Redemption in Miami promoted by New Champions Promotions rocked Anthony Hall in Miami tonight when Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa 29-2, (17 KOs) and Juan Manuel Lopez each won to set up a long-awaited match.

Gamboa won a one-sided unanimous decision victory over two-time world title challenger Miguel Beltran, Jr. 33-7 (22 KO). The four-time world champion in three weight divisions and Olympic Gold Medalist Gamboa dumped Beltran on the canvas right at the end of round one, in what looked like was the start of the end, but it was just the beginning. Gamboa stalked Beltran throughout the next 9 rounds with flashes of his old self. Sharp counter punching and slick feet, Gamboa had Beltran in trouble a few times and finished strong in a great performance.

Former World Featherweight Champion Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez 36-6, (32 KO) put Cristian Ruben Mino 19-3(17KO) on the canvas four times en route to a unanimous decision victory. In round five Mino rocked JuanMa with a left hook in what looked to be a glimpse of JuanMa’s vulnerability of a weak chin which has plagued his career. Lopez was on the ropes and in trouble, however, he was able to work through and work to a victory, but never flashed the brilliance he once possessed. The final cards reading 97-88 and 96-89 twice.

In 2009 Gamboa and “Juanma” were both world titles and rising pound-for-pound stars on a collision course boxing fans were begging for. Both fighters were promoted by Bob Arums’ Top Rank who chose to let the fight marinate. Instead, Lopez’s career got derailed when got knocked out twice by Orlando Salido. Gamboa went to Omaha and introduced the world to Bud Crawford in a clash of undefeated lightweights. Gamboa has gone on to “win some lose some” highly unnoticed and Lopez has lost more than he has won, going 2-4 in his last 6, stopped all 4 times.

“This is something that has been a long time coming. It is something that I have promised to my fans in Miami, which is the city that has really embraced me when I first got here from Cuba,” states Gamboa.

The Cuban and Puerto Rican are now back on track for a collision course after ten years in the making. Long overdue, for sure, over marinated perhaps, great boxing, absolutely.

The live broadcast of the pay per view event “Redemption in Miami” from Anthony Hall kickstarted with a showcasing of undefeated Cuban Bantamweight Jorge Romero improving to 12-0(9KO) pounding out a shutout performance against tough and relentless Jason Vera 5-6(3KO).

Crowd favorite Harold Calderon 18-0, (11KO) from Miami, put Emiliano “Pacman” Martin Garcia 16-3, (13 KO) of Buenos Aires, Argentina on the canvas three times enroute to a strong TKO victory. To the chant of Harold-Harold-Harold from the start of the match, the crowd favorite did not disappoint. Calderon’s straight left hand dropped Martin in round two in a fight he was never really in. Outpowered, outboxed and outclassed was Martin knocking him down twice in the seventh round and the final knockdown came courtesy of a right hand when referee Sam Burgos called a halt to the bout at 1:11 of round seven.

Welterweights’ Sonny Duversonne 4-0(2KO) and Jesus “Zues” Almonte 4-1(2KO) opened the evening at Arnold Hall in Miami with a slow-brewed chess match that nearly turned into a fight of substance on a few occasions however never erupted into the battle it could have been, instead only a brutal game of tag that the judges scored 58-56, 59-55 and 59-55 for Duversonne, handing the Atlantia boxer his first loss as a pro.

A packed house in Miami at Arnold Hall in anticipation of JuanMa Lopez and Yuriokios Gamboa upcoming matches, including heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz.

MIAMI, FL, September 20, 2018 — In the “REDEMPTION IN MIAMI” main event, former four-time world champion in three weight divisions and Olympic Gold Medalist YURIORKIS “El Ciclon De Guantánamo” GAMBOA will battle two-time world title challenger MIGUEL “Barreterito” BELTRAN, JR. in a ten round lightweight bout. In the co-feature, former three-time world champion in two weight classes JUAN “JuanMa” LOPEZ will clash with CRISTIAN RUBEN “Piedrita” MINO, also in a ten-round lightweight bout. “Redemption in Miami” will take place Saturday, November 10 at Marlins Park on the West Plaza in Miami, Florida and will be available live on pay per view, distributed by Integrated Sports Media, beginning at 9 pm ET / 6pm PT at a retail price of $24.95.

“Redemption in Miami” is promoted by New Champions Promotions in association with Marlins Park. Ticket prices start at $60 and will go on sale Wednesday, September 26 at 10:00 am ET and be available at the Marlins Park ticket office and on line at www.marlins.com/boxing. Fight night doors will open at 6:00 pm and first bout will begin at 7:00 pm.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTOS & VIDEO
Photos Courtesy David Martin Warr
Video Courtesy New Champions Promotions

JUANMA LOPEZ
Thank you again for coming and I am happy to be on the big stage again, one that I have been used to being on. This is a pay per view event and that merits a lot of attention. With the help of my management team including Mr. Pepiama who has taken the spot of my promoter and has helped me very much and become almost a father figure to me. I thank New Champion Promotions for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to it. Obviously most important to me personally is to win this fight and potentially set up the next fight against Yuriorkis Gamboa, which has been a fight that has kind of eluded both of us but as long as I take care of business and he takes care of business there is no reason for that not to happen for the next fight. On the other hand he is talking about fighting Lomachenko. If he wins this fight and skips me and wants to keep running, let him run, but hopefully he does not run. This fight was done with the idea and the plan that we both get featured on a card and we fight and win and fight each other but now he’s talking a different language – fighting Lomachenko – so maybe he is having second thoughts. It’s a fight that the public wants but it is all up to him. Hopefully he sticks to the plan.

MIGUEL BELTRAN JR.
I am very happy to be here. This is my first time I Miami. I respect the community, I respect all of the Cubans here in Miami and I respect all the press here in Miami and I respect Gamboa but I came here to fight and I came here to win so let’s get to it. I will be 100% training for the fight. I came here to win and I will give everything in the ring to make that happen and that’s the way it’s going to be. I will be the one winning that night. I am very appreciative of everyone here and than you very much.

GAMBOA
I would like to thank everyone that is here supporting this event. This is something that has been a long time coming. It is something that I have promised to my fans in Miami, which is the city that has really embraced me when I first got here from Cuba. I would like to thank Jesse Rodriguez for believing in me and not only me but believing in Miami to make this a reality. There have been a lot of things that have happened in my career and my career is far from over. I am here to be the best, which is what I have always felt I am. With the right people around me I am looking forward to having a great fight on November 10th and not only a great fight, but a great event in and of itself.

The comment that JuanMa had made earlier that I may be running or I may be ducking – that is false. He knows he is contractually obligated to New Champions for two fights – the second fight would be, if we both win, a fight between me and him. The fact that my goal is to fight Lomachenko or someone else in the division does no mean that I am trying to duck him. By all means I know my obligation and I know his obligation. My obligations right now it to win on November 10. After winning November 10, I want JuanMa.

Very important to note is that the effort that New Champion Promotions is making in not only hosting the event but making the commitment to the city to bring this caliber of an event to Miami and South Florida. Both he and I and the company itself hope to continue to host thee type of events not only in the near future but long term as well.

With respect to my fight in and of itself I would like to welcome the city of Miami, not just my fans, to come and embrace this event on November 10 – it’s going to be a great event. In respect to the comments made by my opponent on November 10, Mr. Beltran, I understand the challenge that he poses but I don’t see him as too much of an obstacle towards the goals that I have set for myself – in the near future is JuanMa and then after JuanMa, going up against Lomachenko. Those are my objectives and I want to share this ride with Miami and that’s what I am doing coming into this new arrangement with New Champion Promotions and making it a must to do the PPV here in Miami because I know the people of Miami are going to support it.

(endquotes)

The pay per view show will include four bouts in all.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Redemption in Miami” in the USA on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH; and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website www.fite.tv, each way for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

MIAMI, FL, September 20, 2018 — In the “REDEMPTION IN MIAMI” main event, former four-time world champion in three weight divisions and Olympic Gold Medalist YURIORKIS “El Ciclon De Guantánamo” GAMBOA will battle two-time world title challenger MIGUEL “Barreterito” BELTRAN, JR. in a ten round lightweight bout. In the co-feature, former three-time world champion in two weight classes JUAN “JuanMa” LOPEZ will clash with CRISTIAN RUBEN “Piedrita” MINO, also in a ten-round lightweight bout. “Redemption in Miami” will take place Saturday, November 10 at Marlins Park on the West Plaza in Miami, Florida and will be available live on pay per view, distributed by Integrated Sports Media, beginning at 9 pm ET / 6pm PT at a retail price of $24.95

“Redemption in Miami” is promoted by New Champions Promotions in association with Marlins Park. Ticket prices start at $60 and will go on sale Wednesday, September 26 at 10:00 am ET and be available at the Marlins Park ticket office and on line at www.marlins.com/boxing. Fight night doors will open at 6:00 pm and first bout will begin at 7:00 pm.

“I’ve been dreaming all of my life about bringing boxing to my people in Miami,” said Gamboa. “JuanMa and I went to a Marlins game last year and we fell in love with the atmosphere and talked about fighting here. Now it is reality.”

Gamboa (28-2, 17 KOs), from Guantanamo, Cuba now living in Miami, Fla., won Gold as a Cuban in the 2004 Olympic games and is a former featherweight world champion; former super featherweight world champion; former lightweight world champion and former unified world champion. Gamboa defected and made his professional debut in 2007, and two years and fourteen fights later, on April 17, 2009, became world champion, winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim featherweight title. After three successful defenses, Gamboa beat International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Orlando Salido to become Unified Champion. Three fights later Gamboa moved up in weight and won the interim WBA super featherweight title and immediately moved up another weight class and won the interim WBA lightweight title, setting up a unification mega-fight against fellow undefeated Terrence Crawford. Gamboa rocked Crawford early in the fight in what has been considered Crawford’s toughest fight to date but eventually succumbed. Gamboa took his last bout on three weeks notice against former WBA Super Featherweight Champion Jason Sosa on November 25 at Madison Square Garden. Gamboa won a majority decision and told Sosa after the fight “I’m sorry i didn’t give you a better match, I only had 3 weeks to prepare. I needed 2 or 3 more weeks to lose the weight correctly. Of course the decision was good though.”

Miguel Beltran, Jr. (32-6, 21 KOs) hails from Los Mochis, Mexico, a boxing hotbed that has produced no less than five world champions. Miguel won twenty-six of his first twenty-seven fights leading to his first world title fight, on December 10, 2011, in his hometown Los Mochis, against International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Featherweight Champion Juan Carlos Selgado. In the second round following an accidental head butt, the fight was stopped at the recommendation of the ringside doctor, was ruled a No Contest and Selgado retained the title. Beltran Jr. won his next fight, then was rewarded with another world title challenge, this time for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight title against Roman Martinez at the Thomas & Mack Center on the undercard of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Sergio Martinez. It was a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle, they fought on the inside and fought on the outside and at the end, Martinez won the title by split decision. Since then Miguel has stopped four of his last nine opponents.

Puerto Rico’s “JuanMa” Lopez (35-6, 32KOs) from Caguas Puerto Rico, was his country’s Olympic representative in 2004. He made his professional debut in 2005 and in his twenty-second bout won the WBO super bantamweight title against Ponce De Leon by TKO on June 7, 2007 and made five successful defenses. He then moved up to featherweight and won the WBO featherweight title on January 23, 2010 against Steve Levueno. He successfully defended that belt twice. JuanMa was also named the Puerto Rican Fighter of the Year in both 2008 and ’09.

Cristian “Piedrita” Mino (19-2, 12 KOs) from Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina made his professional debut on December 19, 2014 and fought an incredible number of bouts, ten in his first calendar year, sinning all but one by knockout. He followed that up with nine more bouts in his second year – winning all by knockout.

The pay per view show will include four bouts in all.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Redemption in Miami” in the USA on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH; and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website www.fite.tv, each way for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Follow all the action as Sergey Kovalev looks to regain the WBO Light Heavyweight title against Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.  The action begins at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT with Junior Lightweight contest between former world champions Jason Sosa and Yuriorkis Gamboa followed by a Light Heavyweight fight between Sullivan Barrera and Felix Valera

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Kovalev  lands a right..Good jab.Body shot..Right from Shabranskyy..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SHABRANSKYY..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SHABRANSKYY..

Round 2 Hard right from Kovalev..HARD LEFT AND SHABRANSKYY GOES DOWN..Right rocks Shabranskyy..HARD ONSLAUGHT AND THE THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 HARD LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES BARRERA..RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES VALERA

Round 2 Left hook from Valera..Good left hook from Barrera..Valera warned for a low blow..Good right from Barrera..Barrera cut over his left eye..Hard right to body from Barrera..

Round 3 VALERA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR LOW BLOW..Left hook from Valera..Left hook to body from Barrera..

Round 4 Good overhand right from Barrera…Hard right…Right to body..right..

Round 5

Round 6 VALERA DEDUCTED ANOTHER POINT FOR LOW BLOW..Barrera lands a right.  Valera lands a left..2 lefts Barrera…Good body shot..Right hand..Straight right to the chin..Hard combination

Round 7  Right from Barrera..Trading body shots..Good right from Barrera..Left uppercut

Round 8  VALERA DEDUCTED ANOTHER POINT FOR LOW BLOWS..Good uppercut from Barrera..

Round 9 BARRERA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW..Good left to body and right from Barrera..

Round 10  Big left hook from Valera..Body shot…Barrera lands a body shot..Big left hook

98-88, 97-90, 97-89 for SULLIVAN BARRERA

Round 1 Hard right from Gamboa…Good body shot

Round 2 2 Body shots from Gamboa..Sosa lands a left hook…Cut over Gamboa’s left eye..Good over hand right from Sosa

Round 3

Round 4 Good body shot from Gamboa..

Round 5 Hard right from Gamboa..Good right from Sosa…Right From Gamboa..

Round 6  Left from Gamboa..

Round 7  RIGHT HAND MAKES GAMBOA GLOVE TOUCH CANVAS FOR A KNOCKDOWN..Good left hook from Gamboa..Good right from Sosa..Body shot..

Round 8  Right from Sosa..Left to Body..Left..Right to body

Round 9 Right from Sosa

Round 10 GAMBOA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR HOLDING…

94-94; 95-93; 96-92 for YURIORKIS GAMBOA

NEW YORK CITY –Sergey Kovalev (31-2-1, 27 KO) returned to pre-Andre Ward fight form and captured the WBO world light heavyweight title, blasting through Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (19-2, 16 KO), sending him to the canvas three times inside two rounds en route to a TKO victory.

After a brief “feeling-out” period, where Kovalev was momentarily backed up by a Shabranskyy jab, the 34 year-old Russian marched forward, uncorking massive right hands that seemingly landed at will.  It was midway through the first when a “Krusher” right landed flush on the side of Shabranskyy’s head and sent him down to the mat for the first time.

Upon beating the count, Kovalev greeted his 30 year-old Ukrainian counterpart with more haymakers and eventually connected with an even bigger right that collapsed Shabranskyy to the mat again.  The “Lionheart” beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count and was able to survive the round.

In the second round, Kovalev picked up right where he left off, fighting as ruthless and relentless as ever, plodding forward and unloading vicious bombs that continually connected with an alarming success rate.

 A left-right-left combo midway through the second sent Shabranskyy down for the third time.  Again, Shabranskyy beat the ten-count, but this time he stood on extremely unsteady legs.  Kovalev continued to wail on an absent Shabranskyy until referee Harvey Dock stepped between the two combatants and called a half to the bout at the 2:36 mark of round two.

It was Kovalev’s first performance since dropping two straight fights to Andre Ward, both controversial in their own right.  In their first meeting, Ward scored a split decision victory, despite hitting the canvas in the second round.  In their rematch, referee Tony Weeks controversially waved off the match in the eighth round after a series of borderline low-blow body shots hurt the 34 year-old Russian and left him defenseless.

 Tonight also marked Kovalev’s first fight working with head trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov.  Previously, Kovalev had been working with John David Jackson.  Rumors of a fractured relationship between Kovalev and Jackson began to swirl between the first and second Ward fights, and in October, the inevitable parting of ways become official when Kovalev formally announced Tursunpulatov as his new coach.

 Prior to tonight’s devastating loss, Shabranskyy was having himself a solid 2017, scoring back to back stoppage wins over Larry Pryor and Todd Unthank May, respectively.  Those wins were enough to land him his first title shot tonight against Kovalev.

 Shabranskyy’s only other loss came courtesy of Sullivan Barrera in December 2016.

 Barrera, who scored a unanimous decision victory earlier in the night against Dominican, Felix Valera, is certainly a candidate to fight for Kovalev’s title in the near future.

 “It’s my goal to be the best in the division,” Kovalev said afterward.  “Here tonight was great boxing for me and I love boxing and I want to make great fights.

Bombs Away — Barrera Scores UD Win Over Valera

Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KO) out-slugged and earned a ten round unanimous decision victory over Felix Valera (15-2, 13 KO) in a light heavyweight contest marred by low-blows.

 There were fireworks from the opening bell and midway through the bout’s first round, the free swinging Dominican, Valera, caught his Cuban counterpart with a monster left hook that sent Barrera down the canvas.  The 35 year-old Barrera was able to shake the knockdown and score one of his own later in the round right as the bell sounded, when a glancing Barrera shot sent an off-balance Valera to the mat.

 The first of four point deductions administered by referee Mike Ortega, Jr. for low blows came in the second round when Valera nailed Barrera below the waistline for the second time.  Valera would also be deducted a point in the sixth and eighth rounds.  Barrera was deducted a point for low blows in the ninth.

 It was a bombs away type affair, with both fighters swinging wildly at times, knowing that they possessed the power to end the fight with one punch.  But time and time again, however, it was Barrera who landed the more meaningful, significant shots.

In an attempt to rattle Barrera flamboyant Valera tried anything he could to disrupt the always-composed Cuban.  The 29 year-old Dominican flailed his arms wildly, stuck his tongue out at Barrera, and even jumped up and down — all to no avail.

 At the end of ten, all judges scored the bout widely for Barrera.  Don Ackerman had it 98-88, Tom Schreck 97-89, and Glenn Feldman 97-90.

 It was another solid win for Barrera, whose only defeat came at the hands of Andre Ward in March 2016.  Barrera last fought in July against Joe Smith, Jr., where much like tonight, he rose off the canvas to score a unanimous decision victory.

 For the durable Valera, it was his second professional defeat, the other coming courtesy of undefeated superstar, Dmitry Bivol.

Gamboa Earns Controversial Decision Over Sosa

Yuriorkis Gamboa (28-2, 17 KO) scored a controversial ten round majority decision victory against Jason Sosa (20-3-4, 15 KO) in what many viewed as a make or break fight for the former three-division world champion.

It was clear early on that the 35 year-old former Olympic Gold Medalist’s gameplan was to stick-and-move, get-in and get-out.  Conversely, Sosa’s plan was to plod forward, apply as much pressure as he could, while landing the bigger, more significant power punches.

After a first round where both fighters staked their flag, Sosa unloaded a looping right that caught Gamboa on the button as the second round drew to a close.  Any Sosa attempt to throw follow up shots were quickly squandered by the dinging of the bell.

Gamboa got right back to work in the middle rounds, however, staying true to his stick-and-move gameplan, landing a few shots, then slipping most of Sosa’s return-fire.

Sosa began to swing the momentum back his way in the sixth, and in the seventh, a Sosa left hook clipped an off-balance Gamboa whose gloved fist made contact with the canvas.  Referee Ron Lipton immediately ruled a knockdown.

The final three rounds saw good action, with Sosa coming forward, and Gamboa trying to hit and move.

In the tenth round, referee Ron Lipton controversially deducted a point from Gamboa for holding.

At the conclusion of ten, judge Robin Taylor scored the contest even, 94-94.  She was overruled by judges John McKaie and Don Trella, who scored the bout 95-93 and 96-92, respectively.  15rounds.com scored the fight 95-94 for Gamboa.

Sosa was initially slated to face Robinson Castellanos (24-13, 14 KO), who scored an upset TKO win against Gamboa in May.  However, an injury earlier this month forced the Mexican to withdraw, and Gamboa was called in as a late replacement.

The win makes it two straight for “El Ciclon” since suffering that shocking defeat to Castellanos.

For Sosa, the tough-luck loss his is second in a row, the other coming back in April courtesy of Vasily Lomachenko.

 “It was a good fight.  I didn’t have enough time to train.  I only had three weeks.  I didn’t have time to get ready.  I needed 2 or 3 more weeks to lose the weight correctly,” Gamboa said afterward.

 He continued, “Of course the decision was good.  I think won every round.  Except for the knockdown and the point deduction.”

 Sosa also spoke afterward, saying, “I was a fun fight.  I took some breaks but I thought I did enough to win. I know I did enough to win the fight.”

Murtazaliev Destroys Galvan In 5, Wins IBA Super Welterweight Title

Bakhram Murtazaliev (11-0, 9 KO) methodically broke down Carlos Galvan (16-6-1, 15 KO) before closing the show in spectacular fashion in the fifth round of a super welterweight contest slated for ten.

 The heavy-handed Russian, who operates under the tutelage of Sergey Kovalev’s new trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov, stalked his Colombian counterpart round after round.  Like waves on a shore, Murtazaliev kept coming forward, forcing Galvan to fight going backwards, something he was clearly uncomfortable doing.

 After four rounds of systematically crushing Galvan’s will, the 24 year-old Russian broke through in the fifth, sending Galvan to the mat with a vicious one-two.  About a minute later, Murtazaliev finished off his wounded foe with a thundering left hook to the liver that put Galvan on the mat for good.  Referee Ricky Gonzalez opted not to administer a ten-count and instead, called a stop to the contest at the 1:31 mark of round five.

It was the fourth stoppage defeat in six overall losses for Galvan.  It was also his fourth time fighting in the United States, and his fourth loss.

Galarza Grabs UD Win In Return To Ring

 Brooklyn’s Frank Galarza (18-2-2, 11 KO) returned to the ring after a fourteen month layoff and scored a unanimous decision win over Chicago’s Jamie Herrera (15-5-1, 8 KO) in an eight round super welterweight contest.

 The victory was hard-earned and well-deserved for Galarza, who had dropped his previous two contests — a TKO loss to Jarrett Hurd and a majority decision loss to veteran Ishe Smith, a fight that saw Galarza hit the canvas in the second round.

 It was a gutsy affair between two veteran prizefighters who each were coming off lengthy layoffs.  For Galarza, who in July inked a new promotional deal with Main Events, the fight marked just his second fight in the last twenty-four months, and the first since September 2016.  For the Mexican-American Herrera, it was just his first fight since November 2016, when he suffered UD loss to Taras Shelestyuk.

The fight was a back and forth contest, with a predictable, but entertaining ebb and flow.  Round after round, both fighters willingly engaged, eating a few shots before landing their own.  But while both fighters enjoyed success over the duration of the contest, it was the 33 year-old Galarza who punches landed cleaner and with more frequency.

In the fifth round, a Galarza right hand opened up a cut over his 28 year-old counterparts left eye.  In the seventh, a booming right to the body by Galarza hurt Herrera, hunching him forward where he was met with a flurry of Galarza lefts and rights until Herrera was able to weather the storm.

The Chicagoan’s high-pressure style was both a blessing and a curse for him in that it seemed to slowly wear down Galarza, but also left him vulnerable to Galarza stick-and-move pot-shots as he tried to work his way inside his reach.  
At the end of eight rounds, all three judges scored the contest for Galarza.  Robin Taylor scored it a shutout 80-72, while referees John McKaie and Allen Nace saw it 78-74 and 79-73, respectively.

 “I feel good after a 14 month layoff, shaking off some ring rust. I’m so grateful for Main Events to put me on their card,” Galarza remarked afterward.

He continued, “Hopefully I’ll be back in the Garden soon. It felt great, it was where I belong. It felt right. Not many places you can call home, but this is one for me.”

 Galarza also acknowledged his legion of fans in the crowd tonight.  “I’m grateful for my supporters, for people who waited it out for me,” he said.  “As a Brooklyn native, a person from New York who’s been around, they support me and that’s the best thing.”

Nursultanov Stays Perfect, Hands Moon First Loss Inside Two

 In a battle that pitted two undefeated middleweights against one another, Kazakhstan’s Meiirim Nursultanov (5-0, 4 KO) made quick work of Marietta, Georgia’s Eric Moon (7-1, 6 KO), stopping him inside two rounds.

 It was all Nursultanov from start to finish, as he pressured and battered Moon from the opening bell.  Midway through the second, Nursultanov pinned Moon against the ropes and wailed away, mixing shots to the body and head.  At the 1:54 mark of the second round, referee Ricky Gonzalez decided Moon had eaten too many uncontested shots and called a halt to the contest.

 The win makes it four kayos in five professional fights for the Egis Klimas managed, Main Events promoted, Nursultanov.

Thunder In His Hands, LeShawn Rodriguez Stops Duarte In 3

 In a middleweight contest slated for six, former New York Golden Gloves Champion and 2016 US Olympic alternate “Lightning” LeShawn Rodriguez (8-0, 7 KO) powered his way past Sao Paolo’s Brazil’s Alex Duarte (13-3-1, 10 KO) en route to a third round KO victory.

It was an impressive display of patience, prowess, and power from the 24 year-old New York native, who balanced his attack, working to both the head and body of his 37 year-old counterpart.

Midway through the second, Rodriguez ripped a left to the body that put Duarte on his knees.  The Brazilian beat Steve Smoger’s ten count and was able to survive the round.

In the third however, a Rodriguez left-right combo to the body and head, sent Duarte to the canvas for good, where he was unable to beat Smogers count.  The official time of stoppage was the 1:48 mark of round three.

It was Duarte’s third loss of his career, all of which have come via stoppage.

“It feels good always to win, but to win by knockout is better, sensational, spectacular,” Rodriguez said afterward.  “I felt at home. A lot of people came out to see me. This is the first time I’ve fought in New York since I turned pro.”

Gogokhia Stays Perfect, Decisions Abreau

 Enriko Gogokhia remained perfect (7-0, 3 KO) with a unanimous decision win over Jose Antonio Abreau (13-3, 8 KO) in a six round welterweight contest.

Action picked up toward the end of the second round when the southpaw, Gogokhia, floored his Dominican counterpart.  The 29 year-old Abrea beat the ten count and was immediately met with a barrage of punches as the round drew to a close.

In the next few rounds, the Egis Klimas managed Gogokhia, pressed his foot on the gas and forced the action, continually getting the better of the boxer’s exchanges.

In the end, all three judges scored it widely for the 26 year-old Georgian native, Gogokhia.  Scores were 60-53 and 59-54, twice.  The judges’ decision resulted in Abreau’s third career loss, all of which have been on US soil.

 “It was a good fight, good opponent with a good record,” Gogokhia said afterward.  “It was harder because the opponent was ready and he also wanted to win. I was just getting started by the last round. Still, a victory is a victory.”

Villareal Kicks Off Pro Campaign With Win

The undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Vyacheslav Shabranskyy kicked off with the successful debut of former two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Ismael Villareal (1-0).  The former amatuer standout scored a unimous decision victory over Race Sawyer (0-5) in a four round super welterweight contest.

Villareal, who fights out of John’s Gym in the Bronx is trained by his father, former welterweight Otilio Villareal, who over his 32 bout pro career, shared the ring with the likes of Zab Judah, Kermit Cintron, and Hector Camacho.

Villareal controlled the contest bell to bell, bruising and battering Utah’s Sawyer with head snapping blows.  The 21 year old Bronx debutant would have benefitted by putting in more work to his foe’s body, but that was not on the agenda tonight.

All in all, Villareal won’t have too much to complain about tonight.  The Ecuadorian-American pitched a shutout on all three judges scorecards. Don Trella had it 40-35, and John McKaie and Robin Taylor scored it 40-36.

 After the contest, Villareal did speak about having some debut butterflies.

 “It totally felt different than the amateurs,” he said. “There were so many more people looking at me. I was trying to look good, I was focused on the knockout because it was my very first professional fight.

“I learned I have to work harder and be careful not to get hit.”

HBO Sports celebrates the holiday weekend with an action-packed tripleheader, including the return of light heavyweight powerhouse Sergey Kovalev, when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: SERGEY KOVALEV VS. VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY AND SULLIVAN BARRERA VS. FELIX VALERA AND YURIORKIS GAMBOA VS. JASON SOSA is seen SATURDAY, NOV. 25 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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.

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

The main event features the return of the feared Sergey Kovalev (30-2-1, 26 KOs) as he battles heavy-handed Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (19-1, 16 KOs) for a vacant light heavyweight title in a scheduled 12-round bout. Following a light heavyweight title reign that spanned more than three years and featured eight successful defenses, polished Russian knockout artist Kovalev, 34, is eager to reclaim the belts he lost in 2016 to future Hall of Famer Andre Ward.

Standing in his way is Ukraine’s Shabranskyy, 30, who turned pro in 2012 after a long amateur career in his home country and has been knocking out top contenders on the way to his biggest fight to date. Both men have been active lately, this being Kovalev’s tenth fight since Jan. 2014 and Shabranksyy’s tenth fight since Jan. 2015. The bout marks Kovalev’s 11th appearance on HBO, while Shabranskyy is making his debut on the main channel after fighting on HBO Latino in 2015.

In the co-main event, one of the top light heavyweight contenders, Sullivan Barrera (20-1, 14 KOs) of Miami via Cuba, closes out his tremendous 2017 by taking on Felix Valera (15-1, 13 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a ten-round fight. Barrera, 35, is fresh off the biggest win of his career, a unanimous decision victory over Joe Smith Jr. in July and hopes to set himself up for another title shot in 2018 by defeating Valera. Making his U.S. debut, the hard-punching Valera, 29, seeks an upset that would insert him into the light heavyweight championship conversation.

In the opening bout, former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (27-2, 17 KOs) of Miami, Florida squares off against Camden, NJ native Jason Sosa (20-2-4, 15 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round super featherweight contest. Gamboa, 35, is an accomplished veteran with success at all levels, including a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics while representing Cuba and a dominating stretch as a world champion in the pro ranks. Sosa, 29, looks to bounce back after a difficult loss to junior lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko and return to the championship ranks. Sosa is making his third HBO appearance, while the bout marks Gamboa’s tenth fight on HBO.

Immediately following the boxing action, HBO Sports presents a half-hour special spotlighting the career of all-time great Miguel Cotto, who is slated for his professional farewell against Sadam Ali on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Madison Square Garden in a fight to be seen on HBO.

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 HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 6, 2017) Former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” Gamboa (27-2, 17 KOs) will step in to fight Jason “El Canito” Sosa (20-2-4, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in the televised opener to Kovalev vs. Shabrankskyy. The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 25 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Gamboa, a 35-year-old native of Guantanamo, Cuba, is an Olympic Gold Medalist who shot to the top of the Featherweight rankings to win two world titles, defeating the likes of Orlando “Siri” Salido and Daniel Ponce De Leon before officially moving up to 130 pounds. Gamboa has also faced stiff competition as a super featherweight, with wins against Darleys Perez and Rene “El Gemelo” Alvarado under his belt. Gamboa is replacing Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, who pulled out of this fight due to an injury.

“I’m excited for this great opportunity to fight Sosa on the undercard of Kovalev-Shabranakssy,” said Gamboa. “A win over Sosa on HBO could push me back into title contention. I’m a fighter with many aspects and dimensions, and that’s what I’ll bring in my fight against Sosa. For my my last fight, I wasn’t prepared well. This time I will be very much prepared, so I can walk away with my hand raised.”

“I’m excited for Gamboa,” said Zeferino Ramirez of ZR Entertainment. “This is the fight we wanted. And I expect big things in 2018. He’ll be ready for any 130-pound champion if he is successful on November 25.”

The 29-year-old Sosa, of Camden, NJ, is the former WBA World Super Featherweight Champion. He earned his title by handing Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna his first loss as a pro with an 11th-round knockout in Beijing, China in June 2016. Sosa successfully defended his title with a 12-round decision win over Stephen Smith in Monte Carlo in November 2016 before returning several months later in a tough fight against Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko in April 2017. Sosa is also known for fighting to an impressive majority draw against former WBA Super World Featherweight Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters and for stopping former world title challenger Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes in only one round.

“People think we have an easier opponent in Gamboa since Castellanos beat him, but we’re not buying into that,” said Sosa. “Maybe Gamboa didn’t take Castellanos seriously. We expect to see the very best Gamboa on Nov. 25. Having said that, this is not about who we are fighting; this is about why. We are fighting to make Puerto Rico proud after what all the people who live there have been through recently.”

“This should be a solid fight between two guys, the same size, who like to hurt people,” said Russell Peltz, Hall of Fame Promoter of Peltz Boxing Promotions.”It’s a better matchup, style-wise, than the one between Jason [Sosa] and Robinson Castellanos.”
Kovalev vs. Shabranskyy is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Barrera vs. Valera is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Main Events in Association with Shuan Boxing Promotions. Gamboa vs. Sosa is a 10-round super featherweight fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Peltz Boxing and ZR Entertainment. The event will take place on Nov. 25 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

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LAS VEGAS – The end was abrupt and unceremonious. Yuriorkis Gamboa quit on his stool after seven rounds. His comeback was over. Maybe, a once promising career was too.

Gamboa (26-2, 17 KOs), a former IBF and WBA featherweight champion, looked all of his 35 years, suffering knockdowns in the third and fourth rounds in a stunning loss to Mexican lightweight Robinson Castellanos (24-12,14 KOs) Friday night at the MGM Grand.

Gamboa, who recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, flashed some familiar footwork and counter-punching power in the first two rounds. In the third, however, he dropped his hands and Castellanos capitalized in the round’s closing second, dropping the Cuban with a straight right hand.

During the first minute of the fourth, Castlellanos again dropped his hands and Castellano’s again took advantage of the moment, this time dropping him with long right.

Gamboa, a gold-medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, appeared to regain his composure and mobility late in the fifth and again in the sixth. After the seventh however, he went to his corner and seemed to almost collapse on his stool in exhaustion.

LOS ANGELES (April 7, 2017) – On Friday, May 5, one day before the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. goes down in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions will throw a Cinco de Mayo fiesta at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Fans will get a full afternoon and evening of activity starting with the Official Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr.Weigh In, an action-packed night of Golden Boy Boxing onESPN fights headlined by Former Three-Division World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa taking on the longtime contender Robinson Castellanos, surprise fighter appearances, DJs, sponsor giveaways, entertainment and much, much more!

First, the MGM Grand Garden Arena doors will open at 1:00 p.m. PST for the official Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. and full undercard Weigh-in with fighters hitting the scales at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. EST, main pay-per-view-view undercard to weigh in beginning at 2:30 p.m. PST/5:30 p.m. EST. Soon after the weigh-in, the Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN fights will begin, leading into a special televised tripleheader of fan-friendly action live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

As a special treat to the fans, Golden Boy Promotions will be giving away exclusive VIP seating and entrance to the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. Weigh-in with purchase of a ticket to Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Gamboa vs. Castellanos.

“On the eve of the Mexico vs. Mexico superfight that is Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr., it was only fitting we throw the ultimate fan fiesta on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “There is no better way to enjoy this special holiday than to come out and watch some top quality, action-packed fights, listen to the sounds of the mariachi bands and wave your Mexican flags.”

Cuban standout and Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa (26-1, 17 KOs) of Miami, FL will be making a rapid return to the ring to face rugged Celaya, Mexico fighter Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (21-11, 13 KOs) in a main event lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds transmitted on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. EST.

In the co-main event, Abraham “El Chamaco” Lopez (22-0-1, 15 KOs) of La Puente, CA will put his WBA-NABA Featherweight title and undefeated record on the line, as he squares off in a 10 round bout against dangerous fighter Jesus Rojas (24-1-2, 17 KOs) hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Opening up Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN televised fights, someone’s “0” must go as Sao Paulo, Brazil’s own Yamaguchi Falcão (12-0, 6 KOs) faces his toughest challenge yet in the sturdy Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch (18-0-1, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh, PA in a 10 round middleweight match.

Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Gamboa vs. Castellanos is a 10-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with ZR Entertainment and sponsored by Tecate BORN BOLD. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live on Friday, May 5 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. EST. ESPN Deportes will also air the undercard matches, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. The same bouts will also run at the same time in English, on ESPN3, with TV coverage starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT on ESPN2.

Tickets starting at $10* for Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN will go on sale, TODAY, April 7 at 12:00 p.m. PST and will include complimentary VIP reserved seating at the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. Weigh-in. Ringside seats for fights only are priced at $30*. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the AXS Contact Center at (888) 929-7849 or MGM Resorts Contact Center at (866) 740-7711. Tickets will also be available for purchase online at www.axs.com or www.mgmgrand.com and various MGM Resorts Box Offices. *All ticket prices do not include service fees or applicable service charges.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GamboaVsCastellanos. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Yuriorkis Gamboa or Robinson Castellanos.

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

Yuriorkis Gamboa has confirmed that he will appear and have a booth to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Gamboa will appear for the first time at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos and selling merchandise. Fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with the former world champion and Olympic Gold medalist.

He will be raising money for an amazing woman named Ivonne Lugo, who suffers from PKD, an inherited chronic kidney disease. She is in urgent need of a liver and kidney transplant. Gamboa is generously using his time and effort to fundraise in hoping to save her life. Please go to Https://ivonnes.fund and help out this great cause.

Gamboa joins the list of over 50 current and past World Champions boxers who have appeared at the Expo, meeting their fans in person.

Gamboa is a Cuban professional boxer. He is a former unified featherweight world champion, having held the WBA title from 2009 to 2011, and the IBF title from 2010 to 2011. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the flyweight division at the 2004 Olympics, and bronze in the featherweight division at the 2005 World Championships.

Gamboa joins Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next 6 weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like more information on sponsorships opportunities or reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo\

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

David Lemieux scored a devastating 3rd round stoppage over Curtis Stevens in the 3rd round of their scheduled 12-round middleweight bout at The Turning Stones Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

It was a fast paced fight with both guys coming out firing. Lemieux was landing the harder shots early, with Stevens lading some good shots in round two. In round three, Lemieux landed a perfect 12 inch left hook on the jaw of Stevens that put the lights out of Stevens almost immediately as he fell motionless on the canvas, and the fight was waved off instantly by referee Charlie Fitch. Stevens would lay unconscious for several minutes, but finally came to, and was carried out of the ring on a stretcher.

The time of the stoppage was 1:59 of round three, for Lemieux, 159 lbs of Montreal and is now 37-3 with 33 knockouts. Stevens, 158.25 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 29-6.

“I told you what I was going to do tonight,” said David Lemieux. “What I saw was a ‘check mate’,” said Lemieux. “The punch was made with perfect landing. I am in great shape, and I prepared myself for him. He is physically strong but nothing special. Stevens is a solid fighter, and we were successful. I wish him the best, and I hope he is OK.”

Former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa won a 10-round unanimous decision over Rene Alvarado in a lightweight bout.

In round ten, Alvarado landed a glancing left hand that put Gamboa on the canvas in what was ruled a knockdown.

Gamboa, 131 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB won by scores of 97-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 26-1. Alvarado, 130.25 lbs of Managua, NIC is 24-8.

HBO BOXING AFTER DARK presents a nonstop doubleheader of hot ring action when DAVID LEMIEUX VS. CURTIS STEVENS AND YURIORKIS GAMBOA VS. RENE ALVARADO is seen SATURDAY, MARCH 11 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. 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: March 12 (9:00 a.m.) and 14 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: March 12 (3:30 p.m.) and 13 (12:25 a.m.)

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

In an intriguing middleweight showdown that could help sort out the talent-rich 160-pound division, Montreal’s David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) takes on Brooklynite Curtis Stevens (29-5, 21 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest. Both are known for power and aggression and are highly motivated to reestablish their presence in this highly competitive division. The fight marks the third HBO appearance for both men.

In the opening bout, Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa (25-1, 17 KOs), now fighting out of Miami, returns to the ring following a year layoff, taking on Nicaragua’s Rene Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) in scheduled ten-round junior lightweight contest. A highly skilled former world champion, Gamboa needs a strong showing to prove he is still a force at 130 pounds. His only pro loss came at the hands of rising superstar Terence Crawford in a 2014 slugfest.

Immediately following the doubleheader of live action is the premiere of the HBO Sports presentation: 2 Days: “Chocolatito” Gonzalez as the sport’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound prizefighter prepares for his March 18 bout in New York City.

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 HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Patrick Byrne
Director, HBO Media Relations
(212) 512-1361
patrick.byrne@hbo.com
Twitter: @PatrickSportsTV

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LOS ANGELES (March 8, 2017)-Before David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) and Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (29-5, 21 KOs) meet for their main event slugfest, Golden Boy Promotions has lined up a full slate of top-talent fan favorites to round out a stacked undercard featuring newly signed Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa (25-1, 17 KOs) against Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) as the televised co-main event.

“Not only did we want to bring the fans an action-packed main event likely to be a Fight of the Year candidate, we also want to give an entertaining undercard to match,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We are certain every fighter on this card will be put to the test come fight night, and the victors will be propelled to a greater shot at a world title prize.”

Another previously announced bout includes undefeated lightweight contenders Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (16-0, 7 KOs) and Yves Ulysse (12-0, 8 KOs) to fight for the vacant Junior NABF Super Lightweight title scheduled to go 8/10 rounds.

Making his highly anticipated return to the ring, Mexicali’s hometown hero Diego De La Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) will look continue his undefeated status as he takes on Mexico City’s Roberto “Escorpión” Pucheta (10-9-1, 6 KOs) for an eight round Mexico vs. Mexico super bantamweight rivalry battle. De La Hoya was last seen defeating Luis Orlando Del Valle via unanimous decision on the undercard of Canelo vs. Smith at AT&T Stadium last September.

Riding on a quadruple knockout streak, Temple Hills, MD’s D’Mitrius Ballard (15-0, 11 KOs) will risk his undefeated status as he faces Zoltan Sera (26-11, 17 KOs) from Budapest, Hungary for an eight round light heavyweight bout.

Participating in the swing bout of the night, Alex Rincon of Carrollton, TX will be making his professional debut as he takes on Ardmore, Okla.’s Shaun “Buddy Hollie” Lee Henson (2-3, 2 KOs) for a four round super welterweight war.

Highly touted Philly prospect Damon “No Smilin'” Allen, Jr. (10-0-1, 4 KOs) is eager to make a name for himself in the lightweight division as he puts back on the gloves to square off against Budapest, Hungary’s Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (24-10, 17 KOs) in a scheduled eight round bout.

Fighting in the first fight of the night and also representing Philadelphia, Todd “2Gunz” Unthank-May (10-0, 4 KOs) will take on southpaw fighter Quinton Rankin (12-3-1, 9 KOs) of Charlotte, NC for an eight round light heavyweight fight sure to excite fans.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are still available and priced at $30, $45, $55 and $75 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster(www.ticketmaster.com).

Lemieux vs. Stevens is a 12-round middleweight bout for the WBO Intercontinental, WBC Continental Americas and IBF North American Middleweight titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Main Events, and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/LemieuxVsStevens. Credit must be given to Eye of the Tiger Management for any video/image use of David Lemieux. Credit must be given to Main Events for any video/image use of Curtis Stevens.

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

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23, 2017) – Building on its record of signing and promoting the best of the best, Golden Boy Promotions – in association with ZR Entertainment — today announced a multi-fight deal with former three-division world champion and Olympic Gold medalist Yuriokis “El Ciclón de Guantánamo” Gamboa (25-1, 17 KOs).

The Cuban standout, who has defeated a who’s who of champions and contenders throughout his 10-year professional career, will look to add to the title belts he has held in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions as he makes another run at championship glory.

“I am looking forward to winning yet another world title, and I know Golden Boy Promotions is the perfect place to help guide me,” Gamboa said. “Though I have recently had some long stretches of inactivity, that stops today, and I will take on anyone, anytime, to achieve my goal of recapturing a championship belt.”

Gamboa will come out of the gate facing a tall order on March 11 when he squares off with Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) who was last seen defeating contender Jason “Star” Velez. The fight will serve as chief support for the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark card featuring middleweight knockout artist David Lemieux taking on the heavy-handed Curtis “Cerebral Assassin ” Stevens at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Gamboa has been a force in multiple divisions for many years, defeating big names along the way including former world champions Orlando “Siri” Salido, Daniel Ponce De León and the contender Jorge “Coloradito” Solís. Gamboa also handed Darleys Pérez and Jonathan “Yoni” Victor Barros their first professional defeats.

“When he is on his game, there are few better than Gamboa in the 126, 130, or 135 weight classes,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman. “We are going to get him in the ring in a quality match as soon as possible, and then work with him to start his path back to championship glory.”

Gamboa’s accomplishments in both the amateur and professional ranks are numerous, but a select list includes:
Former Unified WBA and IBF Featherweight Champion
Former Interim WBA World Super Featherweight Champion
Former Interim WBA World Lightweight Champion
First Cuban IBF World Champion in the history of the organization
2004 Olympic gold medalist in the flyweight division.
2006 World Cup gold medalist in the featherweight division
2003 Pan American games gold medalist in the flyweight division
About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world. In its 15-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest-grossing events in the history of the sport.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya.

July 7, 2016 – Leading up to the highly anticipated junior welterweight unification championship between Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol – set for Saturday, July 23 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two intriguing showdowns that highlight the remarkable skill and drive of these competitors.

On Friday, July 15 at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, July 16 at 11:40 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Crawford vs. Gamboa 2014 and Matthysse vs. Postol 2015 back-to-back. On June 28, 2014 in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford let the world know he was a force to be reckoned with by knocking out Gamboa in a battle of undefeated rising stars in the ninth round. The win earned Crawford BWAA selection for “Fighter of the Year” honors. Last October in Carson, California, Postol pulled off the upset with a 10th round knockout against one the most exciting fighters and fearsome punchers in boxing, Lucas Matthysse, in a high-action contest.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers beginning Monday, July 11.

Crawford vs. Postol takes place Saturday, July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

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Luis Ortiz scored an impressive 7th round stoppage over Bryant Jennings in a Heavyweight bout at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Ortiz rocked Jennings with straight left in round one and once again in round three with a combination in round three.  Jennings showed tremendous resolve by landing some solid shots inside that seemed to throw Ortiz of his game.

In round seven, Ortiz landed a thudding left that sent Jennings down face first.  Jennings was able to continue but for not much loner as two more lefts sent him stumbling into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:41.

Ortiz, 239 lbs of Cuba is 24-0 with 21 knockouts.  Jennings, 229 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 19-2.

Former Featherweight champion, Nicholas Walters and Jason Sosa battled to a dubious 10-round majority draw

Walters focused on the body and landed some crisp shots inside.  Sosa was wobbled in round five from a short right on the inside.  Sosa showed heart but Walters was accurate on the inside and landed 113 more punches then Sosa.

Somehow Sosa won a card 96-94 while two cards read even at 95-95.

Walters, 129 1/2 lbs of Montigo Bay, JAM is 26-0-1.  Sosa, 130 lbs of Camden, NJ is 18-1-4.

Gabriel Rosado pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Joshua Clottey in a Middleweight bout.

Rosado, 158 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-9. Clottey, 157 lbs of Bronx, NY is 39-5.

Former world champion, Yuriorkis Gamboa won a 10-round unanimous decision over Hylon Williams in a Lightweight bout.

Gamboa, 133 lbs of Miami, FL won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 25-1. Williams, 133 lbs of Houston, TX is now 16-2-1.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11) – A full night of action awaits fans at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday, December 19 as heavyweight world title contender Bryant “Bye-Bye” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and undefeated Cuban star Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) battle for the WBA interim Heavyweight World Title live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT. The bout is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gray Shaw Productions.

Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) of Miami, returns to the ring as he squares off against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) of Houston, in a 10-round lightweight bout on HBO Latino Boxing beginning at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay). Gamboa vs. Williams Jr. is presented in association with SMS Promotions.

Featured in untelevised bouts will be unbeaten super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (10-0, 7 KOs) from Washington D.C., taking on Brazilian seasoned fighter Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (11-3-1, 8 KOs) in a six to eight round brawl and an all-Puerto Rico 10-round clash between Manati’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-5-1, 26 KOs) and Bayamon’s Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KOs).

As previously mentioned, Nicholas “Axe Man” Waters (26-0, 21 KOs) battles Jason “El Canito” Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight matchup as the co-main feature of the HBO Boxing After Dark portion of the televised undercard presented by Top Rank. In the HBO Latino® Boxing portion of the televised night, Cuban light heavyweight contender Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) fighting out of Miami, Florida will face the undefeated power-puncher, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round light heavyweight main event presented in association by Star Boxing. Plus, former world title contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring against former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in a 10-round middleweight co-main event. The HBO Latino Boxing event will start at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) or immediately following the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

A 2004 Olympic Gold medalist for Cuba, Guantanamo native Yuriorkis Gamboa was one of the greatest fighters to graduate from the Cuban amateur boxing program, and he has not stopped making history as a professional. Now living in Miami, the 33-year-old Gamboa has won three world titles already, defeating the likes of Orlando Salido, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Darleys Perez. Following the lone loss of his career in a Fight of the Year candidate against Terence Crawford in June of 2014, Gamboa bounced back with a technical knockout of Joel Montes de Oca five months later, and now he makes his return to the ring on December 19.

Houston’s Hylon Williams Jr. was a decorated amateur himself, winning National PAL and National Golden Gloves titles while also securing a spot as an alternate on the 2008 United States Olympic team. As a pro, “Lil’ Ced” has won all but two of his pro bouts, with his most recent draw against Jason Litzau in August coming after a nearly three-year layoff. On December 19, he gets a chance to make a statement to the boxing world if he can defeat Gamboa.

Blasting through all comers at super middleweight, Washington, D.C.’s D’Mitrius Ballard is one of the top prospects from a region of the United States that is producing more world-class fighters than any other these days. Showing his ability to box as well as bang in recent victories over Josue Ovando and Juan Carlos Rojas, the 22-year-old Ballard is looking to end the year with a knockout when he faces an opponent to be determined in a six-round bout.

Fabiano Pena of Los Angeles has accumulated an impressive record of eleven victories since his professional debut in Balneario Rincao, Santa Catarina, Brazil in February of 2013, where he went on to claim the vacant Brazilian cruiserweight title against Lourival Luiz Da Silva that same year. He made his U.S. debut in 2014 boasting a win against Dave Valykeo at the Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia, and hit a rocky patch with one win and three loses in 2015. Pena will seek redemption as he takes on an evenly matched opponent in D’Mitrius Ballard.

A power puncher who delivers the knockouts Puerto Rican fight fans love, 26-year-old Jorge “The Destroyer” Melendez has won several regional titles over the years, but after snapping a two-fight losing streak with a 68-second finish of Antonio Rodriguez in June, the Manati native is firmly focused on finishing 2015 with another win and beginning his quest for world title honors in 2016.

Owner of wins in four of his last five bouts, Steven Martinez packs fight-stopping power in his fists, and with nine of his 12 knockouts coming in three rounds or less, he will be hoping to make short work of Melendez in this battle for Puerto Rican pride. But more importantly, with a victory over this veteran contender, the 25-year-old Martinez can start to make his move up the divisional ladder.

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/, www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa.

Former world champion Cristian Mijares scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Lester Medrano in a Featherweight bout at Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Mexico

Mijares was deducted a point for an accidental headbutt in round four but won by scores of 99-91 on all cards.

Mijares, 126 lbs is now 51-8-2. Medrano, 125 lbs is now 14-3-1.

Yuriorkis Gamboa returned after his 1st professional defeat to stop Joel Montes De Oca in round six of a 10-round Lightweight bout

Gamboa dropped De Oca in round five from a right hand. Gamboa dropped De Oca in the next round from a left hook. De Oca got to his feet but was deemed unable to continue at 1:13 of round six.

Gamboa, 131 3/4 lbs of Cuba is now 24-1 with 17 knockouts. De Oca, 131 1/4 lbs is now 18-4.

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2014) – The next chapter of multiple world champion Yuriorkis “The Cyclone of Guantanamo” Gamboa’s (23-1, 16 KOs) illustrious boxing career starts November 15 as the 2004 Olympic gold medalist takes on upset-minded Joel Montes de Oca (18-3, 10 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature at Plaza de Toros in Cancon, Mexico.

The show is being promoted Jose Gomez’ Cancun Boxing, headlined by a 10-round featherweight fight between three-time super flyweight champion Cristian “El Diamente” Mijares (52-8-2, 25 KOs) and Lester Medrano (14-2-1, 9 KOs).

Gamboa will be in an unfamiliar position coming off the first loss as a professional, this past June 28 in Omaha, Nebraska to undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion Terence Crawford (24-0, 17 KOs). Gamboa was stopped in the ninth round but the four-time Cuban National amateur champion gained more respect than ever with his gutsy performance and entertaining style in a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate that aired live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

“I want my fans know that I feel great,” the 32-year-old Gamboa said from his home in Miami. “I’ve been training very hard for this fight, which I’m taking very serious because I know the importance of ending the year on a positive note. I’m very happy with my new team. I’m now fully focused on becoming ‘King’ of the lightweight division, as well as hopefully being much more active in 2015 with my goal to fight three or four times next year. I am honored to fight in Mexico and I plan to fight there again in 2015.”

(L) 50 Cent & Gamboa
Gamboa defected from his native Cuba in 2006. The dangerous puncher has captured two World featherweight titles, in addition to three Interim World championships in three different weight classes, ranging from featherweight through lightweight.

Excluding his loss to Crawford, Gamboa has defeated three world champions and seven world title challengers in his last 10 fights, including Orlando Salido, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Michael Farenas, Jorge Solis, Jonathan Victor Barros and Darleys Perez

Montes de Oca has never fought outside of his native Mexico, nor anybody in the same class as Gamboa. In his last fight this past May, Montes de Oca won a 10-round split decision over Daniel Evangelista Jr. (17-3-1), extending his winning streak to 14.

Gamboa is promoted by 50 Cent’s (Curtis Jackson) SMS Promotions.

Follow Gamboa on Twitter @Gamboa.

BRISTOL, CT (July 7, 2014) — On the heels of his scintillating ninth-round knockout victory of undefeated Cuban icon Yuriorkis Gamboa to retain his world title, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD will be joining Doug Kezirian as the in-studio guest on this week’s edition of ESPN Friday Fights, which will air live, This Friday! July 11, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on ESPN2. Topics Crawford and Kezirian will be discussing will most certainly include a recap of Crawford-Gamboa, arguably the Fight of the Year at the midpoint of 2014 as well as making Crawford (24-0, 17 KOs), the Pride of Omaha, a serious consideration for Fighter of the Year.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, Crawford-Gamboa attracted nearly 11,000 fans to the CenturyLink Center in the first world title fight to take place in Omaha, Neb. in 42 years, when Joe Frazier defended his heavyweight title against Ron Stander on May 25, 1972. According to Nielsen Media Research, Crawford-Gamboa, which was televised live on HBO®, was the second-most viewed fight of the year so far on U.S. television, attracting an average audience of 1.208 million viewers to the live, first-time airing.

Terence Crawford defended the WBO Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over former world champion and previously undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa before nearly 11,000 fans at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

It was a terrific back and forth action fight that saw Gamboa control the early part of the fight with his speed and right hand. Things turned in round five when Crawford sent Gamboa to the canvas. Crawford started to dominate the action in round’s six and seven and sent Gamboa down in round eight. Crawford scored a 3rd knockdown in round nine. Gamboa landed a huge right before getting caught with hard left that sent him to the canvas for a fourth and final time at 2:53 of round nine.

Crawford, 134 3.4 lbs of Omaha, NEB is now 24-0 with 17 knockouts. Gamboa, 134 1/2 lbs of Cuba is now 23-1.

In a battle of undefeated Middleweights, Matt Korobov passed his sternest test when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Uzcategui.

Korobov boxed very well over the first three rounds. Uzcategui got in the fight as he landed some long combinations and cut Korobov over the left eye in round five. Korobov came back and had a strong last few rounds and sealed the fight by scoring two knockdowns from right hooks in round seven.

Korobov, 160 lbs of Russia won by scores of 97-91 twice and 96-92 and is now 24-0. Uzcategui, 160 lbs of Venezuela is now 22-1.

LONDON (June 26) – World champion Terence Crawford is hoping victory this Saturday night against “cocky” Yuriorkis Gamboa will kick start his path to greatness.

The WBO lightweight champion got his first taste of world title success when he overcame Scotland’s Ricky Burns earlier this year, with his first title defence taking place this weekend against the unbeaten Gamboa, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The Omaha, Nebraska native, however, is not merely content with having achieved a lifelong dream by becoming a world champion but has his eyes on bigger prizes as he looks to establish himself as one of boxing’s biggest names.

“Of course being a world champion is going to fill you with confidence but that’s a short term goal – being a world champion. Now it’s about becoming a marquee fighter that everyone wants to see and that everyone acknowledges is a great fighter,” Crawford told BoxNation.

“Gamboa is a great fighter in his own right and for me to be in the ring with him shows where I’m at in my career. I didn’t get into this game to just fight for wins. Of course I’m in it to win it but to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.

“I feel like I’m the best lightweight out there in the world, everybody thinks he’s one of the best lightweights in the world and that’s why we’re fighting. I’m getting the victory. I feel like it’s going to be a tough fight but I will be victorious,” said a confident Crawford.

The 26-year-old has admitted that his fight with the Cuban Gamboa will likely be his last at the 135 pound weight class, as he looks to move up following nearly ten years as a lightweight.

“This is probably going to be my last fight at 135 pounds before moving up. My long term goal is to eventually move up to 147 and remain one of the best up there after fighting at 140 pounds,” said Crawford.

“I’ve been a lightweight for a long time, ever since I was 16, so my body has grown a lot and my last few fights it’s got a little hard on me [to make weight]. So this will probably be my last fight at lightweight,” he said.

The 32-year-old Gamboa goes into the fight with the slick Crawford as an Olympic gold medalist and former WBA and IBF featherweight world champion.

This weekend’s bout, though, will be taking place on the reigning champion’s home soil where he will fight in Omaha for the first time as a professional.

“I can’t describe the feeling [of fighting as a world champion in Omaha] because this is the moment I’ve been asking for and been waiting for. Now that it’s here, come fight night I’m going to put it all on the line,” said Crawford.

“He needs to be ready for whatever I bring. I’m going to bring a few things to the table that I’m going to show on Saturday. I see the fight going in my favour and feel this is my time and I’m not going to take no for an answer.

“Everybody knows he has fast hands and can box well but his downfall is that he’s too cocky. I can make adjustments for any fighter and fight my fight so that I’m the one in there that’s in charge,” he stated.

The American could have opted for an easier route in his first defence rather than such a stringent challenge against someone as skilled as Gamboa, but the fact it was such an intriguing matchup for fight fans made it an easy decision for Crawford.

“I never call out anybody. I never choose anybody. I just fight whoever they would like me to fight. And everybody from the outside looking in said this was a great fight so I just want to put on great fights for the fans, and this is a fight that the fans want to see,” said Crawford.

Crawford vs. Gamboa is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

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OMAHA, NEB. (June 26, 2014) — The Official Weigh-In for World Championship Boxing’s return to Omaha for the first time in 42 years, between undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, the Pride of Omaha, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, will take place Tomorrow! Friday, June 27 in Grand Ballroom A at the the CenturyLink Center in Omaha (455 North 10th St.,Omaha, Neb. 68102).

The Weigh-In will be open to the public. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. with the fighters stepping on the scale, beginning at 3:00 p.m. CT.

This will be the last times both champions, who boast identical 23-0 (16 KOs) professional ring records, see each other outside the ring before they battle for Crawford’s newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title, Saturday, June 28, at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.. Crawford vs. Gamboa will be the first world championship fight Omaha has hosted since Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Nebraska’s-own Ron Stander on May 25, 1972. It will also be a professional homecoming for Crawford, who has not fought in his home state since 2011. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with undefeated Top-Five contenders MATT KOROBOV and JOSE UZCATEGUI battling in a 10-round rumble for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title.

This exciting all-action doubleheader features four undefeated gladiators with a combined record of 91-0, 63 KOs.

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, remaining tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa, priced at $27, $52 and $102, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000. To order online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

HBO’s hit late-night boxing franchise visits Omaha, Neb. for the first time to present an all-action doubleheader featuring a world title bout between undefeated rising stars when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: TERENCE CRAWFORD VS. YURIORKIS GAMBOA AND MATT KOROBOV VS. JOSE UZCATEGUI is seen SATURDAY, JUNE 28 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from CenturyLink Center, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: June 29 (8:45 a.m.) and July 1 (1:10 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: June 29 (4:15 p.m.) and 30 (11:15 p.m.)

After six years of ring brilliance, lightweight titleholder Terence Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs) makes his long-awaited hometown debut in the national spotlight with a 12-round title defense against Cuban star Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs). The fight will serve as the 300th bout televised live on the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK series. Launched 18 years ago at the venerable Forum in Inglewood, CA, the late-night franchise has been the television home for many of the sport’s emerging stars for nearly two decades.

Crawford, 26, has fast-tracked through the 135-pound division, scoring three victories on HBO in 2013. In March, he subdued Ricky Burns, the UK’s lightweight titlist, for 12 rounds, showcasing his footwork, pinpoint accuracy and swiftness. Now, with HBO’s revival of Omaha’s championship stage after nearly half a century, Crawford will display his talent before those who first noted his ring generalship.

Ending a year’s layoff with his return to HBO, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Gamboa, 32, has limited experience at 135 pounds. His sole previous lightweight bout was a unanimous decision over undefeated Darleys Perez in June 2013. Gamboa was a highly-touted Cuban sensation when he relocated to Miami in 2007 and looks to reinforce his standing as an elite fighter with superstar skills.

The night opens with two more undefeated fighters who hope to become breakout stars when Matt Korobov (23-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Jose Uzcategui (22-0, 18 KOs) clash in a ten-round middleweight fight.

It was only a matter of time before Korobov, 31, showcased his skills on a national stage. The heavily-touted southpaw and 2008 Russian Olympian will be putting his undefeated record on the line against his toughest challenger yet.

Making his HBO debut, the 23-year-old Uzcategui meets 160-pounders with a menacing combination of youth, experience and explosive power. The Venezuelan native, who now lives and trains in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, has let his hands fly in his last five bouts, knocking out each opponent before the seventh round.

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 HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

OMAHA, NEB (June 26, 2014) — World Championship Boxing returns to Omaha for the first time in 42 years! Undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, the Pride of Omaha, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, who boast identical 23-0 (16 KOs) professional ring records, will be battling for Crawford’s newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title This Saturday! June 28, at the the CenturyLink Center in Omaha (455 North 10th St., Omaha, Neb. 68102). This will be the first world championship fight Omaha has hosted since Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Nebraska’s-own Ron Stander on May 25, 1972. It will also be a professional homecoming for Crawford, who has not fought in his home state since 2011. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with undefeated Top-Five contenders MATT KOROBOV and JOSE UZCATEGUI battling in a 10-round rumble for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title.

This exciting all-action doubleheader features four undefeated gladiators with a combined record of 91-0, 63 KOs.

***********************************

CARL MORETTI: First I would like to say there is no truth to the rumor that we banned Bob Arum from the conference call. Bob is home resting comfortably from his knee replacement surgery and I know he’ll be watching the show on Saturday night. We pass along our well wishes. We have four undefeated fighters fighting Saturday night live on HBO [10 p.m. ET/PT] Their combined records are a perfect 91-0 with nearly 70% of those victories coming by way of knockout. Matt Korobov and Jose Uzcategui, world-rated No. 1 and No. 4 by the WBO, respectively, open the HBO telecast up and to the victor should go on to become the mandatory challenger to Peter Quillin. And in the main event, Terence Crawford, the local hometown kid, makes the first defense of his title he won over is Scotland against Ricky Burns, battling one of the greatest amateurs ever and undefeated as a pro and a worthy contender for this title.

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: I am very anxious to get to the fight. I met all the objectives that I needed to in training camp to get our game plan together for this fight on Saturday night.

CAMERON DUNKIN: I am just very excited for Terrence and Brian both. They were out in Omaha and we had a plan and it worked out – we knew we would get here and a lot of people thought we were crazy. We’re here and I’m really excited for them. We look for a great fight – Gamboa is a great fighter and it’s going to be a terrific fight.

BRIAN McINTYRE: I first would like to say thank you to Yuriorkis Gamboa for accepting the fight. I am excited for Terence that he will be able to showcase his skills at this level and he being in his hometown. I am expecting a great fight.

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I’m feeling good and I’m ready. This is what I have been asking for all along and I am just ready for the moment.

When you won the title in Glasgow, was it a plan to defend it in your hometown?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Yes, that was my goal, to make my first defense in Omaha and I was real pleased with Bob [Arum] keeping his word. Now that we are here I am just happy for everything. I am in my hometown where my fans have never really got to see me perform as a professional and I am ready for the moment

There are always stories of distractions, tickets etc., when a fighter fights in his hometown. Have you experienced that?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I don’t handle any of that – no tickets or t-shirts, so they can’t call me for nothing. So I am not worried about the distractions.

BRIAN McINTYRE: Well, we already have a game plan planned out – what everybody’s job is going to be as far as the tickets go and the t-shirts. We are keeping Terence secluded so he has no distractions. We talked about that months in advance and now we are just executing the plan.

Do you have knowledge of the last world championship fight that took place in Omaha? [Joe Frazier vs. Ron Stander World Heavyweight Championship, May 25, 1972]

TERENCE CRAWFORD: It was news to me. I never knew about it until a few years back. I know about it now and that’s all that matters.

You looked much bigger than Gamboa at the initial press conference. Do you feel you have a big size advantage? Do you think you will use it?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Like I tell everybody – you never know. Gamboa is a real skillful fighter and he can make adjustments in the ring as the fight goes on. We just have to wait to see what happens.

Gamboa, you are shorter than most of your opponents, but this seems more so…

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: I answer that question by going back to all of the fights in my professional career. I have been pretty much the smaller fighter in all of my fights, so I don’t think it will have much of an affect. I know how to adjust and I know how to come in with a game plan. It’s just something I have dealt with since I was an amateur – I have always been the smaller guy.

Will the layoff affect you – you fought once in 2012 and once in 2013?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: Basically no, not as long as I am focused. I have stayed active – maybe not in the ring but I have done what I need to do outside of the ring to be prepared for Saturday night. I have remained active in the gym.

Gamboa has been tweeting some odd things towards you – how do you feel about that?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I just look at it as being part of boxing. That’s something he feels he wants to do and I don’t take it personally. I am going to go in there, come Saturday, and look at him eye-to-eye and see what he has to say then.

Does Gamboa pose a big challenge to you?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: He is going to be a big challenge. He is a great fighter, like myself. I never got hit by him so I don’t know about his power.

How is he different than Burns?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Gamboa has a lot more amateur experience, but at the same time they are two different fights. One is tall and one is short and they fight two different styles.

How do you feel about fighting in your hometown?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: My managers, Cameron Dunkin and Brian McIntyre – they came in and got the job done. I am just blessed to be able to fight in Omaha.

Do you feel this is a career-defining fight for you?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: Like in any career, obviously it is a defining moment and I plan to take full advantage.

Where does Yuri feel that Terence falls talent-wise?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: Until I fight him on Saturday I really can’t answer that question.

How have you dealt with the demands on your time while fighting in your hometown?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: We’ve been keeping a low profile. When we got back into town from training camp [in Colorado Springs] there wasn’t a big entourage. I actually didn’t let anyone know when I was coming back into town. It’s been kind of cool – just chillin’ and waiting on the fight.

Cameron?

CAMERON DUNKIN: I leave that up to Brian. These guys have lived there their whole lives. Brian and I were concerned about it and we had a long talk about it. He told me he would set everything up and keep all the distractions away. Brian has done a great job, giving everyone jobs so Terence is just focused on the fight and ready to go. He hasn’t had any distractions and Brian has assured me he is ready to go.

Do you get a feeling, by walking around town, the magnitude of the event?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Yes, I can tell it is big. Big not just for me but for the city of Omaha, Nebraska. It’s not just the boxing community; it is all the people in Omaha. I can also tell that I give the people hope – that they can be what they want to be, if you believe and work hard at it.

How do you characterize yourself? Some say you are a southpaw and some say you are a switch-hitter?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I don’t look at myself as one-dimensional. I can fight a lot of different ways – I’m very flexible.

What type of challenge does Terence pose to you?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: It’s part of the sport. Obviously you are going to fight guys that can switch up on you. Some can master either the southpaw or orthodox stance, but it’s something you have to deal with. You have to prepare to face that challenge.

When was the last time you went to fight in someone’s back yard – or as the B-side of the promotion?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: In Kazakhstan is the last time I can remember, in 2006.

Do you plan to attack Gamboa, since he has been off for a while and he may have a suspect chin?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I never go into the ring thinking that’s the way he is going to be – I just go in to fight my fight. I don’t go in there looking for the knockout. If it comes it comes and if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

Who made the decision to take this fight against Crawford?

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: I think it is well known that the dialogue and conversation between my team and Top Rank was a fight with Mikey Garcia, but that was not going to happen – there are some legalities between them that wouldn’t let the fight take place, and that’s when Top Rank suggested we make this fight happen and we decided that was a good option as well.

Terence, what do you think you will bring to the table that will give Gamboa problems? He mentioned that he has been fighting guys like you since his young amateur days in Cuba…

TERENCE CRAWFORD: We are going to have to wait until Saturday. The guys he has fought, I am pretty sure don’t have the same style as me. He may have fought guys with similar styles but no one has the same exact style as me. So we will have to see on Saturday.

What one thing that you will bring to the table will get you the victory?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Just me being myself. Me going in there and fighting my fight.

YURIORKIS GAMBOA: I would say that my boxing IQ I think is very high – that is one thing that a lot of people underestimate in me. My boxing abilities give me an advantage in a lot of fights that I go into. My speed and my reflexes – a combination of a lot of those things I think will lead me to a victory on Saturday.

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I say good luck to Gamboa. I know we are going to be ready and he’ll be ready and to all of the fans out there support Gamboa and me and buy tickets to the fight, support the fight and thanks for having me.

CARL MORETTI: Obviously this is a hot event here in Omaha and we have opened up the remaining seats in the upper level to accommodate the demand. Fans are welcome to watch the live-stream of Thursday’s final press conference at www.toprank.tv [3 p.m. ET / Noon PT] and attend Friday’s Official Weigh-In, which will take place at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time. We are looking forward to it.

********************

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, remaining tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa, priced at $27, $52 and $102, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000. To order online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

MIAMI (June 23, 2014) – Undefeated multiple-time world champion Yuriorkis “The Cyclone of Guantanamo” Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs) firmly believes he is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and he plans to back that up this Saturday night against World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion Terence Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, Crawford vs. Gamboa will be the 12-round main event, airing live on HBO Boxing After Dark, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, from Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

A four-time Cuban National amateur champion, Gamboa clearly has a decisive advantage over Crawford in terms of overall experience and quality of opposition fought. He had more than 250 amateur matches, highlighted by gold medal performances at the 2004 Olympics, 2006 World Cup and 2003 Pan-American Games.

After defecting in in 2006, the now Miami-based boxer-puncher has twice captured World featherweight titles, in addition to three Interim World championships in three different weight classes, from featherweight through lightweight.

The 32-year-old possessor of rare speed and power doesn’t listen to his critics. “I really don’t have anything to prove to anybody but myself,” he explained. “My goal has always been to be recognized as one of the best fighters in the world. I don’t have to prove anything and only need to make accomplishments for me and my family.”

While Gamboa has defeated three world champions and seven world title challengers in his last 10 fights, the gifted Crawford is relatively inexperienced in major fights with the exception of his last, in which he traveled this past March to Scotland and took the WBO 135-pound division title home to America, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over local favorite and defending champion Ricky Burns (26-2-1).

Gamboa is unfazed fighting in Crawford’s hometown, or by his skeptics, and he’s looking forward to showcasing his immense talent on HBO again. “I can’t speak for him but I’m going into this fight with the same approach,” Gamboa said. “I think it’s going to be more of a thinking game than physical. I need to spot his weaknesses and exploit them. Whether I stop or him, or it lasts 12 rounds, I expect my hand to be raised as the winner.”

HBO Boxing: Yuriorkis Gamboa Greatest Hits
HBO Boxing: Yuriorkis Gamboa Greatest Hits

Reserved tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa are on sale starting at just $27.00, with remaining tiers priced at $52.00 and $102.00. Tickets are available to purchase at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, call 800-745-3000 to charge-by-hone, or order online at www.TicketMaster.com.

Follow Gamboa on Twitter @Gamboa.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (June 12, 2014) – Hosted by his promoter Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, undefeated multiple world champion Yuriorkis “The Cyclone of Guantanamo” Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs) held an open media workout today at Iron Mike Promotions Gym to promote Gamboa’s June 28 world title fight against World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight championTerence Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, Crawford vs. Gamboa will be the 12-round main event, airing live on HBO Boxing After Dark, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, from Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Reserved tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa are on sale starting at just $27.00, with remaining tiers priced at $52.00 and $102.00. Tickets are available to purchase at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, call 800-745-3000 to charge-by-hone, or order online at www.TicketMaster.com.

GAMBOA QUOTES

“Coming from Cuba, the guys were technical and had size, and I fought them a lot. Me, I’ve perfected my strategy to fighting these type of fighters.”

“I think this will be a counter-vs-counter match.”

“Objective is to get him to the middle range where I can use my speed.”

“Logic says to carry a little more weight as you get older, so I’m comfortable fighting at this weight.”

“The training camp is going perfect.”

How are you preparing in this training camp? “General conditioning and working on specific objectives as we draw closer to the fight.”

Working with Floyd Sr? “We worked on defense and counter punching. I know I tend to put my hands down and we worked on that.”

Strategy vs Crawford: “The game plan is to attack from the start, be on the defensive, and develop the fight from there.”

Why did you go fight Crawford in his hometown? “At this point, we have nothing to lose. We fight whenever, where ever.”

Prediction: “We will have a great fight and I’ll give you the best of me every time I fight. We will win.”

Working with 50? “It’s been two years up to this point it has been a great opportunity. I’m aware that other promoters have not made it easy for 50 to complete his two bout agreement.”

What’s next? “After this fight, sitting with SMS and looking for a fight with Garcia or someone of that stature.”

The objective for the fight: “The first objective is not only to win the championship, it’s to give SMS Promotions a better advantage. I feel they have left them [SMS Promotions] on the side and not given them fights because they don’t them to have a champion.”

Regarding his career: We have had a great career, of course, nothing is perfect. We have the right to make mistakes like humans but this is a great opportunity to show the people that Gamboa, ‘The Hurricane of Guantanamo’ is here.”

His state of fighting activity and inactivity. Are you worried about that going into the ring with Crawford? “I’m not worried about that one bit. I’m not only active when a fight presents itself. For me inactivity is when you are not training at all but I’m always training.”

50 CENT QUOTE

“Gamboa has been with me from the beginning. I got the opportunity to see his talents early on. He’s here in Miami training hard and this is going to be a great fight.”

OMAHA, NEB. (May 23, 2014) — Top Rank® announced today that undefeated Top-Five contenders MATT KOROBOV and JOSE UZCATEGUI would battle in a 10-round rumble in the co-main event to World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion TERENCE CRAWFORD’S world title defense homecoming against Cuban sensation and three-division world champion YURIORKIS GAMBOA. Korobov and Uzcategui will be battling for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title. Both fights will be televised live from the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Saturday, June 28, on HBO Boxing After Dark®, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

This exciting all-action doubleheader features four undefeated gladiators with a combined record of 91-0, 63 KOs.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Crawford vs. Gamboa world championship event, priced at $102, $52 and $27, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000. To order online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Korobov (23-0, 13 KOs), a 2008 Russian Olympian and stellar amateur will be making his long-awaited HBO debut. Now based in St, Petersburg, Fla., Korobov, a six-year veteran of the pro ranks, enters this fight having won three of his last four fights by knockout, including a sixth-round stoppage of Emil Gonzalez on April 16. Korobov is currently world-rated No. 3 by the WBO.

Uzcategui (22-0, 18 KOs), a native of Venezuela who trains in Mexico, will be making his U.S. debut. A knockout artist who has stopped 10 of the last 11 opponents he has faced, he captured the WBO Latino middleweight title in March, knocking out David Lopez in the sixth round. He is currently world-rated No. 5 by the WBO.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

LONDON (May 20) – BoxNation has added three more thrilling shows to its stacked summer calendar including two world title main events headlined by champions Terence Crawford and Guillermo Rigondeaux, plus the exciting York Hall bill led by rising star Frank Buglioni.

It will be Ricky Burns’ conqueror Crawford who will be out first on June 28th when he makes the first defence of his WBO lightweight title against the feared Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

The unbeaten Gamboa has long been regarded as one of boxing’s next stars having enjoyed a glittering amateur career that culminated in him claiming Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games.

Having been out of action for over a year by the time he enters the ring on June 28th, he will have his work cut out against the skilled Crawford who has the talent to reach the very pinnacle of the sport and is unbeaten in his 23 fights.

‘The Channel of Champions’ will also bring viewers a domestic fight feast when rising star Frank Buglioni looks to prove his shock loss in his last bout was only a minor setback as he takes on the wily Sam Couzens at the York Hall on July 16th.

Two unbeaten contenders in Mitchell Smith and Peter Cope are also set to go at it as they compete for the vacant English super-featherweight title in what is set to be an all-action affair, with welterweight prospect Bradley Skeete also featuring on the night.

Then, on July 19th one of the world’s very best will be looking to showcase his box of tricks with Cuban ace Rigondeaux putting his WBA Super and WBO super-bantamweight titles on the line against knockout artist Jonathan Guzman.

Taking place at the Cotai Arena in Macao, China, the Dominican Republic’s Guzman will look to capture his first world titles by continuing his fearsome undefeated record which has seen him knockout 16 opponents in his 16 wins.

British and Irish interest will be high in the fight as Belfast’s Carl Frampton and Bury’s Scott Quigg eye a future clash with the 122 pound division’s top dog in Rigondeaux.

The exhilarating additions to the BoxNation calendar follows hot on the heels of the news that the channel will be broadcasting the megafight between WBC middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez and superstar Miguel Cotto live and exclusive on June 7th.

Further good news for BoxNation viewers is that the channel will be the only place to see the award-winning 24/7 series previewing the build up to Martinez-Cotto at Madison Square Garden in New York, with episode one set to premiere on Tuesday the 3rd of June at 7pm.

BoxNation will also be the only place to see this summer’s eagerly anticipated heavyweight world title eliminator between kingpins Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora on July 26th.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) for only £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee) please visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. 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.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

OMAHA, NEB. (May 8, 2014) – Undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, the Pride of Omaha, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, who share identical 23-0 (16 KOs) professional ring records, will battle for Crawford’s newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title, Saturday, June 28, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. This will be the first world championship fight Omaha has hosted in 42 years, when Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Nebraska’s-own Ron Stander in 1972. It is also a professional homecoming for Crawford, who has not fought in his home state since 2011. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa will go on sale Tomorrow! Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Reserved seat tickets start at just $27, with remaining tiers priced at $52 and $102. They will be available for purchase at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000. To order online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

“This is what I always wanted to do, make my first world title defense in Omaha where I grew up,” said Crawford. “As soon as this fight was announced my phone and Facebook lit up. Everyone wants to be at this fight. This is extremely exciting, something I always dreamed about. Gamboa is fast and he hits with power. This is a serious fight. I fought and beat a lot of great fighters as an amateur. I was at 132 pounds then and Gamboa, as an amateur, was 112. But now we are about to go at it. I plan to train in Colorado Springs. During fight week, I will be away from the main fight hotel. It’ll be me and just my team to be by ourselves in the final days leading to the biggest fight of my life. It’s been a long ride to get here but at last my dream has come true. This will be a great action-packed fight.”

“I am glad to be back in the ring and continue my quest at being recognized as one the best in the sport,” said Gamboa. “I know that Crawford is a great talent and a good champion and I welcome the chance at beating one of the best in the lightweight division.
I know all about him. There is one major difference – my speed and my power. I am going right into his hometown because I know I will win. I want that title belt. Certainly by beating him, God willing – I know that bigger and better opportunities will come. It is time to remind fans all around the world that El Ciclon de Guantanamo is here for the long run.”

“When we made this fight Terence asked me to please make the tickets reasonable for all of his fans. We did exactly that at $102, $52 and $27,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “He is so happy. This is a great event, the first big championship boxing event in over 40 years in this wonderful city Terence Crawford and Yuriorkis Gamboa are considered to be the two best lightweights in the world. We are looking forward to a great action fight.”

“After 42 years, it’s going to be a historical moment in Omaha. Gamboa and Crawford have identical records so it’s surely going to be an amazing showdown,” commented 50 Cent.

“This fight brings together two prodigious, undefeated talents,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports. “A few months ago, Terence Crawford earned his first world title the hard way, traversing the Atlantic Ocean to beat down the then lightweight champ in his hometown in Scotland. Now, intrepid Cuban sensation Yuri Gamboa heads to Crawford’s own backyard of Omaha, attempting to wrest his second divisional title from the newly-crowned champ. As both men can tell you, there is no such thing as a hometown advantage against a straight right hand or a left hook from a man from out of town. The creativity of these two elite fighters pit against each other in the ring will undoubtedly elevate esteem for the winner with fans everywhere.”

“CenturyLink Center Omaha is proud to host this significant event,” said Roger Dixon, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA). “Not only will we have a high-profile title fight, but the defending world champion is a hometown hero. This will truly be unprecedented for our venue and our community.”

Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs), of Omaha, is only the second Nebraska native to be recognized as a boxing world champion. Perry “Kid” Graves, from Rock Bluff, captured the welterweight crown, knocking out Johnny Alberts in Brooklyn, in 1914, according to the Omaha World-Herald. After a short but impressive amateur career, which included victories over future world champions Danny Garcia, Mikey Garcia and one-time world title challenger Diego Magdaleno, Crawford made his professional debut on March 14, 2008 – a first-round knockout victory of Brian Cummings. On March 1, 2014 – just 13 days short of the sixth anniversary of his pro debut, Crawford captured the WBO lightweight title, dethroning defending champion Ricky Burns on Burns’ home turf of Glasgow, Scotland. Scoring a powerful and unanimous decision, Burns put the boxing world on notice that with his virtuoso performance. Crawford pulled out all stops in dismantling Burns as he rocked the defending champion throughout the fight, while switching back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances.

Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs), of Miami, Fla., captured Olympic gold for the Cuban team in 2004, fighting in the 112-pound division. Known as “The Cyclone of Guantanamo,” Gamboa defected to freedom in 2007 the same year he made his professional debut. Two years and 14 bouts later, in 2009, he won the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Interim Featherweight Championship via a 10th-round stoppage of Jose Rojas. Soon elevated to full world champion status, Gamboa successfully defended the WBA title five times during his two-year reign, which included unifying the title with a 12-round decision victory over International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Champion Orlando Salido. Gamboa captured the WBA Interim super featherweight title in 2012, winning a dominant unanimous decision over Michael Farenas. In his last fight, on June 8, 2013, Gamboa captured the WBA Interim lightweight title, handing undefeated Darleys Perez, a former Colombian Olympian, his first professional defeat. Gamboa scored the unanimous decision victory by outboxing and outworking Perez throughout their fight.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

OMAHA. NEB (May 6, 2014) — Undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, Omaha’s favorite son, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, who both boast identical 23-0 (16 KOs) records, will host a news conference announcing their World Lightweight Championship fight This Thursday! May 8, at the CenturyLink Center in the Bud Light Zone (455 North 10th St., Omaha, Neb. 68102). The news conference, which will be open to the public, will begin at 12:30 p.m. CT, with doors opening at Noon CT. Joining Crawford and Gamboa will be Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and Roger Dixon, President/CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA).

Crawford vs. Gamboa is the first world championship fight the city of Omaha has hosted in 42 years when Joe Frazier defended his World Heavyweight Championship crown against Ron Stander in 1972.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, the Crawford vs. Gamboa World Lightweight Championship fight will take place Saturday, June 28, at the CenturyLink Center. It will be televised live on HBO®, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

All the participants will be available for one-on-one interviews. Media may park in Parking Lot A and enter through the Security/Media Entrance.

Saturday in the little room at Madison Square Garden, Oxnard’s Mikey Garcia made another admirably professional showing, this time in the super featherweight division, against another wholly outmatched opponent, this time in the form of Mexican Juan Carlos “Miniburgos” Burgos, on HBO – a network quite supportive of Garcia. This match readied the table for a war in the summertime between Garcia, a technically flawless counterpuncher, and the Cuban chloroform dispenser named Yuriorkis Gamboa.

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? HBO is aflutter with the possibility of matching an undefeated marquee name from the Top Rank stable with the fantastically flawed but still undefeated Gamboa, a prizefighter whom the network has been building for some while now with enthusiasm irregular as Gamboa’s chin. It was four years ago, nearly to the day, on Jan. 23, 2010, that HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” program featured Gamboa on the same card as undefeated Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez. Gamboa laid waste to Rogers Mtagwa, who’d brought “Juanma” within a sip of drowning in the deep waters of their title match four months prior, Lopez retired Steven Luevano, and HBO aroused its viewership with overtures of Gamboa-Lopez in the very near future.

Bob Arum, head of Top Rank, promoter of both men, addressed HBO’s anxious viewership thusly: “I know what people want, and they can go f–k themselves.”

Lopez and Gamboa continued to circle one another, recycling opponents. Then in March 2011, Gamboa solicited from poor Jorge Solis a concession no one, certainly not Manny Pacquiao, hit hard as Gamboa. The moment was ripe for Lopez-Gamboa to not-happen for a second year. What suspenseful bleating the non-event was about to incite, though, got muted 21 days later when Lopez got flattened by Orlando Salido and all thoughts of what Arum anticipated would be “the biggest featherweight fight of all time” instead moved inexorably toward a day when, in an attempt to make Gamboa’s 2012 match with someone named Michael Farenas enticing, rapper-cum-promoter Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson would chant unevenly over background vocals while being lowered from Top Rank’s video apparatus above an MGM Grand ring erected for what became Juan Manuel Marquez’s razing of Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank’s 2013 top line.

Since a Lopez fight with Gamboa by then made no sense, especially not after Juanma again got stopped in his 2012 rematch with Salido, Top Rank seasoned Lopez for a feeding to Mikey Garcia – a young fighter already supplanting his temperamental stablemate, Nonito Donaire, as the future of Top Rank, even before the flashy Filipino got undressed by a Cuban named Guillermo Rigondeaux who is much, much better than his fellow islander Gamboa. This brought things limping to Dallas in June where Juanma took the scale on a makeshift dais in American Airlines Center’s concourse and looked a perfect 125 1/4-pound feast for Garcia.

Ah, but Mikey’d been doing some off-menu grazing and missed the match’s contracted weight by a clean two pounds. For once Arum was sincerely irate. He sat silently in the middle seat of the first row of chairs, shoulders hunched and so tight – as John Updike once put it – if you’d have tapped him he’d have rung like a gong. One of Top Rank TV’s microphoned models filmed Father’s Day greetings onstage while Garcia ostensibly tried to make weight, and when she misread Arum’s first refusal to say something mirthfully paternal to her network’s viewers and asked again, she got a reply whose words and temperature were akin to Arum’s January 2010 greetings to HBO viewers.

Garcia came back a couple hours later, dry as he’d left, signed a piece of paper and left again. Arum announced the main event cancelled, and like that, much sheen came off the Garcia bust. Mikey stretched Juanma in four the following night – the fight back on! – then stopped Roman Martinez in Corpus Christi five months later.

Garcia is no longer held in the esteem he was previously, which is neither unfair nor particularly tragic, as more than a few aficionados looked askance at the bizarre stoppage of his fight against Orlando Salido a year ago – when the fight was called-off and sent cardsward because Mikey’s nose was broken, an occurrence more common in prizefights than goals in soccer games. Saturday’s dull decision over “Miniburgos,” now 0-1-2 in his last 18 months, did little to restore Garcia’s luster.

Enter Gamboa. There probably could not be a better opponent for Top Rank’s Garcia-restoration purposes than “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” – a guy with no discernible defense, reflexes not quite quick as he thinks they are, and hours of titillating knockout-reel footage for HBO’s documentarians to mine. By the time “Countdown to ‘Gamboa’s Guantanamo: Extraordinary Rendition’” completes its fifth replay and opening bell rings, casual fans, glancing with anticipatory horror through partially covered eyes, will be both admiring and surprised Little Mikey was courageous enough even to toe the line for a second round. And when Garcia starches Gamboa in the later rounds – and likely not late as we think – when he finishes a job most of Gamboa’s recent opponents have started, we’ll have little choice but to admit Garcia is what we secretly hoped he was, and begin accusing Floyd Mayweather Jr. of ducking him.

The serious folks in the room, meanwhile, will bite our tongues, knowing contemporary boxing could still do much worse for its face than Mikey Garcia.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Lightweight beltholder Yuriorkis Gamboa was arrested Wednesday on a Domestic Violence charge according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“There’s an allegation that was sufficient enough to get him arrested, but we’re not ready to make any statement yet,” Gamboa’s attorney Tony Gonzalez told ESPN.com. “This is recent and unexpected. It’s two misdemeanor counts, not felony charges. We’re going to deal with. I haven’t had a chance to talk to (Gamboa) yet in any detail, only briefly when we were at the courthouse.

“Until we get a little further along and see what’s going on we have no comment on it. We’ll deal with it. If there’s any light at the end of the tunnel it’s that we’re dealing with misdemeanor charges. I’m not downplaying misdemeanor charges. Anything like this is serious, but there’s two sides to every story.”

“It is the second time, but the first time there was no conviction, just allegations,” Gonzalez said.

“Hopefully, we can put this situation behind us and ’50’ can get things worked out for the fight with Garcia and Gamboa can fight him in January,” Gonzalez said.