FOLLOW MUNGUIA – INOUE LIVE!!!
Follow all the action as Jaime Munguia defends the WBO Junior Middleweight title against Takeshi Inoue. The action starts at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT and will include the WBA Featherweight Title bout between Jesus Rojas and Xu Can.
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12–ROUNDS–WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–JAIME MUNGUIA (31-0, 26 KOS) VS TAKESHI INOUE (13-0-1, 7 KOS) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
MUNGUIA | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 118 |
INOUE | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 112 |
Round 1: Big right from Inoue..Munguia lands to the body..Jab
Round 2 Counter right from Inoue..Hook to body from Munguia
Round 3 Hard right from Munguia..Hard body shot from Munguia..Inoue cut over left eye (Accidental Headbutt)
Round 4 Hard body shot from Munguia…Uppercut…Right from Inoue..Right..body..Hard right
Round 5 Hard right from Munguia..Good body shot and 2 hooks to the head..Hook to the head..Left hook
Round 6 Right from Inoue…Hard body shot and right from Munguia…wicked left hook..Big right from Inoue..Great left hook to body from Munguia..Munguia has his mouth open
Round 7 Body shots from Munguia starting to to effect…Good right from Inoue…3 body shots from Munguia..Inoue lands a booming right at the bell
Round 8 Right from Inoue...Hard left hook from Munguia…Inoue just walks through them..Right from Inoue..left hook..
Round 9 Body shot from Munguia…2 rights from Inoue on the ropes..and another..Yet another…Munguia cant get out of the way of eight hands..Munguia lands a hard body shots…Right from Inoue..Left to body from Munguia..Left hook to head..
Round 10 Munguia landing big shots in close..Hard right..Right to the body..Inoue lands an uppercut…Straight right from Munguia..Body..over hand right..Wicked right and left..Right from Inoue..Turning into a war..Left from Munguia..Right from Inoue…Wickec combination…Inoue staggering and he is very hurt at the bell
Round 11 Right from Munguia..Rights from distance to the head–Hook to the body..Hard left hook..
Round 12 Inoue trying to press the action..Hard rights from Munguia.Good body shot from Munguia..Counter right from Inoue..Ripping left hook from Munguia and a body shot…
311-133 punches in favor of Munguia
120-108 TWICE AND 119-109 FOR MUNGUIA
12–ROUNDS–WBA FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE–JESUS ROJAS (26-2-2, 19 KOS) VS XU CAN (15-2, 2 KOS) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
Rojas | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 115 |
Can | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 114 |
Round 1 Jab from Can..Uppercut off the jab..Right from Rojas..Right to the body from Can..1-2
Round 2 Hard right from Can…Hard right to body..Body shot from Rojas..Right..Great action at end of round
Round 3 Can lands a body shot..Left hook to body..Hard right from Rojas..Uppercut..Combination from Can..Hard right from Rojas..Rojas working..Right from Can..4 punch combination..Rojas lands 3 of his own..Left hook to the body..Can lands a flurry..Rojas coming back..
Round 4 Trading power shots..Combination from Can…Uppercut from Rojas..Good body shot
Round 5 Can lands a hook..Rojas just coming forward..Combo from Can..
Round 6 Rojas lands a combination..Hard right from Can..Can lands a body shot..Body and head from Rojas..Combination from Can..Right from Rojas..Big uppercut from Rojas (Snaps Can head back)
Round 7 Body shot and jab from Can..3 punch combination (Hard right punctuates it)..Hard right from Rojas
Round 8 Combination from Rojas..
Round 9 Right from Rojas
Round 10 Rojas landing thudding shots..Head shots from Can..Combination..Combination from Rojas
Round 11 Can trying to jab his way in…Good right..Hard exchanges..
Round 12 Combination from Can…Rojas lands a jab..Right and 7 punch combination..Combination from Can…3 punches on the ropes..Right
118-110; 117-111; 116-112 FOR XU CAN
10-Rounds–Super Lightweights–Vergil Ortiz Jr. (11-0, 11 KOs) vs Jesus Valdez (23-4-1, 12 KOs) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
Ortiz | |||||||||||||
Valdez |
6- Rounds–Super Welterweights–Alex Rincon (5-0, 5 KOs) vs Jeremy Ramos (10-5, 4 KOs) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
Rincon | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 58 | ||||||
Ramos | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 56 |
Round 1 Nice straight left from Rincon..1-2..Jab..Good left..
Round 2 Good left from Rincon…Ramos trying to come forward..Nice 1-2..counter..good body
Round 3 Good Combination…Right hand from Ramos..Rincon Backing up..Body from Rincon…Right from Ramos
Round 4 Good body shot from Rincon..Good right..Good left..Hard right
Round 5 Ramos landing a combination..Body shot from Rincon..Good left to head,..Good counter…Good combination
Round 6 Straight left from Rincon..Blood from Nose of Ramos…Right from Ramos..Left..
60-54; 59-55; 58-56 for Rincon
LIVE VIDEO: Munguia vs Inoue – Official Weigh In
JAIME MUNGUIA VS. TAKESHI INOUE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
HOUSTON (Jan. 29, 2019): Mexican warrior Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) and Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) hosted the final press conference ahead of their 12-round battle for Munguia’s WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial. Fans in Houston can purchase tickets starting at just $25 at ToyotaCenter.com.
Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the press conference. Below is what today’s participants had to say at today’s presser:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion
“We’re very happy to be here in Texas. It’s my first time in Texas and I feel at home here. They’ve received me very well. I want to tell people that we came here well-prepared and we’re in good condition. I want to tell Inoue that the title will not go to Japan, it will stay in Mexico and I will be champion for a while. Expect a big fight Saturday night.”
TAKESHI INOUE, Junior Middleweight Contender
“I want to thank everyone who made this fight possible. I think Munguia is a great champion, and I look forward to a great fight on Saturday. I have come here to bring the WBO belt back to Japan.”
JESUS ROJAS, WBA Featherweight World Champion
“I’m greatly happy to be here and I’m anxious for the fight we have this Saturday. We’re a day from making weight and I’m anxious and I’m excited. It’s my first time here. I hope Xu Can comes prepared to fight so we can give a great show, a real spectacle, to the fans of Texas.”
XU CAN, Featherweight Contender
“I’m very happy to be here in Houston. This is my second time fighting in the USA. It’s going to be my first time challenging the world title and I have confidence I can bring the world title back to China. I’m very excited for Saturday night.”
VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m really excited to be fighting here. I haven’t fought in Texas in a little over a year, and I kind of missed it. I’m really grateful to be in this position. I’m looking forward to fulfilling my dad’s and Oscar’s expectations and getting a world title this year. At this moment right now I’m ready for this world title. There’s no one at 140 who can beat me right now. I’m really confident in myself and my ability to get this world title.”
“I’m looking forward to eating Whataburger right after this fight.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO AND CHAIRMAN OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS
“The primary reason why I’m really excited to promote this event here in Houston is because it brings back big-time boxing to Houston. That’s exactly what our motive is for the year and for the years to come: to bring boxing back to the masses and bring boxing back to the fans.”
“I remember many years ago we promoted many great world title fights in Houston here at the Toyota Center with the likes of Juan Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez against Katsidis. Houston has a rich history and fans have shown tremendous support to the sport of boxing. We at Golden Boy Promotions look forward to cultivating and growing and soon making local world champions here from Houston.”
“This event is very important because not only does it mark a great relationship with one of the – if not thebest promoter in Mexico – in Zanfer Promotions, Fernando Beltran, but it’s also important because it’s the first of many events that we will be streaming live on the new digital platform DAZN. I strongly feel that DAZN has really changed the game in many ways. There are many people who love watching boxing throughout the United States but sometimes it’s a little too expensive to watch a pay-per-view fight. We’re extremely fortunate to have a partner like DAZN who can come in and stream the fights for a relatively inexpensive price of $9.99 per month. For $9.99 a month, and the first month is free, you can watch this amazing card Saturday night, with two world titles on the line, but you can also watch the highly-anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs on Cinco de Mayo weekend, which is the biggest boxing event of the year.”
FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO OF ZANFER PROMOTIONS
“When Jaime Munguia won the title and surprised the world, of course we needed to do a strategic partnership with somebody, because the division is so hot between the super welterweights and middleweights. The best division is middleweights and DAZN has got the two best middleweights in the world – without a doubt Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs. That’s the way DAZN does boxing. Of course, we believe we are at that level with Jaime Munguia, and close to being in that mix, and we’re with the right people and the right platform and we feel very happy about it.”
Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.
CREDENTIALS: Fight night credentials may be picked up from the Media Check-In doors located next to the Administration Entrance to Toyota Center on LaBranch Street and Clay Street beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Proper personal Photo ID (driver’s license or passport) must be shown to claim your credential.
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaInoue.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.
About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.
About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid
over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.
LIVE VIDEO: Munguia vs Inoue – Press Conference
JAIME MUNGUIA VS. TAKESHI INOUE HOUSTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
HOUSTON (Jan. 23, 2019): Mexican warrior Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) and Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) hosted a media workout today at The Knockout Factory in Houston, Texas ahead of their 12-round battle for Munguia’s WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial. Fans in Houston can purchase tickets starting at just $25 at ToyotaCenter.com.
Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the workout. Below is what today’s participants had to say at today’s workout:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:
“I’m really happy to be here in Houston and happy to see how they treat me here. I’m ready to defend my title and give a great fight to my fans. Thanks for your support and I hope to give you a great show this Saturday.”
“There’s a lot of competition at 154 pounds. I’m willing to fight all of them. I’m happy to start the year off early. I fight when I’m told to fight, so I’m glad that I’m already fighting in January. If they put four fights in front of me for this year, then I’ll fight four times. I’m happy to be with the two best promoters of the world, Golden Boy and Zanfer promotions. I thank them for all the support they give me.”
TAKESHI INOUE, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“I’ve always idolized the U.S. since I was little and coming here, seeing the environment and food, I was born to fit into this environment. The jet lag is gone and everything is back to normal and I feel good. I’m in good shape. In the U.S., the focus on the fighters from media and fight fans are stronger than in Japan but what doesn’t change is my desire to win the fight and I’m going to keep that the same. I’m ready for Saturday’s fight.”
JESUS ROJAS, WBA Featherweight World Champion:
“Xu Can is a great fighter and I was very happy to have another opportunity to defend my title. There will be fireworks at the ring this Saturday night.”
XU CAN, Featherweight Contender:
“I am very excited for Saturday. I was training for 10 days in Miami and feel good. I’m excited and eager to win a fight for my Chinese fans.”
VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Super Lightweight Contender:
“I’m very excited because I haven’t fought since September. I kept training, though. I only took a week off and went back to the gym. It’s an honor to be promoted by Oscar De La Hoya. He has opened a lot of opportunities for me. I hope to be a world champion by the end of the year or earlier next year.”
“What makes me different from other fighters is that I work hard every day, even if I don’t have a fight lined up. I’m always ready. A knockout would be great. But as long as I long as I look good and I get some experience, I’ll be happy.”
ALEX RINCON, Super Welterweight Prospect:
“Training camp went great! I did some good sparring and I felt fast, I got a lot of work in. I sparred with Lamont Peterson and did really good work. It feels great to be in Houston, anywhere in Texas feels like home. We have a huge fan crowd and I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
GEORGE RINCON, Super Lightweight Prospect:
“Training camp started in Texas, and it went really well. We finished in DC with Lamont Roach Sr. My weight’s good, I’m feeling strong. Houston feels like home. We have lots of family and friends. It feels great to be here, and we want to thank everyone for coming out, and especially to Golden Boy for having me and my brother here.”
Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.
CREDENTIALS: Fight night credentials may be picked up from the Media Check-In doors located next to the Administration Entrance to Toyota Center on LaBranch Street and Clay Street beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Proper personal Photo ID (driver’s license or passport) must be shown to claim your credential.
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaInoue.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.
About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.
About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid
over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.
LIVE VIDEO: Munguia vs Inoue – Media Workout
JAIME MUNGUIA DISCUSSES PROMISING 2019 AS HE PREPARES TO DEFEND HIS WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST TAKESHI INOUE
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 11, 2019): Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) discussed his busy plans for 2019 as he prepares to defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial. Fans in Houston can purchase tickets starting at just $25 at ToyotaCenter.com.
The native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico is working hard to make a successful third defense of his title in what will be his debut in Texas. Munguia is working under the expert tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Alcazar, who trained the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Edwin Valero and Jessie Vargas. Munguia is training in the Southern California area, where he combines a morning run at the mountains with an intense boxing session at a private gym in the afternoon.
Below is what Jaime Munguia had to say during a recent training session:
“We are preparing very well. I feel better and more motivated than ever before.
I’m stronger than ever, and I will do my best to give the best fights for the people on this new platform, DAZN.”
“I have worked hard to be in the main events like this. I think for me this is just the start. I want to make history. I was happy to be the co-main event of Canelo vs. GGG 2, and now that I’m headlining this event, I am more motivated.”
“Takeshi Inoue is a strong fighter. He comes forward. He doesn’t mind taking a punch in order to land one. We have to be careful with that and come very prepared. We have to be careful with his right hand as well. We’re going to come very well prepared on Jan. 26.”
“After this fight, it looks like I will have a WBO mandatory bout against Dennis Hogan. But I would still like to unify the titles at 154 pounds with the other champions. We will resolve anything that is put in front of us.”
“The plan is to move up to 160 pounds in about a year. We’re fine making weight now. I have no problems, but I feel I can move up and fight in other divisions. My body is such that I could even go up to 168 pounds.”
Munguia on the other fighters in his division:
“I thought the fight was a draw [regarding Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison]. Charlo should have attacked more and not wait as much. That’s my opinion of the fight. Tony Harrison is a good fighter. He’s tough and has good skills. If he is put in front of us-or anyone for that matter-we will have to work.”
“[Jarrett] Hurd is a very big 154-pounder. I think he’s bigger than me. If a fight with him is presented to me, why not? We can unify the tittles or meet at 160 pounds.”
“I don’t know what to say about the political situation because we are on different platforms. We will see if a fight against them can happen. Perhaps not this year, but maybe we can meet them at 160 pounds.
“I’ve heard the things they’ve said about me. Maybe they don’t respect me or think I’m too young. They’ve said a lot. I will make them respect me on the day they step in the ring with me.”
Munguia on a potential fight against Canelo:
“I don’t think there is any pressure with being mentioned with names like Canelo and Golovkin. I like this. It’s fun. I’m happy to be in fights like this and to see that we are advancing. So, the truth is we are happy.
“I am conscious of what I am doing. I think I can move up to 160 pounds and fight any of the two. It’s a risk because there will always be risks. Those are the two best fighters in the world. We would have to be very careful and come very well prepared. I don’t think it would happen soon, so we have to see what the future holds for us.”
Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaInoue.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here orcopying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.
About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.
About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid
over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.
JAIME MUNGUIA TO DEFEND WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST TAKESHI INOUE IN FIRST GOLDEN BOY EVENT ON DAZN IN 2019
HOUSTON (Dec. 17, 2018): Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) will headline the first Golden Boy Promotions event on DAZN in 2019 as he defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.
“Our new partnership with DAZN is groundbreaking in this new era of boxing and sports streaming; fans subscribed to DAZN will constantly get high-level action at a single affordable price,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia’s stock rose as he headlined three of our cards last year, and he will only become an even bigger star because he is planning for a very busy 2019 on DAZN. This event will also showcase some of our best talent as we continue to build the next generation of main event fighters.”
Munguia is a 22-year-old champion of Tijuana, Mexico who catapulted to the highest levels of the 154-pound division by knocking out Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. Munguia then defeated Liam “Beefy” Smith via 12-round unanimous decision in July and completed a spectacular year with a third-round knockout win over Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook in the co-main event of Canelo vs. GGG 2. Munguia will embark on yet another busy year by defending his title for a third time in January.
“I’m thankful and happy with how my career went in 2018, but I’m hungrier and more excited than ever,” said Jaime Munguia. “I want to prove myself against the best. Takeshi Inoue is a warrior. Japanese fighters leave everything in the ring, and Inoue is no exception. His style will complement mine and will make for a great fight. I will put on a show for all my fans and thank you again for all your support.”
Inoue is a 29-year-old native of Japan who will make his debut in the United States in only his second fight outside of his native country. Inoue is ranked No. 3 by the WBO and is coming off a unanimous decision win against former regional titleholder Yuki Nonaka.
“I am pleased to be able to challenge for a world title. It is a dream come true,” said Takeshi Inoue. “I have experience fighting abroad, and I am excited and confident that I will win this fight. Munguia is a powerful fighter with heavy hands, endurance and technique. To prepare for a fighter like this, I have trained hard and in depth on technique and endurance. I have sparred long, hard rounds, so that I will be able to win even if it goes to a decision. I am highly motivated and mentally focused. Boxing fans can expect a great fight.”
“This Jan. 26, Jaime Munguia will once again put on a display of skill and power against Japanese warrior Takeshi Inoue in a fight between undefeated boxers,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “To have a fighter of the caliber of Jaime Munguia is a breath of fresh air for the world of boxing. He is ready to be recognized as the best super welterweight in the world and to defeat anyone in his path to achieve this. It is an honor for Zanfer to have a strategic alliance with Golden Boy Promotions to continue to build Jaime’s career. It will be an unforgettable one, and I invite everyone to watch him on DAZN.”
In the co-main event, Jesus Rojas (26-2-2, 19 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will defend his WBA Featherweight World Championship against Chinese contender Xu Can (10-0, 1 KO) in a 12-round clash.
The undercard for this event will feature several fighters from the Golden Boy Promotions stable, including three fighters who call Texas their home. They say everything is bigger in Texas, so we are making sure this undercard is huge as well.
Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will seek to avenge his only loss against Argentine puncher Lucas Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Bantamweight Title.
Alberto “Impacto” Melian (3-0, 2 KOs), a former amateur standout who participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, will make his United States debut after signing with Golden Boy Promotions. In only his third fight, Melian will compete for the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight Title in a 10-round battle against Edgar Ortega (10-1-2, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico.
Filipino contender Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his NABO Lightweight Title in a 10-round fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.
Alex Rincon (5-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in a six-round super welterweight fight against Jeremy Ramos (10-5, 4 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
George Rincon (5-0, 2 KOs), the older brother of Alex who also hails from Dallas, Texas, will participate in a six-round super lightweight clash against Eduardo Reyes (9-15, 6 KOs) of Reynosa, Mexico.
James “The Beast” Wilson (7-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles, a quick-handed heavyweight prospect who has also fought as a mixed martial artist and a kickboxer, will compete against a soon-to-be announced opponent in his first six-round fight as an official member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.
Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.
About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.
About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid over
the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.
Ticketing Info:
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue go on sale to the public on Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaInoue.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here orcopying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.
WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JAIME MUNGUIA TO BE SPECIAL VIP GUEST FOR OCT. 18 GOLDEN BOY BOXING ON ESPN
INDIO, CALIF. (Oct. 9, 2018): WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia will be the special VIP guest for the Oct. 18 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will be headlined by the 10-round middleweight fight between Donegal, Ireland’s Jason Quigley (14-0, 11 KOs) and Freddy “El Riel” Hernandez (34-9, 22 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico for Quigley’s NABF title.ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Munguia is a 22-year-old puncher who has ended 26 of his fights by stunning knockout. The native of Tijuana, Mexico rose to fame in the world of boxing by stopping Sadam “World Kid” Ali to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight Title. Munguia has defended his title two times, against Liam “Beefy” Smith and Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, in what has been an exciting year for the young star. Munguia will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.
In the co-main event Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (21-3, 12 KOs) of the Bronx, N.Y. will face Amagasaki, Japan’s Shoki “El PV” Sakai (23-8-2, 13 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout. Gomez, who has Honduran roots, will return to Fantasy Springs after scoring a knockout victory against fellow Golden Boy Promotions stablemate Keandre Gibson earlier this year in that same arena.
Rommel Caballero (2-0-1,1 KO) will open the Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN show in a six-round super featherweight bout against Agua Prieta, Mex.’s Hugo “Dandy” Padron (3-2, 3 KOs).
Los Angeles fan-favorite Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (19-2, 15 KOs) of Buena Park, Calif. will face a former foe in a scheduled eight-round lightweight rematch against Sindangan, Philippines’s Rey “The Flash” Perez (23-10, 7 KOs). Perez had given Gonzalez his first ever unanimous decision loss, which Gonzalez will be out to avenge when the two meet in the ring again.
Recky “The Terror” Dulay (11-3, 8 KOs) of Samar, Philippines will face Edgar Ortega (9-1-2, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico in a six-round featherweight bout.
Angel “Relampago” Ruiz (12-0, 8 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico will open the night of action in an eight-round super lightweight fight against Jonathan Fortuna (8-2, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Quigley vs. Hernandez is a 10-round fight for the NABF Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Quigley vs. Hernandez must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, October 12.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/QuigleyHernandez into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
Canelo wins majority decision in rematch that sets the stage for a middleweight trilogy
LAS VEGAS –Forget all the insults, promises and allegations. The wait wasn’t a whole lot of fun. In the end, however, the fight made all of that waiting oh-so-forgettable.
Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin delivered the drama Saturday night before a rocking crowd of 21,965 at T-Mobile Arena throughout 12 pulsating rounds, each of which was hard to score, yet might eventually add up to a trilogy. For now, there’s bound to be controversy.
Canelo won a majority decision in the middleweight rematch of their controversial draw last September.
“That was a great fight’’ Canelo (50-1-2, 34 KOs) said after taking GGG’s championship belts and ending his claim on a record for title defenses in the HBO pay-per-view bout. “But in the end, it was a victory for Mexico. And again, it was an opportunity, and I want to shout out to my opponent, the best in the sport of boxing. I am a great fighter, and I showed it tonight.
“If the people want another round, I’ll do it again. But for right now, I will enjoy time with my family.’’
In boxing, of course, majority only means that not everybody agrees with the 115-113 scorecards turned in by judges Dave Moretti of Nevada and Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey. The third judge, Glenn Feldman of Connecticut, had a different opinion. He scored it, 114-114, a draw that might have been the very hard to accept after last September’s messy result.
On this card, it was 115-113 for Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs). Go ahead and argue. The fight was that close. The good news was that there was no wacky, bird-brain card like the 118-110 number for Canelo turned in by Adelaide Byrd a year ago.
Canelo’s aggressiveness over the first seven to eight rounds might have been enough to get the nod from Moretti and Weisfeld. He moved forward, ever forward. However, he often moved straight into a GGG jab that was as consistent as it was precise. It left him with a huge gash over his left eye.
That GGG jab and a Canelo pursuit that included some terrific body punches appeared to leave the bout even after eight rounds. The next three rounds were just about as even. The guess was that the twelfth would be decisive. At least, GGG trainer Abel Sanchez thought so.
“We had a great fight, the one we expected the first time around,’’ Sanchez said. “I had it close going into the 12th round. We had good judges who saw it from different angles. I can’t complain about the decision, but it’s close enough to warrant a third fight. Canelo fought a great fight. Congratulations.’’
GGG got cut over his right eye in the 12th. The blood fell like tears across the multiple bruises on his face as he left the ring. He didn’t stop to speak to the media in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
After arriving in his dressing room, he spoke to a media-relations representative, who relayed his quotes to press row.
“I’m not going to say who won,’’ GGG said. “The victory belongs to Canelo, according to the judges. I thought it was a very good fight for the fans. It was exciting. I thought I fought better than he did.’’
Then, he was asked about a third fight.
“Under the right circumstances,’’ GGG said.
The second fight has already put some those circumstances in place.
Mungia scores quick stoppage, leaving HBO with 90 minutes to fill before the GGG-Canelo rematch
Jamie Mungia kept himself in the mix for a middleweight title Saturday night with some of the raw power that has marked his emergence from unknown to dangerous.
Mungia (31-0, 26 KOs, of Tijuana, battered Canadian Brandon Cook (20-2, 13 KOs) around the ring like a young Antonio Margarito for two rounds and then finished him with a couple of rough-and-tumble knockdown in the third. Referee Tony Weeks finally ended at 1:03 of the third in another quick stoppage that left the HBO pay-per-view telecast with about 90 minutes of air time to fill before the Canelo Alavrez-Gennady Golovkin rematch at T-Mobile Arena.
“This was part of my development,” Mungia said. “I was not as focused in my last fight. But this time I came more relaxed. I was looking for the knockout too much. But now you’ve seen the results of my work. With each fight you will see me getting better. I just want to show that I can get better and that I want to face the best, so I can show that I am the best.”
Lemieux has one-punch answer for Spike O’Sullivan’s trash talk
The Face-offs were contentious. The fight was a blowout.
He entered the T-Mobile Arena’s ring as former pound-for-pound champion. He left it after delivering powerful reminder as to why he was one.
Dallas junior-welterweight Vergil Ortiz (11-0, 11 KOs), one of boxing’s best young prospects, was everything he was supposed to be, delivering speed and power for a second-round demolition of Roberto Ortiz (35-3-2, 26 KOs) of Mexico. In the final bout before the HBO pay-per-view telecast of the Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez card, Vergil Ortiz dropped Roberto with a right early in the second. Moments later, he landed a blinding succession of punches. Referee Vic Drakulich had seen enough. At 1:03 of the second, he ended it.
Alexis Rocha stays unbeaten with one-sided decision
Alexis Rocha, a super-welterweight from Santa Ana, Calif., did some damage early, then scored some easy points and finished still unbeaten in the third bout on the non- televised portion of the Canelo-GGG card.
First Bell: Canelo-Golovkin card off to an early start and fast finish
It was an early start and a quick finish.
New York welterweight Brian Ceballo (5-0, 3 KOs) wasted little time, finishing an afternoon matinee within two rounds after the first bell Saturday on a card featuring the Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez rematch at T-Mobile Arena.
Ceballo knocked down David Thomas (6-4-1, 2 KOs) of Orange, Tex., in the first. In the opening seconds of the second, Thomas was defenseless, hands down and a wide-open target for a succession of straight hands from Ceballo. At 34 seconds of the round, referee Jay Nady ended it.
FOLLOW CANELO – GOLOVKIN 2 LIVE!!!!
Follow all the action as Gennady Golovkin defends the WBC/WBA Middleweight titles against Canelo Alvarez in a highly-anticipated rematch. The action begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with an action-packed undercard featuring Jaime Munguia defending the WBO Jr. Middleweight title against Brandon Cook. David Lemieux takes on Gary O’Sullivan in a middleweight grudge match. The action kicks off with Roman Gonzalez taking on Moises Fuentes.
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12 ROUNDS–WBA/WBC-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–GENNADY GOLOVKIN (38-0-1, 34 KOs) VS CANELO ALVAREZ (34 KOs) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
GOLOVKIN | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 115 |
ALVAREZ | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 113 |
Round 1: Golovkin jabs...Body shot from Canelo..Jab from Golovkin..Canelo lands a jab..Jab..another jab..Jab from Golovkin
Round 2 Redness around Golovkins’ right eye…Hook from Golovkin..Good left from Caenlo..Jab..Body shot..Double jab..Jab from Golovkin..Good body shot from Canelo..2 lefts from Golovkin
Round 3 Body shot from Canelo..Right from Golovkin..Left..Right
Round 4 Left hook from Golovkin..Left Hook..Hard uppercut..good body shot from Canelo..Good body shot..Body shot from Golovkin..Good body from Canelo..
Round 5 Golovkin lands a jab…Canelo cut over left eye..Right from Canelo..Hook from Golovkin..Trading jabs..Golovkins lands a right..Jab from Canelo..Good body..
Round 6 Jab from Golovkin..Good left to body from Canelo..Left from Golovkin..Uppercut from Canelo..Straight from Golovkin..
Round 7 Body from Canelo..Hard jab..Left hook from Golovkin..Left hook and uppercut
Round 8 Good right from Alvarez..Hard right..Good right from Golovkin..Jab..Straight from Canelo..Left hook..
Round 9 Jab and right from Golovkin..Counter and right from Canelo..Jab..Right lead..Good body..Hard rightBig left from Golovkin..Right
Round 10 2 hard rights from Golovkin..Hard body from Canelo..Hard right from Golovkin..right…Jab from Canelo..Right to body..Good hook..Body from Canelo..Hard right from Golovkin
Round 11 Hard right from Golovkin hurts Alvarez….Hard right from Canelo..Hard left from Golovkin..Hard left from Canelo..Right from Canelo
Round 12 Hard left from Golovkin..Jab..uppercut..Alvarez lands a counter..Golovkin cut around the right eye..Trading power shots…trading uppercuts..Uppercut from Golovkin..right
Alvarez lands 202-622 Golovkin 234-879
114-114; 115-113 CANELO ALVAREZ
12 ROUNDS–WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–JAIME MUNGUIA (30-0, 25 KOS) VS BRANDON COOK (20-1, 13 KOS) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
MUNGUIA | 10 | 10 | 20 | ||||||||||
COOK | 9 | 9 | 18 |
Round 1 Hard combination rocks Cook..Wicked combination at end of round
Round 2 Cook trying to work the body..Hard uppercut from Munguia..Hard body shot..Hard combination,,,Right to body from Cook
Round 3 Muguia lands a riGHT TO HEAD AND DOWN GOES COOK..Wicked body shot…Cook in trouble AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED
12-Rounds–Middleweights–David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) vs Gary O’Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
Lemieux* | TKO | ||||||||||||
O’Sullivan |
Round 1: Right to body from Lemieux..Hard jab drives Lemieux back…BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES O’SULLIVAN…AND THE FIGHT IS OVER…2:44
10-Rounds–Bantamweights–Roman Gonzalez (46-2, 38 KOs) vs Moises Flores (25-5-1, 14 KOs) | |||||||||||||
ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
Gonzalez* | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | TKO | 40 | |||||||
Flores | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 36 |
Round 1 Left to body from Gonzalez..
Round 2 Fuentes coming out aggressive…Fuentes bleeding from right eye..Straight right and left hook from Gonzalez..Good boy work..Right to body..Hard 3 punch combination..
Round 3 Right from Gonzalez..left uppercut…Body shot..two 3-punch combination
Round 4 Left hook from Fuentes…Right from Gonzalez..Right hand..Combination..
Round 5 Uppercut from Gonzalez...PERFECT RIGHT AND DOWN GOES FUENTES…FIGHT OVER
CANELO VS. GGG 2 UNDERCARD TO BE STACKED WITH WORLD CHAMPIONS AND RETURNING CONTENDERS
LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2018): Fans at T-Mobile Arena and millions watching at home will be treated to a stacked undercard featuring current world champions and returning contenders in support of the Sepember 15 fight between Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-0, 34 KOs). The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
“This historic rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin can only be supported by an equally great undercard,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “That’s why some of the best champions and contenders from all over the world will be featured on this event of international proportions, while some of our brightest prospects will have the opportunity of a lifetime on this undercard so they can one day headline events of this magnitude.”
In the co-main event, breakout Mexican star Jaime Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs) will make the second defense of his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against rugged Canadian contender Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook (20-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round battle.
“I’m very motivated to be in such an important card,” said Munguia. “It will be the most important boxing event of the year. For me it is an honor to be on this card supporting Canelo Alvarez, who is also Mexican, on a date that is so special for Mexico, for me and for all of the people. We will do our best to please the public. I promise to not disappoint, so don’t miss my fight and don’t miss Canelo vs. GGG 2.”
Cook said, “It’s always been a dream for me to fight for a world title. To be on the biggest fight card of the year with two of my favorite fighters is a dream come true. Jaime Munguia is an exciting, young, up-and-coming fighter. He has great punching power in both hands. I’m going to do everything possible to bring that world title back home to Canada. I can’t thank Golden Boy Promotions enough for giving me this opportunity. I have a great team behind me and we will be ready September 15. I’m coming to fight.”
Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, said, “It can’t get any bigger for boxing than a Pay-Per-View fight in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day. That’s where Jaime Munguia is fighting and that’s where he deserves to fight. He always shows his best on the biggest stages and during biggest moments, so be ready for a spectacular performance from Munguia”
Former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) of Montreal, Canada and Irish warrior Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) of Cork, Ireland will go head-to-head in a 12-round middleweight battle that has Fight of the Year candidate written all over it.
Lemieux said, “I’m looking forward to fighting ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan next. I have some unfinished business at 160. We’re going to take one fight at a time. Spike is an action fighter, like me. He’s a tough cookie and comes to fight. This is a fight for the fans. Come September 15, I want to steal the show.”
O’Sullivan said, “This fight is just another step towards fulfilling my ambition of becoming a world champion and providing a good life for my family! David Lemieux is just an object in my way that I fully intend smashing through! Then, I want Canelo or GGG-either one, it doesn’t matter! I’m going to war!”
Former pound-for-pound king and former four-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (46-2, 38 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua will make his highly anticipated return against experienced Mexican warrior Moises “Moi” Fuentes (25-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight battle that will open the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast.
Gonzalez said, “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be back in the ring. This will be my second fight in Las Vegas, and I look forward to fighting on this great show. I have been training hard in California and will give a good show for the fans. I respect Moises Fuentes, and he will be a strong challenge for me. I want to thank Mr. Honda of Teiken Promotions, along with GGG Promotions for making this possible for me to be on the biggest show in boxing. I look forward to seeing all of my fans again and promise a good performance in the ring.”
Fuentes said, “This will be a difficult fight because of Gonzalez’s style of fighting. But it won’t be impossible. In boxing, nothing is written. I still have what it takes to do it-a good record and a lot of potential. I’m confident I will win this fight and Gonzalez will be a big trampoline for me to join the highest levels of boxing.”
On the non-televised portion of the card, super lightweight knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr.(10-0, 10 KOs) of Dallas, Texas looks to add another stoppage victory to his record as he takes on experienced warrior Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (35-2-2, 26 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico in a scheduled 10-round 140-pound fight.
Rising welterweight prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (11-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will risk his undefeated record against Carlos Ortiz (10-2, 10 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico in an eight-round welterweight clash.
Undisputed WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO Champion Cecilia Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs) of Cartagena, Colombiawill defend her titles in a 10-round welterweight fight.
Francisco Esparza (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas will take on a soon-to-be announced opponent in either a four or six-round featherweight fight.
Canelo vs. GGG 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. Munguia vs. Cook is a 12-round battle for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Promotions. Lemieux vs. O’Sullivan is a 12-round middleweight clash presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of The Tiger Management in association with Murphy’s Boxing. Gonzalez vs. Fuentes is a 10-round super flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,
“THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred Loya Insurance, Interjet, Venom, and Fathom Events. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
“24/7 Canelo/GGG 2” premieres Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 11:30 pm (ET/PT) on HBO. Canelo’s fifth “24/7” appearance and Golovkin’s third, “24/7 CANELO/GGG 2” is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007.
Limited tickets for Canelo vs. GGG 2 are still available, and are priced at $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700, and $500 not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of eight (8) per person at the $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700 and $500 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets are also available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.
Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. GGG 2 at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Luxor are priced at $100, not including applicable fees. Seating is general admission at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage while Luxor will have assigned seats. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at (800) 745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/canelovsggg2.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.caneloggg.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.
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Roberto Garcia Wants Jaime Munguia for Mexico’s Independence Day Fight on Alvarez-Golovkin Card in Las Vegas
Deerfield Beach, FL (July 25, 2018)—Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin’s rematch is all set for Mexican Independence Day on September 15th in Las Vegas, but what better way to add a little war to the card than having two Mexicans do battle.
Roberto Garcia just witnessed Jaime Munguia’s unanimous decision over Liam Smith on Saturday night and if Munguia is ready to return to the ring on September 15th, Garcia is ready as well.
“What better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day than to have two Mexican’s do battle,” said Garcia. “We are both warriors. One veteran taking on one youngster. We both come to fight. Let’s get it on.”
Garcia is thankful to Zanfer Promotions (Munguia’s co-promoter with Golden Boy) for giving him his career defining fight against Julio Cesar Chavez’s son, Omar Chavez.
Garcia won that fight on Aug. 12, 2017 in a 10-round unanimous decision to win the WBC Silver Middleweight title.
Garcia lost his title in his first defense after traveling to England and losing a unanimous 12-round decision to Martin Murray on June 23, 2018.
“Two warriors doing battle, “Thunder vs Lightning” , both fighters coming forward all night , I’ll KO the “Kid” somewhere late in the fight or I win by unanimous decision.”
No doubt the fight would be epic.
Video: Jaime Mungia vs Liam Smith – Undercards
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155827389790756/
Video: Jaime Mungia vs Liam Smith – Official Weigh In
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155824739640756/
Video: HBO Boxing News: 1-on-1 with Jaime Munguia
JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of Liverpool, England, held a final press conference ahead of their 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) and Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs), who will fight for Machado’s WBA Super Featherweight World Title in the co-main event, also participated.
Here’s what today’s participants said at today’s press conference:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:
“Liam Smith is a tough fighter. We know what kind of style he has. He’s the type of fighter who will come forward and throw a lot of punches. He has an advantage because he’s been in big fights before. But I have a lot of experience as well. I’ve had over a hundred amateur fights and I have fought all over Mexico. We also know what style he will bring. Smith is the kind of fighter who will stand in front of you with a high guard and then suddenly throw a lot of punches. We both come forward and we both throw a lot of punches, so there is a high possibility that this fight will end in a knockout. If we don’t get the knockout, I’m prepared to go the 12 rounds. This has been the best camp of life. I am very prepared. My sparring has gone well. I feel great and I will show that on Saturday. Don’t miss this big fight!”
LIAM SMITH, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“It’s good to be back fighting in the United States. The last time I was here I was treated very well. It was unfortunate to pull out of the Sadam Ali fight. But my loss was Jaime Munguia’s gain. He stepped in and he won the title.
I was kept in the mandatory position and now I’ve got my shot against a good champion. It should be an exciting fight. He’s an exciting combatant who comes to fight. He’s young and he’s hungry. But you know me. I’m not going to come here and lie down. It’s not the Jaime Munguia show for me. I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do what I set out to do and get my title back.”
ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:
“I want to thank God for this opportunity. I’m excited to be fighting in back-to-back events on HBO, the most important television platform in boxing. It is a dream come true to be working for Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya. I grew up watching Miguel Cotto fights as a kid in Puerto Rico, so for me it is a dream come true to be here defending my title.”
“Rafael is the Number 1 contender for a reason. I’ve got great training at the Wild Card Boxing Club where everyone is very strong. I thank Freddie Roach for focusing on me for the past several weeks. I’m going back to Puerto Rico a world champion.”
RAFAEL MENSAH, Super Featherweight Contender:
“I thank Golden Boy Promotions, HBO and Don King Productions. I thank everyone who will see this fight live. This fight was a long time coming, but now I’m happy Alberto Machado will fight me. I’m happy to fight on a Golden Boy card. My uncle Ike Quartey fought with the Golden Boy, and now I will fight on a Golden Boy card. Like my uncle, I will fight with everything on Saturday.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:
“We have great fights in store for everyone. Jaime Munguia, who just acquired his world title in spectacular fashion, is up against another tough contender in Liam Smith. In the co-main event, we’re happy to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Don King Promotions to bring this great fight between Alberto Machado and Rafael Mensah. The fights are sure to be a great. They are all prepared and good to go, so don’t miss all this action.”
Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action-packed doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are on sale and are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.
About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at thePollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
VIDEO: Jaime Mungia vs Liam Smith – Final Press Conference
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155822278085756/
WILLIAMS – TOO CLOSE TO CALL
LIAM WILLIAMS BELIEVES his fellow super welterweight Liam Smith is in for a tough night against the Mexican banger Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas this weekend, but suspects his old adversary has got what it takes to repel the fire of the 21-year-old and take the fight to the wire.
Munguia stepped in to replace mandatory challenger Smith back in May when Sadam Ali – who defeated Miguel Cotto in his final fight – held the WBO world super welterweight title.
Munguia caused something of an upset by flooring Ali four times on his way to a fourth round stoppage and the former WBC Latino champion must now fulfil the mandatory obligation against Smith.
Munguia has only been taken the distance four times in his 29 fights so far, with three of those coming in his early four and six rounders.
So Smith, as Williams suggests, is up against a bit of a puncher.
“Yes he looks good and looks like he can punch a bit,” said the Welshman, who fought Smith twice in 2017, losing the first due to a severe cut and the second via a majority points decision.
“It is a difficult one to call really because Liam is so tough and durable and he is actually a lot more skilful than people give him credit for.
“People think he is very basic and just comes forward, but when you are actually in the ring with him he is a lot more effective than he looks from the outside.”
Williams, however, was at a bit of a loss when it came to actually picking a winner in a fight that will be screened live and exclusive on BT Sport 1 from 3am on Sunday morning from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
“I don’t know, it is such a close one to call and I think it is one that will come down to the wire and go the distance. It could be a really gruelling fight and very close.”
He might have struggled to pick a winner, but the 26-year-old did not hedge his bets when asked if he would like a shot at the winner. Williams is preparing for an expected September return in new surrounding under recently appointed trainer Dominic Ingle in Sheffield.
“One hundred per cent I would fancy it with either of them,” he insisted. “Whoever wins, I can’t really see myself being in position to get the next shot, but I would certainly take it.
“I am back on a roll now, I feeling good and I am re-motivated, which a lot of people didn’t realise I needed because I never really said anything.
“Even for the second Smith fight I was lacking in motivation and didn’t really care enough. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to win and I tried, but I didn’t have the motivation I should have had.
“What’s done is done and I am excited now by what is to come.”
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS BATTLE FOR A TITLE IN LAS VEGAS WHEN THE ACTION-PACKED DOUBLEHEADER HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH IS SEEN SATURDAY, JULY 21
HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.
The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.
This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.
Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.
All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.
® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.
BEEFY READY TO ROAST MUNGUIA AND HIS CRITICS
LIAM SMITH will be fired up by critics who have trashed his chances of taking the WBO super-welterweight title challenge from Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on Saturday July 21.
The Liverpool boxer will be attempting to regain the title he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September 2016 when their clash drew 51,000 fans to the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Munguia, 21, has won all 29 professional fights with 25 wins coming by KO. He caused an upset in May when he ripped the title from Sadam Ali – stopping the defending champion in four rounds.
But Smith is ready to ruin the Mexican’s first defence at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and earn himself huge unification clashes that will set him up for life.
Smith, 29, said ahead of the fight that will be shown by BT Sport: “I will be gutted if I don’t win this fight.
“I am a little bit more hungry because a few people have written me off so I’m gonna make them eat their words.
“It has given me a little bit more fire. I want to become a world champion again.”
“Munguia is a good fighter. He is big for the weight and it doesn’t take a genius to see he can punch.
“He is one of those young, enthusiastic fighters who is trying to make a statement in every fight and he’s just getting better and better.
“It is winnable, but it is what a world title fight should be. I’m a challenger, on the road and it should be a tough fight.”
Smith whose only defeat in 28 fights came against Canelo is taking little notice of Munguia’s win against Ali.
He explained: “Sadam Ali was in the right place, right time when he beat Miguel Cotto to win the title, but I still thought he might have had too much nous for Munguia.
“I watched Munguia in February before there was talk of him fighting any of the names and classed him as a decent prospect who was coming through.
“Apart from Sadam he hasn’t fought any one of note. If you look at his record there is not one other person there where you’d say, ‘Look he has beaten, him’.
“The way the fight happened I wasn’t fully surprised because it was basically a middleweight against a welterweight.
“I am not small for a super-welterweight though and that is one reason why I am not fazed by this. I’m big enough myself and confident in my own size.”
If Smith wins he will become the first two-time world champion from Liverpool and is the first scouser to top the bill in the world’s fight capital.
He said: “For someone who didn’t want to box as a kid I’ve fought Canelo in Dallas, and now I am topping the bill in Las Vegas on BT Sport and HBO.”
Video: Lookback: Jaime Munguia’s HBO Debut
JAIME MUNGUIA AND ALBERTO ‘EXPLOSIVO’ MACHADO LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, hosted a media workout today at the Westside Boxing Club ahead of the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs), who will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event, also participated in the workout.
Here’s what Munguia and Machado had to say during today’s media workout:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:
“We had a sensational training camp. We have a great team, so I feel very good. The potential fight against Gennady Golovkin really got my name out there. It allowed me to get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m grateful for that. I’m also grateful that the NSAC didn’t allow me to fight against Golovkin because it lead to this world title.
I’m always 100% ready. I got the call to fight Sadam Ali with only two weeks notice. The only struggle was to lose the weight, but other than that I was ready. I knew my advantage was my reach and my power. I knew that he was a smaller fighter. Those were the keys to my victory.
I feel very motivated now that I am a world champion. Everyone is going to talk about to me after this fight. This will open up more opportunities, and people will mention my name with the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
I think that the only advantage that Liam Smith has is that he’s fought in big events before. But I have many fights under my belt. I have a lot of experience. I had over 100 fights as an amateur. All this experience gives me a lot of confidence when I step into the ring. Also, Smith might say that he’s a natural 154-pounder, but I want to tell him that I’m a natural 160-pounder who drops down. I’m very happy with the training camp we had and very confident about this fight.”
ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:
“It’s been about 10 months since my last fight. But it served me well. It allowed me to get some rest and to work on some technical details I needed to work on. I had been boxing for 15 years straight, so it was a necessary rest.
Fighting on HBO for the first time was a dream come true. I used to gather with my friends to watch Miguel Cotto, Ivan Calderon and Felix Trinidad on HBO, so this was definitely a dream come true. The fight against Jezreel Corrales was very tough. At first, he didn’t event make weight. I knew he had a lot more experience than I did too. But I brought out the spirit that characterizes us a boxers to walk away with the victory.
For this camp, I worked on strategy and technique. I had more time to travel to Los Angeles and work with Freddie Roach. During this camp, I really got to see why he is a Hall of Fame trainer. I got to see why he’s had so many world champions. On July 21, you will definitely see a new and improved Alberto Machado.”
(ABOVE: Maricela Cornejo, Joet Gonzalez and Richard Acevedo pose for the media ahead of their fights on
the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN)
Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-HoganPhotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions
Fighters from the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN also participated in the workout. Rising featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (19-0, 11 KOs) will battle for the vacant NABO 126-pound title against Rafael ‘Big Bang’ Rivera (25-1-2, 16 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (2-0, 2 KOs) will return in a four-round super welterweight fight against Quantavious Green (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Shreveport, La. Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo (11-2, 4 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight against Samantha Pill (3-0) of Fairmont, West Virginia. All the action will take place at The Novo by Microsoft
at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.
Here’s what fighters on the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPNhad to say during today’s media workout:
JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Contender:
“I can compete with all the champions at Featherweight. I’ve sparred with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz and Mikey Garcia. And I compete with them. I’m not just a sparring partner. I give them their money’s worth. That should tell you where I am in the division. I’m excited that Golden Boy gave us the opportunity. My manager Frank Espinoza and my team really worked hard for this fight. The NABO title will open a lot of doors and opportunities, so I’m really excited about that. My best quality is being smart. There are fighters who get scared when they get touched. But I can take a punch. If we need to make it a war, I can make it a war. But because I fight smart, I know how to get someone out using my head.”
MARICELA “LA DIVA” CORNEJO, Super Middleweight Prospect:
“It’s been great to feel the support from Golden Boy. We have had great meetings. That makes me confident because I know they have my back. They’re doing their part to help me, so I know I have to be in the gym doing my part as well. Samantha Pill had 10 fights as amateur. That’s six more than I did. I didn’t have that much but I’m learning on the job. She’s taller than me so I know I have to go in there smart, but I was made for this. I always knew I was meant to be successful in this sport, and I feel myself getting better and better in every fight.”
RICHARD “KANSAS KID” ACEVEDO, Super Welterweight Prospect:
“I’m staying busy with Golden Boy Promotions, and it feels great. I’m in the best shape of my life training with the Saucedo Brothers at Westside Boxing. My opponent is a tough guy and I know I can’t go in too confident, but I’m positive I’ll come out with a great win. I feel stronger than ever and I look forward to moving up in my division to get better and better fights.”
Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight
World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Gonzalez vs. Rivera is a 10-round fight for the vacant NABO Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, July 13, 2018 at The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. LIVE. Doors to the event open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for Gonzalez vs. Rivera are priced at $20, $40, and $60, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call AXS at1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849) or The Novo Box Office (213) 765-7000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, www.thenovodtla.com, www.axs.com, and www.lalive.com.
July 21 Boxing After Dark:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.hbo.com/boxing and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.
July 13 GBP on ESPN:
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GonzalezRivera.
July 21 Boxing After Dark:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
July 13 GBP on ESPN:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/GonzalezRivera into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
JAIME MUNGUIA TO DEFEND WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LIAM ‘BEEFY’ SMITH
LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will make the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Munguia is a dangerous 21-year-old puncher who has ended 25 of his fights by stunning knockout. Munguia has only fought twice in the United States, the second of which was for a last-minute title opportunity against Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May. Munguia used his enormous height and reach advantages to drop Ali several times before a thunderous left hook ended matters in the fourth round. The newly-crowned champion is excited to defend his new belt.
“I’m very excited and thankful with everyone that made this possible,” said Jaime Munguia.”I invite the fans to go and see me live or to tune in on HBO. I will defend my WBO title with pride and honor. See you in Vegas!”
Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title. Smith then lost the title against Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in an impressive show of heart. Smith has had three victories since, and after pulling out of his May 12 fight against Sadam Ali due to an illness, he is more than ready to regain the title that was once his.
“To go to Vegas and fight for a world title is every fighter’s dream,” said Liam Smith.”But it’s only an extra incentive to my main motivation – getting that WBO world junior middleweight title back around my waist.Munguia is obviously a dangerous puncher and I’ll have to be wary of him early on, but he’s never fought someone as good as me and a fully-fledged 154lb fighter. I can’t afford to look an inch past Munguia though. He’s world champion for a reason and with such a high knockout percentage, I’m going to have to be my best ever. Unfortunately for Munguia, that’s what I’ll be.”
In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle.
Machado, a 27-year-old of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a big man for his division and boasts power in both hands. After unifying two regional titles with a dominant unanimous decision victory against Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Machado defeated Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales by way of eighth-round knockout to capture WBA Super Featherweight Title in Oct. 2017. The hard-hitting southpaw promises to retain his title on July 21.
“One as a fighter knows the sacrifices that are made to become world champion,” said Alberto Machado. “Because of that, I will defend my title with blood and honor this July 21. Rafael Mensah is the mandatory challenger, and he possess great credentials, including an impressive record. That’s why I’m preparing more than ever to walk away with my hand raise in my first defense.”
Mensah is a 27-year-old contender of Accra, Ghana who made his professional debut in 2010. Since then he has steadily climbed up 130-pound rankings, earning his spot at the top of the WBA rankings and a shot at the title. Mensah is confident that he has the skills to outclass Machado.
“I know Machado and there is no doubt I can beat him,” said Rafael Mensah. “When I saw Machado, I said ‘Yes, I can beat you. You are not somebody that can beat me. You cannot beat Rafael Mensah. I will come and maybe not knock you out, but I will beat you in boxing and teach you a good boxing lesson.'”
“We’re excited to bring two world title fights to Las Vegas on July 21,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia exploded onto the championship scene last year in devastating fashion, and we’re delighted to showcase him once again on another HBO main event. The co-main event will also bring fireworks as Alberto Machado makes the first defense of what will be a very long reign.”
“I’m proud and excited that this Mexican Kid from Tijuana [Munguia], who’s the hottest fighter in boxing today, will once again fight on July 21 against the tough Liam Smith,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “I know he will prevail again in spectacular fashion like he always does.”
“Liam Smith was very confident of beating Sadam Ali, but unfortunately the allergic reaction he suffered temporarily sidelined his plans,” said Frank Warren.”Munguia looked impressive beating the former champion, but Liam actually feels he is a better stylistic match up for him than Ali would have been.I’m very confident Liam will be recapturing the WBO Junior Middleweight Title and bringing it back to the UK.”
“When Jaime Munguia made his HBO debut this past May, he put the division on notice with a spectacular knockout and captured a 154-pound title”, said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “He looks to keep the momentum going on July 21 as he takes on his mandatory challenger Liam Smith, who hopes to take the title back to his native UK.”
The rest of this undercard will be announced shortly.
Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila.The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.
About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
LIVE BOXING: Sadam Ali vs Jaime Munguia – Undercards
Video: Sadam Ali vs Jaime Munguia – Official Weigh In
HBO SPORTS PRESENTS A DOUBLE BILL OF WORLD TITLE ACTION WHEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: SADAM ALI VS. JAIME MUNGUIA AND REY VARGAS VS. AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, IS SEEN SATURDAY, MAY 12
HBO Sports presents another WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card from the Empire State, this time visiting Verona, for SADAM ALI VS. JAIME MUNGUIA AND REY VARGAS VS. AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, to be seen SATURDAY, MAY 12 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
The main event is a junior middleweight title showdown, as Brooklyn’s Sadam Ali (26-1, 14 KOs) defends his crown against rising challenger Jaime Munguia (28-0, 24 KOs) from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, in a scheduled 12-round bout. The 29-year-old Ali played spoiler at boxing legend Miguel Cotto’s retirement fight last December, and now looks to build his own legacy.
Munguia jumped at the chance to compete for a 154-pound title belt when Liam Smith withdrew due to illness. Though just 21, the undefeated fighter has started to make noise in the deep, talented junior middleweight division.
The opening bout features undefeated Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs) from Otumba, Mexico taking on Azat Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) from Yerevan, Armenia, now living in Los Angeles, in a scheduled 12-round super bantamweight title fight.
The undefeated Vargas boasts a 71% knockout-to-win ratio and will be making the third defense of his 122-pound belt. He recorded three wins in 2017, most recently besting the previously undefeated Oscar Negrete on HBO. Hoyhannisyan, who has a 70% knockout-to-win ratio, is on an eight-bout winning streak after a majority decision loss in 2014; his only other loss came in his four-round pro debut in 2011. Known as “Crazy A,” he won all three of his bouts last year, and scored a sixth-round knockout of Ronny Rios on March 9.
Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.
All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.
® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.
DANGEROUS UNDEFEATED CONTENDER JAIME MUNGUIA STEPS IN TO CHALLENGE SADAM ‘WORLD KID’ ALI FOR WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
VERONA, N.Y. (April 30, 2018): Jaime Munguia (28-0, 24 KOs), the dangerous undefeated 154-pound contender of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will step in to challenge Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-1, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 12-round battle for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title on May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The co-main event will feature Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs) and Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round clash for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title.The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Munguia will replace Liam “Beefy” Smith, who was forced to pull out of the fight against Ali due to an illness. This dangerous 21-year-old puncher has ended 24 of his fights by stunning knockout and will look to take advantage of his first world title opportunity as he returns to the United States for only the second time in his career.
“I want to thank everyone involved, but above all I thank Sadam Ali for the opportunity,” said Jaime Munguia. “Though all the criticisms made about me have motivated me to be where I am, I will show that they were all wrong. I will crown myself as world champion on May 12.”
Ali, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, was unfazed by the change. The 29-year-old champion silenced all doubters by defeating Miguel Cotto via unanimous decision in Dec. 2017 to win the title he currently holds. Ali will look to defend his title in a dangerous battle against a young contender.
“I’m determined to defend my title for the first time on May 12,” said Sadam Ali. “It doesn’t matter who, and it doesn’t matter how. Jaime Munguia will have the opportunity of a lifetime when he fights me, but I’m walking away with my hand up in victory and the belt around my waist.”
Ali vs. Munguia is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET, and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.
Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/AliMunguia into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliMunguia.
Sadam Ali to face Jaime Munguia
WBO Junior Middleweight champion Sadam Ali will now take on Jaime Munguia on May 12th in Verona, New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Munguia replaces Liam Smith, who had to pull out due to an illness.
“Munguia is in,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez said. “We’re delighted to save the show. Sadam Ali is willing to fight any and all comers. Munguia is probably more dangerous [than Smith]. He’s undefeated, and he’s a huge puncher.”