Gervonta Davis fought through an injured left hand, but was able to hold on a win a 12-round unanimous decision over tough challenger Isaac Cruz to retain the WBA Lightweight title in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The fight was entertaining with Davis looking to land uppercuts with both his left and right hands. Cruz lived up to his pressure fighting scouting report as he tried to stay in the chest of Davis. Davis was able to build up an early lead by landing those uppercuts and hard left hands. Somewhere towards the middle of the fight, Davis seemed to hurt his left hand.

Cruz was able to close the gap down the stretch as he was able to land some good combinations. Davis did a terrific job in round 12, as he was clearly hurt, but able to avoid Cruz’s aggressive onslaught and land some solid counters of his own.

Davis landed 133 of 462 punches; Cruz 121 of 553.

Davis, 134.5 lbs of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice to raise his mark to 26-0. Cruz, 134.5 lbs of Mexico City is 22-2-1.

“That’s my style. ‘Pitbull’ is always going to be on the attack,” said Cruz. “I think we retained rhythm from the start to the end.”

“He’s a shorter fighter, so I was throwing down on the top of his head,” said Davis. “I hit him with my knuckle and messed it up. I hurt my hand in the sixth round. No matter if the opponent is taller or shorter, I’ve got to get through it. He’s a warrior. Even though he didn’t win, a star was born tonight.”

“It was right around the fifth round I saw that his hand wasn’t working correctly,” Cruz observed.

“Viva Mexico. I have nothing to say, the fans are speaking on who won this fight,” he said.

“L.A., we did it for Kobe,” said Davis. “At the beginning of the fight, he came on strong. I felt as the fight was going, he was breaking down. But I hurt my hand, so I wasn’t able to get him out of there.

“Whatever the best opportunity is for me, I’ll do it. All of them guys are easy work. I’m the top dog.

Fundora Decisions Garcia

In a battle of undefeated super welterweight’s, 6’7″ Sebastian Fundora won a 12-round unanimous decision over Sergio Garcia.

In round four, both guys began to bleed as Fundora started to leak from his nose and Garcia started to bleed around the right eye. It was a tough fight on the inside with Garcia trying to back up Fundora. Fundora was efficient with his volume punching.

Fundora landed 187 of 717 punches, Garcia was 163 of 778.

Garcia took some late rounds to make the scores close, but Fundora won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113.

Fundora, 153.25 lbs of Coachella, CA is 18-0-1. Garcia, 153.5 lbs of Spain is 33-1.

“I was using my distance a lot more. I wanted to display something different than what I’m used to,” said Fundora. “Height was definitely a difference in this fight.”

“Maybe things could have been different if I had been more aggressive from the beginning,” said Garcia. “I shouldn’t have let myself get carried away by what he was doing.”

“We just beat the No. 2 in the WBC, so we have No.1, and we have the champion,” said Fundora. “Whoever they give us next, we’re ready for.”

Adames Decisions Derevyanchenko

Carlos Adames won a 10-round majority decision over former world title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a middleweight bout.

It was an action packed fight that saw both guys land serious leather on their opponent. Adames landed the flashier punches and pushed the action, and won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

Adames landed 161 of 564 punches; Derevyanchenko was 157 of 562.

Adames, 159.5 lbs of Washington Heights, NY is 21-1. Derevyanchenko, 159.5 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 13-4.

“This means a lot for me in my career and this is a big accomplishment winning against a fighter of his caliber,” said Adames, who was born in the Dominican Republic and fights out of Washington Heights in New York City.

“I am aggressive and speedy by nature, so I came in ready to do my thing. He started slow, wanting to see what would happen, and simply had the wrong game plan. He got a bit tired as the fight went on, took a lot of hard shots from me and it was evident that I caused him a lot of damage.”

“I expect my opponent to fight the same style. It was nothing special for me, just a quality fight,” said Derevyanchenko.

“He stayed southpaw, that was the difference in the fight. I don’t know what I’ll do next. I need a little bit of rest and then I will go back to the gym because I love boxing and I love the show.”

“This gives me an opportunity to move on,” said Adames. “I dominate at both 154 and 160, so wherever they give me the opportunity to fight for a championship is where I’ll go.”

Ramirez Decisions Marriaga

Eduardo Ramirez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Miguel Marriaga in a super featherweight bout.

In round three, Ramirez dropped Marriaga with a straight left. Ramirez continued to beat up Marriaga with hard combinations throughout the contest.

Ramirez landed 280 of 76 punches; Marriaga was 159 of 689.

Ramirez, 129.5 lbs of Durango, MEX won by scores of 99-90 on all cards and is now 26-2-3. Marriaga, 129.5 lbs of Arjona, COL is 30-5.

“I would like to thank the fans, SHOWTIME and the Montiel family for supporting me. Marriaga was a tough opponent, but I managed to dominate,” said Ramirez. “I had a varied fighting style and kept him on his toes the whole time.”

“We started out strong, but then things got progressively harder. Having said that, we are pleased with the work we put in today,” said Marriaga. “We should have been more savvy, but we tried our hardest in the face of a great opportunity that unfortunately we could not take advantage of.”

“Now I’m going to relax with my family and enjoy the holidays,” said Ramirez. “Then hopefully 2022 will come with a title shot for me.” 

Follow all the action as Gervonta Davis defends the WBA Lightweight title against undefeated Isaac Cruz.  The fights begin at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with Sebastian Fundora taking on Sergio Garcia; Sergiy Derevyanchenko taking on Carlos Adames and Eduardo Ramirez against Miguel Marriaga

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY; NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: 2 rights from Cruz..Uppercut from Diaz…Right staggers Davis..Left from Crus

Round 2 Left uppercut from Davis..Counter from Cruz..Left from Davis…Body shot from Cruz

Round 3 Left to body from Cruz..Combination from Davis..Uppercut…Counter right hook….Left uppercut/right hook…Counter left…

Round 4 Right and left to body from Cruz…Uppercut…Uppercut from Davis…Jab from Cruz…Left uppercut from Davis..and another

Round 5 Lead left from Davis…Jab and right Cruz..Right uppercut from Davis…Body shot from Cruz..Body shot from Davis..Upercut and straight left…Right from Cruz..Left uppercut from Davis..

Round 6 Right hook from Davis…Straight left…Right from Cruz…Right hook from Davis…Left uppercut..Lead right hook..Straight left…Body

Round 7 Uppercut from Davis…Left..Cruz lands a couple of uppercuts..Big uppercut by Cruz…Right to body from Davis..Cruz lands a right…right hook and left from Davis..Body shot from Cruz..Right uppercut…right to body

Round 8 Straight left from Davis..Uppercut from Cruz…uppercut…Uppercut

Round 9 Cruz lands a body shot…Left from Davis..Lead left…Straight left and right hook to body..Counter

Round 10 Big Flurry from Cruz..right to body..right hook from Davis..

Round 11 Body shot from Cruz…Right..3 jabs from Davis…Lead right uppercut…Right hook..

Round 12 Lead right hook for Davis..Good right hook..Davis Left hand is hurt…

116-112; 115-113 TWICE FOR GERVONTA DAVIS

Round 1 Left and right from Fundora…Right from Garcia..Left rocks Garcia
Round 2 Right from Garcia..Head combo..Lead left and right uppercut from Fundora..Combination..
Round 3 Right uppercut from Garcia…Right from Fundora..Right from Garcia..Left from Fundora…Right from Garcia..Right to body from Fundora
Round 4 Fundora bleeding from Nose…Left uppercut from Garcia…Body shot..Garcia cut around the right eye..Good right from Garcia..Right to body
Round 5 Jab from Fundora..Uppercut..Right from Garcia..Uppercut and right from Fundora,,,Uppercuts on inside from Garcia..Right hook and left from Fundora…Chopping left from Garcia,..Right uppercut on inside…ocunter from Fundora..Combination
Round 6 Left hand and right to body from Fundora…Left…Right hook…Garcia lands a left..Right…Left…
Round 7 Left from Fundora…Uppercut…Left uppercut…right from Garcia…Right to body..
Round 8 Left from Fundora…Garcia landing a combination
Round 9 Garcia trying to push the action
Round 10 Garcia lands a short uppercut…Right uppercut..Another
Round 11 Left from Fundora..Right to the body…Uppercut…Uppercut…Garcia lands a right and left..Solid right to body from Fundora…Right from Garcia
Round 12 Right from Fundora…Nice uppercut…Right hook…Garcia lands a left,,,Garcia lands a big left

115-113; 117-111; 118-110 FUNDORA

Round 1:
Round 2 Big right from Adams…Right Hook..Big left hook from Derevyanchenko
Round 3 Right uppercut from Adames..Right hook from Derevyanchenko…Trading Body shots…Right from Adames..Left hook to the body
Round 4 Right from Adames…Double Jab/Right Hand…Right from Derevyanchenko…
Round 5 Right from Adames..Right from Derevyanchenko..Exchanging Big Rights
Round 6 Right from Adames
Round 7 Right cross from Adames..Left hook…Left hook..
Round 8 Jab from Derevyanchenko…Adames lands a right..Sharp Jab…Right from Derevyanchenko…Lead left hook from Adames…
Round 9 Derevyanchenko lands a jab and right…Counter from Adames..sweeping left hook..Both landing heavy head shots..Jab from Derevyanchenko…Right from Adames..Left hook..Right from Derevyanchenko
Round 10 Both landing hard combinations in the corner…Chopping right from Derevyanchenko…Right from Adames..2 short left hooks from Derevychaneko…Right

95-95, 97-93 AND 96-94 FOR ADAMES

Round 1 Left from Marriaga…Right…Left to body…Body shot from Ramirez
Round 2 Left from Ramirez…Combination..Right…Straight left…Hard combination
Round 3 Left from Ramirez…Body shot from Marriaga…Right to the head..Body shot from Ramires…Jab..Lead right..left..Lead left from Ramirez..Left from Marriaga…Right…STRAIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES MARRIAGA
Round 4  Marriaga lands a right…Hard left from Marriaga…Hard left…Right hook…
Round 5 1-2 from Ramirez…Left..1-2…1-2 from Marriaga…
Round 6 Ramirez working inside…Uppercut…Right..uppercut…Body work…Straight left…Hard straight left…Counter right from Marriaga…3 punch combination from Ramirez…Right from Marriaga…
Round 7  Body shot from Ramirez…Right rocks Marriaga…2 right hooks from Ramirez…
Round 8 Combination from Marriaga…Left from Ramirez…Straight left…Right Hook..Straight left
Round 9 Straight left from Ramirez…3 Punch combination…Left uppercut
Round 10 Left from Ramirez…Ripping right Hook..Left..Good right

99-90 ON ALL CARDS FOR RAMIREZ

WBA Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 134 ½ lbs.

Isaac Cruz – 134 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Carla Caiz (Calif.), Max DeLuca (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Sebastian Fundora – 153 ¼ lbs.

Sergio Garcia – 153 ½ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico)

WBC Middleweight Title Eliminator – 10 Rounds

Sergiy Derevyanchenko – 159 ½ lbs.

Carlos Adames – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Eddie Hernandez, Sr.; Judges: Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Damian Walton (Calif.)

Super Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Eduardo Ramirez – 129 ½ lbs.

Miguel Marriaga – 129 ½ lbs.

Referee: Marcos Rosales; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Damian Walton (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

#        #        #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ

Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. 

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round WBC Middleweight World Title Eliminator, while top super featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

LOS ANGELES (December 3, 2021) – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard taking place this Sunday, December 5 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) previewed their respective showdowns during a press conference Friday before they enter the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event featured rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia, who compete in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event, middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames, who meet in a 10-round WBC Middleweight Title Eliminator, and featherweight contenders Eduardo Ramirez and Miguel Marriaga, who square-off in a 10-round attraction that opens the pay-per-view telecast.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday from downtown Los Angeles:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“My style just depends on the fight. If he gives me the chance to display my skills and shows he can last in there, then I’ll do that. But if I can end it quickly, then I’m going to do what I always do.

“If he’s willing to fight on the inside or try to walk me down, it’s going to go like my recent fights have gone. If he wants to box me, we’ll definitely be ready for that.

“I do what I worked on in training camp during a fight. I don’t worry about what Garcia is going to do. I’m not concerned with what style he brings. We’re prepared to be the best Sebastian Fundora possible.

“We want the belts. Whoever wins a Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano rematch, I want them in the ring. Those are the guys to beat and I want to prove myself against them.

“I’ve been improving with age and as I continue to mature. With each fight we pick up some new things based off how opponents attack me. That’s helped me be better each time I step into the ring.

“I just listen to everything my father says. That’s the respect and teamwork that we have for each other. If he wants me to keep this guy at a distance, I’ll do that. But if he wants me to run an opponent over, I’m ready to go.

“I can guarantee fans that you’re going to get your money’s worth on Sunday. I promise that this is going to be the fight of the night.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“It’s an honor for me to be here making my U.S. debut on SHOWTIME PPV. I feel absolutely no pressure. Fundora is a peculiar fighter for this division. He’s unusual to prepare for. But I have sparred against opponents as tall as he is. I feel ready for any challenge that he may throw my way on Sunday night.

“I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do in the ring. It’s up to me to show you in the ring on Sunday night what I can do beyond just words. It’s my job to show the world what I’m capable of and to prevent the knockouts that Fundora is used to getting from happening. Fundora is going to come with his hunger, his ambition and his drive, and I’m going to do the same thing.

“I came here to win the fight and I came here to win hearts. It’s going to be a great fight because I didn’t come here to run. I came here to stand up to Fundora. I respect my opponent. I respect anybody who gets in the ring with me. I’m going to put my pride and my skills on the line and show everybody what I’m capable of.

“I’ve sparred with guys as tall as Fundora but those guys are actually heavier than Fundora is. I consider that an advantage. It’s something that made me tougher. Something that made me stronger. It’s going to come in handy when I get into the ring on Sunday night.

“I absolutely love this challenge. I’m coming into somebody else’s house. I have no pressure. All I want to do is give the fans a great show and enjoy each and every moment. Hopefully there’s a happy ending, but I plan to savor every single second that I have on Sunday night.

“Spanish boxing is certainly on the rise. But I fight for my family. I want to make them proud. I want to make my corner proud. Those are the people that mean the most to me and who I fight this fight for. For my fans in Spain and for my two little ones, my wife and my family.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“I have a lot of motivation for this fight. That and my power is going to help me. Winning this fight is going to keep my career going and put me where I want to get back to.

“I feel strong and I’m excited to face Adames. He’s a good fighter who hits hard. But I’m ready for anything he brings. I’ve fought the best middleweights in the world. I’ve faced power punchers before, so I’m not worried about his power.

“I’ve studied Adames and looked at some of his past fights. He’s a very strong fighter. I am familiar with him and we’ve been working during training camp for what he does. I know what I have to do on Sunday night and I’m going to show everyone during the fight.

“Of course I need to win this fight. This fight is the next step toward becoming world champion. I want to win this fight, face Jaime Munguia and then fight for the title again. My dream is to win the belt and that’s what I’m working toward.”

CARLOS ADAMES

“Every fight has something big on the line. Every fight is risky. Otherwise, why are you fighting? I always look for the biggest challenges. I want to fight against the best boxers, and Sergiy is certainly one of them. I am aware of everything that is at stake, but I do not run away from it. I am excited for what is going to come on Sunday night.

“I understand that he has fought against great fighters. In the end, he is fighting against Carlos Adames, and I am a big puncher. Don’t underestimate me. Otherwise, he is going to have a big problem on his hands. I consider myself to be a great fighter just like him.

“People didn’t think I would be that great at 147-pounds. I showed them. Then I went to 154, and they didn’t think I was going to be a great fighter, but I showed them there. Now I am at 160, and I am going to show them again how powerful I can be and how big of a threat I can be. Sergiy is a good fighter, but he’s not an obstacle for me. I don’t consider him to be an insurmountable mountain.

“Sparring is not a fight. He can spar with Superman. I don’t care. I am going to be ready for him. He is going to realize how strong I am. He can spar with whoever he wants, but Carlos Adames is a whole different thing.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“In the end, whether the win comes by knockout or decision, it doesn’t really matter to me. What matters the most is the work that I put in the gym day in and day out for this fight to be reflected in the ring. I just want to give the fans a great show.

“I’m a guy that lives in the present, not the past. The list of fighters he has faced is impressive, but it doesn’t matter what he did in the past. It’s about what happens on Sunday night.

“In the end, for me, I hope to put Mexico’s flag in the air Sunday night. I want to make everybody proud in my country and show my fans what I’m capable of.

“As far as the world title opportunity, we do hope that a win brings me a title eliminator shot or perhaps even a world title fight. But in the end, I have to go step-by-step. I can’t look past this fight, otherwise none of my ambitions are going to come true.”

MIGUEL MARRIAGA

“Every fight is important, but in this case, this fight has a potential to earn myself another world title shot. It’s do or die because it is that big of a fight on Sunday night.

“I have fought against high caliber opponents, and Ramirez isn’t unbeatable. He is not someone that I am overly concerned about. I have to be focused, I have to be aware and not underestimate anybody. In the end, it’s about what I do inside the ring.

“Everybody knows I’ve come to Los Angeles ready to fight. I’m facing a quality opponent, but the most important thing is to believe in my preparation and to go look for the fight, not wait for the fight to come to me.

“I had great preparation for this fight. It’s a pleasure to be opening up the pay-per-view. Now it’s time to go out there and win.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We have a fabulous undercard on Sunday night. Mayweather Promotions has promoted the biggest fights in the history of the sport and I can honestly say that this phenomenal undercard is probably in the top three ever that I’ve promoted.

“Top to bottom, this card is outstanding. In the co-main event, we have Sebastian Fundora, who is an exciting fighter and one my favorite in the sport today. He is going to be in for an all-out war against Sergio Garcia. These guys are going to give everything they’ve got.

“We all know Sergiy Derevyanchenko and have seen him in tough fights before and come up short in some questionable decisions. He’s going to look to take advantage of that experience on Sunday when he faces the tough and hard-hitting Adames in what shapes up to be an exciting bout.

“In the opening bout, we’re going to see top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez take on a former world title challenger in Miguel Marriaga. I can’t wait for this whole show. These are fights that you don’t want to miss.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES (December 2, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they battle for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title in the SHOWTIME PPV main event this Sunday, December 5 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and see Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction, as the three-division champion duels the IBF-ranked No. 2 lightweight in Cruz, a Mexico City-native who has earned his “Pitbull” moniker through his hardnosed style.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants, including Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather, had to say Thursday from downtown Los Angeles:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m thankful to everyone here today and everyone who’s made this fight possible. This is going to be another big night. It’s my first time fighting on Sunday and I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to put on another great performance.

“I think fighting shorter guys is harder than fighting guys taller than me. You have to punch down and find him. But I’m coming with my top game, so we’ll see how it plays out Sunday.

“I can’t say too much about my strategy, you’re just going to have to wait and see Sunday. He can say whatever he wants right now, but it’s different when you get hit in the face.

“This is going to be a big event and an exciting fight. We’re fighters who like to come forward, and when you get these types of styles, we’re going to crash into each other.

“The opponent change is just a part of boxing. I had to adapt to it just like I’ll adapt to what Cruz brings on fight night. We changed some small things in camp, but we know our mission is to get the job done no matter who it is.

“When you’re in the ring, if you have good coaches, they can tell you when a guy is hurt and when it’s time to pick it up. I believe in my team to the fullest. With all of us putting our mind together, we’ll come out on top.

“Even us facing off today, I’m looking to see his height and reach and things like that. I pay attention to everything so that on fight night I’m fully prepared.

“I can’t say exactly what’s going to happen in the fight because that would be overlooking him. I’m not going to make the mistake other fighters have made. I’m ready to go 12 rounds and I’m looking forward to Sunday.

“He’s saying I haven’t faced someone like him, but he’s never faced anyone like me either. He can say what he wants to build up the fight.

“I’ve been the underdog like Cruz before. I know that he’s coming fully prepared and coming strong. I remember when my back was against the wall. It’s do-or-die right now and he’s coming with it, not only for himself, but for his family.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m hungrier and I’m more motivated than ever to give a great future to my wife and my son. This is my dream since I was a little kid and I am here to make that dream come true. I am going to give my all to make it happen.

“My training camp has been all about endurance and I’m fully prepared to give a great show for the fans and everybody tuning in on Sunday night.

“It’s simple. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. He has never faced anybody that fights like me before. My hunger and my will to win is unparalleled. He’s going to feel it on Sunday night.

“I guarantee a great fight. I guarantee excitement. I want the fans to be excited whether they tune in on SHOWTIME PPV or are at STAPLES Center. I want them to go home happy.

“I’m very confident in any punch that I throw. Like the Mexican saying goes, ‘whichever way it goes, it goes.’ But I’m very comfortable in my own skin and in my own style. I believe in what I can do on Sunday night.

“Gervonta is a very strong fighter. I consider him the best in the division, but he’s human and he’s not impossible to beat. My goal will be to bring him down a notch and show who I am as well.

“I know that Manny Pacquiao is well aware of this fight happening and we hope to make him proud as a part of Manny Pacquiao Promotions. He said that he believes in me and that we have to train hard and give it our all out in the ring. Regardless of what happens, he is going to be proud of us and he believes we can come out on top.

“It was mixed feelings when I learned that I would be stepping in to take this fight. There were a lot of emotions coming in all at once. But once we realized that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, we had to take advantage and get ready for it. Now we are here ready to take it head on.

“We have seen a lot of Gervonta’s fights. We have drawn conclusions both good and bad. We have studied Gervonta to the fullest. Our hunger for glory is so far ahead of anything you can think of. We are going to give it our all in the ring.

“Gervonta is a strong fighter. He’s a tough fighter. But he’s not impossible to beat. We are not scared of his speed. We have been training hard to be able to counter his speed. He has a strong uppercut. He throws a variety of punches. But we are prepared. Regardless of what previous fighters have done against him, we have prepared to counter anything he can throw our way.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“This is another big fight between two great competitors who are going out there to show the world what they’ve got. ‘Tank’ has been on the big stage for a while now, but he’s giving another fighter the opportunity to be great. Before I was ‘T.B.E’, someone had to give me the opportunity, just like Cruz is getting.

“Cruz is a tough fighter. When this fight was first made, I didn’t know much about Cruz. But when I did my homework, I saw that I’ve faced guys like him before. You can’t overlook any opponent, but especially one like Cruz.

“’Tank’ has unbelievable boxing skills and the will to win. I see very similar qualities in Isaac Cruz. On Sunday, it’s going to be an explosive night.

“‘Tank’s’ trainers have got him covered all across the board. They went out there and did what they had to do throughout training camp and ‘Tank’ is going to be ready come Sunday.

“These weights between 130 and 140-pounds are the strongest in boxing right now. That’s just my opinion. In this fight, we have two of the best fighters at lightweight squaring off.

“This is going to be a very entertaining fight and I can’t wait. We have a great undercard, but I really can’t wait for the main event. Sunday is going to be our day, make sure you don’t miss it.

“It was a team effort deciding to put the fight on Sunday. The Super Bowl is on a Sunday, a lot of award shows and the NBA All-Star Game are all on Sundays. A lot of times on Saturdays, people go out to the nightclubs because they work a 9-5 and want to enjoy their Friday and Saturday. But Sunday, everyone is at home, they can sit down, enjoy the festivities and take in this great card.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“Cruz is a very aggressive fighter. This will be a fight you don’t want to miss. This is the fight where I’m looking for that fighter to bring the best out of Gervonta Davis.

“Is Cruz the one to push ‘Tank’ further than he’s been pushed? From what I’ve seen from Cruz on ALL ACCESS, I can see that he’s on a mission. He’s definitely on a mission and we ain’t sleeping on him. You’ll want to tune-in to this fight. This is the one.”

BARRY HUNTER, Davis’ Co-Trainer

“‘Tank’ is an amazing fighter. He’s very explosive and very skilled. He brings a lot to the table as it pertains to the sport. I’m just looking for a great, fan-friendly fight. We have got all the confidence in the world in him, his abilities, and what we’ve done to prepare.

“I want to thank Cruz, his dad and his team for even accepting the challenge and stepping up to the plate. I know he’s hungry, I know he’s prepared, and I know he has what it takes to win that world title, it’s just not happening now.”

ISAAC CRUZ SR., Cruz’s Father and Trainer

“It has been a long training camp, but we have been up to the challenge. Hopefully, Isaac will be the one ending up on top with the championship belt after Sunday night.

“We’ve prepared for everything possible heading into this fight. We wouldn’t have taken the fight if we didn’t know that Isaac could win. We’re going to be ready when that bell rings on Sunday.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Sunday night is going to be nothing but fireworks. I can’t give anything but credit to Isaac Cruz coming into this fight. I know he’s mentally prepared. We’ve had our eye on Cruz since his explosive performance in San Antonio on Gervonta’s undercard last year. I knew then that he was going to be a guy that ‘Tank’ was going to have to face.

“We all witnessed just last week what happens when you’re a top fighter and you don’t prepare the right way and you take your opponent lightly. But ‘Tank’ doesn’t do that. He takes everyone seriously and he knows that Isaac is prepared and coming to knock him off his throne.

“’Tank’ has had an excellent camp and has done everything his coaches have asked of him. I’m impressed with his maturation and how he’s come into his own both inside and outside of the ring. With all of that combined, I believe that we’re going to see the best of Gervonta Davis this Sunday night.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES (December 1, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz previewed their battle for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title at a media workout Wednesday before they headline a SHOWTIME PPV this Sunday, December 5 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The workout also featured unbeaten super welterweight contender Sergio Garcia, who takes on rising star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event of the pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“The change in opponent didn’t affect much in my training. That’s just the sport of boxing. You have to be ready for anything. I always know that I have to adapt to whatever comes my way.

“Everyone says he’s going to come forward, but that’s easier said than done. If he does, we’ll give the fans an exciting fight. We know that’s his game plan. I just have to be smart, do what I do best and put on a perfect performance.

“Just make sure you tune into this fight. This is going to be a good one. I’ve been training 13 weeks for this, so I’m going to be ready and well prepared.

“It’s amazing to be fighting on Sunday. You have football during the day and boxing at night. I have a lot of young fans that watch me and I think this is going to be a great show.

“I’m excited to be in Los Angeles. I was made for this stage and I can’t wait to put on a great performance Sunday.

“Having a second child has matured me as a person and a fighter. I have two daughters to look after. I know I have to go out there and do my thing as a professional athlete, but I know the responsibility that also comes with being a father.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“We are extremely motivated for this fight. We have been training really hard and we’ve put in the maximum effort day after day. This Sunday, we’re going to be ready for the challenge.

“We have been preparing the best way that we can. We are going to fight smart. We’re going to stay within our style and then go forward with the best strategy to win the title.

“Gervonta is a great champion and if he said that I’m a tougher fight than Rolando Romero, then there is a reason for that. He knows that I’m a better fighter than Romero because he saw me fight in San Antonio. There is a reason for his comments.

“I’m here to do my job to win the fight, and whether it’s by decision or knockout I’m going to try to win no matter what.

“I am going to show everybody that Isaac Cruz is a true Mexican warrior and I’m going to show them what I’m worth with every punch I throw. They will see what I’m worth on Sunday, December 5.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“I’m just glad to have this kind of opportunity on a card of this magnitude. I plan to take advantage of it. We’ve worked so hard to get here, and I know I have to put up my best effort to make the most of this chance that I have.

“I came to win this fight and win the hearts of the fans. I’m not going to be running. I’m going to stand up strong, be aggressive and show everyone that I’m for real. You’re going to be seeing me for a long time.

“Fundora is definitely an interesting opponent. It’s not common to see someone at his height in our division. I sparred with a lot of fighters who were his height and a lot heavier. That preparation is going to be to my advantage on fight night.

“The fanbases in the U.S. and in Europe are very different, but in the end, the ring is the same and we’re not going to be intimidated by fighting in a new country.

“I want people to know that I came here to fight my heart out and leave everything in the ring. Fans can count on a great show Sunday night.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2021) – Super welterweight contender Luis “Cuba” Arias will take on veteran Vaughn Alexander in a 10-round showdown that tops the non-televised undercard this Sunday, December 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight Title against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on a SHOWTIME PPV telecast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The undercard will also feature undefeated prospects entering the ring as Baltimore’s Malik Warren (5-0, 5 KOs) takes on Eric Manriquez (7-12-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight attraction, Washington, D.C.’s Jalil Hackett (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight showdown against Darynn Leyva (1-2-1, 1 KO), and heavyweight Carlos Garcon (2-0, 2 KOs) battling Jason Soto (3-1-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round duel.

A pair of female fights round out the lineup, as super flyweight contender Ava Knight (19-2-5, 5 KOs) faces New Orleans-native Indeya Smith (2-3-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout, and unbeaten prospect Mia Ellis (2-0, 2 KOs) competes in a four-round super featherweight contest against Elizabeth Tuani (1-4, 2 KOs).

Born in Milwaukee, Arias (19-2-1, 9 KOs) returned to the ring in June and earned a career-best victory in defeating former unified champion Jarrett Hurd on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard. The 31-year-old has faced top competition throughout his career, including going the distance with former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a 2017 duel. Arias racked up wins in his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2012 and the Mayweather Promotions’ fighter now trains in Las Vegas. He will be opposed by the St. Louis-native Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs), who most recently fought to a split-draw against Winfred Harris Jr. in August. The older brother of former two-division champion Devon, Alexander owns a victory over previously unbeaten Money Powell IV in 2019.

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LAS VEGAS – November 23, 2021 – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a “Turkey Giveaway” on Tuesday, as the WBA Lightweight Champion, along with Mayweather Promotions, handed out 150 turkeys, plus gift cards and more to Las Vegas residents.

The giveaway took place following Davis’ media workout in preparation for his world title defense against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking place Sunday, December 5 live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what Davis, his trainer Calvin Ford, and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe had to say Tuesday from Mayweather Boxing Club:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I really didn’t have a family that was together to celebrate Thanksgiving when I was young, but now I have my two little daughters, so I’m definitely looking forward to the holidays. I’m going to miss Thanksgiving because of the fight, but Christmas is going to be big this year.

“It’s always great to be able to help out. I was always looking for someone to help me when I was a kid, so to be in a position to help others now really means a lot.

“This is going to be an exciting fight. Cruz comes to fight each and every time. I’m just waiting to see what he brings to the table on December 5, and we’ll capitalize off of his mistakes.

“Cruz coming forward could make the fight a lot easier for me, but there are definitely challenges with that style too. He comes forward with his head a lot. I’m definitely going to be ready for that.

“The change in opponent didn’t really affect my mindset or my game plan. Trash talking doesn’t matter to me anyway. We all have to get out there and perform when it’s time to.

“Anything that he does dirty in there, I’ll be ready for. He better be prepared, because whatever he dishes out, I’m going to give it right back to him.

“He’s an explosive fighter. We have to see what he brings on December 5. I’m looking forward to it. I want to give the fans another action-packed fight.

“Fighting at STAPLES Center is big. I’m happy to be in this position to be able to go out there and put on a great performance. I’m just a kid from Baltimore city who’s trying to make something out of boxing, and we’re here now headlining at STAPLES Center. I’m definitely using that motivation to my advantage.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“’Tank’ has always put the effort in. He’s just different. He loves the work and he’s always evolving. There are three elements to ‘Tank:’ the fighter, the family man and the business man. I’m just trying to help guide him the best I can.

“We’re looking forward to this fight. It’s not our first time having an opponent switched. Cruz doesn’t say too much, but he’s very dangerous. He has something to prove to the world.

“Sometimes style makes fights. So many people are calling ‘Tank’ out that he’s always preparing for all kinds of styles. Cruz is dangerous and everyone is sleeping on him. We know that he’s coming.

“The people love ‘Tank’ because he puts on a good performance. People forget that boxing is about entertainment. If you listen to any of his interviews, you can tell that’s what he really cares about, being exciting for the fans.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Gervonta is extremely grateful to be in a position to help so many people. He’s humbled by how the fans have gravitated to him and he wants to be able to give back to those less fortunate. You have to be forever grateful to be in that position.

“This is a very dangerous fight for Gervonta. This is Isaac Cruz’s Super Bowl. He’s looking to upset the apple cart. I know he’s had a terrific camp and I hear he’s been knocking out sparring partners, but I’d tell Cruz that his sparring partners are not ‘Tank’ Davis.

“This is going to be an explosive fight. I think Cruz will bring out the best of Gervonta. We’re going to see his boxing skills in this fight. Gervonta is must-see T.V. and he knows that Cruz is coming for him.

“’Tank’ has built himself into an attraction because he gives the fans exactly what they want to see; and that’s excitement from start to finish.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

MEXICO CITY (November 22, 2021) – Hard-hitting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz has embraced the underdog role heading into his showdown against WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis which headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“I have proven time and time again that my drive and desire to be champion is too big to be ignored,” said Cruz. “This fight won’t be the exception. I am going to pull off the upset and a brand new star will be born on December 5.”

The 23-year-old Cruz has put together a 21-fight unbeaten streak heading into his first world title clash, including most recently defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by unanimous decision live on SHOWTIME in June. Now, as he prepares to face the fast-rising star Davis, Cruz brings the hunger of an underdog into every aspect of his training.

“My motivation to be at my very best for this fight is the biggest key for me day in and day out,” said Cruz. “This is the fight that I’ve always dreamed of. The work we do in the gym, the runs I go on and the conditioning drills I push through, are all fueled by my motivation to make the most of this opportunity.”

The Mexico City-native is the latest in his family’s deep history in the sport, as he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Memo, his father Isaac Sr., his uncles Eduardo and Guillermo, and his older brother Diego, who all fought professionally. Despite that familial pressure, Cruz was actually initially interested in the sport to keep himself on a positive path in life.

“Boxing was always in my blood, but my main motivation to get into boxing as a kid was steering myself away from bad role models and influences in my neighborhood,” said Cruz. “I was six-years-old when I decided to tag along to the gym one day with my grandpa, and I really liked it. A passion for the sport was born, and now it’s just a full-blown love story between boxing and I.”

In addition to his family, Cruz had heard from the legendary Mexican champion Julio César Chávez before securing the Davis fight. The conversation turned out not only to be prescient, but added another motivating factor for Cruz heading into this fight.

“Chávez told me to make sure I’m always staying ready in case that fight with Gervonta was going to become a reality,” said Cruz. “Afterwards, he told me that I have the courage needed to defeat Gervonta. The fact that he said that to me speaks volumes about the strides I’ve made as a person and as a fighter.”

Cruz will be looking to take advantage of the strong contingent of Mexican and Mexican-American boxing fans in Los Angeles who will surely be in his corner on fight night against Davis. Despite that expected edge, Cruz knows he can’t rely on it to help him in the ring.

“I am so happy to be fighting in Los Angeles with all of the Mexican fans,” said Cruz. “But I have to remember that in the end, it’s just going to be me and Gervonta face-to-face in the ring. Of course it motivates me that I’m going to feel right at home. But I just can’t let it distract me or trick me into becoming overconfident.

“Defeating Gervonta Davis is the only thing on my mind. When I win, I know he’s going to want the rematch and I can promise that I will train twice as hard for that fight when it happens.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES (November 18, 2021) – Unbeaten super welterweight contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora plans to make the most of his opportunity stepping up in competition when he faces fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator Sunday, December 5, which serves as the SHOWTIME PPV co-main event for Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“Of course I see this as a step up fight,” said Fundora. “He’s ranked number two by the WBC for a reason. I want to show that I’m going to become a world champion. This is the next step toward reaching my goal.”

The 23-year-old Fundora has shot up the rankings and made a name for himself as must-see T.V. by engaging in numerous action fights. Since an August 2019 split-draw against Jamontay Clark, Fundora has won four-straight fights, including three in a row by stoppage. Amongst those three stoppage triumphs he became the first person to stop Nathaniel Gallimore and most recently dominated veteran Jorge Cota in May.

“We just want to keep winning and moving up with each fight,” said Fundora. “I’m just staying on the same routine so that I’m always ready for what’s coming next. We went right back into the gym after the Cota fight. I don’t ever worry about overtraining or anything like that, because we stay on a consistent routine of training hard.”

Fundora comes from a deeply-rooted boxing family, as both of his parents were fighters, in addition to his 19-year-old sister Gabriela, who sports a 4-0 professional record. That familial support has helped him remain focused on his goals while navigating his professional career.

“My parents taught me to respect the sport and it’ll respect you back,” said Fundora. “They also taught me that hard work pays off and that it shows up in every fight. I’ve learned that I just have to stick with the plan and keep improving day by day.”

A Coachella, California-native, Fundora will return to fight in Southern California for the second-straight fight after beating Cota in Carson in his last fight. Fundora is relishing the opportunity to again fight on friendly terrain, this time on the big stage downtown at STAPLES Center.

“This is home for me,” said Fundora. “It’s great to be fighting back-to-back times in Southern California. I went to STAPLES Center for a Vasyl Lomachenko fight before and it was a great atmosphere. I’m sure it’s going to be even more lively on December 5. I’m super excited for the opportunity to put on a great show for my fans that are there on fight night.”

With the 154-pound title belts currently held by unified WBC, IBF and WBA champion Jermell Charlo and WBO titlist Brian Castaño, who fought to a draw in July on SHOWTIME, Fundora plans to keep making steady improvement until his opportunity to fight for the belts arises.

“When the time comes to fight for the title, I’ll be more than ready,” said Fundora. “I’d love to fight Charlo or Castaño, but I’m just focused on taking it one fight at a time and facing whoever has those belts when my number is called.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2021) – Unbeaten five-time world champion and boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull’’ Cruz previewed their showdown for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Championship during a virtual press conference Monday before they square off on Sunday, December 5 live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him take on the IBF-ranked No. 2 lightweight in Cruz, a Mexico City-native who has earned his ‘Pitbull’ moniker through his hardnosed style.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m happy and excited to be in this position, I’ve been working hard getting ready for this new opponent. I know Cruz is going to come to fight. The fans are going to be the winners in this fight, because we’re both coming in prepared to be at our best. I’m ready to put on a great show on December 5

“Anything can happen in boxing, so I just try to stay on task. I’m always ready to step up to any challenge thrown my way and get the job done.

“This is a more interesting fight now, because we both come forward. This is going to be something great for the fans and another exciting night for the sport of boxing. May the best man win. We’re both coming with our ‘A’ games.

“He can say I haven’t faced someone like him, but he’s never fought anybody like me either. I can box and I can hit. We’ll see what he’s saying when he gets hit in the face.

“December 5 is going to be fireworks for sure. It’s going to be something you can’t miss. Don’t go get your popcorn or anything like that during this fight. This is another tough task, but this is what I’m made for.

“You always have to adapt in boxing. No matter what comes your way. I’m going to adapt to Cruz. I’m figuring out every day how Cruz is thinking and what he’s going to bring to the fight.

“Cruz has impressed me in his past fights. He comes in there to win. He doesn’t look to just hang in there. He wants to go in and take it. He’s not an opponent I can overlook. A win over him would be big for me.

“It is different training to fight a shorter opponent. I usually fight guys taller than me, so it’s an adjustment. It’s another thing I have to adapt to. Everything we’re doing is to figure him out.

“December 5 is going to be a fireworks show. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year. It’s not just a boxing match, it’s an event. Make sure you come out.

“I’m excited to be in this position. I’m grateful for it. I’m trying to continue to grow as a fighter and just improve each day.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“December 5 is going to be a great fight. I’m ready to shock the world and become the next star in the pantheon of Mexican boxing champions.

“I’m ready to put on a show on December 5 at STAPLES Center. There were a wide-array of feelings when I knew I got this fight, but most of all, it made me really motivated to be ready for this opportunity.

“We are not overconfident in any way, but Gervonta has not fought anyone with my style and with my characteristics. We’re working really hard to make sure my style will work the best that it can on December 5.

“The real winner of this fight is going to be the fans. ‘Pitbull’ and ‘Tank’ are going to crash into each other and people will be on the edge of their seats.

“I can guarantee that I’m hungry and motivated to win this fight. I’m fighting for more than myself, I’m fighting for my family and to make my country proud. I know that if I win this fight, it will change my whole career.

“The key to defeating Gervonta is for me to want it more. I want that belt in my hand. It’s going to come down to determination.

“I’m always thankful for the opportunities I get. It’s my job to work hard and take advantage of each opportunity as I get them. I’m going to come forward and present my power. Once he feels my power, the fight is going to turn toward me.

“It’s up to Gervonta to show that he’s a superstar in the ring. I don’t see him as an impossible task to defeat at all.

“I always want to fight the best and Gervonta is one of the best. I’m training really hard so that I’m up to that challenge.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is an exciting matchup, with the most exciting fighter in the world, Gervonta Davis, taking on Isaac Cruz, who is a tough lightweight and a bonafide top-10 contender. He has an action-packed style himself and he’s looking to knock ‘Tank’ off his throne.

“Mexico is riding high off of Canelo Alvarez’s historic undisputed championship victory and now there’s a big opportunity for Cruz to stand up for his country and take ‘Tank’ out. I’ve had my eye on Cruz since he knocked out Diego Magdaleno on ‘Tank’s’ undercard last year. I was very impressed with the knockout and knew he might get this opportunity down the line.

“’Tank’ is always ready. He stays ready, so he doesn’t have to get ready. This fight is going to be nothing but fireworks on December 5 and it’s definitely ending in a knockout.

“Cruz is coming to fight. He’s not a last-minute replacement. He was already fighting on this card, so he’s going to be ready. ‘Tank’ is going to have to be on point for every second of this fight, because Cruz puts a lot of mental pressure on you with the way that he fights.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be an incredible fight on December 5. Los Angeles has been a great boxing city going back over 100 years. Fighters from Mexico City come in with a ton of pride, courage and desire. They flat out don’t want to lose. Cruz is a certified Mexican warrior from Mexico City.

“STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the biggest and best fights to Los Angeles. With Gervonta Davis, you know there will be an incredible atmosphere in the arena. It’s going to be bombs away and you won’t want to miss it on December 5.”

#          #          #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ

Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. 

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

LOS ANGELES – November 10, 2021 – Rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will square off against fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames squaring off in a 10-round battle. Kicking off the pay-per-view, top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga for 10 rounds of action.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“This is a pay-per-view undercard that perfectly fits with what the main event between Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz will deliver – all action from start to finish,’’ said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Sebastian Fundora, Sergio Garcia, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Carlos Adames, Eduardo Ramirez and Miguel Marriaga are all hard-hitting boxers who come to fight and are looking for the knockout. Fans that purchase tickets to STAPLES Center or tune in to SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 can expect explosive entertainment from start to finish.’’

Fundora (17-0-1, 12 KOs) continues to rise up the super welterweight ranks and recently delivered his most impressive victory to date by stopping Jorge Cota in four rounds in May. The six-foot-six brawler has reached this point by showing off the skills of a rugged boxer who is more comfortable fighting on the inside than most. Born in West Palm Beach, Fla. to his Mexican mother and Cuban father and trainer, Freddy – both boxers – the 23-year-old now lives and trains in Coachella, Calif.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring,” said Fundora. “I haven’t stopped training since my fight against Cota and I’m always prepared for every opportunity that arises. I don’t know much about Garcia, but my promoter has told me for the past two years that he’s from Spain and he’s ranked number two in the WBC. So it only makes sense for me, being the number four-ranked fighter in the WBC, that we face each other. This is going to be an exciting fight on December 5.”

The 29-year-old Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) will bring an edge in pro experience into his U.S. debut against Fundora on December 5. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko. Garcia has added three victories since then, including 2020 wins over Pablo Mendoza and Gregory Trenel.

“I want to thank my team for giving me this opportunity to show my boxing skills to the U.S. audience,” said Garcia. “I’m very excited to make the most of this chance that I have. After winning four European championships and other important titles, I feel that I’m ready to win a world title. I am only focused on Sebastian Fundora, but after this fight I want Jermell Charlo or Brian Castaño.”

A 2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine, Derevyanchenko (13-3, 10 KOs), will seek another opportunity at a middleweight world title. Known as “The Technician” and now training out of Brooklyn, Derevyanchenko is long established as a top middleweight contender, having faced the likes of Jermall Charlo, Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin. He owns victories over contenders including Tureano Johnson, Jack Culcay and Sam Soliman. .His most recent fight ended in a decision loss to Charlo in a SHOWTIME PPV headlining fight in September 2020.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and continue my journey toward becoming world champion,” said Derevyanchenko. “Adames is a good fighter and I respect what he can do, but he’s standing in my way right now. I’m looking forward to this challenge and I can’t wait to give the fans another great fight.”

A native of Comendador, Dominican Republic, Adames (20-1, 16 KOs) fights out of New York City as he seeks to earn a second shot at a world championship. The 27-year-old defeated a slew of contenders including Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley, Alejandro Barrera and former Champion Carlos Molina on his way to a 2019 title shot that he lost by narrow decision to Patrick Teixeira. In his most recent outing, Adames scored a third-round TKO over Alexis Salazar on the Davis vs. Barrios SHOWTIME PPV undercard in June.

“I am very happy to return to action on December 5,” said Adames. “I’m having an excellent and very demanding training camp, so my opponent better be 100% ready. It’s very exciting to be on the undercard of this huge event. My fans expect a great performance from me and I’m going to deliver it.”

Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Ramirez (25-2-3, 12 KOs) has risen up the featherweight rankings with three-straight sensational knockout victories. He stopped then-unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy in November 2019 before blasting out Miguel Flores in December 2020 and most recently dropping Isaac Avelar in May. The 28-year-old is currently riding wins in five of his last six fights since losing to then 126-pound champion Lee Selby in 2017. He’s won 16 of his last 19 fights overall, with his only other blemishes coming in a draw against Barthelemy that was later avenged, and a decision loss to Claudio Marrero.

“I can’t wait to be back on another big card against another very good fighter in Miguel Marriaga,” said Ramirez. “He’s very strong and he has good experience against top fighters. Vasyl Lomachenko is the only one to stop him, but I will be the second because I need to make a statement with this fight and show everyone that I’m ready to fight for the title.”

A former world title challenger at 130 and 126 pounds, Marriaga (30-4, 26 KOs) most recently stopped Jorge Garcia Jimenez in April to make it victories in five of his last six outings since 2018. The 35-year-old fights out of Arjona, Colombia and has fought professionally since 2009. Marriaga went the distance in a pair of featherweight title fights against Oscar Valdez and Nicholas Walters, in addition to losing a super featherweight title fight to Vasyl Lomachenko.

“I am training very hard for this fight as I always do,” said Marriaga. “I’m very happy with my All-Star Boxing team for getting me this fight. Winning on December 5 will propel me to another world title fight. My only goal is to achieve my childhood dream of becoming a world champion and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip by me.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

LOS ANGELES (November 3, 2021) – Unbeaten five-time world champion and boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull’’ Cruz on Sunday, December 5 live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Cruz, ranked No. 2 in the IBF, steps in to replace Rolando Romero.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him battle the hardnosed Cruz, who has rightly earned the nickname “Pitbull’’ during his professional career.

“This is going to be a tremendous fight on SHOWTIME PPV,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Isaac Cruz was ready for this big opportunity and I expect him to come ready to deliver the fight of his life. However, Gervonta Davis is a generational talent who’s only getting better. This fight is going to end in spectacular fashion on December 5.”

“Kudos to Isaac Cruz for stepping in as a replacement opponent in a high-pressure, pay per view fight against one of the brightest stars in boxing in Gervonta Davis,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Cruz presents a different, and some would argue a more difficult challenge to Tank Davis. Cruz won’t back down and he’ll bring the fight to Davis from the opening bell. We’ve all seen Gervonta’s blend of superb boxing skills and explosive power, and we know what he’s capable of. It will be the irresistible force versus the immovable object, which means fireworks at STAPLES Center and on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5.’’

Davis (25-0, 24 KOs), star of the Mayweather Promotions stable, added another highlight filled performance in June, as he stopped previously unbeaten Mario Barrios to capture a 140-pound title and become a three-division world champion. The Baltimore-native captured his lightweight championship with a 12th-round knockout of former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in December 2019.

“I respect Isaac Cruz for stepping up and taking the fight, but everyone knows what I do,” said Davis. “I come in looking for the knockout and that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this fight. I’m back in Los Angeles where the stars shine and I’m going to light it up against Isaac Cruz at STAPLES Center on December 5.’’

The 23-year-old Cruz (22-1-1, 15 KOs) will be looking to rough up Davis and make him work overtime if he wants to come away with the win. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in September. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March, and most recently defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. Since making his U.S. debut in December 2019, the 23-year-old has gone unbeaten in his next four ring appearances, appearing on SHOWTIME three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.

“First I want to thank Gervonta Davis and his team for this opportunity – an opportunity I won’t let get past me,’’ Cruz said. “God willing I’ll be world champion on December 5. This fight is a very big motivation for me as a professional and as a personal goal. I’m sure after December 5 everyone in boxing will know the name Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.’’

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on social media platforms #DavisCruz, on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.