NABO Super Featherweight champion Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado (17-0, 15 KOs) and NABA Super Featherweight champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales (16-1-3, 6 KOs) hosted a press conference today ahead of their 10-round super featherweight unification fight that will headline the Aug. 18 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN. Catch the live coverage of Machado vs. Morales on ESPN Deportes starting at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, and on ESPN2 beginning at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT.

Below is what fighters on the Friday, August 18 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN main event had to say at today’s press conference:

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, NABA Super Featherweight Champion:
“Thank you all for coming today, and I give thanks to God for giving me the opportunity to be here. I am super happy and gracious to my team, especially to Freddie Roach, Marvin Somodio, and Miguel Cotto for helping me in my preparation for this great fight.”
 
“I know I am prepared not only just physically, but mentally for this fight. I would like to thank Golden Boy and their entire team, and welcome them to the island. I know that Morales has prepared well, and is ready to give a tough fight. I know he has had difficulties before in his career, and he has slowly come up the ranks. However, I had the great career opportunity to train with Miguel Cotto, and I have learned so much from his discipline so that I can one day become Puerto Rico’s next world champion.”

CARLOS “THE SOLUTION” MORALES, NABO Super Featherweight Champion:
 
“Thank you to everyone for the support. I am extremely happy to be here, in the island of enchantment, to be able to continue my goals and dreams in becoming a future world champion. I know I am facing an extremely strong opponent in Alberto Machado. We are going to provide a great war, as there always is between the Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry.”
 
“I know Machado prepared very well, as he was training in Los Angeles with Miguel Cotto and Freddie Roach. I trained out of Los Angeles as well – the boxing world is a small one. We have come to take everyone by surprise – something that I have always done in my career in coming as the opponent and coming out victorious. We will be giving Machado “The Solution” come Friday, August 18.”

ROBERTO DIAZ, Matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions:
“We are very excited and happy to be back again in Puerto Rico, and be working with one of the best boxers the island has produced – the great Miguel Cotto. This is the first of many, many more shows, and we wanted to jump start our partnership with a great show, with two great fighters, with the always warlike Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry.”
 
“This is a very important fight for both fighters. There is a lot at risk here – the winner of this fight will most definitely be fighting for a world title soon. Morales came to us as a rival opponent three times, in which he beat three of our guys. When I asked him, ‘Why are you beating my guys? He responded with, ‘I want to be a Golden Boy Fighter, I want to be a world champion.’ All eyes will be on Puerto Rico this Friday, with the ESPN coverage reaching 50 countries.”

HECTOR SOTO, Vice-President of Cotto Promotions:
“Good afternoon, thank you to all the press for attending this final press conference for our Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN event held at Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico. We are very excited about the top, worldwide quality level event we have put together. I would like to thank our sponsors and Golden Boy Promotions for helping us put together such an event. We are presenting a grand total of eight fights come Friday, that are sure to entertain.
 
“Machado comes from training with Miguel Cotto and Freddie Roach in Los Angeles in preparation for this fight. We tasked ourselves with the homework to make little tweaks in Machado, and convert him into a great star. We are excited that our great prospect will have a platform like ESPN to show his talent to the world that we have always known he has.”

Machado vs. Morales is a 10-round fight for the NABO and NABA super featherweight titles, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Hennessy, never stop, never settle. The bout will take place on Friday, August 18 at Complejo Ferial De Puerto Rico in Ponce. The ESPN 3 and ESPN app will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and coverage will air live on ESPN Deportes starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. ET/ 8:00 p.m. PT.

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LA EXITOSA SERIE DE BOXEO POR ESPN REGRESA A PUERTO RICO

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO –  Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado (17-0, 15 nocáuts) campeón superpluma de la NABO versión OMB, yCarlos “The Solution” Morales (16-1-3, 6 nocáuts) monarca superpluma de la NABA versión AMB, enfrentarán sus retos más difíciles hasta la fecha cuando unifiquen sus coronas en el evento estelar a 10 asaltos de la edición del 18 de agosto de Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN desde el Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico en Ponce.

Machado, de 26 años y de San Juan Puerto Rico, así como Morales, de 27 años y originario de Hidalgo, México, revivirán la famosa rivalidad deportiva entre Puerto Rico contra México que siempre produce fuegos artificiales en el cuadrilátero.

Machado, un devastador noqueador quien nunca ha probado la derrota, llegará a esta cita con una impresionante racha de 12 nocáuts.

“Me siento honrado y extra motivado por esta gran oportunidad que Miguel Cotto Promotions y Golden Promotions me están dando para tener acción en ESPN”, dijo Alberto Machado. “Carlos Morales es un duro peleador mexicano joven y con hambre como yo. Voy a entrenar tan duro como sea posible para darle a los aficionados una gran pelea y otro clásico de Puerto Rico contra México. Esta será otra prueba para mí en mi viaje para convertirme en el próximo campeón mundial de Puerto Rico”, manifestó.

Morales ya ha tenido una carrera notable, habiendo logrado 16 victorias consecutivas y el título superpluma de la NABA versión de la AMB, después de comenzar su carrera con una marca de 0-1-3.

“Entiendo que ingresaré en la guarida del león en Puerto Rico y frente a un peleador muy bueno, pero he trabajado demasiado para dar un paso atrás”, dijo Carlos Morales. “Voy a entrenar más fuerte de lo que he hecho antes, y sé que al final de la pelea saldré victorioso”, agregó.

“Todo el mundo en Golden Boy Promotions está emocionado de ir a Puerto Rico y montar una gran función con nuestros maravillosos socios de Miguel Cotto Promotions y ESPN”, dijo Óscar de la Hoya, Presidente y Jefe Ejecutivo de Golden Boy Promotions. “Esto va a ser el comienzo de una grandiosa relación que ayudará a revitalizar la gran tradición histórica del boxeo en Puerto Rico y dará a los residentes una increíble opción deportiva”, enfatizó.

El resto de la cartelera contará con prospectos de Golden Boy Promotions y Miguel Cotto Promotions y será anunciado en las próximas semanas.

“Estamos muy contentos y emocionados de trabajar juntos con Óscar De la Hoya y Golden Boy Promotions para traer de vuelta ESPN a Puerto Rico. Este es un espectáculo especial para mí, porque tuve acción en ESPN hace muchos años y trae la plataforma perfecta para los próximos talentos de mostrar sus habilidades”, dijo Miguel Cotto.

 “Qué manera de iniciar nuestra sociedad con Golden Boy Promotions, trayendo de regreso ESPN a Puerto Rico y presentar otra batalla clásica de Puerto Rico contra México. Esto es el próximo 18 de agosto y será enorme para el boxeo en Puerto Rico. Realmente creemos que una nueva estrella va a nacer ese día”, dijo Héctor Soto, vicepresidente de Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 Machado vs. Morales es un combate a 10 asaltos por los cetros superpluma NABO/NABA y es promovido por Golden Boy Promotions yMiguel Cotto Promotions. El evento es patrocinado por Tecate “Born BOLD” y Hennessy, never stop, never settle. El evento se efectuará el viernes 18 de agosto desde el Complejo Ferial De Puerto Rico en Ponce. La transmisión en diferido de ESPN2 y ESPN Deportes iniciará a las 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. La transmisión en vivo de ESPN3 comenzará aproximadamente a las 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

Los boletos para Alberto Machado vs. Carlos Morales tienen un precio de $20 dólares para admisión general y $50 dólares para las mesas VIP más impuestos, y cargos de servicio aplicables y saldrán al (787) 808-5000, y en la taquilla del Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico en www.complejoferialpr.com o por teléfono al (787) 567-4181.

 Para más información visite: www.goldenboypromotions.com, y síganos en Twitter: @GoldenBoyBoxing,@OscarDeLaHoya,  @RealMiguelCotto,@ESPNBoxingy @ESPNBoxeo, .

Conviértase en un fanático de Facebook en www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxingwww.facebook.com/espn.fnf, ywww.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo;

 visítenos en Instagram:@GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya , @RealMiguelCotto y@ESPNBoxeo. Siga la conversación utilizando #GBPonESPN.   

CONTACTOS:

Ramiro González, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Stefan Friedman/Kristen Rockwell Caloca, Mercury: (424) 202-1671

Ardi Dwornik, ESPN, ardi.r.dwornik@espn.com, 646-547-5612, @ESPN_Ardi

Jennifer Torres (787) 567-4181, info@complejoferialpr.com

Miguel Cotto Promotions (787)744-9696

Credenciales: Janet González , janet@cottoprom  

Alberto Machado-Piquet Martinez -Photo By Juan Luis Valentin

Date:  Saturday, April 1, 2017

WBO Vacant NABO Jr. Lightweight Championship

Location: Complejo Ferial de Ponce, Ponce, PR

Promoter:   Promociones Miguel Cotto  / Miguel Cotto – H2 Promotions / Hector Soto

Supervisor:  Adolfo Flores Monge

Referee: José H. Rivera

Judges:  Luis Ruiz, Nelson Vazquez, Gerardo Martinez

Results:   The NABO Jr. Lightweight Championship Title was won by Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado against Juan Jose “Piket” Martinez by KO in the first round.  

TV:

jose-ramos Photo by Jose Ramos

By Reynaldo “El Papi Chulo” Sanchez –

PONCE, PUERTO RICO – Alberto ‘El Explosivo’ Machado staked his NABO world title, the regional organization affiliated with the WBO, in the stellar clash presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions at the modern Ponce Feria Complex on Saturday night as part of Cotto’s series on DIRECTV channel 161.

The Puerto Rican knockout artist raised his record to 17-0 and 15 KOs, with a first round knockout of experienced Mexican fighter Juan Jose ‘Piquet’ Martinez (26-4 and 18 KO’s). The ten round bout was part of a co-promotion with H2 Entertainment, that will be part of the DIRECTV Boxing Nights series.

The Mexican boxer Martinez visited the canvas twice ‘ before the referee of the match Jose H. Rivera decided to stop the fight.

Machado is viewed as a serious contender to the super featherweight title. And with each presentation Machado comes out showing great skills and a powerful punch. His opponent, Martinez, led another Puerto Rican fighter, Félix Verdejo, to the fifth round before getting stopped in a June 2016 clash.

“This fight is extremely important for Machado, not only for his hand to get raised high but also his NABO crown and he is classified within the first ten in the world at 130 pounds. We know that Machado has the potential and the skills,” said promoter Héctor Soto.

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AlbertoMacxhado-PiquetMartinez-1 (720x424)

PONCE, PUERTO RICO – Alberto ‘El Explosivo’ Machado is risking his NABO, the regional organization affiliated with the WBO, in the stellar clash of the world class billboard presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions at the modern Ponce Feria Complex on Saturday, April 1 live on DIRECTV channel 161.

With a record of 16-0 and 14 KOs, Machado, the Monte Hatillo knockout artist, is facing the experienced Mexican fighter Juan Jose ‘Piquet’ Martinez (26-3 and 18 KO’s) in the 10-round scheduled bout in a co-promotion with H2 Entertainment, that will be part of the DIRECTV Boxing Nights series.

“This fight is extremely important for Machado, not only for his hand to get raised high but also his NABO crown and he is classified within the first ten in the world at 130 pounds. We know that Machado has the potential and the skills but we must not lose sight that he has a great Mexican fighter in front of him, ” commented Héctor Soto.

In the co-feature, also over ten rounds, Jose ‘Chiquiro ‘Martinez (18-0-1 and 11 KOs), from Las Marías, will face Miguel’ El Loco ‘Robles (12-5-2 and five KOs), from Cataño, in another big match.

“We are very happy, we have a great event on a world-wide level in Ponce this Saturday and we hope everyone will tune in to DIRECTV. We expect full house in Ponce,” said Soto.

As a special attraction, also in the third fight as a professional, the former member of the national team, Danielito Zorrilla (2-0 and two), of Toa Baja, will take part in a four round bout at 142 pounds with Arnaldo Montalvo (0-1) from Arecibo.

Zorrilla, who debuted as a professional on the same stage last November 12, is coming back from knocking out Onyx Curras in the first round on February 11 at the Roger L. Mendoza Coliseum.

Zorrilla spent several weeks training with Miguel Cotto in Los Angeles under coach Freddie Roach when he was supposed to see the action on the Feb. 25 undercard in Texas that was canceled because of an injury to James Kirkland, the opponent of the five-time Puerto Rican champion.

FULL WEIGHTS

130LBS ALBERTO MACHADO VS. JUAN JOSÉ MARTÍNEZ 130LBS

115LBS JOSÉ MARTÍNEZ VS. MIGUEL ROBLES 113LBS

143.4LBS DANIELITO ZORRILLA VS.ARNALDO MONTALVO 145LBS

126LBS EDGARDO LABOY VS. HAROLD REYES 126LBS

115LBS JUAN C. CAMACHO JR. VS. GIOVANNY RIVERA 117LBS

122LBS CARLOS CARABALLO VS. JUAN G. CRUZ 123LBS

131LBS CHRISTIAN TAPIA VS. ELLIOT DE JESUS 130LBS

125LBS JOSE BARTOLOMEI VS. JULIO CRESPO 120LBS

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