Category Archives: HBO Boxing

BRYANT JENNINGS VS. LUIS ORTIZ TICKETS ON SALE TODAY, NOVEMBER 13 AT 10 AM ET

 
Tickets Start at $25! 
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 13) – Tickets for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Championship showdown between Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) will go on sale today, Friday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The heavyweight 12-round title clash will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Featured as the co-main event of the night and presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions; Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters(26-0, 21 KOs) returns to the ring to take on heavy-handed contender Jason “El Canito” Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight fight. The action-packed night will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
The exciting night will also feature an HBO Latino® Boxing event, presented in association by Star Boxing and headlined by Cuban light heavyweight contender  Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) fighting out of Miami, Florida taking on the undefeated power-puncher,  Vyacheslav  “Lion Heart – Chigonskyy” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round light heavyweight battle. 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 junior 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).
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. 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., 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 less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, 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 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.grayshawproductions.com,www.toprank.com,www.hbo.com/boxingwww.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

YUNIESKI GONZALEZ VS. VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY TO HEADLINE FULL CARD FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 ON HBO LATINO® BOXING

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO CLOSE OUT 2015 WITH BANG
 
LOS ANGELES (November 11, 2015) – Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing plans to feature a full card on HBO Latino Boxing ahead of its previously announced HBO Boxing After Dark® card on Saturday, December 19 to end the year with a full night of exciting matchups from Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York.
In the featured main event of the HBO Latino Boxing card, Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) of Miami will take on the ruthless and undefeated Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonskyy” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round light heavyweight attraction. Former world title contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia will face former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in an exhilarating 10-round junior middleweight co-main event, on the HBO Latino service starting at12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) or immediately following the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.
As previously announced and part of the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, heavyweight titan Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) will face recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. In the co-main event of the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs), returns to the ring to take on granite-fisted Top-10 contender Jason “El Canito” Sosa (18-1-3, 14 Kos) in a 10-round junior lightweight rumble.  The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
“This time I’m not leaving it up to the judges to decide whether I win or not!” said Yunieski Gonzalez. “I want to thank my Promoter, Joe DeGuardia, and HBO, for getting me right back on the HBO family.”
“I am excited about fighting Gonzalez on HBO Latino on Dec. 19,” said Vyacheslav Shabranskyy. “I respect him as a fighter and I’m happy for the opportunity to close the year as part of an event of this magnitude. I have been working very hard my whole career and I’m ready for this fight. I want to thank my team for all the hard work and faith in me. I am a man of few words I rather let my gloves do all the talking when it comes to boxing.”
“Golden Boy Promotions is closing out one of our most successful years to date with a big bang by staging these two major cards on the same night,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “With Gabriel Rosado and Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, you get excitement, action, and two fighters that will not back down in the ring. I can’t think of a better way to close out 2015 than with these fighters headlining cards that will be explosive.”
“I am truly looking forward to Dec. 19 and pleased that Yunieski Gonzalez and Joshua Clottey are both back on the HBO family of networks,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “Both are in compelling fights on a spectacular night of boxing for fans.   I expect both of our guys to emerge victorious in exciting matches.”
“I have been eager to get back in the ring,” said Gabriel Rosado. “I have been training and staying in shape and my last few fights on BKB have given me the confidence to return with a vengeance. I plan to show everyone that I have what it takes to become a world champion. Fernando Vargas my new trainer believes in me, and I feel he’s the trainer that’s going to take me to the next level. We’re having a great camp, I’m learning a lot of new things that will show Dec. 19.

“I am very excited to be on HBO again and am very grateful to my promoter Joe DeGuardia and HBO and Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said Joshua Clottey. “I am looking forward to fighting Gabe Rosado who I know is a very tough fighter.  I know it will be a very good fight which I am confident I will win.”
Originally from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and now fighting out of Miami, Florida, Yunieski Gonzalez has been a feared contender in the light heavyweight division. Having suffered his first loss to world title contender Jean Pascal in July, Gonzalez is eager to prove he has what it takes to be considered in the world title contention. Previously, Gonzalez held a spotless record, undefeated since his professional debut in 2010 and holding victories over Brad Austin, Edgar Perez and Jaison Palomeque. Now, the power puncher will be looking for a victory against the undefeated Shabranskyy when he headlines the HBO Latino Boxing event on Dec. 19.
Ukrainian banger Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy, who is now fighting out of Los Angeles, is an exciting light heavyweight contender whose knockout power gets fans cheering every time he steps into the ring. Currently the owner of the USNBC Light Heavyweight Title, Shabranskyy is also a former two-time world champion in kickboxing, which he began at the age of 13, Shabranskyy turned to boxing when he was 16, and the sweet science has been his home ever since. On September 20, 2012, Shabranskyy debuted with a first round knockout of Bryan McGlory, and he has kept his record perfect, winning all 14 of his bouts, 12 by knockout. Included on his victorious slate are wins over fellow prospects Emmanuel Wright, D’Quan Morgan, and Rafael Valenzuela. 2015 has been a busy year for Shabransky as he has taken on and defeated Garrett Wilson, Fabiano Pena and Paul Parker.
“King” Gabriel Rosado is one of the most respected and popular middleweight fighters in the world. The Philadelphia native is known for his fearlessness in the ring, a true warrior who lives up to his claim to be willing to fight anyone, anytime at any place. A knockout victor over the likes of Jesus Soto Karass, Sechew Powell and Charles Whittaker, Rosado has also shared the ring with world champions Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin and David Lemieux. Eager for the opportunity to get back in the world title game, Rosado will be coming into the ring with a vengeance on Dec. 19.
Currently ranked as one of the top junior middleweights in world by the WBC, WBA and IBF, Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey is a Ghanaian powerhouse closing in on title shot. A former IBF welterweight champion who owns wins over Zab Judah, Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Cruz, the 37-year-old has four straight wins since his decision losses to boxing greats Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. He most notably won the WBA International Super Welterweight title with a 12-round victory over Anthony Mundine in April 2014 and since then delivered a great performance against Jorge Silva on May 9, 2015.
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).
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. 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., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
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 less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, 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.
Tickets will go on sale soon. Additional ticket information will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.grayshawproductions.com,www.toprank.com,www.hbo.com/boxingwww.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/trboxingwww.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

WBC & RING MAGAZINE MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB

 

 

 

VIDEOS, PHOTOS AND QUOTES

 

 

Click HERE for Photos

 

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/efyC54W0qaA

 

Photo/Video Credit: Hector Santos Guia/Roc Nation Sports/Miguel Cotto Promotions, LLC

 

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2015) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) hosted a media workout on Nov. 5 with his renowned trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles ahead of his Nov. 21 mega-fight against former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center which will produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

 

Below is what Cotto and Roach had to say:

 

MIGUEL COTTO, WBC, Ring Magazine & Lineal Middleweight World Champion

 

“I don’t care about Canelo’s age. I don’t care about his size. I’m just here to do my work and be ready for Nov. 21. I can tell you that I am going to be in the best shape on Nov. 21.

 

“I don’t care how Canelo is doing in training camp. I hope he can get in his best shape.

 

“People will have to wait to see on Nov. 21 if Canelo’s age is stronger than Miguel’s spirit. OnNov. 21, people are going to see the best Miguel Cotto they have ever seen.

 

“Freddie had the opportunity to make Miguel Cotto work better and harder. With Freddie, I just realized that I could bring more to every day. I’m here to follow everything Freddie wants me to do in training camp.

 

“The biggest tool I have on my side is Freddie Roach. They know what Freddie Roach means in boxing. They know what Freddie Roach is capable of doing with Miguel Cotto.

 

“They know what Miguel Cotto is capable of doing in his fights. I’m going to bring the same level of emotion to this fight.

 

“I’m going into the ring with our plan in mind and will implement it.

 

“The Mexican-Puerto Rican rivalry is one of the biggest in boxing. It’s in our hands to present the fight at the same level of intensity everyone expects. Mexico is a lot bigger than Puerto Rico, but we have something in our boxers that make us able to compete at the same level.

 

“I am a boxer. I’m here working and looking forward to Nov. 21. We are working for the victory and that is what we are going to get on Nov. 21.”

 

 

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Famer & Seven-Time BWAA Trainer of the Year Award Winner, Miguel Cotto Trainer

 

“I believe this is going to be the best fight of the year. I think it’s a great match up. I think its youth versus experience. How much is Canelo’s youth going to take a toll on him? How much will it help him? I think you get a little bit of everything. You get Mexico versus Puerto Rico. You get youth versus experience. This fight brings a lot to the table. It’s the perfect match. It’s a very exciting fight.

 

“Canelo is only about a half-inch taller [then Miguel]. He doesn’t have a huge height advantage or reach advantage over us. I don’t think he’s stronger than we are. I think we are the better puncher out there. We have more experience. We beat a lot of guys a lot better than him along the way. He’s just another guy to us.

 

“We’ve had four sparring partners against Miguel each day. That’s for breaking the fighter down and hitting the body. We take their legs away from them. I feel that our opponent does a lot on his own. He’s not that disciplined. He’s a young guy. He’s the playboy. He’s a good looking guy. He gets all the girls like Oscar De La Hoya, but the thing is, those girls are not going to help him in this fight.

 

“I have the better fighter. We’ve fought better opposition. We’ve been in there with better fighters. We’ve learned after the process of going through this and he’s still at the beginning of the learning stage. Who knows how far he’ll go? Miguel’s gone a long, long way. We’ve proven ourselves and we’ll prove ourselves again on Nov. 21. I promise.

 

“Miguel and I get along really well together. We’re just working out the strategy of the fight. Both of us work together combining what he’s comfortable with and what I’m comfortable with and it works out really well.

 

“I think we’ll give Canelo a boxing lesson for about five rounds and then I think we’ll turn it up from that point on. After five, I am going to have Miguel go out there and trade with him a little bit and when Canelo slows down a little bit, I think we will knock him out in about eight or nine rounds.”

 

###

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, Nevada) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at (800) 557-4263 or by visiting www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxingand www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

ANDRE WARD FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ CO-FEATURE

 

NEW YORK (November 4, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports regretfully announces that due to an injury sustained while training, Andre Ward will be unable to participate in his previously scheduled Saturday, Nov. 21 bout at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas. A replacement fight for the HBO Pay-Per-View produced and distributed event is currently being worked on.

 

Ward has been suffering from significant inflammation and constant pain in his right knee that is severely restricting his mobility. He has been advised by his physician to immediately rest and begin rehab on the knee to reduce the inflammation.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I’m missing this opportunity on November 21, but at the same time, I’m encouraged,” said Ward. “Anytime I have had a minor or major setback in my career, by the Grace of God, I’ve come back stronger and this will be no different. I’m looking forward to a big 2016. Thank you to all my fans for your support and patience.”

 

“Andre’s injury is a huge disappointment not only to him, but all of us involved with this promotion,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “We have no doubt that Andre will come back stronger than ever once his knee heals and that he will be a force in the light heavyweight division. We are working diligently to make an intriguing fight that will deliver a level of excitement commensurate with this great event.”

 

“While we feel terrible for Andre that he has encountered this setback, we have no doubt that Andre will return stronger than ever in 2016,” said James Prince and Josh Dubin, Ward’s management team.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD RETURNS TO THE RING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 WHEN HE MAKES HIS DEBUT AT 175 POUNDS

 

 WARD WILL PARTICIPATE IN CO-FEATURE OF MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ AT THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

 

WARD AGREES TO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT AGREEMENT WITH HBO BOXING

 

NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 21 in the co- feature to the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez middleweight world championship showdown that will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Ward has signed an exclusive multi-fight agreement with HBO that will commence with Ward’s Nov. 21 fight at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Ward, 31, will be making his debut in the 175-pound light heavyweight division against an opponent to be announced.

 

“HBO is the premier network in boxing and has been a great home to me both as a fighter and a commentator,” Ward said. “I made my professional debut on HBO nearly 11 years ago and I’m excited to move on to this next stage of my career at the light heavyweight division on HBO. My team and I have been hard at work preparing for Nov. 21 and the fans can expect another strong performance in Las Vegas.”

 

“All of us at Roc Nation Sports are thrilled to partner with HBO as we embark on the next chapter in the storied career of Andre Ward,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing Roc Nation Sports. “Starting this multi-fight agreement and Andre’s quest to conquer the light heavyweight division with a fight on the highly anticipated Nov. 21 pay-per-view event is a fitting way to kick things off. We are hopeful that Nov. 21 is the first step toward a 2016 showdown with Sergey Kovalev.”

 

“From Olympic gold medalist, to two-time world champion, to winning all 28 of his professional bouts and dominating the super middleweight division, Andre Ward has demonstrated that he is among the finest performers in the sport,” said Ken Hershman, President, HBO Sports. “We are delighted to have Andre as part of our family, fighting exclusively on the HBO platforms.”

 

“Andre is a man of high integrity and honor so we are thrilled to be able to help deliver a multi-fight deal for him on the premier network in boxing,” said James Prince and Josh Dubin, Ward’s management team. “In moving to light heavyweight, we have no doubt that Andre will pick up where he left off in the super middleweight division – as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.  We are extremely thankful to HBO and Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity.”

 

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 27 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. The Bay Area product returned to the ring on June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California and scored a ninth-round knockout over Paul Smith, continuing his unbeaten streak which dates back to when he was a 13 year old amateur. Ward recently stepped in front of the camera for a completely different role, a part in the upcoming New Line/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros. feature “Creed,” hitting theaters on November 25, a few days following fight week. Fellow Bay Area natives, director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, reached out to Ward so that he could provide his expertise for the film. In addition to working in front of the camera with Ward, Jordan spent time at Ward’s home gym in preparation for his role as Apollo Creed’s son.

IBF WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO TO MAKE HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST LEE HASKINS HEADLINING THE COTTO-CANELO PRELIMINARY UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

 CABALLERO VS. HASKINS WILL BE AVAILABLE LIVE ON MULTIPLE DIGITAL OUTLETS

 

LOS ANGELES (October 29, 2015) – Making the first defense of his IBF Bantamweight World Title, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) will headline the preliminary undercard preceding the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez event on Saturday, November 21 as he faces off against England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.The 12-round world championship bout will be available to view digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, TIDAL.com andGoldenBoyPromotions.com, along with other websites and outlets to be announced shortly. Additional undercard fights will be announced separately.

 

“I am excited to be fighting in one of the biggest cards of the year,” said Caballero. “I have been out of the ring for about a year and it has been hard watching all the great shows, but I am ready to come out strong and defend my title. I know Lee is a tough guy, there is a reason why he is my mandatory, but his style will make me shine on fight night. This training camp has been wonderful, my body feels different, and we have been training very hard to make sure I remain the champion. I feel there is more to accomplish, and this is my big opportunity to shine and stand out on Nov. 21.”

 

“Randy has the charisma, athleticism, fan-friendly fighting style and now a world title to make him one of the future top stars in the sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Fans watching Randy’s fight live at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and at home on the preliminary undercard on Nov. 21 are in for a real treat when he makes his first title defense against Lee Haskins, who, like Randy, is one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division right now. This fight will be a clash between two warriors and a great precursor to the guaranteed action in the main event with Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez that night.”

 

“All my life I have dreamed about boxing in Las Vegas and now my dreams have come true,” said Haskins. “I have great respect for Randy Caballero, and I will be in the best shape of my life with all intentions of bringing the IBF World Bantamweight belt home. You best believe I am as fit as a butcher`s dog. I am counting the days for when I arrive in U.S.A. Let’s get it on!”

 

The fighting pride of the Coachella Valley in California, Randy “El Matador” Caballero is one of the sport’s most intriguing rising stars and as the IBF World Bantamweight Champion prepares for his Las Vegas debut, he is on the verge of taking his career to the next level in a big way. “El Matador” Caballero has gone from local hero to international standout over the course of a professional career that began in 2010, as his meteoric rise has seen him defeat the likes of Alexis “Beaver” Santiago, Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza, Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Luis “Titi” Maldonado. In 2014, the 25-year-old took his show on the road as he traveled to Kobe, Japan to defeat Kohei Oba via eighth-round technical knockout. The victory earned the 24-year-old Caballero a shot at a world championship, and on October 25, 2014 he packed his bags once again, as he traveled to the Salle des ‘Etoiles in Monte Carlo to defeat England’s Stuart Hall for the vacant IBF World Bantamweight Championship.

 

British southpaw Lee “Playboy” Haskins has had a big 2015 campaign thus far. The Bristol native regained the EBU Bantamweight Title in February with a decision win over Omar Lamiri and then took the interim IBF Bantamweight crown in June by stopping Ryosuke Iwasa in six rounds. This November, the 31-year-old will attempt to unify the title with the highly touted Caballero and is determined to go back to England with the belt.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins is a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket  Offices,http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

BRYANT JENNINGS & LUIS ORTIZ TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO, VERONA, NEW YORK TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO AFTER DARK®
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 23, 2015) – Two heavyweight titans will close out the 2015 boxing year with a bang on December 19, as former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz(23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
“To headline an HBO event and fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know that after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19, I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.”
“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo to win the WBA Interim title. Boxing fans looking for a premiere heavyweight fight should make sure to tune in to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on December 19th.”
“It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz.  The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real competitive fights,” said Gary Shaw.
Shaw continued, “Jennings is a true professional who remains in phenomenal shape throughout the year.  He showed in his last fight versus Klitschko that he belongs with the elite heavyweights and understands the challenges that lie ahead. Ortiz, who brings a high knockout ratio to the ring, will have his hands full, and Jennings is nothing like the fighter he just fought, whom he knocked out in the third round. Ortiz has never faced a challenge of a Philadelphia fighter like Bryant Jennings and he’s going to find out real quick that this is another level. Jennings is ready to continue his quest to become heavyweight champion with VADA testing agreed to by both promotional companies for this fight.”
“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical type of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”
“This fight is between two evenly matched heavyweights, and that always has a purity to its mystique,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports. “Jennings has proven to have heart in equal scale to what Ortiz has shown in power. On December 19, we will see a battle of wills.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone with HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In three years, we’ve hosted 16 nationally-televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.”
Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 25 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett and in June needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Ortiz was last seen on the undercard of Golovkin vs. Lemieux as part of the pay-per-view live telecast defeating Matias Ariel Vivdondo by third round knockout and gaining the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.
Hailed as one of the best heavyweight boxers in the sport, Bryant Jennings has faced some of the most feared fighters in the sport.  In 2014 alone, Jennings defeated Mike Perez via split decision in July and Artur Szpilka via technical knockout in January. In 2013, Jennings passed his first career tested when he defeated Andrey Fedosov via sixth-round knockout in June. Most recently, Jennings was seen in the ring against the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April, suffering his first defeat since his professional debut in 2010.  Now, the titan is looking for redemption and another shot at world title stardom when he faces Ortiz for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title.
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. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
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 less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, 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.
Tickets will go on sale in early November.  Additional ticket information will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com.  Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,  www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.

TAKASHI MIURA TO FACE FRANCISCO VARGAS IN WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT AS PART OF THE STELLAR UNDERCARD FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

 

 

JAYSON VELEZ VS. RONNY RIOS ALSO TO BE FEATURED ON THE TELEVISED CARD

 

FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS

LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

 

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 20, 2015) – Already destined to be one of the best fight nights of 2015, a stellar televised undercard for the Saturday, Nov. 21 showdown between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will provide even more punch to an already highly anticipated event from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas which will be produced and distributed live byHBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Highly touted Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan will defend his WBC Super Featherweight title for the fifth time against Mexico City, Mexico’s unbeaten Francisco Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round battle which is presented in association with Teiken Promotions. Hailing from the same city as headliner Miguel Cotto, and co-promoted by the Puerto Rican legend’s Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, will face Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (24-1, 10 KOs) in a highly anticipated 10-round featherweight bout.  An additional televised bout will be announced shortly.

 

“Bringing sports fans an event featuring what is likely to be the 2015 Fight of the Year in Cotto vs. Canelo is great, but adding a highly entertaining undercard makes it greater,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “The announcement of these two televised undercard fights brings additional excitement and value for fans watching the event live in Las Vegas or at home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

“On November 21, the best fighters in boxing will gather for one epic night in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Audiences will not only see the two biggest stars battle, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, but every fighter featured on the card brings the highest caliber of talent propelling the sport further into a new golden age of boxing.”

 

“I believe Velez vs. Rios is a great match for both fighters,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “The winner will be a step away from a title shot and it adds more drama to the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. In Ronny Rios we have a tough fighter and Jayson Velez is a warrior that brings action into the ring.”

 

“Francisco Vargas has proved himself to be a tough competitor,” said Miura. “But, I have repeatedly fought to keep my WBC title and on November 21, I will show American fans once again why I am a champion.”

 

“To add the WBC title to my NABF and WBO Intercontinental titles would be the ultimate victory and a great ending to 2015,” said Vargas. “I am training hard and ready to bring a fight to the ring at Mandalay Bay. Takashi Miura better be ready because I am coming for him onNovember 21.”

 

“I have been working to make a name for myself and show fans that I am a true undefeated champion,” said Velez. “This fight against Ronny Rios represents an important next step in my career and I am hungry for the win. To fight on the same card as Miguel Cotto and to represent Puerto Rico in Las Vegas in what is sure to be one of this year’s biggest nights in boxing is surreal.”

 

“I was dealt the first loss of my career not long ago, but that has only made me more focused and driven,” said Rios. “I have already sought redemption and am now ready to continue on my path to a world title. Jayson Velez may prove to be a tough opponent, but I will be ready for him. Come November 21, Velez will know what a first career loss will feel like.”

 

Southpaw power-puncher Takashi Miura is a force at super featherweight who is excited to make his United States debut on the Cotto vs. Canelo undercard. Unbeaten since 2011, the 31-year-old from Tokyo has scored several notable wins in that timeframe, stopping Gamaliel Diaz to take the WBC title, turning back Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson and defeating former world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib in defense of his belt. On November 21, he will expect a similar result when he faces Vargas.

 

A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas turned professional in 2010 and is now one win away from a coveted world championship. The NABF and WBO Intercontinental champion at 130 pounds, the 30-year-old Mexico City native has blasted through his last three opponents, halting former World Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, Genaro “Duro” Camargo and “Wild” Will Tomlinson to earn his shot at Miura in a fight boxing fans can’t wait to see.

 

Hailing from the same city in Puerto Rico as headliner Miguel Cotto, 27-year-old Caguas native Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez has compiled a collection of titles in his professional career, including the WBC USNBC, WBO Latino and WBC Silver belts. He nearly took his first world title in November 2014 before a controversial draw verdict was rendered in his IBF Featherweight World Championship fight with Evgeny Gradovich. Determined to get another world title shot, Velez needs a win against Rios to get there.

 

Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios was sailing to the top of the division before an upset loss to the number one contender for the WBC Featherweight title Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in October of 2014, but with a comeback win over Sergio “El Frio” Frias and the determination and heart of a champion, the talented 25-year-old has his sights set on glory once more.  With a victory over Velez, he will be back on the road to a world title fight once more.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxingand www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

MIGUEL COTTO ARRIVES IN LOS ANGELES FOR TRAINING CAMP WITH TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB FOR NOV. 21 HBO PAY-PER VIEW SHOWDOWN AGAINST CANELO ALVAREZ

 

Photos: OPEN HERE

Photo Credit: Hector Santos Guia/Roc Nation Sports/Miguel Cotto Promotions, LLC

 

VIDEO: OPEN HERE

Video Credit: Team Cotto/Roc Nation Sports

 

LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) has arrived in Los Angeles to begin training camp at Wild Card Boxing Club with trainer Freddie Roach ahead of his Saturday, Nov. 21showdown against former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

 

Below is what Cotto and Roach had to say about the start of camp:

 

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

 

“I am more than ready to get to work and am fully confident that the plan Freddie Roach has in place for our team is going to ensure that I am prepared to lock in this victory on November 21.”

 

 

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

 

“The energy at Wild Card is at an all-time high. Miguel is one of the hardest working men I know and he did not waste any time getting into the ring with me. I know that we have the tools we need for a successful training camp that will put Miguel in the best position possible to beat Canelo.”

 

 

Remaining tickets can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts, Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms). The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.