Ray Beltran Prepares to Defend WBO World Title

Beltran to defend WBO lightweight title against Jose Pedraza Aug. 25 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona

LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

(Aug. 6, 2018) — Ray Beltran scratched and clawed and spent nearly 19 years as a pro boxer before earning his first world title. He outpointed Paulus Moses on Feb. 16 in Reno, Nevada, to win the vacant WBO lightweight title, a lifelong dream finally fulfilled. A native of Los Mochis, Mexico, Beltran is now a proud resident of Phoenix, a short drive from where he will make his first title defense.

Beltran (35-7-1, 21 KOs) will defend his title against former 130-pound world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza as the headliner of an ESPN-televised card, Aug. 25 at the Gila River Area in Glendale, Arizona.

Beltran returned home Saturday for a full slate of media activities, including an open workout at Gent’s Boxing Club in Glendale and as a guest broadcaster for the second inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks Alumni Game.

This is what he had to say.

On his future: “Hopefully, we have another big fight coming up against {Vasiliy} Lomachenko. I’m pretty happy when I fight the best. I’ve had no easy fights in my boxing career. We made our own way. We made our own name. We got a contract with Top Rank after 20-something fights. Nobody created our record. I have a lot of knockouts, but I have more power than it looks like on {my record}. All the losses that I have, four or five were robberies. I’m ready. Right now, I’m focused on Pedraza, but we dream big.”

On fighting for Phoenix and Mexico: “I feel like my heart is in half. I feel like a Phoenix fighter, but I’m also a Mexican fighter from my hometown. I can’t believe what I’ve come from. I come from nothing. I come from a place where nobody is supposed to make it. I think it’s important that the people where I came from know about it, so they get the message — whatever you want to do in life, if you work hard, you can make a change.”

On his opponent: “Pedraza is a former world champion. I believe he’s going to bring some heat. He’s going to come and fight hard to take the belt away from me. He bobs and moves around the ring a lot. He’s got good footwork, but we’ve been working at Wild Card with all different types of styles.”

Beltran-Pedraza and the Isaac Dogboe-Hidenori Otake WBO junior featherweight title bout will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action streaming live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Tickets to this world championship doubleheader, priced at $125, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Gila River Arena Box Office, by phone at 800.745.3000, or online at www.gilariverarena.com.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo, @ESPNDeportes.

Use the hashtags #BeltranPedraza and #DogboeOtake to join the conversation on social media.

Photo by Chas Wright

SAN JUAN, P.R. (June 21, 2018) — Total focus. Undefeated Puerto Rican contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz has only one goal on his mind: become a world champion. During a press conference held on Thursday afternoon at ‘The Island of Enchantment’, Díaz guaranteed that on July 28 he will leave the Kissimmee Civic Center as world champion.

On that night, in front of the fans of the city called “Little Puerto Rico” in the state of Florida, Díaz will compete for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Lightweight title against Japan’s Masayuki Ito. In the co-feature, undefeated Dominican welterweight Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames will face Artemio Reyes of San Bernardino, California.

Diaz-Ito and Adames-Reyes will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 ET on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available to all fans on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

This is what Diaz and his trainer Raul ‘Chino’ Rivas had to say during the press conference.

CHRISTOPHER ‘PITUFO’ DÍAZ

On his World Title Opportunity

“We are only one step away, there are only five weeks left. I have worked for 15 years of my life for this moment. I have a lot of focus, a lot of discipline and I have an immense desire to be someone in life.”

“In this fight, there are no excuses, this is win or win fight for me. I have prepared myself throughout my career for this moment, the time has come and now it is a matter of performing and knowing how to do things inside the ring. If I make a mistake in the ring, my family will pay for it and I will not let that happen.”

“Puerto Rico will have a new world champion on July 28. And I will not only be the best 130 pounds fighter of Puerto Rico, I will be the best 130 pounds fighter in the world.”

On the Motivation to Become a World Champion

“I have the motivation of my daughter, my twins who are on their way, my wife, my mother, my brothers, I have a family that follows me wherever I go, I leave it all in the ring for them. Everything I do is for them.”

RAÚL ‘CHINO’ RIVAS

On Training Camp

“The training camp has been excellent, the sparring sessions are very important for this fight and we have the sparring partners that are perfect for Christopher. On July 28 we will be ready and in excellent condition.”

Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, is entering his first world title match riding a four-bout knockout streak. The WBO’s No. 1 junior lightweight contender, Diazwon the vacant NABO junior lightweight title last December with a third-round knockout of Bryant Cruz, knocking Cruz down five times en route to the stoppage. In his last bout,March 17 on the Jose Ramirez-Amir Imam undercard at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Diaz defeated Braulio Rodriguez via fourth-round TKO to earn the shot at the world title. For Diaz, this world title opportunity is beacon of hope, as his home and most of his possessions were destroyed when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico last year.

Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs), from Tokyo, is the WBO’s No. 2 junior lightweight contender. He has won seven consecutive bouts since the lone defeat of his career, a 10-round majority decision to then-undefeated Rikki Naito in February 2015. Ito, who has fought all of his professional bouts in Japan, has won four of his past five bouts via knockout, including a ninth-round stoppage of Lorenzo Villanueva in April of last year. In his last bout, on March 3 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Ito stopped Vergil Puton in the ninth round.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship are now on sale. Priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), tickets may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter:twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA Tour golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

PHOTO BY PETER AMADOR / TOP RANK

On Friday, July 20th, exactly one week after the culmination of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Telemundo Network will launch their successful boxing series, Boxeo Telemundo Ford Summer Series when flyweight Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (20-2-1, 12 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico currently ranked #9 WBO,#7 WBA,#15 IBF looks to solidify his standings in the flyweight division as he inches closer to a world title opportunity at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. But first he must defy the odds by defending his WBO NABO title and defeating a game world title challenger from Mexico City Julian “El Niño Artillero” Yedra (24-3, 13 KOs).

Yedra, an experienced warrior has earned his bones fighting abroad, in 2015 he traveled to Japan to challenge then WBO minimumweight world champion Kosei Tanaka, unfortunately losing a close decision at the hands of the hometown favorite. That defeat has not deterred the Aztec warrior from his dream of becoming world champion, on July 20 he looks to make his USA debut and continue climbing the world champion challenger dream ladder.

After the July 20th summer debut in Kissimmee, Florida, Boxeo Telemundo Ford will continue its series in Mexico City, July 27th and August 3rd, finalizing the series on August 10th from Tampa, Florida

Bomba Gonzalez vs Niño Artillero Yedra will air LIVE on Telemundo Network at 11:35pm, check local listings.

6 more bouts scheduled, Doors open at 7:00PM first bell 8:00PM.

Promotor: “Tuto” Zabala All Star Boxing INC

Tickets: Ohpark.com or at the Box Office/ ticketmaster.com

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) will oversee four major fights this week around the world, including a world championship bout.

Starting on Thursday, June 14 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, seventh ranked Hiroaki Teshigawara (16-2-2, 9 KOs), of Tokyo, will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight title against the two-time world title challenger Teiru Kinoshita (26-2-1, 9 KOs), of Kobe.

In the same card, 12th ranked Ryuichi Funai (29-7, 20 KOs), from Tokyo, will face former world champion Warlito Parrenas (26-7-1, 23 KOs), from Philippines, for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific Jr. Bantamweight belt. Both fights are scheduled for 12 round as part of a event promoted by Dangan Boxing.

Also on Thursday, but in Indio, California, Filipino Mercedito Gesta (31-2-2, 17 KOs) will battle Robert Manzanarez (36-1, 29 KOs), of Arizona, for the vacant WBO NABO Lightweight title, in a 10 round clash.

The event, which will take place at Fantasy Springs Casino, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, and will feature a live broadcast on ESPN, starting at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time (5:30 p.m. Pacific time).

Meanwhile, on Saturday, June 16 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion, Ángel ‘Tito’ Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), from Puerto Rico, will be making his first title defense, against 10th ranked, and former WBO Youth and Latino champion, Carlos Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), of Nicaragua, in a schedule 12 round fight. Nitro Casino https://kasynopl.com/nitrocasino/

In Puerto Rico, DIRECTV subscribers will be able to see the event through channel 161, OnDIRECTV, starting at 9 p.m, Eastern time (6:00 p.m. Pacific time). Integrated Sports Media is distributing the card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), for a suggested retail price of $34.95.

The event is promoted by Cotto Promotions, in association with H2 Entertainment.

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO – All help is good in the face of a first world title defense of the world championship, especially if it comes from the hands of someone with the wealth of experience from former four divisions world champion, Miguel Cotto.

And that is the case of the WBO Jr. flyweight champion, Ángel ‘Tito’ Acosta, who has several sessions of individual work with Cotto to complement that with his coaches in the face of his championship fight on June 16 in the Coliseo de Puerto Rico against the dangerous Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago as part of a card presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment and which will be televised by DIRECTV Puerto Rico as part of his series ‘Night of Champions’.

Acosta had his most recent encounter with Cotto on Wednesday afternoon in Caguas, where he was seen working certain combinations and displacements that Cotto used to use effectively.

One of them included the use of two consecutive jabs to open the guard, a small displacement to then connect a straight shot and then enter with two powerful hooks before moving again outside the area of exchanges.

“He’s taught me the technique, how to put solid punches. Anyone who stands in front of me, hit him hard. “(Also a) be more aggressive, use the skill, push the boxer, do many things.”, said Acosta (17-1 with 17 knockouts), who is already putting into practice what was taught by Cotto during his preparation.

“Now (Cotto) is well stuck (helping me). He has time to attend me and his boxers. It has helped me a lot. Yesterday I learned a lot from him. On Monday I also did couple of techniques and (later) I was able to do them in sparring. We already have the fight strategy”.

Acosta has aspirations to convert Buitrago (30-3-1 with 17 knockouts) in his eighteenth victim by way of the knockout but he knows that the Nicaraguan will be elusive, so he intends to make the most of the occasions in which the Central American fighter decide to ‘raffle’ in the ‘give and take’.

“He has good boxing, he’s coming to box me, to keep me from hitting him. That’s why I’m smart. The knockout comes alone. But if I see that I can knock him out quickly, I knock him out, ” Acosta said, adding that Buitrago will leave Puerto Rico without achieving his dream of being a world champion.

“He says he’s not going to touch the canvas. But on June 16 he will touch his dream. He will achieve his dream by touching the canvas. ”

For his part, Cotto expressed satisfaction to work with Acosta, although he ruled out dedicating himself fully to the facet of being a boxing trainer.

“Tito is a hard-working, humble, neighborhood boy. The only thing that is done is to help in the best possible way. He has confidence in me and I know he will do the best he can in the fight. In the way that he can trust me, we will continue working in the same way, “said Cotto, adding that whenever he has time, he will do everything possible to share his vast knowledge in pugilism with the boxers he represents and who are coming up .

“This is something spontaneous, (which is given) every time there is an opportunity. It’s not in my north to train (full-time fighters). ”

Integrated Sports Media will distribute La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago in the United States by cable, satellite under the Pay Per View system in digital through iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live broadcast worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) in the FITE Application and website. TV (www.fite.tv), from 9 p. M. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a price of only $ 34.95.

World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will showcase his vast skills June 16 in his first title defense against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

Building his own legacy in a traditionally rich, hot-bed for boxing like Puerto Rico, Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out Juan Alejo (24-4-1), of Mexico, in the 10th round.

An outstanding amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games,), the San Juan-based fighter has defeated 22-5 Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).

“My goal is to be the best,” Acosta said. “I grew-up watching Tito Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, who are my favorite fighters. I will work as hard as I can to give the best to my family, as well as make my island proud. I will win on June 16th and let the world know that I am the best 108-pound boxer in the world.”

Having a future Hall of Famer such as Cotto as his promoter is a tremendous advantage, in and out of the ring, for Acosta. “It means a lot and is an honor for me to have a living legend like Miguel Cotto as my promoter,” Acosta explained. “He has guided my career the best way. He also gets involved in my camp and wants me to get better and better every fight.”

“Tito Acosta is a really good fighter,” Cotto commented about his protégé. “He is World Champion for a reason. We will work to give him the best opportunities. Tito has an opportunity to show the world on June 16th what he is made of and who he is. As World Champion, he needs to be at the highest level to have a brilliant performance each fight, because the better performances and victories, the bigger name he will build.”

“It is important for a fighter to do his job in the ring because every performance is a unique opportunity to show the world who you are and at what level you belong. People in Puerto Rico love boxing, and its fighters.”

WBA #2-rated Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs) will be fighting in his fifth world title fight, after losing three times with one draw. He was stopped for the first time in his last fight this past December, by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0), in the eighth round of their title fight in Japan.

All three of Buitrago’s career losses have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then-WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.

“Chris Buitrago is a great fighter and tough challenger, who has the highest level of experience, and that motivates me,” Acosta spoke about his Nicaraguan opponent. “People want to watch a toe-to-toe brawl and he brings that style. I think he will brawl with me, but I’ll be ready for any style he brings June 16th.

“I work for the KO (he has 17 knockouts in his 17 wins) because that’s what fans like. I work for that every fight and I will win June 16th by knockout!”

Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Press Release by Full Court Press

El excampeón mundial peleará el 9 de junio en el MGM Grand de Las Vegas.

Date:  Saturday, January 14, 2017

WBO Junior Featherweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, Nueva York.

Promoter:  DiBella  Entertainment

Supervisor:WBO Second Vice President Erno Labega,

Referee:Sparkle Lee (New York)

Judges:Robin Taylor (New York), Kevin Morgan (New York) and Ron McNair (New York)

Results:The WBO Junior Featheweight Championship Title was won bySerrano Wins by Unanimous Decision

TV:Showtime

En un ambiente familiar y repleto de emociones, la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y su Presidente Lcdo. Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, en unión al ex Campeón Mundial de las 130 libras Samuel ‘Torbellino’ Serrano, reunieron a más de una decena de campeones y ex campeones mundiales en una gran fiesta de boxeo boricua.

“Samuel (Serrano) ha sido un gran colaborador para la OMB”, dijo Valcárcel. “El se ha dado a la tarea de reunir, aquí en su residencia en Arecibo, a campeones, ex campeones, jóvenes boxeadores, entrenadores, manejadores y personalidades del mundo del boxeo para compartir un rato en familia. De esta manera nos vemos, sabemos qué están haciendo y cómo están. Así podemos colaborar con los que más necesitan y convocar a esos que nos pueden ayudar para echar para adelante a los jóvenes, ya que ellos mismos son los que pueden dirigirse a estos y aconsejarlos a ser personas de bien”.

Serrano, quien se convirtió en Campeón Mundial por primera vez en octubre de 1976, ha convertido en tradición la “Fiesta de los Campeones”, celebrándola una vez al año en su casa ubicada frente al mar en Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

“A veces cuando uno es campeón tiene mucha gloria y muchos amigos, pero luego esos amigos desaparecen y todo cambia”, manifestó ‘El Torbellino’. “Un día decidí hacer esta reunión para que todos los muchachos pudiéramos compartir y se ha convertido en una tradición de más de 10 años. Ahora con la ayuda que nos está brindando la OMB y ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, podemos hacer un poco más. Aquí venimos a cantar, bailar, jugar dominó, comer buena comida, hacer mil historias y revivir gratos momentos. Es bonito volver a ver a estos amigos con los que he compartido la pasión del boxeo”.

Adicional a Valcárcel y Serrano, estuvieron presente en la fiesta los ex Campeones Mundiales Wilfred ‘El Radar’ Benítez, Angel ‘Cholo’ Espada, Juan Laporte, Alfredo ‘El Salsero’ Escalera, Orlando Fernández, Sammy Fuentes, Angel ‘La Avispa’ Chacón, Josué ‘Dickie’ Camacho, Alex ‘El Nene’ Sánchez, John John Molina, el actual Campeón Mundial (AMB) de las 130 libras Jason ‘Canito’ Sosa, el Campeón Latino Jr. Ligero de la OMB Félix ‘El Diamante’ Verdejo y el tres veces contendor al título mundial Wilfredo Rivera.

Los entrenadores Ricky Márquez, Félix Pagán Pintor, Orlando Piñero, Margaro Cruz y Jesús Ortiz, los jueces Luis Ruiz y Gerry Martínez, los árbitros José Hiram Rivera y Ramón Peña, al igual que el Presidente del Comité de Clasificaciones de la OMB, Luis Pérez y otros amigos del deporte estuvieron compartiendo en la actividad.

SAN JUAN, PR- Apoyando a los jóvenes boxeadores que estarán representando a Puerto Rico en el Preolímpico Buenos Aires 2016, la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y su Presidente Lcdo. Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, le obsequiaron equipo y vestimenta de entrenamiento, esto como parte del exitoso programa mundial “WBO Kids Drug Free”.

“Este es el compromiso que tiene la Organización Mundial de Boxeo con el deporte y los jóvenes en el mundo. Como parte de ese compromiso, queremos ayudar, motivar e incentivar a estos jóvenes”, manifestó el Lcdo. Valcárcel. “Queremos que ellos entiendan que el deporte es la forma positiva de desarrollarse y convertirse en buenos seres humanos. Utilizando el deporte y los estudios para obtener una vida digna y sana para ellos y sus familias, aparte de servir de ejemplo para los demás jóvenes que vienen subiendo”.
La delegación boricua, compuesta por Yankiel Rivera (49kg), Mónica González (51kg), Carlos Caraballo (56kg), Henry Lebrón (60kg), Danielito Zorrilla (64kg) y José Román (69kg), recibieron guantes, guanteletas, caretas, copas, saco y uniforme de entrenamiento.

“He estado enfocado con la ayuda de Dios”, dijo Zorrilla. “Nosotros somos ejemplo para muchos jóvenes que nos siguen. La OMB lleva siempre ese mensaje de mantenernos en el camino correcto. Este apoyo nos ayuda a motivarnos aun más, esto para lograr el sueño de lograr el pase olímpico”.

Los boxeadores boricuas partirán a Buenos Aires, Argentina, el martes, 8 de marzo, en donde buscarán su clasificación a los Juegos Olímpicos Río 2016.

“Estoy muy contenta con todo lo que ha estado haciendo la OMB con nosotros los jóvenes”, dijo Mónica González, quien junto a Kiria Tapia son las caras femeninas de la escuadra boricua. “Esto es cuestión de siempre creer en uno mismo, no importa los tropiezos, lo importante es enfocarse y meter mano en lo que uno quiere. Así como yo logré levantarme, todos lo pueden hacer. Alejados de la calle y las drogas”.

Mientras, Yankiel Rivera mencionó que “el apoyo de la OMB es muy importante y nos pone muy contentos, ya que nos da un equipo que realmente nos hacia falta. Ahora solo resta representar con orgullo a Puerto Rico del 10 al 20 de marzo en Buenos Aires, Argentina, para lograr conseguir esa clasificación a los Juegos Olímpicos”.

Además, un selecto grupo del ‘Tongui Boxing Team’ de Juncos (Diomar Figueroa, Ellionil Colón, John Anthony Correa y Javier Ramírez) recibieron uniformes para entrenamiento.

En adición a Valcárcel, los entrenadores Carlos Espada, Frankie Rivera y Jesús ‘Tongui’ Ortiz estuvieron presentes en la actividad.

CATAÑO, PUERTO RICO- Como parte de su exitoso programa “Kids Drug Free”, la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), junto a varios contendores y prospectos puertorriqueños, llevó hoy sus clínicas de boxeo y motivación a los niños y jóvenes de Residencial Jardines de Cataño en Cataño, Puerto Rico.

“Lo más importante es que se mantengan alejados de la drogas y las cosas malas y que se enfoquen en los estudios y los deportes, en las cosas buenas, como hacen estos muchachos que están aquí, que son prospectos del boxeo y pueden llegar a campeones mundiales”, dijo el presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel a los presentes.

Robles, quien es líder comunitario en el Residencial Jardines de Cataño, exhortó a los niños y jóvenes a ingresar a los deportes y mantenerse en la escuela para lograr un mejor futuro.

Los peleadores Quijano y González mostraron algunas de las técnicas del boxeo, así como la forma en que deben lanzar los golpes los peleadores, guiados por el ex retador mundial y ahora entrenador, Jorge Maysonet, padre, y los árbitros José H. Rivera y Roberto Ramírez Jr.

La actividad, que se realizó en la cancha de baloncesto del lugar, contó con la con la participación de decenas de niños y jóvenes del Residencial, que además recibieron camisetas y bultos de la OMB, así como una sorpresa que Valcárcel le dijo.

“Les quiero decir una sorpresa”, indico Valcárcel mientras los niños atendían. “En diciembre venimos a sortear bicicletas aquí en el Residencial. Vamos a traer 25 bicicletas para rifar”, les dijo Valcárcel a los niños, que se mostraron felices con la noticia.

Recuerden la 25ta Convención Anual y Elecciones de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), que se efectuará del 22 al 26 de octubre de 2012 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida.

Para reservaciones en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida, pueden llamar al teléfono 1 800 937-0010 ó verificar en la página del hotel a la dirección www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, así como la página cibernética www.wboboxing.com.

WBO #4 lightweight Jose “Chelo” Gonzalez, along with junior middleweight prospect Glen Tapia, will headline Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo show on July 7 at the Coliseo Antonio R. Barcelo in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) presentation, in association with Top Rank. Gonzalez (19-0, 14 KOs), who is actually the WBO Latino lightweight champion, will fight against a foe to be named in a 135 pound bout scheduled to 10 rounds. Meanwhile, Tapia (13-0, 7 KOs), a young Top Rank prospect from New Jersey, will fight in a junior middleweight bout versus a rival to be determined scheduled for six rounds.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chelo-gonzalez-headlines-july-7-119417

WBO Featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido won the rematch this past Saturday against Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez by technical knockout in the tenth round. After knocking Lopez down early in the tenth round, referee Roberto Ramirez Sr. stop the fight when Lopez struggled to get up. In an action-packed fight, Salido was able to overcome a knockdown in the fifth round and continue to pressure Lopez until knocked Lopez out with a couple of uppercuts in the tenth.

No. 1-rated contender MIKEY GARCIA will risk his undefeated record, his NABO and NABF featherweight titles and his rating when he faces two-time world championship challenger BERNABE CONCEPCION on the Lopez-Salido II card which will take place Saturday, March 10 and will be televised live from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, P.R. on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Photos by Peter Amador/Top Rank.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50417

El mexicano Orlando Salido arribó a Puerto Rico hoy en la tarde y enseguida se presentó al gimnasio del Residencial Luis Llóréns Torres para realizar un entrenamiento para los medios de prensa, en ruta a su combate de este sábado, 10 de marzo, cuando defienda su cetro pluma de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) ante el boricua Juan Manuel “Juanma” López en el coliseo Roberto Clemente de San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs), quien estuvo acompañado por su entrenador José Santos Moreno y su equipo de trabajo, realizando ejercicios de piso, varios asaltos de guanteleta, así como varios asaltos golpeando el saco en el gimnasio del Residencial Luis Lloréns Torres, mostrando rapidez y buen físico.

“Tengo la mejor condición, mejor que en la pelea anterior”, dijo Salido, quien se suponía llegara anoche a Puerto Rico, pero perdió el vuelo y llegó hoy temprano en la tarde a la Isla. “Estamos preparados, no tengo presión alguna, voy a hacer mi trabajo como siempre, yo sé quién es Juanma López”.

EL VOCERO/Alvin Báez

http://www.vocero.com/deports-es/yo-se-quien-es-juanma-lopez%E2%80%9D-salido

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Mexico’s Orlando Salido arrived in Puerto Rico this afternoon and immediately started to  train at a local gym. This coming Saturday Salido will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title against hometown hero Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Showtime and Showtime Extreme will extreme. Last April Salido stopped Juanma in eight rounds to capture the title.

Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs) was accompanied by his coach Jose Santos Moreno, and his team, doing floor exercises, several rounds on the heavy bag, hitting the pads, showing speed and a good physique.

“I’m in the best condition, better than the previous fight,” said Salido. “We are prepared, I have no pressure whatsoever. I will do my job as always. I know who Juanma Lopez is.”

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Ciudad Obregon, Son. – The featherweight champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Orlando Salido, is preparing very hard for one of the most anticipated fights of the year. “Siri” Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs) will defend his title against the man he dethroned dramatically in April of 2011, Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez (31-1-0, 28 KOs). The fight is scheduled for March 10th at the Coliseum “Roberto Clemente” in Puerto Rico. TV Azteca and Showtime will televise.

“We’re almost reaching the point of a perfect preparation. I am very fast and very strong and we are doing well with the weight issue and we are prepared for war. I’ll be better prepared for Lopez physically and mentally. The Puerto Rican try to make a different fight, but I will apply the pressure and the war will start,” Salido said.

By Rafael Soto

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49829

Jonathan Oquendo’s upcoming defense of the WBO Latino super bantamweight title, against Jose Nieves, is now off – after the Puerto Rican contender was involved in a deadly car accident. The fight was scheduled to take place on March 10th in Puerto Rico, as part of the Juan Manuel Lopez-Orlando Salido undercard.

According to reports, Oquendo (22-2, 15KOs) and his girlfriend were driving along in an ATV when they were unexpectedly struck by another vehicle at about 4PM. Both of them were transferred to the Medical Center of Puerto Rico, where his girlfriend lies in critical condition while Oquendo suffered an injury to his left elbow and a head injury.

The injuries will likely sideline Oquendo for several months.

By Rey Colon

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49776

            Debido a un accidente sufrido, el clasificado número 1 de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) en el peso supergallo, Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo, no podrá ver acción en la cartelera “López vs Salido 2, La Revancha”, que se efectuará el sábado, 10 de marzo en el coliseo Roberto Clemente de San Juan, Puerto Rico, en una presentación de Top Rank, en asociación con PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), Promociones Zanfer y el Municipio de San Juan, y que será transmitida por la cadena Showtime.

Oquendo (22-0, 15 KOs), quien se esperaba defendiera su título Latino de la OMB en las 122 libras ante el carolinense José “Miau” Nieves, salió lastimado ayer después de tener un accidente mientras manejaba un vehículo “four track” junto a su novia.

“Definitivamente, Jonathan no podrá pelear en la cartelera del 10 de marzo, ya que sufrió varias lesiones que se lo impedirán. Tiene unas heridas en la cabeza y además el codo derecho inflamado”, dijo Peter Rivera, vicepresidente de PRBBP. “Vamos a estar bien pendientes a su recuperación y esperar todos los resultados de las pruebas que le hagan para ver cuándo regresa al cuadrilátero. Jonathan es el primer clasificado en las 122 libras y debe tener su oportunidad mundial próximamente”.

“También esperamos la recuperación de su novia pronto”, agregó Rivera.

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO– Mostrando una buena condición física, el ex doble campeón mundial Juan Manuel “Juanma” López y los monarcas regionales Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo y José “Chelo” González marcaron por debajo del límite en el primer prepesaje realizado a un mes de sus combates en la cartelera “López vs Salido II”, que se efectuará el sábado, 10 de marzo en el coliseo Roberto Clemente de San Juan, Puerto Rico, en una presentación de Top Rank, en asociación con PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), Promociones Zanfer y el Municipio de San Juan, y que será transmitida por la cadena Showtime.

El programa será estelarizado por López (31-1, 28 KOs), quien irá en busca del cetro de las 126 libras de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) ante Orlando “Siri” Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs) en una revancha tras casi un año de que el azteca derrotara al boricua. En este primer prepesaje, López, de 28 años, marcó 143 libras de un máximo permitido de 144.9 por la Comisión de Boxeo Profesional de Puerto Rico (CBPPR).

“Estamos trabajando muy bien, con la parte física y la parte táctica, y nos sentimos muy bien”, manifestó López ex campeón en las 122 y 126 libras, que trabajó esta tarde junto a su entrenador Álex Caraballo y uno de sus preparadores físicos Juan de Dios Ortiz en el gimnasio José “Cheo” Aponte. “Hemos estado entrenando todo el tiempo y haciendo cosas distintas, trabajando en la rapidez y en la flexibilidad y el balance. En esta ocasión va a ser distinto contra Salido”.

Por su parte, el vegalteño Oquendo (22-2, 15 KOs), segundo clasificado por la OMB en las 122 libras y quien expondrá su cetro Latino de la OMB en el peso supergallo ante un rival por determinarse, a 10 asaltos, marcó 137.7 libras de un máximo permitido de 140.3. El peleador realizó su labor en el gimnasio con su entrenador Dennis Pantoja.

“Estamos listos para cualquier rival y si fuera por el título mundial mejor”, dijo Oquendo, quien espera que su oportunidad mundialista llegue pronto. “Pueden ver la condición que tengo, estoy preparado para pelear, ya que el trabajo que hemos estado haciendo ha sido muy bueno”.

Entretanto, González (18-0, 13 KOs), quien defenderá su título Latino ligero de la OMB contra un contrincante por anunciarse, también a 10 asaltos, pesó 152.8 libras de un máximo permitido de 155.25. El púgil de Toa Baja entrenó junto a su manejador Andrés Ortiz, con ejercicios de estiramiento y calentamiento, le pegó al saco, a la pera y realizó varios asaltos de guanteleta, al igual que López y Oquendo.

“No tenemos rival confirmado, pero seguimos trabajando, no importa el rival que sea. Estamos enfocados en el entrenamiento y cuando conozcamos el rival, pues trabajamos para él, pero no me gusta ver vídeos ni nada de mi rival”, apuntó González.

El combate coestelar de la noche, el 10 de marzo, estará a cargo del contendor mundial pluma Miguel Ángel “Mikey” García (27-0, 23 KOs), quien se enfrentará al filipino Bernabé Concepción (34-4-1, 17 KOs).

Próximamente se brindarán más detalles de este cartel, que tendrá un total de 10 peleas.

Los boletos ya están a la venta en Ticketcenter, accesando www.tcpr.com o llamando al 787 792-5000. Los precios son de $25 Entrada General, $50 Preferencia, $75 Palcos, $100 Palcos Centro, $200 “Ring Side” y $400 “Red Carpet”.

FOTOS CORTESÍA PR BEST BOXING PROMOTIONS/JOSÉ PÉREZ

VIDEO CORTESÍA PR BEST BOXING PROMOTIONS/JOEL COLÓN

El triple medallista de oro centroamericano, Alexander Greaux, es la nueva arma secreta del ex campeón de las 126 libras, Juan Manuel ‘Juanma’ López.

Greaux, ganador de tres medallas de oro en las últimas tres justas centroamericanas en el evento de los 3,000 metros con obstáculos, ha tomado el lugar del ahora ex entrenador de López, Víctor Martínez.

El cambio se produjo hace tres semanas y en un momento determinante en la carrera de López quien buscará vengar el próximo 3 de marzo en el Coliseo Roberto Clemente de Hato Rey, su única derrota cuando enfrente en revancha al campeón mexicano de las 126 libras de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), Orlando Salido.

“ ‘Juanma’ se encuentra en un 85 por ciento de su preparación en estos momentos”, expresó el manejador del púgil, Orlando Piñero. “Se han hecho unos cambio donde se trajo a Alexander Greaux. No fue que sacó a uno para meter al otro, simplemente Víctor Martínez, el anterior entrenador, pues le va muy bien en los negocios y no tenía todo el tiempo para ‘Juanma’”, explicó.

López, que tiene marca de 30-1 y 28 nocáuts, sufrió en abril de 2011 su única derrota cuando fue vencido por nocáut técnico por Salido en una pelea en donde su condición física y enfoque quedaron altamente cuestionados.

“Además de Greaux también tenemos a Juan de Dios Rivera que es el otro que trabaja con ‘Juanma’”, sostuvo.

Piñero indicó que desde la entrada de Greaux ya se pueden ver los cambios en el físico del ex monarca.

“Esto ha sido un cambio bien positivo en la carrera de ‘Juanma’. Se ha trabajado mucho con la explosividad y también se detectó de que ‘Juanma’ tenía fatiga muscular producto de mucho trabajo con las pesas. También se le hicieron unos estudios de oxigenación de la sangre y de toxina. Todo esto ya ha provocado un cambio real en ‘Juanma’”, aseguró.

Una victoria de López sobre Salido le abriría al boricua las puertas hacia otros grandes combates en la división de las 126 libras.

“Ya aquí no hay que hablar mucho. Simplemente esperar para que todos vean a un ‘Juanma’distinto. Tiene que boxear y no desesperarse. Y lo que pasó en la pasada pelea no de debe volver a ocurrir”, apuntó.

Por Carlos Narváez Rosario, EL VOCERO

http://www.vocero.com/deports-es/%E2%80%98juanma%E2%80%99-se-prepara-de-la-mano-de-alexander-greaux

Former super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (21-1, 18KOs) believes he is one week away from shocking the boxing world on February 4th in San Antonio, Texas – when he faces Filipino Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18KOs) for the vacant WBO title. HBO will televise. Vazquez feels that he corrected his mistakes from last May, when Jorge Arce knocked him out in the twelfth round of their Las Vegas clash.

“I prepared myself thoroughly and that’s why I stayed away from the media. I was alone in my gym. I changed my train schedule and included many new people to my team. And now I have no concerns. The pressure is on Nonito Donaire. The only ones I care to trust around me are my wife, my daughter and my team,” he said.

Vazquez respects Donaire and credits him for being a great athlete, but he also says the Filipino boxer is not invincible and although many people are trying to project him as such – he is not another Manny pacquiao either.

“It’s a great opportunity and he is a great athlete but not invincible. Everyone wants to imitate Manny Pacquiao and that is a big mistake. I have seen thousands of fighters and I have not seen anyone who can move in the ring like Edwin “Chapo” Rosario. These are qualities that life gives to one person to have originality. And I am calm and at peace. I’m going to surprise everyone, even the people who want to see me lose. I am ready to prove people wrong,” Vazquez said.

By Rey Colon

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49040

El puertorriqueño Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez Jr. (21-1, 18 KOs) se encuentra entrenando a todo vapor para su combate titular del próximo 4 de febrero en el Alamodome de San Antonio, Texas, ante uno de los mejores púgiles libra por libra de la actualidad, el “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs).

“Va a ser una pelea muy competitiva, será fuerte para los dos. Me consta que Nonito Donaire es un tremendo atleta, pero el tiene que entender que yo también lo soy y que vengo muy bien preparado. Voy a dar el todo por el todo para traer el título a mi Isla del Encanto”, afirmó el puertorriqueño.

Ante Donaire, el boricua irá tras la oportunidad de recuperar el título supergallo de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) que perdió el pasado mes de mayo ante el guerrero azteca, Jorge “Travieso” Arce en un cerrado combate que fue catalogado entre los mejores de 2011.

Vázquez Jr. está enfocado en capturar nuevamente el cinturón 122 libras de la OMB en la cartelera “Bienvenidos al Futuro” y decidido en repetir la historia de hace 17 años, cuando su padre, el tres veces campeón mundial, Wilfredo Vázquez Sr., sorprendió al mundo del boxeo al vencer en San Antonio a uno de los mejores supergallo de aquel momento, el estadounidense Orlando Cañizales.

En su último combate, “Papito” se encaminó nuevamente en la ruta ganadora al vencer por nocaut técnico en el tercer asalto al mexicano Roberto Carlos Leyva, quien luego de la pelea anunció su retiro del ensogado.

La cartelera “Bienvenidos al Futuro” será televisada el 4 de febrero por la cadena HBO y tendrá como reyerta co-estelar la defensa titular del campeón mediano del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC), el mexicano Julio César Chávez Jr. ante su compatriota Marco Antonio “Veneno” Rubio.

En una promoción de Top Rank, en asociación con Zanfer Promotions, Allstar Promotions y Tecate, los boletos para la cartelera “Bienvenidos al Futuro” Chávez-Rubio/ Donaire-Vázquez están a la venta a precios de: $200, $100, $60, $40 y $25 podrán ser adquiridos en la boletería del Alamodome, todos los establecimientos Ticketmaster, en la web en www.ticketmaster.com o llamando al (800)745-3000.

FOTOS: Peter Amador – Grupo Aleatorio

Por Ricardo Jiménez, Top Rank Inc.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/V_zquez_Jr_enfocado_en_recuperar_cetro.php

Usually when a rematch rolls around, it’s the losing fighter who has something to prove. Yet in the case of the March 10 sequel between Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez, it’s the reigning titlist who finds himself on the defensive.

“I shocked the world last year with my win, but when I do it again no one will be surprised,” said Salido.

The bout takes place at Coliseo Roberto Clemente, the same venue which hosted last April’s massive shocker, when Salido scored an 8th round stoppage over Lopez in a bout tabbed by Boxingscene as 2011’s Upset of the Year. Showtime – who aired their first fight – will televise the sequel on a show that will feature unbeaten Top 10 featherweight Miguel Angel Garcia in the co-feature.

Salido (37-11-2, 25KO) picked up a career-best win with the title-winning upset over Lopez, kicking off a 2011 campaign that saw the battle-tested Mexican score three knockout wins in as many fights.

The 31-year old – who turned pro at 15 and has been fighting as a pro for more than half of his life – has twice defended his belt. A July defense saw Salido stopping Kenichi Yamaguchi in 11 rounds, before beating Weng Haya in a December bout that saw the Mexican overcome two early knockdowns to rally back and stop his perceived tune-up opponent in eight rounds.

Despite the shaky moments in his most recent performance and having fought for 16 years, Salido still believes this latest run to be the start of pending greatness.

“I know I belong among the elite in the world at featherweight and look forward to been a world champion for a long time,” Salido insists.

Lopez (31-1, 28KO) will do everything in his power to disrupt that rhythm. The Boricua’s drawing power dictated the terms for both fights taking place in his native Puerto Rico.

However, drawing power and hometown advantage only carry you far. As Lopez has learned the hard way, not even an amateur pedigree such as his (member of the 2004 Puerto Rico Olympic boxing squad) nor past accolades (major titles in two weight classes) is guaranteed to help you get the job done. Somewhere along the way, you have to fight to earn your keep.

Lopez has fought just once since the Salido debacle, looking shaky but having enough in the tank to stop fringe contender Mike Oliver in two rounds last October. It wasn’t enough to convince anyone that the ‘JuanMa’ of old was on the way back, but perhaps just enough to sell the perception of the rematch being a 50/50 fight on paper.

Not even those odds are good enough for Salido, who is preparing for the best available version of Lopez, just as was the case in their first fight.

“He wants to reclaim his title run and I want to continue being champion,” Salido firmly stated during Tuesday’s presser. “I am going to demonstrate on March 10 that my victory last April was no fluke.”

By Jake Donovan

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48809