According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world title challenger Yoshihiro Kamegai has announced his retirement.

“I’ll be retiring from boxing,” he wrote. “My last 2 bouts, I’ve been losing power in my arms in the early rounds. Unlike before when I could throw more power punches throughout the whole fight, now I can’t. Back when I fought (Robert Guerrero) and (Jesus Soto Karass), those were the fights when my performance was at best but the last 2 was far from it. I didn’t feel like I was in my body.

“But still I was more humbled and appreciative than ever to see the fans all around the world crossing different countries to cheer me on! That was my PRIDE and MOTIVATION! To all the fans that supported me throughout my boxing career my biggest appreciation goes out to all of you! Thank you very much!!”

Greg Vandetti won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Yoshihiro Kamegai in a junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Kamegai began to swell under the left eye.

In round six, Kamegai began to bleed from the nose.

Vandetti, 153.2 lbs of Stoneham, MA won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 to go to 20-2-1. Kamegai, 153.4 lbs of Tokyo, JPN is 27-5-2.

Luis Feliciano stopped Jonathan Fortuna in round five of a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Feliciano dropped Fortuna twice in round five with body shots and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Feliciano, 141.4 lbs of Utuado, PR is 8-0 with five stoppages. Fortuna, 141.2 lbs of Santo Doningo, DR is 6-2.

Anthony Reyes won a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Montellano in a super bantamweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Reyes, 119.8 lbs of Cochella, CA and is now 3-0. Montellano, 119.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 0-3-1.

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2018): Former heavyweight world champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith will be the special VIP guest for the August 17 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The main event will feature Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (18-4-2, 14 KOs) who will return to the ring in a 10-round super featherweight fight against contender Dardan Zenunaj (14-4, 11 KOs).

Doors to the Special Events Center will open at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Having shared the ring with heavyweight world champions Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson, former WBA Heavyweight World Champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith had a boxing career that spanned two decades. In 1986, Smith became the WBA heavyweight champion with a shocking first-round knockout of Tim Witherspoon, and faced top-flight contenders including Frank Bruno, Mike Weaver, Rickey Parkey, and Jesse Ferguson. Smith was the first heavyweight in history to have earned a bachelor’s degree, which he earned in 1975 in the field of Business Administration. Upon retiring in 1999, Smith committed himself to community service and launched his own non-profit, Champion for Kids. Smith will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Japanese slugger Yoshihiro “Corazon de Acero” Kamegai (27-4-2, 24 KOs) will make his highly anticipated return after his impressive first shot at a world title against Puerto Rico’s living legend, Miguel Cotto. This time he’ll participate in a 10-round super welterweight bout against Stoneham, Massachusetts’s up-and-coming contender Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (19-2-1, 12 KOs). The bout is promoted in association with Murphy’s Boxing.

Rommel Caballero (1-0-1) of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round or six-round super featherweight clash in the night’s swing bout against Jahaziel Vazquez (2-7, 1 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico. Anthony Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs), who is also from Coachella, Calif., will return in a four-round bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be announced opponent.

Cancio vs. Zenunaj is a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Doors to the Special Events Center will open at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Cancio vs. Zenunaj must request credentials by emailing [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 10.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN and #CancioZenunaj.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/CancioZenunaj into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2018): Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (18-4-2, 14 KOs) will return to the ring in a 10-round super featherweight fight against hard-hitting contender Dardan (14-4, 11 KOs) in the main event of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN on Friday,Aug. 17at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Cancio is a 29-year-old contender who recently re-signed with Golden Boy Promotions. Cancio is coming off a sensational technical knockout victory against then-undefeated prospect Aida Sharibayev. The native of Blythe, Calif. also has victories against former world title challengers Rocky Juarez and Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes and againstthe rugged and experienced Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado. Cancio has also been in tough fights against Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. and Ronny Rios in a professional career that start over 12 years ago. Cancio is ready to face tougher tests in 130-pound division.

“I’m very excited to be fighting at Fantasy Springs Casino again,” said Andrew Cancio.
“It’s not far from my hometown in Blythe, California, and it’s great to know that my family and friends will be able to attend and support me. Fighting on ESPN again is a huge advantage for my career and a terrific opportunity to showcase my skills which I’m very grateful to my manager Ray Chaparro and Golden Boy Promotions for. I know how tough Dardan Zenunaj is and it’s another big challenge for me, but I’ll be very well prepared for victory on Aug. 17.”

Zenunaj is a former NABO Super Featherweight champion, a title he captured via dominant third-round technical knockout victory against Recky “The Terror” Dulayin September 2017. The 30-year-old native of Pec, Kosovo then challenged Carlos “The Solution” Moralesfor the vacant NABA 130-pound title in December 2017. The fight went to the scorecards after a cut above Morales’s eye, which was caused by a clash of heads, forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight. The early stoppage cost Zenunaj the win, though he promises to vindicate himself when he returns on Aug. 17.

“I’m happy for this opportunity,” said Dardan Zenunaj.”Cancio is a warrior and I’m a warrior, so everyone knows this will be a war. They know this will be bloody. My goal, other than to be world champion, is to be in a Gatti-Ward kind of fight. This will be the epic war that will propel my career to the big stage.”

Japanese slugger Yoshihiro “Corazon de Acero” Kamegai (27-4-2, 24 KOs) will return after his impressive first shot at a world title in the 10-round co-main event in the 154-pound division.Kamegai will return after his impressive outing against former six-time, four-division world champion Miguel Cotto, which was for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in an HBO-televised main event in August 2017 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Before that fight, Kamegai took part in two consecutive Fight of the Year candidates against Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass in June and Sept. of 2016. Kamegai will look to earn another shot at a 154-pound title, but he has to begin to shake off some ring rust after not fighting for a year.

Rommel Caballero (1-0-1) of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round or six-round super featherweight clash in the night’s swing bout against Jahaziel Vazquez(2-7, 1 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico. Anthony Reyes(2-0, 2 KOs), who is also from Coachella, Calif., will return in a four-round bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be announced opponent.

Cancio vs. Zenunaj is a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, June 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Cancio vs. Zenunaj must request credentials by emailing [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 10.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN and #CancioZenunaj.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking herecopying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/CancioZenunajinto a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 8, 2018): Japanese slugger Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-4-2, 24 KOs) will return after his impressive first shot at a world title to take on Orlando, Florida’s Daquan “King” Pauldo (16-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight fight that will top off the non-televised undercard of Matthysse vs. Kiram and Linares vs. Gesta on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The non-televised undercard action will be streamed live on RingTV.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. PT/ 6:00 p.m. ET.

As previously announced, Argentine knockout artist Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (38-4, 35 KOs) of Chubut, Argentina will take on the explosive undefeated Thai superstar Tewa Kiram (38-0, 28 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship in the first co-main event. Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) will defend his WBA, WBC Diamond, and Ring Magazine Lightweight Titles against Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs) in a 12-round bout in the second co-main event. This special double main event will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Kamegai will return after his impressive outing against former six-time, four-division world champion Miguel Cotto, which was for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in an HBO-televised main event in August 2017 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Before that fight, Kamegai took part in two consecutive Fight of the Year candidates against Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass in June and Sept. of 2016. Kamegai will look to earn another shot at a 154-pound title if successful against Pauldo.

Pauldo, a 25-year-old super welterweight contender who was formerly known as Daquan Arnett, has only suffered one loss in his impressive career, which was when he dropped down to 147 pounds to take on tough Golden Boy Promotions contender Eddie “Eboy” Gomez. After returning to 154 pounds, Pauldo has defeated five people in a row, including the experienced Jorge “Pantera” Silva in his last bout in July 2017. A win against Kamegai would give Pauldo a much-earned boost in the super welterweight rankings.

Marcelino “Nino” Lopez (33-21, 18 KOs) the native of Buenos Aires, Argentina and member of the exclusive training camp of Joel Diaz in Indio, Calif., will return in a 10-round super lightweight fight against an opponent that will be announce shortly. Lopez will return after defeating former interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion Pablo “El Demoledor” Cesar Cano via second-round technical knockout.

After seven spectacular wins in 2017, Armenian welterweight prospect Ferdinand Kerobyan (7-0, 4 KOs) will start the new year in a six-round welterweight fight against an opponent that will be announced soon. In his last fight, Kerobyan defeated Tavorus Teague in the ESPN3-streamed undercard of the Dec. 14 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN.

In an exciting and rarely-seen battle between two undefeated prospects, Los Angeles native Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava (7-0, 1 KO) will participate in an eight-round 126-pound clash against Las Vegas’ Francisco “El Alacran” Esparza (6-0-1, 2 KOs). Both fighters are known for their come-forward, all-action styles, and with so much on the line, the bout will surely produce fireworks.

Romero “Ruthless” Duno (15-1, 13 KOs) will fight for a second consecutive time at the “Fabulous” Forum in an eight-round lightweight battle against Sacramento, Calif.’s Yardley Armenta (21-9, 12 KOs). The Filipino prospect made his U.S. debut and introduced himself in exciting fashion via a devastating second-round knockout victory against the previously undefeated prospect Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez. Since then, Duno has scored two more victories, which were against Jason Tinampay and Juan Pablo Sanchez respectively.

Undefeated prospect Javier Martinez (4-0, 3 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will kick off highly-anticipated night of action in a six-round featherweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Matthysse vs. Kiram is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Welterweight
World Championship, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box and Galaxy Promotions. Linares vs. Gesta, a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The non-televised undercard action will be streamed live on RingTV.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. PT/ 6:00 p.m. ET.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow the conversation using #MatthysseKiram.

Tickets for Matthysse vs. Kiram are currently on sale and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MatthysseKiram into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155074115460756/

LONDON (25 August) – Legendary Miguel Cotto will be looking to overcome Yoshihiro Kamegai this Saturday night before he brings down the curtain on his illustrious boxing career.

The future Hall-of-Fame fighter has earmarked one last bout before the end of the year should he get past the big-punching Kamegai, exclusively live on BoxNation this weekend from the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Four-division world champion Cotto is putting his family first and is adamant that he will not be fighting beyond 2017.

“The decision is already made. I’m leaving on December 31st, no matter what happens with my career,” said Cotto.

“I think that 16 years is enough, and I have other things to do in my life. You know, I’m taking care of my family better, and that is the biggest and only reason that I have to stop boxing and quit and retire after December 31st this year,” he said.

“First of all, I have to just think about Kamegai, and then we are going to do what we always do. Then we’re going to pick and choose the best challenger out there, and we are going to face him,” Cotto said.

36-year-old Cotto will be looking to add another world title to his collection as he battles Kamegai for the vacant WBO light-middleweight belt.

Japan’s Kamegai is much respected after being involved in a number of wars throughout his career and having stopped 24 opponents in his 27 wins.

Cotto, trained by Freddie Roach, says he is ready for whatever Kamegai might bring to the ring.

“I’m going to do my fight. I’m going to do my fight that Freddie and I planned here to do on Saturday, and let’s see what Kamegai’s going to bring,” Cotto said.

“I’m always here to bring my best, to do my best, to do whatever it takes to get the victory and make my family and the people around me and myself better. I’m coming with the same kind of mindset, and I’m going to do my best on August 26th.

“All I want to do is finish my career in the best way possible. That’s the reason that I’ve been working hard at this stage of my career. And all I want for me is to finish this in the best way possible,” said Cotto.

The live action starts on BoxNation on Saturday night from 1.30am, with undefeated Mexican super-bantamweight Rey Vargas defending his WBC world title against Ronny Rios in the co-main event.

BoxNation’s upcoming schedule also includes the blockbuster ‘Fight of the Year’ contest between middleweight kingpins Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on September 16th.

BoxNation will be bringing that not-to-be-missed superfight exclusively live to UK and Irish fans, with further details set to be released soon.

Furthermore, as part of BoxNation’s exclusive output deal with promoters Top Rank, they will be bringing fight fans the exciting WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez exclusively live on September 22nd when he takes on undefeated Filipino Genesis Servania.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
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LOS ANGELES (Aug. 24, 2017): Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only four-division world champion in Puerto Rico’s rich boxing history, and Japanese 154-pound contender Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight title in the main event of an exciting action-packed card this Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

In the co-main event of the HBO telecast, WBC Super Bantamweight champion Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will make the first defense of his title against Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round fight. The card is fully stacked with Golden Boy talent, including Emilio Sanchez, Joet Gonzalez, Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava, Alexis Rocha, among others.

Below is what participants of HBO World Championship Boxing® had to say.

MIGUEL COTTO, Four-Division World Champion:
“It’s a pleasure for me to be here. We’ve been enjoying every session at the gym. I’ve been doing my work as hard as I can. We’re ready. We are ready for the fight, and I’m happy to be back. Thank you everyone for being here. We’re going to do our best this Saturday, and the winners will be fans all over the world.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Trainer of Miguel Cotto:
“We had a really good training camp, a little longer than usual. He [Cotto] had a little bit of layoff previously, but camp went well. We watched a lot of film on our opponent [Kamegai]. We have a really great strategy, and it will be an action packed fight. Miguel is 100 percent ready. It was the best training camp we’ve had yet. We’ll see you Saturday. Thank you.”

YOSHIHIRO “MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“Hello everyone I’m Yoshihiro Kamegai from Japan. I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy, Teiken Promotions, the WBO, Miguel Promotions-everyone who made this event possible. I’m extremely pleased to be back at StubHub, where a lot of legendary battles have been fought. I’m looking forward to it. I’m extremely pleased to be fighting for the WBO title belt held by great champions like Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, and I’m looking forward to fighting a great legendary champion like Miguel Cotto.”

SENDAI TANAKA, Trainer to Yoshihiro Kamegai:
“I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy Promotions, and Teiken Promotions. Thank you especially to Miguel Cotto for accepting Kamegai as an opponent. Cotto is a legendary fighter, very complete, worldwide one of the best. Kamegai is very excited and happy to step into the ring with a fighter like Miguel Cotto. And you know his style. He likes to train, to punch and take punches. And he’s very excited to get in there and give you guys a great fight. That’s why he’ll throw punches until victory comes, always.

REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight Champion:
“One of the biggest fights that I got was when I got to go to England to win the title. For me, it was double the effort since I had to go over there to get it [the WBC title]. I got it. I won it. And now I’m defending it against a great fighter. I like great fights. I like great challenges, and I will prove that I am a great champion. I’m ready to fight the big fights in the big leagues, and I will do it against a great fighter.”

“That makes us happy and motivates us more because we’re at the big leagues and we want to show that we are champions. I’m happy to be on this card. I’d like to thank HBO for the opportunity to prove to people that I’m a good champion. I’m sure that you’re going to watch an exciting fight this Saturday, so please don’t miss it.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“I want to thank Golden Boy for putting this event together. It means a great deal. I want to say something because everyone is bringing up the topic of real fights. I want to thank HBO for putting up a real card. If you want to watch real fights, tune in to HBO. Thank you to Rey Vargas for accepting this fight. I want to thank my coach, who has been there through thick and thin. We’re here and we’ll make the most of our opportunity. We’re ready for this. Tune in on Saturday night for a great night and a great night of boxing.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO & Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:
“We are extremely happy and thrilled that Miguel Cotto will fighting for the WBO world title at the StubHub Center. Cotto has been and is an amazing champion in the sport of boxing. He is Puerto Rico’s first four-division champion. He will be fighting against someone who is exciting to watch and has been in several Fight of the Year candidates, one against Jesus Soto Karass.

“This fight has the makings to be another candidate for Fight of the Year. I want to thank our co-promoters, Miguel Cotto Promotions. It’s always a pleasure to be working with this team. We are on a vision to bring boxing back to Puerto Rico, so there is a tremendous opportunity for Miguel Cotto to crown himself the only world champion in Puerto Rico today, so this is obviously a huge deal.

“This is obviously a big deal for Yoshihiro Kamegai, who will be fighting for a world title against a legend like Miguel Cotto. It’s a great motivation for him, so I know that he’s in tremendous shape and ready to go, and we know for a fact that this main event will be one that you do not want to miss.

“We also have a tremendous co-main event which will be a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship. It’s Rey Vargas, who will be up against Ronny Rios, who is a tremendous fighter. We really are looking forward to this fight. It is a very important fight for not only Mexico, but also for here in the greater Los Angeles area.

“I want to also thank Teiken Promotions. Mr. Honda has been incredible working with us. It’s always a pleasure working with Teiken Promotions, where we do have several up and coming and ex world champions and current world champions that we have working with Honda. Also, Promociones Del Pueblo. Thank you for the opportunity. They are one of the best promoters in Mexico. I also want to thank HBO. They are the best in televising the bets boxing events. HBO has been a tremendous partner.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President at HBO Sports:
“We really appreciate you being here and talking about boxing, and really about what we are going to have Saturday night. Cotto will make his 23
rd appearance on HBO, and through his combination of skill and style he’s done well in every broadcast he’s been on. But Saturday night he’ll have to bring all those skills because Kamegai has put in his own work and has his own career aspirations.”

MARTHA SHEN-URQUIDEZ from California State Athletic Commission:
“I was so happy when I heard that this fight was scheduled for August 26 at StubHub, one of the great venues for boxing in California. It was a pleasure to hear that it was going to be this fight on this particular day, so that boxing aficionados and lovers like me have a great boxing match, a great undercard, and great main event to watch on Saturday, August 26.

“I have seen Miguel Cotto and Yoshihiro Kamegai fight on separate occasions, and it is always a pleasure to see them fight, and it will be an even bigger pleasure to see the fight against each other. I am very grateful for Golden Boy, for Mr. Honda, for StubHub Center and for HBO for bringing this an event of this caliber to Southern California again. I’m always grateful for Eric Gomez, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and his team. We wish everyone a safe and successful event.”

FRANCISCO VALCARCEL, President of the World Boxing Organization (WBO):
“It’s a great pleasure for me to be here. I remember when Oscar told me that he wanted to be the WBO 160-pound champion. Oscar was given the opportunity to be a champion in three different divisions, and now we will give Cotto the same opportunity, who won the WBO belts in the 140 and 147 divisions. Good luck to everybody. Congratulations to Oscar De La Hoy and his team. Con-gratulations on a big show.”

BOB YALEN, Technical Director at the World Boxing Council (WBC)
“Thank you everybody for coming today. One thing that hasn’t been said yet is that this is a fight fans’ fight card. This is real fight card. You’ve got a future hall of famer against one of the best fighters that Japan has ever produced. You’re going to have a WBC title fight that I think will steal the fight card.”

“You’ve got Rey Vargas against an undefeated challenger against a once-defeated challenger, and you’re going to see a great, great fighter for a WBC title. I want to thank Golden Boy, StubHub, and HBO. It will be a great night of boxing. Everyone is in store for a treat. Keep an eye on this fight card.”

BRENDAN HANNAN, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Digital for Stub-Hub Center:
“We are thrilled on Saturday to welcome the Cotto-Kamegai fight. We are thrilled to work with HBO and Golden Boy Promotions to bring this fight to you. We truly believe that StubHub is the premiere outdoor boxing venue in the United States. Like Oscar said, we have very few tickets remaining. We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. Enjoy the fights this Saturday.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The livestream portion will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT through approximately 9:45 p.m. ET/ 6:45 p.m. PT on RingTV.com.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CottoKamegai into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155071585910756/

Summer sizzles when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: MIGUEL COTTO VS. YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI AND REY VARGAS VS RONNY RIOS is seen SATURDAY, AUG. 26 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The doubleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

The main event features boxing legend and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico taking on Tokyo’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight title contest. Making his 23rd appearance on HBO, Cotto has been a dominant force in the sport for more than a decade, and is seeking his sixth world title spanning four weight classes. Though he hasn’t fought since Nov. 2015, Cotto’s return opens up intriguing possibilities at 154 and 160 pounds.

Known for his brawling style, Kamegai brings high energy into the ring and boasts a 75% knockout-to-win ratio. His last bout was a TKO victory over Jesus Soto Karass that followed their previous meeting, which ended in a split-decision draw when Kamegai suffered a cut over his right eye in the second round from an accidental head butt.

The opening bout features undefeated Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs), from Otumba, México, taking on top contender Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) from Santa Ana, Cal. in a scheduled 12-round super bantamweight title contest. Defending his title for the first time since defeating Gavin McDonnell, Vargas will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time, and fighting outside Mexico for the fourth time. Making his first world title challenge, Rios is on a five-bout win streak following his only professional loss.

The doubleheader will be followed by the debut of the two-part behind-the-scenes series “24/7 Canelo/Golovkin,” which previews the Sept. 16 middleweight championship pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas. (Click here to Watch Preview)

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

LOS ANGELES (August 21, 2017) Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only four-division world champion in Puerto Rico’s rich boxing history, and 154-pound contender Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) hosted an international media conference call ahead of their 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight title.The fight will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Here is what Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Yoshihiro Kamegai said during today’s international media conference call:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions: Thank you very much for joining us today in this international media conference call for the Cotto versus Kamegai which will take place this Saturday, August 26th. Future Hall of Famer and Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion, Miguel Cotto, will make his long-awaited return to the ring at the StubHub Center here in Carson, California, to take on one of the division’s rising stars, Yoshihiro Kamegai.

Today you’ll hear from both fighters themselves, Cotto and Kamegai, as they close training camp and begin fight week. The 12-round match-up for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight title has all the makings of an action-packed fight. It will be the best boxing match taking place in the country on August 26th, mark my words.

Tickets for Cotto versus Kamegai are nearly sold out and are priced at $200, 150 and 25. At this point, I would like to thank our partners at HBO. We are very proud that Cotto versus Kamegai will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Obviously, as you all know, HBO is one of the best broadcast partners in boxing today, so if you can’t make it live, in person at the StubHub Center, you can watch it live on HBO. The telecast will begin at 9:45 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time. You can also watch the undercards which will be streamed live on ringtv.com beginning at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.

I would also like to thank our sponsors, Tecate Born Bold and Casa Mexico Tequila, who have been in our corner throughout the years.

So now at this moment I’d like to — it is my pleasure to introduce to you one of the most entertaining junior middleweight contenders in the division today. He hails from Japan. He’s been involved in numerous memorable battles and Fighter of the Year candidate against Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. He’s had some amazing back-to-back brawls against Jesus Soto Karass. This fight here is the one fight that he’s surely motivated and ready to step back into the ring on August 26th and give you guys a tremendous, tremendous show.

So it is my pleasure to introduce to you with a record of 27, 3 losses, and 24 knockouts, I give you Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai.

YOSHIHIRO “EL MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI, Super Welterweight Contender: I had the best camp ever, and I’m honored to be fighting the famous Miguel Cotto. And I look forward to being on HBO again and having a great fight. I’m all prepared to put on a great, entertaining fight.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Miguel, can we have you say a few words?

MIGUEL COTTO, Four-Division World Champion: Yes, I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be back. And all I have to say is I had a great time at camp and it’s great to be back and in this fight.

Q. Hi there, Miguel. How are you today?

MIGUEL COTTO: Good. How are you?

Q. Doing good. My first question is I know you have said a few different times that you will fight this fight with Kamegai and then you will finish your career in the boxing ring at the end of this year, December, I believe. I’m wondering if you could explain or discuss the reasons why you are so set on ending your boxing career at the end of this year.

MIGUEL COTTO: I think that 16 years is enough, and I have other things to do in my life. You know, I’m taking care of my family better, and that is the biggest and only reason that I have to stop boxing and quit boxing and retire after December 31st this year.

Q. So you’ll go and you’ll have your fight with Kamegai on Saturday, and then you’ll have one more fight after that. So my question is what would you like — in your grand finale of a career that’s going to obviously put you in the Hall of Fame someday, what kind of accomplishment or what kind of magnitude or what kind of event would you like to have for your final fight? Not to look past Saturday, but if you’re going to fight one more time, win or lose, what kind of fight would you like for that last night? There’s been things thrown out, maybe Lemieux, maybe a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, but what are you looking to do in your last fight?

MIGUEL COTTO: First of all, I have to just think about Kamegai, and then we are going to do what we always do, you know? Then we’re going to pick and choose the best challenger out there, and we are going to face him.

Q. Is that going to be at 154 or 160?

MIGUEL COTTO: I don’t know, you know. We’re going to discuss that with my guys, with all our people, and we’re going to get our decision.

Q. With this fight coming up on Saturday against Kamegai, you’re going to be getting an opportunity to fight for another world title. You’ve won a bunch of them already in your career. You’ve fought so many top-notch opponents. I’m wondering, as you think back and the 16-year great career that you’ve had, could you identify what you believe to be your greatest performance and your biggest win and why?

MIGUEL COTTO: I enjoyed my whole career. I believe that if anything from the beginning didn’t happen in my career, I wouldn’t have the career that I’ve had. You know, I’ve enjoyed my whole career, and I don’t want to point to any opponent, to any fight. I think that my whole career has been great for world boxing.

Q. Favorite win, like maybe the rematch with Margarito or your victory against Shane Mosley or Zab Judah or some of the bigger wins you’ve had?

MIGUEL COTTO: You know, I enjoy everything. The victory against Mosley, the rematch against Margarito, but at the end of the road, I’m really proud of the kind of career that I’ve had.

Q. Obviously, your fight, from what they said, nearly sold out at the StubHub Center. You’re going to be live on HBO, but obviously, everybody knows there’s another big event happening this weekend between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. Do you feel in any way overshadowed by the hoopla surrounding that fight, where sometimes the attention may be thrown towards the Miguel Cotto fight instead, and your thoughts on that situation?

MIGUEL COTTO: I arrived here in L.A. at the beginning of July to start my training time. I’ve only come here with one thing on my mind, and that’s just getting ready for Kamegai. And I’ve been doing a great job here in L.A., and I have no time and no space in my mind to think about another thing, you know?

I’m just ready for Kamegai. I’m just thinking about the Kamegai fight, and whatever or whoever has another fight on the same day, they have to think about their fight.

Q. Miguel, this is your first fight in nearly two years. That brings you a lot of pressure once stepping into the ring?

MIGUEL COTTO: I’m just taking my time off to be with my family, to do things that I want to do. And as soon as I got here in L.A., my mind goes back to boxing. And I’ve been training hard.

Q. Do you feel ready? You said earlier that you feel more mature because of the time that you’ve had off the ring. Is that going to be a difference in this fight on Saturday?

MIGUEL COTTO: I’ve been here doing whatever Freddie wants me to do. Just preparing for the fight plan for Kamegai on the 26th, and that’s all I’ve been doing here, you know? I’ve been doing the best of me, bringing the best of me every day, and that’s all I can say.

Q. Miguel, I’m wondering, do you think there is a possibility that you would continue your career if you scored some big win in December? I know you go for big challenges. Is there anything that could persuade you to stay?

MIGUEL COTTO: No. The decision is already made. I’m leaving on December 31st, no matter what happens with my career.

Q. I know you’ve been off for almost two years, but I know you also had the camp of Kirkland. Do you think that that makes sure that you won’t have as much ring rust as you might usually have since you’ve had another camp this year?

MIGUEL COTTO: No, I just took my time off to be with my family and heal whatever I have to heal in my body. I arrived here all ready to train, and that’s what we’re doing here, just training, training, training for Kamegai.

Q. Kamegai has been in a lot of excellent wars. Do you expect another one of those Saturday?

MIGUEL COTTO: I’m going to do my fight. I’m going to do my fight that Freddie and I planned here to do on Saturday, and let’s see what Kamegai’s going to bring on Saturday.

Q. I believe this is your first fight at the StubHub Center. Are you looking forward to it? And what do you think it will be like for you?

MIGUEL COTTO: The people from L.A. always treat me really good. I know that the tickets are going — selling in a really good way. And I know that’s going to be a special night for everybody in the boxing community here in L.A.

Q. This is for both fighters. You both come from countries with a very proud, strong boxing tradition. Do you feel that responsibility to represent your home countries in that way?

MIGUEL COTTO: I’m always here to bring my best, to do my best, to do whatever it takes to get the victory and make my family and the people around me and myself better. I’m coming with the same kind of mindset, and I’m going to do my best on August 26th.

Q. I’d also like Yoshihiro to answer that question if he’s still on the line.

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: Yes, I am from Japan. We’re different race, from a different country, but at the end of the day I’m here to give the fans what they’re looking for. There are people that obviously root for Miguel and also some people that root for me as well. So I’m just here to put on an entertaining fight.

Q. I have one final question for Miguel. You just had a very successful promotion under your new banner. Are you looking forward to that next stage in your boxing career? Do you think it gives you an advantage having been in the ring so long to be able to visit young fighters under your banner as a promoter?

MIGUEL COTTO: I’m just trying to return to boxing what I got from boxing, you know? I want to give boxers what boxing gave to me in my career. That’s all I have on my mind. I want to help them. I want to bring their opportunities to show their skills in boxing, and that’s all I wanted to do with boxing.

Q. Yoshihiro, you don’t really look like a boxer. You look more like an actor or a model or something. How did you get into boxing? Was that always what you wanted to do when you were young?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: I think I was 13 when I decided that I wanted to box. I don’t remember what I wanted before, but I was 13 when I decided that I wanted to box.

Q. Has your style changed over the years, or did it change when you came to fight in the United States? Or have you always had the same fighting style?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: It changes when I came to the States. In Japan I was more of a technical fighter with good defense. I was aggressive, but I was known for my defenses. But coming to the States, I knew to win here I had to be more aggressive and be not so technical but a more aggressive fighter.

Q. What has been your impression of fighting here in the United States? What’s been your impression of the whole atmosphere, the whole fighting scene?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: When I fight in the United States, I’m much more motivated. Especially with the reaction from the fans and the crowd. I feel that I enjoy fighting here, and it’s probably the best platform to be fighting at.

Q. Yoshihiro, a lot has been made of Miguel Cotto’s time off, 20 months or so, but you’ve been out of the ring since your rematch win over Jesus Soto Karass. Were you waiting on a big fight like this before returning, or did you have other things going on that just fell through?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: Yes, pretty much, I was told that the fight was in the works back in March. It got extended a little bit. But I was hopeful that this would materialize, so, yes, I was waiting for a big fight like this.

Q. And I wanted to ask you if there was any different training at 154 pounds than when he was fighting at welterweight? Was there less pressure to make weight in training camp?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: Yes, going up in weight was easier for me to get in better condition. I think that I felt I had better speed and I had more strength.

Q. Miguel, my question for you is that you’re insisting that you’re going to retire at the end of this year, and you’re a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. My question for you is what do you feel like you still have to accomplish in boxing that made you want to come back? Because it feels like you’ve accomplished everything already.

MIGUEL COTTO: All I want to do is finish my career in the best way possible. That’s the reason that I’ve been working hard at this stage of my career. And all I want for me is to finish this in the best way possible.

Q. Since you fought Canelo in the past, and he’s fighting Golovkin in less than 30 days, can you give a breakdown of the fight, your prediction?

MIGUEL COTTO: Of what fight?

Q. I’m sorry, Canelo versus Golovkin, your opinion on the fight.

MIGUEL COTTO: I have no opinions. I’m really busy doing my work here in L.A. for Yoshihiro Kamegai, and I have nothing to think about of thinking about the Canelo and Golovkin. That’s their own fight, and they have to think about that.

Q. Miguel, at this juncture of your career, why did you decide to start with Golden Boy and have them promote your last two fights as a professional, given the fact that you’ve left Roc Nation, you had relationships with other promoters throughout the years? Why was Golden Boy a good fit for you at this juncture in your career?

MIGUEL COTTO: The relationship between us has always been a good one, you know? Really professional between us. And the way we are feeling with them is the way it has to be, you know? His company is working really good and invest with us and decide with us, and we are happy to be here again.

Q. Miguel, you’ve obviously had a long, successful career with a bunch of big fights. As soon as you win this fight, has there been any consideration to have your last fight in Puerto Rico? I know that’s part of the reason why you signed with Oscar and Golden Boy was to help promote boxing in your island which has a very proud tradition. Any consideration for having your final fight in Puerto Rico?

MIGUEL COTTO: We are going to do the next fight in the place that is the smartest place to do it. I don’t know. I didn’t have this communication with Golden Boy yet, but we are going to have news soon.

Q. Question for Kamegai. Obviously, all the attention has gone to Miguel Cotto for this fight, he’s the star, been established for a long time. Do you feel disrespected in any way as if there’s a foregone conclusion that Miguel is going to win the fight and that you’re just merely a stepping stone in this event?

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI: I’m the fighter that’s actually fighting, and I can’t tell you what other people are thinking. So it’s probably a question for them more than for me.

Q. Miguel, last question for you. Assuming you win this fight, I know you’ve said several times on this call that December 31st is your last fight, you’ve been known to be a part of big fights, so are we correct to assume that your final fight will be against someone very popular and that all the fans know?

MIGUEL COTTO: We are going to do the fight with whichever is going to be the best option on the table.

Q. Miguel, what if — after your retirement, there are many who think that this is the end of an era, of a very important era in Puerto Rican boxing. Puerto Rican boxers are not having the same success they’ve had over the course of history. What do you think is the state right now of Puerto Rican boxing, and what do you think the future will be after you retire, considering that you’re going to keep working with the Puerto Rican talent?

MIGUEL COTTO: You know, the future of boxing is whatever we want it to be. We have to work hard and make them believe, make them work hard, as you have to work for boxing, and the whole world is in the hands of every Puerto Rican.

Q. Do you think there is a major problem, a specific problem in Puerto Rican boxing right now that the industry must tend to?

MIGUEL COTTO: I don’t know, you know. All I can talk about is about my career. I can talk about my company. I can’t say that we have a problem in Puerto Rico because I don’t really know, you know.

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The livestream portion will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT through approximately 9:45 p.m. ET/ 6:45 p.m. PT on RingTV.com.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CottoKamegai into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 16, 2017) Former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) hosted a media workout today at the Wild Card Boxing Gym ahead of his 12-round fight against Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) for the WBO World Junior Middleweight title that will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Also participating in the workout was the highly talented 122-pound contender Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs), who will take on Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs) in a 12-round co-main event for Vargas’ WBC Super Bantamweight time.

The workout also featured many fan favorites from the Aug. 26 undercard. Here is what the fighters had to say regarding their respective bouts at today’s workout:

MIGUEL COTTO, Former Four-Division World Champion:

“Every time that I get fit for a fight, I just find that I work hard. It was not our plan to have 24 months off, but the time off just gave me time to use the opportunity to spend with my family. I don’t think the time off prolonged my career. I’m going to be here until December 21. After this fight, I’m going to rest. Then were going to see what we have.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“Training camp is the same as always, relaxed, and I’m enjoying it, having fun as I go. But, I’ve been training hard. I expect Rey Vargas to be coming forward the first couple rounds, and I expect a full attempt to fight.”

“I know they’re going to prepare for my jab and body work. The biggest challenge is the last week of the fight. You just want to be in there, when you’re in the ring, everything slows down, everything feels like it’s moving in slow motion.You want to fight the best and get to a certain level. It was a big surprise learning we were going for a title. I gotta go out there and make a statement. I don’t want to just go out there and fight; I want to make a statement.”

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m just training hard. This is my last week to train hard. I’m eating good, eating clean. It’s easy to make weight. I gotta be smart. I know he’s [Deivis Bassa] a veteran as he’s got a lot of experience. I know I’ve got to be ready. I want to prove who I am, who Joet Gonzalez is. I’ve got a great team behind me, and I’m excited.”

EMILIO SANCHEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“Camp is going great. I’m working on my defense and offense, and my diet’s going well. I try eating healthy, but it’s hard sometimes. I’m sharpening my defense, those are the skills I’m working on. It motivates me that my family and friends are there cheering me on. After this fight, I’m hoping to be the main event at the Belasco and fight better opponents.”

TENOCHTITLAN “T-DOG” NAVA, Featherweight Prospect:

“Training has been going great. Lots of cardio. What’s different is I’m having more fun. I’ve been sparring a lot with the other fighters. This fight is going to be super exciting.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m fighting six rounds already which is very fast for my age. I thank Golden Boy for everything they’re doing for me. We’re just staying sharp, mentally, physically-I feel ready.

“My job is just to go in there and break the body down. I’m strict on my diet right now. Overall, I’m just focusing on what I’m going to do. My brother [Ronny Rios] and I train together. It’s definitely easy to train together. After this fight, I want to prove I’m one of the best prospects coming up.”

JAVIER PADILLA, Bantamweight Prospect:

“I know nothing about my opponent [Ricardo Arias]. I just do my training. I listen to my coaches and do what they say. I’m hoping to prove I’m a worthy fighter from this fight.”

RUBEN RODRIGUEZ, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to show what I can do. It is really great being on such a great card. It’s a great experience for me. I’m just seeing what I can do, just trying to show I’m on top.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Fred Loya Insurance. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios
is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CottoKamegai into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 15, 2017) Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only boxer from Puerto Rico to earn five world titles in four weight divisions, will look to capture his sixth world title when he takes on Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) for the WBO Junior Middleweight title. Cotto will make his triumphant return to the ring after a layoff of nearly two years and will appear on HBO for an astounding 23rd time. The event takes place Saturday, Aug. 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

The future Hall of Famer spoke about the importance of his extensive career, his partnership with Golden Boy Promotions, and his father in developing his family-first outlook.

Here is what Miguel Cotto had to say in an exclusive Q&A Session:

“I have proved my whole career that I have been ready for anyone. I am a good boxer and I have no doubt that I can match anyone. As I look at my career, I have no regrets, everything has worked out and I am proud of the legacy I have built. I think one of the more satisfying fights I’ve been in was my victory against Antonio Margarito — I got my revenge against him then.”

“In my time off, I feel like I’ve become a more mature, more focused, complete fighter. Our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions is part of that — Oscar De La Hoya and his company have always been there to support me and my team, and I am glad I get to share the last leg of my career with them in the best way possible. We have already seen the positives of working with them, and we are excited for the partnership we have developed that goes beyond this fight.”

“I became the man I am today because of my father. He taught me the way you have to be, to put your family first in your life. I have no doubt that my father, mother and whole family are proud of me. The discipline that my family has taught me is the same that I want to show my kids, that they too can achieve their goals and dreams just as I have. I think above being a great boxer, I take a bigger pride in being a great father.”

“Kamegai is the best opponent for me right now in my career — he is a warrior in the ring. When we were looking through our options, he was one of the first names that popped up. I don’t really worry about what or how my opponent trains – all that matters is how well our team prepares. Freddie Roach has always been good to me, has been critical to my preparation over the years, and our team has always enjoyed working together like a family. I will be prepared for Kamegai on August 26 mentally and physically. It will be a great fight.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Fred Loya Insurance. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the almost sold-out Cotto vs. Kamegai are still available and priced at $200, $100, and $50, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CottoKamegai into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook a www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2017): World renowned trainer Freddie Roach shared important details regarding the training camp of Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only Puerto Rican boxer to ever win world titles in four divisions, as he prepares to go to war for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight title against the Japanese slugger Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs). Cotto will attempt to obtain a sixth world title in four divisions and will appear on HBO for an astounding 23rd time. The event takes place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Roach, a Hall of Fame trainer who was supervising a recent sparring session at the Wild Card Boxing Club, shared Cotto’s training camp routine, which consists of:
Strength and conditioning at 5:00 am with Gavin McMillan (exercises are done either at the gym, pool, nearby hills or at the track).
Breakfast at around 8:30 am. (Cotto likes to cook all his meals himself; his diet is normal, avoiding fried food).
Light snack at around 11:15 am.
Sparring three days a week at 1:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Boxing routine on at 1:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Dinner at around 5:30 pm.
Roach also provided additional training camp details, including the strategy for taking advantage of the exciting and crowd-pleasing style of Kamegai.

“Kamegai [Yoshihiro] is very aggressive and I like that. I think it should make for a great fight because he’s coming forward all the time and always looking for a knockout. Guys who look for knockouts, get knocked out. So, we’re working on countering his attack, and it’s going really well so far,” Roach concluded.

“I feel great, everything is working perfectly in camp together with Freddie and Gavin on every workout session. Freddie has a great game plan and I just follow him and do my best every day at gym. We look forward to have a big win” Miguel Cotto said.

“For more than 16 years, Miguel Cotto has represented Puerto Rico. He has given fans incredible fights at a number of weight classes, and has won world titles in an astounding four divisions,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “Now, after nearly two years out of the ring, as he attempts to claim a sixth championship belt, we are fully expecting a tough war between him and Kamegai.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CottoKamegai into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesdelpueblo.com, and www.HBO.com/Boxing; follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/RealMiguelCotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

Summer sizzles when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: MIGUEL COTTO VS. YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI AND REY VARGAS VS RONNY RIOS is seen SATURDAY, AUG. 26 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The doubleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

The main event features boxing legend and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico taking on Tokyo’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight title contest. Making his 23rd appearance on HBO, Cotto has been a dominant force in the sport for more than a decade, and is seeking his sixth world title spanning four weight classes. Though he hasn’t fought since Nov. 2015, Cotto’s return opens up intriguing possibilities at 154 and 160 pounds.

Known for his brawling style, Kamegai brings high energy into the ring and boasts a 75% knockout-to-win ration. His last bout was a TKO victory over Jesus Soto Karass that followed their previous meeting, which ended in a split-decision draw when Kamegai suffered a cut over his right eye in the second round from an accidental head butt.

The opening bout features undefeated Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs), from Otumba, México, taking on top contender Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) from Santa Ana, Cal. in a scheduled 12-round super bantamweight title contest. Defending his title for the first time since defeating Gavin McDonnell, Vargas will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time, and fighting outside Mexico for the fourth time. Making his first world title challenge, Rios is on a five-bout win streak following his only professional loss.

The doubleheader will be followed by the debut of the two-part behind-the-scenes series “24/7 Canelo/Golovkin,” which previews the Sept. 16 middleweight championship pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2017): StubHub Center in Carson, California will play host to two world championship fights on the evening of Saturday, August 26 when WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs) will take on highly touted contender Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 12 round bout. The championship event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Vargas, coming off a majority decision victory over previously undefeated Gavin McDonnell to secure the world championship after racking up scores of wins against top-flight competition, has also signed a multi-year deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

“I am thrilled to defend my world championship for the first time on such a special night at StubHub Center,” said Vargas, who went on the road from his native Otumba, Mexico to Yorkshire, England to secure his world title. “I know Ronny Rios is an extremely tough challenger, but he has never tasted power like mine, and I am confident I will come away with the victory.”

Rios, a former NABF and WBC Silver Featherweight Champion, gets his first world title shot after rolling through prospects and contenders over a 29-fight career with just a single blemish on his record.

“This is a dream come true for any boxer. Now that it’s here, I’m ready to capitalize on the journey me and my coach have been on for several years,” said Ronny Rios. “Vargas will provide us with a tough game plan but I’ve been working my whole life for this opportunity. He has good power and a very good coach with Nacho, but I have a great team as well. I am thankful that GBP has gotten this fight for me – and I expect a tough, tough war from Rey.”

The 12-round scrap between Vargas and Rios will be the first of two championship fights, as legendary four-division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) looks to win an incredible sixth world title as he takes on Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in the 12-round main event of the evening.

“People who want to see real fights, for real world championships, are in for a real treat on August 26th,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “For the last many summers, StubHub Center has played host to the highest action fights in our sport. That tradition will continue at the end of August.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Rey Vargas vs. Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2017)- Former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) today hosted a press conference ahead of their 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight World Championship that will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., presented live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

It was also announced at today’s press conference that Cotto will return to Golden Boy Promotions for a multi-fight deal starting with his battle against Kamegai on August 26. In addition, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions will partner with Cotto and Miguel Cotto Promotions on developing prospects, advancing boxing in Cotto’s Puerto Rico homeland and promoting the boxing legend’s upcoming fights.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s press conference:

MIGUEL COTTO, Former Four-Division World Champion:

“I’m very happy to be back and to be here. Our training camp starts on the first of July. Kamegai is a tough fighter, and he is coming with the victory on his mind. I’m going to do the best I can for this fight and fight with my heart as always. See you all on August 26.”

YOSHIHIRO “EL MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI, Junior Middleweight Contender:

“For me to fight someone I’ve been a fan of since I was 20 years old is an honor. I look forward to fighting him, and I’m out here to win this fight. I don’t speak English well, but I do speak boxing and I plan to put on a very entertaining fight. Please watch this fight on HBO on August 26.

“When I first heard that this fight had been made and that I would face Cotto, I thought to myself, ‘YES!'”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are happy to be partnering with Cotto and Kamegai for this event, but I do want to announce that our efforts to bring boxing back in a big way to Puerto Rico is one that will become a reality in the near future. I am happy to announce that with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, we will take our ESPN series to the island and bring back the excitement of boxing. Obviously, we couldn’t do it without Cotto’s help and his wonderful team. We are excited to take boxing back with ESPN internationally. As you’ve seen, our Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN series has had amazing fights and incredible ratings-we are giving the fans what they deserve.

“As one of the most entertaining junior middleweight contenders in the division today, Kamegai has been involved in some of the most memorable battles against former titleholder Roberto “The Ghost” Guerrero and back-to-back brawls with Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass. This is a fighter that never ever backs down, and we expect him to give Cotto an excellent fight on August 26. If you’ve never seen him fight, he fights with heart and passion, has dynamite in his fists, and never takes a step back.”

HECTOR SOTO, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“I want to say thank you to the great family of Golden Boy Promotions. This is the beginning of many great fights that will develop between Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“We are preparing very hard for this fight, and there is no doubt we will return to Puerto Rico in August with Miguel Cotto as a world champion.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“We can be assured there will be many hours of great boxing on August 26. When we host fights at StubHub Center, our HBO subscribers are always happy.

“Miguel Cotto is headed to the Hall of Fame because he has always fought as a prize fighter. He has fought on HBO 22 times, and he has fought all the boxing greats-that’s why the fans are always so happy when he fights and why we are proud to have him in the HBO family. Kamegai is a warrior who is finally being given his chance for a world championship. We are very excited that this HBO World Championship Boxing® event kicks off fall boxing.”

BRENDAN HANNAN, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Digital for StubHub Center:

“At StubHub Center, we always enjoy hosting great boxing fights. We are looking forward to an incredible event between Miguel Cotto and Kamegai on August 26 at the StubHub Center.”

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges and go on sale Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2017) : Four-division world champion and surefire first ballot Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will return to Golden Boy Promotions for a multi-fight deal starting with his 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight World Championship against Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs). The fight will be on Saturday August 26 from Carson, Calif’s StubHub Center and live on HBO World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 p.m. EST/PST.

In addition, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotion will partner with Cotto and Miguel Cotto Promotions on developing prospects, advancing boxing in Cotto’s Puerto Rico homeland and promoting the boxing legend’s upcoming fights.

“Miguel Cotto is not only a legend in the ring, but on the entire island of Puerto Rico, which has one of the richest boxing traditions around the globe,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Our new partnership will include Miguel’s upcoming fights; working with Miguel Cotto Promotions’ talented stable of fighters; and revitalizing boxing in Puerto Rico.”

A key element of the partnership will see boxing series Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN broadcast a number of cards from Puerto Rico in the coming months and years. This is the first time in 15 years that ESPN will put on a show from Puerto Rico.

“I’m very proud to establish a tremendous partnership with Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar,” said Cotto, who is shooting for his sixth world title on August 27th. “It couldn’t work better — from a boxer to a boxer. We share the same mentality and language of the sport and the business. We will create the perfect opportunities for the sport of boxing and the fans.”

Cotto has held world titles in the super lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions and has fought and defeated a who’s who of elite fighters over the last 15 years including Kelson Pinto, Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Ricardo “Mochuelo” Torres, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

“It’s a big pleasure to work together with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “We’ve always had a great relationship beyond boxing with them for more than 10 years. We look forward to make the best fights and best shows for the fans.”

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai will be priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges and go on sale on Thursday June 1st at 10am PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center 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.

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD.” The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 p.m. EST/PST.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.hbo.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/RealMiguelCottp. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

LONDON (May 26) – Boxing legend Miguel Cotto’s ring return on August 26th against the ever-exciting Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai will be shown exclusively live on BoxNation.

As part of ‘The Channel of Champions’ exclusive output deal with Golden Boy Promotions, BoxNation are pleased to announce the addition of Cotto-Kamegai, as well as a cracking card on July 15th with WBC super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt headlining.

Mexican Berchelt will make his first title defence against former champion Takashi Miura, with Bernard Hopkins’ conqueror Joe Smith returning to take on the Miami-based Sullivan Barrera in a heavy-handed slugfest.

Both these fights cards are set to be all-action affairs, with Puerto Rican great Cotto’s bout to be for the vacant WBO super-welterweight world title and taking place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The only four-division world champion in the rich history of Puerto Rican boxing, Cotto will be out to show why he still has so much to give at the 154-pound weight class and will be looking to add Kamegai’s name to an outstanding list of opponents he has beaten.

“I’m very excited to be back and showcase a high level fight for the fans,” Cotto said. “Kamegai is a great, tough fighter, but I will be ready for him and to capture the world title. I can’t wait to start training for this fight and get back in the ring on August 26.”

Kamegai is known as one of the highest-action fighters in the sport having engaged in a fight of the year candidate against Jesus Soto Karass in 2016 and taking champions and contenders including Robert Guerrero, Alfonso Gomez and Johan Perez into deep water.

“I fully understand who I am going to be in the ring against, but Cotto’s record and history won’t matter once we are toe-to-toe,” Kamegai said. “I am looking forward to giving fans the kind of aggressive fight that they have seen from me before and having my arm raised in victory.”

For his clash on July 15th at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum, Berchelt will be looking to keep his 10-fight consecutive knockout streak going following his impressive stoppage over Francisco Vargas in January, in which he claimed the 130-pound world title.

“I took on this challenge because I only want to fight the best,” Berchelt said. “I know that Miura is a true warrior and always leaves it all in the ring, but I am young and hungry and am confident that I will return to Mexico with the world championship belt still around my waist.”

Miura, one-half of the consensus 2015 Fight of the Year with Vargas, returns after a dynamic 12th-round stoppage against Miguel Roman.

“I have wanted to regain my championship belt from the moment I lost it in November of 2015,” Miura said. “I know Berchelt is strong, and I know that we’ll go head-to-head for this world championship title that will prove to be a great fight.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “Miguel Cotto is without doubt one of the greatest fighters of the modern era and we are delighted to showcase his upcoming fight on BoxNation exclusively live on August 26th. He’ll need to be at his best as Yoshihiro Kamegai is all-action and this fight will be a real test for Cotto. BoxNation are also very pleased to announce that the July 15th card headlined by super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt will also be aired exclusively live on the channel when he makes his first defence against a real warrior and former champion in Takashi Miura. These are two fantastic fight cards not to miss.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.
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LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2017): Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only four-division world champion in the rich boxing history of Puerto Rico, will return to the ring on Saturday, August 26 to take on the always-exciting Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in a 12-round match for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Cotto will attempt to secure a sixth world championship in four weight classes as he makes his 23rd appearance on HBO.

Cotto, a surefire, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, has held world titles in the super lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions and has fought and defeated a who’s who of elite fighters over the last 15 years including Kelson Pinto, Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Ricardo “Mochuelo” Torres, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

“I’m very excited to be back and showcase a high level fight for the fans,” Cotto said. “Kamegai is a great, tough fighter, but I will be ready for him and to capture the world title. I can’t wait to start training for this fight and get back in the ring on August 26.”

Kamegai is known as one of the highest-action fighters in the sport having engaged in a fight of the year candidate against Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass in 2016 and taking champions and contenders including Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Alfonso Gomez and Johan “El Terrible” Perez into deep water.

“I fully understand who I am going to be in the ring against, but Cotto’s record and history won’t matter once we are toe-to-toe,” Kamegai said. “I am looking forward to giving fans the kind of aggressive fight that they have seen from me before and having my arm raised in victory.”

“Miguel Cotto is a legend who is still fighting for title belts more than a dozen years after first being crowned a world champion. It’s remarkable,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “But I’ve seen Kamegai in action many times, and the guy doesn’t ever take a step back. Miguel will have his hands full on August 26.”

“August 26 will mark the return of Miguel Cotto pursuing his sixth world title,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “Cotto vs. Kamegai will be another epic battle that promises fireworks in the ring between Puerto Rico and Japan. Miguel Cotto is back on the big stage of boxing, fighting in Los Angeles on HBO. Nobody can miss it.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

Follow all the action as Roman Gonzalez tries to become a 4-division world champion when he takes on Carlos Cuadras for the WBC Super Flyweight title.  The action begins at 10 PM ET with a rematch of welterweights between Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai

Round 1: Cuadras jabbing to the body..left from Gonzalez

Round 2  Good hook from Cuadras…Right from Gonzalez

Round 3 Cuandras lands a nice right…Good pressure for Gonzalez

Round 4 Gonzalez stalking…Cuadras trying to land shots…Gonzalez left eye swelling..good uppercut from Cuadras..

Round 5  Good uppercut from Cuadras…Good right…combination..Good right from Gonzalez..Good body shot..Flurry from Cuadras

Round 6 Good hook from Cuadras..Gonzalez left side of face is swelling and now a cut over his right eye..Cut caused by a punch

Round 7 Flurry from Gonzalez..Big left hook from Cuadras..Good hook from Gonzalez..

Round 8 Good right from Gonzalez…Hard right….exchange left hook..uppercut flurry from Cuadras…Cuadras cut over right eye–From a headbutt

Round 9 Body shot hurts Cuadras…right over the top..Good body shot from Cuadras..left from Gonzalez…4 good rights from Cuadras..right uppercut from Gonzalez..good hook..Good right from Cuadras…

Round 10 Left from Cuadras..Body shot from Gonzalez..

Round 11 Right uppercut from Gonzalez..Gonzalez relentless…Good body shot from Cuadras and another

Round 12 Gonzalez landing straight punches…

117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 for Roman Gonzalez

Punch stats:  Gonzalez 323 of 985   Cuadras 253 of 895

Round 1 Hooks by Kamegai…Body shot hurts Kamegai….3 Body shots from Kamaegai..right to head..good right..Right uppercut from Soto Karass

Round 2 Uppercut landing uppercuts…body work..left to body from Kamegai..right to body..good left..Karrass lands body shots and upperuts

Round 3 Kamegai lands a left to body…good right

Round 4 Good over hand right from Soto Karass..Good right

Round 5 Right to body from Kamegai..Big left hook from Karass..Body shot by Kamegai..Right to body..good right from Karass..

Round 6 Kamegai lands a liver shot..Good left hook

Round 7 Kamegai  lands a right…Hard body shot hurts Soto Karass..Left hook from Soto Karras..another..left ..right..left to the body..

Round 8 Body shot hurts Soto Karas…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SOTO KARASS..3 hard uppercuts…Soto Karass lands a big right…SOTO KARASS WILL NOT CONTINUE AFTER THE ROUND

HBO Boxing presents day-night action from two continents, highlighted by a pair world championship fights featuring two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound performers, when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. KELL BROOK AND ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ VS. CARLOS CUADRAS AND YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI VS. JESUS SOTO KARASS 2 is seen SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, first at 5:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from London and then at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Inglewood, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (9:15 a.m.) and 12 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 11 (4:15 p.m.) and 13 (midnight)

The tripleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

At 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT), from The O2 in London, powerhouse Gennady Golovkin (35-0, 32 KOs), originally from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and now training at Big Bear, Cal., defends his middleweight crown against Kell Brook (36-0, 25 KOs), from Sheffield, England, in a scheduled 12-round contest.

Seeking his 17th consecutive successful 160-pound title defense, Golovkin is drawing closer to Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 successful middleweight title defenses. On a 22-bout knockout streak, Golovkin has compiled an extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio of 91%, and no opponent has gone the distance with him since June 2008. Trained by the highly regarded Abel Sanchez, he will be making his 11th appearance on HBO since his auspicious Sept. 2012 debut on the network.

With a 69% knockout-to-victory ratio, Brook became the British welterweight champion in 2008 and is a current world welterweight champion. Having defended his title successfully three times, he is moving up two weight classes to take on the formidable Golovkin.

At 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), from The Forum in Inglewood, Cal., the primetime bouts kick off with Yoshihiro Kamegai (26-3-2, 23 KOs), from Tokyo, Japan, taking on Jesus Soto Karass (28-10-4, 18 KOs) of Los Moches, Mexico, who now lives in North Hollywood, Cal., in a scheduled ten-round super welterweight fight. These ring warriors fought to a split-decision draw in April and now look to settle the score in their heated rivalry.

Then, undefeated fighters Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0, 38 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, and Carlos Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, meet in a scheduled 12-round super flyweight title fight. Gonzalez has brought worldwide attention to the lower weight divisions with his speed and power, boasting an 84% knockout-to-win ratio. Cuadras, with a 75% knockout-to-win ratio, is a super flyweight champion and looks to halt Gonzalez’s quest for a world title in a fourth weight class.

The primetime presentation will also feature a replay of the Golovkin-Brook bout from earlier in the day. Immediately following all the boxing action, HBO Sports will premiere at approximately 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH, a special chronicling the path to the Sept. 17 junior middleweight pay-per-view title fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producers, Dave Harmon, Jon Crystal, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2016) – Following their epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate fight this past April 15, at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, (26-3-2, 23 KO’s) and Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass, (28-10-4, 18 KO’s), will meet in the ring once again on Saturday, September 10 for a highly anticipated re-match from the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto- Karass is a super welterweight clash scheduled to go 10 rounds, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main televised event on HBO World Championship Boxing telecast prior to the world championship fight between undefeated fighters WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s).

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 are on sale through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

“I am very grateful to K2 Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions in making this rematch and honored to be on the Roman Gonzalez- Carlos Cuadras undercard at the Fabulous Forum,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Jesus Soto-Karass and I had a great fight in April. I have a lot of respect for Soto-Karass. He is a warrior. I hope to put on another exciting fight with him in front of the great Southern California Boxing Fans.”

“I am excited to come back to the ring against such a great warrior like Yoshihiro Kamegai,” said Jesus Soto-Karass. “We put on a great show in April and I am sure we will deliver another great show in September. We are both great warriors who come forward and are willing to leave it all in the ring. This re-match will serve for one of us to finally emerge victorious, as we give the fans of Los Angeles a fight of a lifetime.”

“If fans thought the first Kamegai and Soto-Karass fight was an epic Fight of the Year contender, let me just say this—on September 10th, both fighters will be coming back in the ring with a vengeance to prove who is the true winner in this rematch,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Both of these fighters are fierce warriors and the fans can expect to witness what could be the beginning of the next big rivalry in the sport.”

“We’ve very excited to add this highly anticipated rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto-Karass to this outstanding event, “said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “With their first fight ending in a hotly contested draw and the huge demand from fans and media for a rematch, it’s a perfect fit for this card at the Fabulous Forum, home to decades of memorable battles. As we’ve always tried to do, adding a sensational co-feature to this event provides non-stop action for those in the arena. This will be the fourth consecutive time Roman and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin have fought on the same date televised by HBO and this ‘winning combination’ affirms this as the strongest international boxing day of the year.”

In their first bout which ended in a split decision draw (97-93, Kamegai, 96-94 Soto-Karass and 95-95), Kamegai and Soto-Karass delivered an all-out brawl which had fans packed into the Belasco Theater with a special viewing room opened to accommodate the demand. Given the history of both men, there were high expectations placed on the shoulders of Tokyo’s Kamegai and Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Soto-Karass to put on a fight to remember and while such bouts usually fall short of those expectations, that wasn’t the case in April. Both warriors went head-to-head in ten thrilling rounds that had fans in an uproar. When the fight had ended and the judges’ scores were read, no one complained it was a draw because in a bout like that–no fighter deserved to lose. And despite the heated nature of the battle, both fighters have agreed to do it again, with the fans likely to be the biggest winners on September 10.

Mostly fighting in his native Japan, Kamegai burst on to the boxing scene in the United States with a 2014 “Fight of the Year” candidate against former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, an epic 12-round battle that was awarded to the California native. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Kamegai may have only competed a handful of times in the United States, but with his exciting style and fighting spirit, the 33-year-old has built a sizable fan base, one that is expected to grow for his rematch with Soto-Karass. The former OPBF welterweight champion, Kamegai has been to battle with the likes of Johan Perez and Alfonso Gomez, and if he can defeat Soto Karass, it will be the biggest victory of his nearly 11-year career.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, Soto-Karass has faced numerous world champions and contenders over his 15-year career including Keith “One Time” Thurman, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Devon “The Great” Alexander, Yuri Foreman, Alfonso Gomez, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Mike Jones Selcuk Aydin and David Estrada. He is a former NABF and WBC Continental Americas champion who has been thrilling boxing fans since his debut in 2001. Owner of wins over Vince Phillips, David Estrada, Selcuk Aydin and Andre Berto, Soto Karass is an aggressive puncher who can handle himself against any fighter willing to step in the ring to face him. A former world title challenger, Soto Karass knows that a win over Kamegai will keep him on the right track to continue fighting for years to come.

Kamegai vs. Soto-Karass II, is a ten round super welterweight clash presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main event to the world championship fight between WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and undefeated WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s). Both bouts will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.K2Promos.com, www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter for Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, Jesus Soto-Karass @SotoKarassTeam, Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2016) – Following their epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate fight this past April 15, at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, (26-3-2, 23 KO’s)and Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass, (28-10-4, 18 KO’s), will meet in the ring once again on Saturday, September 10 for a highly anticipated re-match from the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto- Karass is a super welterweight clash scheduled to go 10 rounds, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main televised event on HBO World Championship Boxing telecast prior to the world championship fight between undefeated fighters WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s).

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 will go on sale Friday, July 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com,
1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

“I am very grateful to K2 Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions in making this rematch and honored to be on the Roman Gonzalez- Carlos Cuadras undercard at the Fabulous Forum,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Jesus Soto-Karass and I had a great fight in April. I have a lot of respect for Soto-Karass. He is a warrior. I hope to put on another exciting fight with him in front of the great Southern California Boxing Fans.”

“I am excited to come back to the ring against such a great warrior like Yoshihiro Kamegai,” said Jesus Soto-Karass. “We put on a great show in April and I am sure we will deliver another great show in September. We are both great warriors who come forward and are willing to leave it all in the ring. This re-match will serve for one of us to finally emerge victorious, as we give the fans of Los Angeles a fight of a lifetime.”

“If fans thought the first Kamegai and Soto-Karass fight was an epic Fight of the Year contender, let me just say this-on September 10th, both fighters will be coming back in the ring with a vengeance to prove who is the true winner in this rematch,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Both of these fighters are fierce warriors and the fans can expect to witness what could be the beginning of the next big rivalry in the sport.”

“We’ve very excited to add this highly anticipated rematch between Yoshihiro Kamegai and Jesus Soto-Karass to this outstanding event, “said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “With their first fight ending in a hotly contested draw and the huge demand from fans and media for a rematch, it’s a perfect fit for this card at the Fabulous Forum, home to decades of memorable battles. As we’ve always tried to do, adding a sensational co-feature to this event provides non-stop action for those in the arena. This will be the fourth consecutive time Roman and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin have fought on the same date televised by HBO and this ‘winning combination’ affirms this as the strongest international boxing day of the year.”

In their first bout which ended in a split decision draw (97-93, Kamegai, 96-94 Soto-Karass and 95-95), Kamegai and Soto-Karass delivered an all-out brawl which had fans packed into the Belasco Theater with a special viewing room opened to accommodate the demand. Given the history of both men, there were high expectations placed on the shoulders of Tokyo’s Kamegai and Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Soto-Karass to put on a fight to remember and while such bouts usually fall short of those expectations, that wasn’t the case in April. Both warriors went head-to-head in ten thrilling rounds that had fans in an uproar. When the fight had ended and the judges’ scores were read, no one complained it was a draw because in a bout like that–no fighter deserved to lose. And despite the heated nature of the battle, both fighters have agreed to do it again, with the fans likely to be the biggest winners on September 10.

Mostly fighting in his native Japan, Kamegai burst on to the boxing scene in the United States with a 2014 “Fight of the Year” candidate against former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, an epic 12-round battle that was awarded to the California native. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Kamegai may have only competed a handful of times in the United States, but with his exciting style and fighting spirit, the 33-year-old has built a sizable fan base, one that is expected to grow for his rematch with Soto-Karass. The former OPBF welterweight champion, Kamegai has been to battle with the likes of Johan Perez and Alfonso Gomez, and if he can defeat Soto Karass, it will be the biggest victory of his nearly 11-year career.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, Soto-Karass has faced numerous world champions and contenders over his 15-year career including Keith “One Time” Thurman, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Devon “The Great” Alexander, Yuri Foreman, Alfonso Gomez, “King” Gabriel Rosado, Mike Jones Selcuk Aydin and David Estrada. He is a former NABF and WBC Continental Americas champion who has been thrilling boxing fans since his debut in 2001. Owner of wins over Vince Phillips, David Estrada, Selcuk Aydin and Andre Berto, Soto Karass is an aggressive puncher who can handle himself against any fighter willing to step in the ring to face him. A former world title challenger, Soto Karass knows that a win over Kamegai will keep him on the right track to continue fighting for years to come.

Kamegai vs. Soto-Karass II, is a ten round super welterweight clash presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions, and will serve as the co-main event to the world championship fight between WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0-0, 38 KO’s) and undefeated WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KO’s). Both bouts will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.K2Promos.com, www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter for Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, Jesus Soto-Karass @SotoKarassTeam, Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
Use the hashtags #KamegaiSotoKarass2 #KSK2 and #GonzalezCuadras to join the conversation on social media.

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions kept its promise in bringing the best to boxing fans, putting together the biggest fight to hit LA FIGHT CLUB yet. Former WBC Continental Americas and former NABF Welterweight Champion Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (29-10-4, 18 KO) faced Japan’s mighty warrior and former OPBF Welterweight Champion Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-4-2, 23 KO) in a spectacular 10-round super welterweight performance at The Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles broadcast live on Boxeo Estellaron Estrella TV. It was a packed house tonight at The Belasco Theater, and the stellar sold out show saw the likes of Golden Boy stablemates Jason “El Animal” Quiqley, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia, Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr., Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, Joet Gonzalez, and Pablo “The Shark” Rubio were in attendance, along with television star Mario Lopez and Golden Boy Promotions President & CEO Oscar de la Hoya, who met and mingled with fans during this action-packed night.

Former WBC Continental Americas and former NABF Welterweight champion, Soto Karass was matched in strength and power by opponent Kamegai, former OPBF Welterweight Champion. The two fighters refused to give the other the upper hand and battled it out until the end, exchanging hits, jabs, and blocks. Both boxers remained adamant against their opponents, each counter punching speedy hits and hard blows. Unable to decide a victor, the judges named a match a draw with scores of 97-93 (Kamegai), 96-94 (Soto Karass), and 95-95.

“This fight was a war, exactly what the fans expected,” said Jesus Soto Karass. “The people truly won tonight. I felt really good in the ring, but Kamegai was a true, Japanese warrior. I feel we both delivered an exciting night of boxing.”

“I’m still getting used to the time zone here, but I feel really good about my performance tonight,” said Yoshihiro Kamegai. “Soto Karass did catch me a few times, but every time he did, he was met with my counterpunches. Soto Karass was the kind of fighter I was expecting to fight-a true warrior.”

Golden Boy Promotions fan favorite, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (16-0, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles added another knockout under his belt tonight with his epic takedown of Chicago’s Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-19-1, 15 KOs) in the eight-round cruiserweight co-main event match-up. From the beginning of the first round, Slava delivered swift blows to Findley’s chest and by the second round, Shabranskyy had his opponent cornered. Findley could only fend off “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” with his blocks for so long as Shabranskyy boxed around his opponent and executed power punches securing him a third round knockout victory.

“I have the best teams and the best fans. I’m so happy Los Angeles has welcomed me to in to their familia,” said Shabranskyy of his victory. “In the ring, I’ve learned to become more patient, waiting for my opponent, but I’m also ready to pounce for an attack. I embrace my “chingonsky” and I’m looking forward to training hard to give my fans more shows.”

Starting off his professional career with a knockout victory, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez, (1-0, 1 KO) took on Archie Weah (1-6) of Norcross, Georgia in an impressive professional debut. The fight began with fire, as both fighters pounced to get their win. However, Weah could not keep up with Gamez’s speed and hard punches, landing a series of punching combinations that put a stop to Weah in the first round.

“I made sure to start the fight slow so I could figure out Weah,” said Genaro Gamez. “Once I was aware of Weah’s style I proceeded to take control of the fight and I am glad I was able to stop him early. I feel excited about this victory as my professional debut and look forward to the next fight.”

Making his professional debut tonight on the super middleweight division, Miami, Florida’s southpaw star Niko “Baby Face” Valdes (1-0, 1 KO) faced Roberto Ramirez (0-3) in a ground shaking first round knockout bash. Beginning the bout, Valdes knocked down his opponent with a hit, after Ramirez got back on his feet he was met first with a body punch and then a series of combination punches to the chest which stopped him the first round.

“Today was the day my dreams came true, just as I envisioned it,” said Valdes of his victory. “As I look forward to my career, I want to aspire to have a career like Canelo, because he is a world champion super-star. In Miami, I train alongside amazing world champs, and they have built me to be an aggressive fighter, prepared for it all.”

Representing East Los Angeles, Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs)brought some serious rumble in to the ring with his third round knockout over Tavorous Teague (3-11-2, 2 KOs) of Paramount, CA in their scheduled six-round welterweight fight. Navarro was applying pressure to Teague the second the bell rang, with his consistent heavy-hitting jabs. In the second round, Navarro’s aggression was mounting and the force proved too much for Teague to handle as he lost his footing, but rebounded looking to catch Navarro. After an exchange of hits and jabs, Navarro came back and took his opponent down in the third round to win the fight via knock out.

“It was a good fight tonight. I came in more patient, waiting to strike,” said Navarro. “I learned a lot from this fight because it was my first time coming across my opponent’s fighting style. I feel ecstatic about adding another knockout, and I am very excited for my next fight.”

Eager to begin his professional boxing career, Glendora, California’s Jousce Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) entered the ring with a bang knocking out opponent Noe Perez (1-2) of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico in the first round as the opening bout of the night. Gonzalez has boxing in his blood as his brother Joet Gonzalez is a professional fighter and his sister is Jajaira Gonzalez is a finalist for the 2016 Olympic Women’s Boxing Team. Gonzalez impressively knocked down Perez three times before the fight was called off by the referee, awarding him his first victory by knockout.

“I feel so blessed to start off my professional career how I did tonight,” said Jousce Gonzalez of his winning knockout. “Coming out to my song, to the lights, and to the fans, I can’t help but feel excited for the future. I’m from a boxing family, and having Joet Gonzalez as my brother makes me really competitive against him, so I push to train harder in the ring and this is what makes me a better boxer.”

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a busy stretch of live combat sports and it begins tonight, Friday, April 15 at 10 p.m. with a live presentation of a surefire “Fight of the Year” candidate on Golden Boy Promotions’ LA FIGHT CLUB, as former WBC Contienntal Americas and NABF welterweight champion Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass (28-10-3, 18 KO) faces Japan’s mighty warrior and former OPBF welterweight champion Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KO) in a 10-round welterweight showdown, co-headlined by an explosive clash between Los Angeles transplant Vyacheslav “Lion Heart” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KO) and seasoned Chicago native Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-18-1, 15 KO). The LA FIGHT CLUB broadcast from downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater will be televised live across Canada.

Less than one hour later, Fight Network presents RFA 37: Viana vs. Clark via short tape delay on Saturday, April 16 at 1 a.m. ET. Emanating from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the championship doubleheader features Devin “Brown Bear” Clark (5-0) fighting for the vacant light heavyweight championship in his hometown against top Brazilian prospect Rafael “Gaucho” Viana (6-0). In the co-main event, Joey “The Beast” Miolla (8-1) and Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (16-2) will battle for the vacant RFA bantamweight crown. In other featured bouts, John Poppie (7-2) meets fellow American middleweight Joseph Gigliotti (6-0), while Matthew Lopez (7-0) looks to extend his perfect run in a bantamweight bout against Eli Finn (5-1). RFA 37: Viana vs. Clark will air live across Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

On Saturday, April 16 at approximately 11 p.m. ET, Fight Network will be joining the UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Evans post-fight press conference live from Tampa, Florida, featuring reactions from Saturday’s card headlined by top 10 light heavyweights Glover Teixeira and Rashad Evans. The press conference will air live on Fight Network in all territories, including the U.S.

On Sunday, April 17 at 9 a.m. ET, Fight Network shifts to live traditional martial arts, as the World Karate Federation presents the Karate1 Premier League Salzburg from Austria. The exclusive North American televised broadcast will air live in Canada and in the U.S. on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable, as well as Roku devices across North America.

On Monday, April 18, Fight Network presents a two-part Combate Americas doubleheader from the Exchange L.A. in Los Angeles, Calif. First, at 9 p.m. ET, Combate Americas: LA Aftershocks will deliver 2+ hours of the first-ever U.S. Hispanic mixed martial arts franchise, including Angel Cruz (5-1) locking horns with submission specialist Mario Navarro (4-4), flashy striker Jonathan Santa Maria (3-2) throwing down with Kyle Estrada (2-2), plus undefeated Duke Roufus protégé Kevin Vazquez (3-0) colliding with aggressive-minded Adam Calderon (5-2). Fight Network re-joins live coverage at 12 a.m. ET (Midnight) with Combate Americas: Road to the Championships 3, headlined by Team Alpha Male member Erick Sanchez (6-2) and potent finisher Mike Segura (4-2) and also featuring a flyweight battle between Jonathan Martinez (7-1) and Jesse Cruz (8-5). The Combate Americas doubleheader will air live on Fight Network across Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

All the live action leads into another busy week, as Fight Network presents extended live coverage of UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux, plus a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 49 from Calgary, Canada on Friday, April 22 at 11 p.m. ET.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

LOS ANGELES (April 13, 2016) – Fighters Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs), Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs) and Jousce Gonzalez, who will make his professional debut, today hosted a Los Angeles media workout ahead of their respective bouts on the April 15 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB.

The fighters came out to show their skills at Westside Boxing Club ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated bouts. Below is what the fighters had to say at the media workout:

JESUS SOTO-KARASS, Super Welterweight Star of the Future:

“Everyone knows I’ve never ducked anyone, I’ve never been scared of anyone, and it’s the same thing now as at the beginning of my career. I’m not afraid of anyone and I’ll fight anyone.

“I would have to say I have had a lot of fights, such as Marcos Maidana, Keith Thurman and Mike Jones, but if I had to pick one out as my best, I’d have to say my fight against Andre Berto, that’s the fight that took me to the next level.

“I’ve faced a lot of power punchers in my career, but if I had to pick one I’d say Mike Jones was the hardest puncher. Kamegai is a warrior and a tough challenge, but I think I won’t have a problem taking his punches.

“As a veteran, I don’t feel old. And like I said, it’s going to be a war. It’s an honor to fight a warrior like Kamegai is.

“Everyone knows that Japanese fighters are warriors, but the winners are going to be the fans that get to watch the fight.”

YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI, Super Welterweight Star of the Future:

“I think I am going to be able to put on an exciting bout.

“[Soto] I’ve seen him in so many fights…I have the highest respect for him and am honored to be able to fight him.

“If it turns out to be a brawl, I am going to go out there to win. I am here to win, but I also want to please the fans.

“The excitement of this fight really motivates me to do well. Winning this fight will bring me bigger opportunities

“I remember watching boxing on television, and I got together with my brothers and friends. We would put on gloves and would have boxing matches for fun, and I found this exciting and thrilling. That is when I decided to continue in the sport.

“In Japan boxing is very popular, and they are starting younger now. Since the sport has grown so much and the youth have more interest in the sport, it has contributed to more high-level Japanese boxers in the sport.”

JOUSCE GONZALEZ, Lightweight Star of the Future:

“I am excited. I have been waiting for this for a while.

“I started boxing with my brother (Joet Gonzalez) who is signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and he’s given me the best advice. We try to make each other better.

“My style of fighting…I like to say I’m a boxer puncher. I like to adapt. I have the ability to adapt to any style. I take advantage of my length and power shots inside.

“I’m going to go out there and execute what I did in camp, and I expect a good outcome.”

To accommodate the high demand for the sold-out April 15 LA FIGHT CLUB show featuringsure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ candidate throwdown between Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, an additional ballroom viewing section will open at the Belasco Theater for the first time in LA FIGHT CLUB history. Fans will be able to enjoy the festive fight atmosphere from the upstairs ballroom lounge, complete with live fight commentary, DJ, food, full bar and bottle service. Tickets for Ballroom viewing are just $10 for this Friday’s show and are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold” and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2016) – To accommodate the high demand for the sold-out April 15 LA FIGHT CLUB show featuringsure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ candidate throwdown between Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs) and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (26-3-1, 23 KOs), an additional ballroom viewing section will open at the Belasco Theater for the first time in LA FIGHT CLUB history. Fans will be able to enjoy the festive fight atmosphere from the upstairs ballroom lounge, complete with live fight commentary, DJ, food, full bar and bottle service. Tickets for Ballroom viewing are just $10 for this Friday’s show and are available for purchase at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing [email protected].

Televised live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV, the night will also feature cruiserweight colossus Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in the eight-round co-main event against veteran Derrick “Superman” Findley (23-18-1, 15 KOs) of Chicago. In the television opener, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez of San Diego will debut as a professional and as a Golden Boy fighter against Archie Weah of Norcross, Ga. in a four-round super featherweight bout.

In the undercard streamed live on Ring TV, Niko “Baby Face” Valdes of South Beach, Fla. will also make his professional debut in a four-round super middleweight clash against Roberto Ramirez of Navojoa, Mexico.East Los Angeles’ undefeated super lightweight prospect Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) will return to LA FIGHT CLUB in a scheduled six-round super lightweight battle against Los Angeles native Ryan Picou (2-8-1). Opening up the night, Jousce Gonzalez of Glendora, Calif. will make his own professional debut in a four-round lightweight showdown against El Paso, Texas’ Noe Perez (1-1).

Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” Carmelita Chorizo and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.