Rosario shocks Williams in five to win Unified Jr. Middleweight Titles

PHILADELPHIA–Jeison Rosario won the IBF/WBA Junior Middleweight titles with a shocking 5th round stoppage over reigning champion and hometowner Julian Williams at The Liacouras Center.

It was an action filled fight that had Williams boxing and countering well early. He was cut over his right eye in round two. Rosario started walking in and getting to Williams in that 2nd round, and that was a foreshadowing of things to come. Rosario started being the bully and hurt Williams in round four. Williams was hurt again in round five from a flurry of punches that had him holding. Rosario capped that off by hurting Williams with a hard uppercut and right that sent him prone into the ropes that forced referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 1:37.

Rosario of the Dominican Republic is 19-1 with 17 knockouts.

“As soon as I stepped into the ring, I knew he could not hurt me,” said Rosario. “I knew that my power was affecting him right away. This is a big victory for me and for the whole Dominican Republic.” “Rosario was the better man tonight,” said Williams. “It was a great homecoming for my fans and I’m sorry I let them down. What went wrong tonight needs to and will be fixed. We’re going to an immediate rematch and we look forward to returning the favor.”

“I’m so emotional in this moment right now,” said Rosario. “When I lost my last fight I said I will never lose again until I become champion of the world and that’s what happened tonight. I came prepared. I knew before the fight that I was going to win it.”

“I have to give a lot of credit to my team,” said Rosario. “I had a 16-week training camp and that prepared me for this. My life is changed forever and I can support my family in a whole new way. I realized that I was going to win, once I was offered the fight. I knew that if I made the sacrifice, that I would do what I did tonight. I knew it 16 weeks ago.”

“I wasn’t surprised he was so good,” said Williams. “I told everybody he’s a real fighter. I have to accept it. The cut blurred my vision a little bit but it wasn’t the reason why I lost. He was the better fighter tonight. We’ve got a rematch clause. I’ll see him again soon. I’ll be back.”

Chris Colbert won the WBA Interim Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former champion Jezreel Corrales

In round 10, Colbert landed a little left that sent Corrales to the canvas.

Colbert, 129.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111 to stay perfect at 14-0. Corrales, 129.4 lbs of Panama is now 25-4.

CHRIS COLBERT

“He was a great fighter. People don’t realize that, because he had a bad decision against Ladarius Miller. But he’s a great fighter. He’s very awkward. He’s slick and fast. It was hard to catch him because he was running, but he came to fight. I take my hat off to him.

“I had confidence coming into the fight. I knew I was going to dominate the fight and I told you all that before the fight happened. He was running and I was trying to catch him, so I told my corner, let’s have a dog fight. We got 12 rounds. I’m in shape. You see, I didn’t sit down one round. I’m in shape and I came to fight. I wasn’t going to leave without this title.

“I’m not ducking nobody and not dodging nobody. I’m here to fight and I’m here to stay.

“The strategy was to use my jab like I did and try to set up my punches. But he’s very awkward and has good distance. Slowly but surely I decided to stop boxing, close the distance and get on him. I knew he couldn’t out throw me, I’m from Brooklyn.”

JEZREEL CORRALES

“I did my job in there. My strategy was to hit and not get hit. I felt like I made him struggle for a lot of the fight.

“The knockdown wasnt from being hurt, it was my balance. Our feet got tangled and I lost my balance.

“I came in here to win. We both did our jobs, but the judges scored his pushing more than his punching.

Joey Spencer remained undefeated with an easy six-round unanimous decision over Erik Spring in a super welterweight bout.

Spencer, 153.9 lbs of Linden, MI won by shutout margins of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 10-0. Spring, 155 lbs of Reading, PA is 13-4-2.

JOEY SPENCER

“SI was in there with a cagey, long southpaw. And to be honest, when a guy is fighting as cagey as he was, it’s really hard for a guy with my style to just pull something out of nothing. He was a real defensive guy.

“At the end I really just pressed him, said I’m going to finish strong, and hit him with some good shots and if I had done that in the first or second round, I would have ended it early.

“I’m glad to get the six rounds in. Experience is everything. You’re only as good as your next fight. I’m happy to get in there and get some good experience and I did my thing and got the shutout.

“I’m going to stay busy this year. I’m going to have a four-fight year. This is one of four. We’re looking to bring some excitement and have some fun.

ERIK SPRING

“I was waiting too much. I thought he would come in and engage more and I was looking counter him but he stayed on the outside.

“I was more impressed by his speed then his power. He’s a talented fighter but I could have been more effective.”

Jorge Cota stopped Thomas LaManna in round five of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Cota was active with his hands, and was able to get inside and land some crisp shots on LaManna. LaManna would get home with a right from distance, but it was few and far between the hard shots that Cota was landing that eventually bloodied the nose of LaManna.

The bout was stopped at 1:22 of round five after another hard flurry forced the corner of LaManna to call a halt to the fight.

Cota, 153.2 lbs of Sinaloa, MX is 30-4 with 27 knockouts. LaManna, 153.3 lbs of Milville, NJ is 28-3-1.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Preston Wilson in a welterweight bout.

Mielnicki, 146 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Wilson, 146.1 lbs of Parkersburg, WV is 6-4-1.

Romuel Cruz remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Julio Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

Cruz dropped Garcia twice, and the fight was stopped after the 2nd knockdown, and the time was 2:56.

Cruz, 122.2 lbs of Arecibo, PR is 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Garcia, 122.3 lbs of Madison, WI is 3-4.

Kyrone Davis stopped Antonio Todd in round four of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

Davis landed some hard shots that had Todd reeling back. A big follow up flurry forced the stoppage.

Davis, 159.3 lbs of Monmouth, DE is 15-2 with six knockouts. Todd, 157.3 lbs of Atlanta is 7-3.

2016 U.S. Olympic Team Member, Paul Kroll took out Marcel Rivers in round four of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout featuring Philadelphia natives.

In round three, Kroll dropped Rivers with a hard left hook. In round four, Kroll dropped Rivers twice with perfect right hands. The fight ended with Kroll battering Rivers on the ropes. The time was 49 seconds.

Kroll, 148.8 lbs is 7-0 with six knockouts. Rivers, 147.2 lbs is 7-3.

Norman Neely remained perfect by stopping ivermatched Larry Knight in the opening frame of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Neely landed about 10 unanswered punches that sent Knight to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Neely, 241.8 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 5-0 with five knockouts. Knight, 250.1 lbs of Birmingham, GA is 4-23-1.

Miguel Angel Roman Jr. made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Antonio Lucanne in a bantamweight bout.

Roman dropped Lucanne in round three from a combination that was finished with a right hand.

Roman, 118.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 and 39-36 twice to go to 1-0. Lucanne, 119.7 lbs of Mount Vernon, NY is 0-3.




Undercard Attractions Saturday, April 27 Feature Showdown Between Welterweights Terrel Williams and Justin DeLoach, Former World Champion Jezzrel Corrales Taking on Richard Zamora & More!


LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2019) – Welterweights Terrel Williams and Justin DeLoach will square-off in a 10-round attraction, while former world champion Jezzrel Corrales faces Richard Zamora in an eight-round lightweight showdown as part of non-televised undercard action Saturday, April 27 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The event is headlined by former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy meeting for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.

Additional undercard attractions feature unbeaten featherweight prospect Javier Encarnacion (15-0, 11 KOs) facing Jose Bustos (14-9-3, 9 KOs) in an eight-round fight, Yovani Rodarte (10-1-1, 5 KOs) and Clay Burns (6-5-2, 4 KOs) squaring-off in a six-round lightweight bout and Los Angeles-native Flavio Rodriguez (8-1-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight contest.

Rounding out the action is Los Angeles-native Daniel Guzman facing Mexico’s Hugo Rodriguez in a four-round bantamweight showdown and the second pro fight for Dallas-native Burley Brooks in a four-round light heavyweight attraction.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, Williams (17-0, 13 KOs) most recently dropped David Grayton on his way to a unanimous decision victory in September of last year. He will be opposed by the 25-year-old DeLoach (18-3, 9 KOs), who most recently defeated Michael Ogundo in his first fight at welterweight since 2013. The Augusta, Georgia-native owns victories over Domonique Dolton, Junior Castillo and Christopher Pearson while campaigning at super welterweight.

Representing his native Panama, Corrales (22-2, 8 KOs) won a 130-pound world title by knocking out Takashi Uchiyama in Japan in 2016, before defeating him by decision in the rematch. Corrales will make his lightweight debut in his first fight since losing to Alberto Machado in October 2017 when he battles Mexico’s Zamora (19-3, 12, KOs) on April 27.

# # #

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




HBO Boxing News: #CorralesMachado Preview




JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES AND ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO CAMP NOTES


VERONA, NY (Oct. 18, 2017) There are just mere few days until Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (22-1-0, 8 KOs) and Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (18-0, 15 KOs) go toe to toe in their highly anticipated 12-round battle for Corrales’ WBA Super World Super Featherweight Title this Saturday, Oct. 21 at Turning Stone Resort Casino. In the most important fight of their professional careers, both fighters shared their thoughts as they wrap up their respective training camps ahead of the championship main event, to be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

Corrales, a 26-year-old native of San Miguelito, Panama, trains at the Irving Saladino
Sports Complez in Panama City. Corrales is working hard to make the third defense of his title in only his second appearance both in the United States and on HBO. Machado, a 27-year-old native of San Juan, Puerto Rico will look to take advantage of his first world title opportunity and his first appearance on HBO. The bout is sure to produce fireworks as two of the best 130-pounders square off for a spot at the pinnacle of the stacked super featherweight division.

Here’s what the main event fighters had to say regarding their respective training camps:

JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES, WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion:

“I am working really well in training camp. We are correcting errors detail by detail, and we are trying to get in the best shape for fight night.

“My team consists of former world champion Ricardo Cordoba, Juan Mosquera, and Juancito Malcom Mosquera. All three work on fight tactics and strategies with me. My physical trainer is the Cuban professor, Ismael Ortega.

“We are working a really great strategy, the details of which I cannot share. However, I will arrive in the best shape of my life on Oct. 21.

“My daily routine consists of doing roadwork in the morning. Then, after some rest, I join my team at the gym for the boxing workout. I close my training days with some more road work at around six in the evening.

“I’m working with sparring partners who are southpaws, so training for a southpaw has not been a problem. We have three good sparring partners who help me very much with the work we need to do for this fight.

“A victory would allow me to keep my world title and to retain my status as one of the best in my division. I dedicate this fight to all Panamanians, but especially to those in my home city of San Miguelito.”

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, Unified NABA and NABO Super Featherweight Champion:

“A great fight requires a great training camp and a lot of concentration. That’s what we’ve been doing. Everything is going super well, just as we planned.

“Working with Freddie Roach has been great. He prepares me and gives me the confidence necessary to be successful. His experience working in world title fights, along with the work in the gym, will be the key to winning this fight.

“The first time I came to train with Freddie Roach was with Miguel [Cotto]. This time I’m alone in training camp, which has been a completely different experience. We are preparing for a 12-round fight, and we have been making adjustments based on my last fight against Morales in August and looking at Corrales as well as his fighting style.

“I’ve trained for almost my entire career with southpaws, and I come from a boxing gym where most of the boxers were left-handed. Once you adjust, it is more or less the same fighting as fighting an orthodox fighter. The only thing that changes are the combinations, which we have adjusted according to Corrales’s style.

“Training includes sparring three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with Tuesdays and Thursdays focusing on the technical work. All of this training is for the people of Puerto Rico, who I know will come out of recent events strong.”

Corrales vs. Machado is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super World Super Featherweight Championship, to be held Saturday, Oct. 21 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The main event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by TECATE, THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Thor: Ragnarok, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for this highly anticipated match up are on sale now and available for $65 for ringside seats and others priced at $25, $30, $40 and $49, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CorralesMachado 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; and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and
www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #CorralesMachado




Hey Harold! Corrales vs. Machado Preview




JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES HEADS TO NEW YORK TO DEFEND WBA SUPER WORLD SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST HUNGRY PUERTO RICAN CONTENDER ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO


VERONA, NY. (Sept. 25, 2017) Panamanian southpaw Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (22-1-0, 8 KOs) will head to New York for his second fight in the U.S. and third defense of his WBA Super World Super Featherweight Title against unified NABO and NABA Super Featherweight Champion Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (18-0, 15 KOs) in a 12-round main event at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 21 and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

After spending his entire professional career fighting in his home country of Panama, the 26-year-old Corrales traveled to Tokyo in June 2016 to take on the then-undefeated Takashi Uchiyama, a man who had defended his WBA Super Featherweight title more than ten times. In a stunning upset, Corrales destroyed Uchiyama in only two rounds, and defeated Uchiyama once again via split decision victory in their December 2016 rematch. Corrales then made his U.S. debut against the tough Mexican Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in Los Angeles on July 15, winning by technical decision in a tough war that had both men visiting the canvas.

“I am very excited to fight for a second time on HBO, but this time in the headlining bout of a great event,” said Jezreel Corrales. “I know that Alberto Machado is a strong fighter, but I too am strong and intelligent. I know that my style of fighting will give him a lot of problems. I’m confident that I will defend my title for the third time successfully.”

Machado, a 27-year-old of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a big man for his division and boasts power in both hands. After almost five years climbing up the super featherweight rankings, Machado earned the NABO Super Featherweight Title against Juan Martinez via stunning first round knockout. Machado then took on NABA Super Featherweight Champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales, defeating him soundly via 10-round unanimous decision on Aug. 18 in the main event of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN. Machado will look to take advantage of his first title shot in his first HBO appearance.

“I am very happy and ready to face the great champion Jezreel Corrales,” said Alberto Machado. “I know that it won’t be an easy fight, but I am more motivated then ever to take this title to my family and to Puerto Rico, who really needs it during this time of grief.
This fight is for my son, my family, and for Puerto Rico. I know that a victory would bring happiness to Puerto Rico after the destruction caused by hurricane Maria. HBO is the television channel that each boxer wants to be on in order to keep moving on to better things, as was done by great Puerto Rican boxers such as Miguel Cotto, Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad, and Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho.”

In the non-televised portion of the card, two prospects of the NoXcuse Boxing Club will put their undefeated records on the line against opponents that will be announced shortly. D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (17-0, 12 KOs) of Washington, DC will return in a 10-round super middleweight fight, while Lamont Roach, Jr. (14-0, 5 KOs) of Marlboro, Maryland will return in a 10-round featherweight fight.

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (17-1, 7 KOs), the super lightweight prospect of Brooklyn, New York will return in a six-round fight, and Luis Feliciano (3-0) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will battle in a six-round super lightweight fight. Opponents for both will be announced shortly.

Host of the October 21st event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is an award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The October event will mark Turning Stone’s 23rd nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone is celebrated for its noteworthy boxing events such as boxing legend Mike Tyson selecting the resort as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and in April 2015, Turning Stone was selected to host “Fight of the Year” contender – Matthysse vs. Provodnivkov – over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. 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 now and available for $65 for ringside seats and others priced at $25, $30, $40 and $49, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Corrales vs. Machado is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super World Super Featherweight Championship, to be held Saturday, October 21 at the Turning Stone in Verona, New York. The main event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by TECATE, THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Thor: Ragnarok, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.




MIGUEL BERCHELT VS. TAKASHI MIURA PLUS TRIPLE-HEADER FIGHTERS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES


LOS ANGELES (July 13, 2017): HBO Boxing After Dark® triple-header fighters hosted a press conference today ahead of their fights on Saturday, July 15, from The ‘Fabulous’ Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET/PT.

Main event and guaranteed to provide “Fight Of The Year” material, the WBC World Super Featherweight clash between warriors Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) and Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) is scheduled for 12-rounds. Co-main event and match for WBA Super World Super Featherweight championship, Panamanian Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against rugged Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs). Opening the HBO telecast, current WBC International light heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his belt on the line against the Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). On the RING TV live streamed portion of the card, Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (30-1-2, 16 KOs) will run up against Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (33-10-1, 16 KOs), Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will go up against Mario Macias (27-21-1, 14 KOs), and Manny “Chato” Robles (12-0, 4 KOs) will step up his competition with Chihuahua, Mex.’s Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (23-12, 16 KOs).

Below is what fighters on the Saturday, July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark® triple- header had to say at today’s press conference:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Thank you to the Forum for hosting this fight night. Boxing here is special-I would know because I made my professional debut nearly 25 years ago in this venue just a few months after I returned from the Olympics in Barcelona. Thank you to our friends at Zanfer Promotions, Teiken Promotions, Star Boxing and Main Events for working alongside us in putting together these fights.”

“Saturday will be a guaranteed action-packed triple-header featuring the newly crowned WBC Super Featherweight World Champion, Mexico’s Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt making his first title defense against former titlist and dangerous Japanese warrior Takashi Miura in the main event.”

“Every fan knows an action-packed main event makes for an exciting night of boxing, but great fights from start to finish are even more exceptional. In the co-main event for WBA Super World Super Featherweight championship hardware, Panamanian Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos-a fighter known for massive upsets. Opening the night with another hot-pursuit for a title, current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. will put his belt on the line against Miami’s Sullivan Barrera. As you may all remember, Smith, Jr.’s previous fight at the Forum resulted in handing Bernard Hopkins his only knockout loss-and we can be sure to expect fireworks in this next fight also.”

“Aside from this triple-header, we also have some outstanding rising prospects fighting on the undercard that are hungry and eager to showcase their talents to the fans on Saturday night.”

MARTHA SHEN-URQUIDEZ, California State Athletic Commission:
“The best part of being a part of the commission is coming to events like this, and being able to be a part of great cards. This Saturday, we will see an awesome triple header event. I love to see Oscar choosing to have more fights in California.”

“In California, we have the largest number of boxing fans. We appreciate the relationship we have with Golden Boy Promotions, and the caliber of fights they bring to the state – this year they’ve had 24 events, with about 20 of them televised. This Saturday, you will see a great championship fight, and we are looking forward to help facilitate a safe and successful event.”

PETER NELSON, Executive Vice-President of HBO Sports:
“This card brings an array of talent. We are thankful to The Forum, it’s a great venue and brings great fans. It is emblematic of what we are about – not great names, but great fights because great names come from great fights.”

“To get to this level, its hard water to tread – look at Castellanos who has spoiled the careers of many prospects. This is his opportunity; the first fight of his career was an eight-round fight for 200 dollars. To go from where he was to where he is today, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions who make my life easier by putting together such great cards. We have a main event where a fighter has already participated in two ‘Fight Of The Year’ matches already, and Berchelt who is coming off of a spectacular victory against Francisco Vargas.”

“Opening the card, we have returned to the scene of the crime [The Forum] committed by Joe Smith Jr., and you have a veteran like Sullivan Barrera, who goes down to the canvas and comes back with a vengeance. You also have the co-main event with Corrales, who has gone into enemy territory to get the victory, and now will be making his U.S.A debut on HBO.”

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t include my thanks to the promoter partners, Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing and Kathy and Nicole Duva of Main Events. I also want to thank our HBO subscribers and fans of the sport, without you, all of this wouldn’t be possible.”

JOSE “PEPE” SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC’s Los Angeles Office:
“The fights for this particular belt have been real wars. Miura is known as a Mexican executioner. There is a new rivalry that has built up – before it was Mexico vs. Puerto Rico – but now Japan has taken that place against Mexicans. Berchelt has a stinging precision. Easily, this fight is material for ‘Fight of the Year’.”

“The WBC was created and is always fighting to make the sport better and safer for the fighters. We are pleased and honored to have Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya, who has been a great friend for many years now. I would also like to thank Teiken Promotions – the last fight my father saw was Miura versus Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson. I am certain that this fight on Saturday will be ‘Fight of the Year’.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Business Partner:
“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for being here for me during this transition. Like Peter Nelson mentioned earlier, we return to the scene of the fight; but I’m here as the promoter this time.”

“It is a privilege to be in a historic place like this, and be a part of this scene. You have guys who have the opportunity to break into the light heavyweight division that is wide open right now. I want to speak to my young fighters, this is your opportunity to steal the spotlight. I challenge the young fighters to steal the spotlight from the big guys, in the future, they can be your best promoter. This is the hurt business, so be there to watch this Saturday.”

NICOLE DUVA, COO of Main Events:
“We are happy to help put together a great triple header. Our fight is a matchup of two guys trying to move up in the rankings. This fight is also very meaningful for Sullivan, as his father will be sitting to watch his son for the first time in his career. This is extra motivation as he moves up in the sport, and will be emotional for all of us.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Current USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:
“This fight is very meaningful for me. My father has come all the way from Cuba to watch me. It’s been eight years since I have seen him, and this will be the first time he will see me fight professionally. I’m thankful to Golden Boy and HBO for another opportunity. Joe Smith, Jr. is a great fighter, and I am looking forward to a great fight this Saturday.”

JERRY CAPOBIANCO, Trainer to Joe Smith, Jr.:
“This is going to be a great fight. Joe had a great training camp, is in top condition, and we expect a great fight.”

JOE SMITH JR., Current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:
“I am glad to be back at the Forum on HBO, I am expecting a great show on Saturday. Sullivan is a great fighter. It’s another great accomplishment for me and my career. I want to thank my coach Jerry Capobianco, and my team for the opportunity.”

ENRIQUE GUILBERT, Manager to Robinson Castellanos:
“We are thankful to HBO, and we are excited to prove what Robinson can do when he gets the shot to do it. Thank you to the press, I hope that you are paying attention to what is happening here. Castellanos is coming off of a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa, and has stopped numerous prospects including Ronny Rios.”

ROBINSON “ROBIN HOOD” CASTELLANOS, Super Featherweight Contender;
“This is literally a dream come true. I remember a couple years back, my father and I were watching Yuriorkis Gamboa fight, and we were breaking him down, and we talked about how we would try to win. Who would have thought that years later we would have been able to accomplish that? Who knows what is next. I am thankful for the opportunity, and I am excited to show everyone what I am capable of.”

LESBIA DE MOSS, Manager to Jezreel Corrales:
“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity and to HBO for introducing my fighter Jezreel Corrales who is all the way from San Miguelito, Panama. I just want to let you guys know that he is a very technical boxer, who is also very aggressive. He is ready to put on a great show.”

JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES, Current WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion:
“I want to thank Golden Boy and Oscar De La Hoya for the opportunity. I want to thank Rogelio Espino and the WBA for the opportunities that I have this moment. I feel very happy, very motivated, and very positive for the opportunity that has been presented to me. I’m here with a lot of energy, and to give this victory to my mother.”

“I’m going up against a great fighter. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I just turned 26, and my gift to myself is to come home with the victory.”

SENDAI TANAKA, Trainer to Takashi Miura:
“I want to thank Golden Boy and HBO for this great fight. We had a very good preparation and he is very ready.”

TAKASHI MIURA, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:
“I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Teiken Promotions and the WBC for this fight. The champion is a great fighter, a tough fighter, but I am taking back my belt with me. Please expect a very exciting fight from me. Thank you very much.”

MARIO ABRAHAM, Manager to Miguel Berchelt:
“I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy, HBO and all our sponsors. This is our night, Miguel will have the great opportunity to fight as a champion as the main event in a great city, a great venue, a great show, and a great network. We are very excited. We know we are facing a true Japanese warrior.”

“We respect Takashi Miura. He is a big puncher, he’s been a world champion, and he wants the belt back. But now this is Miguel Berchelt’s time. He is 25, he is a world champion, and he has been working very hard this year with Alfredo Caballero and his team. This Saturday, he is going to prove to the boxing world that he will be one of the great Mexican Champions.”

MIGUEL “EL ALACRAN” BERCHELT, Current WBC Super Featherweight Champion:
“I want to say thank you to everyone, and to the media for the support. I am very happy that this is my third time fighting in the US, and the second time as the main event on HBO with Golden Boy. I want to thank Golden Boy, HBO and promoters at Zanfer for the great opportunity.

“I am very well prepared. I know I have a very good, strong, former world champion ahead of me. Takashi Miura is a typical Japanese kamikaze that is coming with everything. That’s why I prepared myself very well. I respect him tremendously, and I know it’s a great fight on both sides. I am going to give my Mexican people a great show, and take my belt back home.”

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow the conversation using #bercheltmiura.

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 9:50 P.M EST/PST.

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




BERCHELT VS. MIURA, CORRALES VS. CASTELLANOS AND SMITH, JR. VS. BARERRA AND FIGHTERS FROM JULY 14 LA FIGHT CLUB TELEVISED BOUTS LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2017) Fighters from the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB
card and July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header led by Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) and Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles media workout at City of Angels Gym ahead of their respective fights.

On July 15 live from the “Fabulous” Forum, televised on HBO Boxing After Dark, Berchelt will take on Miura in a WBC Super Featherweight Championship main event. The triple header will also feature Panamanian super featherweight Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) who will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs) for Corrales’s WBA Super World title. Opening up the action-packed HBO telecast, current two-time WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his belt on the line against the Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). On the RING TV live streamed portion of the card, Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (30-1-2, 16 KOs) will run up against Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (33-10-1, 16 KOs), Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will go up against a TBA opponent, and Manny “Chato” Robles (12-0, 4 KOs) will step up his competition with Chihuahua, Mex.’s Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (23-12, 16 KOs).

Below is what fighters on the Saturday, July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header had to say at today’s workout:

MIGUEL “EL ALACRAN” BERCHELT, Current WBC Super Featherweight Champion:

“I consider myself a world champion, and fighting Takashi Miura is a way to prove that I am the best in my class. Some of my advantages include my height, the fact that I haven’t been in many wars, and my youth.

“I have a youthful hunger that makes the difference between the two of us. It’s cool to know that I am facing the best in my division – I was able to get through Francisco Vargas, so I know that I can take on Miura.

“Our plan is simple: win round by round. I will show the crowd that not only can I box, but that I can keep my energy through the rounds. Fighting with intelligence is key-you can be in a war but if you’re not smart with how you land your punches it won’t benefit you or help you win.

“Overall, I am excited to be able to fight again in Los Angeles with my fellow paisanos (countrymen).”

TAKASHI MIURA, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

“Training camp went extremely well, and I am pleased with how everything is going. I am getting used to the environment and time difference in LA, but should be fully ready to go come fight week.

“After my last loss, I became depressed for a couple of months. I thought I wouldn’t be able to come back to the level that I once was. However, boxing is everything to me, and I couldn’t just walk away.

“I have more heart than Berchelt. I want this more than I want anything. I am expecting a war because I know he won’t want to give up his belt that easy. But I want it back. If there’s a possibility to unify the titles, I will, if the opportunity is there. Our division is known for a lot of wars.”

JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES, Current WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve always been confident in my training. They call me ‘El Invisible’ because you can’t see me in the ring when I’m moving.

“I’m very happy to be making my U.S. debut and fighting with Golden Boy Promotions.”

ROBINSON “ROBIN HOOD” CASTELLANOS, Super Featherweight Contender:

“We had a great training camp, and we did everything we could to put together the best fight possible. I don’t know which way the fight will go, however what I can tell you is that the only thing on my mind is winning.”

JOE SMITH, JR., Current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:

“Since my last fight, everyone recognizes me more. I’ve been working on continuing my journey towards becoming a world champion.

“In my fight with Barrera, we’re just all going to have to see what Saturday brings.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Current USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

“This fight is special because it is the first time my father will see me fight professionally. Joe Smith, Jr. is very good; he has power, but I have power too. I think I have a lot more experience than him, and I’m his biggest challenge yet.”

MERCITO “NO MERCY” GESTA, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m always excited for every fight to get back in the ring, especially now that I’m fighting at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum for the first time. I’ve been working a lot on my sparring, and I’ve learned a lot going in to this fight. I’m ready.”

RYAN “KINGRY” GARCIA, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been focusing on staying consistent during my training camp, which was five weeks. I’ve been working with my strength and conditioning coach a lot. I know my opponent is a come-forward fighter, and we will both put on a great show on July 15 at the Forum.”

On Friday, July 14 at LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater, Venezuela’s Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 11 KOs) will face Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (24-8, 16 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout. As the co-main event, Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio will up the ante with Torreon, Mex.’s Jairo Hernandez(18-11, 9 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. Opening up the Boxeo Estelar telecast on Estrella TV, Panama’s Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (10-0, 8 KOs) will take on Philly’s Recky Dulay (9-2, 6 KOs) for a six-round super featherweight contest.

Below is what the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB fighters had to say at today’s workout:

ROGER “THE KID” GUTIERREZ, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I get to represent my people of Venezuela in this fight. This is my first professional fight in the U.S., and I’m excited to be able to do that against someone like Alvarado who has fought for titles and has proven to be a skillful fighter. We work on everything in camp, so I feel prepared to make my U.S debut.”

RENE “GEMELO” ALVARADO, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I have a lot to gain if I win in this fight. I have to make my upward climb back to the top, and this fight is a step in that direction. I am by no means expecting an easy fight – we both want this.”

EDGAR “KID NEZA” VALERIO, Featherweight Prospect:

“Right now, I feel like I’ve been getting better at being patient and calm in the ring. Boxing isn’t a game and taking punches isn’t easy, but I feel I’ve improved on keeping my composure.”

JAIME “JAIMITO” ARBOLEDA, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I have so much pride in being able to represent Panama. I will be going up against a Filipino fighter. He is fast, but we have prepared well to take him on and be able to box him. I feel good, and I am excited to fight in Los Angeles and give a good show.”

July 15: Tickets for Berchelt vs. Miura at the “Fabulous” Forum are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

July 14: Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957.

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 p.m. EST/PST.

Gutierrez vs. Alvarado is an eight-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD”, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Adriana’s Insurance. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. PT. Boxeo Estelar will air tape delayed on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.




THE SUMMER HEATS UP WITH SIZZLING HOT BOXING ACTION WHEN HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®: MIGUEL BERCHELT VS. TAKASHI MIURA, JEZREEL CORRALES VS. ROBINSON CASTELLANOS AND JOE SMITH JR. VS. SULLIVAN BARRERA IS SEEN SATURDAY, JULY 15


HBO serves up a tripleheader of hot ring action when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: MIGUEL BERCHELT VS. TAKASHI MIURA, JEZREEL CORRALES VS. ROBINSON CASTELLANOS AND JOE SMITH JR. VS. SULLIVAN BARRERA is seen SATURDAY, JULY 15 at 9:50 p.m. (ET/PT) from the renowned venue The Forum in Inglewood, Cal. 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.

The fights will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

The main event is a 12-round super featherweight title showdown between Miguel Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) from Merida, Mexico, and Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) from Tokyo, Japan. Fighting in the U.S. for only the second time, Berchelt will be making his first title defense since taking the belt from Francisco Vargas last January in a thrilling fight seen on HBO. The current mandatory at 130 pounds, Miura is a former super featherweight champ looking to regain the title he lost to Francisco Vargas in 2015, a bruising battle that captured consensus “fight of the year” honors.

The middle bout features Jezreel Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) from San Miguelito, Panama and Robinson Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs) from Celaya, Mexico in a scheduled 12-round super featherweight title contest. Corrales’ only loss came in his second pro fight; he will be making his first U.S. appearance after winning the crown with back-to-back victories over Takashi Uchiyama. Castellanos, who experienced a string of losses early in his professional career, has won 14 of his last 16 fights, scoring an emphatic upset win over former Olympic gold medalist and featherweight champ Yuriorkis Gamboa this past May.

The tripleheader opens with an intriguing light heavyweight contest between New Yorker Joe Smith Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) and Cuban native Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). Smith, who worked in construction on Long Island as he built his ring career, stunned the boxing world last December when he knocked future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins out of the ring. Barrera, now living in Miami, Fla., suffered his only pro loss to reigning 175-pound champion Andre Ward. Both fighters are known for heavy hitting, and a big victory in this 12-round matchup will dramatically enhance the winner’s position in the talent-rich division.

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 BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.




BERCHELT VS. MIURA / CORRALES VS. CASTELLANOS / SMITH, JR. VS. BARRERA CAMP NOTES


LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2017) The all-action fighters participating on the stacked tripleheader this Saturday, July 15 have wrapped up camp and begun their journey to Los Angeles for their championship bouts at The “Fabulous” Forum. The night will feature the rugged Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) defending his hard-earned WBC Super Featherweight belt against Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round main event championship bout. Serving as chief support in the co-main event, Panamanian super-star and newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super featherweight bout for Corrales’s WBA Super World title. Opening up the HBO telecast, current WBC International light heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his belt on the line in a 12-round fight against Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). The action will be televised on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET/PT.

Hear what the teams had to say about their upcoming bouts:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We saw what Miguel Berchelt is capable from his slugfest earlier this year against the rugged Francisco Vargas, and that level of action is what fans should expect to see on July 15 when he takes on former world champion Takashi Miura. With Jezreel Corrales facing Robinson Castellanos, who had an impressive upset over Yuriorkis Gamboa in May, plus Joe Smith, Jr. taking on the heavy-handed Sullivan Barrera, this triple header on HBO Boxing After Dark will surely deliver the type of non-stop action fans crave from boxing.”

MIGUEL “EL ALACRAN” BERCHELT, Current WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:
“I am ready to defend my title and very excited to fight in a big city like Los Angeles with the support of all my countrymen. We have prepared a great deal and next Saturday you will see the best Miguel Berchelt.”

“This by no means will be an easy fight – Miura has gone to war many times in his career and I am expecting nothing less in this fight. I want to prove that winning this belt was no fluke, and defending it against a warrior like Miura is the perfect opportunity to do that.”

TAKASHI MIURA, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:
“I have had a great training camp for this fight. The training is going well. I am preparing myself for a tough fight.”

“This will be my third fight in the United States, and I feel comfortable in getting myself acclimated to the time difference. I am looking forward to being on HBO again and putting on an exciting fight for the boxing fans.”

“If I am able to get the belt back Saturday, and the opportunity is there, I would want to unify the belts in the super featherweight division.”

JEZREEL “EL INVISIBLE” CORRALES, Current WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion:
“I’m going up against a boxer who doesn’t like to waste his punches. I know that he has also watched my fights and that he has studied me well. I know that he will come forward to attack me, and to look for opportunities to get his lost chance back in the sport.”

“He will try to overwhelm me, and he will try to throw punches to knock me out, but, that’s why they call me ‘El Invisible’ (The Invisible). I won’t let him catch me. Like we say here in Panama, he will be left unsatisfied and wanting more after meeting me in the ring.”

ROBINSON “ROBIN HOOD” CASTELLANOS, Super Featherweight Contender:
“I’ve enjoyed this preparation; however, the work has been intense. There is a motivating environment in the team, and I am very encouraged.”

“We have been working with several left-handed sparring players to fine-tune the strategy. I know that Jezreel is surely doing his part to win, and I hope it turns out an attractive fight for fans and HBO for both him and me. This fight opens doors for me to take part in huge cards like this one.”

JOE SMITH, JR., Current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:

“It feels great to be fighting on HBO. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m in great shape and ready to put on a tremendous performance against Sullivan Barrera. It’s not like fighting at home but I’m looking forward to fighting at the Forum again, I was treated very well there and it’s a tremendous and legendary venue. I like Los Angeles; the fans were very good to me as well.”

“I saw Sullivan Barrera’s fight with Andre Ward, and I’ve seen a few of his other fights. This fight is a huge challenge to me as he’s got a lot of experience but I’ll be ready on July 15.”

“I’d still like to fight Adonis Stevenson. I was ready this year, and I’ll be ready at any time but now my focus is solely on this fight. Joe DeGuardia has done a great job of getting me these opportunities, particularly with Fonfara and Hopkins and now with Barrera, it’s my job to take care of business in the ring.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Former USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion
“This is going to be a very interesting fight, and it is a great fight for my career. When I come out victorious, it should either give me a shot at the title or get me one step closer to fighting for a title. Smith beat a legend in Bernard Hopkins, but [Hopkins] had been out of the ring for a long time before their fight.”

“Down the road, I would like to fight for a title next. But if I cannot fight for a title in my next fight, I would like to fight Eleider Alvarez or Nathan Cleverly.”

“July 15, I am going to come out victorious. I want to let all the fans know that they should tune-in to HBO. With the help of God, on July 15 I will be coming back home with the WBC International light heavyweight belt.”

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 P.M ET/PT. The livestream portion will begin at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT through 9:50 p.m. ET/ 6:50 p.m. PT on RingTV.com.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PT to 7:00 p.m. PT) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow the conversation using #bercheltmiura.

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




WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL BERCHELT TO MAKE FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION TAKASHI MIURA ON SATURDAY JULY 15 AT THE ‘FABULOUS’ FORUM


LOS ANGELES (May 17, 2017) – The white-hot super featherweight division will be on full display Saturday, July 15 when two world title fights come to Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum as part of a stacked tripleheader on HBO Boxing After Dark.

In the main event that has “Fight of the Year” candidate written all over it, newly crowned WBC World Super Featherweight Champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) will make his first title defense against former world champion and mandatory challenger Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs).

In the co-main, Panamanian superstar and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-0, 8 KOs) will look to keep his title and undefeated record, as he makes his stateside debut against a resurgent Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs), hot off his massive upset victory over two-time world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa.

Opening up the televised card, WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will return West from Long Island to put his belt on the line against the Miami-based Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs) in a battle of heavy-handed sluggers.

“The super featherweight division is absolutely stacked with skilled, high-action fighters right now, and the four competitors atop this card are competing to see who will be the top dog,” Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions said.”Add to that a showdown between two of the top light heavyweights in the world in Smith and Barrera, and you have all the makings of a trio of absolute wars on July 15.”

Riding a 10-consecutive knockout streak culminating in an 11th-round stoppage of Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in January, Berchelt — fighting out of Merida, Mexico — will look to continue his winning ways in just his second fight on American soil.

“I took on this challenge, because I only want to fight the best,” Berchelt, 25, said. “I know that Miura is a true warrior and always leaves it all in the ring, but I am young and hungry and am confident that I will return to Mexico with the world championship belt still around my waist.”

Miura, one half of the consensus 2015 Fight of the Year with Vargas, returns after a dynamic 12th-round stoppage against Miguel “Mickey” Roman on the same card that Berchelt defeated Vargas for the WBC crown.

“I have wanted to regain my championship belt from the moment I lost it in November of 2015,” Miura said. “I know Berchelt is strong, and I know that we’ll go head to head for this world championship title that will prove to be a great fight.”

The 25-year-old Corrales, a southpaw, earned his title with back-to-back victories over Takashi Uchiyama, who was at the time thought to be the No. 1 fighter in the division.

“I am excited to make my United States debut and defend my world title,” Corrales said. “While people in America might not yet be familiar with me, they will surely know my name after this fight.”

His opponent, Castellanos, has defeated top opponents throughout his career including Ronny Rios and Rocky Juarez, but his shocking TKO victory over Gamboa is what catapulted the 35-year-old Castellanos into title contention.

“This is the biggest fight of my career, and I am not going to let the opportunity slip away,” Castellanos said. “I have the experience and power to take out Corrales and that’s exactly what I’m going to do on July 15.”

In the televised opener, Joe Smith Jr. returns to the site of his greatest victory looking to follow up on his knockout of legendary Bernard Hopkins at the end of 2016.

“I’m thrilled to be back on HBO against another top light heavyweight,Sullivan Barrera,” Smith said. “I’ve already started training and will be more than ready on July 15. There’s a number of great fighters in our division and I’m looking forward to another victory on my way to a world title shot.”

Smith will take on the heavy-handed Sullivan Barrera, who is riding a two-fight knockout streak – including a seventh-round stoppage of previously undefeated Vyacheslav Shabranskyy — after taking his only professional loss against top five pound-for-pound fighter, Andre “S.O.G.” Ward.

“This is a great opportunity for me. I want to thank my entire team for making this happen,” Barrera said. “I respect Joe for taking this fight. He is a great fighter and I have a tough test on July 15. I will work hard to put on a great show for all the fans.”

“This should be a spectacular fight,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing.”Over the past few months many have refused to fight Joe Smith Jr., so I give credit to Sullivan Barrera, who, like Joe, is a tough fighter willing to fight anyone. Joe’s captivating rise as a humble working-class ‘Common Man’ has resonated with sports fans all over the world and I look forward to being at the Forum on HBO as Joe and Sullivan battle for the future.”

This is a really interesting fight,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “It is a can’t miss fight because Barrera and Smith are both finishers. We are all eager to see how this plays out and I give credit to both men for wanting a challenge.”

Tickets for Berchelt vs. Miura are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person, go on sale Wednesday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. PT. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 9:50 P.M EST/PST.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow the conversation using #bercheltmiura.