Estrada decisions Rungvisai; wins Super Flyweight Title

Juan Francisco Estrada won the WBC Super Flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in a rematch at The Forum in Ingleoowd, California.

Estrada dominated as he was sharp by landing hard shots with both hands. Rungvisai landed some shots, but it was few and far between action led by by Estrada.

Rungvisai made a late-go of it, but Estrada was too far ahead on the cards, and won by tallies of 116-112 and 115-113 twice.

Estrada, 114.6 lbs of Hermosillo, MEX is 39-3. Rungvisai, 114.2 lbs lbs of Si Sa Ket, THA is 47-5-1.

Danny Roman used two knockdowns to unify his WBA and the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over TJ Doheny.

In round two, Roman dropped Doheny with a left hook. In round four, Doheny began to bleed from his nose. In the next round, he had swelling from around his left eye.

In round seven, Doheny landed a series of power punches that hurt Roman. In round nine, a big left hook buckled Doheny. In round 11, Roman sent Doheny t a knee with a hard left hook to the body.

Roman, 121.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 116-110 twice 113-113 and is now 27-2-1. Doheny, 121.8 lbs of Bondi Junction, AUS is 21-1.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. “I love challenges like these. TJ put up a great fight, but I was too much for him. I knocked him down early, late and roughed him up in the middle. It’s crazy now that I think about it. This is what I wanted, to unify the division. I’m looking forward to celebrating with my team and enjoying this for a while.”

In a battle of former world champion, Jessie Vargas stopped Humberto Soto in round six of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Vargas was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. There were several furious exchanges throughout the fight.

In round six, Vargas landed a perfect right hand that sent Soto to the canvas. Vargas finished the fight by landing several flush shots that snapped the head back of Soto, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Vargas, 150.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-2-2 with 11 knockouts. Soto, 150.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 69-10-2.

Anthony Sims Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middelweight bout.

Sims, 168 lbs of Plainfield, IN won by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 twice and is now 19-0. Alexander, 166.6 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 14-3.

Diego Pacheo remained undefeated with a vicious 1st round stoppage over Guillermo Maldsonado in a middleweight bout.

After landing several hard right hands that rocked the head of Maldonado, Pacheco landed a thunderous left hook that dropped Maldonado hard to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:46.

Pacheco, 161.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-0 with two knockouts. Maldonado, 159 lbs of Seattle, WA is 1-1.

Shakhram Giysaov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emanuel Taylor in a junior welterweight bout

In round one, Taylor hurt Giysov badly with a hard left hook to the chin. Taylor hurt Giyasov again in round four, but the judges barley gave Taylor any credit as two cards read 99-91 twice and 98-92 for Giyasov.

Giyasov, 139.6 lbs of Bukhara, UZB is 8-0. Taylor, 138.6 lbs of Edgewood Arsenal, MD is 20-6.

Austin Williams made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Joel Guevara in a scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Williams dropped Guevara once and finished him with a hard flurry at 2:06

Williams, 159 lbs of Houston is 1-0 with one knockout. Guevara, 158 lbs of West Virginia is 3-5-1.

FOLLOW CANELO – CHAVEZ, JR. LIVE

Follow all the action as Mexican Warriors, Canelo Alvarez takes on Julio Cesar Chavez in super middleweight catchweight bout. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with 3 fight undercard. Former middleweight champion Dabid Lemieux battles Marco Reyes. Former junior welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse takes on Emanuel Taylor. Joseph Diaz, Jr. fights Manuel Avila in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

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12-ROUNDS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS–CANELO ALVAREZ (48-1-1, 34 KO’S) VS JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ, JR. (50-2-1, 32 KO’S)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
ALVAREZ	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	10	10	10	10	119
CHAVEZ	9	9	9	9	9	10	9	10	9	9	9	9	110

Round 1: Canelo lands a right to the body..Left lands..Jab..Chavez lands an uppercut..hook to body..Right from Alvarez..Jab..Right over top..

Round 2 Combination from Alvarez..Left hook from Chavez..straight right..3 punch combo and uppercut from Alvarez..Right uppercut..2 more uppercuts and a jab..

Round 3 Right from Alvarez..Welt over the right eye of Chavez..2 hard shots from Chavez..3 good shots from Alvarez..Chavez bleeding from the nose..ALVAREZ OUTLANDING CHAVEZ 57-18

Round 4 Left hook from Alvarez..3 punch combination..Hard uppercut..Good body shot

Round 5 Hard counter right from Chavez..ripping body shot..big right,,very one sided fight..Canelo dominating

Round 6 Chavez lands a combo on the ropes..Combination from Alvarez…

Round 7 Chavez lands on the ropes..Alvarez fights off by 2 landing about 8 punches..Good combination from Chavez..

Round 8 Chavez landing on the ropes..Jab from Canelo..

Round 9 Uppercut from Alvarez..Jab,..

Round 10 Uppercut from Alvarez..Combination..Counter right…

Round 11 Right from Alvarez..Right..Right..Left..

Round 12 Alvarez lands a right and a uppercut..

120-108 on all cards for CANELO ALVAREZ

PUNNCHES –ALAVREZ 228-696 CHAVEZ 71 -302

10-ROUNDS-SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS–DAVID LEMIEUX (37-3, 33 KO’S) VS MARCO REYES (35-4, 26 KO’S)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
LEMIEUX	10	10	10	9	9	10	10	9	10	10			97
REYES	9	9	9	10	10	9	9	10	9	9			93

Round 1 Staright raightfrom Lemeiux …Left hook

Round 2 Right from reyes….Reyes cut over right eye from a left hook..

Round 3 Left and hard right from Lemieux..Big uppercut and Reyes s hurt..Huge left hook staggers Reyes..Reyes lands a body shot..Straightt right…2 body shots..Huge right and a body shot,,

Round 4 2 hard left hooks from Lemieux..Body shot from Reyes..Huge right knockouts out mouthpiece,,2 good rights and a body shot from Reyes.

Round 5 Right and left from Reyes..Left from Lemieux

Round 6 Good counter from Lemieux

Round 7 Jab from Lemeiux..Good right..Left and an uppercut..Big left hook..Reyes bleeding and taking a lot of hard shots..Left hook

Round 8 Reyes trying to flurry..Left hook..

Round 9 Right from Reyes..Hard right from Lemieux,,Body shot

Round 10 Vicious 3 punch combination from Lemieux..Reyes trying to land on the ropes..

99-90 TWICE AND 98-91 DAVID LEMIEUX

10 ROUNDS–WELTERWEIGHTS–LUCAS MATTHYSSE (37-4, 34 KO’S) VS EMANUEL TAYLOR (20-4, 14 KO’S)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
MATTHYSSE	10	10	10	10	TKO								40
TAYLOR	9	9	8	9									35

Round 1 Hard right from Matthysse

Round 2 Right from Matthysse…2 rights over the top..Right..Hard combination on ropes..body shot

Round 3 Matthysee cut over right eye…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES TAYLOR

Round 4 Left from Taylor..Right and left from Taylor..Jab from Matthysse..Hard left drives Taylor back

Round 5 Good right from Taylor..Good left uppercut and left hook...BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES TAYLOR AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

10 ROUNDS-FEATHERWEIGHTS–JOSEPH DIAZ, JR. (23-0, 13 KO’S) VS MANUEL AVILA (22-0, 8 KO’S)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
DIAZ	10	10	10	9	10	9	10	10	10	10			98
AVILA	9	9	9	10	9	10	9	9	9	9			92

Round 1 Diaz lands a left to the body

Round 2 Avila lands a right…Left from Diaz…Jab from Avila..Left from Diaz..

Round 3 Good Jab from Diaz..Straight left..Right from Avila..

Round 4 Right from Avila..Left from Diaz..Good left hook from Avila..Straight right..Left to body from Diaz..

Round 5 Body shot from Diaz..Straight left..Avila cut over his right eye

Round 6 Counter right from Avila..Uppercut on inside…

Round 7 Left from Diaz…Left to body..Combination..Good right hook..another hook..

Round 8 Body shot from Diaz..combination..Counter right hook..Left to body..Hard right from Avila…Right uppercut fromDiaz..Straight left

Round 9 Uppercut Diaz…Left Staggers Avila..Good straight left…4 punch combination

Round 10 Good right hook from Diaz..

WINNER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION —JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

Canelo-GGG: The real fight gets announced after Canelo blows away Chavez Jr.

LAS VEGAS – The fight was no celebration. It was just a beating.

There was nothing to cheer until Canelo Alvarez’ predictable victory was over Saturday night.

A crowd 20,510 fans booed a nasty goodbye to legend wannabe Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and then forgot all about the 12 rounds that were never really a fight anyway. Instead, it was an event that included a steppingstone toward the one fight everyone has wanted to see for a couple of years.

Finally, we can look forward to Canelo versus Gennady Golovkin.

While boos still echoed throughout T-Mobil Arena, there was suddenly GGG, entering the arena and then the ring to congratulate Canelo. For days before opening bell, Golden Boy Promotions repeatedly said that GGG would not attend. It was a secret.

But the plan – a good piece of stagecraft — was in place all along, because Golden Boy knew what many in the media had predicted for weeks. Chavez Jr. had no chance. The event had to include something dramatic.

So, yeah, GGG showed up and suddenly the crowd forgot why it was so unhappy.

Yes, Canelo said, his next fight would be on Sept. 16 against middleweight champion GGG.

“Triple-G, you are next my friend,” Canelo (49-1-1, 34 KOs) said. “The fight is done. I’ve never feared anyone since I was 16. When I was born, fear was gone.”

Canelo said it almost as if he had just finished a workout for the September date. Next time around, Canelo might want to get a better sparring partner. He surely had nothing to fear in Chavez Jr. (50-3-1, 32 KOs) in a 164.5-pound bout.

He turned Chavez Jr. into a Cinco de Mayo piñata, pounding him with thumping blows from round to punishing round in bout that had to have an HBO pay-per-view audience wondering why it paid good for another stinker.

It was 120-108 on all three scorecards. But it was more than unanimous. More than just one-sided. It was an avalanche, one that simply buried Chavez Jr., first beneath jabs, then uppercuts and finally just about anything Canelo wanted to throw.

The crowd, perhaps, expected Chavez Jr. to live up to the legend his father was. But those expectations were unfair to Chavez Jr., a man with only the legendary name and none of the skill to carry it on for another generation.

Chavez Jr. was never Mexico’s heir apparent anyway. Canelo knew that and proved that almost with an unmerciful intensity.

There were moments when it simply looked as if he were toying with Junior, who got a kiss on the cheek from his father a few moments before opening bell

Canelo played a little rope-a-dope, inviting Chavez in to throw a few punches. Then, he would bounce off the ropes – and thump, thump, thump – pound away at a rival he never liked. All the while, Canelo never sat down between rounds.

He listened to his corner. He paced a little. Then, he went back to work, not so much against Chavez but on the GGG who awaits him.

Lemieux wins tough decision

David Lemieux might be an option for a shot at a middleweight title. But options didn’t matter much for 10 rounds Saturday night. Lemieux found himself in surprising battle, a test of will, against tough Marco Reyes Saturday night in the final fight before Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Canelo Alavrez took center stage on a HBO pay-per-view card at T-Mobil Arena.

Lemieux (38-3 33 KOs) finally emerged with victory, a unanimous decision, but not before a bloodied Reyes (35-5, 26 KOs) repeatedly came back at him, making him wonder and then work for a tough victory.

Lemieux’s powerful shots rocked Reyes around the ring for the first three rounds. Blood from wound above Reyes right eye pours down his cheek, over his chin, onto his shoulder and across his chest. But he would not quit. He pumped a gloved hand at the crowd. He winked at fans he knew in ringside seats. Survival is fun. At least, it was for the gutsy Reyes, who was even penalized a point after the eighth round for a blow thrown after the bell

Matthysse back with a stoppage

Matthysse was back with some of the Machine-like power he had before a 19-month layoff, landing piston-like rights to hurt, then drop and finally finish Emannuel Taylor in a fifth-round welterweight stoppage Saturday night on the HBO pay-per-view card featuring Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at T-Mobile Arena.

Matthysse (38-4, 35 KOs), a former junior-welterweight champion, was coming off a KO loss to Viktor Postol, who also left him with a fracture to his left-eye socket. There were questions about whether the Argentine could ever be the same. Consider those questions answered. The first answer was a right that backed Taylor (20-5, 5 KOs) into the ropes late in the first The second was a similar right in the following round. Then, there was the third, a knockdown after Mathysse’s right eye was bloodied in a head butt in the following round.

The final answer landed in the fifth with a body-and-head combination that dropped Taylor and left referee Jay Nady with no choice but to end it in a TKO at 2:21 of the round.

Jo Jo Diaz opens PPV show with dull, yet decisive decision

Not much happened, but whatever did was initiated by Jo Jo Diaz, who remained unbeaten and moved a little closer to a shot at a major featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Manuel Avila Saturday in the first televised bout on the HBO pay-per-view card featuring Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at T-Mobile Arena.

Diaz (24-0, 13 KOs), of South El Monte, Calif., was the aggressor throughout and managed to rock a tentative Avila (22-1, 8 KOs), of Fairfield, Calif., with a combination to the head and body in the ninth of 10 rounds.

Ryan Garcia scores swift stoppage

Ryan Garcia, a lightweight from Victorville, Calif., didn’t waste much time. He didn’t have to.

Garcia (9-0, 7 KOs) scored a knock down of Tyrone Luckey (8-7-3) seconds of the opening bell. He ended it at 20 seconds after the start of the second, a TKO in the last bout on the non-televised part of the Canelo-Chavez Jr. undercard Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Ex-Olympian Marlen Esparza goes to 2-0 as a pro

Houston flyweight Marlen Esparza (2-0) fought for only the second time since she won a bronze medal for the United States at the 2012 Olympics. It’s been a while. But it was a technical gem. Esparza scored repeatedly with precision and timing, from a distance and from angles in the fourth bout on the non-televised portion of the Canelo-Chavez undercard. Samantha Salazar (2-4-1), of Dallas, never had a chance, losing a decision in a shut out — 40-36 on all three cards.

Mexican prospect wins majority decision in debut

It wasn’t an easy debut. Then again, beginnings are also supposed to include lessons and Mexican prospect Raul Curiel got a few in winning a majority decision in the third bout Saturday on the non-televised positron of the Canelo-Chavez Jr. card T-Mobile Arena.

Curiel, who is managed by Frank Espinoza, had more more power and quicker hands than fellow Mexican Jesus Sanchez (1-2-2) in a super-welterweight bout. He scored, yet was sporadic over a four rounder that ended with him winning 40-36 on two cards. On the third, it was a 38-38 draw.

Second Bout Blowout: Ronny Rios wins powerful TKO

California super-bantamweight Ronny Rios had all of the power. Daniel Noriega was simply in the way, unable to elude it or counter it. A stoppage was inevitable.

After a knockdown of Noriega (28-11-1, 15 KOs), of Mexico, in the third round, it came at 2:22 of the fourth midway through a sustained blitz of heavy, head-rocking hands from Rios (28-1, 13 KOs). Finally, referee Vic Drakulich stepped in and stopped the assault in the second bout, ending the second bout Saturday on the non-televised portion of the Canelo-Chavez undercard at T-Mobile Arena.

Canelo-Chavez card underway: Joseph Aguirre wins opening bout

There were almost more people in the ring than in the seats. But Joseph Aguirre, Angel Aispuro were there to get things started in the first bout on the non-televised part of the Canelo Alvarez-Juilio Cesar Chavez Jr. Saturday card with matinee show at T-Mobile Arena.

Aguirre (17-0, 9 KOS) won it. Too bad there wasn’t to applaud him. The Mexican lightweight was dominant, scoring a one-sided decision — 60-54 on all three cards — over Aispuro (8-5-2, 5 KOs), who could never get inside his long, stinging jab and a solid, sneaky hook,

CANELO VS. CHAVEZ, JR. UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES,

LAS VEGAS (May 4, 2017) – Fighters on the undercard of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. hosted a press conference today at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of their bouts on Saturday, May 6. Co-main event fighters former IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) and Middleweight contender Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs) were joined by former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Welterweight contender Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs), NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. and IBA Featherweight Champion Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) on the HBO Pay-Per-View portion beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Fighting on the preliminary undercard “free view” stream beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT, lightweight prospect Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (8-0, 7 KOs) will face Tyrone Luckey (8-6-3, 6 KOs) and flyweight prospect Marlen Esparza (1-0) will take on Samantha Salazar (2-3-1). Former Mexican Olympian Raul “El Cugar” Curiel will make his pro debut against Jesus Sanchez (1-1-2).

Super bantamweight contender Ronny Rios (27-1, 12 KOs) will fight Daniel Noriega (28-10-1, 15 KOs) and lightweight prospect Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre (16-0, 9 KOs) will take on Angel Aispuro (8-4-2) beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We at Golden Boy Promotions have stacked this card from top to bottom, and I believe it is our best undercard yet with fighters from three continents here making this a global event on Cinco de Mayo. Throughout the night of May 6, fans will see a range of great action fights from some of our top prospects; to battles of undefeated contenders; to the return of former world champions.

“I also just received confirmation that our May 5th show tomorrow is completely sold out, thank you to all of our fight fans who have sold out this show and our May 6th show.

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Business Partner:

“I want the young fighters to know this a great opportunity to be on this Cinco de Mayo undercard with Canelo and Chavez, Jr. This is a great moment to become a champion and be a part of this historical event. Take care of business, and be sure to put on a great show.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“Our distributors have always told us undercards matter, when you think about it-there is four hours of time to fill. People want to be entertained during that time, so it really helps when you have an exciting undercard to the main event.”

“We feel David Lemieux, Lucas Matthysse, Joseph Diaz Jr., all enhance this card and from their strong fan bases in Canada, Argentina and Los Angeles, we expect the fans to be very happy with these great fights.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“This is very exciting, as a fan of boxing, this is an amazing card. Every fight is a must-see. I want to mention the industry of boxing-with the right fights, people come out. We are here to contribute to this great show. David is read, and you can expect fireworks from this co-main event.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, Former IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“I’m back, I’m expecting this to be a great night of boxing and to put on a show. I started training immediately after my last fight in March and look forward to Saturday night.”

MARCO “DORADO” REYES, Middleweight Contender:

“Without my team, I wouldn’t be here. This is going to be an explosive fight between two big puncher fighters in the ring.”

MARIO ARANO, President of Arano Boxing:

“We’re very excited and very happy for this fight-moving up to weight to welterweight has been a blessing for us. We have a team that has worked with Lucas for 14 years, and it has been a blessing to move up in weight divisions. There is no possibility for Lucas to return to 140. I want to remind you all, Lucas never retired, he is back and ready to give more wars.”

LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion:

“Training camp has been great with Joel Diaz, it has worked so well with him. I’m going to put on a great fight-see everyone on Saturday.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“There are many special things about the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. fight. I’m extremely impressed with the undercard, and it is amazing we can put together a quality card like this for the fight. It’s a true testimony to the sport.”

EMANUEL “TRANZFORMER” TAYLOR, Welterweight Contender:

“May 6-what can I say? Lucas Matthysse is strong and powerful but it’s my time now. I’m here and I’m hungry, I’ve been working my whole life for this. I’m excited to fight in front of all the Mexican fans on Cinco de Mayo-expect fireworks on May 6.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“We had a ten week training camp, and trained very hard for this fight. We’re both young, undefeated fighters and there is a lot at stake here for of us because we could both potentially be mandatory challengers. We’re going to put on a great show for the millions watching and the thousands in attendance.”

MANUEL “TINO” AVILA, IBA Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve been with Golden Boy my whole career, and without them-I wouldn’t be at this stage right now. This is going to be an action-packed fight and someone’s ‘0’ has to go.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, Super Flyweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity and experience, and I want to thank everyone for backing me and seeing the vision I see. I’m very proud to be on this card with so many other amazing fighters. On fight night, it’s not about win or lose, its about how I win.”

RYAN “KINGRY” GARCIA, Lightweight Prospect:

“I put a lot of dedication to this fight, I’m treating this like a world championship fight. I’m coming in explosive with my speed and power-and everyone will see me put on a tremendous show on Saturday night.”

TYRONE LUCKEY, Lightweight Prospect:

“Come May 6th, I’m going to give Ryan Garcia the best fight of this life. A little physical education is always good and everyone will see us put on a great fight.”

RAUL “EL CUGAR” CURIEL, Former Mexican Olympian:

“You will see me put on the best show in the ring, and I want to thank everybody involved who helped us put on a great night of boxing.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“This is my first fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend, so I want to thank my family, Golden Boy Promotions and my team-I wouldn’t be here without them.”

JOSEPH “DIAMANTE” AGUIRRE, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited, I come from Cancun, Mexico and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. This is my first time fighting in Vegas-I’ve always fought in Mexico, so this is a dream come true for me.”

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with TGB and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. are priced at
$75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts International box office or concierge desk. Tickets also can be purchased by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000. Tickets for “Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in theaters nationwide are on sale now at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).

For more information, visit wwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

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

EMANUEL TAYLOR FIGHT WEEK IN LAS VEGAS

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® Jr. Welterweight Emanuel “Tranzforma” Taylor and his team arrived in Vegas on Monday evening, May 1st, before one of the biggest fights of his career. This Saturday, May 6th, on PPV, Emanuel will be taking on former Super Lightweight champion Lucas Matthysse in a 10 round Welterweight matchup on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez- Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. mega fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight will be contested for the WBA and WBO International Titles.

Emanuel Taylor had the honor of walking the red carpet Tuesday, May 2nd, surrounded by numerous boxing fans during the celebrated fighter arrival stroll in the magnificent MGM Grand Lobby accompanied by his fellow PPV fighters. With the days building up to the fight, Emanuel had an amazing media workout open to the public, at the MGM Grand Race & Sports Book on Wednesday, May 3rd, getting ready to head into today’s press conference that will be streamed live on Ring TV.

Taylor brings a record of 20-4-1, 14KO’S into the bout as his Argentinian opponent Matthysse carries an imposing 37-4, 34KO’s record.

The Edgewood, MD native knows the opportunity in front of him can be career changing and had this to say about his match with Matthysse, “Lucas Matthysse is a great fighter and a former world champion. He is a very good puncher and I know I have to be at my best to defeat him. I’ve had a great camp and I’m 100% confident that I will come out victorious on Saturday”.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these thoughts, “This is a huge fight for Manny. We all know how tough Matthysse is but I’ve never seen Manny so confident before a fight. A win will put him right into the thick of things in his division”.

The bout will be co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® and will be part of the live Pay Per View Saturday night, May 6th.

ABOUT STAR BOXING ®
For a quarter century, Star Boxing keeps on swinging! Star Boxing has consistently delivered boxing events of the highest caliber and attracts loyal fans from all corners of the globe. From the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones trilogy to the meteoric rise of Chris Algieri and Joe Smith Jr. from the Rockin’ Fights Paramount Series, Star Boxing continues to work with and develop world rated contenders and red hot prospects into future world champions. Star Boxing is revered worldwide throughout the industry for its credibility, integrity, and exciting fights.

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CANELO VS. CHAVEZ, JR. HBO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT AHEAD OF CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND EVENT

LOS ANGELES (April 19, 2017) As the clock begins to tick towards the highly anticipated Cinco de Mayo Weekend Canelo-Chavez, Jr. event on May 6, HBO Pay-Per-View, fighters including Former IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs), Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs), Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs), NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs), and IBA Featherweight Champion Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) hosted an international media conference call ahead of their fights presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View® and straight from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Co-main event fighters David Lemieux and Marco “Dorado” Reyes discussed their upcoming 10-round middleweight bout. Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor discussed their scheduled 10-round welterweight battle for the WBA Intercontinental title. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. discussed his 10-round bout to defend his NABF title against Manuel “Tino” Avila.

Here is what president of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez, Lemieux, Reyes, Matthysse, Taylor, Diaz, Jr., and Avila said during the international media conference call:

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions: I want to thank a few people that are involved in the undercard and are instrumental in making this happen. Camille Estephan from Eye of the Tiger, our partner with Lemieux; Paco Damian with Paco Presents; Mario Arano from Arano Box; Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing; and Ralph Heredia, which is the manager for Joseph Diaz.

Also, I can’t continue out mentioning our sponsors, our incredible sponsors, that have helped us out for this event and they have been great the last few years: Tecate, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet.

And lastly, I want to thank HBO, the best television network for boxing which will broadcast the television live on Pay Per View. Thank you for everything you do, HBO.
And now, I want to introduce to you the first fighter on this call and that is Manuel “Tino” Avila. Manuel is undefeated, 22 0. He will be opening the HBO Pay-Per-View in a great match against Joseph Diaz. And he’s coming out straight out of northern California.

Now obviously you as you guys know, he’s going to be facing Joseph Diaz, another undefeated fighter, Olympian, 23-0, this is going to be a great match up. Joseph has been on HBO numerous times and you know, he’s looking to make a statement on Pay- Per -View.

Q: Tino, obviously this is a tough fight, fighting Joseph Diaz. It’s a tall task. But obviously, I mean, the rewards of big. If you can beat someone like a Joseph Diaz, you’ll be right in line for a world title. How do you feel about this fight?

MANUEL “TINO” AVILA, IBA Featherweight Champion: You know, I feel good about this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time. Focusing on this fight. And you know, after ten rounds that are done, you know, whatever outcome is great.

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion: Yeah, I just want to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, Eric, Robert and everybody for giving me this opportunity on fight night to have such a great card. I want to thank HBO, as well, for giving me an opportunity to start on the best network.

May 6 is going to be a great night of boxing. Manuel, if he has his A Game, he’s going to put on a great fight. And I’m going to be 110 percent, as well.

So it’s going to be a fight nobody is going to want to miss, and it’s going to be a very action packed fight. So I’ll see you all on May 6.

ERIC GOMEZ: Train hard and we’ll see you guys in Vegas. I wanted to invite Lucas to say a few words, Lucas, “The Machine” Matthysse, with a record of 37- 4, and making his comeback fight. He’s been out for a while and we’re very excited for this fight. He’s going to be fighting Emmanuel Taylor, so I’ll introduce Lucas to say a few words.

LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, Former WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion: I want to say hi to everyone, good morning. I started my training camp in Indio and I’m training with Joel Diaz, my new trainer for this fight, and some of my old team including my father who is with me, Mario who is part of my corner, just getting ready for the fight. I’m excited for the fight.

Q. Lucas, good morning. Did you ever think at any point of retirement, because you had such a long layoff?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: No, not at all. I never thought about retirement. I just wanted to rest. I had a string of really tough fights, and I just needed some time to rest and that’s exactly what I did. I rested.

Q. For this come back, obviously it’s a comeback fight, but what’s next? Do you want to go fast and go after some big names, or do you want to go fight by fight? What’s your game plan for this part of your career, second part of your career?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Look, it’s a comeback fight, but Emmanuel Taylor is a tough fight. It’s not an easy fight. He’s a fighter with a lot of experience. He’s a tough fighter. After this fight, I’ll sit down with my team, my promoter and see what’s next.
Right now I’m fully concentrating on Emmanuel Taylor.

ERIC GOMEZ: Emmanuel Taylor, this is obviously a fight that’s in association with Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia, thanks for helping us get this fight done. Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor has a great record, 20-4. This is a great opportunity for him.

EMMANUEL “TRANZFORMER” TAYLOR, Welterweight Contender: My name is Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. I’m coming out of Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. I’m in Boston for about 20 years now and just looking forward to May 6.

Q. Lucas, you’re coming back after your layoff to fight as a welterweight. If you can talk about the particular reason why you elected to do that, was it a matter of struggling to make 140? Did you just see there being possibly better opportunities or bigger money or better opponents at 147 pounds? What was your main reason for the change in weight class?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: I felt that I had to make the change. I’ve been at the weight for a long time. I’m 34 years old now, and the truth is, the last two fights, they were a struggle. I struggled a little bit the last two fights in making weight. My body just felt that it was time to move up, and I’m feeling good right now.

Q. You took the long layoff but part of the reason was the bone injury you suffered in the last fight. Is that 100 percent healthy and are you confident that even if Emmanuel hits you right on that spot, that you’ll be okay?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: I feel confident there’s not going to be any problems with the eye. I had a training camp in Argentina and I was training out there and I had nothing wrong with it. I got hit plenty of times there. And now, you know, I changed my training camp while I’m out here in Indio and I’ve been sparring and I feel confident that there’s not going to be any problems with the eye.

Q. The guys you lost to are Garcia and Postol. I know Emmanuel is in solid fight form, but do you have any desire in the future to have rematches with either of those guys? The Garcia fight was a pretty close one and the Postol fight, we know what happened there, but do you have any desire to ever see these guys again in the ring?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Yes, of course. Look, I’m willing to fight anybody. I always want to fight the best. Of course I would. But you know, it’s up to my team. Whoever they tell me to fight, I’ll fight.

Q. Lucas, do you view this fight as kind of like just a test at 147, and if you don’t feel comfortable, would you consider dropping back down to 140, or are you definitely at 147 at this point in your career?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: No, I’ve decided to stay at this weight. I feel very good at this weight. I’ve been working really hard, and I feel comfortable. To battle to get back down to 140, I don’t think I have it anymore.

Q. Just to follow up on that, welterweight is a very deep division, Pacquiao, Thurman, Garcia. How do you think you fit into the welterweight division as you climb back in? How do you think you fit alongside those other top fighters in welterweight?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Of course I feel very capable at this weight class. I feel that I have a lot of confidence in myself. I’m feeling really good at this weight class, so I can challenge anybody. I would love to fight Danny Garcia again, or I’ll fight against Thurman, whoever it is. I feel very capable at this weight class.

Q. Listen, obviously the bigger name in this fight is Lucas Matthysse, being the kind of bigger fight that he’s had compared to you. You’ve got a lot of experience, though. I’ve seen you fight many times. How big of a deal would it be for you to get this fight where you’re going to be the underdog but pull off this upset?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: It’s a real big deal. You know, I always wanted to get back in there and do my thing, do what I do best. You know, Lucas is a great fighter, real strong, real durable.

I’m looking forward to this fight. I’ve been training hard, working hard, and this means everything in the world to me. I’m just really excited for this opportunity.

Q. Do you think that maybe you get him at the right time, as we’ve discussed, he’s coming off a lengthy layoff and coming off a pretty tough injury in a KO loss, and maybe he’s not as fresh as he once was. Maybe he’ll be a little bit rusty from the layoff, where you maybe haven’t had been as active as he has, even though it’s been a little while since your last fight. Do you feel like you might get him at the right time and you might be able to get the win here?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I think I got him at the perfect time. You know, he’s coming off of a KO loss, eye injury. His last fight before that, he weighed in, I think I caught him at the right time right now, because a long layoff, like you said. It’s perfect timing for me; perfect.

Q. Anybody that watches his fights knows Lucas is a big puncher. Have you thought about or discussed with your team about how to deal with the probability that you’re going to get hit with a good, clean shot?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Of course. In camp, my coach, we watch a lot of tape on him and have different tactics we’re going to use in this fight. We’ve got a great plan for this fight, so if we get hit with a big shot, we know how to recover. It will show in the fight. It will show in the fight how we’ve been working on things and how everything’s going to play out in our favor.

Q. He’s going up to welterweight and made this announcement where he’s going to campaign at this point forward. You’ve been a guy that’s fought maybe a little bit close to welterweight, maybe at welterweight once or twice, mainly like 40, 42. What’s your weight class? I know you took this at welterweight. Where do you want to fight regularly? Is it at welter late from now forward? Is it going back to 140 depending what happens? Is it somewhere in the middle? Where are you as far as your weight division?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I fought welterweight three times, and I’m a durable guy at welterweight. It don’t matter, or light welterweight. If the opportunity presents itself at welterweight, I’m going to take the opportunity again. It don’t matter, welterweight or light welterweight, I can make both.

Q. Just wonder if you can tell us who the biggest puncher you fought is so far?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: I wouldn’t say the biggest puncher, but he had a little snap was Adrien Broner. He wasn’t the biggest puncher but he had a little snap to his punches. I never really fought somebody with a big punch that really stung me. But I would say Adrien Broner was a little snappy, not the biggest puncher, but he got some pop, a little pop to him.

Q. In your fights, was there a point where you felt you were hurt by anybody or not really?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Absolutely not. I always recover very quickly. If I got dropped, I would get right back up and shake it off and that’s about it. But never really hurt in a fight.

Q. You were down in the fight against Victor Cayo and you were down against Mayfield. Any other times?

EMMANUEL TAYLOR: Yeah, Mayfield, the flat knock down, hit me in the back of the head and I fell down. They call that a knock down. I got right back up and won the last two rounds after that.

Q. Eric, I know obviously this is not an easy fight for Matthysse, especially coming off a long layoff but what are your hopes for him in this comeback?

ERIC GOMEZ: Look, obviously we’re not looking past Emmanuel Taylor. Emmanuel is a very tough guy. I was involved in the Adrien Broner fight and also in the Postol and he put a great fight with both fighters. Depends how he looks. If he struggles, then, you know, he might need, you know, a tune up after this fight. He might need a tune up, and he looks sensational and great, then we’re going to sit down and go after any of the champions. Lucas Matthysse has a great name, he’s a fan friendly fighter.

The TV networks love him. He’s been on HBO, Showtime, a number of times. Any of the champions would love to fight him and it would be a great fight because of his style. So it really depends on this fight. We’ll see how he does.

Look, there’s a chance he could lose this fight and he might want to retire after, if he loses this fight. So this fight is very, very important to all of us.

Q. What made you want to change trainers, and how is it going with Joel Diaz so far and what’s he helped you with?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: Basically I decided to go back to my roots and I went back home to southern Argentina in Trelew, where I’m from, and I started working with my dad a little bit who, is the first person who started me in boxing. Then I made the decision to just change. I wanted something different, and I came out here to work with Joel Diaz. He was recommended, and so far, it’s been great. We’ve been working really great and I’ve been learning a lot.

Q. Who recommended Joel Diaz to you?

LUCAS MATTHYSSE: It was my decision to work with Joel Diaz. He did a training camp for the Garcia fight, for Danny Garcia in Indio, and I trained out of the same gym where Joel Diaz is. And through that training camp, I saw some of the things he was working on and I kind of liked the way he was working with other fighters. So that’s the reason why I decided to go with him.

I’m training really hard for the fight. See everyone in Vegas, and thank you for the support.

ERIC GOMEZ: I’m really proud to introduce really hard hitting David Lemieux. He’s coming off probably thus far, knockout of the year, and fighting just two months later on this great Pay Per View. He’s got an incredible record, 37-3 with a bunch of knock outs, almost all wins by knock outs.

David, if you can say a few words to the press, please.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Hi, guys. Hi, everybody. Extremely excited to be on. Of course, I didn’t take much break since the last fight when I did the fight against Stevens. It was a great knockout I had against him. I took one week off and then headed back to the gym. When they announced me that I was starting under this show, I couldn’t say no. It’s a great opportunity and all the greatest fighters in the world are going to be there.

Q. Marco Reyes fought Chávez, Jr. at 168 pounds test weight was 170. What weight is this fight going to be at, and in the future, will you be going to or staying at 158? If so, how soon?

DAVID LEMIEUX: This fight is going to be actually at 153. The weight is not going to be an issue. We just had a fight, 150, which I made 159. So it’s going to be a the weight of 153 and that’s the weight for this fight. But I’m middleweight and I’m going to stay at middleweight.

Q. This is going to be your second fight this year. Is the goal for, if you win, to return in the fall or possibly early winter? And if so, possibly against who?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You know what, we want to stay accurate, that’s what we’re doing. Of course the ultimate goal is as Oscar announced, it’s the winner of the Canelo Chávez, which Canelo is on the radar, of course. But first we have Marco Reyes to take care of, which I have no doubt that we’re going to do a good job.

Q. You were talking about your knockout against Curtis Stevens, obviously was spectacular. Marco Reyes has been known as a very tough fighter, but he did get stopped in the seventh round by Elvin Ayala two fights ago. Elvin Ayala has been a pretty good boxer for many years, but kind of a journeyman guy and not a big puncher, at all. So I wonder, when you look at that on his record, and you know that he got stopped by a guy like Ayala, who is not a puncher, and you’re one of the best punchers in boxing, coming off that absolutely sensational knockout against Curtis Stevens, are just licking your chops to touch this guy and think you can get rid of him?

DAVID LEMIEUX: I think he’s in big trouble. But of course, in boxing, you don’t head to a fight thinking that you’re going to knock somebody out. He’s a very tough opponent. We’re not underestimating him. We’re going to be ready for ten rounds if it’s necessary, and ten hard rounds.

I’m going to be ready for anything, and I’m going to in there strong. I’m going to make another statement, and of course, I want to be the best. I’ve got to fight like the best. Come May 6, I’m going to give the best of Lemieux.

Q. When you have 33 knockouts and 37 wins and most of them are pretty impressive, pretty crowd pleasing, exciting knockouts. You’re not stopping guys on cuts. You’re not stopping guys with a three or four punch combination and the referee comes in. Many, many of your knockouts are one punch ready, putting guys out for a ten count or a 20 count maybe. How is it, when you’ve done that so many times, that you don’t go into a fight thinking you’re just going to do it again; that you have to sort of get the mentality that, you know, you might have to go ten rounds on a given night?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Yeah, it’s a very good question. I learned my lesson in the Golovkin fight, the power is not a game plan. It’s a tool. The game plan is to be ready for anything. When I go against any opponent, always expect to fight the best of that opponent and to fight them at their best and make sure I’m ready to fight them for one round or for 12 rounds if necessary and to fight them strong.

So when I train, I have that mentality now. I don’t just go in for a knockout and think that they are going to go out in the first three rounds. I’m ready to knock them out for 12 rounds if necessary, and I’ll be strong for the duration of the fight.

Q. You fought on the Undercard of Canelo’s fight when he fought Amir Khan, and you knocked out Glen Tapia; that was last May, and now a year later on another Canelo Alvarez Undercard against Chavez, you’re fighting again. Obviously you’re both with the same promotion company. I think most people would look at a matchup between you and Canelo, and think that would be a pretty exciting fight. What do you think you have to do to get that fight? Because obviously a lot of people want to see Canelo; the Chavez fight is happening; a lot of people want to see him fight GGG down the road after that. But you’re sitting there as a big possibility to get a chance to fight him. Have you been given any assurances or promises by your manager or promotor that you are up in the bullpen, so to speak, to take on Canelo at some point? How do you continue to go through these Undercard fights knowing you’re going to be an option but not having gotten the fight?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Well, after what I do May 6, I’m going to put myself in a position where everybody is going to want to see Canelo-Lemieux. I’m not asking for a position; I’m going to put myself in a position.

So what I do with Marco Reyes will put me in where I want to be, fighting Canelo. But first, I will take care of Reyes, who is a good fighter.

Q. Could you address that? You guys promote Lemieux. You scored some good knockouts. He’s been on a lot of your television cards can you just speak to the possibilities to the long term future of the possibility of Golden Boy making that match between Canelo Alvarez and David, assuming these guys keep winning their fights?

ERIC GOMEZ: Well, obviously whenever you have an exciting fighter like David, he’s good for any fight. You said it yourself, his knockouts are incredible. So you know, it’s something that we’ve talked about. It’s something that I know David wants and it’s something that Canelo is interested in, as well. But it depends. Look, they have very tough fights. Chavez, Jr.’s fight with Canelo is not going to be a walkover. He’s moving up in weight and he’s fighting a big guy, possibly a light heavyweight. And then David, David has a tough fight, too. So there’s possibilities.

I think immediately next, Canelo wants to fight Golovkin. We make that very clear to everybody. Canelo said it; we’ve said it; Golovkin said he wants that fight. We think we can negotiate for that fight. But if for whatever reason that fight doesn’t happen, yes, David would be in line. He would be in line, and it’s very exciting. We’ve got so many calls after his knockout, we got calls, we got e mails, social media, everybody wanting to see David fight Canelo. It was incredible.

But that’s what David is all about. You know, when he has those highlight knockouts, he gets so many people excited.

Q. There were strong words on David after the defeat. What changed your perception since your victories against Curtis Stevens or Rios in Montreal?

ERIC GOMEZ: David learned from those fights. You know, look, obviously with Golovkin, you know, it was a tough fight for David. I think he was excited in the fight. He was doing well. But he learned a lot, and obviously he’s a better fighter now. He’s a different fighter now than he was when he first fought Golovkin. I know, in my opinion if he fights Golovkin again. Many of the losses, they learn and they become better from their losses, more so than when they have a good win.

So I think that David has grown, he’s matured, and he’s a fighter that takes his craft and his business more serious now, and this is a prime example. You know, he just fought in March, and he didn’t take any time off hardly. He got back home, rested a couple days, and was right back in the gym. So it helped him mature and become a better fighter, and that’s the David we have now.

Q. What danger did you face against Reyes?

DAVID LEMIEUX: There danger in every boxer, and I didn’t stop since my last fight against Stevens, and I will continue training and prepare for, I hope, a fight against Canelo.

Q. Your last knock out was very impressive. When you knocked out Curtis like that, was that scary to you, seeing an opponent just rendered unconscious, and do you think, heading into this fight, will there be any reluctance on your part to do something similar to your opponent? Were you scared for Curtis, and do you think that might carry over into this fight?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You know, when I fight, I always want to show the best of me. I want to go in there vicious and do what I do best, and I’m a knockout artist, I’m a power fighter from the first round.
So when I knock out a fighter, I always still want them to wake up after ten seconds, not kill them. But Curtis Stevens was a different story. He talks too much; he got what he got. But it’s a sport at the end of the day, he got up and he was okay after that. So I was pleased, but I don’t want to hurt nobody. I’m just there to do my job. We did a great show, and after that, shake hands, say good night to his family and to my family.

Q. Nobody seemed to get your prediction on Canelo versus Chavez. Could you break that down for us?

DAVID LEMIEUX: My prediction for Canelo-Chavez, you know, being the way that Chavez is changing, the way he is fit and everything, I think you cannot underestimate Chavez, but I know Canelo is a better fighter, and we are all expecting Canelo to go out and beat Chavez.

But I don’t think it’s going to be a knockout. I think it’s going to be a difficult fight for Canelo. Chavez is definitely a big boy. But if I had money to bet, my money would be on Canelo. But they are both very good fighters. I think the edge is on Canelo.

ERIC GOMEZ: We found out that that echo was Marco Reyes. He is in the mountains training. So if any of you have any questions for Marco Reyes, you can e mail us at press@GoldenBoyPromotions.com, and he will answer your questions. It was hard to get him connected.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for participating in our media call. David, if you can say some closing statements before we finish.

ERIC GOMEZ: If you can just say some closing statements, David, right before we’re done. Just a couple of closing statements and then we’ll finish with everything.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Absolutely. I’m very excited to be on. To the fans that will be watching, I promise a great show and I promise a great fight. I’m going to be in tremendous shape. I promise excitement. It’s going to be an exciting fight, I’m exciting to be on, and give the fans a great night of boxing with the Canelo-Chavez fight at the end.

ERIC GOMEZ: That’s great. Thank you. Thank you very much, David. We can’t wait to see you in this action. So thank you for being on the call, and I want to thank all the media participated today and for all the questions.

Again, we’re sold out but we do have closed-circuit tickets still available. They are 75 dollars. You can get them at the MGM Resort’s international box office or at the concierge desk, or you can call 1 800 745 3000. Thank you very much and we’ll see you shortly at the fights in Vegas.

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing and Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for a closed circuit viewing of the fights at the Grand Ballroom at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are on sale for $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and can be purchased at the MGM Grand box office or by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

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

Witherspoon takes out Marrone in 2

Bristol, PA–Chazz Witherspoon scored his fifth consecutive knockout victory as he took out former world title challenger Mike Marrone in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight main event at the Grundy Arena.

Witherspoon sent Marrone to the canvas in round one with a left hook. Seconds later it was a hard 1-2 that sent Marrone down for a second time.

In round two, Witherspoon landed a booming right that deposited Marrone on the canvas for a third time. Marrone got to his feet but the fight was waved off at 1:31.

Witherspoon of Paulsboro, New Jersey is now 35-3 with 27 knockouts. Marrone of Vero Beach, Florida is 21-6.

Samuel Teah won a four round unanimous decision over Samuel Amoako in a junior welterweight bout.

Teah of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 8-1. AMoako of Silver Spring, MD is 21-13.

Elijah Vines stopped Julian Valerio in round three of their scheduled four round middleweight brawl.

Vines dropped Valerio with a short right on the inside. Valerio returned the favor after a furious exchange, Valerio put Vines on the canvas from a left hook. In round three, Vines drilled Valerio a multitude of times with power punches that continuously snapped the head of Valerio’s head back until a moment later when Vines landed some hard body punches and referee Hurley McCall stopped the fight at 2:37.

Vines of Philadelphia is 3-0 with three knockouts. Valerio of Brooklyn, NY is 3-4.

Good looking prospect, Jaron Ennis stopped Matthew Murphy in round two of a scheduled four round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Ennis sent Murphy to a knee after landing a barrage of punches. Seconds later, It was a left to the body that sent Murphy down and the fight was stopped at 2:53.

Ennis of Philadelphia is 5-0 with five knockouts. Murphy of St. Louis, MO is 1-3.

Mike Hilton remained undefeated by stopping Cortez Reed in th fouth and final scheduled round of their cruiserweight bout.

Hilton of Trenton, NJ, is now 3-0 with all wins coming via stoppage. Reed of Atlanta, GA is 1-3.

Emanuel Taylor stopped Carlos Aguilera in round two of their scheduled eight round junior welterweight bout.

Taylor cracked Aguilera with a left hook to the ribs that dropped him. He could not get to his feet and fight was over at 2:07.

Taylor of Edgewood, MD is now 20-4 with 14 knockouts. Aguilera of Chiapas, MX is 10-18.

Leshawn Rodriguez demolished Jason Whar inside of one round of their scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Whar three times in round one, with the last coming from a left hook and the bout was stopped at 1:55.

Rodriguez of Shirley, New York is 4-0 with four knockouts. Wahr of Virginia Beach, Virginia is 4-13.

Luis Perozo remained undefeated by winning a 4-round unanimous decision over Alberto Martinez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Perozo scored a knocked down from a right hand.

Perozo of New York , NY won by scores of 39-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Martinez of Tifton, GA is 0-2.

STAR BOXING JR. WELTERWEIGHT EMANUEL TAYLOR SCORES IMPRESSIVE WIN

Emanuel Taylor , who in his last 4 fights fought former WBO world champion Chris Algieri, WBA Jr, Welterweight champ Adrien Broner, undefeated world rated Antonio Orozco, and rated contender Karim Mayfield, looked very sharp as he dismantled the rugged Wilfredo Acuna on the undercard of the Terrance Crawford- Hank Lundy fight at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, on Saturday night. The event was televised live on HBO.

Taylor (19-4 14KO Edgewater, MD) started fast as Acuna (16-19 11KO Nicaragua) was a willing participant as the two traded blows freely in the 1st round. Taylor, returning from a 9 month layoff showed no signs of rust as he punished Acuna with crisp combinations to the head and body. Acuna, to his credit, fought gamely and landed a few very hard blows which Taylor shook off.

As the bout wore on Taylor began to hurt Acuna with both head shots and body shots. Taylor opened up the 6th round with multiple hooks to the head of Acuna and continued the assault finally dropping the game Nicaraguan near the end of the round forcing referee David Fields to call a halt at the 2:29 mark of round 6.

Star Boxing promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about Taylor’s performance: “Emanuel is a skilled fighter in a very hot Jr. Welterweight division. He fought a very tough kid in Acuna who we have used in the past with Chris Algieri and Cletus Seldin and Acuna always comes to fight. In the past, Emanuel has fallen just short in a couple of close high profile fights (like Adrien Broner and Antonio Orozco), but after tonight he is now on the path to get another great opportunity in his quest to become a world champion”.

Taylor weighed 143.8 and Acuna 144.4 for the fight.

Link to Baltimore Sun article:
http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-86056556/

Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing, and
Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

Club 1957 Management to co-manage Jr. Welterweight contender Emanuel Taylor with D and D Management

Philadelphia (July 3, 2015 ) – D and D Management along with Mark Cipparone’s Club 1957 Management is pleased to announce a joint venture for which the two companies will now co-manage Jr. Welterweight contender Emanuel Taylor.

Taylor (18-4, 12 KO’s) of Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland has established himself as one of the top rated contenders in the Jr. Welterweight division and has been in several exciting fights against world champions Chris Algieri & Adrien Broner as well as undefeated Enrique Orozco. Those fights have made Taylor a television network staple.

“I would like to say that I’m excited to have the opportunity to establish a joint venture with Mark Cipparrone” said David Price of D and D management. “I have always had a lot of respect for him and I thought D and D and 1957 could complement instead of constantly compete with one another.”

“When we originally signed Emanuel Taylor he had already been signed with a local manager and we collectively functioned as Co- Managers. Emanuel no longer wanted his home based manager involved and Doc and I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with someone else that we felt had a high level of what we call V.I.S.A ( Vision, Integrity, Structure, Accountability).”

“We currently only have Emanuel together and all of our separate stables remain just that. We However hope that this is the beginning of a great working relationship that we could expand for years to come”

Said D and D Management’s Doc Nowicki,”I am excited that we were able to bring Mark Cipparone from Club 1957 Management to be involved with us with Emnauel Taylor. With boxing being very difficult to move fighters along, we thought it would be a perfect match. We have done good things with our fighters. Mark has done good things with his fighters. We feel great about collaborating with Manny and hopefully we can do some other things in future.”

“We have some great expectations going forward for Manny. We feel he has the talent to become a world champion as he has established himself as a favorite of the premium networks.”

‘Thee years ago I decided to dive head first into the business of managing boxers. I have given my all from day one and want nothing more than helping develop a world champion. When I received the call from Dave Price to partner with D and D to manage Manny Taylor it was without hesitation that I said yes. Believe it or not even before that call I had the same idea to join forces with D and D. Both Doc and Dave have been doing a great job with their fighters and it is easy to see that they are hard working, ethical business men. I am looking forward to see what our combined resources and talents can produce. I am not one to partner …just because. Yes the old adage 2 heads are better than one may apply, but I believe that we have complementing skills and although we may have had some underlying competitiveness in the past we genuinely like each other,” said Mark Cipparone of Club 1957 Management.”

“Manny is an extremely talented boxer and we all are committed to making a difference in his career. I am personally looking forward to working with him as part of this team and believe that he will have a special opportunity to reach his goals.”

Taylor is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Star Boxing’s Emanuel Taylor vs. Antonio Orozco Super Lightweight Bout Televised on “MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV”

Star Boxing’s exciting contender EMANUEL “The Tranzforma” TAYLOR (18-3, 12 KOs) will provide undefeated ANTONIO “Relentless” OROZCO (21-0, 15 knockouts) with a stern threat in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event this Friday night, May 15th, at the US Airways Centre in Phoenix, Arizona. TruTV will televise live beginning at 10:00 PM/ET.

The Orozco-Taylor tilt will be on the undercard of undefeated WBA interim super lightweight world champion JOSE BENAVIDEZ, JR. in his first title defense, against Mexican standout JORGE “Maromerito” PAEZ, JR.

Orozco vs. Taylor is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Star Boxing.

“Emanuel is sure to give boxing fans another thrilling fight,” says Taylor’s promoter and Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia. “Taylor has beaten elite opponents before, and almost pulled off the upset over Adrien Broner. I have confidence in a great performance. The winner will emerge as a rated contender in the junior welterweight division in line for a major fight.”

Taylor and Orozco were originally slated to fight on March 12th in San Antonio, but Orozco had to withdraw in February when he suffered a cut over his right eye in training.

Taylor, who returns to the ring with two of his last three victories coming by way of knockout, has turned back such top-flight fighters as once-defeated Raymond Serrano, no. 4 world rated Victor Cayo, and highly-touted Karim Mayfield. The native of Edgewood Arsenal, MD, has distinguished himself going the distance in decision losses to former world champions Adrien Broner and Star Boxing’s own Chris Algieri in nationally-televised bouts.

In his last bout on Oct. 10, Orozco won a one-sided, eight-round unanimous decision over former world titleholder Steve Forbes.

Orozco is a native of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico who fights out of San Diego, and has won seven of his last nine bouts by knockout. Impressive victories over Forbes, as well as seasoned veterans Martin Honorio, Ivan Hernandez and Miguel Huerta have propelled Orozco to No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) junior welterweight world ratings.

Orozco vs. Taylor is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Star Boxing.

JOSE BENAVIDEZ, JR. COMES HOME TO PHOENIX FOR FIRST WORLD TITLE DEFENSE, AGAINST HARD-HITTING JORGE PAEZ, JR. Plus ANTONIO OROZCO vs. EMMANUEL TAYLOR

PHOENIX, AZ (April 30, 2015) — Phoenix’s favorite son is coming home — to defend his world title. Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super lightweight world champion JOSE BENAVIDEZ, JR. will be making his first title defense, against Mexican buzz saw JORGE “Maromerito” PAEZ, JR., Saturday, May 15 at US Airways Center. The world championship battle will be televised live on “The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV” at 10:00 p.m. ET. The live telecast will open with undefeated Top-10 contender ANTONIO “Relentless” OROZCO in a 10-round super lightweight rumble with power-punching EMMANUEL “The Tranzforma” TAYLOR.

The four warriors boast a combined record of 98-8-2 (65 KOs) — a winning ratio of 91% with two-thirds of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, tickets to the Benavidez vs. Paez / Orozco vs. Taylor world championship event, priced at $100, $75, $60, $40 and $20, may be purchased online at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.USAirwaysCenter.com. To charge by phone call 1-800-745-3000.

“The Valley of the Sun will play host to one of its favorite sons as Jose Benavidez returns as World Champion to his hometown to face the son of a legend, and world-ranked contender, Jorge Paez, Jr., where his father made a great name for himself on so many occasions,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “All fans at US Airways Center or watching on truTV will be in for an exciting evening of boxing.”

Benavidez (22-0, 15 KOs), from Phoenix, will be making his 2015 debut as a world champion. He won the title in his last fight, which took place on December 13 in Las Vegas, winning a unanimous decision over defending champion Mauricio Herrera. A sensational amateur prospect, winning a Gold Medal at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Championships at the age of 16, the youngest fighter to ever win the National Golden Gloves Championships. He turned professional one year later, at age 17, where he became the youngest professional boxer to be licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He was granted an exception (the minimum age requirement was 18) because of his exceptional talent. After spending most of 2013 sidelined with a broken hand he came back to win all four of his 2014 fights decisively, including a first-round TKO of Henry Auraad on July 26 and his world title victory over Herrera in December.

Paez (38-5-2, 23 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is the son and namesake of “The Clown Prince of Boxing” Jorge “Maromero” Paez, one of the most popular Mexican world champions. He is 11-1-1 in his last 13 fights, which includes impressive victories against Charlie Navarro and two against Omar Chávez, son of International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Julio César Chávez. He returns to the ring fresh from a February 21 fourth round knockout victory of once-beaten Ronald Montes and world-rated No. 10 by the WBA.

Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs), a native of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico who fights out of San Diego, has won seven of his last nine bouts by knockout. Impressive victories over former world champion Stevie Forbes and seasoned veterans Martin Honorio, Ivan Hernandez and Miguel Huerta have propelled Orozco to No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) junior welterweight world ratings.

Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs), of Edgewood Arsenal, MD, returns to the ring with two of his last three victories coming by way of knockout, including No. 4-wold-rated contender Victor Cayo, once-defeated Raymond Serrano and highly-touted Karim Mayfield. Carrying dangerous power in both fists, Taylor has also recently gone the distance against former world champions Adrien Broner and Chris Algieri in nationally-televised bouts.

About US Airways Center
US Airways Center, home to the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and Arizona Rattlers (AFL), hosts nearly 200 events annually. The 19,000 seat venue treats more than two million guests each year to sporting events, concerts, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice shows, other family shows, and conventions. More information about US Airways Center can be found by logging on to www.usairwayscenter.com

ANTONIO OROZCO WITHDRAWS FROM SCHEDULED BOUT AGAINST EMANUEL TAYLOR

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 5) – Undefeated Mexican brawler Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs) will have to wait to make his 2015 debut. Orozco was injured on Monday, Feb 2. when he suffered a deep cut near the right eye while sparring during training camp. His personal doctor determined the cut was too deep in dimension and would not heal fast enough for his scheduled bout on March 12. Orozco withdrew from participation as the co-main event for Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) versus “Wild” Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs) from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12th, airing live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Orozco was scheduled to face the well-known, tough punching Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight co-main bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing.

“I was prepared and excited to go up against Emanuel Taylor on March 12. I know that facing him and beating him would have been a grand debut in 2015,” said Orozco. “I am very disappointed in the outcome and now need to heal and be ready for a fight as soon as possible.”

The Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions event will go on with the announcement of Frankie “Pit Bull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. as the co-main event in a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent yet to be announced.

Frankie “Pit Bull” Gomez, is a tough fighter from East Los Angeles. Fighting in his first bout in almost a year, Gomez is ready to take on any fighter that will face him and take him to the next level in his career. Undefeated, the super lightweight prospect most recently fought Orlando Vazquez at the Stub Hub Center, in Carson, Calif. in April and won by knockout in the second round of their scheduled 10-round bout. Later in July, Gomez went the distance against Vernon Paris at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino winning by unanimous decision.

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. The HBO Latino Boxing two-fight telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 4:30 p.m. CT and first bout begins at 4:45 p.m. CT.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, or in person at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center SE Box Office, Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

FRANCISCO VARGAS VS. WILL TOMLINSON TO HEADLINE HBO LATINO® BOXING AT THE FREEMAN COLISEUM THURSDAY, MARCH 12

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26) – Golden Boy Promotions returns to San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12 with a special HBO Latino Boxing two-fight live telecast co-promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions. In the headlining bout, 2008 Mexican Olympian, undefeated WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) will put his undefeated record and titles on the line when he faces off against Australian standout “Wild” Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs) from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.

In the evening’s co-main event, Mexican favorite Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs) will battle against the tough warrior Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges go on sale Saturday, Jan. 31 at 12:00 p.m. CT and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, at the AT&T Center South East Box Office in person Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

“I am preparing for the best Tomlinson can give me,” said Vargas. “This fight is very important for me, a win would only get me closer to a world title fight. My manager Joel De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions are guiding me down the best path and I can promise that I will give them and the fans the best fight on March 12.”

“I am very excited to fight Francisco Vargas,” said Tomlinson. “He is a hungry, aggressive fighter. I think I have the speed, strength and movement to not only beat Francisco but also to give the fans one hell of a fight and introduce myself to the Latino fans. It’s an honor to be fighting for the NABF and WBO International titles and I will proudly hold them high after a solid win in San Antonio.”

“Undefeated records, title shots and the opportunity for even bigger fights down the road – with so much on the line, fans can bet that fireworks will be in great supply on March 12,” said Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya.

“Leija*Battah Promotions is proud to announce their first fight with HBO Latino Boxing and their partner Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions,” said Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions. “Texas fight fans will be very satisfied with the lineup and won’t want to miss out.”

“I’d like to thank my promoter Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Latino Boxing for this opportunity,” said Orozco. “I am ready to put up a good fight for the fans. I know Emanuel Taylor is a tough fighter but I am more than ready to showcase my talent. This is another step closer to becoming a world champion.”

“I can’t wait to fight on HBO Latino on March 12th. I will be 100% ready and I know it will be a good fight with Orozco,” said Taylor. “I am very confident that I will win this fight. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing as well as Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Latino Boxing for giving me this opportunity.”

“We are looking forward to watching Taylor fight again and expect an extremely exciting fight against Orozco,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “Taylor showed his grit against Adrien Broner last September and we have high hopes for him on March 12 and the rest of 2015.”

Born in Tijuana and now fighting out of Mexico City, the 2008 Olympian Vargas had a notable win over Abner Cotto, and defended his WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight titles against former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez in 2014. The 30-year-old closed out the year with an eighth-round knockout victory over the tough Genaro Camargo in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

A Melbourne, Australia native Tomlinson won and successfully defended several regional titles down under. He was racing toward a world title shot before an upset loss to Jerry Belmontes in March 2014. The 28-year-old wasn’t deterred from his path and in August he bounced back with a victory over Alberto Cupido and a technical knockout win over Miguel Zamudio in December that put him on the road to the top once more.

An undefeated star from Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and fighting out of San Diego, Calif. Orozcohas kept an impressive undefeated record since turning professional in 2008. 2014 was a successful year for Orozco, winning the vacant NABF Junior Super Lightweight title against Martin Honorio via unanimous decision in May. The 27-year-old was most recently seen in a battle against Steve “2 Pound” Forbes at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in October also winning by unanimous decision after an eight-round fight.

Fighting out of Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, Tayloris a tough warrior who was first noticed when he went the distance with Chris Algieri in February 2014. Next, the tough boxer rebounded with a win via unanimous decision over Karim Mayfield in August setting him up to fight the toughest fight of his career against Adrien Broner in September. Taylor didn’t disappoint as he went the distance in a 12-round bout against Broner in Broner’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Now, the 24-year-old Taylor is looking to rebound once again and prove that his is still in the game to win a world title.

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. Orozco vs. Taylor is a 10-round junior welterweight fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing two-fight telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 5:00 p.m. CT, and the first bout will start at 5:30 p.m. CT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com and www.freemancoliseum.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr, @HBOLatino, @elbandido130, @WillTomlinsonAU, @PuroOrozco, and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/hbolatino or www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr,@elbandido130, @willtomlinsonau, @allrelentless, and @tranzformaa.

Broner decisions Taylor

Adrien Broner scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Emanuel Taylor at the 1st Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohioo.

It was a great back and forth fight with both guys landing heavy shots. Taylor did well when he roughed Broner up on the ropes while Broner boxed well in the center.

Broner was cut around the right eye in round 11 from a accidental headbutt. Broner sealed the fight with a knockdown in the final frame from a booming left hook.

Broner, 140 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 116-111 twice and 115-112 and is now 29-1-1. Taylor, 138 lbs of Edgewood, MD is now 18-3.

Former world champion Lucas Matthysse scored a controversial 2nd round stoppage over previously undefeated Riberto Ortiz in a scheduled 10-round Super Lightweight bout.

Matthysse landed a left to the body that sent Ortiz down to a knee. Ortiz got to his feet at referee Benji Esteves’s nine count but he stopped the fight at 2:45 of round two.

Matthysse, 139 1/2 lbs of Trelew, ARG is now 36-3-1 with 34 knockouts. Ortiz, 139 1/2 lbs of Terreon, MEX is now 31-1-1.

Andre Berto scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Steve Upsher in a Welterweight bout.

Berto, who was coming off a shoulder operation looked solid in the contest.

Berto, 148 1/2 lbs of Winter Haven, FL won by scores of 99-91 and is now 29-3. Upsher, 145 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is now 24-4-1-1.

Michael Perez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Jared Robinson in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Perez wobbled Robinson at the end of round one with a left. He dropped Robinson at the beginning of the next round with a jab. Perez had a swelling at the bottom of his left eye in the second.

He stunned Robinson with a body shot and right hand in round seven.

Perez out landed Robinson 237 to 131

Perez, 140 lbs of Newark, NJ won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 21-1-2. Robinson, 140 lbs of Charlotte, NC is now 15-2.

Three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren scored a dominating 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Luis Araiza in a Bantamweight bout.

Warren dominated the bout and buckled Araiza a few times. He sent Araiza to the canvas in round nine with a hard double left.

Warren, 117 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 100-89 on all cards and is now 12-0. Araiza, 120 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 34-9-1.

Warren out landed Araiza 222 to 98.

WEIGHTS FROM CINCINATI

Adrien Broner 140 – Emanuel Taylor 138 1/2
Lucas Matthysse 139 – Roberto Ortiz 139 1/2
Andre Berto 148 1/2 – Steve Upsher 145 1/2

WATCH BRONER – TAYLOR WEIGH IN AT 2 PM ET

Video: Adrien Broner Chokes Emanuel Taylor During Press Conference For Saturday’s Showdown

FIREWORKS IN CINCINNATI: ADRIEN BRONER vs. EMANUEL TAYLOR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Sept. 4, 2014) – The Adrien Broner show continued on Thursday during the final press conference for Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.

“The Problem” debuted “Bronish,” his own style of trash talking translated by fellow Cincinnati native and undefeated prospect Robert Easter, Jr. Then he reverted back to English and called out Lucas Matthysse. Just a few minutes later, he put his arms around the throat of his opponent on Saturday, Emanuel Taylor, while facing off for media in attendance.

In other words, typical Adrien Broner.

Broner (28-1, 22 KOs) and Taylor (18-2, 12 KOs) will meet in Saturday’s 12-round super lightweight main event, live on SHOWTIME® immediately following the premiere of “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

In the co-feature, former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (35-3, 33 KOs) will square off with Mexico’s highly touted and unbeaten Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (31-0-1, 24 KOs) in a 12-round bout for Ortiz’s WBC Silver Super Lightweight Title. Opening the telecast will be the return of former welterweight world champion Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) against Steve Upsher (24-3-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout.

ADRIEN BRONER:
“I really don’t know how to say it. I could say it in English, I could say it in Bronish – I’m just going to kick your (expletive).

“You know you’re not going to win. He’s not coming to win; he’s just coming to not get stopped. I’m going to stop this guy. He’s shaking right now. He already knows what’s up.

“This isn’t a joke. There should be three winners on Saturday: two ABs (Adrien Broner and Andre Berto) and then my next opponent, Lucas Matthysse. That’s what’s happening.

“He knows what he’s in for. Everybody knows what they’re in for when they fight a guy like me. But, at the end of the day, I’m going to be victorious.

“He didn’t get under my skin, but he invaded my space. I’m a man and you have to respect me.

“I’ve been motivated to knock him out since this fight was announced. I’m at home, this is my homecoming. This is what I do at home.”

EMANUEL TAYLOR:
“This fight can change my life. That’s how important it is.

“For the record, Broner – you’re not knocking me out. I’m not going to let a 135-pound fighter who’s been fighting midgets his whole career knock me out. It’s not happening.

“You say you’re going to knock me out? Don’t get tired trying to knock me out because that’s your (expletive).

“I’m not going to let anyone disrespect me. He’s all talk. I don’t really do much talking, but I have to stand up for myself and go back at him. I’m going to do what I have to do.

“He was saying, ‘I’m going to beat your (expletive), I’m going to beat your (expletive).’ Let me see it. Do it.

“This happens in boxing. Fighters get heated, words get exchanged.

“I’m definitely motivated to knock him out. He’s a slouch. I’m going to get in there and give him an (expletive) whooping.

“I’m going to do this in his hometown of Cincinnati. You’ll see.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE:
“Mexico has some of the best fighters in the world, but this Saturday they made a mistake fighting me.

“You’re going to see the best you’ve seen from me this Saturday. I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“It’s going to be a war. Whenever you have a Mexican fight against an Argentinean fighter you always have a war.

On if he feels pressured to top his last fight:
“Not at all. I’ve prepared well for this fight, I’m in shape and I’m ready to go. I’m here to win.

On Adrien Broner calling him out:
“I hope it’s true and it’s not just talk like he always talks.”

ROBERTO ORTIZ:
“Whenever Mexico and Argentina get in the ring it’s always a war. If he’s looking to beat me this won’t be his day. He’ll have to fight me in Mexico and try to beat me there.

“I know what I have ahead of me and I know it’s going to be a tough fight. It’s my first time fighting in the U.S. and I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“I’m just happy for this opportunity. I’m very happy, very motivated to win and become a known fighter in the U.S. after my first fight here.

“There’s really no difference fighting here vs. Mexico. I’m well-prepared. This is probably the biggest fight of my career but I’m ready and I’m going to give it my all.

On Broner picking Matthysse to win:
“Everyone says that because they aren’t familiar with my style, they aren’t familiar with me. People are going to get familiar with me and they’ll get to know me after this fight.

“I’ll fight with anyone. When I beat him, I’m looking to fight the best in the world and eventually become a world champion.”

ANDRE BERTO:
“It feels good to be back. I’ve been through a lot this year, but I’m focused like I haven’t been in years. I’m in shape and I’m looking forward to a tremendous fight.

“This is going to be the beginning of something great.

“I know Steve is coming to make a name for himself, but you need to understand something – in this past year I’ve been through some (expletive) and someone is going to have to pay for it.

“I’m coming up hungry right now. I’ve been out for some time dealing with an injury and I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. I’m hungry like I haven’t been in a long time.

“It’s a little different not fighting in the main event but I’m just happy to be here. Just a few months ago I didn’t even know if I was going to recover from the shoulder surgery. It’s just a blessing to be back in the ring and fighting on SHOWTIME.”

STEVE UPSHER:
“This is a big fight for both of us – whoever wins determines a lot for both of us after this. I’m relatively a nobody as far as everyone here is concerned. Berto has made his name, but on Sept. 6 I’m going to make mine. I’m going to shock everyone.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN:
“This is my Cincinnati debut and I’m ready to put on a show. I have to knock my guy out just like Adrien. You’re going to see a lot of speed, power and a lot of fun. It’s Band Camp time.”

DALE MALLORY, Ohio House District 32 Representative
“This event puts us back on the map. When you come to Cincinnati you expect a fight.

“This was the birthplace of gloved boxing, the first place to ever hold a gloved boxing event. And we’re going to put on yet another great boxing event this Saturday.”

# # #

ABOUT “BRONER VS. TAYLOR”
Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6 and is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing. In the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faces Roberto Ortiz in a 12-round super lightweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Pepe Gomez’s Cancun Boxing. In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight match-up. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will take place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME immediately following “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The event will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts in SHOWTIME EXTREME will air at 7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are on sale now and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.comm. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AdrienBroner , @RobertoMassa24, @USBankArena and @SHOSports follow the conversation using #BronerTaylor, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

ADRIEN BRONER vs. EMANUEL TAYLOR FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Sept. 3, 2014) – It’s homecoming time for Cincinnati favorite Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Former three-division world champion Broner and super lightweight contender Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor held a media workout on Wednesday to kick-off fight week for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader on Saturday, Sept. 6 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.

Broner (28-1, 22 KOs) and Taylor (18-2, 12 KOs) will meet in the 12-round super lightweight main event. Broner spoke to his fans in attendance at Fountain Square Plaza and then opted to work out at a local gym rather than the sweltering outdoors in downtown Cincy.

In the co-feature, former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse (35-3, 33 KOs) will square off with Mexico’s highly touted Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (31-0-1, 24 KOs) in a 12-round bout for Ortiz’s WBC Silver Super Lightweight Title. Opening the telecast will be the return of former welterweight world champion Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) against Steve Upsher (24-3-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Wednesday’s event.

ADRIEN BRONER, Former Three-Division World Champion:
“It means a lot to fight back here in Cincy. There’s no time like SHOWTIME. It’s just fight time right now and we’re winding down. It’s going to be an epic night and we’re going to have fun.

“He’s going to come to fight. When people fight an Adrien Broner or a Floyd Mayweather they’re going to come to fight. I’m sure he trained to his best, he’s in tip-top shape and he’s ready to go.

“I learned I need to stay in shape. Before the Maidana fight it felt like I was unstoppable, I could do anything. I could just go back in the ring and everything would be normal. But after the fight I realized I have to slow down. I can still be me and have fun, but I can’t be beating up my body. I have no more flaws. I put down everything. Now I just have fun, I stay in shape and I keep positive people around.

“I’m still AB, I’ll give him an ass beating for sure. I didn’t come to play any games. I’m here to kick his ass. I’m not playing around. If I feel like dancing, I’m going to dance. But I’m going to get the job done and it won’t be going to a decision.

“I’m not just going to fake work out for three minutes and be finished. I invite everyone out here to my workout session at the rec center so everyone can watch me give a real workout.

“You have guys that give you a weak workout sometimes for the fans. I want everyone to know that I will never give you a fake workout. If you want to see a real workout you can just come to the gym.”

EMANUEL TAYLOR, Super Lightweight Contender:
“He’s definitely understating me. He’s going to be in for a rude awakening.

“I don’t mind fighting in his hometown. All the pressure is on him, none of it is on me. I just need to do what I have to do to get the victory.

“He was blasted out when he fought Marcos Maidana, and he didn’t look that good against (Carlos) Molina. He stands right there to get hit and doesn’t move around on his feet. I’m a hard hitter, so if I catch him a couple of times it’s going to be night, night for him.

“Boxing can expect an underdog coming from out of the ground into the bright lights of boxing. It’s going to be a tremendous fight for me. You’re not going to see the last of me after this fight.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE, Former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion
“I think I’m a better fighter than I was when I fought (Danny) Garcia.

On going down twice against John Molina:
“Those things happen in boxing. You can be a great champion, but sometimes you go against someone with a lot of power. You just get up and brush it off, and that’s what I did. I brushed it off and got the win.

“We’re expecting a very tough. He’s a Mexican like all the Mexican warriors. We’re expecting a good fight.

“After I win this I want Danny Garcia. If he’s too scared of me, I’ll have to find someone else to fight for a world title.

ROBERTO “MASSA” ORTIZ, WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion
“I don’t think Matthysse is the same fighter after the Danny Garcia fight. And he showed that in his last fight against John Molina that he wasn’t the same. He’s still a good fighter at 140 pounds, but not the same that he used to be.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m taking him lightly. He’s still a great fighter and I’ll be prepared for whatever happens on Saturday.

“I understand he’s a bigger name than me, especially here in the U.S. But it’s my job to come out here and let the people know who I am and make history.

“I know Lucas is strong, but I’m very strong as well. I’m going to come out there and look for the knockout.”

ANDRE BERTO, Former Welterweight World Champion
“I’m feeling good. I’ve been out for a full year working on rehab and it’s been one of the toughest roads I’ve ever been on. But my shoulder is feeling good and I’m ready to go. I’m excited to be here and I’m just excited to be back.

“Working with Virgil (Hunter) has definitely helped my game a lot. The first fight we had together we only had six weeks with each other. You can’t do too much in that short period of time.

“I’ve been out training with him for about five months now and he’s been working me out of a lot of bad habits. We’re still a work in progress but he’s definitely one of the sharpest coaches I’ve ever seen in boxing.

“People in boxing only grade your last performance. But it’s something that I can’t get upset at because I haven’t performed up to standards in my last few fights. So I’m looking forward to doing this for me and for the people.

“I’m back, I’m happy to be back and we’re going to kick this thing off right.”

# # #

ABOUT “BRONER VS. TAYLOR”
Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing and in the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faces Roberto Ortiz in a 12-round super lightweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Pepe Gomez’s Cancun Boxing. In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight match-up. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will take place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME (immediately following “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The event will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are on sale now and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE BERTO TO FACE PHILLY’S STEVE UPSHER IN OPENER OF SHOWTIME® TRIPLEHEADER FROM CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI (Aug. 29, 2014) -Former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will open the
three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast on Saturday, Sept. 6 from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio against upset-minded veteran Steve Upsher of Philadelphia in a 10-round welterweight bout, live on SHOWTIME immediately following
“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

In the main event, former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner fights in front of his hometown fans against Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor, and in the co-main event, Argentine knockout artist Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse battles undefeated Roberto Ortiz.

Before the trio of exciting fights gets underway Newark’s pride Michael “The Artist” Perez will battle for the WBA Fedelatin Super Lightweight Title against South Carolina’s Jared “The Quiet Storm” Robinson in a 10-round bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (live at 7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). In the opening bout, Rau’shee Wareen will face Jose Luis Araiza in a 10-round bantamweight match.

On the non-televised portion of the card, three-time United States Olympian Terrell Gausha will face an opponent to be named in an middleweight bout.

Two-time welterweight world champion and former Haitian Olympian Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) is consistently one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. Berto, coming off a year-long layoff and recouping from shoulder surgery, says he intends to remind fight fans of just that. Fully healed and coming off his thrilling 2013 bout with Jesus Soto Karass, the Winter Haven, Fla., native will celebrate his 31st birthday a day early when he performs for fight fans in Cincinnati against Upsher.

Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher (24-3-1, 6 KOs) has been a respected member of the east coast fight community for years and is known for his ring knowledge, boxing skill and heart. A pro since 2003, the 29-year-old came up the hard way on the Philly fight circuit, and while he’s looking to bounce back from losses to Eddie Gomez and Luis Collazo, he has all the tools to give Berto a rough night and spoil his comeback attempt.

The 24-year-old Michael Perez (20-1-2, 10 KOs) is on an impressive hot streak, as he’s gone 5-0-1 in his last six fights, a stretch that includes back-to-back wins over Miguel Zuniga and Jorge Romero in his most recent bouts. The 31-year-old Jared Robinson (15-1, 7 KOs) has been patient in his rise through the division, and this Sept. 6 bout is the one he’s been waiting for, as he hopes to shine on national television.

Rau’shee Warren (11-0, 3 KOs) has been a steady performer throughout his pro career, and on Sept. 6 he gets the opportunity to fight in his hometown of Cincinnati for the first time as a pro when he takes on Tecate Baja California, Mexico’s Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (34-8-1, 25 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight matchup. The 27-year-old Warren has dazzled against his opponents, barely losing a round in the process. The veteran Araiza, who has won two straight, will be Warren’s most experienced opponent to date.

Two of Warren’s 2012 Olympic teammates, Cleveland middleweight Terrell Gausha (11-0, 6 KOs) and New York lightweight Jamel Herring (8-0, 5 KOs), will also be back in action at the U.S. Bank Arena when they face opponents to be announced in eight-round bouts.

In other non-televised bouts, making the short trip from Toledo will be lightweight up-and-comer Robert Easter Jr. (10-0, 8 KOs), a hard-hitting talent who will take on a foe to be determined in a 10-round bout. Other Ohio favorites in action will be lightweight Raynell Williams (4-0, 3 KOs) of Cleveland and super welterweight Jamontay Clark (2-0, 2 KOs) of Cincinnati. Williams will face an opponent to be determined and Clark faces Bryan, Ohio’s Matthew Montalvo (0-0-1). Both bouts are scheduled for four rounds, as is a lightweight matchup between Washington, D.C.’s Lamont Roach (2-0, 1 KO) and Las Vegas’ Rocco Espinoza (4-8).

ABOUT “BRONER VS. TAYLOR”
Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6 and is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing. In the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faces Roberto Ortiz in a 10-round super lightweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Pepe Gomez’s Cancun Boxing. In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight match-up. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will take place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME immediately following “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The event will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts in SHOWTIME EXTREME will air at 7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

TICKETS: Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are on sale now and are available
by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AdrienBroner ,@RobertoMassa24,@USBankArena and @SHOSports follow the conversation using #BronerTaylor, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

ADRIEN BRONER vs. EMANUEL TAYLOR ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Aug. 14, 2014) – Former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and super lightweight contender Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor held a kickoff press conference at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati on Thursday to formally announce their upcoming showdown on Saturday, Sept. 6, LIVE on SHOWTIME®.

Broner (28-1, 22 KOs) will return to his hometown of Cincinnati for the first time in two years and will face Taylor (18-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader from U.S. Bank Arena.

In the co-feature, former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse (35-3, 33 KOs) will square off with Mexico’s highly touted Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (31-0-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout. Opening the telecast will be the return of former welterweight world champion Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) against an opponent to be announced.

Joining Broner and Taylor at Thursday’s press conference were undefeated bantamweight prospect Rau’Shee Waren,(who will fight on the undercard), Broner’s trainer Mike Stafford, Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez and CEO of R& R Promotions Andrew Williams.

Broner vs. Taylor is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing and is sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are on sale now and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

Here’s what the participants had to say during Thursday’s press conference:

ADRIEN BRONER, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I’m more than excited to be back in Cincinnati. It’s like when you spoil a kid —when you buy a kid a new pair of sneakers, the next time they come out they are going to expect another pair. Every time I’ve fought at home I gave my fans a knockout. I spoiled my fan base in Cincinnati. So every time I fight here that’s what they want.

“I have to give them a knockout, I got to. And it’s got to be pretty, too. I think I’m going to hit him with the 30 piece and the biscuit.

“My fans keep supporting me and I’m going to fight for them. We’ve waited a long time to get to this spot and now we have to stay on top.

“My mind isn’t anywhere but on Emanuel Taylor. That’s my main objective. After I get my job done then I’ll think about another fight. But right now I’m focused on what I have to do.”

“I’m going to put on a show like I always do and I’m ready right now.

“I know Taylor pretty well and I respect him, but at the end of the day he’s my enemy. I have to go out there and get my victory.”

EMANUEL TAYLOR, Super Lightweight Contender:

“He can’t get under my skin. I always keep my calm. I knew he was going to talk, but at the end of the day we have to throw our hands.

“I’m definitely an underdog, but I can’t tell you my game plan. We just have to go in there and do what we have to do to get a win.

“I have to beat him really bad to get the win, I know that. I know we’re going up against the odds fighting him in his hometown. I’m going to go in there and fight my fight. That’s what we train hard for.

“I saw his fight against [Marcos] Maidana and I saw a lot of weaknesses there. But that’s not the only way he can be beaten. I definitely can take advantages of his weaknesses but I have some other plans for fighting this guy.

“I’m definitely looking to make a statement. This is the biggest fight of my career. This is what I’ve been working for my whole life since I was a little kid. It’s my time to make a statement.

“I’m coming to fight to give the fans what they want. At the end of the day may the best man win. I’m coming here to fight and do my thing.”

RAU’SHEE WAREN, Undefeated Bantamweight Prospect:

“This is my first time fighting in my hometown as a pro and everyone knows how badly I’ve wanted this.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been trying to get a fight in Cincinnati ever since I first turned pro this is all I wanted.

“I’m so happy to have the chance on September 6 to put on a show for my hometown fans.”

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner and Warrens Trainer:

“It brings tears to my eyes to be here. Without Golden Boy [Promotions] we couldn’t keep these kids fighting in the ring. You see the matches they make and everyone needs to acknowledge what Golden Boy is doing.

“Emanuel’s coaches said they weren’t going to fight Adrien [Broner], for a whole week, but eventually it was up to the fighter and he made the decision to fight Adrien in Cincinnati. He’s coming off of a good win and you have to take your hat off to him.

“Don’t just come out for Adrien. Come out for the undercard. We have guys in camp and all they’re thinking about is Cincinnati.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Everyone knows that Adrien Broner is a superstar because of all the things he does in the ring.

“What makes Adrien so great is that he will fight anyone. He has never turned down an opponent. Few fighters have done what he has in his career.

“He already has a Hall of Fame career. Only one other fighter has jumped form 135 to 147 in the history of boxing and that Henry Armstrong, that’s the kind of talent we have here in Adrien Broner.

“Adrien and his team said they wanted to fight in Cincinnati, and it was done. You have to give Adrien a big hand for that. Adrien is doing something special for his hometown.

“Emanuel Taylor is a tough fighter. He always comes to fight and he is going to be ready on September 6.”

ANDREW WILLIAMS, CEO of R&R Promotions:

“We are extremely excited about this event and to be co-promoting it with Golden Boy Promotions. Cincinnati was the birthplace of gloved boxing so it is appropriate that we are brining this big-time event to Cincinnati.

“We have the number one up-and-coming boxer in the sport in Adrien Broner. He has brought boxing alive and is truly one of the most tremendous talents in the sport.

“Another first, we have the number one amateur, Rau’shee Warren making his hometown debut in Cincinnati.”

JAMES BROCK, Chief Inspector Ohio State Athletic Commission

“We are proud and honored to have Golden Boy Promotions, R&R Promotions and SHOWTIME right here on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio where we have arguably the fight of the year.

“We are saying that if you are anybody, you will be here. Anybody who is anybody will be here.

“We have the incomparable Adrien Broner and the most-worthy Emanuel Taylor. May the best man win.”

DALE MALLORY, Ohio State Representative, District 32

“On behalf the Governor of the state of Ohio and the Ohio Athletic Commission we would like to welcome you to the great state of Ohio and the proud birthplace of many historic events.

“One historic event was the birth and rise of our own home-grown boxing champion, Adrien Broner. Now on September 6 we will bring worldwide exposure of the historic homecoming and the exciting experience of the sweet science of boxing –Cincinnati style.”

# # #

Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing and is sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The event will take place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME (immediately following “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The event will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). In the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faces Roberto Ortiz in a super lightweight bout. In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face an opponent to be named.