Miguel Berchelt retained the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 4th round stoppage over former world champion Jason Sosa at The Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

In round two, Berchelt dropped Sosa with a hard combination. In round four, Sosa was cut over the left eye. Sosa was dropped later in the round from a body shot. Late in the round, Berchelt continued the onslaught as he was relentless with accurate power shots that forced the corner of Sosa to pull their man out of the fight at 2:56.

Berchelt, 129.8 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 37-1 with 33 knockouts. Sosa, 128.2 lbs of Camden, NJ is 23-4-4.

Javier Molina stopped Hiroki Okada in round one of a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight.

In round one, Molina dropped Okada with two right hands Seconds later, Molina ended things with a booming right hand to the head that sent Okada down, and the fight was stopped at 1:05.

Molina, 141 lbs of Norwalk, CA is 21-2 with nine knockouts. Okada, 140.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 19-2.

CARSON, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2019) — IBF junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas’ title defense against Jonathan Rodriguez has been canceled due to a visa issue with Rodriguez. The main event Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park, Miguel Berchelt’s WBC super featherweight title defense against former world champion Jason Sosa, will go on as planned.

The new co-feature will be a 10-round super lightweight tilt between 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina and Japanese veteran Hiroki Okada.

Berchelt-Sosa and Molina-Okada will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. The entire undercard, including the return of super lightweight contender Alex Saucedo against Rod Salka, will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Miguel Berchelt vs. Jason Sosa, 12 rounds, Berchelt’s WBC super featherweight world title

Javier Molina vs. Hiroki Okada, 10 rounds, super lightweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Alex Saucedo vs. Rod Salka, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Daniel Lewis vs. Alexis Gaytan, 8/6 rounds, super welterweight

Gor Yeritsyan vs. Shoki Sakai, 8 rounds, welterweight

Raymond Muratalla vs. Arnulfo Becerra, 6 rounds, lightweight

Ruben Rodriguez vs. Abram Martinez, 6 rounds, super lightweight

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Luis Norambuena, 6 rounds, super lightweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Peltz Boxing, tickets for this world championship event are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $30 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased by visiting AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and in person at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). 

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #BercheltSosa and #MolinaOkada to join the conversation on social media.

CARSON, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2019) — The 115-pound fighting pride of the Philippines, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, will make the eighth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Mexican contender Jonathan Rodriguez Saturday, November 2 at Dignity Health Sports Park. Ancajas-Rodriguez will serve as the co-feature to Miguel Berchelt’s WBC super featherweight title defense versus Jason Sosa, and both fights will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (Spanish) starting at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
The undercard will see the return of Oklahoma City’s Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo, who is looking to rebound from his first career defeat against Rod Salka in an eight-round super lightweight bout. Saucedo-Salka and the rest of the undercard will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
“I am looking forward to this fight because Rodriguez brings the Mexican style to his fights, and Mexican and Filipinos make the best fights,” Ancajas said. “I want to thank Top Rank, Senator Manny Pacquiao and my manager, Joven Jimenez, for their continued support. It is going to be a war, and to my Filipino fans, I look forward to putting on a show for you in Carson.”

“I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “Ancajas is a great champion, but my time is now. It is time for a new face at 115 pounds.”
 
Ancajas (31-1-1, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s longest-reigning and most active champions, as only two current world champions (Deontay Wilder and Wanheng Menayothin) have more title defenses. The dynamic southpaw won the title in September 2016 and defended his belt three times apiece in 2017 and 2018. He last fought May 4 in Stockton, California, knocking out Ryuichi Funai in six rounds. This will be Ancajas’ fourth consecutive bout in California, but the first time he’s showcased his skills in Southern California. Rodriguez (21-1, 15 KOs) is a dangerous foe who has won five in a row since a split decision defeat spoiled his unbeaten record. He is coming off a career-best win June 7 in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, when he knocked out former two-time world title challenger Felipe Orucuta in the 10^th round.
 
Saucedo (28-1, 18 KOs), who turned 25 years old in June, burst onto the world stage in 2018. He overcame cuts and a swollen face to knock out Lenny Zappavigna in front of his hometown fans at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in a Fight of the Year contender. He returned to the Chesapeake Energy Arena last November and was knocked out in seven rounds by Maurice Hooker in a failed bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. Saucedo regrouped and enlisted the services of a new trainer, Pedro Neme. Saucedo and Neme have been working together for the past four months and have focused on refining his defensive skills. Salka (24-5, 4 KOs) has not fought since an April 2018 knockout loss to former world champion Francisco Vargas, but before the Vargas defeat, he had won five in a row.
 
“I am excited to finally be back in the ring,” Saucedo said. “I enjoyed my time off, but the time was right to come back. I have a new team and can’t wait to show everyone the new Alex Saucedo. On November 2, I will steal the show.”
 
In other undercard bouts:

• Southern California native and 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina (20-2, 8 KOs) hopes to extend his winning streak to four versus Hiroki Okada (19-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout. Okada fought Ray Beltran in an ESPN-televised Fight of the Year candidate in February, losing via ninth-round knockout.
   
  “I’m pumped to be fighting an opponent like Hiroki Okada,” Molina said. “We know he’s a tough fighter, but these are the types of fights we are looking for. A win over him will get me one step closer to a world title shot, and that’s what we are aiming for. He’s coming off a loss to Beltran, so we know he’s hungry to get back in the win column. We are going to be ready for anything he brings to the table.”

• 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis (4-0, 3 KOs) will make his United States debut against Alexis Gaytan (6-4, 2 KOs) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.
   
• Armenian welterweight knockout sensation Gor Yeritsyan (11-0, 10 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten Damien Lopez (9-0-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The Freddie Roach-trained Yeritsyan has won four straight bouts via knockout.
   
• Dominican knockout artist Elvis Rodriguez (4-0-1, 4 KOs) will make his fifth ring appearance of 2019 against Chilean veteran Luis Norambuena (4-4-1, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at super lightweight.
   
• Raymond Muratalla (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight Arnulfo Becerra (7-2, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight.
   
• Ruben Rodriguez (9-0, 3 KOs), from Indio, California, will see action in a six-round super lightweight bout versus an opponent to be named. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Peltz Boxing, tickets for this world championship event are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $30 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased by visiting AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and in person at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). 

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
 
Use the hashtags #BercheltSosa and #AncajasRodriguez to join the conversation on social media.
 
About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
 
ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.

Follow all the action as Jose Ramirez defends the WBC Super Lightweight Title against Jose Zepeda.  The action kicks off at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT with a lightweight fight between Ray Beltran and Hiroki Okada.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY..NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Good left from Zepeda..

Round 2 Straight left from Zepeda..Jab to body

Round 3 Right from Ramirez..Counter left from Zepeda..Right to body from Ramirez

Round 4 Left from Ramirez..Blood from Ramirez right eye (Ruled a punch)

Round 5 Left to body from Ramirez..

Round 6 Left from Zepeda

Round 7 Right from Ramirez

Round 8 Combination from Zepeda..Blood under left eye of Zepeda…Ramirez lands a left to the body..Good right..2 lefts to the body..a big right and left from Zepeda

Round 9 Good right from Ramirez…Counter.2 rights to the body..Hard left to the body

Round 10 Right from Ramirez…Body shot from Zepeda

Round 11 Left from Zepeda..Body shot..left..Right hook lead..

Round 12 Straight left from Zepeda..Combination from Ramirez

114-114; 115-113; 116-112 JOSE RAMIREZ

Round 1 Jab from Okada…Jab from Beltran..Body shot from Okada..2 punch combinaton..Right from Beltran

Round 2 Right HAND AND DOWN GOES OKADA…Hard left buckles Beltran….Okada landing a flurry on the ropes

Round 3 Left from Beltran..jab..Good combination from Okada..left hook from Beltran…combination..Good right.left hook tot the body..3 punch combination..Okada is cut over the left eye

Round 4 2 punch combination from Beltran….Hard combination on the ropes..Beltran cut around left eye…

Round 5 Good right from Okada..

Round 6 Left hook from Beltran..Right from Okada.

Round 7  Blood from around right eye of Beltran..Beltran lands a left hook

Round 8 Beltran lands a combination..left and right from Okada

Round 9 Double jab and right from Okada…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES OKADA..BIG FLURRY,,OKADA WOBBLING AROUND THE RING AND DOWN HE GOES AGAIN…FIGHT OVER AT 2:09

Jose Ramirez defended the WBC Super Lightweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Jose Zepeda in front of over 14,000 fans at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight that saw Zepeda box and get off to a good a start.  There were several head clashes for which caused cuts on each fighter.  Ramirez was cut around his right eye in round four.

Ramirez started to come on in the middle rounds as he featured some solid body work.

Zepeda righted himself, and he himself was cut under his left eye in round eight, but he was able to keep the fight close on the score cards.  The fight may have been won in the last 15 seconds, as Ramirez landed a nice flurry to take the final stanza.

Ramirez of Avenel, CA won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 to raise his mark to 24-0.  Zepeda falls to 30-2.

“He was a very a tough and smart southpaw. He came well prepared,” Ramirez said. “He kept a good range and distance. That made it a tough, close fight, but I think I pulled it off in the championship rounds. I landed the most effective punches.”

Said Zepeda: “Jose Ramirez is a great fighter, and his fans really pushed him and gave him momentum.”

Former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran stopped previously undefeated Hiroki Okada in the 9th round of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round two, Beltran was dropped by a hard right that was preceded by a left.  In round three, Okada was cut over his left eye.  Beltran was cut over his left eye in the fourth round.

In round seven, Beltran began to bleed around his right eye.  In round nine, Beltran dropped Okada with a perfect right to the chin.  Okada was hurt, and Beltran went right after Okada and wobbled him before landing a hard right that sent Okada down, and the bout was stopped at 2:08.

Beltran of Phoenix, AZ is 36-8-1 with 22 knockouts.  Okada of Tokyo is 19-1.

The action was fierce from the opening bell, with the two combatants waging a second round for the ages. Beltran knocked Okada (19-1, 13 KOs) down with a crisp left hook, only for Okada to stun Beltran later in the round.

“I knocked him down in the second round, but he came back and got me good, too,” Beltran said. “We knew his plan was to stay at distance and keep me at bay with the jab. Every time I threw my left hook, he kept covering very well. I saw an opening with the right hand and that’s why I started throwing it, and little by little, I kept shortening the distance until I connected with a big right hand and I stopped him.”

Carlos Castro remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Genesis Servania in a super bantamweight bout.

In round seven, Servania was bleeding from around his right eye.

Castro, 121 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 22-0.  Servania, 121 1/2 lbs of Bacolod City, PHL is 32-2.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Alex Rynn Torres in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores, 132.4 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 12-0.  Torres, 132.6 lbs of Mexico City is 6-3.

“I’m getting better with each fight. I felt better than ever,” Flores said. “I get more and more experience with each fight. I feel like I’m getting cleaner. I’m getting sharper, and I’m only going to get better. I’m ready for whoever Top Rank puts in front of me. This is what I do all day, every day.”

Andy Vences remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Dardan Zenunaj in a junior lightweight bout.

Vences, 131 lbs of San Jose, CA won by scores of 80-72 and is now 22-0-1. Zenunaj, 131 lbs of Kosovo is 14-6.

“I felt great coming back after that long rest after suffering the injury. It’s been a long time,” Vences said. “I looked sharp, but I knew this was going to be a tough fight. This guy gave a great fight and went the distance against Andrew Cancio, and Cancio just became a world champion last night. I knew that against a guy like that I was going to need to use all my skills, and I did. I dominated the fight.”

Isidro Ochoa stopped Jesus Guzman in round five of their scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

Ochoa beat up Guzman until the fight was stopped by the doctor at 1:18.

Ochoa, 121 3/4 lbs of Fresno is 7-0 with three knockouts. Guzman, 122 3/4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 7-3.

Cristian Coria stopped Joel Diaz Jr. in round three of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Coria landed a left hook to the jaw that sent Diaz to the deck. Cora dropped Diaz again with a hard left hook, and the bout was stopped at 1:50.

Coria, 140 lbs of Famillia, ARG is 28-7-2 with 13 knockouts. Diaz, 138 1/4 lbs of Palmdale, CA is 24-2.

Guido Vianello stopped Andrew Satterfield in the first-round of the their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout

Vianello dropped Satterfield with vicious five-punch combination to the head. Satterfield got to his feet, only to eat about 11 more flush punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Vianello, 236 lbs of Rome, ITA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Satterfield, 241 1.2 lbs of Marietta, OH is 4-2.

“I felt more relaxed and composed than my first pro fight,” Vianello said. “I am only going to get better.”

Jose Ramirez 138.6 lbs vs. Jose Zepeda 140 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBC Super Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)
* Zepeda originally weighed 140.2 pounds and and made weight on his second attempt

Ray Beltran 139 lbs vs. Hiroki Okada 139.6 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental titles – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET)

Genesis Servania 121.6 lbs vs. Carlos Castro 121 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight title -10 Rounds)

Joel Diaz Jr 138.2 lbs vs. Cristian Coria 140 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

Andy Vences 131 lbs vs. Dardan Zenunaj 131 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Gabriel Flores Jr. 132.4 lbs vs. Alex Torres Rynn 132.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

Saul Rodriguez 132.8 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 132.2 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Isidro Ochoa 121.8 lbs vs. Jesus Guzman 122.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

Guido Vianello 236.4 lbs vs. Andrew Satterfield 241.2 lbs
(Heavyweight – 6 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

FRESNO, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2019) – Fresno’s professional franchise, Jose Ramirez, is set for another world title defense homecoming. Ramirez (23-0, 16 KOs) will seek to make the second successful defense of his WBC super lightweight world title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda (30-1, 25 KOs) on Sunday from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. In the co-feature, former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran will tussle with the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 140-pound battle.

And, in a special attraction, 18-year-old sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. will look to move to 12-0 against Alex Torres Rynn in a six-round lightweight bout.

Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Flores-Rynn will be part of the ESPN+ undercard stream beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Here is what the fighters had to say at the final press conference Friday at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino.

Jose Ramirez

On his second fight working with trainer Robert Garcia

“I feel like I’m growing as a fighter. The older I get, the more mature I feel, the more experience I get. I feel like every fight I improve my skills and power. I’m very thankful to have a {trainer} like Robert Garcia. I train in a lot of gyms, but no gym has a family-oriented atmosphere like the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.”

“I feel like I have so many tools in my toolbox, and I’m ready for a guy like Jose Zepeda. He’s a good fighter. He’s a very smart fighter. He doesn’t over-commit. He likes to keep his distance, and I’m ready for that. He’s the type of experienced fighter that’s only going to make me grow.I’m just honored to be a part of this big fight. There are no easy fights as a world champion. Everybody wants to fight you because they have more to win, obviously. For me, it’s another title defense, but in my mind, I train like I’m an underdog. I train like it’s my first world title.”

Jose Zepeda

On his second world title shot

“My first title shot {against Terry Flanagan} was three years ago, and my shoulder gave in and I wasn’t able to continue. I feel like I was ready for that fight. It didn’t work out. After that, I kept working, and I fought probably three months after that. I kept fighting, and three years later, I get the opportunity against Ramirez. I would like to thank Jose Ramirez and his team, especially to fight in this event to KO cancer.”

On training with Freddie Roach, Ramirez’s former trainer

“Freddie is probably the smartest coach out there. He trained Jose, and he told me what everybody knows. He’s a tough fighter, and he has a will to win. We have to box him. He’s a strong guy. Working with Freddie Roach has been great. Like I said, he’s very smart. His advice is great, and we’re ready for this fight.”

“It’s every boxer’s dream {to win a world title.} I get a second opportunity. I’m working hard. Hopefully no accidents happen. That’s all I pray for.”

Ray Beltran

On moving from lightweight to super lightweight

“We’re going to see how we feel. I’m just hoping to get an opportunity at 135 or 140.”

On rebounding from the Jose Pedraza defeat

“My last fight, I didn’t expect to lose. I made some mistakes. That’s in the past. I’m the type of person that can’t give up. I’m going to get up and keep moving forward.”

Hiroki Okada

“I would like to thank Bob Arum, Rick Mirigian, and everyone from Top Rank and ESPN who made this great opportunity possible. It’s an honor to be fighting for such a worthy cause. As far as being shown on ESPN to such an enormous audience, I am the former Japanese champion and the former WBO Asia Pacific champion. I am known as a boxer in Japan, but the American audience doesn’t really know who I am. I had a great learning experience last time in my first fight in America. I love it here. I’m prepared to build on that, and I want to make a good impression and show my skills to the American audience.”

“Everybody in Japan and in the boxing world knows who Ray Beltran is. It’s an honor just to be able to get in the ring with him. I know he’s very tough and very skilled. In order to win, I’ve trained harder than I ever have. This is the chance of my lifetime. I have sparred a lot of good fighters, including Takeshi Inoue, who went neck and neck with Jaime Munguia just recently. ‘m going to put everything into it to win this fight on Sunday.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“I’ve been seeing this all over social media. This is going to be my {breakout} year. I feel great. I got a nutritionist now, a great one. I feel like it’s helping me a lot. I’m really focused. We’re getting great sparring with world champions, and we’re making sure that we are ready all the way. The momentum is just going to keep growing and growing.”

ESPN, 7 p.m. ET

Jose Ramirez (champion) vs. Jose Zepeda (challenger), 12 rounds, WBC super lightweight world title

Ray Beltran vs. Hiroki Okada, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental 140-pound titles

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET

Genesis Servania vs. Carlos Castro, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas super bantamweight title

Cristian Coria vs. Joel Diaz, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Andy Vences vs. Dardan Zenunaj, 10/8 rounds, super featherweight

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Alex Torres Rynn, 6 rounds, lightweight

Saul Rodriguez vs. Aelio Mesquita, 10/8 rounds, lightweight

Isidro Ochoa vs. Jesus Guzman, 6 rounds, featherweight

Guido Vianello vs. Andrew Satterfield, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

FRESNO, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) — WBC super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez has a pair of fights this week.

In the ring, the Avenal, Calif., native will defend his WBC super lightweight world title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda on Sunday at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. Outside the ring, Ramirez will help raise money and awareness for cancer research to assist men, women, and children who are afflicted with the disease.

Ramirez (23-0, 16 KOs) will pay a special visit to the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif., on Thursday at 12:30 p.m., where he will meet with patients and staff members. He will then auction off his fight-worn purple gloves and assorted fight night attire, with all proceeds benefitting the Community Cancer Institute. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Community Cancer Institute, and Ramirez and his manager, Rick Mirigian, will also donate 1,000 tickets to Community Cancer Institute patients and their families.

“This is not just about boxing. I am proud to dedicate my performance against Zepeda to the fight against cancer and to work with the great people at the Community Cancer Institute,” Ramirez said. “The people in the Central Valley have supported me since my amateur days, and I feel it’s important for me to use my platform in a positive way.

“I lost both of my grandparents to cancer. Rick Mirgian’s mother is battling cancer. It’s a universal thing. So many families know someone who is affected by cancer. When someone has cancer, it hits the whole family. Doing an event dedicated to people suffering from cancer will show them that they are supported and loved.”

Ramirez-Zepeda and the 140-pound showdown between former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran and Hiroki Okada will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 28, 2019) — WBC super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez is intent on his staking his claim as the world’s best 140-pounder.

Former WBO lightweight world champion Ray Beltran, who lost his title to Jose “Sniper” Pedraza last August, will move up to the super lightweight division for his next challenge.

Ramirez will make the second defense of his title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda, and Beltran will face the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 10-round super lightweight bout on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special ESPN/ESPN Deportes telecast, which begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Ramirez will auction off his fight-worn trunks, special gloves, shirt, and shoes, with all proceeds benefitting the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif. A portion of all ticket sales will also be donated to the Community Cancer Institute.

Ramirez defended his title last Sept. 14 in a Fight of the Year contender versus Antonio Orozco, scoring a pair of knockdowns and winning a unanimous decision.

On Monday, Ramirez and Beltran met the media. This is what they had to say.

Jose Ramirez

On his second fight with Robert Garcia

“Our chemistry is great. My confidence is growing with every fight. He is bringing the best out of me. I’m still a young champion, and I am only going to get better. This has been the best camp of my career. Robert is bringing the fighter out of me and working on the things I need to work on.”

On Jose Zepeda

“I’m more concerned with what I bring to the table. Zepeda is a good fighter. He is 30-1 and a solid southpaw boxer. It’s my job to neutralize him and take control of the fight. I’m still a hungry fighter. I train to win. Hopefully, Zepeda helps me grow as a fighter.”

On potential fights, including Regis Prograis

“It’s going to happen. It’s a matter of when it will happen. We both want to fight. When his tournament is over, we can make it a reality. I have my job to do, and I would love to unify with Maurice Hooker. But my focus now is Zepeda. I have to beat him to make those other fights a reality.”

Ray Beltran

On the Pedraza loss and his surgically repaired left hand

“I don’t want to make excuses about the fight. I respect Pedraza. He fought a great fight. It was his night. I’ve used my hand in sparring against welterweights, and it felt great.”

On fighting Okada

“Okada is a dangerous fighter who will come forward and make for an entertaining fight. If the knockout comes, it comes.”

On the status of his green card application

“Hopefully, in the next few months, I’ll get my green card and then become a citizen after that. I love Mexico and visiting my family there, but my life is here now. This country has given me so much.”

FRESNO, Calif (Jan. 16, 2019) —Ray Beltran’s road back to title contention begins Sunday, Feb. 10. The former lightweight world champion will face the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 10-round super lightweight fight as the co-feature to the Jose Ramirez-Jose Zepeda super lightweight championship bout at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

The entire undercard, including the super bantamweight showdown between Genesis Servania and the undefeated Carlos Castro, will stream live beginning at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ – the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

“I am excited about 2019, and this camp has been a great way to start my journey to another world title opportunity,” Beltran said. “If it’s at 140, then I will be a two-division world champion, and if it’s at 135, then I will be a two-time lightweight champion. I will leave that to Top Rank and my manager, Steven Feder. I made some changes and am now working with Marvin Somodio, who for many years learned from the great Freddie Roach. Marvin and my longtime strength coach, Bryan McComb, are bringing me back to the skills and basics that got me here. I’m a boxer, I’m a prizefighter, and that’s what my fans will see Feb. 10.”

“To challenge for the world title, I’ve got to beat Beltran,” Okada said. “As a former world champion, I know he’s highly skilled. I know he’s tough, so I’ll be prepared for a good fight. It’s an honor to be able to fight him, and I’m confident that I will win. I’ve watched his fights on video, and I believe in my power coming into this fight.

Beltran (35-8-1, 21 KOs) fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2018 when he captured the WBO lightweight world title with a bruising unanimous decision over Paulus Moses in Reno, Nev. A seasoned pro who made his name as a sparring partner to the stars, Beltran began his career 5-2 and didn’t receive his first world title shot until Sept. 7, 2013. On that evening in Glasgow, Scotland, he was saddled with a highly controversial draw versus hometown favorite and WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns. Beltran lost a wide points decision to pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford the following year but rebounded with a six-bout unbeaten streak heading into the Moses bout.

Beltran’s world title reign ended on Aug. 25 of last year, as Jose “Sniper” Pedraza put forth a virtuoso boxing clinic to win the title via unanimous decision. After spending most of his career as a lightweight, Beltran will move up five pounds to face Okada (19-0, 13 KOs), a former Japanese super lightweight champion who is ranked in the top 10 at 140 pounds by all four major sanctioning organizations. Okada fought twice in 2018, most recently notching a well-earned split decision verdict against Cristian “El Zorro” Coria on Sept. 14 in Fresno.

Headlining the ESPN+ stream will be Servania (32-1, 15 KOs), a 27-year-old Filipino who proved his world-class status during his 2017 featherweight world title challenge against Oscar Valdez. Servania and Valdez traded knockdowns in one of the year’s best fights, with Valdez retaining his title by unanimous decision. Servania has won three in a row since the Valdez war, including a third-round knockout over Carlos Carlson on Sept. 28 in Oakland, Calif. Castro (21-0, 9 KOs), a Phoenix native, is an all-action fighter who cut his teeth with nearly 200 bouts in the amateur ranks. In his last bout, Aug. 25 on the Pedraza-Beltran undercard, he got the better of a toe-to-toe battle against Diuhl “Elegante” Olguin to win a unanimous decision.

“I’m really looking forward to my next fight in Fresno because my opponent is a good fighter. He is undefeated,” Servania said. “I want to fight tough opponents. I’m confident about this fight because I’ve been training hard and I know I will give my best.”

“It has been a tough road to get to 21-0, but it also has been a great experience,” Castro said. “This upcoming fight is another important step towards a world title fight. I know exactly who Servania is, and I will be ready for him.”

The ESPN+ stream will also feature:

Gabriel Flores Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), the 18-year-old phenom from Stockton, Calif., will take on Alex Torres Rynn (6-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight contest.

Unbeaten super featherweight contender Andy “El Tiburon” Vences (21-0-1, 12 KOs) will continue his march toward a world title shot against Dardan Zenunaj (14-5, 11 KOs) in a bout scheduled for eight or 10 rounds.

Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (1-0, 1 KO), the 6-foot-6 heavyweight puncher who represented Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will face Andrew Satterfield (4-1, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder. Vianello trains with Hall of Famer Abel Sanchez in Big Bear Lake, Calif.

Saul “Neno” Rodriguez (22-0-1, 16 KOs), in his second fight since returning from a nearly two-year layoff, will take on Aelio Mesquita (17-3, 15 KOs) in a lightweight fight scheduled for eight or 10 rounds.

Fresno native and featherweight prospect Isidro Ochoa (6-0, 2 KOs) will make his fourth Save Mart Center appearance as a pro against Jesus Guzman (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.