FRESNO, Calif. (March. 9, 2020) — It took a little longer than expected, Unified WBO Junior Welterweight champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, is set to return. Ramirez will defend his titles against mandatory challenger and former world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol Saturday, May 9 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, a short drive from Ramirez’s hometown of Avenal. Ramirez and Postol were set to fight Feb. 1 in China, but the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ramirez-Postol and a 10-round super lightweight battle between former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza and surging 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with the undercard bouts scheduled to stream in English and Spanish on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, tickets priced at $206, $131, $96, $66 and $31 go on sale Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“We are pleased that Ramirez and Postol will finally fight May 9 from the great city of Fresno,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Viktor is a worthy mandatory challenger who earned his title shot, and Jose will be fully prepared to make a statement. And for Jose, this could be his last fight in Fresno for a long time, so I expect the Central Valley faithful to fill up the Save Mart Center for a special evening.”

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) is one of two unified junior welterweight champions. He won the WBC world title in March 2018, prevailing via 12-round shootout against Amir Imam in New York City. He defended that belt twice before stepping up to fight Maurice Hooker in a highly anticipated title unification bout. In one of the best fights of 2019, Ramirez knocked out Hooker in six rounds. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez has headlined at Save Mart Center five times previously and has drawn a total of 65,794 fans through the arena’s turnstiles. Last time he fought at Save Mart Center — February 2019 against Jose Zepeda — he drew a career-high turnout of 14,034.

“It is always a blessing to fight at Save Mart Center in front of my loyal fans,” Ramirez said. “I prepared for Postol once, and I will be in top form May 9. My trainer, Robert Garcia, will have me ready for whatever he brings to the table. He is a former world champion who I cannot underestimate.”

Postol (31-2, 12 KOs) has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a super lightweight and nearly a decade at, or near, the top of the division. He stunned the boxing world in October 2015 when he dethroned Lucas Matthysse via 10th-round KO to win the WBC world title. In his next fight, he was blunted over 12 rounds by Terence Crawford in a unification bout. He is 3-1 since the Crawford defeat, dropping a 2018 decision to Josh Taylor, who is now the division’s other unified champion. He earned the WBC’s mandatory shot at Ramirez in April with a unanimous decision over Mohamed Mimoune.

“I am glad the new fight date is set. I’m already in gym, and camp is going really well,” Postol said. “I was ready to fight on Feb. 1 and now I’m focused on May 9. The fight is taking place in his hometown, but that does not bother me because I have the experience to fight on away soil. I am looking forward to become a champion again.”

Boxing’s busiest champion WBO Jr. Featherweight ruler Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) will make his fifth title defense in nine months against Jeo Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday’s Fury-Wilder PPV. 25-year-old Navarrete has won all his defenses so far by knockout (against Isaac Dogboe, Francisco de Vaca, Juan Miguel Elorde and Francisco Horta)

The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

#WilderFury WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete Defends His Title Against the Philippines’ Jeo Santisima in PPV Featured Bout. The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Representing San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, México, Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) captured his 122-pound title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018, and emphatically retained the title by stopping Dogboe in the final round of their rematch in May 2019. The 25-year-old stayed busy after securing the title, scoring stoppage victories in successful title defenses in August, September and most recently in December, when he knocked out Francisco Horta in Mexico. He is boxing’s most active world champion, as the Santisima bout will be his fifth title defense in nine months.

“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”

The 23-year-old Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2013 as a 16-year-old and has not lost a fight since his fourth career contest in 2014. A native of Masbate City, Philippines, Santisima will ride a 17-fight winning streak into his U.S. debut and his first world title opportunity on February 22. His 2019 campaign saw him deliver victories over Alvius Maufani in August and Rene Dacquel in December.

“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”

Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) made a successful 160-pound debut by defeating Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (30-4, 21 KOs) via 11th-round stoppage to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The event was streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“This was a new division for me,” said Jaime Munguia. “I felt stronger and with more conditioning, I just needed to adjust my speed to feel fully comfortable. I would give my performance a 7 or 8 because I needed to do a few more things, but we will get there fight by fight.”

“I was confused about whether to attack or not to attack. Sometimes I thought I had to attack, but I didn’t. But thanks to my corner and Erick Morales I was able to get him. On the last rounds, I was more attentive, even though I still got punched a few times.”

“I would like to fight the best of this division: Canelo, Golovkin, or the Charlos. I know they have more experience, but I look forward to those fights. I want to thank everyone in San Antonio and Viva Mexico.”

“I feel disappointed,” said Gary O’Sullivan. “I was hoping I could win, but I guess I wasn’t good enough to take him down. I just want to go home, spend time with my family and rest. I’ve been away for too long and I think it’s time for me to go and enjoy some time with them. I have made a great sacrifice for this fight, but it’s OK.”

In the co-main event, Alejandra “La Tigre” Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexicocaptured the unified WBO Super Middleweight World Title against Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland via majority decision in a 10-round fight. Jimenez won with scores of 97-93 and 98-92, while one judge scored 97-93 in favor of Crews-Dezurn.

“I feel great! This is amazing,” said Alejandra Jimenez. “I’ve accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I’ve been away from my family for a long time. This win is for them, my team, and my country, particularly my Cancun that I love so much.”

“I’m heartbroken, but I’ve been here before,” said Franchon Crews-Dezurn. “This is a learning experience; I have to go back and regroup with my team because I don’t think a decision on my favor was that far. This was a tough fight for me. This was my 8th fight, but I’m still learning and growing in the ring. I thank Golden Boy for the opportunity to show my skills in front of a Hispanic crowd and new people that haven’t met me before. I’m glad they were entertained. This wasn’t the outcome I wanted for my first fight of the year, but I will be back.”

It’s official. WBO Jr. Featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, will be making his third defense in five months on December 7 at the 10,000+ seat Auditorio GNP Seguros in the city of Puebla (about two hours east of Mexico City). Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) will defend against WBO #13 rated Francisco “Panchito” Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs).

Both fighters attended a kick-off press conference today.

Emanuel Navarrete: I always go for the knockout, I think it’s best to win by knockout and on December 7 the people of Puebla will see a great fight!”

Francisco Horta: ”On December 7th people will know me. Expect a war, we are going for the championship of the world!”

Zanfer Promotions also announced that on the same evening, female flyweight stars Gabriela “Bonita” Sanchez (6-3) and Silvia “Guerrerita” Torres (20-1-2, 7 KOs) will clash in an interesting fight as both are coming off world title fights.

ESPN+ is expected to show Navarrete-Horta in the USA, while Azteca 7, la Casa del Boxeo, will air the fight in Mexico.

Via https://fightnews.com/navarrete-horta-announced-for-dec-7/60688

Saul Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) made their grand arrivals today at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino in Las Vegas ahead of their 12-round fight for Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight World Title. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov 2, 2019 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s grand arrivals:

Canelo Alvarez, WBC Franchise, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion:

“As always, I’m very grateful that everybody is here, I’m very honored and I’m ready. This is very important for myself, for my career, for my history, for my family, for my team. To be a world champion in four different weight classes would be another chapter of my story.”

“Everything has been different, the weight, the training, and I can’t wait to see how it goes on Nov 2. I’ll do my best.”

Does the fan support ever get old? “No, it’s very motivating. This motivates me and I’m ready for triumph.”

Sergey Kovalev, WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion:
“I feel great. I’m here for my glory. For my story. For my history. A couple fights ago, when I started to work with my new team Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz, they gave me back my belief in myself. With this team I can do more. You can see, with my last fights, a little bit of change to my technique and style. I’m ready to fight 12 rounds.”

“It’s not the goal to knock someone out, I just need to follow my instructions from the corner, from my coach, and everything will be fine.”

Is Canelo going from 160 to 175 a mistake? “You know, I respect his steps and his risks. This is boxing, but in boxing, only real men try to prove themselves, that they’re a real fighter, and Canelo is that. But this is my division, I have been in this division since my first fight, and I want to make my history, my story. He’s just trying. Right now, 175 has a lot of good fights right now, a lot of good fighters right now, even Canelo has come to 175.”

On all the boos from Canelo fans: “I want to disappoint a lot of people on Saturday. In England, everybody was going against me, but after the fight, everyone was asking for my autograph. Your boo is good!”

Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Mendez remains Puerto Rico’s lone male titlist, hanging on to that status by the skin of his teeth—and of his challenger.

The defending WBO Mini-Flyweight title claimant lodged his first successful defense in a technical split decision win over Axel Aragon this past Saturday at Cancha Ruben Zayas Montanez in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Aragon prevailed by 67-66 on the dissenting card that was trumped by scores of 67-66 and 68-65 in favor of Mendez in their cut-shortened rematch.

Mendez had every advantage heading into the night—height, reach, home region and a landside win over his opponent, a late replacement for Colombia’s Gabriel Mendoza who was unable to travel due to visa issues.

In came Aragon, a squat Mexican slugger who took the fight on less than a week’s notice. He put his three fight win streak on the line, all of which has followed his 10-round loss to Mendez in this very venue last September. Their previous affair was far more lopsided, with Mendez claiming a wide points victory en route to eventually going on to the title stage.

Things were far more competitive this time around, although Mendez enjoyed early success offering lateral movement and connect with left hands from the outside. Aragon, who at 5’0” is often at a height disadvantage no matter whom he faces, struggled to work his way inside the defending champion, although that dynamic changed dramatically late in round four.

A right hand across the chin briefly froze Mendez, setting him up for a left hook and looping right hand to send him crashing to the canvas for the bout’s lone knockdown. Mendez recovered in time to make it to the bell, before taking over in round five.

The local favorite continued his attack in round six, but not before a clash of heads provided what would be the beginning of the end. Mendez sought to land left hands to the body, but his forehead clashed with Aragon’s face, leaving his challenger with a deep gash over his left eye.

Time was called to review the wound before action was permitted to continue. Aragon bravely soldiered on, though by round seven was no longer in a position to continue. The referee called time at the start of the round to once again have the cut examined. This time around, it was decided that he was done for the night.

Because the bell sounded to start the round, the partial frame was scored. With the fight having been extended past four rounds, a No-Contest was avoided and Mendez’s title reign kept intact.

The win advances the southpaw to 14-1 (6KOs), having now won four straight including a 12-round decision over Vic Saludar this past August in San Juan.

Aragon snaps a three-fight win streak, falling to 13-3-1 (8KOs).

With the win, Mendez is now just one of two Boricuas to officially hold a major title—with seven-division titlist Amanda Serrano being the other.

Saturday’s show streamed live on the Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotions’ legal website.

By Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

El ex-campeón mundial Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta (20-2, 20KOs) está de regreso el jueves 24 de octubre y se medirá al filipino Raymond Tabugón (22-10-1, 11KOs) en un combate a 10 asaltos en su primera pelea en la división mosca por el campeonato vacante Internacional OMB. El orgullo del Barrio Obrero en San Juan Puerto Rico mostró hoy en un aparte para los medios de comunicación parte de su arsenal junto a su nuevo equipo de trabajo compuesto por el veterano entrenador mexicano Juan Muciño.

Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta:
“Me siento muy bien he trabajado bien fuerte en este campamento para obtener una gran victoria, con mi entrenador Juan Muciño ha traído otras enseñanzas”.

“Estoy a 2 libras del peso y me siento muy bien, nunca habia estado tan cerca del peso en esta estapa, me siento fuerte”.

“Aprendí mucho de mi pelea con Elwin Soto, nunca subestimo a nadie pero llegó una mano buena para Soto y ya saben el resultado y creeme que he aprendido mucho”.

Juan Muciño – Entrenador
“Tito es un gran peleador el cuál hemos desarrollado una buena química y se verá la noche de la pelea. Entiendo que esta nueva división le va venir bien a Tito. Hemos trabajado en varios detalles nuestra meta es obtener una victoria sólida”.

Tito vs.Tabugón será parte del respaldo de Elwin Soto vs. Edward Heno es un duelo a 12 episodios por el cinturón mundial minimosca de la OMB presentado por Golden Boy en asociación con Promociones Zanfer. El evento es patrocinado por Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” La función se efectuará el jueves 24 de octubre de 2019 en el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino de Indio, California. Los combates serán transmitidos en vivo en RingTV.com y en Facebook Watch a través de la Pagina de Golden Boy Fight Night iniciando a las 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

(KSM) Rafael López Santos, representante de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo en México, recibió el grado de Doctor Honoris Causa por parte del Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano, en virtud de su esmerada labor en beneficio de la educación, su liderazgo en el servicio social, los valores y el desarrollo sustentable a favor de la patria y la humanidad.

El Claustro Doctoral es la junta de líderes de nuestra sociedad, integrado por diversas universidades y Asociaciones Civiles que, a través de sus Consejo, busca reconocer a los hombres y mujeres líderes que, por su trabajo profesional, sus logros académicos y sus proyectos sociales, contribuyen a la mejora de la humanidad.

La ceremonia fue encabezada por el Dr. Arturo Cruz Cabrera, Presidente del Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano y Presidente de la Fundación Liderazgo Hoy A.C.

“Por su destacada labor en la docencia por 9 años, y posteriormente su labor dentro del Instituto Politécnico Nacional y con más de 50 años dentro de la docencia, además de formar parte de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo apoyando a figuras como Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez y Canelo Álvarez, además de su apoyo a diversas casas hogares como “La Divina Providencia” y del “Padre Chinchachoma”, por su desarrollo profesional, calidad humana, liderazgo y aportación al crecimiento de nuestro país, Rafael López Santos se hace acreedor al reconocimiento Doctor Honoris Causa”, se dijo en el pleno.

La investidura Doctor Honoris Causa destaca a los hombres y mujeres qué con su contribución humanística, fundamentada en los valores humanos, han apoyado al progreso de su país. Históricamente recibe el mismo tratamiento y los mismos privilegios que aquellos que obtienen su doctorado académico de forma convencional.

El evento tuvo lugar en el Auditorio del AAPAUNAM en la Ciudad Universitaria, al sur de la Ciudad de México.

Fotos: Pablo Lozano

WBO ‘CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT’ SERIES; Amanda Serrano will be honored; Golf tournament with boxing stars & Legends

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO- For three boxing events during the month of October, the World Boxing Organization will serve as a link to give Puerto Rican talent a chance when conducting its “Champions Tournament” which will have several important scepters at play and help build the shoe for what will come in 2020.

It will have its headquarters on October 4 at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, immediately followed on October 5 at the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan,PR and culminating on the 26th at the Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto,PR.

“Near the WBO Convention we always do a‘ Champions Tournament ”. We did it in Panama in 2018 and we have done it in Puerto Rico, in Orlando, in Miami. But being the convention this year in Japan (December 2-5), we wanted to do something as usual in the Caribbean, ”said WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’Valcárcel.

“We will have four championship fights as part of that tournament, starting on October 4 in Kissimmee with Yomar Álamo (17-0 with 12 KO’s) against Mexican Antonio Morán (24-4 with 17 KO’s) for WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title. Subsequently, we have Danielito Zorrilla (12-0 with 10 KO’s) against the Aztec Jesus Perez (23-2 with 18 KO’s) for the WBO NABO interim Jr. Welterweight title with the idea that the winner there will face the winner between Álamo and Morán in a unifying fight for the NABO title by the beginning of 2020 ”.

As if that were not enough, the Miguel Cotto Promotions cartel on October 5 will have a second championship fight when the Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago faces the Puerto Rican Israel Vázquez for the vacant WBO Latino Jr. Flyweight title. The tournament will then end on October 26 with the Spartan Boxing cartel, in which Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez will defend his WBO World Mini-Flyweight crown for the first time.

The ambitious tournament presented by the World Boxing Organization of the event on Saturday, October 5, where Danielito Zorrilla faces Jesús Antonio Pérez will be seen exclusively in Puerto Rico for DIRECTV clients on channel 161

“We are very happy with the opportunity that Paco Valcarcel and the entire World Boxing Organization gives us to be part of this great championship tournament and more which will be live television throughout Puerto Rico on DIRECTV where we will have our most important boxer Danielito Zorrilla in his most important fight. Without a doubt, the champions tournament is a very important platform for all the promoters and boxers that will participate, it is the beginning of great opportunities for big fights, ”said promoter and vice president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Héctor Soto.

Amanda Serrano will be honored:

As part of the festivities, the female world champion in seven divisions, Amanda Serrano, will be present in Kissimmee and San Juan, where she will be honored after being crowned recently as the new WBO Jr. Featherweight monarch.

“Amanda Serrano will be with us. She wants to dedicate her triumph to the Puerto Rican community. She will be first in Kissimmee on October 4. From there, Amanda flies to Puerto Rico to be on October 5 at Coliseum Pedrín Zorrilla, where she will be given her new champion belt at 126 pounds, ”said Valcárcel.

“She is going to stay in Puerto Rico for a couple more days because she turns 9 on October 9 and from there she will return to the United States because she has to continue training for the MMA fight that she has on the agenda soon.”

Golf tournament with boxing stars

To conclude the festivities, the WBO will host a golf tournament in “El Legado” in Guayama with the participation of several pugilisms, legends, as well as several of the best local fighters today.

“Before the October 26 card, we will have a golf tournament on October 24 with local boxers, trainers to share with professional boxing stars, such as Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya and Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright, as well as Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions. They could be joined by others, such as Jaime Mungía (WBO World Jr. Middleweight Champion) and Emanuel Navarrete (WBO World Jr. Featherweight Champion). Some are still to be confirmed, ”added Valcárcel.

Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (15-1, 11 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title against Edward “The Heneral Fighting” Heno (14-0-5, 5 KOs) of Paranaque City, Philippines in a 12-round main event of the Oct. 24 edition Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The fights will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will be available on regional sports network around the nation.

Soto is a 22-year-old boxer who was virtually unknown until his upset victory over Angel Acosta to become a world champion. Though it was a controversial win, the native of Mexicali, Mexico demonstrated his power and explosiveness against one of the best fighters in his division. Now, Soto is preparing to make the first defense of his world title against a tough, undefeated challenger.

“This fight will be just like my last one,” said Elwin Soto. “I will train to the best of my abilities because I never underestimate anyone. I want to work hard to be the best in my division.”

Heno is a 26-year-old contender who began his career with a lackluster record of zero wins and three draws. Then, after over a year of inactivity, Heno returned to develop a winning record that includes several wins in his native country of the Philippines as well as victories in Japan. Heno is grateful for the opportunity as he completely turned his career into a world title opportunity.

“I have worked my whole life for this opportunity to get a world title shot,” said Edward Heno. “My life changed from the moment I started working with my manager Marty Elorde and signed with Senator Manny Pacquiao of MP Promotions, which headed by Sean Gibbons. And now I have a chance to fight world champion Elwin Soto. My life could got get any better. Mexico vs. Philippines is the greatest rivalry in boxing. I look forward to Oct. 24 and hearing my name being called as the new WBO champion of the world.”

Additionally, former heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon will be the special VIP Guest for this world championship event. Witherspoon will be in attendance to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, former WBO World Champion Angel “Tito” Acosta (20-2, 20 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will return in a 10-round flyweight fight.

WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Emanuel ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete 29-1 (25) successfully defended his world title with a fourth-round TKO of game but outgunned Juan Miguel Elorde 28-2 (15) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.

The fight was the main support bout to the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Otto Wallin.

The Philippines Elorde, 32, start well and showed no fear of the big-punching Mexican champion, ripping in shots to the body in the opening round.

But Navarrete came roaring back in the second stanza, landing some hard shots on the challenger.

The left hook was the money punch for Navarrete, knocking down Elorde in round three before finishing him off in the fourth.

The time of the stoppage was 0:26.

“I’m happy because I think I put on a great performance,” said the 24-year-old Navarrete.

“Fortunately, my opponent is OK, and I came out here to put on a show. I hope the fans enjoyed it on my very first Las Vegas show on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete is here to stay.

“The most important thing here was that it was a good performance for me. I think the referee did the right thing. He’s going to go home to his family, and everything is going to be OK.

“It was a good performance on my behalf and he gave what he could. At the end of the day, I came away with the hard-fought victory.”

Via https://www.ringnews24.com/2019/09/16/emanuel-navarrete-impresses-in-four-round-war-against-juan-miguel-elorde/

Photo Mikey Williams Top Rank

One of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars lived up to the hype once again on one of the most important dates for Mexico as undefeated world champion Jaime Munguia (34-0, 27 KOs) of Tijuana outlanded and overpowered Patrick Allotey (40-4, 30 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, leading the African warrior to take a delayed knee at 2:18 of Round 4 before his corner put a stop to the slugfest.

Munguia thus successfully defended his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title for the fifth consecutive time and gave the electric crowd the finale they had hoped for to conclude an action-packed fight night celebrating Mexican Independence Day Weekend at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, and streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and African warrior Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs) hosted their media workout today at Azteca Boxing Club ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. This battle will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what some of today’s participants had to say at the event.

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight Champion:
“It’s very important to me that I’m headlining on this special day. It’s a big responsibility but it’s very exciting and I promise to do a good job for all my fans. My trainer, Erik Morales, gets more out of me. I’m training harder and running harder. I’m going to give the best and I hope I can deliver the best to the fans. As a Mexican, I’m representing my country and it’s a huge responsibility but I’m happy to be taking it on. Patrick Allotey is coming ready to fight me and of course, I want to win by knockout. I felt really good during training camp and I hope to give a spectacular show.”

PATRICK ALLOTEY, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“I’m happy to fight because it’s an opportunity to showcase myself. I love Mexico, I love Mexican fighters. I don’t feel worried to be fighting in a card that is so important for Mexican boxing because when I’m fighting with a Mexican, I’m Mexican too. And when the fans are shouting for my opponent, they are shouting to me too. I can’t define my style, because that is something that you decide at the ring. In boxing you don’t need style, you need to think. I’m a well-rounded fighter. I’m ready.”

Munguia vs. Allotey is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and Orange Crush. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Munguia vs. Allotey ticket information
Tickets for Munguia vs. Allotey are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, https://www.axs.com/, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

Photo by Tom Hogan

Being a world champion is a dream that Emanuel Navarrete has already fulfilled. But this Saturday, he will fulfill another.

“I always wanted to fight in Las Vegas, as a world champion, on a national weekend. Thank God, I will be given this opportunity n Saturday,” Navarrete said shortly before closing his preparation in Tijuana.

The “Cowboy” Navarrete (28-1-0, 24 KOs) will defend for the third time his WBO super bantamweight world championship, against Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs), in the fabulous T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas.

Navarrete travels to Las Vegas motivated and with the illusion of giving the Mexican fans a great show, and of course, a memorable victory.

“I am facing a very strong opponent, from a boxing family like Elorde, and he has a lot of quality, but we have done a great preparation and we are going to bring the belt back home,” Navarrete said.

Although the show is headlined by undefeated heavyweights Tyson Fury (28-0-1, 20 KO’s) and Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KO’s), Navarrete is aware that the Mexican fans’ eyes will be on their countrymen.

“It is a great motivation and it is very special at this time in my career that I am considered to present Mexico in showcased fight in Las Vegas, it is a dream come true,” said the boxer born in San Juan Zitlaltepec.

By Rafael Soto / BoxingScene.com

Somehow, Jaime Munguia will find a way to make 154 pounds at least one more time.

That was the mentality within his camp and particularly of the unbeaten super welterweight titlist when the opportunity arose to headline a Mexican Independence Day-themed card. Munguia will face Ghana’s Patrick Allotey in the main event of a DAZN-streamed card on Sept. 14 live from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

“It’s such a tremendous honor to represent Mexico, represent our people,” Munguia (33-0, 26KOs) told BoxingScene.com of being selected to headline the card. “To be able to do it in California means even more. I’ve never fought there before.

“I know we have a lot of fans there who now get to see me fight that wouldn’t have been able to travel to Las Vegas, or Mexico or anywhere else. So now I get to fight in California for the first time and on such a big (weekend) for our heritage.”

The assignment went to the 22-year old from Tijuana, Mexico after World middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez was unable to keep the date. The plan was for Alvarez—who has commanded Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day-centric cards for each of the past three years—to headline a Sept. 14 show in Las Vegas.

However, Golden Boy Promotions was forced to seek an alternate route once it became clear the sport’s biggest draw was going to have to push back his timetable in order to secure his next opponent.

That brought the conversation to Munguia, whom has emerged as a rising star in the sport. The next bout will mark his sixth in just 16 months, all in title fights dating back to his one-sided 4th round stoppage of Sadam Ali to win the crown last May.

Concerns arose of his fleeing the division following a disputed points win over Dennis Hogan this past April in Monterrey, Mex., as it has become increasingly difficult to squeeze his 6’0”—and still maturing—frame into a 154-pound uniform.

It’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make for at least one more fight, it if means commanding the spotlight in honor of his nation’s most celebrated holiday. So far, training camp is going as planned to where he could consider sticking around at the weight for the right opportunity.

“We’ll see how we feel but so far camp is going really well and I’m not really thinking about moving up in weight yet,” Munguia insisted. “We haven’t really made any changes. Maybe just eating less, definitely no more tacos until after the fight.

“Once we get past (Allotey), then we can celebrate the right way. This weekend is too important for Mexicans, I want to handle the honor responsibly.”

Article by Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

WBO junior featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (28-1, 24 KOs) will face WBO #2 Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs) September 14 on the card headlined by the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Otto Wallin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. ESPN, which will air the card on the ESPN+ platform, made the announcement on their website.

Navarrete is returning just four weeks after stopping Francisco De Vaca in three rounds. The 32-year-old Elorde is the grandson of former legendary WBC/WBA super featherweight world champion and Boxing Hall of Famer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

Photo by Mikey Williams

The press conference overlooked the new crown jewel of Los Angeles soccer, the year-old Banc of California Stadium, home to Major League Soccer’s LAFC. Tomorrow, the inaugural boxing card will take place at the stadium, headlined by Emanuel Navarrete’s WBO junior featherweight title defense against unbeaten challenger Francisco De Vaca (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET).

At the Banc of California Stadium’s Founders Club, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“The reality is that my life has changed a lot in these last eight months. The fact that I have become world champion and that I have won over a wide margin to Isaac Dogboe, who came from beating Jessie Magdaleno, makes me very happy. I feel very satisfied with the results we have achieved for the hard work we have done in recent months.”

“The truth is that it doesn’t matter who is my opponent. I always prepare 100% for each of my fights, and this was no exception. We already did the hard work in the gym, and we are ready for a great fight. If De Vaca comes to fight hard, I am prepared to go even harder. I’m ready to give a great battle to all the fans.”

“I’ve said it several times already: If the other champions of the division don’t want to accept the challenge of unifying titles, I will be moving up to the featherweight division. If everything goes well on Saturday, maybe I will make another fight in the super bantamweight division, but if I don’t get a unification fight, I would go up to 126 pounds.”

Francisco De Vaca

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’m ready! I wanted to fight for a world title since I was 5 years old, and now that we have the opportunity, we are going to make our dream come true this Saturday. Come Saturday, there will be a new world champ for Phoenix and Michoacán. I’m coming for that world title.”

On his first 12-round fight

“I feel like I’m debuting all over again. We are ready! I’m going to give everyone a great show. I’ve focused on preparing very well mentally because physically I’m always ready. You will see that come Saturday night.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Francisco De Vaca, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO junior featherweight world title

Jessie Magdaleno vs. Rafael Rivera, 10 rounds, featherweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Ricky Sismundo, 10 rounds, super lightweight

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Stuart McLellan, 10 rounds, Alimkhanuly’s WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global titles

Chris van Heerden vs. Aslanbek Kozaev, 10 rounds, welterweight

Javier Molina vs. Manuel Mendez, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Dmitry Yun vs. Javier Martinez, 6 rounds, lightweight

Brian Mendoza vs. Rosemberg Gomez, 8 rounds, welterweight

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Jesus Gonzales, 6 rounds, super lightweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Iron Boy Promotions, tickets priced at $100, $80, $70, $60, $45 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and in person at the Banc of California Stadium box office.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #NavarreteDeVaca and #MagdalenoRivera to join the conversation on social media.

WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, and his new trainer Erik Morales hosted a press conference today at the Golden Boy Headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif. ahead of Munguia’s title defense against Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs). The event will take place on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Erik Morales: “I’m very grateful to be working with Munguia. He’s a great fighter and a young fighter with a lot of desire to show. It reminds me of when I was younger. He has been improving over our last two months of working together. I assure you that the Munguia you know will be different, but will also deliver the same explosive style he has. We are showing him and guiding him.”

Jaime Munguia: “I feel very happy to be the main event for this Mexican Independence Day fight. It’s going to be a great day for boxing and a great day for Mexico. My desire on September 14th is to demonstrate everything I’ve been learning with my new trainer Erik Morales. I have a great fighter in front of me and we are going to show it in the ring.”

“We know that Allotey is strong, fast and has a lot of knockouts. We will have to be very careful about that. But, I’ll be looking to give a great show, and I’ll look for the knockout on September 14.”

Munguia’s promoter Fernando Beltran, President of Zanfer Promotions: “I have lots memories on this podium by being here with Erik Morales. Munguia is a special fighter and he will prove that he belongs on the top and fighting the best fighters out there, such as Canelo and Golovkin. I know everyone will enjoy this fight on Mexican Independence Day.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “As always we will have a very stacked undercard for this fight. We are excited to host this fight at one of the most exciting venues in California. Dignity Health Sports Park brings out the best in every fighter, so we can’t wait for the fans to experience this fight. This fight will also include a Mexican fiesta featuring bands and activations from Tecate and Orange Crush. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, where we are committed to making the best fights and giving fans and affordable price to watch. Our partners at DAZN have been instrumental in bringing affordable boxing to the masses and on a global scale.”

“We are truly excited to be showcasing Munguia on an important day for boxing, especially now that he has a new trainer. We strongly feel this new trainer will bring out the best in Munguia. Munguia is willing to jump around into different divisions and every punch he throws is with bad intentions. He’s a hard worker and he’s disciplined and dedicated. He’s also a real pleasure outside of the ring.”

Photo by Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

via fightnews.com

El flamante campeón mundial Jr. Pluma de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el mexicano Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, defenderá por segunda vez su título, el próximo sábado en Los Ángeles, y su retador será un joven invicto, hambriento y de gran técnica y velocidad.

Navarrete (27-1-0, 23 ko’s) le dará la oportunidad soñada al michoacano radicado en Arizona, Francisco de Vaca (20-0-0, 6 ko’s), este sábado 17, encabezando una espectacular función de Zanfer y Top Rank que será transmitida en territorio mexicano por Azteca 7, la Casa del Boxeo.

El “Vaquero” hará la segunda defensa de su cetro, luego de par de victorias consecutivas sobre Isaac Dogboe. Para De Vaca, será no sólo su primera oportunidad titular, sino su primera pelea estelar, y lo hará ante un campeón sólido y en el mejor momento de su carrera.

Será el clásico duelo de estrategias entre un campeón del mundo agresivo, que le gusta fajarse, que buscará la pelea en corto y que será constante soltando combinaciones, ante un retador de velocidad, de desplazamientos, que basará su táctica en el contragolpe y que intentará mantener alejado en todo momento a su adversario.

Navarrete y su equipo de trabajo estarán desde mañana en Los Ángeles, donde cerrará su preparación con entrenamientos ligeros, de soltura, pues la parte fuerte la finalizó el pasado viernes, y el peso no es un factor que preocupe a su equipo de trabajo.

“Panchito” De Vaca es un joven que desde su etapa amateur demostró una gran calidad sobre el ring, destacando a nivel nacional en Estados Unidos, y a pesar de haber nacido en Michoacán, toda su carrera la ha hecho en suelo estadounidense.

Con el mismo equipo de trabajo de Navarrete viaja el tijuanense Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (27-3-2, 18 ko’s), quien a pesar de que ya disputó un título mundial ante Leo Santa Cruz, en la misma velada sostendrá la pelea más importante de su carrera hasta el momento, pues se enfrenta al ex campeón Jessie Magdaleno (26-1-0, 18 ko’s), y una victoria lo pondría en la antesala de disputar un cetro del mundo en las 126 libras.

SEMANA DE LA PELEA
Este jueves a a las 12:00 hrs se efectuará la conferencia de prensa final el Field Club del Banc of California Stadium en Los Angeles.

Viernes a las 13:00 hrs en el hotel Intercontinental se efectuará la ceremonia de pesaje oficial.

Sábado 15:30 inicia el primer combate en el Banc of California Stadium.

Jaime Munguia will defend his WBO junior middleweight title against Patrick Allotey, Golden Boy Promotions announced Saturday morning.

The 12-round bout will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as the Stubhub Center) in Carson, California. Also on the card, unbeaten lightweight Ryan Garcia will finally return to the ring, squaring off against Avery Sparrow.

Both fights will stream live on DAZN.

Munguia (33-0, 26 knockouts), who resides in Tijuana, Mexico, last fought on Apr. 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, defeating mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan of Australia in a fight many thought Hogan did enough to win. Before Allotey was finalized as an opponent for Munguia, there were several reports last week Munguia would face former world titleholder Jessie Vargas, but negotiations reportedly fell through between representatives of both fighters.

The 22-year-old Munguia will be making his fifth defense of the WBO title he won on May 12 of last year by knocking out Sadam Ali. The world-title defense will also be in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day weekend celebrations throughout Southern California.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity of headlining a card on Sept. 14,” said Munguia, who is trained by Robert Alcazar. ”That’s the best date for boxing in the entire year. It’s a great date for Mexico because that’s when we celebrate Mexican Independence Day. I’m proud and honored to be representing Mexico in the festivals for my country. I’ll give my best and I’ll try to deliver a great fight for all the people and for those who will see us.”

Munguia is co-promoted by Golden Boy and Zanfer Promotions. He is ranked No. 4 by The Ring.

Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs), who resides in Accra, Ghana, defeated Sharif Kasongo by unanimous decision in his last bout on Dec. 24. The 28-year-old Allotey, who is ranked No. 11 by the WBO, has won his last six bouts since losing to unbeaten Kanat Islam by unanimous decision in October of 2016.

“I respect Munguia,” said Allotey. “He is a great fighter, but I’m an African warrior, so you know I’ll be coming to cause a big surprise.”

Sept. 14 will mark Allotey’s second fight in the United States. Allotey was knocked out by contender Patrick Teixeira in April of 2015 in Verona, New York.

Via Francisco Salazar / BoxingScene.com

WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (27-1, 23 KOs) is training hard in Tijuana for his August 17 world title defense against Francisco De Vaca (20-0, 6 KOs), to take place at the new Bank of California Stadium in Los Ángeles. Navarrete’s performance, endurance are impressive and his weight is even lower than expected ten days away from the official weigh-in.

“I feel very strong with a lot of lung capacity,” said Navarrete. “We’re willing to fight at full pace for 12 rounds. My opponent is a young fighter, undefeated, with a lot of hunger to win. He’ll be dangerous, but we’ll climb into the ring with full focus and preparation to keep the championship.”

Via: https://fightnews.com/navarrete-poised-to-retain-wbo-super-bantam-title/51063

Congrats to the new Unified WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion José Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs), who defeated Maurice Hooker (20-1-3, 17 KOs) via 6th-round TKO at College Park Center, Arlington, Texas. #RamirezHooker #Boxing #boxingresults

Ramirez hurt Hooker with a big left hook in the sixth round that caused him to back straight up to the ropes. From there, Ramirez continued to hit the defenseless Hooker with shots to the head until the fight was halted by the referee Mark Nelson. The time of the stoppage was at 1:48 of round six.

Earlier in the contest, Ramirez was given credit for a knockdown when he stepped on Hooker’s foot, and then hit him with a shot that caused him to stumble and fall.

Hooker fought well at times when he was in the center of the ring, hitting Ramirez with right hands and left hooks. Where rail-thin 5’11” Hooker had problems is when he would get bulled to the ropes by the shorter, stockier 5’10” Ramirez. (VIA BOXINGNEWS24.COM)

Photo Ed Mullholland

Carolina, Puerto Rico – In a crowded and festive activity the World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq., awarded Unified WBO Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. a commemorative belt in honor of his historic victory over Anthony Joshua to become the first Mexican world heavyweight champion.

Former WBO Super Champions Miguel Cotto, and Iván Calderón handed the special belt to Andy Ruiz Jr.

“We are here to pay a well-deserved tribute to Andy Ruiz, Jr. When he fought in Macao, I remember that I saw him chubby and I told that to his promoter at that time Bob Arum and he told me that Andy moves like a featherweight. That fight Andy won in 3 or 4 rounds and after the fight, Andy was very happy in the dressing room with our WBO NABO title. That was the first title he won in professional boxing. Andy always told me with great confidence that he was going to be WBO champion. I noticed that in the fight against Joshua, Andy was very calm and relaxed in his dressing room. He had incredible confidence until he finally won. I was very happy for his victory because he finally made history. Andy is a wonderful person. He has a wonderful personal story that we have been part of and we thank you for that because they are things that only happen once. I think that if someone deserved to be the first Mexican world heavyweight champion, that’s you for the quality of person you have. You are great motivation for many people “, stated WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq.

ANDY RUIZ JR:
“Thank you very much to everyone who is supporting me and they came here to support me. Thanks to the WBO for a very wonderful belt, very nice. I battled a lot since I was little kid and to be world champion also with a lot of sacrifice, a lot of training. Many think that I don’t train hard enough, but I train very hard. I’m very happy. Making history for being the first Mexican heavyweight world champion It’s a dream I’ve always wanted since I was a child and now I’ve achieved everything. I’m blessed, thank God for everything and now we are on vacation here in Puerto Rico, thanks to Paco (Valcárcel) and now spending time with the family, and then be ready for the rematch with Joshua. I’m still hungry to have those belts with me. All this is a dream and thanks to all the Latinos who support me. Thank you all”.

One month ago, on June 1st, 2019, Ruiz Jr. defeated the now former WBO Unified Champion Anthony Joshua by 7th-round TKO at New York’s Madison Square Garden to become the first Mexican world heavyweight champion.

Participating in the event were former 4-division world champion Miguel Cotto, former 2-division WBO World Champions Iván Calderón and Juanma López, former world champions Alex Sánchez, Juan Laporte and Samuel Serrano, former WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion Angel Acosta, interim Latino WBO Heavyweight champion Víctor Bisbal, WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight champion Jean Carlos “Lobo” Torres, WBO/NABO Jr. Flyweight champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez, WBO Latino Jr. Featherweight Champion Yenifel Vicente, WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Jeyvier Cintrón, WBO Latino Flyweight Champion McWilliams Arroyo, and WBO ranked #7 at 122 lbs Luis “Popeye” Lebrón. Other boxers who were present included Carlos Caraballo, Edwin Valentin, Bernard Lebrón, Víctor Santillán, Alfredo Cruz, Danielito Zorrilla, Carlos Arrieta, among others.

Photos and video by Victor Planas / WBO

Fernando Gaztambide
WBO Press Officer

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – Los boxeadores mexicanos son reconocidos por su gran capacidad de asimilación, pero durante siete años de carrera profesional, el sanjuanero y orgullo de Barrio Obrero Ángel ‘Tito’ Acosta se ha ‘alimentado’ de ellos a diestra y siniestra, recetándole siempre su dosis de cloroformo.

Y este próximo viernes aspira a continuar esa racha de fulminados cuando efectúe la cuarta defensa de su cetro mundial de las 108 libras de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo ante el mexicano Elwin ‘La Pulga’ Soto desde el Fantasy Springs Casino en Indio, California este viernes por la aplicación DAZN.

El pleito servirá de antesala al duelo de revancha por el campeonato mundial de las 130 libras de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo entre el boricua Alberto ‘El Explosivo’ Machado (21-1 con 17 KO’s) y el monarca azteca Andrew Cancio (20-4-1 con 15 KO’s) durante el cartel presentado por Golden Boy Promotions y Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“Elwin es un peleador que viene subiendo, que estuvo en el equipo Nacional de México y que hizo una carrera aficionada larga. Pero como profesional no ha tenido tantos rivales de mérito. Ahora va a tenerse que probar conmigo”, sostuvo Acosta, quien exhibe foja de 20-1 con 20 nocauts, incluyendo nueve frente a rivales mexicanos.

“Tengo un campeonato que lo quieren mucho y él está entrenando para quitarme el título, para lograr su sueño. Pero se va a quedar con las ganas. Me he preparado súper bien y nunca subestimo a mis rivales”.

Según Acosta, el escenario ideal sería que Soto (14-1 on 10 KO’s) se pare en el centro del cuadrilátero y se ponga a pelear con él, tal como han querido hacer sus compatriotas en el pasado, en vez de ponerse a boxear.

“Eso sería bueno para mi, que se pare a pelear. De los videos que he visto, eso es lo que hace. Ahora hay que ver si aguanta mi pegada. No se ha topado con alguien como yo, que pegue como yo”, sostuvo Acosta, quien se canto listo para una pelea larga, si es necesario.

“He estado entrenando fuerte acá en Los Ángeles con Juan de León por siete semanas, con Juan he trabajando mucho en movimientos laterales y en pelear con más inteligencia, como hice en mi última pelea. Vamos a trabajar ese nocaut para que llegue, tarde o temprano”.