LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2022): Wrapping up the year with the Golden Boy Fight Night: LA Edition series, one of Golden Boy’s top welterweight prospects Raúl “Cugar” Curiel (11-0, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico will make his main event debut on DAZN as he defends his NABF Welterweight title against Douglasville, Georgia’s Brad Solomon (29-5, 9 KOs). The scheduled 10-round scrap will take place on Saturday, December 17 at The Commerce Casino and Hotel and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT. 

“I am excited to be the main event for this fight card. I have been waiting for this next step in my career and I can’t wait to demonstrate to everyone who I am, my potential and that I can fight in the big leagues,” said Raúl Curiel. “It’s been a long year, and I have been training hard these past three and a half months. I am very prepared to defend my NABF title that I have worked very hard to earn. I look forward to continuing to climb the rankings to one day contest for a world championship.” 

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night: LA Edition will go on sale Wednesday, November 30, at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $75, $50, and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at GoldenBoyPromotions.com.  

Providing chief support to the card, Mexicali, Mexico’s Diego De La Hoya (23-1, 11 KOs) will face Jose “El Torito” Gonzalez (23-10-1, 13 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 10-round featherweight fight. Just signed to his new promotional home at Golden Boy, Monterrey, Mexico’s Aaron Silva (10-0, 7 KOs) will be looking to impress in an eight-round super middleweight fight against Alan Campa (18-6, 12 KOs). One of Golden Boy’s fan-favorites, Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (13-0-1, 12 KOs) of Glendora, California will participate in a 10-round super lightweight fight against Ivan “Macanon” Cano (26-10-2, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico. 

Also on the card, Nick “Slicknick” Sullivan (6-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, Virginia is scheduled for a six-round lightweight matchup against a soon-to-be announced opponent. Gregory “Goyo” Morales (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will participate in a six-round featherweight tilt against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alexis “Picudito” Molina (8-1-1, 5 KOs). Culiacán, Mexico’s Martin Leon will partake in an eight-round lightweight scrap against a soon-to-be announced opponent. 

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Curiel vs. Solomon is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, December 17 live from the Commerce Casino and Hotel and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #Curiel

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 21, 2021) – Undefeated welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-0-1, 10 KOs), wants a big fight after his TKO victory over Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs), a 10-round bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions that took place this past Saturday on DAZN at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center.

Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, stopped Soloman by way of fifth round TKO, and feels his victory over the crafty veteran garners a big fight with a meaningful name.

“I believe I showed that I deserve a big fight against a named opponent after my stoppage of Solomon,” said Cobbs. “There’s a lot of big fights out there for me and I just want an opportunity. I’m ready to fight all the big names in the welterweight division. Anyone who is ranked in the top ten, I’m coming for you.”

Training out of the Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach was something new for Cobbs going into this fight, and he believes he has the right team intact to make a championship run.

“First I want to say that Freddie Roach has been a tremendous help in my development over the past year during the pandemic,” Cobbs continued. “All of the Wild Card fighters came out on top this past weekend and the vibe we share in the gym is unbelievable. When your around great fighters at Wild Card, it gives you a confidence like you wouldn’t believe because you know you’re training at the best boxing gym in the world, with the best trainer. When I land that big fight, everyone will see that I belong with the elite in boxing.”

Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Kamil Szeremeta after round six of their 12-round middleweight fight at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Munguia dominated the fight and started to beat up Szeremeta more and more with each round until Szeremeta pulled the plug on the fight following the sixth round.

Munguia, 159.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 37-0 with 30 knockouts. Szeremeta, 159.8 lbs of Bialyatok, POL is 21-2.

“I was surprised at his ability to take punishment,” said Jaime Munguia. “He has all my respect because he could take a lot of punishment. I was really trying to work my offense in this fight and try different things. Then I began to pressure him and change the distance at which I fought. Hopefully, I can fight for a world title at the end of this year. If not, I would like to fight Gabriel Rosado.”

Rosado Shocks Melikuziev in Three

Former world title challenger Gabriel Rosado stunned undefeated super prospect Bektemir Melikuziev in round three of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Melikuziev landed a body shot that backed Rosado up and eventually to a knee. In round three, Rosado landed a perfect counter right to the jaw that sent Melikuziev face-first on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Rosado, 168 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 26-13-1 with 15 knockouts, Melikuziev, 168 lbs of Indio, CA is 7-1.

“I knew I would have to dig deep,” said Gabriel Rosado. “I had more experience than he, but he’s very strong and throws heavy shots. I was trying to time him, but he caught me with the body shot. He didn’t drop me, but I took a knee to recover. And then I got the win.”

Esparza wins Flyweight Title with Decision over Zamora

Marlen Esparza got off the deck to comeback and wrestle the WBC Flyweight title over Ibeth Zamora in an action packed fight.

In round one Zamora dropped Esparza from a counter right over the top. Esparza was able to whether that and come, back and outland Zamora with the cleaner shots over the activity of Zamora.

Esparza landed 226 of 569 punches; Zamora was 157 of 726.

Esparza, 111.4 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 96-94 and is now 10-1. Zamora, 111.4 lbs of Huichitlan, MX is 32-7.

Cobbs Stops Solomon in 5

Blair Cobbs remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Brad Solomon in a welterweight bout.

Cobbs took some shots early, but turned the tide in 5th round. In that round, he dropped Solomon with a straight left and the fight was stopped at 2:57.

Cobbs, 146.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Solomon, 146.8 lbs of Douglasville, GA is 29-4.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 15, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) this Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center. The 10-round bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be the opening fight live on DAZN on the Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta card.

Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, gives his thoughts on his matchup with Solomon, training camp, and more, as he wraps up the final days of training camp from the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach.

On his recent training camp:
“I’ll be well prepared going into this fight as I’ve put in the necessary work that is needed to compete at this level. Since I got with Freddie Roach, I’ve added some wrinkles to my game. All my sparring partners have been world class fighters so there is nothing that Solomon will bring to this fight that I haven’t already seen. My weight is good and I’ll be ready to throw down.”

On his matchup with Brad Solomon:
“I have a lot of respect for Solomon, as I do all fighters, and I know he’s coming with his best, but I’m going to show him that I’m a different animal. The angles I’m going to be coming at him with are going to give him some major problems. I know he’s been in the ring with some great fighters, so I’m not taking him lightly. I’m going to jump on him if I get him hurt at anytime during this fight. My goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”

On making his 2021 debut:
“It’s been frustrating not being able to fight during the pandemic. I had to shake off a lot of rust during camp, but my timing is good right now. Even though this year is almost halfway done, I want to finish strong with at least three more fights if I can stay healthy.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m hoping a victory will put me in the top ten of all sanctioning organizations. Solomon is not an easy fight and I believe this win will lead to some more meaningful fights. I’m ready to fight anyone, all I want is the opportunity.”

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Munguia vs. Szeremeta is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live
exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Szeremeta are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Szeremeta your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #Munguia Szeremeta.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaSzeremeta into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 24, 2021) – One of the most exciting welterweights in all of boxing returns on June 19, 2021, when Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles decorated amateur and veteran of the sport, Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs). The ten-round bout, taking place at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center, will air live on DAZN as the first televised fight on the Jaime Munguia vs. Maciej Sulecki card.

“I haven’t fought in over a year and it is time for the most electrifying man in all of boxing to give the fans a show,” said Cobbs in-between rounds at his new home, Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, California. “I wanted a tough opponent, and Brad Solomon is just that. His losses have only been to really good fighters and he has over twice the experience as me as a professional, so I am ready to show the world who I am! It’s time for the Wooo man to get busy.”

“Blair is nearing the point to fight some of the world-ranked fighters, the fans love him, he has a great style, and he is a talented fighter,” said Cobb’s manager, Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “We’re expecting a lot from Blair, and I see him in a big fight amongst one of Golden Boy Promotions best fighters by the end of the year, that is the goal for Blair.”

Cobbs last fought on Valentine’s day weekend of 2020, winning a split decision over Samuel Kotey Neequaye. Cobbs has been out of the ring for a year-plus and has made changes to his team that he feels will help him moving forward in his career.

“I made a decision to move to Hollywood and train with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Gym, because I needed a change,” said Cobbs. “Being in the gym with Freddie every day and seeing all the great fighters and new faces has me excited all over again. I really want to make my legacy known as one of the top guys in the sport.”

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Munguia vs. Sulecki is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Sulecki are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Sulecki, your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSulecki.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaSulecki into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

INDIO, CALIF. (July 27, 2020) – For Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (22-0, 14 KOs), it’s not if he’ll have a shot at a world title, but when. In the August 28 co-main event of Linares vs. Fortuna, Ellis will have an opportunity to show why when he faces experienced contender Brad “King” Solomon (28-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round defense of his WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title.

The event, which will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, will be closed to the public and media. It will be streamed live on DAZN.

“Rashidi Ellis is a big problem for everyone at 147 pounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “He may very well have the quickest hands in boxing, and he’s eager to fight the very best in the division. We’re proud to have him lead our explosive undercard for August 28, which features some of the best contenders in any division, including the hard-hitting Bektemir Melikuziev and rising welterweight Alexis Rocha.”

At 27 years of age, Ellis is ready for the very best that the welterweight division has to offer. The native of Lynn, Mass. has never tasted defeat since making his professional debut in 2017, and he’s fought in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as well is in many different cities in the United States. Ellis has previously held the IBF North American Welterweight Title, and now he is currently the proud holder of the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title, which he earned via unanimous decision in his rematch against Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez. Ellis will face one of the toughest challenges of his career in Solomon, and the result will indicate to all where he stands in the division.

“I’m finally back in the ring on August 28 on DAZN,” said Rashidi Ellis. “And I’m happy that it will be at my favorite place, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Brad Solomon his coming off some very tough challenges, but I’m coming to make a statement. I’m going to show that I’m the best in the welterweight division and that I’m ready for a title shot. Stay tuned!”

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Louisiana who was a decorated amateur before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves tournaments, Solomon also possesses an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he has defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon is returning after back-to-back losses against Vergil Ortiz Jr.and Alexis Rocha, but he promises that this fight will re-enter him into upper echelon of the welterweight rankings.

“I want to tip my hat off to Golden Boy for bringing me back on one of their shows,” said Brad Solomon. “I will fight a good prospect, an up-and-coming fighter. But that’s what I’ve always wanted, the top, up-and-coming fighters. In this fight, I’m going to prove myself. I’m going to show the sport of boxing that I’m back. I’m going to put my career back on top where it’s supposed to be.”

Uzbekistani wrecking ball Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (5-0, 4 KOs) will continue his rapid rise up the 168-pound rankings when he defends his WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Title Alan “La Amenaza” Campa (17-5, 11 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round clash.

Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-0, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round battle against Jameson Bacon (23-4, 15 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. (19-1-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will face Neil Tabanao (17-7, 11 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Marlen Esparza (7-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return after her first and only defeat in an eight-round flyweight bout against Jacky Calvo (12-5-1, 1 KO) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Linares vs. Fortuna is a 12-round fight for the WBC Diamond Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Teiken Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will take Friday, August 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #LinaresFortuna.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link https://bit.ly/LinaresFortuna into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 24, 2020): Welterweight prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (15-0, 10 KOs) will take an important step up in competition as he defends his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title against Brad “King” Solomon (28-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout on the undercard of Garcia vs. Fonseca. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Rocha is a 22-year-old southpaw of Santa Ana, California who is widely considered as one of the best rising prospects of the welterweight division. Since making his debut in 2016, Rocha has steadily climbed the rankings by fighting some of the biggest cards that Southern California has hosted in recent years. After defending his regional title against the likes of Berlin Abreu and Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Rocha will look to pass the toughest test of his career when he takes on tough contender Solomon.

“I’m excited and looking forward to fighting in my backyard at the Honda center,” said Alexis Rocha. “Brad Solomon is a big step up and will present a challenge, but I am more than ready. I’m looking to make a statement on February 14, and hope I get the recognition I deserve as one of the best fighters in the welterweight division”

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Lousiana who was a standout amateur boxer before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves titles, Solomon also possess an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he as defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez
and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon is coming off a loss against Vergil Ortiz Jr. in what was a valiant effort. He’ll now look to have better success against Rocha.

“I’m coming to make a statement in this fight,” said Brad Solomon. “I just fought on a Golden Boy card in December, but I’m coming right back to show what I’m made of. So, make sure you tune into my fight on Feb. 14 because I will demonstrate that I have a lot of unfinished business in the boxing game.”

As previously announced, Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will defend his WBC Silver Lightweight Title against Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in the 12-round main event.

In the co-main event, Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (46-5, 28 KOs) will take on Carlos Morales (19-4-4, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round lightweight battle.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas will defend his NABF Welterweight Crown against Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KOs) of Baltimore in a 10-round bout.

Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava (7-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles will face Anthony Casillas
(8-1, 4 KOs) of Southgate, Calif. in a six-round featherweight fight.

Bektemir Melikuiziev (4-0, 3 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship against Marco Antonio Periban (25-5-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round clash.

Newly signed prospect Evan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Parlier, Calif. will participate in a six-round welterweight bout.

Alejandro “PinPon” Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will return in a four-round lightweight battle.

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFonseca.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link https://bit.ly/GarciaFonseca into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. kept up that pace of being one of if not the top prospect in boxing as he stopped Brad Solomon in round five of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round four, Ortiz dropped Solomon with a hard jab. In round five, Ortiz landed a hard jab that up a flurry of punches that put Solomon down for a 2nd time. Ortiz finished off Solomon with a hard right and left that made Solomon take a knee and the fight was stopped at 2:22.

Ortiz, 147 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 15-0 with 15 knockouts. Solomon, 146.8 lbs of Douglasville, GA is 28-2.

“I have to give him [Solomon] some credit,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “He’s difficult to figure out and made me use my brain. I tried to take my time, and not rush things. I had to utilize my jab, figure out the right time to throw a punch. I think I tripped with him with my foot, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He came to fight.”

“I shouldn’t be chasing on the ropes like that. He let his guard now. Luckily, I did throw the right punch and hurt him. I knew he would be a tough cookie to break. Luckily, I have a good team behind me and all my smarts. I felt I was very patient, and needed to pick it up, can’t lay low. I did a good job. I would say high B or A on this one.”

Former world champion Alberto Machado moved up in weight and stopped Luis Porozo in round two of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Machado dropped Porozo with a left to the body. Seconds later, it was the same punch that sent Porozo to the canvas. Machado ended it with….you guessed, another left to the body that sent Porozo down for the 10-count at 2:59.

Machado, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 22-2 with 18 knockouts. Porozo, 134 lbs of Santo Domingo, ECU is 14-2.

On the 3rd knockdown: “It’s a shot we were working on in camp,” Alberto Machado.”He was a fighter that would open up, so we worked on that in camp, going to the body. They told me to put my hands up, be more passive with my offense, throw my jab more, and as you could see he had a chaotic style. Thank god we got the victory we were looking for.”

“No because I actually was trying to land to the head, but saw the opportunity to the body, so took advantage of it. I was landing that good hand. I only had ten seconds till the end of the round, so wanted to end on a good note, and threw my hands, and got the win.”

On his performance: “I think I did well, made good adjustments. He’s a good fighter, I know the style he has. I think I did well because of the adjustments I made. I’m happy I ended the year on a positive note with the victory. I’ve been through very difficult situations that all of us boxers go through, some changes in camp, and in my weight. I’m ready for this division and the big challenge. I’m ready for another big fight against a former world champion, Mexico vs Puerto Rico, come on Francisco Vargas, let’s do it.”

Bektemir Melikuziev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

In round seven, Melikuziev was cut around the left eye from a headbutt.

Melikuziev, 167.4 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Alexander, 166.4 lbs of St. Louis is 15-4.

Melikuziev out-landed Alexander 253-34.

Joel Diaz (trainer) on behalf of Bektemir: “I’m happy that he went rounds and was able to get in the ring with a veteran and break him down.”

Alexis Rocha stopped tough Roberto Valenzuela after round five of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Rocha had a few anxious moments in round two, but was able to get through and dominate the next several rounds that forced Valenzuela to bow out of the fight.

Rocha, 146.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Valenzuela, 146.8 lbs of Sonora. MX is 17-2.

“He caught me in the second round,” said Alexis Rocha.”I got lazy. It’s my fault. I started letting my hands go after the third, and then I kept hurting him. It was important that I finished the fight. It’s a learning experience.”

Luis Feliciano remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Herbert Acevedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Feliciano sent Acevedo to deck with a right hand. Feliciano was cut around the left eye.

Feliciano, 140 lbs of Milwaukee won by scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92 and is now 14-0. Acevedo, 139.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-3-1

“I give props to Herbert Acevedo,” said Luis Feliciano.”He’s a tough and rugged fighter. I thought he was out when I dropped him in the third round. I tried to get the finish, but he weathered the storm. I’m happy to finish year with a win, and we are on to the next.”

Eric Bazinyan stopped Saul Roman in round three of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Roman was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round three, Bazinyan landed a perfect right that sent Roman down and out at 46 seconds.

Bazinyan, 167.2 lbs of Quebec, CAN is 24-0 with 18 knockouts. Roman, 164.8 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 45-14.

“I learned from fighting a veteran, someone with almost 60 fight,” said Erik Bazinyan.”I tried to show my skills and fight my fight. The timing was right, so I got him out of there.

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (Dec. 3, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (14-0, 14 KOs), WBA Gold Welterweight Champion, hosted a media workout yesterday at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, Calif. ahead of his 12-round fight against Brad “King” Solomon
(28-1, 9 KOs). The fight will take place Friday, Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live as part of fight season on DAZN.

Joshua Franco (15-1-2, 7 KOs) and Hector Tanajara Jr. (18-0, 5 KOs) also participated in the workout as they prepare to return on the undercard of Munguia vs O’Sullivan on Jan. 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio and also live on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the workout:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., WBA Gold Welterweight Champion:
“I feel like I’ve really shown that I belong in the top dogs. I feel like people are starting to recognize me a lot more, this was my breakout year and I’m going to break out even more next year. What I know about Brad Solomon, he’s a very experienced fighter, he has double the wins that I have. He’s crafty, he definitely brings something different to the table than my past fighters you know, he’s not going to stay in the ring, he’s going to want to make me miss, going to want to stick a move. We haven’t seen me fight someone like that in the professionals yet so everyone’s going to see how I do against a fighter like that. I’m ready to show people that I can fight any way, if I need to adjust then I can adjust. I haven’t had to make those adjustments yet. Some people say that I don’t move my head a lot, but I move my head a lot, especially in sparring. The thing is I haven’t needed to yet, I haven’t needed to do a lot of things in my fights yet because they’ve ended so early. There’s going to be a time when I’m going to need to use everything I have and that’s probably going to be one of my greatest fights. My work ethic comes from my dad pushing me this entire time. He’s really pushed me to not be satisfied with anything that I do, there’s always room for improvement, you can always work harder. A lot of my success has come from my dad.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, WBA International and NABF Bantamweight Champion:
“I came to that decision [to change weight] because of the past times that I’ve fought at 115lbs, I feel like I’m stronger at that weight, I feel like I have more power at that weight. I want to get a world title at 115lb right now, I’ll make the weight good with a good diet, and after that I’ll move right back up to 118lb and get a title right there. I’m really excited to finally fight in my hometown. I haven’t fought there since I was an amateur, so everybody back home is excited to see me. I’m excited myself to put on a great show for my fans and all my family so it’s going to be great.”

HECTOR TANAJARA JR., WBC USNBC Lightweight Champion:
“I’m ready to take on the next level, I already have 18 fights, it went by fast, but I feel like I’m ready for that next step and for whatever comes in 2020. Training here we’re all like a family. We all push each other. I always say sparring is tougher than the fights, that’s what makes the fights easy. We push each other in here we see one person going hard and it makes us go harder. If we see one person doing a little more, it makes us do a little more, it’s like a family affair. We all push each other naturally. I’m so excited to fight in the Alamodome, it’s my hometown. It’s the first time fighting back home since I’ve been pro. I’m really excited and motivated because now my family and friends, they don’t have excuses because it’s right there in the city so it’s going to be a good turnout and I’m just motivated. At this stage of my career, I feel like everything is coming together little by little. I’m going on five years of being pro and I feel like I’m becoming a complete fighter. In these next couple fights it’ll show, everything’s going to come together, and people are going to be real surprised.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Trainer of Ortiz Jr., Franco and Tanajara Jr.:
“Vergil is only 21 so he’s a very young fighter but at 21 he already has the strength, the mentality, the experience of a 27-year-old. He’s focused on one thing and that’s to become a world champion and to beat anybody in front of him. He’s one of the, if not the hardest working fighter I have in my gym, including all the world champions. He works his ass off. That’s one thing that he was raised to do, since he was a kid with his dad, his dad prepared him for one thing and that’s to be great in boxing. Little by little, he’s been growing and now he’s a professional, now he’s ready for any top fighter in the division. It was something his dad brought since they were kids to where they’re at now. We don’t want to rush him, we want to go fight by fight, especially right now at welterweight, we have to understand that a lot of the champions are fighting for other promotions and the fights are going to be very hard to negotiate. We’re not looking for any type of fight right now, we’re going fight by fight. if the right fight for a title comes maybe at a different weight division maybe we would consider it, but it would have to be the right fight against the right champion. At welterweight I don’t see any champion fighting Vergil in 2020. There’s no rush. The fans still haven’t seen the best of Vergil Ortiz.”

Ortiz Jr. vs. Solomon is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,”
and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 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 $25, $35 and $45. 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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on
Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizSolomon.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/OrtizSolomon into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

INDIO, CALIF. (Nov. 22, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr.(14-0, 14 KOs) will look to end the 2019 year with another spectacular knockout win when he defends his WBA Gold Welterweight Title against Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round fight. The event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live as part of fight season on DAZN.

“We’re absolutely proud of what Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been able to accomplish in his young career,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “That’s why we’re ending the year with him in an exciting main event fight on DAZN. The 147-pound division is one of the most competitive and popular divisions in boxing, so another knockout win will put this young talent on the path to very big fights in 2020.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. knocked out every opponent in sight. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will return after passing the toughest test of his career with flying colors: a sixth-round stoppage victory against former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco earlier this year. This young man is excited to return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the place where he made his professional debut over three years ago.

“Fantasy Springs has a special place in my heart,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr.”I made my pro debut there in July 2016. Knowing I’m headlining there is motivating me to show my fans out there how much I have improved over the years. I’m also happy because an event like this shows that I’m on the right path. Everything is going as it should be. I’ve seen Brad Solomon’s record. I’ve seen that he’s beaten Adrian Granados and Ray Robinson, so you have to be pretty skilled to beat people like them. I don’t know how this fight ends, but you can all expect a great fight.”

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Lousiana who was a standout amateur boxer before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves titles, Solomon also possess an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he as defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon will look to put is career back on track to a world title if he can get past Ortiz Jr.

“Vergil Ortiz Jr. is a great young prospect,” said Brad Solomon. “It’s going to be a good matchup. I’ve been out of the ring for about a year, so I have to come back and beat this young fighter. I have to show everyone in the welterweight division that I’m still here.”

Also, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, Golden Boy Business Partner and Hall of Famer, will be the special VIP guest for this event. Hopkins will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-2, 17 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make his highly anticipated return in a 10-round fight. Machado will officially make his debut at 135 pounds after losing his WBA Super Featherweight World Title against Andrew “El Chango” Cancio. Machado will look to make a campaign for a world title in this new division.

Erik Bazinyan (23-0, 17 KOs) of Quebec, Canada will defend his NABA Super Middleweight World Title in a 10-round clash. Bazinyan is inching closer to a world title with each battle, and he’ll look to maintain his top contender status with an impressive win to close out the year. Opponents for Machado and Bazinyan will be announced shortly.

Golden Boy is also proud to announce two high-level matchups that are sure to produce fistic fireworks.

Alexis “Lex” Rocha (14-0, 9 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round bout against Michael “The Artist” Perez (25-3-1, 11 KOs) of Newark, N.J.

Luis Feliciano (13-0, 8 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wis. will defend his NABF Super Lightweight Title against Herbert “Ace” Acevedo (16-2-1, 6 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas in a 10-round fight.

Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. will open the night in an eight-round lightweight clash.

Ortiz vs. Solomon is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m. PT are priced at $25, $35 and $45. 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.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com.
Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizSolomon

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting
the link http://bit.ly/OrtizSolomon into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

On Saturday, June 22, at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Douglasville, Georgia-based contender Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) will step up on short notice to face the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Welterweight Championship.

An arm injury to undefeated Canadian Cody Crowley has opened the door for Solomon, whose fight with Mansouri will serve as the main event of Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Mo Entertainment’s (in partnership with six-time World Champion Miguel Cotto’s Miguel Cotto Promotions) “Making A Champion” event and be televised live on CBS Sports (11 pm ET/8 pm PT) along with super flyweight Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, facing Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina’s Lucas Emanuel Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured bout.

Remaining tickets for “Making A Champion” are priced at $65, $80 and $100 and are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.

“I feel good,” said Solomon. “I was already training for something else, but this came along first and an opportunity like this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to show my talent and show I’m still here. After I do what I do to this guy, that will put me back in the eyes of everyone.”

Solomon, who says he’s had some bad luck with missed opportunities and contract disputes, doesn’t know much about his last-minute opponent, but isn’t worried.

“I’ll find out what he’s got when I get in there. I can adjust to anything, so I’m not too worried about it. I just want to use this win to springboard me into bigger opportunities. I was number one in the world and getting ready for a title shot, but it didn’t work out. I want to get back out there and get my title shot I deserve. It feels like my luck is changing now.

30-year-old Mansouri from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is a former BBofC English Super Welterweight Champion and is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym.

Mansouri says the move has given him a wealth of new experience.

“Training is going really well. I’ve moved down to Los Angeles for this camp. I’ve even left my family to do this camp. It’s hard, but you have to sacrifice for this game. I’m training with (former Peter Quillen and Paulie Malignaggi trainer) Eric Brown at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. I like working with him. I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach I’m working with as well, Taylor Ramsdell. The gym has a great atmosphere to it. I’m being exposed to a lot of different styles.

With a goal of becoming a known commodity in the US, Mansouri is hoping this fight provides the launching pad.

“This is a great thing to come to America to train and fight. I always wanted to fight here and this one is on two networks, so it’s a way to put myself out there in the American market. A lot of people will be watching this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of doing.”

The exciting five-fight undercard, featuring Cleveland’s Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) taking on Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo (15-11, 12 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Cleveland’s comebacking former contender Miguel Angel Gonzalez (24-4, 16 KOs) going against Mexico City’s Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).

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Ray Leonard Jr., son of six-time world champion, Sugar Ray Leonard will provide the CBS Sports commentary. World renowned clothing designer, Karl Kani will be providing outfits for the ring girls.

The Wolstein Center is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. On fight night, the doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. Making A Champion is sponsored by B&M BBQ.

About Bigger Than Life Entertainment

BTLE is a full-service entertainment company specializing in Boxing Promotions, Public Relations and Artist Management. They place Sports and Entertainment celebrities at major events worldwide and offer sports tickets and packages in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and internationally.

About Miguel Cotto Promotions

MCP stems from the vision and passion of Miguel Angel Cotto Vazquez with the premise of giving the boxer what boxing gave his family. Emerging in 2005, MCP has since established a great rapport with the community with over 13 years in the industry solidifying its spot as one of the leading sporting firms in Puerto Rico.