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Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science

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Cinnamon Power

On Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1 32 KO) was disciplined and calculated in his unanimous decision win over Miguel Cotto (40-5 33 KO) to capture the WBC strap. He pressed forward for most of the fight and used his size advantage to walk down Cotto, stunning him on more than one occasion.

The difference in power was evident. Canelo was walking through most of Cotto’s bombs whereas Cotto was visibly bothered by what he was receiving.

It wasn’t a secret that for Cotto to be successful in this fight, he would have had to box brilliantly.

The scores, 119-109, 118-110, 117-111 would lead you to believe that he had trouble doing just that. On the contrary however, while there is no argument here that Canelo was a UD winner, Cotto surely did enough to win more than one or two rounds.

Standing-8 scored the fight 115-113 Alvarez. Yes there were several close rounds but Cotto’s movement, defense, and counter-punching should have been given the benefit in those rounds.

Talk is heating up for Canelo and Gennady Golovkin and it could be as early as May….on Cinco De Mayo weekend.

Rigon-Doh!!!!

Guillermo Rigondeaux (16-0 10 KO) is one of the top fighters in the game but his performance on Saturday night looked more like a sparring session. The “sparring partner” in this case was opponent Drian Francisco (28-4-2 22 KO).

Rigondeaux landed less than ten punches a round and looked a bit rough in his usually fluid movement. He took the fight on short notice and had not fought for almost a year so I guess there are excuses to be found.

Rigondeaux was never in jeopardy of losing the fight but for a fighter who has struggled to gain fan appeal due to his defensive style, this performance was an epic fail.

Why We Love Boxing

Boxing sometimes parallels the metaphors of life. On Saturday night, Francisco Vargas (23-0-1 17 KO) was slowly losing his fight with WBC super featherweight champion Takashi Miura (29-3-2 22 KO). The bruised and worn challenger refused to quit. As in life when your back is against the wall and the odds seem stacked against you, you either rise to the challenge or fail.

Miura had dropped Vargas in round four and had continuously battered him. Vargas was also giving as good as he was getting but seemed to be wearing down.

Miura again had Vargas in trouble at the end of the eighth and it seemed Vargas would be in big trouble in the ninth.

As the bell sounded to start the ninth, Vargas, with his right eye shut and protruding from his head, found a way with the odds against him. Vargas dropped Miura with a monster right.

Miura was hurt bad but got to his feet as Vargas landed a brutal combination causing referee Tony Weeks to jump in and stop the fight.

Although there had to be a loser, they were both winners, two warriors giving their all for the love of the game.

Southpaw Has A New Name And It’s “Z-U-R-D-O”

Gilberto Ramirez (33-0 24 KO) is a rising star in the super middleweight division and has secured a title shot after his unanimous decision win over Gevorg Khatchikian (23-2 11 KO). He is now the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Arthur Abraham’s strap after Abraham’s defeat of Martin Murray on Saturday (see below).

Hector Zapari and Zapari Boxing/Promotions have brought Ramirez up at an excellent pace slowly raising the level of competition with each fight. On the journey to his title shot, they have matched him with tough solid opponents who have challenged the young kid by putting him in uncomfortable situations forcing him to find a solution. He has passed every test and each fight he looks to be getting better and better.

Ramirez is 6’2 with a 75” reach but looks even bigger in the ring. So many things to like about Ramirez, how he destroys the body, throws nice combinations with unique punch selections, and is always in attack mode looking to end things. I still remember the uppercut from long range that he knocked out Junior Talipeau with, a thing of beauty.

As he moves forward, he would benefit from using his physical advantages a bit more. He tends to fight small and not use the jab consistently. With his dimensions, a paralyzing stick would be a massive weapon. In addition, although he has a solid beard, a tighter defense to guard against those overhand rights would serve him well.

Canelo’s win over Cotto has catapulted him to Mexico’s favorite darling but Ramirez may very well be giving him a run for his money very soon.

Always A Groomsman, Never The Groom

Murray can’t catch a break. He has won the intercontinentals, the silvers, the commonwealth’s, but just can’t seem to capture the World. Well, unless it was the interim title that is.

On Saturday, he lost out on the WBO super middleweight strap to Abraham by split decision, 115-112 112-115, 111-116. Murray started well but couldn’t sustain his effort throughout although he landed some telling shots which were few and far between. In addition, he was deducted a point in the eleventh for using his shoulder which seemed to eliminate any momentum in the final two frames.

So, Murray again loses out on a chance at a World title. He has three losses and one draw in his career, all in World title fights.

BREAKING……The Heavyweight Champ Is Fighting!! The Heavyweight Champ Is Fighting!!

“I can lick any sonofabitch in the house” quipped John L. Sullivan in the late 1800’s. He was a bad man, the heavyweight champion. There was a time when the world stopped when the heavyweight champ was fighting, times have changed.

A casual most likely would have known that Canelo v. Cotto was happening last Saturday but doubtful they would know about the week’s heavyweight tilt.

This Saturday WBA, IBO, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-3 53 KO) will face Tyson Fury (24-0 18 KO) for all the hardware sans the WBC.

Fury will actually have both a height and reach advantage which could make things interesting. He’s generally plodding in his approach and if memory serves he was floored by cruiserweight turned heavy, Steve Cunningham. Granted Fury won by stoppage but if Cunningham’s power stunned him, a Steelhammer will be big trouble.

Let’s just hope Fury’s best act against Klitschko wasn’t his impersonation of Batman.

Erislandy Lara – Training Camp Update

Press Release For Immediate Release

ERISLANDY LARA GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN MAIN EVENT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 FROM HIALEAH PARK RACING & CASINO

Super Welterweight Champion Talks Training, Zaveck Matchup and More

HOUSTON (November 19, 2015 )- Super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) is wrapping up his final days of training camp in anticipation for his upcoming fight against former world champion Jan Zaveck (35-3, 19 KOs). Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN comes Wednesday, November 25 from Hialeah Park Racing and Casino in Miami with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Lara, who is recognized as one of the top fighters in the super welterweight division, is coming off two dominating performances. He soundly beat former world champion Ishe Smith and Delvin Rodriguez within the last twelve months and looks to keep his momentum going on November 25.

Here is what Lara had to say leading up to his fight:

On fighting on ESPN as part of a Thanksgiving special broadcast:

“I think it’s great to be fighting the day before Thanksgiving. Most people will be starting their four-day weekend on that Wednesday, November 25th. Most families will be gathering around the television that evening so everyone should be tuning in.”

On his matchup with Zan Zaveck:

“I’m expecting a very tough fight from Zaveck. He applies a lot of pressure so I have to be ready for this style. One things for sure, I’ll be the one dictating the pace.

On training camp with Ronnie Shields:

“Training camp has been tough. Ronnie and I are not taking this fight lightly. Zaveck has been in the ring with a lot of good fighters so he knows every trick in the book. Ronnie has watched his last few fights and he’s come up with a great game plan. We got great sparring for this fight and I’m in great shape.”

On fighting in Miami where there will be a large amount of Cuban fans attending:

“The Cuban fans are deep in Miami and I have a lot of friends out there who will come to see me fight. I lived out there for a few years so I’m expecting to see everyone show up.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.myticketforce.com, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.

Quick Peek At…Canelo v. Cotto

A classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico slugfest. Former WBA/WBC World super welterweight titlist Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (45-1-1 32 KO) will knuckleup with “former” WBC world middleweight titlist Miguel Cotto (33-2-1 24 KO) this Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at a catchweight of 155.

Cotto, the “former” holder of the strap because the WBC announced this week that they would strip Cotto of the belt. Cotto apparently was having difficulty “complying with the rules and regs”,,,,aka he allegedly didn’t pay a $300K sanctioning fee. The timing stinks but such is the politics of boxing.

What now? If Alvarez wins the fight, the belt is his along with the title of lineal champ. Cotto would retain lineal champ status with a win but would not be the WBC champ, that would go to WBC interim champ, Gennady Golovkin. What a surprise.

Tape Tales

Cotto- Age- 35 Height-5’7 Reach-67”

Alvarez- Age- 25 Height-5’9 Reach-70.5”

Last 3-

Cotto-(3-0)

6/6/15 W- TKO 4 Daniel Geale,

Against Geale, Cotto was calculated in his attack. He worked the body and landed hard shots from the opening bell stunning Geale early and ending things with a big left hook in the fourth.

6/7/14 W- TKO 9 Sergio Martinez (Corner Stoppage before the 10th),

Cotto knocked down his battle worn opponent three times in the first en route to a dominant performance. It was clear that Martinez was not fully recovered from his knee injuries/surgeries but regardless of that, Cotto looked explosive.

10/5/13 W- TKO 3 Delvin Rodriguez

A strong body attack to start the fight, an overhand right-left hook combination to stagger Rodriguez at the end of two, and a big left hook causing the referee to stop the fight in the third. This was Cotto’s first fight with Freddie Roach and the springboard for a partnership that has reenergized the only Puerto Rican fighter to have won four titles in as many weight classes.

Alvarez- (3-0)

5/9/15 W- KO3 James Kirkland,

The Mandingo Warrior chose to attack Alvarez the only way he knows how, straight forward. He was dropped in the first but to his credit, recovered and had moments in the second backing Alvarez into the ropes and swinging away. In the third round, Alvarez landed an uppercut dropping Kirkland and then finished him moments later with a brutal overhand right.

7/12/14 W- SD Erislandy Lara,

This decision was arguably inaccurate. The scores for Alvarez that is, like the 117-111. Standing-8 had this fight 8-4 Lara. See Standing-8 article titled “Officer I’d Like To Report A Robbery, Weighing In On The Lara-Alvarez Debacle” for complete analysis.

3/8/14 W-TKO 10 Alfredo Angulo

It’s “Perro” so you know you’re going to get a dogfight against a pitbull, albeit this one with no defense or speed. Alvarez used his superior speed and movement to batter Angulo from pillar to post swelling up his face (who doesn’t?) and stopping him in the 10th.

Common Opponents May Provide A Bit Of Clarity-

Floyd Mayweather-

Cotto was one of Mayweather’s most competitive fights and closer than the scorecards indicated. Cotto executed a decent defensive gameplan and utilized his jab while working the body and landing more punches on Mayweather that had been seen in some time. Mayweather clearly won the fight but Cotto was highly competitive. Against Alvarez, the Mayweather speed was way too much. Mayweather took a few rounds to study his opponent and then dominated him the rest of the fight.

Shane Mosley

They got Mosley at much different times in his career. A close fight with Cotto in 2007 when Mosley was 36 and a lopsided loss to Alvarez when he was 40.

Austin Trout-

A southpaw fighter with movement was trouble for Cotto winning a lopsided decision, and although he lost by unanimous decision to Alvarez he was generally in the fight until a seventh round knock down. Interesting to note is that Trout was buckled badly by the shot but was able to make it to the twelfth round.

Alfonso Gomez-

Both Cotto and Alvarez walked through and stopped Gomez, Cotto in the fifth and Alvarez in the sixth.

Lovemore Ndou-

Lost to both fighters by UD. The loss to Alvarez in 2010 was lopsided but much closer against Cotto, albeit six years earlier in 2004.

What Does It All Mean?

Cotto is in deep for the first time since 2012. Take nothing away from Cotto, it’s just hard to gauge exactly where he really is this point in his career. Against Geale he was facing an opponent who is usually tough-as-nails but was gaunt/parched at the weigh-in and then as he entered the ring, an overhydrated mess with no zest, easy work for Cotto. Against Martinez, damaged goods of a fighter who was one fight away from retirement, easy work for Cotto. And Rodriguez, a tune-up fighter they wanted, a tune up fighter they got, easy work for Cotto.

Yes, Roach has made a difference but we get our first real look at a credible test on Saturday night. Cotto’s speed is what will keep him in the fight. He has the ability to stick and move and land those trademark left hooks to keep Alvarez honest. If he boxes more than brawls he can steal rounds and frustrate Alvarez similar to what Erislandy Lara did.

While Cotto doesn’t possess the southpaw tactical brilliance of Lara, he has improved his movement and combination punching under Roach’s tutelage. The thing is, Alvarez can be hit, his defense is average at best so Cotto will have openings if he can exploit them. Cotto historically works the body extremely well and if he can be successful against his bigger foe, he will possibly take some sting out of Alvarez’s big punches down the stretch.

No secret here, the young lion will look to throw punches with bad intentions and walk down his opponent. He will have both a height and reach advantage and is ten years younger. Alvarez will work behind the jab to set up his power shots. If he can cut off the ring and limit Cotto’s movement, he can inflict damage as he backs Cotto up forcing him to work off his back foot. Alvarez will need to be wary of the sneaky left hook that Cotto has thrown with great success in his career. Look for Alvarez to work the body early and often in an attempt to weaken the elder statesman. Kill the body and the head will fall.

And The Winner Is………..

The bet here is that Alvarez will respect the old hand and know that if he allows Cotto to box, move, and steal rounds he could be on the short end of a decision. That said, the feeling here is that youth will be served. Alvarez will walk Cotto down and work him to the body while making him feel every punch to the head. Cotto will have moments because, at times, Alvarez gets sloppy with his defense; however, because Cotto will be cognizant of what is coming back in return, those moments will pass quickly.

Alvarez will start quick and from the opening round will break down the game future hall of fame fighter stopping him just short of the championship rounds. Cotto will go out on his shield like the true warrior he is.

Get ready for the build up to Alvarez v, GGG.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science

Desert Stormed

Timothy Bradley (33-1-1 13 KO) wore down a poorly conditioned Brandon Rios (33-3-1 34 KO) and stopped him in the ninth on a series of body shots.

Bradley looked amazing, snapping straight right hands while exhibiting some of the best lateral movement he’s ever displayed. In addition, his defense was solid, hand speed elite and he utilized a side step-hook to the body combo beautifully on a few occasions.

Rios landed a few shots with more than one getting Bradley’s attention but did little else.

Bradley started to sit down on his punches in the seventh and in the ninth, buckled Rios to the canvas with a body shot. After Rios got up, Bradley attacked landing a hook to the body dropping Rios a second time. This time, Rios stayed down on a knee and waited to be counted out.

Bradley’s speed was way too much. Rios will always find difficulty with lighting quick opponents.

No surprise really. Yes Rios had looked good defeating Mike Alvarado in January but Alvarado by his own admission was grossly unprepared and shouldn’t have been in the ring.

Before that, Diego Chaves gave Rios a tough go and and Manny Pacquiao flat out dominated him. The signs of Rios’ decline have been present and the issues of his weight loss/gain only added to the problems.

Apparently, after barely not making weight then making it, Rios entered the ring on fight night in excess of 170. You could see the sluggishness impacting him each passing round as his rehydration plan backfired. After the fight Rios indicated he would retire.

Time for a public service announcement- alphabet soup, please get together and discuss the feasibility of same day weigh-ins or mandating limits for appropriate weight levels through rehydration.

Back to our regularly scheduled program-

Take nothing away from Bradley, he did what he was supposed to do. It was a very strong performance, just needs to be kept in perspective.

The partnership with Teddy Atlas is off to a rousing start.

The Return Of The King-Painting Masterpieces Fight After Fight

WBO Featherweight Champion Vasyl Lomachenko (5-1 3 KO) is six fights into his pro career and can already be included in the top pound for pound fighter discussions. Vasyl, meaning “king”, arguably the greatest amatuer ever is begining to breakthrough to another level in the pros.

On Saturday night in true “Hi-Tech” fashion, the Ukrainian dominated Romulo Koasicha (25-5 15 KO) before stopping him in the tenth on a flurry of punches culminating with a left to the midsection followed by a thunderous shot to the ribs. Game,Set, Match.

While Koasicha is not a championship caliber opponent, he is a solid pro and Loma made him look like a sparring partner.

Lomachenko’s footwork was sensational. He glides effortlessly to and from his opponent always in the position to counter or move out of harm’s way only slightly having to absorb anything in return. That’s not to say that he won’t be willing to take one to give one as he showed against Koasicha.

Lomachenko landed 64 % of his power punches according to Compubox.

“I was having fun in there if I wanted to knock him out earlier, I would have.” said Lomachenko

A matchup with Guillermo Rigondeaux would be amazing and we may see the best Lomachenko yet.

Lomachenko is a master technician in the ring and puts on a performances utilizing a skill set like no other fighter today. If you love the sweetness of the science, Lomachenko’s your man.

Monaco Masher

Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4 18 KO) stopped Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez (14-1 11 KO) in the fourth round in Monaco.

Who? Ya, I know, not really a household name facing the former WBO junior welterweight champion. Infact, out of fourteen fights, Alvarez-Rodriguez had only faced one fighter with a winning record.

In the fourth round, Provodnikov stunned Rodriguez with a big right. Sensing he was hurt, Provodnikov attacked with a barrage dropping Rodriguez. Provodnikov finished the job as Rodriguez got up, dazing him again with another right and then dropping him again with a left hook. The referee had seen enough.

This was Provodnikov’s first fight with ex-Bradley trainer, Joel Diaz since leaving Freddie Roach and we saw some glimpses of boxing from the slugger.

Ruslan turned boxer – puncher would be a scary thought, just sayin.

Ted Talk -Ideas Worth Screaming

“Are you ready for the fire? We are firemen. WE ARE FIREMEN! The heat doesn’t bother us. We live in the heat. We train in the heat. It tells us that we’re ready, we’re at home, we’re where we’re supposed to be. Flames don’t intimidate us. What do we do? We control the flame. We control them. We move the flames where we want to. And then we extinguish them.” -Teddy Atlas to Timothy Bradley

Christmas Early

Canelo v. Cotto under three weeks away, nuff said.

MARIO BARRIOS FACES STIFF TEST IN STEP UP FIGHT AGAINST ENRIQUE TINOCO

Photo By Premier Boxing Champions

AUSTIN, TX (November 8, 2015 ) Undefeated super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout this Tuesday November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas. Barrios, who’ll be making his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)Fox Sports 1 debut, steps in the ring with Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), his toughest test as a professional fighter.

Riding a 4-fight winning streak, all coming by way of knockout, Tinoco is a major step up in class for Barrios. Tinoco has victories over three undefeated fighters, two of which had 14-0 records. With a tough test ahead of him, Barrios give his thoughts on his matchup with Tinoco.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well prepared for this difficult challenge,” said Barrios who resides in San Antonio, Texas. “I’m ready to fight the best possible opponents out there. I know Tinoco is dangerous, but so am I. These are the type of fights that I must win to take my career to the next level and I can’t wait to let my hands go. I love the fact that I’m fighting this tough of an opponent this early in my career. It’s only going to make me better.”

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONESFOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT. In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout.

Tickets priced at $125, $85, $75, $45 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302. Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.

Quick Peek At…Bradley v. Rios

Interim and former WBO World welterweight and former WBC/WBO World super lightweight champion Timothy Bradley (32-1-1 12 KO) will knuckleup with former WBA world lightweight titlist Brandon Rios (33-2-1 24 KO) this Saturday night at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas live on HBO.

Rios will have about a two inch height advantage and Bradley a small reach advantage.

Bradley enters 1-1-1 in his last three; however his draw should have been a win. His last fight was a unanimous decision in June against Jessie Vargas; however not without a little drama.

Rios is 2-1 in his last three; however, one of his wins was a DQ. Rios was last in the office in January when he stopped Mike Alvarado in three.

Common opponents may provide a bit of clarity-

Manny Pacquiao-
Speed way too much for Rios while losing a close fight with Bradley that he most likely won and then in the rematch clearly outclassing Bradley.

Diego Chaves-
Gave Rios problems in a foul filled fest that the referee let get way out of control leading to the DQ. Split draw with Bradley in a bout Chaves clearly lost.

Lessons Learned Heading In-

Rios- In his last bout in January, Rios looked better than he had in years; however, how much was due to an opponent in Mike Alvarado who was battling addiction problems and had no business being in the ring? (See Standing-8 interview with Mike Alvarado)

Prior to Alvarado, Rios looked less than impressive against Chaves. He was plodding in his execution and looked to have lost his explosiveness.

Bradley- In his last bout in June, Bradley was comfortably winning an entertaining fight against Vargas; however, he was rocked in the twelfth round. The referee jumped in thinking he heard the bell which was actually the ten second indicator. Vargas thought the referee was stopping the fight and all chaos ensued.

What Does It All Mean?

Rios has the pop to repeat what Vargas did early and often; however it was clear in the Pacquiao and Chaves fight that Rios’ lateral movement and speed was diminished. He looked like he was reborn against Alvarado but again, Alvarado was a shell of himself due to his life outside of the ring. Take nothing away from Rios, it’s just hard to gauge exactly who the real Bam Bam is.

Bradley seems to be in a war every time he is in the ring. Quite frankly he makes his fights harder than they have to be. His fights are rough and tough and in Rios he will find a willing dance partner.

The deciding factor here is speed. Bradley should be able to make this a very easy fight with his speed and boxing ability. It will be interesting to see what a new trainer in Teddy Atlas will bring. If Teddy controls Bradley’s aggressiveness, has him box and then explode when the openings are there, this will be a one sided fight.

If Bradley fights similarly to what he has done in the past which is his version of rock em sock em robots, Rios will have plenty of chances. While Desert Storm has shown a great beard, he has shown glimpses of vulnerability at times; however with great recovery powers.

Outcome

Bradley by unanimous decision in an entertaining fight.

One caveat- If the fight is close, Bradley will not get the benefit of the doubt this time.

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION

Photo By Premier Boxing Champions

Press Release For Immediate Release

HOUSTON, TX (November 2, 2015) – This past Saturday at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas, middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (11-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated, winning by way of a unanimous decision against his toughest opponent to date in Tyrone Brunson (22-6, 21 KOs).

In the early rounds Plant used an educated jab to offset the power punches that Brunson was trying to land. As the fight went on, Caleb continued to apply pressure with the jab and started to land his overhand right. Brunson, who was backing up most of the fight, had no answer to the technical boxing skills that Plant was displaying. Caleb showed elusive defense throughout the fight when Brunson, who had a reach advantage, tried to land his combinations. Plant, who dominated in punches landed, won by an impressive unanimous decision. Scorecards read 79-73 twice and 78-74.

With the victory, Plant is on the fast track to becoming a household name in the middleweight division. As 2015 approaches the end, Caleb feels he’s right on pace to accomplish his goal of becoming a world champion.

“Everything is going as planned and I felt I showed a lot of maturity against Brunson,” said Tennessee native Caleb Plant. “Every fight is getting me ready for the next level. As I step up in competition, I see myself going the distance more often. It’s a good thing because you never want to rely on your power to win fights. Although most of my wins have come by knockout, I’m more confident in my ability to box my way to a victory if I have to. With another year or so under my belt, I’ll feel I’ll be ready to challenge anyone in the middleweight division.”

Plant vs. Brunson was televised as part of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)NBCSN and promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions.

MARIO BARRIOS RETURNS NOV 10 IN AUSTIN, TX

Photo By Team Barrios

SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 28, 2015 ) Rising star, undefeated super-featherweight Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), is scheduled to make his way back to the ring on November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES FOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT. In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2 15 KO) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout. Barrios, who’s 8-round will be part of the telecast, will face an opponent TBA.

While waiting for an opponent to be announced, Barrios, headed to the San Francisco Bay Area to get some work in with lead cornerman, Bob Santos.

“Since I’ve been out here I’ve learned a lot working with Bob Santos,” said Mario Barrios. “Santos has a lot of experience working with top level fighters and he’s showing me new things to help me get better. There’s a lot of little things that we’ve been working on that make a tremendous amount of difference when I’m in the ring. I’m using different footwork while improving on my defense, things like that.”

Back in San Antonio, Barrios trains with his father Martin, who’s been with him since the amateurs when he started boxing at age 9. They’ve come along way together and have a special bond.

“My dad has always been there for me,” Barrios continued. “In addition to teaching me how to be a man, he taught me how to box and stay out of trouble. It’s tough finding sparring sometimes, but he’s always there to make the necessary sacrifices to get someone. He understands what it’s going to take for me to take my career to the next level, and I appreciate him for that. Together we make a very strong team.”

Barrios, who lives in nearby San Antonio, Texas, knows how important it will be to shine on national television. With a huge crowd expected to show support, Barrios is ready to his mark in the super-featherweight division.

“With this fight being shown on Fox Sports, I know it’s my time to show everyone in my division, including those who will be watching on television, why I’ve worked so hard to get to this position.” Mario Barrios concluded. “A lot of close friends and family will be there is show support, so I’m coming with everything I got. I don’t care who the opponent is, I’ll be ready to impress.”

MIGUEL FLORES RETURNS TUESDAY NOV 10 IN AUSTIN, TX

Photo by @CiscoKnowsBest for @FinoBoxing

HOUSTON, TX (October 27, 2015 ) Undefeated featherweight, Miguel Flores (17-0, 8 KOs), is looking forward to making his ring return against Alfred Tetteh (23-4-1, 20 KOs) on November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas. The 10-round bout will serve as the co-feature to Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. vs. Karim Guerfi, a Premier Boxing Champions main event. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES FOX Deportes will air live beginning at 9 p.m.6 p.m.

Coming off an impressive fourth round TKO against Carlos Padilla in his last bout, Flores will look to extend on his unbeaten record. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Flores wants to capitalize on his televised fight, in front of his home state fans.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be fighting on Fox Sports in Texas, where I will have a lot of family and friends in attendance.” said rising star Miguel Flores. “As a fighter, you always want to impress, especially when you fight on national television. I have a Mexican fighting style and there will definitely be moments in this fight where we’ll be going toe-to-to, which is fitting for the event. The fans are going to see a lot of action. I’m bringing my best.”

Tickets priced at $125 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302. Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.

BRYANT JENNINGS & LUIS ORTIZ TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Press Release For Immediate Release

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 23, 2015) – Two heavyweight titans will close out the 2015 boxing year with a bang on December 19, as former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

“To headline an HBO event and fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know that after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19, I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.”

“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo to win the WBA Interim title. Boxing fans looking for a premiere heavyweight fight should make sure to tune in to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on December 19th.”

“It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz. The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real competitive fights,” said Gary Shaw.

Shaw continued, “Jennings is a true professional who remains in phenomenal shape throughout the year. He showed in his last fight versus Klitschko that he belongs with the elite heavyweights and understands the challenges that lie ahead. Ortiz, who brings a high knockout ratio to the ring, will have his hands full, and Jennings is nothing like the fighter he just fought, whom he knocked out in the third round. Ortiz has never faced a challenge of a Philadelphia fighter like Bryant Jennings and he’s going to find out real quick that this is another level. Jennings is ready to continue his quest to become heavyweight champion with VADA testing agreed to by both promotional companies for this fight.”

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical type of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”

“This fight is between two evenly matched heavyweights, and that always has a purity to its mystique,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports. “Jennings has proven to have heart in equal scale to what Ortiz has shown in power. On December 19, we will see a battle of wills.”

“We’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone with HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In three years, we’ve hosted 16 nationally-televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.”

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 25 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett and in June needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Ortiz was last seen on the undercard of Golovkin vs. Lemieux as part of the pay-per-view live telecast defeating Matias Ariel Vivdondo by third round knockout and gaining the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Hailed as one of the best heavyweight boxers in the sport, Bryant Jennings has faced some of the most feared fighters in the sport. In 2014 alone, Jennings defeated Mike Perez via split decision in July and Artur Szpilka via technical knockout in January. In 2013, Jennings passed his first career tested when he defeated Andrey Fedosov via sixth-round knockout in June. Most recently, Jennings was seen in the ring against the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April, suffering his first defeat since his professional debut in 2010. Now, the titan is looking for redemption and another shot at world title stardom when he faces Ortiz for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title.

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Tickets will go on sale in early November. Additional ticket information will be announced soon.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.

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