WHAT: Ruben Villa will return for his second consecutive ShoBox: The New Generation appearance of 2019, but this time the undefeated featherweight prospect will be the headline attraction when he takes on top-15 ranked contender Luis Alberto Lopez this Friday, May 10 (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.
SHOWTIME Sports released a “DAY IN CAMP: Ruben Villa” video feature that captures Villa’s humble mindset, grueling training regimen and hunger for success as he prepares for the toughest test of his career. The latest installment of the “DAY IN CAMP” digital franchise is available for viewing HERE: https://s.sho.com/2LCZxES
Villa’s training begins in the morning at the Robert Garcia Boxing Gym in Riverside, Calif., where the 22-year-old works on his footwork and technique under the guidance of trainer Max Garcia and ends with a 5-mile run through the Riverside hills. In between, Villa goes through an intense sparring session and watches tape from his last fight where he dispatched then-unbeaten Ruben Cervera in the first ShoBox telecast of 2019.
Although he’s still early in his professional career, the two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion has big aspirations.
“Once I’m able to call my own shots and have a world title, I want to be able to say I fought the best and I beat the best.”
In the co-feature of this Friday’s ShoBox telecast, fast-rising 21-year-old Texan Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) will take on fellow undefeated prospect and former Chilean National Champion Ramon Mascarena Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) battles Mexican Brandon Leon Benitez (14-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
Friday’s ShoBox telecast immediately follows the premiere of ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. BREAZEALE at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
Latest Installment Of Award-Winning Series Premieres This Friday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK – May 6, 2019 – SHOWTIME Sports released an exclusive clip from ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. BREAZEALE in advance of the premiere this Friday, May 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2GY9KX4
The latest installment of the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series immerses viewers into the lives and training camps of Deontay Wilder and Dominic Breazeale as the 6-foot-7 heavyweights approach a grudge match that has been brewing for more than two years. Wilder will attempt to make the ninth successful defense of his WBC Heavyweight World Championship on Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a matchup of two American heavyweights with a combined 90 percent knockout ratio.
ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. BREAZEALE immediately precedes a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader headlined by undefeated blue-chip featherweight prospect Ruben Villa taking on Luis Alberto Lopez.
In addition, the network will offer digital daily installments of ALL ACCESS DAILY: WILDER vs. BREAZEALE during fight week. The digital shorts will deliver the franchise’s signature access and storytelling in the final days before the heavyweight showdown beginning Wednesday, May 15 on the network’s social media channels.
Eimantas Stanionis Forced to Withdraw From Previously Scheduled Bout Due to Hand Injury
PBC Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes to Feature Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron Battling Daniel Martz in Heavyweight Action, Cruiserweight Showdown Between Unbeaten Efe Apochi & Earl Newman & Welterweight Prospect Amon Rashidi Stepping into the Ring – 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
BILOXI, MS. (May 6, 2019) – Light heavyweight contender Ahmed Elbiali will battle Marlos Simões in a 10-round showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action Saturday, May 25 from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Elbiali will replace the previously scheduled bout featuring Eimantas Stanionis, as Stanionis was forced to withdraw because of a hand injury suffered in training.
PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returning to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight battle.
PBC Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and be headlined by Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron taking on Daniel Martz in an eight or 10-round heavyweight match and top prospect Amon Rashidi competing in a four or six-round welterweight attraction. Prelims will also feature in the opening bout hard hitting cruiserweights as undefeated Efe Apochi steps in against Earl Newman for an eight round matchup.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.
The 28-year-old Elbiali (18-1, 15 KOs) is coming off an exciting third round knockout victory over Allan Green on Jan. 13 on FS1. Elbiali, an Egyptian-American who lives in Miami, Florida, knocked down Green in all three rounds before scoring the victory. It was his second straight victory by knockout – the other coming against Zoltan Sera last June 10 – since losing the first fight of his career against former world champion Jean Pascal in 2017. Simões (13-1-2, 5 KOs) is coming a stoppage victory over Jefferson Luis De Sousa in December. The 30-year-old of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil suffered the only loss of his career against Manuel Ceballos last June.
After representing his native Puerto Rico at the 2008 Olympics, Negron (20-2, 16 KOs) was unbeaten in his first 13 pro fights. Now residing in Miami, the 32-year-old carried a seven-fight winning streak before losing to Dominic Breazeale in December on FOX. He will look to bounce back in his 2019 debut on May 25. Negron will face Clarksburg, West Virginia’s Martz (18-6-1, 15 KOs), who enters this contest the winner of his last two and three of his last four outings. The 28-year-old lost to Luis Ortiz in December 2017 on FS1.
Rashidi (6-0, 4 KOs), who was born in Dallas, Texas and now lives in Desoto, is coming off an exciting TKO victory over Gabriel Gutierrez at AT&T Stadium on March 16. The 26-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2015 and has scored knockouts in three of his last four fights.
An accomplished amateur from Nigeria, Apochi (7-0, 7 KOs) turned pro in the U.S. in 2017 and has racked up knockouts in each fight since. The 31-year-old trains in Houston and scored more four knockouts in 2018 before making his 2019 debut in February and stopping Raymond Ochieng.
A former New York Golden Gloves Champion, Newman (10-1-1, 7 KOs) will look to rebound from a decision loss to Lionell Thompson that came after fighting Paul Parker to a draw on FS1 in 2017. The 27-year-old from Brooklyn was unbeaten in his first 10 pro fights after turning pro in 2014.
In non-televised action Ghanaian super middleweight Habib Ahmed (26-1-1, 18 KOs) meets Colombia’s Juan De Angel (21-10-1, 19 KOs) in an eight round bout, Orlando’sAntonio Tarver, Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs) battles Milwaukee’s Thomas Hill (8-2, 1 KO) in an eight round middleweight match and Burlington, North Carolina welterweight Willie Jones (7-1, 4 KOs) takes on Garden Grove, California’s Lucas Santa Maria (9-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round attraction.
Also in action are undefeated Atlanta light heavyweight Brandon Glanton (8-0, 7 KOs) in a six round match and Chicago’s Shawn Simpson (9-0, 3 KOs) looking to keep his unbeaten streak alive in a six or eight round bantamweight bout. A duo of undefeated Dallas, Texas boxers battle in separate bouts as Burley Brooks (2-0, 2 KOs) fights in a four-round super middleweight match and Fernando Garcia (12-0, 7 KOs) fights in an eight-round featherweight bout.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 6, 2019) – USA Boxing middleweight Troy Isley is coming off the most significant victory of his young career, when he defeated the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Cuba’s Arlen Lopez, at the recent Pan American Games Qualifier in Managua, Nicaragua.
Lopez served as a positive barometer for Isley in terms of his potential 2020 Olympic run. “Beating Lopez is my biggest win so far,” Isley admitted. “He won a gold medal at the last Olympics. I avenged my loss to him in 2017. We almost fought in The Continentals, but he lost in the quarterfinals, and I lost in the semifinals. We could face each other again in July at the Pan American Games.”
In 2017, Isley captured a gold medal at the Elite World Championships, which marked a first for an American elite boxer in six years. He’s progressed year-by-year, taking top honors at the 2012 & 2013 National PAL Championships, 2014 National Junior Olympics, 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. So far this year, in addition to winning at the Pan American Games Qualifier, he also took gold at the Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria.
Not too shabby accomplishments for a kid who really didn’t like boxing, especially compared to football, which was his favorite sport growing up.
“When I returned to the gym I trained at, Alexandria (VA) Boxing Club,” USA National Team assistant coach Kay Koromba remembered,” they needed help with a young kid, Troy Isley. I had a simple conversation with him. He said he’d come back to the gym if I was there coaching. I didn’t go back for a little while and he didn’t return. I eventually took over the gym when the coach left, and Troy returned.
“Troy is friends with Keyshawn Davis (USA Boxing’s No. 1-rated lightweight). They both live in Virginia (Troy in Alexandria, Keyshawn in Newport) and train with me at the Alexandria Boxing Club, when we aren’t living and training in Colorado Springs. They fought as kids and became good friends. All of the other boxers here look up to them.”
“I was only 8 and at first I really didn’t like boxing,” the now 20-year-old Isley spoke about his introduction to amateur boxing. “I was more interested in team sports like football, but I gave up boxing when I chose to compete in the Box-Offs. I just wanted to be a kid and you can’t play boxing. I went back to the gym and beat up everybody. Coach Kay told my father that he could make me into a national champion, and that gave me a lot of self-esteem.”
A self-described boxer puncher, Isley is an intelligent, well-spoken boxer with eyes on the future, outside of boxing, taking on-line business courses through DeVry University. “I can do it all,” he offered about his boxing style. “I’m working on using more jabs to be a better all-around boxer. The jab sets the offense up. I’m working on my jab because you can win fights with a jab.”
Promoters are lining up to pitch their companies to sign Isley, who has a definitive plan that involves making the 2020 USA Olympic Boxing Team, medal in Japan, and then turn professional.
“The Olympics is only a year away,” Isley noted. “I’m close with Keyshawn and Shakur(Stevenson, 2016 Olympic silver-medalist and an 11-0 pro prospect). Training with them makes things easier for all of us. We drive each other and train against different styles. I’m always picking up new stuff. We help each other training, sparring, and just talking. We’re always together, either in Alexandria or Colorado Springs. Shakur still goes there for good sparring.
“Shakur tells us a lot about his experiences in the Olympics and now as a pro. Me and Keyshawn have always talked about being together on the USA Boxing Olympic Team. We keep working hard and staying focused. It’s been our dream.”
Dreams do come true but, first, Isley is preparing for the Pan-Am Games and, possibly, his rubber match with the defending Olympic gold-medalist, Lopez.
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 6, 2019) The matches are taking shape for the fifth installment of the popular Rumble at the Rock series entitled “Night of the Undefeated” on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The event is presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory.
In the 10-round main event, streaking undefeated, WBA No. 7-rated featherweight contender Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (21-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami via Marianao, Cuba, will be looking for his second victory this year by taking on hardened veteran Glenn Porras(32-8, 20 KOs) of M’lang, Cotabato, Philippines.
In the night’s co-main event, Miami via Havana’s undefeated Livan “The Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (10-0, 7 KOs) will step up to face long-time gatekeeper Breidis Prescott(31-16, 22 KOs) of Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia in a welterweight 10-rounder. Navarro has scored KOs in seven of his last eight fights.
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock V” cost $60, $100, $150 and $250 and are available for purchase through ticketmaster.com.
Also in action, undefeated 20-year-old Hawaiian Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (15-0, 12 KOs) will face Denver’s Robert Frankel (37-20-1, 8 KOs) in a super lightweight eight-rounder. Before suffering an injury last year, Yoon had already attained a world ranking. This will be his first fight this year.
In a “can’t miss” crowd pleaser, Cuban super middleweight Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 KOs) will face power puncher Lorawnt T Nelson (5-2, 4 KOs) of Colorado.
Making his second cruiserweight battle, fan favorite “Bad” Blake Davis (1-0) from Cooper City, Fla., will look to thrill fans when he faces Quintell Thompson (2-7-1, 2 KOs) of Columbia, Mo., over four rounds.
More fights will be announced shortly. On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, today announced a new multi-year partnership with popular Boston based promotion,Murphys Boxing. The promotion will make it’s FIGHT PASS debut this Friday, May 10th, from Springfield, Massachusetts at MGM Springfield at 9:30 p.m. E.T. / 6:30 p.m. P.T. and will feature a 10 round main event, headlined by undefeated NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova vs. Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano.
“Murphys Boxing is one of the top promotions in New England, and I am excited to have them on FIGHT PASS,” UFC President, Dana White said. “In just five years, Ken Casey has done incredible things with this promotion. I am looking forward to showcasing these exciting fighters to our subscribers.”
“We’re incredibly excited to join forces with FIGHT PASS,” said Ken Casey, founder of Murphys Boxing. “UFC is providing a platform for us to highlight New England’s thriving boxing scene to combat sports fans. We will introduce the world to our incredible roster that includes future champions, such as Nova.”
Recently entering the WBA’s Top 10 Rankings, undefeated Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) will make his highly anticipated 2019 debut under the Murphys Boxing banner. Nova’s opponent, Argentinian prospect Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-2-1, 9 KOs), will be the 12th fighter in the past two years to try and take the “O” from the current NABA Super Featherweight Champion.
Entering the ring for the second time this year, Jr. NABF Super Featherweight Champion,William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs) will face off against Ramon Esperanza (22-15-1, 11 KOs) in an 8 round bout. Foster’s rare ability to combine both power and speed has led him to become one of New England’s most talked about prospects.
In an 8 round middleweight bout, power punching prospect Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs) will take on Argentina’s Damien Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6, 20 KOs). Gongora, a former Olympian from Ecuador, won the WBC South American Middleweight Title in February after defeating Jesus Aviles.
Luis Arcon Diaz (6-0, 6 KOs), an undefeated Olympian from Venezuela, and a recent Murphys Boxing signing, will return to action in a 6 round welterweight bout against Argentina’s Jose Aubel (8-3, 7 KOs).
Representing the Boston area, James Perella (2-0, 2 KOs) will look for his third consecutive knockout in a 4 round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.
Ray Jay Bermudez (6-0, 4 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York will make a quick return to the ring after a KO victory last month when he takes on an opponent to be named in a 6 round welterweight contest.
Rounding out the card will be two of Springfield’s own – power punching welterweightAnthony Velazquez (5-0, 5 KOs), who will take on an opponent to be named, and welterweight DJ Whitley (4-1-1), who will take on the always dangerous Bryan Goldsby(5-10) in separate 4 round contests.
The first four undercard fights will stream live at 8:00 p.m. E.T. / 5:00 p.m. P.T. on www.facebook.com/dropkickmurphys before the main card starts live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS at 9:30 p.m. E.T. / 6:30 p.m. P.T. To start your 7-day free trial, please visit: www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Abraham Nova, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, Greg Vendetti and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr., Luis Arcon Diaz and more.
UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.
Torres, Jules. Bocachica and Butaev remain undefeated
Bethlehem, PA (May 6, 2019)–Frank De Alba got back in the win column by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Dario Lopez in a super featherweight bout in front of a sold-out crowd at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.
The action was promoted by King’s Promotions and Titans Boxing Promotions.
De Alba had to overcome a hard-charging Lopez, as the visitor form Argentina came out swinging wildly in the first 30 seconds of the fight. De Alba was able to fend that off, and get into a nice rhythm of boxing.
De Alba was keeping a solid distance, and work behind the jab, and befuddled Lopez throughout the rest of the contest, and won by shut out scores of 80-72 on all cards.
De Alba, who was on a two-fight losing streak, got back in the win column which upped the Reading, PA native’s record of 23-4-2. Lopez of Rosario, Argentina is 12-14-4.
In the co-feature, Erik Spring took an exciting eight-round unanimous decision over Nicholas Hernandez to win the USBF Silver Junior Middleweight Championship.
Hernandez has success early as he pressed the action and rocked Spring several times. With the crowd in a frenzy, as they cheered on the two Pennsylvania based fighters, Spring was able to turn the tide in the middle rounds as both he and Hernandez engaged in several toe-toe exchanges.
The bout was close heading into the home stretch, and Spring needed them bad as his work over the final six-minutes was the difference of the fight as he took all three cards by 77-75 scores.
Spring of Reading, PA is 13-2-1. Hernandez of Lebanon, PA is 9-4-1.
Jonathan Torres of Bethlehem, PA won a four-round unanimous decision over Jerrod Miner in a bantamweight fight.
Scores were 40-36 twice for Torres, and is now 3-0. Miner of Philadelphia falls to 1-5-2.
Martino Jules won a six-round unanimous decision over Danny Flores to win the ABO Junior Featherweight title.
Jules of Allentown, PA won by shutout tallies of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 6-0. Flores of Mexico City is 15-16.
Rasheed Johnson stopped Ricky Nuno at the end of round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight fight.
Johnson set everything up off of his jab, and he was able to pretty much do what he wanted until the corner of Nuno had enough and pulled the plug on the fight at the end of the 4th frame.
Johnson of Philadelphia is 6-2 with two knockouts. Nuno of Bethlehem is 2-3.
In a wild bantamweight fight, Yeuri Andujar had to get off the deck twice to eek out a six-round majority decision over Edgar Cortes.
Andujar was decked in round two, and each guy traded knockdowns in round three. Each fighter took control of the fight at different stages of the bout, that produced several furious exchanges.
The sell out crowd voiced their disapproval with the outcome which read 57-56 for Andujar on two cards, and 56-56.
Andujar of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic is now 4-1. Cortes of Vineland, New Jersey is 6-5-1.
Recent King’s Promotions signee Janelson Figueroa Bocachica stopped Gabor Gorbics a the end of round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight fight.
Bocachica bloodied the nose of Gorbics in round two, and continued the onslaught for another round, until the ringside doctor stopped the bout before the 4th frame.
Bocachica of Detroit is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Gorbics of Budapest, Hungary is 26-17.
Radzhab Butaev won a six-round unanimous decision over Silverio Ortiz in a welterweight fight.
Butaev of Brooklyn, New York won by scores of 59-54 and 58-55 twice, and is now 12-0. Ortiz of Merida, Mexico is 37-25.
Khainell Wheeler made a successful pro debut by stopping George Sheppard at 2:47 of the 1st round of their super middleweight bout.
Wheeler of Bethlehem is 1-0 with one knockout. Sheppard of Norfolk, Virginia is 1-8-1.
KING’S PROMOTIONS WILL BE BACK AT THIS FRIDAY AT THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA AS KALVIN HENDERSON MEETS ANTOWYAN AIKENS IN THE MAIN EVENT OF A STACKED CARD.
NEW YORK (May 3, 2019) –Middleweight contender Chris Pearson scored a major victory over previously undefeated Olympic Bronze Medal winner Yamaguchi Falcao in a 10-round bout at The Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.
The win netted Pearson the WBO Latino Middleweight title.
Pearson boxed very well as he befuddled Falcao, and consistently beat the former amateur star to the punch throughout the contest.
Pearson, who already held a win over Falcao in the World Series of Boxing, repeated the verdict of 2011 by using good head-speed that saw the judges scorecards read 97-93 and 96-94 twice.
The win will gain Pearson a high-ranking in the WBO, and improves the Trotwood, Ohio native’s record to 17-2.
This was the 3rd consecutive win for Pearson, who is managed by Split-T Management.
“My plan was to be patient and control the pace. I was able to capitalize on him being a bit slower then me,” said Pearson. “This win gets me back to where I need to be.”
“I’m blessed with this victory,” continued Pearson. “Nobody knows the trials I’ve gone through. If I can be someone that inspires, then I’ll be happy. I’m going to rest for a couple days and then get right back to the gym.”
The fight was the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook watch.
The biggest week in boxing is upon us with the annual Cinco de Mayo weekend extravaganza in Las Vegas. The Mexican marquee star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to his home-away-from-home to face the challenge of fellow middleweight titlist, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, who is intent on spoiling the homecoming.
Can Canelo sprinkle some extra cinnamon on an explosive victory? Or will it be Jacobs who provides another miracle in his story-book comeback?
AGE, RECORD, AND STATS
Alvarez: Age: 28 years old Record: 51-1-2 (35 Knockouts) Height: 5’9” Weight: 167 * * Weight for last bout (12-15-18) Reach: 70”
Jacobs: Age: 32 years old Record: 35-2 (29 Knockouts) Height: 5’11” Weight: 159 * * Weight for last bout (10-27-18) Reach: 73”
RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Alvarez: WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (’11-’13) WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (‘13) Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Champion (’13) WBC Middleweight Champion (’15-Pres) WBA Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres) Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres) WBA Super Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres) Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #3 Boxer
Alvarez: An aggressive, physical fighter with underrated boxing skills, Alvarez often wears opponents down with consistent pressure and heavy-handed punches. Will use feints and counters to throw is opponent’s timing off and create openings for a strength-sapping body attack. Carries fight-changing power in both hands but sometimes doesn’t throw enough punches. While he is most known for his offensive skills, Alvarez has decent, but not great, defensive skills slipping and blocking punches.
Jacobs: A lanky, long-armed boxer with versatile skills who often fights aggressively and is not afraid to exchange punches. Jacobs couples good boxing skills and fundamentals with knockout power in both hands. Will sometimes be too offensive-minded and is susceptible to counter punches. Shows tremendous heart in the face of adversity.
STRENGTHS
Alvarez: * Power – Alvarez carries thunder in both fists. He has knockout power in either hand, but his most devastating weapon resides in his left hook, especially to the body. He has three knockout-of-the-year candidates in his career.
* Strength – Alvarez is a physically-maturing and thickly-built fighter with uncanny strength. He is effective in backing fighters up, even when not landing flush punches. He has grown from junior-middleweight and has competed recently at super-middleweight.
* Experience – Alvarez has come a long way during his professional career and has competed against some of the biggest names in boxing. He has been in this moment numerous times and the raucous atmosphere will be second nature to him.
Jacobs: * Character – Jacobs stood up to and defeated the most daunting adversary of his career when he overcame bone cancer in 2011. His character shows in the ring as he has handled some difficult challenges in his career.
* Versatile – Jacobs possesses good boxing skills and movement, sometimes switching between orthodox and southpaw stances. If against another aggressive opponent, Jacobs will box on his back foot and seek counter-punching opportunities. He is adept at accelerating the pace when needed.
WEAKNESSES
Alvarez: * Tactical Mistakes – Alvarez has made tactical mistakes in some previous fights, including trying to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by boxing with him on the outside. In other fights, he has allowed his opponents to control the pace and steal rounds.
* Easy-to-Hit – While his offensive skill is his calling card, Alvarez has a decent defense. When he loses focus or becomes overly aggressive, he is wide open for straight right hands and counter punches.
* Heavy Feet – Alvarez has good boxing ability but is often slow-footed in the ring. When matched against taller fighters with good lateral movement, he frequently struggles, as was the case in his bouts with Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara.
Jacobs: * Suspect Chin – Jacobs is no stranger to tasting the canvas. He was knocked out in devastating fashion by Dmitry Pirog in his first professional loss. He was also on the canvas against Gennady Golovkin and Sergio Mora.
* Reckless – In his first fight against Mora, Jacobs became overly aggressive after scoring a knockdown and left himself wide open for a counter punch that put him on the canvas. He was also off-balance and reckless again when he had Peter Quillin stunned.
* Atmosphere – Jacobs has fought in Las Vegas before and main-evented in Madison Square Garden. However, this is his first marquee Las Vegas Cinco-de-Mayo weekend extravaganza.
PREVIOUS BOUT
Alvarez: (12/15/18) – Alvarez made a successful super-middleweight debut by destroying the game but overmatched Rocky Fielding in three rounds. Alvarez punished Fielding’s body, scoring four knockdowns, and finishing him with his signature left hook to the liver.
Jacobs: (10/27/18) – Jacobs had a tough encounter with undefeated but unknown Serhiy Derevianchenko, winning a 12-round split decision. Jacobs scored a 1st-round knockdown and landed more punches during the back-and-forth contest.
3 BEST PERFORMANCES
Alvarez: * James Kirkland (5/9/15) – The fireworks were on display from the opening bell as Kirkland engaged Alvarez with a kamikaze attack. Alvarez countered and scored a 1st-round knockdown and ended the fight in the 3rd round with a picturesque right hand.
* Liam Smith (9/17/16) – Alvarez methodically broke down the previously-undefeated Smith, controlling the bout from the beginning. Alvarez scored knockdowns in the 7th and 8th rounds before ending the show with his left hook to the liver in the 9th round.
* Carlos Baldomir (9/18/10) – Alvarez was a 20-year-old prodigy facing a durable former world champion in Baldomir. Alvarez was successful boxing early and using his advantages in speed and skill to sweep the first five rounds. But it was his display in the 6th that was memorable. Alvarez rocked Baldomir before finally dropping with a left hook, rendering him unconscious before he hit the mat and dealing him his only stoppage loss in a 16-year career.
Jacobs: * Sergio Mora (9/9/16) – Jacobs wiped away any controversy from their first fight, which ended with Mora injuring his ankle, by dissecting him in the rematch, culminating in an impressive 7th round TKO. Jacobs scored a knockdown each in the 4th and 5th rounds before opening up and dropping Mora three times in the 7th round, forcing the stoppage.
* Peter Quillin (12/5/15) – In a battle for Brooklyn Bragging Rights, Jacobs stunned the undefeated and favored Quillin with a 1st round TKO. Jacobs landed a right hand early, sending Quilling staggering into the ropes. A follow-up flurry sent Quillin across the ring where the referee stopped the fight.
* Caleb Truax (4/24/15) – Jacobs dominated Truax with a masterful performance over 11 rounds, controlling the action with a heavy jab, and wearing his game opponent down. Comfortably ahead going into the final round, Jacobs unloaded on his weakened adversary until the referee saved him from further punishment.
KEYS TO VICTORY
Alvarez: * Start fast and don’t allow Jacobs to become confident
* Cut off the ring and force Jacobs to fight in confined spaces
* Go to the body early and often
Jacobs: * Use a stiff jab and lateral movement to keep Alvarez off balance
* Land something to get Alvarez’s respect early
* Do not get reckless
QUESTIONS
Alvarez: * Will the move back to middleweight drain Alvarez?
* Is Alvarez overlooking Jacobs?
* Will Alvarez become frustrated if Jacobs uses effective lateral movement?
Jacobs: * Can Jacobs win a decision in Las Vegas?
* Will Jacobs be able to exploit Alvarez’s tactical shortcomings?
* How will Jacobs handle the pro-Alvarez atmosphere?
PENECALE PREDICTION
The crowd will be buzzing at the opening bell. Alvarez will move forward, hands up, probing with his jab and trying to set his feet. Jacobs will be moving laterally, pawing a tentative jab and using head feints. The cautious 1st round will end with Alvarez stepping in and throwing a few hard body shots, causing the partisan crowd to erupt in cheers.
Alvarez will continue to apply pressure in the 2nd and 3rd rounds with Jacobs working to establish his jab with more authority. Jacobs will land a few heavy jabs to the face with Alvarez countering with right hands over the top. Jacobs will step to his left to avoid Alvarez’s left hook to the body.
The action will continue to intensify through the middle rounds. Jacobs will be following his jab with a straight right hand. Alvarez will be crouching and using his strength on the inside, using overhand rights and hooks to the arms and ribs.
Alvarez will sport some redness around his eyes and Jacobs will show welts across his torso. The pro-Alvarez crowd will gasp as Jacobs lands a series of hard right hands in the 6th round but will then erupt in the 7th when an exchange of left hooks sees Alvarez land first, sending Jacobs sprawling back to the canvas.
Jacobs will rise and affirm to referee Tony Weeks that he is okay to continue. Alvarez will attack, throwing his left hook to the body and head. Jacobs will stagger back, set his feet, and respond with a right hand and wild left hook. Alvarez will land a counter left hook to the head and Jacobs will clinch, with the bell ending the round.
The crowd will be wild with anticipation going into the 8th round, sensing the Alvarez might be closing in on victory. Jacobs will use lateral movement while he clears his head, probing with his jab to keep Alvarez at bay. Alvarez will continue to look for the homerun punch, but Jacobs will stay out of range for the duration.
Throughout the 9th and 10th rounds, Jacobs will be sufficiently recovered and willing to engage Alvarez, throwing more right hands, and increasing the tempo. Alvarez will land a series of thudding hooks to the body and Jacobs will counter with uppercuts on the inside.
The 11th round will continue the intense action with both fighters having their moments. Alvarez will become inactive for stretches of the round, allowing Jacobs to again control the pace.
Going into the final round, Jacobs will know that he is in danger with the bout being so close. He will initiate the pressure on Alvarez and there will be some toe-to-toe exchanges. As Alvarez takes a deep breath, Jacobs will successfully back him on his heels with a jab, followed by a straight-right hand. Alvarez will roll with the punch and counter with his own right hand. The crowd will be on its feet as the fighters exchange punches and embrace the final bell.
The decision will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld with a wider margin of 117-110, all in favor of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Below you can access this week’s radio show where Tony , “Psychic” Tom Padgett and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron discuss the fight.
Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison & Former Champion Jermell Charlo Set to Meet in Highly Anticipated Rematch Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas
Former World Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux Battles Exciting Brawler Julio Ceja in Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator –
Televised Coverage Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Tickets on Sale Now!
LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2019) – WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison and former super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo will step into the ring for a highly anticipated rematch live in primetime Sunday, June 23 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux taking on exciting Mexican contender Julio Ceja in a WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Harrison and Charlo’s first encounter took place live on FOX in December as Harrison earned the decision and upset Charlo to earn the title. The close nature of the bout helped warrant an immediate rematch that promises to be just as highly charged and dramatic.
“Tony Harrison and Jermell Charlo showed off their elite talent to the world in their first bout and I anticipate an even more explosive showdown in the rematch on June 23,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Harrison will no doubt be at his very best again as he looks to establish himself in the championship ranks. Jermell Charlo is certainly more motivated than ever to reclaim his spot atop the 154-pound division. Fans tuning in on FOX and FOX Deportes in primetime and in attendance at Mandalay Bay Events Center are in for an action-packed Sunday night.”
Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) has proven to be “Detroit tough” during a boxing career inspired by early years trained and managed by the late Emanuel Steward. He had to climb back into title contention twice before reaching the top with his unanimous decision victory over Charlo last December.
Harrison was on track for a title shot before suffering the first loss of his career in 2015 to Willie Nelson. After three-straight wins, he earned a shot at the vacant 154-pound title against Jarrett Hurd. Although Harrison had strong moments in the fight, he eventually lost to Hurd and was forced to again climb to the top. After another three victories, including a win over former champion Ishe Smith, Harrison took advantage of his second world title opportunity against Charlo.
“Being a world champion now, I’m excited to defend my title for the first time in this rematch that everyone is looking forward to,” said Harrison. “I think there’s actually more pressure on Charlo, just like last time. It’s just a blessing for me to be fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23. Everyone is going to be tuned-in to this fight and we’re going to bring the action to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the capital of the boxing world. I plan on doing the exact same thing to Jermell that I did in December. I’m going to get the win, and then I don’t want to hear any more crying or excuses.”
The 28-year-old Charlo (31-1, 15 KOs) suffered the first setback of his career with the close unanimous decision loss to Harrison. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Charlo won the vacant WBC title with a devastating knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He made three successful defenses of the title with highlight-reel knockouts over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin, plus a majority decision win over former champion Austin Trout.
Charlo is trained in Dallas by Derrick James, who was recognized as the 2017 Trainer of the Year by Yahoo Sports and also works with welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. Charlo is one-minute younger than his identical twin brother, Jermall, who is the WBC interim middleweight champion and a former 154-pound champion.
“I am in a ruthless state of mind. I am upset and this upcoming fight, I am going to give it 110 percent,” said Charlo. “I am way hungrier now than I was before. I am not desperate for a win because I know how to win. The judges gave me a bad decision because I didn’t get the knockout, but you don’t have to knock everybody out to beat them. He knows he didn’t beat me. He knows exactly what happened. He knows he can’t beat me. If I have to go in there and prove it again, I will.”
Rigondeaux (18-1, 12 KOs) will look to show off the masterful technical skills that made him a unified world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list when he steps into the ring on June 23. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. The 38-year-old most recently knocked out Giovanni Delgado in January on FS1.
Fighting out of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Ceja (32-3, 28 KOs) won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2015 by stopping Hugo Ruiz in the fifth-round. The 26-year-old would lose the full title to Ruiz in their rematch in 2016, but has won two of three fights since, including a knockout of Anselmo Moreno.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
