February 15, 2019
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MARIO BARRIOS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

MARIO BARRIOS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

Feb 5, 2019

MARIO BARRIOS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

Unbeaten Super Lightweight Barrios Takes on Mexico’s
Richard Zamora Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 9 From
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. & Presented By
Premier Boxing Champions
Photos from Brett Ostrowski/Team Barrios
 
OAKLAND, Calif. (February 4, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to continue his push toward a world title shot when he faces Mexico’s Richard Zamora (19-2, 12 KOs) live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.
The 23-year-old from San Antonio can increase his knockout streak to seven on February 9, all since he moved up to 140-pounds. Here is what Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup and more from training camp in Oakland, Calif.:
On his matchup with Richard Zamora:
“Zamora is my toughest opponent to date in my opinion. He’s won his last five fights, so I know he’s coming into this fight with a lot of confidence. He has power in both hands and he’s very tough. But I’m going into this fight with a lot of confidence myself. This is going to be a war and one I’m looking forward to. I have no doubt in my mind that I’m going to come out on top.”
On his recent training camp:
“Camp started back home with my dad Martin and he really got me ready before I left for California. I’ve spent the last six weeks training in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter. I’ve also been training with Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny at the SNAC facility. Right now, my body is in the best shape of my life. I got good sparring with Devin Haney and a few other top-level fighters. All the hard work is almost done. We have one week left and then its fight week. Virgil and I are working great together and I’m ready to go.”
On fighting in the co-main event on SHOWTIME:
“I’m very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME on a big card once again, this time in the co-main event. I’m going to bring a lot of excitement to those watching on TV. My style is fan friendly and everyone tuning in is going to see the next superstar in boxing. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity fighting on the big stage.”
On when he’ll be fighting for a world title:
“I’m currently ranked #1 in the WBA, so I know a world title shot is very close. Right now, my main focus is defeating Zamora. I must get past this fight and then it’s time to face all the top guys in the super lightweight division. I’m looking to be in a world title fight sometime this year.”
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UFC Returns to Philadelphia March 30

UFC Returns to Philadelphia March 30

Feb 5, 2019

UFC® RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA MARCH 30 WITH

FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE BETWEEN

(#6) EDSON BARBOZA AND (#7) JUSTIN GAETHJE

FEATURED BOUT:

(#6) KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ vs. (#8) MICHELLE WATERSON

 

TICKETS FOR UFC FIGHT NIGHT® ON ESPN: BARBOZA vs. GAETHJE

AT WELLS FARGO CENTER GO ON SALE FRIDAY, FEB. 8

Las Vegas – UFC® will return to Philadelphia with a bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, as No. 6 ranked lightweight contender Edson Barboza takes on No. 7 Justin Gaethje. In a pivotal strawweight bout, No. 6 ranked contender Karolina Kowalkiewicz faces No. 8 Michelle Waterson. UFC FIGHT NIGHT® ON ESPN: BARBOZA vs. GAETHJE takes place at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, March 30 with ESPN airing the Main Event and Prelims live at 5 p.m. ET and ESPN+ kicking off the event with a live stream of the Early Prelims at 3:30 p.m. ET.  ESPN Deportes will air the Prelims live at 5 p.m. ET and stream the Main Event in Spanish at 7 p.m. ET on the ESPN App.  All UFC live events on ESPN+ will also be available in English and Spanish.

A devastating Muay Thai specialist, Barboza (20-6, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has delivered some of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history. During his run, he has earned thrilling wins against Beneil Dariush, Gilbert Melendez, Anthony Pettis and Paul Felder. He now looks to continue building on the momentum of his recent victory over Dan Hooker with another show-stealing performance against one of the division’s most aggressive finishers.

Known as the “The Highlight,” Gaethje (19-2. Fighting out of Arvada, Colo.) has proven to be must-watch television since joining the UFC in 2017. He has earned five performance bonuses in only four appearances, including legendary wars with Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez, as well as incredible knockouts against James Vick and Michael Johnson. Gaethje is now poised to once again steal the show against one of the most dangerous strikers on the UFC roster.

A former title challenger, Kowalkiewicz (13-3, fighting out of Lodz, Poland) aims to reassert herself as one of the top competitors in the strawweight division. During her UFC run, she has netted impressive victories over current champion Rose Namajunas, Felice Herrig, Randa Markos and Heather Jo Clark. Kowalkiewicz now hopes to make a statement against a tough and surging veteran contender.

Currently riding a two-fight win streak, Waterson (16-6, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) looks to continue her ascent up through the rankings. A former Invicta champion, she has secured thrilling victories against Paige VanZant, Felice Herrig, Cortney Casey and Jessica Penne. She is now gunning to establish herself as a title threat in the talent-rich strawweight division.

Announced bouts on the card include:

  • No. 13 ranked strawweight contender Alexa Grasso (10-2, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) looks to get back in the win column against unbeaten Marina Rodriguez (10-0-1, fighting out of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil)
  • Ross Pearson (22-14 1NC, fighting out of Sunderland, England) makes his 26th UFC appearance against tough Desmond Green (21-8, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
  • Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) looks to remain undefeated against battle-tested Paul Craig (9-3, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland)
  • Featherweight prospects collide when Sodiq Yusuff (7-1, fighting out of Bladensburg, Md.) faces Sheymon Moraes (11-1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.)
  • Sabina Mazo (6-0, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Medellín, Colombia) takes on Maryna Moroz (8-3, fighting out of Volnogorsk, Ukraine) in a strawweight bout

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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@AbnerMares shares Retina Detachment diagnosis

@AbnerMares shares Retina Detachment diagnosis

Feb 4, 2019

ABNER MARES SHARES RETINA DETACHMENT DIAGNOSIS AND SURGERY 

Former Three Divison, Four-Time World Champion shares Video, Message to Fans via Instagram channel to explain cancellation of February 9 fight against Gervonta Davis
“I’d like to apologize to my fans – those who bought a ticket or were planning to watch it – for withdrawing from my mega-fight with Gervonta Davis this past week. I had to go through surgery for an injury and am now recovering. I am sorry that I couldn’t fight and i want to thank everyone for their support.  I will be back soon,” Abner Mares.
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Super Saturday: Kovalev Gains Revenge Over Alvarez

Super Saturday: Kovalev Gains Revenge Over Alvarez

Feb 4, 2019

Super Saturday: Kovalev Gains Revenge Over Alvarez

Oscar Valdez retains WBO featherweight world title
Richard Commey captures IBF lightweight crown
Teofimo Lopez KOs Diego Magdaleno, remains undefeated

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank)

FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 2. 2019) —Sergey Kovalev gained a measure of revenge, and in the process, regained his title. Kovalev bested Eleider Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs) via unanimous decision to win the WBO light heavyweight world title, becoming a three-time world champion.

The scores were 116-112 (2X) and 120-108.

Alvarez knocked out Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) in seven rounds last August. This time, Kovalev controlled the action with his jab, and in the 12th round, he stunned Alvarez with an assortment of blows.

“We worked a lot on my jab,” Kovalev said. “Right now, I am working with {trainer} Buddy {McGirt} the way I was when I was an amateur

“After this, I want unification fights.”

Said Alvarez: “I don’t see myself as a loser tonight, but I do give him credit, especially in that 12th round. I think that he went out and proved that he wanted to win.”

In the end, the judges were in agreement, and Kovalev is a champion once again.

Valdez Knocks Out Tommasone, Retains Featherweight Title

After nearly 11 months out of the ring recovering from a broken jaw, WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez did not miss a beat. Valdez made the fifth defense of his title, notching a seventh-round TKO over the previously unbeaten Carmine Tommasone.

Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs) scored a pair of knockdowns in the fourth, the first one coming courtesy of a counter right hand and the second one via a left hook to the belt line.

Valdez knocked down Tommasone again in the sixth, which spelled the beginning of the end for the game Italian. Early in the seventh, an uppercut floored Tommasone, and the referee immediately stopped the fight.

“I was very excited. I kind of didn’t want to get too crazy in there. It was tough the first round to get {my rhythm},” Valdez said. “But finally, I got the job done. I congratulate him. He’s a great fighter. I wish him nothing but the best.

“We started 2019 well. The sky’s the limit.”

Teofimo Lopez Brutalizes Magdaleno

The 2018 Prospect of the Year started 2019 off in style. Teofimo Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) knocked out former two-time world title challenger Diego Magdaleno (31-3, 13 KOs) in the seventh, retaining his NABA, NABF, and USBA lightweight titles.

A pair of left hooks knocked Magdaleno down and out for the count.

“I take nothing away from Diego Magdaleno. We picked our shots, and we knew that in the later rounds, he’d drown in those deep waters,” Lopez said. “As the competition gets tougher, you will see more of what I can do. I dissected him like a surgeon.”

Commey Steamrolls Chaniev in 2

Talk about a statement. Richard Commey (28-2, 25 KOs) steamrolled Isa Chaniev (13-2, 6 KOs) in two brutal rounds to win the vacant IBF lightweight world title. He scored a knockdown with a crunching right hand in the first, knocked him down again with an uppercut in the second, and followed up with a flurry to secure the TKO.

“This is everything for me. This is what I worked so hard for,” Commey said. “Finally being a world champion, I feel like I fulfilled a destiny for me.”

Next up for Commey is a potential showdown with WBA/WBO lightweight champion and pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko. He hurt his right knuckle in the opening round, and if receives a clean bill of health, Lomachenko will be next.

“When I hit him in the first round, I hurt my right knuckle,” Commey said. “I’m going to have to get it looked at and see what happens.”

In other action:

Middleweight prospect Janibek Alimkhanuly (5-0, 2 KOs) picked up his biggest win to date, knocking out Steven Martinez (18-5, 13 KOs) at :21 of the fifth round.

“I showed what I was capable of against a tough opponent,” Alimkhanuly said. “I am close to world title contention. It’s going to be a big year for me in 2019. This is only the beginning of my journey.”

Featherweight prospect Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) made quick work of Daniel Olea (13-7-2, 5 KOs), knocking out the rugged veteran at 1:35 of the second round. Olea had only been knocked out once before as a pro.

“I wanted to be patient in there. I wasn’t necessarily looking for the knockout right away,” Sanchez said. “But the opportunity came, and I took advantage of the opening.”

Pat Day (17-2-1, 6 KOs) extended his winning streak to six with a hard-fought unanimous decision against the previously unbeaten Ismail Iliev (11-1-1, 3 KOs) to retain the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title and win the vacant IBF Intercontinental junior middleweight belt. The scores were as followed: 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94.

Bakhram Murtazaliev (15-0, 12 KOs) retained his WBC USNBC super welterweight title with a ninth-round TKO over Elvin Ayala (29-13-1, 13 KOs). An accumulation of blows forced the referee to stop the bout at 2:05.

Enriko Gogokhia (11-0, 6 KOs) knocked out Vitor Jones Freitas (15-4, 9 KOs) at 2:04 of round three, as referee Neal Young stopped the bout following a barrage of punches.

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THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Feb 4, 2019

DeANDRE WARE UPSETS RONALD ELLIS VIA MAJORITY DECISION VICTORY IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

Will Madera Scores Unanimous Decision Victory

Over Thomas Mattice In Co-Feature

 

Catch The Replay Monday, February 4 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

ROCHESTER – February 2, 2019 – DeAndre Ware rose to the occasion and scored the biggest win of his career with an upset majority decision over previously undefeated Ronald Ellis in the main event of ShoBox: The New GenerationFriday on SHOWTIME from Main Street Armory in Rochester.  Both fights of the doubleheader were upsets, as Albany, N.Y. native Will Madera defeated Thomas Mattice in an eight-round lightweight co-feature.

Ellis (15-1-2, 10 KOs), who had the advantage over Ware in both height and reach, became the 185th fighter to lose their undefeated record on the prospect developmental series after Mattice suffered his first defeat and became fighter number 184.

Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs), who edged Ellis 95-95 and 96-94 twice, pressed the action from the outset. While Ellis threw a higher volume of punches throughout the night, Ware was more effective with the punches he landed and worked Ellis inside as the fight progressed.

“I controlled the fight.  The whole fight I was landing the harder shots,” said Ware.  “I finally had a chance to get in shape and have a full camp, and we were able to show what we really have. I applied the pressure.  He was just flicking the jab and it wasn’t doing anything.”

Ellis, who fought his past three fights with his right hand either broken or badly injured, largely stopped using his right hand during the fourth round, indicating he might have re-injured the surgically repaired hand. By the later rounds, he was mainly jabbing with his left and delivering punches in volume that lacked power.

“I couldn’t tell if he hurt his hand,” Ware continued.  “I just listed to my coaches and did what I had to do.”

Ellis, who was fighting on ShoBox for the fourth time, didn’t agree with the officials’ decision and was eager for a rematch

“I think I outboxed him,” Ellis said. “He was pressuring the whole fight but he didn’t land anything clean. I hurt my hand a little in the third but I was still able to triple jab him and keep him on the outside. I would do a rematch in a second.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, Will Madera handed ShoBox veteran Thomas Mattice the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision in a battle of unbeaten lightweights.

 

Madera (13-0-2, 6 KOs), who took the fight on short notice in his national television debut, dominated the pace from the outset.  He stayed busy and controlled the first three rounds, coming forward and working the body against a stagnant Mattice (13-1-1, 10 KOs). While Mattice tried to establish his jab, Madera’s movement and insistence on pressing inside made it impossible.

“I had to make some adjustments.  He’s a good, tough fighter, but it’s all about staying composed,” Madera said.  “I wasn’t fazed by any of his punches.  He had a little pop, but nothing that I was afraid of.”

In a fight that started out reminiscent of his 2017 ShoBox debut, Mattice came to life in the later rounds, relying on his jab and increasing his overall volume of work. But his increase in output still lagged behind Madera, who had landed 21 body shots midway through the fight compared to just three landed by Mattice.

“He had a good jab that I just had to time,” Madera said.  “With the win, I’m ready to step-up.  Whatever they have for me, I’ll take it next.”

Mattice’s best work came in the sixth round, when he relied on a higher volume of combos and a steady jab.  Both men traded punches throughout the final round, and Madera closed out the fight with a five-punch combo that had Mattice on the ropes.

“I still feel like I’m the better fighter, I just didn’t get started.  I didn’t do what we came here to do, which was box and use my speed,” said Mattice. “I’m kind of glad this one didn’t go my way so we can learn from this and go back to the drawing board.”

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME®and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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Resultados del Pesaje: Súper Sábado Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2

Resultados del Pesaje: Súper Sábado Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2

Feb 4, 2019

Resultados del Pesaje: Súper Sábado

Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2
Valdez vs. Tommasone
López vs. Magdaleno
Commey vs. Chaniev

Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2 and Lopez vs. Magdaleno MAÑANA a las 12 a.m. ET on ESPN+

Valdez vs. Tommasone y Commey vs. Chaniev por ESPN/ESPN Deportes a las 10 p.m. ET

Las peleas de respaldo se transmitirán por ESPN+ 7 p.m. ET

(Credito de Fotos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank)

ESPN+ (12 a.m. ET)

Eleider Alvarez 174.8 lbs vs. Sergey Kovalev 174 lbs
(Alvarez’s WBO Light Heavyweight world title – 12 Rounds)

Teofimo López 134.8 lbs vs. Diego Magdaleno 134.7 lbs
(Lopez’s USBA, NABA, and NABF Lightweight titles – 10 Rounds)
 
ESPN/ESPN Deportes (10 p.m. ET)

Oscar Valdez 125.8 lbs vs. Carmine Tommasone  125.4 lbs
(Valdez’s WBO Featherweight world title – 12 Rounds)

 Richard Commey 134.3 lbs vs. Isa Chaniev  134.6 lbs
(Vacant IBF Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET)

Janibek Alimkhanuly 162 lbs vs. Steven Martinez 160.4 lbs
(Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds)

Pat Day 153.7 lbs vs.  Ismail Iliev 154 lbs
(Vacant IBF Intercontinental Junior Middleweight title – 10 Rounds)

Jason Sanchez 125.4 lbs vs. Daniel Olea 125.5 lbs
(Featherweight – 8 Rounds)

Bakhram Murtazaliev 153.6 lbs vs. Elvin Ayala 154 lbs
(Murtazaliev’s WBC USNBC Super Welterweight title – 10 Rounds)

Enriko Gogokhia 142.5 lbs vs. Vitor Freitas 141 lbs
(Welterweight – 8/6 Rounds)

El combate de Valdez ante el púgil italiano Carmine Tommasone encabezará la transmisión de campeonato mundial de ESPN y ESPN Deportes que comenzará a las 10 p.m. ET, y que también contará con la pelea por el título mundial peso ligero de la Federación Internacional de Boxeo (FIB) entre Richard Commey e Isa Chaniev.

La acción continuará a las 12 a.m. ET en el servicio de transmisión ESPN+, donde el sensacional contendiente hondureño Teofimo López chocará ante el experimentado zurdo Diego Magdaleno en el combate que servirá de antesala a la revancha más esperada del boxeo: el combate por el título mundial semipesado de la OMB entre el campeón colombiano Eleider “Storm” Álvarez y el ex jefe de la división, el ruso Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

En una promoción de Top Rank, Main Events y Krusher Promotions, en asociación con Groupe Yvon Michel, los boletos con un precio de: $225, $165, $85, $55 y $25 (incluidas las tarifas de las instalaciones) ya están a la venta y se pueden comprar en SeatGeek.com.

Utilice el hashtag #AlvarezKovalev2 y #ValdezTommasone para unirse a la conversación en las redes sociales.

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BAM BAM BRANDON RIOS VS. HUMBERTO “ZORRITA” SOTO

BAM BAM BRANDON RIOS VS. HUMBERTO “ZORRITA” SOTO

Feb 4, 2019
BAM BAM BRANDON RIOS VS. HUMBERTO “ZORRITA” SOTO
OFFICIAL FOR FEBRUARY 23RD DEBUT OF DAZN IN MEXICO
Design by Hector De La Cruz – Team Rios 
 
( February 1st, 2019 – Los Angeles, CA ) – BAM BAM Brandon Rios vs. Humberto Soto Made Official For February 23

Matchroom Boxing USA will promote its first show in Mexico as Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto will clash in an all-Mexican affair at the Municipal Auditorium Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana on Saturday February 23, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Rios vs. Soto is in association with Zanfer and Paco presents.

Former World Lightweight King Brandon Rios (35-4-1 26 KOs) returned to winning ways in style in November, stopping Ramon Alvarez in the ninth round of their high octane clash in Mulvane, near KS, pocketing a 26th win inside the distance in his 40th pro fight.

“Bam Bam” will look to further his claims for title shots in 2019, and the American-Mexican believes the love from the fans will roar him to victory and onto his goal of regaining his World title stats as he boxes in Mexico for the first time since September 2009.

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn for getting me on a card early in the year,” said Rios. “I want to stay active so I can get closer to my goal and becoming a Champion once again.”

“Man, I’m excited to fight in Mexico, I haven’t fought there in ten years. The Mexican fanbase has supported me since day one and everything I give in the ring is for my family and my fans, who have never let me down.”

“I’ve been staying busy in the gym, so I’m ready to give the fans a great fight. The fights the fans love to see!”

“I’m excited to be in Tijuana on March 23 for our first Mexican show with a real old school shoot-out between Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Brandon stole the show in Kansas recently on DAZN against Ramon Alvarez and there should be real fireworks in this one.”

“It’s a stacked card with a tasty rematch between Jose Quiniro and Joel Cordoba, unbeaten Mexicans in Olympian Joselito Velasquez, Omar Aguilar and Sulem Urbina, and the return of our 17 year old star Diego Pacheco along with Robert Garcia trained Alexis Espino who will also make his debut on the card.”

The fight will take place at Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Mexico. Tickets will be ON SALE soon at http://haztj.com/venues/auditorio-municipal and fight will be LIVE on DAZN! Click this link http://bit.ly/DAZNxSupremeBoxing for a 30 day trial and watch Rios vs. Soto FREE on February 23rd.

Follow BAM BAM Brandon Rios on his social media at: 

Instagram: @brandonrios1

Twitter: @Brandon_Rios1

Facebook: BAM BAM BRANDON RIOS

Web: www.bambamrios.com

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4 of 1,300 ALBERTO ‘EXPLOSIVO’ MACHADO AND ANDREW ‘EL CHANGO’ CANCIO

4 of 1,300 ALBERTO ‘EXPLOSIVO’ MACHADO AND ANDREW ‘EL CHANGO’ CANCIO

Feb 1, 2019
ALBERTO ‘EXPLOSIVO’ MACHADO AND ANDREW ‘EL CHANGO’ CANCIO 
LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 2019 AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO 
AND STREAMED LIVE ON DAZN
(ABOVE, L-R: Alberto Machado and Andrew Cancio pose for the media ahead of their 12-round world 
title fight on Feb. 9 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and live on DAZN)
 
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions
Tickets Still on Sale!
 
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 31, 2019): WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-0, 17 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 130-pound contender
Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (19-4-2, 14 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles ahead of their 12-round battle. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.
Four fighters from the undercard also participated in the workout. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (27-1, 14 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will return in a 10-round super featherweight battle against Charles Huerta (20-5, 12 KOs) of Paramount, Calif. Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (8-0, 5 KOs) will battle against Ivan “Striker” Delgado (13-1-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight battle between a current Golden Boy prospect and an ex-Golden Boy fighter.
Below is what today’s participants had to say at the workout:
ALBERTO MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:
“Being a father is one of the most important things that has happened to me. Now I dedicate my time off to being a father, to being a family man. I’m boxing full time, but it’s an extra motivation because I want to provide the best for baby. That is one of the reasons I’m in Los Angeles working hard for six weeks in camp without my family. I’m ready to defend my title.”
“I hope to fight four times this year and make four defenses. I am very excited for all that has been happening in my career. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. I’m very happy for all the opportunities.”
“I am big for this division. I’m tall. I have power, and I have speed. Cancio is a great warrior. I’m ready to defend my title. It’s another challenge in my career and I’m happy for this opportunity. Training camp has gone well. Freddie Roach is a great trainer and a great person. He has more time for me now, and I’m getting a lot of experience from him every day. I feel and see the difference in my fights and my sparring. Everyone who saw my last fight saw that I did better. I will continue that momentum in this fight.”
“DAZN is the new platform for boxing. DAZN has a lot of fighters now. Boxing is going through a great time right now. If my promoter gives me the opportunity to unify the titles–it would be a dream come true. I’m waiting for that opportunity this year on DAZN. I may even close the year in the lightweight division as well.”
ANDREW CANCIO, Super Featherweight Contender:
“It’s very surreal to be fighting for a world title. I thought my career was done. I took a tough loss in my first pay-per-view fight [against Joseph Diaz in 2016], and that wasn’t good at all. I told my best friend I was going to retire. It took 17 months for me to get back in the ring. I missed the sport. I also had a lot to prove. But I knew that I could be here. I knew that I could fight for a world title. I finally got things in order. I won some fights that people thought I would lose, but here I am. I’m looking to do the same thing February 9.”
“Life changed me. I got hit with some things that I had never seen coming. I guess it humbled me and changed me as a person. I became a different person. I didn’t take things for granted anymore. I had to come back and do things right this time around.”
“I feel great now. I feel like I’m a different fighter than the one who fought JoJo Diaz. This is a big deal. This is for a world title. It’s not my first time being on the big stage, but it’s the first time I’m the main event on the big stage. But I feel prepared for this. It’s my time.”
“For this fight we will have to work on the inside. If we let him get his range, he will get more leverage. He will get more powerful. They say he’s a big 130-pounder, but I’ve won all my best fights at 130. When I fought Jerry Belmontes, it was at 130 and I won clearly. When I fought Aidar Sharibayev, it was at 130. When I beat Rocky Juarez, it was at 130. I’m glad that this opportunity at 130. This division will benefit us.”
“I always bring action to a fight. The fans can expect me to be in good shape, mentally and physically. I will be ready to go all 12 rounds. But he’s a hard-hitter, and so am I. So, I don’t think this fight will go to the scorecards. Whether it’s me or him going down, we will collide. The fight fans will win that night no matter who walks away with the victory.”
JOSEPH DIAZ JR., Super Featherweight Contender:
“I took 2018 as a learning opportunity. It was a year where I had to learn and fight through adversity. I fought Gary Russell Jr. in my first world title opportunity [and came up short]. Then I came back for my second opportunity and didn’t make weight. It was hard for me. It was a heartbreaking year. Ever since I was kid, I was dreaming to become a world champion, and it didn’t happen that year. I was very heartbroken, and I was depressed for a long time. But at the end of the day I just had to keep having faith in God and know that everything happens for a reason. I just have to keep pushing forward because I’m a strong-minded person. I know my worth and skill level, and I know what I’m capable of doing. As long as I work hard, everything else will fall into place.”
“Now I have this opportunity to fight on Feb. 9 on DAZN. It’s against a very strong opponent in Charles Huerta. I’m ready to show that I’m back and that I’m ready for all the opportunities that are put in front of me.”
“I moved training camps [to Indio, Calif. with Joel Diaz] to get a different look, a different feel. I was getting too comfortable training at the same place for years. I had been training there [at Teamsters Boxing in South El Monte, Calif.] my entire life, and there wasn’t that spark there anymore. So, I ended up telling my manager [Ralph Heredia] and my dad that I still want my dad still in my corner because I trust him and he’s a great trainer. But I also want to get a different feel and hear different voices in my corner as well, so we brought in Joel Diaz, who has a lot of experience and a lot of great advice. We’ve been in camp for six weeks. I love it out there. I’m extremely focused on this fight and we’ve been getting great sparring as well. This has been one of the best camps we’ve had in a while.”
“I can fight at 126 or 130. I’ve been sparring guys who weigh up to 155 or 160 pounds, so I’ve adjusted to 130 pounds.  I can fight at either weight. Right now, I’m fighting at 130 pounds because I want to feel it out and because there are a lot of opportunities at this weight. There are also a lot of opponents for me at that weight, like Gervonta Davis, Abner Mares, Alberto Machado and Andrew Cancio. There are a lot of fights to be made at that weight.”
CHARLES HUERTA, Super Featherweight Contender:
“It’s been a while since 2017. In my last fight against Miguelito Gonzalez, I ended up tearing a ligament in my left thumb. We tried to fight through it, but I ended up having to get surgery in December 2017. We rested and were training for a fight in April 2018, but I ended up tearing fibers in my achilles tendon. So, we’ve just been recovering since then.
“The back-to-back injuries were very frustrating. But we stayed in the gym and now something good has come out of it. We’ve been training hard. We’ve been sparring hard. Only time will tell if the layoff will affect me, but I’m coming strong and ready to win next week. Win, lose or draw, I’m always in a great fight. I always give a good fight for the fans, and I’m going to come and bring it. I’m going to give everybody an exciting show that night.”
“Me and JoJo [Diaz] have sparred a few times, so he knows what I bring to the table, and vice-versa. But fights are different. Come February 9, we will find out.”
GENARO GAMEZ, Lightweight Prospect:
“When I was an amateur, I did 100 fights. I was active the entire year. It’s been three years since I’ve turned pro. My body has grown, and I’ve gotten stronger. I’m getting better. I’m just waiting for my moment. I’m just waiting for the fights to come. Then I’ll show who I am.”
“2019 will be different. I’m going to give the best fights. Fans are going to ask for my fights. Everyone will want to see my fights. I’m going to give the most exciting fights so that everyone can see who I am. Delgado is a warrior. He likes to fight. He’s only going to bring the best out of me, but I’m ready for that. I’m excited.”
IVAN DELGADO, Lightweight Prospect:
“In my last fight, I went against [Golden Boy prospect] Jousce Gonzalez. It was a great fight. It was my comeback after being away for eight months. It was a close fight, and it could have gone either way. It was a draw, but now it’s time to move on. We have Genaro Gamez in front of us, so it’s going to be a good fight.”
“It feels great to be coming back. It feels great to get my rhythm back little by little after that tough lost against Charles Huerta. I took some time off. But it feels great to be back and get another opportunity.”
“The biggest change I’ve made is to train harder. I’m focusing more on my family; focusing on them makes me work even harder. They are my motivation. When I was defeated, I was slacking a bit. It was getting to me a little bit. But now I am more humble.”
“On February 9, I’m going to show that I belong here. I’m going to try to be one of the best prospects in my division. What makes Genaro Gamez dangerous is that he is undefeated. He’s hungry to keep that undefeated record. I’m one of his toughest fights, so I’ve seen him training hard. He has a big following, and I know he doesn’t want to disappoint his crowd. That’s what makes him tough: he’s hungry.”
 
Machado vs. Cancio is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Vargas vs. Manzanilla is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at  Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55.Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

 

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Super Saturday Press Conference: Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and Valdez Tommasone Headline Frisco Fights

Super Saturday Press Conference: Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and Valdez Tommasone Headline Frisco Fights

Feb 1, 2019

Super Saturday Press Conference: Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and Valdez Tommasone Headline Frisco Fights

Special ESPN/ESPN+ quadruple-header SATURDAY at Ford Center at the Star
Valdez-Tommasone and Commey-Chaniev on ESPN/ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET.
Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and Lopez-Magdaleno on ESPN+ at 12 a.m. ET

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2019) – Super Saturday is almost here. Three world title fights, including one of the most anticipated rematches in recent memory, will take place Saturday at Ford Center at the Star, the practice home of the Dallas Cowboys.

At midnight ET on ESPN+, Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will attempt to repeat the deed when he defends his WBO light heavyweight world title against former two-time light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Back in August, Alvarez came from behind to starch Kovalev with three knockdowns in the seventh round. And, in the ESPN+ co-feature, 2018 Prospect of the Year Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs) takes on former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno (31-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight.

In the ESPN main event (10 p.m. ET), Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) defends his WBO featherweight title for the fifth time against Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs). In the ESPN co-feature, Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev will duke it out for the vacant IBF lightweight title with the winner set to fight unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Ford Center at the Star.

Eleider Alvarez

“Things have changed a lot for me. This is my first time being a main event {defending my world title}. What has changed is my popularity, but I’m still the same guy.”

“Thanks to God, I’m a mentally strong person. I have come from the bottom, basically, and little by little, I’ve been getting my stuff. Now I have more, so that’s why I think I’ve been able to handle everything well. That’s why I am a mentally strong person.”

On Kovalev saying he was overtrained for the first fight

“I believe that’s a lot of excuses he’s making. When you lose, you have a lot of excuses. I had a great game plan with my team. If he says that was an accident, then he needs to get ready for another accident.”

Sergey Kovalev

“I want to say a big thanks to Top Rank and my team at Main Events to make this rematch and get my belt back. This is the most important {fight} for me because I couldn’t stop my boxing career as a loser. It’s not in my character. First of all, this is my goal, to get back my belt that I dropped on the way to my big goals. I made a mistake last time {against Alvarez}, but this time I will fix it. This Saturday, I will fix this situation and be on top again. If not, I am not the Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev. Believe me, this Saturday will be the best version of me because I turned everything on to get in the best shape of my boxing career.”

“My goal is to collect all four belts, but I dropped this belt on my way to my huge goal. After {the Alvarez loss}, a lot of people thought I should stop my boxing career. No, that’s not in my character to stop my career by losing. When I win, I will think, stop or not to stop? But when I lose, it was 100 percent no.”

Oscar Valdez

On recovering from the broken jaw suffered in the Scott Quigg fight

“It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Having my jaw wired shut for two months was the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with. That’s in the past now. I’m ready to focus on this fight. I’m 100 percent healed from that injury. That’s not going to bother me no more. I’m just excited to get back in the ring. It’s been almost a year since my last fight. I’ve been training hard with my new trainer, Eddy Reynoso. It’s been a great training camp, and I just can’t wait to get in there and start again where I left off.”

“We had a great training camp, me and Eddy Reynoso. I never take no fighter lightly. There was a point where no one knew who Manny Pacquiao was when he came to the United States and had his first fight. And he became a star. So, we don’t know what Tommasone can bring. I will be 100 percent ready for him, or for any fighter, because I don’t take no fighter lightly. I have the same respect for all fighters inside the ring, and I’m going to do whatever I have to do come out victorious. One thing in my mind is to not take him lightly and just try to get the job done and keep on improving my career. I’m definitely focused on this fight and start where I left off.”

Eddy Reynoso

“Working with a world champion and an athlete that works as hard as Oscar does is a proud moment for me to be part of that team.”

Carmine Tommasone

“I fought in America as an amateur. This is my first time as a professional. When I got the call {to fight Valdez}, it was like an early Christmas present because it was early December. I prepared well for this opportunity.”

“Winning a title in the United States is every boxer’s dream. It would be a great opportunity.”

On people calling this a “tune-up fight” for Valdez

“It doesn’t bother me. I’m confident in my skills, and this is an opportunity to show my skills.”

Teofimo Lopez

“I’m taking over the show, and it’s with all due respect to these fighters out here. What we came out to do, and what we plan to do, is take over and exceed everybody’s expectations. People are talking very highly of me, so I have to back it up. I’m used to it through my father, who is my coach, who talks very highly of me already. Come Saturday night, you will see something bigger and better. As the opponents get tougher, we’re going to get better.”

“I believe the fight with Mason Menard on Dec. 8 (a 44-second KO) proved to everyone at that point that we are contenders. To me, I already feel like I’m a world champion. To me, the only thing {missing} is a world title.”

Diego Magdaleno

“Top Rank, they built my whole entire career. You’ve been there to watch it. Some of the best people in boxing are with Top Rank. Brad Goodman is matchmaker of the year for a reason. I just have to use my personal experience and thank Top Rank for building me and putting me in this position. I thank you guys because everything leading up is going to win me this fight. Everything I’ve been through is gonna  {help me}. Even the losses I’ve had or whatever only made me stronger. I am here with fuego, and I will bring everything I need to. I’ve been in the ring, but you haven’t been seeing me. My last two fights were in Mexico, but what you haven’t seen is who I’ve been in the ring with. Pedraza, I got him ready for Lomachenko. Linares, I got him ready for two fights.”

“It’s nothing but fire. We are ready to do this.”

Richard Commey

“After my fight with Robert Easter Jr. (split decision loss in 2016), I felt like I won that fight. I kept working. I’ve got good management and I met {trainer} Andre {Rozier}. I feel like everything is working for me. I’ve got to do this. I kept working, and here I am today.”

On the fighting tradition of Ghana

“It means the world to me. This is the opportunity I’ve been working for since I started boxing, and thank God I’ve got the opportunity to fight come Saturday. I have to win this fight. No matter what, I have to win this fight. It means a whole lot to me. It’s all about winning. That’s it.”

Isa Chaniev

“I am very pleased that I have a chance to showcase myself, showcase my skills here in a big arena on ESPN. I’m ready for whatever, and I am here to win.”

“I never lost a fight. The loss I have on my record, I didn’t really lose that fight. I am ready for this fight. This is the most important fight of my life. My team trusts in me, and I trust in myself. Other things don’t matter to me.”

ESPN+, 12 a.m. ET

Eleider Alvarez (champion) vs. Sergey Kovalev (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO light heavyweight world title

Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno, 10 rounds, Lopez’s NABF, NABA, and USBA lightweight titles

ESPN/ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET

Oscar Valdez (champion) vs. Carmine Tommasone (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO featherweight world title

Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev, 12 rounds, vacant IBF lightweight world title

ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Martinez, 8 rounds, super middleweight

Jason Sanchez vs. Daniel Olea, 8 rounds, featherweight

Ismail Iliev vs. Pat Day, 10 rounds, vacant IBF Intercontinental junior middleweight title

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Elvin Ayala, 10 rounds, Murtazaliev’s WBC USNBC super welterweight title

Enriko Gogokhia  vs. Vitor Freitas, 8/6 rounds, welterweight (swing bout)

Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

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Caleb Plant Honored in Hometown of Ashland City, Tennessee & Receives Key to The City

Caleb Plant Honored in Hometown of Ashland City, Tennessee & Receives Key to The City

Feb 1, 2019
Caleb Plant Honored in Hometown of Ashland City, Tennessee & Receives Key to The City
Photos by Team Plant 
ASHLAND CITY, TN (January 31, 2019) – Hometown star and newly crowned IBF Super Middleweight Champion, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant, received a hero’s welcome back in his hometown of Ashland City, TN on Thursday.  Caleb received the “Key to the City”, and multiple proclamations from Mayor of Cheatham County Kerry McCarver, Mayor of Ashland City Steve Allen, and State Senator Kerry Roberts and State Representative Mary Littleton of the Tennessee General Assembly.
At the event, January 31, 2019 was officially named “Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day”.  In addition, Caleb’s dad, Richie Plant, also received a proclamation for his hard work, sacrifices, and dedication to bringing boxing to the community of Ashland City.
“It was a great feeling to be honored by my hometown where it all started,” said Caleb Plant. “Watching my father get a proclamation for his hard work as well was incredible.  Seeing all the fans and media show up was unbelievable.  It was a great day filled with a lot of uplifting emotions and I’m grateful for the love and support my city showed me today.  I’m hoping to bring a big fight out here soon.  January 31, 2019 will forever be Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day!”
“It was such a pleasure to give the community an opportunity to meet and congratulate the champion in person,” said Mayor Kerry McCarver. “Caleb makes us all proud in his drive to the top of the boxing world.  Cheatham County got to declare Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day to truly let him know how special he is to all of us in Cheatham County.”
“Today, Caleb Plant proved he’s not only a world champion in the ring, but a world champion in life,” said State Senator Kerry Roberts. “His words of inspiration to his hometown prove that he’s a man who worked hard to keep the promise to his precious daughter.  He’s a great example to all and worthy of honor and respect.”
“In meeting Caleb, I have never been more impressed by a young man than I was with him,” said Mayor Steve Allen, Town of Ashland City. “He is truly more than a world champion boxer, he is a champion of life and no one in this world deserves more than Caleb.  I hope I can always call Caleb and his family my friends because that would be an honor for me!”
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