Tag Archives: Puerto Rico

PUERTO RICAN OLYMPIAN CARLOS IVAN VELASQUEZ PREPARES TO FACE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JAVIER FORTUNA IN LAS VEGAS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS’ “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS’ ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

CARLOS VELASQUEZ CAMP NOTES
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Team Velasquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 16, 2015) – Less than two weeks away from hisTuesday, September 29 super-featherweight world title showdown against undefeated world champion boxer Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), Carlos Ivan Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) is gearing up for the fight of his life.  He fights on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYheadlined by Fortuna vs. Velasquez, a scheduled 12-round bout from The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Velásquez was born in Cataño, Puerto Rico where he and his twin brother both competed in amateur boxing growing up. He was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican Olympic boxing team, but also won the featherweight title at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Training out of Las Vegas, NV with esteemed boxing trainer Roberto Norris, Velasquez shares his thoughts on training camp, fighting for Puerto Rico and fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion.
On fighting for the Puerto Rican fans in this first world title opportunity:
“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I love my countrymen and country.  Becoming a world champion is something I’ve been working hard for my whole life.  From coming up as an amateur and Olympian to now, I have dreamed about winning this title. The time has come to take my career to the next level.  Being that this is my first world title shot, I’m fully prepared to show the world that I’m a great fighter and that I intend to bring the title back home to all my family, friends and fans on September 29th.”
On fighting undefeated world champion Javier Fortuna:
“Fortuna is considered one of the great fighters in the 130-pound division for a reason, he’s never lost.  But he’s never been in the ring with a technical fighter like myself.  He has a lot of flaws that we are going to expose.”
On his world title opportunity coming on FS1 & FOX Deportes:
“What can I say, I’m truly blessed to be fighting on PBC.  FS1 and FOX Deportes are the new Tuesday Night Fight channels.  TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS is great for the sport. I’m honored to be fighting in the main-event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes.  Boxing has now gone back to its glory days, and I’m ready to shine.”
On training with new coach Roberto Norris:
“I find myself in a comfortable position training with Roberto Norris, who is working great with the physical attributes that God has blessed me with.  Being that Fortuna is a southpaw, a great game plan must be implemented, and Norris has a masterful strategy in place.  The knowledge that Norris conveys is really making a difference in my approach.  I’m confident I’ll be able to dictate the pace of the fight and negate anything Fortuna tries to impose.
On working with strength and conditioning coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia:
“Angel Heredia is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in boxing.  With all the work we’ve done, I’ve never felt stronger going into a fight.  His techniques are second to none.  My stamina will be at peak performance when I step in the ring.  In addition, Memo brings a lot of experience to my corner.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FOXSports1, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Del Valle Inspired by Countrymen Oquendo and Martinez

Del Valle wins.jpg
Bayamon, Puerto Rico (September 15, 2015) – Last Saturday, featherweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle saw fellow Puerto Ricans Jonathan Oquendo and Ramon “Rocky” Martinez in exciting fights as part of the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto undercard.
Having lost three prior bouts against championship level fighters, Oquendo was out to prove that his fourth time would be a charm against two-division titlist Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico. A considerable underdog, Oquendo overcame a first round knockdown to drop Gonzalez the very next round en route to an entertaining majority decision victory. The win was the biggest of his career and puts him in position for a world title shot.
Later that evening, Martinez defended his WBO Super Featherweight championship against Orlando Salido. Known among Puerto Rican fans for twice knocking out highly touted Juan Manuel Lopez, Salido won titles at 126 and 130 pounds and looked to avenge a prior loss against Martinez. In the third round, Salido scored a controversial knockdown but himself ended up on the canvas later in that stanza courtesy of a Martinez right hand. From there, Martinez and Salido showed why Puerto Rico vs Mexico is regarded as boxing’s best rivalry, going to war until the final bell. The fight was ruled a split draw and a third match will likely take place.
Like his countrymen Del Valle, 19-2, has had ups and downs in his career. In 2011, he scored a career best win against highly regarded Dat Nguyen to capture the NABA featherweight crown in New York City less than 24 hours before the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Unfortunately, his two defeats came on big stages against former two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan and more controversially to unbeaten contender Luis Rosa. Following the March 2014 setback against Rosa, Del Valle took time away from the ring and was granted a release from his promotional and managerial contracts. Understanding that he was in a tougher spot than a few years prior, he carefully evaluated his options.
This past March, Del Valle resurfaced by scoring an 8thround stoppage over gatekeeper Roberto Castaneda and signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports. After the win, he entertained a few fight offers and is expecting to fight a few more times in 2015. The performance by his countrymen last Saturday night however put him in a whole different mindset when he went to the gym the next morning.
I was extremely impressed by Rocky and Oquendo,” said Del Valle. “Both suffered multiple defeats but overcame them by performing on a huge stage last week. After watching the fights, I sat back and realized that could be me if given a similar opportunity. It truly inspired me to train harder because I want to make Puerto Rico proud!”
Without an official date set for his next match, Del Valle is hoping he receives a spot on Miguel Cotto-Saul “Canelo” Alvarez undercard and promises to excite if given the opportunity.
Real boxing fans are more excited for Cotto-Canelo than any other fight this year including Mayweather-Pacquiao. That is going to be another great chapter in the Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry. It’d be a dream come true to fight on that card against a top Mexican boxer. I’m eager to show the world that Orlandito is back and motivated!”
Fans can follow Del Valle on Twitter @Orlanditoboxing.

 

MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ CLOSE OUT EPIC FOUR-CITY INTERNATIONAL PRESS TOUR

 

COTTO VS. CANELO WILL TAKE PLACE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 AT MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

 

Click HERE for Photos
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports/Golden Boy Promotions

 

Click HERE for Videos

Video Credit: RingTV Live

 

BAYAMÓN, PUERTO RICO (Sept. 1, 2015) – Closing out a five-day, four-city international press tour which had already made stops in Los Angeles, Mexico City and New York City, WBC,Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former Two-Time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) hosted a press conference on Friday, Aug. 28 in front of a hometown audience in Cotto’s native Puerto Rico. Hundreds of media members and thousands of screaming fans filled Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez to see Cotto and Canelo and their teams despite the area being hit by Tropical Storm Erika the night before.

 

The press conference audience was thrilled as the fighters made their entrance to an impressive pyrotechnic display. The excitement in the crowd continued as both fighters faced off and spoke about their upcoming 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. In addition, Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, manager and trainer for Canelo Alvarez, serenaded the crowed with an a capella rendition of the favorite Puerto Rican tune “Que Bonito Puerto Rico,” in a show of respect to the fans in the audience.

 

The press conference stop in Bayamón, Puerto Rico capped a busy week for Teams Cotto and Canelo.  By the end of the week, Cotto and Canelo visited four cities in two countries, spanning four time zones, traveling 9,500 miles and encountering thousands of screaming fans in five days.  Wherever they went, fans and the media were a buzz about the anticipated showdown between Cotto and Canelo, with many making early predictions that the Nov. 21 middleweight championship will be crowned ‘Fight of the Year.’

 

Both fighters are now heading off to their respective training camps in Los Angeles at Wild Card Gym for Miguel Cotto and San Diego, Calif. for Canelo Alvarez to prepare for their epic showdown on Nov. 21.

 

Below are photo highlights from the four-city international Cotto vs. Canelo press tour. For the complete Cotto vs. Canelo press tour image gallery, click HERE.

 

 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ON AUG. 24:

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ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (second from left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) pose on August 24, 2015 in Los Angeles after the press conference to kick off their four-city international press tour.

 

“The world is talking about this fight. The rich history between Mexico and Puerto Rico makes this truly exciting,” Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya on Aug. 24 in Los Angeles.

 

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO ON AUG. 25:

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ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) pose on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City at a press conference to announce their world title fight on November 21, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

 

“I am very grateful that I am always welcomed here in Mexico and shown great respect. The support of Mexicans is unmatched. It is an honor to fight Miguel Cotto,” saidformer Two-Time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez on Aug. 25 in Mexico City.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK ON AUG. 26:

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ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) face off at the start of their New York City press conference to promote their upcoming HBO Pay Per View fight on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas.

 

“This is a match-up of epic proportions, can’t-miss action styles and passionate fans bases, as is evident by the crowd here today,” said Roc Nation President and Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael Yormark on Aug. 26 in New York City.

  

BAYAMÓN, PUERTO RICO ON AUG. 28:

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ABOVE: WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (center left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (center right) pose on August 28, 2015 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico at a press conference to announce their November 21, 2015 world championship fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

 

“I’m going to get this victory for all Puerto Ricans around the world,” said WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto on Aug. 28 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

 

 

With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. 

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour was sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx www.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS & QUOTES

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Gene Belvins-HoganPhotos/Roc Nation Sports/Golden Boy Promotions

 

NEW YORK CITY (August 27, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) were greeted by hundreds of chanting fans as they hosted a press conference in New York City on Wednesday, August 26 as part of their international four-city press tour ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown in November.

 

The next mega-fight in the storied Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At the New York City press conference held at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and trainers to discuss what promises to be this year’s most epic battle.

 

Tickets for the mega fight are on sale now and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say:

 

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

 

“I have just one thing in mind and that is a victory on November 21.

 

“I’m going to get this victory for all Puerto Ricans around the world.”

 

 

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

 

“The boxing world needs a fight like this. I’m planning to be well prepared to give the fans that fight.

 

“For me, it’s a big honor to fight someone like Miguel Cotto who has done it all.

 

“To make history, you have to fight and beat fighters like Miguel Cotto and I want to make history. I’m going to prepare like never before so that I can win this fight. ”

 

 

MICHAEL YORMARK: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation

 

“Today we move one step closer on our journey toward an historic night.

 

“This is a match-up of epic proportions, can’t-miss action styles and passionate fans bases, as is evident by the crowd here today.”

 

 

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

 

“This is the most anticipated fight of the last few years. With this level of passion and excitement, Cotto vs. Canelo will live up to the expectations.

 

“When you have a Mexican and Puerto Rican inside the ring, you are going to get an explosion. The fans are going to get a real fight.”

 

 

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

 

“I’m proud of everything Miguel has done. Don’t miss this fight. It’s going to be the biggest one of all.”

 

 

EDDY REYNOSO: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

 

“When you talk about Mexico and Puerto Rico, they have produced more than 200 champion fighters each. Miguel Cotto is a great champion and one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Canelo is quickly headed down that road. Thank you to all the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans for your support today.”

 

 

HECTOR SOTO: Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

 

“This is a great fight, the fight of the year—Mexico versus Puerto Rico. There will be no dancing, no hugging and no playing. This will be a real fight, the fight, on November 21st.”

 

 

CHEPO REYNOSO: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez

 

“There are three months until the fight. With all these fans here, you can feel the heat and the passion. It gives me goose-bumps.

 

“It’s great to see all these different people from different nations rooting for their fighters.

 

“To all my Mexican brothers, on November 21st we will be victorious and we will celebrate.”

 

 

BERNARD HOPKINS: Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

 

“Out of all titles in boxing, the WBC is the godfather of titles to win.

 

“This is the middleweight fight. They agreed to rumble and that’s what matters. The winner of this will go on to a different level in his career and that is important for your legacy.”

 

 

MARK TAFFET: Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

 

“Cotto vs. Canelo is that rare mega-fight that is as exciting as it is anticipated.

 

“This is truly a pay-per-view fight. It is a true fight that is worth your time and your money.”

 

 

MAURICIO SULAIMAN: President of the World Boxing Council

 

“Mexico and Puerto Rico will give us one of the greatest fights on November 21st. May the best fighter win.”

 

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS & QUOTES

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Gene Belvins-HoganPhotos/Roc Nation Sports/Golden Boy Promotions

 

Watch Full Press Conference Here: https://youtu.be/DZq2QJLoc3c

 

Tickets on Sale Today 10 a.m. PT!

 

LOS ANGELES (August 25, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, Miguel Cotto, and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez, launched their four-city press tour yesterday in Los Angeles, at the Hollywood and Highland Center ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown. The fight will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At yesterday’s event, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, , and Mexican Superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and hundreds of pumped-up, chanting fans.

 

Tickets for the mega fight will go on sale today, at 10:00 a.m. PT, it was announced onsite, and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say.

 

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion:

 

“I don’t really care what the critics say. I am prepared to give Canelo a fight on November 21stand that’s all that matters.

 

“I’m not here asking for any sympathy. I know who I am and I’m here to be Miguel Cotto on November 21st and give the fans a good fight.

 

“I have my eye on my career and this is the best fight for my career right now, so I’m ready to do what needs to be done to be on top.”

 

 

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

 

“I want this to be an historic fight. I’m honored to be fighting a true warrior.

 

“It’s an honor and I’m going to prepare very well because I want to win this fight.

 

“There’s a great history between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this is going to be an historic fight, another one for the storybooks.  I have a lot of pride to be fighting for my country. It’s going to be a great fight.

 

“I’m a disciplined fighter and a disciplined person and I think with that kind of drive I’ll be able to achieve a lot.

 

“I don’t like to predict knockouts, but I’m going to be ready for this fight. I will be well prepared.

 

“I’m a stronger, more mature fighter. For me, the time is right for this.”

 

 

MICHAEL YORMARK: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation:

 

“This is the fight that the fans want. On November 21st we will have the ‘fight of the year.’

 

“Roc Nation and Golden Boy share a passion for creating the biggest fights in history. We want to give boxing fans what they deserve: a show of epic proportions.”

 

 

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

 

“Boxing fans across the globe are waiting for a fight. It’s no secret that people were disappointed by May 2nd. The global fight community will be reignited by this fight.

 

“This will be one of the most exciting match ups. If I had to link this to one of my own fights, I would say that it is like my fight with [Fernando] Vargas. The same energy and passion will be evident here.

 

“Canelo doesn’t want to prove anything here. He just wants to knock Cotto out.

 

“The world is talking about this fight. The rich history between Mexico and Puerto Rico makes this truly exciting.”

 

 

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto:

 

“We have hard preparation ahead of us, but we will be ready and Cotto will win by knockout.”

 

 

 EDDY REYNOSO: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

 

“When you talk about history, this fight will be mentioned as one of the great fights and these two fighters will be mentioned as two of the greats.

 

“Canelo is a fighter with a lot of discipline and a lot of heart.”

 

 

HECTOR SOTO: Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

 

“It’s not a super fight anymore, it’s a super event!

 

“This is a true classic fight. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and on November 21st, Cotto will take Canelo to school!”

 

 

CHEPO REYNOSO: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alavrez: 

 

“Two warriors will be in the ring on November 21st and the crowd will get a war. The winner will be Mexico.”

 

MARK TAFFETT: Senior Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

 

“This is a fight that we will all be talking about for years to come.”

 

 

MAURICIO SULAMAN, President of the World Boxing Council:

 

“When there is a Puerto Rican in the ring it’s guaranteed to be something exciting.It will be no different here.

 

“I believe Canelo has worked hard to get where he is. He’s very popular.  He signs autographs. He’s very good looking, but when he gets in the ring, he’s a machine.

 

“When its Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you know the blood is going to be boiling both in the ring and in the crowd.”

 

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

TICKETS FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ GO ON SALE TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 AT 10:00 AM PT

 

 

 

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO AND

FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION CANELO ALVAREZ

SET FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MEGA-FIGHT

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 FROM

 MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

 

LOS ANGELES (August 24, 2015) – Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown between WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

 

Tickets are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

The fight promises crowd-pleasing, high-intensity action between two powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers, both of whom are coming off impressive, dominating performances in their most recent fights. With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. 

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

 

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx www.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

SAVE THE DATES! MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ TO EMBARK ON FOUR-CITY INTERNATIONAL PRESS TOUR NEXT WEEK! PRESS TOUR STOPS INCLUDE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO CITY, NEW YORK CITY AND CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO PRESS CONFERENCES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! FANS WELCOME! LOS ANGELES (Aug. 20, 2015) Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), the reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, will kick off an international press tour on Monday, Aug. 24 ahead of their 12-round showdown for the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21. Cotto vs. Canelo is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 24; will continue in Mexico City on Tuesday, Aug. 25; New York City on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and conclude in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Thursday, Aug. 27. Further details regarding all tour stops will be announced soon. Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT

 

PRESS TOUR STOPS INCLUDE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO CITY, NEW YORK CITY AND CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO

 

PRESS CONFERENCES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! FANS WELCOME!

 

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 20, 2015) Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), the reigning WBC, RingMagazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, will kick off an international press tour on Monday, Aug. 24 ahead of their 12-round showdown for the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 24; will continue in Mexico City onTuesday, Aug. 25; New York City on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and conclude in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Thursday, Aug. 27.

 

Further details regarding all tour stops will be announced soon.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

PRESS TOUR STOPS INCLUDE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO CITY, NEW YORK CITY AND CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO

 

PRESS CONFERENCES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! FANS WELCOME!

 

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 20, 2015) Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), the reigning WBC, RingMagazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, will kick off an international press tour on Monday, Aug. 24 ahead of their 12-round showdown for the WBC andRing Magazine Middleweight World Championships at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 24; will continue in Mexico City onTuesday, Aug. 25; New York City on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and conclude in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Thursday, Aug. 27.

 

Further details regarding all tour stops will be announced soon.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

CARLOS VELASQUEZ SEEKS VICTORY IN FIRST WORLD TITLE BOUT

Photo By Marlene Marquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (August 12, 2015) – Fighting in his first world title bout on Tuesday September 29, 2015, Puerto Rican super lightweight contender (WBA #9) , Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs), is eager to give undefeated WBA World Champion, Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), his first loss.  The PBC on FOX Sports 1 will televise the bout starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT.  Ticket sales and venue for Fortuna vs. Velasquez will be announced shortly.
Velasquez, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympics, is thriving at the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.  He believes he has advantages that will lead him to victory.  On the line with be Fortuna’s WBA World title.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I always pictured myself as a world champion,” said Velasquez. “Now I have a golden opportunity to accomplish that dream.  It won’t be easy.   Javier Fortuna is a very tough fighter with an undefeated record.  He’s considered one of the best fighters in the division.  Stylistically, he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me.  When I bring home the belt, I hope I get credit for defeating a top fighter like Fortuna.”
Trained by boxing guru Roberto Norris, and guided by nutritionist/strength coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia, Velasquez feels he has the right team that can take him to the top.
“I believe I have a great coach in Roberto Norris, who understands Me.” continued Velasquez. “He’s got me working on all my strong points, bringing out the best in what I do best.  Memo is getting my body in top condition.  I feel great.  I’m going to be at my best when I step in the ring with Fortuna.”

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez is set to defend his WBO Latino title against Alex Rangel in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

 
 
Bantamweight WBO Latino champion Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez ( 12-0, 8 KO’s ) will be defending his title for the third time, against Mexico’s Alex Rangel ( 16-4-2, 10 KO’s ) on a scheduled 10 rounds duel, scheduled for Saturday, August, 22  at the Tomas Dones Coliseum in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
“Rangel is a good fighter that throws lots of punches, has faced good fighters and I understand that this fight will be a war. I have no doubt about it” said Emmanuel Rodriguez, who continued, “Rangel went the distance with Cesar Seda and lasted nine rounds against Alexis Santiago. In both fights, Rangel looked good in losing effort, so I have to be in excellent condition to keep the belt in Puerto Rico”.
Rodriguez, who is the first Puerto Rican boxer to grab gold at a Youth Olympic Games ( Singapore 2010 ), had on last May, the biggest win of his young career by defeating via spectacular KO in the third round, former WBA rated #11, Luis Hinojosa.
“Rangel is the kind of opponent important and necessary on Rodriguez’s development” said Juan Orengo, manager of Emmanuel Rodriguez, “We expect Rangel to be in great shape. The fight may go the distance but nothing is guaranteed because ‘Manny’ has gained a lot of power, and is knocking out his opponents with one punch”.
On October 2014, the undefeated Puerto Rican sensation, captured the WBO Latino title by knocking out Miguel ‘No Fear’ Cartagena  in the first round. Cartagena was a former two time United States National Champion, and 11 times Golden Gloves winner in Philadelphia.
Rodriguez has other notable victories by unanimous decision over world title contender, David Quijano, and former WBC FECARBOX champion, Felix Perez.
Videos – Complete fights
Rodriguez vs. Hinojosa
Rodriguez vs. Cartagena

Casimero Elects to Face Arroyo, Puts Pursuit of Ruenroeng Rematch on Hold

 

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing says his fighter, former IBF and WBO Light Flyweight Champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero, will not pursue an immediate rematch against IBF flyweight titleholder Amnat Ruenroeng, but will instead look for a more lucrative match against Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Arroyo.

 

Calling it the “business-wise career path” for his 25-year-old fighter from Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, Lewkowicz says the well-deserved rematch against Ruenroeng will have to be put on hold temporarily.

 

Casimero lost a highly questionable, foul-filled 12-round decision to Ruenroeng at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 27. The bizarre fight included the champion being warned by referee Larry Doggett five times for wrestling Casimero to the canvas before being penalized. In an abysmal refereeing performance, Doggett also gave Ruenroeng credit for a non-knockdown push and ruled a legitimate knockdown against the champion a slip.

 

“Despite the injustice done to my fighter last June, we are putting our pursuit of a Ruenroeng rematch on the back burner in favor of a better opportunity to face McWilliams Arroyo,” explained Lewkowicz. “We were offered another fight in Thailand to make up for the fiasco that occurred in the first fight, but what’s to stop it from happening a second time?”

 

Arroyo (also the victim of a questionable decision against Ruenroeng last year) and Casimero will instead face off at a soon-to-be-announced time and place later this year.

 

“The winner of Casimero and Arroyo will then look to rematch Ruenroeng on neutral ground in the United States early next year,” continued Lewkowicz. “Sometimes putting your frustration and disappointment away for a better time make more sense for the fighter’s career and this is what we are choosing in this case. John Riel will get his justice eventually and he will get a huge opportunity to face Puerto Rico’s Arroyo. Out of a bad situation will come two of his biggest victories.”
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.