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.
LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2019): WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Rey Vargas (33-0, 22 KOs) and No. 1 Contender and former world champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (36-2, 20 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the DoubleTree By Hilton in Carson, Calif. ahead of their 12-round fight. The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference:
REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight Champion:
“I’m happy to be here once again in the United States and Los Angeles where the beautiful people here always receive us well. I’m thankful for being a world champion. I’ve always categorized myself as someone who’s not a talker – I show it in the ring. We’re ready for war. We know the Japanese people are always willing to die in the line of fire, but Mexicans, we’re warrior too. And if you want, we can start the fight right here so bring the scale and let’s get the party started.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA, No 1. Contender for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship:
“I’m super excited and happy to be fighting here in the United States but most of all in Los Angeles, where there are a lot of Mexican and Japanese people. We are ready, we did a very good preparation, more than four months of training and I promise to give a good show because I prepared really well. I respect all opponents, Vargas too. The only thing I want to tell Vargas is – Champ, are you a champion, are you Mexican? Then this fight, fight like a Mexican. Let’s give a good fight. This Saturday, my story will begin.”
DIEGO DE LA HOYA, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“We had a really good preparation. Thank you to my promoter Golden Boy, my manager, my trainers, all of them for believing in me. This fight is very important. It’s one more step towards a world title. And this Saturday, Ronny Rios and I are going to steal the show. It’s going to be a great fight, it’s going to be a big war.”
RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“First and foremost, I want to thank DAZN and Golden Boy for giving me such a great opportunity and putting me on such a great card. I especially want to thank Robert Diaz for always confiding in me and my team. I want to thank my team for always being there for me through thick and thin. It’s been a tough, challenging year but we’re back to where we want to and we’re here to make the best of it. I just want to let everybody know that I don’t see myself as a stepping stone. I’m here to give it my best shot and Diego and I are going to give the fight fans a great fight on Saturday.”
JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Contender:
“I want to thank Golden Boy and DAZN for giving me the opportunity to show my boxing this Saturday. And my team, my dad who’s my trainer, my manager Frank Espinoza, and my brothers. I had a good camp. I’m ready for Saturday night, and I just can’t wait.”
MANUEL AVILA, Featherweight Contender:
“I’d like to thank God for this opportunity, Golden Boy, DAZN, my dad as my manager. I trained hard for this fight. I tell people it’s just another fight. I’m ready for the fight to be here. I’m just excited to be here.”
ROCKY HERNANDEZ, Super Featherweight Contender:
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be a very good card and I believe I’ll be walking away with my hands raised because I trained very hard. I want to thank Golden Boy, Promociones del Pueblo, all the people who support me, my family, friends, everyone in Mexico who has been sending me messages, and I want to thank Victor Flores for all the support that he’s been giving me.”
ROGER GUTIURREZ, Super Featherweight Contender:
“It’s a pleasure being here on such an important card. I’m grateful to Golden Boy for all the support and the fact that they believe in me and that they’ve given me another opportunity. I’m also grateful to Gilberto Mendoza, the president of the WBA, who has never stopped believing me and has always supported me.”
Vargas vs. Kameda is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Promociones del Pueblo and TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for Vargas vs. Kameda are on sale now and are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow
on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #VargasKameda
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link: http://bit.ly/VargasKameda. into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2019): WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Rey Vargas (33-0, 22 KOs) and No 1. Contender Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (36-2, 20 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles ahead of their 12-round battle. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN
Fighters from the undercard, including Diego De La Hoya (21-0, 10 KOs), Ronny Rios (30-3, 14 KO), Joet Gonzalez (22-0, 13 KOs), Rocky Hernandez (28-0, 25 KOs), Alexis Rocha (13-0, 8 KOs) and Jousce Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs), also participated in the workout.
Below is what today’s participants had to say:
REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion:
“I’m happy with how camp went. Kameda is a good rival. We fought a long time ago but that doesn’t count. Right now, it’s a new story. I’m very calm and have been working hard. It’s going to be a different fight in terms of style and quality. We’ve both improved. I can promise you it’s going to be a good fight. Whatever kind of tune he dances to, I’ll dance to that as well. He’s a strong, quick fighter but he won’t be better than me. I won’t underestimate him, but you have to complete these things, not just say it. That’s why I train hard and I’m a world champion. The fights in Los Angeles are always good and are very special for me, I want to thank all my fans that have been supporting me. This Saturday will be a spectacular fight.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA, No. 1 Contender for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship:
“I feel prepared. I did great preparation in Osaka, Japan and I feel confident. Vargas and I were amateurs together, and I know his style. He’s very technical and a tall fighter but we have a good strategy and I’m going to show it in the ring. When we fought as amateurs, I had only fought 10 fights when he had 100 fights. I have more experience now and have fought around the country against different rivals including Mexican, Pilipino and Thai so I can say I have more experience than him. This fight will be a really good fight, we both have good styles. I have a Japanese Mexican style, and he has a Mexican style. Mexican fighters are warriors. I have a lot of Mexican and Japanese fans and I hope this Saturday, both fans can see the kind of boxing I bring. It’s going to be a good fight and I’m going to do everything possible to make sure it’s a great night.”
DIEGO DE LA HOYA, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“I feel really proud to be a part of this bout. My rival, Rios, is a really good fighter so this is a good opportunity for me. I’m happy that my fans have followed me along my journey and I want to show them that I’m ready to take the title. I’m proud to return to the ring and give the type of fight where fans will say Diego De La Hoya has returned. I know it’s a hard fight and that’s why I took it, to show that I’m back. It’ll be a good fight, especially for the fans.”
RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“I’m more excited now than I’ve ever been before. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. I want people to know that I’m not here for easy challenges. I’m 33 but I’ve fought a lot of fighters and I haven’t shied away from a fight. I’m here to be the best, to fight the best, and to keep fighting the best. I have one focus right now, which is July 13, and I plan on putting the pressure in the ring. I plan on focusing on my positive and not negatives. I’m prepared to do what I need to do and I’m ready physically and mentally. I had the best camp, my weight’s been good so I’m ready to go out there and show myself.”
JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Champion:
“I’ve been dedicated since day one. I’m ready for the weigh in and Saturday night, I’ll come out ready. There are some challenges in Avila, he’s a good boxer. I know what he brings to the table and I know his strengths and weaknesses. On Saturday, I plan to exploit his weaknesses. It’s going to be a great fight. It’ll be an exciting card because my brother is fighting on the same card. It’s going to be the second time we’re fighting on the same card and we’re excited. I get nervous for him and he gets nervous for me but we know we’re ready. We’ll show what all that training has done. I’ve waited long enough. I want the world title shot after this fight and I believe my team will make this happen.”
ROCKY HERNANDEZ, Super Featherweight Contender:
“This is going to be a strong fight. My work will speak for itself. To all my fans, you won’t want to miss this Saturday and especially this fight. We’re going to come out and give it our all and show what we’ve learned. I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity and I’m ready to show why I deserve to win. My family is my motivation and I’m going to be a world champion.”
ALEXIS ROCHA, Welterweight Prospect:
“Everything’s been going very well. I feel ready. I want to thank Golden Boy for putting me on this great card. Abreu is a good rival but I’m ready for Saturday. Outside of the ring I’m very friendly and shy but inside the ring, I’m aggressive. I have a good technique. My dream is to be a world champion and I want to get more titles. After my last fight I learned that I need to take my time and be patient. I’ve well trained and I’ve trained very hard. I’m fighting with my brother on the card so I’m excited. I hope you all tune into for my fight, it’s going to be a firework action show.”
JOUSCE GONZALEZ, Lightweight Prospect:
“I’ve had a long training camp and I’m excited for this fight. I had a long time off but I’m ready to go. During my time off, I learned that I should take my health into consideration and be smarter with the decisions I make. I had knee surgery and rushed back to it too soon, I let my pride get to me. I should be smarter as it pertains to my health and I want to give it my 100 percent and get more experience in the ring. I’m very excited to be fighting on the same card as my brother. It’s motivating to see him work hard, it makes me work harder. I learn from him and my dad the most. It’s really cool to see the support from the fans too.”
Vargas vs. Kameda is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Promociones del Pueblo and TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for Vargas vs. Kameda are on sale now and are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow
on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #VargasKameda
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link: http://bit.ly/VargasKameda. into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
CARSON, CALIF. (June 6, 2019): A thoroughly stacked night of Golden Boy action heads to the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. as Rey Vargas (33-0, 22 KOs) defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title in the 12-round main event against No. 1 Contender and former world champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (36-2, 20 KOs). The card will also feature the return of Diego De La Hoya, Joet Gonzalez, Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez, Alexis “Lex” Rocka and Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez. The fights will take place on Saturday, July 13 and will be streamed live on DAZN.
“Golden Boy is no stranger to big events with stacked undercards, and much less when it comes to having them at the Dignity Health Sports Park,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Not only is this place the home of the LA Galaxy, it has also become a battlefield for some of the most exciting wars this sport has ever seen. July 13 will not disappoint as the best 122-pounder in the world in Rey Vargas defends his world title against an explosive challenger. Most importantly, however, this stacked card will also demonstrate what we have been doing at the Golden Boy for many years: producing stars and making the best fights possible.”
Vargas is a 28-year-old world champion who brings a considerable height and reach advantage to every fight, which he has used to defeat all of his previous opponents. In February 2017, Vargas traveled to the United Kingdom to defeat Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title. For that fight, Vargas enlisted the help of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, who has been training him ever since. Vargas then defended the title against Ronny Rios, Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannyan and Franklin Manzanilla. The native of Mexico City, Mexico will look to make the fifth defense of his title in his first main event fight in the United States.
“This is going to be a hard and complicated fight,” said Rey Vargas. “Kameda is a difficult opponent who has been a world champion. Above all, however, he has a thorn in his side that he’ll want to take out because I beat him in the amateurs several years ago. This is an interesting fight. He is a quick fighter and he’ll look to take advantage of that, but thanks to God and my corner we are already working to counteract the strategy of this Japanese fighter. God willing, we will walk away with our hand in victory.”
Kameda is a 27-year-old native of Tokyo, Japan who traveled to Mexico when he was only 15 years old to learn from and compete with its fighters, earning the nickname “Mexicanito” in the process. Since then, Kameda has developed into a complete fighter utilizing styles from both countries. In 2013, Kameda became a world champion by defeating Paulus Ambunda for the WBO Bantamweight World Title, defending it three times. He also challenged for a world title on two occasions by facing Jamie McDonnell for the WBA Bantamweight World Championship. Kameda then moved up to 122 pounds where he plans to become a two-division world champion.
“This is going to be a great battle,” said Tomoki Kameda. “I know Rey Vargas very well. We fought in the amateurs during my time in Mexico. I look forward to getting my revenge against him and becoming a two-division world champion. I know Vargas is a tall fighter with long arms, but the Mexican style that I possess will give him a lot of trouble and make for a great fight for the fans!”
“This is a great fight where the two best super bantamweights in the world will meet,” said Oswaldo Kuchle, President of Promociones del Pueblo. “Rey Vargas will prove that he is invincible, and that’s why he has the belt with the highest ranking-the WBC belt.”
“A former world champion who’s fought on the big stage in Japan, Mexico and the U.S., Tomoki Kameda is more than ready for this opportunity to become a champion again on July 13,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “At just 27-years-old, Kameda is still in his prime after already accomplishing a tremendous amount as a pro. He’s going to bring a challenge that Rey Vargas has never seen before and deliver a memorable night for his fans all over the world.”
In the co-main event, Diego De La Hoya (21-0, 13 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will take on hometown favorite Ronny Rios (30-3, 14 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Gold Super Bantamweight Title.
“I’m excited for this great opportunity to showcase my skills at the Dignity Health Sports Park,” said Diego De La Hoya. “This is another step closer to a world title challenge, and I promise to give my fans a night to remember. Ronny Rios is a tough fighter, but these types of challenges motivate me to perform at my best. I won’t be denied a victory come July 13!”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Golden Boy and DAZN for giving me this opportunity,” said Ronny Rios. “Secondly, I would like to thank my team for helping me stay prepared, motivated and focused. I would also like to thank Diego De La Hoya and his camp for accepting this fight.”
Joet Gonzalez (22-0, 10 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will fight for the vacant WBO Global Featherweight Title in a 10-round fight against Manuel “Tino” Avila (23-1-1, 8 KOs) of Fairfield, Calif. This fight will feature two high-level Golden Boy contenders who are centimeters away from a world title shot.
Mexican rising star Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez(28-0, 25 KOs) will return in a 10-round super featherweight fight. This will be Rocky’s second fight after signing a co-promotional deal between Promociones del Pueblo and Golden Boy.
Welterweight prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (13-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round bout against Berlin Abreu (14-2, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republican.
Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will return in a six-round lightweight fight.
Jonathan Esquivel (10-0, 9 KOs) of Anaheim, Calif. will battle in a six-round super middleweight fight.
Adrian Benton (1-0) of Cincinnati, Ohio will participate in a four-round super lightweight fight.
The opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly.
Vargas vs. Kameda is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Promociones del Pueblo and TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for Vargas vs. Kameda go on sale Thursday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow
on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #VargasKameda
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link: http://bit.ly/VargasKameda. into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
Former world champion Anthony Dirrell won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marco Antonio Rubio in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dirrell won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 28-1. Rubio is 59-8-1.
Jamie McDonnell retained his Bantamweight with his 2nd win over former Tomoki Kameda in the last four months.
McDonnell dropped Kameda in round four with a solid 1-2 combination.
McDonnell of England won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 and is now 27-2-1. Kameda of Osaka, Japan is 31-2.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 31, 2015) – After a razor thin decision in their first fight, top bantamweights Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs) will square-off again on the Sunday, September 6 edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The 12-round bantamweight showdown will kick-off the telecast beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT and will be headlined by a super middleweight battle between Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) and Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs).
In the first fight between the United Kingdom’s McDonnell and Japan’s Kameda, which originally aired on the May 9 installment of PBC on CBS, McDonnell narrowly took the decision 114-113 on all three judges’ scorecards.
In total, the two men combined to throw over 1,000 punches in their first fight, including nearly 800 power punches over the 12 rounds. On September 6, McDonnell and Kameda will go toe-to-toe once again with bantamweight supremacy on the line.
“I have a great engine and I always come on strong in the back end of the fight,” said McDonnell. “I think from round six on it was my fight. I started too slowly in the first fight but I worked hard and got the win.”
“I definitely think I won the first fight,” said Kameda. “I landed the much harder punches and built up enough of an early lead, but the judges saw what they saw. It was a close fight and I know I can change the outcome this time.”
One of the key moments in the fight (and one that some thought could have swung the fight in Kameda’s favor) was his third round knockdown of McDonnell via a lightning-fast right hand.
“I can remember being on the floor and I didn’t know how I got there,” said McDonnell. “His speed and power is there and I went down. It proves that not everyone is invincible and if you get caught, you are going to go down. We’ve put some work in to counter that power and hopefully that will show on fight night.”
Both men are deep into training camp now and have been working on numerous adjustments to keep their opponents guessing coming into the rematch. For Kameda these changes involved a change in coach as he enters his first fight with new trainer Ismael Salas.
“I have a completely different team now with Ismael Salas and Angel Heredia and ‘Stich’ Duran as cut man,” said Kameda. “I feel much better going into this fight with better sparring and preparation and it will show in the fight. Salas has a great game plan and I can’t wait to perform it.
“McDonnell is tall, so getting inside his jab took some extra work. He’s a good veteran but I will show I’m the superior fighter once again.”
“We knew he was going to be fast, he’s the fastest I have ever faced,” said McDonnell. “I got tagged with a right hand but in the rematch I know what to expect now. I’ve sparred against a lad that throws his right hand like Kameda does so I know how to keep out of range for that.
“I feel I am hitting harder. I’ve been working on my power in the gym and I feel it’s going to pay off. I’m always in great shape and I’ve been flying in the gym. I am really looking forward to this one.”
For McDonnell, it was a successful U.S. debut as he returned home to the United Kingdom victorious. McDonnell has already arrived in Texas as he did before their first fight in order to acclimate to the time and climate changes.
“I loved being in America for the last fight and doing the afternoon show,” said McDonnell. “We’ve been to Texas before now and it was a great time so I am happy to be back here and I know what to expect. We’ve brought Ryan Burnett (10-0, 8 KOs) out here to Corpus Christi to spar for the full fortnight, plus my wife, daughter and brother Gavin are all out here with me again.”
The two fighters will look to prove their supremacy once again and entertain boxing fans around the world on September 6.
“I think it will be a fast paced fight,” said McDonnell. “I started too slowly last time and I don’t want that to happen again. I believe I will stop him late.. I took him into the trenches last time but I didn’t put it on him enough. I think I will make a big statement.”
“I will look to prepare shots to score points and be victorious,” said Kameda. “If the knockout comes, I will take it. Most important is to get the victory and we will do what we have to do to win. I will not let him back in the fight later on. This time I will start strong and finish him and not let off the gas until I am champion again.”
# # #
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $109, $93, $49, $38 and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.americanbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing @AnthonyDirrell, @MAVenenoRubio, @JamieMcDonnell1, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @LeijaBattahPR, @AmericanBankCtr and @Swanson_Comm,
become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.
Omar Figueroa Jr. won a 12-round unanimous decision over former 2-division world champion Ricky Burns in a Jr. Welterweight bout in Hidalgo, Texas.
Burns was deducted a point in round eight for holding. Burns was deducted another point in round 11 for holding once again.
Figueroa, 141 1/4 lbs of Walasco, TX won by scores of 117-109 and and 116-110 twice and is now 25-0-1. Burns, 139 1/4 lbs of Glasgow, Scotland is now 37-5-1.
Jamie McDonnell won a close 12-round unanimous decision over Tomoki Kameda to retain the WBO Bantamweight title.
Kameda dropped McDonnell for the first time in his career with a perfect overhand right to the jaw in round three. McDonnell was able to come back and out work Kameda.
McDonnell, 117 3/4 lbs of Doncaster, UK won by scores of 114-113 on all cards and is now 26-2-1. Kameda, 117 1/2 lbs of Mexico City is now 31-1.
Live TV Bouts)
OMAR FIGUEROA JR.:141 ¼ Pounds
RICKY BURNS: 139 ¼ Pounds
TOMOKI KAMEDA: 117 ¾ Pounds
JAMIE MCDONNELL: 117 ¾ Pounds
(Taped Bout)
AUSTIN TROUT: 157 Pounds
LUIS GALARZA: 155 ½ Pounds
(TV Swing Bout)
MARIO BARRIOS: 130 Pounds
JOSE DEL VALLE: 130 pounds
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
HIDALGO, Texas (April 1, 2015) – Exciting and undefeated former lightweight world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (24-0-1, 18 KOs) will take on former two-division world champion Ricky Burns (37-4-1, 11 KOs) in the main event when Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to CBS on Saturday, May 9 (4 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. PT), at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.
In the co-main event, a pair of bantamweight world champions square off when Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs) battles Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs).
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
“I am so excited to be bringing this huge event to my hometown,” said Figueroa. “It is my dream to fight on such a big stage and bring this kind of attention to Hidalgo. My fans have supported me from day one, and I plan on showing them how grateful I am with a stellar performance on May 9.”
“I can’t wait for this fight. Ever since it was confirmed I’ve been absolutely buzzing in the gym,” said Burns. “I’ve had some great nights in Scotland winning and defending my world titles at two different weights but I have always wanted to box in America. Our styles gel perfectly for one hell of a fight, neither of us take a step back – bring on May 9!”
This will be a home game for Figueroa, who will be making his initial start at 140 pounds after a hard-fought ninth-round knockout over Daniel Estrada in a slugfest last August. The 25-year-old Figueroa vacated his 135-pound belt after that defense. He became a champion in 2013 when he earned a unanimous 12-round decision over Nihito Arakawa in a brutal Fight of the Year battle. Figueroa, despite fighting with a cut on his nose from an accidental head-butt, registered two knockdowns in the memorable slugfest. Since then Figueroa defended his title twice, first with a split-decision victory over Jerry Belmontes and later with a ninth-round knockout against Daniel Estrada. Now the Weslaco, Texas native will move up in weight when he battles Burns on May 9.
An experienced fighter and former two-division world champion out of Scotland, Burns looks to add a huge victory to his resume when he takes on Figueroa. A champion in the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions, the 31-year-old owns victories over a host of accomplished fighters including Roman Martinez, Michael Katsidis and Kevin Mitchell. After suffering consecutive losses to Terrence Crawford and Dejan Zlaticanin, Burns bounced back to defeat Alexandre Lepelley in October 2014 and he will look to keep that momentum going on May 9.
An undefeated world champion out of Tokyo, Kameda announced his arrival stateside with a vicious knockout over Pungluang Sor Singyu in July 2014 in Las Vegas. That knockout was Kameda’s second bantamweight title defense after he won the belt from Paulus Ambunda in 2013. The 23-year-old followed up his U.S. debut when he defeated Alejandro Hernandez in Chicago via split decision. His next challenge comes when he faces fellow bantamweight world champion McDonnell.
The United Kingdom’s McDonnell has been on a tear since 2008 with 17 consecutive wins. Most recently, he became a bantamweight world champion with a victory over Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat and later successfully defended against Javier Nicolas Chacon.
PBC on CBS, headlined by Figueroa vs. Burns, is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Panterita Promotions in association with Matchroom Sport. The event takes place at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas with the CBS telecast beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
“We’re very excited to bring this exciting fight to the great fight city of Hidalgo,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “I have no doubt that these two fighters are going to put on an incredible show for the fans at State Farm Arena.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
Former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara won a 10-round unanimous decision over Doudou Nugumbu in a Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.
Fonfara, 176 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice ans is now 26-3. Ngumbu, 175 1/2 lbs of Congo is 33-6
Tomoki Kameda retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Alejandro Hernandez.
Kameda, 117 1/2 of Mexico City, MX won by scores of 115-113 twice while Hernandez won a card 115-113.
Kameda is now 31-0. Hernandez, 118 lbs of Mexico City is now 28-11-2.
Javier Fortuna scored a 5th round stoppage over Abner Cotto in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout.
Fortuna was all over couple in the first couple rounds when Cotto landed a shot behind the head that put Fortuna on the canvas. The knockdown should not have counted but it and to add more confusion, Cotto was rightly docked a point. In round four, Cotto was docked another point for a low blow. The craziness continued in the round when Fortuna was deducted a point after he took a swing at Cotto and apparently missed him but Cotto went down like he was hit. Fortuna hurt Cotto for real in the next round as he landed a hard left that sent Cotto down on his stomach for the 10 count at 1:32 of round five.
Fortina, 129 1/2 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 26-0-1-1 with 19 knockouts. Cotto, 130 1/4 lbs of Agua Beunos, PR is now 18-3.
Final Punch stats: Fortuna 105-302. Cotto: 46-144
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds
Andrzej Fonfara: 176 Pounds
Doudou Ngumbu: 175 ½ Pounds
WBO BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds
Tomoki Kameda: 117 ½ Pounds
Alejandro Hernandez: 118 Pounds
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS – 10 Rounds
Javier Fortuna: 129 ½ Pounds
Abner Cotto: 130 ¼ Pounds
Caleb Truax 166.5 vs. Scott Sigmon 160
Koki Kameda 115.2 vs. Omar Salado 116
Jamal James 145.5 vs. Cameron Kreal 147
Demond Nicholson 160.5 vs. Lekan Byfield 159.5
Eddie Ramirez 142.5 vs. Manny Brown 141.5
Semajay Thomas 144 vs. Paul Pindroh 143
Jose Felix Quezada 137.5 vs. Alfred Hall 142.5
Alex Martin 145.5 vs. Travis Hartman 148.5
Adam Kownacki 250 vs. Jamal Woods TBA
###
Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.
For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.
According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, beltholders Tomoki Kameda and Jamie McDonnell will fight in a Bantamweight unification bout.
“I’m delighted to deliver this huge unification fight for Jamie,” said McDinneHearn said. “Kameda will defend his title this Saturday and Jamie will fight Ramos on Nov. 22. Then, if they both come through, the pair will meet in a huge unification fight in the [United] States early next year.
“I’m so pleased Jamie will get his chance to shine in the big lights. He is a two-time world champion and now has the opportunity to unify the division. He deserves every credit. It makes the Ramos fight even more important. All eyes will be on him at the Echo Arena on Nov. 22 and it’s vital he gets the win and makes a statement to the U.S. audience.”
“We have a deal in place with Eddie,” said Luis DeCubas Jr. “Kameda side isn’t done because his main focus is on Saturday. He doesn’t even know about the fight yet [but] our plan is to take one title at a time starting with McDonnell and unify at 118 pounds. Tomoki will be one of boxing’s next superstars.”
“All fights are different, all opportunities are different, but we are always prepared to win,” Kameda said through a translator. “We’ll take what we get in the ring, but if the right hook to the body is there we’re going to take it. I’ve always dreamed of fighting in the U.S., and I’ve always dreamed of fighting on TV. Now that I’m here and I’ve signed with Al Haymon, I know all the doors will open for me. But our main goal is to win on Saturday and put on a good show for the fans.”
CHICAGO (Oct. 30, 2014) – Virtually all corners of the world were represented at Thursday’s final press conference at the W Hotel in Chicago for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition tripleheader from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Warsaw, Poland native and Chicago favorite Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-3, 15 KOs) will square off with Doudou Ngumbu (33-5, 12 KOs), of Toulouse, France by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the 10-round light heavyweight main event, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
In the co-feature, undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda will make the third defense of his 118-pound title against interim titlist and mandatory challenger Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez. Hernandez (28-10-2, 15 KOs) is a native of Mexico City, Mexico, while Kameda (30-0, 19 KOs) is Japanese but has been training in Mexico since he was 15 years old. “El Mexicanito” translates to the “The Little Mexican” while “Payasito” translates to “Little Clown.”
The opening bout of the telecast pits the Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico. Undefeated contender, former interim WBA Featherweight World Champion and Dominican Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (25-0-1, 18 KOs), will take on Puerto Rican Abner “Pin” Cotto (18-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s final press conference:
FONFARA:
“I’m happy to be back here in Chicago. [Ngumbu] is a good fighter who should give me a tough fight, but I’m going to walk out the champion.
“I can’t wait to go in there and give the fans what they want to see – a good, tough fight.
“I’m going to box him a bit and use my jab, but if the knockout comes then I’m going to take it.
“I want another shot at a world title, but I have to beat this guy first and keep winning until I get another chance. I feel that I’m ready for another shot, but this guy stands in my way on Saturday.”
NGUMBU:
“This is a great opportunity for me and a great honor to fight on American soil. I trained hard to be perfectly fit for this fight and my opponent.
“It’s not a secret that Fonfara is a powerful puncher, but I’m not worried it. What happens in the ring on Saturday is the only thing that really matters. I’m not worried and I’m certainly not scared. I’m confident I have what it takes to defeat him.
“I did everything that I had to do while in training camp. I’ve trained very hard. And now I’m here to show the world that working hard pays off.
“I came all the way here to do one thing: win.”
KAMEDA:
“It’s my second time fighting here in the U.S. and I’m very excited to defend my belt again here.
“I’m Japanese, but I live in Mexico. I fight like a Mexican. Boxing fans better be ready, because Saturday night is going to be a true all-Mexican brawl.
“This is a fight for Japan, a fight for Mexico, a fight for all the Latinos. I respect my opponent a lot, but there is a reason I’m undefeated, there is a reason I’m the champion and I’m going to win the fight.
“We’re going to scream ‘Viva Japan,’ we’re going to scream ‘Viva Mexico’ and ‘Viva los Latinos’ for all the fans in the U.S.
“On Nov. 1, you are going to seem me eat up ‘The Little Clown.’
“No question, I’ll be looking for a knockout. There’s no other way to go.”
HERNANDEZ:
“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to become a world champion. I’m ready to show that I’m the champion, not him.
“Tomoki is a good fighter. He’s fast and slick, but I am, too. I know his style, he’s predictable, and I’m ready to fight and take that belt away from him.
“He’s not a real Mexican. He wants to be a Mexican, but he’s Japanese. I’m the real Mexican here. I’m so Mexican that even the dirt under my fingernails is Mexican. Tomoki is Japanese, and he came to my country to learn from us, the Mexicans. But let’s not forget who the real Mexican is here.
“He comes here saying he represents Mexico and he’s not even Mexican. I don’t have to pretend. I’m 100 percent pure Mexican blood.
“I have my game plan ready. I’ve trained hard and I know exactly what I’m going to do in the ring — how I’m going to move, what type of punches I’m going to throw. I’m ready. This is my chance to shine and I’m not about to let it go.
“On Saturday night, I will win. I’ll be a world champion, a true Mexican champion.”
FORTUNA:
“I’m not really worried about him. I prepared very well and I hope he trained well, too. I don’t want any excuses when he lands on the floor this Saturday.
“He’s a good fighter and he has a good trainer, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.
“He may have faced Dominicans before, but that was in the amateurs. It will be a lot different now that he’s a professional, and it will be a lot different when he gets in the ring with me.
“I have faced better fighters in my career than he has, no question.
“I’m not looking for the knockout, but if I connect a few punches and I see he’s hurt, I’ll just go for it. I’m going to work him. This is going to be the end of Abner Cotto.
“I studied Abner Cotto very well. Day after day and night after night, I studied him throughout training camp with my trainer, Hector Bermudez. I studied his strengths and his weaknesses. I’ve learned his ways, I learned everything about him and I’m ready to defeat him.
“At 130 or 135 pounds, wherever I see the opportunity to get a world championship, I’m going to seize it.”
COTTO:
“It won’t be an easy fight, but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t go the distance.
“I’ve faced Dominican fighters before so I’m not worried about him or his power. Beating Fortuna is an opportunity to put myself in the top three in the division.
“I hope he comes ready and we can give the fans a good fight. I know I’m ready.
“I have faced some of the best fighters in the world in this division. Fortuna doesn’t intimidate me, he doesn’t bring anything that I haven’t seen before.
“Some people say that Fortuna is very powerful and I that should be very careful, but I’m not thinking about that. I’m only focused on the power in my punches. I’m not going to let them get into my head.
“My Puerto Rican fans better be ready. I’m going to deliver on Nov. 1 and I’m going to make them very proud. I’ll put up a great show. I’ve had plenty of hard fights, tests and challenges and I’ve overcome them. On Saturday, my fans are going to see a different Abner Cotto.
“The key for my victory lies on being smart, patient and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I plan on exploiting every little mistake that Fortuna makes.”
###
Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.
For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.
CHICAGO (Oct. 29, 2014) – Hometown favorite Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara, France’s Doudou Ngumbu, WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki Kameda and Interim WBO Bantamweight Champ Alejandro Hernandez worked out for the media on Wednesday at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago as they reach the apex of preparation for Saturday’s SHOWTIME Boxing: Special Edition from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Fonfara (25-3, 15 KOs) and Ngumbu (33-5, 12 KOs) will square off in the 10-round light heavyweight main event while Kameda (30-0, 19 KOs) will defend his belt against mandatory challenger Hernandez (28-10-2, 15 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature.
Saturday’s tripleheader, which will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), is promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super featherweight contender and former Interim WBA Featherweight World Champion Javier Fortuna will take on Puerto Rican Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
Kameda was joined in the gym by his two brothers, Koki and Daiki, who made history when all three recently held world titles at the same time. While Tomoki held the WBO Bantamweight Championship, Koki was the WBA Bantamweight Champion until he voluntarily relinquished the title in December in order to move down to flyweight. Daiki was the IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion until he lost by decision last December. Koki will fight on the non-televised undercard on Saturday.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
FONFARA:
“I’ve seen a couple of his fights. I know he’s quick and has a different boxing style, an odd style. He’s fast and sneaky, but if I want to be the best and get a rematch with [Adonis] Stevenson then I need to beat guys like him.
“Training camp in Big Bear [Calif.] went well. We had good sparring partners and good preparation for this fight. We had two weeks in Big Bear after a nice camp in Chicago so I’m ready for this fight.
“I know he’s fought tough opponents in Europe, and he’s used to fighting 10 or 12 rounds. He doesn’t have the strongest punch, but he has solid technique and he’s fast.
“It’s very exciting to be fighting back in Chicago, to be fighting in front of my fans. It’s a huge motivation for me.
“I want to show everyone that I’m in great shape. We’ll see, if I get a chance to knock him out I’ll knock him out. If not, I just want to win the fight. It doesn’t matter how, I just want to win the fight.
“My next step is the rematch with Stevenson because I feel I can beat him. I don’t know if he’ll take the fight, but if I win this one and become a mandatory challenger at some point then he’ll have to fight me. I want to be the champion.”
NGUMBU:
“Training camp went very well. We took Fonfara very seriously because he’s a well-known boxer, not just in the U.S. but in the world. So we didn’t take him lightly.
“The fight is going to happen in the ring. You can’t predict what is going to happen in advance. There will just be two of us in there on Saturday.
“I’m not concerned with his power. If I was concerned about it I wouldn’t have come all the way to Chicago.
“I actually think I’ve faced the tougher fighters than he has. And I think I’ve faced a few guys that are stronger than Fonfara.
“I came here to do my job, which is to box, and I came here to win.
“It’s a huge honor to be able to box on U.S. soil. The time difference and travel isn’t an issue for me. I’ve fought all over the world so I know how to adapt.”
KAMEDA:
“All fights are different, all opportunities are different, but we are always prepared to win. We’ll take what we get in the ring, but if the right hook to the body is there we’re going to take it.
“I’ve always dreamed of fighting in the U.S., and I’ve always dreamed of fighting on TV. Now that I’m here and I’ve signed with Al Haymon, I know all the doors will open for me. But our main goal is to win on Saturday and put on a good show for the fans.
“I sparred with him [Hernandez] about six years ago, but we’ve both changed a lot since then. He’s matured and I’ve matured. But the difference is that I’m the champion now.
“Training camp was great. We put in all the work in the gym and now we’re ready to get in there and put on a show.”
HERNANDEZ:
“I prepared very well for this fight. I had a very strict and rigorous routine. Definitely the hardest training camp I’ve ever had.
“Tomoki and I have sparred in the past, and that might help. But not as much as everybody might think. It’s been a while since our sparring sessions and we’ve both changed our styles and techniques. I have changed and matured as a fighter, and come Saturday night, it will show.
“I’m going to implement a different game plan. I’m not going to be focused on one particular area or punching style. I just have to go at him with everything I have. I’m going to surprise him; he won’t see me coming.
“It’s a dream of any boxer to leave a mark and make an impact in this sport and I’m grateful I have my chance on SHOWTIME this Saturday.”
###
Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.
For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.
NEW YORK (Oct. 2, 2014) – Undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda will make the third defense of his title against interim titlist and mandatory challenger Alejandro Hernandez on Saturday, Nov. 1, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT) in the co-feature of a SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition.
In the main event of the tripleheader, popular light heavyweight contender Andrzej “Chicago’s Polish Prince” Fonfara will return to his adopted hometown against experienced veteran Doudou Ngumbu in a 10-round light heavyweight showdown from UIC Pavilion at University of Illinois-Chicago.
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super featherweight contender and former Interim WBA Featherweight World Champion Javier Fortuna will take on twice-beaten Puerto Rican Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The event, titled “The Homecoming,” is promoted by Warriors Boxing.
Chicago’s Fonfara, 26, a native of Warsaw, Poland, had won 13 in a row before a hard-fought loss to WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson this past May in a thrilling battle on SHOWTIME. A heavy underdog, Fonfara floored the champion in his hometown of Montreal in the ninth round in a showdown that was closer than most experts anticipated.
Fonfara (25-3, 15 KOs) is now 15-1 with one no-contest since July 2008. The WBC No. 6 contender at 175 pounds, Fonfara has defeated three former world title holders -Byron Mitchell (TKO 3), Glen Johnson (a clear 10-round decision in perhaps a career-best victory) and Gabriel Campillo (TKO 9) -in his last six starts.
Fonfara, who campaigned for much of his career at 168 pounds and below, has only lost once at light heavyweight, and that loss was to Stevenson, widely considered as the top fighter in the world at 175 pounds. The 6-foot-2 Fonfara, who turns 27 three days after the showdown with Ngumbu, will return to Chicago for his eighth fight in his last nine starts.
A boxer with superb stamina and surprising power, Fonfara’s iron chin allows him to outlast his opponents and come on in the later rounds of his fights.
The 32-year old Ngumbu, of Toulouse, France by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will make his U.S. and North American debut. Originally a soccer player, Ngumbu found boxing at age 18 and turned professional at 25. The former African champion (33-5, 12 KOs) is vastly experienced, having fought 247 rounds to Fonfara’s 129.
The 5-foot-11 Ngumbu is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Johnny Muller in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and has gone the 12-round distance six times since 2009.
Ngumbu holds a 2013 win over former world title challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov, who lost in 2010 to then-WBA Light Heavyweight Champ Beibut Shumenov. Ngumbu also has a 12-round unanimous decision win over Aleksy Kuziemski, who challenged Nathan Cleverly for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title in 2011.
Ngumbu’s long arms and fast hands allow him to come forward with an unorthodox but aggressive attack from unpredictable angles. His tendency to keep his hands at his sides makes all of his fights exciting affairs.
Kameda (30-0, 19 KOs), of Tokyo, Japan, is coming off a brutal 7th round knockout victory of former WBO Bantamweight Champ Pungluang Singyu in his U.S. debut on July 12.
The victory over Singyu was the biggest win of the 23-year-old’s career. Singyu had formerly held the same championship belt until losing it to Paulus Ambunda in March 2013. Ambunda lost his belt to Kameda in his first and only defense of the title last August via unanimous decision.
Kameda and his two brothers, Koki and Daiki are among the most famous fighters in the history of Japanese boxing, and all three recently held world titles at the same time. While Tomoki held the WBO Bantamweight Championship, Koki was the WBA Bantamweight Champion until he voluntarily relinquished the title in December in order to move down to flyweight, and Daiki was the IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion until he lost by decision last December.
Kameda moved to Mexico when he was 15 years old to learn an aggressive fighting style and quickly earned the Spanish nickname “El Mexicanito” (The Little Mexican). A true boxer-puncher with extremely fast hands, Kameda continues to train in Mexico, but has since moved back to Japan where his family enjoys celebrity status.
Hernandez (28-10-2, 15 KOs), of Mexico City, won the vacant Interim WBO Bantamweight World Championship with a unanimous decision over countryman Daniel Rosas on June 14.
The 28-year-old Hernandez has won three fights in a row at bantamweight and is a former world title challenger at 115 and 112 pounds. Hernandez fought to a draw for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight Championship to then-undefeated Marvin Sonsona in 2009 and lost a unanimous decision to then-WBO Flyweight Champion and current WBO Super Flyweight kingpin Omar Andres Narvaez in 2008.
A fearless “do or die” slugger from the classic Mexican warrior mold, Hernandez comes forward relentlessly behind powerful combinations to the head and body.
Fortuna (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Dominican Republic, is a former Interim WBA Featherweight World Champion – he won the vacant belt against previously undefeated Patrick Hyland in 2012. The southpaw was set to defend his crown in April of 2013 against Miguel Zamudio but lost the title on the scales after failing to make weight. He knocked Zamudio down twice en route to a devastating first round knockout and then gradually settled into the 130-pound division.
Fortuna, 25, is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Rodriguez on May 31 in Las Vegas and is just one fight removed from a knockout of former world title challenger Francisco Lorenzo.
Fortuna, who is known for his explosive speed and highlight reel knockouts, only has one blemish on his record – a controversial draw against Luis Franco in August of 2013.
Cotto (18-2, 8 KOs), a relative of future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, was a top amateur in Puerto Rico – he won a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games and compiled a record of 235-20 before turning pro.
The 27-year-old Cotto is coming off a split-decision victory of Jerry Belmontes in August and his only two losses have come against top competition. He lost to undefeated WBC 135-pound champ Omar Figueroa in a non-title bout in 2013 and to top 130-pound contender Francisco Vargas this past March.
Additional bouts and the undercard will be announced shortly.
Tickets start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.
NEW YORK (July 3, 2014) – As part of a robust block of programming in advance of the SHOWTIME PPV presentation of “Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, SHOWTIME will televise undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda defending his title against No. 1-ranked contender Pungluang Sor Singyu during “Canelo vs. Lara: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live PPV event).
Nearly a week’s worth of live and taped programming will be available on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME®, and on the premium network’s website at SHO.com/Sports.
The blitz of programming will feature classic fights, the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Lara Episode 2 on Wednesday, July 9 on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT), the event’s final press conference on Thursday, July 10 (live at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT) and the Official Weigh-In on Friday, July 11 (live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT). Both the press conference and weigh-in will be streamed live via SHO.com/Sports with the weigh-in also being televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Fight Day coverage begins with a SHOWTIME EXTREME roadblock–five continuous hours of programming beginning at 10 a.m. ET/PT.
Kameda (29-0, 18 KOs), of Tokyo, Japan, will make his second title defense against Sor Singyu (46-2, 31 KOs), of Bangkok, Thailand. Sor Singyu formerly held the same championship belt until losing it to Paulus Ambunda in March 2013. Ambunda lost his belt to Kameda last August in a unanimous decision in the Philippines.
Kameda, who turns 23 on the night of the fight, will face his most experienced opposition yet in Sor Singyu, 26, who has produced three wins in a row since losing the WBO title. Both fighters will be making their U.S. debuts.
Kameda and his two brothers, Koki, 27, and Daiki, 25, are among the most famous boxers in the history of Japanese boxing as all three recently held world titles at the same time. While Tomoki held the WBO Bantamweight Championship, Koki was the WBA Bantamweight Champion until he voluntarily relinquished the title in December in order to move down to flyweight, and Daiki was the IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion until he lost by decision last December.
Below is the list of encore presentations of Classic Fights that will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning Monday, July 7. Note: these programs are currently available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME® Monday, July 7
Ø Canelo’s action-packed and controversial showdown with Alfredo Angulo (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s brutal slugfest with Mexican brawler Alfredo Angulo (11:15 p.m. ET/PT)
Tuesday, July 8
Ø Canelo’s memorable win over Austin Trout in front of nearly 40,000 fans at San Antonio’s Alamodome (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s impressive performance against former world champion Austin Trout (11:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Wednesday, July 9
Ø Canelo’s SHOWTIME debut against upset-minded Josesito Lopez (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s SHOWTIME debut against Ronald Hearns, where he showed why he is one of the most talented and dangerous fighters in the world (11:00 p.m. ET/PT on ShoBox
Ø Abner Mares’ controversial showdown versus Daniel Ponce de Leon (11:10 p.m. ET/PT)
Thursday, July 10
Ø Action-packed showdown between Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Showdown of undefeated contenders Francisco Vargas and Brandon Bennett (10:45 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Mauricio Herrera’s thrilling slugfest with unified super lightweight champion Danny Garcia (11:30 p.m. ET/PT)
# # #
“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July
12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo
Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring
to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV
opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio
Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for
the WBO International Super Featherweight Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by
SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary
audio programming (SAP). For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown onthe big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com