. Overall, Ramirez has won 14 of his last 17 outings.

“I am in fantastic shape for this fight and I’m looking forward to showing off my improved skills once again,” said Ramirez. “I learned a lot in my loss against Claudio Marrero. I believe that I displayed those improvements when I beat Leduan Barthelemy. It was a big statement knocking him out and I can’t wait to make another statement in this fight against Ceja.”

#

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

Former world champion Shawn Porter won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sebastian Formella in a welterweight elimination bout at The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Porter landed 304 punches of 785 thrown. Formella was 148 of 586.

Porter, 146.6 lbs of Akron, OH won by shutout scores of 120-108 on all cards, and is now 31-3-1. Formella, 146 lbs of Germany is 22-1.

“He was a tough fighter,” said Porter. “After about six rounds my dad told me that he’s going to keep taking these punches, so I just needed to keep the pressure on him.”

“I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere,” said Porter.

“The game plan was to use finesse and subtlety,” said Porter. “I went in there looking for the shot and ready to take the openings. I wanted to be aggressive, but not too aggressive, because we knew he would run. We worked on cutting off the ring and I think it all worked out tonight.

“For me it made sense to fight up on my toes. It’s a different type of rhythm and a lot of guys don’t know when I’m coming and going. I think it mixed things up for Formella tonight. We worked on fast jabs, powerful jabs, directing the jab and today he couldn’t tell which one was coming. I was popping his head back and of course also going to the body.”

“We had a lot of film on Formella,” said Porter. “I knew that his focus would be on his feet and when it wasn’t the feet, he would be covering up. I could tell his corner was telling him to punch with me or right after me, so he connected on me that way. I had to get on a different rhythm for him. He was able to play some chess and he did well. My dad always says that the mind controls everything. I think he had his mind made up that he was going to take everything and go 12 rounds. His body followed his mind tonight.”

“We definitely worked on throwing the overhand right for this fight,” said Porter. “We worked on our power a lot and in the beginning I wanted to land that overhand right. I was really keyed in on that. My dad said to stick to the speed and that would set up the power. I switched it up to straight rights to the body because that’s more of a speed punch.”

“I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere,” said Porter, who dropped a close decision to Spence in a unification bout last year, and defeated Garcia to capture the WBC title in 2018.

“There’s no telling what they’ll see from me in a rematch,” added Porter later. “I think both guys can also make adjustments. That’s what makes rematches so great, the fans have seen what both of you can do and they want to see who will make the right adjustments. I definitely think that I will be a little different against either guy.”

Fundora Stops Gallimore in 6

Sebastian Fundora stopped Nathaniel Gallimore in round six of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight fight.

The 6’6″ Fundora beat up and battered Gallimoe for the balance of the fight, and the fight was stopped after Fundora landed a hard combination at 1:28.

Fundora, 153.2 lbs of Los Angeles is now 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Gallimore, 152.6 lbs of Kingston, JAM is 22-5-1.

“I give my performance a 10 out of 10,” said Fundora. “I did what I had to do tonight. We’re always working on our distance and controlling that part of the fight, because I know I’m going to need it throughout my career. Whatever my team thinks is best for me next, I’ll be ready for it.”

“My ring outfit tonight is dedicated to the COVID-19 victims,” said Fundora. “I just want to say, keep wearing your masks, wear your gloves and sanitize your hands so we can bring boxing back to the fans. I also want to dedicate this fight to my promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, who just won a big fight with cancer and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Joey Spencer remained undefeated by stopping Shawn West in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Spencer dropped West with a right hand that was followed by a hard combination that finished up by a right to the head.

In round four, Spencer rocked West with a hard right hand. West was on shaky legs before Spencer jumped on him and landed a hard combination that put West down, and the fight was stopped at

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Linden, MI is 11-0 with eight knockouts. West, 155.6 lbs of Davenport, IA is 5-2.

“I felt great about my performance tonight,” said Spencer. “I did everything we had been working on. After the knockdown, I took my time and threw a good flurry. We knew he was tough, so I just stayed calm and took the right shot when it came. I think the experience I’ve had so far in my career showed through in this fight.”

“I studied everybody heading into this fight,” said Spencer. “That’s something that made a big difference. I used to study boxing as a hobby and got away from it the last couple years, mostly watching just my own fights. But I’ve watched a wide variety of fighters, from classic fighters, to current prospects. I watched a lot of Sugar Ray Leonard and Robert Duran, a lot of contrasting styles. I also watched a lot of Errol Spence, Jr., Caleb Plant and Shawn Porter, amongst others. There was no limit on how much I watched in this camp and I think it showed.

“I couldn’t do this if I didn’t have the family and the team that I have. Everyone plays a huge part and does something to keep the train moving. Tough situations like the pandemic are just another day for me.”

Justin DeLoach stopped previously undefeated Livan Navarro in the opening round of their scheduled 10-round welterweight fight.

DeLoach dropped Navarro twice with the 2nd knockdown ending the fight at 2:15.

DeLoach, 149.9 lbs of Augusta, GA is 19-4 with 10 knockouts. Navarro, 147.8 lbs of Havana, CUB is 11-1.

Edward Ortiz won a eight-round split decision over Antonio Todd in a super middleweight bout.

Todd outlanded Ortiz 90-89.

Ortiz took cards by 77-75 scores. Todd won a card 77-75.

Ortiz, 163.4 lbs of San Antonio is 11-0-2. Todd, 161 lbs of Atlanta is 7-4.

Unbeaten Super Welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will be donning some very special trunks to honor the fallen when he takes on Nathaniel Gallimore this Saturday night, August 22, live on FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) will face Chicago’s Nathaniel Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) in the co-main event. In the main event, two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator.

The custom-made trunks, adorned with red roses, will be Fundora’s tribute to all the fallen people worldwide who have succumbed to COVID-19.

“The roses are for all the victims. Those who have lost their lives and those who have lost a friend or relative to this terrible virus,” said Fundora.

22-year-old Fundora, who speaks to young students about fighting for your dreams in his adopted hometown of Coachella, California, in his spare time, says the trunks are a small gesture of remembrance.

“I think we all need to fight on the same team to defeat this thing,” continued Fundora. “We’ve been on the ropes, but humanity will never lose in the end.”

“I’m so proud of Sebastian,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “In every fight, Sebastian finds a way to dedicate his fights to a good cause or a good person. Last time, he dedicated his fight to Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. People from Australia sent him messages about how much they loved it. Sebastian is a great fighter and future champion, but he’s also a good man.”

The Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

CONTACTS:
Tim Smith, Premier Boxing Champions: timothy@haymonboxing.com
Andrew Fegyveresi, FOX Sports: Andrew.Fegyveresi@FOX.com
Vernon Cheek, FOX Sports: Vernon.Cheek@FOX.com
Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500, contact@swansonpr.com
TGB Promotions: (818) 817-8001
About Sampson Boxing

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LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2020) -Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella previewed their welterweight title eliminator on an international media conference call Thursday, before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, this Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The call also featured rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore discuss their 10-round super welterweight showdown that serves as the co-main event.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

The Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

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

SHAWN PORTER

“This fight for me is a matter of getting boxing back going. We’ve had a couple of big fights, but I really do think that boxing gets kicked off this Saturday night with ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter and Sebastian Formella. We’ve trained hard and endured the conditions that everyone has had to endure and made the most of it. We started training in my father’s backyard in April and now we’re back up and running. We’ve done everything we were able to do against any other fighter in preparation for this fight

“I know that Formella is a boxer who likes to move and use the outside and box. We’re prepared to take the fight to him. We’re going to be smart and tactical, but aggressive as always. We’re going to go in there shining, looking great and make a statement to the world that boxing and Shawn Porter are still here.

“I think Formella has more of an amateur rhythm, because he’s not going to fight in the middle of the ring and slip and counter. He has a very well developed style of fighting that has helped him get to where he is.

“I’m different from most fighters. It’s a trend in boxing where fighters look past opponents, but I learned a long time ago that you have to focus on what’s in front of you and make the most of it. In my dad’s mind, we did even more for this fight than we did in getting prepared for Errol Spence, Jr.

“The plan is to get back into a world title fight. I don’t know exactly when that plan will come together, but I’ll be ready. I’m keeping my eye on the Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Danny Garcia fight as a potential future opponent, but also as a fan of the sport.

“My dad is all about hard work, commitment and integrity. We get that in every camp and in preparation for every fight, no matter who it is. Our mindset after the fight with Spence is the same as it’s always been, that’s to win. That’s what we’re going to do.

“We’ve been in a lot of uncomfortable positions inside the ring and in training and that’s what helps me get better. I’m comfortable in discomfort. That’s what I thrive off of. I’m always willing and usually able to make the adjustments to adapt to these situations.

“One thing we really worked on in this fight, without even knowing we were facing Formella, is our power. We did our strength program longer than we normally would and I know that the power is going to show up on Saturday night.

“I have friends in Germany who were able to give me information on Formella. We got all the tape and the information needed. We knew who he was training with and when he came to the U.S. I’ve done everything I need to do to be ready for this fighter.”

SEBASTIAN FORMELLA

“I’m happy to have this chance to fight one of the best welterweight boxers in the world. I trained very hard and I’m very excited to get into the ring.

“We made plans A, B and C because Porter is a strong fighter who comes forward and attacks the body and head. He has heavy hands so we looked at his mistakes and made a plan to box him and show off our style. I have good footwork and can move around. I think it will be an interesting style for him to face. I have the skills to make life very difficult in the ring for Shawn Porter.

“I’m a fighter who moves very well and I have good defense. I know how to keep my distance. I’m not the hardest hitter, but I’m a very smart fighter. I make my opponent have to think and make it very difficult for them. Fast feet and fast hands will be the key.

“My jab is going to be very important. Porter is going to attack me very hard and fight on the inside. I have to make sure I don’t fight inside with Porter too much. I’m going to keep the distance.

“We sparred with Yordenis Ugas for a week but we also worked with other strong fighters who really trained me to fight on the inside. All of the work put me in a great position. I learned a lot in that week with Ugas and I will show it in the fight.

“It makes me very sad that we can’t have fans in the stadium. The atmosphere in the U.S. for big fights is so crazy and beautiful. It’s disappointing, but I think it will help me because it’s something new for Shawn and not what he’s used to.

“My movement is going to be the most important, but also my mindset. I say all the time, strong mind and strong life. I’m going to be something new for him and I’m going to make it an interesting fight for everybody watching.

“Shawn Porter is a complete fighter, but we have a plan to beat him and that’s what we will do on Saturday. It’s very important for me to get this win and open the door for more big fights. Welterweight is a strong division in the U.S. and I have to do everything I can to earn more opportunities.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“It’s nice to be here in this position and back fighting in my home state of California. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Come Saturday night, I’m ready to make a statement.

“I won’t have any problem on the scales tomorrow. I walk around at this weight and we were prepared and ready for the scales before we even came to the venue.

“Every fight is different, and every camp is different, so we worked on different things. We’ll see what Gallimore brings on Saturday and take what we learned in camp into the ring.

“My life is a camp. I basically lived the quarantine life already. My gym is in my backyard so I didn’t have to go anywhere. We just had to bring in sparring and we were ready.

“I fight however I feel comfortable. Inside or outside. However it feels best to me in the training camp, that’s what I bring into the ring. I understand why people say that I need to work on my jab, but a lot of those people haven’t been in the ring. I listen to my trainer and my team and do what makes sense to me.

“My dad is good at finding sparring partners, so that wasn’t a problem for me. This really was just like any other camp. I couldn’t say there were any problems.

“I definitely fight with the Mexican style. That’s the side of me that I’m representing in the ring, so that’s what I’m looking to show off every time.

“This an opportunity to face another elite fighter, so a win will definitely get me closer to the title. The final decision will be up to my team, but I feel like I’ll be ready soon. I think this is the toughest competition of my career. Getting a win will be a big step forward.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE

“I’m glad to be back in the ring. I’m fully focused, back with my original coach George Hernandez and ready to show the world what I have.

“Fundora is a good fighter, but I know that he hasn’t faced anyone like me. It’s going to be totally different facing me. Whatever he has prepared for, it won’t be enough when he faces me.

“The experience is definitely something that I have over him. But I just know that in my last couple fights I wasn’t really near my best. I know what I really bring to the table and I’m going to execute and do what I do best on Saturday.

“I wasn’t fighting in a way that I was comfortable with in the Erickson Lubin fight. I was thinking too much. I just have to fight my fight and be me. I know what I have to do.

“This is the first step toward a world title. I have to take care of Fundora, then the gates are going to be wide open after that.

“You always have to study your own fights and see the positives and negatives. I know what was missing and I’ve worked with my trainer to fix those mistakes. That makes me very confident in what I need to do Saturday night.

“It’s not Fundora’s height that I’m worried about. I’ve just been working with the best southpaws possible to get the angles right. I’ve worked hard to be prepared for anything.

“I’m a different type of animal in the ring. I’m not a typical fighter. I’m ready to show that Saturday night. I just feel like I’m the better fighter overall. It’s nothing against him, I just believe that I’m better.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be another terrific night of boxing on FOX and FOX Deportes from our bubble at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. We have the two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter with his fan friendly style going up against the unbeaten Sebastian Formella in an IBF title eliminator.

“Sebastian and his team were very happy to get the call so he can prove himself against one of the best in the world. We know what Shawn is coming into the ring with after that terrific ‘Fight of the Year’ in September against Errol Spence, Jr., where Shawn’s stock actually went up that night. It’s going to be great to have Shawn back in the ring in a big fight.

“We also have the sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer on the broadcast, plus a fight I’ve really been looking forward to in this showdown between Sebastian Fundora and Nathaniel Gallimore. Nate has been asking us for months for a fight like this because he wants to get back in the ring and prove himself again. Fundora brings the action again and again and it should combine for something great.”

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ABOUT PORTER VS. FORMELLA
Porter vs. Formella will see two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting
Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

The Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2020) – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora claims no ill-effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on his normal training camp as he prepares to take on Nathaniel Gallimore in the co-main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, August 22 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“Every camp we essentially quarantine ourselves, so this isn’t much different,” said Fundora. “This training camp is very similar to any other. We do a lot of running, training, eating and sleeping. We just stick to things that we don’t really need to go out for.”

Fundora returns to the ring after keeping his unbeaten record intact in February by defeating then undefeated Daniel Lewis on the PPV undercard of the Wilder vs. Fury rematch. As is his usual routine, Fundora returned to the gym almost immediately after.

“It’s always been business for me,” said Fundora. “So I really haven’t taken any time off. I’ve been working out ever since my last fight in February. I’m just approaching this like a professional and planning to take full advantage of another opportunity that I’m given.”

Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora has at times used his considerable reach and height to his advantage, while at other times he has chosen to fight on the inside and turn fights into phone booth brawls. For the talented 22-year-old, he’ll measure out his opponent in Gallimore and take the strategy from there.

“The way I fight depends on the specific fight and who’s in front of me,” said Fundora. “I like to use different tools for different fighters. I don’t know too much about Gallimore. I haven’t watched very much of him before, so I’m just going to take it moment by moment and make the proper adjustments along the way.”

In Gallimore, Fundora will be tested by an opponent who has proven to be a tough contender on the elite level, having faced the likes of Julian Williams and Erickson Lubin, while also owning a victory over unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Although this will be just his 16th pro fight, Fundora plans to be prepared when his world title opportunity arrives. His promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, for one, sees this matchup as another step toward becoming the “king” of 154-pounds.

“Sebastian Fundora is a giant in the division and soon he will also be a king,” said Lewkowicz. “He will be in fantastic shape on Saturday and ready for another towering performance against Gallimore.”

“As soon as my team tells me it’s time, we’ll be ready,” said Fundora. “As a fighter, I’m always ready. We’re looking to make a statement with every fight and put on a great performance for the fans. This Saturday night will be no different.”

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ABOUT PORTER VS. FORMELLA
Porter vs. Formella will see two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting
Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

The Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

LOS ANGELES (August 18, 2020) – Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter will face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round WBC/IBF welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

“With championship-winning performances and numerous ‘Fight of the Year’ battles, Shawn Porter has made himself into one of the top welterweights of this generation and he will bring his fan friendly style to the ring yet again as he seeks a path to a third world title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Standing in his way is a hungry undefeated fighter in Sebastian Formella, who no doubt is coming from Germany intent on pulling off the upset August 22. In addition, rising super welterweight Sebastián Fundora will face perhaps his toughest test to date in Nathaniel Gallimore, and top prospect Joey Spencer again will look to show the promise that makes him a potential rising star in the sport.”

The Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Born in and Akron, Ohio and now living and fighting out of Las Vegas, Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs) returns to the ring after narrowly losing a welterweight unification showdown against Errol Spence, Jr. last September, in one of 2019’s best fights. The 32-year-old has faced a slew of big names throughout his two runs as champion in the stacked 147-pound division. Porter’s first title was won in 2013 by defeating Devon Alexander, while his second championship came in a 2018 triumph over Danny Garcia. Along the way he was beaten top fighters such as Adrien Broner, Yordenis Ugas and Andre Berto, while coming up just short in memorable showdowns against Keith Thurman and Kell Brook.

“Me and my dad have been working hard since April staying ready for this opportunity to get back in the ring,” said Porter. “Over the past couple of years, any time I step in the ring there are some new wrinkles to my game. We understand that you can’t fight one way against everyone, so you’re going to see some small, slight wrinkles, but I’ll always been an aggressive fighter. Once I smell that blood, I’m going for it. We’re excited to show off a different side of Shawn Porter.”

The 33-year-old Formella (22-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in 2014 at the age of 26, racking up seven wins in the year before fighting and winning his first 10 round fight in 2015. He continued to rise up the rankings fighting in his native Hamburg, Germany, before capturing a regional title in 2018 by stopping Angelo Frank. He continues to ride his winning streak into his U.S. debut on August 22, having won three-straight 12 round decisions over Betuel Ushona, Thulani Mbenge and most recently Roberto Arriaza in January of this year.

“I have always said that I wanted to compete against the best, and now I have that chance on Saturday, August 22,” said Formella. “Even though the experts may think I’m the underdog, I have trained hard for this fight and will give everything I have in the ring. Shawn Porter is rightly a superstar in this weight class and I’m excited to get in the ring and test myself against him.”

Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) has used his height and length, combined with power and aggressiveness, to rack up an unbeaten record since turning pro in 2016. The 22-year-old most recently defeated previously unbeaten Daniel Lewis in his 2020 debut on February 22. Fighting out of Coachella, California, Fundora entered the ring three times in 2019, including TKO victories over then unbeaten fighters Donnie Marshall and Hector Manuel Zepeda, before an exciting split-draw against fellow contender Jamontay Clark.

“You have to be at your very best when there’s adversity, like this pandemic, and I will be the best version of myself when I face Gallimore,” said Fundora. “You’ve only got three choices in life: give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got. I always rise up to the toughest challenges that are put in front of me and I plan on doing it again on August 22.”

Fighting out of Chicago, the Jamaican-born Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) has faced an impressive lineup of top super welterweights throughout his career, having most recently dropped a decision to Erickson Lubin last October. The 33-year-old also owns a TKO victory over unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, and decision defeats against former unified 154-pound champion Julian Williams and current super welterweight titleholder Patrick Teixeira.

“I’m back working with my old trainer George Hernandez and I’m excited for everyone to see a new and improved fighter,” said Gallimore. “I have to go in there and prove myself. Fundora is a good fighter, but he’s never experienced the caliber of competition that I’ve fought. There are levels to this. I’m planning to to dominate each round. I just want everyone to tune in and catch the action because it’s going to be a fight to remember.”

The 20-year-old Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) has made fast strides since turning pro in February 2017. The Linden, Michigan native kicked off 2020 in January with a six-round decision victory over Erik Spring on FOX. That win built on an impressive four-win 2019 that he punctuated by stopping previously unbeaten Travis Gambardella in September. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old West (5-1, 3 KOs), who fights out of Davenport, Iowa and enters this fight the winner of his last two contests.

“This was the best training camp I ever had,” said Spencer. “I feel better than ever coming into fight week. I know I have a pretty tough opponent with a good record, so I want to come out and show how much I’ve grown during this time away from the ring.”

“I’m blessed to be back and do what I love,” said West. “Joey is a popular fighter who’s been molded and shaped for big situations and shows like this. I’m extremely excited to pick his brain and talk combat in the with him on Saturday night.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS–Tyson Fury was spectacular in wearing down, beating down and eventually stopping Deontay Wilder to win the WBC Heavyweight title at the MGM Grand.

Fury was the aggressor and used his 42 pound size advantage to dictate the entire bout that had Wilder showing little resistance.

Fury sent Wilder to the canvas in round three when he landed a cuffing right to the ear. After that, Wilder seemed to lose his energy as the Fury continued to wear Wilder down. The punch the that sent Wilder down also caused bleeding out the right ear of Wilder. In round five, Fury dropped Wilder again, this time it was a body shot. Fury continued to land thudding shots and Wilder kept looking worse with each landed Fury punch.

After looking bad in the corner in between round’s six and seven, Fury came and landed two booming right hand that had referee Kenny Bayless and the corner of Wilder throwing in the towel simultaneously at 1:39.

Fury, 273 lbs of Winslow, UK is now 30-0-1 with 21 knockouts. Wilder, 231 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 42-1-1.

TYSON FURY:

“A big shout out to Deontay Wilder. He came here tonight and he manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion.

“I hit him with a clean right that dropped him and he got back up. He is a warrior. He will be back. He will be champion again.

“But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!”

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m doing good. Things like this happen. The best man won tonight, but my corner threw in the towel and I was ready to go out on my shield. I had a lot of things going on heading into this fight. It is what it is, but I make no excuses tonight. I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield. I’m a warrior. He had a great performance and we will be back stronger.”

“Even the greatest have lost and came back, that is just part of it. You just take it for what it is. I can make no excuses tonight. I had a lot of complications. But we’ll come back stronger next time around. This is what big-time boxing is all about, the best must fight the best. I appreciate all the fans that came out and supported the show, and I hope that everyone gets home safely.”

Former Heavyweight champion Charles Martin scored a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger challenger in round six of their scheduled 12-round elimination bout.

The bout was void of action until Martin landed a booming left that sent Washington to the canvas. Washington got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Martin, 254 lbs of Carson, CA is 28-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Washington, 236 1/2 lbs of Vallejo, CA is 20-4-1.

CHARLES MARTIN

“I knew that I had him hurt a few times in the fight. Every round I think I hurt him, but I just couldn’t finish him. I knew that I had to take my time in there. It took me some rounds to catch up with him, because he’s very quick on the retreat.

“This win means a lot. It shows that I’ve been working hard. The people can see it. I was never hurt at any point. This has just given me more confidence in myself. I can take the punches and give the punches.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“The referee did what he thought was right. He’s a top notch ref so I won’t complain about the stoppage. He put me down and I got up, so I definitely wanted to get back to it.”

Emanuel Navarrete stopped Jeo Santisima in round 11 to retain the WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Navarrete dominated the action and finally was able to get Santisima out there with a brutal 11 punch flurry at 2:20 of round 11.

Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City is 31-1 with 27 knockouts. Santisima, 122 lbs of the Philippines is 19-3.

Sebastian Fundora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniel Lewis in a junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora began to bleed from the nose

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94 and is now 14-0-1. Lewis, 153 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 6-1.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I think it was a fair decision and a good fight. There were a lot of hard punches. I knew he would be tough. When they told me I was fighting an Olympian, I knew it would be a tough fight. He probably had more experience than me, but we prepared the right way and got the win.

“I always want to use my height and my physical gifts, but it just depends on the fight. If the situation changes, we have to be ready to adapt.

“Whether we’re fighting on the inside or the outside, I always want to be the busier fighter. The more punches you throw, the more you’re going to land. It’s the way I like to fight.

“I’ll have to talk to my team, but I want to keep facing the best competition possible and continue to grow in the sport.”

Javier Molina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Amir Imam in a junior welterweight bout.

Molina, 141 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 22-2. Imam, 141 1/2 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-3.

Petros Ananyan won an upset 10-round unanimous decision over previosuly undefeated knockout artist Subriel Matias in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Ananyan landed some booming shots that hurt Matias and drove him back to the ropes. Matias seemed out on his feet and for some reason referee Robert Byrd administered an eight-count.

That was the difference in the fight as Matias won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 twice for Ananyan, 142 lbs of Brooklyn, NY and is now 15-2-2. Matias, 142, Fajardo, PR is 15-1.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous over Matt Conway in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Flores dropped Conway with an overhand right. In round two, Conway started to swell around his right eye.

Flores, 132 1/2 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72, and is now 16-0. Conway, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 17-2.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Corey Champion in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Champion with a flush counter right. In round four, Champion was bleeding from his nose.

Mielnicki, 147 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 5-0. Champion, 147 lbs of Louisa, VA is 1-3.

In a foul fest 10 featherweight fight, Isaac Lowe won a unanimous decision over Alberto Guevara.

In round four, Guevara was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Low was deducted apoint for hitting on the break and then another one for throwing Guevara down.

In round five, Lowe was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Guevara was deducted for hitting on the break. Lowe was deducted another point in the round for hitting on the break. In round eight, Lowe dropped Guevara with a left hook.

Lowe, 125 1/2 lbs of Morecambe, UK won by scores of 96-87 twice and 95-88 and is now 20-0-3. Guevara, 126 lbs of Mazatlan, MEX is 27-6.

Rolando Romero stopped Arturs Ahmetovs in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Romero dropped Ahmetovs twice and the fight was stopped at 1:22 of round two.

Romero, 137 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Ahmetovs, 136 lbs of Delray Beach, FL is 5-1

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 30, 2020) — Three exciting, high-stakes showdowns have been added to the PPV undercard for the historic, mega PPV event headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury taking place Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-main event, former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin will square off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator. The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and includes the PPV featured bout as WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” defends his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima. In the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.
 
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
 
The 33-year-old Martin (27-2-1, 24 KOs) became heavyweight champion in January 2016 when he won by TKO against then unbeaten Vyacheslav Glazkov. After losing his title to Anthony Joshua, Martin has won four of his last five fights, with all of his wins coming inside the distance. Originally from St. Louis, now living in Las Vegas and currently training in Southern California with Manny Robles, Martin bounced back from a narrow decision defeat to Adam Kownacki in 2018 to earn victories in 2019 against Gregory Corbin in March and Daniel Martz in July.
 
“It is great to be back on the big stage,” said Martin. “Wilder vs. Fury II is the biggest heavyweight fight in a long time and it’s great to be on the PPV.  February 22 will get me one step closer to my goal of becoming two-time heavyweight champion. Gerald Washington is standing in my way, so it’s my job to go right through him toward my ultimate goal.”
 
Washington (20-3-1, 13 KOs) is a six-foot-six heavyweight contender who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Born in San Jose, California, Washington scored an impressive victory in his last outing, knocking out veteran contender Robert Helenius in July. Washington was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights, before dropping his world title challenge against Deontay Wilder in February 2017.
 
“This title eliminator is a very big opportunity for me and I’m going to do everything in my power to win on February 22,” said Washington. “I have the right team behind me and the right mindset. I’ve known Martin my whole career and we even spent some time working together in the ring. I’m going to be at my best and I expect the same from him. It’s an honor to be a part of an event like this. Deontay and Tyson are both characters and I’m glad I can be a part of what’s going to be a great night of boxing on February 22.”
 
Representing San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, México, Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) captured his 122-pound title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018, and emphatically retained the title by stopping Dogboe in the final round of their rematch in May 2019. The 25-year-old stayed busy after securing the title, scoring stoppage victories in successful title defenses in August, September and most recently in December, when he knocked out Francisco Horta in Mexico. He is boxing’s most active world champion, as the Santisima bout will be his fifth title defense in nine months.
 
“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”
 
The 23-year-old Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2013 as a 16-year-old and has not lost a fight since his fourth career contest in 2014. A native of Masbate City, Philippines, Santisima will ride a 17-fight winning streak into his U.S. debut and his first world title opportunity on February 22. His 2019 campaign saw him deliver victories over Alvius Maufani in August and Rene Dacquel in December.
 
“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”
 
Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora (13-0-1, 9 KOs) has used his height and length, combined with power and aggressiveness, to rack up an unbeaten record since turning pro in 2016. Fighting out of Coachella, California, Fundora fought three times in 2019, including TKO victories over then unbeaten fighters Donnie Marshall and Hector Manuel Zepeda. The 22-year-old most recently fought to an exciting split-draw against fellow contender Jamontay Clark in August.
 
A 2016 Olympian representing his native Sydney, Australia, Lewis (6-0, 4 KOs) was unbeaten in 2019, his first year as a professional. The 26-year-old picked up his first five wins between his debut in March and his U.S. debut in November where he defeated Alexis Gaytan. Most recently, Lewis knocked out then-unbeaten Rivo Kundimang in December.
 

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Erislandy Lara won the WBA Junior Middleweight title with a two round destruction over an overweight Ramon Alvarez at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In round two, Lara landed a hard left that knocked Alvarez through the ropes, which was scored a knockdown. Moments later, Lara landed two crushing lefts that hurt Alvarez bad, and the fight was stopped by referee Mark Nelson at 2:03.

Lara, 153 3/4 lbs of Houston is 26-3-3 with 15 knockouts. Alvarez, 158 1/2 lbs of Guadalajara, Mexico was 4 1/2 lbs over at Friday’s weigh in, falls to 28-8-3.

Jamontay Clark and Sebastian Fundora battled to a 10-round draw in a junior middleweight bout.

Clark won a card 96-94; Fundora took a card 98-92. One card read even at 95-95.

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA is 13-0-1. Clark, 154 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 16-1-1.

Clark outlanded Fundora 168-130.

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a stoppage over Victor Bisbal after round four of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Sanchez, 220 lbs of Miami is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Bisbal, 275 lbs of Salinas, PR is 21-4.

MINNEAPOLIS (August 22, 2019) – Fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Sanchez vs. Bisbal replaces the previously scheduled bout between former champions Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax, after Truax was forced to withdraw due to an Achilles injury.

Coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Ramon Alvarez in a 12-round bout for the WBA Super Welterweight title. The co-main event will see a pair of sensational young super welterweights collide as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

A former amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sanchez (12-0, 10 KOs) now lives in Las Vegas and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. Sanchez most recently scored a dominant second round stoppage over Jason Bergman at The Armory in July.

After representing Puerto Rico at the 2004 Olympic games, Bisbal (23-3, 17 KOs) won 21 of his first 22 pro fights, including a 16-fight winning streak from late 2006 until 2013. He suffered defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Magomed Abdusalamov before winning his last two fights heading into August 31. His last outing saw him Edson Roberto Dos Santos Borges in December 2018.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

MINNEAPOLIS (July 11, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara looks to get one step closer to returning to the world championship ranks when he battles Ramon Alvarez in a 12-round bout for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight title in the primetime main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

In the co-feature, former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Minneapolis-native Caleb “Golden” Truax will settle their unfinished business in a rematch as they again meet in an IBF Super Middleweight Title eliminator. In the TV opener, a pair of sensational young super welterweights collide as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in an eight or 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, go on sale Saturday, July 13 and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“This is a fantastic lineup of high-stakes matchups coming to FOX and FOX Deportes on August 31 and one that should deliver once again for the fans at The Armory in Minneapolis,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Each show has gotten bigger at bigger at The Armory, and this will be the biggest event yet. Erislandy Lara is a household name in the sport and he will look to make a statement against Ramon Alvarez that he’s still amongst the best at 154-pounds. With the rematch between Peter Quillin and Minnesota’s-own Caleb Truax set for the co-main event, there will be an electric atmosphere once again to spur these fighters to give their best performances.”

Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a title unification match in 2018 that was the unanimous “Fight of the Year”. Lara returned to the ring in March as he battled Brian Castano to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. This showdown against Alvarez can put Lara back in position reclaim the top spot in the position that he once owned.

The slick southpaw who was born in Guantanamo, Cuba and now lives in Houston has faced off against some of the most accomplished boxers at 154-pounds, including champions Saul Alvarez and Austin Trout. Lara reigned for four years after becoming the full world champion in 2014 and leading up to the fight against Hurd.

“I’m very excited to be headlining another great PBC event, this time on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Lara. “This fight against Ramon Alvarez is personal for me, as I have history with the Alvarez family. Expect another great fight and a spectacular performance. I can’t wait to perform at this tremendous venue in Minneapolis. Don’t miss this fight, because I’m going for the knockout.”

The 32-year-old Alvarez (28-7-3, 16 KOs) is the older brother of middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and will be fighting for just the second time in the U.S. In his first fight in the U.S. last November, the fighter from Guadalajara, Mexico lost to former world champion Brandon Rios. He bounced back from that loss with a decision victory over Jose Carlos Paz in his last fight on April 6.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for a chance at the world title,” said Alvarez. “I’ve worked hard my whole career for a fight like this and I’m going to take advantage. My brother beat Lara a few years back and I’m going to be the next Alvarez to beat Lara.”

Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) thought he was on his way to a victory when he met Truax in their first fight on April 13 in an FS1 PBC Fight Night main event. He had taken the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards before the action was halted when a deep cut over Truax’s right eye, caused by an accidental head butt, brought an end to the fight and resulted in a no-decision.

The 36-year-old Quillin, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Brooklyn, heads back to Truax’s hometown looking to secure his world title shot at super middleweight. Quillin is a former world champion at 160-pounds, having won a middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam in 2012 before defending it successfully three times.

“I’m going to finish what I started this time,” said Quillin. “I’m treating this like any other fight and working hard to put on my best performance August 31. I was in control of the first fight and ready to go for it. I’ll be ready again for a dominant statement when we get back in the ring.”

The 35-year-old Truax (30-4-2, 19 KOs) said post fight that he had planned to wear Quillin down in the later rounds of their April clash that was cut short. He will have the opportunity to implement his plan and earn a shot at becoming a two-time world champion in front of his hometown crowd on August 31.

Truax went to England and upset James DeGale for the IBF title by majority decision in one of 2017’s biggest upsets. He lost the title in a close unanimous decision in the rematch in 2018. A former college football standout from St. Michael, Minnesota, Truax turned pro in 2007 and has faced some of the best boxers at middleweight and super middleweight in his career, including Quillin, DeGale, Daniel Jacobs and Anthony Dirrell.

“I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to run it back against Peter Quillin at home again at The Armory,” said Truax. “The ending of the first fight was a huge buzzkill to what had shaped up to be a great night. We obviously have unfinished business and I am again confident I will get the job done.”

The 6-foot-6 Fundora (13-0, 9 KOs) has begun to display tremendous power and has stopped his last five opponents inside of the distance. The 21-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California typically has a height and reach advantage over most of his opponents and makes the most of it. His last two fights have seen him knockout previously unbeaten fighters in Hector Manuel Zepeda in June and Donnie Marshall in February on FOX.

“I’m very focused right now on training hard, taking it day-by-day and giving a great performance on August 31,” said Fundora. “I’m preparing for an experienced fighter and a good chess match. This is one of the tallest guys I’ve fought as a pro, plus he’s a southpaw. I’m ready for a challenge and following my team’s guidance to be at my best.”

The 24-year-old Clark (14-1, 7 KOs) suffered the only loss of his pro career when he dropped a unanimous decision to Jeison Rosario at The Armory in Minneapolis on August 24. The Cincinnati-native bounced back from that loss with a unanimous decision victory over then unbeaten Vernon Brown in his last fight on March 24. He returns to The Armory for the tallest order of his career against Fundora, with the winner set to shoot up the 154-pound rankings.

“I’m feeling really strong right now and ready to show the new Jamontay Clark on August 31,” said Clark. “I’m going to show everyone how the shorter fighter can out box a taller opponent. I know he’s got length and throws a lot of punches, but I’ll be ready for everything he brings. This is the start of a new beginning. I’m bringing the pressure and pain for this one.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

SLOAN, Iowa – June 20, 2019 – Undefeated super welterweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda both made weight a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts Friday night live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

The 21-year-old Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs), who was officially measured today at six-foot-five-and-a-half inches, has knocked out his last four opponents and started 2019 in electrifying fashion with a third-round knockout of then 10-0 Donnie Marshall. Said to be the tallest 154-pound boxer in the division’s history, Fundora faces Mexico’s Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs), a busy, five-year veteran who will celebrate his 22^nd birthday on fight night.

In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the opening bout of the tripleheader which boasts six fighters with a combined record of 90-1, undefeated prospect Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from WinnaVegas Casino.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout 

Sebastian Fundora – 152 ¾ lbs. 

Manuel Zepeda – 152 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

Lightweight 8-Round Bout 

Michel Rivera – 134 ½ lbs.

Rene Giron – 135 lbs.

Referee: Adam Pollack; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

Lightweight 8-Round Bout 

Yeis Solano – 134 ½ lbs.

Elias Araujo – 133 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

FINAL QUOTES:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA:

“I’m used to people focusing on my height. I’ve always been the tallest fighter in my division and in my age bracket. It’s not going to go away and I understand why people talk about it. If anything, it helps me get more publicity so it’s a good thing.

“I usually bring the fight to my opponents. I think the best defense is a good offense. It’s natural for me to fight on the inside because that’s what my father taught me when I was younger.

“This fight is just another stepping stone for me. It’s just another step to get higher in the rankings and get closer to a title shot.

“My opponent is taller than most fighters I’ve faced. I don’t know much about Zepeda but I know he comes from a boxing family and that usually makes for good fights. I’m expecting fireworks. We’ll take it round by round but I know what the fans like, and that’s knockouts.”

MANUEL ZEPEDA:

“Everybody is talking about Fundora’s height but it’s not that important to me. They are putting so much attention on it but this is a 50-50 fight. I think that I can win and I just hope that at the end of the fight we will go home to our families healthy.

“This will be my first time fighting somebody taller than me but I don’t feel at a disadvantage. I am very well prepared. This is a great opportunity for me. It’s a dream for me to be fighting here in the U.S. on television.

“Fundora has a Mexican style of fighting. He likes to come forward so I think the fans will be in for a great fight. This will be exciting and all-action.  I’m prepared for 10 rounds but that’s not what I’m planning for.

“I’m going to use my intelligence and my ability to box. Fundora has never fought somebody with the skills that I have. I will read him and adjust my gameplan. I’ll capitalize on his mistakes.”

MICHEL RIVERA:

“I’m happy to be making my U.S. debut. I love the Dominican Republic but the opportunities are not the same over there. That’s why I’m slowly moving my training camp to Miami. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been training with Luis Ortiz’s trainer, German Caicedo. I can already feel the difference.

“Giron is a strong boxer but nothing that I haven’t seen before. He is a Mexican and he is always looking to fight. He’s small but he’s a warrior. I am prepared for every scenario. I don’t think he has enough skills to counter me. I believe I’m the better fighter and that I can win this fight.”

RENE TELLEZ GIRON:

“I’m usually the smaller fighter, so this is nothing different for me.

“This is my first time ever in the U.S. but I’m not worried about that. I’ve traveled to different places and challenged champions. I went to Ukraine and beat an undefeated fighter, so I am looking forward to a great fight.

“Rivera is a great fighter. To be undefeated is no easy feat, so of course he should be respected. But to me, this is just another fight and that’s how I will treat it. I came here to get the win.”

YEIS SOLANO:

“I’m so happy I finally get to fight on television in the United States. I’ve been here for 11 months, training very hard. I know a lot of fighters come to this country looking for their dreams to come true, trying to succeed, but not everybody makes it. I’m determined to make it and I will.

“Things are very different in Colombia. The level of sparring you can get there is not as good as the sparring partners I can get here. Training camps are different. You work harder here.

“I’m actually happy I’m fighting Elias Araujo instead of my previous opponent. Romero was a runner, he moved around a lot and that made him hard to pin down. Araujo, on the other hand, stands in front of you and comes forward. I like that. He’s a good match for my style.

“I can pack a punch. I have power and a mean left. I’m not concerned about Araujo. I’m winning on Friday night.”

ELIAS ARAUJO:

“Soccer was my passion for most of my life; I wanted to be like Lionel Messi. But that changed the very first time I went to a boxing match.  A friend of mine invited me to his amateur fight in Rufino, Santa Fe and that was it.  I fell in love with boxing.

“I started boxing at 25, that’s late for a boxer but I have been an athlete my entire life. I don’t feel I’m at a disadvantage. I was offered this fight a few weeks ago, and I took it, of course. I’ve been in training camp with Sebastian Fundora, the main event of this card. This is my time to shine.

“Argentina is a good place to start your boxing career but it has its limitations. Coming to the United States was the next step for me. There are more resources here: better sparring partners, more money and more opportunities.

“There are a lot of champions from my home state [Santa Fe]: Carlos Monzon, Marcos Maidana, Carlos Baldomir, even Lucas Matthysse can be considered from Santa Fe since he kind of grew up there. I want my name to be added to that list one day. I want to be the next boxing powerhouse that comes from Santa Fe, Argentina.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more

NEW YORK – June 18, 2019 – Undefeated super welterweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda are ready to clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, June 21, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, and to open the telecast, undefeated prospect Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents, start at $10 and are currently on sale at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Fundora, (12-0, 8 KOs), already standing at an amazing six-foot-seven inches, continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively. Already believed to be the tallest 154-lb fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight.

“I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”

Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, is thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.

“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on SHOWTIME,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name to headline. I will put on a great show. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s right-handed and about six feet tall. I’m not concerned, I’ve had over 100 amateur fights and I’ve faced different sizes and styles so I’m ready for anything.”

Fundora, originally from Coachella, Calif., spent the first half of training camp sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed camp in Laguna Beach. After the grueling training camp, he believes his work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales is paying off.

“I’m not only getting taller, I’m also getting stronger,” Fundora said. “I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power is increasing fight after fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight so I stay in shape at all times.”

Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, is happy with his son’s growth.

“Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused,” he said. “With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has which are his strength, power and boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both of these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show Friday.”

It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora.

“Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”

Tijuana, Mexico’s Manuel Zepeda, (17-0, 4 KOs) knows Fundora won’t be an easy fight, but he’s not worried because he’s been preparing for this opportunity his entire life.

“Fundora is a big guy for the division,” said the 21-year-old Zepeda. “He’s talented, but I prepared very hard for this fight. I’m ready to give it all on Friday night. This is my first fight in the U.S. and I have been waiting my whole life for this.”

An intelligent boxer especially skilled at fighting on the inside, Zepeda has been working hard with long-time trainer Romulo Quirarte at Crea Gym in Tijuana.

“I have learned a lot in this camp,” said Zepeda. “Fundora is very different to the guys that I’ve fought before. He’s a tall lefty, so I had to make a lot of changes to how I normally do things. I have been sparring with lefties and tall guys like [former world champions] Antonio Demarco and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I’ve been working hard. I’m ready for him. I’m confident I’ll get the win.”

Zepeda, son of respected super lightweight veteran Ernesto “Baby” Zepeda, is proud to come from a family of boxers.

“I come from a boxing family. My dad and my uncle were boxers. My dad fought for a world title and my uncle was a national champion. I was born with gloves on. I’ve been around boxing my entire life, that’s why I have such a passion for the sport. My father has been guiding me throughout my career, advising me, teaching me. I’m very lucky to have him. I’ve learned so much from him. I’m planning on winning on Friday night. My time has come.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Undefeated super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, standing at an amazing 6-foot-seven inches, says he continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively.

On Friday, June 21, Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., faces Hector Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight bout as the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, and to open the telecast, undefeated lightweight prospect Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face a former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Already believed to be the tallest 154-lb fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight.

“I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”

Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, says he’s thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.

“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on SHOWTIME! I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name for this. I will be coming to put on a great show for them. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s righthanded and about six feet tall. It doesn’t matter. I had over 100 amateur fights. When I was younger, I’d go to five-day-long tournaments and all the fighters I faced would be different sizes and styles. I’m ready for anything.”

The 21-year-old spent the first half of his camp for this fight sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed campt in Laguna Beach. His work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales, Fundora says, is paying off.

“I’m not only getting taller. I’m also getting stronger. I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power gets stronger in every fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight. That’s like fighting two different battles at once, so I stay in shape at all times.”

Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, says he’s happy with his son’s growth.

“Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused. With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has. His strength and power and his boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show in there Friday.”

It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora. Before becoming a TV favorite and “one to watch” prospect, Fundora first had to prove himself to promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, known for his eye for raw talent in boxing.

“Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”

Friday’s event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

NEW YORK – May 24, 2019 – Six talented prospects will each put their undefeated records on the line in the next edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, June 21 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Billed as “Someone’s O Must Go,” the exciting night of fights will feature six boxers with a combined record of 91 wins and no defeats. Since the developmental prospect series debuted in 2001, a total of 186 boxers have lost their undefeated record on ShoBox.

In the main event, southpaw Sebastian Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., faces Hector Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight bout. In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, Argentina’s Jose Romero (21-0, 7 KOs) battles Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) of Colombia, also in an eight-round lightweight fight.

“In the 18-year history of ShoBox: The New Generation, we have yet to feature a tripleheader with all young, undefeated prospects who are also making their ShoBox debuts,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of the series since its inception in 2001. “These promising prospects have a combined record of 91-0 and hope to join the current list of 80 fighters who fought on the series and went on to become world champions. This is a show not to be missed.”

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

“I’m very proud to present these future champions on ShoBox: The New Generation, a show that has built so many careers and champions,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “It’s very exciting to present so many undefeated fighters against each other in one event. Every one of these fighters are putting their young careers on the line and three of them will move forward and three will step back that night.”

Nicknamed “The Towering Inferno” and trained by his father, the 21-year-old Fundora fought three times in 2018 and has been called the tallest 154-pound boxer in the division’s history. Often holding a five- to eight-inch height advantage over his opponents, Fundora has knocked out his last four opponents and started 2019 in electrifying fashion with a third-round knockout of then 10-0 Donnie Marshall. Nine of his 12 wins have come against opponents with winning records.

“It’s an honor to be the headliner on a ShoBox event,” said Fundora, originally from West Palm Beach, Fla., whose all-action style has been compared to former world champion Antonio Margarito. “My opponent, Hector Zepeda, is from a respected Tijuana boxing family and he will be very tough. A victory over an undefeated fighter like Zepeda will be a big step forward for me. Training is going well, and I’ll be more than ready to give the fans another exciting performance on June 21.”

Also 21-years-old, Zepeda is a busy, five-year veteran who goes by the nickname “Baby” and who fought five times in 2018. His father Ernesto Zepeda is a former professional boxer and he’s trained by noted Mexican trainer Romulo Quirarte. During his career, Ernesto sparred all-time great Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. and Hector is a currently sparring with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Zepeda is coming off a unanimous decision win over Giovanny Gonzalez on May 18 in Tijuana. In February, Zepeda scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Javier Gutierrez Montenegro.

“This is the first opportunity that has been presented to me at this caliber,” Zepeda said. “Fundora is a strong fighter, much taller than most. He loves to exchange blows and I am sure this is going to be a great fight. Training is going great. I am working very hard physically and mentally to leave everything inside the ring June 21. A victory over Fundora on SHOWTIME will open doors, so that a lot of people will know who I am and open the way for better things in my career.”

The 21-year-old Rivera from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a hard-hitting three-year professional fighting for the first time in the United States. Rivera has stopped five of his last six opponents and was last seen scoring a two-round stoppage over Argentina’s Carlos Daniel Cordoba in January. He has faced eight fighters with winning records, including two who were previously undefeated.

“I am super excited to have this opportunity to fight on ShoBox,” Rivera said. “That is where all boxers dream to fight on, especially those with less opportunities like me. My opponent is shorter than me and fights at half-distance and likes to counterattack. He uses his jab a lot and is used to fighting bigger rivals. He’s also more active the first three rounds, then starts to lower the intensity. I need to be aware of his overhand right.”

The 20-year-old Tellez Giron is a native of Queretaro, Mexico. The undefeated slugger known as “El Bravo” is an almost four-year professional with a reputation for fighting in his opponents’ backyard and still coming away victorious. An accomplished amateur, Tellez Giron had 180 amateur fights starting at the age of 12 and was a state, regional and national champion, as well as Golden Gloves champ. He turned pro at the age of 15 and in 2018 traveled to Ukraine where he captured the vacant WBC Youth Silver title. In his last fight, he stopped fellow Mexican Mario Enrique Martinez in two rounds in December of last year. He has faced nine fighters with winning records, including five who were undefeated.

“In reality, to me, this is just another fight,” Tellez Giron said. “I have been in tough fights before and this is nothing new for me. I am aiming for bigger and better things, so I feel very motivated because this is the time to demonstrate what I have and to show everyone what I am made of. Rivera is a strong fighter, who likes to use distance. I also know that he is very disciplined.”

The 23-year-old Romero is a native of Cordoba, Argentina. He won the World Boxing Council Latino Super Featherweight Title in November 2017 and defended it twice. He is also the current Argentina (FAB) Super Featherweight Title and International Boxing Federation Latino Super Featherweight Champion.

“I am a proud champion of Argentina, but now I’m ready to do what so many of my great countrymen have done and bring my skills to the world,” said Romero, fighting for the first time in the U.S. “It is a great honor to fight on SHOWTIME, where so many champions have fought before me. From my pro debut, my promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has promised me this chance and now it’s here. I will not blow it. I am training like all my dreams depend on winning. They do.”

Solano is a 26-year-old native of Monteria, Colombia. The hard-punching Solano is a former World Boxing Association Fedebol Lightweight Champion and in 2012 placed third in the Colombia National Games. In his last fight, he scored a five-round stoppage over Jesus Manuel Sandoval in October 2018. He is currently training at Compton Boxing Gym in Compton, Calif., and is trained by Jose Ponce, Sr. and his son Jose Ponce, Jr.

“I feel very fortunate to have this platform to showcase my talent,” Solano said. “My opponent has an extensive record and I know he’s a good fighter and, like me, I know that he is probably preparing for a war. I look forward to demonstrating all the hard work I am putting in for this fight and at the end of the fight, I will continue to be undefeated.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has a proven ability to bring unexpected new blood to boxing.

The Uruguayan businessman has given the boxing world, among others, hall-of-fame world champions Manny Pacquiao, Sergio Martinez, and David Benavidez, the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history, from seemingly out of nowhere.

Still, when he started claiming that 6′ 7” super welterweight Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora was his next great find, some found it hard to believe. How could a fighter that thin absorb punishment from, and match power with, more muscular, traditional-sized 154-lb fighters?

To be sure he had the goods once again, Lewkowicz has continued to test the 21-year-old giant, putting him in with quality opponents from the start of their association.

And true to Lewkowicz’s word, Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) has passed every test with flying colors. And after taking away three fighters’ undefeated records in nationally televised showdowns, he continues picking up speed as “contender to watch” in one of the sport’s most exciting and talent-rich divisions.

This past Saturday night, February 16, Fundora was back in action, in an eight-round super welterweight battle against 30-year-old Donnie Marshall (now 10-1, 6 KOs) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and live nationally on PBC on FOX.

And once again, he didn’t disappoint.

Fundora needed under three rounds to drop and stop (time 1:08) the formerly undefeated Marshall in a performance that had legendary boxing figures and TV commentators Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen praising him as a “machine” and a “bad dude.”

“Everyone is finding out what my dad and I already knew,” said Fundora of himself and his father/trainer Freddy. “We knew I could do this and do it well before anybody else. Now the secret is out.”

Unlike other tall fighters, Fundora likes it rough and on the inside. He comes forward constantly, whipping southpaw lefts and wicked uppercuts while showing an iron chin and fantastic cardio conditioning.

It was one of those uppercuts that dropped Marshall and started the end of the fight.

“The uppercut is so natural for me to throw hard and people talk about my uppercut a lot, but I always feel like my straight left is my best punch,” he continued. “The uppercut knocked him down, but the one that made it clear the fight was over was that straight left I hit him with after he got up.”

Overall, Fundora, who at 21 and with just 12 fights, says he’s still five or six fights away from taking on a top-10 foe, but admits he’s happy with his performance and of the glowing reviews he received.

“It feels good hearing stuff like that from legends like Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen. I’m pretty happy with my performance. I thought I looked good. I called my brother after the fight. He asked why was I getting hit with unnecessary punches? If felt like I could walk over this guy pretty easily and not have to protect myself. I will work on defense for next time, but I didn’t have to worry about it as much against him. The only thing that scared me about this fight is we slid on the ice driving up to Big Bear for training camp. That could have been pretty bad.”

Fundora says the talk is he will be back in early May.

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About Sampson Boxing

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

Omar Figueroa Jr. remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. in a welterweight bout.

Figueroa, 144.5 lbs of Weslcao, TX won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 28-0-1. Molina, 144.2 lbs of
Covina, CA is 30-8.

Sebastian Fundora stopped Donnie Marshall in round three of a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora had some blood on his face. In round three, Fundora dropped Marshall with a hard left uppercut. Fundora continued to batter Marshall on the ropes until referee Jerry Cantu stop the bout at 1:08.

Fundora, 153 lbs of Cochella, CA is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Marshall, 153.2 lbs of Buffalo is 10-1.

LOS ANGELES (January 24, 2019) – Featherweight challenger Miguel Flores suffered an ankle injury in training and was forced to drop out of his match against WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Stepping up to replace Flores is Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera, a 24-year-old contender from Tijuana, Mexico.

The televised undercard will also feature a battle of unbeaten super welterweight prospects as sensational Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fondura takes on Donnie Marshall in an eight-round match that will kick off the television coverage at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The co-feature is an exciting 12-round junior welterweight clash between unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Rivera (26-2-2, 17 KOs) is no stranger to stepping into tough challenges on short notice. One of his losses came when he stepped in as a late replacement to take on Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in September 2017 and lost by decision. In his next fight he lost a split decision to unbeaten Joet Gonzalez on July 13. He rebounded with a knockout victory over Jose Ramos in his last fight on October 19 and will now step up to face the toughest challenge of his career on February 16.

At 6-foot-6, the unbeaten Fundora (11-0, 7 KOs) has made a name for himself with his stature and skills inside the ring. The 21-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California blazed through 2018 by stopping all three of his opponents by knockout, including previously unbeaten Ve Shawn Owens in April and most recently Jeremiah Wiggins in November.

The 30-year-old Marshall (10-0, 6 KOs) is from Raleigh, North Carolina and also had a busy 2018, fighting four times and scoring two stoppage wins. He earned unanimous decision over Javier Frazier in his last fight on November 30.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is wishing super welterweight prospect Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora a happy 21st birthday today (December 28).

Fundora, the undefeated southpaw (11-0, 7 KOs) has the double distinction of being one of the hottest young fighters in boxing at 154 lbs. and, standing at a mind-blowing 6’ 7”, is also the tallest fighter to ever compete in the division.

Fundora is currently hard at work with father/trainer Freddy Fundora in Coachella, California, preparing to face also undefeated Donnie Marshall (10-0, 6 KOs) early next year.

“I celebrated with my family Christmas morning, but we got right back to work later that day,” said Fundora of his training through the holidays. “We train hard for everybody, no matter their record.”

Used to often having up to a foot of height advantage over his opponents, Fundora says he’s actually happy that, at over 6’, Marshall is also on the tall side for the division. “I want to give the fans a good fight, but I expect a victory. The fact that he’s over six feet tall makes no difference to me. It’s maybe even easier because I don’t have to bend my knees as much.”

Fundora has only been a professional for just over two years, but has made the most of it by beating undefeated fighters, including Minnesota’s then 9-0 Ve Shawn Owens on national television, as well as several other tough tests.

“It feels good that people are already recognizing my skills and work,” he continued. “Hopefully by the end of this year, I’ll be ready to take on rated guys and fight for titles. That’s my plan.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says Fundora is headed for big things this coming year.

“I already have boxing’s youngest super middleweight champion in history, WBC Champion David Benavidez, and soon I will have the tallest junior middleweight champ in history as well,” said a proud Lewkowicz. Sebastian will be impossible to stop at 154. It is only a matter of time.”

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About Sampson Boxing

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