O’Shaquie Foster won the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Rey Vargas at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

In round three, Vargas was bleeding over his left eye from a punch.

Foster, 129.4 lbs of Orange, TX won by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 20-2. Vargas, 129.2 lbs of Mexico City is 36-1.

Mario Barrios stopped Jovanie Santiago in round eight of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round eight, Barrios put Santiago on the canvas with a left hook to the body. Barrios continued to land heavy shots until the bout was stopped at 1:42.

Barrios, 146.8 lbs of San Antonio is 27-2 with 18 knockouts. Santiago, 145.8 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 14-3-1.

Lemier Pero stopped Viktor Faust in round eight of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round eight, Pero landed a body shot that had Faust turned his back in resignation. Pero landed four shots and the fight was stopped at 2:28.

Pero, 242.8 lbs of Miami is 9-0 with six knockouts. Faust, 234 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-1.

Claudio Marrero scored a fifth round stoppage over Gonzalo Fuenzalida in a lightweight fight.

Marrero, 135 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 27-5 with 19 knockouts. Fuenzalida, 134.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-2.

Dainier Pero won a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel Zavala in a heavyweight bout.

Pero, 244.2 lbs of Miami won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Zavala, 257.4 lbs of Del Rio, TX is 2-2-2.

David Whitmire stopped Keith Foreman in the opening round of a four-round super welterweight bout of debutants.

In round one, Whitmire dropped Foreman with a left hook. Another left hook dropped Foreman and the fight was stopped at 2:10

Whitmire, 148.8 lbs of Washington, DC is 1-0 with one knockout. Foreman, 149 lbs of Harlington, TX is 0-1.

SAN ANTONIO, T.X. – January 23, 2023 – Undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas will battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, now trained by top trainer Bob Santos, returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Pero takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com.

“One of the best fighters representing Mexico in the sport today, Rey Vargas will look to continue to add to his resume in a tough fight against O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Vargas has continued to pass every test put in front of him, and he’ll hope to do so once again on Saturday, February 11 on SHOWTIME. San Antonio is one of the best fight towns in the country, and with their hometown star Mario Barrios in the co-main event, plus an explosive clash of unbeaten heavyweights as the telecast opener, there’s no doubt fight fans will want to be out in full force at the Alamodome.”

Vargas (36-0, 22 KOs) is a former WBC 122-pound world champion and current WBC Featherweight World Champion who will compete in his third weight division since 2019 when he faces Foster for the vacant WBC crown. A master of distance with every punch in the book at his disposal, Vargas captured his 126-pound world title in his last bout with a decision victory over Mark Magsayo at the Alamodome on SHOWTIME last July. That marked his second outing at featherweight after the 32-year-old returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November 2021. The product of Otumba, Mexico went on the road to the United Kingdom to capture his super bantamweight title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell, before racking up five successful title defenses. He has fought in the United States seven-straight times since picking up the 122-pound title.

“The Alamodome is definitely a beautiful venue and a place where I have wonderful memories, and we’re coming back to do it again on February 11,” Vargas said. “I want to thrill the fans so Foster can come at me with whatever he has. Let’s give the fans what they want. I’ve fought all kinds of styles, so nothing really surprises me. I have a hunch that Foster is going to come forward and be aggressive. If he fights me tactically, then I’ll be ready for that too.”

Following an extensive amateur career, Foster (19-2, 11 KOs) turned pro in September 2012, winning his first eight bouts. The 29-year-old, who has fought four times on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®, bounced back from decision losses in 2015 and 2016 to put together his current nine-fight winning streak. A native of Orange, Texas, who now trains in nearby Houston, Foster scored a 2018 victory over the previously unbeaten Jon Fernandez that set him on his path toward the top of the WBC super featherweight rankings. Foster solidified his spot with a knockout of veteran former title challenger Miguel Roman in November 2020 and followed that up with a 12-round unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov in March of last year.

“I appreciate Vargas for coming up and challenging me for the world title,” Foster said. “I’ve had to take a lot of ‘0’s’ lately and Vargas is going to be another one on the list. I’m looking to become the first world titlist to come out of my city so that I can make history for Orange, Texas and raise the bar for the next generation. I’m ready to show the world that I’m one of the top fighters.”

The 27-year-old Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) returns to the ring after challenging former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in February 2022, dropping a decision in a hard-fought clash. The San Antonio-product, who now trains with Santos, a top coach, in Las Vegas, became a 140-pound world champion in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“Everyone knows I come with everything I got when I step into the ring, and I’m excited to be back for this big opportunity on SHOWTIME,” said Barrios. “I’m even more motivated knowing that I get to fight back at home in San Antonio and give my people a great fight. Everyone is going to see pure boxing entertainment as I’ll be putting my skills on display with bad intentions. I’ve proven that I’m a warrior every time I get into the ring and I’m bringing that same energy for Santiago.”

Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and now residing in Dorado, Santiago (14-2-1, 10 KOs) impressed in his U.S. debut in February 2021 despite losing a competitive decision against four-division champion Adrien Broner on SHOWTIME. The 31-year-old followed that up in May challenging top 140-pound contender Gary Antuanne Russell in a bout he lost by sixth-round stoppage. Prior to those fights, Santiago had won four of five contests by knockout, a streak that followed a 10-round decision triumph over DeMarcus Corley in 2017. Santiago’s only blemish before the Broner fight was a majority draw in just his third pro contest.

“This is going to be a very exciting fight,” said Santiago. “I’m ready to go in there and throw a lot of punches. Barrios and I are both looking to bounce back from losses and show that we’re elite fighters. That’s going to make this an action-packed fight and I know that I have everything it takes to leave with my hand raised. The fans in San Antonio can expect us to give it our all from start to finish.”

A 2016 Olympian from Camaguey, Cuba, Pero (8-0, 5 KOs) had an extensive and highly successful amateur career that spanned over 100 fights, including multiple victories over countryman Frank Sanchez and efforts against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight prospect Filip Hrgovic and Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir Jalolov. The 30-year-old now fights out of Miami, Fla., and made a successful U.S. debut on New Year’s Day 2022, defeating then-unbeaten Geovany Bruzon. He’s added two more victories since then, most recently knocking out Joel Caudle in a bout streamed via the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page in August.

“I’m really looking forward to making my SHOWTIME debut on February 11,” said Pero. “Ever since I started boxing, I’ve been working toward my goal of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight world champion. Faust is a good opponent, and this is by far the biggest fight of my career. A victory will skyrocket my career and put me in a great position. I’m going to seize this moment and bring home a victory for my people in Cuba.”

Faust (11-0, 7 KOs) returns to fight in the U.S. after his last stateside outing saw him engage in one of 2022’s most unpredictable and fast-paced slugfests. The 30-year-old squared off with Iago Kiladze in January 2022 with both men hitting the canvas an astonishing five times combined in less than five minutes of action before the Ukrainian closed out the action in round two to earn a TKO. Faust has followed that up with decision wins over veteran title challenger Kevin Johnson in August and Franklin Lawrence in December before he returns to fight in the U.S. for the third time.

“This is a great opportunity for me to show off my talents in the U.S.,” said Faust. “I’m especially happy to be back against a great opponent like Pero. He was a good amateur, and I know we’ll both be very confident heading into this fight. I’m going to win and show everyone that I’m ready to do everything possible to reach my goal and become world champion.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #VargasFoster, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Unbeaten heavyweight contender Lenier Pero will now be training in Las Vegas under the guidance of red hot trainer Bob Santos. 

The fast rising Cuban southpaw will also be retaining the services of legendary Cuban coach Pedro Roque. 

“I am very excited to be coming to the boxing capital of the world to train with Bob Santos. He’s a great trainer and has picked up some very important victories.  I believe with my amateur experience, what I have learned from Mr. Roque and what Santos adds to my repertoire, it won’t be long before I am heavyweight champion of the world,” said Pero. 

Santos recently guided Alberto Puello and Hector Luis Garcia to world titles on the same night and is looking forward to working with Pero who also fought that night on the undercard. 

“It is a trainer’s dream to work with a hard hitting southpaw heavyweight with the amateur pedigree of Pero. The sky is the limit for how far he can go in the sport,” Santos stated. “I am also excited that Roque will remain with the team.”

Roque is a legend in the sport, having guided the Cuban national team to multiple Olympic medals. He also more recently headed the U.S. national team. 

Pero is 3-0 in 2022 with all three wins coming by knockout. He will be returning to the ring in the Fall. 

Santos stable of fighters also includes the likes of Carlos Adames, Erick Rosa, Victor Santillan, Kevin Brown and several other top contenders and rising prospects. 

Sergey Lipinets (17-2-1,13KO) stopped Omar Figueroa Jr (28-3-1,19KO) in the Main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime Championship Boxing card, at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida 1000 dollar loan guaranteed. Lipinets dropped Figueroa in round two, and continued to pick apart the awkward, hard-charging Figueroa. The rounds became more lopsided, and after the seventh round, Omar Figueroa Sr. said his son took enough punishment, and threw in the towel to save his boy.  Lipinets, who took the fight on short notice after Adrien Broner withdrew, got his career back on track in this  WBC super lightweight title eliminator. Figueroa may be looking to call it a career after his third consecutive loss, and the second one from this stool.

Puello Decisions Akhmedov to Win WBA Super Lightweight Title

In the Co-man event, Alberto Puello (21-0 10 KOs) won the WBA World Super Lightweight title with a razor-sharp decision over Batyr Akhmedov (9-2 8 KOs).  This chess match was toe-to-toe for 12 rounds. The fight was very close, with many rounds that could have gone to either fighter.  The last round could have been one of the more exciting rounds, leaving the fans at the Hard Rock Live restless for more. The final cards came in at 115-113 Akhmedov and 117-111 twice for Puello.

Hector Garcia wins WBA Super Featherweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Roger Gutierrez

Hector Garcia, 16-0 (10KO) lifted the WBA Super Featherweight strap from Roger Gutierrez, 26-4-1 (20KO) with a unanimous decision victory.  Garcia beat the former champion to the punch in a chess match of a fight that heated up as it went on. Rounds nine through twelve saw much more action as both fighters had their moments of hard punching and flurries. The official cards were unanimous for Garcia reading 117-111 twice and 118-110.

Lee Gets of the Deck; Decisions Madera

Hard-hitting Brandun Lee 26-0 (22KO) was floored for the first time in his career by a huge right hand in the third round from Will Madera 17-2-3(10KO).  Lee regained his composure, and finished the round. He went on to win nearly every other round behind a solid jab and a steady output.  Madera had his moments, but it was Lee with the unanimous decision victory with all three cards reading 98-91.

Fiodor Czerkaszyn 20-0 (13 KOs) from Warsaw Poland knocked out Gilbert Venegas Jr. 11-2 (7 KOs) in round four of their welterweight fight with a huge right hand. Venegas was competitive in parts of the fight, however, Czerkaszyns’ pinpoint power punching was just too much for the product from East Moline IL.

Lenier Pero improved 8-0(5KO) with a first-round KO over Joel Caudle 9-7-2(6 KOs).

Super Lightweight Ismael Barroso improves to 24-3-2(22KO) with a KO4 (2:11) over rugged Fernando Saucedo 

Super Welterweight Miguel Hernandez remains perfect at 6-0(6KO) with a KO3 (2:05)  win over Anthony Hannah.

Super Bantamweight Michael Angeletti improved to 6-0 (5KO) with KO1 (2:28) win over Rafael Morel 1-6-1(1 KOs).

Relentless Francisco Portillo 18-11-2  from Tijuana Mexico came off the canvas to win a six-round unanimous decision over former world Champion Rau’shee Warren 19-4(5KO)

Scorecards were 58-56 twice & 57-57.

Light Heavyweight Robert Burwell 9-7 (3 KOs) was competitive in his scrap with the highly favored and former multiple-time national champion from Philadelphia Atif Oberlton 6-0(5KO).  Oberlton kept the pressure from the opening round, winning nearly every frame working behind a stiff jab and a solid right hand. Burwell took all Oberlton would dish out, going out on his shield in the final round. Oberlton goes the distance the first time with a unanimous decision win with the cards read 60-54 twice and 59-55.

Hialeah, FL / May 9, 2022 –Below are results from Saturday night’s big show at Hialeah Park that saw rising heavyweight Lenier Pero score a 2nd round stoppage over Hector Perez to capture the NABA Central Heavyweight title.

The exciting card was promoted by Warriors Boxing and Rivalta Boxing, and was streamed worldwide on FITE.TV

RESULTS

10 Rounds–Heavyweights–Lemier Pero (7-0, 4 KOs) TKO 2 at 2:04 over Hector Perez (7-5)

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10 Rounds–Cruiserweights–David Light (18-0, 11 KOs) TKO 1 at 2:04 over Anthony Martinez (12-2).

8 Rounds–Super Lightweight–Orestes Velazquez (4-0, 4 KOs) KO 2 at 49 seconds over Juan Carlos Salgado (28-10-1).

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6 Rounds–Super Bantamweights–Victor Abreu (1-0, 1 KO) KO 1 at 1:03 over Ezequiel A Tevez (13-8)

6 Rounds–Middleweights–John David Martinez (14-2, 12 KOs) TKO 5 at 1:06 over Sergio S Castellano (11-10)

6 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Ulysses Diaz (13-1, 12 KOs) KO 1 at 1:59 over Mariano Jose Riva (14-10).

6 Rounds–Super Bantamweight–Ariel Perez de la Torre (8-0, 6 KO) TKO 2 at 46 seconds over Lucas R Baes (37-22-5)

8 Rounds–Super Welterweights–Livan Navarro (12-1) U DEC (80-72 on all cards) over Silverio Ortiz (37-30).

8 Rounds–Welterweights–Hugo Noriega (2-0) U DEC (79-72 on all cards) over Ramon de la Cruz Sena (23-33-3).

6 Rounds–Light Heavyweights–Isaac Carbonell (6-0, 5 KOs) TKO 1 at 2:54 over Jose Emanuel Merano Beltran (5-7)

Photos By Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

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Hialeah, FL / April 12, 2022 – Professional boxing returns to this iconic South Florida landmark for the second time this year on Saturday May 7, 2022 at 7 PM when Hialeah Park Casino, in association with Warriors Boxing and Rivalta Boxing, presents “Una Gran Noche De Boxeo Cubano 2.”

The card will be highlighted by two title fights, one featuring the undefeated Cuban heavyweight prospect and Mike Tyson look-alike Lenier “El Justiciero” Peró (6-0, 3 KOs) against Hector Perez (7-4, 3 KOs) for the NABO Heavyweight championship and the other pitting cruiserweight Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez (12-1, 11 KOs) against #15 IBF contender David Light (17-0, 11 KOs) of New Zealand for the WBO International Cruiserweight title.

“Peró was a very accomplished amateur who won gold medals for Cuba at the Pan American Games and fought at the 2016 Summer Olympics,” said promoter Henry Rivalta. “He’s a fantastic prospect, a very technical and graceful fighter. But he needs to be ready to fight! Perez is super tough and he’s on the comeback trail.”

As for the Martinez-Light matchup, “This fight will be a major class test for the local fighter Martinez,” explained Rivalta. “Light has held three different regional cruiserweight titles and he’s looking to break into the IBF Top 10.”

Before the main events on the May 7 card, Cuban super-lightweight Orestes Velazquez (3-0, 3 KOs), coming off a victory in “the fight of the night” on the January 28 card at Hialeah Park, faces former WBO champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-9, 16 KOs), Cuban welterweight Livan Navarro (11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his only defeat to face tough Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz (37-29, 18 KOs), and Cuban super-bantamweight Ariel Perez de la Torre (7-0, 5 KOs) risks his undefeated status against Angel Pillado (13-3, 4 KOs).

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But the fight that has most ringsiders anxious about is the professional debut of Cuban super-bantamweight Victor Abreu, who will fight early in the evening.

“This kid is really special,” said Rivalta. “He fought over 170 times as an amateur in Cuba, he’s incredibly well-built for a 122-pounder, and I’m predicting he will be a world champion before the end of 2023.”

Tickets for the fights will be on sale this Friday, April 15th through the Hialeah Park website at www.hialeahpark.com

HOLLYWOOD, FLA–IBF #10 Luis “King Kong” Ortiz 33-2(28KO) kept his name in the top Heavyweight conversation with big over IBF #2 Charles Martin 28-3-1 (25KO) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Martin former IBF heavyweight champion dropped Ortiz in round one and four, but round six was all Ortiz when he let his hands go in a fist of fury to drop Martin twice on the way to his TKO Victory.  Ortiz has been a fixture atop heavyweight rankings for years, with his only defeats coming in memorable contests against former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Official Time was 1:37 Round 6.

FRANK SANCHEZ REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH A DECISION WIN OVER HAMMER

Canelo Alverez was on hand to watch his stablemate Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez 20-0 (13KO) go to work in his heavyweight showdown against war-tested Christian Hammer 26-9 (16KO). Sanchez dropped Hammer in the final frame on his way to a shutout, with all the cards reading 100-89.  In comparison, Luis Ortiz nor Alexander Povetkin was able to stop Hammer but he was stopped by Tyson Fury in 2015 and Hugie Fury in October (retired due to a bicep injury.). 

JONNIE RICE BEATS MICHAEL COFFIE AGAIN

Heavyweight Jonnie Rice 15-6-1 (10KO) outlasted Michael Coffie 12-2(9KO) for his second upset in a row. In a slow-paced 10 round flightThis was a rematch from his upset win in July when Coffie was stopped by Rice in the 5th.

The cards read 97-93 twice and 99-91.

Demirezen Stops Washington in 8

The heavyweight action continued at the Seminole Hard Rock & Casino with Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen 15-1(12KO) stopping Gerald Washington 20-5-1(13KO) in the eighth round.  Demirezen hunted Washington from the opening bell, it was an effort of hard work and “chopping of the tree” as they say, until 0:29 of the eighth when referee Frank Santore Jr halted the action in round 8. Washington was stopped by Charles Martin last year and before that, Adam Kownacki, Jarrell Miller, and Deontay Wilder.

Faust stops Kiladze in 2 Round Classic

The main card started with bombs and fireworks with Heavyweights Viktor Faust 9-0 (7KO) and Iago Kiladze 27-6-1(19KO) who put on an instant classic in an absolute 2 round war. 

Five total knockdowns, In round one Faust dropped Kiladze, then Kiladze returned the favor and dropped Faust then Faust was dropped Kiladze for a second time in round one.  The fireworks continued immediately in round two when Kiladze dropped Faust and then Faust came right back and dropped Kiladze, during the count referee Sam Burgos saw concern and waved off the fight, a very unpopular decision to the crowd. Officially a TKO2 win for Faust. What a fight!

Frank “The Ghost” Martin dropped Romero Duno 24-3 (19KO) twice with big straight left hands in the fourth for a TKO win improving his impressive record to 15-0 (11KO). After the fight, Martin put the top of the lightweight division on notice. “We right here we don’t need no time, we are ready for whoever, anyone in the top 5, We could do Devin Haney.”

The 26-year-old southpaw Martin is originally from Detroit and now trains in the Dallas area under the guidance of top trainer Derrick James and alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

In a slugfest of two unbeaten Cuban Heavyweights southpaws, former Olympian Lenier Pero 6-0 (3KO), outworked Geovany Bruzon 6-1 (5KO) in an 8 round battle.  The cards read 78-74 and 77-75.  Great matchup of two young undefeated fighters.

Former 2 time national Golden Glove Champion junior lightweight Maliek Montgomery improved to 12-0 (11KO) while stopping Angel Luna 14-9,  at 1:59 in the 3rd.

Welterweight Alayn Limonta moved his record to a perfect 4-0(4KO) with a 4th round TKO over Ray Barlow 5-2 (3KO)

In another slugfest of unbeaten heavyweights Steven Torres 5-0-1(5KO) and James Evans 4-0-1(4KO), battled for 4 hard rounds, often testing the others’ chins with big right hands.  In the end, the cards read 40-36 for Torres, 39-37 Evans, and 38-38 resulting in a split draw.

Light heavyweight Atif Oberlton 5-0 (5KO) dropped Ernest Amuzu 26-6 (22KO) in the first round and kept the pressure on until 2:59 of round 2 when Amuzu’s corner called an end to the fight to save their fighter.

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (December 28, 2021) – Unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin, who fights under Errol Spence Jr.’s Man Down Promotions banner, will square off against Romero Duno in a 10-round showdown that tops PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, January 1 kicking off the New Year from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The FOX broadcast begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and will see undefeated Cuban heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Geovany Bruzon battles 2016 Olympian Lenier Pero in the 10-round co-feature.

The two-hour FOX kickoff show precedes a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View heavyweight extravaganza featuring top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz facing former heavyweight champion Charles Martin in the main event, plus heavyweight rising star Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez battling Christian Hammer in the co-main event. Hammer replaces Carlos Negron, who was forced to withdraw after a positive COVID test.

The pay-per-view action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see heavyweight contenders Jonnie Rice and Michael Coffie battle in a 10-round rematch, former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 10-round showdown against Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen and unbeaten Viktor Faust facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round attraction to open the pay-per-view.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Martin vs. Duno is promoted in association with Man Down Promotions.

The 26-year-old Martin (14-0, 10 KOs) has risen up the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories. Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance in April, before most recently earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. Originally from Indianapolis, Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of top trainer Derrick James and alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

Representing his native Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Philippines, Duno (24-2, 19 KOs) enters the fight the winner of three-straight bouts, all by knockout. The 26-year-old has put together the winning-streak following a 2019 defeat to unbeaten contender Ryan Garcia. Duno’s 2021 triumphs have come over Ramon Elizer Esperanza in August and Jonathan Perez in September.

The 24-year-old Bruzon (6-0, 5 KOs) was born in Holguin, Cuba and now fights out of Las Vegas. A pro since 2019, Bruzon scored first or second round stoppages in his first five bouts, before his most recent contest ended in a technical decision victory. Bruzon makes his U.S. debut on January 1, having most recently won that decision over German Garcia in April, a fight that saw him go eight rounds for the first time.

A 2016 Olympian from Camaguey, Cuba, Pero (5-0, 3 KOs) had an extensive and successful amateur career that spanned over 100 fights, including multiple victories over countryman Frank Sanchez, in addition to challenges against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight prospect Filip Hrgovic and Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov. The 29-year-old now fights out of Trelew, Chubut, Argentina, and will also be making his U.S. debut on January 1. Pero most recently knocked out Dumar Carrascal in the first round in June.

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ABOUT ORTIZ VS. MARTIN
Ortiz vs. Martin will see top heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz take on former world champion Charles Martin in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator topping a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on New Year’s Day live from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising heavyweight star Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will square off against Christian Hammer in a 10-round attraction.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see heavyweight contenders Jonnie Rice and Michael Coffie battle in a 10-round rematch, former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 10-round showdown against Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen and unbeaten Viktor Faust facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round attraction to open the pay-per-view.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.