Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Drops Abraham Han on His Way to Unanimous Decision Victory

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Claudio Marrero Scores Sensational First Round Knockout Over

Previously Unbeaten Jorge Lara

Klik Kene for Photos from Hosanna Rull/

Premier Boxing Champions

STEP, TX. (April 28, 2018) – Rugged veteran contender Josesito Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) menang kaputusan unanimous liwat Miguel Cruz (17-1, 11 KOs)in a welterweight attraction that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

“I beat a great undefeated fighter tonight and I was able to out class him,” said Lopez. “I have some boxing ability clearly. I used my skills tonight. I felt that I dominated the pace, out worked him and I never let him do anything that hurt me.”

“Josesito was stronger than I thought,” said Cruz. “I took a little too long to get off and get going and it cost me.”

The action began to heat up in round three as Lopez broke through and began landing flush on Cruz to the head. Lopez controlled the action against Cruz on the ropes and when the real estate shifted to the middle of the ring.

Cross, who stated before the fight that attacking the body would be key, was twice deducted points by referee Rafael Ramos for low blows, once in round five and again in round six. This forced Cruz to abandon his predominant strategy.

“I didn’t agree with the calls on the low blows,” said Cruz. “I didn’t get a chance to work the body like I wanted. That was the plan coming in. They took it away from me.

“This is just another step in my journey. I didn’t get hurt or anything. I just need to get better in the gym and keep working combinations. I just have to get better.”

Under the guidance of renowned trainer Robert Garcia, Lopez boxed effectively and worked through the body attack and low blows to consistently win rounds and keep Cruz’s offense mostly at bay. Sawise 10 babak, judges ruled in favor of Lopez by scores of 98-90 lan 99-89 kaping pindho.

“I think the biggest difference has been Robert Garcia in my corner,” said Lopez. “He has me living a healthier lifestyle and that played a big part in my victory. I have an elite trainer who is training me like an elite fighter. I was one step behind in the past, but now I think I’ve made up that distance and then some.

“Welterweight has a lot of good fighters, but I know I can compete with them. I’m a fan-friendly fighter who’s always going to leave it all in the ring.”

The co-main event saw former world champion Anthony Dirrell (32-1, 24 KOs) drop El Paso’s Abraham Han (26-4, 16 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision in their 10-round super middleweight contest.

“I thought I did well tonight boxing him for 10 babak,” said Dirrell. “I didn’t think I lost a round. Two of the judges thought so but I can’t do anything about that. Aku iya iki mestine aku nindakake.

“Han has an incredible chin. He took everything I gave him. I even went to the body and gave it to him there. I was trying to go the body until the end but he still stood up. All I could do was keep pressuring him and get the victory.”

Greeted by a chorus of boos upon entering the ring, Dirrell sent the hometown fighter to the canvas with a right hand to the head late in round one as the bell rang. Han tried to use his movement, switching stances and tying Dirrell up to frustrate his opponent, and had some success as the two men wrestled each other to the canvas in the waning moments of round four and continued to push and shove on the ground until they were broken up by referee Laurence and sent to their corners.

Han was able to occasionally land clean punches, but nothing that ever disrupted the attack from Dirrell, who was too consistent and sharp with his power punches. Han believed that his lack of an effective jab hurt him in this fight.

“I wasn’t happy with my performance,” said Han. “I couldn’t get my jab going at all. If I had been more effective with that I think I would have been able to win more rounds.”

Sawise 10 rounds of action, all three judges score the bout in favor of Dirrell by scores of 100-89 lan 99-90 kaping pindho. Dirrell, a former titleholder at 168-pounds vowed that he plans to fight one more time, for a world title.

“The champions at 168-pounds better look out,” said Dirrell. “It’s going to be my last fight but I’m hungry to win another title.”

The opening bout of the telecast saw exciting featherweight contender Claudio Marrero (23-2, 16 KOs) deliver a stunning one punch knockout of Jorge Lara (29-1-2, 21 KOs) in the first round of their featherweight bout.

“I knew he would be aggressive and we worked very hard in training camp to achieve this,” said Marrero. “I saw my opportunity and I knew that it was over once I connected.”

“I just got caught with a great punch,” Said Lara. “I wanted to be aggressive and give the fans a great show. It didn’t go my way. I’ll be back and I’ll be better. I’m going to get back to work and keep pushing toward my goals.”

Lara charged forward in the opening seconds, but was caught by a perfect left hook from Marrero during one of the early exchanges in the fight and was sent to the canvas. While he tried to get to his feet, he was clearly hurt as referee Rocky Burke halted the bout 33 seconds into the opening round.

“This was a message to the whole division,” said Marrero. “I’m a championship-caliber fighter and I showed it again tonight. I’m ready to take on every champion out there. I want the best challenges and I proved tonight that I’m able to beat anyone. I have all the skills and I can’t wait to show them off against the best.”

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PBC ing Fox & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 28 from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas

Klik Kene for Photos from Juan Yepez/TGB Promotions

STEP, TX (April 4, 2018) – Fighters competing on an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions ing FOX and FOX Deportes hosted a press conference in El Paso, Texas Wednesday ahead of their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 28from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.

In attendance Wednesday was former title challenger Josesito Lopez and unbeaten welterweight Miguel Cruz, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus El Paso’s Abraham Han, who battles former champion Anthony Dirrell in a super middleweight contest, and unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara, who faces exciting brawler Claudio Marreroin a featherweight matchup.

Tickets for the show, kang wis disedhiyakake dening TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from the Wyndham El Paso Hotel:

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I feel really good physically and I’m excited for this fight. This is the kind of fight I’ve been looking for. I have a good undefeated opponent in front of me who’s coming to win. That motivates me.

“I’m completely focused and I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. On April 28 I’m going to give it my all and come out with this victory. I refuse to lose this fight.

“It’s been a dream to fight in Texas and I’m so happy to be here in El Paso. I’m going to embrace this challenge and give the fans what they deserve.

“I know that I have to be ready for anything and with Robert Garcia in my corner, there’s no doubt I’ll be prepared. Cruz is young and hungry but I just have to show why I’ve been competing at a high level for so long.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“I’m very excited to be here in this fight. I have a lot of respect for what Josesito Lopez has done in this game. There’s no doubt he’s an accomplished fighter. I believe this is my time.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring to win this fight. That’s what I feel in my heart. I believe in my training. I’ve been working and working and I know what’s in front of me.

“This isn’t going to be easy. It won’t be easy for me and it sure won’t be easy for him. Don’t miss this fight on April 28.

“This is going to be a great show from top to bottom. I know the Mexican fans in El Paso will be out in full. It’s an honor to compete on this stage against a great competitor. I’m ready for the test.”

ABRAHAM HAN

“I’m fighting a former world champion at 168-pounds. Anthony Dirrell is a great fighter and I know that I’m going to have to avoid his power. I’m going to be quick and use all my skills.

“This is going to be a great fight on April 28. I’m fighting in my hometown of El Paso, and I do not lose here. Something about this town turns me into a ‘super saiyan.’

“I’m going to be strong and when I get the opportunity, I’m looking to hurt Dirrell. This is a fight that can get me to a world title fight.

“My sister, (IBF Featherweight World Champion) Jennifer Han, was the first women’s world champion from El Paso. I’m looking to become the first male world champion from here. El Paso needs to come out and support one of its’ own on April 28. This is a great fight town and we have a chance to show everyone on fight night.”

Jorge LARA

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here in El Paso. I’m very motivated for this fight and honored to battle with Claudio Marrero.

“We will leave El Paso with my hand raised. I know that this will be a tough fight, but I’m training very hard to get this win. This is a chance to prove that I deserve a world title shot.

“I feel I’m ready to challenge anyone in the division right now. I’m going to earn it in the ring and keep working hard every day until I have that belt around my waist.”

Robert Garcia, Lopez’s Trainer

“We have a great team in the gym and we’re focused on Josesito’s fight on April 28. We know Cruz is a tough fight. He’s an undefeated fighter that knows a win over Josesito could get him a title fight.

“Since Josesito’s been with me we’ve been working hard and training for over two years. He’s improved so much and come April 28 he’s going to show everyone that he’s ready to challenge the world champions. We have to beat guys like Cruz to get to those fights.

“The fans in Texas are always great. This is a great boxing city and every time we’re in El Paso we get nothing but love. We appreciate it and hope to see you all at the fight.”

O’NEIL WATSON, Cruz’s Trainer

“I have a young fighter who I’ve been with since he was twelve years old. He got his first win with me. I’ve been there to guide him through everything he’s done in boxing.

“If you want to be a world champion, you have to be willing to fight guys like Josesito Lopez. We know what we’re preparing for and I know that Miguel Cruz is going to end the night with the win.”

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Rugged Veteran Josesito Lopez Battles Unbeaten 147

Pound Contender Miguel Cruz in Welterweight Showdown

Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Takes On El Paso’s Abraham Han in 168-pound Matchup

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Unbeaten Jorge Lara Squares-Off Against Claudio Marrero

In a Featherweight Clash

Tickets on Sale Today at 10 a.m. MT!

STEP, TX (Maret 28, 2018) – Action will be the order of the evening as a trio of hotly-contested showdowns will highlight an exciting night Saturday, April 28 live in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Josesito Lopez, known as “The Riverside Rocky”, will battle rising contender Miguel Cruz in a 10-round welterweight showdown. Mantan juara dunia kelas menengah super Anthony Dirrell takes on El Paso’s Abraham Han in a 10-round 168-pound skirmish. The night also features unbeaten Mexican featherweight contenderJorge Lara clashing with Dominican brawler Claudio Marrero in the 10-round opening bout that kicks off coverage at 8:30 P.M. Lan / 5:30 P.M. PT.

Tickets for the show, kang wis disedhiyakake dening TGB Promotions, are on sale today, Maret 28 ing 10 a.m. MT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

“This is an all-action show that has all of the elements that boxing fans have come to love,” ngandika Tom Brown, Presiden TGB Promotions. “Miguel Cruz is a talented rising contender who will be taking a major step up against a hardened veteran in Josesito Lopez. Anthony Dirrell is a former world champion who is anxious to get back into the title picture and El Paso’s own Abraham Han has title aspirations of his own. And Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero are two of the biggest punchers in the featherweight division. It promises to be a very entertaining show for boxing fans.”

Lopez (35-7, 19 KOs) is a battle-tested veteran who has been in the ring with some of the top boxers in the sport, including Marcos Maidana, Saul “Metalicos Davila” Alvarez and Jessie Vargas. The 33-year-old Lopez of Riverside, California scored one of the biggest wins of his career when he stopped Victor Ortiz by TKO in 2012. He has been on a two-fight win streak since losing to Andre Berto and in his last fight he defeated Saul Corral by a unanimous decision on April 9, 2017 live on FS1.

“Miguel Cruz has not faced a fighter on my level,” said Lopez. “I’m the most experienced fighter that Cruz will have fought. I’m confident in my abilities and the fact that I will come out with a victory. I’m ready to go straight through Miguel Cruz and prove I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.”

Cross (17-0, 11 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career when he takes on Lopez. The 27-year-old Cruz of Lake Mary, Florida was a member of the Puerto Rican national team as an amateur and picked up four victories in 2017. In his last fight he battled adversity by overcoming two cuts to score a unanimous decision over David Grayton on Nov. 21 on FS1 and also defeated then unbeaten Alex Martin twice in 2017 in a pair of exciting contests on FS1.

“I am incredibly excited to have a fight of this magnitude because this is what I’ve always worked for,” said Cruz. “I’m so ready to test my skills against somebody like Josesito Lopez. I belong to a new era in boxing, and I’m going to shine for the world on April 28. This is going to be an amazing fight for the fans and I’m ready for everyone to enjoy my performance.”

Dirrell (31-1-1, 24 KOs), a former super middleweight world champion from Flint, Michigan, is coming off a technical decision victory over Denis Douglin in November on FS1. The 33-year-old Dirrell won the title with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2015 before dropping a majority decision in 2016 to Badou Jack. Since that loss, Dirrell has won four straight, including a TKO victory over current 168-pound world champion Caleb Truax in 2016.

“Abraham Han is a good fighter coming off of a tough draw with J’Leon Love, and a guy you can’t look past,” said Dirrell. “Caleb Truax proved that by beating James DeGale for the title, so I’m truly focused on this fight right now. He’s a tall, switch-hitter who comes straight forward, but that’s nothing I can’t handle because I’m always ready and in shape to stick to my game plan and execute. I’m always looking for the knockout, and if it comes, then it comes, and I’ll get him out of there.”

Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs) returns to fight in his hometown of El Paso for the ninth time, including a victory he picked up at Don Haskins Center in his fifth pro fight. The 33-year-old is looking to rebound from a technical draw against J’Leon Love last September, in a fight many thought Han was winning before the referee stopped the fight due to a cut caused by an accidental headbutt. He had won three fights in a row heading into that bout against Love.

“Anthony Dirrell probably sees me as someone that he can beat while he waits for a title shot, but I’m looking to mess up his plans,” said Han. “I felt like I won my last fight with J’Leon and would have easily beat him if it wasn’t stopped. This is another great opportunity to fight in my hometown of El Paso. I’ll focus on winning round-by-round and putting on a great show for my fans. I know everyone is going to come out and support me and help carry me to this victory.”

Lara (29-0-1, 21 KOs) has scored two victories, including a knockout against former champion Fernando Montiel, since he had a technical draw against Jesus Rojas in 2015. He knocked down Montiel four times on the way to the first round stoppage in their April 2016 showdown on FOX. The 27-year-old southpaw from Guadalajara, Mexico has shown heavy hands for a featherweight and is coming off a TKO victory over Mario Briones in his last fight on May 20 ing FS1.

“I have been training with former champion Alejandro Gonzalez, and four weeks out from the fight, I am already in excellent condition and in tremendous fighting shape,” Said Lara. “I know that this is a very important fight, and that Marrero is a very tough opponent, but I am going to be the winner because I am determined to continue on my road toward winning a world title. Sawisé iku, we’ll see which champion will be ready to give me the opportunity.”

Marrero (22-2, 16 KOs) was riding an eight-fight win streak before losing by knockout to Jesus Rojas in his last fight. Inside of that eight-fight win streak the 29-year-old Dominican southpaw scored a sensational knockout victory over Carlos Zambrano to earn an interim featherweight title on FS1. The only other blemish on Marrero’s record was a unanimous decision loss to former world champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013.

“I’m excited to be fighting on April 28 on this great show in El Paso,” said Marrero. “I’m fighting an undefeated tough Mexican fighter, but this is the type of fight I wanted to put myself back into title contention. I’m really excited to get in there. Come fight night, you will see ‘The Matrix’ in full effect. Don’t miss it because it’s going to be a great fight.”

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