Tag Archives: Said El Harrak

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman chimes in on  controversial decision with Chris Arreola

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Reading, PA (December 14, 2015) -This past Saturday night at the AT & T Center  in San Anonio, Heavyweight Travis Kauffman (30-2, 22 KO’s) and former two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola engaged in a action packed bout that saw Arreola get a dubious split decision by scores 114-113 twice for Arreola and 114-113 for Kauffman.
Most accounts of the fight had Kauffman getting the decision, which included PBC ringside scorer Steve Farhood.
Kauffman of Reading, PA. pushed the action and landed the more telling blows, which included a knockdown in round three from a jab-right hand combination.  The fight validated Kauffman as a player in the division, but he wasn’t satisfied with just a good performance.     
“I feel good.  I thought I did enough to win the fight.  I had it 8-4 or 7-5 in my favor plus the knockdown,” said Kauffman after viewing the fight.
“I dominated from rounds three to nine.  I took off ten and eleven as I thought that I was secure with my lead.  I dominated the twelfth round and after a three-punch combination, Chris went falling back and it looked like his glove touched the canvas.  No matter what, I thought I won the twelfth round.  I backed him up the entire fight.  I dominated him at his own game.”
Kauffman believes that he won over the crowd and those in attendance thought that he deserved the nod as well.
“The crowd booed me as I came into the ring and cheered me when I left.  I won them over and I won over the boxing public.”
With the performance, Kauffman should be in line for another significant fight in the first quarter of 2016.
“I spoke to my manager, Al Haymon and he said that bigger things are going to happen for me.  Weather it is a rematch or someone else, I am ready for that.  I showed that I am a force in the division.  I worked for so long for this fight, so I am just going to take a week off and enjoy my kids and I will be right back in the gym.  I am looking to be back sometime between February and April.”
“I appreciate all the fans.  The ones that have been with me before the fight one the ones that became fans on Saturday.”
Said Kauffman’s father Marshall Kauffman, “I am very proud of Travis and what he did in the fight  Just look at each of them and you could tell who took the beating in the fight.  The worst case scenario, the fight it was 6-6 but Travis scored the knockdown that should have gave him the fight.  I believe he will get another opportunity.  He showed what he is capable of doing.”

Photos by Joe Tarlecky –Team Kauffman
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

OMAR FIGUEROA DEFEATS ANTONIO DEMARCO IN PRIMETIME SLUGFEST ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO

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CHRIS ARREOLA RECOVERS FROM EARLY KNOCKDOWN TO TAKE HOME  SPLIT-DECISION OVER TRAVIS KAUFFMAN IN HEAVYWEIGHT BRAWL
 
VICTOR ORTIZ, TERRELL GAUSHA & MARIO BARRIOS PICK UP VICTORIES IN PBC ON NBCSN ACTION
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
SAN ANTONIO (December 13, 2015) – Undefeated Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs) won an intense slugfest over former world champion Antonio DeMarco(31-6-1, 23 KOs) in primetime Saturday night on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onNBC from the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
Figueroa earned the unanimous decision in an action-packed battle that saw the south Texas-native throw over 1000 punches across 12 rounds. Figueroa dominated the first six rounds of the fight, throwing numerous combinations and taking minimal damage from his opponent.
The Mexican veteran DeMarco saved his best for the second half of the fight and was able to frequently land clean power punches against the offensive-minded Figueroa. In the 11th-round, DeMarco staggered Figueroa with a series of headshots and appeared to have him in serious trouble. Figueroa recovered enough to survive the round and win the final stanza in the eyes of all three judges.
Combined the fighters threw 1160 power punches against just 519 jabs. Figueroa landed 48 percent of his power shots while DeMarco connected on 45 percent of his. The 1092 to 587 punch output advantage for Figueroa could have proved to be the difference as he out-landed his opponent 414 to 225.
The final judges’ scores were 116-112 and 115-113 twice.
In the co-featured event, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (37-4-1, 31 KOs) earned a split-decision victory over Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-2, 22 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight showdown that lived up to the pre-fight trash talk between the former sparring partners.
Arreola started out strong, winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. In the third round, Kauffman delivered a sensational combination to the head and body that put Arreola on the mat.
The knockdown slowed Arreola down as Kauffman won five rounds between rounds three and nine while displaying excellent footwork and body punching. After a low blow by Kauffman in round nine, Arreola took several minutes to recover before the referee continued the action. The extra time appeared to give Arreola a second wind as he finished strong and closed the fight with an impressive performance in the last three rounds.
The split decision was about as narrow as it could be with two judges’ scoring the bout 114-113 for Arreola and the other judge with the same score for Kauffman. Arreola out-landed Kauffman 216-206 in total punches and connected on 57 percent of his power shots.
Headlining the NBCSN telecast prior, former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) returned from a yearlong layoff to stop Gilberto Sanchez-Leon (31-15-2, 13 KOs) in the eighth round of their welterweight bout.
Ortiz was coming back from a broken wrist suffered at the end of his last bout in December 2014 and was able to land 50 percent of his power punches. The stoppage came at 2:57 into the eighth round in a bout scheduled for 10.
San Antonio-native Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs) impressed in front of his hometown fans on his way to stopping Manuel Vides (18-5, 11 KOs) 31 seconds into the sixth round. Barrios showed lethal accuracy, landing 54 percent of his power punches and 46 percent of his total punches.
In NBCSN action that followed the primetime broadcast, 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (17-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect record intact, defeating Said El Harrak (12-4-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight fight. Gausha recorded a knockdown in the second round and cruised to a 100-89 decision according to all three judges.
OMAR FIGUEROA
“These are the kind of fights I love to be in. A little rougher than I would have liked and my face shows it. It was a good fight. I wish I had done better but I always do the best I can.
“My determination is what helped me win this fight. I’m not going to lose a fight. I don’t have that in me. I’ve had every injury. I could have a missing arm but I’m still going to find a way to win the fight.
“It was a great atmosphere. I could hear the fans cheering me on and it’s a great feeling. I know the people here were backing me up and I just wanted to give it my all.
“It was all heart and guts out there. That’s what I rely on when all else fails. We do our best to come out with the victory.
“I want to fight in the 140-pound weight class. Some things happened that were out of our control and we just wanted to put on a show for the fans. My body is getting bigger but I want to do some things at 140-pounds before I move up. We’re doing our best, we’re learning how to do things right. We’re in the learning process.
“My hands feel really good. They look like hands. Which is nice. My face looks like a face, just a beat up face.
“Antonio gave me a lot of respect after the fight and he told me that ‘family is the most important thing.’ We all sacrifice in training camp and we’re just so grateful that we get to fight.
“I have no quit in me. I’ve fought with injuries and adversity. It’s just not in me to quit.”
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“I thought I got a draw out of the fight, but he’s here in his home state, with his home crowd, and I respect the decision.
“He was just too big. No excuses, but I know that was why he was able to last the full fight with me.
“He was just pushing me forward, pushing me forward and using his body weight, but he never hurt me at any time.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I wasn’t hurt from the knockdown, it was more of a flash knockdown.”
“I pulled it out in the championship rounds. I was in great shape and that was the difference in my winning.
“I had to show him a little different look tonight and not just bull rush him. He came to me, which made it easier for me. Conditioning was the deciding factor tonight.”
“Yes, I would give Travis Kauffman a rematch. Any time, we can do it again.
“I have to earn a world title fight and have to win convincingly. If I fight Deontay Wilder, I have to be in great shape.
“I’m going to take a little vacation with the family then I plan on being back in the gym right after New Years.”
TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I’m not the only one that thought I won the fight, the entire crowd thought I won the fight. I fought a great fight. I came here to win. I’m not a slouch, I’m a fighter. I’ve been doing this my entire life.
“I didn’t get the victory that I deserved tonight, but I was able to win over the crowd and I won over America.
“The crowd came in cheering for Chris. They left cheering for me.”
VICTOR ORTIZ
“He was a really tough fighter. He got some good shots in. I don’t like making excuses. In three years, I’ve only fought twice. There was a lot of rust. But I’m just happy to get back in the ring.
“I feel no pain whatsoever. I’m happy for that and ready to move forward.
“My past is in my past. I want to go for it. Any of the top welterweights, I want them.
“This camp was incredible. Not just Joel Diaz, but the whole team has been with me 24/7 and they’ve been awesome. It’s a great asset to have these kind of people in my corner.
“In the past, I always found myself jumping the gun. These coaches have helped me slow down. This is definitely a step forward.
“I’m my own worst critic. There’s a lot to improve on. My reflexes were good but my timing was off. Probably due to inactivity. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I have a whole new chance to reach my goals.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m just happy to have been able to put on a great show for my family and friends. Right now I’m feeling great. I couldn’t be any more excited.
“We start with a game plan that revolves around working off our jab and picking our shots. He tended to work up the middle and that’s how we found openings.
“At any point I was ready to sit there and brawl with him, but that wasn’t the plan for this fight. The plan was to be smarter and that’s what we did.
“My height and size is something we always work on and use to our advantage.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“I’m very happy with my performance but I still have a lot of improvements to make in the gym.”
“I caught him with some good body shots and that was the difference.
“We don’t target anyone, but I’m ready for someone in the top 10. I’d like to fight again in February if possible.”
#          #          #
PBC on NBC and NBCSN was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions in association with TGB Promotions
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

MARIO BARRIOS SCORES SPECTACULAR KNOCKOUT

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 12, 2015) – Rising star and super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a spectacular sixth round knockout over Manuel Vides (18-5, 11 KOs).  The bout, which was televised as part of the PBC on NBCSN took place at the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
From the opening round, Barrios established his presence in the ring as he landed numerous power shots, mostly to the body and head.  A powerful right uppercut followed by a monstrous left hook sent Vides crashing to the canvas head first, ending the bout at the 2:29 mark of round six.
“I felt strong going into the ring tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “We had a great training camp and I got a lot of good sparring to get me prepared for this fight.  I got into a good rhythm early and kept my foot on the pedal.  I had him hurt early but he was a very tough opponent and pushed me to the later rounds.  By coach Bob Santos told me to start throwing more uppercuts and that’s when I landed that big shot in the sixth round.  I followed the right uppercut with a left hook and got him out of there.”
With the win, Barrios, who’s been on fast track, recorded his seventh victory of 2015.  He’s very pleased to be staying active as he ascends to the top of the super-featherweight division.”
“I want to thank PBC and NBC for this opportunity.” Barrios continued. “To be part of the PBC series is a dream come true.  My goal is to continue winning and become a PBC superstar.  I also want to thank my team for all their hard work.  I’m very happy with my performance and I couldn’t have done it without them.  I’m looking forward to another busy year in 2016.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PBC ON NBC & NBCSN FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Francisco Perez/Premier Boxing Champions
 
SAN ANTONIO (December 9, 2015) -Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC and NBCSN cards hosted a media workout before they enter the ring on December 12 in San Antonio at the newly renovated AT&T Center.
 
Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Antonio DeMarco, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale, Chris “Nightmare” Arreola, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, Mario Barrios and Brandon Figueroa were all on hand to workout and speak to the media at Jesse James’s Leija’s Champion Fit Gym.
Figueroa and DeMarco square off in the evening’s main event on NBC while Breazeale and Arreola will compete in separate heavyweight bouts. Ortiz, Barrios and Figueroa are slated to appear on the NBCSN portion of the telecast.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
OMAR FIGUEROA
“Training camp has been phenomenal. I don’t think it could have gone any better. Considering everything I’ve been through this year, it’s such a breath of fresh air to be able to actually train and train to my fullest.
“I think I’m definitely getting better. We never stop improving and if we do, that’s when our careers end. We always try to learn and see what we can do better and where we can progress. It’s a journey that we’re not even halfway through.
“I don’t think I had the best performance against Ricky Burns in May. Considering I had a fractured hand through camp, I couldn’t really train in camp. I beat a former world champion and I did it without training as much as I’d like.
“To me, a fight is a fight. I enjoy fighting. I love being in the ring. I’m excited for it. I can’t wait. I just want to perform and see how I feel.
“I think Antonio DeMarco is a perfect fit for my style. He’s really tough but he has flaws. He leaves the body open and that’s something I think we can exploit. If all goes to plan, we’ll come out victorious.”
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“I’m coming back for the love of the sport. I want to show everybody that has wrote me off, that I’m still here and dangerous. They’re going to eat their words Sunday morning.
“I had previously retired due to personal reasons, but boxing is such a big part of my life. It brought me out of the streets and given my family a good life. I’ve been able to help my sister who has battled cancer but is now healthy. I couldn’t leave a sport that has helped so many people.
“I’m back with my old trainer, who has helped me reach the best moments of my career. Romulo Quirarte and I are working hard to get back to that level.
“I have a lot of respect for Omar. He’s undefeated and he’s done some really good things in this sport. It’s a hard fight, but it’s a hard fight for both of us. It’s not going to be easy for Omar.
“I want the fans to see a great fight. It’s going to be a war. Two Mexicans, with Mexican blood is always a great fight. I’ve trained for a war and I’ll show everyone that I’m ready when I step into that ring.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“Training camp went great. We had a good nine or 10 weeks of camp with a diverse group of sparring partners. I actually dropped about 10 pounds so I feel strong and healthy.
“It’s huge to finish up the year on NBC at the AT&T Center. I couldn’t ask for much more.
“I’m looking forward to fighting for belts. Line them up. I want to fight top 10, top 5 guys consistently. Let’s get it done.
“I’ve worked really hard on correcting flaws and improving at my craft. As a fighter you that’s what you want to do. I always ask to be tested and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I know I have a tough test in front of me. My opponent has a lot of amateur experience and he’s been a good pro. I have to make this one count. You never know when it’s going to be your last chance.
“I looked bad in my last two fights and you’re only as good as your last fight. I think my opponent sees me as a fighter on his way down and that fires me up. He’s going to wish he never fought me.
“I’ve always thought of myself as an elite fighter. My main concern is Travis Kauffman. I have to beat him convincingly. I need to beat him to the point where everyone wants me to fight for a title. I want to earn my title shot.
“This is the beginning to a title run. I want to cement myself as a top heavyweight in the world. I’m a heavyweight to be reckoned with and I’m going to prove that to everyone. I need this fight for my career.”
VICTOR ORTIZ
“I’ve had my ups and my downs, but I just want to out there and entertain the fans again. I don’t think fans have ever been disappointed in how much action there is when I fight.
“My prime is still here. I’m going to take full advantage of it. The Hollywood scene is cool, it doesn’t hurt as bad, but I prefer being a world champion. I want to get back to that level.
“I’ve been pushing myself the whole camp. I’m just here to put in the work. We’re ready to go put on a show. I know my opponent is going to come hungry and I’m ready.
“I’ve made big changes to my career and I think it’ll be for the better. I hope everyone tunes in. I’m ready to go to war.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“Finishing up the year with a fight like this in my hometown, it’s the best thing I could ask for. I’m excited to be back home fighting in front of family and friends.
“I’ve improved greatly as a fighter this year. I’ve learned a lot about how to maintain composure in the ring. These are things that I’ve been able to gain with experience. I want to stay active and keep getting better.
“Training camp has been great. We went out to Houston for a week of our training to work with Miguel Flores and came back last week to finish up in San Antonio. I feel strong and ready to put on a great show Saturday.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I feel really good. My team and I have been doing things rights and I’m ready to get in the ring December 12.
“My first fight was also on a big show with my brother headlining. I’m not saying I’m used to it. But I’m not really an emotional person so I won’t get fazed by the stage.
“I’m happy to be part of this show. There are so many great fighters and it’s a blessing to be part of this event.
“My brother and I both like to brawl and give fans a show, but I’d say I’m a more technical fighter. I like to keep my distance. When it comes down to throwing punches and trading, that’s what we like to do.
“My opponent is taller than my past opponents and he has some amateur experience. I’m going to try to box him, stay on the outside and hurt him with body shots.”
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

VICTOR ORTIZ TAKES ON GILBERTO SANCHEZ LEON TERRELL GAUSHA SET TO FACE SAID EL HARRAK HUGO CENTENO SQUARES OFF AGAINST JOSUE OBANDO MARIO BARRIOS BATTLES MANUEL VIDES & BRANDON FIGUEROA FIGHTS FRANCISCO MURO ON PBC ON NBCSN  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

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Full Night Of Action Comes To The AT&T Center In San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (December 8, 2015) – Opponents for the previously announced Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN card are set for their Saturday, December 12 showdowns at the newly renovated AT&T Center in San Antonio.
PBC on NBCSN action will see the return of “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (30-5-2, 23 KOs) as he faces Mexican veteran Gilberto Sanchez Leon (33-13-2) in a 10-round welterweight affair, 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (16-0, 8 KOs) take on Said El Harrak (12-3-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout, unbeaten Hugo “The Boss” Centeno  (23-0, 12 KOs) against Josue Obando (12-7-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight contest, undefeated local prospect Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) stepping into the ring against Panama’s Manuel Vides (18-4, 11 KOs) in an eight round lightweight contest and Brandon Figueroa (3-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Muro (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bantamweight battle.
The NBCSN coverage will bookend the PBC on NBC event headlined by undefeated starOmar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also feature a pair of heavyweight showdowns as undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) faces“Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and hard-hitting Mexican-American Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) battles Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
NBCSN coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and go until 7:30 pm. ET/4:30 pm PT. NBCSN coverage will resume at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT following the NBC broadcast and run to midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
Also featured in exciting undercard fights are undefeated prospects Semajay Thomas(6-0, 4 KOs) out of Chicago in a six-round welterweight affair against Florida’s Farkhad Sharipov (4-5, 1 KO), 25-year-old New Jersey-product Rickey Edwards (9-0, 3 KOs) in a six round lightweight bout against undefeated Ariel Paez (4-0, 1 KO), Lanell “KO” Bellows (13-1-1, 7 KOs) out of Las Vegas taking on Nigeria’s Michael Gbenga (16-23, 16 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action and 21-year-old Justin DeLoach(11-1, 6 KOs) of Georgia, Louisiana in a six-round super welterweight contest.
Rounding out the night of action will be undefeated San Antonio-product Adam Lopezagainst former world champion Eric Aiken in a super bantamweight bout, 21-year-oldJavier Rodriguez battling Alejandro Moreno in a four-round super bantamweight showdown, San Antonio’s Steve Hall as he squares off against Adam Ealons in a four-round super lightweight fight and Austin’s Brandon Chalker in a four round super featherweight contest against San Antonio’s Rudy Zamora.
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returns to the ring one year after injuring his hand in his last bout, a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 28-year-old was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Andre Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but will returnDecember 12 healthy and ready to fight his way back to the pinnacle of the sport. First, he will have to get past the durable Leon out of Mexicali, Mexico who owns victories over Dario Cervantes, Carlos Yanez and Rene Ruiz.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gausha was a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda and Eliezer Gonzalez by decision. Now he will take on the 28-year-old El Harrak who fights out of Las Vegas by way London.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In December 2014 he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Most recently, the 24-year-old took down Lukasz Maciec in September and looks to finish the year with another strong performance against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Obando.
Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his seventh victory of 2015 onDecember 12. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after winning his first eight-round bout over Enrique Tinoco on November 10. He will face the 25-year-old Panamian Vides who owns victories in 2015 over Ivan Trejos and Samuel Moreno.
The brother of main event participant and former world champion Omar, the 18-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May by defeating Hector Gutierrez and has followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena and Ramiro Ruiz. The Weslaco, Texas-product looks to make it a perfect 2015 when he takes on the 19-year-old Muro out of Tucson, Arizona.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO PREMIERES THIS SATURDAYON SHOWTIME®, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO EPILOGUE

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Network’s Distinctive And Award-Winning “Epilogue” Episode Focuses

The Spotlight On The Unpredictable Drama Of Fight Week

 

Click On The Image Below To Watch A Clip Lift: http://s.sho.com/1JmrDZ3

 

The fourth and final installment of INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO–Epilogue–premieres this Saturday immediately following the SHOWTIME premiere of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao delayed telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT.  In this clip, witness Mayweather and Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach arguing just moments before the fight.  And tune in this Saturday to witness all the drama and intensity immediately before and after last Saturday’s historic showdown.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER DEFEATS MANNY PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF 16,507 FANS  AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

 

“He’s [Manny Pacquiao] is a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to him. Now I see why he’s one of the guys that are at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.

 

“I knew he was going to push it and win some rounds. He had some moments in the fight, but I kept him on the outside, I was a smart fighter. I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots until I sat in the pocket, that’s when he would land a lot of shots.

 

“We did what we had to do tonight and I’m truly blessed.

 

“I’m a calculated fighter, he’s a tough competitor.

 

“I have to take it off to my dad, without him I wouldn’t be where I’m at.

 

“He’s a very awkward fighter, so I had to take my time and watch him close.

 

“All 47 fights before I got to this fight played a major key in my career.

 

“Manny Pacquiao is a true champion and we both did our best tonight.

 

“When the history books are written, this fight will have been worth the wait.

 

“I have one more fight. My last fight is in September and then it’s time for me to hang it up. I’m almost 40 years old now. I’ve been in the sport 19 years and have been a champion for 18 years, I’m truly truly blessed.”

 

 

 

MANNY PACQUIAO

 

“It was a good fight; I thought I won the fight.

 

“He didn’t do anything. He was always moving outside.

 

“I got him many times, I saw his punches.

 

“He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would’ve stayed in one place then I could’ve thrown punches.

 

“I was cutting him and countering. I wanted to fight.

 

“I was able to handle his power; he’s not strong like previous opponents like [Antonio] Margarito.

 

“I thought I was up in the fight, so that’s why I didn’t attack harder in the 11th and 12th rounds.

 

“He’s not bigger than me, it’s not about the size. The size doesn’t matter. I’ve fought guys bigger than him and had no problem.”

 

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast was co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM DAVID COPPERFIELD THEATER AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko, their opponents and non-televised fighters participated Thursday in the undercard final press conference before their respective fights taking place this Saturday, May 2, live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

In pay-per-view fights before Floyd “Money” Mayweather meets Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in their epic welterweight championship unificiation showdown, the Mexican star Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) will take on fellow Mexican countryman  Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight contest and Ukraine’s Lomachenko(3-1, 1 KO) will defend against Puerto Rico’s Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).

 

The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

Also appearing at the press conference were boxers fighting on the non-televised portion of the card: Promising unbeaten Chris “Young King” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs), who meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout; hard-hitting Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs), who’ll face fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles, power-punching Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs), who will be opposed by Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in a cruiserweight eight-rounder and undefeated super middleweight Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who meets Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round scrap.

 

Here is what the fighters and executives said Thursday at the Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand:

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m more than excited to be on this undercard. This is the biggest card I could have been on. I want to show the whole world who I am.

 

“I prepared very hard for this fight, like I always do. It’s going to be a historic night and I’m happy to be a part of that history.

 

“I know that everybody is here for Mayweather and Pacquiao but there will still be millions seeing me fight and I want to show them who Leo Santa Cruz is so that I can get a lot more fans.

 

“”I’m still young and there are many more fights to come. The fights the fans want, we’re going to give it to them. I know those fights are going to happen.

 

“I want to look spectacular and I want to get Cayetano out of there really fast. Sometimes these kind of fighters are the ones who give you the hardest fights because they come hungrier and have nothing to lose.

 

“Seeing my family here and having them in the arena on fight night is a huge motivation for me. I feel happier and more relaxed and I’m ready.

 

“I never underestimate a fighter. Any fighter in the ring is dangerous. I hope that Cayetano is ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”

 

JOSE CAYETANO
“I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a strong, difficult fighter but he also has weaknesses and that is what we prepared for, to give him a surprise.

“I’m a man that takes challenges and I’ve been preparing very hard, I’m always prepared for these types of fights. I’m very prepared and I feel very strongly that I will win.

“I came here for the opportunity to beat Leo Santa Cruz and for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event that is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.

“I’m very happy and very grateful and very excited to get into the ring. It’s a huge commitment, the entire world will be watching me but that is why I accepted the fight, I know that if I beat him, bigger and better opportunities will come my way.

“I’m not nervous because it’s not the first time that I’ve faced a tough opponent. I’ve never faced a world champion but I’ve faced opponents that throw hard punches, so I’m not nervous, I’m excited.”

 

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“This is an opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and for millions of viewers to see that I can do it.

 

“The best fighters get the best opportunities in the ring, there are a lot of great fighters getting those opportunities including myself.

 

“It’s always a good feeling when people are saying good things about you.

 

“I’m very excited to be involved in a bout such as this one, May 2 will be a big show shown around the world. I’m very happy to be in the opening bout for this huge fight.”

 

GAMALIER RODRIGUEZ
“I’m looking forward to this big fight on Saturday. It’s a blessing to participate in this type of press conference and come Saturday, I will win! I’m sure of it. I will be champion.

“All of the attention toward Vasyl Lomachenko gives me motivation. I’ve been a fighter and a boxer since I was young and it’s added motivation to come out on top this weekend.

 

“I know that Lomachenko is a good and technical fighter but it doesn’t compare to my hunger and drive to be world champion.

“I wanted to take the opportunity during my speech at the press conference to let everyone know that I can here to fight. It’s going to be a hard fought battle and I’m very confident that I’ll win and become the champion this Saturday.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“I am so excited to be here today to discuss the great undercard which will be the lead-in to our long awaited, history making event taking place this Saturday night.

 

“The lead-in fight for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a very exciting fight featuring Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Cayetano.

 

“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the classiest gentleman in the sport. He’s a very fan-friendly fighter and a Mexican warrior. He represents Mexico very well.”

 

BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank

“I know that every fighter deems it a tremendous honor to be part of this great event.  We hope and believe that we will be presenting to the public through Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, the best of boxing and the best fighters.

 

“Vasyl Lomachenko is considered to be the greatest amateur fighter of all time. Now, he looks for the same type of success he had as an amateur in the professional ranks. But this will be a very competitive fight, because Gamalier Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican who comes to fight and believes that he can upset Vasyl.

 

“A lot of the young men up here believe they are the next big thing in boxing, and many will be. But I know that Vasyl Lomachenko will be a big superstar in the sport of boxing.”

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM KÀ THEATRE AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”

This Saturday, May 2, Live on Pay-Per-View

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao faced off for only the third time Wednesday during the final press conference for their long-awaited welterweight world championship unification fight this Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, live on pay-per-view.

 

The last time the boxing superstars met face-to-face was at the Los Angeles press conference to formally announce the mega-fight on March 11. The first time they were photographed up close and personal came at a Miami Heat basketball game in January.

 

In the most eagerly awaited showdown in years – and the richest fight in boxing history —   the undefeated and universally recognized No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs), an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions, will take on the fighting pride of the Philippines, Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the only boxer to capture world titles in eight weight classes.

 

Here is what the fighters and executives said Wednesday at the KÀ Theatre at the MGM Grand:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“The only thing I can do is take it one day at a time. When the fight gets here I will go out there and do what I do best and that’s go out and fight.

 

“From the beginning of my career, I’ve always had a game plan. It’s just like chess. We make calculated moves in the ring and outside the ring. I got with the right team and surrounded myself with the right chess pieces.

 

“I’m a lot wiser than I once was. This fight sells itself. Our ultimate goal was to get to this point, whether it was Manny or another fighter.

 

“I don’t take anything away from Manny Pacquiao. He’s a solid fighter; a solid competitor and it will be an intriguing matchup come Saturday.

 

“Everything takes time, it’s all about timing. I’m glad that we had patience and didn’t rush. The time is now, this is the right time for this fight.

 

“I want to thank all the writers for being here. Some have been around since I was 10-years-old, some have been here for my 19 years in this sport. I’m thankful for all the writers, whether the stories were good stories or bad, you guys kept me relevant for 19 years.

 

“This fight is about one fighter who is at the top fighting another fighter who is at the top. It’s about giving you guys excitement. We don’t know how this fight is going to play out, but I believe in my skills. I believe I am going to be victorious.

 

“When I went to training camp I worked extremely hard to win this fight and I’m pretty sure Manny did the same. That’s why this is an intriguing matchup.”

 

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I don’t have a prediction, but I’m excited. I’m confident and I feel for the first time that I’m ready for the fight.

“I’m so happy because that feeling and that focus that I had many years ago, is back. I’m confident and relaxed.

“My love and eagerness for this fight has made me especially interested.

“I would like to invite everyone to witness the great fight between Floyd and I this Saturday.

“I want to be an example and inspiration to people.

“Before I became a boxer, I used to sleep on the street. I can’t believe that I am in this position. The boy who didn’t have food and slept on the street can have this life.

“On Saturday our goal is to make the fans happy with our performance. Both of us will work very hard to entertain the fans and give a good fight.

“I hope that both Floyd and I do our best on Saturday and to put our name in boxing history.

“The most important thing I hope for is that after the fight I can talk with Floyd about being an inspiration to people all around the world.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer

 

“Whatever happens on Saturday, it’s going to be one-sided. Pacquiao is going to sleep.

 

“I’m a trainer, I know what’s going on with fighters. Pacquiao doesn’t have it.

 

“Everybody can say what they want to say. I’ve said it before, Pacquiao can’t punch. I’m not worried about it. I’m going to have Floyd walk him down.”

 

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Trainer

“When this fight was announced, Manny’s training level went way up.  He’s really excited about this fight.

 

“I think we will win a decision and outpoint this guy. If the knockout comes then that will be a bonus.

“I think Manny likes to be the underdog. We like pulling upsets and doing things we’re not supposed to do. Manny is going to be that guy.

“We will put a lot of pressure on Floyd. Manny likes to exchange and with his hand speed, this fight will go in our favor.

“Manny is reckless, but that’s his style. He tries to win fights and people enjoy his fights. He gives it his all and sometimes you get knocked out, that’s part of boxing.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“The worldwide attention and interest in this event has been unbelievable and Floyd and Manny deserve it.

 

“Las Vegas has a rich history of hosting the biggest and best fights in the sport. Over the years Floyd Mayweather has made the MGM his home. This will be his 11th consecutive fight at MGM Grand and the 14th in his career.

 

“There are two great fighters that will be fighting on Saturday night and the focus needs to be on the fighters, no one else. The focus is on the fighters on Saturday night.

 

“On May 2, Floyd faces another huge challenge in fellow world champion Manny Pacquiao, in a fight that the whole world is waiting to see. Once again Floyd is out to prove that he is The Best Ever and I know he will on Saturday night.”

 

BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank

 

“This is a great promotion with two great fighters. I hope that this fight will help elevate the rest of boxing. I think based on the interest in this fight, there has been increased interest in boxing as well, and that’s great.

 

“People have spent a lot of time during this event watching Manny train, but more importantly, watching Freddie teach. It’s great to see two guys on the same wavelength, working on the strategy and then working it out in the ring.”

 

KEN HERSHMAN, President, HBO Sports

 

“The journey to this fight has been a remarkable one. In addition to the great writing and reporting that all the media has been doing, HBO has been putting on terrific programs for fight fans to enjoy and bring them closer to the sport.

 

“One important note for everyone, please order the pay-per-view Saturday night early, or if possible today or tomorrow. We expect that the ordering systems will be overwhelmed. Also, there will be two undercard events starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and those events can end at any time. We want to make sure that no one misses any of the main event. Tune-in and tune-in early.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“This event is about two world-class athletes, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who have been working for weeks and weeks, all of their lives really, to get to this precise moment.

 

“These two fighters have worked their entire lives to get to this moment.

 

“Floyd and Manny have great teams. Floyd will be the first one to tell you that his team deserves a lot of the credit for his success and I’ve heard Manny say very similar things.

 

“What makes this event so special and so historic, is that we have two once-in-a-generation  athletes who will be meeting in the ring in about 72 hours. We are so proud to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a highly anticipated event.”

 

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International

 

“It is an honor for the MGM Resorts to house this highly anticipated event. Sports fans around the world will have the unique opportunity to watch two of boxing’s top champions, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as they go toe-to-toe at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

“Excitement for this event has resonated throughout our MGM Resorts properties and the entire Las Vegas community.

 

“We have created additional programming at the resorts including closed circuit viewing that gives fans the chance to experience MGM’s great championship fights.

 

“We just want to thank everybody involved in this great event. We’re excited, we’re proud and we can’t wait for Saturday night.”

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions –Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast is co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

FULL NIGHT OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS COMING  TO THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA SATURDAY, MAY 2

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Young Stars Complement Epic Welterweight Championship Showdown
Between Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao

 

LAS VEGAS (April 27, 2015) – A full lineup of present and future boxing stars is set to entertain the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd in pay-per-view and non-televised action before the history-making welterweight showdown between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2.

 

The pay-per-view undercard is topped by a pair of fights featuring two of boxing’s most talented and exciting stars as WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) faces Mexican brawler Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) and WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko (3-1, 1 KO) takes on Puerto Rican contender Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).

 

The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

Exciting non-televised bouts round out the action in the arena as top undefeated prospects look to keep their perfect records intact.

 

The slick and undefeated Chris “Sweet” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout and heavy-fisted Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs) takes on fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder or the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles.

 

An undefeated knockout artist looking to make it 10-for-10, Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs) faces Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in an eight- rounds cruiserweight match.

 

Kicking off the night of fights is undefeated contender Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who’ll be opposed by Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

 

“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to bringing some of boxing’s most exciting current and future stars to the fans on the biggest night in our sport’s history,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Whether you are watching on pay-per-view or in the arena, you are in store for an electric night of fights.”

 

“Each undercard match could be a main event on another card,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. “Fans can watch the exciting action as a warm-up to the most anticipated fight in decades.”

 

As previously announced, 26-year-old Santa Cruz will be making his second appearance on a Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view undercard. The fan-friendly two-division world champion has defended his super bantamweight title numerous times in impressive fashion on his way to earning a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the world. Born in Huetamo, Michoaca de Ocampo, Mexico but fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz won his first world title in 2012. In 2013 he won his super bantamweight title.

 

Fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Cayetano turned pro in 2009 and sprinted to a 10-0 record before dropping a narrow split decision to Ruben Tamayo in 2011. He most recently dropped a decision to Enrique Bernache in February after defeating Dennis Contreras and Eden Marquez in his previous two starts. He hopes to make a grand impression in his U.S. debut onMay 2.

 

Arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, with two Olympic gold medals and two Amateur National Championships, 27-year-old Lomachenko has already made a great impact in the professional ranks. He won his world title with a majority decision over Gary Russell Jr. last year. Making the second defense of his 126-pound title, the fighter out of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine will be going for his third straight win overall when he battles Rodriguez.

 

An accomplished veteran from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez gets an opportunity on boxing’s biggest stage when he battles Lomachenko.  The 28-year-old has not lost a fight since 2009 and has 17 consecutive victories since a technical draw in 2010. He won twice in 2014, picking up a unanimous decision victory over Orlando Cruz and a second round TKO over Martin Cardona.

 

Fighting out of Philadelphia, Hart was an accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate after earning a U.S. National Championship and a National Golden Gloves Championship.  The 25-year-old will fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time since his professional debut in 2005 when he stopped Manuel Eastman in the first round. This time, he will look to remain undefeated and catapult himself to contender status.

 

Undefeated and facing the biggest challenge of his career, the 27-year-old Jimenez will make his Las Vegas debut on May 2. Having already delivered a second round knockout over Kevin Engel in 2015 the fighter out of Chicago will look to impress on the biggest stage of his career against Hart.

 

A three-time National Golden Gloves Champion, Solomon fights out of Lafayette, Louisiana and is aiming to maintain his perfect record.. The 31-year-old picked up victories in 2014 over Eduardo Flores, Freddy Hernandez and Arman Ovsepyan. Solomon takes on the 25-year-old Granados out of Cicero, Illinois.

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.