Tag Archives: Maricela Cornejo

ANGEL FIERRO KNOCKS OUT FORMER CHAMPION ALBERTO MACHADO IN PUERTO RICO VS. MEXICO BATTLE IN THURSDAY’S RING CITY USA MAIN EVENT

Jose Martinez and Israel Gonzalez Battle to Majority Draw in Co-Main Event, Alma Ibarra Earns Unanimous Decision Over Maricela Cornejo, and Joe Ward Avenges Lone Professional Loss Against Marco Delgado

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Credit: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Ring City USA

Click Here for Photos from Tonight’s Ring City Event

Click Here to Watch Fierro’s Comeback Knockout Victory

San Juan, PUERTO RICO – March 18, 2021 – Angel Fierro rose from the canvas twice en route to a stunning comeback knockout win in the sixth round against former world champion Alberto Machado as the latest chapter of the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry was written in the Ring City USA main event, live on NBC Sports Network from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

Tijuana’s Fierro (18-1-1, 14 KOs) handed Machado (22-3, 18 KOs) of Rio Piedras his first professional loss in Puerto Rico, following a hot start from the former junior lightweight world champion. Machado, 30, scored a knockdown in each of the first two rounds with well-placed right-hand counter punches. Fierro displayed a durable chin and beat the count easily both times, signaling that he was not hurt by the crunching power punches. Fierro was down 48-45 on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

“I’m happy, I faced a top-notch fighter tonight in Alberto Machado,” said Fierro, who was a three-to-one underdog. “He is world class and dropped me twice. But I am ecstatic that I was able to come back and beat a fighter of his caliber.”

The 22-year-old lightweight turned the fight around in the fourth round as he dedicated himself to a vicious body attack against Machado. The body work paid dividends as he found openings throughout the fifth and sixth round, ultimately leading to a vicious left hand that sent the former titlist to the canvas for the first and only time in the fight. Fierro credited finding his second wind to his two-year-old daughter back in Mexico.

“He dropped me twice in the beginning of the fight,” added Fierro. “When I got back to my corner, I told them, ‘remind me of my daughter.’ Because with this fight I can change her life and that’s exactly what they did after the third round. They motivated me and that’s exactly what I did.”

Prior to the fight, Fierro told the Ring City USA broadcast team, “the best judge is a knockout when you’re fighting in someone else’s hometown.” The Mexican warrior, who replaced undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara on one week’s notice, delivered on his promise to take matters into his own hands.

“We found a lot of gaps in Machado’s game in the sixth round,” stated Fierro. “I took advantage of them and I turned it around. I told you in the interview (before the fight), I didn’t come here to be a tourist in Puerto Rico. I came here to win.”

Immediately preceding the main event, Ireland’s Joe Ward (3-1, 2 KOs) avenged his only professional loss with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Marco Delgado (7-2, 5 KOs) in their six-round light heavyweight tilt. In October 2019, the 15-time Irish National Champion Ward faced Delgado in his professional debut and suffered a dislocated kneecap which led to a technical knockout victory for the Turlock, Calif. native. Under the tutelage of two-division world champion Joey Gamache, the 29-year-old Ward displayed his spectacular amateur pedigree as he attempts to fast-track his pro career.

In the second fight of the telecast, Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo (13-4, 5 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight fight. Two of the ringside judges scored seven rounds for Ibarra (79-73) while the third saw it 77-75 for the winner. Ibarra, who hails from Monterrey, Mexico, brought the fight to the Los Angeles native throughout the fight and was the far busier fighter.

“Now the world knows who Alma Ibarra is and what she is made of,” said the victor. “To everyone, I was a stranger. And to fight against someone who is very recognized worldwide in Maricela Cornejo and beat her, this opened many doors for us.”

Ibarra, 32, returned from a 16-month layoff following her first professional defeat against Raquel Miller in 2019. Ibarra, who had a successful amateur career, looked comfortable as she commanded the ring against the seasoned professional in 33-year-old Cornejo. Ibarra, a natural welterweight, was fighting at the heaviest weight of her career (156 lbs.).

“I felt very good, very strong, as this is a division that I am not used to,” said Ibarra. “I always fight in lower divisions, we had to go up two divisions to take this great opportunity, and well, I think we were not wrong to take this risk.”

In the co-main event of the evening, which kicked off the four-fight main card on NBC Sports Network, Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (21-1-3, 14 KOs) of Mayaguez, P.R. and Israel Gonzalez (26-4-1, 11 KOs) of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, fought to a majority draw in their 10-round bantamweight affair. While one ringside judge gave Gonzalez, 24, the edge on the scorecards (96-94), the remaining two judges scored it identically at 95-95. Ring City’s unofficial scorer Steve Smoger had Gonzalez edging the hometown fighter 97-93.

“I felt his punches, but I was the superior fighter tonight,” said Gonzalez. “He might have won three rounds but it’s OK. I’m thankful to Puerto Rico and all of the people that gave me an opportunity to be here.”

The 28-year-old Martinez did his best work on the inside as he attempted to neutralize the five-inch reach advantage of the younger Gonzalez and led on two of the scorecards through the midway point of the fight. Meanwhile, Gonzalez flashed excellent hand speed in the back-and-forth affair and stole many of the later rounds when he found his second wind. This marked the third draw for Martinez over his last seven fights and the first for Gonzalez.

“I feel happy, satisfied with the work I did,” said Martinez. “I understand that I was fighting against a strong opponent and that I won. I pushed more. I was on top of him, but these things happen in boxing. Now it’s a matter of continuing to train, maintain myself and seek that title opportunity.”

Following the co-main event between Martinez and Gonzalez, Ring City USA paid tribute to the late Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who died at the age of 66 on Saturday. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Hagler reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion for several years and participated in several classic bouts in the 1980s.

“The beautiful part of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, if you had the chance to be around him, is that he was authentic,” said blow-by-blow announcer Bob Papa. “Just as he was in the ring was how he treated you outside of the ring. He is truly one of the greatest champions of all time.”

Earlier in the evening, live on Twitch in the U.S. and around the world, Angel Acosta (22-2, 21 KOs) of Barrio Obrero Santurce, Puerto Rico, earned a victory on the scorecards for the first time in his professional career, earning a unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza (17-10-3, 8 KOs) of Baja California, Mexico, in an eight-round super flyweight fight. Fighting in his hometown of Salinas, Edwin Valentin (10-0, 9 KOs) remained perfect with a fifth-round technical knockout victory over fellow Puerto Rican Hector Marengo (7-15-4, 4 KOs). In the opening fight of the evening, Jose Roman (11-0, 5 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, bested Roque Junco (10-8-1, 6 KOs) via unanimous decision in an eight-round welterweight fight.

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico was former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell served as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside. The executive producers of tonight’s presentation of Ring City USA: Machado vs. Fierro on NBC Sports Network were Eric Weinberger, Jeff Huggins & Frank Samuel. The telecast was produced by David Gibson and directed by Matt Celli. 

Tonight’s full four-fight telecast will be available to watch on-demand on the NBC Sports App with authenticated sign-in. 

Ring City USA returns next Thursday, March 25 on NBC Sports Network to close out its three-event residency in Puerto Rico as one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing will take center stage between seven-division world champion and future Boxing Hall of Famer Amanda Serrano and three-division titlist Daniela Bermudez for Serrano’s WBO and WBC featherweight world titles. Follow Ring City USA on FacebookTwitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

RING CITY USA ANNOUNCES STACKED UNDERCARD for march 18 event in puerto rico

Live on NBC Sports Network and NBC Sports App

9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT

Twitch Prelims Start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Los Angeles – March 12, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020, announced a stacked undercard today for its March 18 event, the next fight night of the boxing outfit’s three-event residency in Puerto Rico. The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S, live from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas.

The six-fight event is headlined by another chapter in the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry as Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, battles Angel ‘Tashiro’ Fierro (17-1-1, 13 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, in a ten-round lightweight bout. Machado was previously slated to fight undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara who was forced to withdraw due to illness.

In the evening’s co-main event from Puerto Rico, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout.

The 28-year-old Martinez looks to stay in the win column following a second-round knockout of Yeison Vargas in February 2020 in San Juan, P.R. His last four victories have come by knockout.

Following a hard-fought twelve-round decision loss to pound-for-pound great Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in October 2020, the 24-year-old Gonzalez defeated Samuel Gutierrez just two months later in December 2020 in San Lucas, Mexico. Martinez has also challenged world champions Khalid Yafai and Jerwin Ancajas for their title belts in the last three years.

A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Fighting at Madison Square Garden on October 5, 2019, Ward suffered a severe knee injury in the second round which delivered Delgado a technical knockout victory. Ward has bounced back with two first round knockouts taking place in December 2020 in Mexico. Since the victory over Ward, Delgado has continued his winning ways with a six-round decision over previously undefeated Burley Brooks in December 2020 in Arlington, Texas.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

In the last three years, Cornejo has twice come up short against unified Super Middleweight World Champion Franchon Dezurn-Crews in her quest to win a world championship. Sandwiched between the two world title fights, Cornejo was victorious in a tremendous performance against veteran Erin Toughill on January 27, 2019 in front of her legion of hometown fans in Los Angeles.

A winner of her first seven fights, Ibarra looks to return to the win column following a hard-fought ten-round decision loss to undefeated WBA Interim Junior Middleweight Champion Raquel Miller on November 23, 2019.

In an eight-round flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif.

The 30-year-old Acosta made three successful defenses of his world title before losing to Elwin Soto in June 2019. In his last fight in October 2019, Acosta stopped Raymond Tabugon in the fifth round. The upset-minded Mendoza hits the ring following a hard-fought decision loss to top undefeated Mexican prospect Sergio Rios Jimenez.

Rounding out the card in a six-round junior lightweight battle, top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) will fight in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Follow Ring City USA on FacebookTwitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

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Josesito Lopez Scores Unanimous Decision Against Saul Corral In The Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions On FS1 & FOX Deportes From The Novo At L.A. Live

 
Alejandro Luna Earns A Unanimous Decision Over Andrey Klimov
 
Karlos Balderas Secures First Round Knockout Against Thomas Smith
 
Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions/Andy Samuelson
(Photos Will Be Available Shortly)
 
LOS ANGELES (April 9, 2017) – Josesito Lopez (35-7, 19 KOs) earned a decisive unanimous decision (100-89, 100-89, 100-89) over Saul Corral (21-9, 12 KOs) in the Ringstar Sports promoted main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes fromThe Novo at L.A. Live.
Although Corral was able to finish the fight, Lopez controlled the action throughout, dropping Corral to the canvas in the 10th round to cement the victory.
The co-main event saw Alejandro Luna (22-0, 15 KOs) defeat Andrey Klimov (19-4, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision (97-93, 98-92, 98-92) in a thrilling ten-round lightweight bout. Luna stunned Klimov on a couple of occasions, but the resilient Klimov would not be knocked out, instead going the distance in a fan-friendly battle.
The televised opener featured 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (1-0, 1 KO) getting a powerful stoppage in his professional debut over Thomas Smith (3-5-1, 2 KOs). Balderas stalked Smith with precision and forced Smith’s corner to throw in the towel following the first round.
The non-televised fights featured a slew of talented fighters making their highly anticipated professional debuts. 2016 Mexican Olympian and Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez (1-0) secured a unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) over Brian True (1-7-1, 1 KO) in four-round slugfest.
2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (1-0, 1 KO) landed punches in bunches againstRasheed Lawal (1-5-1). Stanionis applied pressure with two swarms of punches in the first round, the second barrage proving too much for Lawal and forced the referee to stop the fight in round one (2:35).
Lindolfo Delgado (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Luis Silva (3-10, 2 KOs) in round three (:33). Delgado knocked Silva down with a vicious uppercut in the second round and Silva never fully regained himself before his corner stopped the fight in the third frame.
Money Powell IV (1-0, 1 KO) used his height and reach advantage to dominate Todd Templeton (0-1), knocking Templeton down twice and then stunning him a third time before the referee stopped the action in the first round (2:55).
Here is what the fighters had to say following their bouts:
JOSESITO LOPEZ
Tonight was a result of all the work I put in over the last few months with Robert Garcia.
“I dropped him with a left hook, but he’s a gritty guy. He took some punishment. I was a little careful in there, though. It’s been a while since I fought some good rounds like that. There were a few times that I tried to go for the kill, but he’s tough guy and stayed alive.
“It felt good going the distance. My body felt good. More than anything, I was alert and my instincts were quick. I had good reflexes and I was sharp. I got hit with very few punches, so I think I did OK tonight.
“I’m coming along. This is my second fight coming back in two years. It’s a little process. I feel like for my next fight I’ll be that much better. I’m just focused on continuing to get better. I want to step it up for the next fight.
“We have a plan. Robert and I have only been training together for a short while, but the improvement is there and there’s more to come.
“I’m the Riverside Rocky and I want to be in exciting fights that friends and family members will remember for years. I definitely have the grit and the (guts) to get in there with the best of them. I’m a lot smarter inside the ring now.”
SAUL CORRAL
“I felt like my distance was off tonight. I think I need to spend more time sparring. I didn’t have a lot of sparring partners for this fight and I think that affected me.
“I thought when Lopez landed punches I came back strong, but I didn’t continue with the attacks because he was able to stop me.
“I just need to change some things up in training camp, and then I think I can get back to another big fight.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“Klimov is a very tough guy. We’ve seen him go the distance with Terrence Crawford. He’s fought the cream of the crop, so it’s an honor to get a win over him. He’s a top-level fighter, so this victory goes to show that we’re ready for any top-five lightweight.
“Our plan tonight was to work the body. We noticed he has a pretty high guard, so I wanted to go to the body to break him down little by little.
“I know that I hurt him with a couple body shots, but he recovered fast. Later on, I hit him with an overhand right that got to him, but he’s such a tough guy.
“My thing is always to please the crowd. I think this sport is as much about entertainment as it is skill and the fans want to see a show. That’s why I bring the action and do whatever I can to make it exciting for them.
“The last round wasn’t my best. He was outworking me a little, so as soon as the 10-second bell rang I wanted to close the fight out strong. Unfortunately, I opened up and we clashed heads, which caused the cut over my left eye.”
ANDREY KLIMOV
“I got staggered a little bit, but it wasn’t anything that I thought was going to turn my lights out.
“Luna is a very herky jerky fighter. The cut over my left eye came near the end of the fight when we clashed heads.
“I’m 35 years old. We’re going to go home and take some time to think about what’s next. I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of things in this sport. Now it’s time to talk with my family and decide my future.”
KARLOS BALDERAS
“We spent a lot of time sparring with great fighters to get ready for this fight. I think all the practice paid off and my speed was my biggest asset tonight.
“I think their corner stopped the fight because he was taking so many shots, but I’m not sure.
“I’m happy and excited to be a pro. I have so many people here tonight supporting me coming in from Oklahoma and Texas, so it’s an honor. I felt like a win wasn’t enough. I needed to make a statement.
“I’m going to try to stay busy. I’d like to fight every two months, so I hope to be back in June fighting again.”
THOMAS SMITH
“I really had a bad headache. After the first two punches, I thought I could take it. I know he has a good body shot, but it didn’t really affect me. But after the fourth and fifth good one, I knew it was too much. I didn’t want to go out there in the second round just to get hurt.”
MISAEL RODRIGUEZ
“I honestly thought it was going to be an easier opponent. I haven’t been active since the Olympics eight months ago, but I trained very hard for this fight and got the win tonight.
“I don’t think he brought anything to the table that was that different than what I’ve seen before, but it was my first pro fight and maybe there were some first fight jitters.
“I’ve never had a bloody nose before, so tonight was definitely something different for me, but I rolled with the punches.
“It means a lot to me to be a professional fighter now. I know the expectations are higher, and there are a lot of differences between the pros and amateurs, but it felt great in there.”
EIMANTAS STANIONIS
“I had a great camp, I have fantastic coaches and I work hard every day in the gym. Tonight, it all paid off.
“I saw that I was able to land some good shots, and I could tell I was getting to him a little bit, so I started throwing more and more to try and stop him.
“This has been a dream of mine forever. I grew up watching legends like Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, and now I’m a professional fighter just like them.
“I’m ready to continue proving myself. I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me.”
LINDOLFO DELGADO
“My team and I had a game plan and I followed it to the letter.
“The punch that I dropped (Silva) with was a left uppercut. Thankfully I was able to land it and I knew I had him hurt.
“Competing in Rio de Janeiro in the Olympics was an incredible experience and a good learning lesson for me, but now I’ve officially made my transition into the pros. It felt different in the ring tonight, but I was very prepared.
“I’m just going to continue training hard to build on this performance and little by little we’re going to reach our goals.”
MONEY POWELL IV
“I did what I wanted to do tonight. I dominated early. (Templeton) is a tough, old dude, and I want to thank him for taking this fight and allowing me to showcase my skills.
“I was just trying to start the fight out by controlling my distance and using my jab, but I could see he didn’t have much to offer, so I stopped using my jab so much. Once I realized I could land shots on him I went with my power punches because anything I threw was going to get him.
“Becoming a professional fighter is a dream come true for me. I always wanted to be a fighter ever since I was a little kid. Thankfully Richard Schaefer signed me and gave me a chance to realize my dream.
“This is only the beginning for me. I’m trying to be the best fighter that’s ever lived.”
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Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes  This Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in  Downtown Los Angeles & Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes

Josesito Lopez, Alejandro Luna, Misael Rodriguez & 
Maricela Cornejo Media Workout Quotes & Photos
 
 
 
Click HERE for Photos from Arnold Turner
 
LOS ANGELES (April 5, 2017) – Southern California-based fighters Josesito LopezAlejandro Luna, Misael Rodriguez and Maricela Cornejo hosted a media workout at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside Wednesday ahead of their bouts this Sunday, April 9 from the Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action is headlined by the former title challenger Lopez taking on Mexico’s Saul Corral in a welterweight matchup. Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features the unbeaten Luna facing former title challenger Andrey Klimov and the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
The 2016 Mexican Olympian and bronze medalist Rodriguez and the former title challengerCornejo will both enter the ring in separate undercard attractions.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday in front of over 100 attendees including media, civic leaders and boxing fans from the community
JOSESITO LOPEZ
“First thing is that I can’t look past my opponent on Sunday night. If all goes well, I know that bigger things are coming. I want to give fans fights that they’ll remember for years to come. I’m that guy who wants to make great fights.
“I know that I’m facing a tough fighter from Mexico. I always know that these guys come with a real hunger to win. I’ve prepared very well and I’m ready to put on a show Sundaynight.
“I’ve taken advantage of opportunities given to me in the past and I’m looking to take advantage of every one I get. I’m going to show off my abilities on Sunday.
“I’m in a good state of mind right now. I’ve been working for several months and I really feel 100 percent physically.
“This is going to be a good fight. He’s going to come with the will to win. I’ll be smart and use my abilities. I’ve been working on some new things and Sunday will be a glimpse of what’s left to come.
“It’s an honor for me to be the main event on a card with so many great young fighters. I remember that moment many years ago. These fighters are the future. This is just the beginning. I’m the present right now and I’m going to show that on Sunday.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“More than anything I think that the fans can expect fireworks. I’m fighting a crafty veteran guy in Klimov who has fought the best. He’s fought guys like Terrence Crawford and Jose Pedraza. Our styles are meant for each other and I think they’re going to clash. The fans are going to be the real winners.
“I say yes to every challenge they put in front of me. This is a big test. I feel confident in my training and I believe I can get past Klimov. I think getting this win shows that I’m ready to fight any champion in the lightweight division.
“I train 100 percent every time. I had a smooth camp and I’m ready to go. My work ethic is my secret weapon. I’m a believer that fights are won in the gym.
“I fight for the people every time I’m in the ring. They’re paying money to see a great fight and I want them to get their money’s worth.
“I’ve been under the radar but I think that in 2017 I’m going to put myself in the world title picture. I give it my all in the ring.”
MISAEL RODRIGUEZ
“I’m excited because I have a great team behind me with Richard Schaefer, Abner Mares and Robert Garcia. I feel strong and ready for this fight.
“I’m so happy to be fighting in Los Angeles, because it’s like a second Mexico. I hope the fans all come out to see me because I’m going to work hard to be the next Mexican superstar.
“I’m going to keep working and getting stronger and better. I have to be consistent and have good training camps so I can reach my goals.
“Training with Robert Garcia has been great. He has had a lot of champions and I hope that I will be next. Him and his whole family are good people and they’ve treated me like family. I’ve learned a lot already.
“I have to be smart in the ring. I’m a Mexican fighter in my heart and I always will be. But I have to be smart and be ready for anything in the ring.”
MARICELA CORNEJO
“Joel Diaz has helped me so much with the mental side of the game. The way he speaks so passionately about the sport, he transfers that to me. I feel that belief and trust. He gives me the right words to keep me going and unleash anything I was holding back.
“I work really hard at this sport. People didn’t see me when I was coming up, but It’s been a real journey. I’ve never backed down from anything. I’m proud to be a female fighter in the sport right now. Female athletes are getting more attention across the world than they ever have.
“Boxing means a lot to me. I’ve overcome a lot of obstacles. Getting in the ring and getting hit in the face is a lot easier than what I’ve had to go through. I love boxing because it’s all about going for the win no matter what is thrown in front of you.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“All of these young fighters we’re letting loose on Sunday are coming to fight. This won’t be ‘Dancing with the Stars’, they will come to engage and destroy. These guys all have advanced skills and I look forward to seeing them in the ring.
“Misael Rodriguez is a very charismatic person. He’s an entertainer and a fighter. With Abner behind him as a manager and Robert Garcia as a trainer, this is a kid who wants to surround himself with the best. Watching his career will be very exciting.
“Josesito had his biggest win, over Victor Ortiz, right across the street at Staples Center and he is ready for the next step in his career in a stacked welterweight division. I also believe that Alejandro Luna is on the cusp of being in world title contention if he can get through Klimov on Sunday. In addition, you have one of the most charismatic female stars in Maricela Cornejo going along with an incredible group of young talent making their debutson Sunday.
“With this new young class of fighters coming out of Southern California combined with world champions like Leo Santa Cruz, Mikey Garcia and Abner Mares, Los Angeles is on its way to being the fight capital of the world again.
“I’ve never done an event on a Sunday and it definitely doesn’t happen very often. I want to challenge the status quo and try different things. I am equally excited about this Sunday card as I have been for any card I’ve promoted because of all the great young talent.”
ABNER MARES, Rodriguez’s Manager
“I’m nervous and excited to see Misael in the ring on Sunday. He’s a fighter with a lot of heart and the desire to become a world champion just like I was coming out of the Olympics.
“Our goal is to have Misael fight six times this year. We’re going to go step-by-step to make him a champion.
“Misael is the future. He brings excitement and he’s likeable. He’s in a great weight class and the team he has behind him will get him to where he needs to go.
“Seeing Misael grow from the manager’s side will be as exciting if not more than my own progression. I can’t wait to take him to a world championship.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Karlos Balderas, Misael Rodriguez, Eimantas Stanionis & Lindolfo Delgado Host Media Workout in Advance of the Special Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Event Sunday, April 9 From
The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ricky Horne Jr./Ringstar Sports
 
LOS ANGELES (March 28, 2017) – A group of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent was on display at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood Tuesday, as the young fighters participated in a media workout in advance of their respective pro debuts taking placeSunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Participating in Tuesday’s workout was 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas of Santa Maria, Calif., who will make his pro debut in a six-round super featherweight contest featured on the Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast.
Also working out for the media was 2016 Team Mexico Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who is trained by Robert Garcia and managed by Abner Mares, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, who is trained by Freddie Roach and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado.
Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown, plus unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna facing former title challenger Andrey Klimov.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
KARLOS BALDERAS
“I’ve improved a lot working in the gym. I’m doing a lot of good sparring and strength and conditioning work. We’re training harder but also a lot smarter than ever.
“I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’ve prepared well. I’m taking this as seriously as a championship fight. You’re going to see a new Karlos Balderas on April 9.
“I definitely want to make Los Angeles my home for as many fights as possible. That’s where everything is happening. I want to make Los Angeles mine.
“I want to be in exciting fights as a professional. I’m proud of what I did in the amateurs and the Olympics, but I know this is an entirely different game. I’m looking to do even bigger and better things.
“I’m going to take it one fight at a time. I want to build a perfect record and build my fan base. I hope to be fighting for a world title in a few years. I know that I have the right team to get me there.
“I’m going to try to stay busy and get a fight every two months or so. My last fight was at the Olympics in Rio, but after this one I’ll be ready to stay in training throughout the year.
“I’ve known a lot of these other fighters here for a long time from all of the amateur tournaments. It’s nice to see us all coming together now as professionals. In the amateurs people pretty much stay with their own team, but this is the time for us to come together and learn from each other. It’s a great feeling to be a part this.
“Everyone knows a Carlos with a ‘C,’ so I wanted to stand out. As a professional and from here on out, I am going to be known as Karlos with a ‘K’.”
MISAEL RODRIGUEZ
“I feel very strong and I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m hungry to fight and prove myself in this sport.
“I’m looking forward to being in big fights. I know that it takes time. I will get there eventually and become a world champion.
“I’ve known Abner Mares for a long time because he was a Mexican Olympian as well and it was an easy decision to have him help me with my career.
“I knew after the Olympics that it was time to turn pro. Growing up as a Mexican child, all I wanted was to be a world champion. I want to be a fan-favorite for Mexicans.
“Los Angeles is like a second Mexico. It will feel like Mexico to me. I know that I will have a lot of fans coming from my hometown [Chihuahua, Mexico] to support me. I’m excited to work with Richard and put on more great fights.”
EIMANTAS STANIONIS
“I was very excited and eager when I first heard about the opportunity to train with Freddie Roach. I came out to California as soon as I could to start training.
“I’m working very hard. I give it my all in training and I leave everything in the gym every single day. I’m just going to keep doing my best.
“The Olympics were a very good experience for me. I won a lot of tournaments to get there and that road has led me to this moment.
“I met Richard Schaefer at the Olympics and that’s what led to me signing with Ringstar. I’m very happy to be with Richard and I’m excited for this first step.
“I want to start making my mark in the welterweight division. This is a division with big stars that I’d love to face one day.
“I never thought I would live in Hollywood, but here I am and I love Los Angeles.”
LINDOLFO DELGADO
“I had an awesome experience in the Olympics and it gave me a lot of confidence heading into my pro career. I’m excited to finally be able to enter the ring and I hope all of us Olympians give spectacular performances.
“It’s an honor to be turning pro on this same card with my Mexican teammate, Misael Rodriguez. I’m very happy for Karlos and Eimantas too and I look forward to being on more shows with them.
“I can’t wait to compete and show off my talent to all the fans. I’m going to keep improving my skills and I believe one day I’ll be able to become another Mexican world champion.
“Signing with Ringstar was the best choice that I could have made and I think there will be a lot of success for Ringstar and for me. This will be a great first step.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“With Karlos Balderas you have someone with the skills in the ring, the personality and the character outside of the ring as well. The combination of all of this will ultimately, make him the new face of the sport.
“There always has to be somebody who carries the Southern California boxing scene. Right now there is a void. I see Karlos very quickly becoming the King of L.A. and become a star in the sport.
“This will be a big night for Mexican boxing. Both Misael and Lindolfo have a lot of discipline and worked very hard to earn the opportunity to represent their country and they will bring that work ethic into the pros.
“Lindolfo Delgado is the ‘Pretty Boy’ and I expect him to bring a lot of female fans, while Misael is the first Mexican boxer in 16 years to bring a medal back from the Olympics, which I think is very significant.
“Freddie told me that the only other time he saw someone walk through the door with as much natural talent as Stanionis, is when Manny Pacquiao came through that door.
“I’m excited for opening night on April 9. It’s the beginning of the next generation of stars. To see them all in one night is going to be very special.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Stanionis’ Trainer
“This is a great show for the future of boxing. You have four talented Olympians on this show. I can’t wait for Stanionis to show his skills to the world.
“Stanionis sparred with five of Miguel Cotto’s sparring partners and he knocked down three of them if that tells you anything about his power.
“I just want him to go out there and have some fun and do his job. We’re not going to go out there looking for a first round knockout, but if it comes, that’s a bonus. We’re going to show our skills and win every minute of every round.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Rodriguez’s Trainer
“I’ve been working with Misael for about three months after Abner brought him to me. With Mexico behind him and winning a bronze medal, that’s huge already. We have a game plan with this kid that we’re going to execute.
“Misael was only on the Mexican team for two years. He was the least experienced member of the team. He’s going to get a lot of experience while fighting as a pro.
“We’re going to keep him busy and definitely want him fighting in Mexico. He’s going to keep gaining more confidence each time he enters the ring.”
ABNER MARES, Rodriguez’s Manager
“I just wanted to help out Misael on the business side of the sport and that’s why I got involved in his career. I brought him to Robert’s gym to spar and everyone saw that he has a lot of skills.
“Being a bronze medalist from Mexico is a big thing to bring into the pros and I think it’s something the Mexican fans can get behind. Misael has room to grow but I believe the skills are there to be a world champion.
“I’m hoping to use my experience and my relationships to get him the right fights and put him in a position to reach his full potential.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Make Their Professional Debuts Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown  Los Angeles

 
2016 Mexican Olympian & Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez
 Amateur Star Money Powell IV, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian
Eimantas Stanionis & 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado
Enter The Ring in Undercard Action
LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) – A host of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent will take the stage and make their professional debuts in separate bouts that make up a stacked undercard on Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
The decorated amateurs who will turn pro in separate four-round bouts are 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who enters the ring in a middleweight clash, top-rated U.S. amateur Money Powell IV, whowill compete in a super welterweight bout, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, whofights in a welterweight attraction and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado, whowill battle in lightweight action.
“This is going to be a tremendous night from top to bottom as the top talent from Ringstar Sports will begin their quests for superstardom,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “From 2016 Olympians like Misael Rodriguez, Lindolfo Delgado and Eimantas Stanionis to an accomplished amateur like Money Powell IV, fans at The Novo will be treated to outstanding bouts featuring top talent from start to finish.”
Additional action will see former world title challenger and Los Angeles-native Maricela Cornejo (6-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight bout. The 29-year-old lost a narrow split decision in a middleweight world title fight against Kali Reis last April in New Zealand. Cornejo picked up two wins in the last three months of 2016 and will return seeking another world title opportunity on April 9.
Rounding out the night of fights will be former world title challenger Roberto Marroquin(25-4-1, 18 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, plus exciting prospect Alejandro Guerrero(2-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
The April 9 event is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown. Premier Boxing Championson FS1 and FOX Deportes coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna battling Andrey Klimov and the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.
At last year’s Rio games, the 22-year-old Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IVdedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell will campaign at super welterweight as a professional.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 22-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis hopes to build his way up to contention in one of the premiere division in boxing.
A teammate of Rodriguez on the 2016 Mexican Olympic team, Delgado will now look to accomplish the professional dreams he’s sought since he started boxing at 10 years old. The 22-year-old would eventually capture gold at the 2016 American Olympic Qualification and earn his trip to Rio. Born in Linares but training in Tijuana, Delgado compiled a 139-15 amateur record that included a victory over former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng.
The 27-year-old Marroquin won his first 19 pro fights after a stellar amateur career that culminated in a runner-up performance in the 2007 U.S. Olympic trials. The Dallas-native challenged unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux for a 122-pound title in 2012 and has picked up victories over Antonio Escalante, Kiun Evans and Miguel Soto since.
Representing Irving, Texas, Guerrero made his pro debut on June 25, 2016 in Dallas. The 19-year-old stopped Luis Caballero in his first start and followed it up with a decision over Manuel David Lopez Macias in October.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.