Michael Conlan rebounded from his first professional loss to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Miguel Marriaga in a featherweight bout in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In round seven, Conlan was credited with a knockdown when landed a left as Marriaga seemed to be slipping down. In round eight, Conlan sent Marriaga down again with a combination. Marriaga went down in round nine when he he ate more punches from Conlan.

Conlan, 127.9 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 99-88 twice and 99-89 and is now 17-1. Marriaga, 126.4 lbs of Colombia is 30-6.

Conlan said, “I had to get rid of a lot of demons tonight. Even in the fuc*ing last round, he hit me with a shot. That guy can punch. {He has} 10 more knockouts than I have fights. He hit me with a jab in the first round, and it was like, ‘Oh, this guy actually can bang.’ I had to be careful and use my skills, which I did. In the last round, he caught me with a shot. Listen, I’ve been using my legs all night. I was a bit off the pace. He was pushing it. He landed a good shot. He buckled me a little bit. I felt it, and for me, to kind of come through that and it’s the last round… I got knocked out in my last fight in the last round. I think that says a lot. I’m back, baby. I’m ready for any of them.

“Obviously, I want Leigh Wood. It’s obvious, but Leigh has his own situation. So, hopefully he can deal with that and come through and the rematch can be done. If not, it’s any other champion. I want to get back in. I will be world champion, and I know I will. Whoever I face, I know I’ll beat him.”

Tyrone McKenna won a 10-round unanimous decision over Chris Jenkins in a welterweight bout.

McKenna, 147.4 lbs won by scores of 97-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 23-5-1. Jenkins, 146.8 lbs is now 23-6-3.

Padraig McCrory remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former world title challenger Marco Antonio Periban in a 10-round super middleweight affair.

In round two, McCrory dropped Periban with a right hand.  In round five, McCrory continued to batter Periban until the referee stopped the bout at 2:40.

McCrory, 167.9 lbs of Northern Ireland is 14-0 with eight knockouts.  Periban, 165 lbs of Mexico is 26-6-1.

Kurt Walker won a six-round decision over Marcos Gabriel Martinez in a featherweight bout.

Walker, 127.6 lbs won by a score of 59-55 and is now 3-0.  Martinez, 126.2 lbs is 18-4.

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Tom Hill in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Hill began to bleed from the nose.

Donovan, 146.8 lbs of Limerick, IRE won by a 80-72 tally and is now 9-0.  Hill, 147 lbs of Sunderland, ENG is 10-3.

Donovan said, “It’s very important to get the rounds in. Tommy is a very, very tough fighter. We knew that before. He hopped in the ring before he accepted the challenge. He’s beat the Irish number one welterweight, knocking him down twice in the fight, so we know what he’s capable of.”

NEW YORK – History and hype. The first was made by Andy Ruiz Jr., the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. The second was exposed in Anthony Joshua, whose reign came crashing down Saturday night in front of UK fans who witnessed their chiseled king get undressed by the most unlikely of challengers.

 Ruiz entered Madison Square Garden, perhaps the world’s biggest stage, looking like he had spent more time at the dessert table than the gym. He jiggled, almost from head to foot. The UK crowd dismissed him. Then, booed. Then, sang God Save The Queen.

 But neither God nor the Queen can save Joshua from the ridicule he heard after he was dropped four times, pulled down like a statue from a pedestal by a short- pudgy stand-in. Ruiz knocked down Joshua four times, finishing him in the seventh when his corner said no mas.

At one level, it was pathetic.

 At another level, it was exhilarating.

 At every level, it was historic. It was the biggest heavyweight upset since Buster Douglas upset Mike Tyson on Feb. 11 in 1990.

 “I did this for my people,’’ Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) said. “Nobody ever gave me a chance.’’

 You could probably put Douglas and Tyson among those who thought that Ruiz only had a chance to get knocked out. He did get knocked down in the third. But that only seemed to embolden him, unlike Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs), who appeared to be more interested in saying hello to American fans in his U.S. debut.

 Ruiz got up and took the fight to Joshua, who never responded. He waved a jab in front of Ruiz. It looked like the Queen waving her gloved hand at adoring fans from the backseat of her London limo.  Meanwhile, Ruiz knocked down Joshua twice before the third was over. Then came the seventh. Joshua was looking around, seemingly confused and unsure of the speed that powered Ruiz’ hands. The punches came at Joshua like New York cabs racing out of blind corners.

Two more knockdowns in the seventh and suddenly it was over. Joshua’s corner had surrendered. Still, Joshua smiled. But the winning in that smile was gone, at least from the perspective of the once-trusting UK fans. The genuine was gone from the grin. The fans who mocked Ruiz now directed a deeply genuine ire at their fallen hero. They booed and headed toward Joe Louis Plaza, the sidewalk that surrounds the Garden. For them, Joshua could have been just another Bum-of-the-Month that was once part of Louis’ heavyweight reign.

 Does Joshua come back from this? Can he, perhaps in a rematch? Remember all the talk about a showdown with Deontay Wilder? Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn said that the inability to put together Joshua-Wilder was “embarrassing.’’ 

But nothing was more embarrassing than what happened to Joshua in what was supposed to be his hello to a bigger audience.

 For now, it just looks like a goodbye delivered by the fast hands that made history. 

Callum Smith wins in a crushing stoppage

Three rounds. Three knockdowns.

Katie Taylor takes majority decision over Persoon in a women’s all-timer

Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon did what no woman has since Christy Martin. Martin was the original, an acknowledged pioneer of women’s boxing. Taylor and Persoon took it a step further with 10 punishing rounds fora world lightwweight title.

Hands down. it was Josh Kelly in a majority draw

It’s hard to score points with defense. But there’s a price for not practicing defensive fundamentals, and it looks as if UK welterweight Josh Kelly might have paid it on the Joshua-Ruiz undercard. Kelly (9-0-1, 6 KOs) kept his hands at his side in a Roy Jones-like posture for several rounds. Finally he put them up, but it was too late to save him from his first bout without a victory.

UK light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi wins stoppage 

Joshua Buatsi had the right first name. He had the right style. He had the right opponent. All of the pieces came together for the UK light-heavyweight on a card featured by Anthony Joshua’s American debut against Andy Ruiz Jr. Marco Antonio Periban, of Mexico, was no match for him.

Chris Algieri (24-3, 9 KOs) was left with darkening welts beneath both eyes. He took punishment. But he took more than that. He took Tommy Coyle’s best shots and countered with even more, forcing Coyle’s corner to end it after eight rounds of a hard-fought junior-welterweight bout.

Algieri, of New York,  scored a knockdown in the fourth. He battered Coyle (25-5, 12 KO) around the ring throughout the eighth. Just when it looked as it was over, however, Coyle, of the UK,  delivered a long counter hook. It might have been Coyle’s way of saying he wanted to continue. But his corner had seen enough, saying no mas to the ringside physician and Coyle.

First Bell: Heavyweight Garden Party opens with Cissokho winning unanimous decision

Souleymane Cissokho, a quick powerful and middleweight from France, added the sound of punches to empty echoes at Madison Square, opening a Garden party featuring Anthony Joshua American debut against Andy Ruiz Jr. Saturday.

Seconds after first bell, there was little doubt that Cissokho (9-0, 6 KOs) was a better fighter than Wladimir Hernandez (10-4, 6KOs). Throughout eight rounds, Cissokho scored repeatedly, winning a unanimous decision.

Houston middleweight Austin Williams calls himself Ammo. He didn’t need much of that in a swing bout on the Joshua-Ruiz undercard. Williams (2-0, 2 KO) blew out Quadeer Jenkins (0-2), of Trenton, N.J., within three minutes, scoring a first-round stoppage at 2:14 of the round.  

Joshua Buatsi will fight in America for the first time as a professional when he defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Marco Antonio Periban at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK. 

Buatsi (10-0, 8 KOs) stopped Liam Conroy in three rounds to claim the vacant British 175lbs title last time out at London’s Copper Box Arena, dropping the former English champion twice in the third round to force another impressive early stoppage. 

The 2016 Olympic bronze medallist landed his WBA crown with brutal first round KO of Andrejs Pokumeiko in July last year before defending the title twice against Tony Averlant and Renold Quinlan – both fights ending in explosive first round knockouts. 

Next up for the fast-rising Croydon star is Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban (25-4-1, 16 KOs), a former opponent of former two-weight World Champion Badou Jack, IBF Super-Middleweight king James DeGale and World title challenger Avni Yildrim.  

“I’m excited to be in the United states for the first time,” said Buatsi. “There is so much history here with this venue, the greats have fought here and to be able to say I’ve boxed at Maddison Square Garden this early in my career is an honour. I’ve had a great camp in Miami and I can’t wait to get started and put on a fantastic performance for all the fans.”

“As Britain takes over the Mecca of boxing next week in NY, it’s only right that one of our biggest rising stars gets the chance to shine,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Joshua Buatsi has been sensational since turning professional and next week gets the chance to make his US debut on the biggest stage of all. We expect a tough challenge from Periban who will have big support at the arena from the Mexican fans hoping Andy Ruiz can make history for his country. Periban has mixed in great company and this is the perfect test for Josh as he closes in at shot at the World title. Next week is going to be special in so many ways, I can’t wait!”

Buatsi and Periban clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Johua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam, Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson and Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Britain’s Tommy Coyle in a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week. 

 
Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)
 
Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
 
Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.
 
Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.
 
Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Former two-time world title challenger George Groves scored a 7th round stoppage over Denis Douglin in a scheduled 12 round Super Middleweight bout.

Groves dropped Douglin from a hard left in round seven and then jumped all over Douglin and the bout was stopped at 2:54 of round seven.

Groves is now 21-2 with 16 knockouts. Douglin is now 17-4.

James DeGale scored an explosive third round stoppage over former world title challenger Marco Antonio Periban in a scheduled 12-round Super Middleweight bout.

DeGale landed two hard left hands that sent Periban to the canvas. Periban got to his feet but was deemed unable to continue at 30 seconds of round three.

DeGale, 167 lbs of England is now 20-1 with 14 knockouts. Periban, 169 1/2 lbs of Mexico is now 20-3-1.

Scott Quigg outworked Hidenori Otaki to retain his WBA Super Bantamweight title via 12-round unanimous decision.

Otaki started to belled bad from his right eye in round ten.

Quigg, 121 lbs won by scores of 119-109 twice and 118-110 and is now 30-0-2. Otaki, 121 lbs is now 22-2-3.

Good looking Super Middleweight prospect Callum Smith remained perfect by scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over Nikola Sjekloca.

Smith, 167 lbs won by scores of 120-108, 118-111 and 118-110 and is now 15-0. Sjekloca, 167 lbs is now 28-3.

Jamie McDonnell retained the WBA Bantamweight title when challenger Javier Chacon was forced to retire after hurting his shoulder in the 10th round.

In round five, McDonnell was bleeding from the nose. It was a close competitive fight until Chacon waved the bout off at 39 seconds into round 10.

McDonnell is now 25-2-1 with 12 knockouts. Chacon is now 20-3.

Bradley Saunders stayed undefeated by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Ivans Livickis in a Welterweight bout.

Saunders, 147 lbs won by a 60-54 score and is now 11-0. Levickis, 143 lbs is 13-15.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, top rated Super Middleweight James DeGale will take on Marco Antonio Periban on November 22 in Liverpool, England.

“This is like a second final eliminator as if I don’t beat him, I don’t box for a world title,” DeGale said. “It’s a good test. He took Sakio Bika close and he had J’Leon Love all over the place and should have finished him off. He’s not a typical Mexican. He can box on the back foot and he’s going to come to fight and that will bring out the best in me. I am looking forward to it. It’s on a great show so roll on Nov. 22.”

“I didn’t want an eight-round, keep-busy fight,” DeGale said. “I wanted a name that will impress people when I win in style and it will set up a fight with Carl. It’s not about me fighting Carl, though, it’s about me getting my shot at the world title and making history becoming the first British gold medalist to win a world title.”

Follow all the action live as Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana meet in a WBA/WBC Welterweight unification bout. A big 3-fight undercard will take place beginning at 9 PM ET that will see Former world champions Amir Khan and Luis Collazo squaring off in a Welterweight bout. Former world champion Adrien Broner battles Carlos Molina and the night kicks off with a Super Middleweight elimination bout between J’Leon Love and Marco Antonio Periban

12 ROUNDS–WBA/WBC WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–FLOYD MAYWEATHER (45-0, 26 KO’S) VS MARCOS MAIDANA (35-3, 31 KO’S)

Round 1 Righgoot to body from Maidana…Jab from Mayweather..Maidana lands a left..Mayweather getting hit on the ropes…Mayweather lands a right at the bell…10-9 Maidana

Round 2 Maidana landing shots on the ropes…Mayweather lands 2 hard lead rights..19-19

Round 3 Jab to body from Mayweather..Hard counter right…Hard rights on the ropes from Maidana…Left and right from Mayweather..Lead right…29-28 Mayweather

Round 4 Mayweather lands a good body shot and left hook..Mayweather is cut over right eye…Left to body from Mayweather..39-37 Mayweather

Round 5 Cut caused by headbutt…Right from Maidana…right…Mayweather lands a right..jab..right..Right from Maidana..Body fromMayweather…body/head from Maidana..48-47 Mayweather

Round 6 Right and left from Mayweather…counter right.. Maidana lands a few rights..jab///uppercut from Mayweather..lead left hook..righlt…jab to the body..staright right..right to body from Maidana..right and uppercut…left from Mayweather..58-56 Mayweather

Round 7 Lead left from Mayweather…left to body..2 left hooks…double jab…2 rights..right and 2 lefts from Maidana..68-65 Mayweather

Round 8 Maidana lands 2 over hand right…right from Mayweather..double jab from maidana..right from Mayweather…Jab and right from Maidana..lead left from Maywetaher..chaopping left…lead left and counter left…78-75 Mayweather

Round 9 Mayweather lands a right…left..left from Maidana..lead right and left hook…big right..right and blistering combination…jab…88-84 Mayweather

Round 10 Mayweather lands a jab and right..combination..right to body..jab..Lead right..lead left from Maidana..2 right from Mayweather..good right from Maidana..98-93 Mayweather

Round 11 Mayweather lands a left hook…trading jabs..right from Mayweather..right from Maidana..108-102 Mayweather

Round 12 Left from Maidana..counter combo from Mayweather…Maidana landing hard bod pucnhes..lead right from Mayweather…right…counter right…118-111 Mayweather

114-114; 117-111, 116-112 winner by majority decision Floyd Mayweather

12 ROUNDS WELTERWEIGHTS–AMIR KHAN (28-3, 19 KO’S) VS LUIS COLLAZO (35-5, 18 KO’S)

Round 3 1-2 from Khan…Left from Collazo..Khan gets in a right..Body..30-27 Khan

Round 4..RIGHT TO THE CHIN AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..Khan landing combiation..Collazo trying to comeback..40-35 Khan

Round 5 Right and left from Khan…Left from Khan..Combo from Collazo..lead left..50-44 Khan

Round 6 Right and left from Khan..Left from Collazo…right from Collazo…Khan lands a straight right…660-53 Khan

Round 7 lead left and jab from Collazo..Hard right from Khan..quick combination..70-62 Khan

Round 8 Collzao docked a point for Low Blows…Big left from Collazo..Khan being warned for holding the head..1-2 from Collazo..lead left from Collazo…point deducted from Khan..right from Khan..78-71 Khan

Round 9 Good combo from both..body and head from Khan..straight right..88-80 Khan

Round 10 Hard left hurts Collazo…right..left..left to jaw..LEFT AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..HARD COMBINATION AND LEFT AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..Hard combo on ropes…98-87 Khan

Round 11 Good combo from Collazo..right from Khan..2 jabs..left hook to body and head..good right and left from Collazo..3 jabs from Khan..straight left and uppercut from Collazo..108-96 Khan

Round 12 Low blow from Collazo…118-106 Khan

117-106, 119-104 twice for Amir Khan

10 ROUNDS–SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS–ADRIEN BRONER (27-1, 22 KO’S) VS CARLOS MOLINA (17-1-1, 7 KO’S)

Round 1 Molina works the body..10-9 Molina

Round 2 Combination from Molina..Broner lands a right behind the jab..Molina lands a left to the body..Good right..20-18 Molina

Round 3 Broner takes down Molina..Molina landing on the ropes..Over hand right and jab from Broner…Left hook from Molina..30-28 Molina

Round 4 Right from Molina..Combination to head from Broner..good body from Boner..Combo from Molina..uppercut from Broner..quick combiantion…39-39 Molina

Round 5 Combinatu…48-48

Round 6 Broner lands a short right…body..58-57 Broner

Round 7 right and left to body from Broner..right to head…right cross..right from Molina..big right and left hook..68-66 Broner

Round 8 Uppercut from Broner..overhand right from Molina..Both landed rights..right from Broner..78-75 Broner

Round 9 Jab From Broner…88-84 Broner

Round 10 Right from Broner..left to body from Molina..left hook from Molina..Jab from Broner..Molina lands a left hook..right from Broner..Good exchange at the bell...98-94 Broner

99-91, 98-92, 100-90 for Adrien Broner

10 ROUNDS–SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS–J’LEON LOVE (17-0, 10 KO’S) VS MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN (20-1-1, 13 KO’S)

Round 1 Periban lands a right to the body..Love lands a jab.right to body..10-9 Love

Round 2 Double jab from Love..Periban right to the body..Periban bleeding from the nose..counter right to body from Love..20-18 Love

Round 3 Periban backing Love on the ropes with a flurry..2 jabs from Love..Periban lands a left to the body…combination..left from Love..jab..Nice combination..Combination..29-28 Love

Round 4 Love lands a jab to the body…5 jabs…39-37 Love

Round 5 Periban lands a combination..Huge Right..hurts Love..love is eating about 25 punches to the face…Love in real trouble..HUGE RIGHT AND LEFT AND LOVE TAKES A KNEE…Love eats a hard right…47-47

Round 6 Jab from Periban..Big left..Jab from Love..right to body from Periban..Good left from Love..body..Cut over left eye of Periban..Love landing an uppercut…Periban looking tired..2 jabs from Love...57-56 Periban

Round 7 Left to body from Love..Left from Periban..67-66 Periban

Round 8 Triple jab from Love..good jab..Counter right from Periban..exchange rights to the body..76-76

Round 9 Body from Periban…2 jabs from Love..Good right from Periban..86-85 Periban

Round 10 double jab from Love…Left to body from Periban….95-95

95-93, 97-92, 96-93 all for J’Leon Love

FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER, 10-Time Five-Division World Champion & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“On May 3, I’ve got to go out there and take my time, keep my composure and be me. Everybody thinks he’s just going to be a pushover, but I don’t think so. That’s why I’m training hard and I’m pushing myself to the limit every day.

“I know Maidana is going to come and bring his best, so I know that I cannot overlook him. I’m in training every day and dedicating myself.

“I think Maidana is more confident now than he was when he faced the kid from St. Louis, Devon Alexander. I think he’s more confident now, so I think he’s more ready and tough. If you have more confidence it’s going to make you fight harder.

“Of course I want my name to go down in history as the best, but also making smart business moves to be very lucrative and build your portfolio is important.

“I’ve been in so many career-defining fights I can’t really choose one particular that defines my legacy, but all of them played a major role.

“We must realize that I am the bigger guy even though I walk around at 150. I go no higher than 152. I’m naturally the bigger guy because I’ve been at 147 almost 10 years now, so I’m naturally the bigger guy.

“I can feel when a guy’s gonna punch. I can feel it. I don’t even have to see it; I can feel it.

“Maidana punches extremely hard if he has an 80 percent knockout ratio. That’s obviously his best attribute, but a lot of times when a guy’s swinging a lot of big shots and they’re not landing, you get fatigued like that.

“I haven’t been hit by Maidana yet, so I can’t really say if he’s the hardest puncher I’ve faced. I may be the hardest puncher he ever fought. He hasn’t been hit by me yet, so we’ll just have to see if he’s the hardest puncher.

“Boxing is always very, very important to me and always will be because this has put me in a position to have everything that I have. I want to help this sport live on. I want to help this sport continue to grow. That’s what it’s about.

“I think that I don’t get my credit that’s due because I think that I make A-level and B-level fighters look ordinary, but that comes from just having a sharp mind and just really pushing myself in training

“When I was young I always loved to entertain, I always loved to promote. We’ve done house parties when we were young teenagers, 13, 14. I know how to promote and make sure the party was packed, so promotion has always been something I am good at.

“It’s about being a smart. I don’t go into a fight thinking about losing. It’s about winning at life. The most important thing is winning at life.

“Before I became a champion, I worked hard. Now that I am a champion, each fight I have to work harder and harder to stay in this position.”

MARCOS “EL CHINO” MAIDANA, WBA Welterweight World Champion

“I’m very happy to be part of this event. I have prepared myself for the best part of my career.

“I’m going to go out to win it. Others haven’t been able to do it, I’m training to do it. I’m training to be the first one to do it.

“All I’ve got to say for people doubting me is to order the fight because they’re going to enjoy a good fight. They’re going to see me beat Floyd Mayweather.

“I feel better now that I’ve been working with Robert Garcia. I feel much better. My punches are connecting even stronger now because the punches are being thrown in a better location and with precision.

“I’m fighting and beating great fighters, most of them have the same style, very similar style and defensive, but I already beat Broner the way I did and I think I can do the same with Mayweather, but until I’m in the ring we’ll look for things that no one has seen.

“With Broner, everybody thought I had to knock him out and I beat him with a decision. I am preparing myself to go 12 rounds if it’s necessary. I’m preparing to hurt him every time I throw punches and if a knockout comes, then great, but I am preparing myself to win after 12 rounds.

“This is the most important part of my career. The fight with Broner gave me a lot of exposure, but this fight itself is the biggest fight of my career and it would be a tremendous upset and that’s what I’m training for, to upset the world and to do it for my country. It would be huge for my country.”

AMIR “KING” KHAN, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“I’m looking forward to the big fight against Luis Collazo. It’s my first fight at 147. I’m excited, I really believe that I belong in the welterweight division; it’s going to be my division for my future career.

“I really believe we can steal the show, and that’s all we want to do. Whenever I fight I want to give it 100 percent. I want to give the fans what they want to watch, and I really believe that this fight could be the one that could steal the show on the night.

“We’ve been working on just being patient, being smart, using the feet and the hands at the right time, using the defense and the offense at the right time, and my trainer Virgil Hunter has been changing me up. He’s making me understand the sport of boxing.

“This is a tough sport when you go into the ring with the likes of these tough guys like Collazo, and the fighters that you’re going to be facing, you have to be 100 percent ready. So I really believe I’ll be a better fighter at 147, I’ll be stronger, and I’ll keep a lot of my energy and strength and power in the shots.

“You’ll definitely see a different Amir Khan coming into this fight because I’ve had a lot of time to work on things, and work on new strategies, and also work with my trainers, Virgil Hunter and also my strength conditioner, Tony Brady. So, I know I’m going to be ready in this division, and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

“Collazo’s a one-of-a-kind fighter. He has his own style. I respect the way he fights and he always causes big problems to his opponents, and he does really well in the ring. I’m not going to compare him to any opponent I’ve faced before.

“Physically I think I’m a better fighter, and like I said, moving up to the next weight category is only going to make me a better fighter. We don’t want to go in and take easy fights, we want to fight the best out there, and it shows that Luis Collazo is one of the best out there by knocking out Victor Ortiz in his last fight, and proving himself.

“I really believe that I needed a long break off, and taking that time off sometimes makes you metaphysically and mentally a better fighter. I expect time will tell; we’ll see how much I’ve become a better fighter on the night of the fight.

“[On Collazo’s knockout of Victor Ortiz] It shows that he’s got power, he’s got speed, he’s got great movement. This is going to be a good fight, it’s going to be a tough fight. We’re going to be up against a tough Collazo; even the fights he’s lost, Collazo’s been very, very close.

“It’s all about putting a great performance on, putting a great fight on and giving the crowd what they want. The fans want to see a good fight, the fans want to see an exciting fight, and I think us two, the two styles we have will make this fight very exciting, and very good to watch.”

LUIS COLLAZO, WBA International Welterweight Champion

“This is a fight that could take me to another level in the welterweight division, and I’m just very humbled by the opportunity. May 3 is going to be a great night of boxing.

“Khan’s got great speed, but I think he might be a little bit slower than Andre Berto was, and that was a big fight for me. Come fight night we’ll definitely see if his speed is going to be a factor or not.

“If he takes me lightly, more power to him. But come fight night I’m just going to try to capitalize on all his mistakes. That’s my main thing, and I’m just working my butt off. I’m working hard to give all fans what they want, a great and exciting show.

“Sometimes all fighters are vulnerable. We all make mistakes. We’re not perfect, but that’s why different styles make beautiful fights and I’m just going to try to capitalize to the best of my ability.

“Khan is a great fighter, he’s been on top of the game quite some time now, and to be able to get this fight, it’s great. This is just getting me closer to where I really want to be, at the top of the welterweight division.

“I’ve been the underdog all my life, all my fights I was the one trying, the next fighter to step up. He’s coming to the welterweight division. I’m more than happy to welcome him to this weight class.

“You’ve got to go in there to take care of business, and you’ve got to be careful with how you’re taking shots. If you know you’re taking shots and the refs think you’re hurt, keep it moving, don’t stay there and keep getting those shots, and just be smart. I learned a lot from my previous fights and I’m just grateful for all the experiences that I have.

“From the Ricky Hatton fight I learned that anything could happen. And from the Victor Ortiz fight, I learned don’t leave it to the judges. I learned a lot and I’m just very excited and humbled by this opportunity. And come May 3 I’m just going to keep giving the boxing fans what they want, some more excitement.”

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER, Former Three-Division World Champion

“At the end of the day, everybody is looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy. Well, if you’re looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy, you won’t get it. I’m still the same fresh, flashy, young, rich and famous guy. I’m a young man, and I respect every fighter, but I’m ready to fight.

“Molina is a hell of a fighter. Like I said, I don’t disrespect any boxer. It takes a lot to get inside that square circle and I don’t take any boxer lightly. I just want him to be on his A-game May 3.

“Anybody taking a loss that I did, it would probably break them. But coming from where I come from, I’m strong mentally and physically so I’m OK. I’m personally proud of myself and I don’t care that a lot of people are looking for me to just go in here and walk over this guy, but at the end of the day they’re forgetting that he’s not just somebody to walk over, he’s a top-class fighter.

“After this fight they will see that I’m still ‘The Problem.’ Anybody can get it in the ring. I’m still the same guy.

“I know there’s a lot of people that dislike the things that I do, but there’s a lot of people that love the things that I do and they want to see Adrien Broner back on top and I will not disappoint them and anybody who wants to see me.”

CARLOS MOLINA, Junior Welterweight Contender

“We’re working hard for this fight. We’re very humbled to get this opportunity to fight on the big fight, on a Mayweather undercard, against Adrien Broner. We’re excited and we’ll be ready come May 3.

“I know the whole world is seeing me as an underdog, but that just motivates me even more. I think I’ve got a lot to prove in this fight. I’m coming off a loss with Amir Khan, so I’m going to go in there and I’m going to give it my all come May 3rd. I’ve been working extremely hard for this fight.

“I’m just going to continue to work hard and give you guys a great show come May 3. I know what’s on the line. I’m fighting a world-class fighter, so I’m going to give it my all.

“He’s a three-time world champion. He’s the one that’s supposed to put on a show, so I’m right here, just working hard and getting ready for May 3.”

J’LEON LOVE, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender

“Periban is a tough fighter. I know he’s going to come with his A-game. I’m definitely going to come with my A-game, and that’s what’s makes fights right there.

“I’ve been training extremely hard. I’m definitely focused. It really comes down to May 3. I’m going to put my heart and all my determination into this fight.

“His talent is respected, but we’re definitely going to come in there and give it our all and make sure we come out victorious. I know that he’s trying to make history for his country. I’m trying to make history for my family and me and do what I have to do to win this fight.

“I am young. I’m still learning. I’m definitely there mentally and physically. We made the right decisions for our career and I have the best team behind me.

“I have a job to do and my job is to be in the best shape possible, be mentally focused and physically focused for these fights and this is a big opportunity. I’m making a name for myself, from small time Eastern Michigan; I’m putting all that on the map
and this is what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.

“With Periban, he has a great skill set. He’s tough, strong, he’s tall and he’s a rangy fighter. He has a lot of skill and he has a good jab. Anything can happen in this fight and you can’t look past anybody and a guy like him. He can upset a lot of people.

“I’m just being myself. I don’t want to be like Adrien Broner or Floyd Mayweather. I want to be like J’Leon Love. I’m just a cool guy. I’m laid back. I’m silly at times. That’s just me. I’m not angry. I’m blessed. I’m just happy to be alive. I’m healthy and these opportunities are coming and I’m happy for it.”

MARCOS ANTONIO PERIBAN, NABF Super Middleweight Champion

“I understand that Mr. Love is in the way of me capturing my dream of fighting for the world championship. It’s very important for me to become world cChampion because by doing so I will be the first Mexican in history at 168 pounds to ever hold the championship for the WBC.

“It’s a fight that I must take the opportunity and be successful in and I can’t let Mr. Love beat me because basically it derails my opportunity to become world champion and to make history for Mexico.”

“I’m very focused. I want that title. I want that title for Mexico, so you can expect a very focused and determined fighter on May 3..

“Love is a very dangerous fighter and he has a lot of technical skills to him, so basically my training is no longer focused on my strength, but basically on the tactics that I’m going to use to fight Love.”

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at
www.FathomEvents.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2014) – In preparation for what will be a matchup for the ages between undefeated 10-Time World Champion and current WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Leigh Simons Productions will present “Countdown to THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana.” This primetime special 30-minute preview show will air on various FOX Sports platforms and will feature in-depth profiles and analysis of Mayweather vs Maidana and the televised undercard fights including Amir “King” Khan vs. Luis Collazo, Adrien “The Problem” Broner vs. Carlos Molina and J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban.

“The Moment: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” will take place Saturday, May 3 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV®

Tune into any of the FOX Sports Network channels, FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 FOX Deportes and Televisa (check your local listings) for a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of this highly anticipated pay-per-view event.

The countdown show, brought to life by producer and creative director of Golden Boy Promotions Leigh Simons, will provide audiences with exclusive analysis and commentary leading up to the mega-event.

“This show features some of the best analysis and insight from writers, promoters and television executives that we have ever had the privilege of including in a countdown show,” said Simons. “Mayweather and Maidana are on a collision course and as evidenced by this show, neither fighter plans on taking a backward step.”

Below please find a bevy of links, which preview various parts of the special and fight highlights:

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 1 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana- Segment 2 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 3 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 4 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Undercard May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

ABOUT “THE MOMENT”: MAYWEATHER VS. MAIDANA”:
THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody, for joining us we appreciate you being here with us today. Unfortunately, we are going to have to reschedule this call because the fighters have not shown up. April Fools!
We’re joined by a great group of fighters today. They are part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard for “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” Adrien Broner vs Carlos Molina and also J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban.

Today’s host of the call is none other than Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Office of Mayweather Promotions. Leonard, I’m going to turn it over to you and just so everybody knows, the translator for Mr. Periban today will be Rolando Arellano.

Leonard, take it away from here and we look forward to hearing from the fighters. We are going to start with J’Leon and Marco Antonio Periban and when they’re finished we will connect Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina. So, go ahead, Leonard.

Leonard Ellerbe
First of all I’d like to thank all you guys for joining us on the call today. We have assembled one of the best undercards and best overall cards from top to bottom that I’ve personally seen in many, many years.

In the main event we have Floyd and Maidana, which we all know is going to be a terrific fight. On last week’s call there was Amir Khan and Luis Collazo and most of you guys heard from them. In my opinion, that’s a 50-50 fight. We have two terrific fighters and both of them have a lot of experience and that is going to be a great fight.

But today’s call we have to round out the terrific undercard. We have three-time World Champion Adrien Broner. He’ll be fighting Carlos Molina in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown. To open the Pay-Per-View we have Mayweather Promotions’ own J’Leon Love. He’ll be fighting Marco Antonio Periban in a 10-round super middleweight bout, which will be another great fight.

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” is sponsored by Corona, Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. When we first announced the main event, obviously, the tickets went like hotcakes. So, there are only a few tickets left.

I’d like to acknowledge none other than Showtime Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
As you correctly pointed out this is, in our opinion and I believe objectively, the biggest event on the boxing calendar. Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME have committed to putting on the best events and the biggest events in boxing on a regular basis.

This event is no exception. A stacked undercard, meaningful fights, great value for the money for fans and I think when we look at a very busy Pay-Per-View calendar this spring and early summer I don’t think anyone can say that our event does not stand out among all of those events as having both the highest profile main event and the highest profile most meaningful undercard lineup that there is.

With that, I will give it back to you, Leonard, so we can move on to the fighters.

L. Ellerbe
I would like to introduce Marco Antonio Periban, who is 20-1 with one draw with 13 KOs out of Mexico City, Mexico. He’s a terrific fighter. He’s one of the top Mexican contenders. He just recently lost a tough fight against the WBC Champion Sakio Bika and it was a great fight.
Marco, he knows he’s in a very tough fight with J’Leon and a win over him puts him right back in the picture to fight for a world title.

Marco Antonio Periban
I want to thank Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME for giving me this grand opportunity on this world stage. I clearly understand that this is a very difficult fight but I’m going to train as hard as I possibly can, enter the ring well prepared, so that the victory will be in my hands.

I understand that Mr. Love is in the way of me capturing my dream of fighting for the world championship. It’s very important for me to become World Champion because by doing so I will be the first Mexican in the history at 168 pounds to ever hold the championship for the WBC.

It’s a fight that I must take the opportunity and be successful in and I can’t let Mr. Love beat me because basically it derails my opportunity to become world champion and to make history for Mexico.

I’m very focused. I want that title. I want that title for Mexico, so you can expect a very focused and determined fighter on March the 3.

L. Ellerbe
Next up we have a terrific young fighter. He’s part of the Mayweather Promotions’ stable. He’s fighting out of Dearborn Heights, Mich.. He’s 17-0 with 10 KOs. He’s coming off of back-to-back impressive performances. In the first fight he fought Lajuan Simon and just recently, Feb. 28, a terrific performance fighting Vladine Biosse and a great fight on ShoBox.

J’Leon will be looking to be very impressive in this fight because he knows that Marco Antonio stands in front of him and his goal of being a world champion. He has a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability, he looks to go out there and put on an impressive performance and a great fight.

J’Leon Love
I want to thank everybody for joining. You know, here it is, another stage. I am on another type of stage like the one we had with Gabriel Rosado and now here we are again with Marco Periban. He’s a tough fighter. I know he’s going to come with his A game. I’m definitely going to come with my A game, and that’s what’s makes fights right there.

I’ve been training extremely hard. I’m definitely focused. It really comes down to May 3. I’m going to put my heart and all my determination into this fight. I know that Marco Antonio Periban is a very tough fighter, very skilled and he has a lot to prove and he has the experience of fighting for a world title.

I have so much respect to him. His talent is respected, but we’re definitely going to come in there and give it our all and make sure we come out victorious. I know that he’s trying to make history for his country. I’m trying to make history for my family and me and do what I have to do to win this fight.

Q
Leonard, how would you say J’Leon has matured and improved and how would you characterize that moment against Gabriel Rosado and how it has made him the fighter he is now?

L. Ellerbe
Fighters go through adversity in their career. Floyd himself went through a tremendous amount of adversity and all fighters go through adversity. I think that experience with the Rosado fight taught him a great deal.

Floyd and I sat him down and we had a very hard conversation with him. I think at that point he made up his mind, he wanted to really commit himself and dedicate himself and not take the opportunity for granted. I think from that point on he completely changed.

I noticed personally the dedication and the hard work that he’s put in and it’s showing up in his last two fights. I think in this fight he’s obviously in a tough fight against Periban, but he’ll be looking to be impressive and I know he will go out and do that.

Q
J’Leon, how have you changed and how has that manifested itself in all aspects of your training, your maturity in the ring, everything?

J. Love
Eventually, everybody needs to grow up. I’ve had my humbling moment and my grow up moment, so sitting there and getting torched by Floyd and Leonard, the conversation was not easy to listen to, but I needed that. I needed that.

I am young. I’m still learning. I’m definitely there mentally and physically. We made the right decisions for our career and I have the best team behind me. It just opened up my eyes and I don’t ever want to take another opportunity for granted again because you may never get them again or you may never know when you’ll get them.

So, it definitely made me train harder. The Rosado fight was an eye-opener, again. That’s something that goes on with your career, a controversial win over Rosado or something like that.

So, who wants that? People say that Rosado won or I won; I don’t want to hear that. That’s something that I have carried on with me for taking something for granted.

I’ve learned a lot and I’ve stepped my game up 1,000 percent and you will see that May 3.

Q
When you say torched, you used the characterization of torched, what impression did that make upon you and how does that manifest itself with the way that you represent yourself in the ring?

J. Love
Well, when I say torched I mean you’re not the greatest fighter here. You know how many fighters would love to be in your position I’m in, to be under the Mayweather Promotions stable and be guided by these very people that I have that I’m guided by.

So, that right there. I see fighters come down to the gym and pray for a moment to sit down and talk to Leonard and Floyd and get that opportunity. And here I am, I’m fumbling with the opportunity and there’s so many guys out there striving and working hard for the opportunity. It was a wake up call. I just have to remain focused, all the outside distractions, just leave it there.

It’ll be there after or whatever. But I have a job to do and my job is to be in the best shape possible, be mentally focused and physically focused for these fights and this is a big opportunity. I’m making a name for myself, from a small time Eastern Michigan, I’m putting all that on the map and this is what I’ve dreamed of since a kid, so this is something that I’ve been waiting on my whole life.

Q
I understand you have taken on some responsibilities within your own family group, can you talk about that?

J. Love
You know, I have nine nieces and nephews and they’re my life. This is the reason why I’m grinding so hard for them and my family, my mom and my sisters and just to show, just put some hard work in, put some dedication in, keep God first, anything can happen.

I never knew these are the cards I’d be dealt with, but here it is. I’m being blessed every day. I took the road; my brother was killed last year in April and I have to take the responsibility. I am the one making money in my family as far as to support them, so I would never hesitate to do that and that’s what I do.

So, my nieces and nephews are my life. I feel like they’re my kids, even though I don’t have any kids of my own. I just take a responsibility of taking care of them.

Q
How is Marco planning on dealing with the J’Leon Love’s skills and what did he learn from his fights against Sakio Bika and Badou Jack?

M. Periban
Love is a very dangerous fighter and he has a lot of technical skills to him, so basically my training is no longer focused on my strength, but basically on the tactics that I’m going to use to fight Love.

From fighting Bika, I learned a lot of things about fighting with a strong fighter thats always moving forward and looking for the knockout. I learned a lot of things, how to neutralize an attack system like he has, how to prepare for a fight like that. The other fight, which was a draw, I learned a lot of things also, that you can’t really leave it to the judges and that you have to use certain techniques at certain times during the fight so that you can take advantage of it. One of the problems that I have is getting sparring in Mexico, because of my size and my strength and I wasn’t that prepared for the Jack fight and basically it showed in the ring.

Q
I want to know if Gabriel Rosado is his toughest fight and if he thinks Marco Antonio Periban can do some things like Rosado?

J. Love
Gabriel Rosado was definitely my toughest fight because I had to face adversity. I’ve been down for the first time in my career and it made me think a lot. I’ve never been in that position before and I haven’t been in that situation since then, so that was definitely one of my toughest fights.
With Periban he has a great skill set. He’s tough, strong, he’s tall, and he’s a rangy fighter. He has a lot of skill and he has a good jab. Anything can happen in this fight and you can’t look past anybody and a guy like him. He can upset a lot of people. He had a great fight with Badou Jack and he had another great fight with Sakio Bika.
He’s young and he’s hungry. He has a lot to prove, like I said earlier and anything can happen in this sport. So, you can’t look past anybody.

Q
How does it feel being willing to be a good guy in a sport where being the bad boy is sometimes more marketable? Why is it important to you to give a good image?

J. Love
I’m just being myself. I don’t want to be like Adrien Broner or Floyd Mayweather. I want to be like J’Leon Love. I’m just a cool guy. I’m laid back. I’m silly at times. That’s just me. I’m not angry. I’m blessed. I’m just happy to be alive. I’m healthy and these opportunities are coming and I’m happy for it. So, there’s nothing to be the bad boy type about. I’m just being myself and do what I’ve got to do.

Q
You mentioned that you had hard time training in Mexico. Was it because you had a hard time getting sparring partners that were your size?

M. Periban
You’re correct. That’s the problem. There are not too many fighters in that division in Mexico and there are not many fighters that are my size, so it’s a little difficult getting sparring partners.

K. Swanson
OK, so that finishes this portion of the call. We want to thank both J’Leon and Marco Antonio Periban for being on the call with us at this time. We wish them a lot of luck and have a great training camp until we see you May 3.

We’ll also be having a media day in Las Vegas for those who want the opportunity to see J’Leon train and get some other comments from him. So, thank you very much, J’Leon and Marco.

You guys can hang up and now we’re going to transition over to the next portion of the call.
Now we have the other fighters on the line. We are joined by Adrien Broner, Carlos Molina and Adrien’s coach, Mike Stafford is also listening in on the call. I’m going to turn it back over to Leonard to make the introductions for this portion of the call.

L. Ellerbe
Next up is a talented young fighter who is coming off of a 17-month layoff and he’ll be looking to hand Adrien his second loss. He has a big following in Southern California. He has a record of 17 wins, with one loss and one draw with 7 KOs. Coming to you out of Norwalk, Calif., none other than Carlos Molina.

Carlos Molina
We’re working hard for this fight. We’re very humbled to get this opportunity to fight on the big fight, on a Mayweather undercard, against Adrien Broner. We’re excited and we’ll be ready come May 3.

L. Ellerbe
Next up is one of the most talented and most talked about fighters in boxing today, a very gifted fighter. He’s a three-time World Champion. He won his first title in November 2011 at 130 pounds. His next came with a tremendous knockout in 2012 against Antonio DeMarco.
In 2013 he did something that was very, very impressive. He moved from 135 to 147 pounds and he fought in a tremendous fight against Paulie Malignaggi, winning his third World Championship only to join Roberto Duran, Roy Jones and Robert Guerrero as the only fighters to win the championship in their first fight after jumping up a weight class.
Just last December he had a minor setback, only to make a major comeback, in his loss to Marcos Maidana and he’ll be looking to come out on May 3 and be very impressive and to show the world why he’s one of the best fighters in the world today. Next up, Adrien “The Problem,” Broner.

Adrien Broner
I’m happy Carlos Molina took this fight, but he might be looking to give me another loss. I hope he doesn’t come to lose, but he’s going to lose.

At the end of the day, everybody is looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy. Well, if you’re looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy, you won’t get it. I’m still the same fresh, flashy, young, rich and famous guy. I’m a young man, and I respect every fighter, but I’m ready to fight.

Q
How familiar are you with Molina? He’s been a very good fighter in his career. He was a good amateur. He did have the loss to Amir Khan. What’s your take on your opponent?

A. Broner
He’s a hell of a fighter. Like I said, I don’t disrespect no boxer. It takes a lot to get inside that square circle and I don’t take any boxer lightly. I just want him to be on his A game May 3.

Q
What do you, as a trainer, have to impart on Adrien going forward in your training camps to make sure what happened in December does not happen in the future?

Mike Stafford
Well, as you know, it’s in Washington, D.C., where Adrien first started training as a pro. So psychologically we kind of went back up here to get down to our roots and see why we’re here. Whatever made sense from where we started to come from is what we want to start back again.
We want to take the same steps. He’s still, to my eye, the three-time World Champion and the champion of the world, so that’s where we want to be. So, that’s why we’re coming back here and doing the things that we used to do and that we will do. Nothing has changed. We’re just hungrier now.

Q
They believe that you’re there to be beaten by Adrien Broner. How does that make you feel and are you motivated by the fact that you are such a huge underdog in this fight coming off of your loss and also the long layoff?

C. Molina
I know the whole world is seeing me as an underdog, but that just motivates me even more. I think I’ve got a lot to prove in this fight. I’m coming off a loss with Amir Khan, so I’m going to go in there and I’ve been extremely hard for this fight so I’m going to give it my all come May 3.

Q
What can we expect different this outing that you learned from your last outing and are you going to be fighting at 140 or are you just trying to test the waters that you can fight three different weight classes?

A. Broner
We’re going to do what’s best for Adrien Broner’s career at that time. This is my first fight televised at 140 pounds, so we’re at 140 right now and we’re going to see where we go from here.

Q
Can you talk about what you learned from your last outing that will help you going forward with this outing? Is there a particular reason that you’re fighting 10 rounds instead of 12?

A. Broner
Like I said, I’m going to fight and I don’t make the rules in my fights. I’m just a fighter. So, with that being said, all I’m doing is training hard and I’m getting ready for May 3.

Q
Are you doing anything different and are you trying to remind everybody that you’re still here?

A. Broner
Anybody taking a loss that I did, it would probably break them. But coming from where I come from, I’m strong mentally and physically so I’m OK. I’m personally proud of myself and I don’t care that a lot of people are looking for me to just go in here and walk over this guy, but at the end of the day they’re forgetting that he’s not just somebody to walk over, he’s a top class fighter.
I can go in there and make the best fighter look like the worst fighter when I’m on my A game. So, you know, after May 3 I just hope I don’t get a lot of criticism for who I’m fighting and the way I make it look.

Q
What do you want this fight to springboard you to in the future? What’s your goal?

A. Broner
After this fight they will see that I’m still ‘The Problem.’ Anybody can get it in the ring. I’m still the same guy.

Q
Is it important to you to be a four-time champion by going to this weight class? Is that something that you aspire to?

A. Broner
Of course. But right now we’re worrying about this strong fighter, who is going to try to come in and take my head off and that’s Carlos Molina. We’re going to take care of business May 3 and then we’ll begin worrying about getting a world title after that. We know it’s on the way, but we’ve got to take it a step at a time.

Q
Can you talk about the mental and physical adjustment of dropping back down in weight?

A. Broner
It’s really not a big change. For me, I’m naturally a lightweight. I can fight in the upper weight class. I’ve got the skills to do it. The weight at 140 was not a problem and being mentally sound is not a problem. I’m focused in the gym, I’ve got a great support system.

Q
What is the comparative relationship between you at 140 and you at 147? Is it better at 140? Is it the same?

A. Broner
I can hit regardless. It doesn’t matter what weight I fight. I can still hit. So, I will showcase my talent and my speed and my power May 3 and I’ll you guys decide.

Q
Mike, what do you see in the comparative relationship between his energy at 140 and 147?

M. Stafford
Well, you know, naturally people say it’s a big jump, which it is, but he’s a talented kid so he did it with talent. He beat Paulie and I’m pretty sure Paulie felt some of his power and I’m pretty sure Maidana did. It was a grueling fight. Maidana didn’t go home glad, he was happy, but inside he felt some of Adrien’s power, too. It was just a couple of punches away, Adrien could have took him out, too.

But, you know, that’s another story. Like Adrien said he’s a natural lightweight and he could make 135, 140 or 147, but we elected to do some things at 140 that nobody had done. We think we can get a title at 140 and maybe at 135, and come back up to 147. It varies.

All the other fighters did it and it’s not, it seems like it’s a big deal when Adrien does anything. But he’s doing everything that everybody else did, Floyd, Jones, Hopkins, all those guys went up and down and they got titles, even Tommy Hearns, all of them.

So, it seems to be, I guess, he’s an outspoken kid so whatever he does everyone knows it, but he’s just doing what every fighter in the past has done. We just want to showcase, we want to give a good fight, give the world a good fight and we just happened to get Floyd to ask us to be on his card. Out of respect to Floyd we appreciate it.

Adrien, we could have taken this fight to Cincinnati. We could have taken this fight to Atlanta, but Adrien’s team and the management team decided, I’m saying we all decided, we will fight. It’s like another treat to the world, you know, and why not fight with Floyd? So, we’re all doing each other favors.

Q
Jumping forward a little bit, pretending he’s not on the phone listening to you, what do you see, what level of greatness, how many titles, how many weight classes do you see him doing well in?

M. Stafford
Adrien is going to do well in any weight class that he tries. The only one that can beat Adrien Broner is Adrien Broner. He said that plenty enough times and right now, he’s focused and he’s ready to show the world that he is one of the top fighters in America today.

Q
Floyd Mayweather said he’d like to see you focus more on boxing and less on things like social media and Hip Hop. Are you focusing more exclusively on your fighting career right now?

A. Broner
At the end of the day, I’m going to do whatever makes Adrien Broner happy. Of course, I listen to my big brother a lot. We talk every day and he tells me things that aren’t on the Internet or not on the social website. So, he and I have a great understanding and I’m doing great.

Q
Carlos, real quick, do you feel you’re not getting the attention you deserve right now?

C. Molina
You know what, it doesn’t bother me at all. He’s a three-time world champion. He’s the one that’s supposed to put on a show, so I’m right here, just working hard and getting ready for May 3.

K. Swanson
Okay, great. Leonard, do you want to take us out with a final farewell and also any comments from the fighters before we wrap this up. Why don’t we start with Adrien. Do you have anything to just finish the call up with, any last thoughts on your fight May 3?

A. Broner
I’m really not here to talk trash because he doesn’t talk trash, so I can’t talk trash to somebody that don’t talk trash to me. Like I said before, I just want him to be on his A game because this is not only just a fight for me. This is one of the biggest fights in the world because literally they’re looking at me to take over the game after my big brother is done with boxing. Coming off a loss they want to see what I come back and do and they can’t wait to see me on TV again. I know there’s a lot of people that dislike the things that I do, but there’s a lot of people that love the things that I do and they want to see Adrien Broner back on top and I will not disappoint them and anybody who wants to see me.

K. Swanson
Carlos, do you have any last comments?

C. Molina
Yes, I’m just going to continue to work hard and give you guys a great show come May 3. I know what’s on the line. I’m fighting a world-class fighter, so I’m going to give it my all.

K. Swanson
Leonard, do you have any final comments?

L. Ellerbe
Yes, after having the pleasure of listening to Adrien Broner, Carlos Molina, J’Leon Love and Marco Antonio Periban, I can assure you that THE MOMENT undercard is going to be a “Must See.”
# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” isa 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets for the live event priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets priced at $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com

For more information visitwww.mayweatherpromotions.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather,@chinomaidana,@amirkingkhan,@realluiscollazo,@AdrienBroner,@CarlosMolina562, @JLeonLove@mayweatherpromo,@goldenboyboxing,@ShoSports and@Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #TheMoment and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andhttp://www.facebook.com/SHOboxing.

LAS VEGAS (March 25, 2014) – The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV® event, “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is now complete with the addition of two stellar 10-round bouts. Opening the pay-per-view event will be a super middleweight matchup between unbeaten J’Leon Love and former title challenger and Mexican Olympian Marco Antonio Periban of Mexico City followed by a junior welterweight bout featuring exciting former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner against the hard-hitting Californian Carlos Molina. The scintillating fight card, headlined by Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana and Amir Khan vs. Luis Collazo, will take place on Saturday, May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in what many are calling the best top-to-bottom pay-per-view boxing event in many years.

“This is a testament to the strength of a boxing event that involves Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions, said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. It will definitely be a moment no one will want to miss. Floyd gave his orders to make sure these fights were part of this show and we were able to make it happen. I think boxing fans are going to be extremely pleased with what we have put together for them. Mayweather Promotions’ J’Leon Love is training very hard for this fight. He knows a win over Periban brings him closer to a world championship. On May 3, I expect nothing less than a great night of boxing for everyone.”

“It would be easy for us to simply put a great fight like Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana on top of this card and leave it at that, but that’s not fair to the boxing fans that demand and deserve more,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “So with the rest of this pay-per-view card, we’ve stacked it with an important bout between former world champions Amir Khan and Luis Collazo, the return of one of boxing’s top young superstars as Adrien Broner faces tough Carlos Molina, and an opener between J’Leon Love and Marco Antonio Periban that could produce the next super middleweight world title challenger. It will be an unforgettable night for all boxing fans.”

One of the most talked about fighters in boxing today, Cincinnati’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner (27-1, 22 KOs), is also one of the most talented. A world titleholder in three weight classes with speed, power and heart, Broner owns victories over Paulie Malignaggi, Antonio De Marco, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Gavin Rees. The 24-year-old lost his WBA World Welterweight title in a thrilling 12-round bout against Marcos Maidana last December making May 3 a virtual must-win fight for the highly touted former champion.

“I had minor set back but I am back on May 3rd. Everybody needs to understand that I just took a loss. I haven’t lost it,” said Broner. “I’m still “The Problem” and anyone can get it, whether you are African, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban or Mexican.”

A talented boxer-puncher eager to get back in the title hunt, 28-year-old Carlos Molina (17-1-1, 7 KOs) has the style and talent to hand Broner his second loss. A seven-year professional who has built a substantial fan following in Southern California, the Norwalk product has returned from a 17-month layoff refreshed and determined to win a world championship. That quest starts against Broner.

“I am so excited to be able to fight on a card of this magnitude against Adrien Broner,” said Molina. “Sure he’s tough but we all saw what happened in his last fight when he was under pressure. I have the boxing ability and punching power to beat him and that is exactly what I plan to do on May 3.”

Dearborn Heights, Mich., native J’Leon Love (17-0, 10 KOs) is a gifted fighter who impresses fans with each outing. Unbeaten as a professional, the 26-year-old member of Mayweather Promotions and “The Money Team” is coming off back-to-back knockout wins over Lajuan Simon and Vladine Biosse. He will be looking for an impressive early finish against Periban as he fights in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas.

“It is always an honor to be on the same card as my boss, Floyd Mayweather,” said Love. “I train with him in the gym everyday and see what it takes to compete at the highest level in boxing. I can’t thank Floyd and Mayweather Promotions enough for these opportunities. My opponent is a very tough competitor but I have no doubt that I will be victorious and move one step closer to a world championship. May 3 can’t get here soon enough.”

A top Mexican contender for world title honors, 29-year-old NABF Super Middleweight Champion Marco Antonio Periban (20-1-1, 13 KOs) can box or bang, making him a nightmare matchup for opponents and a favorite of fight fans. The Mexico City native won his current NABF title with a second-round knockout of Samuel Miller in 2013. While he lost a subsequent WBC title fight against Sakio Bika via a controversial decision, he knows a win over Love will put him at the top of the division again.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I will represent my country and Mexican boxing fans all over the world on this Cinco de Mayo weekend,” said Periban. “J’Leon Love might be a member of ‘The Money Team’ but that won’t matter on May 3, when he has to face someone like me. We’ll see who comes out victorious. I will not let my people or my country down.”

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” isa 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets priced at $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @chinomaidana, @amirkingkhan, @realluiscollazo, @AdrienBroner, @CarlosMolina562, @mayweatherpromo, @goldenboyboxing, @ShoSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #TheMoment and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and http://www.facebook.com/SHOboxing.

LAS VEGAS—In a rematch of their entertaining draw in December, Shawn Porter scored a ten round unanimous decision over Julio Diaz at the Premium Ballroom at the MGM Grand

Scores were 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 for Porter

Former world title challenger Marco Antonio Periban and undefeated Badou Jack fought to a majority draw in a ten round Super Middleweight bout.

It was a closely contested bout with each guy having small spurts of effectiveness. Periban was cut around the left eye but that did not seem to deter him

Scores were 96-94 for Periban and 95-95 on two cards.

Periban, 168 lbs of Mexico City is now 20-1-1. Jack, 168 lbs of Las Vegas is now 15-0-1.

Julian Williams and Hugo Centeno fought to a no-contest as a cut over the left eye of Centeno forced the bout to be stopped in round four.

Williams hurt Centeno with a left hook in round one. Despite a height disadvantage, Williams continued to find a home with the left hook. The two clashed heads and a cut over the left eye forced the bout to be stopped in round four.

Williams, 154 lbs of Philadelphia is 13-0-1. Centeno, 153 lbs of Oxnard. CA is now 19-0.

Jermall Charlo stopped fellow Houstonian Rogelio De La Torre in round seven of a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Charlo dominated and eventually dropped De La Torre and the fight was stopped at 1:50 of round seven.

Charlo, 156 lbs is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. De La Torre, 153 lbs is now 10-4.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. destroyed Jesus Tavera in round one of a scheduled eight round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Spence dropped Tavera twice and the bout was called at 2:33 of round one.

Spence, 148 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Tavera, 154 lbs of Mexico City, MX is now 5-4.

Diego De La Hoya started his pro career in sensation fashion as he looks to carry on the family tradition as Oscar’s Cousin scored a third round stoppage over Luis Cosme in a scheduled four round Super Bantamweight bout.

De La Hoya jumped all over Cosme and started a huge flurry that dropped Cosme and the fight was stopped at 1:53 of round three.

De La Hoya, 122 lbs of Mexicali. MX is now 1-0 with 1 knockout. Cosme, 122 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 8-4.

Robert Easter kept his perfect knockout streak in order as he disposed of Lance Williams in round one of a scheduled eight round Lightweight bout.

Easter dominated and dropped Williams three times and the bout was stopped at 2:43 of round one.

Easter, 134 lbs of Akron, OH is now 7-0 with 7 knockouts. Williams, 133 lbs of Muscatine, ID is now 6-2.

2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha need just 161 seconds to dispose of Bruce Runkle in a schedule six round Middleweight bout

Gausha landed a left to the body in round one that sent Runkle. Moments later a booming left hook sent Runkle to his back and the fight was stopped at of round one.

Gausha, 160 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts. Runkle, 158 lbs of Wheeling, WV is now 4-3-1.

2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale notched his seventh straight knockout as he dispatched John Hill in round three of a schooled eight round Heavyweight bout.

Breazeale landed a straight right that sent Hill down in round one. A huge right at the end of round two sent Hill down for a second time. In round three a huge left hook sent a battered Hill down for third and final time as when he rose to his feet referee Jay Nady stopped the bout at 1:08 of round three.

Breazeale, 248 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 7-0 with seven knockouts. Hill, 235 lbs of Charleston, WV is now 6-3.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (August 22, 2013) – It’s boxing’s biggest week, an opportunity for the stars of entertainment and sports to descend on Las Vegas for “THE” fight of 2013, the championship showdown between unbeaten icons Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez. However, before the world turns its eyes to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to watch these two warriors collide Saturday, Sept. 14, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions kick off festivities two days earlier, on Thursday, Sept. 12, with a special three-and-a-half hour, action-packed broadcast on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes from MGM Grand Las Vegas’ Premier Ballroom.

It’s the rematch fight fans have demanded, as unbeaten Shawn “Showtime” Porter faces former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz in the 10-round welterweight bout as the main event of the tripleheader. The co-featured bout showcases Las Vegas up and comer Badou Jack as he takes on Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban and in the opener boxing’s top prospects Julian “J-Rock” Williams faces Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. in a 10-round junior middleweight clash.

Porter vs. Diaz II will take place on Thursday, September 12 at MGM Grand Las Vegas’ Premier Ballroom located in the MGM Grand Conference Center on the third level. The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 6:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 2/FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase a www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, with the purchase of a ticket, fans will be given a reserved seat for the “THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo” Official Weigh-In taking place Friday, September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Fans will also receive a 10 percent discount on tickets for closed circuit viewing of the Mayweather vs. Canelo mega-event on Saturday, September 14.

“Two days before boxing’s biggest night, this is the kind of event that will get things started off in the right way,” said Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. “There are three exciting and evenly matched fights on this card that will give fans another opportunity to enjoy an exciting night of boxing while they anticipate the outcome of who “The One” will be in Mayweather vs. Canelo.”

“This is the perfect way to kick off the festivities for Mayweather vs. Canelo and I know all boxing fans will love this card,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Shawn Porter vs. Julio Diaz is a rematch the fighters and the fans demanded and as good as their first fight was, I think this one will be even better. In addition, we’ve got Marco Antonio Periban facing Badou Jack in an important super middleweight bout with title implications and there will definitely be fireworks between two of the sport’s top prospects, Hugo Centeno Jr. and Julian Williams.”

“Getting a full card of quality fights on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes, tapping into the energy being created by the Mayweather vs. Canelo bout later in the week, is a strong offering,” said FOX Sports SVP Programming & Research Patrick Crakes. “We will continue to work with our partners at Golden Boy Promotions to put together packages for fight fans across the country.”

“When I was approached with this rematch, there was no question in my mind about taking it,” Porter said. “We had a great fight the first time, but this time around I want a knockout. I’m looking to make a statement on September 12 and I will.”

“I think I won the first fight and I’m not the only one who feels that way,” Diaz said. “But I give Porter credit for agreeing to this rematch so we can settle things. He’s a good fighter, but on September 12, I’m going to prove that I’m better.”

“Marco Antonio Periban is one of the top super middleweights in the world, and I respect him for his accomplishments,” said Jack. “This is the big fight I’ve wanted though, and I won’t let this opportunity pass me by because when I win, I’ll be one step closer to becoming a world champion.”

“I believe I should be the super middleweight champion right now, but this is boxing,” Periban said. “So to get back to a title fight, I have to make sure I leave no doubts in my fights.” “Badou Jack is a good fighter with a bright future, but he’s in my way and I have to remove him on September 12.”

“This is the kind of fight that boxing needs, two undefeated fighters putting it all on the line and having the confidence to back up their talent,” said Williams. “Centeno’s a tough guy and I know he’s going to bring it on September 12, but I have more tools than he does and more ways to win and he’s going to find that out once we’re in the ring.”

“I’m really excited about this fight and this event, because the world is going to be watching,” Centeno Jr. said. “We’re both unbeaten and rising up the ladder, and this fight will prove who’s going to keep going forward. I expect it to be me.”

On December 15, 2012, Akron, Ohio’s Shawn “Showtime” Porter (21-0-1, 14 KO’s) looked to add the name of former World Champion Julio Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KO’s) to his list of accomplishments, but the veteran from Coachella had other plans and the two went to battle for 10 exciting rounds before a draw verdict was rendered. Since then, the 25-year-old Porter scored a dominant win over previously unbeaten Phil LoGreco and the 33-year-old Diaz gave Amir Khan all he could handle before losing a close decision, setting up the rematch the fighters and the fans wanted.

Coachella’s Julio “The Kidd” Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KO’s) may have initially made his mark in the lightweight division, where he won the IBF World Championship twice and defeated fighters like Javier Jauregui, Jesus Chavez and Ricky Quiles, but it appears that at welterweight, Diaz is even more dangerous. After a yearlong layoff, Diaz is winner of two fights by knockout with the only blemishes coming in controversial bouts against Amir Khan and Shawn Porter. Now, he looks to avenge his draw with Porter by defeating his unbeaten foe on September 12.

A 2008 Olympian for Gambia, Swedish-born Las Vegas resident Badou “The Ripper” Jack (15-0, 10 KO’s) has become an international boxing sensation in recent years and the 29-year-old is just approaching his fighting prime. A pro since 2009, Jack scored a third round knockout over Michael Gbenga on the undercard of his promoter Floyd Mayweather’s fight against Robert Guerrero. After his July 19 victory against Farah Ennis, “The Ripper” is looking for another quick finish on September 12.

Mexico City’s Marco Antonio Periban (20-1, 13 KO’s) looks to bounce back from his controversial majority decision loss to Sakio Bika in their June battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Title by taking on undefeated young warrior Jack in a 10-round clash at 168 pounds. The 28-year-old Periban is a crowd-pleasing battler who can do it all in the ring.

Opening the night of fights will be a rare meeting of undefeated top junior middleweight talents is another proud graduate of Philadelphia boxing’s School of Hard Knocks, 23-year-old Julian “J-Rock” Williams (13-0-1, 7 KO’s). Having already faced a stellar level of competition thus far in his career, Williams stepped up even more in June when he faced former World Champion Joachim Alcine, dropping him three times en route to a unanimous decision victory. On September 12, he meets fellow unbeaten Hugo Centeno Jr.

Oxnard, California’s Hugo Centeno Jr. (19-0, 10 KO’s) has spent time making his name known among 154-rising stars, with the 22-year-old scoring a near shutout of fellow prospect KeAndrae Leatherwood in March. Now Centeno Jr. has the opportunity to make his record 20-0 when he faces Julian Williams on September 12.

# # #

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale on June 25, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also will be available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for closed circuit viewing at MGM Grand, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York are now on sale.

BROOKLYN—Adrien Broner became a three-division world champion as he won the WBA Welterweight title with a 12 round split decision over Paulie Malignaggi at the Barclays Center

Malignaggi came out landing the jab with a accuracy and volume. The was a solid strategy over the first two rounds. At the end of round two. Broner had a big round three as rocked Malignaggi with a hard left hook and then followed up with a hard combination at the end of the round. Malignaggi kept to a solid game plan as he played to his strengths by throwing five and six punches, focusing on the body in attempt to slow the power punching Broner..

Over the second half of the fight Broner landed some hard shots that bounced off the face of Malignaggi but the two-time champion kept on coming. Broner landed the more descriptive punches of note and there were alot of them but Malignaggi continued to throw a great volume of punches.

Broner took two cards 117-111, 115-113 and Malignaggi took a third card 115-113.

Broner is now 27-0. Malignaggi is now 32-5.

“Paulie fought exactly how I thought he was going to,” said Broner. “He was shadow boxing. My next opponent, I’m going to let you all pick. I’m good. I beat Paulie. I left with his belt.”

“I think I worked him. This was a close fight,” Malignaggi said after the fight. “The fight could have went either way. I don’t think he did enough to take the belt from the champion.”

Seth Mitchell drew even with Jonathon Banks by winning a boring 12 round decision that had little action and a lot of booing from the crowd

After the first five-plus minuted provided nothing but a lot of booing from the crowd, Mitchell landed a little uppercut that sent Banks to the canvas. In round three, Banks turned the tables as he rocked Mitchell on several occasions that had Mitchell hurt and holding on.

Not much happened for the final nine rounds. Mitchell would put out the jab. Banks would offer little in return with a lot of clutching and grabbing in between.

Mitchell of Brandywyne, MD won by scores of 117-109; 115-112 and 114-112 and is now 26-1-1. Banks of Detroit is now 29-2-1.

Sakio Bika won the vacant WBC Super Middleweight championship with a 12 round thrilling majority decision over Marco Antonio Periban

The first few rounds were highlighted by Bika working behind the double jab and firing a right hand behind. Bika was a little more active over the first half of the fight. With each passing round the action picked up incriminately.

Perican came out im round seven with more vigor. In round eight, Bika unintentionally headbutted Periban twice. After the fight was resumed, a wild exchange incurred with Periban getting the better of the exchanges. Periban started being a little more consistent in round’s right through ten. The two battled tooth and nail down the stretch with the 12th being nothing short of a war. Both guys were rocked several times much to the delight of the Barclays Center crowd.

Bika of Sydney, Australia won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 32-5-2. Periban of Mexico City is 20-1.

After the fight, Bika said, “I expected the fight to go the distance. He was tough, very tough. It was a great fight and I gave my heart and soul. I worked hard and I dedicated myself to this fight. I want to fight the best. I’ll fight Andre Ward. I’ll fight anyone.”

Warren dropped Fuentas twice in round one and once in round two and the fight was stopped AT 1:04 of round two.

Warren of Cincinnati, OH is 13-0 with 3 knockouts. Fuentes of Bayamon, PR is 5-2.

Julian Williams scored the biggest win of his career as he scored an eight round unanimous decision over former world champion Joachim Alcine in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

In round one, Williams landed a huge barrage that was culminated by a left hook that sent Alcine to the canvas. Williams continued the assault as another big flurry sent the former champion down at the end of the frame. Williams drilled Alcine with a perfet left hook to start the the fifth that sent him down for a third time.

In round seven, Alcine showed signs of life by working the body and then a nice three punch combination to the head. Alcine continued to get the better of the action in round’s seven and eight but Williams took the early rounds plus the three knockdowns were enough to get the nod by scores of 77-72 on all cards.

Williams of Philadelphia is now 13-0-1. Alcine of Haiti is now 33-5-1.

2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne needed just over one round in taking Ricardo Campillo in a Light Heavyweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Browne dropped Campillo in round one from hard left hand and then battered him in round two before dumping him on the canvas. The fight was stopped by Campillo’s corner just one minute imto round two.

Browne of Staten Island, NY is now 5-0 with all wins coming early. Campillo of Obregon, MX is now 7-7-1.

Good looking undefeated Jr. Featherweight Juan Dominguez pummeled Bradley Patraw in just ninety-six seconds of their scheduled eight round bout.

Dominguez was all over and dropped Patraw and the fight was stopped.

Dominguez of Brooklyn is now `15-0 with 11 knockouts. Patraw of St. Paul, MN is now 9-6.

Frank Galarza remained undefeated by scoring a fourth round stoppage over Ramon Barber in a scheduled six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Barber landed a couple of hard shots early that shook Glarza. After a low blow suffered by Barber in round three, they exchanged toe to toe warfare. Galarza stated landing hard shots on the ropes. Galarza landed a big right hand at the bell.

In round four, Galarza featured a relentless body attack that began to wear down Barber and finally dropped him and referee Earl Brown stopped the bout at 1:54 of round four

Galarza of Brooklyn is now 10-0-2 with six knockouts. Barber of Wichita, KS is 4-5.

Robert Easter Jr. scored a third round stoppage over Antoine Knight in a scheduled six round Lightweight fight.

Easter dropped Knight in round two from a hard right hand. He continued to batter Knight until the bout was stopped at 1:46 of round three.

Easter of Toledo, OH is now 5-0 with 5 knockouts. Knight of Merriville, IN is now 2-4.

2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring scored a four round unanimous decision over Calvin Smith in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36, 40-36 and 40-35 for Herring of Coram, NY and is now 4-0. Smith of Prichard, AL is now 2-4.

Barclays Center was buzzing with celebrities including pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko and his girlfriend, actress Hayden Panettiere, Super Lightweight Champion Danny Garcia, Middleweight Champion Peter Quillin and former World Champion Zab Judah.
Former three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’Shee Warren scored a second round beatdown over Jovany Fuentes in a scheduled four round Bantamweight bout.

Paulie Malignaggi

“It’s gotten a little bit crazy, we’ll admit that. I can take some of the blame, but I can’t take all of it. I can only apologize for my end, but at the end of the day, this is how the creation of Adrien Broner happened, in my opinion. They put everything that’s wrong with boxing in one room, did everything that’s wrong with boxing in that room and gave birth to Adrien Broner and you people are eating it up.

“I don’t have to admit anything on Saturday night. I’ll admit he’s a talented fighter now, but there’s a lot more than talent that it takes to get to the top. I’ve been in gyms across the country, across the world and you see talented fighters all the time that don’t make it, just hanging out in the gym, working out. They just don’t get those breaks, so it isn’t about talent. A little bit of the package is talent and he’s got that part of the package; I’m not going to lie to you.

“Did anybody notice he was here a half hour before the press conference and then pretended he was late? Then he shows up an hour into the press conference trying to show up fashionably late. Stop trying so hard, bro. Just do what you have to do. You’re being a clown.

“Mr. Schaefer talked about detours and how some fighters have to take detours and others don’t. It all depends on the matchmaking. It all depends on who’s got your back. Mr. Al Haymon has taken good care of Adrien Broner and that’s why he is where he is now. There are a lot more talented fighters than Adrien Broner that don’t get the credit they deserve. I’m not saying he’s not talented, I’m just saying Al Haymon is responsible for this creation right here.

“There are detours that he hasn’t had to take. I was a talented prospect at one time too. You know what I was rewarded with my first title fight? Miguel Cotto. You know what his reward was for his first world title fight? Some guy Rodriguez, who I can’t even remember his name. OK? There’s a difference. We end up on detours because of the people that have our backs. Instead of praying to God every night he should pray to Al Haymon for making him the creation that he is.

“This guy is nothing and on Saturday night I’m going to prove how nothing he is.

[To Broner] “You remember in that locker room at Wild Card Gym a couple of years ago when you were getting ready to fight (Daniel) Ponce (de Leon) and we were in the locker room and your were all nervous about going the distance? You think I forgot that conversation you had with me? I had to explain to him how to go 10 rounds without mentally killing yourself. He gets to the fight and throws about 16 punches for 10 rounds and gets the decision. My man, you’re going 12 Saturday. I’m going to beat your ass.”

Adrien Broner

“I really didn’t come here to talk trash, we did enough of that. We’re two days out. It’s really fight time for me. It’s about business. I really wasn’t going to come up here, honestly. I really wasn’t going to come up here and talk, but that would have been disrespectful to my fans, even the ones who hate me. They’re still my fans because they want to see me lose, so I came up anyway.

“All I want to say is, I HAVE to put on a hell of a show on Saturday night. Like I said before, I’m not here to bad (mouth) Paulie. You’re a great champion, you’re a great Italian, I’m dead serious.

“I’ll be a three-time world champion on Saturday at the age of 23. With that being said, let Paulie talk his little BS. At the end of day, I’m knocking him the (expletive) out. He’s never been knocked out.

“I just say to you Paulie, who I know is a very good commentator, you asked a lot of questions about Adrien Broner. You said, ‘how is he in big fights? Can he punch? What’s going to happen when someone punches him back?’ I’m just asking you man to man if he comes in and proves this to you, as a great commentator make sure you tell the world how good this kid is. He’s not getting his accolades.

“I went from 120 to 135 pounds. I’m moving up to 147, two weight divisions, and that has not been done. I’m looking to make history and be the first current American three-time champion, so make sure you [Malignaggi] tell the public he is truly a good fighter.

“I’ll see you all on Saturday night. It’s going to be a hell of a fight…a hell of a fight.”

Johnathon Banks

“I want to thank K2 Promotions, SHOWTIME, Golden Boy Promotions and, once again, the respect, honor and the hard work of Team Mitchell. I definitely respect him as a fighter and his whole team.

“Saturday night is going to be a good night. It’s going to be a night of fireworks from the main event and I think the whole card. With all the talking that’s been done at the press conference, the telephone calls, the media workouts and all that stuff, I look forward to Saturday.

“This is what I do. This is my life. This is what I always have done and this is what I’m going to be doing.

“I want to thank my team, my coach, my cut man. I want to thank everybody for helping me prepare for the fight. We’ve had a good camp and we’re just looking forward to Saturday night.”

Seth Mitchell

“First and foremost, as always, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me strength to endure some trying times in my life. I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity. I’m very fortunate and very blessed considering what happened in the last fight to have this opportunity to redeem myself on this level.

“This sport is very unforgiving and I understand that. I want to thank my team, Andre Hunter, my trainer, Al Haymon, who’s my advisor and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for sticking behind me and giving me this opportunity.

“The first fight was a tough loss for me and it took me a little while to get over it, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. We went back to the drawing board, we did a couple of things and I’m very excited about this rematch.

“I’m thankful that Johnathon Banks gave me this rematch. He’s a class act, but this Saturday we’re not going to be nice to each other in the ring. He’s well-prepared. I’m prepared. I’m just excited. I want to thank all my fans for continuing to stick behind me. Just know that I have truly learned from this loss. I don’t talk about it much because no matter what I say I have to go out and show it on Saturday.”

Sakio Bika

“Thank you to everyone at Barclays Center. I want to say thank you to God and thank you to my trainer, Kevin Cunningham, for putting me in this position. I’m very happy to be here.

“It’s going to be a very good fight on Saturday. If you don’t have your tickets, you need to go get some tickets. This fight with Marco is going to be very entertaining. I know he’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight too. I’m very confident that I can win this belt.

“I want to thank you to my family back in Australia and my new baby girl. She’s going to be very happy to see me come home with the belt. I’m really sure I’m going to be a world champion on Saturday.”

Marco Antonio Periban

“It’s a pleasure to be here. I want to thank all the people from Brooklyn for giving me the opportunity to come over here and fight. I’m here to put on a great fight, enjoy myself and win the world title.

“I want to dedicate this fight to a trainer of mine who passed away recently, Rudy Perez. Most of you in the boxing business know him as the great trainer of Marco Antonio Barrera.

“I look forward to seeing you all at this great event. It’s going to be a hell of a fight.”

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Weekend after weekend, fight after fight, SHOWTIME has really stepped up to the plate and has brought the best boxing has to offer to fight fans here in the United States. The man responsible for that is Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports and it is a pleasure to introduce him.

“There are different ways to get to the top. Some go straight and some take a detour. Actually, most take a detour and I think that’s what Team Mitchell experienced when they fought their last fight against Johnathon Banks.

“Seth Mitchell wanted the rematch right away. He didn’t want to take another detour. He wanted to go for the rematch straight away and so did his team and us as his promoter.

“Of course, Johnathon Banks was happy to get into the ring with Mitchell again and show what he is all about. He is going to try to repeat and Seth Mitchell is looking to correct and learn from the mistakes he made in the first fight.

“The captain of the ship, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, with a record of 25-1-1, is really one of my favorite people outside of the ring as well. He is polite, he’s kind, he’s well spoken and a great representative and ambassador of the sport of boxing. He has been a successful athlete before as a former Michigan State linebacker who found his true calling in the ring and has torn through his opposition leading up to the Johnathon Banks fight. Many felt he was the next great hope for the American heavyweight title. We still believe he is, and I’m excited to see Seth Mitchell on Saturday night.

“Adrien is an amazing fighter, an amazing talent, very charismatic, a great self-promoter as well. He’s really the kind of fighter who evokes emotions and there are very few fighters who have that talent to evoke emotions, good ones or bad ones, but he does evoke emotions, and as a result people watch. People want to see him win, or they want to see him lose, but people watch. Adrien Broner is one of those few, few talents who might come around once in a lifetime, once in a generation. He is one of them.

“Paulie has been counted out many times, but has always found a way to turn back the doubters and prove the people wrong. He moved up to 147, a lot of people thought he was done and he proved them wrong. He went to the Ukraine, everybody thought he was crazy, that he was never going to win and he proved them wrong. Now he wants to prove wrong all of those people who think that it’s going to be a walk in the park for Broner.”

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions

“There’s not much to be said about the main event, they speak for themselves. It’s a terrific main event, but as Richard said, the first heavyweight title fight here at Barclays Center is really something special.

“The first fight only went two rounds, but it was an electric two rounds. Seth Mitchell was targeted as the number one ranked heavyweight at that time, so with Johnathon beating him, we believe that he is the best heavyweight right now here in the United States.

“With the fight coming up on Saturday, both fighters are very respectful and very well-spoken, but you will see in the ring there will be fireworks.

“One additional note with Johnathon, he is the only fighter that I know of in history to be a trainer of heavyweight champions and also compete at the championship level at heavyweight.

“Wladimir Klitschko, the boxer that he trains, is coming to support him Saturday night.”

Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center

“We are thrilled to hosting our fourth night of world championship boxing here at Barclays Center.

“Brooklyn is known for its great champions such as Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Zab Judah and we have a great Brooklyn champion fighting Saturday night in Paulie Malignaggi. We’re proud to have him back at Barclays Center defending his title against Adrien Broner.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our first ever heavyweight title bout at Barclays Center with Johnathon Banks versus Seth Mitchell. We’re happy to have three title fights here Saturday night, but we also look forward to continuing to launch the careers of other Brooklyn fighters such as Juan Dominguez and Frank Galarza.”

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports

“With all the attention that the main event has gotten, deservedly so, it’s easy to forget that this is a tripleheader. It’s not just any tripleheader, it’s a tripleheader of evenly matched, competitive fights, and that’s what we at SHOWTIME want to become known for and, quite honestly, have become known for this year…evenly matched, competitive fights.

All three fights on this card are 50-50 toss-up fights. They’re the type of fights we’ve been showcasing all year. Our card on June 8 from The Home Depot Center was probably the most exciting card of the year…again, evenly matched, competitive fights.

“Periban-Bika is a fight that quite honestly for which you could flip a coin. It’s a very tough one. Banks-Mitchell, one of the most exciting fights of year in the heavyweight division, is a fight not to be missed as well. Of course, you can’t say enough about Paulie and Adrien and the battle that they’ve been waging outside the ring and finally will be waging inside the ring.

“I also want to acknowledge Brett Yormark and Barclays Center staff. One of the things that we’ve been trying to do is continually innovate. One of the newest innovations that Brett has been pushing is BarclaysCenter.com and the featuring content there. This press conference is being streamed on SHO.com as well as BarclaysCenter.com. The same is being done for tomorrow’s weigh-in. If you can’t make it out to Borough Hall, you can watch it on SHO.com or BarclaysCenter.com. We look forward to working with the Barclays Center and developing more content going forward.

“Finally, we are very pleased to be welcoming Bernard Hopkins in as our color commentator. The future Hall of Famer will be a temporary replacement when our normal color commentator is otherwise occupied on Saturday night.”

# # #

ABOUT “MALIGNAGGI VS BRONER”:
Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi’s WBA Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions’ sponsors Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. In the co-featured bouts, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions and number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika faces number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale now at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

LOS ANGELES, April 17 – The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. will be the site of one of the most intriguing clashes of boxing’s summer season, as Argentinean knockout artist Marcos Maidana faces off against Southern California favorite Josesito Lopez in a 12 round fight for Maidana’s WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Championship in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader set for Saturday, June 8.

The tripleheader will also feature a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a clash for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban, the number four rated WBC super middleweight contender.

“If you’re a fan of action fights, there is no better card to see than this one on June 8th,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. “All three high-stakes bouts have the potential to be the main event and the winners who walk out of the Home Depot Center with their hands raised will know they’ve been in a fight.”

“Like all of our recent fights, the fight between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez is a matchup in which there is no clear-cut favorite,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive General Manager and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “You can make a legitimate argument for either fighter. Maidana is one of the most exciting fighters in any division, and he’s facing an opponent, Josesito Lopez, who scored the biggest upset of 2012 and is now back in his most natural weight class.

“Top to bottom, this card is filled with fan-friendly, all-action fights. There is no question that Maidana vs. Lopez will be one of the most entertaining, hard-fought matchups of the year, and the Angulo-Lara and Bika-Periban are sure to be hotly contested and action-packed as well.”

“Outdoor boxing cards at The Home Depot Center’s intimate 8,000-seat outdoor stadium continue to be annual highlights on the southern California sports calendar,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of The Home Depot Center. “With Golden Boy Promotions lining up this championship card, our fans are truly in for another great night of boxing.”

“Josesito Lopez is a tough challenge, but I’m ready for everything he will bring to the ring on June 8th,” Maidana said. “Beating him is the next step to getting a world title shot and I know I’ll get the victory.”

“I fight my best at home, and with the fans in my corner on June 8th, Maidana doesn’t have a chance,” said Lopez. “He’s going to push me hard from start to finish, but that’s when I truly shine. I promise this will be a great fight for the fans.”

“Lara is one of Cuba’s greatest talents, but I’ll have the California fans on my side and I’m determined to do whatever it takes to win,” said Angulo. “This is the most important fight of my career and I will perform like it when the bell rings.”

“Angulo hits hard and is a tough fighter making this a classic boxer vs. puncher match up,” said Lara. “I’m really excited for this fight. Come June 8th, I’m going to put on a boxing display and finally get the ‘W’ over a top fighter that has been taken from me in my past fights.”

“I’m thankful to Golden Boy Promotions and the WBC for giving me this opportunity and I will make the most of it,” said Bika. “Ever since I turned pro, my only goal was to win a world championship and on June 8th, Marco Antonio Periban won’t be able to stop me from getting that belt.”

“I’ve trained hard, I’ve made many sacrifices and I feel that my time is now to become Mexico’s next world champion,” said Periban. “Sakio Bika will be my toughest challenge, but I have the skills, determination and heart to beat him. I’ll beat him and become the first Mexican super middleweight world champion and make history for all of Mexico.”

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana’s WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Also featured will be a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika and number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale Friday, April 19 at noon PT and can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

2012 was a busy year for former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (33-3, 30 KO’s) as he began his quest for another world title, this one seven pounds north in the welterweight division. After a rough outing in his 147-pound debut against current IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander in February, the Argentinean knockout artist bounced back with an exciting, Fight of the Year candidate eighth round technical knockout win over rugged contender Jesus Soto Karass before finishing things off in December by defending his WBA Intercontinental Championship with a third round knockout over Angel Martinez in his native Buenos Aires. On June 8, the 29-year-old returns to fight in California for the first time since his breakthrough 2009 stoppage over former World Champion Victor Ortiz.

One of the toughest fighters in the fight game today, Riverside, California’s Josesito Lopez (30-5, 18 KO’s) has made a career out of beating the odds and he’s not about to stop now. The winner of several regional titles since turning professional in 2003, Lopez stunned unbeaten rising star Mike Dallas Jr. in 2011, stopping the highly touted prospect in seven rounds. Two fights later, Lopez stepped in on short notice to face former World Champion Victor Ortiz in June of 2012 at STAPLES Center and scored a huge upset win, spoiling Ortiz’ chance at a fight with Canelo Alvarez by halting him in nine rounds. The victory set up a bout between Lopez and Alvarez last September. Although he was giving up size and strength advantages to the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, Lopez’s gutsy effort in defeat earned him praise from both fans and media alike. On June 8, Lopez returns to 147 pounds to take on Maidana.

One of boxing’s most popular warriors, Mexicali’s Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (22-2, 18 KO’s) thrilled his avid followers in 2012, knocking out Raul Casarez and decisioning Jorge Silva in his first bouts after a year out of the ring due to immigration issues. Now back in the ring and eager to take on all comers, the 30-year-old knockout artist will face his toughest puzzle to date in Cuba’s dynamic Erislandy Lara.

A product of the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program, Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KO’s) garnered a host of amateur titles and accolades before defecting and beginning his quest for gold as a professional. Now living in Miami, Florida, the 29-year-old Lara rebounded from a highly controversial decision loss to former World Champion Paul Williams in 2011 to knock out Ronald Hearns and outpoint Freddy Hernandez, only to battle to a disputed draw with Vanes Martirosyan last November. On June 8, Lara vows to keep the judges out of matters against Angulo.

A respected veteran who has earned his stellar reputation with a hard-nosed attitude and exciting fights, 2000 Cameroon Olympian Sakio Bika (31-5-2, 21 KO’s) believes that after tough world championship bouts with Markus Beyer, Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward, his fourth shot at the belt on June 8 will be the one he capitalizes on. The winner of three straight, stopping Alfredo Contreras and Dyah Davis and scoring a punishing decision win over Nikola Sjekloca, the 33-year-old “Scorpion” is ready to sting Periban and capture his first world championship.

Mexico City’s Marco Antonio Periban (20-0, 13 KO’s) has impressed fight game insiders and boxing fans ever since his pro debut in 2008 and less than five years later, he’s on the verge of becoming a world champion and adding to his country’s championship heritage. The 28-year-old Periban went 4-0 in 2012 and got 2013 off to a sizzling start on March 16 with a second round knockout over Colombia’s Samuel Miller to win the NABF Super Middleweight Championship. Now he will look to add the WBC belt to his collection on June 8.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/HomeDepotCenter, www.twitter.com/ChinoMaidana, www.twitter.com/JosesitoLopez, www.twitter.com/ElPerro82 and www.twitter.com/LaraBoxing, follow the conversation using #MaidanaLopez or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/HomeDepotCenter.

Two action filled fights have been added to the June 8th card that will feature Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez card in Carson, California on Showtime according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

In a Jr. Middleweight bout, Erislandy Lara will take on Alfredo Angulo while Super Middleweights Marco Antonio Periban and Sakio Bika will slug it out.

“Angulo and Lara is an evenly matched fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “Lara is technically better, but Angulo is a much bigger puncher. If he can get Lara in trouble, it could go his way, and if Lara decides to box him, it could go Lara’s way. Can Alfredo Angulo catch him, and if he does, how is Lara going to react?”

“We’re really excited about the opportunity. Angulo is one of the top guys in the division,” Luis DeCubas Jr., Angulo’s manager, told ESPN.com. “This is going to be his fourth top-10 contender in six fights — Paul Williams, Carlos Molina, Vanes and now Angulo. That’s four very solid top-10 guys. It just goes to prove that Lara is always willing to fight the best guys in the division.

“Angulo is definitely a guy who can turn the fight around with one shot, which makes it interesting. But Lara will hold his ground, so Angulo better be ready because he has to realize that Lara can hurt him as well. It’s a real interesting matchup. The winner of this fight will be in a great, great position to fight the winner of Canelo Alvarez and [Austin] Trout [who meet to unify titles on April 20] or to have some other big fight at 154. We’re just excited that Angulo stepped up to the plate to fight Lara because not too many people are keen on fighting him.”

“Angulo wanted a big fight, this is a big fight,” Schaefer said. “It’s not an easy fight for Alfredo. If he comes out and presses the action and catches Lara, it can be a short night. Lara, at this point, needs to step up his game. He looked average in his last two fights. He has the opportunity to look great against Angulo.”

“Bika and Periban, I expect fireworks in that one, too,” Schaefer said.