(June 22, 2022) — Two former world champions will battle for one more shot at title glory. Mexico’s Elwin “La Pulga” Soto and South African two-weight world champion Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler will collide in a 12-round WBC light flyweight title eliminator this Saturday, June 25, at Palenque Fex in Mexicali, Mexico.

Soto hails from San Felipe, a two-hour drive from Mexicali, and will have the home crowd advantage. Budler, from Johannesburg, is a 34-year-old veteran who will be making only his third career appearance in North America.

Soto-Budler tops a loaded night of fights streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Soto (19-2, 13 KOs) won the WBO light flyweight title in June 2019 with a come-from-behind 12th-round stoppage over Angel “Tito” Acosta. He successfully defended that belt four times over the next two years, finally losing his belt last October to Jonathan Gonzalez by split decision. He has not fought since the Gonzalez defeat and hopes a win over Budler will earn him a shot at WBC world champion Kenshiro Teraji.

Budler (33-4, 10 KOs) has been 12 rounds 17 times and won the WBA 105-pound title in March 2014 when he stopped Karluis Diaz in one round. He defended that belt four times before losing a tight decision to Byron Rojas. In May 2018, Budler edged Ryoichi Taguchi by decision to win the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine 108-pound titles. His reign as the top 108-pounder lasted a little more than seven months. After taking a little more than two years off, Budler returned last May in Johannesburg and won the WBC Silver light flyweight belt with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Almacen.

In other streaming action:

• Junior featherweight prospect Jose Ramirez Maciel (16-1, 9 KOs), from Mexicali looks for his 13^th consecutive victory against Jorge Luis Martinez Monreal (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
   
• Lightweight puncher Diego Torres Nunez (14-0, 13 KOs), who knocked out 13 straight foes to start his pro career, hopes to get back on the knockout track in a 10-rounder against Royder Dzul Camacho (9-3-2, 3 KOs), who is unbeaten in his last five fights.
   
• In an eight-rounder at featherweight, Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (18-0, 15 KOs) will match up against Gerardo Valenzuela Munoz (10-1, 9 KOs). Espinoza has scored first-round knockouts in his last two fights.
   
• Hermosillo-born flyweight prospect Yahir Frank (9-0, 6 KOs), a 19-year-old upstart, hopes to author a career-best victory against Carlos Mejia (8-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder. 

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Sandor Martin got the biggest win of his career and shocked former four-division world champion by winning a 10-round majority decision in a welterweight bout in Fresno, California.

Garcia seemed to never find a rhythm in the contest as he was barely throwing any punches. Martin did not exactly light up the pace, but he landed tricky counters throughout the contest. Garcia pressed throughout, but it was the adept and pinpoint connections by Martin as he won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95.

Martin landed 75 of 231 punches; Garcia was 60 of 318.

Martin, 144 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 39-2. Garcia, 143.5 lbs of Ventura, CA is 40-2.

Castro Takes out Luna in 1

Marc Castro thrilled his hometown fans with a 1st round stoppage over Angel Luna in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight contest.

In round one, Castro came out firing by landing vicious power shots and then put Luna down with a left hook. Luna showed nothing in the fight and Castro opened up and landed a huge flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:41.

Castro, 129.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Luna, 130.4 lbs of Bronx, NY is 14-8-1.

Gonzalez Decisions Soto; Wins WBO Light Flyweight Title

Jonathan Gonzalez won the WBO Light Flyweight title with a split decision over Elwin Soto.

Gonzalez landed 112 of 519; punches; Soto was 104 0f 434.

Gonzalez, 108 lbs of Caguas, PR won two cards 116-112; Soto rook a card 116-112.

Gonzalez is 25-3-1. Soto, 107.8 lbs of Mexicali, MX is 19-2.

Rodriguez stops Burgos in 4

Jesse Rodriguez stopped Jose Alejandro Burgos in round four of their 10-round light flyweight fight.

In round three, Rodriguez started to bleed from his nose. In round four, Rodriguez landed a left that buckled Burgos. One more left put Burgos on the seat of his pants.. Seconds later, Rodriguez landed another crushing left that put Rodriguez down just as the referee was stopping the fight at 1:23.

Rodriguez, 109.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Burgos, 110 lbs of Ensenada, MX is 18-5-1.

Jarvis Survives Scare; Stops Rodriguez in 5

Brock Jarvis almost had a nughtmarish American debut, but he stemmed off a tough 2nd round to come back to stop Alejandro Frias Rodriguez in round four of their scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Rodriguez rocked Jarvis and battered him all over the ring for much of the frame. Jarvis was able to gather himself and rev up his offense and in round five, he landed hard shots on the inside and hurt Rodriguez before the fight was stopped at 2:04

Jarvis, 134 lbs of Marrickville, AUS is 20-0 with 18 knockoiuts. Rodriguez, 134 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 13-5-2.

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a stoppage in the eighth and final round over Lucas De Abreu of their super middleweight bout.

Pacheco battered De Abreu untilthe bout was stopped at 2:34.

Pacheco, 166.2 lbs of South Cental, LA is 13-0 with 10 knockouts, De Abreu, 166.4 lbs of Miami, FL is 12-1,

Nikita Ababiy remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Sanny Duversonne in a middleweight bout.

Ababiy, 159.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75 and is now 11-0. Duversonne, 160 lbs of Mimai, FL is 12-5-2.

17-time National Amateur champion, Charlie Sheehy stopped Luciano Ramos in the 4th and final round of their lightweight contest.

In round four, Sheehy landed a big right that put Ramos on the deck. Seconds later, Sheehy landed a fierce combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:48.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Ramos, 137.8 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 0-2.

Oscar Alan Perez won four-round unanimoud decision over Raymundo Rios in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Perez dropped Rios with a right-left combination.

Perez, 136.9 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 4-0. Rios, 139.6 lbs of Durango, MX is 3-7-2.

Canelo Alvarez looked befuddled at times, but he turned it on in round eight, and stopped Billy Joe Saunders after that frame to retain the WBA/WBC and win the WBO Super Middleweight title from Billy Joe Saunders in front of an American indoor record of 73, 126 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Alvarez came out landing thudding power shots against the slick jabbing Saunders. Saunders found a rhythm in the middle frames as he was able to get his jab and uppercuts working he began to give the Mexican icon problems.

With the fight seemingly close, Alvarez stepped on the gas in round eight, as he got back to landing hard punches, which included a uppercut that caused the right eye to close. After the round, Saunders was distressed by the eye and his corner pulled the plug on the fight.

Alvarez, 167.4 lbs of Guasalajara, Mexico now owns three of the four recognized titles and will to become undisputed with a proposed Fall showdown with Caleb Plant. Alvarez is now 56-1-2 with 38 knockouts. Saunders, 167.8 lbs of Hatfield, UK is 30-1.

Soto stops Takayama; Retains Light Flyweight title

Elwin Soto made the third defense of the WBO Light Flyweight title with a controversial ninth-round stoppage of former world champion Katsunari Takayama.

Soto dominated by landing the harder punches; Takayama kept himself in the bout by landing some nice flurries throughout.

In round nine, Soto was landing some good power shots, but Takayama was throwing back, but for some reason, referee Laurence Cole stepped in and stopped the bout with both guys in mid-flurry at 2:44.

Soto, 107.8 lbs of Baja California, MEX is 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Takayama, 107.6 lbs of Osake, JAP is 32-9.

Cissokho survives knockdown; Decisions Conway

Souleymane Cissokho won a 10-round split decision over Kieron Conway in a super welterweight fight.

In round four, Conway began leaking blood from his nose.

In round nine, Conway dropped Cissokho with hard uppercut to the face.

Cissokho landed 115 of 539 punches; Conway was 84 of 403.

Cissokho won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 while Conway somehow got a card 97-92.

Cissokho, 153.6 lbs of Bagnolet, FRA is now 13-0. Conway, 154 lbs of Northampton, UK is 16-2.

Sanchez wins Technical Decision over Aguilera

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a technical unanimous decision over Nagy Aguilera when Aguilera could not continue after getting hit behind the head in the 6th round of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

Sanchez dominated the fight, and in round six, Sanchez landed a shot that scraped the back of Aguilera’s head that sent him down. He could not continue and the fight went to the judges scorecards, which all read 60-54 in favor of Sanchez.

Sanchez landed 81 of 240 punches; Aguilera was 32 of 181.

Sanchez, 237 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 18-0. Aguilera, 238.2 lbs of Houston, TX is 21-11.

Marc Castro remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Irving Castillo in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Castillo began to bleed from the nose. In round four, Castro dropped Castillo, and the fight was stopped at 2:04.

Castro, 132 1/4 lbs is 3-0 with three knockouts. Castillo is 9-2.

Keyshawn Davis remained perfect with a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a junior welterweight bout.

Davis, 138 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 3-0. Meza, 138 lbs of Gomez Palico, MEX is 6-5.

Christian Gomez Duran stopped Xavier Wilson in round two of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Duran dropped Wilson with a hard over rand fight and the fight was stopped.

Duran, 147 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 20-2-1 with 18 knockouts. Wilson, 147.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 11-3-1.

Kelvin Davis survived a last minute knockdown, but still hung on to win a four-round unanimous decision over Jan Marsalek in a welterweight bout.

Davis was breezing along until he ate a overhand right that sent him to the canvas. Davis was hurt, but time ran out for Marsalek.

Davis, 143.8 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 38-37 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Marsalek, 144.4 lbs of Czech Reoublic is 8-3.

Elwin Soto will defend his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama as the chief-support bout to the blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on the show having penned a deal with Eddie Hearn last week. The Mexican makes the third defense of the crown he ripped from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has seen off the challenges of Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

The 24 year old now puts the crown on the line against the seasoned Japanese Takayama (32-8 12 KOs). The five-time Minimumweight champion made his return to professional action in December in Osaka, Japan having left the paid ranks as a World ruler in 2017 to aim for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and now the 37 year old has switched his focus to becoming a two-weight World champion.

There’s a stacked card under the two World title fights, led by Kieron Conway defending his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho.

Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) picked up the title with an impressive win over Navid Mansouri at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex in August. Conway and Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs) were due to meet on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Kubrat Pulev in London in December, but the bout had to be shelved, so Conway took his frustrations out on Macauley McGowan on that card instead, with a shut-out win over ten rounds.

French Olympian Cissokho shrugged off his pain at missing the original fight date on the undercard of his manager Joshua by recording his eighth KO win from 12 outings with a sixth round stoppage of Daniel Echeverria in Dallas in March, setting up a rescheduled clash with Conway that is full of intrigue and importance for their respective careers.

Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) let his hands go for a seventh round KO win over Julian Fernandez on the undercard of Alvarez’s win over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December, and the big Cuban Heavyweight will be looking to repeat that feat against Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs).

Sanchez is ranked at a lofty #6 with the WBO, and the 28 year old Eddy Reynoso charge will be plotting a route to the crunch clashes with his fellow big-hitters, but Aguilera will be planning to give him a tough night and the 34 year old comes into the bout on the back of a 21^st career win in November.

Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) makes it three Canelo undercard appearances from three since making his pro debut on the Canelo-Smith card in Texas. The stellar amateur recorded a third round stoppage that night and followed that with a second round KO in Miami on the Canelo-Yildirim bill – the 21 year old will be looking to shine on the biggest stage once again over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) made his debut at the Hard Rock Stadium and he appears alongside Castro once again in his third pro outing. The Virginia starlet grabbed a second round win that night over Lester Brown and followed that by forcing Richman Ashelley to retire after four rounds of their battle in Dubai earlier this month, and Davis will face Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds. It’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks after a second round KO win on his debut in December in Los Angeles, taking on Jan Marsalek (8-2 7 KOs) over six rounds.

Rounding off the undercard, Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) is on another Canelo undercard after stopping Angel Hernandez in three rounds in San Antonio in December, and he’ll celebrate Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

“It’s a stacked night of action at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Elwin Soto is a great addition to our stable and the Mexican World champion will want to dazzle on the biggest stage against the experienced Takayama.

“The clash between Kieron and Souleymane is a cracker, and I am thrilled for both of them that they get to perform on this stage – there will be some spice there after it was postponed in December and now, they get their hands on each other in Texas.

“Frank always brings the heat and he’ll be eyeing a showstopping KO, and again, Marc and Keyshawn get to shine under the brightest lights – it’s going to be a spectacular night of action, leading to the big one between Canelo and Billy Joe.”

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are delighted to announce the signing of WBO World Light-Flyweight champion Elwin Soto.

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) ripped the WBO strap from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has since defended the title twice with distance triumphs over Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

The 24 year old will be back in action soon with his first fight under Hearn to be announced shortly, and the young Mexican talent cannot wait to be back in the ring and wants to chase his fellow champions.

“I want to thank Eddie Hearn from Matchroom and Zanfer for this great opportunity,” said Soto. “I’m very excited to announce my next defense and then going on to unify the division.”

“I am delighted to welcome another Mexican World champion to the roster in Elwin Soto,” said Hearn. “His World title win over Acosta was a dramatic fairytale moment, and this young man is really growing into being a World champion.

“We know that the smaller weight classes always guarantee exciting fights, and I can’t wait to see Elwin continue his journey to the biggest fights at Light-Flyweight and above, starting very soon.”

Former junior middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia stopped Tureano Johnson in round six of their scheduled 12-round middleweight bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Johnson came up and got in the chest of Munguia and was able to have success with some good overhand rights. Both fighters were landing some good shots in close.

In round six, the lip of Johnson was split open badly from a Manguia right uppercut. The fight was stopped as the cut split Johnson’s lip in half.

Munguia, 159.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 36-0 with 29 knockouts. Johnson, 159.6 lbs of Nassau, BAH is 21-3-1.

“I’m delighted to get the victory,” said Jaime Munguia. “He surprised us early in the fight. He has a style that makes one very uncomfortable. But my corner told me to adjust and find my distance. Then I found the right uppercut. I saw that he had gotten cut from it, and then it was just a matter of time. I am ready for all the best fighters of my division.”

Ellis Decisions Rocha

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, Rashidi Ellis won a 12-round unanimous decision over Alexis Rocha.

Ellis landed 171 of 709 punches; Rocha was 149 of 683.

Ellis, 146.8 lbs of Lynn, MA won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 23-0. Rocha, 146.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 16-1.

“Coming off a year-long layoff, I think my performance was great,” said Rashidi Ellis. “I did my thing and got a unanimous decision win against an undefeated, young prospect. He was a solid opponent. I knew it was going be tough since I’ve known him since the amateurs. I want all of the champions now.”

Soto Decisions Buitrago; Retains Light Flyweight Title

Elwin Soto retained the WBO Light Flyweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Buitrago.

Soto landed 170-550 Punches; Buitrago was 147 of 798.

Soto, 107.4 lbs of San Felipe, MEX won by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 115-13 to go to 18-1. Buitrago, 107.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 32-6-1.

“I’m very happy to walk away with the victory I tried pressure as much as I good to score a win. These are the kind of tough fights you are in when a world title is at stake. His style was difficult for me, but I felt I did enough to win. Now it’s time for me to rest and see what my team has in store for me,” said Soto.

Esparza Decisions Urbina

Marlen Esparza won a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sulem Urbina in a flyweight bout.

In round seven, Urbina’s left eye began to swell.

Esparza landed 125-490 punches; Urbina was 122-450

Esparza, 111.8 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 8-1. Urbina, 111.6 lbs of Hermosillo, MEX is 12-1.

“I want to thank the WBC for this opportunity; I knew coming into this fight it would be a worthy fight, and I was very excited to showcase what I can do. I know there’s been a lot of changes in my camp since the last fight, all the reason for me to show the world what I can do. I’m ready to fight for the WBC Title next. Thank you to God, Golden Boy, and all my fans; l won’t let you down!”, Said Esparza.

INDIO, CALIF. (Oct. 24, 2019): Golden Boy, the leading media and entertainment brand, is proud to announce that its Thursday Night Fights series will now be streamed on DAZN. The series is set to continue today as Mexican warrior Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (15-1, 11 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBO Light Flyweight World Title against Filipino contender Edward “The Heneral Fighting” Heno (14-0-5, 5 KOs) in a 12-round main event at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

The series will also be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page. It will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. The action will take place across all platforms beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Earlier this year, Golden Boy and DAZN launched this monthly boxing series as a way to feature top prospects and rising contenders as they develop into main event attractions such as Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. The series has also served to increase awareness of the DAZN brand, providing another terrestrial platform from which fans can enjoy the fruits of the exciting partnership between the two companies. With Thursday Night Fights now available on DAZN, fans will be able to enjoy twice as much Golden Boy action across even more platforms. The series is an exciting addition to fight season on DAZN – an entire fall featuring the biggest matchups in one of the best schedules in boxing history.

“Through our DAZN partnership, we’ve been able to deliver fantastic live fights and bring the sport of boxing to an even bigger audience,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “We’re excited to add even more fights to the platform and put our top prospects and contenders in the spotlight. We’re continuously looking to provide fans with more boxing action in as many platforms possible, and having our Thursday Night Fightsseries streamed on DAZN does just that.”

In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (20-2, 20 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make his debut at 112 pounds in a 10-round fight against Raymond Tabugon (22-10-1, 11 KOs) for the vacant WBO International Flyweight Title.

Ricardo Sandoval (16-1, 11 KOs) of Rialto, Calif. will defend his WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight Title against Alonso Melendez (15-3, 13 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a 10-round fight.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (7-0, 5 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will battle in an eight-round super welterweight bout against Jeremy Ramos (11-7, 4 KOs) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (16-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will fight Lebin Morales (17-5-1, 8 KOs) of Juigalpa, Nicaragua in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Aaron McKenna (8-0, 5 KOs) of Monaghan, Ireland will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight against Sergio Gonzalez (6-6-1, 2 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Nick Sullivan (1-0) of Norfolk, Virginia will return in a four-round lightweight bout against Gilberto Aguilar of Mexico City, Mexico.

Soto vs. Heno is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING”. The fight will take place Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area click here.

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/SotoHeno into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

INDIO, CALIF. (Sept. 27, 2019): Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (15-1, 11 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO Light Flyweight World Title against Edward “The Heneral Fighting” Heno (14-0-5, 5 KOs) of Paranaque City, Philippines in a 12-round main event of the Oct. 24 edition Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The fights will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will be available on regional sports network around the nation.

Soto is a 22-year-old boxer who was virtually unknown until his upset victory over Angel Acosta to become a world champion. Though it was a controversial win, the native of Mexicali, Mexico demonstrated his power and explosiveness against one of the best fighters in his division. Now, Soto is preparing to make the first defense of his world title against a tough, undefeated challenger.

“This fight will be just like my last one,” said Elwin Soto. “I will train to the best of my abilities because I never underestimate anyone. I want to work hard to be the best in my division.”

Heno is a 26-year-old contender who began his career with a lackluster record of zero wins and three draws. Then, after over a year of inactivity, Heno returned to develop a winning record that includes several wins in his native country of the Philippines as well as victories in Japan. Heno is grateful for the opportunity as he completely turned his career into a world title opportunity.

“I have worked my whole life for this opportunity to get a world title shot,” said Edward Heno. “My life changed from the moment I started working with my manager Marty Elorde and signed with Senator Manny Pacquiao of MP Promotions, which headed by Sean Gibbons. And now I have a chance to fight world champion Elwin Soto. My life could got get any better. Mexico vs. Philippines is the greatest rivalry in boxing. I look forward to Oct. 24 and hearing my name being called as the new WBO champion of the world.”

Additionally, former heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon will be the special VIP Guest for this world championship event. Witherspoon will be in attendance to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (20-2, 20 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will return in a 10-round flyweight fight. Acosta will return after his controversial loss against Soto.

Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. to face Diego Magdaleno (31-3, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada in an explosive 10-round bout for the vacant USNBC Silver Lightweight Title.

Ricardo Sandoval (16-1, 11 KOs) of Rialto, Calif. will defend his WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight Title against Alonso Melendez (15-3, 13 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a 10-round fight.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (7-0, 5 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will battle in an eight-round super welterweight bout against Jeremy Ramos (11-7, 4 KOs) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (16-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will fight Levis Morales (17-5-1, 8 KOs) of Juigalpa, Nicaragua in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Aaron McKenna (8-0, 5 KOs) of Monaghan, Ireland will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight.

Nick Sullivan (1-0) of Norfolk, Virginia will return in a four-round lightweight bout.

Opponents for Acosta, McKenna and Sullivan will be announced shortly.

Soto vs. Heno is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING”. The fight will take place Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area click here.

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested covering Soto vs. Heno must be pre-approved for credentials. Credentials applications are due Monday, Oct. 21 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential on-site, no expectations.

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

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/SotoHeno into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

INDIO, CALIF. (May 20, 2019): Former four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto will be the special VIP guest for the event headlined by the 12-round rematch between Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs) and Alberto
“Explosivo” Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title. The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Cotto is a living legend who became the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four divisions. Cotto earned belts in the competitive super lightweight, welterweight, super welterweight and middleweight divisions. The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico has faced a who’s who of elite world champions in a historic career that included fights against
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and current middleweight and super middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.

Cotto will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (19-1, 19 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make the fourth defense of his WBO Light Flyweight World Title in a 12-round bout against Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (13-1, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico. Acosta is a devastating puncher who has won all of his victories via knockout.

Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-0, 9 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. will return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino after his impressive first-round knockout victory against Daniel Evangelista. Now, Gamez is scheduled to fight in an eight-round super lightweight clash.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will participate in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Local favorite Rommel “The Legacy” Caballero (5-0, 4 KOs) of Coachella, Calif. will battle in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (7-0, 4 KOs) will fight in a six-round welterweight clash.

Anthony Garnica (1-0, 1 KO) of Oakland, Calif. will return in a four-round super bantamweight battle against Gilberto Duran (3-2, 3 KOs) of Yakima, Wash.

Emilio Rodriguez (3-1, 2 KOs) of Van Nuys, Calif. will participate in a four-round middleweight bout against Lucius Johnson (4-5-1, 3 KOs) of Compton, Calif.

Opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly.

Cancio vs. Machado II is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World
Title presented by Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested covering Cancio vs. Machado 2 must be pre-approved for credentials.
Credential applications are due Monday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CancioMachado2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CancioMachado2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.