LONDON (July 8) – Oscar De La Hoya has labelled this weekend’s clash between Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara as a battle for ‘honour and glory’.

The boxing legend, and boss at Golden Boy Promotions, will see his premier charge Alvarez take on one of his toughest fights to date when he steps in against the slick Lara at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live this Saturday night on BoxNation.

The Hall of Famer is well aware of the challenge that faces Alvarez, and despite no title being up for grabs between two of the world’s leading light-middleweights, it was a fight both men wanted as they look to establish their legacy in the sport.

“This fight is not about a title. This fight is about honour and glory,” said De La Hoya. “When people say I didn’t want this fight for Canelo, obviously it wasn’t the first choice. As a promoter you don’t want the most difficult fight out there for him.

“But this is what Canelo’s all about, ultimately it’s his decision, and his decision is a very calculated decision. He’s confident in his abilities, and he wants to fight the very best. That’s the bottom line,” he said.

Though this is anticipated as the 23-year-old Alvarez’s hardest fight since his loss to Floyd Mayweather last September, De La Hoya believes that the former unified 154-pound champion has seen something in Lara, like he did before his victory over Austin Trout.

“Canelo’s a fighter who continues to improve, who continues to grow. He is a fighter who has tremendous, tremendous abilities inside the ring,” said De La Hoya.

“We feel that with Austin Trout, Canelo saw things in Austin Trout, we saw things in Austin Trout, and the same here with Erislandy Lara.

“Yes, he’s very difficult and it’s a difficult style, it’s a tough test in front of him, but like we saw something with Austin Trout you always see something with Erislandy Lara, you see things that obviously Canelo can do and take advantage of.

“But only the fighter can tell you. The fighter can tell you exactly what he saw and what makes him believe that he can beat him,” he said.

The fiery red-headed Alvarez is coming off an impressive stoppage win over Mexican rival Alfredo Angulo.

He suffered a setback when he was convincingly beaten by pound-for-pound star Mayweather but has shown great resolve as he looks to re-establish himself amongst boxing’s best with victory this weekend.

“I improve on every fight and I gain experience, I get better and without an exception this isn’t going to be anything different. We feel very confident and very comfortable,” said Alvarez.

“Lara’s one of the best fighters out there in the world in this weight division, so the winner of this fight will, without a doubt, be the best fighter in the division,” he said.

Throughout the promotion Alvarez has refused to be drawn into the perceived mind-games of the tricky Cuban, who has said that the Angulo he fought and beat was a lesser fighter than the one his younger foe overcame in March.

“I’m not going to get into his games. If I didn’t want the fight [with Lara], the fight wouldn’t be happening. The fight is here because I wanted the fight. And on July 12th we’re going to see who hits who,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what they say [about Angulo]. They can say whatever they want. I’m not going to lose sleep over that. I know what I did. I know I did a very good fight. But that fight’s behind us. That fight’s in the past. Now I’m preparing for the next fight and for the future,” said Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez vs Erislandy Lara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2014) – Unbeaten Southern California prospects Santiago Guevara, Oscar Negrete and Joet Gonzalez will make the trip to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 9 when they compete in separate bouts on the Golden Boy Live! undercard aired on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. The event is part of a mega-fight week capped off by the highly anticipated junior middleweight bout between Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and televised live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

In the Golden Boy Live! main event on it’s the return of former world title contender Alfonso Gomez as he battles Ed Paredes in a 10-round junior middleweight bout. Plus, 2012 United States Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz competes in his first 10-round featherweight bout against Guanajuato up-and-comer Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles and 19-year-old phenom Diego “The Golden Kid” De La Hoya risks his unbeaten record against veteran Miguel Tamayo in a six round junior featherweight.

“This is the perfect treat for the fight fans in Las Vegas and we’re bringing an action-packed show to FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes viewers,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions. “Ed Paredes can make a big move up the rankings if he can get by the always-dangerous Alfonso Gomez and in Joseph Diaz Jr. and Diego De La Hoya, we’re getting a look at the future of this great sport, but they’ll be tested in their fights.”

U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (11-0, 7 KOs) has used his immense talents to impress the boxing world since the London Games. The 21-year-old from South El Monte, Calif. has shown maturity beyond his years along the way. Diaz is coming off of a shutout win over the 50-fight veteran Luis Maldonado in April. Diaz will stay busy in a 10-round featherweight bout against fellow prospect Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles (11-1-1, 6 KOs) who has compiled a seven-fight win streak heading into this bout. Like his opponent, the Guanajuato southpaw is 21 years old and hungry to make an impression in his United States debut.

Nineteen-year-old Mexicali phenom Diego De La Hoya (5-0, 3 KOs) is starting to garner the buzz once heard by his cousin, newly inducted Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya. Looking to stay active in 2014, “The Golden Kid” will be making his fourth appearance in the ring since February. On July 9, De La Hoya will look to keep his win streak alive when he faces Ciudad Obregon’s Miguel Tamayo (14-8-2, 12 KOs) in a six-round junior featherweight matchup. Coming off of a tough loss to top contender Gary Russell Jr., Tamayo hopes to get off to a fast start against De La Hoya and with 11 of his knockouts coming in four rounds or less, he has the tools to pull off the upset.

In a six-round lightweight rematch, Los Angeles’ Santiago Guevara (7-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring for the third time this year when he faces Las Vegas’ own Rocco Espinoza (4-8). Guevara came out on top of a four-round split decision win over Espinoza in January, but this time around, Espinoza vows to even the score, while Guevara looks to keep the judges out of it.

A former amateur star in Colombia who now makes his home in Los Angeles, unbeaten Oscar Negrete (5-0, 1 KO) has impressed fans with his ring savvy and championship potential. On July 9, he will face Carlos Medina (1-0) of Nayarit, Mexico in a four-round junior featherweight bout. In the opening bout of the evening scheduled for six rounds in the featherweight division, Glendora’s Joet Gonzalez (7-0, 1 KO) faces off against San Diego’s David Clark (6-3, 4 KOs).

Gomez vs. Paredes is a 10-round junior middleweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Joint doors will open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:15 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AlfonsoSGomez, @JosephDiazJr. and @DiegoDeLaHoya, @FOXDeportes and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/watch/FOXSports1 and become a follower on @FOXSports.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks everyone, for joining us today for what will be the final conference call before “Honor and Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” takes place on Saturday, July 12th at MGM Grand. Live on SHOWTIME PPV®. What an exciting fight! Even out on the street people are talking about who’s going to win this one. So, it’s a pleasure and an honor to have both of the main event fighters taking time out of camp today to talk to us.

The odds show Alvarez being the betting favorite

Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Chepo Reynoso (Canelo’s trainer) and Ronnie Shields (Lara’s trainer), and we’re going to start the call with Lara and Ronnie Shields. But to make the official introductions I’d like to introduce Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kelly. Yes, we are counting down the days. Everybody’s really excited. Just to point out to you, the event is almost sold out, a complete sell out. We are also hearing from all the cable operators that this fight is tracking extremely well, so it’s obviously a great indication not only of Canelo’s star power and not only of the great stacked card that we have, but also because this is a great fight that a lot of people feel is a toss-up fight. Before I introduce the trainers and the fighters, let me introduce to you the Vice President of Communications at SHOWTIME®, Chris DeBlasio, to say a few words.

Chris DeBlasio
Thank you, Oscar. And thanks to the press for participating on this call. Some housekeeping from SHOWTIME: Stephen Espinoza, our Executive Vice President and Head of Programming couldn’t join us today and he extends his apologies. So briefly, our Emmy Award-winning documentary series ALL ACCESS has returned to chronicle Canelo and Lara’s preparations for this fight. Our first episode you may have seen premiered last Friday night. Our second episode in advance of the PPV event will be televised on Wednesday, July 9th on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT). We encourage you to tune in. That is the linchpin of the shoulder programming that is airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME®, available on our website, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, as well as on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

ALL ACCESS, as I previously mentioned, is the linchpin of that content, but in addition we have past fights from Canelo, Erislandy Lara, Abner Mares and Mauricio Herrera. We have several past fights available; these are some of the gems from each of these fighters’ careers, as well as a ton of other content available throughout the week leading up to the PPV event, including our “Canelo vs. Lara: COUNTDOWN LIVE”, which airs live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, July 12th. The countdown show will air at 7:30 p.m. Eastern/4:30 p.m. Pacific live from MGM Grand, and it will include a live championship fight leading up to the 9:00 p.m.ET/6:00 p.m.PT live SHOWTIME PPV event from MGM Grand.

So, we’re excited about the content and mostly excited about the live fights that will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as I’m sure the rest of you are looking forward to it.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Chris. And let me take this opportunity to say a few words. He is a trainer that we all know very well. He’s a great trainer, and he is in Lara’s camp getting him ready for the big showdown, and that is Ronnie Shields. Ronnie?

Ronnie Shields
Thank you, Oscar. I just wanted to say that everything’s going great here in camp. Erislandy Lara’s in great condition. Like always, he’s been doing everything that we’ve asked of him. Our whole team is really, really focused on making sure that you get the best possible fight out there. It’s going to be a really, really great fight. We’re looking forward to it. Lara’s condition is really great, and we really give all the credit to [indiscernible] Jackson [indiscernible] conditioning coach. He’s been doing a great job. And everybody else in camp has really been doing really good, and Lara’s in good spirits. He can’t wait until July 12th to get in the ring with Canelo Alvarez.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Ronnie. And now let me introduce to you the fighter who hails out of Guantanamo, Cuba. He suffered a controversial decision, lost to Paul Williams in 2011. He’s won the WBA Junior Middleweight World Championship, defeating Alfredo Angulo. He has a great win, a 12-round unanimous decision over Austin Trout. He is obviously here and ready and willing, with a record of 19-1-2, with 12 knockouts, let me introduce to you Erislandy Lara.

Erislandy Lara
Hi to everybody on the call; thank you guys for being present. There’s not much more to talk about. I’m ready to fight. I’m in great shape. And you’ll see against Canelo on July 12th.

Q
Hello, everybody. Thank you. When you came to America to pursue your professional dream to fight, was this everything that you thought it would be, to get into these kinds of fights? I know it took a little while to get here, but you’re here now, how do you feel looking back, the way things have gone over the past few years getting to this point?

E. Lara
One hundred percent. That’s what I wanted to do, that’s the reason I came to this country was to fight in these types of fights, and to fight at this level.

Q
And when you came here Canelo wasn’t a big name or anything at the time, but were you thinking not only world titles and those types of fights, but significant opponents and pay-per-view level fights? Did he even know what pay-per-view was? They don’t have that in Cuba.

E. Lara
Yes. One hundred percent, that’s exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to come to this country and fight the best. That’s what I wanted to do since my seventh professional fight. I was asking to fight for a world title. And championships come and go, but these are the types of fights that will leave history, so that’s what I plan on doing on July 12th.

Q
You and Canelo have a couple of common opponents, both have fought Austin Trout, both have fought Angulo, each one of them had, one was easy for one guy and one was tough for the other guy. I’m curious, do you put any stock into the fact with the way that those went down, or is this just a totally separate situation?

E. Lara
No. They have nothing to do with each other, basically all styles are different. And I’m focused on Canelo and I don’t think it makes a difference on who that he fought in the past. What makes a difference is how our styles mesh, and I plan on dominating Canelo Alvarez on July 12th.

Q
Thank you. You’ve been training Lara for a while now. I just wonder, from the point of view of the trainer, he’s had some really, really outstanding performances, he’s had a couple of fights that were maybe a little inconsistent. How do you go about trying to make sure that we see the dominant top notch Lara come next Saturday, as opposed to the guy that kind of gets through the fight and maybe doesn’t look great but does what he has to do, but maybe there’s a question when the fight’s over in some people’s minds about the result, to have him really primed for that night?

R. Shields
Well, the most important thing is style, and he’s one of these guys that, Canelo, I think is who’s in front of you that makes a big difference in any fight, some guys are hard to get out front, some guys are not. But obviously I think Canelo Alvarez is one of the guys that you know you have to be at your best, and I think that’s what you’re going to see on July 12th. I can’t say that I can worry about anything else other than doing the right things. And we’ve been working on [indiscernible] in camp and he’s showing it up real good in training, everything’s great, the sparring has been really great. So, we’re just looking forward to it and we’re going to follow our game plan on July 12th.

Q
Ronnie, do you think that Lara seems to be a better level of technique and skill than Canelo does, maybe a little bit better quickness, do you think that is going to basically be the difference in the fight, that he can take over because he’s going to basically be making Canelo missing him while he’s countering him?

R. Shields
Yes, without a doubt. Also, I think that Lara is just a better fighter, period, than Canelo. You can’t take anything away from Canelo, he’s a really good fighter, you can’t take anything away from that, but understand this, Erislandy Lara has a better amateur career and he’s having a better pro career. It’s just as simple as that. And Erislandy Lara is one of the best fighters and anybody and everybody who will invite him, so Lara doesn’t have a pick-and-choose career. If you take Canelo’s career, his career has been pick-and-choose.

Q
Ronnie, why is this a good style match up for Erislandy?

R. Shields
Well, it’s a good style match up because if you look at Canelo, he’s one of these guys that, he’s a good puncher with both hands and he’s an arrogant guy, in a great way, because he talks a lot, but he backs it up. And Lara is basically the same way. But when you look at the styles, if you look at Canelo, he’s a guy, he likes to throw combinations. And that’s perfect for Lara, because Lara’s a perfect counter puncher. So, as far as style match up goes, this is going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a great fight because I know both guys are in great condition, and that’s what the people want to see.

Q
Erislandy, why is this a good style match up for you? Why do you feel comfortable going into this fight? And obviously it’s a high stakes fight too.

E. Lara
It’s a good style match up because I know Canelo’s going to try to press forward and press for action, and that’s a style I like. I like guys that come and fight, and I pick them apart, like I’ve done to several guys coming up. These are the fights I like. I like guys who come to fight and I like to put them in the dirt, and that’s what I plan on doing.

Q
The controversy notwithstanding, Ronnie, when he fought Williams everybody at ringside thought he won the fight, and obviously he dominated Trout probably the same way. It occurs to me that both of them are southpaws and skillful fighters, did that have anything to do with why he performed so well against both of those guys, as opposed to Angulo and Molina, both were good fights but there were some people who thought Molina beat him, and obviously Angulo dropped him twice.

R. Shields
Well, I think when you go back, I remember in the Molina fight that we took the fight on very short notice and we really didn’t have a whole lot of time to prepare for Molina. Molina is a good fighter, we can’t take anything away from him, but I still go back and look at that fight, and there’s no way in the world Lara lost that fight. Lara won that fight. He won six rounds of that fight, so I know he won that fight.

But with the Angulo fight, Alfredo Angulo was a tough, tough fighter, and you can’t take that away from him. He was one of the best junior middleweights in the world who can punch with both hands, and Lara as a fighter, he got caught and he went down. But you know what a good fighter does, he gets up and he comes back, and he stopped Angulo.

That’s just the way it is, to have to deal with whether a guy is a southpaw or a right hander. Lara, he fights anybody and everybody. Lara asked for this, he asked for every fight that he’s been in basically because nobody wants to fight him. He only wants to fight the best fighters, and this is why you’ll see him fight on July 12th with Canelo Alvarez.

Q
But the two fights that I mentioned before, though, Trout and Williams, why was he so dominant in those fights, and what did he do well in those fights that you think is part of his signature?

R. Shields
Well, he counter punched and he boxed the way he’s supposed to box. And I think those guys with the come forward styles really complements Lara’s style. But at the same time Lara punches harder than people give him credit for, and on Saturday July 12th you’re going to see that.

Q
I’ve got one more question for Erislandy. One of your countrymen, Yuriorkis Gamboa, lost, and I wonder if you feel any patriotism to step up for the Cubans in the wake of his loss?

E. Lara
Gamboa is Gamboa, and in the Cuban system there’s teams, here, this is an individual sport, I’m focused on what I’ve got to do. It has nothing to do with my game plan or changes what I’ve got to do. My main focus is beating Canelo Alvarez, and that’s what I plan on doing July 12th. And obviously I always want to stand up and show why Cuban boxing’s the best, and that’s what I’m going to do on July 12th. And it has nothing to do with Gamboa, obviously we have completely different styles and we’re completely different fighters. Other than being Cuban, that’s the only thing they have in common.

Q
Mr. Lara a lot of popular fighters would go the easy road and avoid you. Do you feel you owe Canelo some debt of gratitude for actually agreeing to meet you in the ring?

E. Lara
Absolutely not. I don’t owe him anything other than left hands. I forced this fight. It wasn’t because he wanted to take this fight. We’ve been after this fight for two years and I’ve been putting pressure on social media or interviews and jumping on stage, that’s what pressured him to take this fight. I know he didn’t want this fight, and on July 12th you’re going to see the reason why he didn’t want this fight.

Q
Just a quick question. For the year, all in all, through whether it’s Top Rank, Golden Boy, SHOWIME, HBO, pay-per-view results haven’t been too, too impressive. Are you worried about the amount of buys this fight will receive? It’s a very good match up, probably the best all-around match of this year so far, but are you worried that there might be some fatigue as far as buyers go?

O. De La Hoya
No, not at all because, first of all, when you have Canelo involved in a pay-per-view fight, as the numbers show, his very first pay-per-view that he was headlining generated close to 400,000 homes. Having this fight with Erislandy Lara, having the stacked card, people know what they’re going to watch and people are going to tune in to watch a spectacular event, so, we’re not worried one bit whatsoever.

Q
Ronnie, there is no question that Canelo Alvarez was having trouble with Austin Trout up until he dropped him in the seventh. Was it a bad style match up until then, or was it the mere fact that Austin Trout is a big junior middleweight?

R. Shields
Austin Trout is just a good fighter, period, as simple as that. Austin Trout knows his way around that ring. This is why you’ve seen him beat several great fighters. This is why you’ve seen him beat everybody he’s fought up until he met Canelo. And that fight was very, very close, to me, even with the knockdown. But just to say Austin Trout is just a good boxer, no. Austin Trout is a great boxer.

Q
The question was basically, given the political situation in Cuba, have we missed a lot of great fighters that haven’t made it to the U.S.?

E. Lara
Absolutely. Obviously Cuba’s a very strict country, it’s a country that you’ve got to do a lot of things to get over here to be free, and there are a tremendous amount of fighters in Cuba that would be world champions or very good fighters over here that are never able to make it.

Q
My question’s for Erislandy. I’m just curious, Erislandy, if you’ve had a chance to view the fight that Saul Alvarez had with Alfredo Angulo. I wanted to know if you thought that he looked good in that fight, or if he was facing a lesser version of Angulo?

E. Lara
Yes, I was there in person and I didn’t see the same Angulo, the same fighter that I saw in my fight. I thought that it was a decent fight, nothing special, and I dont think that that benefits either guy either way.

Q
Do you feel any extra pressure being the fact that Canelo’s the big star or whether or not he believes he can get a fair decision?

E. Lara
I’ve got no pressure to knockout, the knockout comes along. My main focus is dominating Canelo Alvarez. We have three great officials with the Las Vegas Commission that we know they’re going to do their job, and I’ve got to do my job.

Q
All right, my last question’s for Ronnie Shields. Ronnie, when you’ve got Erislandy Lara and he was experienced, he could come as a fighter, I’m just curious through your time working with him what do you believe you’ve improved in him most?

R. Shields
Well, I think if you look at him everything has improved. I think there’s just an improvement in him on him being just a pure boxer. And he’s probably one of the best counter punchers out there. You’re not going to find anybody else better. That’s number one. And he had that already, but the most important thing is I think is the guys that they put in front of you, and he’s beaten everybody that they’ve put in front of him. What else could you expect from a guy like Erislandy Lara? The kid trains as hard as anybody I’ve ever seen, and this is every day. So, I think it is what it is and it all depends on who’s in front of you.

K. Swanson
Okay, thanks, everybody. Now we’re going to thank Ronnie and Erislandy for joining us. We are now making our way to Canelo Alvarez, who is joining us on the call at this time. So, you guys, thank you so much, and we will see you next week.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you, Canelo. Thank you very much, guys. Thank you to all the press. Let me introduce to you now, he is Canelo’s manager and trainer, to say a few words on how preparation is going and counting down the last few days of training camp Jose “Chepo” Reynoso.

Jose Reynoso
We’re very happy, very optimistic with the work that Saul’s been doing. He’s been working very hard, very happy. And we’re really happy with what has been done and looking forward to July 12th.

O. De La Hoya
Now, I would like to introduce to you, to all the media, one of the most compelling fighters on the planet today, a former World Champion and still just 23 years old, known for his exciting style and charismatic demeanor. He’s been a professional since 2005, and he won the WBC Junior Middleweight title in 2011, and successfully defended it five times. He’s back on track with a March 2014 technical knockout win over Alfredo Angulo, and now making a huge statement for July 12th, facing the very difficult Erislandy Lara. Let me introduce to you the Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Saul, “El Canelo” Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez
Good afternoon to everybody. I just want to let you know I’m very happy. I’m happy that the fight’s right around the corner, and I want to let you know that I’m ready. I’m ready for that great night.

Q
The question is for Saul, for Canelo Alvarez, you mentioned that you’ve chosen opponents, more dangerous opponents than both Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather. Do you think that’s going to put you even at a higher plateau, at a higher level in the future?

Canelo
No, the question was asked to me that I was in a position to pick opponents similar to Floyd and Manny, and my response was, look, I pick the most dangerous, the best fights because at the end of the day I fight for the fans and I want to give them the best fights out there. As far as getting further out in my career and reaching new heights, you know, by fighting the toughest fights, by fighting the best fighters out there, that’s how I fulfill myself, taking on the biggest challenges. And time will tell.

Q
Canelo, you know how the passion in the Mexican fans are for futbol, soccer, a victory on the 12th for you, will that give us a little bit of satisfaction that Mexico was eliminated and give us that sense of patriotism?

Canelo
Yes, of course. And when it comes to World Cup Soccer we’re all right there with the patriotism following our country, and I’m hoping that July 12th my victory will give all of my countrymen the same satisfaction as well and keep them happy.

Q
The question is for Oscar, Chris, and Canelo. What do you guys think of Mayweather taking over these dates so important to Mexico, like September, like May, dates that have in the past meant dates of Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya, and do you see in the future these dates once again becoming dates, like Canelo Alvarez or even Abner Mares, who’s on the card?

O. De La Hoya
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has given me strict orders, obviously he wants to follow in the footsteps of the great champions hailing from Mexico like Julio Cesar Chavez, fighters that have started the tradition of fighting Cinco de Mayo, started the tradition of fighting in September. Canelo now being a star of his own and a big draw and a person who the fans adore, me, as his promoter, it is my obligation to do what’s best for the fighter. So we’re obviously focusing 100 percent on Erislandy Lara and then we will be sitting down with Saul Canelo Alvarez and plan out his future.

Canelo
I want to retake those dates and bring them back. Those dates are Mexican dates, they’re Mexican independence dates, and yes, for next year I will be fighting, I want to be fighting on those dates.

Q
What now do you expect to see in what you learned from Mayweather, building off the momentum from Angulo, what do you expect to show us tactically against Lara that shows your improvement?

Canelo
Lara and his camp have their strategy and they’re working their game plan. But I’m comfortable with mine. I’m working very hard. I’m working for this fight. Every fight is different. You prepare for every opponent differently. And I’m very confident that come July 12th once we’re in the ring all the other stuff goes out the window and it’s just him and I up in the ring. And that’s what I’m preparing for, and that’s what’s going to take care of business on the 12th.

Q
Oscar, can you weigh in on that? I know you actually stated that you were concerned about him taking this fight and in fact didn’t want this fight necessarily for him. What about Canelo, has changed your mind? Do you expect to see a better Canelo than the one you saw against Floyd and Angulo?

O. De La Hoya
Yes, when people say I didn’t want this fight for him, obviously it wasn’t the first choice. As a promoter you don’t want the most difficult fight out there for him. But this is what Canelo’s all about, ultimately it’s his decision, and his decision is a very calculated decision. He’s confident in his abilities, and he wants to fight the very best. That’s the bottom line. And me as a promoter and me as an ex-fighter, I look at it in two ways. Here I was as a fighter fighting the very best, just like Canelo’s doing, and as a promoter this wasn’t my first choice. But you have to go with what the fighter says, with what the fighter feels. And this is what is most admirable of Canelo Alvarez is that he wants to please the fans. He wants to give the fight fans the most difficult fights out there.

Q
Have you talked to Canelo since he decided, and you’ve all decided, that this is the fight he’s going to take and kind of gotten a glimpse of what he thinks he can do in this fight? And if so, I guess not without revealing too many secrets, what do you think you’re going to see in terms of improvement?

O. De La Hoya
Well, obviously Canelo’s a fighter who continues to improve, who continues to grow. He is a fighter who has tremendous, tremendous abilities inside the ring. We feel that with Austin Trout Canelo saw things in Austin Trout, we saw things in Austin Trout, and the same here with Erislandy Lara, yes, he’s very difficult and it’s a difficult style, it’s a tough test in front of him, but like we saw something with Austin Trout you always see something with Erislandy Lara, you see things that obviously Canelo can do and take advantage of. But only the fighter can tell you. The fighter can tell you exactly what he saw and what makes him believe that he can beat him.

Q
Canelo, Erislandy says that the Angulo that you fought was a lesser Angulo than the one he fought. Tell us, was that an improved Canelo Alvarez, or a lesser Angulo, as Lara said?

Canelo
It doesn’t matter what they say. They can say whatever they want. I’m not going to lose sleep over that. I know what I did. I know I did a very good fight. But that fight’s behind us. That fight’s in the past. Now I’m preparing for the next fight and for the future.

Q
This is a great matchup, but the fight got made at 154 pounds, I hadn’t heard from Canelo, from his own words as to why he was not interested to fight for the title belt that Lara has.

O. De La Hoya
This fight is not about a title. This fight is about honor and glory..

Q
I’m wondering, given that it’s going to be a little bit over the Junior Middleweight limit, as was the fight against Angulo, is it just as the fights go along, is Canelo, is he thinking that with each passing fight that his future is really going to be as a middleweight? Is he having trouble making 154, and does he see big things as a middleweight in the future?

Canelo
No, I feel very comfortable at 154, and I’ll be here for the next few years, if not the rest of my career. I don’t know yet. It’s when my body tells me otherwise that it’s time to move then we’ll do it. But I’m very comfortable right now at 154.

Q
I don’t think that Canelo has a lot of experience against left-handed fighters at this point, so I’m wondering, when he thinks about it or when he’s been training for the fight, what are his views of what kind of issues that stance could cause him, if any, because Lara’s such a technical guy anyway.

Canelo
Definitely, he’s a very good, slick southpaw, a very tricky southpaw, a good one. But I’ve never had problems with southpaws, I’ve been able to adapt. And this won’t be the exception. Thank God, I’ve always been good with southpaws.

Q
Is this opponent anything like Trout in his mind, as he’s viewing the videos or scouted him on his own, or heard from his trainers, are there similarities between the two? And in the Trout fight did he learn anything about how to fight against that kind of fighter?

Canelo
No, definitely we’ve seen improvement. Obviously, I improve on every fight and I gain experience, I get better. and without an exception this isn’t going to be anything different. We feel very confident and very comfortable.

Q
Does Canelo view the fight between himself and Lara as, although no title belt’s at stake and one pound over the limit, but basically the winner of this fight is the best fighter in the world as a junior middleweight?

S. Alvarez
Yes, without a doubt he’s one of the best fighters out there in the world in this weight division, so the winner of this fight will, without a doubt, be the best fighter in the division.

Q
Oscar, I’d like you, if you could, to weigh in on that also. Do you think that the winner of this fight really has a stranglehold on being called the best Junior Middleweight in the world, even though Floyd could come back and even though the fight’s one pound over the weight limit?

O. De La Hoya
Absolutely. This is a junior middleweight fight, and you have the number one and number two guy in the world, so absolutely the winner will be considered the best 154 pound champion.

Q
What do you, as the promoter, view as the next step for the winner of this fight?

O. De La Hoya
We haven’t even discussed it. We haven’t even talked about it. The focus is 100 percent on Lara. After the fight, we will either make an announcement, or just sit down and discuss it with Canelo and his team, and come out with a plan. This fight is so difficult and dangerous that we cannot look past Erislandy Lara. So, no, we are not looking past him right now. Canelo is solely focused on Lara.

Q
Because you complained about his attitude throughout the promotion for this fight, do you feel his attitude to be genuine, or do you think he’s just trying to get inside your head? In other words, do you think he doesn’t like you, or is he just trying to psych you out before fight time?

Canelo
I’m not going to get into his games. If I didn’t want the fight, the fight wouldn’t be happening. The fight is here because I wanted the fight. And on July 12th we’re going to see who hits who.

Q
Throughout the promotion of this fight, Canelo, you’ve said in the press that this fight has become personal with the comments that Lara has made. And I have to ask you, is that just promotion, or do you generally have a dislike towards Erislandy Lara?

Canelo
No, this is real. This is very personal. You guys know me. That’s not my character to be promoting and be talking for promotional issues. This is personal. He [Lara] offended me. He offended my person. He offended Mexican boxing. So, yes, it’s very personal.

Q
How does it make you feel that you’re now in the talks and the names with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao as the top Pay-Per-View stars in boxing?

Canelo
No, I’m very happy. I’m very proud, because we have to show the world that us as Latinos, us as Mexicans, we can be at the top as well. So, yes, I’m very happy for that.

Q
I just want to get your official prediction for the fight. Do you see this fight going the distance?

Canelo
Yes, exactly the fight is near. And you know what, we’re ready, we’re prepared. I can’t really give you if the knockout comes, but I can guarantee you this, that we’re going to come out with a hand raised.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you. Thank you very much. That was the last question of this conference call. We will see you at Fight Week. The Grand arrivals will be Tuesday at the MGM, so we’re looking forward to that. We have all the festivities all during the week. So, I’m looking forward to that, to spend time with the press, to spend time with the fans and the fighters. We will see you next week. Thank you very much.

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden
Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main
event, Abner Mares returns to the ring to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round
featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary
audio programming (SAP). For information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (July 4, 2014) – On independence day in the USA, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, is grateful to be an American as he celebrates “Fourth of July” in Las Vegas in anticipation of his showdown with Canelo Alvarez. The opportunities that Lara has experienced since arriving in the United States of America have been unbelievable. Having come from a communist country, Erislandy knows firsthand how important freedom is.

“When you’ve lived in a communist country, you really don’t understand how important your freedom is until you lived it,” said Erislandy Lara. “In America if you work hard the opportunities to prosper are endless, that’s why I’m so grateful to be living in the States. To the people who have sacrificed to make this country great, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. America is the best country on earth and I’m proud being an American…I’m living the American Dream!”

By Norm Frauenheim-

Erislandy Lara, a Cuban defector, calls himself The American Dream. Nothing new about the nickname.

David Reid, a junior-middleweight from Philadelphia, got the same name after winning an improbable gold with a 1996 Olympic knockout of a heavily-favored Cuban at the Atlanta Games. His dream ended quickly and sadly. Reid, who won a WBA title in only his tenth fight, was finished as a pro after 19 bouts (17-2, 7 KOs) in 2001, because of a detached retina and drooping eyelid that led to fears his vision was in jeopardy.

Henry Cejudo, a wrestler from Phoenix and a U.S.-born son of illegal immigrants, was The American Dream in 2008 when he won gold on Beijing’s Olympic mats in a moment as compelling as Michael Phelps’ record-setting eighth gold in the pool.

Different dreams.

Different stories.

It’s hard to know where the Lara edition of The Dream is headed, mostly because his July 12 showdown against Canelo Alvarez at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand in a Showtime pay-per-view bout is tough to pick. Styles make fights and Lara appears to have an edge in that proven category. He possesses the quick footwork and counter-punching precision that Floyd Mayweather Jr. employed in a dominant decision that left Canelo looking bewildered and overmatched last September. However, bouts of inconsistency on Lara’s resume are impossible to ignore. He drew with Carlos Molina in a bout many thought he lost during a 2011 that included a controversial loss by majority decision to Paul Williams. Yet, Lara was more impressive in beating Austin Trout than was Canelo, who escaped from that one with a decision in April, 2013.

More recent and perhaps more problematic was Lara’s 10th-round TKO over Alfredo Angulo in June, 2013. Angulo knocked down Lara twice, first in the fourth round and again in the ninth. In March, Canelo was never in any serious trouble in stopping Angulo, also in the 10th.

Lara survived Angulo’s one-dimensional power. But Canelo is at his best with combinations, which means a follow-up that Angulo couldn’t really deliver. Lara got up twice from one-punch power. But two-fisted power? It’s one question among many in an intriguing match between fighters closer to the prime than the twilight. Golden Boy Promotions is calling it Honor & Glory. Don’t be surprise if there’s Controversy, too. There’s a 155-pound catch-weight, which means Lara’s 154-pound title, the WBA’s interim version, won’t be at stake. The catch-weight clause appears to be an invitation to miss weight altogether. Canelo has played the scale game before. In 2011, he failed to make a 150-pound catch weight for Matthew Hatton, weighing in at 151.8. Against Angulo, the weight was re-negotiated when Canelo realized he couldn’t make the junior-middle limit. It was re-set at 155.

“Canelo can’t make the weight, so he refused to fight for the title,” Lara said through manager and translator Luis DeCubas, Jr., Wednesday during a conference call. “It’s very disrespectful and my motivation to beat him has increased because of it.”

It appears Lara has managed to annoy Canelo at news conferences and through social media. He interrupted Canelo’s post-fight celebration of his victory over Angulo. At the news conference, he taunted Canelo, demanding that fight him. He has called Canelo “a baby.” Much of it sounds orchestrated. Lara is not the free-wheeling trash-talker that fellow Guantanamo native and Cuban defector Joel Casamayor was. Casamayor used every obscenity and probably introduced a few new ones to the book of expletives. Lara appears to be more distant and calculating. Nonetheless, he’s not afraid of controversy. He kept the pot stirring Wednesday with the conference call’s best comeback. He was asked if he owes Canelo a thank-you for the opportunity in a bout that could be career-maker.

“I don’t owe him nothing other than left hands,” he said through DeCubas. “I forced this fight. It wasn’t because Canelo wanted to take this fight. I’ve been after this fight for two years.”

There’s arrogance in that comment.

Fearlessness, too.

Lara already has encountered plenty to fear. His journey from Cuba isn’t unique. Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig traveled it in his own way. Lara in another. No matter what the path, peril is there. For Lara, it started in Brazil. He and Cuban teammate Guillermo Rigondeaux tried to defect before the 2007 Pan-American Games. They were caught by Brazilian authorities, who sent them back to Cuba. An angry Fidel Castro banned both from boxing. In 2008, Lara escaped Cuba and fled to Mexico on a boat. Then, he headed to Germany. He made his pro debut in Ankara, Turkey, fought once in Germany and then headed for America. But his Dream sometimes looked unattainable. In 2009, he was not granted a license to fight in Tucson. The Arizona State Boxing Commission said he was not able to get a work visa, then mandated in a state which was about to be embroiled in the 2010 immigration controversy over the SB 1070 legislation.

But he endured. Lara fought through the setbacks, came back from each in a way that could have prepared him for
Canelo. There’s no Dream without comebacks. Against Canelo, Lara might have to pull off another one.

NEW YORK (July 3, 2014) – As part of a robust block of programming in advance of the SHOWTIME PPV presentation of “Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, SHOWTIME will televise undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda defending his title against No. 1-ranked contender Pungluang Sor Singyu during “Canelo vs. Lara: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live PPV event).

Nearly a week’s worth of live and taped programming will be available on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME®, and on the premium network’s website at SHO.com/Sports.

The blitz of programming will feature classic fights, the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Lara Episode 2 on Wednesday, July 9 on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT), the event’s final press conference on Thursday, July 10 (live at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT) and the Official Weigh-In on Friday, July 11 (live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT). Both the press conference and weigh-in will be streamed live via SHO.com/Sports with the weigh-in also being televised live on CBS Sports Network.

Fight Day coverage begins with a SHOWTIME EXTREME roadblock–five continuous hours of programming beginning at 10 a.m. ET/PT.

Kameda (29-0, 18 KOs), of Tokyo, Japan, will make his second title defense against Sor Singyu (46-2, 31 KOs), of Bangkok, Thailand. Sor Singyu formerly held the same championship belt until losing it to Paulus Ambunda in March 2013. Ambunda lost his belt to Kameda last August in a unanimous decision in the Philippines.

Kameda, who turns 23 on the night of the fight, will face his most experienced opposition yet in Sor Singyu, 26, who has produced three wins in a row since losing the WBO title. Both fighters will be making their U.S. debuts.

Kameda and his two brothers, Koki, 27, and Daiki, 25, are among the most famous boxers in the history of Japanese boxing as all three recently held world titles at the same time. While Tomoki held the WBO Bantamweight Championship, Koki was the WBA Bantamweight Champion until he voluntarily relinquished the title in December in order to move down to flyweight, and Daiki was the IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion until he lost by decision last December.

Below is the list of encore presentations of Classic Fights that will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning Monday, July 7. Note: these programs are currently available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME® Monday, July 7
Ø Canelo’s action-packed and controversial showdown with Alfredo Angulo (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s brutal slugfest with Mexican brawler Alfredo Angulo (11:15 p.m. ET/PT)
Tuesday, July 8
Ø Canelo’s memorable win over Austin Trout in front of nearly 40,000 fans at San Antonio’s Alamodome (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s impressive performance against former world champion Austin Trout (11:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Wednesday, July 9
Ø Canelo’s SHOWTIME debut against upset-minded Josesito Lopez (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Lara’s SHOWTIME debut against Ronald Hearns, where he showed why he is one of the most talented and dangerous fighters in the world (11:00 p.m. ET/PT on ShoBox
Ø Abner Mares’ controversial showdown versus Daniel Ponce de Leon (11:10 p.m. ET/PT)
Thursday, July 10
Ø Action-packed showdown between Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Showdown of undefeated contenders Francisco Vargas and Brandon Bennett (10:45 p.m. ET/PT)
Ø Mauricio Herrera’s thrilling slugfest with unified super lightweight champion Danny Garcia (11:30 p.m. ET/PT)

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July
12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo
Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring
to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV
opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio
Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for
the WBO International Super Featherweight Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by
SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary
audio programming (SAP). For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown onthe big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com

LONDON (3 July) – BoxNation’s stacked summer schedule is set to get even hotter this July with heavyweight hitters Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora’s world title eliminator headlining a sizzling set of fights, live and exclusive on ‘The Channel of Champions’.

The mammoth showdown between two of the world’s best heavyweights, taking place at the Phones4U Arena in Manchester on July 26th, will see the victor go on to challenge the reigning WBA Super, IBF and WBO world champion Wladimir Klitschko next up.

First, however, they must cross paths once again, with Chisora looking to avenge his 2011 points loss to Fury, as both men put their careers on the line in their bid for world title glory.

BoxNation will be bringing viewers unprecedented access ahead of their mouth-watering meeting, with the channel set to air – ‘Before the Bell: Chisora v Fury’ – a fly on the wall documentary series, starting this coming Monday at 7.30pm, delving into the lives of both fighters as they gear up for the biggest bout of their careers.

Episode two airs on Monday 14th July at 7.30pm, with the final show on Monday 21st July at 7.30pm.

The world’s best boxing channel will get their enthralling July schedule off to a bang this weekend, though, with further heavyweight action when Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Chageav challenges hard-hitter Fres Oquendo for the vacant WBA title.

The following week on July 12th, one of boxing’s very best, Canelo Alvarez, is back in action when he takes on the slick and slippery Cuban Erislandy Lara in a matchup that continues to divide opinion amongst fight aficionados.

Mexican superstar, Alvarez, will be looking to continue his route back to the very top, following his loss to Floyd Mayweather last September.

He has already shown that he is ready to challenge the best around again after his convincing victory over Alfredo Angulo earlier this year, but, Lara is a different prospect altogether, having racked up 19 wins in 22 fights and with world title ambitions of his own.

The card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will also witness the revitalised Juan Manuel Lopez up against Francisco Vargas following his stunning win over Daniel Ponce De Leon in March, with the man who ran Danny Garcia extremely close – Mauricio Herrera – returning against Johan Perez.

There is domestic action on July 16th when talented super-middleweight prospect Frank Buglioni looks to bounce back in style following his shock defeat to Sergey Khomitsky.

The power puncher, known as ‘The Wise Guy’, goes up against Sam Couzens at the York Hall, with 21-year-old super-featherweight ace Mitchell Smith battling Peter Cope, and highly-touted welterweight Bradley Skeete taking on Steven Pearce.

BoxNation then returns back to Macao, China when the supremely gifted Guillermo Rigondeaux puts his WBA Super and WBO super-bantamweight world titles on the line against the experienced Sod Kokietgym on July 19th.

The end of BoxNation’s packed July schedule, with back-to-back fights each weekend, featuring the very best boxing action from around the world, culminates in the mega-clash between Fury and Chisora as they ‘fight for the right’.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) an unmissable July for only £12 a month, please visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

SAN DIEGO (July 2, 2014) – Five days before he heads to Las Vegas, popular Mexican superstar and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion
Canelo Alvarez participated in a media workout Tuesday before dozens of TV cameras, print and internet reporters, bloggers and boxing videographers at the
House of Boxing Training Center.

“I’ve had a great training camp here in San Diego and I’m ready to go,” said Canelo (43-1-1, 31 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, who faces former Cuban national amateur standout and current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs)in the 12-round main event of “HONOR & GLORY: Canelo vs. Lara,” a highly anticipated four-fight SHOWTIME PPV telecast
Saturday, July 12, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“Every camp is different because we’re always training for a different opponent. And, as always, I’ve worked very hard in this one. But Lara has said so many things behind my back and on social media for such a long time now that, yes, this fight is and has become personal.

“He’s a good fighter but he talks a lot. He’s offended me. I’m going to have an answer for everything he has said. I’m going to shut him up once and for all.”

Tuesday, Canelo spent more than two hours at the House of Boxing. He worked up a heavy sweat during a spirited, 75-minute-plus workout that consisted of jumping rope, shadow-boxing, smacking the heavy bag, hitting the double-ended bag and working the speed bag. Before and after, he did interviews, signed autographs, posed for photos and mingled with his many fans.

Canelo Continued…

(On whether winning is enough)

“I always want to win in spectacular fashion. That is my goal every time I step into the ring. I want to win spectacularly on July 12. But the most important thing is for me to win. I can’t promise a knockout but if it comes, it comes.”

(On why he’s not fighting for southpaw Lara’s 154-pound title)

“Titles are always nice, but for me this fight is bigger than a title fight. This fight is for my honor and glory to bring to the Mexican people. It is a fight for honor and it is a fight that people wanted to see. My fans are the best and I want to thank them for all of their support.”

(On pressure)

“There is no extra pressure on me for this fight. I’m as confident and relaxed as I always am. I’m prepared for whatever Lara has to offer. At this level you have to be able to adapt and make the necessary adjustments. I know I’m coming to fight and I know he’s coming to fight. After that, whatever happens, happens.”

(On Mexico’s performance in the World Cup)

“Even though they didn’t win, I thought they did a good job.”

(On future opponents, weight classes, etc.)

“My focus is solely on this fight. I can start thinking about future opponents after July 12. But I have no intentions of moving up to middleweight. I feel really comfortable fighting at 154 pounds and probably will stay in this weight class my whole career.”

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Below is what Chepo and Eddie Reynoso, Canelo’s trainer and co-trainer, respectively, and Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, said Tuesday:

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer
“Canelo has a much different mindset going into this fight, his attitude is much better. His pride was hurt because of all of the smack Lara has been talking. He is totally focused on July 12, and wants to punish Lara thoroughly. Canelo looks at Lara as an obnoxious little child that needs to be put into his place.

“We train every day of the week except Sunday. He spars Monday, Wednesday and Friday. San Diego has been much more peaceful and tranquil compared to past training camp locations (Santa Monica, Big Bear). His gym is in the same place where he lives so everything is very convenient. The only time he leaves his house is in the morning when he goes on his run. Besides that he is very focused and able to train in the comforts of his own home.”

EDDIE REYNOSO, Canelo’s Co-Trainer
“After the last fight we only took 15 days off and then we went right back into training. We have had a great training camp that I believe will work in our favor.

“The biggest difference from this training camp compared to others is that the fighter we are opposing has completely different styles. One is a righty and one is a lefty, so we must train for our opponent specifically. One is more courageous and goes to the front and the other retracts and pushes back.

“Going into the Lara fight we have seen that Lara defends a lot and gives up his offensive moves. He is always on the defensive and we must attach him. Canelo has his combinations and strength that will work in his favor. Canelo just needs to win a decision; he doesn’t necessarily need a knockout to show the world what he is capable of. This is Canelo’s most important fight and all he is focusing on.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA
“It’s going to be a great fight, I don’t want to predict anything. Lara has been doing a lot of trash talking that has been fueling Canelo. I see him at an entirely different level and it’s exactly where he should be. He’s at a level of determination where he really wants to get this guy. It’s personal.

“Canelo is a young fighter who is improving at a rapid pace as every fight goes on. The fact that Lara has made this fight personal, it gives you extra motivation that you need to train harder, run faster and do everything almost perfect so that you can go into the ring and destroy your opponent.

“The fact this fight is personal, it is the first time that I have seen Canelo with that extra determination. He has looked perfect in training camp. He wants to destroy Lara. This is exactly where he needs to be. I can see it in his eyes, his focus says it all.

“The presence of social media has taken this fight to an entirely new level. When you have a fighter like Canelo who a lot of people follow, then social media is a key component to make sure that this PPV fight will be a guaranteed success. There is much anticipation leading up to the fight, I expect the MGM Grand Garden Arena to be completely sold out.

“Every fighter in the ring has a chance. With fighting, one punch can change the entire dynamic of a fight. I’m expecting a great fight from top to bottom, but obviously I’m with Canelo 100 percent.”

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo

Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

Lisa Milner
Thank you, everybody for calling in today. We are talking about Abner Mares vs Jonathan Oquendo, which is the co-main event in the “Honor & Glory: Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara” SHOWTIME PPV ®event. On the call we have both fighters and we have Stephen Espinoza of SHOWTIME Sports and President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya.

Before I turn it over to Oscar I just wanted to let everyone know that next Tuesday will be Canelo Alvarez’s media day in San Diego and next Wednesday will be the Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara media conference call, so please keep an eye on your inboxes for that information.

Now, I will turn the call over to Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar, please go ahead.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much. It is a great pleasure to be on this call with all the media and, especially, with both fighters. We are really excited and thrilled to be showcasing such a great matchup with Abner Mares and Jonathan Oquendo, who we all know very well.

This is a fight that will be a 10-round fight in the Featherweight division supporting the main event, Canelo vs Erislandy Lara, which will be a 12-round Junior Middleweight bout. It is taking place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas July 12th.

At this moment let me take this opportunity to introduce to you and say a few words from Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thank you, Oscar. We’re very excited and very happy to have Abner Mares back on SHOWTIME. As all of you know, Abner has a long history on our network and, as you all know, during that history he has not hesitated to take on any challenge that he’s been given. Mares fights the toughest fights without exception and he is always entertaining along the way.

So, we are, again, happy to have him in the SHOWTIME family and happy to have him in this good, action-oriented fight. Jonathan Oquendo, he has good power and is an aggressive boxer. We made this matchup because it fits with the style of the card, two action guys, a great rivalry, Mexico vs Puerto Rico, and we’re looking for fireworks, just as we are throughout the entire card on July 12.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you. Let me also take this opportunity to thank AT&T, who have been doing a great job as a partner of Golden Promotions, along with Corona, thank you very much for your continued support and we are really thrilled to be presenting to the fans across the globe this tremendous, tremendous line-up.

Let me introduce to you the first participant on this call. He hails from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He has won 10 of his last 12 bouts, seven by knockout. He holds wins over Jose Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona and Alejandro Montiel. He’s coming off a great 12-round unanimous decision over top prospect Guillermo Avila. So, obviously, he’s here and he wants to make a statement, especially on this big blockbuster Pay-Per-View card July 12th, at 24-3 (16 KOs) from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Jonathan Oquendo.

Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I want to thank PR Boxing, the promoters, for helping me get on this card. I’m very happy and I’m anxious for the date to arrive.

O. De La Hoya
Let me introduce to you a fighter that we have been cultivating right from the start. We are thrilled and excited to once again be showcasing Abner Mares on such a tremendous card. I remember him right from the Olympic Games and right from the start knowing that this young fighter is going to be something special in the sport of boxing.

He hails from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, and now fighting out of Downey, California. He’s a member of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team. He had a tremendous stoppage win versus Daniel Ponce de Leon to win the WBC Featherweight crown. He is the previous owner of the Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight Championships and, obviously, he’s anxious to return.

He has been off for a year and is coming into this difficult fight against Oquendo, who is a very solid, tough fighter from Puerto Rico. So, without any further ado, Abner Mares.

Abner Mares
Thank you, Oscar. You forgot Featherweight Champion, actually, which I’ve been. Thank you so much, Oscar, Showtime, Jonathan Oquendo for taking this fight. I’m excited. It’s going to be close to a year since I have been in the ring, since I have fought and I can’t wait. I’m excited to make the card. I didn’t choose an easy fight. I chose a hard, hungry fighter such as Jonathan Oquendo and I can’t wait. I can’t wait for July 12th, another great card for Showtime and I’m really excited.

Q
What did you learn from your last fight, the loss with Jhonny Gonzalez? What have you been doing the whole year, how have you been preparing? How have you been working so that the inactivity doesn’t affect you in this upcoming fight?

A. Mares
You learn a lot from a loss. In fact, you learn more from a loss sometimes than from wins. The inactivity, the year out, it made me see a lot of things, rethink a lot of things and, obviously, rejuvenated me. I’ve been coming off a long string of title defenses, fight after fight, tough fights. In a period of eight, nine months I did a lot of tough fights. We’ve got a new team working with Virgil Hunter out here in the Bay area and if it affects me, the layoff, it’ll be for the first few rounds, but once I get in my rhythm, nothing is going to stop me.

Q
Jonathan, what have you seen? It’s a very good fight, a big fight, tough fight and the fights between Puerto Rico and Mexico are always great fights. What can you tell us?

J. Oquendo
I’m very appreciative of the opportunity. I’ve always admired Abner. He’s a great fighter, great champion. The fights between Mexico and Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico and Mexico, they’re always classic wars. He’s coming to fight. I’m coming to fight and the fans are going to win that night because they’re going to see a tremendous fight.

Q
Obviously, it’s a great card, a lot of Mexican fighters distributed throughout the card. What are the expectations, seeming that it’s a great date, the ending of the World Cup, and what are the expectations as far as Pay-Per-View goes?

S. Espinoza
We have high expectations for this fight. It’s a solid card top to bottom, with high quality fights. There is competition from the World Cup that weekend. Without a doubt a lot of the Spanish language media, in particular, are paying a lot of attention to World Cup, as are the English language media.

So, there will be competition, but there’s competition every weekend. We are very confident that this is going to be a very solid Pay-Per-View performer for us.

Q
How come the Gonzalez fight was never put back together after that postponement?

A. Mares
Well, I did suffer a brief injury in Mexico City. I was training for that fight for February, a rematch against Jhonny Gonzalez and then after that we just didn’t agree with dates pretty much. That was the whole case of the fight not happening.

He wanted to take some time off. I was not going to give any advantages, so I decided not to take the fight any time soon and he didn’t want to wait. So, with that said, I needed more time for myself to recover. I’m just focused on this fight, but later on in the future it’s possible again.

Q
So, I understand you have to be focused on your preparation for the fight coming up in a couple of weeks, but is, in the back of your mind still the idea that you would like to gain revenge against Jhonny?

A. Mares
Yes, no doubt. This is a guy who took my undefeated record. He did take a lot from me that night. I’m not saying physically, because it happened so fast, less than a round. So, thank God, physically, I wasn’t damaged that much, but naturally he did as far as taking my undefeated record, so believe me, I do want my rematch, I want my revenge. But that will come within time.

Q
How do you approach those early rounds where fighters coming back from knockouts, especially such a quick one, can be, at least mentally, a little bit in a familiar place?

A. Mares
Well, you know what, it’s funny, I didn’t even say this, but I was blessed that the fight was stopped shortly. I was going to get up that second time, but the ref did make the great call and did not let me continue or else I think I would have done even more damage or even, who knows, I would have probably fought back, a lot of punches. But at the end of the day I did take this fight because I know I’m ready mentally.

I’ve gone through that stage early and that’s why I took this whole time, almost close to a year off and I’m back. I always had that in my mind, when I first signed a contract to be a professional fighter that there was going to be a loss. No matter what, this is a contact sport, it’s a risky sport, anything can happen. I’m ready for anything.

Q
Abner, are there any distractions whatsoever because as I understand it you’re in the process of parting with your manager, Frank Espinoza. I believe you’ve sought arbitration in California. Can you tell me what’s going on with that and if there are any distractions at all?

A. Mares
No distractions whatsoever. Actually, I’m in the Bay area. I’m away from home. I’m in an actual camp out here and I think if anything else, I’ll just fight against Jonathan Oquendo, a great fighter. As far as Espinoza situation, my lawyer is taking care of it. I have nothing to do with it as in now.

Q
Jonathan, why is it going to be different this time than what happened in the previous fights when you fought better opposition?

J. Oquendo
Basically, the couple of times I wasn’t in the best preparation that I could have had. I’ve learned from that. Like they say, third time is a charm. And you know what, we’re taking it very serious. I know Abner Mares. I know his capabilities. I know how risky this fight is. We were both, at one time, with Golden Boy years ago and I always thought that was a possibility to make this fight, you know, Puerto Rico vs Mexico, down the road we would make it.

I had a couple of losses and they taught me and now we have a good team. We’re preparing really well and, you know what, I’m excited. It didn’t run in my mind after a while that I was going to be fighting him after a few years, but the fight is here. I’m very anxious, I’m very excited and I look forward to it.

Q
What is involved in the mental adjustment in not fighting for you, when you’re used to fighting that often against quality fights?

A. Mares
Like you said, I am through fighting that many opponents and every time I finish a fight I like to go back and look at what I did wrong and what we could prevent. As you mentioned, you saw progress in Abner in every other fight. It was a different Abner and the next fight, it’s going to be a totally different Abner because of how camp, I told you guys, I just recently switched coaches.

So, you will see a different Abner and this whole time being off just helped me, helped me to get hungrier, helped me to get healthier and helped me mentally to be close with my family. So, believe me, I’m taking this fight like if this was my debut fight.

Q
How do you characterize the change in training? Is Virgil Hunter tweaking things? Is he adding anything? Is there anything that you didn’t do that he’s improving?

A. Mares
All of the above. You mentioned tweaking things, he’s improving things, he’s making me see things I didn’t know and we’re working with each other. We’re working with what I have and he’s working with what he’s going to give me. So, I’ve seen a lot of progress already with him, the sparring sessions already, so believe me, when fight night comes all that will be shown.

Q
Do you think it’s going to be a situation like with Amir Khan where the first couple of fights people were very critical when he fought, I think, Molina and then he fought Diaz? Or do you think you’ll step right in and be real smooth right off the bat?

A. Mares
I would like to think that, yeah, it will be just as Khan did this last fight against Collazo, that will be the result the next fight. I show that I’ve shown a lot of progress already and I think that’s the Abner Mares you guys will see that night.

Q
Abner, you were always a very well-rounded fighter offensively and defensively. Has Virgil helped you more on the defensive end or on the offensive end?

A. Mares
Defensive, no question,that is one of the top reasons why we are here and we needed that. That was shown even in the fight before the Ponce fight, I think I boxed somewhat good, but still was getting caught with some punches that I was missing punches. So, there’s still room for progress, there’s still room for learning, I’m at that stage. I’m 28 years old. I feel young, I really feel young for the 26 fights that I have in my career, I feel like I’ve done so much yet I can do some more. I’m progressing and I’m happy to have made the decisions that I’ve made so far, which is come more eager and keep on learning.

Q
Abner, also what do you know about Oquendo? What sort of things does he present that you really have to worry about? I know he’s been in the ring with a lot of good fighters, what’s your scouting report on him at the moment?

A. Mares
Everything, because if you look at it, he’s a hungry fighter. He’s coming off a fight early this year, so he’s got that advantage. Again, I mentioned the hungry fighter, he wants to win. He’s a tough fighter. I know him because we’ve both been signed with Golden Boy Promotions for a period of time and we’ve fought in a couple of same cards, so as well as he knows about me, I know about him.

I’ll tell you, he’s a tough cookie, he’s a tough guy and I did not choose an easy fight for my comeback and that’s exactly what I need, I need someone that’s going to pressure me and someone that’s going to take me to deep water so I could revive to get that Abner Mares, you know, that anger back in me.

Q
Abner, There were talks in the past that you were going to fight Jason Velez. In fact, the WBC even announced it as a possible eliminator and how did that affect you, how did you adjust for the change that now you’re fighting Jonathan Oquendo?

A. Mares
They never really formally mentioned or offered it and I was never preparing for Jason Velez. This was the fight that I’ve been training for and preparing for and I see Jonathan, another Puerto Rican, obviously, like Velez, but even more dangerous. A stronger, more aggressive, he’s coming, he knows what a win means. Obviously, it’s even a riskier fight, so that’s what we’re preparing for.

Q
Alfredo Angulo had mentioned to us how on a personal level Virgil Hunter had helped him. Is that your case as well? Are you having a lot of help with him personally?

A. Mares
I came here for Virgil to seek a trainer for the training purposes. On the personal level, that’s my family. I see professional psychologist and that helped me tremendously. But for here, it’s the training.

Q
How long was your time working with the psychologist and what was the most important, what did he help you with the most?

A. Mares
I want to make a quick correction. Not a psychologist, it was more of a coach, sporting coach that helped bring back the Abner that maybe had been lost, re-live that Abner that had got me there. After the loss, obviously, I was a little sad, but thanks to God and thanks to my family and I was with the coach for three months and he helped me bring that out and I want to continue fighting for many years.

It’s the risk we’re in and this is the type of game. You risk losing and you’ve just got to learn to get up and I may lose again and guess what, I’ll know how to get up.

Q
You had the opportunity to go up a division to look for that fourth title, the fourth division. You stayed at 126. What’s the intent, what’s the goal? To fight for a world title? Most of the champions are with Top Rank.

A. Mares
Obviously, you’ve heard the news, my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions is looking to work with top rank in fights in the future and, look, they have great fighters, great champions, so I feel very comfortable at 126 right now. That’s what I have in front of me right now and I have an opponent that I’m concentrating on him. But at the time, at the time maybe I was thinking with my heart and not with the mind.

I want to go in for the fourth division, but sometimes when you think with the heart only, it can run into mistakes and it could cost you. It could have cost me a loss right there. So, right now, I’m making the weight very comfortable. I’m very happy at 126 and we’re going to continue here.

Q
Jonathan, what do you expect from Abner Mares? Do you expect the Abner Mares, because of the coming off a knockout loss gives you an opportunity or do you expect the Abner Mares from before the loss and that it’s just going back up to world champion level and this could put, a win, obviously, could put you at that level?

J. Oquendo
Abner mentioned it earlier, you fall, you lose, you’ve got to learn to get up. To be a great champion, great fighters, you have to learn to fall and get up. I’ve learned from my past, from my mistakes. He took some time off, he rested. He knows what he needed to do. I’m positive, I know he’s coming to fight. I know he’s coming. I know what kind of fighter he is.

When I’ve lost in the past, a couple of weeks later, I’m back in the gym. That’s my way of dealing with it. That’s my therapy, right back in the gym. I’m very prepared. I know what this fight means. And I’m just looking forward to the date. I’m ready.

Q
Abner, with the loss, the obvious question is how important is it to be victorious on your upcoming fight?

A. Mares
Obviously, significant, significant to my career, obviously, getting back on that list of winning. It would mean a lot to me, my fans, my family and we’re preparing, we know we have a tough opponent, a difficult fight, a strong fight, but that’s what we’re preparing for.

Q
You’ve, obviously, made the change in trainer, probably working on a variety of things. What is the difference? What are we going to see different on fight night?

A. Mares
You’re going to see a more intelligent, a little bit more boxing maybe I think that I had that Virgil is bringing back out, that is polishing and showing me. I’ve always liked to go toe-to-toe, I’ve always liked to go forward and aggressive. I’ll still have that, but you’re going to see a little bit more of the boxing in it as well. I know we have a tough, strong opponent, so we’re going to bring it out.

Q
Jonathan, what does it mean to beat an opponent at the level of Abner Mares. I’m assuming that it would mean a lot to you to come out with a victory.

J. Oquendo
This is significant, a win over Abner. We all know he’s a tremendous three-division world champion. This means more than a title to me. This means more. This would put me, we’ve all known that he’s been considered one of the best fighters in the world, so to me this is more than a belt. It’s the status what it would put me in history and what it means for me and my family. It’s everything.

L. Milner
That was actually our last question. So, I want to thank all the participants on today’s call as well as all of the media that dialed in. We will be sending out a fight week schedule next week as well, so keep an eye on your inboxes and thank you so much, everybody, for being here today.
###

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50 price ranges, not including
applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight
(8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call
Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase
at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

LAS VEGAS (June 30, 2014) — With less than two weeks to go until his SHOWTIME PPV® showdown with Canelo Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KOs), WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) is looking sensational in sparring and running on all cylinders.

“My sparring partners are pushing me with numerous styles and I’m adapting to all of them comfortably,” Lara said. “I told them to come extra hard to prepare me for the pressure Canelo is going to bring. I feel great and my timing is right on.

“I know Canelo is training hard for this fight, as am I, but unfortunately for him, there is nothing he can do to surprise me. He’s going to find out on July 12 that I’m the superior fighter. His insecurities as a fighter will surface on fight night — that I can guarantee.”

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. Tickets are available by phone and online via Ticketmaster.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (June 26, 2014) – Before he steps into the ring to face Mexican-superstar Canelo Alvarez, WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara worked out for the media and talked about his upcoming PPV main event on “Honor & Glory”.

Lara on if he was surprised that Canelo took the fight…
“Originally I thought he would never take the fight because I confronted him in person and he said, ‘No this is not how you make fights.’ Then after the fans saw that he was ducking me on Twitter, he had no choice but to be a man and take the challenge.”

Lara on what he has to do differently in this fight…
“Nothing has to change. I just need to do the same things I always do and train. If I focus on training to win, there’s no one in the world that can beat me.”

Lara on what a win against Canelo means to him…
“It means everything to me. For me to demonstrate to the world that I’m not just better than him, but that I’m 150 percent better than him, means everything to me. Like I said before, I’m going to take him to Cuban school.”

Lara on Canelo saying he was scared and trembling when he approached him after the Mayweather fight…
“He’s talking nonsense. He knows I’m not scared of anyone so he’s trying to pump himself up to make him believe that I’m scared of him. The fact is he’s a very insecure fighter who knows he’s going to lose. For him to say these things is a bad sign for him. He’s lost and confused.”

Lara on why Canelo refused to fight for the belt and if he felt disrespected…
“Canelo can’t make the weight so he refused to fight for the title. It’s very disrespectful and my motivation to beat him has increased because of it.”

Lara on fighting Floyd Mayweather in one of his last three fights…
“Right now my focus is on Canelo and once I beat him then I’ll be looking at other options. For sure 100 percent I want Floyd Mayweather after this fight. He’s considered the best fighter in the world and I want to be the first one to dethrone him.”

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody for joining us today on the call. We do have a super undercard to talk about, the undercard for Canelo vs. Lara PPV on Saturday, July 12th. And we have four of the fighters on that card joining us today, along with Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.

Before I get to that just a quick program note that I just got, Showtime’s All Access Canelo vs. Lara, the first segment will be Friday, June 27th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. So just please make note of that. And for this call today we are going to start with the opening Pay-Per-View bout, which is between Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera.

I’m going to turn it over to Oscar to make the introduction, and then when we’re done with the questions for Perez and Herrera we will then move on to Juan Manuel Lopez and Francisco Vargas. So, Oscar, please.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kelly. Yes, we are getting closer to the major, major pay-per-view July 12th. And the fighters on the call today are exceptional fighters who I’m really thrilled to be announcing, obviously the main event, you know, Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara, which will be a 12-round junior middleweight bout, we have the coming event with the Abner Mares and Jonathan Oquendo from Puerto Rico. Also Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Francisco Vargas, another Puerto Rico- Mexico duel there, which will be really, really exciting. And the opener, which I’m thrilled to be announcing, Johan Perez vs. Mauricio Herrera, that will be a 12-rounder for the WBA Junior Welterweight title.

This event is taking place at MGM Grand, and it is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions. And I want to thank the sponsors, Corona and AT&T, thank you for all your activations and all the hard work that you do there. It’s distributed by SHOWTIME PPV, and tickets are on sale. They’re going really fast, obviously an indication of how great this whole card is. Tickets are still available but are going extremely fast.

And I’m really happy to announce, once again, a boxing event being shown across the country in movie theaters. If you haven’t experienced that experience of watching fights on a huge screen amongst friends and other fans and family, it really is quite an experience. And you can go to Fathom Events.com, which you can check your local listings on what movie screens you can watch that event live.

Let me introduce to you right now a fighter who I’m really, really fond of. He hails out of Riverside, California. He’s one of those fighters that he has that Rocky story once again, kind of like his neighbor, Josesito Lopez, he’s a hard worker, we witnessed him against Danny Garcia, which a lot of people, and I think most of the people thought that he won out in Puerto Rico. He’s a tremendous puncher, a great boxer. He is eager to get back in the ring. Obviously, July 12th he’ll be up against another superior boxer puncher in Johan Perez.

But let me introduce to you “El Maestro,” Mauricio “Maestro” Herrera, with a record of 20-4 and 7 KOs, out of Riverside, California. Mauricio, say a few words.

Mauricio Herrera
Hello. I want to say thank you, Oscar. And I want to say thank you to all Golden Boy Promotions, and thank you for giving me all these opportunities having come my way. We are getting ready July 12th. I am, like you said, eager to get back in the ring and I’ve still got unfinished business, I’ve still got to show a lot, and show the fans that I am for real. So I want to thank everybody.

O. De La Hoya
Gracias, Herrera. Also on the call I want to introduce to you, out of Caracas, Venezuela, he returns at 140-pound division, bouncing back from that very tough, difficult fight against Pablo Cesar Cano in 2012. He has a string of wins, including winning the WBA Junior Welterweight title in 2003 against Paul Spadafora, the undefeated Paul Spadafora at the time, also, going up against Kamegai, who is fighting this Saturday, beating Kamegai in a thrilling, exciting fashion.

Johan Perez
Good morning everybody. Thank you for having me here. I’m very happy. I’m already here in the States, looking forward to giving a spectacular performance against Mauricio Herrera and to come out victorious come July 12th.

Q
Mauricio, my first question is for you. You’re not known particularly as a knockout puncher; still, do you feel that you need a knockout in order to get the fights that you feel you deserve? It’s hard sometimes to get the big fights, so do you feel that you need a knockout in this fight in order to get a fight that you deserve?

M. Herrera
I think so. We’ve been thinking about it a lot, and we’re looking for a stoppage, we want to maybe stop Johan if it’s possible. We are going to look to make an exciting fight. I know I can box all day, but I think in this fight I might switch it up at times and I may try to look for a stoppage of some kind. I’m not a real power hitter, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stop a fighter. Anything can happen in there. And, yes, I’m looking, if it’s not a stoppage or knockout, at making it an exciting fight.

Q
That’s good. I heard you talking about stoppage, but what has been involved mentally in totally focusing on Herrera and in putting behind the frustrations of what would have undoubtedly been your greatest career victory had you gotten a victory over Danny Garcia, which surpassed really even the victory over Provodnikov. It would have surpassed that.

M. Herrera
Yes, I’m not totally over it, with Danny Garcia. It was frustrating for a while. But I still think about that fight. It is still frustrating in my head. But I wasn’t surprised at the decision, either. Nobody ever expected me to do that well, so I have the mentality that I just have to keep going, keep going forward and keep proving myself. I think every fight I’ve always had to prove myself. It’s no different today. So, I have a strong mind and a strong character. As you see in my fights, I can take a good punch. I hold all that in, and I think with Johan Perez I think I might just, who knows, let it all out in that fight.

Q
In terms of saying you want to stop Perez, is that possibly kind of a layover from the way you feel about the way the Garcia fight went?

M. Herrera
Yes, I think so. I want to put on exciting fights all the time for the people. I’m never in a boring fight. I am a boxer. I’m not a very, they say a hard puncher, so I sort of follow what my style is. But I know what I can do, and when I’m in great shape I know I can do better things and get that stoppage. So, I’m going to try really hard and give the fans what they want.

Q
My last question for you would be, in terms of the stoppage, the caller before me referenced Perez’s height. How critical is a body attack going to be in a fight like this?

M. Herrera
That’s going to be very important. Being that the people say I don’t hit hard, he’ll find out in there how I punch. But it doesn’t take that hard of a punch when you go to the body. Anybody can go down from a punch. It doesn’t have to be that hard. But a body attack is something we’re working on also. But we can shoot and fire punches and get stoppage as well, so I’m working on a lot of things like that. I think I do very well with tall fighters, and you’re going to see it that night.

Q
Oscar, can you talk about Mauricio’s style a little bit? It’s obviously a throwback style, and I think more in the past that style was appreciated. It may not be as appreciated today. Can you just talk about what he does well, his overall ability?

O. De La Hoya
Well, he does everything well. He can upset you. He can fight you. He can box you. But mentally he’s going to beat you, no matter what it takes. And he’s obviously proved it with Provodnikov, beating him, he’s proved it with Danny Garcia, it was a fight where a lot of people had Herrera winning. So, he’s on a mission, and his style is suited for any fight he’s in, whether he wants to box, whether he wants to brawl, whether he wants to do whatever he wants to do inside that ring. He’s in great shape and I think the fact that he’s on a mission, it just calls for an exciting fighter and an exciting fight come July 12th.

Q
, I’ve just got the one question for you. I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about your preparation in training camp and what you’re really working on and focusing on for the upcoming fight.

M. Herrera
Well, we have a couple more weeks of time for this fight. We have enough time to train. What we basically do is we just refine everything, get the jabs faster and stronger, work on the defense more. Of course we’re always working on power, and it’s just being in shape. If I get in top shape I feel I can do anything, and that’s the main part. When I feel good, my body’s strong. I think you can see a little more power from me, and that’s what we’re expecting that night, we’re expecting to be fast, strong, and I want to be right there in the space all night.

Q
Johan, how training is going and what are you really focusing on?

J. Perez
Well, training’s been really good, sparring’s been good. The pads, everything’s been going perfect. I’m working a lot on the jab, defense. My opponent, Mauricio, throws a lot of punches, we’re aware of that, so we’re working on using a lot of jab and countering.

Q
Okay, sounds great. Listen, I just had a question for Johan. Johan, really quick, your height advantage, how do you intend to use it? How do you intend to employ it during the bout? Are you going to use it to jab, or are you going to use it to keep your distance and possibly try to knock Herrera out Tommy Hearns style? What are you planning to do with, wow, what is it, I’d say five good inches of height?

J. Perez
I’m a fighter that works round per round to see what he brings. We’re going to see what he brings. I can work all three distances, in short, mid, and outside. We’re going to see what he brings. But I will tell you this, I’m prepared to win and take the victory home.

Q
Mauricio, normally you are the underdog, you’re always on the B side, but after the performance you had with Danny Garcia it doesn’t seem to be in this case. It seems like you are the fan favorite, and the favorite for the fight. But does that add additional pressure to have you go out and look for the knockout so that you can come out victorious with this fight versus Johan?
M. Herrera
Yes. There’s no pressure, like I said, even with everybody expecting a lot of the Danny Garcia fight. But I’m ready. I’m always ready to give a great fight. I’ve got to fight a smart fight. But I know what the people want to see, and that’s what I’m going to try to give them. But I have to be smart in there. It’s an important fight and I don’t want to give it away, but I do have to take some risks and give a good action fight.

Q
Did you see the fight with Mauricio and Danny? Did it surprise you on his performance? And will Mauricio, is he the fighter that’s going to put you to that next level so that people know who Johan Perez really is?

J. Perez
Well, yes, it surprised me a little bit. I saw Mauricio winning the fight. I think Danny got the decision because obviously he was the local in Puerto Rico. And a victory over him, of course it’s very important because that will show the world who Johan is, and that’s what we’re working for. Most importantly, right now let’s give the fans what they want, a great fight, may the best man win, and I’m looking forward to it.

Q
What did you learn from your fight with Pablo Cesar Cano, your only loss, in Cancun, Mexico? And how will you use that against Mauricio Herrera, who’s an aggressive fighter and he’s coming with a lot of hunger for victory?

J. Perez
I learned a lot. It gave me some experience. Obviously, it ended with an accidentally, the head butt, the injury, but I thought I was clearly going to win the fight. But it gave me experience, and you’ll see that coming up. With Mauricio I know I’m facing a fighter that’s very hungry for victory, but I’m very hungry for glory. I want to become the best 140-pounder in boxing, and that’s what we’re working on, to come out a victory.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much. Thank you to all the press for your patience, and thank you for being on the call. The next bout that I’m really excited about to introducing at this moment will be a fight that pits Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you know, those rivalries are just exciting rivalries that both fighters will be giving it their all. It’s a high stakes match, and we’re really excited to be presenting this fight to you.

He’s made his mark at 130-pounds. He’s coming off some great wins versus Jerry Belmontes and Abner Cotto. He’s ranked No. 2 in the world by the WBO, and obviously facing his toughest fight to date. Let me introduce to you, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas?

Francisco Vargas
Thank you, Oscar. Thank you very much. I’m here in training camp in Mexico City, very, very focused, and very motivated for the fight. And we’re getting ready.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you. Gracias. And now also I would like to introduce to you the fighting pride of Puerto Rico. He’s undergoing a career reassurgence, with three wins in the last four bouts. He is a fighter who is very exciting, stopping on March 15 Daniel Ponce De Leon in the second round. He’s obviously very confident about a victory come July 12th.

Juan Manuel Lopez
Good afternoon everybody. We’re very happy and motivated to be on this great card, and working really hard to take the victory back to Puerto Rico.

Q
How are you focusing, how are you preparing for this fight for JuanMa? You’re fighting an undefeated fighter. You have a lot more experience.

J. Lopez
I’m very motivated to put on a great performance, a great fight, and obviously looking forward to winning the World Title again, to being a three-time champion. And obviously winning this fight will put me there, so that’s where the focus is.

Q
The same question to Francisco, how are you focused and how are you looking forward to fighting a fighter with so much experience.

F. Vargas
I’m working very hard here in Mexico City in the altitude. I’m very motivated. I know he has tremendous experience and I know that he’s a great fighter. But that’s what we’re working on. We’re working with the sparring partners, working very hard, because I know a victory here will get me ready for the World Title, and that’s what we want.

Q
Obviously you say a victory here will put you in the world title spot, fight for the title. Puerto Rico just recently had Miguel Cotto as a champion, do you want to follow those steps and become champion again?

J. Lopez
Yes, obviously my goal is to become world champion again. I’m very proud of what Miguel has done, gave Puerto Rico a title. And I’m looking forward to doing the same. But for me to do that I have to beat Francisco Vargas, and that’s where my goal is right now, that’s where my focus is, on Francisco Vargas and to beating him.

Q
Francisco, obviously there’s a rivalry between fighters from Mexico and fighters from Puerto Rico. How do you take this?

F. Vargas
Yes. No, definitely, and that gives me an additional motivation. It makes for som great fights in history, Mexico against Puerto Rico, and that gives me that extra motivation. And I know this won’t be an exception. I’m coming with everything, he’s coming with everything, and I’ll tell you what, the fans are the ones that are going to come out very happy.

Q
What does it feel like, what does it mean to be fighting on a big card where Canelo Alvarez is the main event? JuanMa?

J. Lopez
No, it’s obviously a great opportunity. Not everyone gets it, to be on a pay-per-view card of this magnitude. And I’m just very fortunate, I’m very motivated, and I’m grateful.

F. Vargas
Yes, it’s very motivating to be on a card of this magnitude, where millions of people are going to be watching all over the world. And that gives you that extra, because we know they’re going to be watching us, and want to perform.

Q
First, Francisco, how do you see this fight going? It seems as though your strengths are to box, as I don’t think you want to go toe-to-toe.

F. Vargas
I’m working for 12 rounds, working really hard. I know how dangerous he is, and I’m working for the 12 rounds. I’m working for the distance. But we’re going to see what he brings, and we’ll take it round by round.

Q
And a question for JuanMa. I’m trying to get a sense of the supreme satisfaction you must have felt after his last victory over Daniel Ponce De Leon, because at that point it seemed as though virtually everyone was counting you out. We did a poll where only two of 20 voters thought that you had a shot to win. So, I wanted to get a sense from you how great you felt after proving so many people wrong.

J. Lopez
I felt very good. I felt very happy. Unfortunately, boxing is that way, you’re only as good as your last fight, and I was coming off a loss to Mikey Garcia, so a lot of people didn’t give me the opportunity. But I didn’t listen to them. I didn’t listen to any of them. I only listened to my team. And we knew what we had to do, and obviously we came out with a spectacular victory. And that’s what we look forward to doing this coming fight too.

Q
And my last question for him is piggybacking what I just asked him. How rejuvenated is he in the fact that he won convincingly after being on the canvas? And what are his hopes of winning another title?

J. Lopez
Well, obviously the victory did a lot for me in motivating me extra, it gave me that extra push that I needed to show everyone, me personally, that the hard work, yes, he dropped me, I was off balance a little bit, he dropped me, but I got up and I showed my power’s still there and got the victory. And as far as winning another title, yes, of course, that is the goal. And that’s what we’re working on, but obviously first is Francisco Vargas.

Q
The question for JuanMa is, you’re going to be fighting Francisco Vargas, who’s ranked No. 2 in the WBO, and No. 1 is Salido, do you think a victory over Vargas can put you in line to fight for a third time against Salido for the World Title?

J. Lopez
Well, obviously a champion at 130 pounds right now is Mikey Garcia, I don’t know what he’s going to do. It all depends on that. But I’d welcome a third fight with Salido. Salido, I feel I was dominating, I was winning, we had a little problem there, and he got it. But I’m now with a new team, we’re focused, we’re working hard, and, yes, I’d welcome it.

Q
The question is for JuanMa. In boxing terms we say that a lot of the fights are won obviously in the gym, but a lot as well psychologically, and how are you right now mentally, psychologically feeling after the win over Ponce De Leon?

J. Lopez
I’m very confident. This fight, as I said, I mentioned the way it ended, the way I won gave me that extra push in my career, in my life. And I’m very focused and I feel very confident and very hungry to win the World Title once again.

Q
Vargas, How are you preparing to fight a fighter as strong and good as Juan Manuel Lopez? What are you doing?

F. Vargas
I’m preparing myself real strong mentally, physically. I’m working really hard. And we’re getting ready so we can win on the 12th.

Q
JuanMa, you’ve told us what you’ve done and how you felt in the win over Ponce De Leon, but what is it that you did to make that turnaround? You were looking almost at retirement and now all of a sudden there’s a possibility of another world title fight.

J. Lopez
Well, obviously we made a total change. We have a brand new team, and concentrating a lot on conditioning. But most importantly, I’ve matured. I know what I want, I’m working very hard, I’m focused, working hard for my family, for my wife and kids.

Q
The question is for Francisco, obviously going back to JuanMa’s fight with Ponce, do you think it was just a flash that we saw, or if there’s really that power in his hand and that could put you in a lot of danger come July 12th?

F. Vargas
We know JuanMa’s a very strong fighter, he got Ponce and knocked him out. But that doesn’t worry me at all. I’m working really hard. I’m working on my defense. I know what I have to do. This is a different fight, and I know what I’ve got to do so I can come out victorious come the 12th.

Q
The question’s for Francisco, do you see it very close, do you smell it coming up that obviously winning on the 12th you can add your name to the list of the former Olympians that went on to become World Champions and give Mexico another world title?

F. Vargas
Yes, definitely. We’re very happy how things have been working out, how my career’s going. We’ve been working very hard. And obviously we know what the significance of a victory would be here, and then fighting for a World Title to add my name to that list of former Mexican Olympians that went on to win the World Title.

Q
Yes, I just have a question for Oscar. Oscar, do you have any input with your brother, Joel, who manages Francisco? I was just curious when this fight was presented what his thoughts were on Francisco fighting JuanMa, and what your thoughts were on your brother bringing a fight like this to the table?

O. De La Hoya
Well, it was very interesting, because Francisco Vargas is a fighter who has the amateur experience, he’s been stepping up in competition, he’s moving in the right direction, and obviously this is the fight of his career. JuanMa is a fighter who is serious about getting back on track to win that World Title, and it was a fight that he jumped on right away, because, first, the fact that it would be an exciting fight for the fans. And second, because the tradition and the rivalry that has been inside the ring, you know, Mexico, Puerto Rico, makes it that much more compelling. So, he understood the fact that all of Puerto Rico will be watching because of JuanMa, and he understood the fact that all of Mexico will be behind Francisco Vargas. And so it was easy to convince him.

Q
Juan, I have a question for you. Given your name value it seems like any time you want a title shot at this stage of your career you could just pick your opponent and get it. Why would you go after an undefeated fighter like Francisco Vargas?

F. Vargas
No, it’s not as easy as that. Obviously, the organizations require a process. The process is being done. I leave it in the hands of my team. They bring me a fighter, they bring me an opponent, it’s a great opportunity, I take it. I don’t choose my opponents. I leave that to my promoter, my manager. This is a great opportunity and we’re going to take it.

Q
Okay. And I have a question, Robert Diaz, maybe you can answer it, or Oscar. Is this fight actually a sanctioned eliminator, or is it on just the regional titles that are at stake?

Robert Diaz
They’re both putting their titles, they both have titles that are on the stake, and obviously because of the high ranking they will become a big player to fight for the World Title. Obviously, the winner of this fight deserves it. It’s not sanctioned as a title eliminator, no.

O. De La Hoya
I think that’s all, everyone. Thank you. Thank you very much to everybody. We greatly appreciate it. We’ll see you at the Kamegai-Guerrero fight this weekend. If not, then we’re looking forward to all the other calls and activities we have in store for July 12th. Thank you.

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In theco-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2014) – In preparation for what will be a match-up of the two best junior middleweights in the world Canelo Alvarez and slick Cuban star Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, Golden Boy Promotions and Leigh Simons Productions will present “Countdown to Canelo vs. Lara.” This primetime special 30-minute preview show will air on various FOX Sports platforms beginning next Wednesday, July. 2 and will feature never-before-seen footage of Canelo, Lara and the SHOWTIME PPV-televised undercard fighters including Abner Mares, Jonathon Oquendo, Juan Manuel Lopez, Francisco Vargas, Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera.

Tune into any of the FOX Sports Network channels: FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes (check your local listings) for a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of this highly anticipated pay-per-view event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The countdown show, brought to life by Producer and Creative Director of Golden Boy Promotions Leigh Simons, will provide audiences with exclusive analysis and commentary leading up to the PPV-event.

“They both knocked down and decisioned Austin Trout and they both stopped Alfredo Angulo in round 10, which makes for an unbelievable match-up,” said Simons. “This show explores how their recent successes against common opponents could play out against each other on July 12.”

Below is a collection of links, which preview various parts of the special and fight highlights:

– Canelo vs. Lara press tour recap and Trout and Angulo fight recaps – http://youtu.be/r2tMYj1LMak

– Oscar De La Hoya and boxing experts talk about how Canelo vs. Lara came to be – http://youtu.be/EJSzI5eamPo

– Inside Canelo and Lara’s camps – http://youtu.be/INP8UnHTMvo

– Canelo, Lara and boxing experts talk about each fighters’ style – http://youtu.be/gIbq21HS2fw

– Dramatic profile of the three exciting fights on Canelo-Lara undercard: Abner Mares vs. Jonathon “Polvo” Oquendo, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez vs. Francisco “El Bandido”Vargas, and Johan “El Terrible” Perez vs. Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera. -http://youtu.be/5neyd-mr_Do

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In theco-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

entennial, Colo. – June 16, 2014 – Fathom Events, Golden Boy Promotions and Showtime PPV are pleased to present the two best junior middleweights in the world, Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara, who will meet to decide 154-pound supremacyon Saturday, July 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 3:00 p.m. HI. “HONOR & GLORY: Canelo vs. Lara” will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to select theaters nationwide as Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez squares off against WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara in a 12-round bout. The event will be produced and distributed live by Showtime PPV.

Tickets for “HONOR & GLORY: Canelo vs. Lara” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to nearly 200 select movie theaters across the country through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network.

“I’m expecting one of the toughest fights of my career on July 12,” said Canelo Alvarez. “So knowing that I’ll have my fans cheering me on, not just in the arena but in movie theaters throughout the country, has me even more motivated to beat Erislandy Lara and give the fans a fight to remember.”

“This is the fight that the fans and I demanded and now they will get to see it on a grand scale,” said Lara. “There is no better situation in boxing then to see two hungry fighters willing to put everything on the line for the honor and glory of their fans. I’ll be sending a strong message to the world come July 12th, that you can count on!”

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KOs) is one of the most compelling figures in the fight game today. A former world champion and still just 23-years-old, Canelo has captivated fans around the world with his exciting fighting style and charisma in and out of the ring. A professional since 2005, Canelo won the WBC Junior Middleweight Title in 2011 and successfully defended it five times before unifying the championship with a 2013 victory over Austin Trout. A mega-fight with Mayweather followed five months later. Although he lost a hard-fought decision to the pound-for-pound king last September, Canelo got back on track in March with a 10th round-technical knockout win over Alfredo Angulo.

Slick southpaw Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) graduated from the renowned Cuban amateur boxing program and migrated to the United States to pursue a professional boxing career. As a young contender on the rise, Lara suffered a controversial decision loss to Paul Williams in 2011. Since then, he has done his best to take it out of the judges’ hands by knocking out Ronald Hearns and Angulo, with the latter victory earning him the WBA Junior Middleweight World Championship. In his most recent bout, Lara won a 12-round unanimous decision over Trout on Dec. 7, 2013, and now the 31-year-old, who makes his home in Houston, will attempt to give Canelo a boxing lesson on July 12.

“Fight fans will not want to miss this epic bout between Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara,” said John Rubey, CEO of Fathom Events. “Seeing this event on the big screen will be as close as you can get to a ring-side experience!”

-30-

About AC JV, LLC
Fathom Events is owned by a newly formed entity called AC JV, LLC. Fathom is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Additionally, Fathom events take audiences behind-the-scenes and offer unique extras – creating the ultimate entertainment experience for fans of all ages. Co-owned by the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States, AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), Fathom’s live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to more than 750 locations in 171 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2014) – It is a tradition as old as the sweet science itself – fighters from minimumweight to heavyweight express themselves with their very own unique ring name. Anything goes as everything from Sugars to Executioners have made their way into the squared circle throughout boxing’s storied history, and Saturday, July 12 is no exception.

The main event of the SHOWTIME PPV showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will face off not only for junior middleweight supremacy, but honor and glory at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ
“My nickname was given to me by my trainer Jose ‘Chepo’ Reynoso when I first started training at Reynoso’s Gym because of my red hair. First called me “Canelito” [Little Cinnamon] because I was still very young, around 12- or 13-years-old. As I grew older, it changed to ‘Canelo.’

“Since I started fighting in the U.S. as a professional on U.S. television, I dropped the
‘Saul’ all together because it has become a brand name and is my persona in the ring and out of it.

“What some people may not know is that I named my daughter Canela and I told her: ‘Once you grow up, you will understand what your name means and you will be proud of it.’ ”

ERISLANDY “THE AMERICAN DREAM” LARA
“I thought of the name ‘The American Dream’ with my co-manager Luis Decubas Jr., because I defected from Cuba to achieve my dreams. Since I’ve been living in the United States, my family and I have truly been living the American Dream.

“Coming from literally nothing, and receiving my first pair of shoes at the age of eight in a communist country, sometimes you don’t realize how important opportunity and freedom is until you have lived it. With hard work, a good team and the support of my wife, Yudi, behind me, I’ve been able to provide my family with a roof over their head, a good education, and daily meals that I never experienced as a kid in Cuba, but most importantly freedom.

“I risked my life in shark-infested waters leaving my mother, children and friends behind to escape a country led by a ruthless dictator to better my life, and my family’s lives. It took a lot of courage but that’s what I had to do to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion, and it happened in the great United States of America, hence my nickname ‘The American Dream.’ ”

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In theco-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit
www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand,@SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2014) – The Independence Day fireworks will continue into Wednesday, July 9 when FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! series returns to Las Vegas with an exciting card featuring former world title contender Alfonso Gomez when he battles Ed Paredes in the 10 round junior middleweight main event along with rising stars Joseph Diaz Jr. and Diego De La Hoya who will both compete in televised bouts at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The tripleheader from the ‘Fight Capital of the World’ will kick off the mega fight week featuring Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and televised live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Gomez vs. Paredes, a 10-round junior middleweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Joint doors will open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:15pm PT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, will go on sale on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

A popular action fighter who always leaves the fans happy, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico veteran Alfonso Gomez (23-6-2, 12 KOs) first made his name in the boxing world with his run on season one of the popular boxing reality series The Contender. Since then, the 33-year-old has fought the best of the best, including a big win over Hall of Famer Arturo Gatti in 2007. Winner of five of his last seven, with the only losses coming to current World Champions Canelo Alvarez and Shawn Porter, Gomez looks to get back in the title hunt in his first fight since July of 2012.

Ranked number seven in the world by the WBC, ninth by the IBF and 10th by the WBA, Hollywood, Florida’s Ed “The Lion” Paredes (35-3-1, 23 KOs) is rapidly closing in on a world title shot, but he has to get past Alfonso Gomez to keep his momentum going. Unbeaten in 15 consecutive fights dating back to 2009, the 29-year-old power hitter finally makes his Las Vegas debut in what promises to be an action-packed 10-round battle.

U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (10-0, 7 KOs) has used his immense talents to impress the boxing world since the London Games plus the young 21-year-old from South El Monte, Calif. has shown maturity beyond his years along the way. Coming off of a shutout win over then 50-fight veteran Luis Maldonado in April, Diaz Jr. will stay busy in an eight-round junior featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Nineteen-year-old Mexicali phenom Diego De La Hoya (5-0, 4 KOs) is starting to garner the buzz once heard by his cousin, newly inducted Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya. Looking to stay active in 2014, “The Golden Kid” will be making his fourth appearance in the ring on July 9 and he will look to keep his win streak alive when he faces an opponent to be determined in a six-round junior featherweight matchup.

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AlfonsoSGomez, @JosephDiazJr. and @DiegoDeLaHoya, @FOXDeportes, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on @FOXSports.

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2014) – The hottest fight of the summer of 2014 deserves a sizzling undercard, and Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV are pleased to announce the three bouts that will support the main event featuring Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara on Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former three-division world champion Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Championship against Mauricio Herrera in s 12-round match up.

Rounding out the four-fight pay-per-view event, Puerto Rican star and former world champion Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez battles Mexico’s Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

“The Canelo vs. Lara card is shaping up to be an extraordinary one for fight fans around the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “When you get a Mexican fighter like Francisco Vargas and a Puerto Rican fighter like JuanMa Lopez together-the greatest nationalistic rivalry in all of boxing-there will be fireworks. Then you have Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera, two skilled hungry fighters who know their way around the sweet science, making this a dream fight. And, lastly, we have the highly anticipated return of Abner Mares against hard-hitting Jonathan Oquendo. So get ready for another memorable night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”

“I’m in great shape, I have momentum on my side after beating Daniel Ponce De Leon, and I’m ready for Francisco Vargas,” said Lopez. “The MGM Grand was where I had one of my biggest wins against Rafael Marquez, and I’m looking forward to more success there on July 12.”

“JuanMa Lopez is a great fighter and 2 time world champion, and we’re going to give the fans a fight to remember,” said Vargas. “I feel like this is my time, and with a win over JuanMa, it will get me that much closer to a world title shot.”

“It’s been a long time, but I can’t wait to step into the ring and hear my name called again,” said Mares. “Jonathan Oquendo is a respectable fighter and I know he’s coming to win, but he is in the way of another world title, so I have to get him out of there.”

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico always produces great fights, and this fight won’t be any different,” said Oquendo. “A win over Mares will do big things for my career, and I plan on leaving Vegas with the victory.”

“Every fighter dreams of fighting in Las Vegas, and on July 12, I get my chance,” said Perez. “Mauricio Herrera is a great test and tough Challenger to my title. I feel Herrera beat Garcia and because of that he is the best and I want to fight the best. We’re going to give the fans a great battle.”

“You have to respect Johan Perez for all he’s accomplished in such a short time, and I see him as a very dangerous fighter,” said Herrera. “But my only goal is to win the title, and to get there, I have to beat him on July 12.”

Beloved Puerto Rican power puncher Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez (34-3, 31 KOs) is undergoing a career resurgence at 30-years-old. With wins in three of his last four bouts, all by knockout, he is soaring in the 130-pound rankings. In his most recent match on March 15, Caguas’ Lopez stopped Daniel Ponce De Leon in the second round of their rematch. Considering that his last Las Vegas bout was a stirring eighth-round stoppage of Rafael Marquez in 2010, Lopez is confident of victory on July 12.

A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, 29-year-old Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has made his way to the top of the 130-pound division. After a trio of important victories over Brandon Bennett, Jerry Belmontes and Abner Cotto, the Mexico City standout is ranked No. 2 in the WBO and ready for his shot at a world title. But first he has to handle this step up in class and defeat former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez.

A member of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team, 28-year-old Abner Mares (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and fighting out of Downey, Calif., earned a spot on boxing’s pound-for-pound list in 2013 when he stopped Ponce De Leon in nine rounds to win his third divisional world title, the WBC Featherweight crown. In his last start on Aug. 24, on SHOWTIME, Mares was upset by Jhonny Gonzalez. But Mares, the previous owner of world championships at bantamweight and super bantamweight is anxious to return to the ring to begin his quest for another world championship.

One of Puerto Rico’s top contenders for world title honors, Jonathan “Polvo’ Oquendo (24-3, 16 KOs) is a hard-hitting pro who has won 10 of his last 12 bouts, seven by knockout. A victor over Jose Luis Araiza, Eden Sonsona, and Alejandro Montiel, the 30-year-old native of Bayamon is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision win over top prospect Guillermo Avila, setting the stage for his showdown with Mares.

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, 30-year-old Johan “El Terrible” Perez (19-1-1, 13 KOs) has returned to the top of the 140-pound division, bouncing back from the lone loss of his career against Pablo Cesar Cano in 2012 to win four straight bouts. In November of 2013, Perez regained the interim WBA World Junior Welterweight title by handing former champion Paul Spadafora his first career defeat. Perez has since successfully defended the crown once, stopping Fernando Monte de Oca in 10 rounds last May 10.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (20-4, 7 KOs), of Riverside, Calif., has long been a favorite of hardcore boxing fans for his gritty determination and well-balanced attack in the ring. But this past March, the world got to witness just how talented the 33-year-old is, as he pushed junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia to the brink before losing a razor-thin majority decision. Eager to get back on top, Herrera gets his chance to do just that on July 12.

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Abner Mares returns to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA World Junior Welterweight Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round match up. Also featured, Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez meets Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas of Mexico in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150 and $75 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @abnermares00, @jonathanoquen, @juanma_lopez, @elbandido130, @elmaestro1, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LONDON (May 21) – BoxNation’s bulging summer calendar has got even more crammed with the addition of two huge Golden Boy Promotions shows featuring Gary Russell Jr against Vasyl Lomachenko on June 21 and Erislandy Lara taking on Canelo Alvarez on July 12.

The two bills join an already jam-packed schedule which has recently seen WBC middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez’s clash with Miguel Cotto added, plus names such as Adonis Stevenson, Terence Crawford, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora and many more featuring live and exclusive over the coming months.

The impending battle between Russell Jr and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko will see two of boxing’s best craftsmen compete for the vacant WBO featherweight world title.

Lomachenko made an historic bid for the world title in only his second professional bout when he was beaten via split decision by Mexican warrior Orlando Salido, who missed his chance at claiming the title at the scales by not making the featherweight limit.

Subsequently, Lomachenko gets his second bite at the cherry following a valiant display against Salido, but will be in against an equally adept foe in the unbeaten Russell Jr, who is looking to kick start his career following a lack of activity over the past year and a half.

The stacked card at the StubHub Center in Carson, California also welcomes back Floyd Mayweather challenger Robert Guerrero who takes on big-hitting Japanese welterweight Yoshihiro Kamegai, who has knocked out 21 opponents in his 24 wins.

Further night’s action will see the return of former two-weight world champion Devon Alexander who will be looking to bounce back from his world title defeat to Shawn Porter last December when he takes on the tough and respected Jesus Soto Karass.

Then, on July 12th, live and exclusive from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, BoxNation will bring viewers one of the very best fights of the summer when Cuban ace Lara looks to prove he is among the elite when takes on Mexican superstar Alvarez.

The 23-year-old Alvarez is still regarded as the next true superstar of boxing, despite his loss to pound-for-pound king Mayweather last September, with his convincing comeback win over the relentless Alfredo Angulo proving that he remains among the best around.

In Lara though, he goes up against one of the trickiest and skilled men in the sport, honed and polished in the fabled Cuban amateur schools, with ambitions of cementing his own place at the very top.

The victor will no doubt propel himself into the biggest money fights and a shot at a world title.

Also on the night, bantamweight stars Tomoki Kameda and Pungluang Sor Singyu will meet for Japanese hotshot Kameda’s WBO world title, with Juan Manuel Lopez back following his impressive victory over Daniel Ponce De Leon when he challenges undefeated Francisco Vargas.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) for only £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee) please visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

By Bart Barry–

AUSTIN, Texas – Somewhere round here, likely on currently gentrified streets once mean, James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland roamed and terrorized sparring partners en route to network-darling status, a falling-out or five with trainer Ann Wolfe, a prison stay, a brutal victory over Alfredo Angulo in 2011, and a brutaler victory over Glen Tapia in December. Where he is right now is a source of speculation, as usual, but this is not: Had he been present in San Antonio last week to announce a fight with Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at Alamodome, many more San Antonians would have been there as well.

One such San Antonian spent the weekend with Austin locals, instead, in the hopes of finding some evidence of cultural offerings greater than University of Texas’ Blanton Museum of Art and sanitized bars on West 6th Street. He found some, too, good contemporary- and folk-art offerings, and also a reason to reflect on what appears to be one of our sport’s greater missed-ticket-selling opportunities.

This city is not weird so much as haphazard and disorganized, a hippie enclave in a state that, since making a fortuitous discovery dinosaurs once died within its borders, has trended ever more conservative, free-market and likely to conflate luck with merit – convincing its citizenry one’s birth in a resource-rich state is evidence, somehow, of exemplary character or virtue. For every action a reaction: Austin, now enjoying a real-estate boom financed by those scrofulous knaves who brought ruin to sandy states from Florida to California, makes a fetish of embracing its eccentricities, not uncommon to college towns, and planting on its automobiles’ bumpers and townfolk’s t-shirts declarations about keeping itself weird and loving live music.

Ask most who embellish Austin’s merits to catalog this city’s cultural offerings, aside from live music, and they’ll tell you, “Live music!” It’s the sort of exhausting, end-of-boom chatter one encountered in Silicon Valley round 2001, when everyone intended to be a billionaire but no one knew how clicks-from-coffeeshops could be monetized. It’s marginally less cynical here, though, because it is a celebration of culture, such as it is, not capitalism.

To this city’s ever more gentrified climes comes West Austin Studio Tour 2014, a sprawling collection of 241 art galleries and exhibitions, for two weekends, this one and last, and it is, in its seeming disinterest, nearly an opposite of the South by Southwest festival that now makes Austin a destination for the coolest folks from all about our fruited plain. Disinterested because most artists are borrowing corners of their friends’ gallery spaces, have yet to name much less sign their works, and rarely take anything but cash or check. As one local put it: “That’s Austin. We don’t really plan things all the way through. We just sort of get them started and see what happens, you know?”

And there-across spans a bridge from one unplanning gaggle of artists to another: Wednesday afternoon, Oscar De La Hoya, whom business circumstances appear to be pushing from figurehead to manager, visited San Antonio’s historic Mercado district, about 70 miles southwest of here, to announce that the one prizefighter insiders are reasonably certain remains tied to him by promotional contract, Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, will be fighting Cuban Erislandy Lara in Las Vegas in a couple months, in an event called “Honor and Glory.” De La Hoya, freshly enthusiastic if not yet sincere, announced, in Spanish, the card was about “honor y gloria” before switching to English and explaining that honor is what men fight for, and glory.

It was vacuous and scripted, the way these things ever are – or perhaps it was the South Texas sun breaking unexpectedly through what Weather Channel’s app promised would be a cloudy day – but it sapped one’s humor and acted as a reminder of a question Alamo City insiders often ask ourselves when asked to cheerlead for Canelo: Why not James Kirkland at Alamodome? Surely Mike Battah of Leija-Battah Promotions, the man who risked a large sum of his own capital to bring Alvarez, on short notice, to San Antonio to fight an otherwise unknown New Mexican named Austin Trout 13 months ago, and then made of his opportunity one of the more groundbreakingly excellent promotions of the last decade, putting more than 40,000 people in Alamodome, expected such a debut effort would reap rewards many times greater than schlock like Fidel Maldonado against John Nater on a Monday night in February.

Battah once openly imagined 70,000-person gates for Canelo at Alamodome, regardless of opponent, and must now content himself with renting restaurant plazas on Wednesday afternoons to have the firehaired horseman of Jalisco, diminished in everyone’s eyes, make a few serious poses, promise redemption for all Mexicans from a Cuban, and tell the people of, let’s see, San Antonio, how very much he appreciates their support.

To resume his ascent after the Mayweather debacle in September, Canelo needed to do more than score a referee stoppage over a ruined countryman like Alfredo Angulo, on pay-per-view in March; and if we’re being honest, even if he’d put “El Perro” to sleep in 90 seconds, Canelo would have suffered mightily from an Argentine doing to Floyd Mayweather two months later what Mexicans verily expected Canelo would do. One shudders to think what comes of Oscar De La Hoya’s company if Lara undresses Canelo the way that, say, Winky Wright undressed Felix Trinidad in 2005.

Since, like their statesmen, American boxing promoters cannot be counted on to do the right thing till they’ve tried everything else, one might as well hope, too, that such an outcome would make the fight that makes much more ticket-selling sense than Canelo’s tilt in July will: A match with Austin’s James Kirkland at Alamodome.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

CANELO ALVAREZ

“Thank you all. Yesterday we arrived and the reception we got showed the quality of people you are, and I am very pleased.

“I’ve heard a lot about Puerto Rico. I’ve always wanted to come; that’s why I decided that we make a stop here during the press tour.

“I’m always working, I’m always training and this was the chance to come here. I hope to have the opportunity to come here on vacations.

“Puerto Rico is much more beautiful than I thought. I want to thank everyone for their support and I just want to say that I am always 100 percent prepared.

“He [Lara] is a great fighter, a great boxer, a tough fighter, but I have fought against all styles.

“I have the experience and on July 12 may the best man win.”

ERISLANDY “THE AMERICAN DREAM” LARA

“On July 12, the fans are going to see Mexico vs. Cuba and history is going to repeat itself.

“Just like when the underdog at the time, Tito Trinidad defeated Oscar De La Hoya.

“Thanks to all my Puerto Rican brothers. Many will wonder why I have this t-shirt with the flag of Puerto Rico.

“I want to say that the flag of Puerto Rico is the same as Cuban, only change the colors around, but that does not mean anything.

“Puerto Ricans and Cubans are good brothers.

“On July 12 you will see Erislandy Lara giving the best of himself and I want to tell you that Erislandy Lara will beat Canelo Alvarez just like [Felix] Trinidad beat Oscar de la Hoya.

“I’m just waiting and training hard until July 12 which is nearby.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“Lara has surrounds himself with great people and he is focused and always trains hard for his fights.

“He does exactly what a champion should do. This is going to be an exciting, competitive fight.

“Lara is one of the best fighters to ever come out of Cuba and he has an incredible amateur background with 250 fights.

“He earned his WBA championship title when he fought 11 hard rounds with Angulo.

“Canelo won the WBC Junior Middleweight title in 2011 and defended it 11 times.

“He has victories over Austin Trout, then he beat Angulo and he was in the mega-event when he fought against Floyd Mayweather last September.

“He’s a fighter that always gives the fans what they want.

“This fight on July 12 is definitely one of the most difficult challenges that Canelo will face at 154 pounds.

“He is facing a tough opponent in Lara.”

(Oscar on Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas:

“In his last fight, JuanMa Lopez showed everybody what it means to be a warrior, what it means to be a true fighter, because he fought with his heart and he showed everybody what he’s made of.

“[Juan Manuel] Lopez vs. [Francisco] Vargas is going to be an exciting fight.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“This is the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.

“It’s going to be a tough fight, we are both former Olympians, but I’m going to train very hard and stop JuanMa’s re-emergence as a champion.

“He [Lopez] is a tough fighter, he is very experienced.

“It’s complicated because he is a southpaw, but we have to fight with people like him to take it to the next step and get a title fight.

“We will make a tactic (startegy) for the fight. We know he gets tired, we know that the fight can end before what is agreed.

“We will be very careful because we know he hits hard.”

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ

“I want to thank God for granting me the opportunity of having a championship fight.

“I’ve only seen Francisco’s Olympic videos and he’s not someone to overlook.

“He’s strong, he’s tough and stands up in front of you and fights his heart out.

“But, I know I can take him.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer

“I came to Puerto Rico for the first time 15 years ago, and I have to confess, this island stole my heart.

“We’ll see if he [Lara] can fight like he talks.

“Hopefully July 12 he comes to fight, so the fans are happy and so it can be a great night because if he shows up to fight, Canelo will knock him out for sure.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager

“Come fight night, Canelo Alvarez is going to knock out Erislandy Lara.

“Mark my words, we are going to win by way of knockout.

“It will be a very interesting fight. Both are very good boxers and technicians who are always well trained and disciplined.

“This is a fight that you cannot miss and I’m sure we will win by knockout.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Lara’s Trainer

“In that fight [against Alfredo Angulo] we made a couple of mistakes and it cost us.

“In that fight, the most important thing I told him was, he can’t be on the ropes. He’s the fighter and he knows what he can do.

“It didn’t work and I told him again, stay off the ropes. Then he beat him bad.

“Let me tell you something, the Angulo that Lara fought was not the same Angulo that fought Canelo, he just wasn’t the same guy.

“Angulo was just walking around, all defensive, that was not the Angulo everybody knows.

“So he [Canelo] can’t say he really fought a very good Angulo because he didn’t.”

# # #

Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Canelo vs.Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country thanks to Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CANELO ALVAREZ

“These fans motivate me to keep training and to get up in the morning and run.

“I want people to say that I came up from Mexico to the boxing world. It’s a big responsibility for me because in Mexico there are a lot of legends. But our legends cannot be compared to any others. No two Mexican legends are alike.

“Lara has talked a lot, [to the fans] you guys asked for the fight, and here it is. What you guys ask from me, I will give you.

“A lot have asked me, ‘Why did you take this fight?’ I say ‘Why not? I will fight anyone. Style doesn’t matter.’

“The reality is that a year ago the fans didn’t really know Lara. Nobody really knew him. But he’s been talking so much that now it’s built up and the fans asked for it so I wanted to give them what they wanted.

“He disrespected me. But not only me, he disrespected all Mexicans. For him to be saying that he’s going to give me a boxing lesson and he’s going to take me to school…that’s very disrespectful.”

ERISLANDY LARA

“For the Mexican fans, we have a surprise for you July 12.

“I came from Cuba where I fought the best. I earned this in the ring, fighting the best in the division, not on a Mexican street corner.

“July 12 the best man is going to win.

“I’ve always done my job against the best fighters in the division. I’ve faced a lot of hard punchers so I’m not worried about his power.

“Canelo knows, just like everyone in the division knows. No one wants to fight me because I’m dangerous and I beat everybody. He took this fight because of the pressure I put on him.

“I feel like my opponent needs to be ready for my style. I’m not looking to be ready for anyone’s style. They have to be ready for mine.

“I’ve been in this sport since I was 12-years-old. It’s all I’ve done my whole life. I am a fighter. I’m not distracted in the ring or in training. My main focus is being well prepared and winning this fight.

“A win would be huge for Cubans and Cuban-Americans. That’s why I changed my name to ‘The American Dream.’ I came to this country and I was allowed the privilege to better my life. I go into that ring to win.

“I feel I’m one of the top three-pound-for-pound fighters. Some give me that credit but some won’t. My job is to keep winning and doing what I’m doing. The proof is in who I’ve fought and beaten.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“We feel that this event will be one to remember, because you have two fighters who are equally matched.

“We haven’t seen this type of event for a while. This reminds me of Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Pernell Whitaker, a ‘who is going to win?’ fight.

“As you know Golden Boy Promotions has the reputation for putting on the best cards ever and we will be putting the biggest names on the card July 12. It’s a treat for the fans that pay their hard-earned money to watch four good fights.

“Lara is a very, very dangerous opponent, there’s no way to sugar coat it. On July 12 they will try to prove who is the best on that night.

“These fighters are fighting for a lot of honor and glory. It will really be an honor to beat the other guy, because both guys have the ability to be great. It is an honor to be in the ring with another great fighter.

“Inside that squared circle, there’s no nationality. There are two fighters stepping in the ring who just want to win and put on a great fight. When they step in the ring, they are fighting for honor and glory for the whole world.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer

“Seeing the fans here, that’s love for Mexico, that’s love for Canelo.

“Lara keeps talking about the Cuban school of boxing but in Mexico we have universities of boxing.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager

“It’s going to be a very interesting fight, with interesting styles. Lara is going to be running all night and Canelo is going to be chasing him. At the end of the night everyone knows that we are going to knock him out.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Lara’s Trainer

“This fight had to happen. There was no way either guy could go, but to fight each other. Canelo keeps showing that he is one of the best fighters out there by continuing to fight the best.

“Both fighters are great fighters and the fans are going to be the true winners of the fight. These guys have styles like thunder and when the thunder hits, it’s going to be a knockout.”

LUIS DECUBAS, Lara’s Manager

“On July 12 you will see the best two fighters at 154 pounds and there will only be one winner and it will be ‘The American Dream,’ Erislandy Lara.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®

“Over the last year we have seen Canelo go from an up-and-coming young star to one of the biggest names in the sport.

“There’s no question he is already boxing’s brightest young star. But he’s not interested in stardom. What is sometimes overlooked in all of this stardom and celebrity and ticket sales is that like many of the great Mexican fighters that came before him, he wants to fight the best fighters in his division.

“Again he is choosing to fight someone that no one wants to fight. Lara is one of the most talented and skilled boxers in the sport. This fight represents everything that is right about boxing; the best fighting the best. Number one versus number two in the division.

“These are the types of fights that Golden Boy Promotions has become known for and the types of fights that SHOWTIME has become known for. There is no sugarcoating this. This is the best versus the best. Number one versus number two. This fight sells itself.”

# # #

“Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CANELO ALVAREZ

“It truly is an honor to be here amongst all of you. Whenever I am doing anything in boxing, San Antonio is on my list because you guys treat me like family.

“I am going to prepare myself like always to give everyone a great fight. This is the fight the fans have been asking for and I am going to prepare myself for a great victory.

“I love it here and I’d love to fight in San Antonio later this year. Thank you very much.”

ERISLANDY “THE AMERICAN DREAM” LARA

“There’s nothing more to talk about, the fight is made. On July 12 we’re going to take Canelo to Cuban school.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer

“Canelo has a gift for everybody July 12 and it’s going to be a victory against Lara.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager

“July 12 we’re going to be ready like always and give a great fight.

“Like my dad said we have always admired the Cuban style of fighting, but in Mexico we also have great fighters.

“On July 12 all we’re going to do is give this guy here a beating.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Lara’s Trainer

“I want to thank Oscar for coming back to the sport and building the company that’s the biggest company in boxing and they put on the best fights.

“We’re here because two of the best fighters in the world decided to fight each other. This is what boxing is all about. Boxing needs this.

“It takes time for the best fighters to fight each other, but when they do, there’s a lot of fireworks.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“They are fighting for the honor of being world champion and the honor of being the best inside that ring.

“Right now you are looking at the best 154-pounders in the division, Lara and Canelo. The fact that Canelo wanted this fight shows you that he wants to be great and he wants to fight the best in order to be known as great.

“I commend Canelo for choosing this opponent. He’s dangerous and he’s a real opponent. There’s a lot of similarities between these two fighters and come July 12 we’ll see who is the best. I think this is going to be a terrific fight.

“In Cuba you have incredibly talented fighters, Erislandy Lara is no exception.”

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Vice President of Sports Communications, SHOWTIME Networks

“We are putting on the biggest events in boxing with the most marquee names in the sport, and they are fighting tough fights. That credit has to go to Oscar De La Hoya and everybody at Golden Boy Promotions.

“At just 23-years-old Canelo Alvarez is making a name for himself as fearless and ready to fight anybody.

“For Erislandy Lara, he’s had an incredible journey, from leaving his home country of Cuba to fighting professionally to making a name for himself and becoming one of the most difficult fighters at 154 pounds and one of the most feared guys in boxing overall.

“This fight is the quintessential fight for Showtime, with one of the biggest names in the division fighting one of the toughest fights of his life and that’s what we’re all about.”

# # #

Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Canelo vs.Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country thanks to Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (May 6, 2014) – A four-city, four-day, whirlwind press tour for “HONOR & GLORY: Canelo vs. Lara,” a highly anticipated event headlined by a showdown between former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, commenced Tuesday at El Pueblo Historical Monument in Los Angeles.

Hundreds of fans and media members turned out for the Golden Boy Promotions open-to-the-public press conference that also was streamed live in High Definition across multiple SHOWTIME platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube, Ustream and sports.sho.com/live.

Popular Mexican superstar Canelo, of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will bring a record of 43-1-1 with 31 knockouts into the 12-round match-up. Former Cuban national amateur standout and slick southpaw, Lara, holds a record of 19-1-2, with 12 knockouts. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV.

“It is amazing the attention this fight is receiving,” said Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya, who emceed the proceedings. “Why? This is a fight that can possibly be the Fight of the Year. You have Lara the champion who nobody wants to fight because he’s dangerous.

“And you have Canelo, who was willing to take this chance. That’s what Canelo is all about, the opportunity to fight one of the best at 154 pounds. That’s what fighting is all about, and that’s what the character of this young fighter here is all about — fighting the very best.

“Golden Boy Promotions has a reputation of putting together great cards from top to bottom with great fights and this is going to be no exception.”

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and
taxes, are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75
and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“I took this fight because the fans wanted it, and after I kept reading and hearing interviews with Lara about how badly he wanted this fight,” Canelo said. “He said some bad things about me on Twitter and social media. I’m a Mexican, and I know all the tricks. You can’t say the kinds of things he said. So I’m going to please the fans and myself by fighting him.

“I don’t think I took what he said personally, or that he got under my skin, but he likes to talk. He can say
anything that he wants in the ring to me on July 12.

“I have a lot of respect for Cuban fighters. I grew up watching fights of Jose “Mantequilla” Napoles. There are lots of great fighters from Cuba. Lara’s a good fighter. But we’ll see who’s best when we fight.”

Said Lara, “I’ve never tried this hard to get a fight, and actually get it like I did for this one. I went to
extreme measures, doing things I’ve never done before. I’m a pretty laid-back guy, but I did everything I
could to challenge him and make people, the fans and the media demand that he fight me.

“It’s all because I want to prove that I am the best 154-pound fighter in the world.

“I think he is having problems with weight. That’s why he wanted that extra one pound and why we’re not
fighting for my title.

“I’m not sure what kind of fight this will be. It could be a war, and I could stand toe-to-toe like I did against Alfredo Angulo, or I can box. It depends how I decide to fight him in the ring.

“This is the fight, my fight. I win this, I’ve earned the right to fight Floyd Mayweather next.”

The tour continues on tomorrow in San Antonio, Thursday in New York City and Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Below are more quotes from Canelo, Lara and Tuesday’s participants:

CANELO ALVAREZ:

“I want to thank the fans for all of their support. They are the best for me. All of the media, thank you. All the support is what makes this possible.

“I wanted to give the fans this fight, because this is what they asked for. I was offended on Twitter and social media because people said a lot of things about me. But that doesn’t matter. I’m here to prove who I am, and I’m going to win July 12.

“This fight is only for my honor and glory to bring to the Mexican people.”

ERISLANDY “THE AMERICAN DREAM” LARA:

“I don’t really have much to say; everything is done. On July 12,we are going to let our fists do the talking. There’s nothing more to say. We will see you there July 12.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer

“On behalf of team Canelo, thank you all for being here. This is a fight that the fans wanted and we wanted to give it to them. On July 12, you will see what Canelo is made of.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager

“On July 12, it’s going to be a great battle. Lara is a great fighter, one of the best. But on July 12, we’ll see who is going to take who to school and where the real fighters come from.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Lara’s Trainer

“Both of these fighters deserve to be on this stage. It’s going to be a great fight. This is why all the fans come out. They come out to see great fights.

“Both of these guys are two of the best at 154 pounds in the world. There can only be one winner and that’s going to be Lara. The reason is because he’s the best fighter, simple as that. He has been avoided by every top fighter in the world, including Floyd Mayweather. Canelo is a very good fighter. We can’t take anything away from him. But Lara is one step ahead and we are going to prove that on July 12.

“The fans should come out. Get your tickets. Get your pay-per-view. It’s going to be a great, great night. We are sure the undercard will be great as always, Golden Boy puts on the best shows – simple as that.

“People are going to be talking about this fight for a long time. Both of these guys have two common opponents – Austin Trout and Angulo. Canelo slipped by Trout, and Lara destroyed him. They both have stopped Angulo. Both guys can punch, both buys work really hard.

“Get your popcorn. It’s going to be a great night. On July 12, Erislandy Lara will walk out as the victor.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“Team Lara is an excellent team. A professional team with a great trainer, a great manager. He has good people around him. All Lara has to do is focus and train for this fight. That’s what a champion should do and that’s exactly what he does.

“Lara had a controversial loss against the great Paul Williams. He is the WBA Champion after defeating Angulo in 11 rounds. He has the pedigree; as an amateur in Cuba he had more than 250 amateur fights. He’s one of the best fighters to ever come out of Cuba.

“Canelo is one of the most compelling fighters today. At only 23-years-old he has had a professional career since 2005. He has won the WBC Junior Middleweight title in 2011 and defended it 11 times. He has victories over Austin Trout. He beat Angulo and he was in the mega-event last Sept. 13 against Floyd Mayweather.. Now, he is back, giving the fans what they want. This is most difficult challenge at 154 pounds for Canelo. To please his fans, he is facing the toughest guy in the division, Lara.”

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Vice President of Communications, SHOWTIME Sports

“SHOWTIME is on tap tonight to possibly receive eight Emmy awards for our work from last year; something we’re very proud of. That is a record for us in nominations.

“In two years, SHOWTIME Sports has risen in prominence on the back of our boxing franchise,which is now known for televising the biggest events in the sport of any television network, is Canelo Alvarez. Credit goes to Erislandy Lara for challenging for this fight against Canelo, and credit to Canelo Alvarez for taking this fight against one of the most feared men in boxing and certainly the most avoided guy in this division.

“This matchup is the type of fight that SHOWTIME has become known for. It’s the biggest names in the sport, the most compelling matchups and the toughest fights to date on the grandest scale.

“Also, the replay of Maywaether vs. Maidana will air this Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT
on SHOWTIME as part of our network’s Free Preview Weekend.”

# # #

Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand
Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Canelo vs.Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across
the country thanks to Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (May 6, 2014) – The two best junior middleweights in the world will meet to decide 154-pound supremacy Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will square off against WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara in a 12-round bout. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV.

Lara was originally scheduled to defend his WBA title against Ishe Smith on Friday, May 2 in Las Vegas to kickoff Cinco de Mayo Weekend withdrew from the fight to face Canelo.

“This fight against Erislandy Lara is very important for my career because it is an opponent with vast experience in both the amateur and professional field, and I am sure our fighting styles will provide an explosive battle and great atmosphere that night,” said Canelo Alvarez. “Lara, the media and the fans around the world wanted this match to take place, and here I am fulfilling their request since I have no doubt that everyone will be completely satisfied.”

“I give Canelo respect for accepting this fight, and even though it took him a while to step up, we’re going to give the fans a great performance on July 12,” said Lara. “I’m coming to show the world I’m the best fighter at 154 pounds. This is the biggest fight of my career, and beating Canelo will get me closer to my ultimate goal, a showdown with Floyd Mayweather.”

“Canelo has always been a true warrior who insists on fighting the best, and this is just another example,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Beating Erislandy Lara is a huge challenge for any fighter, but if anyone is up to the task, it’s Canelo.”
“Canelo vs. Erislandy Lara, a fight between the two best junior middleweights in the world, is yet another great example of the competitive, highly compelling and star-studded marquee matchups that SHOWTIME has become known for,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “We are proud to see Canelo Alvarez continue his quest to take on the best boxers in the sport today. Lara, one of most skilled boxers in any division, is highly motivated by his own quest for a career-defining victory. I commend both Canelo and Erislandy for stepping up to the challenge and delivering the fight that boxing fans want.”

“We have already had the opportunity to host a number of sensational fights in 2014,” said Richard Sturm, president of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International. “The summer heats up with another great event as we welcome the return of Canelo Alvarez to MGM Grand following his dominating performance in March.”

On a collision course for years, the highly anticipated matchup between Lara and Canelo will finally come to fruition following big wins over Austin “No Doubt” Trout and Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, respectively.

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KOs) is one of the most compelling figures in the fight game today. A former world champion and still just 23-years-old, Canelo has captivated fans around the world with his exciting fighting style and charisma in and out of the ring. A professional since 2005, Canelo won the WBC Junior Middleweight Title in 2011 and successfully defended it five times before unifying the championship with a 2013 victory over Austin Trout. A mega-fight with Mayweather followed five months later. Although he lost a hard-fought decision to the pound-for-pound king last September, Canelo got back on track in March with a 10th round-technical knockout win over Alfredo Angulo.

Slick southpaw Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) graduated from the renowned Cuban amateur boxing program and migrated to the United States to pursue a professional boxing career. As a young contender on the rise, Lara suffered a controversial decision loss to Paul Williams in 2011. Since then, he has done his best to take it out of the judges’ hands by knocking out Ronald Hearns and Angulo, with the latter victory earning him the WBA Junior Middleweight World Championship. In his most recent bout, Lara won a 12-round unanimous decision over Trout on Dec. 7, 2013, and now the 31-year-old, who makes his home in Houston, will attempt to give Canelo a boxing lesson on July 12.

“Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @LaraBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloLara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Canelo ALvarez will take on Erislandy Lara in a Pay Per View bout on Juky 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been working hard to get this done,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “We were able to finalize everything and both fighters were fine with the terms and so now we have a fight — a great fight — between the two best junior middleweights in the world not named Floyd Mayweather.”

The final issue that needed to be resolved was the fact that Lara was already signed to make his first title defense against former titlist Ishe Smith on May 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on a Fox Sports 1 card being used to help promote Mayweather’s welterweight unification fight against Marcos Maidana the next night at the MGM Grand.

“We’re good to go. We got a deal in place. We’re happy and we’re ready to fight,” Luis DeCubas Jr., Lara’s co-manager, told ESPN.com. “It’s a fight Lara has wanted. He’s been after it for a few years. Now it’s time to get ready in training. I think he really has earned this fight. This is a fight where the fans win. They’ll see the two best junior middleweights who aren’t Floyd Mayweather.”

“The weight is 155 max, which we have no problem with,” DeCubas said. “It doesn’t matter. We got the fight we wanted.”

“It reminds me a little of the fight Canelo had with Austin Trout,” Schaefer said of the unification fight Alvarez won by decision against Trout last April. “Everybody was saying before we made that fight that Canelo was afraid to fight Trout, but he pushed for the fight even when some people in his camp didn’t want the fight. When Canelo came to the office to meet with me a few weeks ago, he had one name in mind. He wanted Erislandy Lara.

“He said he feels Lara is, next to Mayweather, the best fighter at 154 and he wants to challenge himself against the best. A lot of people felt he wouldn’t fight him, but he wants to show he is not afraid to fight anybody. I tried to mention some other names, but he was very clear: ‘Don’t talk to me about anyone else. I want Lara.’ That’s what he said.”

“You see what Canelo did when he fought Trout and what Lara did to Trout,” Schaefer said. “It will be interesting to see how Canelo will deal with Lara, who is a talented and gifted fighter. He showed that will against Angulo to overcome adversity, and he has superb boxing skills.”

Canelo Alvarez will be looking for a July 12 Pay Per view dance partner and the man he is targeting is Erislandy Lara according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“When I met with Canelo last week, we discussed the date, the site and different opponents, and two of those have been resolved,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “Canelo feels very comfortable fighting at the MGM. So we have the date and venue locked in and then we had to look at opponents.

“Canelo made it clear that his first choice is Lara because a lot of people, fans and media, feel he would be afraid of fighting somebody with the skills of Erislandy Lara, the same way people thought he wouldn’t fight Austin Trout. And you saw what happened.”

“Canelo thinks Floyd is the champion. Floyd beat Canelo and Canelo thinks Floyd is the champion, so how can Lara be a champion,” Schaefer said. “So Canelo doesn’t want it for a title so it won’t be a title fight, but if Lara wants to defend the title he can pay the sanction fees. But Canelo said he doesn’t want to fight for the title.”

“A lot of people feel Lara is the best at 154 pounds after Floyd,” Schaefer said. “Canelo said, ‘That’s the guy I want.’ I presented other names to him. He didn’t say yes and he didn’t say no. But he kept saying, ‘Get me Lara. That’s what my fans want to see.’ So I have begun negotiations with Team Lara. I’ve been working on it with [Lara adviser] Al [Haymon] and we have made an offer. We are going back and forth and my hope would be the negotiation could be concluded swiftly. We’re a little bit apart but if everyone will give a little bit we can get this done.

“I think it’s a very interesting fight. Lara is very skilled fighter. So is Trout and you saw how Canelo did with Trout, but Lara is a bit better than Trout.”

“Canelo would like to do a media tour,” he said. “When you have more time to promote, you can do a bigger tour. He liked the media tour we did with Mayweather and the big crowds. He loves to embrace his fans and mingle with his fans and so he definitely would like to do a big press tour.”

“We are talking about what we want to do,” Schaefer said. “Would we pull him out to have him ready for the promotion? That’s part of the negotiations and discussions. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen because I don’t have it done. But if you want to put together a major pay-per-view, the dates are a bit too close.”