ART HOVHANNISYAN VS. MIGUEL ACOSTA

  A 10-ROUND BOUT LIVE ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

June 28, 2012 - Gary Shaw Productions in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions will bring another exciting night of professional boxing to the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif., on July 20, when undefeated Armenian, Art Hovhannisyan (14-0-2, 8 KOs) and Venezuelan, Miguel Acosta (29-5-2, 23 KOs) fight in the 10-round main event. The lightweight bout will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation (SHOWTIME® 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Known for having power in both hands, Hovhannisyan boosts an undefeated record and a great chin as he's never hit the canvas as a professional or amateur.  In his last fight against former world champion, Cristobal Cruz (39-13-3, 23 KOs), an accidental head butt stopped their bout after a cut over Cruz's right eye was deemed too bad to continue from the referee.  Hovhannisyan will look to rebound with a victory and move up the rankings. 

"Acosta was on his way to beating Brandon Rios until he ran out of gas," Hovhannisyan said. "Everyone knows he can fight at the championship level so when I beat him, I too will be considered viable at the championship level.  A win against Acosta gets me closer to that world title shot."

"If Hovhannisyan catches Acosta on that chin it's good night," promoter Gary Shaw said. "Acosta is very skilled and has a fun style the fans will enjoy. This is another great fight that SHOWTIME is binging to the fans.  Hovhannisyan punches hard and the fans are going to see some fireworks."

Acosta is a proven warrior that comes to fight every time he steps in the ring.  Having victories against three previously undefeated fighters gives Acosta confidence in his ability to come out victorious.

"I've been in this situation before, fighting an undefeated fighter with all his fans attending,'' Acosta said.  "What they don't realize is that I'm going to spoil the party.  Hovhannisyan is a good fighter, but he's not on that championship level.  I'm motivated to end his unbeaten streak.  The fans will see great action in this fight."

Light middleweights headline the eight-round co-main event that feature's Philadelphia's unbeaten rising star, Julian "J-Rock" Williams (9-0-1, 4 KOs) against Nevada's Said El Harrak (10-2, 5 KOs).  Williams, known for his great boxing skills, wants to let the fans know he's the real deal.

"I come to fight every time I step in the ring," Williams said. "I'm going to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity fighting on ShoBox.  I want to thank Gary Shaw for believing in me and I promise to put on a great show."

The rest of the undercard: Talented undefeated prospect, Roman Morales (10-0, 6 KOs), of San Ardo, Calif.,  faces Alexis Santiago (11-2-1 5 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., in an eight-round super bantamweight bout; local fan favorite Ruffino Serrano (12-4), of nearby Santa Maria, Calif., will fight for the first-ever Central Coast Title against Seattle's Rob Diezel (8-4, 3 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight contest; Chumash Resort Casino hometown hero, lightweight Francisco Santana (12-3-1, 6 KOs), of Santa Barbara, Calif., will face an opponent to be announced and undefeated lightweight Jonathan Maicelo (16-0, 9 KOs) and featherweight Roy Tapia (3-0-1, 2 KOs) are also slated to meet opponents to be announced.

Tickets priced $35, $45, $55, $70, and $85 are on sale and can be purchased at the Chumash Resort Casino Box office or online at www.startickets.com.

Lennox Allen (15-0-1, 9 KOs) returns on July 14 at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. PA

 
June 28, 2012 - Undefeated super-middleweight prospect, Lennox Allen (15-0-1, 9 KOs) returns to the ring on July 14, 2012, and faces rugged veteran, Michael Walker (19-14-3, 12 KOs) in a 6-round bout at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Having captured the vacant WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) super middleweight title against Kwesi Jones (9-2, 5 KOs) in his last bout, Allan will look to shake off the ring rust as it's been over a year since he's last fought.   

"I'm eager to get back in the ring and march toward title contention after being out of the ring for so long," said Lennox. "Michael Walker brings a lot of experience to the ring and he's fought some very good fighters.  This will be a good challenge for me and I've trained very hard to be successful in this fight.  It's been a long layoff but I'm confident in my ability to come out on top.  I'm ready to perform at a high level."

"I want to thank my promoter Mario Yagobi and Boxing 360 for staying by my side when I was out.  I'm hoping I can fight a few more times by the end of this year and get back on track.  My goal of becoming a world champion is attainable and I'm going to work very hard to achieve that goal!

"Lennox is a good fighter with a lot of talent but he's had a few bumps in his career," said Yagobi. "I'm looking to keep him busy and get him in a big fight very soon.  I want him to fight a couple of more times so he can get accustomed to fighting on a regular basis.  He'll be ready to fight for a regional title by early next year."

RAMOS SCORES WIN OVER ESQUIVIAS ON THE ROAD TO REGAIN WORLD TITLE

VILLANUEVA DEFEATS ESCALANTE IN SUPER FLYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

Boxing fans showed up in full force to provide a sell-out crowd for the inaugural "Live at the Lodge" event at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, Calif.

The event, which showcased six exciting bouts was broadcast on TeleFutura's hit series "Solo Boxeo Tecate" and promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. Fans in attendance also witnessed promoter Dan Goossen honor two of his former World Champion fighters when he presented Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas with awards commemorating the brothers on their storybook careers and dedication to the Goossen family.

Former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Rico Ramos scored a huge win over a very gritty Efrain Esquivias in tonights main event. The two fighters, who had battled more than once during their amateur careers had the capacity crowd on their feet for all 8 rounds of their brawl. Having lost his world title and his undefeated record this past January, Ramos had all the motivation he needed to take home a majority decision (78-74, 78-74, 76-76). Ramos improves to 21-1, 11 KOs as Esquivias suffers his first loss becoming 16-1, 9 KOs.

"He was tough, I knew he was going to be tough," said Ramos. "He came forward at me a lot like I remember from fighting him in amateurs, but we prepared for that and we were ready for him. He went hard to the body, and so I came back with body shots of my own, and I was landing the cleaner shots. It feels great to be back in the win column. I'll be coming back for my belt soon."

The Telefutura broadcast opened up with a crowd-pleasing super flyweight attraction between Matthew Villanueva and Bruno Escalante. The 115-pound sluggers exchanged several swings of momentum and huge shots throughout the 8-round fight. Both fighters displayed incredible power shots as well as great body and head movement to avoid the oncoming shots.

"That was the toughest fight I've ever had," said Villanueva of his opponent. "He came to win, and he was much stronger than I thought. The kid can take a punch, he was taking everything but the kitchen sink. I really thought that the ref was going to come in and stop it on a few occasions when I was getting him against the ropes and just tagging him, but he stuck in there and made it exciting."

John Molina Jr. (24-1, 19 KO's) outworked his opponent Miguel Angel Munguia for the duration of their 8-round attraction and walked away with a unanimous decision, scoring 80-69 on all three judges scorecards. The world-rated lightweight contender will be fighting Antonio Demarco for the WBC World Championship on September 8 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. beneath Andre Ward and Chad Dawson's World Championship fight.

"It was a great fight," Said Molina. "I got the rust off. It was exactly what I needed to get ready for Demarco. I hope they were watching, because I'm hungry and I'm coming for him."

Fans also enjoyed a heavyweight collision between Philadelphia's undefeated Malik "King" Scott and Alvaro Morales. Scott was the agressor for the entirety of the 6-round bout, and was awarded a unanimous decision victory shutting out his opponent 60-54 on all scorecards. Scott improves his record to 34-0, with 11 KO victories.

In the first fight of the evening, Los Angeles based junior middleweight John Hays looked impressive in his pro debut, scoring a 4-round shutout over Santa Barbara's Raymundo Inda.

After the Ramos bout, fans who wanted more action were treated to a walkout bout featuring 22-year-old Jessie Villanueva (the younger brother of Matthew), who spoiled the pro debut of Frank Liera of Los Angeles with a first round knockout. Villanueva improves his record to 3-0 with all wins coming by KO.

MIKE DALLAS JR. STOPS JAVIER CASTRO IN ROUND 6 TO WIN WBO LATINO TITLE

SAN JACINTO, CALIF. (June 22) A determined Mike Dallas Jr. shined brighter than the desert sun that was beating down on the ring set outdoors at Soboba Casino Friday night.  In his fourth consecutive fight on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" Dallas locked leathers with Javier Castro and displayed blazingly fast hand-speed throughout the title fight, which marked Dallas' first 12-round dance. 

In round 6, Dallas caught his opponent with a heavy left and after seeing Castro stunned, unleashed a relentless assault forcing the referee to step in and stop the bout.  Analyst Teddy Atlas was quick to comment on Dallas' maturing as a fighter and pointing out how he was displaying great boxing prowess as he switched to the body and avoided Castro's attempts to clinch.

The pride of Bakersfield, Dallas is trained by the 2011 Boxing Writer's Association of Americas (BWAA) Trainer of the Year, Virgil Hunter and managed by the "First Lady of Boxing" Jackie Kallen.  The "Silent Assassin" made plenty of noise on this night, becoming the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight Champion and improving to 19-2-1, with 8 KO's in the process.

Talented trainer Virgil Hunter (who also trains WBA/WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward) went 2-0 on the evening when he also called the shots for Sacramento's Brandon Gonzales in the co-main event for his impressive win over Elie Augustama (6-5, 3 KOs).  Gonzales improved to 16-0, with 10 KO's in his 8-round unanimous shutout victory.

Augustama re-opened a cut above the left eye of Gonzales that he had sustained during training and almost forced him to withdraw from the bout.  Gonzales was able to avoid stitches, allowing him to continue training and ultimately outclass his opponent to remain unbeaten.

The event, which was promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, also featured another talented young star from Sacramento in Guy Robb, who improved to 8-1, 4 KOs after a knockout victory over Rodrigo Aranda at 2:22 of round 5.

Former Olympian Javier Molina engaged in an all-out brawl with Octavio Navarez and scored a TKO3 victory, improving to 11-1 with 5 knockouts. 

*Photo Credit: Jan Sanders / Goossen Tutor Promotions

SHOWTIME SPORTS® MOVES AHEAD WITH DOUBLEHEADER ON JUNE 23 AFTER INJURY FORCES CHRIS ARREOLA TO WITHDRAW FROM FIGHT WITH MIKE MOLLO

NEW YORK (June 15, 2012) – An injury has forced heavyweight Chris Arreola to withdraw from his scheduled June 23 fight against Mike Mollo, which  was slated to open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIPBOXING telecast on SHOWTIME®.  The premium network will move ahead with a doubleheader featuring two 12-round fights.

In the main event, former World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO's), of Ventura , Calif. , will face Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO's), of Riverside , Calif. , for the WBC Silver Welterweight Championship.  The co-feature will match world-ranked fighters, former Three-Time World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto (59-7-2, 34 KO’s), of Los Mochis , Mexico , and hard-hitting Lucas Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s), of Chubut , Argentina , in a battle for the WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title.

The doubleheader emanating from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles , Calif. will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  It will be preceded by preliminary bouts airing live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  In the main match-up on SHOWTIME Extreme, Jermell Charlo (17-0, 8 KO’s), of Houston , risks his perfect record against Denis Douglin (14-1, 8 KO’s) of Marlboro, N.J., in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.  Also featured on the SHOWTIME Extreme telecast will be an eight-round super lightweight clash between undefeated Omar Figueroa (17-01, 14 KO’s), of Weslaco, Tex., and veteran Alain Hernandez (18-10-2, 10 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico.

Tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50 are available online at www.staplescenter.com,www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000 or at STAPLES Center box office.

MATTINGLY CALLS IN THE BIG GUN: JOSESITO LOPEZ TO THROW THE FIRST PITCH SUNDAY AT DODGER STADIUM

Los Angeles (June 15) - Former NABF Lightweight Champion Josesito Lopez will be spending a special Father's Day this Sunday at Dodger Stadium as he kicks off the official fight week for "Ortiz vs. Lopez" on Saturday, June 23 at STAPLES Center.  Lopez will be giving his best impression of Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw when he takes the mound before Sundays game.  Just prior to that, he will be signing autographs with fans at the "Viva Los Dodgers" event in lot 6 of the Dodger Stadium parking lot. 

Lopez lives and trains in Riverside, Calif., and is a big fan of the home town teams in Southern California. "I'm a huge baseball fan," said Lopez.  "It's a great honor to be throwing out the first pitch in front of the great fans of Los Angeles.  The success the Dodgers are having this year under their new ownership with Magic Johnson is amazing."  

"Ortiz vs. Lopez" is a 12-round fight main event for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Championship between Victor Ortiz and Josesito Lopez on a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader. 

 The June 23 event it being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.  

Tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50 are available online at www.staplescenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000 or at STAPLES Center box office.

Thomas Dulorme Makes Weight

New York, United States - Today, Puerto Rico's undefeated rising star, Thomas Dulorme (14-0, 11KO's), made weight for his fight tomorrow on the acclaimed Boxing Series "Broadway Boxing" at the Roseland Ballroom theater, in New York.

Thomas Dulorme weighed in at a slim and ready 146 pounds. His opponent, Alberto Herrera (8-6-1, 5KO's), weighed 144.5 pounds.

"I feel good and very comfortable making weight and I just want the bell to ring so I can prove my value.  I am very grateful for this opportunity provided by my three promoters.  Puerto Rico!...I will not fail you," said Dulorme, represented promotionally by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Dulorme is a member of Team Puerto Rico, a prominent boxing promotional group featuring Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions. Their goal is to sign the finest group of young Puerto Rican fighters and build on the honor of the Island.

Dulorme, along with four other Team Puerto Rico members, were recently selected by ESPN as part of "Super 25" prospect list, a talented group of the top promising up-and-comers in the world.

Meanwhile, Dulorme's trainer, Jose Bonilla said, "We worked hard in the gym and you will see the result on fight night.  We are in great condition and we are coming to give the fans an incredible show."

Broadway Boxing is developed by DiBella Entertainment.  The tickets range from $125, $85, $65 and $45, with a limited number of VIP tables.  The VIP booths are priced at $ 150, and each table has four chairs.  The tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577.

After the fight, Dulorme will fly to Puerto Rico and witness the first great challenge of his fellow Team Puerto Rico member, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (8-0, 6KO's) when he faces the experienced Carlos Claudio (13 -7- 3, 6KO's).  Pedraza battles Claudio in the main event of the "Guaynabo Boxing Series" card this Friday, June 15, at the Coliseo Mario Quijote Morales in Guaynabo, P.R.

For more information on Dulorme visit www.teampuertoricoboxing.com or connect with him on twitter at @thomasdulorme.

VICTOR ORTIZ, JOSESITO LOPEZ, HUMBERTO SOTO & LUCAS MATTHYSSE MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

NEW YORK (June 13, 2012) -- Former World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, former NABF Super Lightweight Champion Josesito Lopez, former Three-Division World Champion Humberto Soto and top-rated super lightweight contender Lucas Matthysse participated in an international media conference call on Wednesday to discuss their participation in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on Saturday, June 23, to be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

“Ortiz vs. Lopez,” a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Championship taking place Saturday, June 23, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.  The co-feature will see former Three-Division World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto battle Argentinean knockout artist Lucas Matthysse in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title which is presented in association with Baja Boxing Promotions and Arano Box Promotions.  Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) will be top rated heavyweight contender Chris Arreola facing Mike Mollo in a 10-round fight.

 

Tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50 are available online at www.staplescenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000 or at STAPLES Center box office.

 

The first installment of ALL ACCESS: Victor Ortiz, will premiere tonight at 10 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME in place of the previously announced FIGHT CAMP 360° series on the event.  Following the premiere, ALL ACCESS: Victor Ortiz will re-air multiple times on CBS Sports Network, SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME®, and will be available anytime on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®.  

 

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

VICTOR ORTIZ:

“I just want to say that I don’t disrespect anyone.  I’m fighting Josesito Lopez on June 23, who I’ve been training for and ignoring everyone else possible.  There’s a dangerous fighter in front of me who is on the same path as I was a year ago before I fought (Andre) Berto, but the difference here is I’m too hungry to let my chance go.  As far as I’m concerned I’m ready for June 23.  If he wants to go to war, we’ll go to war.  If he wants to box, then we’ll box.  It doesn’t really matter.  I’m there to take what is rightfully mine.  At the end of the day, I know Josesito is ready to go and so am I, so that makes two of us.”

 

Did you have to adjust much in your training when it was announced you would be fighting Lopez and not Berto?

“Lopez is a good fighter.  He and Berto go hand-in-hand.  They’re both great fighters.  I can’t think lightly of either of them.”

 

Is there any pressure on you going back to STAPLES Center , the site of your loss to Marcos Maidana?

“No, not at all.  Right now the main focus is on Josesito Lopez because he’s no walk in the park.  As far as Maidana goes, he owes me a thank you or a rematch because I gave him his name.”

 

JOSESITO LOPEZ:

“I’m really excited about this fight.  I’ve been training really hard.’’

 

Did you think you won your last fight against Jessie Vargas?

“I do think I won that fight and nine out of 10 people who saw it thought I won.  Unfortunately, the judges didn’t’ see it that way, but hey, that’s the way it goes.  Our job as fighters is just to bring everything we can and hope for the best and hope that they see it the correct way.

 

“My only motivation right now is just June 23 and Victor Ortiz.  I don’t even think one hour past June 23.  That’s the only thing that drives me right now. I don’t care about any other dates or times right now. There’s nothing else that matters to me.”

 

HUMBERTO SOTO:

“There is no doubt Lucas is a strong opponent and a strong fighter.  He comes forward and always looks for a fight.  The difference in this fight is the experience.  I have a lot of experience, and that’s what’s going to lead me to victory.

 

“Matthysse is a good fighter.  He’s going to stay in there and he’s a smart fighter.  We’re going to go toe-to-toe.”

 

LUCAS MATTHYSSE:

“We are here in Argentina finishing preparations and putting the final touches on.  We are just very excited, happy and ready to go.”

 

Do you think Soto will stand and fight in front of you instead of backing up as you perceived was the case in your only losses to southpaws Zab Judah and Devon Alexander?

“Yes, those were both very difficult fights to have to adjust to them and change the way I fight.  I know I won both those fights.  Deep in my heart, I know it.  It did hurt me, but we’ve got to come back stronger and I know we are ready for bigger and better things.  With Humberto, we all know he’s going to come to fight.  He wants to come to battle and that makes me very happy because we are ready to give him a war.”

6 QUESTIONS WITH MIKE DALLAS, JR. "THE SILENT ASSASSIN" LOOKS TO SHOOT DOWN JAVIER CASTRO JUNE 22 AT SOBOBA IN ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" MAIN EVENT

SHERMAN OAKS, CA (June 13) - With a week to go before he steps up to challenge #4-ranked WBO Latino Junior Welterweight Champion Javier Castro for his international title belt at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, CA - with a possible world title opportunity for the winner lying in the balance - Mike Dallas, Jr. took time out to discuss his upcoming June 22nd ESPN "Friday Night Fights" main event.

This fight will mark the fourth straight appearance on ESPN for the 25-year old Bakersfield, CA native known as "The Silent Assassin."  

1.      What are your thoughts on headlining an ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast with a possible world title fight at stake?

MD:     "I look at this as a great opportunity for me to set myself up in a position to realize my dream of winning a world title.  This will be my fourth straight time fighting on ESPN, and I have had mixed results so far.  I know I am taking a step up in competition against a top five fighter in Castro, but I believe I am focused, prepared and ready for the challenge".

2.      You rebounded nicely versus Miguel Gonzalez after two tough losses.  How is your mindset going into this fight against one of the world's premier 140 pounders?

MD:     "I'm feeling great both physically and mentally.  I'm ready for this challenge.  I'm looking forward to putting on a good performance in this fight and getting better and better with each fight."

3.      How has training camp gone for you?

MD:     "I've been training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter and it has been going good. Virgil is a great teacher and has me well prepared.  This will be our third fight together and I learn more and more from him every day."

4.      Compare your boxing style to Castro's.

MD:     "I am more of a boxer and have a bigger variety of weapons than he does.  He is strictly a power puncher and has knocked out his last three opponents, so he is dangerous.  I possess more speed and better defense.  This is a classic matchup of power versus speed and should make for an exciting fight."

5.       What would be the significance of a win over a Top 5 opponent such as Javier Castro?

MD:      It would be me taking a major step forward toward realizing my goal of fighting for - and winning - a world title and being recognized as the best junior welterweight in the world."

6.      What is your prediction on the fight?

MD:     "I am not going to make any prediction.  All I can say is that I am going out to box and just win."

The six-bout event is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Soboba Casino.  The Castro-Dallas bout is being promoted in association with Promociones Del Pueblo.

Tickets priced at $30, $25, $20 & $10 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Soboba box office or by calling the hotline at (866) 476-2622. Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745- 3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5:00 and the event will air live on ESPN 2, ESPN 3 and ESPN Deportes at 6:00 p.m. PT.

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" AUGUST 10, 2012 AT THE MORONGO CASINO DARLEY PEREZ vs. MICHAEL KATSIDIS

June 13, 2012 - On August 10, ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" returns to the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif., when Gary Shaw Productions in associations with Thompson Boxing Promotions, presents a lightweight main event attraction featuring Columbia's undefeated power puncher Darley Perez (25-0, 19 KOs) against Australia's rugged tough guy, Michael Katsidis "The Great" (28-6, 23 KOs).  The 10-round bout will air live on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

  

"Darley Perez is determined to show everyone that he belongs with the big boys," promoter Gary Shaw said.  "Beating, Katsidis, who we all know is a very tough fighter, will send a statement to the rest of the lightweight division.  Both fighters have something to prove and the fans are going to get their money's worth."

  

Perez is one of Columbia's the most talented fighters.  His aggressive style is extremely exciting, and most of his opponents are overwhelmed with his punch output.  He will be facing a very durable opponent in Katsidis, who's been in the ring with the best lightweights in boxing. Perez guarantees a great fight.

"Fighting a guy like Katsidis, who is one of the toughest guys in boxing, is going to be very challenging,'' Perez said. "But I'm a very tough fighter as well and I plan to keep my unbeaten record intact.  My team and I have come up with a perfect game plan to beat him.  The fans will see a great fight, I can guarantee that!"

Katsidis, known for his grit and determination, is one of boxing's most exciting fighters.  Having fought at the championship level several times with the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs), Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KOs), Juan Diaz (35-4, 17 KOs) and Joel Casamayor (38-6-1, 22 KOs) to name a few, Katsidis' experience in big fights will be an advantage when he faces Perez.

"I'm coming into this fight with nothing to lose and everything to gain," Katsidis said. "My goal is to get back on top of the lightweight division. Perez is a good fighter, but he has some flaws that I'm going to expose.  I don't expect this fight to go the distance.  I want to end it early."

The co-feature will showcase Riverside California's, Chris "The Hitman" Avalos (19-2, 15 KOs), against an opponent to be later announced. 

Also appearing on the card, is Whittier, California's undefeated lightweight sensation, Alejandro "Charro" Luna (9-0, 7 KOs).  With an aggressive approach, Luna is a crowd favorite with a massive fan base.

"I have a lot of fans coming to this fight," Luna said. "I've been training really hard for this fight and I see myself getting better each day.  I'm prepared to put on a great show for everyone in attendance."

  

This event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions in association with Thomson Boxing Promotions and the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.  Tickets priced $35 & $55 are on sale and can be purchased at the Morongo Casino Box office, or by calling the Box office hotline at (951) 755-5391.  Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745- 3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

  

The Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is located at 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA, 92230.  Doors open at 5 p.m., first fight starts at 5:30 p.m.  ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION BOXERS GABRIEL AND RAFAEL RUELAS TO BE HONORED JUNE 23

Studio City, CA (June 11) Imagine coming to America at age seven, having never worn, let alone owned a pair of shoes in your life.  That is only one of many hardships overcome by brothers Rafael and Gabriel Ruelas on their way to simultaneously becoming World Champions and adored by their fans and the world of boxing.

Having worked the entirety of their young lives in Mexico instead of going to school, it seemed natural for the boys to sell candy door to door after school when they emigrated to Southern California.  Gabriel had stopped to make a sale at the "neighborhood" gym of boxing trainer Joe Goossen, and upon seeing the ring and bags, asked Goossen to teach him the sport.

"I was reluctant at first, because here you have a 13-year-old kid asking for help and I was training professionals so I tried to send him away," said Joe Goossen of young Gabriel.

Alonzo Strongbow, the #1 Flyweight in the World was there and persuaded Joe to give Gabriel a shot because he 'saw something in his eyes.'  

Gabriel asked several times if he could bring younger brother Rafael into the gym too.  Joe denied the request on multiple occasions until he realized that he needed someone to spar with Gabriel, so he conceded and the next day Rafael put down his box of candy and came in to the gym.  

"The very first day Rafael joined his brother, we put the gloves and headgear on him and threw him in the ring with Gabriel who gave his little brother a beating, until Rafael just used his natural ability and was able to slip away from several of the punches his brother was throwing," Joe Goossen reflects.  "I remember Frankie Duarte (top world contender) and I were watching this and nudging each other.  We both knew what incredible talent we had in our gym, and now we had two of them!

"At the time I may not have known it, but I've certainly come to realize that this was a very special, once in a lifetime relationship between a trainer and a fighter.  Then to have actually been successful with it, and turn these young kids into two World Champions was extraordinary and I'm quite proud of them.  It's a team effort on something like this and their dedication and desire to perfect what they were doing was unparalleled." 

Goossen Tutor Promotions is bringing a prominent reoccurring boxing series, titled "Live at the Lodge" back to the San Fernando Valley reflective of their "Country Club Series" in the 80s which enabled Gabriel and Rafael and many others to hone their skills in becoming World Champions.  The first of these shows will be held June 23 at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, Calif. and will be broadcast live on Telefutura's hit series "Solo Boxeo Tecate."

Dan and Joe Goossen will be honoring the "Candy Kids" at the inaugural event for their contribution to the sport of boxing and the incredibly inspiring success story of the two World Champion boxers, and their rise from selling candy upon their arrival in America to success in and out of the ring. 

"Little did I know twenty some odd years ago we would be honoring Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas for their achievements in the sport of boxing," Dan Goossen said fondly. "They were literally selling candy door-to-door in the neighborhood as 11 and 12 year-olds and stumbled across my brother's gym.  They told my brother Joe they wanted to become boxers and the next thing I know they each became  World Champions.  They have been the benchmark for hard-work, dedication, heart and loyalty for every fighter we've signed since.  Even today, I find that the Ruelas brothers are fondly remembered by boxing fans."

"It's a great honor to receive this recognition, especially in the valley where we grew up and had so many fights right here at the Reseda Country Club," said Rafael Ruelas.  "I try not to get too close to boxing and reflect back on my career too often because it brings back a lot of great memories.  I miss the sport tremendously and I'm just very grateful to be receiving an honor like this."

His brother Gabriel modestly stated, "It is very special to be receiving any kind of award in boxing, especially with so many World Champions who could be on the receiving end.  I think what we had was a special scenario that was so unique because the Goossen's really took us in.  I didn't look at them as a trainer and a promoter, they were family.  That kind of loyalty is hard to come by anywhere, let alone in boxing."

The event will be broadcast on TeleFutura's hit series "Solo Boxeo Tecate" and promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. 

Tickets priced at $103.50 VIP, $52.50 Ringside & $32.50 are on sale at www.GoossenTutor.com/schedule or by calling the Goossen Tutor office at (818) 817-8001.  Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the Lodge.

MAURICE HARRIS JOINS BETFAIR PRIZEFIGHTER INTERNATIONAL II

June 7, 2012 - Heavyweight contender Maurice "Sugar Moe" Harris (25-16-2, 11 KOs), ranked No. 13 by the IBF, has joined the 8-man Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights II line-up set to take place on Wednesday, June 20, at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, live on Sky Sports.

Harris will compete against fellow contestants Albert Sosnowski (48-4-2, 28 KOs), Marcelo Luiz Nascimento (16-3, 14 KOs), Noureddine Meddoune (5-1, 4 KOs), Tom Dallas (15-2, 11 KOs), Tom Little (3-0), Kevin Johnson (26-1 12 KOs) and Tor Hamer (15-1, 10 KOs).

After a questionable loss against local favorite Edmund Gerber (20-0, 13 KOs) in his native land of Germany last month, Harris, who felt he was robbed, promises to give it his all once again when he travels overseas to fight.

"When I got robbed last month in Germany, I was upset and wanted to get back in the ring as soon as possible," Harris said. "I want to thank my promoter Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360 for getting me this opportunity. Ten years ago, I fought in the Thunderbox Tournament and won it all, which is what I plan to do in this one."

"June 20 promises to be a real tear-up at York Hall with eight huge hitters gunning for the big prize," show promoter Eddie Hearn said. "Johnson, Sosnowski and Harris bring plenty of calibre to the table and for Dallas it's a big chance to crash the British heavyweight party. As for Tom Little - what a night for a 24-year-old with just three fights on his CV. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain and I'm sure he will come out all guns blazing."

Tickets for the Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green are on sale and priced at $40 (unreserved) $60 (ringside) and $120 (VIP). Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Joel Diaz, Jr. Improves to 10-0, 9 KOs

Tacoma, WA (June 3, 2012) - Junior Lightweight sensation Joel Diaz Jr. kept his perfect record in tact following an impressive fifth round stoppage of title contender Emmanuel "The Butcher" Lucero Saturday evening at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.

Topping Halquist Productions' "Battle at the Boat 87," Diaz was in complete control throughout the contest. The aggressive 20-year-old Palmdale, CA native decked Lucero in the third round and dominated the fourth, giving spectators a preview of what was on tap. In the fifth, Diaz came out like a man possessed and decked Lucero twice, forcing the referee to mercifully halt the bout at 1:37.

"I knew Lucero was going to be a tough opponent," said Diaz. "My goal was to box the first few rounds and feel him out. Once I started to figure him out, I turned up the heat and got him out of there. I'm going to get right back in the gym and await my next fight from my promoter Mario Yagobi of Boxing360."

Diaz improves to (10-0, 9 KOs). Lucero, a Scranton, PA native from Mexico City, slips to (23-11-1, 14 KOs).

"I'm extremely impressed," promoter Brian Halquist said of the performance. "Diaz is an excellent young fighter who prides himself on entertaining the crowd. The fans here loved him and we hope to have him fighting on one of our cards again in the near future."

"The Ghost" Leaves To Training Camp

June 4, 2012 - Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KOs) heads out to South Lake Tahoe today for training camp in preparation for his upcoming bout with Selcuk "Mini Tyson" Aydin (23-0, 17 KOs). On the line will be the WBC Interim Welterweight World Title, with the winner being the mandatory challenger to face pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs).

On July 28, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will air live for the first time from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., where fans will have the opportunity to watch history in the making. Robert Guerrero will be looking to be the only Mexican-American fighter, other than Oscar De La Hoya, to have won a world championship in four divisions across six weight classes.

"This is my big opportunity to show the world that I belong with the elite fighters in boxing," Guerrero said. "Everyone says it can't be done, but I'm going to show the world skipping super lightweight and going straight to welterweight with no tune up to challenge the No. 1 contender and beating Selcuk Aydin can be done!

"I'm here to face the toughest challenges and put myself in a position to get mega-fights. It's not going to be easy beating a full-fledged welterweight. That's why my team and I will get the proper training, sparring and diet when I leave to camp. The mountains of Tahoe are set at high elevations which will make for a great training camp."

"I look forward to making history for the Bay Area and all my fans across the world."

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m), it is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. This will be Robert's first time training in the Tahoe area and he looks forward to having a tremendous camp. Guerrero will be doing something unprecedented as he will be jumping up two weight classes from lightweight to welterweight and fighting for the championship.

Said manager Bob Santos, "Team Guerrero would like to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy for putting this event on at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. When you speak of a fighter who has competed in six different weight classes from 122 to 147 as Guerrero is doing, it's something special. I believe the only other active fighters that have done it are Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Guerrero is a five-time world champion in three divisions and has all the makings of superstar."

ANTONIO TARVER AND LATEEF KAYODE FIGHT TO DRAW ON EXCITING QUADRUPLEHEADER ON SHOWTIME®

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Will Replay Tuesday, June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME® Available On Demand from Sunday, June 3, through July 1
CARSON, Calif. , (June 3, 2012) – The age-old question of who wins out – experience or youth – was only half answered Saturday night on a compelling night of fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIPS BOXING.

Former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6-1, 20 KO’s), age 43, and unbeaten 29-year-old Lateef Kayode (18-0-1, 14 KO’s) fought to a 12-round draw while 28-year-old Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (27-0, 20 KOs) took out 40-year-old former undisputed 154-pound champion Winky Wright (51-6-1, 25 KOs) by unanimous 10-round decision in the final two of four televised fights from The Home Depot Center.

Austin “No Doubt” Trout” (25-0, 14 KOs) and Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (20-0-1, 11 KOs ) both registered impressive unanimous victories in the first two televised fights.

Kayode, who had graduated from ShoBox to the big stage and was fighting in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING bout, controlled the fight early on leaving Tarver to rally in the latter rounds. Tarver and Kayode each took a 115-113 score from different judges, with the third calling it 114-114.

“From the sixth round on I showed I still had it,” said Tarver, who resides in Tampa , Fla. “I put my punches together and I won down the stretch. We are going to stay busy and take a week off, but then get back in the gym.”

SHOWTIME expert analyst and noted boxing historian Steve Farhood was impressed with Kayode and his technical style. “It was a close fight and Antonio clearly controlled the second half of the bout but gave away a lot of the early rounds,” Farhood said after the fight. ”Kayode fought better technically than he has in a lot of his ShoBox fights.”

“Everyone knows I won this fight,” said Kayode, of Hollywood , Calif. , by way of Nigeria . “I’m better than him.”

In a middleweight featured attraction, Quillin took out Wright by unanimous 10-round decision, 98-91 twice and 97-92.

Quillin, from New York City , just proved too quick and elusive for Wright, of St. Petersburg , Fla. , who was fighting for the first time in three years and two months. Wright was knocked down by an impressive and powerful right hand to the head in the fifth round.

“I prepared for a 21-year-old Winky Wright and at times he fought like that,” Quillin said. “You can see from my face that I didn’t take a lot of punishment tonight.”

Said Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein during the telecast, “I agree with Steve Farhood - Wright might have been better off taking an easier tune-up fight in his comeback before taking on Kid Chocolate.”

Trout, from Las Cruces , N.M. , successfully defended his 154-pound WBA world title with a unanimous decision victory over Delvin Rodriguez of Danbury, Conn., (26-6-3, 14 KOs ). The judges scored the fight 117-111, 118-110, 120-108 with Trout outworking Rodriguez and landing 22 percent of his 699 punches in the 12-round battle.

“I did what I had to do to get the win," Trout, 27, told SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray after the fight.

In the opening bout of the telecast, bantamweight Santa Cruz captured the vacant IBF belt with a unanimous 12-round decision over the IBF No. 1 contender Vusi Malinga (20-4, 12 KO’s), of Johannesburg, South Africa. The 23-year-old Mexican-born Santa Cruz, of Lincoln Heights, Calif., dominated the fight and won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109 while throwing an amazingly high 1,350 punches on the night.

Boxers Victor Ortiz, Canelo Alvarez, Sugar Shane Mosley, Abner Mares, Devon Alexander and more took in the rare four-fight telecast ringside. Other notables spotted in the crowd on the night were Los Angeles Lakers star Metta World Peace and rapper 50 Cent.

***

In an exciting bout aired live on SHOWTIME EXTREME between top super middleweights, Sakio Bika (30-5-2, 20 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, stopped Dyah Davis (21-3-1, 9 KOs), from Coconut Creek, Fla., in the final round (at 1:40) of a scheduled 10-round fight.

In another undercard bout featuring a ShoBox alum, unbeaten lightweight contender Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KOs) from Las Vegas by way of Uganda , registered a technical knock out over Manuel Leyva (21-6, 12 KOs) from nearby Downey , Calif. , in the second round (0:38) of a scheduled 10-round bout.

The night of fights will air on replay on SHOWTIME EXTREME Tuesday, June 5, at 10 p.m. ET / PT and will be available On Demand from Sunday, June 3 through July 1.

Gus Johnson called the action on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING with Al Bernstein serving as expert analysts. Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood announced the fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Jim Gray served as ringside reporter. David Dinkins Jr. was the Executive Producer with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

The Bourne Identity: Aaron Cross meets Pacman

Jeremy Renner (The Town), who plays 'Aaron Cross' in the upcoming movie The Bourne Legacy, part of which was shot in the Philippines a while back, visits Manny Pacquiao at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA.

"Four Warned" Final Press Conference and Photos

CARSON, Calif. (May 31, 2012) – All eight fighters participating in Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING “Four Warned” event and the SHOWTIME EXTREME fighters participated in a final press conference on Thursday, just two days before the highly anticipated June 2 Quadrupleheader which will be telecast live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

“Four Warned,” a rare four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, features former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) facing unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s) in a 12-round cruiserweight fight, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) returning to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) in a middleweight bout, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO’s) risking his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO’s) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO’s) facing IBF number five rated bantamweight contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. All four bouts are set for Saturday, June 2, airing live on SHOWTIME (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson , Calif. “Four Warned” is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions with Trout vs. Rodriguez being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

Headlining the SHOWTIME EXTREME preliminary fight telecast will be a 10-round battle for the NABF and vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight titles between talented up-and-comer Dyah Davis (21-2-1, 9 KO’s) and perennial contender Sakio Bika (29-5-2, 20 KO’s), beginning live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Also featured on the SHOWTIME EXTREMEM telecast (time permitting) will be highlights from the showdown between unbeaten lightweight rising star Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (22-0, 14 KO’s) and crafty southpaw Manuel Leyva (21-5, 12 KO’s).

Tickets for “Four Warned” are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:

TARVER:
 
“Sometimes when you sign for a fight you never know how it will turn out, but this event took a life of its own. It wasn’t until the kickoff (press conference) when I realized what I was really in for. Everything had to take a back seat to my training. The passion and love for the sport still lives inside.
“Age is nothing but a number. I know this is the fight that will bring the best out of me because I know he will press hard all night long looking for that lightning in the bottle that I know won’t come. You’ll see on Saturday.”

“They (SHOWTIME) wanted to mic me up for the bout [to commentate and fight simultaneously], but I know I have my hands full with Lateef.

“I guess Lateef took offense to how I critiqued his fighting – he was used to the compliments. It’s different to look in the mirror and say I need to do this and that. We need training camp to become better, well-rounded fighters. I was trying to help him and he thought I was disrespectful.

“It’s going to be an interesting fight. Trust me, I’m in good shape. I haven’t taken him lightly. I know he has potential, I know he has the power to end the fight in one punch and that’s why I went back and trained hard for this.”

KAYODE:
 
“I’m ready for this fight. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I stay in the gym, I work hard and I listen to my trainer.

“I’ve never fought anyone like this. For me to fight this man I’ll need to dig deep into my soul.

“I will knock you down. I’m sorry to say this to my brother, but on June 2, you will have to go down.

“He said I was too aggressive when I was fighting, but I’m going to show him aggressive on Saturday.”

WRIGHT:
 
“I’m so excited to be back in the ring – it’s been three years. Boxing got real boring for me and and no one wanted to fight me.

“Now that I’m back, I needed a great challenge. I’m coming back because I want to be champion. Peter is a great fighter, he’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. You’re going to see on Saturday. I wouldn’t come back if I wasn’t ready. I’m back to be the champ.

“To be the best, you got to fight the best, and Peter is a step in that direction.”

QUILLIN:
 
“I know this is a tough fight and a great opportunity for me. I trained harder than ever for my time in the spotlight.

“There are a bunch of inspiring stories on this card and I’m glad to be part of it.

“Hard work means easy work. I believe that I’m a future superstar of this sport.

“My dad came here 32 years ago on Saturday to this country for opportunity and now I’m fighting here for opportunity. I came from the floor to the big stage.”

TROUT:
 
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to fight alongside these guys. All excitement aside, I have my eye on the prize. I’m ready to make a statement.

“I want to be the pound-for-pound champ and I feel like Delvin is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things. I’m excited to get in there and put my stamp on the game. Win or lose, I’m going to give it all.”

RODRIGUEZ:
 
“This fight speaks for itself. The fans know it’s going to be exciting.

“Austin must be doing something right to be in the position he is now as an undefeated fighter, so we have a lot of respect for him.

“I’ve been training hard for this opportunity and this shot at the world title. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs so to get this opportunity is a blessing. We trained for seven weeks and now the fight is finally here. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

MALINGA:
 
“I’m happy to stand next to these legends. I’m prepared and have been training very hard. I’m hoping to take the title to Africa and on Saturday. I’m going to win.”

SANTA CRUZ:
 
“This is my first time fighting for a title. This is what I’ve been training for. I know Malinga will come ready because he wants the title, but Mexicans are warriors, too.

“I trained harder than ever because I want this title and I want it to stay in California. I can’t wait to get in there and win it.”

DAVIS:
 
“There’s a lot of history here and I’m happy to be part of it. I’m ready and it’s my time to shine. I’ll let my fists do the talking.”

BIKA: 
 
“I’ve trained very hard and I’m happy to be on the undercard of these legends. I’ll bring my best Saturday because I know everyone will be watching.”

BOGERE:
 
“We’re coming to fight. I’m the lion. I’m happy to be put on with these legends of boxing. This is like a dream come true and I can’t wait for my time to shine.”