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Tag Archives: Puerto Rico
Promoting more challenging than fighting for Miguel Cotto
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (May 31, 2018) – Future Hall of Fame boxer Miguel Cotto believes that, for him, promoting is even more challenging than fighting.
The living legend retired last December with an incredible 41-6 (33 KOs) pro record, in which he became the only Puerto Rican to capture world titles in four different weights classes, light welterweight through middleweight.
Cotto was 20-6 (16 KOs) in world title fights, 16-6 (12 KOs) versus present or past world champions during his illustrious 17-year pro career, including victories against Cesar Bazan, Carlos Maussa,Lovemore N’dou, Randall Bailey,DeMarcus Corley, Ricardo Torres,Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana,Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Yuri Foreman, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez and Daniel Geale.
“We have been in the promoting business for more than 13 years, combining both roles (fighter and promoter),” Cotto said. “Now, we are able to give more attention to our fighters in terms of training.
“Promoting is more complex because there are challenges regarding every facet of an event. As a fighter, you concentrate solely on the fight, not all the details involved in promoting a successful event.”
Cotto Promotions is presenting La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago, along with H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico, June 16th on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.
World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta 17-1, 17 KOs) will make his first title defense against four-time world title challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), of Nicaragua, in the 12-round main event.
“This pay-per-view card is a very important opportunity for is to showcase a great event,” Cotto added, “as well as a perfect scenario for Acosta to show the world who he is as world champion.
“It is a pleasure for me to give back to boxing what boxing gave me. Seeing our brand grow and fighter development let us know that we are doing things the right way. Our goal is to continue developing the best talent in Puerto Rico and building their brands and legacies.”
The 27-year-old Acosta is on a mission to become a Puerto Rican boxing icon like Cotto, Tito Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Hector Camacho, Wilfredo Benitez and so many other greats from this fertile island.
Acosta’s success brings back fond memories for Cotto to when he was in a similar situation as a young world champion. “He does bring back memories for me and he proves that hard work pays off,” Cotto concluded. “Tito is living the dream every boxer has when they choose to box as a living. Now is the most challenging chapter for him to expand his reign and build his legacy.”
Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv
Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV
WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta to showcase skills & build his legacy vs. Carlos Buitrago
La Batalla
TITO ACOSTA vs. CARLOS BUITRAGO
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Coliseo de Puerto Rico * Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
LIVE ON PPV – 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT
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La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico
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 Tito Acosta (R) puts his opponents to sleep |
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (May 10, 2018) – World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will showcase his vast skills June 16 in his first title defense against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute theLa Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.
Building his own legacy in a traditionally rich, hot-bed for boxing like Puerto Rico, Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out Juan Alejo (24-4-1), of Mexico, in the 10th round.
An outstanding amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games,), the San Juan-based fighter has defeated 22-5Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).
“My goal is to be the best,” Acosta said. “I grew-up watching Tito Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, who are my favorite fighters. I will work as hard as I can to give the best to my family, as well as make my island proud. I will win on June 16th and let the world know that I am the best 108-pound boxer in the world.”
Having a future Hall of Famer such as Cotto as his promoter is a tremendous advantage, in and out of the ring, for Acosta. “It means a lot and is an honor for me to have a living legend like Miguel Cotto as my promoter,” Acosta explained. “He has guided my career the best way. He also gets involved in my camp and wants me to get better and better every fight.”
“Tito Acosta is a really good fighter,” Cotto commented about his protégé. “He is World Champion for a reason. We will work to give him the best opportunities. Tito has an opportunity to show the world on June 16th what he is made of and who he is. As World Champion, he needs to be at the highest level to have a brilliant performance each fight, because the better performances and victories, the bigger name he will build.”
“It is important for a fighter to do his job in the ring because every performance is a unique opportunity to show the world who you are and at what level you belong. People in Puerto Rico love boxing, and its fighters.”
WBA #2-rated Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs) will be fighting in his fifth world title fight, after losing three times with one draw. He was stopped for the first time in his last fight this past December, by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0), in the eighth round of their title fight in Japan.
All three of Buitrago’s career losses have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then-WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.
“Chris Buitrago is a great fighter and tough challenger, who has the highest level of experience, and that motivates me,” Acosta spoke about his Nicaraguan opponent. “People want to watch a toe-to-toe brawl and he brings that style. I think he will brawl with me, but I’ll be ready for any style he brings June 16th.
“I work for the KO (he has 17 knockouts in his 17 wins) because that’s what fans like. I work for that every fight and I will win June 16th by knockout!”
Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
PROMO VIDEO:
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SPANISH:
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INFORMATION:
www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv
Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV
Undefeated Puerto Rican Bantamweight Manny Rodriguez Ready for Former World Champion Paul Butler This Saturday at 02 Arena
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| Bantamweight contender Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez and his team have landed safely and ready to face former world champion Paul “Baby Faced Assassin” Butler for the vacant IBF World Championship, this Saturday, May 5, at the O2 Arena in London.
Presented by Matchroom Boxing, Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, and Butler (26-1, 14 KOs), 29, of England, will meet in a 12-round supporting bout to the all-British rematch between former World Heavyweight Champions Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs) and David Haye (28-3, 26 KOs).
Rodriguez almost had his very promising boxing career derailed for a time by an unfortunate car accident in which he burned 66% of his body. After a long rehab, he returned, and went on a, thus far, 17-fight tear through the professional ranks.
The 25-year-old was the mandatory contender to face former champion Ryan Burnett, who chose to relinquish his belts. This allowed for Butler to slide into the fight for the unclaimed belt.
29-year-old Butler previously held the IBF belt, but before defending it, elected to drop down in weight to face then-champion Zolani Tete… and was stopped in the eighth round. He has won nine fights since.
“It has been a long road to this fight, but I am ready to win my first world championship,” said Rodriguez. “Paul Butler is a good fighter, but nothing can stop me. I have worked too hard to get here. It doesn’t matter that we’re in his backyard. I’ve done everything right getting ready for this and I look forward to bringing the belt back to my beloved country of Puerto Rico.”
Rodriguez’ co-promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, says a star will be born Saturday night.
“Manny has always been a superstar in the making. I am happy he is finally getting the chance to shine in front of a large audience, worldwide. I have no doubt he will win impressively and set himself up for several big showdowns in the near future.”
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WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta to make 1st title defense vs. Carlos Buitrago
La Batalla
TITO ACOSTA vs. CARLOS BUITRAGO
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Coliseo de Puerto Rico * Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
LIVE ON PPV – 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT
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La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico
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(L-R) – Eduardo Cajina (Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center), WBO light flyweight world champion
Tito Acosta, and promoter Miguel Cotto |
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (April 30, 2018) — Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a press conference earlier today to announce World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will make his first title defense at home on June 16 against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.
“Tito Acosta is that fighter you can’t blink your eyes,” promoter Miguel Cotto said. “He brings excitement to every fight and power to finish in any second. This fight against Carlos Buitrago will be fireworks from the opening bell.”
Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico., captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out his Mexican challenger, Juan Alejo (24-4-1), in the 10th round.
A standout amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games, is a past WBO Latino and World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion. His most notable victories have been against 22-5 Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).
“Buitrago says that his dream is to become the world champion, to that I say, keep on dreaming,” Acosta said. “I’m not underestimating him, but this will be my night, not his.”
Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), 26, is currently world rated at No. 12 by the WBO. The Managua-native will be fighting in his fifth world title fight having lost three times with one draw. In his last match this past December, he was stopped for the first time in the eighth round by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0) in Japan.
In fact, all three of Buitrago’s career losses as a professional have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.
“I will enter the ring in the best shape of my life with one objective in sight: to fulfill my dream of becoming the world champion and give my country a historic win,” Buitrago commented. “The battle is on and I hope to come out victorious.”
Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv
Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV
Great test for the undefeated prospect Matías against Estrella in Cataño
After an impressive third round win over world title challenger Daulis Prescott, Puerto Rican prospect Subriel Matías (9-0, 9 KO’s) from the Maternillo neighborhood of Fajardo has a big test in his young career when he faces the Mexican puncher Adrian “Diamante” Estrella (28-1, 24 KO’s) on Saturday, May 19 at the Pedro “Perucho” Cepeda ballpark in Cataño, Puerto Rico.
The Matías v. Estrella bout is scheduled for 10 rounds in the junior welterweight division (140 pounds).
“Subriel is the most developed prospect in Puerto Rico. They told us we were crazy when we put him up against Jeffrey Fontánez, but Subriel knocked him out in two rounds. In each fight, we raise the quality of the opponents and he continues to dispatch them easily. His fighting style confuses his opponents with his various rhythms and power in his punches. I understand that on May 19, he will show that he is at a great level”, said promoter Juan Orengo of Fresh Productions, who also promotes the career of the highly-ranked boxer Emmanuel “Manny” Rodríguez, who will fight on May 5th in London for the IBF bantamweight world title against local and former champion, Paul Butler.
“I like challenges,” said Matías, “I want fans to know that my fights are to help me in my development and keep moving forward to the big fights. When that moment arrives to be in the big stages, I will be ready. It’s not worth having easy fights that don’t help my development and even deceive the fans who, with so much sacrifice, they pay for their tickets. My respects for Adrian Estrella for accepting the fight. He is a Mexican warrior who comes to give everything and I come with that same mentality. ”
With only nine fights in his professional history, Matías has strong victories over the world title challenger Daulis Prescott of Colombia, former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick López, the rising prospect Fontánez of Puerto Rico, and the strong Brazilian puncher Joaquim Carneiro.
Estrella, on the other hand, has victories over former world champions Celestino Caballero, DeMarcus Corley and over world title contenders Balweg Bangoyan and Dante Jardón.
In another of the stellar matches of the card, Abimael “Manos de Piedra” Ortiz (5-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Cidra, will face former London 2012 olympian Jantony Ortiz (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Humacao, in a duel scheduled for eight rounds at 122 pounds.
In his last performance in February, Abimael Ortiz defeated local fan favorite Josean “El Tren” Figueroa (Miguel Cotto Promotions), who fell by technical knockout in the eighth round.
On the other side, Jantony Ortiz defeated Dominican Lucián González by unanimous decision in his last fight in March.
The combined record of the fighters of these confirmed stellar fights is 51-1-1 with 40 knockouts.
Information about the remaining fights and the tickets sales will be available soon.
Lenin Castillo grabs WBO Gold in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Ponce, Puerto Rico – Former Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KO’s) won the WBO/NABO vacant light heavyweight title in impressive fashion. Castillo defeated Aaron “Homicide” Mitchell (27-3-1, 21 KO’s) of Florida by way of technical knockout in the 10th and final round.
As a result of the victory, Castillo will now be ranked among the best 175 pound fighters in the WBO.
The fight was televised by DIRECTV PR as part of a card promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions at the Complejo Ferial, Ponce, PR.
“I am very grateful to my manager Raúl Pastrana from Spartan Boxing Club, Miguel Cotto Promotions and the WBO for making this fight possible with an important title at stake that will place me among the best fighters of my weight,” said Castillo, “This victory is for my Dominican people, my dad, my mom and also for the Puerto Ricans who made me feel at home since I arrived on the island for the fight”.
“I prepared myself to the max and these are the results of working hard in the gym. Since I landed a good shot at Mitchell, he decided to survive the whole fight and did not let me use everything I had saved for him. But the important thing was that we won all the rounds without losing concentration”, expressed Castillo, who was training in Florida under the supervision of Maury Ramos of KMJ with the assistance of Chiro Pérez from 5th St Gym.
New opponent for Amanda Serrano’s MMA Debut; Proceeds of the event go to those affected by Hurricane Maria
The long-awaited mixed martial arts (MMA) debut of professional boxing five-division world champion, Amanda Serrano (0-0) had an opponent change, but of better quality.
Serrano was scheduled to face Mexican Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordóñez (2-1), but due to visa issues, the new opponent is now Californian Corina Herrera (3-4) in a three-round fight at the flyweight division (125 pounds).
Serrano-Herrera will take place on Friday, April 13th at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, and will feature simultaneous live broadcasts on Univision and Univision Deportes at midnight (12:00 am Eastern Time / 9:00 pm Pacific Time).
“Herrera has fought on the big scenarios and has never been defeated by knockout or submission. She has good stamina, her fights are exciting, she has good defense and has already fought in different weights from 115 pounds to 135. I only hope that our fight is a great fight for all the demanding MMA fans and of course, for my boricua people who are my heart and soul,” said Serrano.
In this fight, 25% of the proceeds from the ticket sales on AXS.com, using the code “BORICUA”, will go to the organization “Voices For Puerto Rico” as part of a campaign led by Serrano, together with its promoter Combate Américas to help those affected by Hurricane Maria, an atmospheric event that passed through Puerto Rico last September. ( https://www.axs.com/events/351700/combate-estrellas-i-tickets )
“We cannot lower our guard. We must continue to help Puerto Rico in all possible ways because six months have passed since the hurricane came and we’ve still not recovered. My respects for the people who and left their families to help others while putting their lives in danger.”
Impressive victories by Subriel Matías and Alfredo Santiago against world title challengers in Fajardo, PR
Las Night, before a packed house in the Fajardo Municipal Equestrian Park in Puerto Rico, Subriel Matías and Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago, both from Fajardo, were victorious against former world title challengers.
In the main event, Subriel Matías (9-0, 9 KO) defeated by technical knockout at 33 seconds of the third round, Colombian and former world contender, Daulis Prescott (31-7, 23 KO) in a 10-round fight in the 140 pounds. Prescott visited the canvas twice in the second round and once in the third to end the fight.
In his resume, Matías has impressive victories by knockout on rising prospect Jeffrey Fontánez, former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick López and Brazilian puncher, Joaquim Carneiro.
In the co-main event, Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago (9-0, 2 KO) defeated by unanimous decision the former world contender, Juan Jose Montes (25-7-2, 15 KO) of Mexico, in a 10 round at the maximum weight of 133 pounds. The three judges scored 100-90.
In his short career, Santiago has notable victories by decision over: the former Mexican Olympian, Arturo Santos Reyes, the world contender and current FECARBOX CMB champion Jayson ‘La Maravilla’ Vélez and the always seasoned, Andrés ‘Pajita’ Navarro.
In other matches (all scheduled to four rounds):
In the middleweight, José Villarán (3-0, 2 KO) of Loíza won by unanimous decision to José León (0-2) of San Juan. The three judges scored 40-36.
In the welterweight division, Patrick Cora (2-0, 2 KO) San Juan defeated by technical knockout at 1:26 of the fourth round to Fernando Semidey (0-3-1) of Trujillo Alto.
In the bantamweight, Jonathan ‘Bum Bum’ Lopez (2-0, 2 KO) of Humacao def. Kenny Julián Agosto (0-1) of Vega Alta by technical knockout to a second of the third round. Agosto visited the canvas in the second round.
Lightweight division, Darrell Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of San Juan defeated by technical knockout at 2:56 of the third round to Carlos Diaz (0-1) of Bayamón.
In the flyweight, Oscar Marrero (1-1, 1 KO) Luquillo won by technical knockout at 2:20 of the second round over Christian Santos (0-5) of Mayagüez.
Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez will fight for the WBA Fedelatin title
After winning the Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) vacant Las Americas title last December, Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez (9-0, 4 KO’s) from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, will seek a top ranking spot in the World Boxing Association (WBA ) when he faces Nicaraguan Leyman Benavides (13-6-1, 2 KO’s) for the vacant WBA Minimumweight Fedelatin title.
The Méndez-Benavides duel will take place on Saturday, March 17 at the Fiesta Hall of the Jaragua Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“The Fedelatin title is of upmost importance because it places the boxer in the top 15 of the WBA rankings and in a matter of two or three additional fights, the opportunity to go for the world title is very possible. We trust in ‘Bimbito’s’ skills so that on March 17, Puerto Rico will have another boxer close to a world title opportunity” said Raúl Pastrana, President of management company ‘Spartan Boxing Club’.
The undefeated Mendez, who was part of the Puerto Rican National Amateur Boxing Team said:
“I have seen boxers that have won the Fedelatin title, and in the blink of an eye, they are already fighting for a world title, and for that great moment is that I have worked all my life since childhood. With Trujillo Alto and Puerto Rico in my heart, I hope to be able to take another step on March 17 to become world champion in the near future”.
In his last fight in Santo Domingo, DR last December, Méndez defeated Dominican Republic’s Juan Guzmán (22-10, 12 KO) by TKO in the second round to capture the UBF belt.
‘Spartan Boxing Club’ has in its squad of professional boxers: WBO/WBC ranked at 122 lbs., Yenifel ‘El Rayo’ Vicente (31-3-2, 23 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic, former members of the Puerto Rican Amateur Boxing Team, Bernard ‘Bimbo’ Lebrón (9-0, 4KO’s), John ‘The Beast’ Correa (3-0, 3KO’s) and Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez, light heavyweight and former Olympian, Lenin Castillo (17-1- 1, 12 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic, among others.