EL PASO, TX. (April 25, 2018) – Rugged veteran Josesito Lopez and unbeaten Miguel Cruz faced-off Thursday and discussed their upcoming showdown Saturday, April 28 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Also squaring-off Thursday and competing in PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action that begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT were former world champion Anthony Dirrell and El Paso’s Abraham Han, who meet in a 10 round super middleweight clash, and featherweight brawlers Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero, who compete in a 10 round fight.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Don Haskins Center:

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m well prepared for this fight, I’ve had a great camp with Robert Garcia. I have a tough unbeaten opponent who’s really good. I just have to prove I’m better on Saturday night.

“I’m so excited to be finally fighting in Texas and I’ve gotten so much love and support already from this city. I can’t wait to give these fans a show.

“This is the kind of fight that I can really display my skills. I’m going to show everyone the same heart that I always do, combined with some skills that Robert Garcia has helped get.

“I’m going to be prepared for anything on Saturday. Cruz is unbeaten and that brings its own kind of mentality. I know I have what it takes to conquer this challenge and fight the best in the division.

“This is going to be a textbook Josesito Lopez performance. I’m going to fight my hardest from bell to bell and take this victory home with me.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“El Paso has been great to me and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’m in this city to fight. I’m here to come and prove myself in this welterweight division.

“I have respect for what Josesito’s done in the game, but at the end of the day, this is the premier division in boxing. I feel I’m one of the best guys at 147 and I’ll be here for a while. I’m going to be a force.

“I know Josesito is bringing the fight and I promise you I’m bringing it as well. I will come out on top. This is a can’t miss fight for sure.

“I have to be smart and execute my game plan round after round. My jab will be key and if I can use that and wear him down to the body, I think I’ll have a great chance to stop him.

“I know what it takes to win at this level now. I’ve gotten better each fight and I think my time is now. People are going to know my name after Saturday night.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“I plan on going in there and getting the victory. I know Han is a great fighter who will bring the best out of me. That’s what I need right now.

“Come Saturday it’s going to be just another fight for me. I take everybody seriously. I know that anything can happen in that ring. I prepared well for this fight and I’m ready to get the win.

“Everyone knows that I’m a championship-caliber fighter and I’ll prove it again on Saturday. After this fight, I’m ready to take on any of the super middleweight champions. I’ll beat any of them.

“I’m the best fighter that he’s ever going to fight and he will see that on Saturday. I’m going to leave no doubt.”

ABRAHAM HAN

“I’ve fought in many other people’s backyards so being able to fight here in my hometown is amazing. I turn it up to a different level here. The crowd will give me a big boost in energy and it’s going to help me get the win.

“I hope the sports fans of El Paso come out and watch me put on a great performance. I know the type of challenge I have in front of me, but I also know that I have the skills to pull this off.

“This is a great opportunity to show people outside of El Paso what kind of fighter I really am. I have a lot of experience and I’ve fought all over, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been more prepared for a fight.

“Anthony Dirrell is a great champion but I’m a champion of this city. This is my chance to take down a big name and move to the next level of the sport.”

JORGE LARA

“I’m going to leave the ring Saturday night with my hand raised. I’ve had a wonderful training camp and I prepared perfectly for this fight. It will show on fight night.

“Marrero better be ready, because I’m going to come at him and look for the kill early. I want to make a statement and I’ll go through him to make it.

“I’m very focused and ready to take home this win on Saturday night. The fans are going to love my style and the heart that I fight with.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“I hope that Jorge Lara is ready to fight on Saturday night. This is going to be a battle and I know that we’ll both leave everything in the ring.

“I prepared well for this fight because I know that everything is on the line for me. I have to be victorious so I can go on and get where I want to in boxing.

“I’m more skilled and more experienced than anyone that Lara has faced and on Saturday night I’m going to give him lots of problems.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

EL PASO, TX. (April 25, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes card, headlined by Josesito Lopez battling Miguel Cruz in welterweight action, participated in a media workout Wednesday in El Paso before they step into the ring at Don Haskins Center.

Also participating in the workout was former world champion Anthony Dirrell and El Paso’s Abraham Han, who meet in a 10 round super middleweight clash, and featherweight brawlers Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero, who compete in a 10 round fight.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Wolves Den Gym in El Paso:

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“Having Robert Garcia in my corner has given me the training and preparation of an elite fighter. It’s a big difference. He’s one of the best trainers in the world and I’m going to help show that on Saturday.

“I’ve been training with Robert for quite some time now. I’ve been getting sharp working with other elite fighters in the gym. It’s kept me on my toes and that’s what I needed.

“Cruz is tough, he’s undefeated and he comes focused to win. He’s a good fighter but I’m here this week to prove that I’m a better fighter.

“Experience will definitely play a big part. But I also don’t think he’s faced anyone with the skills I have. All of my losses are to great fighters. I feel like I’ve taken a big step forward here.

“It feels great to be headlining in El Paso on FOX and FOX Deportes. I bring exciting fights and I’m always in wars. Saturday will be no different.

“I’m really excited to finally be fighting in Texas, it’s something I’ve looked for and asked about for many years. Texas holds a big piece of my heart and I’m ready to give the fans here a show on Saturday.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“This was an excellent training camp. It was a hard camp. It was extensive but I got through it and it has me feeling very prepared. It was absolutely the most strenuous camp I’ve had. I always train hard, but this one in particular, I had extra motivation.

“To get the win I need to use my jab and work the body. There are more aspects of it, but those two things are essential for me winning this fight.

“I’ve fought a lot of good, young, strong fighters recently. Past a certain level you learn that you can’t just knock everybody out. You learn to weather the storm and use your energy more efficiently. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a fighter.

“Josesito throws looping punches. That’s tough because it’s a bit unconventional. He throws looping punches that can take away your equilibrium. He’s got a lot of experience and that’s definitely a major factor in what I’ve been preparing for.

“It feels great to be on this stage, but at the same time I know I earned my spot to be here. I remember watching Josesito fighting in 2011 on the Mayweather vs. Ortiz undercard and I knew right then that I was going to be in the ring with these guys.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“I had a great, eight-week long training camp with great sparring. I feel good and I’m ready to fight for sure.

“I know that Han is a warrior. He’s rugged and that’s why I chose to fight him here in his backyard. I know that he’s going to bring a fight for me.

“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring. The audience can’t help him. All his fans can’t help him. Coaches can only help him between rounds. I’m going to block everything else out and just focus on him.

“I just need to stick to what we worked on in training camp. We have to implement those strategies and you’ll see it come Saturday night.

“I’m a better, stronger and wiser fighter these days. I’ve been through a lot to stay in world title contention. Everybody knows how badly I want my title back. On Saturday, everyone will see that I’m a champion. I’m ready for anyone with a belt.”

ABRAHAM HAN

“I’m so happy to be fighting at home on this big stage. In many ways this is a dream come true and something that’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to perform in front of my people.

“I know I’m the underdog versus Dirrell but that doesn’t bother me at all. I always train to be better than anyone expects me to be. This fight will be no difference.

“This is a big fight for me and I’ve been training so hard to put on a great show for my hometown fans. This is a great fight town and I’m going to give the fans something to cheer about.”

JORGE LARA

“I’m so excited to get in the ring. I’m still eating right now leading up to the weigh-in and I feel ready to go. I’m eager to step into the ring.

“I’m not worried about Claudio Marrero. I’m just staying loose and focused on what I have to do. Marrero has to focus on me because he’s never fought a guy like me. I’m going to stay loose and bring the fight to him.

“The world title is my destiny. This is one shot closer to a world title. I’m highly ranked but the champions don’t want to give me a chance. So I will have to fight my way there.

“I’m like a dog going after a bone in the ring. I just want to fight. I’m here to take the fight right to him.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“It was a very hard training camp like always. I take it very seriously and I’m ready for this fight on Saturday night.

“I know I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter who will leave it all in the ring. We worked very hard on a plan for him.

“He must be mistaken if he thinks I’ve never seen a fighter like him before. It’s the other way around. He’ll definitely know what level I’m on after Saturday night.

“My style is to both come forward, but have the ability to move backward. It’s all about what the fight dictates and what my corner wants.

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

EL PASO, TX (March 28, 2018) – Action will be the order of the evening as a trio of hotly-contested showdowns will highlight an exciting night Saturday, April 28 live in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Josesito Lopez, known as “The Riverside Rocky”, will battle rising contender Miguel Cruz in a 10-round welterweight showdown. Former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell takes on El Paso’s Abraham Han in a 10-round 168-pound skirmish. The night also features unbeaten Mexican featherweight contender Jorge Lara clashing with Dominican brawler Claudio Marrero in the 10-round opening bout that kicks off coverage at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale today, March 28 at 10 a.m. MT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

“This is an all-action show that has all of the elements that boxing fans have come to love,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Miguel Cruz is a talented rising contender who will be taking a major step up against a hardened veteran in Josesito Lopez. Anthony Dirrell is a former world champion who is anxious to get back into the title picture and El Paso’s own Abraham Han has title aspirations of his own. And Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero are two of the biggest punchers in the featherweight division. It promises to be a very entertaining show for boxing fans.”

Lopez (35-7, 19 KOs) is a battle-tested veteran who has been in the ring with some of the top boxers in the sport, including Marcos Maidana, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jessie Vargas. The 33-year-old Lopez of Riverside, California scored one of the biggest wins of his career when he stopped Victor Ortiz by TKO in 2012. He has been on a two-fight win streak since losing to Andre Berto and in his last fight he defeated Saul Corral by a unanimous decision on April 9, 2017 live on FS1.

“Miguel Cruz has not faced a fighter on my level,” said Lopez. “I’m the most experienced fighter that Cruz will have fought. I’m confident in my abilities and the fact that I will come out with a victory. I’m ready to go straight through Miguel Cruz and prove I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.”

Cruz (17-0, 11 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career when he takes on Lopez. The 27-year-old Cruz of Lake Mary, Florida was a member of the Puerto Rican national team as an amateur and picked up four victories in 2017. In his last fight he battled adversity by overcoming two cuts to score a unanimous decision over David Grayton on Nov. 21 on FS1 and also defeated then unbeaten Alex Martin twice in 2017 in a pair of exciting contests on FS1.

“I am incredibly excited to have a fight of this magnitude because this is what I’ve always worked for,” said Cruz. “I’m so ready to test my skills against somebody like Josesito Lopez. I belong to a new era in boxing, and I’m going to shine for the world on April 28. This is going to be an amazing fight for the fans and I’m ready for everyone to enjoy my performance.”

Dirrell (31-1-1, 24 KOs), a former super middleweight world champion from Flint, Michigan, is coming off a technical decision victory over Denis Douglin in November on FS1. The 33-year-old Dirrell won the title with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2015 before dropping a majority decision in 2016 to Badou Jack. Since that loss, Dirrell has won four straight, including a TKO victory over current 168-pound world champion Caleb Truax in 2016.

“Abraham Han is a good fighter coming off of a tough draw with J’Leon Love, and a guy you can’t look past,” said Dirrell. “Caleb Truax proved that by beating James DeGale for the title, so I’m truly focused on this fight right now. He’s a tall, switch-hitter who comes straight forward, but that’s nothing I can’t handle because I’m always ready and in shape to stick to my game plan and execute. I’m always looking for the knockout, and if it comes, then it comes, and I’ll get him out of there.”

Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs) returns to fight in his hometown of El Paso for the ninth time, including a victory he picked up at Don Haskins Center in his fifth pro fight. The 33-year-old is looking to rebound from a technical draw against J’Leon Love last September, in a fight many thought Han was winning before the referee stopped the fight due to a cut caused by an accidental headbutt. He had won three fights in a row heading into that bout against Love.

“Anthony Dirrell probably sees me as someone that he can beat while he waits for a title shot, but I’m looking to mess up his plans,” said Han. “I felt like I won my last fight with J’Leon and would have easily beat him if it wasn’t stopped. This is another great opportunity to fight in my hometown of El Paso. I’ll focus on winning round-by-round and putting on a great show for my fans. I know everyone is going to come out and support me and help carry me to this victory.”

Lara (29-0-1, 21 KOs) has scored two victories, including a knockout against former champion Fernando Montiel, since he had a technical draw against Jesus Rojas in 2015. He knocked down Montiel four times on the way to the first round stoppage in their April 2016 showdown on FOX. The 27-year-old southpaw from Guadalajara, Mexico has shown heavy hands for a featherweight and is coming off a TKO victory over Mario Briones in his last fight on May 20 on FS1.

“I have been training with former champion Alejandro Gonzalez, and four weeks out from the fight, I am already in excellent condition and in tremendous fighting shape,” said Lara. “I know that this is a very important fight, and that Marrero is a very tough opponent, but I am going to be the winner because I am determined to continue on my road toward winning a world title. After that, we’ll see which champion will be ready to give me the opportunity.”

Marrero (22-2, 16 KOs) was riding an eight-fight win streak before losing by knockout to Jesus Rojas in his last fight. Inside of that eight-fight win streak the 29-year-old Dominican southpaw scored a sensational knockout victory over Carlos Zambrano to earn an interim featherweight title on FS1. The only other blemish on Marrero’s record was a unanimous decision loss to former world champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013.

“I’m excited to be fighting on April 28 on this great show in El Paso,” said Marrero. “I’m fighting an undefeated tough Mexican fighter, but this is the type of fight I wanted to put myself back into title contention. I’m really excited to get in there. Come fight night, you will see ‘The Matrix’ in full effect. Don’t miss it because it’s going to be a great fight.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2017) More than 20,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena and millions watching on HBO Pay-Per-View and www.RingTV.com will be treated to a stacked undercard line-up in support of the Sept. 16 showdown between lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs).

In the co-main event, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will take an important step towards a world title opportunity when he takes on Jorge “Pilon” Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator.

“The Canelo vs. Golovkin undercard will feature some of boxing’s best contenders and rising stars the fans will be in for a treat and won’t want to miss the action,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “From Jojo Diaz to Randy Caballero, Diego De La Hoya, Vergil Ortiz, and Marlen Esparza, Golden Boy Promotions has stacked the undercard with some of the toughest fighters in the sport today that are determined to put on great fights for the fans.”

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting in the co-main event of the Canelo vs. Golovkin card,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “I finally get the opportunity to fight for a title eliminator! I’ve been waiting my whole life to become a world champion. On September 16, I’m going to give it everything I got, for all my fans out there.”

“I haven’t seen too much of [Joseph] Diaz, but I know that he’s a tough opponent,” said Jorge Lara. “I also know that he participated in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. More than anything else, I know that we have to give a great fight, and I hope that he throws punches and brawls.”

Also on the Pay-Per-View telecast will be a battle between two undefeated contenders in the Golden Boy stable. Former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) will face WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight battle for Caballero’s NABF Super Bantamweight title.

“I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity that Golden Boy Promotions has given me,” said Randy Caballero. “I promise to all my friends, family and fans that I will put on a great performance come September 16.”

“I’m very motivated and excited for another great opportunity on the biggest boxing event in some time,” said Diego De La Hoya. “Fights like this one versus Caballero are what bring out the best in me, and I guarantee I will give it my all to put on a great show for the fans. I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, my manager, and Team DDLH for the continued support! See you September 16!”

Opening the Pay-Per-View telecast, lightweight contenders Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs), and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will battle it out for Ryan’s WBC Continental Americas and the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight titles.

“I realize there are a lot of big fights that can be made right now in the lightweight division,” said Ryan Martin. “There are lot of projections and talks for me to be a part of some of those bigger fights. But, right now I have to get past Rojo. Preparations are going good, and I will be as sharp as ever on that night. My team is amazing, and my trainers are pushing me really hard.”

“It is an honor to be fighting on the same Mexican Independence Day weekend card as the great Canelo Alvarez,” said Francisco Rojo. “It’s going to be a great night for Mexico when we both leave the ring with all the belts wrapped around us.”

“Ryan Martin is one of the fastest-rising stars of the lightweight division,” said Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “This battle between two hungry top-10 contenders is a great addition to the card and an exciting way to open the pay-per-view telecast.”

The non-televised undercard is stacked with action-packed bouts featuring Golden Boy Promotions’ strongest contenders and prospects.

Jesus Rojas (25-1-2, 18 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Claudio Marrero (22-1, 16 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic will clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Featherweight Title. Vergil Ortiz (6-0, 6 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will take on Cesar Valenzuela (7-1, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, Ariz. in a scheduled six-round super lightweight fight. Marlen Esparza, the 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist will take on Tania Cosme (5-6-1, 1 KO) of Denver, Colorado. Serhii Bohachuk (4-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles will fight in a scheduled four-round welterweight fight against an opponent that will be named shortly in the evening’s first bout.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena 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.

HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (E/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.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 #CaneloGGG.