PITBULL VS. ROACH MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

SAN ANTONIO – December 3, 2025 – Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and reigning WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach kicked off fight week events Wednesday with an open to the public media workout before they meet for Cruz’s Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title this Saturday, December 6 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

The media workout also featured two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., who takes on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster for Foster’s title in the co-main event.

Also working out Wednesday were WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez, who meet in a 160-pound world title fight, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and top contender Shane Mosley Jr., who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

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

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with MP Promotions, ProBox Promotions and BXSTRS.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from the Event Center at Pica Pica Plaza in San Antonio:

ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

“It’s been five years since I was here in San Antonio and I’m so glad to be back. I’m here to put on a show. The love means so much to me and I’m gonna give that love right back.

“This is a very important fight and I’m prepared both physically and mentally to take this win home on Saturday.

“In 2020 we started off the pay-per-view in San Antonio and now I’m here headlining the pay-per-view. I have to make this fight another seminal moment in my career.

“I can promise you that this is gonna be an exciting fight, round after round. And I’m gonna get the win.”

LAMONT ROACH

“San Antonio is great and I’m glad to be back. I can’t wait to put on a show for everyone on Saturday night.

“It fuels me to carry the weight of my city on my back and come in here and perform like I’m supposed to.

“It feels good to be here reaping the benefits on my hard work. I’m gonna continue headlining and continue to be a big name in the sport.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“The most important thing is to become the first three-division world champion from Philadelphia and stamp my legacy.

“To come from the city I come from, to accomplish something that none of the other great fighters have accomplished, it means everything to me.

“I love the energy of the fans here. I’ve fought in Texas multiple times and gotten multiple knockouts here.

“You’re gonna see a great performance, but if the knockout is there, I’m definitely gonna put on a hell of a show for everyone out there.”

ERISLANDY LARA

“I’m just focused on fighting, no matter who the opponent is. I’m not even gonna mention that guy’s name cause he doesn’t deserve it.

“I’m glad to be on this big card. It means a lot. We’re gonna go out there prepared and see what our opponent does and take it from there.”

JOHAN GONZALEZ

“I’m really excited about getting this opportunity. I’m here and I’m here to win. I’m here to shock the world.

“Before the fight against Jarrett Hurd I trained hard, stayed disciplined and got the win. This is no different. My fundamentals and my hunger to be the best will make the difference.

“I’m gonna put on a show for everyone. I’m not gonna let anyone down. That’s the most important thing to me.

“I’m still coming down to earth about the excitement I’m feeling to get this opportunity. On Saturday it will be a new feeling to become world champion.

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’m here to stop his momentum. We’re gonna give the fans a show. This is a big moment for me. I’m blessed to be here fighting in Texas for the first time and I’m gonna enjoy it.

“I’m gonna show everything on Saturday night. I’ve got a lot to my game and I’ve been working hard to show everyone.

“I love to fight regularly and put on a show. Hopefully I can keep it up next year and carry the momentum from Saturday night.

SHANE MOSLEY JR.

“This is what we fight for. Championships, to be on a great stage with great fans. I’m excited and I’m living the dream.

“A win would mean everything. It would make everyone who’s had my back proud. I’m fighting for them.

“I feel like Ramos is undefeated right now, so it’s a big opportunity for me to beat him decisively. We get to set the tone for this card and I can’t wait.”

# # #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. ROACH

Pitbull vs. Roach will see Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz step into the ring against reigning WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach for the Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title headlining a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, December 6 from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

The pay-per-view will see two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, moving up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster, a native of Orange, Texas, in a 130-pound world title fight that serves as the co-main event.

The pay-per-view action will also feature WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending his world title against hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez.

Plus, rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. duels top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title opening the pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin will make his return to the ring against former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round super lightweight showdown that tops a loaded three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup.

The streaming presentation will also feature undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero dueling hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a 10-round all-Mexican 154-pound showdown, plus rising unbeaten super featherweight Luis “The Twist” Nunez faces Argentinian contender Hector Sosa in the 10-round opening bout at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

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

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with MP Promotions, ProBox Promotions and BXSTRS.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullRoach, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. O’SHAQUIE FOSTER VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – September 24, 2025 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster previewed their battle of champions during a virtual press conference Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, October 25 as the co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Fulton and Foster will battle for Foster’s 130-pound world title in a champion vs. champion duel between two fighters who’ve now gone back-and-forth during multiple media events proclaiming their confidence in victory on October 25.

The jam-packed four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is topped by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora looking to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman, who hopes to bolster his Hall of Fame credentials with another signature victory in the main event.

Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.

In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

Here is what Fulton and Foster had to say Wednesday:

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Fans can expect an action-packed fight. We’re two young, hungry fighters putting it all on the line and leaving everything in the ring. We’re gonna get in there and throw that leather. I will become three-division world champion.

“He’s a fighter and he believes in his skills. Same as me. I can’t say anything bad about that. My job is to show him that there are levels and that experience matters. I’m gonna show my talent as well.

“This fight is helping to put me in the Hall of Fame. It would help stamp it. That’s why it’s an important fight for me.

“We’re taking things away from his game and focusing on my strengths. We’re going to make enhancements with everything we do. We’re working hard.

“I think I gained more than I lost, especially in my mental space, since fighting Naoya Inoue. That’s allowed me to fight better. I’m in a better headspace and really that loss is the best thing to happen to me. I know not to put my energy into things I can’t control. If my mental is perfect, I fight perfect.

“I’m gonna be a lot better in this fight at this weight. I’m going to be more comfortable and closer to the weight I rehydrate to. There’s no step too big when you’re trying to be great.

“I’m just in a good space right now. I’m happy and enjoying myself. I don’t have to take it too seriously. That makes me a better version of myself in the ring.

“My mentality changed from losing and seeing who turned their back and how people treated me. Those life lessons forced me to be patient. I take that patience into the ring as well. It’s a fast-paced sport, but you have to be patient.

“A lot of people say he’s gonna win and a lot of people say I’m gonna win. But none of those opinions matter when we get into the ring.

“I understand his frustrations, but business is business. I’ve been in that space before and know how things go. I just let things go as they go.”

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER

“It’s gonna be fireworks, but we’re standing on business. That belt isn’t going anywhere.

“I thought he had nervous energy at our first face off. Whatever energy I bring, I’m bringing the same energy every time. I have to look at these people like they’re taking something off my plate. But I’m not playing.

“This is the biggest moment of my career because this fight will take me where I want to go in the sport. This is the most important fight of my career.

“This isn’t gonna be like Terence Crawford moving up in weight. That’s not happening. I’m handling business.

“I didn’t think it was that great a performance from Fulton in the rematch against Brandon Figueroa. It was a good performance and he won, but I feel like people are trying to make it something it’s not. I thought he was actually better in the first fight.

“I don’t think about the judges too much. If I’m worried about that, I won’t fight to my full ability. The first fight with Robson Conceicao though did teach me to not be complacent and finish strong. I’m not trying to let it go to decision. I have to be consistent the whole fight.

“We could say I had a rough last year and I feel like ever since then, people don’t think I’m worthy of my status. People think it’s sweet. But I know my potential and I’ve made some changes. So you’re gonna see a different me. I’m gonna be the best, sharpest fighter that I’ve been.

“I feel like I’m being disrespected. We’re fighting for my title. That’s where all my energy came from at the first press conference. I’m planning on making everyone pay for it on October 25.

“The Fulton fight is the perfect opportunity for me to get an opponent who’s more accomplished in front of me. He’s a good name on my resume. We’ve been watching him and it’s a good fight that came across our table.

“I’ve just been sharpening my tools the whole time while this fight was being locked in. I’ve just been making sure that I’m gonna be the most skilled when I get into the ring.”

# # #

ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN

Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora look to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.

The lineup also features rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.

The jam-packed four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero facing -hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in an all-Mexican 154-pound showdown.

Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraThurman, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – September 3, 2025 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face-to-face for first time Wednesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference also featured, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, and WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster, who meet in a 130-pound world title fight in the co-main event.

Also in attendance Wednesday were rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr., who duels top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with Mexico’s unbeaten rising super welterweight Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero against an opponent to be determined.

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

Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Fulton vs. Foster is promoted in association with Top Rank.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from The Mayan in Los Angeles:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“Keith was one of the pound-for-pound best, but it’s time for a new champion and I believe I can be the face of this sport. I can’t wait for fight night and we’ll see you in the ring on October 25.

“I do believe I’m the best at 154 right now. I’m focused on continuing this reign and doing what I’ve been doing.

“A win would continue to show that I’m doing the right thing. We’ve come so far headlining a pay-per-view as the ‘A-side’ and it shows how blessed I am. I’m gonna keep doing my job and keep winning.

“The fans want to see their favorite fighters fight. I’m glad that I’m in the ring constantly and I’m grateful for the opportunities.

“While I was coming up I was taking tough fights and learning on the job. Now at this level, everyone you fight is tough. But we learned on the way and it’s got me prepared for this moment.

“This is gonna be a great fight. I’m happy that I have an opponent like Thurman who comes to bang and is ready to make it an exciting night.

“In boxing, anything can happen. But we train very hard to win and that’s the only thing we plan on doing on October 25.”

KEITH THURMAN

“This is what the sport is all about. You put Thurman’s name next to anybody and I guarantee you it’s gonna be a fight you won’t wanna miss.

“I’m about to conquer Mount Everest himself. They call him ‘The Towering Inferno’, but I’ve been in the fire. This is what I live for right here. This is the top of the sport.

“Once I get the WBC title, people won’t have a reason to say no to a Keith Thurman fight. I’ve been waiting through the setbacks. With the truly great champions, you can’t stop them from becoming champion once again.

“This is gonna be an action packed fight with all these fighters, but I guarantee that the main event is gonna be a don’t blink battle of champions.

“I had to stay on the sidelines over the summer to make this happen. This is a beautiful opportunity to step up. You have to see it to believe it, and I truly believe it’s gonna be timber on October 25.

“Everything that’s happened in the past is water under the bridge. All you can do today is put your best foot forward. I’ve been through so much throughout my career. But here I am right here right now, back where I belong.

“Last year I was down the street at a press conference to fight Tim Tszyu, and Fundora was on the stage. You all know the story of what happened next. He elevated himself to this status and he’s earned what he has today.

“I guess you can call me the ‘OG’ or whatever you want. But I’m here today because of the love I have in my heart for boxing. I love making people love boxing. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what big fights are all about.

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“I’m not really focused on the title of becoming a three-division champion. I’m motivated by fighting other champions. That’s why I moved up in weight. But it will feel great to accomplish my goals.

“I’m a big boy and I feel good at the weight. I feel really good. I’m a dog. I don’t care how big people are. I’ve fought the biggest and strongest.

“We’re back October 25. I’m thankful to everyone who put this fight together and I’ll see you in the ring.

“I’m a three-division world champion on October 25. I don’t have to say much. That’s my end goal and I’m gonna accomplish it.

“He’s saying everything he’s supposed to say right now. I understand where he’s at. It’s what I expected.

“I don’t really care what people or other fighters have to say. Sometimes I feel like they’re just speaking from nerves.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m not about the back and forth. It’s just nerves from him. I don’t get phased by size or what people say. My experience talks and my heart talks. I don’t have to put on a façade.

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER

“October 25 is gonna be a great night. I’m coming to put on a dominant show. I know my opponent is gonna be ready, but we’re gonna be sending him back down. Trust me.

“It’s gonna be domination. I’m gonna put on a show and I’m gonna look good doing it.

“You’re going back down and you’re gonna defend that title. I’m gonna show everyone who’s doubting me. I’m gonna show y’all. I’m gonna talk and I’m gonna show you.

“For me this is the biggest moment of my career. It’s the first time on pay-per-view and I’m against my most accomplished opponent.

“All I have to do is go make a statement against him and put on a show. Once I show everyone what I’m really about, there won’t be any questions about me.

“He’s coming from 122-pounds if we’re being real. He’s just walking around heavy. I think it’s gonna play a factor but it’s my skills that are gonna pay the bills.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’ve had an active year and I’m excited to get another one in before the year ends. Mosley’s gonna have to show up to fight night, and I’ll handle the rest.

“Mosley has some good momentum coming into his fight and he’s beaten good names. He can be the perfect fighter if you allow him to be. He’s very technical, but we’re gonna make him uncomfortable and try to get him out of there.

“I feel like I can bring new energy to the middleweight division and be the face of the division. It all starts on October 25.

“Being on big cards and having experienced all of that gives me a different confidence. I’m excited to showcase my talent on a big card with so much talent on it.

“I’m coming to knock Mosley out. That’s the mindset. I’m gonna try every round to inflict more damage than the previous round. We’re gonna break him down.

“Middleweight will be a good weight class for me. I think the extra six pounds will be to my benefit. The power has translated so far and I think it’ll be more of the same on October 25.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“We are all pumped up for this card. The 154-pound division is the hottest in boxing today. There’s some great fights in the division scheduled for the next few months, but we’ve got the number one fighter in the division in Sebastian Fundora headlining this card. This fight against Thurman is the best and biggest in the division. Fundora gives fans exactly what they want in every fight. He’s just pure brutality, and he’s still getting better.

“It’s also great to have Keith Thurman back headlining a major event. He’s battle tested at the highest level. His run at welterweight unifying the titles was tremendous and now he’s back and healthy and ready to take his shot at becoming a two-division world champion.

“I’m thrilled to have Stephen Fulton Jr. back here moving up to challenge O’Shaquie Foster for his 130 pound title in the co-main event. Foster just won the title and he’s not looking to give it up.

“Plus we also have Jesus Ramos Jr. taking on Shane Mosley Jr., and Ramos is another all-action fighter looking for a title. This is going to be a great event and we’ll see everyone out there at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.”

# # #

WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION SEBASTIAN FUNDORA BATTLES FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN EXPLOSIVE PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO MAIN EVENT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

LAS VEGAS – September 3, 2025 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will look to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman as the explosive clash headlines a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Fundora vs. Thurman presents a fascinating style clash and an elite level crossroads duel between the surging Fundora and the veteran Thurman. Having recently closed out his rivalry against Tim Tszyu in style with a stoppage in July, Fundora can continue to cement his place atop the loaded 154-pound division against his most accomplished foe to date. For Thurman, October 25 offers a shot at becoming a two-division champion and the consensus no.1 fighter at a second weight class, a certain boost to Thurman’s potential Hall of Fame credentials.

In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.

The jam-packed lineup continues with rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title, plus exciting unbeaten super welterweight Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero opens the pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT against an opponent to be determined.

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

Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

“Saturday, October 25 promises plenty of drama and excitement with the return of Sebastian Fundora in yet another marquee matchup as he takes on one of this era’s most accomplished fighters in Keith “One Time” Thurman,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “There’s a ton on the line in this PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video main event as Fundora makes his case for ‘Fighter of the Year’ while Thurman can add a major milestone to his Hall of Fame resume by winning a world title at 154 pounds. Combined with a co-main event that pits two more world champions in Stephen Fulton Jr. and O’Shaquie Foster against each other, an electric Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Shane Mosley Jr. showdown, plus the promising Isaac Lucero, and this shapes up to be another memorable night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”

“Keith Thurman is an excellent fighter and a great champion. A victory over him will further cement Sebastian Fundora’s legacy as the world’s best super welterweight,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “

**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN**

The main event will see Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora look to make the third defense of his WBC crown against the former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a 12-round duel for super welterweight supremacy.

Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) first rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division by dethroning Tim Tszyu via decision in 2024’s bloodiest fight, earning both the WBC and WBO titles. After defending his belts with a knockout of Chordale Booker in March, Fundora put his WBC belt back on the line in a July rematch against Tszyu. This time, Fundora closed the show in style, dropping Tszyu in the first round before forcing an end to the bout after round seven. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. The 27-year-old has defeated a slew of contenders throughout his career, with his only defeat coming to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Standing nearly six-feet, six-inches, Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundora’s are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.

“I’m excited to be in the ring again for the third time this year versus another former champion,” said Fundora. “Our preparation is on track. Expect a great performance from Fundora.”

Clearwater, Florida’s Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) has assembled one of the most impressive resumes among the top welterweights of this generation, having defeated former champions Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero in high-profile clashes, unifying the WBA and WBC titles against Garcia in a rare unification bout between undefeated welterweight world champions. Thurman’s only blemish came in a 2019 Fight of the Year against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, with Thurman ending up on the wrong side of a narrow split-decision. Thurman bounced back against the now reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios by winning a unanimous decision in February 2022. He was set to face Australian superstar Tim Tszyu in March 2024 before being forced to withdraw due to injury, eventually returning to the ring this March with a third-round stoppage of Brock Jarvis.

“I’m honored to be back and fighting for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship,” said Thurman. “Fundora was never really on my radar, but he’s proven himself to be a tough champion with only one loss, just like me. Every time he steps in the ring he grows, and I know this isn’t an easy fight for anyone in the division, but I didn’t come this far to shy away from Everest, or in this case Mt. Fundora. On October 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, I’m climbing that mountain. This is how history is made. From childhood, I’ve dreamed of overcoming challenges like this. Call it David vs. Goliath, but remember – I’m Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman. I’m walking straight into the fire and it’s going to be a fight you don’t want to miss.”

**STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. O’SHAQUIE FOSTER**

In the 12-round co-main event, top pound-for-pound fighter Stephen Fulton Jr., who currently holds the WBC Featherweight World Championship, will look to become a three-division champion when he takes on the reigning WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound grudge match between current world champions. Fulton vs. Foster is promoted in association with Top Rank.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (23-1, 8 KOs) became a two-division champion in his last outing, vanquishing his longtime rival Brandon Figueroa in their February rematch via decision to capture the WBC Featherweight World Championship. It was Fulton’s second fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa in their first fight. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m ready to become a three-division world champion,” said Fulton. “I expect him to be ready, but that’s why I’m training to be at my best on October 25. We’re gonna be prepared for anything he brings and do whatever it takes to have my hand raised. I’m coming to steal the show!”

Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) bounced back from decision losses in 2015 and 2016 to put together a nine-fight winning streak that earned him a February 2023 showdown against two-division champion Rey Vargas. Foster outboxed the previously unbeaten Vargas on his way to a unanimous decision that earned him the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship. Originally from Orange, Texas and training in nearby Houston, Foster’s first defense of his title saw him score a clutch final round stoppage of Eduardo Hernandez while trailing on two scorecards. After a successful title defense over Abraham Nova, Foster temporarily lost the belt via a controversial split-decision to Robson Conceicao. In his last outing, the 31-year-old reclaimed his title with his own decision triumph over Conceicao.

“The 130-pound division runs through me,” said Foster. “Respect to Stephen Fulton Jr. for stepping up in weight, but he’ll find out real soon that he should have stayed at featherweight. I’ve gone through a lot in this game to become a two-time world champion. I will take full advantage of this opportunity.”

**JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. SHANE MOSLEY JR.**

The pay-per-view lineup also features a matchup between two top contenders with long established resumes as rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. meets the streaking Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.

After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (23-1, 19 KOs) has returned in style with three-straight stoppages. Ramos has already earned two victories in 2024, blasting out the former unified champion Jeison Rosario in the eighth-round of their February matchup before most recently defeating Guido Emmanuel Schramm in round seven in March. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 24-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m excited to be going for my first title against a great fighter in Shane Mosley Jr.,” said Ramos. “This title shot is long overdue and I’m ready to become champion. I still have title aspirations at 154-pounds and several names in that division that I’m hoping to fight, but first I’m fully focused on Shane Mosley Jr. He is on a nice little winning streak and I plan to put it to an end on October 25.”

The son of boxing Hall of Famer Shane Mosley, Mosley Jr. (22-4, 12 KOs) has established his own place in the sport and enters this fight on a five-bout winning streak, including a career-best victory over former two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in July 2024. The 33-year-old Los Angeles area native now trains in Las Vegas and prior to the Jacobs win had scored stoppage victories over D’Mitrius Ballard in June 2023 and Joshua Conley in December of that same year. Mosley fought his way to the final round of the 2018 edition of The Contender series, dropping a decision to Brandon Adams in the finale. Mosley has never been stopped in his four defeats, with three of those losses coming narrowly via either split or majority decision.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity in front of me on October 25,” said Mosley Jr. “I also want to express my gratitude to the WBC and everyone who helped make this fight happen. This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’ll be fully prepared to give it my all.”

**ISAAC LUCERO**

Fresh off of a dominant KO win on Prime Video in May, undefeated rising contender Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero will look to continue his momentum opening up pay-per-view action.

The 26-year-old Lucero (17-0, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2019 after an amateur career that saw him earn five national medals representing Mexico. A native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Lucero has stopped his last six opponents entering October 25, and also owns a pair of 10-round unanimous decision triumphs. In looking to make his U.S. takeover, Lucero has set up camp in Las Vegas, where he is trained by renowned coach Bob Santos, who led him to victory in May as he stopped the previously undefeated Omar Valenzuela in two rounds.

# # #

VIDEO: Stephen Fulton says next opponent could be “Shocking”

Early Results from Las Vegas: Cuello Stops Olivo in Ten

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Before David Benavidez and David Morrell lock horns in a light heavyweight championship eliminator in the main event of a four-bout pay-per-view broadcast, a seven-fight undercard entertained the early arrivals at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.

In a WBA featherweight title elimination bout, Mirco Cuello (15-0, 12 KOs) of Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe, Argentina rose from the deck early to stop a determined Christian Olivo (22-2-1, 9 KOs) of San Diego by way of Hermosillo, Mexico late in the tenth round.

Olivo, 125.6, scored his knockdown in the opening moments of round two as he waited his turn after a Cuello flurry and uncorked a short right inside that dropped the former Argentine Olympian. Cuello, 125.6, rebounded well in the third round, turning up his output and placing his shots well, while Olivo struggled to maintain the pace.

The middle rounds were tit-for-tat, as each found their spots in a fight fought at close range. Olivo, the WBA #5 ranked 126-pounder, had a strong seventh round, snapping back Cuello’s head at times during their exchanges. Olivo had another solid round in the eighth, outworking his Argentinian adversary and breaking through with several power punches.

Sensing perhaps that his opponent had hit a lull in his energy level, Cuello, the WBA #3/IBF #15 ranked featherweight, came on strong in the ninth. With Olivo’s mouth agape, looking for oxygen, Cuello pressed his attack and carried that aggression into the early moments of the tenth, before Olivo stemmed the tide momentarily with some well-placed counters. However, Olivo’s success was fleeting, as before long Cuello placed a left to the liver that dropped the Mexican to his knee. Olivo rose slowly, before Cuello went to the well again and dropped the southpaw with a body shot for a second time. Olivo made it to his feet, but referee Chris Flores waved off the contest anyhow at 2:01 of the tenth and final round.

At the time of the stoppage, Olivo led on all three scorecards by a wide margin. Judge Max DeLuca had it 88-82, judge Zachary Young had it 87-83 and judge David Sutherland the fight scored 86-84. All Olivo had to do was hang on for 59 more seconds to be declared the winner. With the victory, Cuello puts himself as the next in line for WBA 126-pound kingpin Nick Ball, who fights T.J. Doheny in a fight he should win next month.

WBA #1/WBC #7 ranked middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez (7-0, 7 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island by way of Camaguey, Cuba stayed busy with a fifth-round stoppage over Angel Ruiz (18-4-1, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Feliciano Hernandez, 158.4, defending his regional WBA Continental Latin America title, gave Ruiz, 159.6, a tough inside fight for the duration. Despite fighting at the distance Ruiz probably wanted, Feliciano Hernandez was able to create angles and space, which made it difficult for the Mexican fighter to find any success. Feliciano Hernandez began to turn up the offense in the third round, spinning Ruiz’s head around with his right.

By the fifth, Ruiz began to wither, holding back on his offense to create less counter opportunities. With Feliciano Hernandez landing a flurry in the blue corner, referee Allen Huggins decided he had seen enough and waved the fight off to a mild protest from Ruiz. Time of the stoppage was 1:06 of round five.

With the win, Feliciano Hernandez, who ascended to the WBA #1 ranking without a recognizable name on his professional resume, continues to bide time until his management team decides to pull the trigger on a fight worthy of a top contender.

In the first fight of the preliminary broadcast, Curmel Moton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas stopped Frank Zaldivar (5-2, 3 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba in the third round of a scheduled eight.

Moton, 134.8, and Zaldivar, 135.8, traded in the center of the ring for much of the first. Zaldivar took the head shots well, but when Moton found his body late in the round, that seemed to bother the Mexican fighter. Zaldivar continued to show his toughness in the second, withstanding some clean power shots and still offering back as the round came to a close.

Moton upped his intensity a notch in the third round and quickly had Zaldivar in trouble along the ropes. With Zaldivar backed into a neutral corner and no longer answering back, referee Harvey Dock leapt in to stop the contest at 1:51 of round three.

In a stirring battle between two previously unbeaten super middleweights, former amateur star Daniel Blancas (12-0, 5 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was tested by Juan Barajas (11-1-2, 7 KOs) of Victorville, California before notching what was scored as a wide unanimous decision.

Blancas, 166.2, a regular David Benavidez sparring partner, and Barajas, 159.6, fought on fairly even terms in the early rounds. Blancas was a successful aggressor, but found a decent counter-puncher in Barajas.

Blancas came out aggressively to start the fifth, landing a short left hand, followed by a right in close that rocked Barajas momentarily. Blancas kept up the pressure, but Barajas was willing and landed occasionally with his own rights inside, while circling away from his opponent’s power hand. After some clean right hands snapped back the head of Barajas in the sixth, the Victorville native was less apt to counter and more focused on his foot movement and defense.

Barajas found his second wind early in the eighth, treating the early onlookers to some great two-way action as he engaged with Blancas in the center of the ring for much of the stanza. Each fighter had their moments in an excellent action round.

In the end, the official scorers did not give Barajas much credit. Patricia Morse Jarman and Don Trella had all but one round for Blancas, 79-73, while judge Cory Santos scored the bout a shutout, 80-72.

Mayweather Promotions’ super middleweight John Easter (8-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas remained unbeaten but was taken the distance for the first time as a professional by a tough Joseph Aguilar (6-3-1, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon.

Easter, 169.4, and Aguilar, 171.8, engaged in a rough-and-tumble inside fight for the duration. Accidental headbutts and elbows caused cuts from the early moments.

Easter turned up the offense as he landed with power combinations late in the fifth. Aguilar had a few moments in the sixth, but ultimately lost the decision wide, as judges Chris Migliore and David Sutherland scored the bout 60-54, while judge Fernando Villarreal had it 59-55, all for Easter.

Nearly eight hours before he would be sitting ringside in support of his younger brother, Jose Benavidez Jr. (29-3-1, 20 KOs) of Phoenix walked down an unwilling Danny Rosenberger (20-10-4, 10 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, eventually forcing a fifth-round stoppage.

Benavidez, 163, only had trouble with himself, earning warnings for late punches and a low blow that forced a time-out in the first round. Rosenberger, 159, was on his bike for much of the bout, but Benavidez was not in a rush at the start.

Rosenberger quickly found himself in trouble in the fifth, as Benavidez landed with an uppercut and kept up the pressure until referee Allen Huggins had seen enough. With Rosenberger backed into his own corner, taking punishment, Huggins leaped in to call for the stoppage at 2:39 of round five.

In a bout which took place before the paying public was allowed inside, Gabriela Tellez (4-0, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Texas had to dig down deep, but managed to get by a willing Abril Anguiano (4-1, 2 KOs) of Garland, Texas via six-round majority decision.

The southpaw Anguiano, 125.2, was strong to start, landing with regularity in exchanges. Tellez, 127.8, began to really come on in the fifth, sitting down on her punches, while Anguiano appeared to be reaching for a second wind.

After a competitive sixth that Tellez probably cinched late, judge Chris Migliore scored the bout a draw, 57-57, but was overruled by judges Eric Cheek and Fernando Villarreal, who both scored the bout 58-56, for Tellez.

In the walk-out bout, which took place after the night’s main event concluded, local prospect Kaipo Gallegos (8-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas outboxed veteran Leonardo Padilla (24-7-1, 17 KOs) of Petare, Venezuela to a six-round unanimous decision.

Things began to heat up in the third, as Gallegos, 134.6, began to find distance and angles, whereas before Padilla, 129.8, was forcing a rough, inside fight in the opening two rounds.

Gallegos kept up the attack in the fourth, rocking Padilla along the ropes. After tasting some power shots, Padilla was cautious to close out the fight, helping aid his ability to see the final bell in a bout shortened from eight to six rounds.

Judge Tim Cheatham scored it 59-55, while judges Max DeLuca and Fernando Villareal both had the fight shutout, 60-54.

Photos by Ester Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

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

Benavidez and Morrell Ready for War in Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The first must-see fight of 2025 takes place this coming Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena as power-puncher David Benavidez takes on boxing savant David Morrell to determine the next in line at 175-pounds, as mandated by not only two of the sport’s sanctioning bodies, but by the public as well. Fighters for Saturday’s event weighed-in this morning, but reenacted their trips to the scale before a large gathering on Friday afternoon at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand.

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Phoenix, Arizona has appeared motivated and agitated in the lead-up to Saturday’s fight, something that looked to be missing in his debut at 175-pounds. If the Arizona native unleashes “The Monster” of previous fights, Morrell will have his hands full once the bell rings.

Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) of Minneapolis, Minnesota by way of Santa Clara, Cuba has been waiting for an opportunity at one of the big names at 168 or 175-pounds to agree to put him on the big stage. When a fight with Canelo Alvarez, which has eluded Benavidez as well, was not forthcoming, Morrell’s team switched their focus to the Arizona puncher. Morrell, like Benavidez, did not look like his best self in his debut at the weight, even while scoring a wide decision.

To many in the boxing world, the matter of who could stake claim as the number one light heavyweight in the world was settled last October when Artur Beterbiev decisioned Dmitrii Bivol to unify the four major world titles. Finding ways to cloud up a clear situation, the WBC and WBA each had anointed additional champions at 175-pounds, prior to the unification bout last fall. Benavidez claimed the interim WBC title in his light heavyweight debut via unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk last June. Morrell, in his light heavyweight debut, moved past a tough Radivoje Kalajdzic to claim a secondary version of the WBA title last October.

While Beterbiev and Bivol are set to meet again later this month, the winner of Saturday’s bout will unequivocally become the clear leading contender for the winner. Benavidez and Morrell both came in at 174.2-pounds.

In a long awaited rematch, Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas attempts to avenge his lone career defeat while also defending the WBC featherweight title against Stephen Fulton Jr. (22-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the co-main event of the evening.

From the moment Figueroa heard the official cards go against him back in November of 2021, he believed he deserved the nod and wanted the rematch, but at 126-pounds, four pounds north. Figueroa made the necessary move to 126 where he would claim and defend the interim version of the WBC title, before being elevated to full-champion when Rey Vargas was demoted to the title of “champion in recess.” Now in his first defense of the full title, Figueroa will get the second chance at Fulton that he has yearned for since 2021.

Fulton remained at 122-pounds after his victory over Figueroa, making one successful defense of his unified title before running into the buzzsaw that is Naoya Inoue and falling by way of eighth-round stoppage. Fulton, the WBC #2 ranked featherweight, made this bout a possibility by moving past veteran Carlos Castro via split decision last September here at T-Mobile Arena. Figueroa weighed-in at 125.8-pounds, while Fulton met the division limit of 126.

Always a crowd favorite, Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico hopes to take a step back towards a world title opportunity when he takes on former regional title holder Angel Fierro (23-2-2, 18 KOs) of San Diego, California by way of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a ten-round junior welterweight bout.

Cruz looks to rebound from a decision defeat to Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela last August and regain the momentum he had accrued since his memorable decision defeat to Gervonta Davis in 2021. Fierro moved up to the 140-pound class two fights back and was unsuccessful in Puerto Rico, before a get-well welterweight victory back home in Tijuana last time out. Cruz scaled 138.6-pounds, while Fierro made 139.

WBC #6/WBA #7/IBF #8 ranked junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) of Casa Grande, Arizona attempts to get his career rolling again against former champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) of Miami, Floria by way of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a ten-round middleweight bout to open the pay-per-view telecast.

Ramos last saw action in May of last year when he moved past Johan Gonzalez by ninth-round stoppage in this same arena. For Ramos, that victory is the one bout he has had since coming up short against Erikson Lubin the year prior. Rosario, who claimed the IBF light middleweight title, stopping Julian Williams, in January of 2020, is attempting to resurrect his career at Ramos’ expense. Ramos scaled 159-pounds, while Rosario came in at 159.2. The bout is for the vacant WBA North America middleweight title.

In the final appetizer before the main pay-per-view card, Mirco Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) of Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe, Argentina will take on Christian Olivo (22-1-1, 9 KOs) of San Diego by way of Hermosillo, Mexico in a ten-round elimination bout, putting the winner potentially next in line to securing a title opportunity against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball. Cuello, the WBA #3/IBF #15 ranked featherweight, scaled 125.6-pounds. “Kiki” Olivo, the WBA #5 ranked 126-pounder, made 25.6-pounds.

In another of the broadcasted preliminaries, Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island by way of Camaguey, Cuba will aim to get his countrymen in attendance warmed-up for the main event when he meets Angel Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico in a ten-round middleweight fight. Feliciano Hernandez, who scored an eighth-round stoppage of a previously unbeaten opponent last time out in October, weighed-in at 158.4-pounds. Ruiz, who in 2021 stunted the career of Kazak Bobirzhan Mominov by decision, scaled 159.6-pounds. Feliciano Hernandez’s regional WBA Continental Latin America title is at stake.

A late addition to the preliminary broadcast, which is free to all on Prime Video, Mayweather Promotions’ budding star Curmel Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas returns to the ring against Frank Zaldivar (5-1, 3 KOs) of Miami by way of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba in an eight-round lightweight bout. Moton, returning to the scheduled eight-round distance for the first time since his second pro bout, came in at 134.8-pounds. Zaldivar, who dropped a ten-round decision in his last bout, made 135.8-pounds.

Homegrown prospect Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas makes his second career appearance at T-Mobile Arena when takes on Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs) of Petare, Venezuela in an eight-round lightweight bout on Saturday. Gallegos, reportedly an 18-time national champion as an amateur, scaled 134.6-pounds. Padilla, who scored his signature win over Andy Vences in 2023, but has struggled to see the final bell against the majority of his class opponents, weighed-in at 129.8.

In a pairing of unbeaten super middleweights, former amateur star Daniel Blancas (11-0, 5 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin battles Juan Barajas (11-0-2, 7 KOs) of Victorville, California in an eight-round fight. Blancas, a regular David Benavidez sparring partner, scaled 166.2-pounds, while Barajas, entering the contest off of two consecutive draws, weighed-in 166.6.

The elder of the fighting Benavidez brothers, Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs) of Phoenix is back in action against former Nico Ali Walsh adversary Danny Rosenberger (20-9-4, 10 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio in an eight-round middleweight bout. Benavidez, looking to rebound from his one-sided defeat to Jermall Charlo back in November of 2023, came in at 160.8-pounds. Rosenberger, who notably fought Ali Walsh to a draw, only to have the decision changed to a no contest when the Ohio native’s random drug test came back with high levels of testosterone, scaled 159-pounds.

Mayweather Promotions’ super middleweight John Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas takes a step-up in class in just his second fight on U.S. soil when takes on Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon in a six-rounder. Easter, in his first action since taking on award-winning trainer Bob Santos, weighed-in at 169.4-pounds. Aguilar, who has more wins than Easter’s previous seven opponents combined, made 171.8-pounds, which was 1.8 over the contracted limit.

In a battle for Lone Star State bragging rights, Gabriela Tellez (3-0, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Texas will meet Abril Anguiano (4-0, 2 KOs) of Garland, Texas in a six-round featherweight bout. Tellez, a standout amateur before turning professional in July of last year, weighed-in at 127.8-pounds. Anguiano, who won a six-round decision in her last official bout over a solid fighter in Melissa Holguin last March, but also logged four rounds over two nights in Team Combat League last summer, came in at 125.2-pounds.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship

WBA Light Heavyweight Championship

WBC Light Heavyweight Championship & WBA Light Heavyweight Championship Elimination Bout, 12 Rounds

Benavidez 174.2

Morrell 174.2

WBC Featherweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Figueroa 125.8

Fulton Jr. 126

Light welterweights, 10 Rounds

Cruz 138.6

Fierro 139

WBA Continental North America Middleweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Ramos Jr. 159

Rosario 159.2

WBA Featherweight Championship Elimination Bout, 10 Rounds

Cuello 125.6

Olivo 125.6

WBA Continental Latin America Middleweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Feliciano Hernandez 158.4

Ruiz 159.6

Lightweights, 8 Rounds

Gallegos 134.6

Padilla 129.8

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds

Blancas 166.2

Barajas 159.6

Lightweights, 8 Rounds

Moton 134.8

Zaldivar 135.8

Middleweights, 8 Rounds

Benavidez Jr. 160.8

Rosenberger 159

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds

Easter 169.4

Aguilar 171.8*

Featherweights, 6 Rounds

Tellez 127.8

Anguiano 125.2

*Aguilar 1.8-pounds over contracted weight

Tickets for the Premier Boxing Champions event, promoted by TGB Promotions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com

Photos by Ester Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

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

STEPHEN FULTON JR.: “HE’S NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO PUSH ME AROUND. HE’S GONNA TRY, BUT I’M STRONG.”

PHILADELPHIA – January 22, 2025 – Former unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. previewed his much anticipated rematch against WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and made it clear that he won’t be “pushed around” when they meet in the co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“He’s not gonna be able to push me around,” said Fulton, who defeated Figueroa by majority decision to unify 122-pound titles in November 2021. “He’s gonna try, but I’m strong. A lot of people don’t realize that. Being at a higher weight class for the rematch is gonna help both of us.”

Their first clash was one of 2021’s most memorable fights, with Figueroa pushing forward throughout the action, while Fulton countered beautifully again and again to earn two score cards of 116-112, versus one score of 114-114. Despite earning the signature victory, Fulton believes that he has much room for improvement heading into the rematch.

“I give myself a B- for the first fight,” said Fulton. “I was actually tired after the second round. I had to thug it out that fight. That’s what people don’t understand. The weight was tough for me. People say it’s an excuse, but they don’t know how our bodies respond. I didn’t make weight the proper way. I had to really bite down and dig deep.”

Two young stars who had extended runs at 122-pounds, Fulton and Figueroa was a matchup that brewed to a violent crescendo when they finally met in the ring, with their two styles making for memorable action for 12 rounds. While Fulton anticipated the come forward style of Figueroa, he believes that he proved people wrong by standing toe-to-toe to win the first bout.

“We were familiar with each other before the first fight because we were on a collision course for a while,” said Fulton. “He did a good job in the first fight because he fought his fight. He knows how to fight the way he fights. And I did an amazing job making the adjustments that I had to make. He fought exactly how I expected him to fight. He did well at what he does. He’s a brawler and I’m a boxer. People didn’t expect me to stand there, but I showed that I can do everything. That made it exciting.”

Heading into the rematch, Fulton has added to his corner the renowned trainer Derek “Bozy” Ennis. On the other side of the ring, Fulton believes that Figueroa is working on presenting a more well-rounded attack to his arsenal heading into the rematch.

“Having Bozy will add to my game,” said Fulton. “He has a different eye for things. I have a really strong corner and it’s going to help me out. I can see that Figueroa is trying to work on some new things, like his head movement and trying to box a little bit more.”

In the ring after the first fight, Figueroa vehemently expressed his displeasure with the judges’ decision, asking Fulton repeatedly if he “really thought he won the fight?” Tensions flared, setting the stage for a much-debated rematch. Despite that heated moment, Fulton remains steadfast that his motivation for the rematch is the WBC belt that Figueroa now holds and made clear what he needs to do to wrest that belt away.

“I want that belt. That’s why the rematch happened,” said Fulton. “I just have to listen to my corner and do what they tell me to do. I’m gonna trust in my defense and believe in myself.”

# # #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

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

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

DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. DAVID MORRELL JR. LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – November 19, 2024 – Undefeated light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. went face-to-face Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they meet for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference also featured WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., as they meet in a much-anticipated rematch in the co-main event.

Also at Tuesday’s press conference was fan-favorite and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who meets hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican pay-per-view undercard attraction, and rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, who square off in the pay-per-view opener.

**Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on-sale is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come. The two undefeated titans had a heated stare down and engaged in frequent verbal back-and-forths during the event, promising to end their February 1 clash with a knockout.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from The NOVO at L.A. Live:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“Here we are again. I told you that I was going to give you the fights you want to see, and now we’re here. Morrell has been talking about me for a while and disrespecting me. He wanted to make it personal with me, so I’m personally going to break his mouth. That’ll give him something to remember me by.

“These are the type of fighters I want to fight. I want to face guys who think that they’re going to go in there and knock me out. He’s never fought anyone like me and I’m going to show everyone there’s levels to this.

“I want the props that I deserve when I beat the crap out of him. I love that he’s confident. I love facing guys like this.

“He knows what he said and that’s exactly what I needed to get me going for this fight. He thinks he’s big and bad, but he’s nothing. I’m gonna show him who’s the best on February 1.

“It’s not time to play anymore. It’s really time to see who the best David is. I want to show everyone where I stand. I want to take over and show everyone I’m the most ferocious fighter out there.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I’m getting the knockout. 100%. He’s all talk and no bite. He can’t do what he thinks he’s gonna do.

“For a long time I’ve waited for this opportunity to fight Benavidez. On Saturday, February 1

I promise Benavidez and I promise everyone watching, it’s going to be a great fight.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy fight, but nothing is easy in life. I promise that I’m ready to fight.

“Everybody says that Benavidez is the bogeyman and that no one wants to fight him, and I want to face the best. That’s why I went straight for him.

“He has no idea what he’s talking about, but he’s provoking me and now I want to go out there and beat the crap out of him. I’m here now and none of that talk matters.

“This is a huge moment for me. I’m putting everything into this fight on February 1.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I want to fight the best, so shoutout to Fulton for stepping up to the plate. I’m here to fight the best and I’m not overlooking anyone. This is the fight that I’ve been waiting for the last three years and I don’t plan to leave it to the judges this time.

“I learned a lot from the loss. It lit a fire in me that hasn’t been unlit. We both come to fight and I’m excited that the rematch is even bigger and better now on one of the best cards of the year.

“This means everything. I get to get my lick back and give fans another exciting show. It was fun the first time with a controversial decision, but I don’t plan to leave it to the judges. He had trouble with Carlos Castro and I got him out of there in six rounds.

“I’m growing and evolving as a fighter. My fire is burning bigger and bigger. I just want to prove that I’m the best 126-pounder and one of the best fighters in the world period.

“I’m gonna fight my fight. I come forward and I’m aggressive. I have a unique style. This time around I’m just hungry to make a statement. I want to challenge Naoya Inoue, that’s the goal.

“On February 1 he’s gonna see that I hurt him at 122 pounds and at 126 pounds I’m gonna put him away. I’m making a statement and it won’t go 12 rounds.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Round 13 coming soon. I’m thankful that he took the fight again and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“I know how he fights. We’re familiar with each other, and when you are, you know what to expect from your opponent. I expect it to be action-packed again.

“I’m gonna get the job done on February 1 and make any adjustments I have to. I have the power to hurt him. Whoever steps foot in the ring with me going forward will see that.

“People forget who I am. I can do whatever I want in that ring. I have to remind everyone at this point. Can I knock him out? Yes, because he runs into things. There are many ways I know I can beat this guy. On February 1 I will be a two-division world champion. I’m going to make this one look more clear.

“I felt cool in my last fight. Even when I got dropped, I wasn’t hurt. Being at the bigger weight class gave me the extra strength and energy that I need.

“I won the fight, so I don’t really care what anyone says about my last fight. I know that I’m gonna be victorious. I’m bigger and stronger and I’ve learned a lot now. He’s gonna find out.

“I’m here to become world champion again. Trust me.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“This fight means everything to me because it’s Mexico vs. Mexico, and everyone knows what happens when two Mexicans collide. It’s gonna be a war for sure.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity. It’s going to be a great showcase and I can’t wait for February 1.

“I don’t want to be too eager in the ring, I just want to achieve my goal on February 1 and get my hand raised. I’m sharpening my tools so I can be at my best when that bell rings.

“I learn from every fight, so I don’t ever consider a fight a loss. It’s given me the opportunity to look at things from another perspective. I promise that I’m coming back even stronger.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“Rosario is a veteran who’s been champion and knows what it feels like at the top, and that’s what I want. I’m grateful to have a tough opponent and I’m ready to put on a show like always.

“I’m expecting the best version of Jeison Rosario, because he knows his back is against the wall. This fight is going to define his career, and that makes him dangerous. I’m going to prepare for the best Jeison Rosario there could possibly be.

“I’m coming to knock him out. I’ve learned not to leave things up to the judges, so I’m preparing myself for the knockout. I respect him as a fighter and I thank him for the opportunity, but I have to do my job. That’s the way this business goes.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“This fight is even bigger for me than when I won the world titles against Julian Williams. This is going to be a war and a showcase of my best abilities. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“Ramos is a hungry fighter and I took this fight happily because I know it will be exciting. I’ve fixed my mistakes and I’m ready to show Ramos that there’s nowhere to hide in that ring.

“This is the most important fight of my life and the most significant fight of my career. This will catapult me to fight for the world championship again. My story is not over, not yet.”

# # #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

MEXICAN STAR & TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION DAVID BENAVIDEZ MEETS CUBAN SENSATION & TWO-TIME CHAMPION DAVID MORRELL JR. HEADLINING A PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON PRIME VIDEO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – November 19, 2024 – Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. will meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on sale is scheduled for TOMORROW, Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

“I’m very proud to help deliver this fantastic super fight to the fans,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “The boxing world has been anticipating the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. showdown between these two heated rivals who don’t like each other at all, and now it is here on February 1. The stakes will be high and both fighters will be in great shape, as the winner will be an interim unified light heavyweight champion, as well as the final mandatory for the WBC and WBA titles. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be packed for this Mexico vs. Cuba matchup for the ages.”

“These are two great fighters going against each other in their primes, what could be better?” said Luis DeCubas Sr. of Warriors Boxing. “This is a fight Morrell has wanted for years and we’re very happy that these two great young guys are fighting each other now. It’s gonna be the aggressive boxer in Benavidez against the boxer-puncher in Morrell. It could very easily turn into a Hagler vs. Hearns type of fight, because both guys can punch and aren’t afraid to trade.”

**DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. DAVID MORRELL JR.**

The two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez will step in to face the toughest opponent of his career in the undefeated Cuban sensation David Morrell Jr. in the 12-round main event that will be contested for both Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Championship belt.

The 27-year-old undefeated Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) followed up a standout 2023 campaign by moving up to light heavyweight in 2024 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June that earned him his interim title. Benavidez’s 2023 began with him besting longtime rival Caleb Plant via unanimous decision in a March slugfest before stopping the previously unbeaten two-division champion Demetrius Andrade in six rounds in November. A Phoenix-native who now trains in Miami, Benavidez became the youngest-ever 168-pound world champion at just 20-years-old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the vacant WBC title in 2017. When he was 15 years old, Benavidez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin as a teenager. Benavidez rode a string of six straight knockout victories heading into the bout against Plant, including KOs of former world champions Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux.

“I can’t wait for this challenge on February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,” said Benavidez. “David Morrell Jr. is a great boxer, but come fight night, I will be the better man and show the world why I’m an elite fighter. I always take on the toughest opponents that are willing to step into the ring with me, because I know that I have to prove myself each and every time. When that bell rings, everyone will see that I’m the best fighter in the world.”

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 26-year-old also debuted in the light heavyweight division this year after an extended and successful run at super middleweight, defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision in August to capture his WBA title. Morrell had scored seven-straight knockouts before that fight, including a violent first-round stoppage of Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in April 2023 and a second-round destruction of Sena Agbeko in December of that same year. During his super middleweight run, Morrell won an interim title by dominating the then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Now trained in Stafford, Texas by the legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, Morrell will finally get the opportunity to face a top-flight opponent after calling for the opportunity against Benavidez ever since he arrived stateside and began his professional boxing journey.

“This is the fight the fans have been waiting for, and I’m ready to give them a show they’ll never forget,” said Morrell. “This is two undefeated fighters in their prime, stepping into the ring and giving everything we’ve got. That’s what boxing is all about. Everyone should be getting this pay-per-view, because you’re going to see something special. I believe this will go down as one of the most memorable fights in boxing history and I’m excited to make it happen. I’m knocking David Benavidez out!.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. STEPHEN FULTON JR.**

The 12-round co-main event will see the much-anticipated rematch of a memorable 2021 clash as WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon Figueroa takes on former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. Their first showdown was a super bantamweight world title unification that pitted the relentless forward attack of Figueroa against the slick skills of Fulton, with the bout ending in a majority decision for Fulton (116-112 twice and 114-114).

The 27-year-old Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) was recently elevated to world champion after former champion Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned this May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak to three straight since the first Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“Training is going great and I’m very excited to return on another big fight card against a championship caliber opponent,” said Figueroa. “I expect Fulton to be at his best, but I will go into that ring very prepared to convince everyone who really won the first time. I don’t plan on letting it go to the judges this time around.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) made a successful featherweight debut in September, rising from an early knockdown to defeat all-action contender Carlos Castro by decision. It was Fulton’s first fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m feeling strong and ready to return to the ring on a wonderful pay-per-view card to win my third world title in my second division,” said Fulton. “I expect Figueroa to make it a rough fight, just like he did in the first fight. But everyone saw what happened the first time, so I predict I’ll become three-time world champion and a two-division champion come fight night. Whatever I have to do to get my hand raised, I’ll be ready.”

**ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO**

One of the most popular active fighters from Mexico, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will return to action to face the hard-charging Angel Fierro in a super lightweight duel that marks Cruz’s first appearance in the ring since he lost his WBA Super Lightweight World Championship to Jose Valenzuela via split-decision in August.

Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March as he hurt Rolando Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring on February 1 and in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “I’m facing a real Mexican warrior like myself and I’m excited to give fans the type of fight that they love. It will be a lot more entertaining than my last fight, when my opponent ran all night long and the judges made a terrible decision. This time, I will not leave it up to the judges, because I’m going for the knockout. Fierro and myself are going to show what Mexican style is all about and go toe-to-toe until someone gets knocked out.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Most recently, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. February 1 will mark Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.

“Ever since I turned professional, my dream was to fight in Las Vegas,” said Fierro. “Spending time training with my mentor and idol Erik Morales really taught me how to fight under pressure and now I have the perfect opponent to display those skills against in ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m from Tijuana and we love facing fighters from Mexico City, it’s a tremendous rivalry. On February 1, the fans will be the winners, because I won’t take a step back. I’m coming to knock out ‘Pitbull’ and prove who is the best 140-pounder in Mexico.”

**JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. JEISON ROSARIO**

Rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. will look to make it back-to-back victories when he faces his most accomplished opponent to date in the former unified world champion Jeison Rosario, as they meet in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view action.

After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) returned to the ring in style this May, stopping Johan Gonzalez in round nine to reaffirm his status as a world championship contender. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 23-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m grateful to be back in the ring on February 1,” said Ramos. “I’m facing an experienced opponent in Jeison Rosario who’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. He wants to get back in the mix and I’m preparing to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s exciting to have this platform to display my talent and show how much I’ve grown since my last fight. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and I can’t wait to take my place on that big stage.”

Having faced a who’s-who of top contenders throughout his career, Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) will once again go toe-to-toe with a highly touted foe when he takes on Ramos on February 1. Born in the Dominican Republic and fighting out of Miami, Rosario captured the WBA and IBF 154-pound belts by stopping Julian Williams in his hometown in one of 2020’s biggest upsets, earning the title opportunity by defeating a litany of contenders including Jamontay Clark, Marcos Hernandez and Jorge Cota. After beating Williams, Rosario would go on to lose a three-belt unification against Jermell Charlo in 2020 before also challenging top contenders Erickson Lubin and Brian Mendoza. Most recently, Rosario squared off against former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in August as the two fought to a split-draw.

“I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and I feel blessed to be in this position,” said Rosario. “With Bob Santos in my corner, I’m extremely motivated to get back on top. Ramos is a good fighter, but I’ve faced the best in this sport and I’m going to use all that experience to get my hand raised on February 1.”

# # #

CANELO VS. BERLANGA UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – September 11, 2024 – Fighters competing on the stacked Canelo vs. Berlanga undercard took part in a media workout on Wednesday before Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day Weekend extravaganza headlined by pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez taking on undefeated contender Edgar Berlanga headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video this Saturday, September 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The workout featured reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and two-division world champion Danny “Swift” García, who meet in the co-main event, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant and undefeated contender Trevor McCumby, who duel for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, and former 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes, who square off in the pay-per-view opener.

Wednesday’s workout also featured former unified super bantamweight world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and all-action contender Carlos Castro, who top a three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT leading up to the pay-per-view. The live-streaming action will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

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

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

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

ERISLANDY LARA

“Garcia is a good fighter and he’s been a champion in multiple divisions, but let’s see how he does at 160. It’s a different animal up here.

“I’ve just worked hard and taken care of my body. There’s no secret to it. I take this sport seriously.”

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m chasing history. If you believe in yourself 100%, then the sky is the limit. I believe in the work me and my team put in. We’re coming to achieve greatness.

“We had the right sparring and did everything correct to get ready for Lara. We’re excited to get in the ring.

“I always feel nerves before a fight. If you’re not feeling those nerves, you’re doing something wrong. You want to be on your toes and ready for everything.”

CALEB PLANT

“He’s not experienced enough for me. I’m ready for the biggest challenges, but first thing’s first, I’m focused on Saturday night and getting that belt around my waist.

“Family is super important to me. My family is always in the gym with me. We’re a boxing family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

TREVOR MCCUMBY

“I’ve had a lot more sparring and running this camp and I’ve just been doing everything my coach has asked.

“I’m not nervous at all. I’ve done this my whole life and I’m ready for him. I’m ready to meet him in the center of the ring and I’ll be ready if he wants to get on his bike.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“I don’t know much about Jaimes, but I know it’s important to put on a good performance. I’m focused and haven’t thought about anything past this fight.”

MANUEL JAIMES

“I had a great camp getting in a lot of work at Robert Garcia’s gym. They have Hall of Fame coaches and amazing sparring. It was exactly what I needed.

“This is what I dreamed of as a kid. I always wanted to be on the biggest cards and it doesn’t get any bigger than a Canelo fight on Mexican Independence Day Weekend in Las Vegas.

“I’m the underdog coming into Rolly’s hometown, but it’s all good. I’m coming to win.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“I’m just happy to be back. I’m feeling good and I’m ready. I have a new lead trainer and we’ve worked on a lot of different things that will show on fight night.

“I’m not sure what to expect from Castro. Nobody fights the same every time out. Styles make fights. My message to the fan is that I’m coming for the knockout.”

CARLOS CASTRO

“It’s a dream come true for me to be on this Canelo undercard. It’s the kind of thing you work your whole career for.

“I’m expecting a hungry Stephen Fulton Jr. coming off a loss. He wants to avenge it and he’s coming with everything, just like I am.

“We definitely are coming to steal the show. I don’t have a prediction, but it’s gonna be fireworks.”

# # #

ABOUT CANELO VS. BERLANGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: Stephen Fulton Media Scrum Talking Carlos Castro Fight

FORMER UNIFIED WORLD CHAMPION STEPHEN FULTON JR. HEADLINES THREE-FIGHT PBC ON PRIME VIDEO LINEUP SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 LEADING UP TO CANELO VS. BERLANGA PAY-PER-VIEW

LAS VEGAS – August 15, 2024 – Former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will take on all-action contender Carlos Castro in a featherweight clash that will headline a three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup on Saturday, September 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The live-streaming action will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

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

The Fulton vs. Castro topped lineup will lead into a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video as Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his unified super middleweight world titles on the line against unbeaten WBA No. 1-ranked mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga in the main event. In the star-studded co-main event, WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream’’ Lara will take on hard-hitting former two-division world champion Danny “Swift’’ Garcia. Plus, former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant battles undefeated contender Trevor McCumby for the interim WBA Super Middleweight title and former super lightweight world champion Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero will duel Manuel Jaimes in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

“Saturday, Sept. 14 is a stacked card that now features six champions and former champions with the addition of the former unified champion Stephen Fulton headlining PBC on Prime Video leading into the pay-per-view,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fulton is a top pound-for-pound talent and he’s ready to remind everyone why he belongs on that list against the always tough Carlos Castro. With an all-action duel between Roiman Villa and Ricardo Salas, plus rising prospect Jonathan Lopez facing Richard Medina, this lines up to be another stacked night of PBC on Prime Video action.’’

**STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. CARLOS CASTRO**

The former unified WBC and WBO World Champion at 122-pounds, Stephen Fulton Jr. steps back into action looking to begin his run at featherweight and bounce back from his first career defeat when he takes on the hard-charging contender Carlos Castro in a 10-round featherweight clash that adds yet another intriguing showdown to a stacked night of action.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs) makes his featherweight debut coming off a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. After taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, he edged out Brandon Figueroa in November to unify titles in one of the year’s best fights. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m glad to be back in the ring. I’ve been in the gym and learning new techniques with Bozy Ennis that I can’t wait to show my fans and the boxing world,’’ said Fulton. “This is a tremendous event. I plan to show out on my way to becoming a two-division world champion.”

Castro (30-2, 14 KOs) was born in Sonora, Mexico and came to the U.S. as a child. Now living in Phoenix, Ariz., Castro enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, including most recently earning a 10-round unanimous decision over Belmar Preciado in April. He’s challenged two top featherweights in his career, losing a July 2022 bout against former world champion Brandon Figueroa in addition to a narrow split-decision against two-division champion Luis Nery in February 2022, with one point on the cards ultimately holding Castro back from keeping his unbeaten record intact. The 30-year-old has competed at featherweight and super bantamweight throughout his career, including a 10^th round TKO victory over veteran featherweight contender Oscar Escandon in August 2021.

“Fighting Fulton is going to bring the best out of me. I can promise you that,’’ said Castro. “These opportunities only come along so often. I will take advantage of it because my life has been boxing for as long as I can remember. Come Sept. 14 I will be the best entertainer of all the boxers that night.’’

**ROIMAN VILLA VS. RICARDO SALAS**

One of the hardest punchers in the welterweight division, Roiman Villa will step back into action after going toe-to-toe with welterweight champion Jaron Ennis in his last bout, as he competes in a 10-round welterweight attraction against the young and hungry Ricardo Salas, who’s trained by Isaac Cruz Sr., the father and trainer of former WBA 140-Pound World Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Villa and Salas had been originally scheduled to meet on June 15, before Villa was forced to withdraw due to illness.

A native of Rosario, Venezuela, Villa (26-2, 24 KOs) gave Ennis perhaps the toughest fight of the unbeaten fighter’s career last July before losing the bout in round 10. Previously, Villa had delivered one of 2023’s biggest upsets in January by earning a majority decision victory over the then-undefeated top contender Rashidi Ellis. In an exciting action bout, Villa broke through in the 12^th and final round as he dropped Ellis twice to clinch the career-changing win. The 31-year-old made a memorable U.S. debut in September 2022 as he dropped the previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica on his way to a unanimous decision. The only other blemish on his resume came via a 2019 split-decision in Mexico against Marcos Villasana.

“I’m very happy to be returning to the ring and I’m ready to chase my dream of becoming world champion,” said Villa. “I’m 100% ready to make the most of this opportunity. My team has put me in a great position and now it’s on me to execute in the ring. I learned a lot in my last fight and I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do on September 14.”

The 25-year-old Salas (19-2-2, 14 KOs) is unbeaten in his last five outings, with three KO victories and two draws. A native of Mexico City who trains alongside Mexican star Isaac Cruz, he’ll be making his U.S. debut on September 14 looking to make a big splash on Prime Video. Salas however has experience fighting outside of his home country, having won fights in Canada and Jamaica. A pro since 2016, both of Salas’ defeats came via split decision.

“Ever since I started boxing, my goal was to fight in the U.S. and in Las Vegas like my idol Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. did,” said Salas. “I can’t wait to finally make that dream a reality on September 14. I’m going to make sure that everyone knows my name after this fight. I’m thankful to my whole team and I’m extremely motivated and excited to step into the ring.”

**JONATHAN LOPEZ VS. RICHARD MEDINA**

Trained by the renowned Eddy Reynoso, the 21-year-old Jonathan Lopez has shown the skills to become a future world champion and will look to continue his rise when he takes on the 23-year-old Richard Medina in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

Residing in Orlando, Florida, Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2020 following an impressive amateur career and will enter this fight having stopped 10 of his last 11 opponents. He scored a career-best victory in June 2023 and went 10 rounds for the first time as he bested former title challenger Eduardo Baez via a wide unanimous decision. He’s scored two victories so far in 2024, stopping Edgar Ortega in round eight in May, before most recently KO’ing Leonardo Padilla in round one in July.

“I’m very motivated by this opportunity and I’m thankful to Eddy Reynoso, Canelo and my whole team for putting me on this platform,” said Lopez. “This is a huge chance for me to fight on Canelo’s undercard and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m ready to go out there and give the fans a great fight that they’re going to love.”

Fighting out of his native San Antonio, Medina (15-2, 8 KOs) will look to bounce back from a decision defeat against George Acosta last December. A pro since 2018, Medina was unbeaten in his first 13 outings. His undefeated run was halted in 2022, as he lost a decision to former featherweight world champion Raymond Ford. Medina would go on to bounce back from that loss with victories over Steve Garagarza and Juan Antonio Lopez.

“I’m working extremely hard right now so that I can make the most of this opportunity on September 14,” said Medina. “I’m expecting the best version of my opponent, but I’m gonna be the toughest opponent he’s faced and I’m getting better with every fight. Fans can expect a great matchup, because I’m coming to win. I’m gonna leave it all in the ring and give the fans their money’s worth on September 14.”

# # #

ABOUT CANELO VS. BERLANGA

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

Weigh-In Results:Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue

• Stephen Fulton Jr. 121.9 lbs. vs. Naoya Inoue 121.7lbs
(Fulton’s WBO & WBC Junior Featherweight World Titles— 12 Rounds)

• Robeisy Ramirez 125.7 lbs vs. Satoshi Shimizu 125.7 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

• Kanamu Sakama107.5 lbs vs. Ryu Horikawa 107.8 lbs
(Light Flyweight — 8 Rounds)

• Yoshiki Takei 118.8 lbs vs. Ronnie Baldonado 117.5 lbs
(Junior Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

Press Conference Notes: Naoya Inoue Poised to Overthrow Junior Featherweight King Stephen Fulton

TOKYO (July 22, 2023) — Three-division world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) will embark on his quest to conquer a fourth weight class as he challenges WBC/WBO junior featherweight world champion Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs)this Tuesday, July 25 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan

In the 12-round co-feature, Cuban sensation Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (12-1, 7 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu (11-1, 10 KOs).

Fulton-Inoue, Ramirez-Shimizu and undercard fights will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. starting at 4:30 a.m. ET/1:30 a.m. PT.

At Saturday’s press conference, this is what Inoue and Ramirez had to say:

Naoya Inoue

“Coming up to junior featherweight to be able to challenge Stephen Fulton for the title has given me great motivation. I get excited thinking about this fight and about how I will perform. I’ve been watching film of Fulton, and I think he is a very intelligent fighter.”

“I haven’t been a challenger in five years, and that has heightened my motivation as well. I think I will be able to perform better than before.”

“Due to my injury, the fight had to be rescheduled for the 25th. And I feel grateful for the cooperation from all the people involved in the promotion and Team Fulton to make this happen. And because of that gratitude, I want to fight with everything I have on the 25th.”

Robeisy Ramirez

“I feel great. We’ve had a great training camp. I’m very happy to be in Japan and to get to know this country and its culture. I’m ready for everything that lies ahead.”

“I don’t know much about my opponent, but as I have said since this fight was presented to me, we all know that Japanese fighters are warriors. I hope he is ready because I am coming at 100 percent.”

“This is my first defense, and it’s always super important for any champion. This is the next step on my way to becoming the best featherweight in the world. I’m going to be me and have fun, the Robeisy that everyone knows inside the ring.”

Tuesday, July 25

ESPN+ (4:30 a.m. ET/1:30 a.m. PT)

Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue, 12 rounds, Fulton’s WBC/WBO Junior Featherweight World Titles

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Satoshi Shimizu, 12 rounds, Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Kanamu Sakama vs. Ryu Horikawa, 8 rounds, Light Flyweight

Yoshiki Takei vs. Ronnie Baldonado, 8 rounds, Junior Featherweight

# # #

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

Breakfast with The Monster: Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue Junior Featherweight Super Fight Headlines Tuesday Morning Extravaganza from Tokyo LIVE on ESPN+

(July 21, 2023) — American fight fans will be treated to “Breakfast With The Monster” this Tuesday, July 25, as Naoya “Monster” Inoue attempts to dethrone WBC/WBO junior featherweight world champion Stephen Fulton at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) aims to become a four-weight world champion after attaining undisputed status as a bantamweight. Many experts regard him as the world’s pound-for-pound king, and he looks to bolster that claim with a win over Philadelphia native Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs). “Cool Boy Steph” has not fought since June 2022, when he dominated former unified world champion Danny Roman over 12 rounds.

Fulton-Inoue and undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. starting at 4:30 a.m. ET/1:30 a.m. PT.

The ESPN+ stream is also scheduled to include the following bouts:

Cuban sensation Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (12-1, 7 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu (11-1, 10 KOs). Ramirez snatched the vacant title in April with a one-sided decision over former junior featherweight world champion Isaac Dogboe. Shimizu, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, has won three straight bouts since a 2019 TKO defeat to Joe Noynay.
In an eight-round light flyweight attraction, unbeaten knockout artist Kanamu Sakama (7-0, 6 KOs) steps up against Ryu Horikawa (3-1-2, 1 KO), who is coming off an eight-round draw against former flyweight world champion Sho Kimura.
Japanese junior featherweight phenom Yoshiki Takei (6-0, 6 KOs) looks to make it lucky number seven in an eight-rounder versus Filipino veteran Ronnie Baldonado (16-4-1, 9 KOs).

# # #
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

Tapales will fight Inoue-Fulton winner

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee approved on Monday, June 5, 2023, that Marlon Tapales, WBA super bantamweight champion, will unify his belt against the winner of Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton. Meanwhile, Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Tomoki Kameda must meet in a final eliminator to determine the division’s mandatory challenger.

July 25: Robeisy Ramirez to Defend WBO Featherweight Crown against Satoshi Shimizu in Co-Feature to Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue Junior Featherweight Title Showdown LIVE Exclusively on ESPN+

TOKYO (April 26, 2023) – Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to make the inaugural defense of his WBO featherweight world title against a fellow two-time Olympian.

Ramirez will take on Japanese contender Satoshi “Diamond Left” Shimizu Tuesday, July 25, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Ramirez-Shimizu will serve as the co-feature to the world title showdown between Philadelphia’s WBC/WBO junior featherweight champion Stephen Fulton and Japan’s pound-for-pound king Naoya “Monster” Inoue.

Fulton-Inoue, Ramirez-Shimizu and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Ramirez said, “Next stop, Japan! I am happy to announce my quick return to the ring in what will be the first defense of my WBO world championship. Fighting is what I do best, titles are meant to be defended, and there’s no stopping ‘El Tren!'”

Ramirez (12-1, 7 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, experienced a rocky start to his pro career following a split decision loss to Adan Gonzales in August 2019. However, after joining forces with Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, the 29-year-old has developed a more pro-friendly stye. He has remained undefeated since and avenged his loss to Gonzales in a 2020 rematch inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2022, Ramirez stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan in February, starched then-unbeaten contender Abraham Nova in June, and defeated Jose Matias Romero via ninth-round TKO in October. In his last fight, the fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, soundly defeated former junior featherweight world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight crown.

Shimizu (11-1, 10 KOs) is a 37-year-old southpaw making his first attempt at a world title. Before turning pro, he represented Japan at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. In his first Olympiad, Shizmu was eliminated in his opening bout. Four years later, he moved down to bantamweight and earned a bronze medal, defeating Dogboe but losing to eventual gold medalist Luke Campbell. Shimizu has only tasted defeat once as a pro, a sixth-round TKO loss to Joe Noynay in 2019. His pro career is otherwise unblemished, having knocked out 10 of 11 opponents across an almost seven-year span.

# # #
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue Junior Featherweight Super Fight Postponed Due to Inoue Training Injury

(March 22, 2023) – Stephen Fulton’s WBO/WBC junior featherweight world title defense against Naoya Inoue — originally scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan — has been postponed due to a training injury suffered by Inoue.

Fulton-Inoue will be rescheduled for July, with a new date to be announced in due course.

The main event and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) will make his third world title defense and second as a unified champion since defeating Brandon Figueroa in one of the best fights of 2021. Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs), the sport’s pound-for-pound king, is a three-division world champion who is making his junior featherweight debut after defeating Paul Butler last December to become the undisputed bantamweight world champion.

# # #

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

May 7: Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue Junior Featherweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on ESPN+

YOKOHAMA, Japan (March 6, 2023) — Naoya “Monster” Inoue conquered the bantamweight division. He’s now moving up in weight to capture the biggest fish at 122 pounds.

Philadelphia’s WBC & WBO junior featherweight world champion, Stephen Fulton, will defend his titles against Japan’s pound-for-pound king Sunday, May 7, at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. The showdown pits two of the world’s top fighters, as Inoue aims to become only the fifth Asian boxer to win world titles in four weight classes.

Fulton-Inoue and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ in a special early-morning presentation.

Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) is 19-0 with 17 knockouts in world title fights, a championship run that started in 2014 when he knocked out Adrian Hernandez for the WBC light flyweight world title. He went on to rule the junior bantamweight division with seven title defenses, including a second-round stoppage over Omar Narvaez. At bantamweight, Inoue became the division’s first undisputed champion in a half-century, stopping Emmanuel Rodriguez in two rounds to win the IBF strap, outlasting Nonito Donaire in the 2019 Fight of the Year to add the WBA belt, starching Donaire in the second round of their June 2022 rematch to snatch the WBC title, and stopping then-WBO champion Paul Butler in the 11th round. Inoue vacated all four bantamweight titles to move up four pounds for a shot at “Cool Boy Steph.”

Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) turned pro in 2014 and defeated five undefeated prospects in his first 12 bouts. In January 2021, he defeated Angelo Leo to capture the WBO junior featherweight world title. Ten months later, he added the WBC belt to his collection with a majority decision over then-unbeaten Brandon Figueroa in one of the year’s most action-packed championship showdowns. Fulton defended both titles last June with a one-sided unanimous decision over former unified world champion Daniel Roman. Fulton will enter the Inoue bout, his first away from American soil, coming off an 11-month layoff. The 28-year-old Fulton, however, is the naturally bigger man, holding advantages in height and reach.

# # #

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

VIDEO: Jaron Ennis & Stephen Fulton | Fight Towns w/ Stephen Jackson | Full Episode | SHOWTIME Sports

Ra’eese Aleem States Facts On Why He Deserves a World Title Shot Against Stephen Fulton?

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 7, 2022) – After an impressive performance this past Sunday, Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), lived up to his moniker as he clearly defeated “Magic” Mike Plania (26-2, 13 KOs), via a ten-round dominate unanimous decision, in a manner unlike any fighter had prior. Aleem ended Plania’s 11-fight winning streak on the undercard of Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Luis Ortiz, a PBC on FS1 event.

It is clear Aleem wants unified super bantamweight champion, Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), as he stated this after the fight. Aleem has earned the right to fight Fulton, and a shot at a world title, and here is why.

World Rankings

Aleem is currently ranked #4 in the world according to BoxRec.com, and #2 in the United States behind Fulton by that same rating metric. Aleem also won a bout that made him WBO NABO champion, improving his ranking in the WBO 122 lbs. division, a division in which Fulton is the champion. Aleem previously was the #1 contender in the WBA world rankings as well.

An Easy Fight to Make

Furthermore, Aleem is undefeated in twenty professional fights with twelve wins by way of knockout, having fought several times on Showtime, the same network that Fulton won his world title on. In addition, the fight is very easy to make since all the parties involved have all fought under the PBC banner.

“I wish the politics of boxing didn’t play such a big role in the sport, but it does and Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the other unified champion in the division, is on the other side of the fence with another network,” said Aleem. “I fight on Showtime and have fought on this network several times, including on the same fight cards as Stephen Fulton. I have served as a co-main event to his headlining bouts on two different occasions. I know fight fans really want to see this fight, especially after my last performance on Sunday. Now I just need the media to demand it.”

No Other Fighter Makes Sense for Fulton Right Now

No other fighter is available as Luis Nery, the #1 contender to face Fulton, is scheduled for a fight soon, and Akhmadaliev is looking to make a world title defense, along with network politics getting in the way of that fight.

In terms of a fight in the United States, no other fight for Fulton offers the anticipation as Ra’eese Aleem. Aleem is getting fans, and even veteran broadcasters like Al Bernstein, wondering what would happen if the two were to fight.

“We both fight on PBC, either he vacates, or he fights me, it is really simple,” said Aleem with frustration. “I think it’s funny he’s using that language, sounds like he’s deflecting, maybe he is scared to fight, in response to veteran broadcaster Al Bernstein’s tweet. I have never been one to trash-talk anyone, but it appears Fulton has a lot of nervous energy around this fight, and is lashing out at people who are excited by this potential match-up. People consider him the best fighter in the super bantamweight division, which is why I want to fight, because I believe I can beat him. This is a big money fight for both of us, and he should embrace it, instead he’s being spineless with his responses.”

Earned His Way Here

Aleem has waited for years for a title shot as he battled his way up from the club circuit, onto television, to get his chance to face the best. Aleem is a former WBA #1 contender who has faced faced five consecutive tough opponents.

Those opponents include:

Mike Plania, who was coming in on an eleven-fight winning streak.
Eduardo Baez, who would face Emanuel Navarrete in his next fight, and give him a hard fight as well.
Vic Pasillas, who was undefeated at the time, and being touted by veteran broadcasters as a future world champion.
Marcus Bates, a fighter who Aleem defeated to take his undefeated record, who he faced in a televised rematch, and was victorious a second time.
Adam Lopez was a tough contender who never fought again after being stopped by Aleem.

Aleem earned his position in the sport by fighting the toughest opponents he could face without backing down from a challenge. Aleem never turned down and opponent and dominated fights against elite competition on numerous occasions, including his last performance on Sunday. Each of Aleem’s televised fights has seen him improve into the world title challenger that he rightfully is today.

“I am motivated by the fans, broadcasters, and media members who are demanding to see this fight,” concluded Aleem. “Hearing the public say it, and the way he is behaving makes it clear, I am Stephen Fulton’s biggest threat in the division. In today’s world, we need the greatest fighters to chase glory, and see who is truly the best. I am tired of boxing being a second-tier sport that is ignored because we neglect the fans from getting the fights they want to see. I want to make the best fights possible but Fulton is running scared. Let’s be honest, it makes no sense for either of us to fight anyone else at this point. I rise to the occasion every time I step in the ring, and this will be no different. If given the chance I will be the man to beat Stephen Fulton.”

DJ “The War Machine” Zamora III Remains Undefeated with TKO Victory

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 6, 2022) – This past Saturday at the Armory in Minneapolis, MN, super featherweight rising star, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora, improved to (9-0, 8 KOs), scoring a second round TKO against Raul Chirino (19-15, 12 KOs). The scheduled six-round bout was part of the super-bantamweight unification clash between current unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman.

In the opening round, Zamora dropped Chirino with a straight left, forcing him to go into retreat mode. In round two, Zamora dropped him two more times, once with a left hook to the body, and the other with a straight left, right hook combination up top. The referee stopped the fight at the 1:43 mark after seeing Chirino was still on wobbly legs.

With the victory, Zamora, who hails from Las Vegas, stated he is ready to get right back in the ring with anyone they put in front of him.

“I wanted to come out here and make a statement against an opponent who has been in the ring with some notable fighters,” said Zamora, who recently turned 19-year-old. “I have big dreams of fighting the best in the division. My goal of course is to become a world champion one day, but I know I have to work my way up the rankings.”

Zamora has sparred some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Ra’eese Aleem to name a few. He credits his experience sparing in his hometown of Las Vegas against the best as to one of the reasons he’s so sharp.

“When you are sparring guys like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson, it’s only natural that you become a more polished fighter,” continued Zamora. “When I was younger, I was around Floyd Mayweather and his uncle Roger. I’ve always enjoyed learning from the best in the business. Right now I’m feeling great and I’m looking forward to getting right back in the ring when my name is called.”

Fulton Decisions Roman; Retains Unified Super Bantamweight Titles

Stephen Fulton retained the WBC/WBO Super Bantamweight titles with a 12-round unanimous decision over former unified champion Danny Roman at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fulton landed 218 of 603 punches. Roman was 113 of 673.

Fulton, 121.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109 and is now 21-0. Roman, 121.5 lbs of Los Angeles is now 29-4-1.

“I made a hell of a statement tonight,” said Fulton, who improved to 21-0 with eight knockouts. “I prepared for this and I told y’all I was going to make it easy and fight depending on how I wake up, and I woke up feeling good.”

“There’s no excuse,” said Roman, who dropped to 29-4-1 with 10 knockouts. “I think this fight proves who the best 122-pound fighter in the division is. Fulton did that tonight. He proved it. I wish him the best and I hope he goes and achieves what I couldn’t achieve. Go become undisputed. Like I said, this fight proved who is the best in the division. Fulton was the better man tonight.”

“It was very important to control the distance tonight,” said Fulton. “Like I said before, in the last outing with Brandon Figueroa, I didn’t have the energy because I didn’t make the weight the right way. So shout out to my dietician. Any moment he had, I took it right away from him. I neutralized the threat.”

“Fulton knew how to use his distance,” said Roman. “It was hard for me to adjust to his distance because he was boxing. He came in and came out. He changed his style so it was hard for me to adjust.”

“I started walking him down because I saw that he had been slowing down,” said Fulton of the final rounds. “I feel like the more I kept boxing, the more I just got a little tired of boxing. Me trying to walk forward to him wasn’t going to happen all the time, but I definitely saw him slowing down. I wanted to stop him but I didn’t get that.”

Morrell Stops Morrell in 4; Retains Super Middleweight Title

David Morrell retained the WBA Super Middleweight title with a four-round beatdown of Kalvin Henderson.

In round one, Henderson was cut over his left eye. Morrell landed some huge punches and had Henderson in trouble various times throughout the contest until referee Luis Pabon stopped the bout at 2:35.

Morrell, 166.5 lbs of Minneapolis, MN is now 7-0 with six knockouts. Henderson, 167.5 lbs of Fort Worth, Texas is now 15-2-1.

“I’m excited,” said Morrell. “Thank you everyone for coming out to The Armory. I’m just happy, man. I’m happy. I’m so excited every time I fight in my new home in Minnesota. I made this place my home.”

“We knew that he wanted to come out strong like he did, but we wanted to show that his punches weren’t doing anything,” said Henderson. “We were picking off most of those shots. We were trying to wear him out, and the game plan was working but he landed some shots and the referee called it.”

“I want to thank my trainer Ronnie Shields, who did an excellent job today,” said Morrell. “That’s what our game plan was, to be concentrated and if I didn’t get him by the end of the first round, I was looking to get him in the later rounds.”

“I’m a fighter at heart and I compete so when he stopped the fight, I was upset,” said Henderson. “But I understand, the referee is just doing his job.”

“It’s David Benavidez, it’s Caleb Plant, it’s Anthony Dirrell, it’s whoever wants to get in the ring with me,” said Morrell. “I’m ready for any of them.”

DJ Zamora Looks to Impress this Saturday in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 3, 2022) – Las Vegas’ Demler “DJ” Zamora (8-0, 7 KOs), will be in a six-round featherweight fight against Raul Chirino (19-14, 12 KOs), as part of the off-television undercard of this weekend’s super-bantamweight unification clash between current unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman, taking place, this Saturday, June 4th, on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“I am working my way up on these big cards,” said Zamora, the 19-year-old sensation about his upcoming bout. “I’m eager to have an explosive performance and earn my spot on the televised portion very shortly. I want to thank my team for getting me on such a high-profile card so early on in my career, and now I am just looking to constantly grow and get better. I know I have what it takes to be something special in this sport, but now I must show the world and get people talking. My goal for this fight is to get a win that gets people excited about seeing me fight”

Zamora will face Chirino, who has faced Luis Alberto Lopez, Omar Juarez, and Brandon Figueroa, amongst others and is a step-up in competition bout.

“I am excited to compare myself to other great fighters who have fought Chirino,” continued Zamora. “I know that I have to continue being humble, and work hard, but to see how I stack up against top contenders and world champions with a comparable opponent is a good feeling that has me excited. I am excited to be in Minnesota fighting under the bright lights, and big banners, on a world title card. I worked my whole life for moments like this, and now I’m going to show the world who I am.”

VIDEO: Stephen Fulton vs. Danny Roman: Weigh-In | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

FULTON VS. ROMAN OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS

WBC & WBO 122-Pound Unified World Championship – 12 Rounds

Stephen Fulton Jr. – 121 ½ lbs.

Danny Roman – 121 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Mike Fitzgerald (Wis.), Patrick Morley (Ill.), Nathan Palmer (Ind.)

WBA Super Middleweight Title – 12 Rounds

David Morrell – 166 ½ lbs.

Kalvin Henderson – 167 ½ lbs.

Referee: Luis Pabon; Judges: David Iacobucci (Texas), Mark Nelson (Minn.), Pasquale Procopio (Canada)

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from The Armory in Minneapolis and starts with a replay of Gervonta Davis’ sensational stoppage of Rolando Romero last Saturday night. ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. ROMERO Epilogue will premiere immediately following the conclusion of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will host SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®and handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Noted combat sports authority and SHOBOX^® analyst Brian Campbell will serve as the ringside reporter while two more Hall of Famers round out the most decorated telecast team in the sport: Boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned Jimmy Lennon Jr. as the ring announcer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. and the director is Chuck McKean. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action with former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX analyst Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as expert analyst in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

# # #

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN

Fulton vs. Roman will see unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. battle former unified champion Danny Roman in a matchup between two of the sport’s most consistently crowd-pleasing fighters headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell taking on Kalvin Henderson in the co-main event and the replay of Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ sensational stoppage of Rolando “Rolly” Romero last Saturday night in Brooklyn, N.Y.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FultonRoman, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

VIDEO: Stephen Fulton vs. Danny Roman: Press Conference | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. DANNY ROMAN AND DAVID MORRELL JR. VS. KALVIN HENDERSON FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – June 2, 2022 – Unified WBC and WBO 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman went face to face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday, June 4 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. and Kalvin Henderson previewing their co-main event showdown on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Kicking off the telecast will be the premiere of Gervonta Davis’ sensational stoppage of Rolando Romero last Saturday night as he defended his WBA Lightweight Title in front of a star-studded, sold-out crowd that included celebrities across the entertainment and sporting gamut.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster. The Fulton vs. Roman fight is promoted in association with Thompson Boxing.

Philadelphia’s Fulton will look for another signature victory on Saturday, after unifying super bantamweight titles last November by winning a close decision over Brandon Figueroa in one of 2021’s best fights. He will be opposed by Los Angeles’ Roman, who can regain his unified status in the division in a matchup built to deliver fireworks.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“I’ve been recognized more since unifying the titles and it feels great to be able to take pictures with my fans.

“It meant everything to me to unify the belts because I said I wanted to do that. When I won my first title in early 2021 and then unified later in the year, that was an amazing feeling because I’ve been through some things leading up to that fight. Not just my camp, but home. So there was a lot going on with me. But mentally I was there and I stuck through it and unified and now I’m here.

“The last four fighters I faced were undefeated, so I’m used to this road. I always step up to the occasion. I always show up when I get to these stages. My whole life has been like that. Right now I am living in the moment. I haven’t been looking past anything. We’re living for today. So when Saturday comes, I’m going to live for it and have fun and I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to enjoy defeating him.

“It feels good to be in the position and be the hunted. It feels good to be in this position because I’ve called him out when he had his titles and they didn’t look my direction. But then when they didn’t have the titles they looked my direction because I had it. Now I’m giving him the opportunity that he didn’t give me.

“You’ve all seen I can fight on the inside, I can fight on the outside. I can fight whichever way I want. So how I wake up Saturday morning is going to determine how I fight Saturday night. I can do whatever I want. I don’t have one style to me.

“He’s lost three times, and maybe one draw. There’s four ways to get to him. There’s no way to get to me yet. There’s no one who’s figured that out.

“I’m more focused. I’m hungry. It’s gonna be a good fight. Just be there. I’m going to have fun. I’m going to have a ball in that ring. I feel like when I took it serious earlier in my career, I wasn’t having any fun. Now I’m taking the risk. That’s why I picked him and chose him.”

DANNY ROMAN

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and we’re here to take advantage of it. I’ve had obstacles too. When I lost my titles to MJ, [Murodjon Akhmadaliev] there were politics involved. But that’s boxing and now I’m focused on who’s in front of me now and that’s Stephen Fulton. I’m not overlooking my opponent.

“It’s been a year since I last fought, and I’m paying attention to that. This opportunity doesn’t come around twice so I know what I have to do to get that ‘W.’ I’ve been in his position before and you don’t want to lose those belts. I was a unified champion too. So I know what it takes. He’s going to try and look his best, and I’m going to go in there and give everything I have to get him.

“This fight will be like a chess game and whoever can make the right adjustments will win the fight.

“We’re going to have fun. I expect a great fight. He’s giving his best, I’m giving my best.

“It means everything to represent my Mexican-American culture. We’re just another step away toward making history just like the great Mexican fighters. It means a lot.

“We’re here to win, and we’re going to win.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I came here from Cuba in 2019 and I’m so happy that I was able to follow the guidance of Luis DeCubas Sr. and be embraced so much by the state of Minnesota. It has allowed me to pursue my dreams and be at a high level in my career as a fighter in Minneapolis. Every fight that I have here at The Armory becomes more meaningful. The support of the people here means absolutely everything to me.

“I’m glad that Henderson has the confidence that he thinks he’s going to win. I appreciate that. But it’s a shame that he’s going to go home with a loss. I’m happy that he’s confident like that because we’re going to put on a great show. But at the same time, when he says that he’s going to come and win, that’s not going to happen.

“Me and my team are totally focused on Henderson on Saturday night. After, if you want me to talk about David Benavidez, I know I can fight against Benavidez because I have the courage that’s necessary to fight against somebody like Benavidez. I have the guts. I’m a champion and I know I can do it.

“This fight is all about opening more doors for me. In more than one way. First of all, this is my first time fighting on SHOWTIME. I won’t take that for granted. I know that if I perform well on this stage, doors will open for me with SHOWTIME and with my career. Winning this fight is going to allow me to fulfil the projects and the fights that I want to have later on in my career and later on this year.

“My prediction for Saturday is that I will be happy. I don’t have time for pain. I’m too happy right now. My little brother asked me for a knockout between rounds one and five, and I guess I’ll have to come through for him. That’s my prediction.”

KALVIN HENDERSON

“This is a huge opportunity. I have a huge chance to come in here and try to dethrone the champ. I just want you guys to know that we’re not here to say, ‘We’re here for the experience.’ Or just to say, ‘We got an opportunity to fight for the title.’ We’re here to fight and we’re here to win.

“All of the pressure is off of me. Everybody’s expecting me to come in here and lose and lay down. The pressure is on the champ. We’re in his hometown in America. Everybody is expecting him to do great things, so I just have to go in there and show out and do what I do best.

“He’s supposed to feel that he’s going to win. He’s the champ. He’s 6-0 with five KOs. He’s already fought in Minnesota a few times. He’s supposed to feel that way. And I feel the same way too. So we’re going to see on Saturday night.

“I don’t think he’s overlooking me. I think he’s taking this fight very seriously and he’s trained very seriously for this fight. But so did I. In the past, I’ve also messed up my opponents’ future plans for fights after that. That’s what we’re going to do on Saturday. Mess up all his future plans.

“I ain’t worried about the crowd being pro-Morrell. It’s not my first time doing this and skills travel. My prediction for this fight is pain.”

# # #

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. taking on Kalvin Henderson in the co-main event.

DANNY ROMAN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – May 31, 2022 – Former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman shared insight into his training camp and more as he nears his showdown to regain top billing against unified WBC and WBO 122-Pound World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. taking place this Saturday, June 4 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The Los Angeles-native Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs) first became a champion in September 2017 when he traveled to Japan to stop Shun Kubo and capture the WBA belt. After three successful defenses, Roman added the IBF title in a 2019 action fight against then unbeaten T.J. Doheny. Following a narrow split-decision loss to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in 2020, Roman bounced back with dominating victories over Juan Carlos Payano in September 2020 and Ricardo Espinoza in May 2021.

Now, he will look to regain his unified status at 122-pounds against the fast-rising Fulton in a matchup of highly-skilled and aggressive combatants. Here is what Roman had to say ahead of Saturday’s showdown:

On his matchup with Stephen Fulton Jr.:

“I’m up against a very skilled fighter who doesn’t have many flaws, but every man has a weakness, and I’m going to exploit Fulton’s. I believe my style will be very difficult for him to adjust to. He’s never been in the ring with an experienced fighter like me. I know what needs to be done to be victorious in this fight. The world will see a greatly improved version of myself in this fight. I’ll be throwing a lot of punches till the final bell and I’m preparing to go the distance.”

On fighting for another world championship:

“I’ve worked my way back to this position with a lot of sacrifice, dedication and perseverance. These opportunities don’t come by for most fighters, so I’m grateful to my entire team for believing in me and sticking by my side. I’m fighting for two world titles, this time for the WBC and WBO belts, and best believe I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”

On his recent training camp:

“I’ve added some elite strength and conditioning to my weekly workouts for this camp and I feel stronger than ever. In addition, I’m super focused on my diet and eating correctly. I’ve paced myself perfectly in this camp, and I know on fight night I’ll be peaking.”

On fighting once again on SHOWTIME:

“I’ve never lost a fight on SHOWTIME, so it’s fair to say I relish the fact that I’m fighting on this network. Everyone knows that if you’ve fought on SHOWTIME, you’ve made it to the pinnacle of boxing. SHOWTIME is legendary for having shown some of the greatest fights in boxing history. I’m hoping my fight with Fulton lives up to the great fights of the past.”

#

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN
Fulton vs. Roman will see unified WBC and WBO 122-Pound World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. battle former unified champion Danny Roman in a matchup between two of the sport’s most consistently crowd-pleasing fighters headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. taking on Kalvin Henderson in the co-main event.

STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. DANNY ROMAN AND DAVID MORRELL JR. VS. KALVIN HENDERSON VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – May 10, 2022 – Unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. promised victoryand former unified champion Danny Roman predicted a Fight of the Yearduring a virtual press conference on Tuesday to preview their much-anticipated title showdown before headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The virtual press conference also featured WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. and Kalvin Henderson discussing their duel which serves as the co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

After unifying titles in a 2021 Fight of the Year against Brandon Figueroa on SHOWTIME last November, Philadelphia’s Fulton returns to action against the exciting Los Angeles-native Roman, who seeks to become a unified champion at 122-pounds for the second time in a matchup built to deliver fireworks. In the co-main event, Morrell will look to thrill the fans in his adopted hometown once again and extend his knockout streak to four against Henderson, after a 2021 that saw him twice score two KO’s at The Armory.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Everything has been great. Camp has been amazing and challenging for me training through Ramadan. Training with little energy during Ramadan actually helped me as far as making weight. Right now, I’m just looking forward to June 4.

“I’ve fought during Ramadan four years in a row and got knockouts. I already know how to prepare for a fight this way. My mental is just different when I’m fasting and on my spiritual journey. Those are the things that push me to the next level mentally. The fight game is more mental than physical anyway.

“Roman was doing a lot of tweeting at me saying that I was ducking, and I just didn’t say anything back and made the fight happen. I just want them to keep that same energy. I was presented with other fighters to face, and I chose Danny Roman. He deserved the opportunity, so I gave it to him.

“He’s a great fighter and you can’t take that away from him. I don’t understand how he didn’t get his rematch for his original belts, but I decided to give him the shot at mine.

“I expect Roman to be different against me than in any other fight. He’s looking to get back on top. I have to be smart and able to adapt. That’s what I do best.

“I don’t care what anyone on the outside thinks. I know what I am. I’m the unified champ. I only have to prove it to myself. I think since my last fight, I’ve changed my mentality. I’m not worried about anyone else, I’m taking these fights for me.

“The winner of this fight needs to go for undisputed. It’s the other side that wants to keep waiting. Those are the only fights that interest me. It’s all champions against other champions and top contenders for me. Once we take care of this fight, hopefully we go for undisputed next.

“Fans are going to see a victory. I guarantee a victory. I can’t say how it’s going to happen. Because my mood and mind changes every day. As of right now, just expect to see a smart boxer.

“I showed against Brandon Figueroa that I can do whatever it takes to get the job done. I boxed early in my career and I’ve fought toe-to-toe in recent bouts. I know what I’m capable of and I’m going to show you.

“Being in two dog fights back-to-back has only pushed me to an even higher level of confidence. I can do what I want in that ring at any time. Whenever I want to.”

DANNY ROMAN

“It’s been a great training camp. We’ve been getting ready for the best in the unified champion Stephen Fulton. It’s a fight you have to see. We’re going to have the same energy that I’ve had on social media. You can consider him the best in the division right now. He’s the champion I want right now.

“We know that Stephen Fulton can make the right adjustments. It’s going to depend on the fight he brings and the fight I bring. Whoever makes the best adjustments is going to win the fight. You could say it will be like a chess match. I can do a little bit of everything and he can do a little bit of everything as well. It depends who makes the right adjustments that night.

“This is a fight where I can earn a lot of respect. That’s what every fighter wants. Even when I became a unified champion, they still had me below the other champions. I think that goes for Fulton as well. Everybody is trying to prove themselves as the best in the division. This is the fight. I’m fighting against who is considered the best in the division and I get a chance to be back on top.

“It’s true that when I was the champion, Fulton was calling me out and I didn’t give him the chance. He called me out and I had different plans. I wanted to unify the belts and be undisputed. I’m thankful that he’s given me the chance to fight him now that he’s champion.

“Fans should expect a great fight and even a Fight of the Year. We always go out there and fight our heart out. We’ll give the best that we can for the people and I know Fulton is going to do the same. He’s the unified champion defending his belts. I want those belts, so it will be a great night.

“My fight against Murodjon Akhmadaliev was a close fight and I still believe I won. Then I didn’t get the rematch, so now two-and-a-half years later, I’m getting another chance to get back on top so I’m more than thankful for that.

“Fulton fought a good fight against Brandon Figueroa. He was smart and made good adjustments during the fight. It was a close one but he took it, so respect to him.

“We’ve been in situations like this before. Important fights. Now, I’m the challenger. I’m challenging Fulton for the two titles so mentally, I’m ready. I’ve been through this road already and I know what it takes. I’ve trained hard like I always do. Mentally and physically, I feel prepared.

“This is my chance. It doesn’t come twice, especially against a unified champion. I’m one step away from becoming a unified champion again. This is for everything. Either you do this, or you don’t. I’m more than excited and I feel more than ready. I hope Fulton feels the same way. Let’s give the people what they want to see. They want to see a great fight, so let’s give it to them.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I have a lot of respect for Henderson and I’m excited for this fight. Henderson is a quality opponent and I’m looking forward to fighting him. I’ve won by knockout in Minneapolis all three times I’ve fought there and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again on June 4.

“This is a huge platform for me to show the world what I’m capable of. I’m ready to take advantage of it. I’m here to prove my worth to everyone watching at The Armory and around the world.

“I’m 100% ready for the biggest fights at super middleweight. This is a great chance for the winner to show that they’re among the elite 168-pound fighters.

“I don’t really see any limitations or weaknesses in Henderson as a fighter. I’m just going to go out there and have fun and do my job. The rest will be decided on June 4.

“I got to spend 10 weeks training with Ronnie Shields, as opposed to only three weeks before my last fight, and it could not have been better. We just have incredible chemistry. At this point we’re just putting on the finishing touches and getting ready to be 100% on fight night.

“There’s nothing I love more than fighting on the big stage. That’s what motivates me more than anything in the world. I’m just looking to take advantage of the stage that’s been set for me.

“On June 4 it’s going to be the fourth anniversary of me leaving Cuba and not being able to see my family. I’m glad that there will be an easier and more convenient path for Cuban fighters to reach their dream. As long as it’s legit and pro boxing is truly allowed there, then it will really make me happy.

“I’m coming to put on a show like I always do and give the fans what they deserve. I can’t wait for this fight.”

KALVIN HENDERSON

“I know Morrell has a strong amateur background and good skills, but all the pressure is on him. We’re in his hometown. He’s undefeated and I have one loss, so I don’t have that burden on my back. I’m going to use my skill set and put my hands on him.

“It doesn’t get bigger than this. This is what people dream about when they first start boxing. I know that a game opponent will bring the best out of me, so everyone should expect to see the best of both of us on June 4.

“This fight is a way to show your worth. We also know that winning fights isn’t good enough, it’s how you win that gets you to those top fights that everyone wants to see.

“On paper this may look like a big step up for me, but it’s not much different than what I’ve faced in the amateurs or sparring in the gym. I just have to prove that to everyone else, because we see it in the gym every day.

“I suffered an injury in the third round of my loss. I had a great game plan but the injury threw us off of that. I have heart, so I kept going with that injury and didn’t make any excuses. We just went back to the drawing board.

“When I first turned pro in 2016 I was fighting in the amateurs at 165 pounds, so the logical choice was 160. I realized how hard those extra five pounds were, so around fight eight or nine we moved up to 168. We’ve been there ever since. I’ve fought at higher weights only because my opponents couldn’t make 168. That’s the division I’m focused on.

“Boxing is all about proving yourself to the rest of the world. That’s what we’re looking forward to doing on June 4.”

# # #

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN

AUDIO: STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. DANNY ROMÁN VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE

VIDEO: STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. DANNY ROMÁN VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE

UNIFIED SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION STEPHEN FULTON JR. TAKES ON FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION DANNY ROMAN IN SHOWTIME® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY, JUNE 4 FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

MINNEAPOLIS – April 8, 2022 – Unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will battle former unified champion Danny Roman in a matchup between two of the sport’s most consistently crowd-pleasing fighters headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

“Fans at The Armory in Minneapolis and watching on SHOWTIME are in for another treat on June 4 with a battle between unified champion Stephen Fulton and former unified champion Danny Roman that is destined to deliver dramatic action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adding in the exciting rising star David Morrell Jr. returning to fight in his adopted hometown against Kalvin Henderson, and June 4 is lined up to be another can’t-miss night of high-stakes fights.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs) faced impressive competition while rising up the 122-pound rankings to earn the opportunity that saw him become world champion and eventually a unified champion. In his last 14 fights, the 27-year-old has beaten eight previously undefeated fighters. After taking the title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, he edged out Brandon Figueroa in November to unify titles in one of the year’s best and most action-packed fights. Trained in his hometown by coach Wahid Rahim, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m ready to defend my titles once again against ‘Danny boy’,” said Fulton. “I expect Roman to be excited and on point. He’s looking at this fight as a comeback, so he’ll be ready. This is his biggest fight to date. Fight fans should just make sure to tune in to this fight because when I fight I always put on a great show and June 4 won’t be any different.”

Ranked in the top five by the WBC, WBO and IBF, Roman (28-3-1, 10 KOs) will have a chance to regain his unified 122-pound championship status on June 4. The 31-year-old from Los Angeles has won back-to-back fights, earning unanimous decision victories over former champion Juan Carlos Payano in September 2020 and Ricardo Espinoza Franco in May 2021. Roman first became world champion in 2017, when he stopped Shun Kubo for the WBA title. Roman would go on to unify titles by beating TJ Doheny for his IBF strap in 2019, before losing a narrow split decision to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January 2020.

“Words can’t describe how excited I am to be back in the ring, fighting for the world titles on SHOWTIME,” said Roman. “Fulton is an undefeated champion who has never tasted defeat, but I have plans to take his belts. I have confidence in myself that I’m going to come out on top based on my skill and experience. I’m having a great camp and the fans should be tuning in because I’m going to be in the best shape of my life. I’m grateful to my team for working hard to make this fight happen. I’m going to make this fight a war on June 4.”

Now based in Minneapolis, Morrell (6-0, 5 KOs) has shown off the prodigious talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s iconic amateur scene since arriving stateside in 2019. The 24-year-old captured an interim title by dominating then unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020. Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, thrilled the crowd at The Armory in his adopted hometown twice in 2021. He stopped the previously unbeaten Mario Cazares in round one in June before dominating veteran contender Alantez Fox on his way to a fourth-round stoppage in December.

“I’m super excited to be able to have the opportunity to fight in my second home of Minneapolis,” said Morrell. “I’m ready to shine at The Armory once again on June 4. It’s going to be an amazing feeling to have that support on fight night and I’m working hard in training to make sure I can deliver for the fans.”

The 31-year-old Henderson (15-1-1, 11 KOs) has won three of his last four fights, including three stoppage victories in 2021. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Henderson bounced back from a decision loss against unbeaten Isiah Steen to stop Robert Burwell in his most recent outing in October. Henderson turned pro in 2016, winning his first 12 bouts before a majority draw against Genc Pllana in December 2019.

“I feel this is an excellent opportunity to show who I am on a national network for a WBA title,” said Henderson. “A lot of pros never get the chance to fight for a world title and for me to get this opportunity 17 fights in is amazing. All I ever wanted was an opportunity. Even though he is young, Morrell is a game opponent. He comes from the Cuban program, but we have a great game plan to take this world title back home.”

#

LIVE VIDEO: Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton: Post-Fight Press Conference | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING