LAS VEGAS (January 12, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS) has finalized plans for its inaugural “4-Man Lightweight Tournament,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, with the semifinals on February 24th at Palenque De La Expo in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.
At its 59th annual World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention in Mexico City this past November, the WBC committee approved to sanction the WCBS’ “4-Man lightweight Tournament,” created by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor.
“We are extremely grateful for the WBC to sanction our upcoming ‘4-Man Lightweight Tournament,’” Taylor said. “The semifinals will be held February 24th, the championship final June 2nd. The World Boxing Council will crown the winner of the ‘4-Man Tournament’ as its new WBC Latino Lightweight Champion.”
“The WBC hopes to be able to sanction more World Cup Boxing Series tournaments and create great regional champions to enter our world rankings and achieve their goals with the WBC,” WBC Latino President Alberto Guerra commented.
The WCBS “4-Man Tournament” semifinals matchups have been announced: Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Rodolfo “Rudy” Flores (14-5, 6 KOs), Alberto “El Alacan” Ruiz (11-4, 8 KOs) vs. Isai “Gaga” Hernandez (11-2-2, 7 KOs).
Semifinal’s action will be contested in 8-round bouts, 10 rounds for the championship final. The WCBS will also feature one “overtime” round, if needed, to declare a winner in the event of a draw upon the conclusion of the scheduled distance.
WCBS will also be offering a “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout” bonuses to each contestant through the duration of its “4-Man Lightweight Tournament.”
The 20-year-old Torres is the favorite going into the tournament. The southpaw is a former WBC Youth Silver lightweight champion who has cruised through his first 14 opponents since making his pro debut in 2017. His last fight was an impressive 10-round decision over Guillermo Avila Godinez (19-11) this past December in Ciudad Obregon.
Flores, 26, has won two of his last three fights. His most notable wins have been by decision versus Jesus Acosta Zazueta (16-5-2) and Jairo Lopez (18-5). Last August, Ruiz upset 15-0 WBC Latino Lightweight Champion Jair Valtierra by way of a fifth-round knockout to capture the crown. Hernandez has won five of his last six matches, excluding a “no-contest” in his last fight against 13-0-1 Francisco Lopez, in which Hernandez was holding his own until the fight was stopped due to an accidental headbutt.
“To have undefeated Luis Torres, Mexico’s top-rated lightweight prospect, and the last one to be WBC Latino champion, Alberto Ruiz, in this tournament should show everyone the quality fighters we are providing,” Taylor concluded. “Any man can be defeated on any given night and that’s the beauty of a tournament model.”
Live from Jalisco Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico – Saturday, June 19
Las Vegas, NV – The undercard for Tribute to the Kings – Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. is coming to beIN SPORTS Saturday, June 19. The network announces it will broadcast the entire undercard live from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico Saturday, June 19 starting at 7:00 p.m. EST.
“World-class boxing has been a key component of our offering since beIN SPORTS launched and this latest addition to our lineup continues this tradition,” said Antonio Briceño, Managing Director for beIN SPORTS in North America. “We are excited to bring these highly anticipated matchups to our passionate fans, especially those in our U.S. Hispanic community.”
“Real boxing fans know that beIN SPORTS is the premier destination for premier fights, so we are pleased to have its global network of sports channels presenting our ‘Tribute to the Kings’ live undercard Saturday, June 19,” said Armando Bareno, CEO and Founder, Global Sports Streaming. “This deal with beIN SPORTS allows us to deliver a complete night of competitive boxing – from the first bout to the Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Junior marquis matchup – to fight fans all over the world.”
beIN SPORTS will present seven big fights prior to the start of the Pay-Per-View portion of the Tribute To The Kings card.
The undercard headliner on beIN SPORTS will be the super featherweight clash between Jose Acosta and Leonardo Padilla.
Acosta of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-2-1 with 10 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a five-year professional who owns a win over previously undefeated Jorge Zavala.
Padilla of Petare, Venezuela has a record of 19-3 with 14 knockouts. The 25 year-old is a seven-year professional, and has won the WBA Fedebol Super Featherweight title with a win Daniel Miranda (13-2). He has also fought current WBA Super Featherweight world champion Roger Gutierrez. Padilla is coming off a win over Dionis Martinez on December 19th.
Cesar Gutierrez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico fights Oscar Mejia (14-4, 6 KOs) of Auguscalientes, Mexico in a featherweight contest.
Mario Ramirez (15-1, 4 KOs) of Camalu, Mexico will take on Pedro Castro (8-2, 4 KOs) in a super feather battle.
Jose Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico squares off Jonathan Perez (6-1, 3 KOs) of Morelio, Mexico in a featherweight affair.
Erik Inunza (7-2, 7 KOs) of Culican, Mexico fights Carlos Daniel Acosta (8-4) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a super featherweight fight.
In swing bout action:
Oscar Munguia (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on Ricardo Badilo (7-1, 1 KO) in a Featherweight bout.
Karen Rubio (5-1) who is a cousin to the Chavez family of Culican, Mexico will fight Estefany Alegria (1-0) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.
Headlining the Tribute to the Kings Pay-Per-View portion of the event will be MMA legend “The Spider” Anderson Silva competing in his first major boxing match vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
The co-main event will see the great Julio Cesar Chavez Senior take the ring for the last time to fight Hector “Little Macho” Camacho Jr., the son of the man he beat in the historic boxing match “Chavez vs. Camacho in 1992.
Tribute to the Kings – Chavez Jr. vs. Silva will be available for live viewing on cable, shown on cable, satellite and digital Pay Per View, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on for a suggested retail price of only $39.99. Integrated Sports Media and Joe Hand Promotions will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH, SaskTel, Rogers, Shaw PPV and via the FITE.TV website and app in the United States, Canada and select markets world-wide.
In the televised opener of the live Pay-Per-View, Kevin “Diamond Boy” Torres will fight Jorge Luis “Silencioso” Melendez in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. The main card also includes a much-anticipated trilogy bout and rubber match between Omar Chavez and Ramon Alvarez, and a heated 10-round battle for the NABO Super Welterweight Title between Damian “Samurai” Sosa and Abel “Authentico” Mina.
For more information, please visit www.beINSPORTS.com. Follow us on Instagram @beINSPORTSUSA, Twitter at @beINSPORTSUSA and @ESbeINSPORTS, and like us on Facebook beIN SPORTS USA for breaking news and real-time updates.
About beIN SPORTS USA Launched in 2012, beIN SPORTS offers viewers world-class sports content and entertainment across multiple platforms including TV channels beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español, live streaming on beIN SPORTS CONNECT, and free English-language network, beIN SPORTS XTRA. A cornerstone of beIN SPORTS is its unrivaled live soccer coverage, which includes live matches from Ligue 1,Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Recopa Sudamericana, Coupe de France, Turkish Süper Lig, Africa Cup of Nations, CAF Confederation Cup, CAF Champions League and International Friendlies as well as news and in-depth analysis of all the top leagues from around the world. In addition to soccer, beIN SPORTS serves as a haven for fans of wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), skiing and handball, among others. Through beIN SPORTS CONNECT, authenticated subscribers can also enjoy all the exciting action from the two networks and stream live overflow matches offered in HD on their computer, tablet or smartphone. Fans can also experience live high-quality sports properties for free via beIN SPORTS XTRA. This includes season-long access to XTRA soccer matches, XTRA combat sports, XTRA adventure sports, XTRA original studio productions, and a robust library of historically relevant sporting events. Follow beIN SPORTS on Instagram at @beINSPORTSUSA, Twitter at @beINSPORTSUSA and @ESbeINSPORTS, and Facebook at beIN SPORTS USA for the latest updates on beIN SPORTS coverage. For more information, visit www.beINSPORTS.com and www.beINSPORTSXTRA.com.
Jose Acosta vs. Leonardo Padilla highlights Non Pay-Per-View action before Tribute To The Kings on Saturday, June 19th at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ, JR. vs. ANDERSON SILVA “TRIBUTE TO THE KINGS” – SATURDAY, JUNE 19 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW
Guadalajara, Mexico (June 10, 2021) –Seven big fights will be featured before the big Tribute To The Kings Pay-Per-view on Saturday June 19th at The Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Headlining the non pay-per-view action will be a eight-round super featherweight clash between Jose Acosta and Leonardo Padilla.
Acosta of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-2-1 with 10 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a five-year professional who owns a win over previously undefeated Jorge Zavala.
Padilla of Petare, Venezuela has a record of 19-3 with 14 knockouts. The year-old is a seven-year professional, and has won the WBA Fedebol Super Featherweight title with a win Daniel Miranda (13-2). He has also fought current WBA Super Featherweight world champion Roger Gutierrez. Padilla is coming off a win over Dionis Martinez on December 19th.
Cesar Gutierrez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico fights Oscar Mejia (14-4, 6 KOs) of Auguscalientes, Mexico in a six-round featherweight contest.
Mario Ramirez (15-1, 4 KOs) of Camalu, Mexico will take on Pedro Castro (8-2, 4 KOs) in a eight-round super feather battle.
Jose Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico squares off Jonathan Perez (6-1, 3 KOs) of Morelio, Mexico in a eight-round featherweight affair.
Erik Inunza (7-2, 7 KOs) of Culican, Mexico fights Carlos Daniel Acosta (8-4) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a six-round super featherweight fight.
In swing bouts:
Oscar Munguia (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on Ricardo Badilo (7-1, 1 KO) in a Featherweight bout.
Karen Rubio (5-1) who is a cousin to the Chavez family of Culican, Mexico will fight Estefany Alegria (1-0) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a four-round bantamweight fight.
Headlining the Tribute to the Kings Pay-Per-View portion of the event will be MMA legend “The Spider” Anderson Silva competing in his first major boxing match vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
The co-main event will see the great Julio Cesar Chavez Senior take the ring for the last time to fight Hector “Little Macho” Camacho, the son of the man he beat in the historic boxing match “Chavez vs. Camacho in 1992.
Tribute to the Kings – Chavez Jr. vs. Silva will be available for live viewing on cable, shown on cable, satellite and digital Pay Per View, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on for a suggested retail price of only $39.99. Integrated Sports Media and Joe Hand Promotions will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH, SaskTel, Rogers, Shaw PPV and via the FITE.TVwebsite and app in the United States, Canada and select markets world-wide.
In addition to Silva vs. Chavez, Jr., Tribute to The Kings will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance when he takes on Hector Camacho, Jr. in a six round exhibition. Camacho will fight Chavez in honor of his late father and Boxing Hall of Famer, Hector “Macho” Camacho, who lost to Chavez in their historic fight in 1992.
In the televised opener of the live Pay-Per-View, Kevin “Diamond Boy” Torres will fight Jorge Luis “Silencioso” Melendez in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. The main card also includes a much-anticipated trilogy bout and rubber match between Omar Chavez and Ramon Alvarez, and a heated 10-round battle for the NABO Super Welterweight Title between Damian “Samurai” Sosa and Abel “Authentico” Mina.
Guadalajara, Mexico (March 30, 2021) – It is Official!! — The Legend Anderson Silva has agreed to fight Julio Chavez Jr. in “Tribute to the Kings” in a boxing match on Saturday June 19th to be broadcast on Pay Per View in North America.
Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, will take on former WBC Middleweight Champion of the world Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. in a boxing match on June 19th at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Silva of Curitiba Brazil was the longest reigning middleweight Champion for the UFC and compiled a record of 34 victories with 11 losses and 23 stunning knockouts. His boxing record is 13 – 1. Chavez, Jr. has a record of 52-5-1 with 34 knockouts.
“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain! I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr. I train continuously, always am striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath,” said Silva.
““I have rededicated myself to the sport I love and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva. I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19th,” said Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Keith Schoen, of Schoen Entertainment, working in concert with Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming (GSS) have secured the deal with Anderson Silva for this bout with Julio Chavez Jr. The promoter for this event is Jorge Toscano of Toscano Boxing Promotions and Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing Promotions who are represented by Attorney Gino Mazzanti.
“This promises to be an epic battle between two superior fighters with a global fan base. Everyone associated with this Pay-Per-View promotion, and fight fans from around the globe are super enthusiastic to see these two great fighters meet in the ring,” said Keith Schoen. Anderson Silva is represented by ICM Partners, and managed by Talize Sayegh of Ducais Talent Management.
Said Jorge Toscano of Toscano Promotions, “We are excited to complete this deal and bring an entertaining night of boxing for the combat sport community.”
Fellow co-promoter Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing said, “Anderson Silva is the greatest MMA fighter, and a great boxer so to have him fight Chavez Jr. for his first fight after leaving the UFC makes for an intriguing night of boxing.”
Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming stated, ““When you hear the names Chavez, Camacho, & Alvarez you know those are big names in boxing. Now adding Silva’s name to boxing; this made a special night even bigger with the GOAT of MMA fighting in a boxing match.”
This Massive Event “Tribute to The Kings” will be live on Pay-Per-View and will also feature a special Exhibition bout that will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. Camacho will be honoring the legacy of his late Hall of Fame father.
Philadelphia, Pa. – February 11, 2020 – Banner Promotions has signed undefeated heavyweight Isaac Munoz Gutierrez to a co-promotional deal with United Promotions.
Gutierrez, 27 years-old of Torreon Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico has a record of 12-0-1 with 10 knockouts.
“We are happy to bring Isaac to Banner Promotions. He is a very good prospect that was brought to my attention by Don MacDonald of United Promotions. I have seen him and he has good power. I feel that he will make waves in the heavyweight division,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.
“I feel very happy to sign with Banner Promotions. Being with a big company will be great for my career. With Banner and United Promotions, I feel my career can go to big heights, and I am grateful for that,” Said Gutierrez.
“I have known Artie Pelullo for 25 years, and I know what he can do. I feel Artie and Banner Promotions is the promoter that will make the inroads for Isaac in the heavyweight division,” said Don MacDonald of United Promotions.
Gutierrez was 220-20 as an amateur, and was a multi-time Mexican National champion, and was part of the Mexican National boxing team for two years. Gutierrez competed in the World Series of Boxing.
Gutierrez turned professional on September 9, 2011 with a 1st round stoppage over Misael Jossy Chavez. Gutierrez has established himself as a power puncher, and is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Jesus Alberto Martinez Torres on September 7th.
“We are extremely happy to sign with Banner Promotions. This is exactly what we wanted, and need for Isaac’s career. I have known about Banner Promotions and Artie Pelullo for a long time, and I know he can get Isaac to the top level,” said Gutierrez manager, Manuel Garrido.
MATAMOROS, MEXICO (May 30, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s 18-year-old featherweight sensation, Ricky Medina (3-0 2KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, will return to the ring this Friday for his fourth professional bout at The Casa Ahida Cafeteria Gourmet in Heroica Matamoros, Mexico.
For Medina, who is promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment, this will be his first time fighting outside of his home state of Texas, let alone the United States.
“I am very excited to fight for the first time in Mexico. Mexico has a lot of great world champions over the years including Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera,Erik Morales and many more that I looked up to. For my promoter and manager to be able to put me in a situation to fight in such a boxing rich country and build fans out here, it is quite an honor.” said Medina about his upcoming fight on Friday night.
Medina, who faced an undefeated fighter in his last bout is looking to challenge himself in the professional game of boxing, early and often.
“What I love about Ricky Medina is how he looks for a challenge,” said Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, Medina’s manager. “In his last fight, he fought Jose Casiano, an undefeated guy who was 1-0-1. A lot of young fighters wouldn’t fight a guy with that kind of record in their third fight, they’d talk about the business or want an easier fight. Ricky took the fight and won every round. Now three months later he is back in the ring ready to get a win in Mexico. He’s a star in the making.”
“Ricky Medina is a great, young fighter who we want to keep extremely active so he can develop into a world champion,” said Medina’s promoter, Rick Morones of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “I believe it is important to keep him busy as he has been fighting every three months or so since he turned pro last September. We expect great things from Medina and see him as a future world champion.”
Los Angeles, California, April 25 – 2019 – Ringstar Sports is proud to announce the signing of the most prominent Mexican Amateur fighter, Fernando Molina. At just 16 years of age, Molina has one of the best amateur records in Mexico. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Molina started boxing at the age of 6. Since then, Molina has compiled an amazing record including 200 amateur wins. Among those wins were 4 State Championships, 4 Regional Championships, and Gold in the 2017 National Junior Championship.
Discovered by world renowned boxing manager, Shelly Finkel, the young talent has all the tools to become a superstar. “Fernando Molina is a rare talent with an exciting style. Although only 16 years old, he impressed me with his maturity in and outside the ring. I am happy to work with him and help make his dream of becoming a world champion a reality,” said Finkel.
World-renowned promoter Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive of Ringstar Sports, will promote Molina. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity to promote some of the biggest names in the sport over the past 20 years. Most of them I built up from the beginning and many were managed by Shelly Finkel. Shelly has without a doubt the best eye for boxing talent. With Molina, we have a generational super talent who will certainly stamp his name in the history books alongside the names of Barrera, Morales, and Marquez. I am proud to welcome Fernando to Ringstar Sports and start his journey of becoming a superstar of boxing,” said Schaefer.
Molina added, “I am delighted to have been able to secure an All Star team with Shelly Finkel and Richard Schaefer to guide my career in the pro ranks. I have worked hard since I was a young boy to eventually become a professional boxer. The time is now! I am committed to hard work and dedication to uphold the rich boxing tradition of my native Mexico.” Molina is planning to turn professional in the lightweight division limit 135 pounds. Further information about Molina’s debut will be announced soon.
Fighting in the main event of a special two-hour live stream on UFC Fight Pass and in front of an adoring crowd of fans at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, hometown favorite and US Olympic bronze medal winner Nico Hernandez (7-0, 4 KOs) won his eight-round flyweight showdown by unanimous decision over a determined but out-gunned Victor Trejo Garcia of Mexico City, Mexico (16-10-1, 8 KOs).
It was a good “learning” fight for Hernandez, as Garcia never threatened to win, but hung tough against the superior firepower to keep things entertaining throughout. The judges’ scores were 79-73, 80-72 and 80-72. Hernandez appears to be progressing well in the professional game. He was sitting down on his punches well and picking spots for his punishing combinations like a veteran.
“I was feeling really good in there,” said Hernandez, post-fight. “I’ve been working on fighting southpaws and I did better than I did last time against a southpaw. It was awkward for me, but I’m proud of my progress and I just need to keep working. He was a tough opponent and I take my hat off to him. If anybody is ready to step up next, have them call my team.”
As always the case, Kazakhstani buzzsaw Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (14-0-1, 12 KOs) came out looking for a brawl and this time found a willing participant in Monterrey, Mexico’s Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-12-1, 13 KOs).
Fighting in the middle UFC Fight Pass bout, the two super lightweights did not disappoint, going to old-school inside warfare for eight exciting rounds. The entertaining Eyubov was the much more active fighter. He worked the body relentlessly while mixing in powerful hooks with both hands upstairs. Rodriguez weathered the relentless storm and came back consistently with hard, accurate counters.
In the end, the judges couldn’t decide who won and a majority draw was the verdict. One judge had it 77-75 for Rodriguez, a bit surprisingly, but was overruled by stereo scores of 76-76. Give both fighters credit, it was an entertaining slugfest and the Kansas fans loved it.
In the six-round super flyweight Fight Pass opener, Pushkino, Russia’s Elena Savelyeva (5-1, 4 KOs) needed just 36 seconds to dispatch Kansas City’s Tatiana Williams Kansas City (0-2). Williams was dancing and smiling before the action and came out looking to trade, but a taste of the former Olympian Saveleva’s power and she packed it in quickly.
Saveleva’s body work was ferocious as long as it lasted.
In the opening swing-bout of the night, a 10-round heavyweight bout didn’t last a full round, as knockout specialist Apti Davtaev (16-0-1, 15 KOs) of Kurchaloi, Russia, made quick work of Belton, Missouri, veteran Richard Carmack 15-15-1, 12 KOs.
The two giants traded strong blows from the outset, with both landing. Davtaev, however, had the better accuracy and chin. One of his long right hands put Carmack down on a delayed reaction and another finished things at 2:26. KO 1.
Afterward, the stern Russian, who trains at Detroit’s world-famous Kronk Gym and is featured in upcoming Ring Magazine “New Faces” section as a “Heavyweight to Watch” for 2019, signalled he is ready for a step up in competition in his next fight.
The UFC Fight Pass commentating team consisted of The Fight Network veteran Cory Edrman and “2018 Female Boxer of the Year” and women’s world champion Claressa Shields, making her debut behind the microphone. The event was presented by Salita Promotions.
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Headlined by Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Taking on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera This Saturday Night from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
LOS ANGELES (February 14, 0219) – There was no love lost on Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles as fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes exchanged words and went face-to-face at the final press conference before their respective showdowns this Saturday night at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live.
WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will defend his title against Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event of the show. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature an exciting clash between contenders Omar Figueroa andJohn Molina Jr., plus unbeaten prospects Sebastian Fundora and Donnie Marshall going toe-to-toe.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.
The event also featured an appearance by former world champion and Southern California fan-favorite Fernando Vargas. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Conga Room:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“We were getting ready for Miguel Flores, but in the gym you have to always be ready for any kind of style. We had been already been working with sparring partners who brawl, and that’s what we expect from Rafael Rivera.
“I knew immediately that Rivera was a good opponent. He’s young and hungry and that makes him dangerous. He can take punches, so we’re ready for 12 rounds. We’re going to be smart in this fight because we know what Rivera can do.
“Seeing my dad going through cancer treatment has been very tough. He motivates me to go to the gym and train hard, because I know if he sees me working hard, it will motivate him as well.
“I’m just looking to go out there, give a great fight and help my name continue to grow so that I can fight the best.
“I love fighting and training here in Los Angeles. It gives me a chance to be with my family more. When I have them here, it makes me train harder. I do all of this for them and their future.
“If I can get this win, we want to unify the belts or make the third fight against Carl Frampton. If not, we will go to 130 pounds and seek a title in a new weight class.”
RAFAEL RIVERA
“I’ve stepped in late before to a big fight. I’m always ready when it comes. Expect a surprise come Saturday night.
“I know that I have everything it takes to bring this title back to Tijuana. We’ve trained hard and had these last four weeks to focus in on breaking Leo down.
“I’m prepared for anything Leo brings into the ring. Everyone knows he’s very tough and throws a lot of punches, but I believe I am the faster fighter and I can hurt him with counters.
“This is the best opportunity I’ve had, going up against a great champion like Leo. I’m ready for fight and a great show for the fans.”
OMAR FIGUEROA
“Given our styles, there’s no way this is going to go the distance. I think this is going to be an early night and I’m planning on having my hand raised.
“The layoff didn’t affect me against Robert Guerrero, so I don’t see why it will affect me now. That’s why I keep my style consistent. The only difference is the character across from me in the ring. This fight will depend on how John wants it to go, because I’m coming to fight.
“I’m just looking to get in the ring and take advantage of this opportunity I’ve been given. I’ve made changes that have made my whole game so much easier. It’s a totally different mentality that I have now.
“Training camp went great. I’ve made a lot of changes in my lifestyle and I’m dedicated 100 percent to boxing. Things have never been better.”
JOHN MOLINA JR.
“It’s time to fight. The hard work is done and the time is now. Talk is cheap. On Saturday night, we’ll get down.
“I’ve been down this road before. I was never given lofty expectations. There’s no pressure here. I think Omar’s style will accommodate mine and make it a fun fight for the fans.
“Whenever I fight, it’s going to be exciting. You can say the same thing about Omar. I’m prepared for any version of Omar. Just like any other fight. I can’t wait until Saturday night to get in there and do what I do best.
“I’ve put everything into this camp, like I’m sure my opponent has. That’s what we owe to the fans and it’s going to come to fruition Saturday night.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I expect a good fight. He’s an undefeated fighter and I hope to give the fans a great show and walk away victorious.
“We’re totally focused on this fight. I just train and everything else is out of the way. I trained hard and I’m going to do my thing like always.
“I’m still growing as a fighter. We’re getting better with every camp and every fight. It’s good that we keep fighting quality opponents, because it helps accelerate that process.
“Hopefully we’re going to display a lot more boxing and technique in this fight. I think Marshall is going to come inside and attack the body. I think if I’m able to stop him, it will be from the boxing skills that I show.”
DONNIE MARSHALL
“I’m ready to dominate the fight like I always do. That’s the only thing on my mind. I don’t care about his height, record or anything else. I’m coming to dominate.
“I’ve never been concerned with the height of Fundora. We sparred with some good strong southpaws in Florida including Yamaguchi Falcao. Then we went to Las Vegas for the second half of training camp and worked with some top prospects. I’m more than prepared for anything.
“Every fight is a make or break fight. I’ve trained against top fighters and been all around the country in different gyms. I’ve only been pro two and a half years. I’m a young 30. I’m going to announce myself on Saturday in a big way.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports
“This weekend is another example why Los Angeles is such a great fight town. We’re going to have a fantastic crowd at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live on Saturday night. I think that speaks to the strength of this city as a boxing town, and the strength of this card. This is top to bottom one of the best cards I can remember here in Los Angeles.
“The tripleheader on FOX and FOX Deportes has three fights that want to steal the night. We will see which fight and which fighter everyone will be talking about after Saturday. There are definitely some fights on this card that have ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over them.
“We are committed to continuing to bring the best and biggest fights to the fans here in Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is the fight capital of the world again.”
# # #
ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall. Rising prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will compete in a swing bout that will air live if time permits.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX 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.
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Headlined by Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Taking on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera This Saturday Night from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles
Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/TGB Promotions
LOS ANGELES (February 13, 2019) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event took part in a media workout Wednesday as they near their respective showdowns this Saturday night at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Wednesday’s workout featured Mexican contender Rafael Rivera, who will battle WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in the main event.
Also working out Wednesday at City of Angels Boxing Club were unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr., who battle in super lightweight action, and unbeaten prospect Donnie Marshall, who faces fellow-unbeatenSebastian Fundora in a super welterweight bout that kicks off televised coverage at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas was also in attendance, as he competes in a TV swing bout.
The fighters will go face-to-face at a press conference on Thursday that will feature former two-time world champion and Southern California favorite Fernando Vargas. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
RAFAEL RIVERA
“When I got this opportunity, I didn’t think twice. I was training and ready and I wanted this challenge. I’m here to make the most of it.
“Like I always say to my fans, be ready for a great fight. I’m looking to make this very exciting and interesting. The belt is coming back with me to Tijuana.
“I never look for the knockout, but I’ve still been able to get them. I’m ready, so I hope he’s also ready to give the fans a great fight.
“This is a big challenge for me. I’m coming for that world title. I want to prove how good I am and become a world champion for my fans in Tijuana.
“I love to face the best fighters out there. Leo is a fighter who throws a lot of punches. We’ve seen it and we’ve studied it. But I don’t think he’s very fast. I’m faster than he is and I have to take advantage of that. I have to counter him when he comes in and do my job.”
OMAR FIGUEROA
“I’m looking to come back strong against Molina. My style is always to go in there for the knockout and give the fans a great show. The sooner we get him out of there, the better.
“We know that John Molina is a tough fighter. He’s been in there with some of the best in the world and he’s given them problems. We expect him to bring a great fight.
“We’ve seen Molina box before and make things difficult for certain fighters. I’m going to try to make the fight my style of fight and we’ll see if he obliges. Once he feels the power, he might choose to box.
“I don’t think this goes past six rounds. I’m confident about that. We’re going to be ready for anything Molina brings.
“I’ve been doing a lot of healing physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m looking to show on Saturday that I’ve got everything together.”
JOHN MOLINA JR.
“I feel excited and confident. Maybe overconfident, but I am ready. We did our job in the gym and now we are ready for the fight.
“I have to expect the best version of Omar Figueroa. He is a smart kid. I don’t know if he is trying to entice me into a war right away. I don’t know what his game plan is, but we will find out on Saturday.
“Fans need to tune in on FOX and FOX Deportes February 16. This is going to be a war and I believe we’re going to steal the show.
“This isn’t my first go around against a Joel Diaz-trained fighter. I did it before with Ruslan Provodnikov and now it is my job to beat Figueroa.
“I am not affected by being considered the underdog. Every one of my fights, fans make money. I think Provodnikov I was 11-1. When you become a veteran in the sport, you stop worrying about stuff like that. Talk is cheap.
“There is a lot at stake for me. I don’t feel pressure, but there is a lot at stake. Every fight of my career I have something to prove and Saturday is no different.”
DONNIE MARSHALL
“This is my first big opportunity and I’m ready to take full advantage. I’m going to show everybody where I’m at.
“I’m going to take it as it comes in the ring. We have a game plan, but I’m a creator in the ring. I create on the go. I’ll fit in where I can and go with the flow of the fight.
“The only challenge I see is his height. He’s obviously very tall at six-foot seven-inches. We know what we have to do to break him down. I don’t even really see the height as a challenge, because I spar with heavyweights all the time.
“I’m 10-0, but I only started boxing when I was 20, about 10 years ago. I don’t have the time like young prospects who want to play around, I want to fight any and everybody I can right now.”
KARLOS BALDERAS
“I feel excited and anxious to get back in the ring. I’m ready physically and mentally. I know that my opponent won’t be ready for the heat I’m going to throw at him.
“This year I’m looking to be busy. I want to be back in the ring in April if everything goes well on Saturday. After this fight I’m going to move to Los Angeles and add trainer Roberto Alcazar to my team. He’s had a lot of experience in big fights and I think he’s going to be a great help. I can really understand clearly what he’s trying to teach me.
“I’m going to show everyone that I’m the real deal once again. I’m going to prove why these fighters can’t make it through a fight with me. This year is all business for me.”
# # #
ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall. Rising prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will compete in a swing bout that will air live if time permits.
